This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Author: Sarah Dessen
Published March 8th 2004 by Speak
345 pages
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?

Review:

I liked it but not as much as The Truth About Forever which is one of my favorites from the author. The book of course has the usual elements of Sarah Dessen's novels -  girl with some issues about her family or friends, then she meets the boy who she will fell in love with, or will help her get over those issues. Same, same. But what I liked about this one is that it's an interesting read and it actually helped me cope with some things.

When I started reading this, I was having some issues with things (school, lovelife, etc.). So when I get to know Remy it's like I want to be like her. Just carefree, mean, has control over her feelings. But then, it's not easy being like her. When you have too much control over your feelings, you tend to ignore other people's feelings and you become selfish and insensitive. Sometimes you have to open up with the possibility that when you care and love someone, you will get hurt. It's better than feeling nothing at all and losing that someone. 

The romance part of this book is lacking. I liked Dexter's challenges, although sometimes I can't figure out his personality. Overall, this was an easy read and just like other Dessen books, you get to learn something about love and life. :)

 ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles (Leaving Paradise #1)

Author: Simone Elkeles
Published April 1st 2007 by Flux
303 pages
Series: Leaving Paradise
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.

After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.

Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

Review:

My first review for the month! I've been a fan of Simone Elkeles writings ever since I read Perfect Chemistry a year ago. It's not new to me how adorable her books are! But I'm always impressed whenever I read her books.

I liked the story of Leaving Paradise. The love story of an ex-con who falls in love with his victim is kinda new to me. I liked the character development and how the story went. It may be a little mushy at times but it still turned out good. Maggie's character is admirable. She may be a timid girl because of her limp but she still manages to stand on her ground and take the risks. Caleb is one tough guy but with a soft heart. I think all of Miss Elkeles' characters in her books are always likable. It's because of how she described their personalities. The author always make it a point to describe their strengths and weaknesses.

Leaving Paradise is an interesting read and very engaging. And oh, another thing, I love the author's titles for her books! Clever and intriguing! :)

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Perfect Chemistry
Rules of Attraction
Leaving Paradise

A Lot Like Love by Julie James

Author: Julie James
Published March 1st 2011 by Berkley (first published January 25th 2010)
274 pages
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Jordan Rhodes is invited to all of Chicago's best parties, but there's only one the FBI wants to crash. To get her brother out of jail, she agrees to take Agent McCall as her date. But when the mission gets botched, requiring their "relationship" to continue, it starts to feel less like an investigation-and a lot like something else.

Review:

It's been a while since I read contemporary adult fiction. This book was a good choice. It gets me off from the fantasy worlds I've been reading these days for a while.

Nick is a dedicated undercover agent of FBI. He's used to getting assignments one after the other. That is, until he meets the billionaire heiress Jordan Rhodes who sweep him off his feet. But that is so much unlike the Nick McCall who's had problems when it comes to commitment. Jordan Rhodes however, is a matured woman who will do everything for family. Her involvement with the investigation turns out to be a start of a real relationship.

This was an enjoyable read. The plot is not new to me but the author will impress you with her writing style. I liked how she developed the characters and the turn of events. It's also an interesting read with so much information about wine. I'm not much of a wine person but I got more interested as I read on. Sometimes my aunt will prepare wine when we have special occasions but of course the men in our family will always choose hard drinks instead. Just like Nick in this story. I liked the part when Jordan is describing how Nick should taste the wine and Nick doesn't seem to understand how it works. The minor characters are likable and bring more depth to the story.

A Lot Like Love has more to it than you would have expected. Just like a bottle of wine.☺

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

A Lot Like Love (Berkley Sensation)