Reads and Thoughts

Love and Hate
Four Letter Words.
Strong Four letter words.

I started reading this about on the weary and edgy side, I really didn't know what to expect with all the tension and mystery as to what would happen next. Though only a novella, the romance is pretty captivating and exciting, I even find myself rooting for someone.

I really find the way it was written suitable for the story itself, short but definitely concise (though I'm still looking for little tidbits more). The story build-up was really exiting and interesting where I find myself looking forward to what would really happen.

Jade is such a real character. What you see is what you get. She's living a good enough life that is really far from perfect. She's dating the popular guy - Connor but has a lovable yet alcoholic big brother and a pretty blunt best friend Nina. Add up to this is the reappearance of the guy who left her broken when she was just fifteen year old. Oh and her parents are keeping a secret from here. Hmm. Yes, her life is really far far from perfect, but I love her spunky character. She's just pretty real.

I enjoyed reading it and and devoured it in one easy reading, but I'm looking for more. I know, its just a novella and things I'm looking for might not be really there so my only hope for this is for a sequel to come. Pretty please author, next book please.

*Thanks to the author for providing a copy for review.*

Two dysfunctional people.
One who wants to find her own release anywhere it maybe and the other who never seems to see the limit of liquor bottles.

Three long years of codependent relationship.
But when the fine line between fake and real seems to blur for them, would they pursue one another or just let their addictions eat them up.



Addiction is one tough issue to talk about. I really don't have enough knowledge about thins thing but this book speaks greatly about this term. I'm open to drug addiction, addiction to collecting stuff but this is the first time I encounter serious addiction as to what this book has.

An alcoholic and a sex addict.

Loren Hale - his name speaks volume of hotness! I just think his name sounds so handsome and dreamy. Anyway, he may come as your typical college guy who is handsome, hot, funny, loves to party and any other typical college student events to come into but one thing that is different from him and the one thing that anyone can't seem to see is that he's an alcoholic - an alcoholic who could finish a bottle of liquor in no down time. I love Loren's humor laced to all the seriousness of the issues on this book.

Lily Calloway is one disturbing character and clearly not the typical college student - she's struggling with school and has a serious case of sex addiction. She's not finding a reason to simply sleep around, its like there was an itch that she cant seem to stop scratching.

The funny thing about these two is that they're both the heir to successful companies. I'm not really on the socialite part of life so I guess that this thing really lies behind the life of the rich and famous. It's not like I'm judging them or such but its just that there are certainties that it might be true.

With their addiction present, the rainbow beneath this story is the relationship between Loren and Lily. They have a very complicated relationship, but I easily saw the affection and love that they feel with each other. They become codependent and though its really not ideal for them to tolerate each others addiction, they're both still there for one another. They make be faking it to the eyes of the other people but they're more than real to one another.

The story is not all about Loren and Lily, the secondary characters Rose, Ryke and Connor are all so sweet. I'm honestly hesitant with them at first but they all proved me wrong, for they redeemed themselves and prove their true intent is to simply help Lily and Loren.

I'm really surprised with how this book all comes out to me. Honestly, at first I thought its another story about boy-meets-girl-all complications between but no, I was given so much more. I sympathize, understand, feel breathless and even fall in love with the characters and the story itself. I'm really waiting for the moment for them to get help or something but the authors did a great job into leaving it for the next book.

Addicted To You is really a heartwarming story about real life problems that is there but we just cant seem to see it. The ending might be quite bittersweet but at least it all ends well and hopefully, the characters find their better ways into healing. A definite must read!

*Copy kindly provided for review*
*Blog Tour deets posted at Reads and Thoughts.

Chameleon gives us a one of a kind story wherein I think all the supernatural beings are present - from the warlocks, anomaly, witch, vampire, werewolves, seer, pure, necromancers, wizards, oracle - all of them are here. All summed up into one, isn't it amazing?!

In all honesty, I'm a bit weary when I started reading this, I can't seem to get in the 'in-the-zone' moment during the first parts for I don't really know what to expect, but the overall story line was pretty interesting. As I get my phase into reading this, I find it easy to get through it. I love the mystery part of the story. The way where I keep guessing who really is behind the things that are happening and all the killings.

Dani literally makes me laugh, she's a smart-mouthed character who is also strong and caring. She challenges people who gets into her way and she isn't really afraid to show what she really feels. When she discovers that she discover that she has a magical power, its pretty much understandable that she would be shocked, she really annoys me during the first parts but at least she did good and handle things better during the next parts.

I really haven't been into the love triangle between Dani, Russ and Gabriel. Though Gabriel has never shown any bad side, but his relationship with Dani was too forced and the idea that they're already married in the eyes of the council without any events or something really didn't appeal to me. With Russ and Dani, that's where I feel terribly bad. I'm honestly rooting for these two for I adored reading about them and the history behind them and its really a shame to see how terrible their relationship ended, they have more chemistry than Gab and Dani (Sorry Gab fans!) :(

Despite the ending being squeaky clean, I was still left with a lot of questions. There are a lot of hanging threads that are left.

Chameleon was a unique story that encompasses all the supernatural beings that we see separately on other stories. The world building is really clever and I enjoyed reading it. Is there more? I do hope so.

*Advanced copy kindly provided for review*
*Blog Tour deets posted at Reads and Thoughts.

A bad and slow start doesn't always guarantee an overall bad story.
It was indeed a bad and a slow start as I start reading Dangerous To Know and Love, I can't seem to get the grip as to where the story is heading and I cant connect to the storyteller. Luckily, the author didn't drag the mystery and it was disclosed immediately and the paced picked up and maintained through its succeeding pages.

Dangerous to Know and Love gives us a beautiful story laced with love, acceptance and passion.

I'm saying this to sway you all people to give it a chance and read it pronto! You see, the story was in a college setting but I was surprised to see that it didn’t reek of that college cliché stuff I was expecting, plus the angst and the teenage drama was not overly done. Aren’t you interested now?

First Impressions will do you no good with the set of characters from this book. Lisanne and Daniel took me by surprise!

Lisanne was the type of character that we usually see that always has this certain magnetism with bad-boys - she's a virgin, and doesn’t like to socialize and is a nerd, nothing so new right? But as I see her get through the story, I see a side of her that is too good to be true because despite her lack of experience with relationships and stuffs like that, we see how strong she could be despite all the downfalls and trials that she faced. She accepted and lived up to what she believes just to be with the person that she wanted to be.

Daniel was the bad-guy who is dangerous to know. He has a reputation of being the go-to-guy when people need drugs or stuff alike. He has this one goal in life which is to keep people at arms length. But there is so much more going on with this guy - so much more than the jerky attitude he's showing to all people. I was blinded by his dark attitude during the first parts and honestly didn't like him, but as I get to know him, he owned my heart - well maybe not totally because of his continuous wallow on self pity coz of his situation which I utterly understand. But despite that he totally surprised me with is overall capability.

I love their journey together through Daniel’s life issues and different struggles and Lisanne’s own downfalls. I never thought that a bad boy acting like a jerk all through out the first half of the story would warm my heart and brought tiny flecks of tears in my eyes. And the girl who I thought was another typical college-naïve girl will be the source of all the strength holding Daniel.

With all its scientific aspects and explanations about Daniel’s situation, I could say that this was a well researched book with lessons spread through its pages. The information this book gives us is enough overview as to what the characters are going through - things are handled averagely not too much information neither it is lacking. It gives us readers enough dosage of what we never thought we needed to know.

I was just a bit lost to the transitional parts as to whose character is speaking in a chapter. It was not indicated who's speaking in a certain chapter that sometimes I can’t easily move from one speaker to the other. But story wise, everything was okay. The plot moved slowly but as I've said once I get into the heart of the story, I can’t get out anymore.

A surprisingly touching story about fighting, love, determination, and acceptance; It was a long story but so worth the read. Give it a chance to get hot into your hands before deciding to not continue reading it because it was definitely worth reading.

"The only way to move forward without regret was to accept what happened. I couldn’t change our past, but I could change our future."


I loved The Perfect Game, reading that turned me into a complete Jack Carter fan. Now, I was contented with how that ended and honestly Game Changer was really an unnecessary addition but if I could get to see more of Jack and Cassie and definitely know more of Jack's side and the things that could happen to them, who am I to complain?

I fell head over heels once again with Jack Carter. After the ultimate fuck-up that he did with Cassie on The Perfect Game, he finally redeemed and proved himself. This book makes me see how truly devoted he is to Cassie, how he did work hard just to get her back and prove that his love for her was really. In all honesty, I was hesitant to read this book because I can’t help but feel afraid of the fuck-up that Jack could do coz we all know he’s capable of those but surprisingly, all he did here was show his good side and as I’ve said redeemed himself.

Finding the balance between her own life and career with Jack’s celebrity status is where Cassie seems to struggle. I hate the fact that instead of talking to Jack about the dramas and confusion that she feels she chose to let it all build inside her and break her. For one, I really can’t blame her, she doesn’t want to be dubbed as the clingy girlfriend whatsoever and burden Jack with her petty issues but she could’ve simply told him that, that’s why relationship are made right? For you to be able to open up and talk. But I know that they’re just starting up again and the pressure of Jack being all famous and celebrity was a very though combination so, I guess they still do well with it.

This story is not at all a recap of the first book, it just gives us an idea as to what they both been through during the times they’re apart. There are a lot of new things in this book especially the change in Jack’s Celebrity status which is the cause of the main drama for this one. Good thing is that the drama here is not as heavy as to what the first book has, and I’m really thanking God for that. I really don’t think I can handle it.

Additional characters here are Melissa and Dean; I love the relationship between these two. Maybe a story about them would be great, Ms. Sterling.

In all, I liked this additional story of Jack and Cassie. It gives me the strong happy ending that I never thought I was looking. Sigh. I love you, happy ever afters. :)

Wouldn't it be interesting if there is a way where you could rate the guys at your school? In that way, you would know whom to go out to or not, right-oh?!

Ruby Cotton, solved the problem of Whitman University's girl population
by making the Whitman Referral Site.

What would Ruby do when the lowest ranked guy on her site became the guy that she's most attracted to? Will the attraction and understanding between each other be enough or will the secrets keep them apart?

----

By Referral Only is the companion novel to the Whitman University series following up the story of Emilie and Quinn was Ruby Cotton's story.

Now, Ruby Cotton is a one tough pill to swallow. She's the feisty roommate of Emile and I never thought that she would be this hard and strong of a character. She's a theater geek who loves to party and have sex on the side and she definitely hates commitments because 'she's been there, done that and even got the t-shirt burned', making her definitely close off to any emotional encounters.Upon hearing awful stories with guys, she decides to build up a portal ranking guys on their university and honestly, the idea of The Whitman Referral site is pure dead brilliant - well negative and repercussions aside.

Enter, Cole fucking Stewart - the Scottish, rich, handsome swimmer bloke who is also hiding a secret super stardom when it comes to acting. He's almost perfect so why does he rank as one of the lowest? Could it be true that he's just a good-make-out partner but not so good in bed? Hmmm.

I love the reverse Identity kind of thing on this story wherein the girl - Ruby is the aggressive one and Cole is the innocent side. I'm kinda hook with fictional guys with attitudes like Cole - the underdog, mysterious type. ;)

One aspect I really didn't like is the fact that Ruby continuously mope about the fact that her family has new money and she comes from new money. I just get too annoyed and as she continuously repeat that mantra again and again, it honestly starts to get old.

I love seeing Quinn and Emilie make a cameo here and By Referral only is a great addition to the Whitman Series! By Referral Only is a quick, witty and entertaining read.

*Copy kindly provided for review*
*Blog Tour deets posted at Reads and Thoughts.

Ugh! Why do I keep reading books that I thought was a stand-alone but ended up with a complete cliffy?! There, I said it already; a cliffy is definitely waiting for us at the end of this, but in a very rare and weird reason, I was happy and contented with the way it ended, yes it was a cliffy and it would’ve been nice if it didn’t end that way but it was a happy ending so whatever. But as I've told you with another story that I've read that also has a cliffy ending, don’t let that stop you from reading it for it was still worth the read!

When it came to a battle of originality, Promise Me This won’t make it any different from the others. The story somehow goes along this way:

Charlie is the daughter with an over protective parents.
Her brother Cameron rebelled flew out of Tennessee, move to San Diego and live his own free life.
Then an accident happened.
Charlie comes to San Diego to pack Cameron's place where she met Jhett.
Jhett, the tattooed, band-guitarist who is her brother's best friend.
They explore a series of firsts for each others, gets to know more about Cameron and each other.

Definitely not up to originality with its naive heroine and musician hero right? But the simplicity and tangibility of the story brings out the best of this book. The circumstances may not be any different from any other stories but the way it was all handled was greatly appreciated by me.

The characters are all more than the pretty faces and problematic teens. Yes, they have their flaws but they have their distinctive characteristics with them.
I see Charlie as more like her own brother. She craves spontaneous and adventurous events! I like that she finally decides to stay and just explore the place where her brother stayed.

Jhett with his hot and cold emotions, tattooed body and snarky attitude could be deceiving because under all that is a nice guy - a nice guy who has studied in a culinary school and could make you hungry with all his cooking. He could come as a very stereotype character but the thing that really makes his mark on me was when he gave Charlie a ride home with his Bicycle – not a motorcycle – on a bicycle! If motorcycles are hot, I consider Bicycle rides as the sweetest.

The romance was quite predictable and there is no doubt that this two will be together, but the highlight I guess would be the better end of it where one of them stands up to fight for their relationship.

The author's way of writing was flawless and easy to get into. The flow of events went smoothly so reading this has quite been a very easy experience for me. The only problem that I encounter here I guess is that lack of attention to the tragedy that became the root of this story which is Cameron's death. Yes, they’ve given him respect and all that but those few moments that he was mentioned it seems to force just to remind the readers that the characters lost someone important to them. It focused more on the romance rather than on the healing for the loss of someone they love.

Promise me this is more than just your romance novel, it's about living you life, fighting for what you really want , following your dreams, death and even guilt but despite it all LIVING and not simply existing. I'm excited to see more of Charlie and Jhett especially Jhett's Kill Ya Spaghetti. It was a very promising start on a series, so please please Sarah Ashley Jones, give us the next book ASAP. ;)

Is it too weird to say that one of my dreams is to visit a Walmart store? I know, it's weird but since I'm not living in the United States and I'm located all the way to the other side of it, I guess it’s not that weird. Well, here in Manila we have a store chain called WalterMart which as you can see is near the name Walmart, such an original right?

So, anyway, if I could find things, stuffs and people that Hope managed to meet and find at Walmart maybe I would need to buy a plane ticket now. Is that how really things are there? ;)

One thing is for sure on this book; Hope Jones is the epitome of wittiness and humor. I loved her internal monologues and Brad Pitt daydreams. She's a really funny character and the way she acted is all so natural to look and see. I love her job as a book cover photographer. With a lot of awesome and gorgeous book covers that surfaces these days, I never thought it would be that hard and that there would be too much work involve in doing those. Jake, on the other hand, is such a southern man. He's a smooth talker and all and despite of his age I still find him real attractive.

Hope doesn’t seem to recognize him from High school but it was pretty apparent that he remembered a lot of her from then. I have this certain feeling that Jake is still hiding something maybe from their High school days or so.

This is another case of insta-love presented to us in a silver platter, But as I've said insta-love or not, it’s all about the chemistry and how it was presented. Hope and Jake have this undeniable spark and I think they’re just simply perfect for each other.

Speaking of ages, what really is the age of Hope and Jake? On my copy which was provided by the author, it was told that Hope was 26 (Loc. 241 on Kindle) but then around the middle of reading I encounter another age which says she's 37 (Loc.346 on kindle)? Hmm. Please be kind to clear this thing up to me for that is the only issue I encounter here.

In all, it was a fun and great reading experience. I love the humor that accompanies the story. I can't seem to find any hint about the second novella but I do hope it come out soon. I'm excited to see what would happen next.

*Thanks to the author for kindly providing the copy for review.*

So I stayed.
In a room full of family members praying for their loved ones to come through,
I prayed for a girl I didn’t know and never met before to have a beating heart.

Shey Stahl, I know you would never fail me. I was intrigued with the premise of this book, from the gorgeous cover, interesting storyline, great characters and awesome writing - it was all well combined at its finest.

I love skating and though it’s been awhile since I've been to one, I can’t help but feel happy whenever I get the chance to wear skates and glide through the ice. I'm not really a fan of hockey but I find it interesting enough. Delayed Penalty tells us a lot about the game itself plus the life that hockey player lives - not only the parties and girls but their life inside the rink.

Being a sports man doesn’t stop Evan Masen for still wearing his heart on his sleeve. He's the defenseman for a team in NHL, hockey is life. Being a defenseman, he has this tough outlook, but deep inside he's also a softie with a caring, loving and compassionate heart and mind. It's easy to like this guy. Reading on his view is so good, I just can’t explain it but he’s a very strong speaker.

Ami is the sweet, naive and nice girl who doesn’t have an easy life. After what she's been through seeing her live her life, having strength, freedom, determination and sprit was all to refreshing to see for a character like her. It's easy to love her as much as Evan.

Delayed penalty is the story about these two people meeting in a very unconventional and unpleasant circumstance but neither of them knows it would both change their lives. It shows us that sometimes fate has its funny way of getting the ways of two people into each other. I love the anticipation, mystery and just about everything on this one.

Shey Stahl is indeed an amazing writer. Waiting for You was the first novel of her that I've read but Delayed Penalty now holds the top spot. ;) The story also accompanies a very sensitive topic, but it was handled very well through it all.
And the suspect has been caught! The way it needed was also very much appropriate and take note, there is no cliffy! We get to see Leo’s story next.

With the number of books that are written today, there would always come a time when a certain one will simply blow your reading mind. Delayed Penalty did that for me. I was impressed with everything about this book so do yourself a huge favor and get this one now and let’s all wait for the next installment to this series arrived.

Dear Angela Graham (the author of this book),

I’m sorry for this impending drama but after the vulnerable state you've left me with that kind of ending, when will be the next book? Are you now accepting reviewer copy requests? Because I'm telling you, I'm still broken with it all and wanted to have that happy ending. Oh, and please tell us its coming soon.

Love,
Me, that is willing yet unwilling to wait for the next book. ;)

---

As early as now, I'm telling you there would be a definite cliffhanger here, but don’t let that stop you from reading this awesome because cliffhanger or not, Inevitable is one surprising and worth it read.

Inevitable blindly attacked me. Just when I thought I’m just about to read another ordinary contemporary-romance story, I was presented with a warming story that did catch me. It was a definite hit, a three-point shot and a home run for me reading this.

I definitely love Cassandra. From the get go, I harbor this certain likeness for her and fortunately she did not fail me. She’s real and raw; knows her limitations, her strengths and weaknesses. Her moment of weakened with her ex has now passed and getting her own life back in track is her goal. She's a one of a kind heroine that never fails to amaze me with the choices she made. I idolize her for always seeming to make the right ones.

Logan is the mysterious yet cocky new neighbor that Cassie has. He's upfront from the start that he's the no-relationship kind of guy; in fact he may even come as a man-whore. But you can't help yourself if you fall right? Plus his kid Oliver is such a cutie! He's this four-year-old guy that seemed to be too mature for his young age. The only issue I have with him is that it seems like he lack a certain quality that I can’t quite point. Maybe the author just forgot to mention that he’s more. Yes he's a caring dad and brother, responsible and stuff but what more? He mentioned that he’s no relationship kind of guy so what could offer to Cassie. Even though at the end, he tried to salvage his reputation, I just can’t easily accept it. I just need more justification and proving.

As Will Cooper said, 'Death. The only inevitable thing in life', but now I know that that is not the only thing that is inevitable, Falling In Love is another thing that is inevitable in life. Logan and Cassie are fighting it, but as I’ve said, when you fall, you fall right?

Hilary and Caleb, I really thought that the next book would be about you two, but I was wrong. They’re both good friends to Cassie and seeing them be together is such a sweet addition to the story. Maybe we'll get to see their story soon but for now, let’s focus on Logan and Cassie. ;)

Just when I thought I'm reaching the end of it all, I was surprised to be brought on with a huge, epically heartbreaking and gut wrenching cliffhanger, hence the reason for my letter to the author above. I can't believe it. I've read this thinking that though it belonged in a series, I’m hoping that it’s the kind of series where the next books are about a different set of characters but boy I was so wrong that's why I'm so not prepared for the way it ended. I honestly need and crave for the next book now.

I have no disappointments in reading this book. Wonderfully woven story that literally makes me crave for me. You really do hit me Angela Graham!

Holy Potatoes!
There's more?

“I swear, Em, if you leave me I’ll kill myself”

Being always manipulated by those words and other physical abuse drives Clementine away from her husband. After three long years, she finally found the courage to walk out of his life but then he pulled the trigger and Clementine, widowed at the age of 26 is now left with an overwhelming guilt over her husband’s death.

----

Using your life as a bargaining chip to maintain your hold to the person you’re in a relationship with is one of the strongest defense that you could use. But I don't think it’s all fair; I mean we're all talking life and death here. I hate what Emmie's ex-husband did but as much as I hate it there is still a feeling of sympathy and sadness here.

Emmie was an okay character. I understand why's she's so aloof and sheltered at the moment but most of the time her judgmental side especially the bitchy side one doesn’t rub off good to me. I even find myself questioning what does Colin even sees in her.

The budding romance between Colin and Clementine was pretty much apparent on the story. The chemistry and the attraction is there but the tension of the relationship that Paige and Christian have seemed to overshadow what the protagonists have, which leads me to the main issue that I have which is that the characters a greater description or depth. It would’ve been nice to see and know more about Paige, Christian and Colin and even Clementine herself. The descriptions are there but I can’t seem to find that certain connection. They’re all great characters and I know there still more to them.

Stubborn Love is a heartwarming novel that is pretty much easy to read with its deep yet simple and sweet plot line. I didn’t have a hard time going through the story. It was a good read; it’s just that I’m still itching for more push.

*Thanks to the author for kindly providing advance copy for review.*

As the saying goes 'There's always two sides to every story'. Well, This Girl is the side of Will Cooper as he and Layken reminisce the things they've both been through way before they reached their blissful happy ever after.

Would it be possible for my heart to stop beating and beat frantically at the same time? It's all because of you, Will Cooper!

Stories being told in a different point of view are rampant these days, so what makes This Girl different from those? Well, it was the fact that it was not a simple retelling of the very same story for it was also woven into the present day lives of the characters. The flash-back thing that is happening makes the reading so good and not very repetitive at all. This girl gives us a lot of new scenes and emotions that we actually didn’t get to experience on the first book. Though you wouldn’t really understand what is going through if you haven’t read the first two books, but this girl seems to be another story not a retelling of the first book.


The first introduction.
The first impressions.
The first date.
The first kiss.
The falling in love.


All of these in Will's view such a sweet thing to go back into. Even though I didn’t have to wait long to read this third installment to the series, I can’t help but still feel nostalgic. Though we already get a glimpse of Will's view on the second book Point of Retreat, we fully understand more here the root of all these things, where it all really started. Being able to read about Wills decision making and hesitations and how thing really affected him really make this book great on its own, without the shadow of the book it was retelling.

Slammed series is not the first novel by Colleen Hoover that I've read, in fact it was Hopeless and I was also very much into that story and now that Slammed series has crossed path with me it was no wonder that I was now added to the long list of fans of this author. Ms. Hoover, you really have a magic with your hands and writing that never fails to make me feel - simply make me feel, so please continue writing stories like this.

This Girl, is an amazing addition and conclusion to this series. The entire Slammed series was one heck of a ride for me, but oh so worth it all, especially all those tiny tear I've cried and those happy and smile inducing moments it gave me. It's a beautiful and well-built story that would always live for me. It was all such a sweet ending for such a sweet story and sweet couple.

Point of Retreat started off just when Slammed ended. There is no doubt that I absolutely fell in love with Will and Layken's chemistry and all the whatnot to that story so I’m not really surprised to love Point of Retreat as much as Slammed.

Let's play the suck and sweet time here:

First off, the suck part, well I can't think of any, so I guess I'll just proceed to the sweet part. ;)

The sweet would most probably be the lighter mood of the story. The darkness that seems to shadow the first book has now passed and now is Will and Layken's time to be together. Will and Layken's relationship is still as sweet and wonderful as ever. This story is all about their love for each other, their life, their point of retreat and the whole things ahead of them.

But just when I thought things are going smoothly little mishaps or complications came – Will’s ex-girlfriend resurfaced and things between these two are being questioned. As much as I continuously said that I hate complications, this is one of those rare times that I think those bumps are necessary for I know Will and Layken will get through it. But be warned that the road to paradise isn’t easy; there are huge, tear-inducing bumps along the way. (Prepare your Kleenex)

As I’ve said this is full of sweet moments and addition to Will and Layken are Kel and Caulder’s participation. I love their intriguing and excessive questions and banter and seeing them growing and have crushes, it’s just so cute. Another character also surfaces in the identity of Kiersten, whom I want to steal out of this book and be my all time BFF myself. She brought a ray of sunshine and humor to the story with her wisdom and maturity despite her age .

Seeing this story was told in Will’s POV is refreshing. We’re opened into a side of him that is more romantic. We get to see and realize how he really sees Lake as a person – from their first meeting to their first date. Sigh, Will Cooper, please be mine.

In all, Point of Retreat is still as engaging as the first book. It gives us a view of how much deep the love of this two goes on. It was an amazing follow-up novel that would let you give a huge sigh of relief after you turn its last page. It was one bumpy ride to Will and Lake's story but I could say its all so worth it for their story is really precious.

You Guys!!
This is it! A start of something new!!
I'm just gonna sit here and wait, chanting..

SLAMMED. Sealed. Delivered. I'm yours Will Cooper!!

I'm going to make this review as short as possible coz I know a lot of you have already been through this 'slammed-phase' and I'm pretty much late about all of this but I still wanted to share my thoughts though.

Slammed is definitely not your normal story. Frankly, it doesn’t have the most complicated plot - it may even come as cliché and extensively used to others but Hoover did a great job in mixing its elements making the mainstream used type of story into so much more. With its simplicity, Slammed would easily capture your heart.

I was surprised how much the story of Will and Layken captured me and gripped my heart to the fullest, I was expecting just another story that would hold me for the mean time or another story with a dramatic plot with all the complications and uncertainties in the middle - it all has those but it was the way it was told that makes my overall reading experience good and much better. The story behind this book was told in a snapshot kind of way. It didn’t direct its readers directly into the story instead it gives us different shots, angles and scenarios that when we readers add up makes up the whole story. Honestly, it was a clever way and a unique one for me. Slammed makes me laugh, feel in love and even cry a few times.

This story also introduced me to something called Slam Poetry. I'm not really a poetry buff though I tend to 'carve pumpkins' at times, but I'm really not that deep type of person but give me a case of poetry like this book has well, I might get addicted. From the Mean to the Pre-proposal to the Pink Balloons - I feel in love with each poetry. Sigh.

The first meeting, the first handshake, the first date: I was a goner.

A well rounded group of characters is another thing this book gave us.

Lake and Will is such an amazing protagonist to the story. Lake has her immature moments in dealing with stuffs especially about Will but in a lot of ways, I feel like I truly understand her. The most amazing thing about her is her ability to think rationally despite those things that are happening she has her priorities in line and choices that always lead her to the right place. Will, on the other hand is the supportive and handsome neighbor who has a lot on his own plate. He has the deep and mysterious effect to him that is too much to handle for I love mysterious people. ;)

Kel and Caulder are two amazing little characters that add up a great sweetness to the story. Layken's Mom Julia and her best friend Eddie (which is a girl) and Gavin are all great additions too; These characters all together really makes up what I was looking for on this.

Of course, its not always rainbows and butterflies for Slammed, I still have my little issues with it. Take note of the little you guys,

Firstly, I'm kind of hesitant with the "Insta-Love" that Will and Layken experienced. The attraction and the sparks are there but you see my hesitation is that, I'm mostly annoyed with those types of relationship; I can't just actually picture falling in love in such a short time. Heh. But as the story goes and as the story unravels, I see where it all seems to come from.

Another thing is that it ended abruptly. If I didn’t know there would be a next book to this, I would be ragingly mad. Though things get settled I can’t help but utter the words "That's it?" by the time I reached the last page. But since I know there would still be a next book, I didn’t really go on that drama.

As I've said, little issues right? But the very very good thing about it is that these issues are overshadowed by the overall beautiful-ness of this book. It was not really a perfect book, but it was imperfectly perfect for me. It was a simple romantic story that has a power to grip its reader’s heart. Oh Colleen Hoover, how could you magically grip us with your stories?

In all, I really really enjoyed reading this book, and as the saying goes 'It's better late than never' right? It was a heartbreaking yet heartwarming and heart wrenching story about discovery, acceptance, pain, laughter, growth, heartache, poetry and love. A fast pace romance is what you want? Definitely check this one out.