A Book Review: Slammed

By Colleen Hoover

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope. 
Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.
Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart (Goodreads.com)

I was SLAMMED! Right into my face, my heart and my soul. This book is just awesome! I am really glad for finding goodreads, as the reviews there are very reliable. I wouldn't know this if I didn't do some net browsing. :)

Slammed. About life, family, love, loss, recovery, romance and my love, Poetry. There is something in this book that would not let you put down it down. This one is kinda unique, It's like a story within a story, a poem within a poem. How the author delivered the lines and constructed the story line is just enough for you to feel every word, every situation. It just punches you in the face!

The characters are great, and you would love everyone. I am stunned, and shocked that this actually made my tears fall! It's not like the usual young adult romance that makes you feel like your'e actually in high school, all cheesy romantic stuff, this book is something else. :)

The idea of "SLAM" is also  unique, I hope we have that kind here in the Philippines. The poetry through out the book would actually leave you in awe and wanting for more. Verdict? I highly recommend this book, read this and be Slammed. 

Rating: 5++++ stars. *wink*

A Book Review: Catching Jordan

By Miranda Kenneally

I am not into sports and I definitely don't have any idea how football works.. but wow, i just love this book! This book just covers about everything. Family, friends, sports, humor, love, loss, romance - absolutely for everyone! 

First this one is about a Football player -- Quarterback it is. 6 Foot tall, captain of the University team, nothing special except the gender. She's a GIRL! Surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out! What happens when this QB is threatened by a hot, impressive handsome guy who is also a QB and just moved in to her school?

I guess it's for you to find out! This is a beautiful novel and very captivating from the first turn of the page. I just couldn't put it down! Kept me awake until 3 in the morning. :) Again, this will be included in my top 5 Young Adult category!

“One thing I learned a long time ago is that even if you think you're meant to be with someone, that doesn't necessarily mean you get to be with them.” - Jordan Woods

Rating: 5 stars

A Book Review: Easy

By Tammara Webber

I read this book due to the high ratings at goodreads.com and I'm glad I listened to the reviews! 

Easy. From the first turn of the page to the last, everything was so easy to love! 

This is about a girl who's heart was broken by the person she trusted most and a boy who hides a very hurtful past with unbearable pain. Would they find comfort in each others arms or disapprove them all?

Tammara Webber is an author of mature young adult contemporary novels. This is her first book I have ever read, and I think I will be reading some of her novels soon. 
The story, plot and characters are Easy to visualize and you will be satisfied with every turn of the page. :)

I guess I'll be coming up with a list of best young adult contemporary novels soon, and this one will definitely be on the top 5. :)

Rating: 4 stars

Poetry: You'll See

Close your eyes and feel the wind 
embracing you like you're twinned
close your eyes and feel me touch you
don't you know i'm just here beside you?

tell me anything, but please no crying
as i can't bear the pain of seeing you dying
you see life is hard to deal with sometimes
but that doesn't mean it wouldn't get fine

I am here and don't you dare forget
you and I, we'll do things we won't regret
close your eyes and feel me touch you
don't you know i'm just here to hug you?

tell me anything, but please no whining
as it hurts me too to see you hurting
you see life never fails to give us heartaches 
but can't you see, that life gave you to me?

so close your eyes and feel me
as i will be the only one holding you, you'll see.

-carlee-
-08.14.12-

Relationship warning: Signs to look for in an abusive relationship

I have been writing, blogging for quite some time but I always get stuck to something that I'm losing time for it. And one of my worst problem is, I always forget my passwords haha so I usually end up creating a new blog. Now, as I was browsing my previous notes, I found one worth re-posting. :)


This is a bit long but this would definitely help anyone so take time to read this :) If your other half has three or more behaviors listed below, think now. This is just a guide, everything still depends on how well you know the person and how much you love them. :)

Many people are interested in ways to predict whether they are about to become involved with someone who will be physically abusive. Many victims do not realize that these early behaviors are warning signs of potential future physical abuse, such as the last four listed behaviors [numbers 13-16.] If the person has several (three or more) of the first 12 listed behaviors, there is a strong potential for physical violence -- the more signs a person has, the more likely the person is a batterer.

Below is a list of common behaviors that are seen in abusive people:

Jealousy:   At the beginning of a relationship, an abuser will always say that jealousy is a sign of love; jealousy has nothing to do with love, it is a sign of possessiveness and lack of trust. He/She will question the other person about whom he talks to, accuse him of flirting, or be jealous of the time he spends with his family or friends.
As the jealousy progresses, He/she may call frequently during the day or drop by unexpectedly. She may refuse to let you work for fear you will meet someone else, or even do strange behaviors like checking your car mileage or asking friends to watch you.
Controlling Behavior:   At first, the batterer will say that this behavior is because He/she is concerned with your safety, your need to use your time well, or your need to make good decisions. He/She will be angry if you are late coming back from an appointment or a class, she will question you closely about where you went and whom you talked to.
As this behavior gets worse, He/she may not let you make personal decisions about your clothing, hair style, appearance.
Quick Involvement:   Many people in abusive relationships dated or knew their abusive partners for less than six months before they were married, engaged or living together. He/She comes on like a whirlwind, claiming, "You are the only person I could ever talk to" or "I've never felt like this with anyone before".
He/She will pressure you to commit to the relationship in such a way that you may later feel guilty or that you are "letting her down" if you want to slow down involvement or break up.
Unrealistic Expectations:   Abusive people will expect their partner to meet all their needs; He/she expects you to be the perfect boyfriend, the perfect husband, the perfect friend or the perfect lover. He/She will say things like, "If you love me, I'm all you need and you are all I need." You are supposed to take care of all of her emotional needs.
Isolation:   The abusive person will try to cut you off from all resources. He/She accuses you of being "tied to your mother's apron strings," or your friends of "trying to cause trouble" between you. If you have a friend of the opposite sex, you are "going out on her" and if you have friends of the same sex, she may accuse you of being gay.
Blames Others for Problems:   He/She is chronically unemployed, someone is always waiting for her to do wrong or mess up or someone is always out to get her. He/She may make mistakes and blame you for upsetting her. She may accuse you of preventing her from concentrating on school. She will tell you that you are at fault for almost anything that goes wrong.
Blames Others for Feelings:   He/She will tell you, "You make me mad," "You are hurting me by not doing what I want you to do," or "I can't help being angry." He/She really makes the decisions about how she thinks or feels, but will use feelings to manipulate you.
Hypersensitivity:   An abusive person is easily insulted, and claims that their feelings are hurt when really He/she is very mad. He/She often takes the slightest setbacks as personal attacks. He/She will rant about things that are really just part of living like being asked to work overtime, getting a traffic ticket, being asked to help others with chores.
Cruelty to Animals or Children:   This is a person who punishes animals brutally or is insensitive to their pain and suffering. He/She may tease younger brothers or sisters until they cry.
"Playful" use of Force in Sex:   This kind of person is likely to be abusive during making out, or He/she may want you to act out fantasies in which you are helpless. He/She is letting you know that the idea of sex is exciting. She may show little concern about whether you want affection and may sulk or use anger to manipulate you into compliance.
Verbal Abuse:   In addition to saying things that are meant to be cruel and hurtful, this can be seen when the abusive person tries to degrade you, curses you, calls you names or makes fun of your accomplishments. The abusive person will tell you that you are stupid and unable to function without her. This may involve waking you up to verbally abuse you or not letting you go to sleep until you talk out an argument.
Past Battering:   This person may say that He/she has hit boyfriends or husbands in the past but the other person "made her do it." You may hear from relatives or past male friends that He/she is abusive.
An abusive person will be physically abusive to any one they are with if the other person is with them long enough for the violence to begin; situational circumstances do not change a person into an abuser.
Threats of violence:   This could include any threat of physical force meant to control you: "I'll slap you," "I'll kill you," or "I'll break your neck." Most people do not threaten their partners, but the abusive person will try to excuse her threats by saying, "Everybody talks that way."
Breaking or Striking Objects:   This behavior is used as a punishment (breaking loved possessions), but is mostly used to terrorize you into submission. The abuser may beat on the table with her fists, throw objects at or near you, kick the car, slam the door or drive at a high rate of speed or recklessly to scare you.
Not only is this a sign of extreme emotional immaturity, but there is great danger when someone thinks they have the "right" to punish or frighten you.
Any Force During an Argument:   This may involve an abusive partner holding you down, physically restraining you from leaving the room, any pushing or shoving. He/She may hold you against the wall and say, "You are going to listen to me."

[ "Signs to Look for in an Abusive Personality" from the Knoxville Police Department Domestic Violence Unit website. Thank you for making this information available. ]

Useful warnings right? 

A Book Review: Because of Low

By Abbi Glines

Book 2 of Abbi Glines "Sea Breeze" though i did not read Book 1 (Breathe), I think this book is a great stand-alone.

"Unconditional love is hard to compete with" 
A contemporary romance book that is well written and with characters you would love! 

What would you do if family matters get in the way of a just-starting-perfect-love story? Would you let go right away, or see if things would work?

The story line is great, and it didn't bore me at all. It's not something exceptional but with the way the author delivered the lines and bought up the characters, you would surely get hooked till the end. The twist of the story would make you say "oh, i knew it!" but it doesn't mean its predictable. You just get bits and pieces of ideas but not really something that would make you skip the pages and get through the end. :)
This one is a light, beautiful romantic novel which evolves between heartbreak, betrayal and unconditional love. 

Why not give this a try! :)

Rating: 3.5 stars

A Book Review: Baby Proof

By Emily Giffin

Here's another chic lit book by Emily Giffin, author of Something Borrowed and Something Blue.

After reading something blue, I decided to give Baby Proof a try.

Who doesn't want to have a cute little angel after marriage? Well this one is about a perfect couple, Claudia and Ben, who from the start of the relationship and marriage has clear and definte mutual view on having.. A baby. Of course a common norm after marriage, is having a child, but Claudia doesn't want to have one. Luckily she found a partner who shares the same view. But what happens if everything suddenly changed? And He, out of the blue wants to have one?

Well for me, I think the story lacks depth in some aspects. I got bored, almost turning the pages quick since the plot is becoming predictable. There is not much of a twist in the story, no excitement and uhm, somehow lame.

Well if you want to know which one prevailed in the story, standing by your lifetime view, or giving in to what love is asking you, then go ahead give this a try. (oh and waste your time honey.)

Rating: 2 stars

A Book Review: Something Blue

By Emily Giffin

Have you watched "Something Borrowed"? A 2011 American romantic comedy film based on Emily Giffin's book of the same name. Starring Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, Colin Egglesfield and John Krasinski. I actually wasn't aware of this movie, this was something I just read somewhere while searching for 2011 movie list I could download and watch at home. 

Something Blue is the sequel of the movie Something Borrowed. A story of betrayal, recovery, rescue and forgiveness. As I was reading the book, I can't help but visualize the characters, creating movie scenes at the back of my mind. Darcy, the lead role for this sequel, was portrayed by Kate Hudson in Something Borrowed. A selfish, self-centered best girlfriend of Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin), who on book 1, is engaged but Rachel steals her fiance, but later on Darcy told the truth that she also cheated and slept with her fiance's friend. 

So basically for Something blue, the story is just about Darcy, how she became pregnant with the man she cheated with then ended up all fucked up because the father of her child left her. The book is a quick read, the flow is smooth, (like i said it was like a movie already playing at the back of my mind) and it actually has life lessons regarding love for others, love for yourself and friendship. This one is definitely a chic lit, light and easy, you will somehow hate Darcy from the start, but you'll get to love her too in the end especially how she regained herself, her true love and true friendship.

Rating: 3.5 stars
(Reading Something Borrowed first is a must!)

Laters, Baby

"Laters, Baby"

A very famous line circulating everywhere. But what is interesting about this? Probably you've been hearing now about E.L. James Fifty Shades of Grey (First book of the trilogy - oh and I'm actually done with those three ^_^). Anyway, I still wonder how the hell did i bumped into this book? Well of course, it's mr. curiosity who took over me. So I saw people's post reading this book,  I decided to look for it and guess what, It's Out of Stock! (Why, Am i too late?) Good thing I was saved by a friend who happens to have a PDF copy of the trilogy. :)

Before reading the book, I did some research and read some reviews (as what I always do before buying and reading books to save my ass from wasting time hihi). Reviews are a bit extremes, some say they can't wait to move on to the next book, others say it's not a smart read at all. But what struck me is the way they called it "Mommy Porn" (I say, what the hell does that mean?!), So to end my questions, i decided to give it a try.

Sexy. Erotic. Kinky. Porn. Passionate love. These are some of the words I can associate as I read the book. What's funny is that while reading the book, I've been reading the dictionary too! And non-stop google-ing! There's just so many sexual terms that I actually have no idea about. Yes, Sexual terms, sex toys, sexy lingo, this is what the book basically contains. 

"When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms."

-- and that's the start of the story. When Anastasia Steele met the multi-millionaire, overly handsome bachelor Christian Grey, who literally turned her normal world upside down. Christian Grey who has a lot of secret and dark desires. (Okay, i won't go deeper as this may be a spoiler to those who hasn't read it)
I admit, I got really hooked at every turn of the page. It's because of the "dominant-submissive" kind of relationship which i have no idea at all (this is where mr.google appeared!) This one is new, and you'll have your eyes set on every turn of the page. 

“You're so deliciously wet. God, I want you" .. "Pull your knees up" he orders softly, and i'm quick to obey. "I'm going to fuck you now Ms.Steele," he murmurs as he positions the head of his erection at the entrance of my sex, "Hard," he whispers, and he slams into me.. 
"Open your mouth," he commands and thrusts his thumb in my mouth. "See how you taste," he breathes into my ears. "Suck me baby," his thumb presses on my tongue, and my mouth closes round him, sucking wildly"


-- See? Better read this book before sleeping, or at your bed, or own room, but not in public. lol. As there are just soooo many, or toooo many erotic and sensual scenes you'll encounter. But moving forward, It seems to me like there's really not much of a plot. As you turn the page, things will get predictable and as for me, I got bored on some parts since its just a repeat of the past scene, but with different context on how they delivered the kinky lines. (I guess it's just the sensual parts that really got me glued to this book haha!) 

For me, the story is actually simple, i would still say there's a couple of twists, but still not much. It's just something that people don't really read regularly (I guess?) and the vocal pornographic scenes which you will end up visualizing are one of the highlights of this book. And of course for the girls, day dreaming that somehow they will meet their own "Christian Grey", who would unleash the sexual goddess in them, who could satisfy their every need and just actually exceed their sexual expectations, leaving them wanting for more. :) 

Let's wait for the movie, I wonder who would best fit as Christian Grey. *wink*

Rated it: 3.5 Stars