REVIEW: My Dearest Hurricane by Morgan Nikola-Wren

Title: My Dearest Hurricane
Author/s: Morgan Nikola-Wren
PublicationDate:  August 28th 2017
Publisher:Luminarium Press
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 71

“To all the loves I've weathered on the way to where I am...and especially to the ones who keep checking to see if I've written about them.”
Morgan Nikola-Wren, author of “Magic with Skin On,” returns with her second poetry collection, an honest, amiable tribute to lovers turned strangers.

Few months ago, I started following Morgan Nikola-Wren in Instagram and since then I have been dying to get my hands on her poetry collections. Due to luck, I won in one of her contest. So the author sent me a copy of both her collection. One of the collections is My Dearest Hurricane. I immediately dived into it, and honestly, it was beautiful, full of emotions.

My Dearest Hurricane it’s divided into four different parts: The Stirring, The Downpour, The Wreckage, and The Repair. Each part gave out distinct feelings in which you’ll surely feel it deeply. I only had problems with the first part since I cannot quite get myself to connect to it. It somehow, not entirely, failed to tap something inside of me.

The dark, but exquisite words will struck your heart completely. Morgan is a talented writer and she managed to pour her feelings and emotions to every piece of her poetry. It’s been days since I finished the collections but the deep feelings that it left me are still here. I must say that you can really differentiate her from all other poetry writers, and for that, she deserves more recognition.
For poetry lovers, I suggest you try reading her collections. Below is a sample (my personal favorite):

“i've combed my fingers

through each moment,

but still can't say exactly

when your name stormed its way

into my smile”

Morgan Nikola-Wren began writing poetry for various literary periodicals in 2013. She is a winner of the Pangaea Worldwide Poetry Slam, 2016, and has published two books of poetry. Her debut book, Magic with Skin On, received a Goodreads Choice nomination for Best Poetry Book of 2017.
Morgan is perpetually searching for new favorite words, more black clothing, and the perfect design for her next tattoo. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, and traveling with her husband's circus.

 Find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/morgannikolawren, follow @morgannikolawren on Instagram, or visit www.morgannikolawren.com.

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ARC REVIEW: Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee

Title: Outrun the Moon

Author/s: Stacey Lee

Publication Date: May 24, 2016

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Format: ARC

Number of Pages: 400

"From the author of the critically acclaimed Under a Painted Sky, an unforgettable story of determination set against a backdrop of devastating tragedy. Perfect for fans of Code Name Verity.

San Francisco, 1906: Fifteen-year-old Mercy Wong is determined to break from the poverty in Chinatown, and an education at St. Clare’s School for Girls is her best hope. Although St. Clare’s is off-limits to all but the wealthiest white girls, Mercy gains admittance through a mix of cunning and a little bribery, only to discover that getting in was the easiest part. Not to be undone by a bunch of spoiled heiresses, Mercy stands strong—until disaster strikes.

On April 18, an historic earthquake rocks San Francisco, destroying Mercy’s home and school. With martial law in effect, she is forced to wait with her classmates for their families in a temporary park encampment. Mercy can't sit by while they wait for the Army to bring help. Fires might rage, and the city may be in shambles, yet Mercy still has the 'bossy' cheeks that mark her as someone who gets things done. But what can one teenaged girl do to heal so many suffering in her broken city?

Breakout author Stacey Lee masterfully crafts another remarkable novel set against a unique historical backdrop. Strong-willed Mercy Wong leads a cast of diverse characters in this extraordinary tale of survival."

**Thank you so much Penguin Teen for providing a me review copy of Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee in exchange of an honest review.**

Mercy, desperate enough to go to St. Clare's School for Girls, pretended to be a Chinese heiress so that she can fit in, but like any other typical stories, keeping such kind of secret will be very difficult for her.

The romance isn't your habitual one, it was made with such intelligence and I loved it.

I'm a Marketing Management student, and reading Outrun the Moon contributed lots of ideas for me and also put up new strategies, thank to Mrs. Evelyn Lowry and Mercy!

Historical Fiction for me, before this book, is not even close to appealing, it was plain boring. To be honest, if it wasn't for the reviews that I've read I'll never know that this book is under the genre I'll never want to read something of.

Outrun the Moon was written by a "new-to-me" author, under a "new-to-me" book category, and I can never make the words to describe how much I liked it! Her writing style was really engaging added the fact that Mercy has a really strong voice. What made me admire the book most is how she managed to include knowledge for business minded people as well as the involvement of Chinese customs and traditions.

Lee has written a note-worthy story about love, friendship, grief, acceptance and survival. I'm really looking forward to reading more of her books

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ARC REVIEW: Why Me? by Misty Michael

Title: Why Me?

Author: Misty Michael

Publication Date: January 01, 2016

Publisher: Clovercloft Publishing

Format: e-ARC

"Loneliness. Hopelessness. Worthlessness. Addiction. Abuse. Have you ever found yourself there? If so, this book is for you. The chains of depression, addiction and emotional bondage can be difficult to break. Why Me? is a life transformation book that will guide you through life s battles. Misty Michael shares her experiences from traveling on a path of destruction to a pathway of victorious living. Today she mentors women and is a teacher in Celebrate Recovery. The time is now! Together with God, you will discover a way out. Right in the very middle of your hopelessness, hope will rise. No matter how hopeless your life situation may seem, Why Me holds the key to victorious living. Take your first step today!"

**Thank you Netgalley and Cloversoft Publishing for approving my request to read an ARC of Why Me? by Misty Michael in exchange of an honest review.**

I AM WARNING YOU GUYS! THIS REVIEW WILL BE SO RANDOM. IT'S JUST THAT I CANNOT STOP MY FEELINGS. I JUST TYPE WHATEVER IT IS THAT POPS OUT OF MY MINDS. MY THOUGHTS ARE IN A CHAOS AND NOW I JUST WANT TO LET THEM ALL OUT AND BE FREE.

This book was based on a true story. And holly cow, I've never read something like this.

I've never been a religious person. I never liked the idea of going to church, reading the bible, neither singing praises to God. But of course, I do believe that there is a higher being, the superior one, God.

Loneliness. Hopelessness. Worthlessness. Addiction. Abuse. Have you ever found yourself there? If so, this book is for you.

Loneliness. Given the first word, I literally dropped my jaw. The moment I read that word, I knew that I'm going to love this book to bits.

I was astounded by the introduction. Reading it made me criticize by spiritual life. It made me feel like I'm doing something that's not going to give me good.

Although this book is making me cry even from the first chapter, I cannot stop from reading it. As if stopping will kill me. I'M FREAKING CRYING MY HEART OUT!

The main character, she's depressed. There are a lot of not-so-good things running on her mind. When she was young she almost died, but God, God gave her their so called second life.

I can't say that "It's funny how I can relate to this girl." Because it's not funny. It is SAD. As a child, she experienced a lot of pain. She lived in FEAR. She grew up keeping dirty little SECRETS. She doesn't know what to do with her messed up life.

How ironic that Misty uses drugs excessively, then ask for God's forgiveness, ask Him for guidance, ask Him to help her. She continued doing things she knows will only lead her to danger. But trusting God, having faith in Him, helped her and made her realize a lot of things.

We all know the saying "Everything happens for a reason."

You feel happy today then feel sad tomorrow, there's a reason. You stumble and fall? There's a reason. You had your heart broken? There's a reason. Every single thing happens for a reason. The question is WHAT is that reason.

People are given the opportunity to make choices, but often times, they choose the wrong path. Now all they have to do is take responsibility of the path they've taken.

People will do whatever they want to do. Say whatever they want to say without realizing that they're hurting someone else's feelings.

The author made a book about love, hatred, happiness, sadness, depression, pain, fear, harassment, faith. It tackled about almost EVERYTHING.
This book gave me so much feel. ALL EMOTIONS IN ONE BOOK. Up until now, while making this review, I can still feel those feelings. If I can just highlight, put marks, and take notes of the whole book, I would. It opened my eyes. It made me see the real world, the people and how cruel at the same time, how kind life is. THIS BOOK SHOUTS "REAL LIFE" THIS SPEAKS FOR ANYONE WITH THE SAME SITUATION.

This book taught me to have hope, gave me courage, let me have faith in God.

Now I have three things stuck on my mind:
1. Trust God
2. Forgiveness means freedom
3. Life is a gift

To people who feels so broken, to anyone who feels so down, to the ones who feels like giving up, to everyone who kept on facing unimaginable problems and difficulties, and kept on asking God "Why Me?" This book, I assure you, will give you the answers you're looking for.

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Author Misty Michael is an author and mentor who serves women from all walks of life. Misty has been active leading in Celebrate Recovery, and is passionate about guiding women through a process of overcoming addiction and healing through the Word of God. She is also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Misty possesses a deep love for people. She is a successful real estate broker serving her community. Her burden is to partner with others, leading them to overcome life’s battles and live with purpose. Residing in Dallas, TX, Misty and her husband Ken have two wonderful children, Justin and McKinley

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ARC REVIEW: This Song is (Not) For You

Title: This Song is (Not) For You

Author: Laura Nowlin

Publication Date: January 05, 2016

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Format: eARC

"Bandmate, best friend or boyfriend? For Ramona, one choice could mean losing them all.

Ramona and Sam are best friends. She fell for him the moment they met, but their friendship is just too important for her to mess up. Sam loves April, but he would never expect her to feel the same way--she's too quirky and cool for someone like him. Together, they have a band, and put all of their feelings for each other into music.

Then Ramona and Sam meet Tom. He's their band's missing piece, and before Ramona knows it, she's falling for him. But she hasn't fallen out of love with Sam either.

How can she be true to her feelings without breaking up the band? "

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for approving my request to read This Song is (Not) For You by Laura Nowlin in exchange of an honest book review.

The story was told in different point of views. Sam's, Ramona's, and Tom's.

Ramona's cheerful, enthusiastic, chatty , friendly. She's not afraid to show any emotions. She's determined to do the things she want.  The Drummer.

Tom is a "real" musician. He and Sarah just broke up before he was asked to be the third member of April and the Rain band. Depression radiates off him, and he's into art or GLITTERS. Tom's WEIRD.

Sam talks about Rowena and music, a lot. He can play ALL kinds of guitar, but he doesn't want music to be his whole life.

The romance! I find it adorable. Ramona and Sam they're waiting if who's going to admit what first. Who's going to do what first. Now Ramona's torn between her crush and the love of her life. NOT your typical love triangle. I'm kind of like Tom, freaking Tom! How can he not feel anything? I don't feel anything too when it comes to sexual attractions, sexual desires.

The author did a great job on making her characters. I admire the three of them for being mature enough to fix things up. Unlike any others, their problem, they didn't make it worse. Instead, they thought of something that will give benefits to them.

The personalities of each character was so real. A true teenager. The indecisiveness, confusion, recklessness, impulsiveness.

"Vandalized by Glitter" geez, I super love their new band name. The meaning underneath it. I don't actually want to blurt lot of things about this one, so might want to read the book! It's very light so you'll ba able to finish it immediately.

The story was simple, you can dive into it without drowning. It was a piece of cake to get along with it. It was written without complexion. The book didn't give me the right "feels". It's not clichéd, but it made me feel like I was reading an ordinary one, though-as I've said, it's not.

I want to be honest, I was about to be disappointed, not until I reached the end of the story, that the title will have no connection to the book.

To anyone who loves a story combined with love, friendship, knowing what you want, music, and goals in life, This Song Is (Not) For You will be your perfect read! 

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Laura Nowlin holds a B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Missouri State University. . In addition to being ambitious writer Laura is also an avid reader who believes that books allow her to live many lives in one lifetime. When she isn’t at home agonizing over her own novels Laura works at the public library where the patrons give her plenty of inspiration for her writing. She lives in St. Louis with her musician husband, neurotic dog, and psychotic cat.

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ARC REVIEW: Atlantis Rising by Gloria Craw

Title: Atlantis Rising

Author: Gloria Craw

Format: e-ARC

Publication: January 06, 2015

Publisher: Entangled Teen

"You’ll never see me unless I want you to…

I am different. I have always been different, but no one can know or my life will be in danger. So I hide in plain sight, wearing drab clothes and thick glasses and trying to be invisible. I’m so good at hiding, no one has ever noticed me. Until Ian…the mysterious and oh-so-cute boy I know I need to avoid.

Now I have been seen. And more terrifying still, I am wanted—by those who would protect me and those who would destroy everything and everyone I love. But if they’re all terrified about who I am, wait until they see what I can do"

Thank you NetGalley/Entangled Teen for approving my request on giving me an e-ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I can't quite fathom the connection of the book's cover to the story itself. It didn't do justice. I suggest if you want to know what I'm talking about, read the book, it'll be having a sequel! "Atlantis Quest". I must be honest, in fact, I actually thought it's about mermaid and the settings in the ocean.

I've always wanted to have a telephatic power especially "mind control". It's also a first of me, reading a book with mind powers.

Alison McKey got that power, in the book it's called "Thoughtmaking". She wanted to be visible in the eyes of everyone in her school, in every people around her. She begun detaching herself from her family and isolating from her friends. But it is not her willing, she needs to be invisible in order to save her families life, because a dewing like her, is rare and her kind is at war, someone might use her powers. She knows how to pull out a joke, but still seems sarcastic. I'll let you judge.

"Yes, I'll have to buy you a new comb, though. I killed one from your shaving bag."

See? Humorous but seems sarcastic, I don't know if it was just me that way.

Ian Palmer, a blond who's devilishly hot and handsome. Alison accidentally bumped at him, hit her head and bled, them he started flirting with her.

That is when her guards started crashing down.

"Ian was too Captain America for my taste."

Aha! I started making Captain America as Ian's imaginary character. He's so full of himself, but not in an egotistical jackass way. He's caring and he can be thoughtful and sacrificing as well.

I remember reading Chapter 2 and I've been so drawn to the story I haven't realized I'm already 9 chapters ahead/done. I just can't stop savoring each word, though my eyes were about to shut, I try to open it. It was difficult. It was 3 in the morning and you just want to stop, but couldn't. I've been really curious.

The only thing I hated about this book is that Alison isn't cautious enough, never been even suspicious when there are many things to be suspicious about. The ending of the story seems rushed, I mean, the characters didn't give much of a fight at all.

On the other hand, I loved the unlikeness of the book to others. It's a nail biter, I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next and surely can't put book down. The writing style is fascinating, I salute Gloria Craw for making a book unlike anything else. I can't wait for the sequel! There are some theories on my mind that's starting to build up, and the least I can do is don't mind it.

For readers who love stories about mind control. This one suits you!

I grew up in the desert southwest, inspired everyday by the wide skies and rich colors around me. I attended the University of Utah where I majored and got a degree in anthropology. These days, I live in the burbs just outside of Seattle, Washington. I'm married and have four daughters. When I"m not running them to volleyball or swimming, I'm reading, writing or fangirling over some TV show. Fun fact...I always have my laptop with me. So, if you see some lady in the grocery store with a computer bag slung over her shoulder, it might be me.

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Bath and Body Works Tag

Hello guys! Here's another book tag that I've been tagged. (LOL what)

Thank you so much A Little Booksish, A Little Writerly for tagging me to do the Bath and Body Works Book Tag 

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Pure Paradise – A book that was pure perfection

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas is pure perfection! From the characters, flow of the story, the setting, the development, down to the outstanding writing style!

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Sweet Pea – A romance/contemporary you really enjoyed

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson is one of many contemporary books I really enjoyed. It isn't mainly about romance, but mostly friendship, adventures, and living your life to the fullest.

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Fresh Strawberries – A book you really enjoyed that came out this year

Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses is no doubt, my most enjoyed book since this 2015! I haven't made a review about it though, reason is I'm not yet introduced to the Blog Community!

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Warm Vanilla – A character and/or book that made you feel all warm inside

Maggie Sanders is a blind protagonist yet she believed in herself, she doesn't let other people bring her don't, she doesn't take pity, she knows how to stand for herself. The feeling of being her character is indeed, warm.

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Paris Amour – A couple you majorly ship together

Snow White and Dorian from Blood and Snow, oh I really love them, they started off as best of friends, they've faced a lot of troubles, met a lot of people, later did they realize... they are in love with each other!

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Dancing Waters – A book that takes place on the beach/ the perfect beach read

Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas took place in a beach, and it's absolutely the PERFECT beach read. This book is a combination of romance, suspense, and mystery. This isn't your ordinary YA Contemporary, this book will crash your brain.

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I Heart Cake (and Books) – your favorite book

I'm a bookwitch, and like any others, I have tons of favorite book. But the Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi, is my most favorite of all. Because seriously? It's all about Aaron Warner's oozing hotness!

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Winter Candy Apple – A book set during Christmas or winter

Whaaat, is it even possible that I have not yet read a book set during winter nor Christmas? YES! But here is Coraline. This book is not that well-known but parts of it was set during winter and Christmas.

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Beautiful Day – A book with an unusual / interesting / appealing setting

I have to agree with anyone, The Maze Runner has no doubt, the most unusual but interesting and appealing setting ever.

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Dazzling Diamonds – A beautiful cover

I haven't read this one yet but Inconceivable by Tegan Wren has the most beautiful cover I've ever seen! Stunning! I heard that the story is as beautiful as the cover too!

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I'm tagging everyone who would love to take part in spreading this wonderful book tag! :)

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