Star-Crossed TV Show Review

Day by day, Netflix has been a growing obsession. I always look though my recommended section to discover the most popular and liked TV shows, and that's when Star-Crossed popped up as one of the options. Alien boy meets human girl? Been there, read that. I took this show as any reader would— so cliche and we've seen it before. Boy, was I wrong. Star-Crossed is a unique and elaborately put together TV show with a great story that will keep you on your feet. And no, this is not some cheesy alien TV show!

In this alien romance series, aliens are no longer trying to conquer Earth or take over the mind and body of the human race. The humans have started a program where they attempt to assimilate the alien race—the Atrians— into their society. I liked the concept and how the entire story revolved around them trying to build a world in which aliens and humans co-exist. It's all about the love!

Star-Crossed follows a group of aliens, called Atrians, that crash-land on Earth. 6-year-old Roman, the main alien, escapes when the humans come to hunt them down but hides in a young girl's shed because he is scared. When the young girl, Emery, finds him hiding out in the shed, she takes care of him by feeding him and giving him blankets. This illustrates the first time a human has ever showed kindness to an Atrian. The story continues on 10 years later when the government decides to start a program to integrate the aliens and the humans. Roman is put into a group called the Atrian Seven, who are somewhat like guinea pigs The two, Emery and Roman, meet again in high school and he thanks her for saving him all those years ago, but we all know where this leads.

Swoony Guys. The thing I look for most in the TV shows are swoony guys. It's imperative that if producers and directors want me watching their shows, they need to put hot and swoon-worthy guys into their shows, haha. So in Star-Crossed, there's these super hot and buff alien dudes that are from a different planet. Can if get anymore swoon-worthy than that? The main alien, Roman (such a swoon-worthy name), is like a walking, living god. Roman played by Matt Lanter.

An Internal Conflict Between the Same Race. There is some early conflict in the show, and not just between the humans and the Atrians. Although there are some issues with the humans, there are also inner-tribes in the alien race working against the integration of aliens and humans, and they're called the Trags. They will just do anything to make sure the human race suffers and that they get revenge. This aspect was so compelling throughout the show!

A stubborn and pretty heroine. Emery is our heroine, or main female protagonist. She's a stubborn tough, little cookie. She's super smart and drop-dead gorgeous, just really the perfect role to be matched up with Roman, the super hot alien. She is stubborn at times because she will do whatever it takes to protect her friends but that's a commendable trait. I actually liked her role in the movie!

Star-Crossed is not just some intergalactic space movie, it's a compelling science fiction, space TV show specifically geared for teenagers to enjoy something with a nice story and heart-breaking romance. But unfortunately, all good things must come to and end as Star-Crossed was canceled after its first season. Hey, don't leave! Just because it was cancelled doesn't mean it's a bad show and actually, it's better than some of the current shows on TV. Just give it a try and you'll see. Trust me as your TV councilor! It just arrived on Netflix and it's a show you won't want to miss!

For Fans of...

The Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Alienated by Melissa Landers
The Host by Stephanie Meyer
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I hope I have more time in the future to watch some more TV shows to review. I'll get back to you guys soon but in the meantime, enjoy Star-Crossed, my new Netflix obsession.

Everything That Makes You by Moriah McStay

Title: Everything That Makes You

Author: Moriah McStay
Pages: 352 pages
Published: March 17th, 2015
Genre: Contemporary YA
Source: Hardcover copy from B&N
Rating:

One girl. Two stories. Meet Fiona Doyle. The thick ridges of scar tissue on her face are from an accident twelve years ago. Fiona has notebooks full of songs she's written about her frustrations, her dreams, and about her massive crush on beautiful uber-jock Trent McKinnon. If she can't even find the courage to look Trent straight in his beautiful blue eyes, she sure isn't brave enough to play or sing any of her songs in public. But something's changing in Fiona. She can't be denied by her scars anymore.

And what if there hadn't been an accident? Meet Fi Doyle. Fi is the top-rated female high school lacrosse player in the state, heading straight to Northwestern on a full ride. She's got more important things to deal with than her best friend Trent McKinnon, who's been different ever since the kiss. When her luck goes south, even lacrosse can't define her anymore. When you're always been the best at something, one dumb move can screw everything up. Can Fi fight back?

Hasn't everyone wondered what if? In this daring debut novel, Moriah McStay gives us the rare opportunity to see what might have happened if things were different. Maybe luck determines our paths. But maybe it's who we are that determines luck.

Read it now!
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

This book can be explained in one word: kaboom *mentally explodes*

Debut novels this year have been making their comeback with each book that comes out. Moriah's novel made me seem a bit apprehensive in the beginning only because the synopsis was such a mystery to me that I, myself, had no idea how someone would pull off a story like this. Everything That Makes You is a compelling psychological contemporary piece that pulls off its final act on the last page of the book, which means you'd have to read till the end!

This book discovers the theory of what if. What if something happened tomorrow that completely shatters your dreams? What if someone close to you passes? What if the love of your life was with someone else? This book asked many questions, but not all were answered. If there is anything mundane about this book, someone please tell me because I find it to be the most complex and unique read I've ever encountered, which isn't a bad thing.

The book follows one narrator, but in two different timelines. Her name is Fiona "Fi" Doyle and the book shows two sides of the story: one that happened and one that never happened. Confused yet? Well Fiona's really story falls upon her having a scar on her face from an accident that happened twelve years ago. The other parts of the book discover the story in which the scar never happened and she went on with her life instead. The chapters of the book alternate in the stories but they're all really about Fiona and what would happen if this didn't happen?

I thought it was pretty clever for this debut author. She twisted an ordinary tale about a girl who perhaps could have gotten more out of life if she had never been through the accident. It's extraordinarily rare for authors to discover this part of their characters and the big question of what if. This book was very realistic in bringing that subject to life, and it's very commendable.

The characters were an enigma all on their own. It's up to us, as the readers, to piece the puzzle together and uncover their secrets. Fiona was one of the strongest characters in the book. She is the main focus of the two alternate stories but she's also the conflict. I was not disappointed in the character department. Fiona learns more and more about herself all throughout the book and it was kind of like a huge intervention where the author said, "Hey Fiona, it's time we help you out to discover your inner self."

Character interventions are great. Just great. And I love when the authors take the time to craft their characters. Supporting characters in the book were very much enjoyable to have around and lifting the main protags when they felt down.

There are tons of swoony guys in the book, so I was not disappointed there. In some ways, I was disappointed with the overall romance of this book. Surely this was a contemporary piece but I truly expected more romance. Don't get me wrong, there was romance, but just not the kind I was hoping for.

I guess you say that romance was the "trouble maker" in the book. The whole story revolves around romance as a main storyteller but it also crashes and burns that way. It's better to say that Fiona was never ready for a real relationship on her journey to finding herself. She had flings here and there but none of the relationships were ever permanent until the end.

My final verdict: Pick up Everything That Makes You. The greatest of stories make you think long before they are over and that is exactly what this book did! For this book it's totally okay to judge the book by its cover because the cover is 100% beautiful and the book is even more so!

Bookish Into Spring Read-A-Thon

The awesome girls over at Novel Ink and GenGen's Book Blog have teamed up to bring this awesome Read-A-Thon, where mini-challenges, events, and giveaways will be hosted! This definitely sounds right up my ally and I'm excited for see how this goes since I'm not very good on Read-A-Thons, lol! We'll see how this goes and let's just hope... let's hope... there is a good outcome.

Information & More

- The event runs from April 26th to May 1st

- There are going to be mini challenges every single day throughout the read-a-thon dates and they are totally optional

- There are also twitter chats using the hashtag #BiSReadathon

- There is one huge giveaway for all the participants and smaller giveaways for the mini-challenges and chats

Goals

(I don't know if I'll get through all of these because I'm a super slow reader, but I will definitely try!)

Sunday April 26th

Pages Read: 146 pages

Books Completed: None

Monday April 27th

Pages Read: 54 (today was a bad reading day)

Books Completed: None

Tuesday April 28th

Pages Read: 123 of The Winner's Curse, 50 of The Winner's Crime

Books Completed: The Winner's Curse

Wednesday April 29th

Pages Read: 246 of The Winner's Crime

Books Completed: None

Thursday April 30th

Pages Read: 106 of The Winner's Crime, 176 of Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things To Mend

Books Completed: The Winner's Crime

Friday May 1st

Pages Read:

Books Completed:

Mini Challenge #1
Round 1: L

Contemporary Romance Novel:
Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid

A book you never wanted to end:
Lucid by Adrienne Stoltz and Ron Bass

A book with a blue cover:
Lux: Beginnings by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A book on your TBR:
Legend by Marie Lu
9275658

A book that made you cry:
Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
18140047

I absolutely wish Erica, Christy, and Genesis the best of luck with this Read-A-Thon and that they get a ton of participants. What are you waiting for? Sign up already!

I'M GOING TO BOOKCON & OTAKON!

When it comes to conventions and signings, I'm down for them! I love going out and dressing up, participating in cosplays, roleplays, and even standing in line waiting for an author to sign my book! I'm one of those people who know about the big things that go on. My only dream is to make it to Comic Con this year. Crossing my fingers!

Bookcon 2015, here I come! Finally a huge book event that is taking place in NYC, since it's so near. I've been wanting to go to Bookcon since last year and was devastated when I didn't get the chance to. Well alas I was able to get the money to purchase some tickets and take a trip down there! So who's going? I would love to meet up with some of you amazing bloggers.

Authors Going?
John Green
Jennifer Weiner
Rainbow Rowell
R.L. Stine
Abbi Glines
Alexandra Bracken
Colleen Hoover
David Levithan
Ellen Hopkins
Gayle Forman
James Dashner
Jenny Han
Lauren Oliver
Leigh Bardugo
Libba Bray
Marie Lu
Marissa Meyer
Melissa de la Cruz
Patrick Ness
Richelle Mead
Sarah Dessen
Sarah J. Maas

Scott Westerfeld

Special Youtube Guests Are...
Kat O'Keeffe from Katytastic on Youtube
Christine Riccio from polandbananaBOOKS on Youtube
Jesse George from JesseTheReader on Youtube
Connor Franta
Joey Graceffa
and Shane Dawson!!!

I'm only going to be there on Sunday due to track practices and other times when I'm busy. It's sad, but at least I get to experience the fun for one day. I am most excited to meet the Booktubers from Booksplosion, Christine, Jesse, and Kat! I've aspired to be like them ever since I saw my first Booktube video. This is my first year at Bookcon so I don't expect myself to be a pro and know where to go every second of the minute. I know I'm definitely going to have to get used to crowd and tons of people in only one day, but it's not like I've never been to a convention before. I've been to Apollycon and Otakon.

Otakon is a Japansese Anime Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Last year, I had the most amazing time at Otakon. It's definitely one of those experiences I recommend because even though I'm not a crazy anime lover, I was able to recognize the most popular of animes. I didn't do cosplay last year but I have a very interesting costume set up for this year. Otakon is taking place at the Maryland Baltimore Convention Center from July 24-26. The tickets are about $70 for three days! ISN'T THAT INSANELY INEXPENSIVE?

Here is a collage of the experience last year, 2014:

There were literally so many people dressed up as characters from an anime and League of Legends characters. I almost felt left out. There were also tons and tons of vendors that sold small knick-knacks, cell-phone cases, cute hats and jewelry. There were many popular anime producer vendors like Aniplex and other ones like Hiyao Miyasaki's movies. There was also something called Artist's Alley, where different artists who paid to get their vendors there, displayed most of their artwork and creations in clay.

Definitely recommend Otakon if you're into anime or dressing up. You won't feel alone, I promise you that. I also liked the area that it took place in. The Baltimore Convention center and surrounding is one of the cleanest and most peaceful places I've ever been to. I can't wait to go back!

Hurry up and get your badge so you'll be on of the first 10,000 to purchase from Online Registration and get your badge mailed to you! Trust me and take my advice when I say, you don't want to wait on line for the badge. It takes forever!

Have you have been to any conventions? Have you been to Bookcon and want to share some tips? I would love to know!

ARC Review: Still Waters by Ash Parsons

Title: Still Waters
Author: Ash Parsons
Pages: 320 pages
Published: April 21st, 2015
Genre: YA Dark and Intense Contemporary

A gritty, powerful debut that evokes The Outsiders. You won't be able to look away.

High school senior Jason knows how to take a punch. Living with an abusive father will teach a kid that. But he's also learned how to hit back, earning a reputation at school that ensures no one will mess with him. Even so, all Jason truly wants is to survive his father long enough to turn eighteen, take his younger sister, Janie, and run away.

Then one day, the leader of the in crowd at school, Michael, offers to pay Jason to hang out with him. Jason figures Michael simply wants to be seen with someone with a tough rep and that the money will add up fast, making Jason's escape plan a reality. Plus, there's Michael's girl. Cyndra, who looks at Jason as if she sees something behind his false smile. As Jason gets drawn deeper into Michael's game, the money keeps flowing, but the stakes grow ever more dangerous. Soon, even Jason's fists and his ability to think on his feet aren't enough to keep his head above water.

Still Waters is an intense, gritty thriller that pulls no punches- yet leaves you rooting for the tough guy. A powerful, dynamic debut.

Buy this book!

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

** I want to thank Penguin for providing me with an early copy of this book **

I've got a lot to unload for this book. Right now I'm pretty unsettled towards my thoughts and feelings but I have enough to sit down a write a proper review that will either convince you to read or leave you hanging.

Likes

- Unique and completely different ~ Rarely do I ever get the chance to read a book where I'm rooting for the tough guy and where the tough guy always always turns out to be the most exposed and emotional in the end. I loved the change in direction that this book took. I really hope this isn't the end for Ash Parsons' writing.

- Great morals ~ This book does not only excel at its writing but it makes some great life lessons that can be carried through life. Don't make deals without reading their contracts first. Keep your head above the water, not just below. Don't make deals with the devil. Keep your head in the game and don't lose sight over love. I think those are mostly the predominant ones but there are definitely a lot more!
- Dark YA ~ What makes a book 'dark'? Well to me it's mostly a book that depresses you or it can happen to be the tone of the author. When the tone of the author is painful or very touching, that's when you know you've got a dark book in your hands! Books with dark plots seem to circle around the story of abuse and violence because it's definitely shown here.
- Male Protagonist ~ You definitely notice how much the author wanted to exaggerate how the main protag was a guy. This contributes to the book a lot because the book was embodying the aspects of a guy, really a bit more strong and manly sense there. It made the book interesting and with a twist in the usual routinely reads.

Dislikes

- A little violent ~ The book features an abusive father that hurts his children and the main protagonist is a just a violent person in general. I liked how although he was violent and a little rough, he had a sweet and lovable side as well. At some points in the book, it was clear that there was too much violence and blood.

- Abusive Romance? ~ The reason there is a question mark next to this one is because I was really unsure of the romance that occurred between some of the characters. I don't know... I mean.. Did they like being treated that way? LOL It was awkward at times and provocative.
- Cliche High School scenery ~ There is a presence of that cliche high school scenery where the rich boys are the popular ones and they dominate the school with the cheerleaders. The cliche-ness didn't disrupt the book that much, but I wish it took a different route.

Why you'll like Still Waters?Still Waters by Ash Parsons is a quality-written novel with a great theme and headache-inducing characters. We get a flavor of a main protagonist that is tough and doesn't let his head, or feelings get in the way of anything. Yes, there are some cliche romances and it's a little violent, but it's also dark and will take you on a real life-learning ride! It was a beautiful contemporary and now that I think of it, I'd really prefer not to categorize it as contemporary.

Blog Tour: Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins + Interview

Title: Miss Mayhem (Rebel Belle #2)

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Pages: 288 pages

Published: April 7th, 2015

Genre: YA Fiction, Supernatural
Rating:

Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and best friend Bee has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can return her focus to the important things in life: school, canoodling with David, her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie, and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant.

Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they'd rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can't stay David's Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her... or connect her to David for life.

Buy it now!

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

**Thank you Penguin for providing me with an ARC copy**

Supernatural ass-kicking Harper Price is back in the business and she is already filled with more of her unwanted supernatural chores. The exciting sequel to the Rebel Belle series has such an amazing comeback and it's just like reading the first book all over again- the action and the feels. Harper Price makes my list of all-time favorite female protagonists but David, on the other hand, was on my shit list this time. If you haven't read my review for the first book, I highly recommend that because this one is going to have spoilers for the first book. I won't spoil anything right at this moment so don't worry! MY FIRST REVIEW HERE!

In a quick and light summary for this series, our main character Harper Price is just a normal teenage girl until she has a strange encounter with her school's janitor one night. She is given supernatural powers and a fate that could so much as kill her. She is a Paladin, a protector of the Oracle and in this case, the Oracle so happens to be her best frenemy, David Stark. Going into book #2, the stakes are higher for both Price and Stark as their relationship as well as their destinies are put to the test.

I remember when I gave the book a much higher rating and that's because I was just getting used to the world and the characters. Now that I'm more familiar with David Stark, I literally wish I had never met him. He's honestly an ass in this book! I also think that was intentional by the author to create some gritty intense and keep the story interesting, which it was. Harper Price becomes a stronger and more courageous character and you can't go wrong with prom dress-wearing, makeup-loving teenage girls kicking ass, can you? I would most definitely just read this book for the characters.

Nothing is predictable, well at least not to me. If you're the type of reader who's scared that you'll predict every situation at every corner, you get the exact opposite here. Hawkins leads her readers to a certain point then takes a detour into a whole other direction. Plot twists, oh the plot twist and inevitable.

I ask Rachel Hawkins...

1. Harper is an unruly and defiant character. Does her personality reflect your perception on teenage girls today or how you were when you were younger?
Oh, I think I was a lot more unruly than Harper is! Girlfriend is, at her core, a Major Rule Follower. ;) But I'm always here for stories about girls who buck against the system.

2. Harper Price was granted supernatural chores even thought she never accepted them in the first place. What do you think it's like to have the weight of the world put on her shoulders? Have you gone through something similar?
I've definitely never gone through anything nearly as intense as Harper's situation, but I think we've all had moments of feeling stretched really thin, of thinking we'd taken on too much. I actually wish I could handle that feeling more like Harper does. She's really good at prioritizing and compartmentalizing as needed.

3. David and Harper's relationship really demonstrate the idea of true love. What are the best qualities that Harper brings out in David?
Harper is able to loosen David up a little. He's an over-thinker, he's in his own head a lot, and she has a confidence and an ease with life he sort of lacks.

I had such a great time interviewing Rachel for the sequel of Rebel Belle and now that it's finally out, go grab your copy right away and get reading! I can't wait to see what else in store for both Harper and David!

Funny Lessons Books Have Taught Me

Every book comes with a life long moral or lesson that sticks with you long after you've finished read the book. Looking back at most the series I've completed and the books I've recently read, I plucked some hilarious life lessons that I've learned. I picked the most popular series so that everyone could enjoy this post and revel in laughter. I hope that this post is actually funny other wise that would just be really really awkward, and I would be the only one laughing. If any of these are offensive in any way, just tell me and I'll be sure to fix them. My only intention is to make you guys laugh and not offend any of these books with my jokes. Enjoy!

I've learned...

Save food and water so we don't end up having a Hunger Games, where children fight to the death to become the victor.

I've learned...

Never take a truth serum unless you want to risk the chance of loosing your friends and telling everyone that you're a murderer.

I've learned...

DON'T WORK WITH THE SON OF HERMES!

I've learned...

Don't go looking for someone who doesn't want to be found.

I've learned...

Never have babies with a vampire unless you want to unleash a war with the undead and, not to mention, the Volturi.

I've learned...

Writing a book in the basement in the middle of the night will help you survive a bombing. ( do you get my reference? )

I've learned...

Date a drummer if you want to live a long life of passionate love ;)

I've learned...

If an alien race has threatened to take over your body and the only way you can get out of it is by killing yourself, don't jump out a window . It won't be enough to kill you!