A Perfect Ten, @lindakage

Let your hair down, Caroline, they said. It'll be fun, they said.

I know I've closed myself off in a major way over the past year, ever since “the incident” where I messed up my life completely. It's past time I try to live again or just give up altogether. But this is quite possibly the craziest thing I've ever done. In a last ditch effort to invigorate myself, I'm standing outside Oren Tenning's bedroom, I just peeled off the sexiest pair of underwear I own, and my hand is already raised to knock. My brother would disown me for doing anything with his best friend, and he'd probably kill Oren. But if I play my cards right, no one will ever know about this. Not even Ten.

Maybe after tonight, I’ll finally get over this stupid, irrational crush I hate having on the biggest jerk I’ve ever met. Or maybe I’ll just end up falling for him even harder. Maybe I’ll discover there’s so much more to my crude, carefree hunk than meets the eye.

"Damn, I had a freaking stalker.

I grinned, because having a stalker was kind of hot. Crazy chicks are so much more interesting than the sane ones.

'See you then' I said.

To which she immediately responded, 'No, you won't. You better not see shit. I said no lights.'

I shook my head and chuckled under my breath. This woman really did have a mouth on her. That was so awesome. 'Fine. Touch you then? Lick you then? Fuck you then? Which term do you prefer, princess?'

'Any of those will do. Thank you.'

'Okay, fine. Lick you later then, baby.

'Looking forward to it. Goodnight Oren.'

[...]

But it felt wrong not to respond, so I typed, 'Night, Midnight Visitor.' "

"Gripping her head between my hands , I whispered a harsh hiss. 'Damn it, Caroline. You started this. You came to me and tricked me into playing with you. Now you have me. Your brother is going to kill us both for this , so you better make it worth our while. You better sit up there and fuck me like you meant to the first night you came into this room, wearing no panties.' "

With Every Heartbeat, by @lindakage

*New Adult Romance*
**Explicit Scenes and Language**

I used to think everything was black and white, truth or lie, easy or hard, that if I could just escape my strict, overbearing, abusive father, my life would be perfect. But since I’ve found a reason to risk his wrath and leave, to help a friend in need, I’ve come to realize everything I thought I knew is wrong.

Friends have their own agenda, honesty comes with a dosage of lie, easy doesn’t even exist, keeping secrets sucks, and love...love is the most painful thing of all.

Maybe if Quinn Hamilton hadn’t asked me to skip classes for the day and help him pick out an engagement ring for my best friend, I wouldn’t have fallen for him so completely on that sunny Tuesday afternoon and I wouldn’t feel so conflicted. But I did, and I can’t take it back, no matter how hard I try. So I have to deal with the fact that even I’m not as good, or honest, or caring as I’d always thought I was, and no matter what I do next, someone’s going to get hurt. Probably me.

-Zoey Blakeland

*Don't worry! The hero and heroine are not cheaters.*

Be my hero, by @lindakage

Once upon a time, there was this pampered rich girl who was kind of full of herself. She really only cared about appearances and hiding all her dark, ugly secrets under the guise of an opinionated snob. But then Eva Mercer got pregnant, shot by a psycho, and kicked out of the only home she knew. Now she’s broke, unemployed, and has to start anew with a newborn to raise. But how?

On the other side of town, sexy, tattooed orphan, Patrick Ryan, can’t get a break. He’s out on parole for defending the last damsel in distress while trying to help her support her child, but all he wants is to find his one true love. He knows this woman by scent, smile, and laugh, but he’s never actually met her. He doesn’t even know her name. He just knows she’s the key to fixing everything.

One kind of hero can save you from physical harm. Another can rescue you from a different kind of doom. To reach their dreams, Eva and Pick can save each other. But first, they must open their hearts and learn how to trust.

To Professor, with Love, by @lindakage

*new adult romance*
**explicit scenes and language**

Junior in college. Star athlete. Constant attention from the opposite sex.

On this campus, I’m worshiped. While seven hundred miles away, back in my hometown, I’m still trailer park trash, child of the town tramp, and older sibling to three kids who are counting on me to keep my shit together so I can take them away from the same crappy life I grew up in.

These two opposing sides of myself never mix until one person gets a glimpse of the true me. I never expected to connect with anyone like this or want more beyond one night. This may be the real deal.

Problem is, Dr. Kavanagh’s my literature professor.

If I start anything with a teacher and we’re caught together, I might as well kiss my entire future goodbye, as well as my family’s, and especially Dr. Kavanagh’s. Except sometimes love is worth risking everything. Or at least, it damn well better be because I can only resist so much.

-N. G.-

Price of a Kiss, by @lindakage

*new adult romance*
**explicit scenes and language**

I don’t care what my cousin says; I am not the queen of impossible relationships. I mean, just because my last boyfriend tried to kill me and left a bit of a scar on my neck, then forced me to move across the country and legally change my name to Reese Randall to escape him, does not mean—

Oh, who am I kidding? For a freshman in college, I have to have the worst dating track record ever.

It’s no wonder love is the last thing on my mind when Mason Lowe enters my life. But the chemistry between us is like bam! Our connection defies logic. And he’s just so freaking hot. Being around him makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt before. I even like bickering with him. He could be my soul mate... except for one teeny tiny glitch.

He's a gigolo.

Boy, do I know how to pick them.

Find Out Which 'Dream Team' You Belong To

1.  You feel like you have done everything that is in your power, and just have learned from morning to night in order to get an A in biology, but you  notice that you got a D. What do you think?

• A: 'Ah...whatever! I did everything that I could, but if they feel this way, I can accept it.'
• B: 'What? But I learned a lot ... well it might have been even more in order to get a better note'
• C: 'What??? I don't believe it! I couldn't have learned more than that. I did everything in order to succeed... well I don't understand. What happened to my note?'

2. You're in a foreign town. You heard that if you throw a coin in a fountain and wish for something, that will be met within 24 hours. What do you do?

• A: I don't do anything, because it's true that I really want to go to a concert of my favourite band, I know it can't be met within 24 hours.
• B: I throw a coin in the fountain, I close my eyes and with all my strength I concentrate on my dream.
• C: I throw not one, but at least three coins in the fountain, hoping that at least three of my many dreams will be fulfilled.

3. Since your childhood, your dream is to become the prom queen at the school ball one day. Now you got a chance. What do you do?

• A: I don't care, because I know that only my best friends would vote for me. A lot of girls are in the school, who are more beautiful than me.
• B: I'm applying, because why not?
• C: I'm obviously applying to be the prom queen, because I have as much chance as the others. In addition, I ask all my friends to ask all their friends to vote for me, because I'm dreaming about it for a very long time.

4. You want to be an actress, and there is a casting in the town for a movie. What do you do?

• A: I don't apply yet, but I go to estimate how much chance would I have, if I'd apply.
• B: I apply and I do it anxiously, then I hope all day that my phone will be ringing.
• C: It's completely sure that I apply, because I want to be an actress, right? Then I call the directors all day and ask when do I find out whether I got into the cast.

5. You find 10$ on the sidewalk, when you're walking alone on the street. What do you do?

• A: I don't pick it up, because it's not mine and the "owner" will be surely searching for it.
• B: I take it into my wallet and buy a new shirt in my favourite store, because of SALE.
• C: I take it into my wallet and then at home I put it into my piggy bank, in which I collect the money for the holiday.

6. Your favorite singer from your favorite band just followed you on Twitter. What do you do?

• A: I can't believe it happened, so I check it thousand times to make sure it's true and then I watch a movie.
• B: I just stare the notification, then I cry and I tweet him to thank him for the follow.
• C: I'm jumping up and down and maybe I cry and then send him lots of direct messages, if he doesn't respond for a several days, I'll be very sad.

7.. It's summer break, and you have lots of plans, but your dream is that you can visit America one day. What do you do during summer?

• A: I read, I shop, I go to the beach, I sleep for a long time and I use the internet.
• B: I read, I shop, I go to the beach and I do some student work.
• C: I will do everything in order to collect a lot of money during the three month break, but I'm also on vacation.

8.. You are invited to a party, you're absolutely in no mood to go, but later it comes to your knowledge that your crush will also be there. What are you doing?

• A: I don't go because I can see him at other times too, but I still don't feel like I could go to the party.
• B: I'm thinking a lot about it, but in the end I go to the party just to see him.
• C: Immediately I decide to go to the party where I'll talk with him.

ASSESSMENT

My favorite books on Goodreads!

The first one in my list, from the oldest to the newest ones, is Murder in the Orient Express, by Agatha Christie.

"Just after midnight, a snowdrift stopped the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train was surprisingly full for the time of the year. But by the morning there was one passenger fewer. A passenger lay dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside."

 Agatha Christie is one of the greatest authors of this genre. What makes her books so special to me is the way she leaves clues all over the book. They're everywhere. Yet, you can't possibly figure out who the murderer is.
The weirdest thing about her books is that, whoever you talk to, they did the same reading process you did. They suspected of the same people you did. Do  you know why's that? Because Agatha Christie's superpower is subtle manipulation. She doesn't only leave clues about the true murderer, she also leaves fake clues everywhere. All over the book. And she manages to only get you to find the fake ones. You don't even know what the hell those clues are! You suddenly have a new suspect and can't explain how the hell did you get to that conclusion.
At the end, Poirot explains the way he found out who the killer was, and it always sounds so damn logical and obvious!

These books are amazing, and if you're into this genre or want to try it out, this is the book for you.

Five damn stars on Goodreads.

The next book I want to talk to you about, is Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. Okay, now it's fifteen books on my favorites shelf. This is four-stars rated.

So, the next book is... La sombra del viento, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón! - The Shadow of the Wind in the English edition.

This book deserves about six stars, but it's not even possible so, sadly, I had to leave it five-stars rated. Here's the synopsis in English!

"Barcelona, 1945: A city slowly heals in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, and Daniel, an antiquarian book dealer’s son who mourns the loss of his mother, finds solace in a mysterious book entitled The Shadow of the Wind, by one Julián Carax. But when he sets out to find the author’s other works, he makes a shocking discovery: someone has been systematically destroying every copy of every book Carax has written. In fact, Daniel may have the last of Carax’s books in existence. Soon Daniel’s seemingly innocent quest opens a door into one of Barcelona’s darkest secrets--an epic story of murder, madness, and doomed love."

This is the first book in The Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. I know, it sounds great uh? Well, it's even better.

This book... I've got no words for this book, but I guess I'll have to try.

It hits you right in the feels. This book makes you feel such strong feelings of happiness, empathy, sadness --more like depression, tbh, and many others. It makes you... Ponder. About life, its meaning, its purpose for you. About yourself, the way you are and what it means. About the other people, about the way people lives and the way they should live.

This, is a book with a message. Many messages, and all of them deep, important.

Also, the plot is just fucking awesome -let's break the philosophical atmosphere here. Such amazing plot-twists, you can never guess what's coming. This books keeps you on your toes since the very beginning, and for days after you finish it.
Just- Just read it, okay?

I chose the Spanish cover 'cause the English one is awfu

So... What's next? Okaaay, The High Lord by Trudi Canavan. This book is just great. I would have probably rated it four-stars, but the end gave it the little push it needed for the fifth star. And far more. Damnit, the end of this book... I just sat there, completely shocked. I was kind of in denial at the beginning. And I won't start with the next series because it was just as good at this one, or even better. I tend to think it's better.

Warning: the synopsis below contains huge spoilers. I seriously do NOT recommend to read it.

In the city of Imardin, where those who wield magic wield power, a young street-girl, adopted by the Magician's Guild, finds herself at the centre of a terrible plot that may destroy the entire world...

Sonea has learned much at the magicians' guild and the other novices now treat her with a grudging respect. But she cannot forget what she witnessed in the High Lord's underground room - or his warning that the realm's ancient enemy is growing in power once more. As Sonea learns more, she begins to doubt her guildmaster's word. Could the truth really be as terrifying as Akkarin claims, or is he trying to trick her into assisting in some unspeakably dark scheme?

Since this is the third book in The Black Magician Trilogy, I won't say more about it. I just love it. I will though, leave the synopsis of the first book --The Magician's Guild, below this.

"We should expect this young woman to be more powerful than our average novice, possibly even more powerful than the average magician."
This year, like every other, the magicians of Imardin gather to purge the city of undesirables. Cloaked in the protection of their sorcery, they move with no fear of the vagrants and miscreants who despise them and their work-—until one enraged girl, barely more than a child, hurls a stone at the hated invaders...and effortlessly penetrates their magical shield.
What the Magicians' Guild has long dreaded has finally come to pass. There is someone outside their ranks who possesses a raw power beyond imagining, an untrained mage who must be found and schooled before she destroys herself and her city with a force she cannot yet control.

I know you will love this series.

Okay, this post got far too long. I guess I'll split it into two or three parts. Whatever's necessary. I'll try to post the parts during the week, so I can post something else next Sunday.
To get exactly three parts, I'll add two more books to this post. Here it goes!
So, Graceling! By Kristin Cashore, the first book in the Graceling Realm trilogy.

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight - she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug.

When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po's friend.

She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace - or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away...

This book is absolutely awesome. For some reason, I felt identified with Katsa -I honestly don't know why. Also, the characters are so complex... They're Graces, the qualification people do depending on what it is, the way it influences their opinion about themselves.
Katsa is used for years as a killing machine by his uncle, she believes she really is one. And yet... She er... How to say this without spoilers? Yet, she doesn't follow his orders blindly. She is cruel? Yes. She's deadly? Yes. Murders most of her targets? Yes. But she's got a little vein of mercy, compassion and empathy inside her, and it develops as the book goes on.
It's an amazing story, absolutely unpredictable and non-stereotyped.


Final book! The second book in this series, Fire.

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

In a realm next to the Graceling realm, beyond the mountains range, lies a place where there are no Gracelings. Instead, there are Monsters. They're not different. Monsters have all the same magic... gifts. There's not only Monster people, there are Monster ravens too, etc.
This kingdom is at war, and needs an advantage. Fire's relationship with the King ends up in an incredible chain of events and people realises -Fire realises, that her power, not too well-considered, could save the whole kingdom.
In the meanwhile, this girl has her own personal problems. Men, of course -always messing up our heads, aren't you?, but also her own developing-even-more powers, and... A couple more things I won't say 'cause spoiler.
Dealing with a former-lover and the whole I-want-you/I-don't, I'm-supposed-to-hate-you/I-think-I'm-falling-for-you thing... And saving the kingdom, of course. Or attempting to. I think it's kind of a lot to deal with, isn't it?
In a story with the always-there war and love, but also friendship, old lost friends and many other... sensitive topics wrapped up in a story that will keep you on your toes the whole time.
You'll cry, you'll laugh, you'll be shocked and jump out of pure joy. I can assure you, you will definetely enjoy this series.

That's it! Kind of a review-a-thon, now that I think about it. Short, not-detailed reviews, but still.
Some of the other books are rather unknown, and really great. And they've got more comedy. One of them even made me cry out of laugh many times.
So, you tell me, should I post another part of this?
Hope it wasn't too boring to you! If you liked it, even better.
xoxo

Six of Crows Sequel!

Hey there!

I'm back to bring you some great news: Leigh Bardugo has announced the title of the sequel to Six of Crows!

Here's the official booktrailer:







Hope you liked it! I'm so excited for this!

xoxo

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Hey Guys! So this week i post the video of the week. I'm a big fan of X Factor and the last weekend was the X Factor UK first live show in 2015. They do a cover of Perfect by One Direction at the group performance. I LOVE it so much so i chosed this the video of the week. I hope you guys like it too!

5 Young Adult Books That Are Sorely Underrated

As we delve deeper into the autumn, the days are getting shorter and the weather is turning colder and colder (well, that also depends on which side of the Equator you're on, but those who have summer knocking on their doorstep, you may find some interesting stuff here as well, so bear with me), it becomes increasingly tempting to just stay inside the warm house and curl up with a good book and a cup of coffee.

Sounds good, am I right?

But what to read? There are so many books out there!

Well, even if you're a dedicated bookworm with a mile long to-read list, such as myself, it's always good to have a look out for more, because we bookish people are like that: there is no such thing as enough books! And long enough TBR list.

So, I decided to make a brief list of recommendations of young adult books that are fun, original and interesting, but nevertheless, woefully underrated. I will never know why! They definitely deserve more attention then they got, so here I'll show you some hidden treasures that will make for a great read. Pinkie promise!

1. Erin Morgenstern: The Night Circus

One of my favourite books of all time is this gem here! Magic, circus, dreams, star-crossed young lovers in a bit of Romeo&Juliet style and a special atmosphere that you can't find anywhere else. What else do you need?

If you like your books a bit more serious, mysterious, bittersweet and touching at the same time, look no further. THIS IS IT! This is everything magic should be, wrapped up in a book to keep you dreaming on rainy days about a circus that only opens when the sun is down and the stars are shining.
Also, it's not a series so that means no cliffhanger!

Learn more by checking it out on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes&Noble

2. Victoria Schwab: The Archived

The next item on our list is this beauty, that is the kickstarter of a trilogy, but works as a stand-alone with an open ending as well. The Archived, while fits a lot more the general expectation when it comes to YA books, is dealing with some heavy stuff as well.
The humour is sarcastic and thourougly enjoyable but make no mistake: it's not a lighthearted read. It deals with death, and grief and letting go. And sometimes we need these books.
It's fast paced, exciting with loveable characters and an interesting world building, but it also gives you something more. There is a meaning behind the fun, and that's the best combination that exists in the world of fiction! And look how insanely beautiful it is! *drooling*

Learn more at Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes&Noble

3. Meg Cabot: Teen Idol

Oldie but goodie. Such a heartwarming, cute story! If one could wrap up smiles and nostalgia in a book, this is what it'd look like. Don't let the glitzy pink cover scare you, this is not about Barbie and Ken, I promise!
Seriously, you can't go wrong with Meg Cabot!
A small town, a good girl, some great quirky friends and a superstar who is trying to prepare for his next role by blending in to the high school crowd and getting a feel of the regular student life. You think you know where this is heading, right? Hahh! I thought I did as well. I've never been so happy about being wrong. Give it a try, you won't regret it!
I'd recommend this book to every teenage girl who felt like they are too ordinary, too good, too boring to have some interesting stuff happening to them!

Learn more at Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes&Noble

4. Kelly Oram: The Avery Shaw Experiment

If your face doesn't hurt from all the smiling you've done over Teen Idol, then Kelly Oram' absolutely endearing book will do the trick.
Avery is all about science, and she decided to cure herself from heartache caused by his best friend's unrequited love, by doing a series of experiments.
But she needs a partner, who ends up being Grayson, the brother of her best friend.
Feel the drama boiling yet?
This book is your typical average geek girl - cool guy combo, but it's done in such a sweet way that you just can't resist. A must-read for all the romantic nerds out there!

Learn more at Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes&Noble

5. Michael Grant: Messenger of Fear

If all that sweetness and sugar is not your style and you prefer mysteries, a touch of horror and crazy plot twists, this is the book for you!
The Messenger of Fear is certainly one of a kind, and it demands all of your attention. This is a book that will keep you up all night, because you want to know sooo much what is going on! It certainly happened to me, and I rarely get surprised, believe me.
There is a quite strong philosophical undertone, and it sometimes feels like it's lecturing you about right and wrong. But don't stop just because of that, because it will also give you a unique experience and some jaw-dropping moments that make it all worthwhile!

Learn more at Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes&Noble

So, that was my selection of underrated Young Adult books that are worth your time. Have I spooked your curiosity? Have you already read them? Got any other books to add?

Let me know in the comments below and happy reading!

In the wake of talents article series 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A50UmcbZoE