ARC Review: Desperate Reflections by Shay West

Title: Desperate Reflections (Adventures of Alexis Davenport #3)
Author: Shay West
Release Date: 28th August 2014
Publisher: Booktrope Editions
Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: In this final book of the Adventures of Alexis Davenport Series, we find Alex dealing with more drama than ever: her first break-up, her mom's new boyfriend, and attempting to learn the secrets of her "gift" on her own. Desperate to stop Drifter, Alex uses her ability to locate the evil Traveler, only to discover that he lives in her time... And he knows who she is. In a final race against time, Alex must discover Drifter's ultimate plan, stop him, and save her family...all before prom.

Detailed Review: <<I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest feedback>>

The final book in a trilogy is usually the best.

True.

I clearly didn't expect the magnificent wonder that was Desperate Reflections to really be as good as it was.

My apologies to the author for such low expectations when she definitely possesses awesome writing abilities.

Here is some praise to make up for it:

1. Major page-turner. I'll guarantee you that. 

2. Straight-forward- it conveys just the right amount of action in the book and increases the pace of the story. 

3. The ending! Evil villains always meet their end. *evil laugh* (I hope nobody thinks that's a spoiler) The good guys live to save the day!

4. New and awesome characters and some swoony romance that just makes you go 'Ooh la la!!!'

5. A kick-ass and smart heroine, definitely comparable to Tris or Katniss in the modern world. (I mean, she did stop time from being changed)

6. The time period, which was World War II (Hitler!!!) was perfect for a final standoff between Lane and Alex.

7. The song all readers are familiar with. The plot-twist song! Plot twist plot twist plot twist plot twist plot twist!!! 

That should be more than enough to convince you to read the book.

And if it doesn't... Well, I guess it won't do much harm, but really, it would be really nice of you to actually pick up the book and read it, and be as entertained as I was.

The story is more than perfect. Once again, friendship takes priority in the book. Alex's friends are both supportive and loyal, always trying to help her to the best of their abilities, especially Jennifer. Family also plays an equal part in the book, as demonstrated through the strong bonds between the main character and her mother as well as her uncle. 

You may think that time travel is a topic used commonly by too many authors, but West actually gives this topic a brand new feel to it that will definitely keep the pages turning, mixing it with real life problems, as stated in the synopsis. It's more than one person can actually take, but this particular heroine is certainly brave AND angry enough to take on the challenge!

Before you read Desperate Reflections, you should check out the first two books in the trilogy: Dangerous Reflections and Twisted Reflections.

You can check out my review for Dangerous Reflections HERE.

Click HERE for my review of Twisted Reflections!!'

Brief Review: This book definitely proved to be better than it's predecessors. I wasn't disappointed at all and it proved to be a great conclusion to an even greater series. The author doles out contemporary and fantasy elements in just the right amounts to get you hooked to the book! If you're looking for a time-travel read, this trilogy should be added to your list.

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE: 

I believe this quote suits Alex perfectly,

To be a hero or a heroine, one must give an order to oneself---Simone Weil

Your Reviewer:

Blog Tour + Review: The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco

Today we are a tour stop for Rin Chupeco's The Girl from the Well blog tour!!!

Read on for Elicia's review of the YA horror novel.

The Girl from The Well  ●  Author: Rin Chupeco

Sourcebooks Fire ● August 5, 2014 ● ISBN: 9781402292187

Hardcover/$16.99 U.S. ● Ages 14+

The Ring meets The Exorcist in this haunting and lyrical reimagining of the Japanese fable.

Okiku has wandered the world for hundreds of years, setting free the spirits of murdered children. Wherever there’s a monster hurting a child, her spirit is there to deliver punishment. Such is her existence, until the day she discovers a troubled American teenager named Tark and the dangerous demon that writhes beneath his skin, trapped by a series of intricate tattoos. Tark needs to be freed, but there is one problem—if the demon dies, so does its host.

With the vigilante spirit Okiku as his guide, Tark is drawn deep into a dark world of sinister doll rituals and Shinto exorcisms that will take him far from American suburbia to the remote valleys and shrines of Japan. Can Okiku protect him from the demon within or will her presence bring more harm? The answer lies in the depths of a long-forgotten well

Detailed Review:  *I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for my honest feedback*

Something you should know firsthand: I actually requested this book in NetGalley because it had something to do with Japan.

The fact that I had just finished reading Amanda Sun's Rain at that time was another contribution to my decision, what with it being set in Japan and the rich culture within the country.

But honestly, I would still have requested for this book regardless because a) The story is really intriguing and b) Look at that cover, just look at it. Perfection to the eyes. I could look at it all day long.

Basically, The Girl from the Well tells a story of a boy who is quite unusual, and has a secret that could put him in an asylum, like his mom. Okiku and his cousin Callie may be the only ones to help Tark as he slowly loses control to the evil spirit that lives within him. 

This book is not usually what I would read, because it has a strong sense of horror in it, and I being quite- ahem- afraid of ghosts, would not pick up books like this.

I do not regret my decision. The book scared me, especially when the narrator is a ghost from an ancient ghost story, and she kills people who murder kids in the most gruesome ways. 

But I am proud to have finished reading the book. 

The book was really graphic, with the author describing death scenes without missing any detail, even the bloodiest ones. I really admire Chupeco for being so forthcoming with these details. God knows what goes on in her head when she writes. *wince*

What intrigued me the most though, was the relationship between Okiku and Tark. It's almost like there's romance between them, but there seems to be no show of it through anything physical, possibly except the ending.

I'm still left wondering if this book has romance in it, but I guess it really depends on the reader.

However, let me make something clear.

You don't really need romance to make a YA book good. It would surely score points, but it would be incredibly boring if every single YA novel had romance inside them (not that I mind, but sometimes it would be good to have something unique once in a while)

The Girl from the Well is proof of that.

The characters... They were awesome. I can't find any other word to describe them. They each have their own secrets and backgrounds that they enrich the book itself, making it even more vibrant. Do I even make sense? Think of a beautiful painting that stands out among a collection of many others.

All the characters are related to each other in the most unexpected ways. And this usually results in twists.

Okiku's obsession with counting and her sometimes third-person narration makes her a very unique character. Her character is unusual but, I think that gives the story more depth. If someone is so easy to read, where's the fun?

I also think Okiku isn't just a unique character, I think she also deserved the title for heroine, even though she was a strange type of heroine. She did save Tark's life.

Now when I speak of twists, which I know all readers dread and love, you will not be disappointed. You will get the  I-can't-believe-this-is-true feeling as you wade through the book.

And many thanks to the author for making dolls really creepy. I think every time I look at one, I'll start thinking that there's an evil spirit residing in there...

BEWARE: The ending is one you are not prepared for, not now or ever.

Brief Review: Ghosts, exorcisms, demon and death- what better things to have in a horror book? This author's love of ghosts is obvious in her writing and characters. She doesn't hold back in her descriptions; no matter how bloody they are, she moves on with a grim determination which could be entertaining at times and adds to the climax of the book. All I can say is that the author's writing really flourished in this book. She has already made me re-consider my decision to not pick up any horror books in the future!

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE: 

The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living---Marcus Tullius Cicero

Your Reviewer:

Praise for The Girl From the Well:

“[A] Stephen King–like horror story…A chilling, bloody ghost story that resonates.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Chupeco makes a powerful debut with this unsettling ghost story…told in a marvelously disjointed fashion from Okiku’s numbers-obsessed point of view, this story unfolds with creepy imagery and an intimate appreciation for Japanese horror, myth, and legend.” –Publishers Weekly, STARRED

“The Girl from the Well is part The Ring, part The Grudge and part The Exorcist…A fantastically creepy story sure to keep readers up at night… Okiku is one of the most interesting YA characters to date.” RT Book Reviews,  4 ½ STARS-TOP PICK!

“A dark novel that will appeal to horror fans, lovers of Elizabeth Scott’s ‘Living Dead Girl.’” –School Library Journal

About Rin Chupeco: Despite uncanny resemblances to Japanese revenants, Rin Chupeco has always maintained her sense of humor. Raised in Manila, Philippines, she keeps four pets: a dog, two birds, and a husband. She’s been a technical writer and travel blogger, but now makes things up for a living. The Girl from the Well is her debut novel. Connect with Rin at www.rinchupeco.com

Review: Obstacles by Chris Reardon

Title: Obstacles

Author: Chris Reardon
Release Date: 1st October 2013
Publisher: Solstice Publishing
Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: A child will die. You're afraid to live. Would you go to all lengths to save him? Darkness knows no bounds, as Alcott, an African American doctor sees all too well. The man is petrified by death. His fragile existence rests at the mercy of the universe. This fact is far too much for him to handle. From unyielding nightmares to elevator terrors, he's lost in paranoia. 

Assigned to look after an ill child, Alcott's horrors only heighten. Gari is a nine-year-old boy with a fatal disease. He will surely pass on within the year. Alcott bonds with him more and more each day. Part of him knows this grim fate just isn't right. 

Alcott befriends a hospital patient. This lunatic forces him to lug home an ancient text on bringing back the dead. Despite the man's obvious dementia, Alcott attempts the scheme. Charging up a cliff, he recites the chant over ocean gusts. 

A god woman glides in from the horizon. She instructs Alcott on the trials to save Gari's life. These fearsome Obstacles require true strength. From battling sharks to wielding a flail, he must prove fortitude against genuine danger. Alcott decides his fate at this moment. 

Death's claws shall not grasp Gari's soul.

Detailed Review: *I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

A review has been long due for this book; I actually read it last year, but unfortunately at that time school got in the way, so I never had the chance to voice my thoughts on Obstacles.

It was a short read, and a fast-paced one. I finished it in a matter of hours. 

You want to know more? Think The Hunger Games.

This book is about a man who fears death, but a boy who is diagnosed with a chronic illness gave him the courage and determination to sacrifice himself.

The sacrifice involves a set of obstacles which he has to overcome. If he passes them, the boy will live.

However, there's a catch.

Alcott's existence will be erased from the boy's life. He will not remember him, or thank him for what the doctor has done. 

I was really surprised at how taken I was with the book. I literally. Could. Not. Stop. Reading.

Page after page after page after page. I couldn't even stop if I wanted to my hands were flipping the pages so fast.

The obstacles that Alcott had to go through were ones I found funny at times and scary at others. I mean, battling a gigantic mosquito? Um, I do not want to experience that, not even in my dreams. 

I have to give the author credit for his wonderful imagination. I tell you, he's got a creative streak. I could tell from reading his book. 

The characters had unique and original backgrounds too. But they all had one similarity: they were willing to sacrifice themselves for the people they loved. And I was touched by that fact.

I wouldn't have thought Reardon would have it in him, but he bravely put in one twist that changed everything, EVERYTHING, in the book. I was so surprised and shocked, I almost dropped the book.

This book is almost like the indie version of The Hunger Games.

Sadly, no matter how much I convinced my co-blogger Chloe that she should read it, she said no. 

Why?

The cover. That was the reason she gave me.

And if you don't know by now, Chloe is a massive cover-judger ( I can be one too but I often make exceptions) and she absolutely did not want to pick up the book because she didn't think the cover was nice.

That story up there holds a message: DON'T be like Chloe. I'm not mad at her for not reading the book, but I'd appreciate it if people could learn to not judge books by their covers, because, sometimes, the cover can't often be a show of the content, whether it's good or bad.

So please, give books like Obstacles a chance.

Brief Review: The author obviously has a really good imagination, and I believe he couldn't have written Obstacles as well as he did without it. But ultimately, this isn't just about your darkest fears, it's about sacrificing yourself for the people you love .Be prepared to face your fears in this book because anything can happen. If you want a fast-paced read that is short, I definitely recommend Obstacles!!! 

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE: 

Martin Luther King Jr. said it best,

A man who won't die for something is not fit to live---Martin Luther King Jr.

Your Reviewer:

ARC Review: Twisted Reflections by Shay West

Title: Twisted Reflections

Author: Shay West

Release Date: 28th July 2014

Publisher: Booktrope Editions

Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: Alexis Davenport wants to be rid of her gift of time travel, and the duty that has been thrust upon her to protect the time line from an evil lunatic trying to change the past. When she travels back to ancient Egypt, Alex gets a most unexpected surprise; she meets a fellow Traveler like herself, someone who can possibly help her figure out how to use her powers to stop Drifter from altering the past. But can she learn how to control her gift before Drifter finds a way to stop her from meddling in his plans?

Detailed Review: *I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review*

I was immediately transported into Alex's world from the first page. I think what is the most important element in a sequel are the characters. They should stay the same and shouldn't change at all unless they had a reason to. 

I was glad to find that nothing had really changed in the characters, which could have potentially hampered my enjoyment of the book.

You might ask, 'What was so good about this book?'

The fact that this book is not just a normal time-travel book that actually follows the conventions of the genre, it is also a contemporary that deals with more than just saving the world.

There are first loves, family problems, sudden changes and peer problems too, that adds to the mix of being able to time-travel. I might have mentioned them in my review of the first book of the series.

There were two new characters in the story: Seth and his Master Gavin. They certainly were original characters and it was great to see Alex finally getting some help, although it was frustrating when they couldn't give her answers on how to defeat Drifter.

Speaking of Drifter, I honestly really dislike him, which I'm sure was the intended response of the reader.

He is the embodiment of evil.

Don't even speak to me about his Master. I abhor him.

Every single time I read about him, I always shout curse words at him mentally, because I would kill anyone who insults history, ESPECIALLY those who want to change it.

Can't people see how important history is? If you change the events of the past, then you will change the future.

And if the past doesn't happen, mankind will never learn from their mistakes. The past happens so that we won't repeat the past.

I think I shall have to send this little speech about changing the past to the author and ask her to forward it to Drifter and his Master.

And as you have heard me say so many times, there are bound to be plot twists and some really surprising connections, for it to be a five-star book.

Connections as in: the enemy may be closer than you think.

Technically what I want to say about this book, which is pretty amazing, has already been mentioned in my review for the first book, Dangerous Reflections.

If you want to read about my further opinion on the first book, Dangerous Reflections, click HERE.

Detailed Review: Twisted Reflections rivals with other time-travel books to reach the top. But I assure you, it has already done so. Now all the author needs to do is add more plot twists in the next book and more secrets to be uncovered!

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE: 

The past is obdurate- Stephen King 

Your Reviewer:

Review: Behind The Scenes by Kathryn White

Title: Behind The Scenes
Author: Kathryn White
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Release Date: March 31st 2013
Find on: Goodreads, Amazon, Book Depository

Book Description: Catlin Ryan is determined to escape her dreary life in a beachside caravan park. Abandoned by her alcoholic mother, she dreams of a life on the stage and is prepared to work hard to get it. So when she is offered a starring role on her favourite television series, Catlin does not think twice about taking it.

But fame comes with a set of new challenges, long hours, spoiled and demanding colleagues, the paparazzi, some wild parties and Tom, the bitter director who seems to hate her. Then there is the reunion with her father, a brooding retired police officer, who offers her board and lodgings inside a house that is haunted with dark family secrets. Who is Catlin Ryan, really? Why does she keep remembering things that she knows never really happened? Can Catlin reconcile with her past and keep her family secrets out of the tabloids, or is the world destined to know what goes on behind the scenes?

Detailed Review: <<review copy provided by the author herself>>

I wasn't quite sure about what I should write as I am not into well, contemporary fiction. But I will do my best. 

I think the story was bending more to New Adult rather than Young Adult...relatively it was not as entertaining for me. But of course this doesn't mean that the book is not good. I mean, other people have their own opinions whereas I didn't really like it. 

The story was fine; it had a good outline about what the worst life style was. I really liked Catlin's humorous nature where she critiqued her not-so beautiful life with her so called fiancée Johnny. Catlin really had a long run where she uniquely thought about her runaway mother. 

Kathryn White (the author) wrote a really good book in terms of projecting Catlin's hatred towards her previous life in a dumpster and how significantly the story took a turn into the glamorous life of the main character. 

The main char of the story didn't strike me but I think there's more connection which definitely tells us about how Catlin's life story became as it is today. Secretly I wished there was more excitement in the story (more action) haha but of course the story is already targeting a more serious audience? Well, for one, I'm not so sure about this story... 

Putting aside that, the writing was really detailed but impactful. It wasn't the writing that made me bored but the story itself or perhaps the genre that's been shown. The writing of the author was quite fast-paced and it did have some exciting scenes but other times it felt really dead. 

I probably sound harsh about Behind The Scenes but if I have to say so myself...

I didn't feel the "oophm" that most YA books guaranteed. OK, perhaps this book isn't even in the genre for YA but it was noted down. 


Brief Review: New Adult...not for me. I had to say Behind The Scenes was not really my forte and rather it had a good run. But the narration of Catlin Ryan was quite individually fulfilling and it definitely covered the holes in which made the story slightly dull. 

My Rating: 2/5  "It's OK"

Your Reviewer:

Review: The One by Kiera Cass

Title: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Find on: Goodreads  and Amazon

Quick Review: The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned.

Detailed Review: I didn't want to have high hopes for this book, but because it was the final book in a series I really loved, I couldn't help it. I am happy to say that I was not disappointing, well I was mostly not disappointed. The only reason why I was disappointed was because the book was way too darn short!! I just felt like everything was so rushed. And then at the ending I was disappointed, because I wanted to see more of them together. 

For most of the first half of the book, I was annoyed with America. I can't think of anything specific she did that annoyed me, it was just something about her that plucked at my nerves. 

I liked the parts with America and Maxon, though they were kind of all over the place like Katy Perry's Hot and Cold song. One minute it was like "I love you sooo much!" the next it was like "I don't know if I can be with you.." 

The scenes between America and Aspen were also kind of unsatisfactory, and they seemed mostly unnecessary. I felt like they could have just said that they weren't into each other, without all the delays. 

I loved the moments between the girls, they were so sweet and heartwarming. I liked how they became friends, and I was sad to see some of them die. 

Talking about dying, I was ecstatic to see the King die, but I was sad to see the Queen die. The Queen, despite her ignorance was one of the more likable characters, I really enjoyed the scenes with her. 

When all is said and done I was very happy with this happy ending. 


Brief Review: I can't say that this book was perfect, but I feel like it was a pretty good ending, I just wish that things wouldn't have been so rushed. Writing the last book is always difficult and I just want to give the author props, she did a good job!

Final Rating: 4/5 'Great with a few flaws'

Your Reviewer: 

Review: Waiting for Dusk by Nancy Pennick

Title: Waiting for Dusk

Author: Nancy Pennick

Release Date: 27th November 2012

Publisher: Melange Books

Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: Read a book.

Fall asleep.
Meet a boy.
Is it real or just a dream?
Katie’s everyday life suddenly turns exciting when she travels back in time and meets the boy of her dreams. Thinking of nothing else, willing to leave the real world behind, she’s determined to find out if it’s all a dream or not. Returning again and again, Katie almost has her answers until one day her precious book goes missing.

Detailed Review: I wasn't sure what to think when I finished the book. In a way I thought it was good, but there were several factors that didn't make it as good as it could have been.

So I thought that I would start by listing what I liked about the book, and what I didn't like about the book.

But first, maybe a little spoiler... If you don't mind. It's about time travelling.

What I liked: 

1. The concept of time-travelling is very old, though still frequently used. But it's the methods that usually vary. The most common one is usually via a machine but in Waiting for Dusk, a book is needed. Not just any book, but a special one. I liked that there were no clichés regarding this part.

2. The setting of the story is in Oberlin, a small town. It's pretty unimpressive. But it's the place where Katie time travels to that seems beautiful to me. Arizona, The Grand Canyon... *has dreamy look on face* The best place for romance to bloom right? *wink*

3. The characters were well thought-out. I liked how they each had their own quirks. It made it easier to connect with the characters. At first, I thought there wasn't much to the characters, but when I reached the last few chapters, I realised that I had grown to love them and it just pains me to know if one of them is suffering, especially Kate. :(

4. THE TWIST. Yes! There is only one twist in this book. The one and only. Instead of deciding to have several tiny little twists throughout the book, Nancy decided to save the best for last and put it in the last few chapters. There is a great risk of getting a heart attack when you read that exquisite twist. All I can tell you is, it's heartbreaking.

What I didn't like:

1. The romance was love at first sight, something I totally dislike because it just doesn't seem natural. It somehow destroys part of the purpose of having romance at all, since we all know that romances take time to develop, although there are a few exceptional cases. But the love at first sight part was the only thing I disliked. I loved the part where their love for each other grows stronger that it withstands the power of time. 

2. The writing style didn't really suit the story. It made the story dragged on in some parts and has a very likely chance of boring the reader. What I want is fast paced writing with sudden stops to create surprises.

So to sum it all up, I think the book's good points actually balanced out the bad points and made them seem more acceptable. 

Brief Review: Even though there seemed to be some faults in the book which annoyed me, I felt that Nancy actually put in all her efforts to write this book. And I think it has paid off. This is a great debut written by a promising author!

Final Rating: 3.5/5 'Quite Liked'

QUOTE: I think this quote best describes the love stories in Waiting for Dusk:

Love knows not what time is--- Unknown

Your Reviewer:

Review: An Ice Princess Heart by Alivia Anders

Title: An Ice Princess Heart (A Shard of Ice Novella)

Author: Alivia Anders

Release Date: 28th October 2013

Publisher: Red Alice Press

Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: When a string of men vanish without a trace along the coast of France, Lilix Morgan seeks to uncover the source of the mysterious deaths. Aided by four other immortal Originals, they comb the coast, only to find out the horrible dark truth; one of them is the culprit.

Detailed Review: This review might be short because An Ice Princess Heart is a novella that's 5 chapters long. But I do have lots of thoughts despite the book only having 5 chapters.

What striked me the most was the writing style Anders has. I haven't read any of her previous Illumine books (although I'd like to now), so this was my first experience of this author. I had seen great reviews and ratings on this book on Goodreads so I thought that I should give it a try.

And boy, was it worth it. I loved the author's descriptions that can somehow strike fear in your heart and make you connect with the characters no matter how short the book was. It's pure magic, I'm telling you.

The characters were awesome too. Arabella made a great villain in the book and I love how the author portrays her as a bitter and angry person most of the time. I also thought that giving her the ability to create fire is another ace to developing her character and personality. Lilix was a great heroine and I'd absolutely love to have her powers! I want to make it snow in Malaysia!

And down to the real deal, the story. The plot. It did seem simple to me, at first, but hindsight there are so many secrets to be uncovered as you progress more. These types of layered stories are usually what prompts me to give it a whopping 5 stars on the spot! 

But don't worry, I do still take the characters and writing style into account! If there's a great story with crappy characters, I absolutely won't give it a 5 star rating!

Brief Review: I think if you stripped the book and left its story bare without any outstanding characters or suitable writing style, I would never give it a such a high rating. But as such, this book earns it with it's descriptive writing style and interesting characters together with it's entrancing story. I don't think I've read a novella that is as enchanting as An Ice Princess Heart. I can't wait to read the next book, An Ice Princess Kiss!

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE: This is what I imagine finding your True (your soulmate) would be like:

Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye---H, Jackson Brown, Jr

Your Reviewer:

Blog Tour and Review: Waiting for Romeo by Diane Mannino

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by our blog for the Waiting for Romeo blog tour! Read on for my review of this spectacular book!

Title: Waiting for Romeo

Author: Diane Mannino

Release Date: 15th November 2013

Find on: Goodreads

Genre: Young Adult

Tour: Irresistible Reads Book Tours

Quick Review: Heartbroken by the one guy she simply couldn’t resist, Emilia King is determined to move on. But Logan Prescott is also determined… determined to win her back. He lost the only person who truly mattered to him and now he’ll do whatever it takes to convince Emilia to give him a second chance.

While their attraction to each other is undeniable, the obstacles they’re forced to confront may be too much. And just when it seems their love for each other is a bond that knows no bounds, Emilia faces her worst nightmare.

With her newfound inner strength, Emilia realizes fighting to be with Logan is her only hope…and waiting for him may ultimately determine not only their future together, but her own destiny.

Detailed Review: I loved this book to bits! It was so romantic and funny at the same time. What with the romance between Logan and Emilia and the action that kept jumping out of the dark of the most unexpected of times- this book made me light-headed. I found that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

I think the beauty of the book stemmed from the characters themselves. Emilia is a great heroine who has grown stronger through her past. She shows unlimited strength in the book and stubborn determination. She is also a loving and caring person, who cares for others before herself. These traits are evidence of a perfect heroine.

Now let's move on to Logan. He's changed after he saw Emilia. And he did not change one small thing. He changed A LOT. He was willing to cut off all ties to his former friends so she could see how much he really cared for her. Although he had his own demons, he managed to overcome them.

The romance brewing between the heroine and hero was truly what I'd wish for myself. Their love has become absolutely strong and Emilia has learnt to trust Logan to an extent when Montecito happened, which is the part I loved the most. It holds a huge significance in their relationship and is a starting point for them.

Then there's Bryn and Chloe. I think they're the best friends I could ask for. Having them together is a potent mix of long-lasting friendship. I love how they get along with each other with Emilia and am touched by how much they care for her. They're truly the best.

The other element in the book that gave me chills was the giant twist at the ending. It was uncalled for and unexpected. I didn't think it would be this good. 

And may I request that there is a sequel for Waiting for Romeo? I haven't had enough of Emilia and Logan yet. And I'll beg for it if I have to.

Brief Review: This book is so different from it's predecessor, from the story to the love that brews between Logan and Emilia. I couldn't have asked for a better sequel. Let me just sum this book up in three words: flawless, swoon-worthy & beautiful.

Final Rating: 5/5 ' Totally Amazing!'

Your Reviewer:

About The Author:

DIANE MANNINO graduated from University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in English Literature. She is a former writer for Museum and Arts Washington and Star Magazine as well as several television shows, including, Inside Edition, American Journal, and E! News Daily. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two beautiful daughters. Running from Romeo is her first novel and she is currently working on the sequel.

Website: http://dianemannino.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunningFromRomeo?fref=ts

You can find the rest of the tour schedule HERE.