[Wrap Up] May 2013

So much has happened in the month of May!

Nope, you're still in Book Junkie Joint! The lay-out has just changed~! I got bored with a simple lay-out so I borrowed a free background from Plumrose Lane, and made my own header. Heh. (That's the reason why they don't really match that well.)

Wowzers! Book Junkie Joint got featured by Alison Can Read in Feature and Follow Week #150! (Thank you so much, Alison!) The ensuing chaos comprised of emails, comments and new followers after I was featured was overwhelming!

I also got auto-approved again by the Independent Book Publishers Association on Netgalley. That means I automatically get the ARC of any book belonging to the IBPA for reading and reviewing! How cool is that?!

Oh, and I'm also on Bloglovin now~! Just click the button below to follow me. =)

And of course, as a way to wrap-up everything in the month of May 2013, here are the books I've reviewed:

Lush by Lauren Dane
★★★★★

Hikikomori and the Rental Sister by Jeff Backhaus
★★★★★

Take It Off! by Taylor Cole and Justin Whitfield
★★★★★

Red Zone by Sherri Hayes
★★★★★

How Hard Can It Be? by Robyn Peterman
★★★★★

The Cinderella Makeover by Hope Tarr
★★★★★

The Stereotypical Freaks by Howard Shapiro
★★★★★ 

[Book to Movie] The Fault in Our Stars Leads Casted

John Green's The Fault in Our Stars is getting the Hollywood treatment for best-selling books: a movie. And the leads have been officially cast just earlier this month.

Ansel Elgort as Augustus Waters and Shailene Woodley as Hazel Grace Lancaster

Coincidentally, both Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley are also co-stars on another book to movie project, Divergent by author Veronica Roth.

Author John Green spoke with Entertainment Weekly and this was what he said about the casting: “Ansel is whip-smart and uber-charismatic and everything I dreamed for Augustus Waters. I am by nature a cautious pessimist, but I’ll just say it: Now that we have Shailene and Ansel, I am completely, unreservedly psyched about this movie.”

Personally, I find Shailene too pretty. I'm curious on how she'll be portraying the sick smartass Hazel Grace. As for Ansel, well, let me just say that he was not what I had in mind of Augustus. I'm pretty doubtful as to the casting because I have never seen either of the leads act in any movie, but I'm giving them a chance. Besides, the movie deal is only in pre-production. Lots of things happen between then and now after all.

I'm also curious about who they'll cast as Peter Van Houten because he's such a peculiar and eccentric character.

Fan-made Augustus Waters pic
featuring Joshua Anthony Brand.

On the other hand, on tumblr-verse, fans of the book push for model Joshua Anthony Brand to be Augustus Waters. Since he's mainly into modeling and has yet to break into acting, I guess that's one thing that definitely did not work in his favor.

I gotta say though, Joshua Anthony Brand depicts a closer image to the Augustus Waters that I had in mind.

And of course, since I'm a huge fan of the book, I'm just going to put my two cents out there by citing the actors who I think, could be perfect for the role of Augustus Waters: Logan Lerman and Freddie Highmore.

My personal choice for Augustus Waters: a tie between Logan Lerman and Freddie Highmore.

[Linking Up] Feature and Follow #21

I am Alison Can Read's feature for 

this week's feature and follow~! YAY!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Q:  The #FF is 150 weeks old! And we want to hear from you! What would you change about the hop? What do you like about it? Or just suggest a question to be used for next week!

I really like the hop! It's one of the things that helped me connect with fellow bloggers! 

I've always wondered where the questions come from and if the question-giver doesn't run out of it. HEH. Maybe we could add a Suggest-A-Question section to the hop? That way, the hosts can pick one question for the next week's feature and follow.

Oh, and since we're on the topic of suggest a question, here's one: If you were to pick a character from any book you like, who would it be? And what scene would you like to re-live as that character?

[Book Review] The Stereotypical Freaks

Title: The Stereotypical Freaks
Author: Howard Shapiro
Date Published: November 4, 2012
Publisher: Animal Media Group
Source: ARC
Genre: Young-Adult, Graphic Novels
Rating: ★★★★★ 

Links:
Goodreads
Amazon

About the Novel:

THE STEREOTYPICAL FREAKS

Four disparate high school seniors come together to compete in their school's battle of the bands. Sharing a love for playing rock and roll, the members name the band "The Stereotypical Freaks" because they feel stereotyped by their classmates - smart kid, geek, star athlete and quiet weirdo… when in fact they know they are much more than those labels that have been placed on them. 

When one member reveals life altering news, winning the competition takes on more of a meaning to each member. Scared and angry, upset and yet still with a lot of resolve they set out to win one for the good guys… will they?

Review:
An uplifting take on the jungle that is high school! A positively heart-warming story about hope, friendships, cliques and teenage problems.

Here are a few admissions on my part: I used to be in a band as a vocalist. I love Paramore, and I'm a fan of Green Day. I read a lot of mangas (Japanese graphic novels) and manhwas (Korean graphic novels). These are just a few of the reasons why I was delighted to be given a copy of The Stereotypical Freaks to read and review.

The story opens up during senior year, the last hurrah for the seniors. Plot-wise, the beginning was nothing remarkable. We meet Dan and Tom, two seemingly ordinary high school students who are both part of the unpopular crowd. They express their situations and even a little hatred for the popular crowd.

Art-wise, all the characters look distinct from each other. Also, I love how neat each pane was. And what I liked best is that the first picture of Tom mirrors the last one, the only difference is that Tom at the beginning is young and the Tom at the end is the adult one looking back on everything they all went through.

What I like about the story is that it was simple and straightforward. There's no dilly-dallying and at the same time, all the bases are covered, such as how the friendship between Tom, Dan, Jacoby and Mark developed. The peer pressure and popularity contest was also smoothly showcased.

My most favorite character out of the bunch is probably Tom's Dad. He's hip and supportive without being overly embarrassing. And he actually rocks! Second to him is Jacoby, because he's an inspiration and a true friend.

I guess it would only be appropriate for me to say that this graphic novel is both heart-warming and bittersweet. I felt like there was a hole in my heart after reading. I don't want to go into details because I might spoil the story.

Also, I appreciate the fact that this graphic novel chose to tell a story that everyone can relate to. Most graphic novels I see nowadays almost always contain a super hero. This one is a nice break from the mainstream.

[Book Review] The Cinderella Makeover

Title: The Cinderella Makeover
Author: Hope Tarr
Date Published: March 11, 2013
Publisher: Entangled Indulgence
Source: ARC
Genre: Chick-Lit, Contemporary Romance
Rating: ★★★★★ 

Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes & Noble


About the Book:

Fashionista Francesca St. James has agreed to work as a "fairy godmother" on the reality TV show Project Cinderella, taking contestants from geeky to dreamy. When Francesca’s archrival bets she can't transform the awkwardly sweet CEO to hot in under eight weeks, Francesca accepts the challenge. 

As CEO of a tech company, Greg may have billions, but what’s it worth without a woman to share it with? From day one on the show though, he clashes with his gorgeous fairy godmother—yet off-set, he can’t stop thinking about her. But this sexy woman is so far out of his league…and wants to change every single thing about him. It's up to him to show her it's more than clothes that make the man.May the best man or geek win…

Review:
Cute, quirky and a refreshingly quick read!

I have always had a weakness for geeks and nerds so it was a no-brainer for me to pick this book for reading and reviewing. And I wasn't in the least bit disappointed!

Story-wise, while the Cinderella plot-device has been used so many times in so many novels, this particular book managed to combine just enough quirk, sass, chemistry and transformation to make everything perfectly believable.

The characters are endearing and relatable. While reading this book, I feel like I gained new friends. I especially like Francesca St. James for facing things head-on. She's strong and independent but she could also be stubborn and bull-headed when it comes to her career. The part I liked best about her is that she's able to recognize her short-comings and instead of just giving up, she strives to make everything right. This is especially true for her daughter.

Then there's also our Cinderella - Gregory Knickerbocker. Imagine Mark Zuckerberg without whatsoever fashion sense, plus an extreme camera-shyness and you get Greg. He's totally owning in the tech-department, being the CEO of an expanding tech company, but completely clueless in terms of fashion, dating and love.

What I like about Greg is that even though he's a geek, he's not the super-shy kind. Sure, he doesn't like his pictures taken, but on any normal day, he could fit very well into being the guy-next-door type. Plus, it didn't hurt that he's such a smartass. Oh, and um, a fair warning: Abba is his favorite band. LOL.

Personally, their first meeting was one of the most memorable scenes in the story for me. It was enjoyable to watch two people try to outwit each other. I don't want to reveal too much so I'll just say that Greg gets brownie points for being a smartass.

Also, I love how multidimensional both Francesca and Greg as characters are. Both of them have strengths, but they also have a lot of baggage, insecurities and vulnerabilities. Plus, hashing out these baggage as they got to know each other made their story believable. They didn't fall in love in a snap. Their feelings were allowed to take root and grow, that's why their story is believable.

What else? Ah! The jealousy tactic! A little jealousy couldn't hurt anyone, and more often than not, a little jealousy could easily make people recognize feelings that they haven't even thought they had. This was splendidly incorporated into the storyline so brownie points for that, too.

All in all, this book is quite enjoyable. It's the perfect book for a quick escape into the realm of fiction without being dragged into too much drama.

[Spazz] So sweeeeet

Normally, I'm not one to spazz over trivial matters, but occasionally, I would come across something endearing and I just couldn't help it. Blame the estrogen! It's the female hormones in me, I tell you! LOL.

I would have blogged about this sooner if it weren't for the flurry of activities that were on the top bunk of my priority list.

Anyways, last April 30, 2013, I posted my review of Taylor Cole and Justin Whitfield's book entitled Take It Off! on Goodreads. You can read my review here.

Take It Off! is an autobiography/memoir about male strippers written by two successful male strippers. Some of the stories in the book were made in such a way that the reader wouldn't know who among the two writers of the book was sharing a certain story or experience. 

I mentioned in my review that my most favorite part in the book is the part where the male stripper shared how he chose to go home to his girlfriend rather than take the invitation of two gorgeous girls for a hot threesome. 

The male stripper shared that he was already riding his motorcycle on his way to the address given to him by the two gorgeous girls when he thought of his girlfriend and decided to turn back and go to her instead.

On May 2, 2013, Justin Whitfield, one of the two writers of the book, replied to my review. This is how I found out that the story in the book was shared by him. And this is what he said:

Cue SFX: Awww~!

This was me after I read his comment:

I guess happy endings can happen in real life, too, huh?

[Linking Up] Feature and Follow #20

Q: School is out! What is your favorite 

Summer Reading book?

I don't have a specific book that could be considered as my favorite for the summer. But my designated summer reading materials are both non-fiction. (Pictured below.)

Lately, I've been into psychological thrillers and mysteries. I especially like books by J.T. Ellison, Michael Conelly and Perri O'Shaughnessy under the said genres.

I've always had the notion that summer should be for light-hearted reads like chick-lits and contemporary romance novels but I've been reading quite a lot of those for book reviews even if it's not summer, so I opted for books that tickle my dark side instead. 

[Book Review] How Hard Can It Be

Title: How Hard Can It Be
Author: Robyn Peterman
Date Published: January 17, 2013
Source: ARC
Genre: Chick-Lit, Humor
Rating: ★★★★★ 

Links:
Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

About the Book:

What happens when an accountant decides to grab life by the horns and try something new? Apparently a pirate named Dave, a lot of pastel fleece, and blackmail—just to start with…

Visualize and succeed, Oprah said. I was sure as hell trying, even if my campaign to score a job as the local weather girl had ended in a restraining order. Okay, TV was not my strength. But a lack of talent has never stopped me before. Which is why I’ve embarked on a writing career. I mean, how hard can it be to come up with a sexy romance? 

Leave it to me to wind up in a group of grandmotherly porno writers who discuss sex toys and apple cobbler in the same breath. Also leave it to me to leak an outlandish plot idea to a bestselling author with the morals of a rabid squirrel. And only I could get arrested for a jewelry heist I didn’t commit—by a hunky cop whose handcuffs just might tempt me to sign up for a life of crime. Maybe I’ve found my calling after all…

Review:

Outlandish, bizarre, crazy and ridiculously entertaining! I was literally rolling on the floor laughing while reading this book! And pork-swords! One must never forget about pork-swords upon reading this book! LOL!

To be honest, this book didn't turn out the way I expected it to be. Sure, I expected humor, but not the outright deranged kind which was actually what was in this little treat of a book. 

Many times during reading the book, I would look up, stare blankly into space and ask myself, "What the hell did I just read?!". This I do with a seriously dumbfounded expression on my face. A little while later, I laugh out loud, and snort even louder.

The story line is borderline insane. The characters are crazy. The female lead has an inner slut and has a waaaay sluttier imagination. The male love interest is an honest cop. The side characters are all porno writers with quirky personalities. And the villain is actually a pair of booby bags, out of which grew a head and a body.

The best part that I really enjoyed in this book is the humor. I doubt anything in this book could happen in real life but imagining them happening was definitely hilarious and entertaining. Oh! And the many comical euphemisms for the male genitalia was definitely a plus, too! I mean seriously, "pork-sword"? And of course, let's not forget about the time-traveling, vampire-warlock-pirate named Dave. 

Though the romance between Rena and Jack took the back-seat in the story, I wouldn't complain. The story centered around Rena's interactions with a bunch of weird yet endearing people. Meeting Jack was only an icing to the cake.

The only thing I didn't like about this book is the viper bitch whore from hell a.k.a. Evangeline O'Hara, the antagonist in the story. She was portrayed as this overly flamboyant surgery addict who thought highly of her beauty that she failed to see just how much of a monster she has become. I didn't like how she was portrayed as evil without giving a reason why she turned out the way she was. It felt as if she was put in the story just for the sake of having a villain.

All in all though, the book is a blast and the story is awesome! It's not romance-y enough, but has enough crazy to make up for the inadequacy in the romance department. 

[Personal Update] Summer Reading Materials

Evil Serial Killers by Charlotte Greig and
The World's Most Evil Psychopaths by John Marlowe.

I was actually out looking for law books when I came across the two books above. I just couldn't resist 'em so I ended up splurging on books yet again. (A huge thanks to my Dad for indulging my voracious reading appetite! ^_^ I love yooouuu!)

It's really fascinating to read about psychopaths and killers. Not that I'm planning to be one someday. LOL. But just to be safe, I suppose a fair warning is in order. Be afraid. Be very afraid. =)

[Linking Up] Feature and Follow #19

Q: Happy Mother's Day! Who is your favorite mom from fiction?

Honestly, I don't usually pay much attention to mothers in the books that I read. Heh. But if I were to pick a favorite mom, it's a tie between Lily Potter and Mrs. Weasley.

I chose Lily Potter because of the strength of her love for Harry, which was instrumental in keeping him alive, thereby allowing him to fight against Voldermort. And of course, Mrs. Weasley because she reminds me of my Mom at how quirky and strict she can be. 

[Book Review] Red Zone

Title: Red Zone
Author: Sherri Hayes
Date Published: February 7, 2013
Source: ARC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mystery
Rating: ★★★★★ 


Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes & Noble


About the Book:

After a case ended badly for Rebecca Carson, she’s losing her mind sitting around her apartment waiting on her superiors to allow her to return to work. Since she was a teenager, the only thing she’d ever wanted was to join the FBI. Now that dream was in danger. 

Gage Daniels has made a pretty good life for himself. A nice house. A career he loves. As a professional football player, he’s used to getting almost everything he’d ever want with just the snap of his fingers. This includes women. A well-timed smile is usually all it takes to attract the opposite sex, especially in Nashville.  

When a stalker threatens Gage, the team owner calls an old friend, Rebecca’s ex-partner Travis Hansen, to help protect his star quarterback and find the person responsible. Hansen offers Rebecca the job, and she jumps at the chance. It’s work, and it will get her out of her apartment. How bad can it be? 

Posing as Gage’s girlfriend, however, isn’t as easy as it seems. The man is relentless. Rebecca must work to protect Gage while staving off his advances. She’s there to do a job, nothing more. The last thing she wants is to be another notch on a hotshot athlete’s belt. 

As the stalker continues to up the ante, Rebecca finds it harder and harder to keep her distance from Nashville’s star quarterback. He isn’t what she expected in one of the city’s most notorious playboys. Now all she has to do is keep him safe until they can find his stalker, and hope she doesn’t lose her heart in the process.

Review:
A suspenseful and equally romantic touch-down for author Sherri Hayes!

In this romance novel, the two main characters are just about as different as night and day. Gage Daniel is a professional football player and a major philanderer to boot. Vanessa Carson, on the other hand, is a serious and uptight FBI agent. Who would have ever thought that they'd end up playing as a couple?

First off, this is a story where the guy has the burden of proof to tip the scale in his favor and make the heroine fall in love with him. Gage Daniel's history with women certainly doesn't make that easy, and the fact that a crazy stalker of his has been keeping tabs on just about every woman he takes in his arms is downright creepy. Good thing Vanessa Carson is an FBI agent. The stalker, she could handle. The falling in love part? Doubtful. Sure, she might be attracted to him, too, but that doesn't guarantee that she'll fall for his charm without putting up a fight.

I like Vanessa despite the fact that she's too uptight and serious. Truth is, I appreciate her dedication to her job as an FBI agent. As an older sister myself, I also appreciate how she stands as a pillar of support to her younger sister. She's certainly a character who has gone through so much, so you can't blame her for being the way she is. Vanessa has so many things hidden underneath the surface that only the most annoying man could probably annoy her to show a little bit of herself. Hn. Good thing Gage Daniels is very annoying.

Gage Daniels on the other hand, is an entirely different business. On the surface, everybody only sees the hot-shot player both inside and outside the field. Very few people get the chance to see just what kind of man he's made of. And even fewer women get the chance to stay long enough to get to know who he really is. I like how Gage is a man of so many contradicting traits. It gives him depth as a character.

Story-wise, the whole plot is nothing elaborate really, but the story-telling is engrossing. The attraction between the two characters was almost tangible. Also, I liked it every time Gage pestered Vanessa out of pure amusement. The banter between them is certainly entertaining.

All in all, this one is a no-fuss, quick-reads romance story that's sure to get the reader get by on uneventful days. It has just enough suspense to keep you guessing and more than enough romance to keep you reading.

[Book Review] Take It Off!

Title: Take It Off! (The Naked Truth About Male Strippers)
Author: Taylor Cole & Justin Whitfield
Date Published: October 5, 2012
Source: ARC
Genre: Autobiography, Memoirs
Rating: ★★★★★


Links:

Goodreads

Amazon

About the Book:

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in a male strip club? Are those guys gay? How do they stay so ripped? Do they stuff their trunks? How did they get into such a business? How much money do they make? Do they have wild sex every night?  

This book takes you backstage and into the lives of two successful male strippers over a span of twenty years in the business. From their rookie days to their wild sexcapades and practical jokes, Take It Off! is a laugh-filled, action-packed joyride.  

Justin Whitfield and Taylor Cole are the stage names of male exotic dancers who have performed for women in Europe, the Caribbean, South America and Canada, as well as at various casinos, on cruise ships and in hundreds of clubs across the United States. Both have been featured on television and radio, as well as in newspapers, calendars, and magazines. Both are also official Ellora’s Caveman cover models and appear on our erotic romance covers and at our conventions and tradeshows.

Review:

Funny, entertaining and definitely insightful!

This book gives a highly entertaining, behind-the-scenes look at male strip clubs as told by two successful male strippers with a stripping career spanning 20 years.

First off, I have to admit that this book isn't the kind of book I usually read. Second, I have been to a male strip club, I've watched Magic Mike, and the main reason why I chose to read and review this book is because I was intrigued by the subject of male strippers, and because of Magic Mike. Now that those are settled, I guess it's time for the review.

Surprisingly, this book is informative! Aside from telling the stories behind strip clubs and how the male stripping business operates, this also contains information about diet, nutrition and lifestyle. I didn't think that these would be included so I was pleasantly surprised.

Guys who need advice about girls and how to get a girl's number should also definitely read this book because Taylor Cole shared how many of the male strippers started out as shy guys before being strip show stars. It wouldn't hurt for guys to read this book, too. Who knows? They might even pick up a thing or two.

Also, I love how this book shares even the most minute details in a male stripper's life, stuff like amateur's night, strip-o-grams, birthday parties, dating a female stripper, relationships, even prostitution and drugs. These really gave an insight as to what constitutes a regular day/night for a male stripper.

While a stripper's life sounds exciting and fun, many of the negative things were also included in this book, but I appreciate that the way they told their story didn't dwell on the negatives. I also appreciate that they included a Do's and Don'ts list about what strippers should and should NOT do. Not that I'm planning to be a stripper any time sooner, but these gave an important insight on just what kind of hardships and temptations male strippers face in their career. 

And of course, I really liked the funny antics, pranks and funny escapades that were told in this book. Like Taylor Cole said, being a male stripper was like being in a fraternity. Many of the male strippers they worked with became their life-long friends.

Oh, and let's not forget the part about bathroom sex. If there was anything that was healthily described in this book, it's sex. Steamy, wild and raunchy sex with unknown women. This book narrated just how much action a male stripper can get if he wanted it.

My most favorite part of this book is probably the part where a male stripper chose to go home to his girlfriend rather than take the invitation of two gorgeous girls for a hot threesome, because this behavior is entirely in contrast as to how strippers are viewed. Most strippers are viewed like sex gods, playboys, philanderers and Casanovas, but that particular story in the book showed that male strippers could be nice guys, too.

All in all, although the writing and narration was raw, the book itself was entertaining and insightful. I recommend this to women, just so they know what really happens in the life of the male stripper they hire/hired/about to hire. I also recommend this book to men, especially to those with confidence issues because this book could really teach them a thing or two about being a sex god. LOL.

-xoOox- 

Here's a picture of Taylor Cole and Justin Whitfield:

[Book Review] Hikikomori and the Rental Sister

Title: Hikikomori and the Rental Sister
Author: Jeff Backhaus
Date Published: January 8, 2013
Source: ARC
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★


Links:

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

About the Book:

Inspired by the real-life Japanese social phenomenon called hikikomori and the professional rental sisters hired to help, Hikikomori and the Rental Sister is about an erotic relationship between Thomas, an American hikikomori, and Megumi, a young Japanese immigrant hiding from her own past. The strange, insular world they create together in a New York City bedroom and with the tacit acknowledgment of Thomas s wife reveals three human hearts in crisis, but leaves us with a profound faith in the human capacity to find beauty and meaning in life, even after great sorrow. Mirroring both East and West in its search for healing, Hikikomori and the Rental Sister pierces the emotional walls of grief and delves into the power of human connection to break through to the world waiting outside.

Review:

A poignant tale of loss, depression, dedication, faith, healing and love. 

The Japanese term "Hikikomori" means acute social withdrawal. It refers to the phenomenon of reclusive adolescents or young adults who withdraw from social life, often seeking extreme degrees of isolation and confinement. (source: Wikipedia)

In Japan, this is a common enough phenomenon, but in other countries, it has yet to be identified and addressed. Since I have a fascination with the Japanese culture, I requested to read and review this book. Thankfully, I was approved.

In Jeff Backhaus' Hikikomori and the Rental Sister, we meet Thomas, an American hikikomori who has lived in isolation in his room for three years. Even his wife, Silke, couldn't get him to come out, so she engaged the help of Megumi, a Japanese immigrant who once had a brother who was also a hikikomori.

First off, I love how Thomas' mind worked. His different level of thinking was poetically depicted in the novel and I really liked it. There was also contrast as to Thomas' trail of thoughts at the beginning of the book and at the end, which really showed just how much change he went through.

The thing is, different people have different ways of coping with grief. It just so happened that Thomas dealt with his grief through isolation. Or perhaps, in creating his own world outside the norms of society. And this was thoroughly depicted in this novel, which I found really unique.

As for the relationship between Megumi and Thomas, while I disapprove of the intimate relationship they share (cheating is cheating no matter how much you justify it), I understand why it happened. It was like they were two broken people who found solace in each other. They didn't need to be fixed, they needed to be understood and cared for. 

Another interesting comparison I found was between Megumi and Thomas. Yes, I found that they were two broken people with lots of issues, but while Thomas stayed isolated, Megumi remained active in society. The novel showed the contrasting coping mechanisms they used to deal with their problems. Thomas escaped by isolation, Megumi escaped entirely to a new country.

I also appreciate Silke, Thomas' wife, for her dedication and patience, even when Thomas hardly ever responded to her. She loved him deeply and stuck it out for him even in the worst of circumstances, that's why I felt vindicated by the end of the story.

For me, the most beautiful part of the story would be the end. It wasn't as grand as most happy endings were, but it was bittersweet. It made me feel like looking back at everything that happened, I would just smile despite the tragedy and loss.

[Linking Up] Feature and Follow #18

Q: Give us a sneak! What are you reading? 

Tell us about a fun or fail scene in your current read.

I'm currently reading Untimed by Andy Gavin. I love how the main protagonist, Charlie, suddenly traveled back through time and his things also adapted to the era he got transported into. His Iphone turned into a small notebook! Also, it has quirky illustrations, which I find really interesting. =)

[Book Review] Lush

Title: Lush
Author: Lauren Dane
Date Published: April 2, 2013
Source: ARC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Rating: ★★★★★

Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

About the Book:

Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.  

Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good. 

What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of him: proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…

Review:
A deliciously uncomplicated romance story that's as mouth-watering as its characters!

I normally wouldn't use the word 'mouth-watering' in describing a novel, but that's exactly what Lush is. It is mouth-watering and delicious because the female lead, Mary Whaley, is a successful caterer.

The dishes featured in this book alone made my stomach growl in frustration when I was reading. The sad part is, I can't do anything about it because I don't know how to cook.

Anyways, what I liked about this book is that the characters are distinctly unique and likable. There's Mary Whaley who's her own person. She's caring, loyal and independent. She's successful in her chosen field and knows exactly what she wants. I guess it's safe to say that she's got a good head on her shoulders and doesn't let her head float up in the clouds. She's realistic and that's what I liked best about her.

Then there's also Damien Hurley, the lickable drummer in a rock band. He stands for everything that's cliche in a rock band - the partying, the drinking, the groupies and the multiple sex partners in every city they tour. He's the kind of guy that good girls usually kept at arm's length.

What I liked about this story was that there was build-up between the two protagonists. They didn't just bump into each other and fall in love instantly. There was space between when they met and how they eventually began seeing each other, which made the story believable to some degree.

What I don't like, however, is that the only conflict within the story are the insecurities held by Mary and Damien. There was no real, tangible and intense conflict that actually threatened to tear them apart. The conflicts that were presented in this story could easily be sorted out by communication, which might I add, was actually done with the help of the people around the two main characters.

Anyways, this story has likable characters, a plethora of mouth-watering dishes, a hot caterer and a rock star. I'd say that those things definitely make-up something worth reading.