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The Ghost Bird #10
First Kiss
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fiction (2016)The time has finally come for Sang Sorenson to be formally introduced to the Academy. Protocol dictates the boys keep the details of Sang’s official introduction to the Academy a secret from her. The only thing they can advise her to do is to work on what will become her mantra: She is determined to stay with her team, no matter what.
Despite her wishes, however, the boys are second-guessing her place with them, concerned for her safety. With dangers all around and threats closing in, some of the boys are questioning if this is the right time to bring her to meet the Academy at all.
Sang is challenged with being the brave face among them and instilling the confidence needed to keep her with them. However, in order to appear compliant with the Academy’s rules, she has to be willing to listen and try their suggestions. As the boys have suspected and feared, the council wants to see how she’ll work with a different team. An all-girl team. She has no choice but to go along with the proposal or risk losing a shot at the Academy.
But when the Academy’s inner world is revealed to her, Sang knows that she’s finally found her place—somewhere she belongs—and she sees a future with them. The deeper she gets, the more she sees how she can make a difference. Learning what she is capable of and the impact she can have, she feels obligated to help. There’s so few girls, and they need her.
The guys try to stick to their plan, but every team must pay their debts, and the cost of keeping her might be more than any of them can afford.
It’s up to Sang alone to prove to the Academy where she truly belongs—but can she resist the call of a new team that needs her?
The Academy, Inside
Despite her wishes, however, the boys are second-guessing her place with them, concerned for her safety. With dangers all around and threats closing in, some of the boys are questioning if this is the right time to bring her to meet the Academy at all.
Sang is challenged with being the brave face among them and instilling the confidence needed to keep her with them. However, in order to appear compliant with the Academy’s rules, she has to be willing to listen and try their suggestions. As the boys have suspected and feared, the council wants to see how she’ll work with a different team. An all-girl team. She has no choice but to go along with the proposal or risk losing a shot at the Academy.
But when the Academy’s inner world is revealed to her, Sang knows that she’s finally found her place—somewhere she belongs—and she sees a future with them. The deeper she gets, the more she sees how she can make a difference. Learning what she is capable of and the impact she can have, she feels obligated to help. There’s so few girls, and they need her.
The guys try to stick to their plan, but every team must pay their debts, and the cost of keeping her might be more than any of them can afford.
It’s up to Sang alone to prove to the Academy where she truly belongs—but can she resist the call of a new team that needs her?
The Academy, Inside
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2016
390 people are currently reading
3226 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Stone
58 books4,351 followersC. L. Stone likes :chocolate_bar: and #findingburiedtreasure. Her books are about :revolving_hearts: and @dark_themes and #chocolatechippancakes.
If lots of book boyfriends scare you...run. Run now.
If lots of book boyfriends scare you...run. Run now.
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May 7, 2017
IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME!
Sadly, not for us. Only for those in the world of:
First Kiss is book 10 in the Ghost Bird series. Can you believe it?! Book 10 already. We've all been for a while in this crazy and lovely universe, and by this point, I think we are all completely and utterly obsessed.
I longed for this book with all my heart since C. L. mentioned each Academy guy would have his own book. So there's no surprise I ended up loving it.
Because my sweetie, my baby, my favorite and most handsome nerdling FINALLY got his time to shine: Kota Lee❤.
*le sigh*
I'm probably biased but who can blame me?
Kota is mostly, though not entirely the reason why I loved so much First Kiss. I mean:
*Itty bitty spoilers*
♥ It's Christmas time in The Academy! Filled with lots and lots of cute, sweet, surprising and sometimes angsty moments.
♥A really fun holiday trip ;).
♥Kota, Nathan, VICTOR OMFG, Gabriel, Luke, NORTH OMG, Silas, Mr. Blackbourne *sniff* and the man with no chill, Dr. Green.
♥More and more Academy.
♥Secrets revealed, those that were burdening both Sang and the guys.
♥Kissing, kissing and more kissing ;).
♥New characters.
♥Drama, drama, drama. Because, what is The Academy without it?
♥Scarab bettle crowd showing up ;).
After this book, I think the best and worst is yet to come.
I'm scared but beyond ready for Black and Green ;).
Sadly, not for us. Only for those in the world of:
First Kiss is book 10 in the Ghost Bird series. Can you believe it?! Book 10 already. We've all been for a while in this crazy and lovely universe, and by this point, I think we are all completely and utterly obsessed.
I longed for this book with all my heart since C. L. mentioned each Academy guy would have his own book. So there's no surprise I ended up loving it.
Because my sweetie, my baby, my favorite and most handsome nerdling FINALLY got his time to shine: Kota Lee❤.
*le sigh*
I'm probably biased but who can blame me?
Kota is mostly, though not entirely the reason why I loved so much First Kiss. I mean:
*Itty bitty spoilers*
♥ It's Christmas time in The Academy! Filled with lots and lots of cute, sweet, surprising and sometimes angsty moments.
♥A really fun holiday trip ;).
♥Kota, Nathan, VICTOR OMFG, Gabriel, Luke, NORTH OMG, Silas, Mr. Blackbourne *sniff* and the man with no chill, Dr. Green.
♥More and more Academy.
♥Secrets revealed, those that were burdening both Sang and the guys.
♥Kissing, kissing and more kissing ;).
♥New characters.
♥Drama, drama, drama. Because, what is The Academy without it?
♥Scarab bettle crowd showing up ;).
After this book, I think the best and worst is yet to come.
I'm scared but beyond ready for Black and Green ;).
July 26, 2021
Yes, I did read The Healing Power of Sugar in one night. And YES! I'm very sad that I am once again waiting for the next book.
I want it now!
I want it YESTERDAY!
If you are a #1 fan of this series you understand my pain right now, but I WILL wait and be VERY happy when it is written to perfection.
Who do we think it is?
Dr. Green because he was her first kiss.
Or maybe Kota because I've been hearing that.
I DON'T KNOW!
Either way, I CANNOT WAIT!
Love you all!
I want it now!
I want it YESTERDAY!
If you are a #1 fan of this series you understand my pain right now, but I WILL wait and be VERY happy when it is written to perfection.
Who do we think it is?
Dr. Green because he was her first kiss.
Or maybe Kota because I've been hearing that.
I DON'T KNOW!
Either way, I CANNOT WAIT!
Love you all!
May 16, 2016
So, apparently all the guys will get to know about Sang's shower phobia in this book FINALLY!!!
Ha. Ha ha. HAHAHA FIRST KISS WHAT?!?!
Kota Kota please let this be Kota's book pleeeeeeeeeease.
Ha. Ha ha. HAHAHA FIRST KISS WHAT?!?!
Kota Kota please let this be Kota's book pleeeeeeeeeease.
May 11, 2016
CONFESSION: I am pretty much obsessed with this series.
I can't really downplay this; I'm not embarrassed. I found out about this series three days ago, and three days later -- and many charges to my Apple account -- I have finished all ten Ghost Bird books. (Same with the other Academy series, but that's a story for another day.)
Yes, I read a fuck ton. If you've read these books, you probably understand the addiction.
A lot of people are claiming this series is a guilty pleasure, and maybe it is. After all, the reverse harem story line (as well as a lot of the boys' personalities and reactions to Sang's adorableness) are very anime -- and animes are often associated with guilty pleasures. But just because it reads like a guilty-pleasure-you-obsess-over-and-can't-stop-reading-no-matter-what-fictional-or-real-life-events-occur-around-you doesn't mean it isn't absolutely AWESOME.
EXHIBIT A: SANG
A lot of people prefer the badass heroines; I prefer the adorable ones.
Always.
I mean, don't get me wrong: I love girl power and it totally rocks when a heroine kicks ass. But lately I've been finding that so many so-called "badass" heroines are forced and over-the-top with their "I can handle myself and don't need no man" attitudes. I have always preferred the sweet, adorable, kind-hearted girls that lead novels without being over-the-top.
In Sang's case, her shyness and sweetness are totally believable and not at all forced. She's genuinely so adorable that I want to hug the shit out of her ninety-nine percent of the time, and the way she interacts with the boys always put a smile to my face. She may be shy, but she has bloomed over the course of ten books into a selfless leader, a worthy playmate, and a bantering dork to match the boys. She always surprises me with her quirks and never, ever falls flat, despite how easy it is for quieter characters to do so.
See? She's so adorable! And the boys are SO sweet on her. I love their dynamic so much more than the asshole vibes that seem to be popular in book boys nowadays because that isn't realistic. All my guy friends are hilarious and fun, some a little shier, but they're always kind and they never treat girls like crap the way a lot of YA and NA heroes tend to start. That's an exaggerated stereotype I absolutely hate. Maybe these Academy boys are of the sweeter side of things and impossibly perfect (even North, as dark and brooding as he is), but they are a lot more genuine than the giant asshole cookie cutter.
Everything about this series seems strangely believable, despite the reverse harem plot and complicated Academy idea. I love when books integrate small, real-life details I can relate to because it makes it more realistic. And the romance is very slow-burning and sweet (none of them kissed Sang on the lips until like book five!), which it perfect for building characterization and individuality amongst each of Sang's perfect boys.
Which brings me to...
EXHIBIT B: THE BOYS
Um, okay. The amount of hotness in this series actually puts me at risk of Meltdown Syndrome. I've certainly already encountered Swoon Central and Fanning Fantasyland. I didn't think I could love the Academy boys more, but boy was I wrong!
When I first started this series, there were so many hot boys part of Sang's harem that I wondered how the heck I'd be able to tell them apart emotionally. But only a few books in and I already felt like I knew each of the nine boys' personalities even more than I understood a lot of heroes in books with only one love interest. By this tenth book, the Academy boys now occupy the top nine slots on my book boyfriends list. Their characterizations may follow a few cliches, but they're still SO good that you could describe the way one of the boys reacts to certain things and I'd know exactly which one you're talking about.
Award for dorkiest, funniest, most adorable cast? Hell to the yes.
There's giant Greek Silas, who looks intimidating at first glance but is actual a huge, protective, adorably cheeky teddy bear who tells random jokes to cheer Sang up when she's upset.
Luke is the happy-go-lucky prankster who seems to jump headfirst before thinking but will always put his family first and would do anything to be there for them (like taking off on his own to chase Volto despite the dangers or learning sign language at the off-chance his new stepbrother would talk to him).
Then there's North who is dark, passionate, health-obsessed, and always fiercely overprotective of those he cares about, even if it means they'll be annoyed with him. His family's safety always comes before his own personal feelings and what people think of him. He's definitely one of my favorites.
And don't get me started on Gabriel... (He was ridiculously cute in this book with all his "camping buddy" stuff.)
Etcetera, etcetera...
Plus, they're all just so hilariously funny together.
HOWEVER. Victor has always been my favorite with his absolute sweetness, musical talents, and ability to understand Sang better than almost everyone else -- except maybe the perfect Owen Blackbourne -- because Victor is a sweet introvert like Sang herself... but in this book? Holy wowza! I fell more and more in love with him through each page, and by the end of the book after the shower scene, I was ready to throw away the rest of the boys just to be able to hold his hand. He's too amazing, my heart actually cries a little every time he gets book time.
The way Victor's always by her side, silently supporting her when her shyness makes her feel cripplingly awkward? *sigh* That's the kind of hero that doesn't get enough credit.
Now that I swooned over the characters, let's move onto...
EXHIBIT C: THE PLOT
There's something about the Ghost Bird series that is just so damn addictive -- and it's not just the epic multi-hot-boy romance or the original-and-wicked-cool idea of the Academy. (Can I enroll?!)
It's ALL THE LITTLE DETAILS that make it so easy to relate to and even easier to love. Like when the boys let Sang paint their nails all sorts of colors for her birthday, or when marshmallows make everything better.
In this book, it's:
♡ camping with the boys and the Academy.
♡ the adorable Christmas they spend together as a family and
♡
♡ also
This book just made me so effing happy. And the last few chapters were my absolute favorite.
IN CONCLUSION:
Re-read my review if you're confused. The characters are awesome. The boys are awesome. The story is awesome. This series is awesome. Everything is awesome. It's just plain fucking awesome.
Now please excuse me while I go cry in the corner waiting for the next book, Black and Green, to come out.
Have fun reading!
xoxo
LINA
I can't really downplay this; I'm not embarrassed. I found out about this series three days ago, and three days later -- and many charges to my Apple account -- I have finished all ten Ghost Bird books. (Same with the other Academy series, but that's a story for another day.)
Yes, I read a fuck ton. If you've read these books, you probably understand the addiction.
A lot of people are claiming this series is a guilty pleasure, and maybe it is. After all, the reverse harem story line (as well as a lot of the boys' personalities and reactions to Sang's adorableness) are very anime -- and animes are often associated with guilty pleasures. But just because it reads like a guilty-pleasure-you-obsess-over-and-can't-stop-reading-no-matter-what-fictional-or-real-life-events-occur-around-you doesn't mean it isn't absolutely AWESOME.
EXHIBIT A: SANG
A lot of people prefer the badass heroines; I prefer the adorable ones.
Always.
I mean, don't get me wrong: I love girl power and it totally rocks when a heroine kicks ass. But lately I've been finding that so many so-called "badass" heroines are forced and over-the-top with their "I can handle myself and don't need no man" attitudes. I have always preferred the sweet, adorable, kind-hearted girls that lead novels without being over-the-top.
In Sang's case, her shyness and sweetness are totally believable and not at all forced. She's genuinely so adorable that I want to hug the shit out of her ninety-nine percent of the time, and the way she interacts with the boys always put a smile to my face. She may be shy, but she has bloomed over the course of ten books into a selfless leader, a worthy playmate, and a bantering dork to match the boys. She always surprises me with her quirks and never, ever falls flat, despite how easy it is for quieter characters to do so.
"Gabriel?" I asked in a quiet voice, a finger pinching my lower lip. "Will you go in there?"
"I don't want to go in there," he said. "You go in there."
"There might be a spider," I said. "You should go see."
"I don't want to see a spider."
I stepped closer, but still held his hand, taking him with me. [...] "I can't pee on a tree. I don't have a... the... plumbing."
"Ha," Gabriel said with a chuckle. "You almost said penis. That's so cute."
See? She's so adorable! And the boys are SO sweet on her. I love their dynamic so much more than the asshole vibes that seem to be popular in book boys nowadays because that isn't realistic. All my guy friends are hilarious and fun, some a little shier, but they're always kind and they never treat girls like crap the way a lot of YA and NA heroes tend to start. That's an exaggerated stereotype I absolutely hate. Maybe these Academy boys are of the sweeter side of things and impossibly perfect (even North, as dark and brooding as he is), but they are a lot more genuine than the giant asshole cookie cutter.
Everything about this series seems strangely believable, despite the reverse harem plot and complicated Academy idea. I love when books integrate small, real-life details I can relate to because it makes it more realistic. And the romance is very slow-burning and sweet (none of them kissed Sang on the lips until like book five!), which it perfect for building characterization and individuality amongst each of Sang's perfect boys.
Which brings me to...
EXHIBIT B: THE BOYS
He curled his fingers at me, urging me to stand in front of his desk. "Come on. I'll show you," he said quietly.
"Show me what?"
He wriggled his eyebrows. "How I'm going to win your little heart."
Um, okay. The amount of hotness in this series actually puts me at risk of Meltdown Syndrome. I've certainly already encountered Swoon Central and Fanning Fantasyland. I didn't think I could love the Academy boys more, but boy was I wrong!
When I first started this series, there were so many hot boys part of Sang's harem that I wondered how the heck I'd be able to tell them apart emotionally. But only a few books in and I already felt like I knew each of the nine boys' personalities even more than I understood a lot of heroes in books with only one love interest. By this tenth book, the Academy boys now occupy the top nine slots on my book boyfriends list. Their characterizations may follow a few cliches, but they're still SO good that you could describe the way one of the boys reacts to certain things and I'd know exactly which one you're talking about.
Award for dorkiest, funniest, most adorable cast? Hell to the yes.
There's giant Greek Silas, who looks intimidating at first glance but is actual a huge, protective, adorably cheeky teddy bear who tells random jokes to cheer Sang up when she's upset.
[Silas] put his hands on his hips. "What do you get when you cross an elephant with a kangaroo?"
I cringed. "What?"
"Great big holes all over Australia."
Luke is the happy-go-lucky prankster who seems to jump headfirst before thinking but will always put his family first and would do anything to be there for them (like taking off on his own to chase Volto despite the dangers or learning sign language at the off-chance his new stepbrother would talk to him).
Gabriel shrugged and then got a pancake pillow to the face.
"Smell it," Luke said, holding it to Gabriel's nose. "Pancakes..."
Then there's North who is dark, passionate, health-obsessed, and always fiercely overprotective of those he cares about, even if it means they'll be annoyed with him. His family's safety always comes before his own personal feelings and what people think of him. He's definitely one of my favorites.
"I don't know if I can take this the whole way," North said, reaching for the volume control.
Silas's hand shot out, blocking North before he could touch the volume. "No. Please," he said. "Don't make her stop."
North frowned. Silas nodded toward the rearview mirror. North gave Silas a questioning look, then glanced back at us in the mirror before returning his gaze to Silas. "You fucking pervert."
Silas raised a dark eyebrow. "What? Pervert? Do you see her face? She's so happy."
"Oh," North said and sat back. "Never mind."
And don't get me started on Gabriel... (He was ridiculously cute in this book with all his "camping buddy" stuff.)
He reached up to rub at his nose, sniffing. "Fuck me," he said. "I don't want to get up, but I have to take a piss."
I moaned, not wanting to get up, either, but knowing I should. I wanted to stay in bed all day, for the rest of camp, until it was time to get in the car and leave.
Gabriel turned, pressed his lips against mine and then kissed my nose. "Trouble."
"No," I said quietly. I kept my eyes closed and hung on to him. "I don't want to get up yet."
Gabriel pressed his mouth to my cheek. He kissed the spot. "I can hold it for a minute, I guess."
Etcetera, etcetera...
Plus, they're all just so hilariously funny together.
HOWEVER. Victor has always been my favorite with his absolute sweetness, musical talents, and ability to understand Sang better than almost everyone else -- except maybe the perfect Owen Blackbourne -- because Victor is a sweet introvert like Sang herself... but in this book? Holy wowza! I fell more and more in love with him through each page, and by the end of the book after the shower scene, I was ready to throw away the rest of the boys just to be able to hold his hand. He's too amazing, my heart actually cries a little every time he gets book time.
I thought of things to say, but the others talked so fast and freely that I never got a chance to say anything at all. I finished my hot dog and chips before anyone else because they were talking so much, seeming to forget about food.
The only other one who was quiet was Victor. He finished his plate, too, and then I felt his hand on my leg. He squeezed encouragingly.
I held onto his leg, too.
The way Victor's always by her side, silently supporting her when her shyness makes her feel cripplingly awkward? *sigh* That's the kind of hero that doesn't get enough credit.
Now that I swooned over the characters, let's move onto...
EXHIBIT C: THE PLOT
There's something about the Ghost Bird series that is just so damn addictive -- and it's not just the epic multi-hot-boy romance or the original-and-wicked-cool idea of the Academy. (Can I enroll?!)
It's ALL THE LITTLE DETAILS that make it so easy to relate to and even easier to love. Like when the boys let Sang paint their nails all sorts of colors for her birthday, or when marshmallows make everything better.
In this book, it's:
♡ camping with the boys and the Academy.
♡ the adorable Christmas they spend together as a family and
♡
♡ also
This book just made me so effing happy. And the last few chapters were my absolute favorite.
IN CONCLUSION:
Re-read my review if you're confused. The characters are awesome. The boys are awesome. The story is awesome. This series is awesome. Everything is awesome. It's just plain fucking awesome.
Now please excuse me while I go cry in the corner waiting for the next book, Black and Green, to come out.
Have fun reading!
xoxo
LINA
July 7, 2016
I think this is the part where I jump off the Academy train. Last book it was obnoxious fatphobia. This one had gynophobia and a minor screed against feminism. (Did I think gynophobia was a real thing before today? No, no I did not. So, uh, yeah, I guess C L Stone taught me something.)
I'm totally here for the wish fulfillment male harem fantasy. I want Victor and Silas in particular to be about ten years older so they can be in a much better book. I really liked that these books scratched a lot of my favorite narrative kinks. But I'm done paying $3.99 for any of them. and I'm certainly not paying actual money to read anything that feels so blatantly like the worst parts of all the slash fic I read back in the day, where vaginas were gross and any girl that showed up was an impediment to the boys kissing. Only in this book, there isn't even any boy kissing, there's just a whole heaping helping of "not like the other girls." And yes, Sang has some compelling reasons for her gynophobia. But they were reasons the author made up. One abusive female was surely enough; but now there are at least three. And I think that's a really shitty and toxic message to give to the teens actually reading these books.
I'm totally here for the wish fulfillment male harem fantasy. I want Victor and Silas in particular to be about ten years older so they can be in a much better book. I really liked that these books scratched a lot of my favorite narrative kinks. But I'm done paying $3.99 for any of them. and I'm certainly not paying actual money to read anything that feels so blatantly like the worst parts of all the slash fic I read back in the day, where vaginas were gross and any girl that showed up was an impediment to the boys kissing. Only in this book, there isn't even any boy kissing, there's just a whole heaping helping of "not like the other girls." And yes, Sang has some compelling reasons for her gynophobia. But they were reasons the author made up. One abusive female was surely enough; but now there are at least three. And I think that's a really shitty and toxic message to give to the teens actually reading these books.
September 20, 2020
I love these books so much. Gah! The feels, man!!! I'll post my full review soon on The Book Disciple
Updated review: Still loved it, but the narrator was super whiny for this book. It hasn't been an issue up until now. Also, Kayli is such a bitch. Its no wonder I gave up on that series. She is so angry and petulant.
Updated review: Still loved it, but the narrator was super whiny for this book. It hasn't been an issue up until now. Also, Kayli is such a bitch. Its no wonder I gave up on that series. She is so angry and petulant.
June 22, 2017
This installment redeemed this series for me in so many ways. I'm trying not to gush and it's already been a few days. I finally got to see the Sang I've been waiting 9 books for. The capable, confident LEADER, the girl who can jump into a situation despite her fears--without the boys. The girl every character has called amazing since book 1. I saw her, and I loved her.
This is also the first book where I felt I understood Meanie better. He loves Sang, no doubt, and he would protect her with his life, but I also felt a bit of envy, that the guys don't hold her to same standard he's had to struggle to uphold. And at the same time... he doesn't want her held to that standard because he doesn't want her hurt. I've always loved Gabriel but I feel I understood him more in this book.
All the (because I watch an insane amount of anime and dramas) skinship was so enjoyable and natural. I loved it all!
And the Academy... So much information others may have found to be a bit of an info dump, I gobbled up. I loved learning about their structure and seeing the teamwork and how that translated into decisions in the Academy later. I loved that insight, and that's probably not even the half of it.
The ending though... I think I gave book 9, 5 stars... And I'm a little unsure why because I remember after reading it I told myself that would be the last book in the series for me because THINGS. But then I couldn't not read Kota's book, and I'm so glad I did. I'm more impatient than ever for Black and Green. Two of my favorites!!!!! Hopefully I can shorten this later...
This is also the first book where I felt I understood Meanie better. He loves Sang, no doubt, and he would protect her with his life, but I also felt a bit of envy, that the guys don't hold her to same standard he's had to struggle to uphold. And at the same time... he doesn't want her held to that standard because he doesn't want her hurt. I've always loved Gabriel but I feel I understood him more in this book.
All the (because I watch an insane amount of anime and dramas) skinship was so enjoyable and natural. I loved it all!
And the Academy... So much information others may have found to be a bit of an info dump, I gobbled up. I loved learning about their structure and seeing the teamwork and how that translated into decisions in the Academy later. I loved that insight, and that's probably not even the half of it.
The ending though... I think I gave book 9, 5 stars... And I'm a little unsure why because I remember after reading it I told myself that would be the last book in the series for me because THINGS. But then I couldn't not read Kota's book, and I'm so glad I did. I'm more impatient than ever for Black and Green. Two of my favorites!!!!! Hopefully I can shorten this later...
April 25, 2016
EEEEEK!
This happens to be one of my favorites. OK. So I say that every single time I read a book but honestly this had so many good things about it.
KOTA finally knows!!!
Like now everyone knows about the plan and even though that he knew about the dating. Their first kiss and him counting the first eight was beautiful.
Sean proved so many times over why I loved him so much. Holding Sang while she cried. Amazing.
Victor being the protector that he always he been.
Gabe the freakin' best friend to Sang. I loved how sweet he is. How they are helping one another every chance they can get. Wow.
Kota disappointed me with the shower scene. But Victor amazed me once again why he is in my top 5.
In my opinion they all stole the show but it was LAKE who really got me. I loved her.
I want to know more. GIVE ME MORE LAKE!
It was nice not seeing Volto for once as well.
Marc and Sang changing numbers.
Kayli the female version of North and wanting to talk about their situation.
The girls meeting. EEEKK! So many feels. So little time. I want more. Now. Like yesterday.
This happens to be one of my favorites. OK. So I say that every single time I read a book but honestly this had so many good things about it.
KOTA finally knows!!!
Like now everyone knows about the plan and even though that he knew about the dating. Their first kiss and him counting the first eight was beautiful.
Sean proved so many times over why I loved him so much. Holding Sang while she cried. Amazing.
Victor being the protector that he always he been.
Gabe the freakin' best friend to Sang. I loved how sweet he is. How they are helping one another every chance they can get. Wow.
Kota disappointed me with the shower scene. But Victor amazed me once again why he is in my top 5.
In my opinion they all stole the show but it was LAKE who really got me. I loved her.
I want to know more. GIVE ME MORE LAKE!
It was nice not seeing Volto for once as well.
Marc and Sang changing numbers.
Kayli the female version of North and wanting to talk about their situation.
The girls meeting. EEEKK! So many feels. So little time. I want more. Now. Like yesterday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2016
OH MY GOD!!!!! The last like 25% of this book was soooo good!!! I was glad we got to see more into the academy and meet other people. I really like Lake and hope we can hear more about her in later books. But the ending of this book just made me so much more excited for the next book!!!
May 31, 2016
OH MY GOSH! You totally slayed this one, C.L. Stone! I think 20 books won't be enough for this series.
Full review to follow.
Update:
Me to myself: Calm. Down.
Full review to follow.
Update:
Me to myself: Calm. Down.
April 26, 2016
O.M.G.
CL Stone certainly hit this one out of the ballpark!!!!
CL Stone certainly hit this one out of the ballpark!!!!
May 29, 2016
God why do I keep reading these books?!?! There's honestly not much progression so far and we've just reached book 10. TEN!!! I'm the idiot that keeps buying them, I get that. I keep telling myself "surely we're going to get something resolved". Nope, not really. Oh ok well yea so she's in the academy for six months. It'll probably be another 20 books before we reach the end of that time.
Just move the story on for the love of God! And then to end it on a cliffhanger like this. Not much truly happened! This book was more filler than anything else.
Just move the story on for the love of God! And then to end it on a cliffhanger like this. Not much truly happened! This book was more filler than anything else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2016
Update:
Ahh this book series just keeps giving and giving.
That ending though... Dun dun duuuuuun!
Getting way too excited over this two word title right now! Ahhhhh I cannot wait!
Ahh this book series just keeps giving and giving.
That ending though... Dun dun duuuuuun!
Getting way too excited over this two word title right now! Ahhhhh I cannot wait!
July 26, 2018
There wasn't more of Dr. Green and Mr. Blackbourne 💔 but i'll live .
still here is something from Dr. Green ❤
Dr. Green said " No funky stuff over there or Sang will have to join me over here "💋
again .. Sang disappointed me 💔 she is too slow . I don't understand why she was scared when Erica hugged her ? This is too much . She is comfortable with Kota but she was afraid to get close to his mother ?
We found out more about the academy and how it works .
still here is something from Dr. Green ❤
Dr. Green said " No funky stuff over there or Sang will have to join me over here "💋
again .. Sang disappointed me 💔 she is too slow . I don't understand why she was scared when Erica hugged her ? This is too much . She is comfortable with Kota but she was afraid to get close to his mother ?
We found out more about the academy and how it works .
May 19, 2016
UPDATED REVIEW
The FIRST KISS started out slow for me, nevertheless it was still so good because I learned more about the Academy and Sang was able to stand up on her own without the boys. Even Lake intrigued me that I'm hoping to read more about her in the next books. Although I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't get much of Green and Blackbourne, but the next book will clearly highlight the two so I cannot wait! Not to mention that cliffhanger! OH NO.
P.S. Victor was surprisingly my favorite in this one. He was so protective of Sang. *sigh*
++++
I have a feeling that this book is going to be extra special as it is the 10th installment!!!
I'm really hoping it's Mr. Blackbourne's story, because they've never kissed in any way at all!
Although, there's a huge possibility that this book is about Kota, because there was a story build up between him and Sang in the 9th installment. Either way, I can't wait already!!
The FIRST KISS started out slow for me, nevertheless it was still so good because I learned more about the Academy and Sang was able to stand up on her own without the boys. Even Lake intrigued me that I'm hoping to read more about her in the next books. Although I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't get much of Green and Blackbourne, but the next book will clearly highlight the two so I cannot wait! Not to mention that cliffhanger! OH NO.
P.S. Victor was surprisingly my favorite in this one. He was so protective of Sang. *sigh*
++++
I have a feeling that this book is going to be extra special as it is the 10th installment!!!
I'm really hoping it's Mr. Blackbourne's story, because they've never kissed in any way at all!
Although, there's a huge possibility that this book is about Kota, because there was a story build up between him and Sang in the 9th installment. Either way, I can't wait already!!
October 9, 2016
This book series is absolute garbage. I don't know why I have continued with it as long as I can. This kind of book is why the Donald Trumps of the world can get away with saying and doing the things they do. Having a main character who is so "damaged" that it takes not one, but eight men, to make her "whole" is just ridiculously stupid. She's too afraid to ever tell any of them how she actually feels, which means everything she does is her faking who she is so they like her. Really the only reason I've likely continued with this season is because I have a niece who I care about, and I would like to know what kind of garbage we are feeding to young women today. Shame on this author for adding to the rape culture in this country. I would give it zero stars if I could.
June 8, 2016
For the whole book there were about 3 important things that happened and the rest was just fluff around it. I can see how this would work so so so well for teenage girls. Pity the ending was the best, now I'll have to read the next one as well... :)
August 6, 2016
You can call these books unrealistic.. guilty pleasures...whatever you want, but they are addictive and I have a great time reading them! I binge read this series up to this point, and I can't wait for the next book!
April 15, 2021
A few moments 5 stars, a few moments 3 stars - because I just keep wondering why the shower is still a problem, how in this universe they will make it work if she don't speak about simple things like a god. damn. shower.
Yes, I'm pissed off.
But I liked the end, specially the ~A~ chapter (nothing new here).
I hated Sang on this book, she pissed me off the whole book. The boys are still a bunch of cinammon rolls and I can't say a single thing about them. Except for Kota. He also pissed me off.
Maybe I'm the problem? Lack of patience? having a bad week? it's possible. And now I'm using the review field as a place to analyze my own life, if you excuse me I'm going to cry on the shower -something that Sang can't do because she still haven't worked on the shower problem! DAMN IT!
Yes, I'm pissed off.
But I liked the end, specially the ~A~ chapter (nothing new here).
I hated Sang on this book, she pissed me off the whole book. The boys are still a bunch of cinammon rolls and I can't say a single thing about them. Except for Kota. He also pissed me off.
Maybe I'm the problem? Lack of patience? having a bad week? it's possible. And now I'm using the review field as a place to analyze my own life, if you excuse me I'm going to cry on the shower -something that Sang can't do because she still haven't worked on the shower problem! DAMN IT!
April 28, 2016
★3 Stars★
This series is my guilty pleasure (it was also the first to introduce me to the wonderfully addictive world of reverse-harem). I am always way too eager to get my hands on the next Ghost Bird book, once I've finished the latest release.
With that being said, I'm afraid I'm starting to get pissy. This series is dragggggggggggggging. The author needs to get things moving faster, or I am in serious danger of giving up on Sang and the gang (and that would suck!).
Here's what I loved, and what I didn't...
Thumbs UP
This addition to the series followed the gang to camp! An Academy camp - complete with hundreds of existing Academy members and all the new prospects (and it even included a cameo appearance by the characters from Thief). The camp scenes were fun and introduced all new dynamics between Sang and the guys, and forced Sang to socialize with a lot of people outside of their little clique.
There were some great group scenes with all the crew together (something seriously lacking in the previous book), including some cheesy but sweet Christmas scenes, and a fun snowball fight.
Sang has added one more set of lips to her kissing tally - only one more guy to go! (I won't tell you who)
Thumbs DOWN
Sang's whimpering and spinelessness is getting on my nerves. At this point she should have adopted some of the guys fighting spirit, but she seems to be leaning on them now more than ever, even to do the simplest things. I wish the author would give her more spunk!
The more the story goes on, the more the idea of things working out with ALL of them being with Sang, is ridiculous to me. She is way too innocent to entertain so many guys.
The stupid nicknames are so immature to me - 'Meanie' in particular I despise.
The plot of this series is moving too slowly for me, and it's pissing me off! As I was reading, I felt so many of the chapters were long-winded and could have been edited out completely just to get the story moving along faster. In my opinion, this author is dragging the series out to make more money, and it's just not cool. If I have to wait five more years to get to the end, I will stop reading - I don't want that to happen.
Final Thoughts
Well... now the wait begins for the next book in the series. I seriously hope the next addition offers more to the story and gets things moving faster. It's not that I want this series to end, I'm just afraid of being bored to the point that I'll simply stop caring to read on. At this point I've read too much to let that happen, so the faster this series nears the end, the better! Also, I'm keen to have less PG-13 related action, and more M-rated stuff. One can only dream...
This series is my guilty pleasure (it was also the first to introduce me to the wonderfully addictive world of reverse-harem). I am always way too eager to get my hands on the next Ghost Bird book, once I've finished the latest release.
With that being said, I'm afraid I'm starting to get pissy. This series is dragggggggggggggging. The author needs to get things moving faster, or I am in serious danger of giving up on Sang and the gang (and that would suck!).
Here's what I loved, and what I didn't...
Thumbs UP
This addition to the series followed the gang to camp! An Academy camp - complete with hundreds of existing Academy members and all the new prospects (and it even included a cameo appearance by the characters from Thief). The camp scenes were fun and introduced all new dynamics between Sang and the guys, and forced Sang to socialize with a lot of people outside of their little clique.
There were some great group scenes with all the crew together (something seriously lacking in the previous book), including some cheesy but sweet Christmas scenes, and a fun snowball fight.
Sang has added one more set of lips to her kissing tally - only one more guy to go! (I won't tell you who)
Thumbs DOWN
Sang's whimpering and spinelessness is getting on my nerves. At this point she should have adopted some of the guys fighting spirit, but she seems to be leaning on them now more than ever, even to do the simplest things. I wish the author would give her more spunk!
The more the story goes on, the more the idea of things working out with ALL of them being with Sang, is ridiculous to me. She is way too innocent to entertain so many guys.
The stupid nicknames are so immature to me - 'Meanie' in particular I despise.
The plot of this series is moving too slowly for me, and it's pissing me off! As I was reading, I felt so many of the chapters were long-winded and could have been edited out completely just to get the story moving along faster. In my opinion, this author is dragging the series out to make more money, and it's just not cool. If I have to wait five more years to get to the end, I will stop reading - I don't want that to happen.
Final Thoughts
Well... now the wait begins for the next book in the series. I seriously hope the next addition offers more to the story and gets things moving faster. It's not that I want this series to end, I'm just afraid of being bored to the point that I'll simply stop caring to read on. At this point I've read too much to let that happen, so the faster this series nears the end, the better! Also, I'm keen to have less PG-13 related action, and more M-rated stuff. One can only dream...
July 16, 2018
It's time for Sang to be introduced to the Academy, so the group packs up for a camping trip. Anxiety runs high for several reasons: Sang is extremely shy and has a hard time even talking to other Academy students, and she hasn't had any time with Kota yet to see if he will be receptive to "the plan" to keep their group together. Over the course of the week, Sang gets separated from the guys, meets a few new friends, discovers a crucial part of herself, oh and kisses Kota for the first time. Finally! Now maybe they can concentrate on what Hendricks and Volto are up to in the next book!
I like this series, and in my past reviews have praised the slow burn of the romantic plotline. However, I am starting to wonder just how long this series will end up being in the end. Here we are on book 10, Sang has kissed all but one of the guys and everyone is a least aware of what it might take to keep their group together. But each of these guys has an idea of how their future with Sang and the group looks like, and since they are still at the just kissing phase, I'm wondering how long this series will be to get to those futures that they envision. Sang's only 16, but they are daydreaming about buying houses and getting married, etc. At this pace, is that going to happen in book 35 or 50? I still love these characters and the series, it just has me wondering that's all.
I like this series, and in my past reviews have praised the slow burn of the romantic plotline. However, I am starting to wonder just how long this series will end up being in the end. Here we are on book 10, Sang has kissed all but one of the guys and everyone is a least aware of what it might take to keep their group together. But each of these guys has an idea of how their future with Sang and the group looks like, and since they are still at the just kissing phase, I'm wondering how long this series will be to get to those futures that they envision. Sang's only 16, but they are daydreaming about buying houses and getting married, etc. At this pace, is that going to happen in book 35 or 50? I still love these characters and the series, it just has me wondering that's all.
Read
April 2, 2018Rating : between 1 and 4 stars
Check out the first book's review
The Ghost Bird series, a.k.a world's most dangerous drug. Even rehab wouldn't cure me.
Check out the first book's review
The Ghost Bird series, a.k.a world's most dangerous drug. Even rehab wouldn't cure me.
i-want-it-now
December 22, 2015So this one comes out before the next Scarab Beetle?
April 25, 2016
Another great book
I absolutely love this series, the books keep getting better and better, the only thing I hate about this series is having to wait for the next book :)
I absolutely love this series, the books keep getting better and better, the only thing I hate about this series is having to wait for the next book :)
June 25, 2017
Better than the last one....
November 14, 2019
Trouble
A camping trip for academy recruits.... what could go wrong? Well, considering this is Sang and her brood... a lot.
A good teenage tale filled with mystery, angst and blooming new love, all wrapped in a CIA’esque type adventure.
A camping trip for academy recruits.... what could go wrong? Well, considering this is Sang and her brood... a lot.
A good teenage tale filled with mystery, angst and blooming new love, all wrapped in a CIA’esque type adventure.
June 24, 2021
YASSSS. IT GOT SO MUCH BETTER AT THE END. YESSSSSSSssss.
June 13, 2018
Re-read review: somewhere between 4 and 20 stars
I think FIRST KISS may be one of my favorite books in the GHOST BIRD series. Perhaps because it is the least 'angsty' and is less juvenile feeling. Perhaps because we start to get some resolution to some of the zillion dangling threads and open issues in the series. Perhaps because that first kiss was so anticipated and full of all the feels. I just know that I loved this one. Couldn't put it down, even though it was a re-read.
The majority of FIRST KISS takes place over winter break, immediately following the mass strep throat incident. It contained very little Ashley Waters drama and no Volto at all. Instead, this book focused entirely on Sang's relationship with the boys, getting them all on the same page, and learning more about the oh-so-mysterious Academy.
- Sweet, sweet Christmas moments with the guys.
- Wonderful, thoughtful gift-giving from Sang to the guys.
- Official introduction to the Academy.
- Sang trying things out with a team of girls.
- Learning and understanding more about the Academy.
- Second to last 'first kiss' (only one more to go!).
- Connection to the SCARAB BEETLE group & series.
And most importantly (and satisfyingly!)...
The majority of Sang'sstupidly held closely-held secrets are revealed to both the team and to the Academy.
And Sang will finally get some treatment/therapy. Hallelujah!
Perhaps there will finally be a true realization of what "trust your family" really means. One can only hope.
And there was official acknowledgement that Sang needs to remain where she is with the team, at least for now. So that Sword of Damocles has been removed from over their heads, at least until Ashley Waters has been resolved. Yay!
The oh-so-satisfying epilogue did end on a terribly distressing note. Because of course everything couldn't end all sunshine-and-roses. Right?
And now, I can't talk any more because I absolutely must move on to BLACK AND GREEN now! Shhh....
Original review: 5 stars
Love it. Hate it. Love. Hate.
But I kinda loved this one :)
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
90.0% "And they are FINALLY going to get her counseling! Thank god!"
88.0% ""Sang" signifies SUUUPPPERcalifragilistic Special Snowflake. Clearly! ;)"
76.0% "Chapter titles foreshadowing something bad that is about to happen - argh! I am all tense and not wanting to keep reading because I am anticipating the bad thing that is coming. Now I know there is going to be some sort of 'Big Misunderstanding' or secret that blows up or fight amongst the group. And that is all I can focus on. It has me not wanting to keep reading."
76.0% "LOL she is finally learning enough about the Academy to take some of the things off the list she is constantly angsting about. So what does she do? Finds something NEW to start angsting over. Holy crow, Sang, it's perfectly alright to just be happy. Angst is NOT required! (pretty please?!)"
63.0% "How could you STILL not remember the emergency whistle Sang? It has come up several times already."
42.0% "You know, a lot of times Sang comes across more like she is 12 or 13 than 16. Or even younger. Her thought process is sometimes so unbelievably juvenile. It may be a while since I was 16, but I swear I don't recall thinking things like "I would do everything they had done and then Kota would think I was brave and capable." Maybe when I was 10?"
28.0% "Seriously, she is gonna end up diabetic with the amount of sugar she eats! 16 year olds shouldn't be in charge of their own lives, no matter how responsible they are!"
26.0% "Utterly, adorably, cavity-inducing-sweet Christmas presents from Sang to the guys :) All the feels!"
23.0% "This has to be the worst Christmas "procedure" ever. It makes it all about just getting as many "things' as possible, and not about savoring the gift exchange experience. Blech!"
12.0% "Argh! The moment you realize you love all of them should be the moment you can start to envision all being together as a family. About the how the plan would look - able to visualize it. Instead, you are so desperate to angst over something, that now it is making you want to leave to make things "easier"? Seriously!? GAH"
8.0% "OMG, yes!! A passcode on a device! (Even if it is a tablet, not a phone). YAAAASSS! About time!"
2.0% "Continuity issue - if she is in the front passenger seat, then the rearview mirror cannot be used to glance at her. That would be Kota in the back seat."
1.0% "Uh...if 96 is her normal temp, then she should have been in the hospital at 103 because she was killing off brain cells!"
I think FIRST KISS may be one of my favorite books in the GHOST BIRD series. Perhaps because it is the least 'angsty' and is less juvenile feeling. Perhaps because we start to get some resolution to some of the zillion dangling threads and open issues in the series. Perhaps because that first kiss was so anticipated and full of all the feels. I just know that I loved this one. Couldn't put it down, even though it was a re-read.
The majority of FIRST KISS takes place over winter break, immediately following the mass strep throat incident. It contained very little Ashley Waters drama and no Volto at all. Instead, this book focused entirely on Sang's relationship with the boys, getting them all on the same page, and learning more about the oh-so-mysterious Academy.
- Sweet, sweet Christmas moments with the guys.
- Wonderful, thoughtful gift-giving from Sang to the guys.
- Official introduction to the Academy.
- Sang trying things out with a team of girls.
- Learning and understanding more about the Academy.
- Second to last 'first kiss' (only one more to go!).
- Connection to the SCARAB BEETLE group & series.
And most importantly (and satisfyingly!)...
The majority of Sang's
And there was official acknowledgement that Sang needs to remain where she is with the team, at least for now. So that Sword of Damocles has been removed from over their heads, at least until Ashley Waters has been resolved. Yay!
The oh-so-satisfying epilogue did end on a terribly distressing note. Because of course everything couldn't end all sunshine-and-roses. Right?
And now, I can't talk any more because I absolutely must move on to BLACK AND GREEN now! Shhh....
Original review: 5 stars
Love it. Hate it. Love. Hate.
But I kinda loved this one :)
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
90.0% "And they are FINALLY going to get her counseling! Thank god!"
88.0% ""Sang" signifies SUUUPPPERcalifragilistic Special Snowflake. Clearly! ;)"
76.0% "Chapter titles foreshadowing something bad that is about to happen - argh! I am all tense and not wanting to keep reading because I am anticipating the bad thing that is coming. Now I know there is going to be some sort of 'Big Misunderstanding' or secret that blows up or fight amongst the group. And that is all I can focus on. It has me not wanting to keep reading."
76.0% "LOL she is finally learning enough about the Academy to take some of the things off the list she is constantly angsting about. So what does she do? Finds something NEW to start angsting over. Holy crow, Sang, it's perfectly alright to just be happy. Angst is NOT required! (pretty please?!)"
63.0% "How could you STILL not remember the emergency whistle Sang? It has come up several times already."
42.0% "You know, a lot of times Sang comes across more like she is 12 or 13 than 16. Or even younger. Her thought process is sometimes so unbelievably juvenile. It may be a while since I was 16, but I swear I don't recall thinking things like "I would do everything they had done and then Kota would think I was brave and capable." Maybe when I was 10?"
28.0% "Seriously, she is gonna end up diabetic with the amount of sugar she eats! 16 year olds shouldn't be in charge of their own lives, no matter how responsible they are!"
26.0% "Utterly, adorably, cavity-inducing-sweet Christmas presents from Sang to the guys :) All the feels!"
23.0% "This has to be the worst Christmas "procedure" ever. It makes it all about just getting as many "things' as possible, and not about savoring the gift exchange experience. Blech!"
12.0% "Argh! The moment you realize you love all of them should be the moment you can start to envision all being together as a family. About the how the plan would look - able to visualize it. Instead, you are so desperate to angst over something, that now it is making you want to leave to make things "easier"? Seriously!? GAH"
8.0% "OMG, yes!! A passcode on a device! (Even if it is a tablet, not a phone). YAAAASSS! About time!"
2.0% "Continuity issue - if she is in the front passenger seat, then the rearview mirror cannot be used to glance at her. That would be Kota in the back seat."
1.0% "Uh...if 96 is her normal temp, then she should have been in the hospital at 103 because she was killing off brain cells!"
May 6, 2016
I began reading this series in 2014 and was so enthused about it I contacted the author. This book took me through laughter and tears and a lot of hope. I began reading it around midnight ( huge mistake) and kept telling myself I would read one more chapter and finish it the next day. At 4 A.M. to the extreme dislike of my family I screamed because it left me hanging and now I will have to wait until she writes a follow up to this one.
Caution: May contain spoilers.
At just a few years away from 50 years old, C.L. Stone has a way of writing Sang that I feel like a teenager again. Sang continues her adventure with the 9 young men who are vastly different but have such affection for Sang that it makes me fill with hope and want my own group in the academy.
The panic I felt from the characters and the decisions they had to make were so vivid that I had to actually remind myself that this was a story and not a real event. As a sufferer of anxiety myself I felt her pain. Stone is a wonderful story teller. To be an author is great but to me a story teller pulls me so into the story that I can actual feel that their feelings are my own.
The camp and the cold were equally as vivid and we learned so much from Sangs experience there. From new abilities and feelings we got to explore a different aspect to Sang. I realized while reading this that maybe I didn't know her as well as I had thought I had before. That was telling in her reactions to the Carly, April, Lake and even Kota's mother. Her little tidbits of feelings that led us down an spiral of emotions at camp took my own breath away and felt tears of empathy trailing down my own cheeks during more than a few of the scenes.
Other than the cliffhanger ending and the brief glimpse of the next book that was included in this ebook, I found the book to be deeply emotional and yet another completely addictive book in the series. I have read them and re-read them all. I will read this one again and share it with my friends that love this genre.
Thank you C.L. Stone for this series and hurry with the next book please.
Caution: May contain spoilers.
At just a few years away from 50 years old, C.L. Stone has a way of writing Sang that I feel like a teenager again. Sang continues her adventure with the 9 young men who are vastly different but have such affection for Sang that it makes me fill with hope and want my own group in the academy.
The panic I felt from the characters and the decisions they had to make were so vivid that I had to actually remind myself that this was a story and not a real event. As a sufferer of anxiety myself I felt her pain. Stone is a wonderful story teller. To be an author is great but to me a story teller pulls me so into the story that I can actual feel that their feelings are my own.
The camp and the cold were equally as vivid and we learned so much from Sangs experience there. From new abilities and feelings we got to explore a different aspect to Sang. I realized while reading this that maybe I didn't know her as well as I had thought I had before. That was telling in her reactions to the Carly, April, Lake and even Kota's mother. Her little tidbits of feelings that led us down an spiral of emotions at camp took my own breath away and felt tears of empathy trailing down my own cheeks during more than a few of the scenes.
Other than the cliffhanger ending and the brief glimpse of the next book that was included in this ebook, I found the book to be deeply emotional and yet another completely addictive book in the series. I have read them and re-read them all. I will read this one again and share it with my friends that love this genre.
Thank you C.L. Stone for this series and hurry with the next book please.
January 3, 2018
January 1, 2018
Technically, this book can’t really count as a 2018 book, as I started this book in December 31, 2017, and finish around 1:00ish the following day. Even though this book is a re-read for me, I definitely sill enjoyed as much as I do the first time, maybe even more. Don’t get me wrong, it is not that I didn’t enjoy it the first time (as a matter of fact, I already really enjoyed it the first time), just that I caught so much more in the story when reading it the second time.
This book starts out with Sang and the boys getting ready for Christmas – wrapping gifts, last minute Christmas shopping – and so on and so forth. We get to see how the boys celebrate Christmas and join in in their Christmas celebration, which was kind of perfect for reading it in December.
Hahaha, I can just imagine how long that will take if everyone opens their gifts one by one. Especially knowing the number of gifts each boy will give each other.
One of my favorite part of this book was the snowfall that happened before Christmas, near the beginning of the book (I believe that you can download a free book of this part of the story. I think it is just called Snowfall). Just love to see how Sang interacts with the boys on a morning when she thinks she heard the snow falling. It made me smile while reading it:
Yup, boys, you guys should believe in Sang more. For calling out loud, she can identify you guys with just you scent. Or as Kota so kindly put it:
Anyways, back to topic. After Christmas, comes the main part of the story: the camping trip! Or more specially, the Academy’s introduction week. Yup, you got it right, Sang is finally getting officially introduced to the Academy! And it is time for the boys to finalize the plan, and probably tell Kota about it, since he is the only one left that doesn’t know the plan yet.
All in all, lots happened while on the camping trip. Let’s just say that things did not go exactly as planned Starting off with Sang being separated from the boys and put into an all girls team. (though I still think the Academy tricked her. Come on, it just so happens that Ms. Rose needs someone to translate sign language for her, and Sang is the only one available? It doesn’t make sense. I highly doubted that the academy will be so unprepared. I really really believe that it is a set up for Sang to join in a girl’s team. Especially since knowing sign language is probably on Sang’s file.) , and lots of other things happened. But all in all, things end up being resolved(?) The book ended on a cliff hanger, but it really isn’t a thing to worry about as the sequel Black & Green is out. And for those that don’t know, this book is a Kota book.
P.S. This is a revers haram romance book
P.P.S. Got to end with one of Silas Jokes!
Hahaha, well, hope you have an amazing read. Enjoy!
Auguest 30, 2016
WHERE IS THE NEXT BOOK?! I NEED IT NOW! CAN'T WAIT! SO EXCITED FOR IT!!!
After reading all 10 books that were out head to toe, I just cannot sit and wait for the next book to come out. So excited for it. And I must declare that this series is now one of my top favorite series. Love it so much. All the characters are amazing, and Sang is just such a sweet girl to read about. I didn't feel annoyed with her at all. Love how she is so considering and caring and soft and strong towards everyone - even those who have done her wrong.
The guys are awesome, too. They are all so caring and special in their own individual way. Just reading about their interaction with Sang and knowing how much they care about her warms my heart, and made me like them even more.
However, I must say that after reading this book, I am positive that out of all the guys, my favorite is definitively Victor. The handsome, caring, loving, and supportive Victor. The pianist. The warm shadow that is always there, always looking out for Sang no matter what. I just adore him so much from the very first book. Especially when he, the ever so calm, gentle, shy, and quite him raised his voice for Sang near the end of this book. At that moment, I was just so touched and know that he is definitely one of my favorite academy boy.
Overall, I adore this series (well, at least the first 10 books) and cannot wait to read more. Really excited to see what C. L. Stone has in-stored for us for the next books. Highly recommend this series to all.
Technically, this book can’t really count as a 2018 book, as I started this book in December 31, 2017, and finish around 1:00ish the following day. Even though this book is a re-read for me, I definitely sill enjoyed as much as I do the first time, maybe even more. Don’t get me wrong, it is not that I didn’t enjoy it the first time (as a matter of fact, I already really enjoyed it the first time), just that I caught so much more in the story when reading it the second time.
This book starts out with Sang and the boys getting ready for Christmas – wrapping gifts, last minute Christmas shopping – and so on and so forth. We get to see how the boys celebrate Christmas and join in in their Christmas celebration, which was kind of perfect for reading it in December.
As Luke and Dr. Green were finishing up, Erica waved her hand and said loudly over the boys’ chatter in the room, “Okay you guys. Remember the procedure. Open quickly and toss all your wrapping paper in the middle. Don’t wait on the others. It takes too long to go around the circle. We tried that before and we don’t have all day. We can admire it all at the end.”
Hahaha, I can just imagine how long that will take if everyone opens their gifts one by one. Especially knowing the number of gifts each boy will give each other.
One of my favorite part of this book was the snowfall that happened before Christmas, near the beginning of the book (I believe that you can download a free book of this part of the story. I think it is just called Snowfall). Just love to see how Sang interacts with the boys on a morning when she thinks she heard the snow falling. It made me smile while reading it:
“Meanie?” I sing-songed his name.
“Trouble,” he mumbled, his voice slurred.
“Go look.”
Gabriel groaned. “No. You’re tricking me.”
“I swear,” I said. “It’s snowing.”
“No, it isn’t.”
I turned away from Kota, lying on my back. “I bet you a dollar.”
“I’m not getting up for a dollar.”
“I’ll bet you...what do you want?”
“Gabe,” Luke said. “Don’t fall for it. She’ll get you to get up and then while you’re up, she’ll get you to get something for her. Like a cup of water or something. It’s an evil girl trick.”
“Guys,” I said in a more urgent tone. Why did they never believe me? “I swear. I’d bet my soul...”
“No betting your soul, Princess,” Victor mumbled.
I grumbled, frustrated. “Gabriel,” I called. “Go look.”
“No.”
“Please?”
“Fuck, no.”
“God damn,” Nathan said. “Someone get up and tell her it’s not snowing so she’ll go back to sleep.”
I shoved my hands into my face, yawning and stretching. I could have told them I heard gunfire and they’d still sleep. I turned enough so I could peek out at the boys, over Nathan bundled up on the cot nearby. He was on his back, but his eyes were closed with an arm draped over his face to ward off light. I spotted Gabriel on the floor nearby, his hair sticking out from just under his blanket. The blonde mixed into the russet and the locks were wild, twisted about and sticking up in places. “Gabriel, I’ll give you anything you want if I’m wrong. Cross my heart. It’s snowing outside right now.”
Gabriel grunted into his pillow, arched his back and slowly drew himself up until he was sitting back on his heels. His shirt was off, his bare chest a ripple of lean muscles. He eyeballed me through narrowed, sleepy eyes, focusing on my face. “I swear, Trouble, there is no possible way it is snowing. This is South Carolina. South. It hasn’t snowed here in like a hundred years.”
“And I’m telling you, I can hear it. It’s snowing. I’m from Illinois. It snows there. I know what it sounds like.”
Gabriel shoved his blanket aside, crawled over Luke, and started to knee-walk over to Kota’s window. “Trouble, you asked for it. You can’t hear snow. It’s impossible. I’m going to want a massage. I’m going to want you to wash my hair for a month. I’m gonna get you to paint my nails a thousand times.” He got to the window, wrapping a fist around the strings to tear open the blinds. His head tilted toward the window. “I’m going to make you wear skirts for the rest of winter. I’m gonna...holy Jesus motherfucking Christ; it’s snowing.”
Yup, boys, you guys should believe in Sang more. For calling out loud, she can identify you guys with just you scent. Or as Kota so kindly put it:
“You could put her in the dark and she could tell if one of us is around just by scent.”
Anyways, back to topic. After Christmas, comes the main part of the story: the camping trip! Or more specially, the Academy’s introduction week. Yup, you got it right, Sang is finally getting officially introduced to the Academy! And it is time for the boys to finalize the plan, and probably tell Kota about it, since he is the only one left that doesn’t know the plan yet.
All in all, lots happened while on the camping trip. Let’s just say that things did not go exactly as planned Starting off with Sang being separated from the boys and put into an all girls team. (though I still think the Academy tricked her. Come on, it just so happens that Ms. Rose needs someone to translate sign language for her, and Sang is the only one available? It doesn’t make sense. I highly doubted that the academy will be so unprepared. I really really believe that it is a set up for Sang to join in a girl’s team. Especially since knowing sign language is probably on Sang’s file.) , and lots of other things happened. But all in all, things end up being resolved(?) The book ended on a cliff hanger, but it really isn’t a thing to worry about as the sequel Black & Green is out. And for those that don’t know, this book is a Kota book.
P.S. This is a revers haram romance book
P.P.S. Got to end with one of Silas Jokes!
He put his hands on his hips. “What do you get when you cross and elephant with a kangaroo?” I cringed. “What?” “Great big holes all over Australia.”
Hahaha, well, hope you have an amazing read. Enjoy!
Auguest 30, 2016
WHERE IS THE NEXT BOOK?! I NEED IT NOW! CAN'T WAIT! SO EXCITED FOR IT!!!
After reading all 10 books that were out head to toe, I just cannot sit and wait for the next book to come out. So excited for it. And I must declare that this series is now one of my top favorite series. Love it so much. All the characters are amazing, and Sang is just such a sweet girl to read about. I didn't feel annoyed with her at all. Love how she is so considering and caring and soft and strong towards everyone - even those who have done her wrong.
The guys are awesome, too. They are all so caring and special in their own individual way. Just reading about their interaction with Sang and knowing how much they care about her warms my heart, and made me like them even more.
However, I must say that after reading this book, I am positive that out of all the guys, my favorite is definitively Victor. The handsome, caring, loving, and supportive Victor. The pianist. The warm shadow that is always there, always looking out for Sang no matter what. I just adore him so much from the very first book. Especially when he, the ever so calm, gentle, shy, and quite him raised his voice for Sang near the end of this book. At that moment, I was just so touched and know that he is definitely one of my favorite academy boy.
Victor stopped on his path toward the door to face Kota full on. "You should have listened," he barked. He held me tighter to his body. "She told you no. She has ever, ever, told you no, even when she's not sure of what she wants. This girl would rather suffer in silence, would rather go through hell than disappoint you. We told her to go with the girls, and she did, even though it killed her to o it. We ask her to go into danger with Mr. Hendricks all the time, and she does. Now the one time she;s telling you not to make her do something, you don't listen to her? How is she supposed to trust you when you do something like that?"
Overall, I adore this series (well, at least the first 10 books) and cannot wait to read more. Really excited to see what C. L. Stone has in-stored for us for the next books. Highly recommend this series to all.
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