The K-Pop Book Tag

Hello-Hello, fellow readers! Today is a perfect day for a book tag, a K-Pop inspired tag. I was tagged a while back by the amazing creator of this tag, Savannah, from @TheBookProphet. Thank you!  If you are curious to check out her answers and blog, you can just click the link I put above.

As many of you know, K-Pop has entered the western culture and it becomes more popular each day. This book tag combines two amazing things Korean culture and books. Some of you might be newbies or you never heard of K-Pop. Now, there is a chances to experience something new. I, myself, am a Korean drama lover. If you are interested, here is the link to my Korean Drama Top Favorites post.

Without further ado, let us start this tag!

But first, here are the rules.

Why LA? Pourqoi Paris? Book Review

Hello-Hello! I finally put this review on the world wide web after an unexpected leave of absence from book blogging. I prioritized reading and  book pictures. ^^

Below is a sneak peak of my Why LA? Pourqoi Paris? review. 

Enjoy!

Have you ever been to Paris or LA? I can proudly say that I have. Only to Paris… And by being in Paris, I mean that I spent a maximum of an hour or two there. The majority of that time, I was in a bus station taking a break – bathroom and gas tank refill. It was a beautiful dark station with amazing bathrooms. Yes, I had to pay 50¢ (euros) for the toilet. Besides the station, I had the chances to see La Seine, the river that crosses Paris, and a few random buildings from the bus window. Now, you understand why I need to go back there?

Speaking of which, this book was a great catalyst to remember my love for France and French culture. With the American culture, I am well acquainted already. Wink-Wink. And regardless of my previous knowledge about these amazing cities, Diane Ratican’s travel guide poked my interest in them again...

Melody Obsession of the Week Brought to You by Me, Presents Ellie Goulding Don’t Need Nobody

Hello-Hello! It’s been a long time since I’ve posted one of these. The same old excuse: I had to pull out from the closet my superhero cape because of reality. “You gotta do what you gotta do,” they say. “Who are they,” you ask. Let’s call it pop culture.

The good news is that I had time for reading books...

Moving

Hello-Hello! It's been quite a while since I last post something.

Well, let's just say that life needed me to be a hero again. Life before hobbies.

Don't worry, I got to read a book here and there. I just have difficulties uploading content on my blog even though I have lots of ideas on paper.

Anyway... BIG! No, HUGE NEWS!

 Another reason I hadn't post much lately is that I was working on my new blog which is the same as this blog but fancier. 

Wink!

So yeah! 

I am working on the new blog website. Yes, it is functional. Yes, you can go check it out. But, spoiler alert! I am still working to improve and get my way around it. I am still a newbie so bear with me for a while until I get everything sorted out.

And this is the link to my new but same blog -->  https://elenaoftheuniverse.com/

I am still keeping this blog up. So do not worry, you will be able to find me. ^_^

     

"Sanity, Where Have You Gone? I Fall from Grace, Here in the Dark..."

Hello-Hello, fall lovers! Or should I say, Halloween lovers?

I decided to participate in the October weekly meme, Spooky Quilling, created by Savannah from The Book Prophet. If you are interested doing this meme or checking her awesome blog, you just have to click the links above.

There are new prompts each week. I planning to do all the memes by November 1st since this moth turned out to be very eventful for me. 

I also tweaked the meme a bit and I planning to use song lyrics or titles for the blog post titles. Of course, I will also provide the YouTube links for those songs.

Prompt 1 for October 3rd was:

“For this prompt you have to write a spooky story about how the villain of a story – a story already in existence or of your own imagination – became the villain. This has to be 666 words (I know it’s hard but try and get it exact – you never know, it may bring you good luck).”

A villain is born

The night was dark and moonless. It was so cold that you were able to see your own breath leaving the body just like a soul. Steps. Steps on the frozen snow were screeching like someone was stepping on broken glass accepting his dark fate.

Melody Obsession of the Week, Brought to You by Me, Presents Photograph by Ed Sheeran

Hello-Hello! Today, I have another song for you. I am listening it for a while now.

Ed Sheeran is growing on me especially with this song - actually it started with the Shape of you (link to post) but moving on...

This song brings up past memories and love just like a good book that resonates with you does.

Apparently, fall is for memories. I often find myself thinking about good books I read and stayed with me. But, I also think about my past, people, events, and songs I listened during that particular year.  

In my opinion, Photograph is a good song to contemplate about stories - from books or real life - that left a mark on you. Every story change you in a way. So that is why it is important to contemplate and learn from the past.

Every last minute is in the past now. :P

I hope you are going to enjoy this song as much as I do; even though, it is on the slow side.

Without further ado...

Photograph - Ed Sheeran

Listen it on repeat!

Happy Music Madness!

PS

Until next time, feel free to check out my latest posts HERE:

The Guilty Reader Book Tag

The last Music Madness Pick 

The Guilty Reader Book Tag

Hello-Hello! It is time for another post, a book tag. I've been tagged by the wonderful blogger, Abi, from What Makes A Good Book. If you are curious what her answers were, just be kind and click on the link. ;)

The creator of this book tag is ReadLikeWildfire from YouTube. 

Let The Book Tag Begin...!

1. Have you ever re-gifted a book that you've been given?

I rarely receive actual physical books from people but the ones I did receive... No, I have not re-gifted any of them from what I remember. 

2. Have you ever said you've read a book when you haven't?

This goes into technicalities territory. I said that to books I was currently reading or books I did not finish reading. I've done this mostly for school books like most people in this world. ^^' Sorry, professors! Although, I did read some of the content and researched the heck out of that said book's content. Thank you, Google!

3. Have you ever borrowed a book and not returned it?

Guilty as charged. Hey, don't judge! It was around the time when I was a kid and I did not give a dime about books. Yes, I was a kid who did not like to read because it was too boring for my kid hyped brain. An exception to the rule were the W.i.t.c.h. comic books. 

Now, I want to rectify my kid mistakes as much as possible. :D

4. Have you ever read a series out of order?

I guess so. It mostly happened with [romance] books that were part of huge series but each book could be read as a standalone.

5. Have you ever spoiled a book for anyone?

Yes. I know. I know. I know. Fire and damnation. "Shame! Shame! Shame!" "Dishonor on you! Dishonor on your cow!"

It was one time by mistake when I was talking with my desk-mate about Anna Karenina's ending and someone,who was not done with the book, overheard us. And other times, I spoiled books for my friend(s) who wanted to know the ending. Yes, I ask for permission! So... In your face, judgmental readers! 

But, please, ask for permission to spoil books. And, hey, mistakes happens. 

Most of the things I spoiled were for myself. I spoiled books, movies, and TV shows to myself...

6. Have you ever doggy eared a book?
Yes. I did that a lot when I was younger or when books did not want to cooperate. Do you know how hard it is to read a book that does not want to stay open? Very. Even dangerous, I can say.  It is like playing with one of those bear traps. When you least expect it, CLAP! Your hand and face are injured. You see dancing stars. Plus, the page number is lost. And then you cry, not because of the pain, but because you did not remember what chapter you were reading. Then, you cry some more while trying to find the last sentence read. Sadly, you end up rereading a good junk of the chapter (or even the book) you were at and cry of frustration. Oh! And that is nothing compared to the time when it happens to read a spoiler while searching for your spot then you scream. The book screams. Your mom screams at you asking why you are screaming. Then your pet screams in terror. Then the Earth screams together with the entire universe and so on and so forth... Lastly, you ask the universe what you did to deserve such destiny.
I am telling ya! It's a whole drama.

7. Have you ever told someone you do not own a book when you do?
  No, I do not think so. Rarely happens for someone to ask if I own a book and if she/he can borrow it. But when it does happen... I try to suggest other options like the library and OverDrive or to insist on the part where "You should take care of my baby book or else..." >]

8. Have you ever told someone you haven't read a book when you have?
 Yes, in the past when I thought that some books I read are going to make people judge me. Little did I know, people judged me anyway.

9. Have you ever skipped a chapter or a section of a book?
Yes. Mostly school books when only some sections were required to read. Or, I either scan and skipped some sections/chapters in favor of their summaries on the internet. I am usually not a big fan of classic/old works (except some ancient writings). Plus, as a busy student like myself you have to give something up if you want to be able to have all your homework done. [Sorry, professor(s)!

10. Have you ever bad mouthed a book you actually like?
Yes, just because I like a book that does not mean I have to loose my critical eye. [wink]

Tags:
Savannah from The Book Prophet
Joan from Books & Fitness & Lifestyle 
Carmen from Carmen's Reading Corner
And if i did not tag you and you want to do this tag, consider yourself tagged

PS

Until next time, feel free to check out my latest posts:

Melody Obsession - Fetish by Selena Gomez

The Diabolic - Book Review 

See you in my next post!

Melody Obsession of the Week, Brought to You by Me, Presents Fetish by Selena Gomez

Hello-Hello, fellow readers! Fall is here. The weather is chilly and the leaves are changing colors, green for read, yellow or orange. 

After my break from books and blogging, I started to debate what my new song pick is going to be for Music Madness - aka Melody Obsession of the Week. If you read my previous posts regarding this section of my blog, you probably know that I like to give a meaning and a reason to the song I choose. Usually. So, after days of debating on songs I encountered during my leave of absence, I decided on Fetish by Selena Gomez. 

I am well aware of its innuendos and the sexy meaning behind the lyrics. However, one day when I was listening to the song next to my pile of book, it hit me. Its lyrics perfectly describe a reader's - or at least my - relationship with books. 

No matter how long our reading slump or break from books is, we still find our way back to them, to reading. We crave the stories they contain within their covers. We want to go on adventures with the fellow characters, be the heroes, fight the villains or just be a reader. The smell of paper from a brand new book is the most sexy perfume we have ever desired. We love the art on the covers, dust jackets, and pages. And if the story of a book is THAT good, we obsessed over it. We devour its words over and over again through sleepless nights and even decades later. Just like a certain book friend of mine  who read a certain series at least 17 times. (Heck, even I got convinced to read that series again. Good job, my friend! Your passion for those books really inspired me. ^^)

So, you see, our relationship with books it is a bit sexual. We obsess. We crave. We want more. We want so much more from our beloved books that we even start writing our own stories. Books have a huge impact on their readers. They change us because we learn and gain knowledge from them. We, the readers, become imprinted by the books we read because their stories stay with us for the rest of our lives.

And finally, without further ado...

Selena Gomez - Fetish 

  

Listen it on repeat!

Happy Music Madness!  

And, let me know in the comments section if you have a similar "relationship" with your books. Also, what do you think about this week's song?

PS 

Until next time feel free to check out my latest posts The Diabolic Book Review -->HERE<-- and "I am back, readers!" Random Post -->HERE<--.  

The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid aka The Roman Empire in Space

Book Synopsis

Nemesis is a Diabolic. Created to protect a galactic Senator's daughter, Sidonia. There's no one Nemesis wouldn't kill to keep her safe. But when the power-mad Emperor summons Sidonia to the galactic court as a hostage, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia.
She must become her.
Now one of the galaxy's most dangerous weapons is masquerading in a world of corruption and Nemesis has to hide her true abilities or risk everything. As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns that there is something stronger than her deadly force: the one thing she's been told she doesn't have - humanity. And, amidst all the danger, action and intrigue, her humanity might be the only thing that can save her, Sidonia and the entire Empire... The Diabolic - Goodreads

My Opinion

4/5 stars.

Cause of Science, I took one star. I will explain later in my review. Let's start with the positive, shall we? ^_^
This book was something. It got me intrigued from the very first chapter. It combined the very things I love most to read about space and Roman Empire. Two ingredients that should not work together like salt caramel ice cream or chocolate and salted pretzels but they do and they were so delicious to devour. 
The story is unpredictable. You think the plot is moving in one direction then the next thing you know... Surprise! You just got spun 180 degrees with the narrative moving in the opposite direction than you initially thought. 
There is an amazing cast of characters which keeps the action moving forward besides the politics rich driven plot. It was interesting to read how the Emperor tried to keep his place on the throne like a dictator by killing and suppressing progress. He was like a futuristic version of Nero. But let's not forget about the Queen mother. She was... worse than the Emperor himself. If you ever watched Game of Thrones, then you should be very familiar with Cersei's character and how vile she can be. Well, the Queen mother is Cersei's mirror image.  
Aside from the whole political drama, there is also the Diabolic mythology. Designed bodyguards ripped off of all their humanity and trained killing machines destined to protect only one person at all costs. They are feared by everyone and paradoxically enslaved by the very same people.
Watching Nemesis rediscovering herself was beautiful and frustrating. Beautiful because she tried to understand her feelings and humanity, a side of her she never got a chance to explore. And frustrating because there is me, the reader, attempting to understand Nemesis' inhuman ways and pointing the obvious while she needed time to see past those ways.
Like I said in the beginning, I took off a star mostly due to the science and, next, due to the very rushed ending. First, the science. The story tells us that Diabolics do not have lacrimal glands because they were designed not to cry. My question is: Then, how do Diabolics keep their eyes moist, clean, and infection free? So far, science says that the primary role of tears is not crying. They are just a tool used by the brain when showing distress to gain more sympathy from others. (Do not quote me on this but it's something like that :D). The author could have stick to the brain manipulation thing. It would had been more plausible in my opinion. I know. I know. By the end of the day, this is still a work of fiction but I still want my simple science to be accurate. ^^' The perks of being a science lover.
Second, the ending was a bit rushed and somewhat anticlimactic. I believe this was due to the uncertainty if it is going to be a standalone or a series. Which  it is understandable because the author wanted to give us a resolution just in case we are not going to get another book. And for that, I am also grateful.
All in all, I recommend this book if you are fond of space, ancient times, and politics. This was my cup of tea. Oh! The romance is good too. It fits perfectly into the narrative.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^   

PS - This is a wrap!

I hope you enjoyed this long promised review. Let me know what are your thoughts, feelings, and opinions in the comment section down below. All the images from My Opinion can be also found either on my Instagram or Deviant Art accounts.

Until next time, feel free to check out my latest posts I am back, readers! -->HERE<-- and Tarnished Crown Mini Book Review -->HERE<--.

"I am back, readers!" - A Random Post

So... I am Back!

A lot had happened and a lot had changed even the seasons. Fall is here and winter is about to come. New books are being published nearly every day like the falling red autumn leaves. TV shows come and go wounding our hearts  - and by hearts I mean brains - with sorrow, joy, and awe. Amazing music popping up everywhere. People meet and people part via internet or real life. We connect, reconnect, and sometimes disconnect with the humans around us in need for all different forms of love. The most basic and common type is... Friendship. Present, old, new or forgotten we all seek one for the good words and feelings it provides just like a book.

I CAN FINALLY READ BOOKS AGAIN!!!

Watch TV Shows

And Movies

Make future plans

Write the blog posts I planned for 

Write my stories

Take photographs

Learn new languages

Offer and spread love all around me

Especially my Love for Books

And most importantly, take care of myself

Be the hero of my life and move forward   

You know, the usual. ^_^

Anyway, I missed blogging and all the things it brought into my life. It feels so good to be back on my "private" piece of the world wide web. In the future, I might have some news regarding my blog but until then... Shhh! You did not read anything.

Summer is almost gone in the Northern hemisphere and the nature took its time to remind us how much we depend on things. Humans. Earth. Nature. Sun. And Universe. After a beautiful solar eclipse, we had chaotic floods. Thus, I am sending to all the affected people my warm and positive thoughts. When things get harder, you fight because there is only one path to follow, forward.

And for those of you who got the chance to get cozy with books lately, let me know what adventures you've been through. Music, movies, and TV shows included or life events even ;).

I. AM. BACK.

PS

 Until next time, feel free to check out my other posts: Mini Book Review --> HerE <-- and Summer Book Tag --> HerE <--.

Mini Book Review - Tarnished Crown by Erin Watt

Royals 3.5

Picture Source: Goodreads 

Book Synopsis

Standard Disclaimer: For those who you have not read the Royals books 1 to 3 be aware of spoilers ahead. 

This story happens after Twisted Palace following Savannah and Gideon's relationship. It tries to shine some light over what happened between the two of them in the past and how they are going to proceed foreword. Love. Tension. Drama. And all that shenanigan. Of course, things are not so simple and the past keeps saying "Hello" to the lover birds.

My Opinion

 2.00/5.00

I stay by GoodReads ratings. It was ok. I might be in the minority when I am saying this... I was disappointed. Within the first three books, we get this strong and independent image of Savannah to now be ruined by this installment. I get the feeling that this was done to serve the fandom, which is not automatically a bad thing, but it was not served right. It takes time and patience to rebuild a relationship which had been broken to such a degree. Gideon did not even learn from his past mistakes and he still has the tendency to repeat those mistakes. Savannah should learn to love herself more and keep her standards no matter what. To be sincere, I do not know what made these two fall in love in the first place.
And last, this book? novella? - it has 21 chapters which makes this work to pass as a book - needs more substance. It was a good cup of tea turned bad. 

This is my sole opinion. >_^

Original review on Goodreads.

PS

See you in my next post!! And in the mean time feel free to check out my latest Summer Book Tag and Miraculous Ladybug comic review, -->HERE<-- and -->HERE<--.

The Summer Book Tag

Introduction

Hello-Hello! Right now my life requires a hero so, of course, I had to take out my superhero costume from the dusty attic. The moment real life decides to diminish its flirting with me I will return on the world wide web with more posts. ^_^

Scout's honor! (Although, I was never a scout... Oops! ^^')

Also, thank you Abi (What Makes A Good Book) for tagging me eons ago! 

Now, let's return to the actual post 'cause "Winter is coming!" (Yes, I just binge watched GoT.)

Summer

1. Lemonade: Pick a book that started bitter but got better.

Hmmm... I actually love Lemonade. The less sugar the better!
I will bend the rules a bit for this category and I am going to choose the Cormoran Strike (<- link) by Robert Galbraith - aka J.K. Rowling. The first book was so slow I was so close to not finish it and give up on the series. Blame the author for keeping me hooked. What can I say? I was biased when I took that decision and I am so glad I did. The series only gets better with each book.

image source: my Instagram.

2. Golden sun: Pick a book that made you smile beyond compare.

Why LA? Pourquoi Paris? by Diane Ratican is a book I am currently reading. It is an entire laughing session every single time I am opening it for a read. Why? Half of it is written in French while the other half is written in English. And both are not my mother tongue. Despite my fluency in English, it is an amazing challenge to relearn and read French while my brain is set to operate in English mode.
The graphics, the story and the way it is written offer an unique experience especially for bilinguals and multilingual. You get to experience translation barriers and differences first hand.
(Yes, I speak French at a very basic level. ^_^ )

image source: Goodreads (link above, book title mention)

3. Tropical flowers: Pick a book set in a foreign country.

Does another planet count? Kidding! (But just in case, check out Return Once More by Trisha Leigh. Shhh!)

I see London, I see France by Sarah Mylnowski is another book I am currently reading. It takes place in multiple countries across Europe (e.g. France and U.K.) and U.S.A. So far, it is... alright. A tad of too much teenage - even though the protagonists are in college - drama for me. I shall see. ^^

 images source: Goodreads (link, books title mention)

4. Tree shade: Pick a book in which a mysterious or shady character was first introduced.

I am bending the rules again and I am going to pick two characters: Raffe from Angelfall (<-link), and Seth from The Red Pyramid (<-link).
Well... Seth is Seth the Egyptian god of... violence, disorder etc. etc. So no more introduction there although there is more to him than it seems.
Raffe, on the other hand, is more mysterious and secretive, and less shady than Seth. At least that is what I think.

5. Beach sand: Pick a book that was grainy and the plot barely developed.

Vernal (<-link) by Randi Cooley Wilson. For a detailed explanation feel free to check my full review by clicking the book link.

image source: Goodreads  

6. Green grass: Pick a character(s) that were full of life, making you smile.

Sadie and Carter from The Red Pyramid.
 Kaia and Levi from Exist Once More.

7. Watermelon: Pick a book that had some juicy secrets.

Exist Once More by Trisha Leigh. Time Travel. History. Secrets? Well, duh! Obviously! Wink-Wink. Warning! This is the second book in a duology. Read the synopsis on your own risk.

image source: Goodreads (link, book title mention)

8. Sun hat: Pick a book that had a vast, big universe/setting.

It looks like this is a Rick Riordan post. The Red Pyramid  by Rick Riordan and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay  by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter Universe, duh! Pretty Big. Quite H-U-G-E, I will like to say. Wink-wink!)

images source: Goodreads (links, books title mention)

9. BBQ: Pick a book where a character was portrayed as a hunk.

Can I say every single romance - historical romance to be precise - book I ever read?

Oz from the Return Once More.
(Ok, this post is shared between Trisha Leigh AND Rick Riordan. I fell better now.)
Darien from Geekerella.
Hades and Aries (and every single god) from Daughters of Zeus series, Persephone.

10. Tag people!

You just have been tagged! BAM!

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know in the comments below if you decided to do this tag or if you read any of these books.

PS

I will see you soon!

Until next time you can check out my latest posts about books and music -->HERE and HERE<--

Miraculous: Tales of Lady Bug and Cat Noir: Akumatized Vol. 4 by Zag Entertainment, Cheryl Black, Nicole D'Andria

Ladybug and Cat Noir, the defenders of Paris, continue to face off against Hawk Moth and his akumatized victims. First they must fight Dark Cupid, whose heart gets broken on Valentine’s Day. Then they must survive Horrificator, a slimy monster that grows more powerful as it causes fear. Finally, the duo encounter Le Mime, whose powers may be just too real for them to handle! Collects MIRACULOUS #10-12  Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir: Akumatized - Goodreads

My Opinion

4/5 stars

This was fun a read. It felt like watching the episodes all over again. You get the same amount of fun, adventure, and cuteness only it's in stop-motion this time. You read me right. Copy and paste. The same graphics with the same story lines. (Apparently, it is a popular thing nowadays.) For a fan of the show, like myself, this should not be a turn off. You saw the TV Show thus you know the content already. Sooo... I am a little biased in this review as you can see. 

Oops!  ^_^'

They did a great job with the transition process from motion-picture to paper. The dialogue is on point and the graphics are well arranged. As a reader, it was easy to follow the story through the lines of the characters.
"Aaand why did I take a star off," you ask. Well, I was expecting something different like some other stories added to the universe or the graphics to be more cartoon-ish - comic book style.
All in all, this was my cuppa tea. If you are looking for a fun and easy read, it might be yours too.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

***I would like to thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this comic book in exchange for an honest review. ***

P.S.

Feel free to leave your thoughts, feelings, and opinions in the comment section. You can also find my last book review -->HERE<-- and my last music post -->HERE<---.

See you in my next post!

Melody Obsession of the Week Brought to You by Me Presents Game of Thrones Opening Theme

Hello-Hello! I am glad to be back again. And this time, I would like to announce that... I caught a contagious fever... the GAME OF THRONES fever. Finally, I let myself be brainwashed by the fandom and strangely...  I don't regret it. 

I had my mind set on this show for a long time. It was like an annoying thought that keeps bothering your subconscious when you try to fall asleep. Aaand, I did it! It took me almost 5 years - since I first heard of the show - to listen to my brain and the on growing hype. 

Do you know how had it is to stay away from spoilers?

Let me tell you: H-A-R-D to the infinite power. Especially when social media and the internet is booming with spoilers left and right. (Although, I am still shocked to my bones when I hear them... So, that's a plus, right?)

Without further ado, I present to you...

GAME OF THRONES - Opening Theme

Have fun getting it out of your pretty head. >]

Play it on repeat and happy listening!

See you in my next post and don't forget to tell me in the comment section if you are a fan of this epic story (book and/or TV show). ^_^

P.S.

You can check out my last music pick --> HERE <--

And my last book review --> HERE<--

Melody Obsession of the Week Brought to You by Me Presents Meghan Trainor, Selena Gomez & Anne-Marie ft. Naruto

Hello-Hello! Another day, another minute, another second... Time passes by and these week's songs are a bit thematic, I might say. To quote one of my favorites comics of all time, W.i.t.c.h., "The end is a new beginning." I am going through a break up with my... myself.

 (Ha! I've gotcha there, didn't I? ;])

Have you ever had a feeling that something is going to change in your life and that change is going to come from you? Well... That's me right now. Sadly any change in one's life, no matter how good it is, comes with side effects like an atrocious reading slump. 

I am searching and mostly waiting for an epic book to appear out of nowhere or my bookshelf and slay that... slump.

Until then...

Naruto Theme - The Raising Fighting Spirit 

Anne-Marie - Ciao Adios

Selena Gomez - Bad Liar

Meghan Trainor - I Deserve Better

Happy Summer Everyone!

Play it [them] on REPEAT! 

And before I go, I want to make an honorable mention to Marina Kaye - On My Own. You know... It matches the theme of the week. ^_^

If you want to check out:

1. My last book review click --> HERE

2. My last music pick, click --> HERE

3. Honorable song mention --> HERE

P.S.

Due to my busy schedule around this time of the year, I will post irregularly and mostly short posts like this. 

See you in my next post! ^-^

A Lady's Code of Misconduct by Meredith Duran Book Five in the Rules for the Reckless Series

Book Synopsis

A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL...
Trapped in the countryside, facing an unwanted marriage and the theft of her fortune, Jane Mason is done behaving nicely. To win her freedom, she’ll strike a deal with the most dangerous man she knows—a rising star in politics, whose dark good looks mask an even darker heart.
...NEVER GOES TO PLAN.
The bitter past has taught Crispin Burke to trust no one. He’ll gladly help a lovely young heiress, provided she pays a price. Yet when a single mistake shatters his life, it is Jane who holds the key to his salvation. And in a world that no longer makes sense, Crispin slowly realizes that she may be the only thing worth fighting for... A Lady's Code of Misconduct - Goodreads

 

 

 

My Opinion

4.5/5 stars.

Love. Politics. History. Conspiracies. Conflicting morals. Deceit. Redemption. And hot-bad-boy guy with a secretly good heart... and a hot-good-of-heart girl with lots of brains and a rebellious spirit. There are lots of "and's" in my last sentence... I know.

Something I was not expecting in this story was the politics driven plot intertwined with a love story. Although, the surprising part is. That. I. Freaking. Loved. It. I was expecting to get bored and forced myself to finish the book. That was so not the case. It was exactly what I needed: A good romance story which is not too focused on the romance part. Oxymoron right there. 

The beginning is what hooked me up in the first place.  Not too fast and not too slow. Our beloved characters were in positions where they will do anything to get what they desire. This leads to an unlikely alliance to form between the desire of freedom and power which sparks the chances of a new beginning for our protagonists.

Jane and Crispin go through a fantastic character development. They realize that people are not completely good or evil. You just have to choose which side to use more but most importantly how to find a balance between the two. Speaking of character growth. I was not a big fan of acknowledging someone as being two persons in the same time. It was like the author was trying to say Crispin had a split personality... I understood where she was going with it... But it still felt a bit cringe worthy at times.

What I admired the most in this story was the sense of a real partnership between the main characters. And believe it or not is quite rare these days. It was not about sexual lust and how it can lead to a good relationship in the end... It was so much more than that. It was... How do you say it? Complicated. Yes. Complicated.

Of course, most people might get turned off by the plot focused on politics which is understandable if you are not a big politics fan - like myself, I could say. However, you might also surprisingly find yourself enjoying the book just... like myself. :D

All in all, I could proudly say that this was my cuppa tea. One of my all time favorites - romance section - I dare to say.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.    

Genre/Category: Adult, Historical Romance, Fiction, Politics, Mystery

Language: none to mild, maybe none

Sexual Content: well... heavy but within reason

Violence: moderate 

Drugs and Alcohol: mild to moderate 

P.S.

I would like to read your thoughts, feelings, and opinions about this book and if you want to read my last book review you can click --> HERE <-- or you can check my previous song pick post --> HERE <--.

See ya in my next post!

Melody Obsession of the Week Brought to You by Me Presents... Too Many Songs

Hello-Hello! Summer is finally here in the Northern hemisphere. (Sorry not sorry South but it's your turn to deal with winter ^-^.) Life is blooming everywhere. People meet and people part... It's a constant cycle moving forward and never backwards. An ending is the start of a new beginning... So... We just have to enjoy the moment and be happy that we exist in this moment. Believe it or not you are part of the Universe's history.

There's no day like today! And without further ado... Music!!!

Imagine Dragons - Believer

Topic ft. Nico Santos - Home

Sia - I forgive you

Julia Michaels - Issues

Camila Cabello - Crying in the Club

It feels like compensating for all the time I missed to post the song pick of the week!

Eh, well! It is what it is!

Happy listening! And Play it on repeat! ^_^

P.S.

• You can check my last song pick -->HERE<--
• And you can read my last book review -->HERE<--

Vernal by Randi Cooley Wilson A Book with too Much Romance

Book Synopsis

Serena has a bright future etched in stone. 
Tristan has a dark past that haunts him. 
Together, they have a love that can never be.
Sheltered, and unable to escape her bloodline, Serena St. Michael has spent the last two years training at the Royal Protector Academy. Struggling with a dark past, Tristan Gallagher’s current assignment is to protect a lifetime of secrets. One chance encounter will change everything. Serena must decide if she will follow her heart, forsaking all she’s ever known and risking a future worse than non-existence. Tristan will break every rule to save Serena, even if he can’t keep her. In their world of darkness, one love will ignite an ancient war. When pasts collide with the present, and secrets are revealed, will love be enough? Or will one lie destroy it all?
When you’ve hidden behind a mask for so long, would you reveal yourself for love? Vernal, the first novel in The Royal Protector Academy series is a dangerously exciting and darkly romantic tale that will take your breath away. Vernal - Goodreads

My Opinion

2.75/5.00 Stars

I should just post my rough draft as it is because I am out of words. Ha-Ha-Ha!

Moving on to the actual review...

I requested this book from NetGalley a long time ago. The premise sounded promising but I got lost along the way. I had to face the same problem I usually find in books like this one. The romance took over the entire plot. :/

While reading Vernal, I learn that it is a spin off series starter. Nothing wrong with that; although, for a new comer like myself, things were not 100% clear. Little details were offered regarding the world and plot. From what is presented, the setting, the magic system and its background seemed interesting. And this is unfortunate because, just like the characters, the story had a lot of potential.

Speaking of characters... I thought there is going to be more about exploration and build up when the romance element entered the scene. As in, how the protagonists connect and try to figure out this inexplicable connection/attraction they feel about each other. Instead... Bam! Everything ruined by the sex. They spend more time talking about and being intimate than knowing each other. Then, that whole "I am super possessive and inexplicable jealous alpha male. Everything you do is wrong and I own you" and "I am a strong woman capable of anything but I cannot live without you and I am owned by you and you are the only male who can tame me" was not my style. They looked like decent characters and had good qualities here and there but.... In the end, they got overshadowed by the romance and nonexistent plot. Also, there was not a concrete reason why Serena is special and has to become the next ruler.

All in all this book was not for me. Like I use to say, this was not my cuppa tea because of too much sugar was added. It was not what I expected at all.

[I gave it such a high rating because it had enough to keep me entertained and not DNF (do not finish) it.]

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Urban

Language: Heavy

Sexual Content: Heavy

Violence: Heavy

Drugs/Alcohol: Heavy

P.S. 

• You can check out my latest post -->HERE<--