00:29am · a letter to life

Reading has always been one of my favourite hobbies. Not everyone can afford to go to many places, but with reading it takes you on wondrous escapism to everywhere; back to the past, to the future, to the wizardry realms and even the world full of knowledge (and ahem a world with the hottest dude). Reading is definitely a legal sorcery everyone can do.

"You think love is perfect? Like one of those fairytales?" He shakes his head. 

"Hell no. Love is hard…difficult. It’s dealing with someone’s shit day in and day out but never giving up on them because your heart won’t let you. It’s having a million reasons to leave them…but always having one good reason to stay."

Ruthless Knight by Ashley Jade Review

Here comes my honest review of the Ruthless Knight by Ashley Jade. I really enjoy this book. It takes me on a roller coaster of feelings as sometimes it's funny that it makes me laugh, it's sad that it makes me wanna cry along, and it's kinda annoying making me feel like throwing my Kindle away. There is pretty much going on, but I am 98% trapped in the love bubble between Cole and Sawyer. Damn, their love story is so intensely heart-wrenching yet beautiful at the same time. 

Being the hottest dude in the RHA (Royal Heart Academy), Cole Covington ends up being in love with the fat-ass Sawyer Grace. I'm obsessed cause the possibility for this to happen in real life is only 5%. Hell yeah, Ashley Jade knows what kind of 'dreams and imagination' do we need. I won't describe the characters in detail but here's the clue: it's the grumpy vs the sunshine. Just like a typical enemy-to-lover love story that's how their journey begins. Except that it's uniquely intense on its own.

Cole and Sawyer are literally two broken souls seeking real love. From hating each other to liking each other, the banter between them is adorable even though it may be slightly harsh. Cole is carrying a dark history on his shoulder while Sawyer is struggling to deal with her body. They both have their own problem as if the world is about to crumble and everything changes when they start sharing feelings. How would I describe it? There might be a rainbow of happiness, but a storm is still coming upon them. What I love most about things happening in the book is I absolutely love how supportive and thoughtful are the people around Cole and Sawyer. Jace and Bianca are Cole's lifeline while Oakley and Dylan are Sawyer's. Being the siblings and the best friends, they never leave them alone. I would say they are the champs in the entire book despite their traits are actually, you know, somewhat a toxic person but the author still gives everyone a chance to shine.

As for the book itself, the topics revolving around it are relevant enough and are what we deal with in everyday life. Body shaming, suicide, dealing with toxic parents and all kinds of mental-destructing issues are happening in reality, and some of us surely are struggling with all those. Ashley Jade brought it to the table, unfolded every bit and piece of it but tackled it in a good way. There are lessons to be learned, words to be pondered and everything that makes us feel better again. 

I encouraged whoever stumbled upon this review to read the book. Trust me you won't regret especially the lovey-dovey scene between Cole and Sawyer tehee!

The Synopsis

Welcome to their kingdom...

Cole Covington is the most popular heartbreaker at school.

Every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to screw him.

Except me.

His devastatingly good looks, golden arm, and flirty smiles don't do it for me anymore...because I know what's lurking underneath the star quarterback's gorgeous armor.

At least I thought I did.

Sometimes the most beautiful people...hide the ugliest truths.

And sometimes the only way to save someone...

is to walk beside them through hell.

Sawyer Church is the bible-thumping nerd of Royal Hearts Academy.

Girls pick on her and guys don't notice her.

Except me.

Sweet, curvy, and sarcastic, she's impossible to ignore.

No matter how much I try.

Everyone at school has her pegged as the chubby, Jesus loving geek, but unlike them—Sawyer's real and never pretends to be someone she's not.

Until I ask her to be my fake girlfriend.

Sometimes the most beautiful souls...hide the greatest pain.

And sometimes the only way to save someone...

is to fight for them.

Title: Ruthless Knight (Royal Heart Academy #2)

Author: Ashley Jade

Publication Date: January 23, 2020

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

─── .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. ─── 

What is your current reading?

What's the easiest way to steal a man's wallet?" "Knife to the throat?" asked Inej. "Gun to the back?" said Jesper. "Poison in his cup?" suggested Nina. "You're all horrible," said Matthias.

I really really love this squad. I love them so so much! They are a bunch of miserable people with powerful skills that are super effective in their own way. I know this book supposed to be dangerous but they are super duper coooool! Before I rant about all my favourite things in details, let me tell you about what this book is about. Well, it's obviously about six misfits going on a deadly heist with a promising lavish lifestyle after that. They are Kaz -- the leader, Inej the Wraith, Nina, Matthias, Jesper and Wylan. They are going to break into the most insanely dangerous prison! I never felt so nervous about reading a book before. But this one completely got my sanity lost intact. Leigh Bardugo created such an epic scene and the world set up is fantastic despite the dark and moody vibes. Don't expect a rainbow in this book cause it's full of crap and criminals and treacherous thingy, but still, there's an irresistible romance and precious moments as well.

First of all, I am so amazed about how Leigh build the Ice Court, the safety protocol, the design of the place etc. Like what and how did she get an idea to do the setting? When Kaz and his crew are planning to enter the Ice Court, I keep on wondering will they succeed? Will everyone gonna be safe? Ain't nobody gonna die? So many thoughts for it cause hell, I'm not ready to mourn for any of them. Thus why I cannot wait to turn the pages quickly. I need to know what will happen and silently wishing for their safety. I know it sounds crazy but I did that. When the time has come, when they have reached their destination, I couldn't stay still, as you know, wondering if everything's gonna be okay or vice versa. It's so intense to the point you wanna skip to the last page haha but please don't do it cause you will miss the essence of this book.

What makes this book so interesting is the characters. I'm sorry but favouritism has no place in this book. I love them equally because each one of them is so precious, yeah, despite the fact that they are of rebellious and mischievous. Be it the revengeful Kaz, or the miserable Inej, or Nina the betrayer, I still couldn't choose. But at the beginning, I am so pissed off with Matthias actually. He is such a pain the ass. He annoyingly hates Nina though it's obvious he is so all over her and him never the "adorable" one thus the reason why it hards for me to like him. But surprisingly, there's this one line in the book that automatically makes me like him. It just few minutes before that I was cursing at him lol. As for Jesper and Wylan, the banter between them makes the humorous part of this book. Wylan is such a little munchkin!! I don't know what's going on between them but Jesper always annoyed with Wylan in a cute way. Really cute way!! And honestly, I don't know Jesper is gay until I watch the book review on Youtube. Like did any of that mentioned in the book? Or did I just miss out the character's traits?

Each of the characters has a distinct background. The author has put depths into her people by doing a flashback from the past for them. It's what I appreciate the most. During their journey on the sea, I love how they talk to each other to become closer; between Kaz and Inej, between Nina and Matthias, between Jesper and Wylan. They all take the moment to reveal their deepest secret. And again for the hundred times, I really really really ship their bonding situation. Tell me how can I choose only one of them?! From hatred to accepting each other, just how lovely and precious is that?!

I know my review might be overdramatic but it's what I feel about the book. If you asked me to reread it again, I definitely will with no second thought at all. It gives you numerous feelings; nervous, melancholic, happy, angry and all that. Six of Crows supposed to be an adventurous and brutal read. But to me, the content is so much more than that. About life, love and hate, the choices that we make, the people we choose to be with us and how we're gonna deal with those that await us.

Last but not least, just to let you know, it's okay to read Six of Crows duology if you haven't read the Grishaverse trilogy. This book can stand alone and you won't be confused with the plot. I truly recommend you to read this cause it worth the hype and you will love it. You will love the book, you will love all the characters and the author as well. And I can't wait for the series to start the show on Netflix!

I will love you forever in darkness and sun, 

I'll love you past when my whole sweet life is done. — Arthur

I don't remember where did I see this book or what makes me want to read this book. I might found it while scrolling down the bookstagram and got interested in the review made by the person who posted it. The Story of Arthur Truluv -- Upon reading it, I'm wondering what's the story about and what will make me fall in love with this masterpiece? Let's keep on reading to know my thoughts on this book!

The Story of Arthur Truluv is written by Elizabeth Berg, an American novelist who was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. She is one of the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including The Year of Pleasures, Say When, The Art of Mending, True To Form and Never Change. Elizabeth Berg also writes non-fiction genre which is Escaping into the Open: The Art of Writing True.

Synopsis

A beautiful, life-affirming novel about a remarkably loving man who creates for himself and others second chances at happiness.

A moving novel about three people who find their way back from loss and loneliness to a different kind of happiness. Arthur, a widow, meets Maddy, a troubled teenage girl who is avoiding school by hiding out at the cemetery, where Arthur goes every day for lunch to have imaginary conversations with his late wife, and think about the lives of others. The two strike up a friendship that draws them out of isolation. Maddy gives Arthur the name Truluv, for his loving and positive responses to every outrageous thing she says or does. With Arthur’s nosy neighbor Lucille, they create a loving and unconventional family, proving that life’s most precious moments are sweeter when shared.

Published Date: July 25,2017 | Publisher: Random House

The Story of Arthur Truluv Review

Truly a beautiful book to read. Upon reading the snippet mentioned on the cover of the book, I keep on wondering what will make me fall in love with the story and the characters. Reading this book feels like cruising over a wonderful journey. No adrenaline rush, less curiosity but more pleasure. I love it! It's about the lost and lonely people who find their way to each other and create a new kind of happiness and hope. Despite the different situations, the age gap, and the personality, it proves that we still can connect with other people, and being kind and understanding is the key to everything. How I wish we could really create this kind of peace and warm place here in the real world. No hatred, no bitter heart, no negativity that stresses you out, only the little blessing we will cherish.

Arthur Moses is an incredibly old man who visits his wife’s grave every day for a chat because he believes she’s still there. Maddy, a broken teenager who lost her mother calls him Truluv for his devotion to his late wife and they eventually become friends. They, as well as Arthur’s nosy lonely neighbor named Lucille, have built an unconventional family together. Not biologically related but fully supportive and caring.

This book is full of sweetness and sentimental values and if you asked me to reread this book, I definitely will. A light book to read in between your fantasy and thriller book. I wish I could ask everyone to read this so we could be kind to each other even though we are all strangers regardless of what we are; black or white, poor or rich, pretty or ugly, and so on. And no matter how hard the world knocks you down, how people disappoint you, or how things don't go the way you want them to be, you could always create your own happiness. Not only twice or thrice but more than you are willing to do to make yourself happy.

Rating: ★★★★★

Isn’t life funny? It could drive you crazy if you thought about it too much. Turn this way and that happens. Turn that way and this happens. — Elizabeth Berg

Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us. — Jane Austen

I am intrigued to read a classic book since I never read any of them. And for the very obvious reason why I pick this Pride and Prejudice, my mind told me it's gonna be a romantic novel so yeah why not give it a try since everyone is talking about it. Even the movie is quite hype. There you go then!

Pride and Prejudice is a masterpiece by Jane Austen and was written in 1813 as a novel of manners. She is an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels, which interpret, critique, and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Her novels have inspired many films, such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Love & Friendship.

Synopsis

Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice have remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work "her own darling child" and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print." The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen's radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.

Published Date: October 10th, 2000 (first published January 28th 1813) | Publisher: Modern Library

Pride and Prejudice Review

Intrigued by this classic is the reason why I take the chance to read it. I have a little worry about not understanding the figure of speech used in this book and to be honest it's a challenging book to read since English ain’t my first language. But I finally did it anyway with the help of a dictionary and Mr. Google yeay.

This book revolves around love, social status, reputation, and as well as the dangers of false perception. It taught me about something I shouldn't do to someone, like having a bad perception of someone who I don't even know yet. I had a wrong prediction about how the story goes. The rich are portrayed as someone who always thinks highly of themselves. A typical how rich people behave up until nowadays. Something that can never be fixed no matter how many lessons existed out there. While the other character (Elizabeth) always has an advanced judgment against someone which only causes a great misunderstanding. I love how the story unfolds the tension between each other that they acknowledge their mistakes and try to fix them in a good manner. And despite the habit rich must marry rich for the sake of reputation and protect their wealth, this book proves that love conquers all. It's a good read but somehow I think classic is just not my forte. 

My favorite you-go-girl scene in the book is when Elizabeth is being annoyingly persistent in defending her relationship with Mr. Darcy against Lady Catherine who forbids her from marrying him. She pissed her off despite her high social rank because Elizabeth don't give a damn about it. Definitely love this.

Rating: ★★★★

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