(Book Review): Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Deity {Covenant #3}

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. 

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden. 

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome. 

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed. 

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

Rating:  3.6 out of 5 stars

Published:  November 6th, 2012 by Spencer Hill Press
Series: Yes, this is part 3.
Romance: Yup
Action: Oh Hellllll Yeah
Highlights: Strong Protagonist, Action, Shock Factor

Needs Work: The first one third.


God I love books. The best ones have the power to suck all the venom out of a snake bite and leave you feeling an instant high, or they can bring you down to a whimpering mess and make you feel so many emotions you didn't even know existed in you.

Deity was awesome. The first one third was slow but boy did it pick up!
There was, as usual, a ton of action. So much kick ass Alex-ness and a lot of sweet romance. The love triangle seems to be favoring Aiden but... I suppose he might just win me over. I really liked him in this book. Seth was, as usual crazy sexy and just... Crazy. Loved him, but also, hated him. This is one love triangle where there really is uncertainty. Everything points to Aiden, but SETH! I love Seth, even in his twisty state. 
Jennifer L. Armentrout is an amazing, amazing author and not a single book that I've read so far by her has sucked. 
The ending was jaw dropping and totally, totally made me scream- I WANT THE NEXT BOOK! ARGH!
It's going to be a long wait for Apollyon. 
Sigh.

Thank you Spencer Hill Press so much for the ARC!

xx

ChickLit Girl

(Book Review): Cursed by J. L. Armentrout

Dying sucks-- and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out.

However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not have been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

Rating: 3.2/5 stars

Published: May 24th, 2012

Series: Nope

Swoon Scale: 2.7/5; Sweet with a Spoonful of Sexy, 

Bonus points: Superpowers, Tears

Action: Ish

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout was honestly, a bit of a letdown.  All her other books? They’ve been phenomenal. I mean, okay, the Obsidian series? So much swoon, great characters, a really amazing story with funny bits as well as the potential to seriously make you weep, drama, suspense, aKshUUUNNN!

The Halfblood books? Also really good, with a really strong protagonist, great story, etc.

But something was missing from Cursed. It was a good book, but not an amazing one, like Armentrout’s books usually are. 

However, give it a try, it just might be your cup of tea.

Cursed is about a teen with a messed up ability and messed up life. Since this is Jennifer Armentrout, and she’s boss, Ember’s sadness and frustration really brought tears to my eyes at one point. This is always a good sign, since it really tells you that the writer knows what he/she’s doing, especially in my case, since I’m not really a crier.

There was a nice little mystery and plenty of  swoony romantic bits, which is really saying something since remember, Ember can’t really touch anyone!

As usual, JLA’s writing style was perfect, simple and straightforward, yet capturing the authentic teen tone well.

The problems I had with the book were mainly to do with the pacing and the characters. The book, for me, totally lagged a bit in the middle,  but a good start and finish sort of made up for that.

At times I found Ember's self pity a bit annoying, but I suppose she couldn’t help it, being so alone for so long. 

Overall Cursed was your typical good paranormal romance read with a likeable protagonist and another Hotty Mc Hotterson as a love interest.

One of the best parts is that it’s a standalone, even though there is potential for a series, so yay for a good PNR standalone! No waiting around for a sequel.

A huge thankyou to SpencerHillPress for providing me with the Cursed ARC!

Xx

ChickLitGirl

A Day Of Firsts

Tomorrow is a day of firsts.

Its my 20th birthday, and the first day of my brand new college.

You would think I'd be excited, and I suppose I am. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life, but you see the problem is, I hate the university I'm supposed to go to. And I know, this birthday will suck.

So here's to tomorrow. Fingers crossed that I'm wrong.

Me, Eid

xx

CLG 

Books:

I'm reading Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry and its good so far. I read From What I Remember by Stacy Kramer a few days ago and really, really liked it- 3.2 stars outa 5.

Misc:

SUITS is my current TV addiction. Even though half the time I don't understand any of the lawyer mumbo jumbo, I love the witty banter and the sheer awesomeness of the main characters. Also I am totally into the marvel comic movies. Thor was ADORABLE and I loved Captain America's innocence, chivalry and personality. Actually, all the Superheros- Iron Man, Thor, Cap A- were awesome. Need to watch The Incredible Hulk now. Can't wait. Then I'll start the Batman movies. Yay.

(Movies): I'm In Love. #1

And his name is Mr SuperHero Man.

So I watched the Avengers, and really liked it. Maybe even loved. Then I wiki-ed it, because that's a thing I do, and found out its sort of a sequel movie to the others- Iron Man, Thor etc! I was totally excited. People, yes, I was living under a rock. I didn't know. 

Anyway so then I had to go and watch them all, because have you SEEN Thor? Hes a hunk. And Iron Man? Funny, witty, sexy AND SO SUPER INTELLIGENT. Captain A's a sweet heart. And I love Mark Ruffalo.

So far, I've only managed to see both the Iron Man movies, so maybe next week I'll be in love with Thor.

The only superhero movie I really saw and followed up with was Spider Man, because A) The first movie was awesome, and B) I read a Spiderman novel, where the thoughts and actions of Peter Parker were so swoon-worthy heroic/nice/adorable/badass, that I obviously fell in love. Plus the story was pretty cool as well.

And come on, Andrew Garfield? He is the epitome of hot guy. Tobey was cute too.

So: Iron Man 1 & 2 get 4/5 stars

The Avengers gets 3.95/5 stars

xoxo

CLG

(Book Review): Easy by Tammara Webber

Easy

by Tammara Webber

A girl who believes trust can be misplaced, promises are made to be broken, and loyalty is an illusion. A boy who believes truth is relative, lies can mask unbearable pain, and guilt is eternal. Will what they find in each other validate their conclusions, or disprove them all?

When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.
Then one night, a horrible thing happens and Jacqueline's life is changed forever.
Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Published: May 24th, 2012

Series: Nope

Swoon Scale: 4.8/5; Longing Filled Sigh, Big Creepy Smile Of Anticipation, Sweet Frustration, 

Heated Moments: Yes

Bonus points: Assault scandal- Delicious Superhero Boy.

Action: In a I-kicked-that-bad-guy's-ass-since-he-was-a-douche! sorta way.

'Love is not the absence of logic but logic examined and recalculated heated and curved to fit inside the contours of the heart.'

-Easy

Wow. This book. This book left me all gooey and smiley inside and out. It's one of THOSE books you guys.
PLUS it has a MESSAGE. And oh my God... Lucas! *fans self*


The story is about Jacqueline and that horrible thing that happens to her one night. Its about how hot and sexy and awesome Lucas is, and it is a must read for lovers of contemporary romance, and people who want to read outside young adult, but not inside Adult: New Adult!

Jacqueline was a good, strong heroine. Even with what happened to her, she was never over the top whiny, or damsel in distress-y. Tammara Webber wrote her in a perfectly balanced way.The writing of the novel itself was good too, and mature, but still relatable. It was simplistic, but not juveniley so. 
The pace of the book was well balanced as well, being not too fast, nor too slow.
I loved reading Easy, it was like savoring a special box of rich chocolates. And Oh my God the tension and the sexy times? They were so well done, -the icing on top!
Several times I was close to tears- the feelings surrounding the assault bit were written very well and made you really feel for Jacqueline. Even with a topic like assault, something which has been done quite a lot,  none of the book felt cliched at all. Reading about college life was also refreshing and I've realized, I really like the New Adult genre.
Aside from Jacqueline, Lucas was also a very interesting character. His story was as intriguing as hers and I liked reading about his layers as well.

All in all, the book was EASY. It was good and delicious. Reading it was fun and emotional and the love story was beautiful as well as believable!

Loved it.

xoxo

CLG

The Liebster Blog Award

I've been nominated for The Liebster Blog Award, by Hira from Views and Reviews.
Thanks hun! <3

Wtf is 'Leibster'? Well, I googled, and apparently it means "Dearest" in German. Aww. 
Its basically for blogs with less than 200 followers, so you know, more people find out about our awesomeness and FOLLOW us. And stuff.




The basic rules:

1. Each person chosen must provide 11 facts about themselves.
2. Answer the 11 questions that the blogger who tagged you has given, then think of 11 questions for the people you tag.
3. Choose 11 people to receive the award and link them in your post.
4. Be sure to tell these people that you've tagged them.
5. Don't tag the person who tagged you.

Sounds fun-ish. Here goes.

11 facts about me:

1.   I don't really like to wear heels all that much. I barely have two- flats are more of my thing since I'm tall-ish... (5ft something) and well, heels make me tower over all my friends in a less model, more giant sorta way. BUTTT, my uncle gave me these killer new wedges last week and you guys? I am in loove. 

2.   I am really, really into Tutti Frutti's froyo. 

The best way to eat it: A little of Pomegranate, Tart and Mango, topped with the fresh fruit of your choice (not that icky canned stuff) and swirls of bitter sweet Hershey's choc syrup. MMMMMMMMM.

3.   I love Glee, and everything to do with it. The songs are awesome, the funny in it is awesome and The Glee Project? Is awesome x 2. 

4.   I am a huge, lazy bum. I've been promising you guys a giveaway here for soo long, and I've still not got the post done. BUT ITS COMING YOU GUYS. Soon.

5.   I'm not strongly opposed to getting engaged/married at this age (19). A lot of people think that I'm not being feminist, and/or submitting to the typical Pakistani society narrow mindedness, but seriously? I don't think its a big deal. If I like a guy and fall in love with him, I want to keep things as, well, halal as possible by getting engaged/marrying his azz and having the best honey moon of my life asap. By which I obviously mean Disney World and... The Harry Potter Theme Park!!!!! Yay.

6.   My parents think I'm crazy. As in she-needs-a-psychologist crazy. This is because I want to Major.In.English. It's also one of the reasons why I totally identify with that crazy girl Hannah, in HBO's Girls. Other reasons including the 'fat' thing and the 'clueless factor' she has going on. :C

7.   I trust too easily, and sometimes, that sucks.

8.   I'm waayy too open. Sometimes that sucks x 1324091324.

9.  I LOVE to sing and draw and read. And I like to think I'm at least above average at all three things. 

10.   I'm a hopeless romantic and a sucker for chivalry. Also a believer of the quote 'If you can make a girl laugh - you can make her do anything.' [Well. You know, mostly anything.]

11.   My biggest dream is to one day get my own awesome Meg Cabot/JK Rowling esq (or even better) book published. InshAllah.

Questions by Hira, for moi:

1. Describe yourself in a sentence.

I am the quintessential amalgamation of nerdy, creative, crazy, moody, dreamy and gleeky, with a dash of cute and funny.

2. What's your guilty pleasure?

An almond magnum, a bowl of noodles mixed with pizza sauce and sausages and a good book/a good tv show.

3. What's your favorite childhood book?

The Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. 

4. What is the worst punishment that you've ever received and for what?

They confiscated my iPhone for sleeping late. :,(

5. What's your most embarrassing moment?

I liked this guy. He found out. He told all his friends and laughed. I died.

6. What is the worst book you've ever read?

Probably Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison oh and 50 Shades Of Grey.

7.  What was your favorite cartoon as a child?

Quite a few... The Power Puff Girls, Mickey's House Of Mouse, Dave The Barbarian, Spongebob Squarepants, Kim Possible and Samurai Jack (even though the monster guy in it really scared me.)

8. What is the most unusual/craziest thing that has ever happened to you?
I thought hard about my answer and really, to be honest, I don't think anything crazy/unusual has ever happened to me. Lets go with one of the best things: Going to Disney World and one of the coolest things: Winning several book giveaways in my two years of book blogging!


9. What is the one thing you could tell us about yourself that others would be shocked to know?
Sometimes I get tired of reading. :O 
(I know... that shocked me too.)


10. Your biggest dream?
To have my name up there with all the cool kids- in the New York Times bestselling list. To write a novel that people absolutely love.


11. If a character from a book could come to life, who would you want it to be and why?
Ronald Bilius Weasly. 
Hes funny, hes adorable, and that would mean magic is real! Yay.

My 11 Questions:


1.What is the one thing you'd save if your house was burning down?
2. Name five books you'd take with you to a deserted island.
3. Which was the first poem that really moved you?
4. What is your favorite quote- from a book?
5. What was your first ever password- for anything?
6. When was your first crush, and what attracted you to him/her?
7. iPhone, Android or Blackberry, and Why?
8. Why did the chicken cross the road?
9. Which is your favorite Glee song/cover?
10. If you were asked to describe this blog, and your own blog in 3 words each, what would you say?
11. Which book is your most favorite- and why?




And here are the peeps I pass the award on to:


Fauzan @ Wild Heart Book Reviews
Nayab @ NayabLoves
Simini @ Simini Blocker
Aaishah @ Typing To The Beat Of My Heart
CrazyLady @ Another Way To Avoid Reality



Not exactly 11... but whatever. I'd love it if YOU, yes, you- Person Reading This Post.  would answer the questions too! Down, in the comments.


xx


CLG