Book Review: Not Okay, Cupid

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*I received a free digital advanced reader’s copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. This did not influence my review of this book in anyway. This is an honest review of the novel as I saw it. This novel will be on sale on Jan. 11, 2016.*

Synopsis from Amazon:

Hazel McCallister loves her life. Perfect grades. Perfect best friend. Perfect boyfriend. Until her perfect boyfriend cheats on her with her perfect best friend. Now Hazel’s in free fall—until her best friend’s brother, Felix, gives her the perfect idea. Reclaim her power by taking revenge on her cheating ex.

Felix James loves his life. Casual relationships. Loads of surfing. He’s as drama-free as they come. But he can’t stand by when his sister steals her best friend’s boyfriend, and the dude insists it was Hazel’s fault. So Felix vows to help turn Hazel into a girl her ex can’t resist—so then she can break his heart.

With an alliance in place, Hazel’s revenge is all but assured. But with each piece of payback, she feels a stronger attraction to Felix, even though revenge will turn her into a girl Felix could never be with. And soon Hazel has to make an impossible choice: revenge…or Felix, the boy who’s stolen her heart.

This book had the potential to be great if Hazel and Felix’s “revenge” wasn’t so ridiculous.

First of all, there was no evidence to prove that Hazel’s boyfriend, Jay, was “perfect” to begin with. Literally, the first time Jay shows up he’s flirting with Hazel’s best friend, Kimmy. On a similar note, I have no idea how Hazel and Kimmy are BFFs. Other than the fact that they’ve been friends since they were kids, it seems they don’t really know that much about each other.

Moreover, Kimmy and Jay didn’t even try to hide the fact that something was going on. They were caught in the lunch room. I don’t even think the word “caught” qualifies here because they were flirting out in the open.

I just think if I’m supposed to believe Jay is a “perfect” boyfriend and Kimmy is Hazel’s best friend there should’ve been more build up to this whole thing. Jay and Kimmy should’ve at least tried to keep this a secret and then be more apologetic about it happening.

Instead, Jay doesn’t seem to feel sorry at all and Kimmy, for reasons I couldn’t understand, seemed to think she was in the right.

Also, don’t worry about spoilers. All of this happens in the first three chapters or so.

Then we have Felix who of course is great but he’s a “bad boy” who dates multiple girls instead of settling down. And why is Felix so repulsed by the idea of getting close to anyone and being in a serious relationship you ask? Because he had his heart broken…IN FOURTH GRADE! Yes, that’s right. Felix has sworn off commitment because in the fourth grade a girl broke his heart.

I’m sorry but that’s some nonsense. Seriously? The fourth grade. I’m supposed to believe that a heartbreak in the fourth grade makes a guy give up on love completely. That makes no sense. And I’m not saying you can’t have your heart broken when you’re that young. I still remember the crushing feeling of having the boy I liked in kindergarten tell me he didn’t like me back. Those feelings are real and valid.

But I also remember quickly getting over it because I was young and I was still at an age where there was recess and another boy would give you flowers soon after and everything would be right in the world again. I can’t honestly understand how a heartbreak at the age of nine could make someone swear off love and I didn’t buy it in this book at all.

Lastly, of course readers are meant to come into this novel expecting Hazel and Felix to end up together. That’s a given. But at least build up to that. In the first chapter rather than seeing Hazel with her “perfect” boyfriend, it’s Felix she’s talking and joking around with. They even have pet names for each other. How am I supposed to believe they hate each other and don’t get along when they have cute little nicknames for each other?

I think if this book was developed more and things took more time and were drawn out a little bit I would’ve liked it more. But Hazel and Felix’s whole revenge plot seemed absolutely ridiculous to me and I just had trouble believing anything the author was trying to sell me with this book.

Still, Hazel and Felix were really cute and I think if this novel was sold to me as a “they’ve been friends for a long time and when Hazel’s boyfriend cheats on her Hazel suddenly realizes the perfect guy for her was there all along” kind of story I would’ve like it a hundred times more. But the way it stands now I didn’t believe it and I also kind of didn’t like that the book is told in Hazel and Felix’s POV. I didn’t want to know how Felix really felt about Hazel. I wanted to me surprised just like Hazel was. Instead, I just wanted to slap both of them and say, “Open your eyes. You’re in love idiots!”

Honestly, if you’re looking for a quick romance this will do but it’s not the best.

Borrow or Buy: Borrow.

Stars:

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Hermione Granger

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If you haven’t heard the name, Hermione, at least once the week, you must’ve been living under a rock because it’s practically blown up my Newsfeed and Tumblr dash for the past few days.

But if you haven’t already heard the news, actress Noma Dumezweni has been cast to play Hermione Granger in the eighth installment of Harry Potter, which will be in the form of a play in England.

Of course people have their issues with this, as was probably to be expected when they made this casting decision, but honestly I could care less. J.K. Rowling has since issued this statement via Twitter:

Therefore as far as I’m concerned if she’s saying skin tone was left unspecified I’m going to believe her because, full disclosure, I haven’t finished reading the Harry Potter books yet anyways. But moreover, I feel like if anyone would know the race of their characters it would be the author.

But this post isn’t to dive in and try to say what skin color Hermione should or shouldn’t be. Honestly, I love the idea that Hermione is black but I also loved Emma Watson as Hermione. Truthfully the way I see it is Hermione’s race doesn’t change who she is and the fact that people are getting so upset at even the idea that Hermione could be a POC shows a lot about them as a person than it does about anything else. Just because Hermione is being played by a POC that doesn’t change how smart, beautiful, brave, and down right awesome Hermione is.

Hence why Hermione, no matter what race she is, is my woman crush Wednesday this week. She’s beautiful inside and out and I wish I could see this play live. I’m sure Dumezweni will kill it and I’d love to see her and Emma Watson meet and discuss what it’s like to play Hermione.

Honestly, I kind of find this whole situation funny because when POCs get mad that a white person is playing someone that was a POC in HISTORY, as in there is no way the person’s race could possibly be misinterpreted, many (not all) white people don’t see what the big deal is or can’t understand why it’s an issue. But God forbid a POC is put in to play a FICTIONAL character who’s race was never specified in the first place and (white) people get upset about it.

Can we just acknowledge the fact that Hermione’s race played no role in the Harry Potter novels? Her being white or black has no affect on the bad assery that is Hermione Granger. The fact that she’s a mudblood was the most important characteristic about Hermione and that hasn’t changed. So just accept that Hermione will now be played by a POC actress and let’s move on. Because honestly no matter how upset some people are, Dumezweni got the role fair and square and no one can take that away from her.

Favorite Line:

“As the Dark Lord becomes ever more powerful, your race is set still more firmly above mine! Gringotts falls under Wizarding rule, house-elves are slaughtered, and who amongst the wand-carriers protests?”
“We do!” said Hermione. She had sat up straight, her eyes bright. “We protest! And I’m hunted quite as much as any goblin or elf, Griphook! I’m a Mudblood!”
“Don’t call yourself —” Ron muttered.
“Why shouldn’t I?” said Hermione. “Mudblood, and proud of it!”

Book Review: Oblivion

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Synopsis from Amazon:

I knew the moment Katy Swartz moved in next door, there was going to be trouble. Lots of it.
And trouble’s the last thing I need, since I’m not exactly from around here. My people arrived on Earth from Lux, a planet thirteen billion light years away. Plus, if there’s one thing I know, it’s that humans can’t be trusted. We scare them. We can do things they only dream about, and honestly, we make them look weak as hell. ‘Cuz they are.

But Kat is getting to me in ways no one else has, and I can’t stop myself from wanting her – or wanting to use my powers to protect her. She makes me weak, and I’m the strongest of our kind, tasked with protecting us all. So this one simple girl…she can mean the end for us. Because the Luxen have an even bigger enemy – the Arum, and I need to stay on my game.

Falling for Katy – a human – won’t just place her in danger. It could get us all killed, and that’s one thing I’ll never let happen…

First, if you’re going to purchase this book please purchase the eBook version. I wasn’t paying attention and neglected to realize the paperback was only Daemon’s point of view (POV) of Obsidian whereas the eBook version also includes his POV of Onyx and Opal.

And honestly I don’t think this book is worth it unless you get all three books. As much as I love Daemon I don’t really like the first two books in this series and although I definitely liked hearing the story from Daemon’s POV more than Katy’s I still didn’t like those books. Opal was definitely my favorite to read mainly because there were moments in the book I’ve always wanted to see from Daemon’s POV and they were just as fun to read as I expected.

My biggest issue with this book was the way in which Daemon’s character was written. Having read Daemon’s POV in  Origin and Opposition I knew he had a dirty mind but I think having a whole book of his thoughts was just too much. I’m not a dude but I just feel like their whole thought process isn’t focused on sex. Literally, the amount of times Daemon would talk about Katy’s butt and how it did things to him was too much. It’s like okay we get it Katy’s hot and you’re into her, let’s move on.

Also, on a smaller note, there were just a lot of editorial mistakes in this book. Either the wrong word was used or there’d be missing punctuation. For example, there was one line in the book where it was supposed to be “we’re” but instead it said “were.” I can understand this happening once or twice but there was at least 10 different spelling or grammar mistakes in this novel. Having spent a little time in publishing I know a book goes through A LOT of edits before it finally makes it to print so I found it a little disconcerting that there were this many mistakes.

Despite these issues, Jennifer L. Armentrout’s ability to drive a plot continues to work for this series. Although I was often thoroughly annoyed by Daemon’s wayward thoughts and may have started to skim those parts, I still wanted to keep reading. Armentrout was able to once again hook me on a series of books that I had already read just in a different POV. I found myself wanting to know what would happen next even though I, in fact, already knew how it would all end.

Overall, this was a great read and although I had no intention of buying two versions of this book I’m glad I have both.

Borrow or Buy: Buy. Honestly, I’ll probably only reread the Opal part of Oblivion but that’s still enough to make this worth the buy.

Stars:

3 stars

Favorite Line:

“I’ve always found that the most beautiful people, truly beautiful inside and out, are the ones who are quietly unaware of their effect. The ones who throw their beauty around, waste what they have? Their beauty is only passing. It’s just a shell hiding nothing but shadows and emptiness.”

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Man Crush Monday: Prince Kai

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Source: Valerie Macon / Getty Images

If you’ve been following my blog for at least the past month than you know I speed read through The Lunar Chronicles and instantly fell in love.

I could go on and on about so many characters but for today I’ll focus on Prince Kai.

Not only is he a POC, which I love, but he’s kind and a great leader. He cares about his people and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect them, even if that means sacrificing his own happiness.

Plus, I just love how open and honest he is with Cinder. He’s totally genuine with her and it’s cute to see him outside of the palace and acting like a real teen. He gets nervous around her and for a moment you forget he’s even a prince.

Prince Kai is really just the best. He’s cute and funny and just an overall great dude. Check him out in The Lunar Chronicles if you haven’t already.

Swoonworthy Moment:

“‘Cinder?’
‘Mm?’
[Kai] lifted his gaze. ‘Just to be clear, you’re not using your mind powers on me right now, are you?’
She blinked. ‘Of course not.’
‘Just checking.’
Then he slid his arms around her waist and kissed her.”

Dreamcast: Harry Shum, Jr.

Book Review: The Girlfriend Request

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*I received a free digital advanced reader’s copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. This did not influence my review of this book in anyway. This is an honest review of the novel as I saw it. This novel will be on sale on Jan. 11, 2016.*

Synopsis from Amazon:

Emma has been best friends with Eli since she moved to his neighborhood ten years ago. Tired of being cast in the role of the girl next door, Emma creates a fake Facebook profile in the hopes of starting an online friendship with Eli, which would hopefully lead to more. Like…way more. From friend request to In a Relationship–it all seemed so completely logical when she’d planned it.

Eli can’t figure out what Emma is up to. He’s pretty sure she’s the one behind the Facebook profile, but then again, why would she do something so drastic instead of just admitting she wants to be more than friends? And who the heck is this new guy he saw her with? Eli starts to think that just maybe…he missed his chance with the girl next door.

Two best friends, one outlandish ruse. Their status is about to become way more than It’s Complicated…

I have so many mixed feelings about this book.

First of all, when I read the synopsis I was hesitant because in my head I already knew Emma’s plan was terrible and destined to fail. However, I figured I’ve read a bunch of good books where the protagonist doesn’t have the best plan but that’s what makes it funny and interesting and I was curious how this would all play out.

Before I go into what I didn’t like let me say what I did. I liked how the author, Jodie Andrefski, decided to write this in both Emma and Eli’s point of views. Granted it’s mostly Emma’s point of view but we also get chapters of Eli’s perspective. I thought that was a great way to do it because that allowed this story to go in a different direction than I was expecting.

Moreover, I liked the addition of another love interest for Emma. I thought that was another good twist to an otherwise cut and dry romance novel because, let’s face it, we all know how this story ends based on the blurb.

And that’s about it, unfortunately.

I really wanted to like Emma because I get it. It’s hard to tell someone you’ve been friends with for a while that you have feelings for them and on some crazy level I understood her whole “fake profile” idea. I thought it was a bad idea, but I understood.

But Emma just made way too many mistakes for me to forgive. And then on top of that I was excited to get Eli’s point of view but it turns out I don’t actually like Eli. I don’t understand why Emma went through all this trouble to “take their relationship to the next level” because he’s not that great. He doesn’t handle things with Emma well at all. Instead of being clear about what he wants he’s very cryptic about his feelings and yet somehow expects Emma to just know how he feels.

Truthfully, I liked Emma’s other love interest better until I didn’t because his personality suddenly took a nosedive for what I can only assume to be plot reasons.

Overall, I honestly think the concept of this novel isn’t as bad as I’ve seen others make it out to be. Yes it’s crazy but that’s what makes fiction great. Fiction’s allowed to be crazy. If you don’t believe me just read Fake Boyfriend by Kate Brian. That’s a good crazy book.

I was more disappointed in the characters and how they were developed. I also didn’t really believe Eli and Emma’s relationship and found it confusing. Maybe it’s because I’ve never been in love but I can’t understand how Emma believes what she feels for Eli is real love when it’s really just a very long, drawn out infatuation, which at one point she does say but then dismisses the idea entirely.

I wanted to like this book because it seemed like a cute, simple romance. Sadly, although it was simple and took me less than a day to read, it didn’t leave me with the butterflies in my stomach that I have come to expect from a good romance novel.

Borrow or Buy: On the one hand, this book is only $2.99 on the Kindle. On the other hand, you probably won’t be rereading it. Borrow it.

Stars:

2 stars

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Cather “Cath” Avery

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Woman Crush Wednesdays are BACK!!

After a long break I’m bringing these weekly posts back because I missed them and I’ve been reading so many books lately that there’s so many wonderful ladies to discuss.

First up is Cath Avery from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.

Cath is pretty, quirky, shy, and anxious. What I love most about her is she’s not starting a revolution or a princess or anything crazy. She’s just a normal girl going through her first year at college and dealing with the stress of being away from her dad, and her twin sister, Wren, isn’t really there for her.

I related to Cath a lot. She loves books and writing and she does a lot of fanfiction. She’s basically the queen of fanfiction actually. Moreover, I liked that Cath had her own issues. She’s painfully shy to the point that she sometimes doesn’t eat because she didn’t know where the dining hall was and didn’t want to ask.

I liked that Cath wasn’t this crazy confident character that kicked ass but instead was a normal, relatable girl who eventually learned how to stand up for herself and went after what she wanted. She’s so relatable and I just wanted the best for her and rooted for her throughout the novel.

If you haven’t read Fangirl yet you should definitely check it out. It’s worth a read.

Favorite Line:

“How do you not like the Internet? That’s like saying, ‘I don’t like things that are convenient. And easy. I don’t like having access to all of mankind’s recorded discoveries at my fingertips. I don’t like light. And knowledge.”

Dream Cast: Jane Levy

Book Review: Remembrance

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*I received a free digital advanced reader’s copy of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks via Edelweiss. This did not influence my review of this book in anyway. This is an honest review of the novel as I saw it. This novel will be on sale on Feb. 2, 2016.*

Synopsis from Amazon:

All Susannah Simon wants is to make a good impression at her first job since graduating from college (and since becoming engaged to Dr. Jesse de Silva).

But when she’s hired as a guidance counselor at her alma mater, she stumbles across a decade-old murder, and soon ancient history isn’t all that’s coming back to haunt her. Old ghosts as well as new ones are coming out of the woodwork, some to test her, some to vex her, and it isn’t only because she’s a mediator, gifted with second sight.

From a sophomore haunted by the murderous specter of a child, to ghosts of a very different kind—including Paul Slater, Suze’s ex, who shows up to make a bargain Suze is certain must have come from the Devil himself—Suze isn’t sure she’ll make it through the semester, let alone to her wedding night.

Suze is used to striking first and asking questions later. But what happens when ghosts from her past—including one she found nearly impossible to resist—strike first?

What happens when old ghosts come back to haunt you?

If you’re a mediator, you might have to kick a little ass.

I was so excited when I received the ARC for this novel because I loved the Mediator series when I was in junior high/high school. I read the whole series at least twice and it was always my go to series when I was in a reading slump.

It was so great to see Suze and Jesse again, especially now that they could really be together. It was also interesting to see so many familiar characters, including Father Dom., Debbie, Kelly, all the step brothers, and of course, Paul Slater.

I really liked how Meg Cabot set up this sequel. It was crazy seeing how all the stepbrothers turned out and what they’re doing in the present. A lot of it was unexpected and some of it didn’t surprise me at all.

At first I was worried I wouldn’t like Suze and Jesse as much as I used to. I forgot how old fashioned Jesse is and how stubborn Suze could be. But as I kept reading the traits that I loved about them shined through and I remembered why I fell in love with this series in the first place.

Jesse is just as sweet, overprotective, and a gentleman as he always has been and Suze is just as  smart, kind, and kick ass as always. I loved getting to see them in the present and being in an adult relationship.

This is a very cute and fun read, and I wouldn’t mind another book about these two. I definitely think there’s room for at least one more book and I’d love to read that but I am also very satisfied with this ending.

If you loved the Mediator series anywhere near as much as I did then you definitely have to pick up this book. If for no other reason than for nostalgia. But honestly, it’s a great read on its own.

Borrow or Buy: I know I want a copy of this for my own shelf so I guarantee you’ll want one on yours. Buy it!

Stars:

4 stars

 

Man Crush Monday: Levi

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Source: Jason Merritt / Getty Images

If you haven’t read Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell yet you are seriously missing out. Besides the fact that it’s just an all around great novel, Levi is the perfect book boyfriend.

He’s cute, funny, quirky, and a gentleman. He’ll run out to Starbucks and get you your favorite latte, without you even having to ask. He doesn’t mind if you want to use him as a pillow and more than anything he totally understands your fangirl ways.

He’ll listen to you read your fanfiction and he’ll think it’s adorable when you gush over characters. He won’t mind if you’re a little obsessed with a book series but instead just take it in stride.

Also, did I mention he’s cute?

Seriously he’s so sweet and always knows the perfect thing to say. Plus, he can sometimes be shy, which makes him even more cute. Honestly, if Levi doesn’t make you swoon, even if it’s just a little bit, than I don’t know who will.

Swoonworthy Line:

“I choose you over everyone.”

Dream Cast: Austin Butler

Book Review: Winter

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Synopsis from Amazon:

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend–the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters? Fans will not want to miss this thrilling conclusion to Marissa Meyer’s national bestselling Lunar Chronicles series.

*Note: If you haven’t read the first three books in The Lunar Chronicles, DO NOT read this review unless you want to be spoiled. You’ve been warned!*

First, I would like to applaud Marissa Meyer for the diversity in her novels. Winer is DARK skinned, y’all! Do you even know what that means? That’s crazy and unfortunately rare in YA novels (and literature in general). And Prince Kai and the people of the Common Wealth are Asian. Also, unlike most dystopian novels this doesn’t take place in America, although we do have Thorne who’s American.

Plus, Winter has a mental health issue and Jacin handles it perfectly by being there for her and telling her she’s perfect just the way she is. Meyer handled this so well. I loved everything about this book and this series. So good!

Winter picks up a few weeks after Cress ended and Cinder and her crew are planning their revolution, although that’s, of course, easier said than done. Plus Wolf is still distressed about Scarlet and I just wanted to give him a hug and tell him everything would be okay.

Cress and Thorne were the cutest and I loved how shy they were with each other. Also, seeing Cinder and Kai work together was so cute and they made a great team. Basically, all the ships sailed in this novel and I absolutely loved it.

This novel was more than just romance though. There were some kick a** fight scenes and just great strategies all around. Cinder and co. kicked butt and took names and I loved it.

I’m so sad this series is over. I loved binge reading it and I’ll miss it. Thankfully there’s a collection of short stories coming next year so I can still get by Lunar Chronicles fix.

Borrow or Buy: Buy!

Stars:

5 stars

Favorite Line:

“Broken isn’t the same as unfixable.”

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Book Review: Cress

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Synopsis from Amazon:

Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker; unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

*Note: If you haven’t read Cinder and Scarlet DO NOT read this review unless you want to be spoiled. You’ve been warned!*

This series just keeps getting better and better. I loved the addition of Cress, Jacin, and Winter to the story. They’re all very different characters and I definitely had mixed feelings for Jacin but I absolutely loved Cress and Winter.

Cress is awkward and shy and a little dorky, which can be expected of someone who’s been kept in a satellite for most of her life. She’s madly in love with Thorne even though she doesn’t really know him and found that very relatable. It was so cute and fun to read, especially because Thorne is so naturally cocky and didn’t fully understand Cress’ love proclamations for him were coming from a very real place.

This book had a lot of plot going on and the introduction of new characters could’ve made this a mess but Marissa Meyer did a good job of keeping everything together. It was great to see Cinder coming into her role as leader more. I also liked how everyone seemed like a team in this book, even when they were separated.

I also really enjoyed the couples in this novel. Scarlet and Wolf broke my heart in the best way possible; Cress and Thorne had such an interesting dynamic that I absolutely loved it; and, of course, my faves, Cinder and Kai did not disappoint.

Overall, the only thing I didn’t like about this book was that it’s so close to the end of the series and I never want these books to end. Sadly, all good things must come to an end at some point.

Make sure to keep an eye out for my review of Winter on Thursday. All the feels!

Borrow or Buy: Buy!!

Stars:

5 stars

Favorite Line:

“Maybe great, epic romances don’t just happen. We have to make them ourselves.”

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