Book Review: My Unscripted Life by Lauren Morrill

My Unscripted Life
by Lauren Morrill
ebook, 288 pages
Release Date: October 11th, 2016
Publisher: Delacorte
Genre: YA Contemporary
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Goodreads Summary: Sometimes love stories go off script.

Another sultry Georgia summer is about to get a lot hotter. Dee Wilkie is still licking her wounds after getting rejected by the precollege fine arts program of her dreams. But if she'd gone away, she wouldn't have been around to say yes to an unbelievable opportunity: working on the set of a movie filming in her small Southern town that just happens to be starring Milo Ritter, the famous pop star Dee (along with the rest of the world) has had a crush since eighth grade.

It's not like Dee will be sharing any screen time with Milo—she's just a lowly PA. And Milo is so disappointingly rude that Dee is eager to stay far away from him. Except after a few chance meetings, she begins to wonder if just maybe there's a reason for his offensive attitude, and if there's more to Milo than his good looks and above-it-all Hollywood pedigree. Can a relationship with a guy like Milo ever work out for a girl like Dee? Never say never...

Cindy's Review:

I've been looking forward to a light, summer read and My Unscripted Life is just the one! 

Yes, it may be those cheesy-ish novels where the protagonist falls in love with a celebrity after going through the "he is a jerk" phase. Next thing you know, the main character will slip into the "he is more sensitive than I thought" phase and slowly see the new light shined upon our love interest. The rest is history. I do not really mind the celebrity/normal person romance because you never know, it can be realistic.....though maybe a lot of the times, it isn't. I mean, look at Emma Watson -- she is dating a non-celeb right?

However, the romance in the novel is a little too insta-love for me. There are initial moments where the main character Dee gets mad at Milo's rude behavior but she definitely gave in to him way too fast. I love the love-hate phase in a fictional relationship, but that lasted about two and half chapters in My Unscripted Life. Like it literally went from "I hate you so much" to "ohhh you're  a decent person" to kissing in the rain within the span of a few chapters. I am not too mad about the romance though, since it is a fun, light read. 

Let's introduce the two main characters:
Dee - The protagonist lives in Georgia, about to start her senior year of high school. She doesn't get into an art program -- and her best friend got into a STEM program -- so she does not have anything to do or anyone to hang out with. Then in comes the movie job ... luckybutt, man I wish I got a summer job like that. Dee honestly does not have that much substance to her; just a young girl who came upon young love. I read these kind of books only to pass time because my summer romance is as dead as dinosaurs. 

Milo - On the other hand, this guy is the opposite of Dee's sweet side. Of course he is a jerk. Aren't all celebrities when you first meet them? And then they become the angel you totally though they were when you truly get to know them. It is sort of understandable to why Milo acts like a jerk, but that's truly all the backstory we get to Milo's personality. Besides being a celebrity and someone who wants to live a "more normal" lifestyle, there is not that much substance to Milo as well. *sigh* This is why I emphasize summer read. Not to diss summer reads, of course, because there are some out there that is really good...but the super emotional ones are in my serious reads pile haha. 

All in all, My Unscripted Life definitely does not contain any heavy, emotional scenes: some melodrama, a potential mean girl, and just the main character revealing her love of art. The whole behind the scenes of a movie set was fun to read about as Dee worked with the items in the background of a movie set. Having watched a lot of behind the scenes to dramas and movie bloopers, I totally have an idea of what Dee is seeing.  

So if you're looking for a novel with cute, romantic scenes and not a lot of depth, My Unscripted Life will work well for you. :) 

My Rating (1-5): 4 

Happy reading~

Book Review: The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Kiss (The Winner's Trilogy #3)
by Marie Rutkoski
Hardcover, 484 pages
Release Date: March 29th, 2016
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Genre: YA Fantasy
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Goodreads Summary: Some kisses come at a price.

War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it with untrustworthy new allies and the empire as his enemy. Though he has convinced himself that he no longer loves Kestrel, Arin hasn’t forgotten her, or how she became exactly the kind of person he has always despised. She cared more for the empire than she did for the lives of innocent people—and certainly more than she did for him.

At least, that’s what he thinks.

In the frozen north, Kestrel is a prisoner in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for a way to escape, she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they’ve done to her.

But no one gets what they want just by wishing.

As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover that the world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and they are caught in between. With so much to lose, can anybody really win?

Cindy's Review: 
The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkoski is the final novel in the Winner’s Trilogy. Often, final books are often difficult to satisfy readers’ high expectations, but Rutkoski concludes this series perfectly filled with exhilarating battles.

At the start, readers immediately dive into a conflict filled with high tension. Protagonist Kestrel is the daughter of General Trajan, who serves the ruler of the Valorian Empire. She chooses to marry the Crown Prince in the previous novel so she can help Arin, a Herrani slave, save his territory. However, when Kestrel is discovered spying for the Herrani, her own father sends her to frozen prison camps in the North, where slave laborers are forced to work under the influence of drugs.

Meanwhile, Arin takes Kestrel’s cold attitude towards him as Kestrel’s selfish desire for power. Little did he know, Kestrel is The Moth, a spy within the Valorian Empire who secretly delivers information to Arin’s spymaster.
The Valorian Empire captured the Herran peninsula years earlier and enslaved the Herranis. After the Herranis’ successful rebellion against the Valorian Empire, Arin is now the leader of the people. The emperor of Valoria agrees to allow Arin to govern Herran under the condition that he reports back to Valoria. Unknown to Arin, the emperor’s generosity is fabricated by Kestrel.

Despite the agreement between Valoria and Herran, suspicion continues to grow and war continues to brew. Arin creates an alliance with the eastern empires while the crafty Valorian emperor poisons the Herranis’ water supply. As the tension between the eastern and western empires increase, Kestrel tries to stay sane despite her drugged food while Arin slowly discovers the true identity of his enemy.

Though the Winner’s trilogy starts off rather romantic and tame, it builds the setting for its sequels. If you are looking for a cleverly crafted high fantasy novel, take a plunge into Rutkoski’s action-packed series filled with revenge, deceits, and betrayal.  
The Rating: (1-10): 10~

Happy Reading~ 

Book Review: Banished (Forbidden #2) by Kimberley Griffiths Little

Banished (Forbidden #2) 
by  Kimberley Griffiths Little 
eBook, 416 pages
Release Date: February 2nd, 2016
Publisher: Harpercollins
Genre: YA Fantasy, Romance
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Goodreads Summary: She thought she’d lost everything…

After spending months traveling the harsh, unforgiving Mesopotamian desert, Jayden reunites with a broken, injured Kadesh. Although everyone was convinced the violent and unpredictable Horeb, Jayden’s betrothed, killed the handsome prince, Jayden knew in her heart that her love was alive and safe. But their reunion is short-lived, as they learn Horeb is on their trail and determined to take back the girl he has claimed. Soon, the two star-crossed lovers are on the run toward Sariba, Kadesh’s homeland, where, as heir to the kingdom, he plans to make Jayden his princess.

But the trek to Sariba comes with heartache and danger. After narrowly escaping being stoned to death for a crime she didn’t commit, and learning that her sister has disappeared, Jayden’s only solace is her love for Kadesh. But even he is keeping secrets from her…secrets that will change everything.

This gorgeous and enchanting sequel to Forbidden is fraught with love, danger, and heated passion that will leave readers breathless.  

Cindy's Review:
Banished by Kimberley Griffiths Little is the second book of the Forbidden series. Picking up right after the first novel, Jayden of the Nephish tribe crosses the harsh Mesopotamian desert alone to find her lover Kadesh.

The violent and unpredictable King of Nephish, Horeb, attempted to kill Kadesh and is now hunting Jayden across the desert. Horeb is originally Jayden’s betrothed, but she did not want to rule alongside a psycho who killed his own father and brother for the throne.Now an outcast for attempting to elope with Kadesh to the kingdom of Sariba, Jayden must quickly find Kadesh and reach the safety of Sariba without being mauled by Horeb’s growing army.

Receiving help from the Edomites tribe, Jayden and Kadesh race against time to reach Sariba before getting caught by Horeb’s army. Unfortunately, Horeb seems to be crossing the desert with a lot more ease than anticipated. For someone who is not familiar with the harsh environment of the current day Saudi Arabian desert, Horeb must have been receiving help from a spy within Jayden’s group.

To make matters worse, Kadesh is holding back information from Jayden about his homeland, Sariba. It seems that Sariba is dealing with interior complications as well. As Jayden and Kadesh rush southwards along the Red Sea, readers experience the dry desert under the relentless sun and whooshing winds alongside the protagonists.

Compared with Forbidden, Banished is the action and the battles while Forbidden is like the introduction and the background information. Ms. Kimberley continues to take readers along with the protagonists' adventure through the desert. Sariba felt like a faraway safe haven. I am imagining a secret island full of cherry blossoms (the frankincense trees) and a pond, hidden behind the mountains, protected by nature. 

Though the ending marked the actual beginning of battles, I was still oddly satisfied of being able to see Kadesh's homeland and learning its secret. I absolutely cannot wait for the final book in the trilogy to see what is in store for Jayden's future.

I recommend this novel to readers who like historical fiction full of suspense and mystery. 

**Huge thanks to Dena from Batch of Books for giving me the opportunity to review Banished**

The Rating: (1-10): 8.5~

Happy Reading ~ 

Book Review: The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

The Forbidden Wish
by Jessica Khoury
Paperback, 352 pages
Release Date: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: YA Fantasy, Retelling
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Goodreads Summary: She is the most powerful Jinni of all. He is a boy from the streets. Their love will shake the world...

When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years -- a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Aladdin from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

Cindy's Review: ** I won The Forbidden Wish from a Goodreads giveaway, which did not influence my opinion of this novel. **

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury is a retelling of A Thousand and One Nights, focusing on a prohibited relationship between Aladdin and his jinni (genie), Zahra. Taking the place of Aladdin’s well-known, blue and mischievous Genie, Zahra has a backstory of her own. Zahra narrates the tale as if she is talking to her beloved Queen Roshana. The Wise Queen once ruled the omnipotent city of Neruby — a vast land that was destroyed 500 years ago by a devastating war. The war is rumoured to be single-handedly started by Zahra who had used Roshana’s trust to bring down Neruby. After the conflict, the descendants of Roshana banned the jinnis and created wards to prevent their entrance. 

 The novel begins when Zahra meets Aladdin. A magic ring that Aladdin stole leads him into the ruins of Neruby, where he finds and rescues Zahra from her 500 year imprisonment in the lamp. Zahra is glad that she is finally free from her dungeon of darkness, but decides not to become attached to Aladdin due to her past experiences with Queen Roshana. Zahra was forced by the King of Jinnis — a Shaitan, one of the most powerful of the Jinn — to kill Roshana because of their forbidden human-jinni relationship. She does not want the same fate for Aladdin. Zahra’s hope for Aladdin to quickly choose his wishes soon changes when the Shaitan appears once more and assigns Zahra to save his son, Zhian, who was captured and trapped in a bottle inside the castle. In return for saving the Shaitan’s son, she is promised freedom.

Zahra’s only hope to release Zhian before the month ends is to manipulate Aladdin and use his wishes for her benefit. In an attempt to enter the castle, she urges Aladdin to wish to become a Prince so he can get revenge on Darian, whose father murdered his parents. Aladdin has the chance to make Princess Caspida fall in love with him so he may inherit the throne with her in place of Darian, the betrothed of Caspida.

As this plan is put into action, Zahra learns how to understand Aladdin and helps him fall into the character of his disguise. Facing many threats from inside and out of the castle, Zahra is racing against time to achieve her freedom, without betraying Aladdin. Aladdin and Zahra’s adventure leads readers through a magical and enchanting adventure filled with finger-curling danger and unexpected surprises. 

I highly recommend The Forbidden Wish to readers who would enjoy a desert fantasy with an extraordinary twist.

Rating (1-10): 9~

Happy Reading~ 

Book Review: The Revolution of Ivy by Amy Engel

The Revolution of Ivy (The Book of Ivy #2)
by Amy Engel
Paperback, 290 pages
Release Date: November 3rd, 2015
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: YA Dystopia
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Goodreads Summary: Ivy Westfall is beyond the fence and she is alone. Abandoned by her family and separated from Bishop Lattimer, Ivy must find a way to survive on her own in a land filled with countless dangers, both human and natural. She has traded a more civilized type of cruelty--forced marriages and murder plots--for the bare-knuckled brutality required to survive outside Westfall's borders.

But there is hope beyond the fence, as well. And when Bishop reappears in Ivy's life, she must decide if returning to Westfall to take a final stand for what she believes is right is worth losing everything she's fought for.

Cindy's Review: 

The Revolution of Ivy by Amy Engel is the long-awaited sequel of The Book of Ivy. This duology follows Ivy Westfall, the daughter of an underground rebel in a dystopian society called Westfall. Ivy’s grandfather founded the town, but lost the authority to govern the new nation. Instead, the Lattimer family mandates the town. Separating between the poor and the rich, the townspeople diverge in their lifestyles and opinions. The side of the poor are supporters of the Westfalls, while President Lattimer’s followers, the rich folks, approve of Lattimer’s dictatorship. 

To keep peace, the two sides are placed in arranged marriages every year. Ivy, as the daughter of Justin Westfall, is expected to marry the son of President Lattimer, Bishop, at the age of sixteen. Her father and sister, Callie, eagerly hatch a plan for Ivy to break Bishop’s armor and use her advantage to kill him; thus taking down the heir of the Lattimer lineage and allowing the Westfalls to restore their power. Forced into a marriage she does not want, but at the same time, hoping to receive her father and sister’s approval, Ivy complies with the scheme. 

As time passes, Ivy finds that Bishop is not what she had imagined him to be. Defying her family’s demand to kill him, Ivy sets a trap for herself so she can be caught. She takes the blame of the murder attempt and is casted out of Westfall. Ivy is left to die beyond the fence.

The Revolution of Ivy follows Ivy’s survival and growth outside the fence. Though Ivy faces natural obstacles, she receives aid from Caleb and Ash, siblings who live as itinerants in the wild. Throughout the story, readers see Ivy’s character growth and conflicting thoughts about her tangled life. During the first half, Ivy tries to accept that Bishop will no longer be a part of her life and puts him in her past. When Bishop suddenly appears before her, Ivy fights against him. Not wanting to resolve their conflicts and not willing to admit her innocence, seeing Bishop again is painful.

When news was brought back about Westfall’s chaos and downfall, Bishop and Ivy head back to save Callie from execution and to keep Westfall from crashing down into a civil war. With the conclusion filled with action, Bishop and Ivy prove to be worthy of mending the political disarray of Westfall.

The Revolution of Ivy is a page-turner that will keep readers at the edge of their seat with excitement. Its quick and steady pace allows for readers to stay fixated with the plotline. Readers will be left satisfied and content as they turn the last page. 

Once more, Engel produced a novel of perfection, bundled with action, romance, and humor.

The Rating: (1-10): 8.5

Happy Reading~

Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)

by Sarah J. Maas

Hardcover, 416 pages

Release Date: May 5th, 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's

Genre: YA Fantasy

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Goodreads Summary: When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

Cindy's Review: 

"Faeries are not my thing," I once said. And I mean it; they aren't. They are not my type and therefore I wouldn't fall for them ever again. But there's always that one exception. And I'm going to make A Court of Thorns and Roses mine. 

First off, I can't resist a fairy tale retelling. It's ironic how I'm tired of faeries, but I'm in love with fairy tales. They both seem to lead to the same genre, but they don't. Fairy tales doesn't have to be supernatural. Anyways, back to this 'Beauty and the Beast' retelling. Am I the only one who doesn't feel like this is Beauty and the Beast at all? I think it's more like the Cupid retelling. Very much more like 'East of the Sun, West of the Moon.' 

In A Court of Thorns and Roses, Feyre and Tamlin comes to life. Their relationship and chemistry is gorgeous; my drool is creating a small pond beneath me. Well, that's disgusting, but you know what I mean. They are the definition of love. They are the definition of OTP. People will make fanfictions out of this, I am sure about this. Both Tamlin and his world are so mysterious, you'd feel like you're peering through mist. But the mist is the charm. The suspense keeps me at the edge of the seat. Then the twists and turns come into view and that's when I know for sure I'm doomed to fall in love of Maas' new series. 

In this Beauty and the Beast retelling, a girl named Feyre is taken to the land of the Faeries as a punishment for killing a faerie while she was hunting. At the Spring Court, she learns that her captor is called Tamlin, a high Fae. Soon, Feyre learns that not everything is as peaceful as it seems at the land behind the wall. There is a villain, whose name shall not be said, whom is trying to rule all the lands, including Feyre's precious human world. 

Although Feyre isn't a kickass heroine, like Celaena from Throne of Glass, but she proved to be dauntless and was able to stand up for her beliefs. The plot was thrilling and fast paced. Maas was able to take the skeleton of Beauty and the Beast and shape it into an extraordinary novel off of her own imagination.

A Court of Thorns and Roses is highly recommended to anyone who has any interest in fairy tales, faeries, YA fantasy, or romance. 

The Rating: (1-10): 10~

Happy Reading~

Book Review: On the Fence by Kasie West

On the Fence
by Kasie West
Release Date: July 1st, 2014
Publisher: Harper Teen
ebook, 296  pages
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Get a Copy:
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Goodreads Summary: For sixteen-year-old Charlotte Reynolds, aka Charlie, being raised by a single dad and three older brothers has its perks. She can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows—including her longtime neighbor and honorary fourth brother, Braden. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world of makeup, lacy skirts, and BeDazzlers. Even stranger, she's spending time with a boy who has never seen her tear it up in a pickup game.

To cope with the stress of faking her way through this new reality, Charlie seeks late-night refuge in her backyard, talking out her problems with Braden by the fence that separates them. But their Fence Chats can't solve Charlie's biggest problem: she's falling for Braden. Hard. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.

Cindy's Review: 

At a Glance/The Cover: 

So far, I think this book is my favorite of all the Kasie West books. But I have really high hopes for The Fill-in Boyfriend. :) On the Fence is kind of a companion book for The Distance Between Us. There are characters you see in both books, especially Skye. Also, On the Fence took place a little bit after TDBU. 

The Characters/My Opinion:
The storyline for this book is the "I'm in love with my best friend" thing. I love these kind of stories because I like how the main characters already know almost everything about each other. It's cute. I love how they grew up together and shared childhood memories. :) 

Charlie - Charlie is an absolute tomboy. She has 3 older brothers and 1 complimentary one. She's tall, strong, and grew up playing football with her brothers. But she can have a girly side. When she started working at a local mall, she finally got some girlfriends and learned about makeup and checking out boys. But that's when she felt her real feelings for Braden.

Braden - Braden literally sounds like that golden boy that never exists in real life. Charlie described her brothers as hotties, but she obviously can't lust after them because that would be disgusting. Then there's Braden, whose just as hot as the bros, if not even hotter. 

Basically, Charlie and Braden just have to figure out their love life together. The night talks along the fence helps them get even closer, but in a different way. It's cute. They're cute. Everything about this book is cute. Everything Kasie West writes are cute. :) 

Overall Thoughts:
CUTE CUTE CUTE. Looking for a simple, summer read with bubbly romance? On the Fence is definitely a must-read. :)

The Rating :(1-10): 9.5~

Happy Reading~

Book Review: The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

The Distance Between Us 
by Kasie West
Release Date: July 2nd, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
ebook, 312 pages
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Get a Copy:
       Amazon | B&N | Audible

Goodreads Summary: Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about.

Cindy's Review:

At a Glance/The Cover:

This is the type of book I love to read. Those carefree, romantic reads for your reading humps during the summer. And Kasie West is exactly the author you would need to find, because she writes a lot of these amazing YA contemporary novels I'm so fond of. 

And jeez. It's a cute cover. :) Everything about the author and the book makes me smile.

The Characters/My Opinion: 

Caymen Meyers - She's an amazing narrator full of humor. She is hilarious and definitely fun to get to know and follow along with. Caymen grew up as a poor girl who lives above her mom's doll shop. Her rich father left her mom and her when she was younger and so her mom Susan dislikes anything rich. Or more like anyone rich. But soon, Caymen meets Xander but can't help but fall for her charm. 

Xander Spence - Of course, it's always the element of boys to make things a little more interesting. At least for me. :) I love nicknames. I think they're actually really special. Or the other way around. Like you have a special dear name for someone special to call you. Okay. Overuse of specials, but Alexander over here was definitely a real charm. He was a fun guy. And honestly, I think he replied to all of Caymen's sarcastic comments really well. So well that they're seriously flirting if this was real life. :D 

So yep, another fun contemporary read. Probably one of my summer rereads when I'm feeling down or when I could use some excitement in my life again. :D 

Overall Thoughts:
I am so glad I found another author to read. An author that writes books just the way I like it and a whole stack of them to read plus more coming!

I CANNOT wait for The Fill-in Boyfriend by Kasie West because *squeals* that sounds SOSOSOSO cute. I just can't help but gush. :D 

The Rating: (1-10): 9
Happy Reading~

Book Review: Rush by Eve Silver

Rush (The Game #1)
by Eve Silver
Release Date: June 11th, 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Paperback, 361 pages
Genre: YA, Sci-fi
Get a Copy:
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Goodreads Summary: So what’s the game now? This, or the life I used to know?

When Miki Jones is pulled from her life, pulled through time and space into some kind of game—her carefully controlled life spirals into chaos. In the game, she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures. There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Miki has only the guidance of secretive but maddeningly attractive team leader Jackson Tate, who says the game isn’t really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival, and the survival of every other person on this planet. She laughs. He doesn’t. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.

Cindy's Review:

**Copy provided via the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.** 

At a Glance/The Cover:

Rush had a really interesting concept to it. When I read its storyline, I couldn't help but want to read it immediately! Yes, it's definitely one of those games where the players can die, isn't necessary, and can't be gotten out of. 

The only I can think of somewhat related to this plot is The Hunger Games, but it is different. In many ways. Many ways.

The Characters/My Opinion:

Miki Jones - Miki is the main character that gets pulled out of life, LITERALLY, and into a game. But it isn't just a game. This 'game' determines the Earth's life. This game gives us another view of Earth and how it was affected by aliens, which can't be seen by humans. 

I think Silver explains this plot really well. Readers aren't super confused to how game works, how people get pulled out of life, and why doesn't any normal people notice. The characters in the story describes this game very well, and also adds suspense to the story. 

Jackson Tate - He actually sounds very stuck-up in the beginning. But we see him change and see his demeanor weaken a little. Just for Miki. Miki and Jackson's relationship isn't all that romantic. We see them fall for each other little. I can't say I fangirl about their chemistry though. But it is a great add along to the story.

Normally, I'm a romance fanatic. Like everything is about the love and the romance. And the chemistry. And that shipping. But for Rush, i think I'm more interested in the game and plots and twists. :) 

Luka - Personally, I really like Luka. When he was first mentioned, I swear he could have been the love interest. He sounds hotter Jackson Tate. Or maybe because Jackson's jerky attitude kind of wavered my view of him. I don' t see him through Miki's eyes. Luka is like the best friend life saver that helps you get the guy and live to tell the tale. 

Comparing to The Hunger Games:

Just because. I feel like I can explain the book better this way....so...here i go. Like the Hunger Games the game is totally dangerous, yet random. It's life-risking and every mistake will be the death of you. Yet why is this game even happening? Unlike the Hunger Games, this game is actually necessary for the Earth to live on instead of just pure entertainment.

These players are supposed to be on their own and all that, but they still kind of work in teams as a group. While in THG, they fight among each other, in Rush, they fight against evil Draus.  

This whole thing takes place in our everyday world. So unlike THG, it's not dystopian. 

Okay. So that's all I probably should say without spoiling any more than needed. :) 

Overall Thoughts:

There were actually a lot of twisters in this novel that I really wasn't expecting. Rush's got me hanging on to the edge of my seat in suspense. I really can't wait to find out what happens next! And to know the truth of Jackson Tate. So many mysteries surround him. I must say, I am curious. 

So if you're interested in a sci-fi read, with a great plot and games, try this one! 

The Rating: (1-10): 8~

Happy Reading

Book Review: Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Isla and the Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss #3)
by Stephanie Perkins
Release Date: August 14th, 2014
Publisher: Dutton
Hardcover, 339 pages
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
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Goodreads Summary: From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

Cindy's Review: 

At A Glance/The Cover:

These covers are really nice. I love the skylines. And the colors. :) 

I couldn't wait for Isla to come out! Plus, I heard Josh was such a sweetheart. :D I was totally prepared to fall for Josh.

The Characters/My Opinions:

Isla - Isla is pronounced Eye-la. Since she introduced herself, I really couldn't stop calling her that. Because it sounds so unique. Isla is a quiet, shy girl. She had a crush on Josh for 3 years, and finally, she's got a chance. 

Even though she may seem innocent or shy, she's not. Let's just say she's braver than you think. Not the perfect goody-two-shoes everything think she's supposed to be. 

I enjoyed reading about Isla. She's a character that doesn't have plans for her future. She doesn't know what college, what major.....and I can connect with that. She doesn't stand out in the spotlight, yet Josh can still see her and fall in love with her.

Josh - Ahhh. The artist. He's tall. :) Yep. First thing I remembered. 6'1". Perfect height. He's a bit of a romantic. Definitely a boy you want to date. When he cares for something, he does it with all his might. Uses all his willpower and strength. Emotionally. Physically. Everything. 

Josh reminds me of something soft. Something to cuddle with when you're feeling sad or even happy. He's someone people need in their lives to keep them running and going. 

Although Josh seems like a bad student, ditching class and everything, he's not. The adventures he goes on is awesome, definitely fun to read. I would actually do that myself! IF I even could. :) 

Like Stephanie Perkins said, Isla is different from Anna and Lola. She has less of a personality. More of unsure about things. And Isla's romance starts in the beginning. Then, problems build up. I think the time span for the conflict part was really short, but the story was longer. 

I really liked seeing Isla changing throughout the book, being more sure of herself, being stronger. It's nice seeing a boy like Josh and Isla together. They are the hidden types. In a way, they're not like Anna and Etienne, in the spotlight. They're the type that's totally in love with each and they don't need anyone to know. Not like Anna and Etienne brags about their relationship.....do they? 

Kurt - While we're here, let's add Kurt, Isla's best friend...whose a guy with autism. In the beginning, Kurt is Isla's backbone. They rely on each other. They're just good friends. No romance. Then we get to see things change as Josh steps in. Not problems like being in between their friendship. We get to see how all these individual characters change.

Okay. Now that I'm done with the super lumpy character descriptions, let's move on to the romance. Yep. I must say, this romance took even a bigger step farther into the high school atmosphere than Anna and Lola. More dramatic. More realistic, intimate relationships. Anna was completely innocent compared to this. But it's real. Isla and the Happily Ever After leaves you feeling like you're floating on a cloud. Not on a bright, beautiful day. But a cloudy one. The good kind. As much as I hate cloudy days, I sometimes find it reassuring in the darkness, especially when it's raining outside. Listening to the rain as it hits the roof. It makes the house feel warm and cozy. That's what Isla's romance feel like. 

Overall Thoughts:
It was a nice conclusion to the trilogy. I think it's a trilogy, right? Especially at the gathering of all the characters, where they all met each other. It was a super short meeting, but definitely worthwhile. 

Anna and Etienne. I just have to talk about them again. Because, even after all these couples, only 3 really, I still think they're the best couple. Plus, I LOVE Anna. She's a really bright, friendly person to meet. A funny friend. Someone I would love to be friends with. And despite everything, (ignore St. Clair's height), I really really like his charisma. He's hilarious. He and Anna are so perfect for each other! I so happy for these two. I will never get enough of them!

Lola and Cricket. Of course they appeared, looking funky and creative. :) I must say, I didn't really connect with this couple as much, but I was happy they were there. :)

Isla and Josh. The cutesy romantic ones. :) Deep love over here. They're learning how to move on and live their life. 

When you think of all of this, it feels like your babies are growing up. That's probably what Stephanie Perkins feel. You're happy they're off to see the world, but you're sad they won't be home as often. They won't come to you every morning asking for breakfast or something. Or at least that's how I've always imagined things. Not that I've experienced anything before. 

Another thing before this review ends, Meredith needs her own story. She seems so lonely. Like the odd one out. I think she deserves one herself. 

AAANNNND. It comes to an end. It's like being on an adventure with all these people, knowing them more than anyone. And our road has come to an end. We have reached our destination. :) Good bye~

The Rating :(1-10): 9

Well, that was a weird review there. Okay. I'm back to normal!

Happy Reading~