Eat, Sleep, Read

“I don’t fit in your world.”
“Neither do I,” he said, his expression tender yet resolute. “So let’s make our own. We’ve done it before.”

Ooohh how I love this book!! This is one of those reads that is going to leave you smiling at the end. And I love that after all the tragedy and the hardship these characters went through, they were rewarded with their happily ever after.

So this book is about Anna who was hired to tutor TJ, who is a cancer survivor, in an island to help him catch up with school. But on their way there the pilot of their seaplane had an heart attack and the plane crashed. Anna and TJ survived and they were washed up on an island where they faced the challenge of surviving in an isolated island with no resources.

At first they worried about where they would get food and clean water and also shelter. And as they adapted with their surroundings and when everything seems to be falling into their rightful places another problem is thrown into them. What I loved most about this book was how I connected with the characters. When they are struggling, I struggle with them, and when they are rejoicing I feel elated as well! When Anna feels helpless, I feel the same thing and wonder how will things ever get better for them?

When they were rescued I felt so much relief!!! Because even though they had their own paradise, I worried until when will this paradise hold happiness for them? The event that led to their rescue had my heart pounding and I was thinking, if one of them dies I think I'll go crazy. Fortunately, no one was left behind. And that moment when Anna called Sarah, her sister I kinda cried with her. Of course being back in their world, there were still problems they had to deal with. I like how TJ's mom was okay and accepting of his relationship with Anna. Usually authors will bombard us with as many problems as they could think of but Ms. Garves know when to inflict conflict and when it is not needed. What amazed me more is that when they were still on the island it was almost impossible for them to have something to fight over something, but in a world where they are surrounded by other people, it is easy to look for a fault that can signal the start of their fallout. I love how until the end they managed to held on and I love TJ's maturity. For me their love was different and unusual but it was the good type of different, one worthy of recognition, one I could say, can conquer all. And they did conquer it all. This was a refreshing read venturing on issues and topics of being lost and then found. This was one heart warming and realistic read and I loved every perfection and flaw of this book has. :)

I like it!! But not enough to make me go gaga over this book, hence the 4 stars. But it was well-written with well-rounded characters so what's not to love? :)

Although I was kind of frustrated reading the resemblance The Covenant series has with this book. The general concept was almost the same and I just thought that maybe The Covenant should have been more discrete in imitating this book's concept.

Anyway, I like the book but not very much Rose. She was way too hot headed and overprotective of Lissa MOST of the time that she almost seems like Lissa's lover. And I just didn't get it at first. But then towards the end when the whole Shadowkissed and their bond was explained, I get it and understood more of what has been transpiring between the two of them. How they are connected and how their story relates to St. Vladimir was actually smart and well-thought off!

I love Lissa's character because she is the more rational and gentle one. Although she may have issues and problems, I still liked her. I also like Christian. Actually, I love them together. They complement each other and their relationship seems effortless.

The whole drama with Mia was kind of over the top. I mean, ugggh! The drama was really making my head hurt. The endless retaliation at getting back each other which could have been avoided if they could just talk everything out but then again, it is still highscool so what do you expect?

The one behind Lissa's torture was semi-predictable because the culprit was one of my guesses :P but I didn't expect that there was something bigger than just bullying Lissa. The whole concept really kept me at my toes and very much interested in this book and I'm eager to start the next book :)

As to Rose and Dimitri's dilemma, it's promising a lot of complications and drama and I can't wait to read what happens next. Although I wish she would just settle with Mason. You know, to keep things safe and less complicated :P

All in all this book was a great read and I'm definitely looking forward to read the sequel! :)

Favorite scene:
“Because we can't be together."

"Because of the age thing, right?" I asked."Because you're my mentor?”
“His fingertip gently wiped away a tear that had escaped down my cheek.

"That's part of it," he said. "But also…well, you and I wil both be Lissa's guardians someday. I need to protect her at all costs. If a pack of Strigoi come, I need to throw my body between them and her."

"I know that. Of course that's what you have to do." The black sparkles were dancing in front of my eyes again. I was fading out.

"No. If I let myself love you, I won't throw myself in front of her. I'll throw myself in front of you.”
••••

2 stars for Ghost Hand :) okay, so it doesn't mean that this book is horrible nor does it make it seem that it's a mindblowing read. It was just...okay.

What I liked about the book is how well-written it was. At first it was kind of interesting but I lost it somewhere mid part when I can't seem to really get into the story. The spark that we expect to feel in a book somtime after reading maybe 5 chapters was nonexistent. I kept going and reading thinking that "I'll get there, this book will have me hooked in no time" only to be disappointed.

It was kind of hard to understand the whole PSS thing and was weird to imagine people having glowing parts of their body. I can't seem to fully grasp the image nor understand how such thing works. I mean the idea is unique and that is what actually piqued my interest into reading this book but it felt like the phenomenon was not explained enough for the readers to have a deeper connection with the book. And the protagonist was... meh. She was okay. Although her struggle of being misunderstood and ousted by her peers was also not believable. I can't see her as the broken and misunderstood teen as she should come across, you know having the whole PSS thing. And how come she hates doctors! I mean, come on. Sometimes when your loved one has cancer the only assurance the doctors can give you are hope and faith and that is actually a nice thing. Would you have liked it better if the doctor was cold saying outright that your father is going to die, you should stop trying to fix him? I don't think so. Also she said doctors are cold and calculating then how come she still hates it when the doctors gave her hope, surely that's not a sign of hostility as how she described them, right? And the part where they all found out that Marcus is David she went all anti-Marcus saying how can they still follow his lead and then few hours after when the guys stayed behind as instructed by Marcus she chastises the guys saying how dare they stay behind after what Marus did for them. Seriously. She has some serious bipolar issues.

Also abnormalities like super powers are actually cool in X-Men but this was just.... I guess a failure to deliver a unique idea.

All in all I think the book was not able to captivate its audience as it should be although this book had a lot of potential. But I'm sure this will still be loved by sci-fi lovers out there. This book was just not for me. :)

“But I’d do it again. I know that now. I’d make that promise a thousand times over and lose her a thousand times over to have heard her play last night or to see her in the morning sunlight. Or even without that. Just to know that she’s somewhere out there. Alive.”

•••••••••••••••••••••

“And then Adam Wilde shows up at Carnegie Hall on the biggest night of my career, and it felt like more than a coincidence. It felt like a gift. From them. For my first recital ever, they gave me a cello. And for this one, they gave me you.”

•••••••••••••••••••••

“The band. When you’re with the band, I already have to share you with everyone. I don’t want to add my family to that pot, too.” Then she lost the battle and started to cry.
All my annoyance melted. “You dumb-ass,” I crooned, kissing her on the forehead. “You don’t share me. You own me.”


Half of the time I was reading the book, I was kind of frustrated and depressed. Because I didn't understand how everything just fell apart between Adam and Mia. And I can't fathom why would they ever start dating other people when they're supposed to stay loyal to their one true love? I guess I'm just being dramatic and did not realize that even though they are stuck with the ghost of each other's past, life moves on. And so would they. They must move on and grow up and face life as bravely as they can even if they are not together anymore.

What I noticed with this sequel is that it's somehow alike to Just One Day. Really, I just can't stop talking about the epic-ness of that book. :)) Of how Adam and Mia lost and then found each other again. It is like the story of how they embark on a journey of figuring out each other again and of remembering how epic their love was and is.

“So this would be like your farewell tour?” Of New York? Of me?
A little late for me.”

But you know what, all throughout the book I feel pity for Adam. Because after everything he did after the accident, after taking care of her, the break-up is the thank you he has gotten in return. The frustrating part also was how the two of them kinda danced around each other too worried like they were about to step on a mime! And I know how hard it was for Mia to "stay" but I still think Adam didn't deserve what he went through. But then the pain I felt for Adam slowly blurs as I see their happy ending. Because believe me at first I wasn't so sure whether they'll get theirs. I'm hesitant and doubtful whether they will still end up together or whether the story will settle for each other's closure. And I love the uncertainty this book gives off because at least it keeps me on my toes, holding my breath waiting for them to finally just GET ON WITH IT! Which they did. And I'm glad. :")

“This time we’re wide awake. And all together”

And to throw in for good measure, I believe what Mia's mom said about them falling in love. It's not the one taken out of a highschool romance where everyone knows someday it will blow off. What they had and have is real. It's solidified and cemented. What they have is mature. And once again Forman amazed me on how crazy and real the love of these two people have for each other. It didn't sound cliche nor too cheesy. It was perfect. Romantic even. Once again Forman did the unthinkable of creating a love that is believable. And you know what? At the end, whatever bullshit they went through did not matter. At all. As long as they are together, I'm good with that :")

“And then I start singing the chorus. Right to her. And she smiles at me, and it’s like we’re the only two people out here, the only ones who know what’s happening. Which is that this song we’re all singing together is being rewritten. It’s no longer an angry plea shouted to the void. Right here, on this stage, in front of eighty thousand people, it’s becoming something else.
This is our new vow.”

it was... meh. For lack of a better word, okay. :)

I HEARD THERE'S GOING TO BE A THIRD BOOK. MAY I ASK WHY?? WAS I WRONG TO ASSUME THAT THIS WAS GOING TO BE A DUOLOGY LIKE THE WHERE SHE WENT SERIES?!


I BADLY NEED THIS BOOK. AS. IN. AFTER THAT CLIFFHANGER ENDING I DON'T THINK I'M INTERESTED IN REAING ANY OTHER BOOK. BUT THIS SEQUEL. CAN SOMEONE PLS TELL ME IF ARCS FOR THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR REQUEST? KINDA GOING CRAZY HERE.

Well this book had A LOT of potential but failed to live up to it. I mean the concept is beautiful but the delivery was lacking. I may have loved this book back then during my Twilight-euphoric state but since I've already graduated from that kind of plot a long time ago, I can't come to appreciate this book. It had the whole insta-love theme which I was annoyed about. I mean seriously.. And even if they were falling in love, it doesn't feel like it. Every situation does not seem realistic. Even the twist on why Viktor cannot be killed felt like it was a necessity to keep the plot going so that it can be continued to a second book. Towards the end I was just skimming the book looking for interesting parts. I even skipped parts of Isaac and Adria's declaration of love for each other because blech... Where did you get that love from?! Sigh..... Now I need a good book.

Will continue this one some other time... When i have the patience and time to do so ;)

This book was NOT really for me, or I guess any other book of Abbi Glines, for that matter, is most obvy not for me.

The characters in this book were too shallow, I just can't stomach the plot. It frustrates me!!!! So much. I had to scold myself for even thinking of reading this book. Just. awful!! Anyway. That's it, all of Abbi Glines' books are obviously not my taste and no matter how inviting the blurb may seem I'll make sure to stay away from the book. For my sake.

Well this was a very predictable read!! I don't know if I'm just getting smart at figuring out these plots or if this one was just a dead giveaway in the beginning. Huh. So I only gave it a 4-star rating since it was good but not good enough to surprise me.

I predicted the whole plot from the very freaking beginning. And I was telling myself I'd be disappointed if the whole book was just going to be all about that. But turns out, I'm not as disappointed as I thought I would be. The book was still a fine read and I am looking forward to the next book! If ever there will be one. There has to be one... Right?

"But it seems to me that the experiences that stay with you, the things that you'll always remember, aren't the ones you can force, or go looking for. I've always thought of those things as the ones that somehow find you."

This was one powerful and heartbreaking read. The writing is impeccable and captivating that I didn't notice I was burning through page after page until I was on the end. This book has the right mix of heartache, mystery, heart-pounding revelations, hope and romance. I love Parker's personality and I honestly think her character has evolved from being an uptight straight-A student to a free-spirited and mature advocate of fate and true love. But one major flaw she has was the fact that she keeps on off-putting Trevor. I mean being a huge believer in fate and all that, shouldn't she be chasing her own happiness? Finding her own happily ever after? Holding on to the one thing that is so genuine and heartwarming instead of letting it fleet away? She doesn't know she got it good until she almost lost it. Although I'd like to be assured of everyone's happily ever after, I guess I'll leave it to my imagination. Parker is a likable character because she is very determined once she sets her sight on something. And even though everything did not go well as she planned, she left everything to fate. And I admire her for knowing when to stop and respect one's wishes. The flow of the story was easy to get into and flows smoothly all throughout and I will definitely read more of this author's upcoming works! A life-changing read that opens our eyes to all the great possibilities life can offer.

This is a great sequel, but it's lacking something I can't pinpoint... Hmmm.. And I think I've never been more in love with Warner!! And whoever Juliette chooses between Adam and Warner, I know I will be heartbroken. I still like Adam a lot, because he is the safer choice. The better choice, for practical reasons. He is Juliette's true love. But Warner also brings a lot on the table. He's broken and yet still capable of loving. So I'm begging Ms. Mafi to take it easy on us readers when he time comes for Juliette to choose. I want Adam for her. But Warner seems right for her too.

Gosh. I don't get this book. Really, I don't. The characters are too dense, the situations were repetitive, the plot was not realistic and I felt like every single one of them is bipolar. Mad at first, crying the next minute and then ends up laughing. This book had a lot of potential but I was left disappointed because it felt like not much thought were put in writing the book. Too bad I was really hoping I would love this as much as the others who gave it 5 stars.

Huh. I expected the bomb that was dropped in the very last line of this book. I know this was supposedly Leah's story (since it was in her POV) but I kinda wanted more of Olivia. She grew into my heart despite just reading about her recently :P I bet Leah will be enraged to know that even a fan like me chooses Olivia over her ;) there were flashes of pity I felt for Leah in some parts but then it will be quickly gone and replaced with an anger/dislike towards her. I really don't like the bitchy dirty red. because she was a snob and everything a horrible person is. I get it she comes from a family where her own parents don't want her but seeing as how miserable that was, shouldn't she be trying to become a better person and a better mother instead of sulking in her pity-party and make excuses as to why she is living a pathetic life? If Leah was not an obsessive manipulator, maybe I would have liked her. More of Caleb will be so much nicer too. And I'm glad we'll be getting that on book3. Can Ms. Fisher release it now? i'm itching to know what happens next in their too messed up life. So many lies and fucking dramas, I actually pity them all. I wonder whether a happy ending is even possible for each one of them. Caleb and Olivia are still obviously too stuck with their past relationship. They want each other so much it makes Leah look like an annoying parasite lurking when no one even wants her presence. I mean seriously, dense much?! Apparently in this book, the famous line "If you love someone, set them free" is overrated. I NEED BOOK 3 now!

The ending.... i don't know what to say.. This book left me broken!!!!! :( review to come!
Currently doing my review for this book!!! :)

Review is done! For full-on images and a recommended song while reading this book you can view my full review here: http://ireadlikeaboss.blogspot.com/2013/02/review-opportunist-love-me-with-lies-1.html

I must say, this by far is the best review I've ever made. Seriously. What can I say, this book is too inspirational it led me to do great things ;) I don't think I've enjoyed reviewing any book as much as I reviewed this one!! :)

Review to come! :)

I love happy endings!! Review to come ;)