Review: Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

 I don’t give out 5 stars lightly.

Wanderlove deserves every bit and pieces of the five stars. I love, love the book. Enchanting, this book will make you smile when you’ve finished the last line. Sometimes, there’s just a book you can identify yourself easily, like the moment when you’re reading and you’re thinking: Gosh, this is so me. Story of my life.

It all begins with a question and follows up with a crazy idea. Are you a Global Vagabond? Bria, dumped by his ex-boyfriend and lost her purpose in life, decided that she will prove her friends that she can travel alone in a foreign country. She signed up to be a Global Vagabond. Her destination: Central America! Exotic places, beautiful Mayan ruin, and cool strangers! Who cares about things like ex-boyfriend, art school, or clueless parents!

It’s her first day in Guatemala City and it seems like things have gone wrong already. Her traveler companions are way older than her, and they don’t seem to take interest in Guatemala’s scenery. Her camera is stolen in the Guatemala market. And, worst of all, she doesn’t feel any different than when she was in California. But everything starts to change… when she meets Rowan, the experienced backpacker. Their short encounter leads to three weeks backpacking, where they learn about dependence and honesty… and most importantly, moving on from their haunting past.

Bria is a wonderful character, and I like her very much. She’s smart and she can be cynical sometimes, but it’s really easy to connect to her character. She doesn’t want to lose and she jumps to conclusion quickly, but throughout the book, her character is greatly improved. You can tell that this traveling makes her more mature. I also love Rowan. He’s really cute, especially when he feels guilty to Bria. All you want to do is just holding his hands and get on the hammock with him. Yeah, there really is a hammock in this book where you can see stars blinking at you! That’s easily one of my favorite parts in this book.

The story flows smoothly, and it seems so real. You can’t question the plot in this book. There are beautiful drawings created by the author herself in this book, and it’s much easier to imagine characters in Wanderlove. Like a teenager, I squeaked and gasped in delight whenever Bria and Rowan is doing gestures that imply more than their platonic relationship.

This book makes me want to grab my backpack and catch a plane to Central America. I’m not exactly a backpacker girl, in truth I’m too fond of shower and hand sanitizer. But this book makes me want to drink licuado in a café in Guatemala, try diving, or attend a Lobsterfest in an exotic island.

Definitely a recommendation for anyone who is suffering from wanderlust, I hope that this book can be your temporary cure! This book is also for anyone who loves reading amazing book with enchanting and beautiful story: you really should check out this book!
 
Maybe I’m doing the same thing right now, this very minute—just escaping by plane, chicken bus, and boat instead of by car. Maybe I’ve been a Wanderlove wannabe all along, without ever knowing it existed.

I rate this book: 

Five cups of tea! Genius. Beautiful, haunting, and lively characters. Reading this is an overwhelming experience. Must read at least once in a lifetime!

Goodreads * Author's Website * Amazon * Book Depository 

In My Mailbox (#4)!

Yay! Another round of IMM! This amazing weekly meme is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. I'm so excited to share what books in my mailbox this week, because I got stuffs that I've wanted since forever! You might have realized that I change my weekly meme button again. Well, I 'm a button-addict!

Sorry for the lack of review this week! I'm not exactly in the best time to write a review (meaning I can't just ditch my homework and lost myself in land of books). Bad, bad Hilda! I promise, there will be more reviews posted next week! :)

Here are the books in my mailbox this week:

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

Oh, I fall in love with the cover! And I love story about dead girl! Err... okay, it sounds strange now.

Fever (The Chemical Garden, #2) by Lauren DeStefano

Bought this book without second thought. Finally it comes out! YAY! No need to say how much I adore the first book. Currently reading it! :)

Forgiving Trinity by Liz Reinhardt

Signed up on the blog tour and received this for review! I read a few chapters and loved it! Seems like an enjoyable read! Tour stop here in April 4 for guest post, and April 5 for my review! Liz Reindhart is AWESOME, and I'm sure her guest post will be hilarious! :)

When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle

Received from Simon and Schuster! All thanks to Galley Grab. This is Romeo and Juliet's modern retelling, but there's more to it! This is a story about Rosaline, the other girl who was supposed to meet Romeo the day he met Juliet! Uh oh, a love triangle here? Love this quote: Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how it ends.

Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr

Received this as a gift. Always a little girl in heart, I still have soft spot for fairy tales! There's a story titled Winter Kiss which I read yesterday. It's a beautiful story, and I'm sure you'll be hooked after reading that story! Psst, there's a polar bear and a princess with frost breath we're talking about!

That's all what I got this week! Have you read any of these books? What's in your mailbox this week? :)

Follow Friday (#1)!

I decided to join this fun weekly meme! Question of the week is:

Activity! take a picture or describe where you love to read the most.

I love reading in quiet place with good lightning. Sometimes I listen to music when I'm reading, but loud voices distract me!

When I live in my parent's house, most of the time I read in my bedroom, especially in my bed. Other times I read in the study room in my house. Other than shelves of books in my study room, there are a computer where I can access my ebooks. I usually read ebooks in the computer there.

In college months, I live in my apartment. My apartment is a small one, so I do most of my reading in my bed. Sometimes I read books in my university's library. I love library because in library, no one dares to disturb you from your book! :)

I love reading in my bed! :)

Don't forget to leave a comment and hit the follow button! I'll be sure to return the favor! Happy weekend! :)

Teaser Tuesday (#2)!

 Teaser Tuesday is a lovely weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. The rule is to grab your current reading and open it to random page! Simple, isn't it? :)

This week, I'm reading: Embrace by Jessica Shirvington  

My teaser:

He stretched his legs out and leaned back in his chair. With all that had been going on, it surprised me that I found it hard to stop my eyes from drifting over his body. Then again, just because everything had gone belly up in my world didn’t mean I was blind. Phoenix was pretty damn close to a perfect brooding hottie; that is, if I hadn’t already seen total perfection in someone else. His dark hair fell around his face, shimmering with waves of purple and silver, and his physique looked like it was made to be in Calvin Klein underwear ads. Not that I was thinking about what he would look like in underwear. At least, I was trying not to. He didn’t make it easy, sprawled out in front of me. Crap, Violet, get it together.

page 109 of 309

Aren't you swooning over him? I certainly am! I guess I've found my next book crush!

Does my teaser make you want to read this book? :)

Cover Crazy (#3)!

 Hello everyone! You're back on the third edition of Cover Crazy, an awesome meme which is hosted by The Book Worms. She is willing to share her fondness of cover design to the whole world, and how could I resist the urge to join in? :)


Here is my Cover Crazy this week:

What's Left of Me (Hybrid #1) by Kat Zhang

The blurb: NEVER LET ME GO meets HIS DARK MATERIALS in a beautiful, haunting YA debut, the first book in The Hybrid Trilogy.

Eva and Addie live in a world where everyone is born with two souls, but where only the dominant one is allowed to survive childhood. Fifteen years old, and closer even than twins, the girls are keeping Eva, the ‘second soul’, a secret. They know that it’s forbidden to be hybrid, but how could they ever be apart?

When a dramatic event reveals what really happens to hybrids if they are discovered, Eva and Addie face a dangerous fight for survival, neither wanting to be the one left behind… 

What I love about the cover: The palette of this cover is gorgeous! The shade of gray, blue, and pink is just awesome! I love it that this cover only show half part of her face, and just look at her haunting eyes! She has a really beautiful eyes anyway, like an emerald. This cover is perfect and I can't wait to read this book, the story sounds amazing!


What do you think about the cover? Don't forget to leave your Cover Crazy link in the comment! :)

Cover reveal and Excerpt: Inbetween (Kissed by Death, #1) by Tara A. Fuller

During the black time period, Entangled Publishing still manage to give me a wonderful surprise. A cover reveal of Inbetween by Tara A. Fuller! As some of you may already know, this is a YA Paranormal. The book will be released on August 7, 2012. I have to say that the model is really beautiful. Seems like we get brave and beautiful heroine here! I love her hair anyway, I think she looks a little mermaid-like with the straight and sleek hair. :)

Here is the blurb:

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn't let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left…his soul.

Oh, reaper! I love story that involves two entity fight for their love. The idea of forbidden love is really sweet! Aww, I know, I'm a hopeless romantic. :P

Oh, and the excerpt! Who wants to read excerpt? Raise your hand! <3

Thank you!!!

If you ever wondering what happened: Blogger deleted my blog yesterday. False accusation of spam blog.


YAY!!! :) :) :)


I woke up this morning and checked my email. There is a DM from from Sam @ Realm of Fiction. She said that my blog is back! My sleepy, disoriented self instantly feel buzzed and completely awake. Turned on my laptop, wrote my url, and I see...


IT'S BACK!


This has been the most most roller coaster experience for me in Blogger. I'm really, really, really glad that this has been sorted out quickly, no more than 24 hours. Guys, if you ever have problem like me, I guess the best we can do is to prevent it! Export your blog from time to time, and if this horrible thing happened to you, post a question on Google help! There is Google team in the forum, and they will do as much as they can do to help you.


Thank you for all your support during the bad time. I don't know how to tell this to you, but you guys are the most awesome people! Thank you for Sam and Mimi who go all of their way to tell everyone that my blog is deleted! You guys are AWESOME, and I really appreciate it! I can't list everyone who have supported me since the list will be so many, but to all of you: THANK YOU.


Now before I start to sound like a champion in Grammy award, I have to stop hehe. :) Yesterday was the darkest day of my Blogger life, and I don't know whether I should be crying or laughing right now. You guys are awesome, and your support means everything to me. I feel like crying everytime someone told me that they supported my blog. If I can, I would come and give a hug to all of you. I love you guys, there is nothing I can say to tell you how much your support means to me. <3


Here's the list of people who have gone to all their trouble to support me: Sam, Mimi, Giada, Amber, Ellen, Suzanne, Roro, Amanda, HilyBee, Margie, Sonia, Christy, Stephanie, Maria, Juhina, Mimi, Krista, Jaskirat, Proserpine, Mag. I'm sorry if there is anyone not listed here, there are so many awesome people who help me out there so I might slip on and I'm terribly sorry, but I really appreciate your support! I appreciate every bits and pieces of your support, so this is... THANK YOU.

 

I LOVE YOU DEAR

In My Mailbox (#3)

Hello guys! Back again to this week's edition of IMM. In My Mailbox (IMM) is a wonderful meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. This is a way to show others what books you received, borrowed, or bought this week!


I've got back to college hectic days (yay?) so I can't read as fast as before, but that doesn't stop me from buying more books than I intended to! I won't call myself an impulsive buyer. I just... have a soft spot for books. Aren't everyone? :P


I signed up for two book tours this week, so I received the E-ARCs for review:

 The Broken Destiny (Broken, #1) by Carlyle Labuschagne

 I read a few pages and completely hooked up! The tour will stop by my blog on March 23. It's a review plus author interview! :)

 Oppression (Children of the Gods, #1) by Jessica Therrien

I love Greek mythology! The blurb sounds awesome. Can't wait to read more! The tour will stop here on March 11. Like The Broken Destiny, there's an author interview along the review!

 Don't forget to drop by here on the tour dates! :)

I also bought some books this weekend:

Goddess Boot Camp (Oh. My. Gods, #2) by Tera Lynn Childs

The first book of this series, Oh.My.Gods. is fabulous! The second book will be even more awesome I hope, with Phoebe now has her own supernatural power!

 Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

I love guys with art streak. And the idea of magical night, just awww. <3 Everyone seems to love this book, not to mention the long list of literary award this book receives!

What did you get this week? Come on, share with me! :)

Review: Oh. My. Gods by Tera Lynn Childs

 Phoebe Castro’s life seems as perfect as she can get. She’s a cross country runner star. She has the most amazing best friends who will go to the same college with her. She’s on her way to receive a full scholarship from USC. Everything’s perfect, until suddenly her mother announces that she will remarry and they will have to move in to somewhere island in Greece.

Phoebe is beyond furious. She can’t believe that her mother can be that egoistic. This is her last year in high school, and it’s supposed to be the best time in her life. But here she is, stuck in an ultra-private school in Serfupoula, with teachers whom she can’t pronounce their names, a step-father as the headmaster of the school, evil step-sister whose only purpose is make Phoebe’s life a living hell, and… descendants of Greek gods as her schoolmates.

It turns out that Phoebe is the only person in the school who is not a
descendant of Greek god. She quickly makes friend with a punk girl named Nicole and Troy, a really nice guy, but the rest of the school avoids her. She doesn’t have a single drop of Greek god, so why should they bother to befriend with her?

Phoebe struggles to accept her moving to Greece and find her place as a human among all the descendants of the Greek Gods. Being a part of the school team is a challenge too since her rivals are descendant of gods with their superhuman and supernatural power. It doesn’t help anything when Phoebe falls for a cute guy who is in her cross country team. Especially when the guy, Griffin Blake, turns out to be a major jerk. Phoebe’s misadventure has just begun…

This book is fast-paced and a real enjoyable read. I laughed on many parts in this book because you can’t help but love the main character. She’s not really typical main character, mainly because she’s honest with her feeling. And she always has amusing comeback in conversations, which is awesome!

It’s always amusing whenever Phoebe is talking to Griffin. Griffin is absolutely gorgeous with kissable lips, startling blue eyes, strong muscles… okay, you get the idea. Phoebe practically turns into jelly whenever Griffin is in front of her, but she always manages to control herself and comes up with witty comments. Griffin is cute, but he seems to have two versions of him. Sometimes he can be the nicest guy ever, but sometimes he’s just a plain jerk.

Reading this book is a great fun. I'm actually dying to give this book 3.5-4 stars.The characters are amusing and the story, even though guessable, is highlarious. I can’t wait to read the second installment of this series, I’m sure I’m gonna love it too! If you’re looking for light book with great romance and laugh, then this is the book for you.

“I've survived beach bunny cheerleaders, a sluthunting ex-boyfriend, and five years of cross-country camp. I'm not afraid of some throwback to ancient myth with astrocious highlights and a Barbra Streisand nose.” 

I rate this book: 

Four cups of tea. I love the book, it’s simply awesome! Love the tea flavor! A strong recommendation!

Top Ten Tuesday! Top Ten Books That Broke My Heart A Little

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by awesome The Broke and the Bookish. This feature is created to share our lists with other bookish folks! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers. And, how can I resist something as wonderful as this week's topic? I'm a cry baby and I sure have tons of books in tears-list!

This list is in no particular order. I did try to put it in order, the first one which broke my heart most, but then I have some books in the same number, so... I'll just do my best to explain to you. I hope I don't include too much spoiler! :)

 10. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Not many people love this book. I admitted that the ending is not all justice-come-to-serve, but I still liked this book. What I love most is Susie's father love to her. Very touching.

9. Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
I LOVE this story! So sad, but beautiful. Love the relationship between Sorcha and Red. Amazed by Sorcha's love with her brothers, especially Finbar. Recommended anyway for everyone, especially fairytale lovers! :)

8. Harry Potter 4, 5, 6, 7 by JK Rowling
Spoiler here because I think everyone must have read/watch it already. Well, you're not living under rock, do you? :P I started crying since Cedric's death. I think that Harry has seen people dead/killed since he was fourteen years old (year 4 Hogwarts). That must be terrifying. Harry is practically my favorite hero ever! When Dobby died, I cried for the longest time that night.

7. Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
I'm a big big fan of Adrian. This last book break, smash, and crash my heart, then the shattered pieces are blown away by wind. LOL, yes, I'm that big fan. I love Adrian! :P

6. Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
I heart the twin's relationship in this book! If you haven't read this book yet, then you really should to! This is set in Roma, telling a story about Cleopatra's Daughter, Selene. One of my favorite books! :)

5. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaleid Hosseini
Heart-wrenching and suffocating. I feel like someone is strangling me when I read this book. A bright and tearful story with a string of hope in the end.

4. Empress Orchid by Anchee Min
I instantly hate men when I just recently closed the book LOL. A story about a poor, little girl who ends up being one of the most powerful empress in China history. True story. I constantly feel bad for her throughout the book.

 
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Katniss. Peeta. Finnick. Can't wait for the movie! Have I stated that I'm Team Finnick ever since his appearance in book 2, Catching Fire? I'm still Team Finnick (and Team Peeta!).

2. If I stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Oooh, Mia and Adam! The best couple ever. Their story is just heartbreaking and simply beautiful! I cried so many times when I'm reading it! LOVE the book! Adam, you're just... perfect!

So number 2-10 are not in particular order, but I really recommend number 1. If you're looking for sad story, here it is!

1. The Bronze Horseman by Paulina Simmons
God, this romance story is so sad. Tatiana and Alexander.... I even sigh when I'm writing this! Tatiana and Alexander are made for each other! So happy to hear that there is book 2, because book 1 is just breaking my heart. Really, I feel a bit empty after reading this. This book is addictive and you can't put this down, trust me. Set in Russia during second world-war, the couple is struggling to be together. You can't help but pray for their happiness. So sad, so beautiful love story.

And that's all my top ten list of books that broke my heart! I wonder what shape of my heart since I always get it broken whenever I read something sad LOL. Maybe it's full of bandage. :P

Love is in the air! I hope you have a LOVEFUL day, week, month, year... LOVEFUL infinity wherever you are. I really appreciate every single comment I get, and every bits and pieces of followers I have. You guys are awesome, and I can't thank you enough!

Any thought on this list? What book that broke your heart too? :)

Review: First Date by Krista McGee

 
It’s a peaceful, normal day when Addy Davidson is called by her headmaster. She is about to get one of the biggest shocks in her life. Addy is a model student, the straight-A girl from a Christian school whose only dream is to go to an Ivy League school. Having a chance to compete in a reality show has never crossed her mind before. Especially when the prize of the reality show is being the President’s son’s prom date!

Addy has no desire to participate. She finally agrees when his uncle states that God may have other plan for her. The first thing in her mind is to get kicked out of the show as soon as possible though. She is the ninety-seventh contestant called to get a shot of her being welcomed by First Son to her new house, The Mansion. Addy knows from the information packet that only thirty girls will be chosen from the initial one hundred, and she is determined to be in the majority.

Addy marched back to the bus, then walked over to the president’s son and shook his hand. “Hello, Jonathon. My name is Addy Davidson. I have no desire to be part of this ‘competition,’ and I suggest my name be the very first you take off the list.”

It’s a good luck, or bad luck for Addy, that America loves that attitude. They start cheering for Addy and that makes other girls angry. It’s also not easy to play difficult in front of the First Son, Jonathon Jackson. It’s even harder to speak something smart, or even think a coherent thought when she is looking at his eyes. His perfect teeth. His masculine scent. Jonathon Jackson is the best-looking Addy has ever seen, and it doesn’t make anything simpler.

Addy will have to stop being stubborn, or she will lose her only friend in this competiton, the president’s son who seems attracted to her, and her composure state. She has to learn to accept and forgive the death of her parents, and accept that maybe God has other plan to her…

First Date is a light read and I liked it. This is a Christian YA but it’s not overly infused with Christian belief. I think you’ll enjoy it even if you’re not a Christian. Addy is a wonderful character and I really like her. She’s really nice and she has strong faith to God. Jonathon is also a loveable character. He’s very kind to other girls, and even when Addy is being difficult, Jonathon is nothing but patient. He’s a portrait of perfect First Son. Kara may be my favorite character here aside from Jonathon. She’s full of life and fun. I won’t mind to have her as my bestfriend. However, this book is too fast-paced for me and sometimes I don’t quiet grasp the animosity in some scenes in the books. I love the characters and the ending though. Very sweet and cute, just my taste!

This reality show doesn’t only change Addy’s life, but also her view of things. She learns to forgive and love her enemies. Because love is the answer, not hate.

Special recommendation for Christian moms. I really think that this book is a perfect gift to a young girl struggling with her growing-up. This book is a very clean one, there’s no any sexual things or cursing act. You have my promise that this book is very safe if you want to buy it for your daughter. :)

The roar of the paparazzi soon replaced that sound and Addy was again assaulted for information, pictures, and guesses about what was next. She pushed her way through the crowd of lights and cameras, groaning. How many hours until she’d be free from this picturesque prison?

I rate this book:

Three cups of tea! Like it, but doesn’t give me much impression. Recommended to read in spare time.

 

Cover Crazy (#2)!

Welcome to the second edition of my Cover Crazy! This may be my favorite meme since I get to share my love of cover art! This meme is created by The Book Worms. The point of this meme is to admire the art and beauty of a book’s design. So, here's my gorgeous cover this week:

    Roadside Assistance by Amy Clipston!      
What I love about the cover:
Maybe what draws me in the most is the simplicity of this cover! I heart the way the girl sleeps on a grass and the classic car behind her. She seems so relaxed! There's no fancy dress here, but I love her sweater and jeans, the color fits perfectly with the grass!

What do you think about the cover? :)

In My Mailbox! (#2)

I'm excited to show you what's in my mailbox this week! In My Mailbox is a wonderful meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren. This is a great way to show others what books that we get in our shelves this week (and a way to jealous over others who received books we've wanted since forever LOL :P)!

Here are what I got this week:

First Date

by Krista McGee

From Netgalley. I'm just a sucker for pageant queen thingy! :P

This Lullaby

by Sarah Dessen
I love Sarah Dessen's books! I just received this book today, so excited to read it! From amazing Mel @ Mel's Random Reviews.

Embrace (The Violet Eden Chapters #1)

by Jessica Shirvington


Received the arc for review! Many thanks to hollow readers! :)

Wanderlove

by Kirsten Hubbard

Another arc I'm lucky to get my hands on. It seems like a cute story I'd fall in love with! <3

Shooting Stars

by Allison Rushby

 So happy to get early copy of this book! The cover is really cute, agree? :)









That's all I got this week! I'm currently reading First Date by Krista McGee. Can't wait to start on Embrace!

What did you get this week? :)

PS: I'm changing my blog's background! My sister told me that it's a little hard to focus in the content because of the tree's background. It's a simple one now! What do you think? Comments are highly appreciated! :)