Review: Pushing the Limits

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

You know how I see this book? It's about "distance".


"And I will make sure to keep my distance
Say "I love you" when you're not listening
How long can we keep this up, up, up?

And please don't stand so close to me
I'm having trouble breathing
I'm afraid of what you'll see right now
I give you everything I am"
(Distance by Christina Perri)

Yeah, I heard that song on the radio and said, S***! I can really see that in this book. :P Dramatic? Nah. Just emphatic? lol. Idk. Anyway, here, maybe I'll make more sense:

1. If I break will you still stay?
This book told me a lot of things about being brave and strong enough for yourself to get through life. It's hard to keep the people you love away from you knowing it's for the best and the right thing to do. In this book, Echo is a mess. She felt that she only comes second for every one. She never felt someone's first. Because of that she allowed herself to turn away from people that she really loves. As for Noah, well he also thought he's not good enough for Echo. What with all the problems that he has. He doesn't know what will happen to his future now that he has Echo and his brothers. These are heartbreaking moments actually. I really don't like it that people should distance themselves with these important people because it's "right". Well, what about how they feel? Is it right for them to be hurt and miserable? Is it the right thing even if it feels like your heart is shattering? I really don't think so. But then again, that's life. Sometimes we have to do things we don't want. Then again, it sucks!

2. Please hold me still.
This book also showed dependency and reliable people. I love it that this showed it pretty well and real. I mean I'm not sure if that's really how therapist deal with their patients but I can actually see it happening like that in real life. This book made me feel safe because it's actually saying that we don't have to shoulder everything in our life. We have people that we can depend on. People who are there to help us carry our baggage. Yes, sometimes we feel ashamed and guilty but that's the reason why they are there for us. They have their own say and choices and the good thing is they chose to stay with us.

3. I am not crazy. Can you tell?
Yeah, I didn't really felt the craziness in Echo's mind. Maybe because I know she's not really losing it. But her life is really crazy! Having someone you really love do something crazy as that to you. Yes, you will feel betrayed. Yes you will feel like maybe you'll turn out just like him or her. But the hardest part is actually facing every day with the same kind of mentality that's been making you doubt yourself.

4. Are you still there? I really hope so.
Noah, really loves his parents and his brothers. I love how this book made me feel that longing and loss. He really missed his parents. I really want to cry with him in those breaking parts. GOSH! His parents. Among his brothers he was the only one who really experienced how great it is to be with them. I really pity him because they died. I also feel a little angry with his brother because compared to them they can just easily forget. They didn't had the time Noah had with their parents. They are too young to feel those strong emotions and pain that Noah is having. Ok. That's just really sad.
Echo and her dad. Yeah. I don't want to say anything anymore. Spoiler. :))

5. Guilty or not, it's not your fault.
That is the truth anyway. I just felt like saying that.


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Review: Being Friends with Boys

Being Friends with Boys by Terra Elan McVoy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Again. Boys. Boys. BOYS!

That feeling when you think you've had enough of them but what you really feel is like they are everything to you? :)

1. Boys. Sometimes a girl just needs one. But a lot can be better too.
This book is about being friends with boys. They are pretty complicated sometimes because of how they react or how they view stuff in life. But most of the time they are just like just normal friends who listens and goofs around with. I really liked how Charlotte has a lot of guy friends. I also like the way they all treat each other with care and respect.

2. It's just too little too late...but maybe it's not?
The Trip/Charlotte things is driving me crazy! I really love their relationship. It's obvious that they like each other a lot. What with the long phone conversations/ notebook writing/ song swapping/ song writing and just always there for each other. Also how Char's voice in the book is saying how she's really connecting with Trip. Then he has to be all "I have to go or I don't wanna hang out with you anymore." That SUCKED so bad. I was like, "WTF? is wrong with you Trip? Do you really have to have a new girlfriend? You can't just be super close with someone then just cut someone out like that in a heart beat! You just don't! You should at least tell that person! You don't just ignore them!" So yeah, I was really devastated because I really like them for each other! Then at the end of the book, he's just there. Spilling all his feelings for Char in their notebook. I think it's great that he loves her back, but I can't help feel that it's a bit rushed. Then she sang the song that they made and it's the end. I wish there are more reconciliation bits or something. More romance between the two of them. But nooo, I just have to read it like that. Oh well. I still kinda like it.

3. But if I had you, that could be the only thing I'll ever need.
Fabian, Benji and Oliver are really great friends to Charlotte too.
Fabian with all the sensitive/ supportive thing going on. Benji, with how he's really cool with being friends and how they ended the "dating" thing. He's smart and he such a great listener too. He's the kind of guy that you can count on and makes you feel better all the time even if you're in your lowest point. Then there's Oliver, he's just the typical guy friend that you can't turn away from. He acts cool and confident. These guys are one of the great things that happened to Charlotte. They may have their fights or misunderstanding but in the end they still end up being happy and liking each other.

LOVED READING THIS.


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Review: Saving Francesca

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Super fun read!

1. I like family drama.
I really like the Spinelli family. How they all love and care for each member of the family. How they were able to deal with their mother's sickness and how they overcome all the things that happened ever since that incident. I love how Francesca is really close with her brother Luca. Most definitely I really love it that Robert and Mia are very in love with each other. LOVE IT!

2.Boys. boys. BOYS!
Ok, i'm not boy addict or obsessed with them. I just like how Frankie handled them. Made friends with them! I really liked Jimmy actually. He's a geek for sci/fi and all. And he might be a bully and irritating but he's such a good friend and respects his elders. Thomas is obnoxious. But i really like him as well. He may come out as a guy who doesn't care but he cares about people who mean something to him and he values his friends. Will Trombal. haha. I like him because Frankie likes him. He's annoying at first but he's just one of those guys who likes what he sees. He may plan a lot but he's basing it through its importance in his life. He's determined and that's good. I just don't like it that he has to hurt people because he can't help his feelings.

3. Them girls.
The friendship of Bitch spice, Butch spice, Stupid spice and Slut spice is very likable. I love them! How different they all are but they still work together and compliment each other. :) It's so good to see people connect and rely on each other like these girls do. It may looked like they are using each other at first but they end up being happy with each others' company.

4. Frankie say what?
I really like Frankie. She may be confused but the book made me see something real. It's her. She's so real. I can see people like her in the real world. I mean she's only human who deal with human emotions, chaos and drama. She's strong and is dedicated to her family. She has her imperfections but it's ok because that's what makes her likable.

5. Happy ending?
This book has a happy ending! But, although it may looked like the romance bit is a happy ending, i still wished it was the way I pictured it in my head. haha. Yeah i'm a hopeless romantic.

4 STARS!!!

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Review: Lengths

Lengths by Steph Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Emotions emotions.

This book is full of emotions. Locked in a box emotions that tend to let the person break once opened.

Here are my thoughts:

1. Locked in a box. Sealed until death?
Whit's character depresses me. I saw how she dealt with all her sadness and loss. It's not a happy picture. Do i liked it? No! Who would? She tends to avoid commitment. Yes it's hard to feel the pain again when you let yourself have deep feelings for someone again, but holding back from those feelings is not the solution. You'll only end up getting hurt again. It will also make you unhappy and feel regret because all you'll ever think about for the rest of your life would be 'what could have been? Or what if?' sad sad sad. Also keeping all those sadness and pain inside of you is not healthy! You have to let it go. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Yes it's not easy but you can't let yourself suffer and live like that for the rest of your life because it's not really living at all.

2. Deal with it. You can't escape it.
Deo means no harm. He only wanted to help the person he loves. I get that. He cares. He wants to fix things. But in order to fix other things you should fix yourself first. I agree with Cohen in this book. How can you help someone if you can't even help yourself? You have to start with yourself. Running away or ignoring your problems is not the answer. We all know this. Sometimes you just have to be brave enough, have faith and take the risk.

3. This is suffocating!
gah! This book made my head hurt. :( it's good. I just, i don't know something's off or maybe because it's too much denial of feelings. I really don't like that. Grr.

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Review: My Life Next Door

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MORE PLEASE!
This book surprised me. I wasn't expecting to like it so much! This book is actually what I need right now. It reminds me of Sarah Dessen's books. Jase Garrett's and Samantha Reed's story sure has blown me away. :)What are my thoughts?

1. Hi mom. Remember me? Your daughter.
This book is about mother-daughter issues. I kinda pity them both because they don't really understand each other. It's like mom, can you grow a pair and just listen to me for a second? You don't even know what your talking about. You just keep planning on about my life and you don't even ask me if I want that. And the daughter is like, why am i even doing this? Why can't I tell mom what's on my mind? ......
I don't like it that they don't have an open relationship. It's not actually Sam's fault because, growing up, her mom is always the one in charge or is very strict about everything. They have a very cold relationship. It's actually like Sam is afraid that her mom will disapprove of her every move. The book portrayed just that. That's really sad and poor kind of relationship.

2. Howdie hottie boy-next-door!
That feeling that you just want to shout to the whole world that you are in love with that person and you can't seem stop thinking about him/her? Yeah! Sweeeet! It's also like you can't get enough of each other and is having that craving for more feeling.
Boy next-door Jase is everything that girl could want. He is nice, hot, not afraid to look you in the eye, brave enough to talk to you about sensitive stuff and is really understanding! Oh don't forget family-oriented. The good part is that I think Jase has been crushing on Sam for years now. Now that they're 17, he found that courage to actually talk to her. This guy knows how to respect others and very down to earth. I want someone like him!!!!
A boy like that who blushes because of his girlfriend? Come on! A boy who is concern because it's your first time together to do it. Buy condoms together? Lol.

3. I wish I'm you! Wtf.
Sam has been watching the Garretts for ten years now! She never talked to them. Just observes. I really think she wants to have that kind of experience. The big family type of experience. I mean who wouldn't? It's kinda crazy! I like how this book showed it here. The Garretts are everywhere! From the parents who act like they are teenagers in love, from the kids who act like crazy and know it all kids. From teens who are responsible yet feisty and have angst. Focused, determined and loving kids at the same time can be annoying and overbearing. Just wow! I love that family!!!!

Being jealous is one thing. But being jealous to you bestfriend is different all together. Especially if that bestfriend doesn't even have malicious thoughts about you and your relationship. Being jealous of someone who you think has it all is normal. Especially if you think that someone doesn't have to work her butt off unlike you who tries really hard all the friggin time. But, you should at least be considerate if that person is someone who has always been there for you and always being a good friend. Because that is just unfair for the bestfriend when you just suddenly decide to break your friendship just because of your jealousy and insecurity!!!! That is so unfair!!!!

4. I whine, you listen.
Sometimes we normally whine about stuff. I mean i whine about everything. Not to be annoying. But because it's the only thing I can do at the moment. But, in this book, whining about something and being complicated about it will only give you a headache. I mean Jase is right, you're not gonna die or be miserable for eternity. Sometimes you need to be reasonable and be able to think things through. I know it's hard sometimes because you can't do it just because you have to, but there's a solution for that. It will come.

I really like Tim Mason. He speaks for himself. He feels like a loser but i actually think he's a great person. I like his friendship with Sam and Jase. He was able to change his life by straightening up and helping himself get rid of his addictions. Also, just because he's annoying and can be really good to someone. :)

5. Help. I can't decide!
I don't like it that there are times in our lives that we can't decide what to do or how to act on something because you know it will create a lot of damage to others who matter to you. Also, when you know what to do but you can't do it because your afraid of what others might feel or how they will react. It's also hard, i mean really hard when a certain action or decision can make you lose the one person that you love the most, just because you're also being loyal to your family.
This book made me anxious while reading those parts. It made want to stop reading! It's like you know they will end up w each other but you are confused how will that happen now because of this problem. Grrr.

Best unexpected-type-of-deep-feeling book ever!!!!!

I really love it!

This song actually reminds me of this book:

  "Oh simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin....
And if you have a minute, why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go somewhere only we know?"



reminds me of Jase and Sam. :)


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Review: Unlovable

Unlovable by Sherry Gammon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Just by hearing the name Seth, I can swoon anytime. Yup. I'm a goner.
Before anything else, I really really enjoyed this book. Yeah, there are stuff that are pretty much predictable but I still like reading it. Okay so here goes..

1. I have a crush on you, but I'm nervous.
Yup. I really love the idea that a young undercover cop/MET agent has a crush on an senior high school girl before she got involved in his case. And yes, I am talking about Seth and Maggie. Seth was adorable in a very cute way because he couldn't seem to know how to ask Maggie out on a date or how to have a simple conversation with her. He is totally hopeless. He is also really crushing on her. The moment he had the opportunity to be closer to her, he can't seem to stop flirting and be NERVOUS. That is just adorable! I know! I keep saying adorable. :)) That guy is very endearing not to mention really sweet. I would love to have someone like that.

2. Mom is an addict. Anyone else?
The issue about addiction is sick. It's also funny because the last book that I read was about father-daughter issues, and now it's about a mother-daughter issues. Anyway. Okay. It's sad that Maggie's life changed horribly because of her drunk mother. Being an addict can really takeover a person's life. It can cloud all your emotions, it can trigger unleashing all your pain or it can simply ruin your life. That's what happened her. Her mother was ruined. It's making me angry because she's the only person left in Maggie's life. She's the reason why Maggie became the scared person that she is. She's also the reason why she keeps holding herself back from life.

The drug addicts/ Dresser brothers are just plain psycho! I really hate those guys. Yeah right. They are claiming that they are not stupid but all their actions are stupid. Anyway, I don't want to talk about them. Annoying bunch!

3. If I knock will you let me in?
Because of the way that Maggie is: feeling unlovable nothing. She has some major trust issues and she's not really confident about people wanting to be with her. Who could blame her? Her mother is not really an example of the person who loves her. She's also poor and she doesn't have the luxuries in life. So, yeah. She very much pities herself. But that doesn't stop Seth from making him like her. Like I said, he's like head over heels for her. I even have a song that reminds me of Seth:
"I'll be your shelter
I'll be your storm
I'll make you shiver
I'll keep you warm
Whatever weather
Well baby Im yours
I'll be your forever, Be your fling
Baby I will be your everything"
(Be Your Everything by Boys Like Girls)
I can't even tell how sweet Seth is in this book. I just really like it that he's not stopping to win her over. His determination is there. He doesn't want to lose her. For a guy like him, I have to say he's one of the best out there. He's protective and he has that sensitive side with him that can knock a girl's mind out. If I ever met someone like him, I am sure I will not allow him to get away.

4. Love someone as though your life depends on it.
You see, Maggie loves Seth. But well, she can't help it if she felt betrayed? Trust issues remember?
This song even matches Maggie's feelings:
"You didn't let me down, you didn't tear me apart
You just opened my eyes, while breaking my heart
You didn't do it for me
I'm not as dumb as you think,
You just made me cry
While claiming that you love me"
(You Love Me by Kelly Clarkson)
Maggie's feelings was actually got me all saying "awwww!" Well because, the first time ever that she let someone in her life and allowed herself to love someone, that person deceived her. What's worse is she already feel like she's nothing and she's unlovable. Having that kind of thinking can be so frustrating. You'll think, yeah, how can he choose me if he can have someone better than me. I'm certainly not that special if he's just been forced to like me.

5. My mild way of saying, I know this story already.
You know that feeling when you already know what's gonna happen to the story yet you still want to finish it? Yup. That's me. I have to say there were stuff here that are actually good. But of course there are bad ones too. Like, the fact that there's always the annoying girl who's a bitch to the heroine and who is dying to have the hero. Also, self pity and trust issues. Sometimes I hate it because it's like Maggie isn't thinking at all. Other times, I was like what the hell is Seth doing hanging out with that bitch/ slut Hillary? Why is there always a jerk ex-boyfriend that goes mental? And, why, why why, does the girl always have to resist or keep herself away from loving the guy? grrrr.
Sometimes, I just really want to bump their heads and say, get it over with and be together already. But then again, where's the twist and drama in that right? Oh well.

I really want to see if this one turns out into a movie. considering it's been optioned already. :) Yay. I hope Mia Wasikowska will play as Maggie. It's also okay if they still consider Liam Hemsworth(only because I saw him in the author's blog) as Seth.

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Review: Crash

Crash by Nicole Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ever wonder a sweet-broken-bad boy might end up with a bitchy-smart-mouthed girl? This one did.
Somewhere along my "update status" I said that I found the perfect song for this book. I am so not joking! Here:

"Lyin' here with you so close to me
It's hard to fight these feelings when it feels so hard to breathe
I'm caught up in this moment, caught up in your smile

I've never opened up to anyone
So hard to hold back when I'm holding you in my arms
We don't need to rush this, let's just take it slow

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
And I don't want to mess this thing up
No, I don't want to push too far

Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby, I'm alright with just a kiss goodnight
(Just A Kiss by Lady Antebellum)

Perfect song for both Jude and Lucy. Perfect lines! I don't even know how to explain. The lyrics can really tell you this is their story. Sweet bad boy! Bitchy-smart girl. LOVE IT! I seriously don't want to compare Jude to Travis Maddox from Beautiful Disaster right now because, I just don't want to. In my opinion they are different. Or well, it's just hard to choose. lol

Okay so where to start...

The story was actually good. I like that Lucy is kinda bitchy to people. She's sarcastic and very direct with her words. I like that she has this quality that she wants to save people.
I know that bad boys with a difficult past is kinda getting overrated, but I still like Jude here. Maybe because he wasn't paired to someone innocent and plain and goody-goody.


"Our reputations weren't who we really were, they were who people told us we were. Some of us fell into that trap, while others fought their entire lives to break free of them."
----Well, this particular line is really interesting. Sometimes we end up by being what other people think of us. Even though some might be not true about us, we either prove them wrong or just go with it and embrace it. That's kinda sad. Sometimes we overlook things and we don't see anything but what others tell us or rumors that spread like a disease. It's hard to prove things about what we really are when all people know the same lie or wrong info out there. It makes victims sad? yes. Will it ruin people's lives? Maybe. If we do something about it we might be able to change it.
That's what happened to Jude and Lucy. Good thing here is that, they have each other to know what the real thing is. It's sweet. A little cheesy? Yes. OMG. lol. But it's still good.

Okay, so I have another part in this book that I love.
Dance studio scene! When Lucy was dancing and Jude was outside playing the peeping-tom that he is. lol. Then the breakdown of emotions. (CRY-worthy)
I even have a song for that and for their story. here:

"I dare you to let me be your, your one and only
Promise I'm worthy to hold in your arms
So come on and give me a chance
To prove I am the one who can walk that mile
Until the end starts"
(One and Only by Adele)
----As much as Jude wants to be with Lucy, he always held back from the beginning. Oh he wants to be her boyfriend but he knows that he will still have to walk away from her. For him, he's not just good enough for her. As for Lucy, she wants Jude too but there are some things that you can't just let go, knowing that it will come crashing down on you in the end. This song is really hoping for that chance. As much as they want to be the one and only for each other they came across a lot of complications and obstacles.

Lucy was able to be strong about it. look:
"If you'd shut up about all the reasons I shouldn't want you, maybe you'd hear that I don't care."

Another part of that song from Adele, it says:

"You'll never know if you never try
To forget your past and simply be mine"
----I so agree with this. Very fitting for the story also! Their past are so complicated and broken that it's keeping them for having a relationship that they obviously both want. It's sad and frustrating because, the past is the past! Come on people you should focus on the now. You couldn't change whatever happened before! But, you can do something about what would make you happy and what you want to have in the present time. Live with the now! Yes. It hurts! Yes. You are sorry and blah blah. But if you really want something or love something you just have to suck it up and face it with big smile and head high. Act now before it's too late. Come on! Life is short sometimes.

That leads me to this quote from Lucy's dad:

"Don't let the fear of losing them keep you from loving them."
----This same problem always happen to almost every YA or actually romance books that I've read. People always let fear get in the way for them to be really happy. Or in other terms, they always expects the worst before having that sense of euphoria that they want. This kind of thing is what keeps us from being happy or have the happy ending. Yeah I keep on repeating stuff. It's true. Is it annoying that every one always have this kind of thinking? Yes. Can we help it? Yes and No. Yes because you can just be brave and ignore that fear. And, no, because you are being careful and trying to protect yourself from the pain. AGAIN, this is just all about taking risk. If you take a risk at least you know how it feels to try and not think someday of "what could have been" or "what if".

One more quote. This one is from Jude. Makes me melt. Cheesy? YES. Do I like it? YES. Do I want to pull my hair and go gaga and scream? Maybe. ha ha
here:

"I'll be here, each day and every day on, as long as you want me to be."








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Review: Thomas & January

Thomas & January by Fisher Amelie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What song is in my head right now after reading this book?

"So just take my hand and know that I will never leave your side
You're the love of my life, you know that I will never leave your side"
(The Gambler by Fun.)

Yeah! This is bittersweet! In a really good way.
I was really hooked in Callum & Harper's story and this one did too!

Innocence.
January is a very sweet innocent girl. I like that about her. She's pure and friendly. She's a crybaby but not in an annoying way. Yeah. I like her. the blushing! Oh my gosh! That was the best! I mean other books describe people blush but this one is my favorite blushing kind of thing. Lol.
Tom's innocence about love is what made him experience heartache and completely changed him.
When the two of them met and --out of nowhere-- just kissed passionately in a bar it was like LOVE AT FIRST KISS. Literally. Lol
Something ignited between them and made them crazy for each other. The feeling while reading that was ecstatic and just lively.

From what i'm seeing positive view is coming from January and the negative is coming from Thomas. And that's complimenting each other.

Trust.
Tom is afraid of getting his heart broken again. But what happened? He broke the heart of the love of his life.
I understand Tom here because he's like "Dude, been there done that. So not gonna happen again." Problem is he made a mistake of judging and assuming the worst from January. He didn't know, yes. He's being careful, yes. That doesn't mean someone is not hurting because of this. Another thing, he kept questioning January's declaration of love for him. From how i understand it, he definitely believes her but he's scared that it might be just too good to be true. He's scared that someday it might just go crashing down and he will be left alone again. This is the best thing and feeling and girl that he came across with and he is so afraid of losing her.

January feels like she's been taken for granted all the time. Like she's not worthy. Again hello SELF PITY.
Well, we can't blame her if that's what people are making her feel. Right? She has the right to be hurt! I cried when she mentioned being used and not good enough for Tom's liking. Like she's being discarded. Awww.
Tom's declaration of love for him was so sweet! She wants him to trust her that she will not break his heart. She never did. She was really in love with him. She did all what she could and give everything to him. She's remarkable for that. It's just sad that even though she's faithfully in love she still got hurt by doing it.

Of course, there are positive things that happened in this book. :) that is RISK.

“Sometimes the risk can be worth the reward.”
now this? This is hell yeah! They kind of did this in their growing relationship. And wow! Those two lovebirds are totally lovely!
Everytime Tom tells January that she's extraordinary and --insert all the amazing adjectives-- my mind is like playing Taylor Swift's song ENCHANTED. It feels like this is what is going on in Tom's and January's head:
"This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you"
sweet!!!

This book made me soooo happy!

Here are some of the scenes that are spine-tingling (lol. Is that even a word?)

"How did we both sleep on this tiny nothing,” I said out loud, my voice hoarse from disuse.
“Well, that leg was wrapped around mine,” he said, pointing to each part as he continued his explanation, “that stomach was pressed to mine, that beautiful face was buried in my neck. It was the best and worst night’s sleep of my life.”

and this one too!
“Can I ask you something?”
“Hmm?”
“Do you think I’m yours?”
“Yes,” she said without hesitation.
“Good, ’cause I know you’re mine.”

it's like singing I'm Yours by Jason Mraz! :)

Very nice book!


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