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.

Poem: One Sided

why?
do you only see your side
what you do, what you say
why?
we only make you mad
you’re always right, you’re always mighty

do you?
see the efforts we make
what we do, what we say
do you?
hear our side, our take
everything’s our fault, everything’s on us

can you?
at least listen for once
to our feelings, to our side
can you?
see we’re doing our best, our all
because we love you too

from me to you #36

*Saying goodbye to 2017* 

Hi, guys! I’m sure this is gonna be my last post this year so I’ll take this chance to thank everyone who’s become a part of my 2017 here in the blogosphere! I admit this year has been wonderful since each and everyone of you has been there viewing, commenting, and interacting with me which meant a lot to me. I enjoyed my books this year and was happy to share them with you. Unfortunately I’m still finishing the book challenges I have but hey, I still have a couple of hours before the year ends. And speaking of the year ending, I want to greet everyone in advance a Happy Happy New Year! Cheers to more blogging years!!

Love, Dez ❤

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 ❤

Book: Making Faces by Amy Harmon

★★★★★/★★★★★

“Maybe everyone represents a piece of the puzzle. We all fit together to create this experience we call life. None of us can see the part we play or the way we see are just the tip of the iceberg. And maybe we just don't recognize the blessings that come as a result of terrible things.”

My first book of Amy Harmon surely left a mark on me. Making Faces is a beautifully written story of scarred people, both emotionally and physically, that will definitely melt your heart. It's such an emotional book with a brilliant storyline and characters you will surely love.

Making Faces tells the story of Fern Taylor, Ambrose Young and Bailey Sheen, three people who share their passion in wrestling. The lives of these three are connected in such a way they live to support, care and love each other. Fern is one of those characters you will immediately love. She's kind-hearted, loving and she cares so much for her cousin, Bailey, who has a muscular dystrophy. She doesn't see herself as pretty but plain and she has the biggest crush on the handsome Ambrose Young who doesn't see her. Ambrose is a wrestler in high school. It's his sport, the one thing he lives for. Same for Bailey who loves wrestling, but because of his disease he can't even lift his arm without Fern's help.

“I want to be a hero.” Bailey looked at Fern gravely, as if he was disclosing highly classified information. “I don't know what kind yet. Maybe like Hercules or Bruce Baumgartner. And if I can't be a hero like that, then maybe I could just save someone.”

My heart broke for Bailey everytime. He's a sweet guy, full of charms and his love for life made me want to hug him! He knew eventually he's going to die but that doesn't scare him, if anything it makes him want to live more, do more and enjoy everything to the fullest. He and Fern are so close they are practically brother and sister. He is also friends with Ambrose and the rest of the wrestling team since his father is their coach. He's watched every camp his father had with them and with it formed a dream of becoming a great wrestler like Ambrose.

As the story unfolds, we see how Ambrose decided to join the military together with his friends. Fern and Bailey continue to care for each other, left in their little town. Life continues until people in Fern's town receive a bad news. It's a tragedy that will stay in them for a long time.

I've cried a lot of times because of this book. It hurt and my heart ached for everyone. Honestly, I know what will happen next but it still broke my heart. It's deeply moving and it relays a beautiful message about beauty not only being physical. My first Amy Harmon book and I totally loved it!

“If God made all our faces, did he laugh when he made me?
Does he make the legs that cannot walk and eyes that cannot see?
Does he curl the hair upon my head 'til it rebels in wild defiance?
Does he close the ears of a deaf man to make him more reliant?
Is the way I look a coincidence or just a twist of fate?
If he made me this way, is it okay, to blame him for the things I hate?
For the flaws that seem to worsen every time I see a mirror,
For the ugliness I see in me, for the loathing and the fear.
Does he sculpt us for sure, for a reason I can't see?
If God makes all our faces, did he laugh when he made me?”

Overall, Making Faces is a highly recommended book! An emotional book with brilliant storyline and beautiful characters.

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

Book: Depression & Other Magic Tricks by Sabrina Benaim

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

i shake cinnamon into my coffee,
…& i don’t think of you.
i write your name over and over
…until it no longer has meaning.
i fold my memories of you, craft
…them paper wings,
in hopes they might one day drift
…into amnesia,
& you might leave me,
…without a trace.

Before this book, I have never heard of Sabrina Benaim but now, after finishing this one beautiful book, I want to know more about her and her works. Depression and Other Magic Tricks was a very raw and relatable poetry collection! If you know me, you already know how much I love poetries and this one is something I’m glad I got to read. It explores themes related to mental health, family and relationships among others.

Some of the entries really tugged my emotions and I liked how the words spoke to me. I now know that the author does perform slam poetry that’s why this book has a different sound to it and a different writing style. Overall, this book is recommendable and if you love a book with depredsion/anxiety as a main topic, this one’s for you.

21 ❤️ #3rd

The most beautiful feeling in the world is to have someone who has seen your worst side and stayed.

 -untamed-feelings

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