She sipped her triple chocolate frappuccino while I thought it over.
'So apart from the whole control thing, do you like him? Like you know, like like?'
It was sort of funny how we'd gone back to seventh grade talk when we clearly were mature (shut up), nineteen year olds, taking a mature (shut up) gap year, trying to find the 'real' us.
'I don't know! Two weeks ago I thought he was stupid but then he says things like 'I'll give you my months salary so you can buy yourself a birthday present.' Forty thousand rupees! And my heart just... melts man!'
At the fucking seriously? look on my face she added with a sigh 'I know, I know. But it feels good to at least hear someone say it you know.'
I bit into a french fry as i looked at my best and very crazy friend.
'You know what you guys would be? If you know, you were somewhere abroad, in a western country and wernt all good and muslim?'
'What Em? What would we be?'
She rolled her eyes but despite herself, laughed.
'Fuck buddies.'
I dipped the fry in barbeque sauce.
'Thats what you would be.'
Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.
Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.
Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until
he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?
My Thoughts:
Chain Reaction is like one of those good, slightly dramatic drama-y books- what with the dead bodies, steamy romantic moments, the Latino Blood gangs and its share of light hearted, warm bits.
This was just as good as the other two books in the series- Rules of Attraction and Perfect Chemistry.
As far as the romance goes... Well, sizzlingfreakinsexylicious, might as well be an understatement.
It was hot you guys. With all the right bits of chemistry to make it work, and not seem like a cheesy mills and boon story. Loved it.
Luis was as usual, another one of Simon Elkeles's totally crush worthy characters, with his sexy looks and wonderful kind hearted-but-bad super intelligent boy personality.
Nikki was a strong, wounded girl who emerged fixed and changed for the better. I liked her, though sometimes, I found myself being a bit annoyed at her somewhat always whining self.
But then I took a moment to put myself in her shoes, and yes, Simone Elkeles drew up her characters quite believably. I would have probably been more messed up than Nikki.
I think my favorite though, (out of the three love interest girls) has to be Keirra, from Rules Of Attraction.
Chain Reaction is action packed with talk about gangs and people getting killed and a few twists to keep things plenty interesting!
However, as far as the action goes, it was slightly less intense than the others two books, but nonetheless, very enjoyable.
One of the really great things about this last novel in the series is that it also features the other Fuentes brothers- who actually have a small role in how the events play out.
We also see how far they've come along with Brittany and Keirra and its so heartening, because (if you've read the other two books) you have this sort of connection with them and you know where they're coming from and its like reading about some old friends you once had, who you were really close too.
The Story of the Futenes brothers is neatly wrapped up in this book, and the epilogue was, as usual perfect!
Hopefully we'll get to read about they're children one day, I would lovelovelove that.
Over all, Chain Reaction is another great Elkeles novel.
Its an awesome feel good book- making you feel all smushy inside after you finish the last page and you don't even need to read the other books to understand whats going on- its perfect as a stand alone novel too!
So seriously... What are you waiting for?
Read this book.
Sooooo good.
*sigh*
xx
CLG
Curly haired guy with pretty blonde: Alex and Britt
Girl in shorts with hot guy: Carlos and Keirra
Almost-bald but-not-really guy with brown haired pretty girl: Luis and Nikki
Happy Birthday Sallu Butt.
I love you.
Thankyou, for being there for me 24/7.
For sticking with me, and up for me no matter what.
Even when they said you had no opinion of your own.
Because you did, Sallu, its not your fault it matches with mine, right?
RIGHT.
Anyway, moving on.
Sallu, you were one of the reasons I started blogging.
You were the main reason I did not self combust after the two loves of my life left the country.
I know we started off on rocky ground, with the whole bitch thing, and your faindu sneakers and neck dhaga.
But you're cooler now, and its okay, I forgive you.
[Lol jk, Im sorry for the bitch thing]
Thankyou for not judging and always judging.
Thankyou for sticking around and not getting tired of the singular stupidity that my life revolves around, even though I wish it didn't.
Thank you for ALWAYS understanding. ALWAYS.
I mean, there hasn't been a single moment when you haven't understood, and that, in my opinion makes you pretty fucking awesome, because you know how crazy-stupid I can get.
Thank you for always proving to me one of my favorite quotes: Where theres a will, theres a way.
You always find a way Sallu.
Always. (well. almost always)
You're funny, witty, hilarious, snarky, trendy in your own way, creepy, sexy, adorable and so much fun to hang with!
You're my best friend, sister, TF-er, pedo-lover and more.
I miss you so much Sallu.
I hope that one day we can go to the Harry Potter theme park together, and then take a road trip to Salzberg.
And you know, be cool and aloof and fun and iNaTlekchUal.
You'll be some big shot women's-rights-feminist-lawyer person, and I'll be the girl with the library/bookstore/university lit teacher degree and sexy book deal and we'll ditch all the losers and have the time of our lives.
[WE CAN DREAM RIGHT? FC KALIJ FTW :C]
Anyway.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SALLZZZZZZZZZ!
YOU'RE A BIG GIRL NOW SO BETTER STOP EATING THAT CHICKEN SUPREME YOU'RE CHOWING DOWN ON SKYPE.
Your metabolism isn't the same as it used to be.
[Remember how we don't want BigMama hips?]
K BAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIII
LUFF YOU.
HAFFFUN. <3
Your bff
CLG
thug lyf- 4 lyf
<3
Sallu's blog: pinkofag.blogspot.com
[Follow me first, then her]
Todays the day you guys.
The day I've been waiting for since I hit ninety followers and since SAL BEAT ME TO IT.
But, whatever.
As of now, 9:45pm, August 17, 20011 (in case someone tries to burst my bubble by unfollowing)... I have A HUNDRED FOLLOWERS?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????!!!!!!!!!
Wow.
Thanks for following guys.
Seriously, it means a LOT.
Would you like me to have a giveaway to celebrate?
If yes, leave a comment and if I have enough interest, I'll have one soon!
FREE BOOKS FOR ALL!
Well, okay, not all, but you know, whoever wins.
Love each and every one of you.
Even the creepy anon types.
Eliza is in a full-blown panic. Her notebook has been stolen—the one that lists everything she wants but is afraid to go after. And the absolute worst person in the world has it: her ex-boyfriend, Cooper.
Like it’s not enough Cooper was lying to Eliza for their entire relationship, now he and his friends are blackmailing her. They’re giving her just one night to complete the most humiliating tasks on her list or they’ll post her secrets online—including the ones that aren’t just about her.
Eliza’s sure of only one thing: she isn’t going down without a fight. Cooper may have what’s left of her dignity, but she’s not the only one with something to hide …
My Thoughts:
This is such a lovely, hilarious book.
I loved it so, so much!
Eliza reminded me of myself sometimes. I loved her! She could totally be my best friend.
Her best friends made me miss mine, the lessons she learned in just a night were very real to believe and the romance was imperfectly perfect!
I loved how themes of sisterhood (Big sister and little love each other! No fighting or hate!) and friendship were so beautifully incorporated into the book, so light, but so nice and different from all the family problems and usual drama of most of todays YA books.
The best part? I was crying before reading this book because of some shit, but once I started reading, I caught myself smiling and actually laughing out loud several times!
Books that draw out real emotion from me are rare.
One Night That Changes Everything was lighthearted, so much fun and a very lovely read. One of the awesome books which leave you content, and with a smile on your face!
This book is number one on my Wishlist.
I want to read it so BAD.
Its out on the 16th.
Heres what its about.
Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.
Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.
Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until
he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?
Um, I found these pictures on goodreads, and heres the latest book trailer.
Safe to say, these are the hottest, sexiest and HOTTEST young adult novels EVA.
You can read them in any order, doesn't really matter, very mild spoilers.
Without further ado:
Drool, drool and yeah- drool.
Yup thats them with their respective love interests!
Or how the wonderful Simone Elkeles imagined 'em anyway.
The book trailer is kind of cheesy, but looks hot with all the kissing, so whateves.
Maybe you'll like it, though I like the book trailer for Rules of Attraction the best.
From wonderful-amazing author, Julie Kagawa's blog, here we have a really hot, and totally swoon-worthy deleted scene, from the third book of the Iron Fey series.
(Read my review of (some parts of) the incredible series here.)
Before I copy-paste the scene though, I just want to say:
OMGOMOGMGOGM ASSSHHHH <3
Ahem.
Here you go:
Deleted Scene: This is from THE IRON QUEEN, so spoilers ahead for those who have not read it yet. It takes place at Glitch's base, right after Ash has stormed off after having a small spat with Meghan, and she goes to the balcony to find him.
Remember, this is a DELETED scene, one that didn't make it into the final book. Please don't ask me what comes next, because I don't know, lol. (Also, this is YA, just throwing that out there.)
Okay, here we go:
***
Extended Balcony Scene
I stepped close and slipped my arms around his waist, hearing his quiet intake of breath as I pulled him against me. “That was a long time ago,” I murmured, pressing my cheek to his back, listening to his thudding heart. “You’ve changed since then. That Ash wouldn’t protect a silly human girl with his life, or become her knight, or walk into exile with her. Every step of the way, you’ve always been there, right beside me. I’m not letting you go now.”
“I’m a coward.” Ash’s voice was subdued. “If I cared for you as much as I should, I would end my life and the curse along with it. My existence puts you in danger. If I were no longer here—”
“Don’t you dare, Ashallyn’darkmyr Tallyn.” I held him tighter, even as he flinched at the sound of his True Name. “Don’t you dare throw your life away for an unknown superstition. If you die—” My voice broke, and I swallowed thickly. “I love you,” I whispered, fisting my hands against his stomach. “You can’t leave. You swore you wouldn’t.”
Ash’s hands came to rest over mine, twining our fingers together. “Even if the world stands against you,” he murmured, bowing his head. “I promise.”
For awhile, we just stood like that, content not to move, as the wind howled around us and tugged at our hair and clothes. Ash, true to form, was perfectly still. I closed my eyes and lost myself in his quiet breathing, in the rise and fall of his chest, in the beat of his heart. It was hard to believe, sometimes, that this—this beautiful, solemn, immortal prince in my arms—was mine.
“Meghan.”
His voice rumbled in my ear, low and hesitant. “Yes?” I whispered, and he shifted around to face me, taking my hands in his. For a few moments, he gazed at our interlocked fingers, running his thumb gently over my skin, as if gathering his thoughts.
“Be patient with me,” he said at last, furrowing his brow. His gaze finally shifted up to mine, bright and soulful. “It’s…difficult sometimes, to watch you fight, to see you throw yourself into danger again and again.” One hand came up, long fingers gently touching my cheek. “I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you,” he murmured. “I wish I could protect you from everything.”
“I know,” I said, smiling up at him. “But, it’s my turn now. You’ve done so much already, Ash; now it’s my turn to protect you. You and Puck and the Nevernever, and…and everyone.” I sighed and looked past him, at the clouds sweeping over the iron realm. “If I could just figure out a way to do that.”
“I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Ash’s voice was resigned, and he drew me closer, wrapping his arms around my waist. Sighing, he lowered his head, soft strands of his hair brushing my forehead. “Just…try not to give me a heart attack when you do.”
“I can’t promise anything,” I whispered back. “But, I’ll try.”
His expression twitched in a faint smile, and he gave a tiny shake of his head. “I suppose that’s all I can ask for—” But before he could finish, I slipped my arms around his neck, leaned up, and took his lips with mine.
He made a faint noise of surprise, before his eyes fluttered shut and he leaned into me, pulling us closer. I savored the feel of his lips against mine, breathing in his scent, that sharp mix of frost and peppermint. He breathed my name, just one simple word, and it turned my stomach inside out and set my whole body on fire. It made me desperate to get closer, made me bolder then I’d ever been. I pressed forward, pushing him against the railing, standing on tiptoe to trail kisses down his neck. He groaned, tilting his head back, hands sliding up to tangle in my hair. I couldn’t get close enough, it seemed. Never close enough.
Ash ducked his head, meeting my lips again, his kisses suddenly crushing, devouring. One arm snaked around my waist, the other cupped the back of my head, pressing us together, like two puzzle pieces that finally clicked. I held him as tightly as I could, feeling the hard, lithe muscles of his back, shifting through his armor. Wishing it was suddenly gone, that I could feel his cool skin under my fingers. His cloak fluttered around us, like the edges of tattered wings, cocooning us both, and I didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world.
Ash drew back suddenly, breathing deep, trying to control himself. I felt his heart beneath his armor, hammering in his chest. He dropped his gaze, shoulders heaving, though his arms didn’t loosen their grip, and resisted my attempt to pull back.
“Ash?”
The look he gave me was almost frightening in its intensity. “Command me,” he whispered, bringing his face close to mine. His eyes seared into me, challenging and pleading all at once. “Tell me to stop, and I will.”
I gazed at him, well aware that my own heart was doing its best to crash through my ribs. Ash watched me, silver eyes blazing with desire, and love. I reached up and touched his face, and he closed his eyes, putting his hand over mine, pressing it to his cheek, before his gaze flickered to me again.
Waiting. He wouldn’t go any further unless I told him to. He was letting me decide, like he’d promised. I could walk away from him now, and he wouldn’t follow. Or I could tell him to go, and he would. We could stop this, right now, if I wasn’t completely ready.
I swallowed hard, pulled his lips down to mine, and whispered:
Rating: 3.6 / 5 } Combined for both Inside Out & Outside In
The Australian Cover
(doesn't she look a bit like Miley Cyrus?)
As I crashed to the floor, I pulled my body into a protective ball.
I kept a fetal position as waves of pain pulsed up and down my legs. I braced for the cry of outrage from the occupant of the room and the call for the Pop Cops.
Instead, a concerned face came into my view. “Are you alright?” he asked. His blue eyes held a touch of awe as he stared at me with parted lips. No immediate threat.
What its about:
Keep Your Head Down.
Don't Get Noticed.
Or Else.
I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution...
My Thoughts:
This is a two book series, consisting of Inside Out, the first part, and then the sequel- Outside In.
So far, Maria V. Snyder, the lovely author has said she has no plans to continue the series [source: This Author Interview] which sucks, but there might be hope!
So, after I re-read the awesome Hunger Games series I was very, very sad.
It was the what-do-I-do-with-my-life-now-that-this-awesome-series-has-ended?!?!? feeling.
I'm sure HP fans know what I mean.
Anyway, I didn't want to read light hearted book after such an intense and lovely trilogy but wanted something intense and gripping. Something fast paced and a complete page turner.
I wanted to read a book which would keep me hooked till the very end, and would obviously include romance (because duh-whats a book without it?!) and would be basically filling the hunger games void.
And Inside Out, along with its sequel proved to fulfill all above expectations and even took them a step further and left me with that amazing gooey feeling inside me and a smile on my face.
These books.
They're really good.
Lets start off with what its about.
So basically, Trella lives in a world known as 'Inside'. Its basically a gargantuan metal cube, with people living in it.Theres a sort of cast system there- shes a part of the slaves known as the Scrubs, working for the rich Uppers.
Life is tedious and frustrating for the scrubs, as they're forced to work in horrible, crammed conditions, making sure dust and rust stay away from the metallic inside, and the Uppers are satisfied. If anyone tries putting a toe out of line? They're fed to the chomper. Some believe nothing can be done- but others, like Trella's best friend Cogan believe otherwise.
Rumors have it that a Gateway leading to the mysterious Outside exists. A place where they pile all their hopes on.
And so we follow Trella on her incredibly brave adventure, as Queen of the Pipes, as she travels inside Inside, to search for proof of this supposed myth.
What I loved:
-Trella is brave and strong, and a really wonderful heroine.
Shes also plucky and loyal, and it was a pleasure reading from her perspective.
-The mystery about the Outside, the Gateway and the Controllers, has you guessing until the very end, and there are so many twists and turns! You're forever thinking of how its all going to play out and whats going to happen next.
-The writing flows, and the book is very fast paced and very hard to put down as Trella gets into quite a bit of trouble.
-The romance, is sweet and gives the book that softness it requires from all the intense things happening.
-THE SEQUEL WAS BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK!
What wasn't so great:
One thing I thought was lacking in the book though- emotion.
The love story and over all, Trellas feelings seemed a bit too fast paced, a bit too hasty.
I wanted to see more happen between Riley and Trella, but probably it wasn't because of any 'author's shortcomings' but because of their way of life in the Inside. But still, I wish there had been more!
And I would love to know Riley better, he seemed so adorable with all the talk about a certain stuffed animal and about caring about Trella.
And also, after reading Outside In [spoilers ahead!]
-What happens when they reach Outside?!?!??!?!
-Why were the Outsiders exiled??!?
The above two questions leave me wanting more.
It would be awesome if Maria V. Snyder wrote another book explaining this stuff.
Maybe Trella and Riley could have children and it would be their story?
Contains:
Inside Out:
Mild mild kissing/ talk about 'mating' / over all, nothing graphic.
Violence.
Outside In:
Slightly graphic 'shower' scene, kissing and sex, though not graphic at all.
Violence.
----
Over all, though, I loved this book, and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
It was exactly the kind of book I was looking for to read, and it kept me up way past 3 in the morning!
Read both these books [Inside Out, and the sequel, Outside In] if you want something with a dystopian society, something fast paced and intense, something above the usual fluff and ultimately a really wonderful read which leaves you happy and with a smile on your face.
And here's a book trailer to make you even more excited about these books, if the review and teaser passage weren't enough:
