Book: Worlds of You by Beau Taplin

★★★★★/★★★★★

My Demons

You deserve everything there is to give.
Breakfast in bed.
Diamonds on your doorstep.
Little notes hidden everywhere.
I want you to have all of my secrets
and all of my demons,
because you especially deserve
all the parts of me
I’m usually too afraid to share.

This. Is. Beautiful. This poetry collection by Beau Taplin will surely capture your heart from the very first page. It’s simply wonderful that I can not stop myself from reading. I knew right from the beginning that this will be a special book for me and I was right. Because until now I’m still in love with it. The words, the emotion and everything is perfect!

Fallback
My heart does not
have a fall back,
no plan B
or fail-safe,
it’s you
or no one else.

I’ve read several poetry books before but aside from The Princess Saves Herself In This One by Amanda Lovelace, this one is by far my favorite!! The book is divided into two sections, Heart and Spirit. The first part is all about matters of the heart, for when you’re in love, heartbroken, need encouraging or facing challenges. The latter is more on self-love, healing and understanding. Taplin’s words are inspiring and beautiful thay they all touched me! I loved it! I adore his work!

Overall, it’s highly recommended! Like, everyone should read this one!

Book: Frostblood (Frostblood Sage #1) by Elly Blake

 ★★★/★★★★★

“Those who can't control themselves will find themselves under the control of others.”

Well, it's not like I didn't enjoy this book but there are some things that didn't quite sit well with me. You may say there's nothing special about this book because you've read something like this before, I have, but there were surprisingly some elements that I did enjoy. The book itself felt unoriginal with all its Fire vs Ice and "the girl" saving the world tropes so in short, this book is your typical YA fantasy. 

The book tells the story of Ruby Otrera, a Fireblood living in a world of Frostbloods. She's probably the last of her kind since the Frost King orders the death of any Fireblood in their kingdom. When she is found by the soldiers, Ruby witnesses the death of her mother and village in their hands. She is then kept in prison for months until two hooded figures visit and offer her freedom. Soon, Ruby is training with Arcus and living in an abbey with the monks with a mission to kill the Frost King.

“Frostbloods are fully capable of feeling in every way. The danger is that those emotions, while powerful and deep, may be covered with a layer of ice that prevents the natural expression of them.”

I didn't instantly liked the characters but Ruby was a so-so. In the beginning she's weak, scarred and the typical heroine who questions the world why she's the chosen one. She doesn't make wise decisions and sometimes too stubborn for her own good. Arcus, I liked less especially when his character shifted from being all too mean to somehow bearable! I mean, one second he's mad at Ruby but the next he's all sweetheart. Argh! I loved the monks so I think there's that. The pacing was sloooow up until the middle of the book where everything started to get intense. There was actually a point when the whole book felt just like a long premise/introduction to the real book!

The world-building is okay since you already know what to expect. The romance, yes there is, felt forced. I think it would've been okay if there was none but there just have to be one! Then there's the division between the Firebloods and Frostbloods, with the former as dominant. Worlds with this kind of divisions always end up in war so we also know what to expect with this kind of trope. And like I said, I did like some things in this book. For starter, I liked the cover! And that counts. Another thing is the myth on how the Frostbloods and Firebloods were created, it wasn't new but I think that was interesting. There's also a bit of the twist I admit I didn't see coming. Aside from those, all the others we just okay for me.

Overall, Frostblood is an okay book. I'll probably read the next book at some point but not soon.

Book: Without Merit by Coolen Hoover

 ★★★★/★★★★★    

“Not every mistake deserves a consequence. Sometimes the only thing it deserves is forgiveness.”

So, I’ve probably said this a thousand times before that Colleen Hoover is a brilliant writer because yes, she is! I love all her books (even the ones I haven’t read, Lol) and now I can’t help but love her even more. Without Merit is my latest read from Hoover and I still can’t get over it until now. It’s one of the last books I finished last year.

Honestly, for me, it’s not Hoover’s best but it’s just as brilliant as her other books! There are relatable characters, exciting storyline and some unpredictable twists and turns. Also, I dove into the story without really reading the plot so I’d no idea what to expect but I trusted Hoover. Fortunately, Hoover never disappoints! I love every part of the book and yes, I’m in love with Sagan, as I am with Hoover’s other Male leads. Hahaha.

Without Merit deals with issues around a family who’s like any other. A family with divorced parents, sibling rivalries and a wicked step mom. It stars Merit Voss, a girl who feels left out because she doesn’t know a thing about her family, or rather she knows everything about the member of her family. There’s Barnaby Voss, her father who cheated on his wife with his wife’s nurse. Victoria Voss, her mother who never leaves the basement because she’s sick. Utah Voss, the older brother with a secret that hurt Merit. Then there’s Honor Voss, Merit’s exact opposite though they’re identical twins. The other Victoria, Victoria’s (the first) nurse, the one Barnaby cheated with. And of course, there’s Luck which I came to really love at first but ended up hating a lot! Sagan, well, he’s the only normal character in the story, I guess, and oh, the sweet innocent Moby too,, of course! Butspite having complicated characters, they are all well-developed and I love how the story unfolds. I can say I related much with the story and if anything, it gives us a good message: it’ll surprise you how much communicating with your family will strengthen your relationship with them!

“I like you enough to kiss you. Believe me. But I just wish you could like yourself as much as I like you.”

Merit and Sagan hit it off the first time they met and I’ll be honest, it was a bit predictable but I didn’t care. I love how the story went and every turn of the page was like “can’t you just get together now please?!” because I was rooting for them from the very first page. Anyway, I know I’m not really giving you an informative review but there’s only one thing you need to know about this book: it’s crazy but not far from the reality of some family out there.

Merry Christmas! 🎄

Hi, guys! Just want to greet you and your family a Merry Merry Christmas! 

God bless and I hope everyone's enjoying the holiday! 🎉🎁

Love, Dez ❤

Hello, December! 🎄

Only few more days and it's already Christmas. 🎄🎄🎄 How fast the days are passing by! I'm so excited since my parents are coming home and it means we're spending the holidays together. :D

These past few months have been busy and I haven't had much time to update my blog so forgive me if it's been a while since I last posted a decent post. And I tell you, I miss blogging! I used to blog everyday but now it's a miracle if I get the chance to write a post once a week. I've been trying to manage my time but my work schedule tires me so much I only get to sleep when I get home. Anyway, it's Christmas break so I think I'll use this time to write and schedule posts as much as possible.

And I hope everyone's enjoying their December so far. I'm signing off again but I'll be back soon with new blog posts!

🎄🎄🎄

November 2017 Music Videos

 Personal - The Vamps
 

 Bedroom Door - Liam Payne (Nov 6)

  Perfect - Ed Sheeran (Nov 9)

 Paris in the Rain - Lauv (Nov 16)

Fake Happy - Paramore (Nov 17)

 Let Me Go - Hailee Steinfelt, Alesso ft. Florida Georgia Line, watt (Nov 17)

Beautiful Trauma - P!nk (Nov 21)

One Last Song- Sam Smith (Nov 29)

21 ❤️ #4th My All

you were a good friend before you were a good lover
we were two different people but now we’re one
you used to tell me tales now you tell me the future
I used to reach for the stars but now I’ve found my treasure

you were once a what if but now you are mine
we were great together now I have a Valentine
you’re my star, you’re my hero, you’re my downfall
you’re everything I’ve ever wanted, you’re my all

Perfect by Ed Sheeran ♫♪

I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess
I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it,
Darling, you look perfect tonight

Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own

We are still kids but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When I saw you in that dress
Looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this
Darling, you look perfect tonight

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight 

 - AZLyrics

October Music Videos 2017

Not My Ex - Jessie J (Oct 12)

Penthouse Floor - John Legend ft. Chance the Rapper (Oct 12)

Whatever It Takes - Imagine Dragons (Oct 12)

Ready to Change - Kodaline (Oct 13)

Sway - Danielle Bradbery (Oct 15)

Poem: This Feeling

I hate this felling

When I have tears in my eyes but smile on my face

I hate this feeling

When I want to touch you but you're so far away

Triple Birthday Celebration 🎂🎂🎂

***

 ***

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!!!

(Dez, Kia, Larra)

I wish for more birthdays to come, good health, more blessings and happiness in everything we do :D

Cheers! 🍻🎉

September 2017 Music Videos

Staying Up - Matoma & The Vamps (Sept 8)

The Last of The Real Ones - Fall Out Boy (Sept 13)

Let You Go - Machine Gun Kelly (Sept 13)

Cut To The Feeling - Carly Rae Jepsen (Sept 14)

Too Good at Goodbye - Sam Smith (Sept 18)

Find You - Nick Jonas (Sept 19)

Too Much To Ask - Niall Horan (Sept 21)

How Do You Feel - The Maine (Sept 22)

Hello Summer - Danielle Bradberry (Sept 22)

Stargazing - Kygo ft. Justin Jesso (Sept 26)

25 ❤

Hey, guys! So, it’s my birthday today and I just want to express how grateful I am to everyone who has been there for me and for all the blessings I’ve received up until now. Can you believe I’m quarter of a decade old now? Wow, that’s old! And I’m really happy to have had 24 years of good and fruitful life. I just wish that my 25th year would be as amazing and blessed as my previous years.

I celebrated with my sisters and had a really fun day! 

21 ❤️ #1st

J ❤ D

Book: Leave This Song Behind by John Meyer, Stephanie Meyer, Adam Halwitz, Cindy Spertner

★★¹⁄₂/★★★★★ 

"Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful."

*Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.*

Another poetry book I finished last week this time a collection of entries submitted by teenagers to Teen Ink. Some of the best were chosen and put together to create this book.

I admit that I found this one different from the other poetry books I've read but this is as lovely just the same. Sometimes I forgot that teenagers actually wrote these poems and while I liked some, the others just didn't make sense to me which I think was okay. It's divided into sections, each with style and impact of its own. 

I can't say that I loved this one since there where times when I skipped pages especially when I can't connect with the words. Don't get me wrong, there are some which I really liked but I think the book as a whole isn't just for me.

August 2017 Music Videos

Instructions - Jax Jones ft. Demi Lovato (Aug 2)

Rainbow - Kesha (Aug 11)

Versace on the Floor - Bruno Mars (Aug 13)

Human Diary - Danielle Bradbery (Aug 11)

July 2017 Music Videos

 Glorious - Macklemore ft. Skylar Grey (Jul 6)

 Praying - Kesha (Jul 6)

 

 New Rules - Dua Lipa (Jul 7)

Rain - The Script (July 14)

Goodbye - Echosmith (Jul 14)

Lonely Call - RaeLynn (Jul 14)

Sorry Not Sorry - Demi Lovato (Jul 19)


Why - Sabrina Carpenter (Jul 19)

Shut up and Kiss me - Marianas Trench (Jul 20)
 

 Back to You - Louis Tomlinson (Jul 21)

Boys - Charli XCX (Jul 26)

Learn to Let Go - Kesha (27)


Another Love Song - Ne-Yo (Jul 28)

Poem: Maybe pt. 2

Maybe I'm just excited
Maybe it's only temporary
But these feelings seems true
And he makes me really happy

Maybe it will last
Maybe he will stay
But who knows what will happen
And I'll pray anyway

Maybe this is it
Maybe this is real
But is he feeling the same?
Or am I only dreaming?

Book: Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

★★★★/★★★★★

“Is this how it goes? You fall in love, and nothing seems truly scary anymore, and life is one big possibility?”

Always and Forever, Lara Jean was a big surprise when Jenny Han first announced that To All the Boys I've Loved Before (review here) will have a third book. Everyone was excited, so was I! The first two books were lovely and swoon-worthy but I think my favorite is Always and Forever, Lara Jean.

The conclusion to Lara Jean and Peter's story is inside Always and Forever, Lara Jean which I think is so cute and just perfect. I can't say I was a big fan of Peter Kavinsky in P.S. I Still Love You (review here), or To All The Boys I've Loved Before for that matter, but in this book, he's just so adorable and he's such a sweetheart! 

“Peter will love Lara Jean with all his heart, always”

 Lara Jean is enjoying her last year in high school; she's in love with her boyfriend Peter, her dad is going remarried and Margot will be home just in time for the wedding which excites them all. Everything is going right and she's having the best time of her life when suddenly her plans change when her College acceptance letter arrives. It makes Lara Jean think of a new plan which might affect her relationship with Peter. 

I love how the book focuses on Lara Jean and some of the changes in her life. Her father re-marrying Ms. Rothschild is a big change for them and I love how it makes not only her but Kitty and Margot as well to grow and accept the new addition to their family. Graduating high school and going to College is another big thing for Lara Jean and when her plan to go to the same university with Peter has changed, she has to think of a way how to compromise. Of course she wants to stay in a relationship with Peter and she's going to do everything just to keep it. 

All the characters have grown so much in me and I still love how heartwarming the story is. Lara Jean getting even closer with her family, her relationship with Chris (yes, her bestfriend, Chris!) and Peter, how she makes big decisions for herself and how much she's matured in this book. And the romance, of course I'm going to talk about the romance! Lara Jean and Peter are just sooo cute I want to keep them to myself! Peter Kavinsky actually made me fall in love with him!

“Being vulnerable, letting people in, getting hurt... it's all part of being in love.” 

Overall I adored this book! And if only it's not the last book! My advice, if you want a cute and lovely read, try To All the Boys I've Loved Before series if you haven't already. It wouldn't disappoint.

21 ❤

Don’t just give your heart to any guy, give it to someone who reaches for your hand during a prolonged moment of silence, just to remind you they’re still by your side. Give your heart to a man who pulls you close after a fight instead of pushing you away. Give it to a man who doesn’t make you doubt yourself or causes you to feel guilty for something you didn’t do. Give your heart to someone who’ll comfort you throughout periods of insecurity, when you’re feeling inadequate or lost. Someone who continuously reminds you of your worth.

Give your heart to a guy who would never cause you to feel inferior in your relationship, because he’ll do everything his power to make you feel the opposite. Give it to a man who shows genuine interest in your passions and supports you in every aspect of your life. Someone who will go the extra mile to make you smile.

Give your heart to a guy who will make you a priority instead of a second option.

A guy will follow you anywhere in the world merely because a life without you is unimaginable. 

Give your heart to a person who asks if something is wrong, instead of keeping silent for the sake of not starting an argument. Give it to the guy who takes responsibility for his actions and apologizes when he’s done something wrong. Someone who doesn’t allow an argument to overshadow your relationship or keeps score. Give it to the man who shows up at your doorstep to apologize simply because the thought of you being upset hurts him. Give your heart to a person who finds time to text you when he’s out with his friends rather than waiting until the end of the evening. Give it to someone who won’t take your feelings for granted and reminds you how he feels each day.

Give your heart to a man who will safeguard it with his life, because he knows the true value it holds. Don’t just give your heart to anyone. Find someone spectacular and never let go.

(c) Preach It