Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

      About the book: INTENSE. DANGEROUS. ADDICTIVE. 

      Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn't drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand.
      Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants--and needs--to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby's resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis's apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match. 

      Quote of the Book: "You're going to be sorry you didn't open this door, because I just crawled along that piss-covered floor and now I'm going to hug you." -Finch

      My thoughts and opinion: WOW THIS WAS AN AMAZING BOOK. From the very first chapter, I knew I was hooked on this book and the characters. That book cover is also really beautiful with the butterfly in the jar. No matter what terrible part or wonderful part I was on, I couldn't put down the book and this book was one fantastic roller coaster. 
      Gosh, okay Abby Abernathy is a really cool character and she's so witty and funny! She's so quick with her words but also with her emotions and decisions. I thought she shouldn't have dated Parker and block out the obvious thoughts she was having about Travis. In her heart, she knew she loved Travis yet she still strung Parker along on dinner dates. Travis was so patient with her and she just led him on for the longest time. However, I admire Abby's strength and courage because she had to suffer with her horrible father and she attempted to start over again in Eastern University. And when Mick showed up unexpectedly and asked her for 25 thousand dollars, Abby got it for him instead of leaving him to die. She was brave enough to go to Benny. Abby was so smart in ways and so terribly foolish in other ways. 
      I seriously thought nothing good would come with Travis Maddox but man, do I regret thinking that because Travis is so RIGHT for Abby. He's so sweet and thoughtful with the puppy and the tattoo he got of Abby's name. Also, Travis is really sexy and although I didn't like his past ways of using girls like that, I loved him for giving it all up for Abby. He changed himself for Abby and he didn't try to get her in bed with him because he was content with just being friends with her even though everyone knew he loved her. I was really disappointed when Travis was actually considering Benny's offer and I thought Abby was never going to forgive him. I'm glad Travis rejected the offer though. I thought Travis's jealousy was kind of wonderful even though Abby hated it. At the part where they were trapped in the basement with the fire, I was on the edge of my seat because I just thought, "Okay this is where they die, but at least they die in each other's arms." But Travis saved them both! Travis is like a knight in shining armor or in this case tattoos. 
      Abby and Travis's relationship was a wild roller coaster but I could say the same for America and Shepley's relationship too. Even though they did not fight as much as Abby and Travis did, they had one break up. However, America and Shepley resolved their issues quicker than Abby and Travis so their relationship was a bit more stable than Abby and Travis's relationship. I enjoyed America and Shepley as supporting characters though and they were nice to have in the book. 
      Travis's family was also so awesome and loud. Abby wanted to be a part of the family and I felt like jumping in the book to be with the Maddox men too. There was never a dull moment in that house and I loved every single Maddox.
      Last but not least, Finch! I just had to quote him up there because he was like the gay best friend I wish I had. He was also there for Abby when she was in a bad mood and she wasn't talking to Travis and Finch was just awesome in his own way. 
      Overall, I really, really loved this book, but I don't think I'm going to read the sequel. I would rather read about what happens after not Travis's point of view. At first I didn't understand the title but after reading the book, I find it very clever because Travis and Abby are truly a beautiful disaster. 

Scribbler of Dreams by Mary E. Pearson

      About the book: Romeo and Juliet had the right idea. About dating the enemy that is. They were true to their hearts. Kaitlin Malone knows what it's like to date the enemy. She was raised to hate the Crutchfields, and absolutely does - until she meets Bram Crutchfield. It turns out he's a great guy, one she can talk to, share things with...even love. But when Kaitlin gives her heart to Bram, her world spins out of control. Soon the Crutchfields are her friends and she's a traitor to her own family.
      To make things worse, Bram was raised to hate the Malones, especially Kaitlin's father - who murdered Bram's dad. Bram doesn't know Kaitlin is a Malone. If he did, he'd hate her, too.
      What's a star-crossed lover to do?

      Quote of the Book: "Just thoughts, glimpses, things running through my head." -Kaitlin Malone

      My thoughts and opinion: I really like how it was a twist to Romeo and Juliet. It was like a modern day Romeo and Juliet. It was interesting that Kaitlin's character was a writer and Bram's character was an artist. I thought that gave them more depth. This book was a fairly quick read and it was pleasant as well. 
      Kaitlin was a character I could not relate to at all. For one, she was a writer. A dedicated and devoted writer who wrote almost every waking moment. I did admire her strength to keep going on and continue with her life even though her father was in jail. She transferred schools and not only that but she transferred to the school that belonged to the Crutchfields. That was a difficult thing to do yet she survived in the end. I did not like how she deceived Bram for so long. I could understand that she wanted to wait for the right moment, but sometimes you just have to make the right moment happen. Life is way too short to wait. And did she really think her secret wasn't going to come out sooner or later? It just amazes me how she thought no one would figure it out especially when she wasn't being that careful. 
      I did not like Bram as much because he turned his back on Kaitlin for the longest time and then he had a brilliant realization that he couldn't live without her. He turned really cold the moment he found out Kaitlin was a Malone even though he admitted that he loved her; I guess all of that didn't matter if her name was the enemy's name. 
      Overall, I liked the book and it was a decent read. A nice thing about the book would be the cover because the tint is cool and that locket is beautiful. The story is not that complex so it could definitely be for someone looking for a quick read. 

Love on the Lifts by Rachel Hawthorne

      About the book: Winter Break super-secret perfect cocoa recipe:
      8 oz steamed whole milk (no skim! doesn't work!)
      2 tbsp. dark cocoa powder (big scoops)
      1 tbsp. sugar (can't be too sweet)
      4 dried, crushed mint leaves (or 1 tbsp. mint syrup)
      Stir thoroughly. Add mint swizzle stick. Combine with cute ski instructor, or brother's cute best friend, or cute guy you never noticed was cute...Enjoy.

      Quote of the Book: "No tears now, Katie. I've had other guys in my life, just none like Michael. The important thing is for you to go out and enjoy life. Get cozy with a ski instructor or Sam's friend. Don't wait for life to tap you on the shoulder. Go out and tap it." -Aunt Sue

      My thoughts and opinion: This book was really a pleasant read and I'm not just saying that. Also, it suits this month perfectly. Gosh, Nancy, did you plan this out? Did you intentionally choose a wintery read? Why, yes I did. I'm glad I chose to read this book because it was cold outside and it's nice to be able to relate to the book a bit. Speaking of relating, I could seriously relate to Kate, it was too strange. I could picture every character being someone I know. Just a name switch and it would be my life. Except the one difference between Kate and me is the fact that I don't know how to ski. 
      Kate was quite a character because she was feisty and witty but also she was clueless. She calls her brother Clueless Sam, but I would call her Clueless Kate. Or maybe Klueless Kate to have that alliteration pattern. Seriously, it took way too long for her to realize that hey! Joe had a crush on her! And maybe she has a crush on him, too! And Brad is totally not worth it! Also, I loved the petty spats she has with Sam. Oh the silly sibling fights! 
      Joe is such a cutie! Argh! One cannot have enough Joe Foster in one's life. The connection and bond Joe had with Kate is really hard to find and I just love them together. Poor guy, though. His hints did not work at all. Joe should have just confessed to Kate sooner. I really admired how he truly cared for Kate unlike Brad who cannot remember Kate's name even if it was tattooed on her forehead. 
      AUNT SUE is the coolest book character ever! Man, I wish she was my aunt! I would love to just talk to her about everything. Therefore, I have to say Aunt Sue was my favorite character. I thought it was hilarious how she played matchmaker. Oh, she's just so wise and still so clever and smart and awesome! 
      Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it was a quick and easy read. I didn't read this while sipping mint hot chocolate, but I will definitely remember to do so if I read this book again. This book was warm, funny, and ab-snow-lutely adorable. 

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

      About the book: Ever since her parents' divorce, Auden has been unable to sleep. She's built a routine that gets her through each night; but when the opportunity comes for her to spend her summer at the beach with her father and his new family, she jumps at the chance to break out of her rut.
      Life at the beach proves more challenging than Auden expects. In addition to trying to figure out how she fits into her father's new life, she also has to navigate the girls at work with their gossip and friendship and crushes. And then there's Eli, a fellow insomniac who becomes her nocturnal tour guide. With an endless supply of long summer nights between them, almost anything can happen....

      Quote of the Book: "'Hot dogs!' Adam burst out excitedly. "We've got hot dogs! Tons of hot dogs! Here! Have one!"" -Adam.

      My thoughts and opinion: I loved this book because the characters just clicked and there were so many little moments that came together in the end. I noticed I seem to be on a roll of reading books that include the main male character having green eyes. Maybe that's fate telling me I need to meet a guy with green eyes pronto. 
      Let's talk about Auden. I like the fact that she was more into numbers and calculating because numbers were easier to deal with than feelings and emotions. High five! I could relate to that. Numbers never lie and you can always trust them. Oh my gosh, but Auden should not have let Eli slip away like that. I thought I was going to pass out before I could get to the part where they finally come together again. 
      Eli is so mysterious! And cool! I seriously need to be friends with this guy. I don't care that he's a book character. Haha. I thought his history was depressing but I am so glad that Auden made it better for him. They totally are meant to be. It's also really awesome how Eli can do bike tricks and I can barely ride a bike so flipping and jumping on a bike is terrifying. 
     I really, really liked how Auden and Eli's friendship/relationship developed! All those late nights, it almost makes me want to become an insomniac and find some guy who's an insomniac as well and just go on quests with him. I also agree with Auden that everything is different after sundown. Things change and there are many possibilities that could happen at night. 
      Oh, Sarah Dessen does it again. Although I like This Lullaby better, Along for the Ride is a terrific book, too. It's the perfect summer book, but it is still a good book to read in the winter too. This book took me along on a very cute ride. :-)

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

     About the book: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, Eleanor and Park is the story of two star-crossed misfits -- smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love -- and just how hard it pulled you under. 

     Quote of the Book: "It's up to us not to lose this." 
-Park Sheridan 

     My thoughts and opinion: I wanted to read this book for the longest time and gosh, reading it was just awesome. It's witty. It's adorable. It's a great book. Although the time period is in the late 1900s, it didn't feel like I was reading something historical (which is good because I probably would have stopped reading).
     I loved reading how Eleanor and Park's relationship developed and the thought of them falling in love on a school bus is cute and funny. It was also adorable when Park would give her his comic books and he'd mix cassette tapes for her. I fell out of my chair laughing when Park was searching for all the AA batteries he could find. 
     Okay now for the characters. Eleanor Douglas is the coolest, strongest, and awesomest (or most awesome to be grammatically correct) girl! I really do admire Eleanor because she has four other siblings and she is so caring. I could never be like that with so many siblings. And even though Eleanor is extremely poor, she makes the best of it. She continues with her life as if nothing is wrong when most people would not be able to take it. I also love how Beebi and DeNice helped her out and took Eleanor under their wings. That was really kind of them and Eleanor had real friends which made the book better knowing things were not all gloomy for her. Eleanor had special people in her life especially Park.
     Oh, Park Sheridan. First of all, I would love to meet him. An Asian with green eyes and black hair? Very hot. I kind of thought it was funny how on the cover, Park is wearing a light blue shirt, but in the book, it's mentioned that he usually wears black. Park is so thoughtful and sweet. I like how protective he gets and he's just so perfect with Eleanor. His parents are wonderful too. I hope to have a marriage like theirs. 
     I don't understand how Sabrina, Eleanor's mother, could be with Richie if he is an abusive, good-for-nothing drunkard who is also a perv. Richie really made me sick to my stomach and I was jumping with joy when I read that she and the kids got up and left Richie. They all deserve way better. 
     That ending was not enough for me! It totally left me hanging and it's so ambiguous! I like that Rowell left the ending for readers to interpret, but I need to know exactly what the postcard said! I kept looking for more pages to read, but it just ended there. 
     Eleanor and Park was a wonderful book and I absolutely enjoyed reading it. The characters and the dialogue between Eleanor and Park was so cutesy and adorkable. After I finished reading this book, I felt an urge to go read a comic while listening to the Smiths. 

The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram

     About the book: When Avery Shaw's heart is shattered by her life-long best friend, she chooses to deal with it the only way she knows how --scientifically.                                                                                        The state science fair is coming up and Avery decides to use her broken heart as the topic of her experiment. She's going to find the cure. By forcing herself to experience the seven stages of grief through a series of social tests, she believes she will be able to get over Aiden Kennedy and make herself ready to love again. But she can't do this experiment alone, and her partner (ex partner!) is the one who broke her heart.               Avery finds the solution to her troubles in the form of Aiden's older brother Grayson. The gorgeous womanizer is about to be kicked off the school basketball team for failing physics. He's in need of a good tutor and some serious extra credit. But when Avery recruits the lovable Grayson to be her "objective outside observer," she gets a whole lot more than she bargained for, because Grayson has a theory of his own: Avery doesn't need to grieve. She needs to live. And if there's one thing Grayson Kennedy is good at, it's living life to the fullest.

           

     Quote of the Book: "Hey now, you can't just go jumping in the shower with every guy you know. That's totally our thing." -Grayson Kennedy

     My thoughts and opinion: I'm not a science geek, but I thought this book was awesome. It was different from anything I've ever read, which could be a terrible, awful thing, but for this book, it was a wonderfully delightful thing. And I thought the cover was pretty cool because the periodic table of elements is there! I mean, how often do you see that on a book?

     Onto the characters. Avery reminded me of an innocent deer. She was cautious and careful (who wouldn't be after getting your heart broken?) but it wasn't to the point where it made the book unbearable to read. Avery might be shy, but she can be quick and she certainly isn't dumb. 

     Well, in the beginning, it may seem so. However, I thought Avery's judgement was just clouded because her heart was really, really broken. Like stepped on, smashed with a baseball bat, and thrown off a ten-story building. So, I really felt for Avery when she tried to defend Aiden's behavior and actions. Her denial was understandable. Avery Shaw was, in a way, a complex character to read, but no matter how frustrated I sometimes got at Avery, (yeah that happened, too) I still liked her since she wasn't really a bad person.

     And another character who likes Avery is Grayson! I totally loved Grayson from the start when he inserted his own prologue. What's not to love about him? Grayson's charming, sexy, hilarious. He's also really caring and gentle and just so darn perfect. I also liked how everything he did was for Avery; you could tell that Avery was his whole world. (Seriously. Grayson even joined the science club for her.) He never truly gave up on the science project and on curing her broken heart even though it seemed hopeless in some parts of the book. Not to mention, Grayson is super funny, which just adds on to how awesome he is. The guy has a fantastic sense of humor and it was nice to laugh every once in a while. 

     Aiden Kennedy. Now, since I love connections, I'll connect. When I met Aiden, I couldn't help but think of Aidan from Girl at Sea. There are similarities between the two characters like the fact that Aiden and Aidan are smart guys and their names are almost, almost the same. But while I loved Aidan, I really, really did NOT like Aiden Kennedy. I could not stand Aiden with his selfishness and his cruel revenge back at the cabin. The one time when I paused hating Aiden was when I realized what he said was true, that Grayson did, in fact, steal Avery away from Aiden. Then again, the way that Aiden acted (especially when he was with his horrible girlfriend) he didn't deserve Avery anymore. In my opinion, Aiden really didn't deserve Avery's forgiveness, but I guess it helped Avery's heart heal. 

     The friends in this book were great, too. Grayson's friends were popular yet cool at the same time. They were the good kind of popular, and I thought it was great of Pam and Chloe to take Avery under their wing. Avery's friends were witty and geeky and they treated a jock like Grayson somewhat equally. I mean, they took Grayson bowling in order for him to grasp the concept of Newton's Laws so, that's a pretty generous thing to do, right?

     Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. It was cute and fun with all the characters and humor. I thought The Avery Shaw Experiment was a roller coaster of a book since there are emotional stuff (SEVEN stages of grief!) Even if you're terrified of roller coasters, you can still try this book out. It's just as awesome without all the dizziness. 

His Eyes by Reneé Carter

     About the book: Amy Turner's about to graduate from high school and all she wants is a job. Actually, all she wants is to find a way to pay for college. Amy certainly isn't looking for love when she answers an ad to baby-sit a boy-she just need the cash. But the job has a catch: The boy is blind...and he's her age. 
     Tristan Edmund may be hot, but he doesn't want Amy's help. Or so he thinks. After being blinded in a horse show-jumping competition, Tristan spends his days in the dark, refusing to accept his disability. Much to his annoyance, Amy bursts into his life and drags him into the light. But just as the two begin to see something in each other, Tristan's beautiful ex-girlfriend shows up. Will the temptation be too much, or will Tristan choose the girl who really sees him? 

     Quote of the Book: "Way to be humble, Romeo." -Amy Rose Turner

     My thoughts and opinion: What a light yet sweet read! I knew I was going to like this book after  reading the summary, and I was right. There was humor in all the right places which is always great, but at 3 in the morning, I had to contain my laughter. I would have been laughing, though. And the characters were fabulous and kept me going.
     Amy Rose Turner is so cool and easy-going like whipped cream in a mug of hot chocolate. The way she bonded with Chris and Marly was so caring and gentle; it must have been her baby-sitting expertise. I thought Amy would be a great role model for the kids. Next, Amy is so persistent, in a good way, because she got Tristan to open up to her. I thought that was really awesome how she was determined to help Tristan and earn the money for Evanston, her dream college. So determined that she was able to tolerate Lexus or better known as, The Creature. All in all, Amy is just amazing because she got Tristan to change for the better.
     Tristan Edmund is... He is really something because in the beginning, he was emotionless like a rock and then once he's comfortable with Amy, he turns into this witty, sweet, fun guy to be around. And when The Creature shows up, Tristan is an oblivious ice cube, trying to please his mother by hanging with The Creature and therefore hurting Amy. Finally, towards the end, Tristan was wonderful again. More than wonderful. Although Tristan seemed like the typical, rich snob, he proved me wrong because he was actually a good person. He's one of the good people! 
     Since there needs to be a balance, The Creature is the loathsome character. There's also Kristy, but I didn't hate her; I just disliked her. Kristy didn't do that much to make my blood boil, but The Creature made sure the stove was turned on. I didn't think anyone could be so self-centered until I met The Creature. I'm still incredulous how Tristan could have dated such a vile girl. However, the book wouldn't have been great without an evil character like The Creature. She was the total opposite of Amy and that made Amy all the more better. Even the kids love Amy way more than The Creature.
     Speaking of the kids, Chris and Marly are just the cutest siblings ever! And they totally loved Amy more than The Creature which warmed my heart. Chris was like the ideal little bro because he was mischievous yet adorable. And all those Battleship games reminded me of childhood years. 
     Overall, I really liked this book and not surprisingly, it turned on my tear faucet in some parts. If you're a sucker for happy endings (like moi) or just looking for an light read, then give this book a shot! :-)