Review: One Moment by Kristina McBride

Read from June 20, 2012
to June 21, 2012

Book: One Moment by Kristina McBride

Publication Date: June 26, 2012

Publisher: Egmont USA

Number of Pages: 232

Genre/s: Young Adult, Contemporary

This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie's life. Now it's the one she'd do anything to forget.

Maggie remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can't she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below-dead? 

As Maggie's memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding? The latest novel from the author of "The Tension of Opposites," "One Moment" is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you. - From Goodreads

I expected One Moment to be heavy. And it was, in a lot of ways. It has every thing a drama would be without: betrayal, deception, lies, and death. 

Maggie seems to have it all. A perfect boyfriend and a perfect group of friends. Then one summer, everything changes. Joey's dead and she can't remember anything that happened before the accident. But Joey's death is only the first slip, secrets will spill and it will ultimately change her.

How can so much drama revolve around one group of friends? I do not know. Friends don't hurt friends but here we see that. But eventually, friendship and love restored what has been broken. It's a balancing act and I admire McBride for handling it perfectly.

I admit One Moment did not blow my mind off nor made me scream best book ever but the story has this power to seeped in and get you where it matters. I found myself brimming with tears, angry and frustrated, but most of all McBride made me feel like I was Maggie, like I was experiencing it first hand. I felt her hurt, her devastation, her grief. How hard it is to cope with losing someone you love. To know that those people you loved and trusted was not entirely truthful all along. Upsetting, wouldn't really cover it.

But One Moment isn't just about the drama, it's about letting go and moving on. It's about standing up again and believing that no matter how dark the place you are in, light will always shine through. It could be a memory, a single moment of clarity or a person that will hold your hand to help you get ready to face life again.

Cupid's Verdict:

3 1/2 Cupids

An advance copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley.

Random Ramblings (20): Cover Limelight (2)

It's been a while since the last Random Rambling post. Today, I'll share to you the final installment in the Transcend Time Saga by Michelle Madow. This will be released on November 20, 2012. 

Add it on Goodreads.

The e-version of Remembrance, the first in the saga, is available at only $ 2.99 on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ibook, and Kobo so if you haven't started it yet, now's your chance. :)

For more information on Michelle Madow and her books, please visit www.michellemadow.com.

Awesome Giveaways!

These are just some exciting giveaways you should know about. All of these accept international entries.

From The Midnight Garden:

1 Hardback of The Girl of Fire and Thorns and an ARC of The Crown of Embers

From Flipping Through The Pages:

8 Awesome YA releases

From Book Probe Reviews:

2 Signed Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff (1 Aus/1 Int)

So what are you waiting for? Fabulous prizes awaits. Enter now! :)

Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Read from July 15, 2012
to July 22, 2012

Book: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Publication Date: August 28, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Number of Pages: 288

Genre/s: Young Adult, Contemporary

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself. - From Goodreads

Hate is...it's too easy. Love. Love takes courage.

Speechless spoke to me in so many levels. I believe this is one of the strongest contemporary novel I've read to date. 

Chelsea, for a lack of a better word, is a blabber. She's a gossip starter and she couldn't care any less whatever her gossiping might bring to the persons involved. She's doing it for Kristen, her supposed-to-be best friend and the most popular girl in school, and she's doing it for her social status. But everything went horribly wrong when the latest secret she shared almost cost the life of someone.  She ended up telling what happened to her parents, cops were called, news spread out, and just overnight, her social status came crashing down.

At first, I thought I wouldn't like Chelsea. I thought she was conceited and self-involved. But boy was I wrong! Not only did I love her but she and me connected in a way I never thought we would. I love her voice, I love being inside her head, and I love hearing her thoughts. When she took the vow of silence, she didn't know it yet but this showcased her strength and character. 

It's not an easy process, though. I saw her struggle to maintain her vow, how confused and frustrated she was that Kristen didn't take her side but only made her downfall worse. But with these came the realization that what she and Kristen had was an unhealthy relationship. New friends came along the way and she understood the true value of friendship. 

In the end, Chelsea became one of my most favorite characters. Her resilience is commendable and I admire her for growing up, owning up to her bad decisions, and learning to forgive herself. 

Speechless is my first Hannah Harrington novel and it definitely wouldn't be my last. I am very much looking forward to reading her debut novel, Saving June, and her future works. Speechless is out today. Don't forget to grab yourself a copy, I assure you it won't disappoint.

Cupid's Verdict:

5 Cupids

An advance copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley.

Review: Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Read from May 26, 2012
to June 7, 2012

Book: Timepiece by Myra McEntire
Publishing Date: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Egmont USA
Number of Pages: 336
Genre/s: Young Adult, Time Travel

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results. 

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts. - From Goodreads

I looked at my notes and this was everywhere: 0_0.

I read Timepiece without even rereading Hourglass and I was baffled and confused because I couldn't really remember much about Hourglass.  I really tried remembering to no avail so I told myself that I'd give Timepiece until 100 pages to provide some background and clear things out, if not I'll reread Hourglass.

But you know what? Timepiece was really compelling and addictive. I didn't even get the chance to browse through Hourglass. I went in blind and I think it is a rare feat that I will really like a book I have trouble keeping up with. When I reached the 100 mark, I was still in the dark but it just got better and better that I just kept reading.

From what little I can remember, Hourglass narrator was Emerson but this time in Timepiece it was Kaleb's POV. At first I struggle to place him because I cannot for the life of me remember him in the first book but I grew to really like him. He was not all what he seemed to be. He was a compassionate and loving person and when he gave himself the chance to be that, he really shined through.

Lily. Oh Lily. How much do I love thee. She was incredible. I really love seeing her in Kaleb's perspective. She just perfectly complemented Kaleb.

The atmosphere in Timepiece was incredible. I felt creeped out by all the rips. How suddenly they are everywhere and how they could suck you from the present to the past and future and left you stranded there. Jack was ominous as ever and we are introduced to new villains that's why I am definitely excited to see where the next installment would take us.

I could definitely say that Timepiece will have a very special place in my memory now and I will surely reread Hourglass and Timepiece again. This is a must-read, people!

Cupid's Verdict:

4 Cupids

An advance copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley.