Books Of June 2013!

I've had a massive and amazing reading month. June was hectic. I did two read-a-thons and read EIGHT books. I read six last month and I was already extremely proud. Eight is definitely some kind of record for me. My reading goal for this year was 40 books at first but I changed it to 50 and I'm still 3 books ahead. I can't express how proud of myself I am. I haven't read at all this July since I really needed a breather. I'll be alright though and I definitely want to get back into reading soon. My holidays have just started this week and I get two weeks off. At first, I thought I'd have a lot of time but I'm going to be pretty busy for this next week. But without further ado, these are the books I've read in June and the reviews I've done.

Beautiful Darkness
by Kami Garcia

I read this book half in e-book form and half in audio form. I just needed to switch it up because it took me along time to get into it. I don't know why but even though this book was good, I'm not too excited about reading the third book in the series. I gave Beautiful Darkness 4 STARS.

A Million Suns
by Beth Revis

I didn't really want to read this at first but I'm glad I did. It sucked me in straight away. The only reason I gave it a 4 STARS was because I really hated the protagonists at the end. I didn't agree with their choices and I found them super annoying. 

Entwined with You
by Sylvia Day

My review can be found here.

Dare You To
by Katie McGarry

Another one I did a review of. Find it here.

Gameboard of the Gods
by Richelle Mead 

I pinky promise that I will do a review. I gave it a 5 STARS though!

Ink
by Amanda Sun

Another one that I promise I will do a review of. Again a 4 STAR read.

Reboot
by Amy Tintera

I may or may not do a review. I'll definitely try but I can tell you I loved it and gave it 5 STARS.

Fighting for Flight
by Jamie Salsbury

I know I'm making a lot of promises but I really will do a review on this as well, hopefully. 5 STAR read!

This month, I also did reviews on Nothing More, Nothing Less by Ashley Dukart, Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire and Vain by Fisher Amelie.

Buy these books on the Book Depository!

Beautiful Darkness
A Million Suns
Entwined With You
Dare You To

Gameboard of the Gods

Ink

Reboot

Fighting for Flight (Amazon Link)
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Review-A-Thon: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."
"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....
"I dare you..."
If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....
Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.
But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

Who else loved Pushing The Limits? After finishing it and declaring it was one of my favourite books ever, I was so excited for the next book. When Dare You To came out I had to jump on it as soon as I could. This series is similar to the Perfect Chemistry series in the sense that each book has different protagonists but the stories are still related. It's also similar to the Stephanie Perkins books. This Young Adult Contemporary Romance is definitely my kind of book. I gave Dare You To a straight up 5 STARS because it was just that amazing. Continue to see why you should read this.
Characters:
Beth and Ryan are the main protagonists in this story. Beth is seen as the general bad ass. Ryan is seen as the classic jock. But of course, there's a lot more to both of them than that. I loved seeing the roles swapped. For once, the girl's the gangster. Though I loved them, there are characters I hated too. I hated Ryan's controlling dad and I hated the bitch Gwen.
Pros:
I got hooked into the story right from the start. This is always a good sign and I'm glad the book didn't disappoint. I loved the cliche storyline as well. One of my favourite things aside from the beautiful storyline is the writing. The language made me feel very included. I enjoyed how the writing mimicked the particular feelings. For example, if the characters were drunk, the first person writing reflected that. I also liked the the fact that the swearing wasn't censored, it made the story come to life. I also enjoyed the nicknames the protagonists gave to each other and how they stayed throughout the story. Dare You To also left me giggling. The humour was so cute!
Cons:
My only con isn't big enough to take away any stars. I hated Gwen. I always hate it when there's that one asshole that is trying to ruin everything. Most of the time they're unnecessary but Gwen played a part in the story which is the only reason I tolerated her.
Summary:
I love this series so far and can't wait until the next book comes out. I definitely recommend this to everyone and anyone. Also, thank you to Harlequin Teen for sending me a copy of this fantastic book.

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Review-A-Thon: Entwined with You by Sylvia Day

The worldwide phenomenon continues as Eva and Gideon face the demons of their pasts, and accept the consequences of their obsessive desires…
From the moment I first met Gideon Cross, I recognized something in him that I needed. Something I couldn’t resist. I saw the dangerous and damaged soul inside–so much like my own. I was drawn to it. I needed him as surely as I needed my heart to beat.
No one knows how much he risked for me. How much I’d been threatened, or just how dark and desperate the shadow of our pasts would become.
Entwined by our secrets, we tried to defy the odds. We made our own rules and surrendered completely to the exquisite power of possession…

Before anyone judges me, yes this is an 18+ book, yes it's Erotic but no, it's nothing like Fifty Shades of Grey. Okay so, I'll be honest, it's pretty similar to Fifty Shades but there are a lot of differences. I don't want to make this a comparison review so I'll make it clear from the start, Fifty Shades of Grey is nothing compared to the Crossfire series. I thought this was going to be a trilogy but I guess I was wrong because apparently the story hasn't ended just yet. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book. I gave Entwined with You  a 4.4 STARS. As always, don't stop reading just yet. Continue to see my thoughts on the this book and the series as a whole.
Characters:
Now I love Eva and Gideon. Of course I do. They are seriously super intriguing characters. If you've read any of my previous reviews, you know I love stories where the guy and the girl work out all the messed up lives together. This book is definitely a perfect example. They work out their past and present together. Though of course there are setbacks, it all works out in the end. I also loved Cary, Megumi and Eva's dad. I kind of hated all the other characters but you have to have some evil characters in there somewhere. The only character that really pissed me off was Brett. More on what I think about him later.
Pros:
This book was really entertaining. I know what you're thinking, but not that entertaining. I loved how even under all the drama, there were still parts where I could giggle. I also enjoyed the minor story lines that went along with the major story lines. This book hooked me in with drama and mystery right from the start. There is so much suspense that builds up throughout the story. Sylvia Day definitely has experienced writing. It fit Eva's point of view and character effortlessly.
Cons:
So there aren't that many bad parts to this. The only things I hated are things that are completely personal. Firstly, I hated Brett. I hated him so much. His annoying ass character was completely unnecessary. I get that the author was trying to create some kind of love triangle but it doesn't work when Brett is down right annoying. I also hated the ending. Endings need to be perfect for me and Entwined with You had a pretty bad ending. It wasn't a major cliffhanger and it didn't really end.
Summary:
All in all, it was definitely an enjoyable read. Good writing, good stories, good humor. I can't wait until the next book comes out. This series as a whole is spectacular. It doesn't matter how you felt about Fifty Shades of Grey, it doesn't matter if you haven't even read it, I recommend this series over it.

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TBR in June 2013!

I'm really excited because I've been able to keep up with making themes for my TBRs. The theme I chose for this month is Sequels. One day, I'll think of a theme that is less broad. I want to be able to do a genre theme rather than something simple like Sequels. Maybe next month I'll be able to. This month though, the books I'm going to read are all sequels that I've been planning to read for a long time. I'm going to read them in no particular order. Drum roll please.

Find these books on Goodreads!
Beautiful Darkness
byKami Garcia
Entwined With You
bySylvia Day 
Dare You To
byKatie McGarry
A Million Suns
byBeth Revis

Buy these books on the Book Depository! 
Beautiful Darkness
Entwined With You
Dare You To
A Million Suns 

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Review: Reminded of You 떠올라 by Baek Ji Young 백지영

Genres: K-Pop, Dance-Pop, Disco Dance
Released: 24th May 2013
WS Entertainment

I was so excited for Baek Ji Young's comeback. Like expected, it didn't disappoint. Though it's a bit different from her usual R&B, this song was so good. I legit just wanted to get up and dance. I loved Good Boy by Baek Ji Young which came out awhile ago. I can't believe she's 37 and still as pretty as ever. I'm just sad that this will be her final release before she gets married.
Song:
Baek Ji Young has a very powerful voice that can effortlessly perform in high and low ranges. The first few verses of the song are a bit lower compared to the last verses. I loved the electronic sounds that played in the background and how they didn't ruin her voice. Some voices only sound good with more soulful music but Baek Ji Young rocked the synthy beats. I also liked the repetitive but nice drum beats in the background and how sometimes another faster layer is added on top of it. Even if some people won't understand it, it sounds amazing as it is.
Lyrics:
Even though this song is so upbeat and uplifting, it is a break up song. My favourite lyrics in the song translate to:
"Now I will erase you, my heart is too tired
Though I know this is only momentary
You forgot me although you know I started to really hate you"
Those lines are so meaningful and all the symbolism and stuff makes it really nice. The part that sounds the nicest is romanized as:
"ni-ga tteo-olla jakku tteo-olla
nareul tteona modeun ge lie lie
ni-ga tteo-olla jakku tteo-olla
nan beokchaolla gaseumtteojil-keotkata"
Summary:
This is the type of song that I'll listen to for a long long time. I can't wait for the music video! I definitely think that a lot of people would enjoy this kind of music. I can't promise it will be the best song you've ever heard but I'm really encouraging you to give it a try. All it takes is one click.



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Review: Walks Like Rihanna by The Wanted

 

Genres: Dance-Pop, Pop
Released: 10th May 2013
Members: Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker, Nathan Sykes
℗ 2013 Global Talent Records Limited

Okay, I'm just going to be honest here, I didn't like this song. This is the first time I've done a music review of a single I actually didn't like. I really loved Glad You Came so when I found out that The Wanted have a new single called Walks Like Rihanna, I went to check it out straight away. I've been trying to let it grow on me but I just don't think it's working out. I totally understand why people would love it but I think the the song is a bit to over-hyped. I just hate that pop and boy bands are getting more and more meaningless.
Song:
If I just ignore what the lyrics are actually saying, I don't mind the song. I like how you can dance to this song for most of it but the dynamics change throughout the song. The tempo stays pretty even though. I like the beat and the synth waves in the background. It's definitely catchy and it's the type of song that where you always tap your foot.
Lyrics:
So this is where everything spirals down. Correct me if I'm wrong but the lyrics are just stupid and repetitive. The lyrics nowadays have no meaning at all. I could try to explain it but I think I should just give you a snippet:
"She can't sing, she can't dance but who cares
She walks like rihanna
She can't sing, she can't dance but who cares
She walks like rihanna
Have you seen that girl, have you seen her
With the way she moves you wanna kiss her
She'll be the girl of your dreams if you can close your eyes
You can feel that beat when she's in the room
You can feel your heart going boom boom
And all the boys they crowd around"
I'll admit that I have sung along before but I just can't enjoy the song like I would've if the lyrics were a but better.
Summary:
I feel as though boy bands are just aiming to make girls go crazy. What happened to making good music that everyone could enjoy? Good beat, silly lyrics.


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Music Of October 2012!

I Knew You Were Trouble - Taylor Swift

Skyfall - Adele
I Will Show You 보여줄게 - Ailee
Sweet Nothing (feat. Florence Welch) - Calvin Harris
This Kiss - Carly Rae Jepsen
Beautiful (feat. Justin Bieber) - Carly Rae Jepsen
Your Body - Christina Aguilera
Up (feat. 박봄 of 2NE1) - Epik High
Don't Hate Me - Epik High
Every Night 매일밤    EXID
I Cry - Flo Rida
That XX 그XX - G-Dragon
Lady Killer - Gavy NJ
Chasing Pavements - Glee Cast
Mine - Glee Cast
Ice Cream (feat. Maboos) - HyunA
Beauty and a Beat (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Justin Bieber
이러지마 제발 (Please Don't...) - K.Will
Pandora - KARA
Die Young - Ke$ha
Catch My Breath - Kelly Clarkson
Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself) - Ne-Yo
Not Over You - NU'EST
Live While We're Young - One Direction
Good Time (feat. Carly Rae Jepsen) - Owl City
True Love (Feat. Lily Rose Cooper) - P!nk
Style - RaNia
Diamonds - Rihanna
Poison - Secret
Red - Taylor Swift
I Knew You Were Trouble - Taylor Swift
Begin Again - Taylor Swift
Catch Me - TVXQ
Stop Girl - U-KISS
Sexy Baby - U-KISS
Uncommitted - XIA

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