{Book Review} How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne

These men are dark, bold, and brave. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...

Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past—one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.

LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS

Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.

I loved it. I loved it. I looooved it. I actually received this as an ARC via NetGalley but enjoyed it so much I purchased a kindle copy. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is my first Kerrigan Byrne read and I’m so hooked on her writing style I can’t wait to read more. I really enjoyed her story telling! Y’all! They are both so full of attributes I love in a romance character. I wanted to devour this book so quickly but I made myself savor it. This book is the first in a trilogy and follows Alexandra and Piers (I love his name!). Alexandra is a strong, smart, sassy heroine and Piers is a strong, scarred, grumpy hero. Between Piers’ mommy issues and Alexandra’s men issues I wanted to hug them both. There’s nothing I like more than two tortured characters making their way into each other’s hearts. From the second they met I felt their chemistry and couldn’t wait to see where it went. If these two characters had ended up with other significant others it just wouldn’t have been the same for me. I could see them slowly falling for one another. Alexandra is hiding something and Piers is distrustful of...everyone, and some twisted part of me was so excited to see all of that play out. Misunderstanding and miscommunication is such catnip for me! The sex scenes were fantastic. I loved that we got foreplay multiple times before they consummated. Yay slow burn! I really could ramble all day about this book and this couple and even the secondary characters. I’m really looking forward to more of them in the future. Trigger warning for rape.

{Book Review} Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Publication Date: April 22nd 2014
Publisher: by Broadway Books
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

What. In. The. World. This book!!!!! I've read so many comments about how messed up it is and how the ending is ridiculous. I've had a million theories as I've read. I've thought about it constantly. It's shocked me left and right. It's made me never want to get married. Ever.  There were parts where I guessed what was happening, other bits that blew me out of the water. The writing was fantastic. I felt everything these characters felt. Kudos to the author.  The only complaint is the way it ended because now I'm just trying to figure out what happens next.  I'm giving it five stars because I feel like I can't go any lower. When a book messes with your head this much it deserves the top rating. Good gracious.  Yeah, never getting married.
These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Book Review} The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
Published November 13th 2012 by Atria Books
Good Reads

I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.
Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.
Josh Bennett’s story is no secret: every person he loves has been taken from his life until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. Now all he wants is be left alone and people allow it because when your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.
Everyone except Nastya, the mysterious new girl at school who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of an enigma she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.
The Sea of Tranquility is a rich, intense, and brilliantly imagined story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

Beautiful. Haunting. Heartbreaking. I haven't been touched by a book like this in a long while. Maybe it's because of the things happening in my life currently. Maybe it's because it's just beautifully written and raw and real. I'm so thankful someone convinced me to read this here and now. Everyone needs to read this book. It's a reminder that life is short, precious, sometimes painful, but there's always hope if you just look for it.

Swoonworthy
"I lied. I told him you were mine."
"Just so you know, you didn't lie."

{Book Review} Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting

Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting

Publication Date: Mar 4, 2014  Publisher: Gallery

An emotional love story that follows the touch-and-go relationship of Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts. As Hayden and Tenley navigate their newfound but slightly unstable relationship, they want to trust each other, but Hayden is hiding a dark and shameful past that he doesn't ever want Tenley to find out about. And Tenley has secrets of her own that could make Hayden run away forever. When Tenley asks Hayden to put a beautifully elaborate tattoo across her back, the two form what they thought was an unshakeable bond. But when Tenley's past shows up on her doorstep, will Hayden stand by her side...or run?

Contemporary, Romance, Angst, Series

Adult content

I don't know that I have the appropriate words needed to talk about how beautiful a book Clipped Wings truly is. I'd read it in it's original form, as Twilight fan fiction so I was eager to get my hands on the published version. Sometimes you never know what changes (if any) are made when a fan fiction gets pulled offline and picked up by a publisher. That doesn't really bother me, I have to admit, because I like revisiting 'old friends'. 

Clipped Wings was one of the first fan fiction stories I read and it has stuck with me since. It's hard to write a review for a book that you absolutely love and adore and not give too much away. Clipped Wings is packed with raw emotion and a lot of angst. I know that's not everyone's cup of tea but I love a touch of heartichoke mixed in with my eventual romance and spiciness. And let me just say that the spice and the romance are both there in spades. 

Ms. Hunting does a gorgeous job with both of those. Hayden is that guy you want to hug and heal. Tenley is that girl you want to see fit in her own skin and grow as a confident person. Both of these characters have had some really terrible things happen in their lives. They definitely make you want to bawl your eyes out a time or two. The writing in some scenes is so powerful I found it effecting my mood. I was a roller coaster ride up until I finished reading. This is not a complaint at all, but almost a compliment that a story could make me react so strongly. The changes that were made in the book, compared to what I remember when I read it as FF are great. I believe they definitely strengthened my love for Hayden and Tenley, as well as the secondary characters. 

I really wish I could be more specific because so many things occur that are important to the overall aspect of why I loved the book. Since I can't do that, here's a small list of stuff I loved: The Kitten, Hayden's passion for artistry, as well as hard exterior/soft interior, Tenley's strength and calm nature, Friendships between the small group of characters, Raw emotions and the slow slide into love, Cupcakes!!

Things I did not love: That cliffhanger! But that's ok because I've moved on to Inked Armor and I get to love up on more of Tenley and Hayden. I have to admit that I received a copy via NetGalley through the publisher but I was not having any part of that and bought my own copy with my own money so I could have it in print. That's how much I love this series.

{Book Review} Beautiful Stranger (Beautiful Bastard #2) by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Stranger (Beautiful Bastard #2) by Christina Lauren
Publication Date: Apr 16, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

A charming British Playboy. A girl determined to finally live. And a secret liaison revealed in all too vivid color. Book two in the NYT Bestselling series.
Escaping a cheating ex, finance whiz Sara Dillon's moved to New York City and is looking for excitement without a lot of strings attached. So meeting the irresistible, sexy Brit at a dance club should have meant nothing more than a night's fun. But the manner--and speed--with which he melts her inhibitions turns him from a one-time hookup and into her Beautiful Stranger.
The whole city knows Max Stella loves women, not that he's ever found one he particularly wants to keep around. Despite pulling in plenty with his Wall Street bad boy charm, it's not until Sara--and the wild photos she lets him take of her--that he starts wondering if there's someone for him outside of the bedroom.
Hooking up in places where anybody could catch them, the only thing scarier for Sara than getting caught in public is having Max get too close in private. (SOURCE)

The summary for Beautiful Stranger starts with "a charming British playboy" and goodness gracious if that isn't true. I can almost say that I loved BS more than Beautiful Bastard, and that is huge. My love for it was great. There's something about about Max Stella though that made me not only swoon, but fan my blushing cheeks too. He was also a nice guy, not at all what I expected him to be, which is fantastic! I love when a story surprises me.

Max Stella has quite the reputation in New York City. He's almost constantly mentioned in gossip articles and often photoed with various women. There are even paparazzi that follow him, trying to get the goods on him when they can. From the outside looking in, it appears that he is only out for a good time, using women and then throwing them away when he's done. It's easy to see why people view him as the playboy but there's so much more to Max. He is a caring, charming, smart business man with so many layers. It was fun to see those layers revealed as the story built. I loved loved loved Max. I can't say those words too many times. He was a great character.

Sara Dillion has just moved to NYC from Chicago, after ending a long term relationship with her cheating jerk of an ex fiance. She'd had no idea all those years she spent with him were fake. Or that he'd been using her to further his career. Devastated, Sara decides she's not going to get involved with another man. No more relationships for her. One night out with friends leads to one sexy, steamy scene in a club with a Stranger. Once the encounter is over, they go their separate ways, except Sara keeps running into the debonair man! It's almost like he's following her, turning up in the most random places.

One of my favorite parts about these two characters is their chemistry. It's intense, but not only on a sexual level. There is a lot of fire between them; arguments and hard headedness everywhere. They are both incredibly strong willed and that makes me love them, especially Sara. It's nice and refreshing to find a female character in this type of novel and have her not be weak or simpering. She's strong, strong enough to stand up for what she wants when it comes to her career and life. She has guts. I think that is one of the things that Max is drawn to. There's a brain in Sara's head and she uses it.

The progression of Sara and Max's story is so well paced that I never once got bored or felt rushed. I saw their relationship grow slow and steady. I saw them both learn about themselves and each other. They evolved into a great pairing. I really can't say enough how great this story was. I wanted to start over from the beginning before I'd even finished it.


These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
Publication Date: Feb 12, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

An ambitious intern.
A perfectionist executive.
And a whole lot of name calling.
Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He's exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.
Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family's massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who'd been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he's never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe's so tempting he's willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.
As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they're willing to lose in order to win each other.
Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over two million reads on fan fiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release. (SOURCE)

Back in the day (hehe) I'd just read this book series about vampires and werewolves but it left me wanting more. I decided to find some fanfiction to make up for the things I didn't get *cough* mostly smutty deliciousness. Everyone was all in a tizzy about a few different stories, The Office, being one of them. When I started reading it, I understood why that was.

Much to my enjoyment and glee, that fanfic became a published book. When I heard the news I flailed all over myself and had to get my hands on it as soon as it was released. There are some stories that I hold near and dear to my heart and this is one of them. To be able to have it in print and on my bookcase was a dream come true for this fangirl.

Granted, there is a lot of changes between the fanfiction and the published book, I still love it so very much. Chloe is sassy and head strong. No wilting flower, which we do often get in romantic based books. She gives as good as she gets from Bennett. And she definitely gets a lot of attitude from him. Her frustration with him pretty much jumps off the pages. I like that Chloe is a smart, successful, business woman too.

Bennett ... he's a difficult man to work for. At times he seems to be unwilling to bend. It was his way or the highway. That is, until I was really able to get into his mind. With BB alternating POVs through the book it was nice to see where his head is. He definitely has conflicting emotions when it came to Chloe. As I got to know him a little better I could understand why that is. I loved his personality, really. He's a hard working, brilliant, and protective guy. Plus, he's always in a suit and tie. You can't go wrong with that. Ever.

Beautiful Bastard is incredibly sexy and admittedly, smut filled within the first few pages. But, it's so much more than that too. There is an intense relationship between Chloe and Bennett and for this reader, it was very believable and obvious.

I love UST and this is full of that too, because even though they have multiple flings together, neither of them wants it to happen again. It's kind of funny actually. One second they are both swearing it won't happen again, then two seconds later, they're *ahem* on a desk. I spent a lot of time fanning my face, I'll just admit that right now. So if you're looking for a yummy, turned romance read, this one could be for you.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to stalk my mailbox for Beautiful Stranger!

I actually received a galley copy via netgalley but pre-ordered and read my own copy. Soooooo. This is sorta a Galley but that definitely didn't effect my review. Obviously. Since I fangirled all over it.

{Review} {Giveaway} Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward

Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward

Publication Date: Mar 26, 2013
Publisher: Hachette Digital
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

Summary: Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....
Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.
Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one. (SOURCE)

Black Dagger Brotherhood is one of my favorite series' ... ever. I have my favorite couples that I ship, just like most other fans. Zsadist is my favorite of the brothers. Followed by JM, Rehv and Blay and Qhuinn, in no particular order. I have been anticipating this book for longer than I can remember. From the first time Blay and Qhuinn were introduced, I shipped them. As the series went on I continued to read just for little snippets of those two together.

I've always been a sucker for angst and heart break stories, and those two have always had both of those in spades. The kicker is, I always need an HEA so I have been holding my breath, hoping these two guys would get one.

When I first heard that the next full length novel in the series was actually going to be B/Q's book, I was nervous and excited. In the past, we'd been told there would only be a novella for them and that bummed me out. There was so much potential, good and 'bad'. Slowly, bits of info regarding the plot were revealed by Ward and I wasn't sure how I'd react to some of the things.

Layla was fantastic. I was afraid I would hate her for being a big interference between Qhuinn and Blay. Happily, she was not what I assumed she'd be. Such a passionate, caring, sweet character she turned out to be. I found her desire to help Qhuinn find happiness to be endearing. She was strong too, not weak willed, as I had noticed of the Chosen in the past. Good for her for going after what she wanted most! I found myself wanting to ship her with Xcor.

And Xcor, damn, as much as I wanted to, I couldn't hate him! The same was the case with Assail. Who'd have thought I would find myself absolutely loving the bad guys? Both of who have done terrible things to the Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood... they made me love them all even more, and I don't know how that's even possible because my adoration for them was super sized already. They are amazing males - warriors, hellrens, fathers,  full of compassion and love. Sigh.

But Blay and Qhuinn, y'all. Every scene between the two of them jumped off the page. Their chemistry and the UST was off the charts, as usual. I spent a lot of time blushing and fanning myself. I also wanted to hug both guys. And then shove them together for lots of kisses. There was so much misunderstanding between the two that I almost wanted to throw my kindle. I spent most of the book yelling at them "omg tell each other the truth!!!" These guys had more relationship drama than a male/female couple!

Mercy, did I love them both so much though. I went through the gamut of emotions through all eighty-two chapters and an epilogue. Sometimes I got frustrated when a chapter would end and the next one would switch to another story. In the end though, I was glad to get a mix of other characters. I'm not a huge fan of the lesser society stuff but obviously it needs to be there, otherwise, what would the Brothers be fighting? There wouldn't be a real point in having the Brotherhood if the lessers and Band of Bastards too weren't around.

Lover At Last was the first male/male full length book for me, though I've read short stories and fanfiction in the past. I loved seeing a different type of relationship though. When it's all said and done, love is love. 

And since I loved LaL so much, I'm giving away a copy!!!




a Rafflecopter giveaway


These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by R.L. LaFevers

Publication Date: Apr 3, 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads 
My Rating:
 



 

Synopsis:  Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf? Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart? (SOURCE)

I don't even know where to begin with this review. I started out taking notes as I read, but I became so wrapped up in the story they fell by the wayside. I received Grave Mercy through netgalley after getting a mass email from them. It sounded intriguing but I wasn't 100% that it was my kind of book. Since I wanted to read something different, I decided to give it a go. Boy am I glad I did.


When you first meet Ismae, she is very young. The reader learns a little of how her life has been, how she is 'given' to a horrible man and forced to marry him. But then she's spirited away by someone from her past and hand delivered to a convent.

This convent is like no other convent. It is the house of Saint Mortain's assassins. He marques them and his lovely young girls are sent on missions to track down murderers, those that have committed treason and so on. Ismae is put through three years of training before she stars going on missions herself.

She is sent to infiltrate court and help protect the duchess of Brittany. Gavriel Duval escorts her, quite reluctantly, I might add. He's suspicious of her, just as she's suspicious of him. And my my but the sparks do fly. They are both strong and intense characters that pulled me right into the story. She's meant to spy on Duval, but he's not what she and the convent thought he might be. As Ismae gets to know him more, and as Duval learns what the Death maiden's are truly all about, it's obvious there is so much more than what meets the eye.

From chapter one I was intrigued and curious. The scenes are so beautifully written that you can see them, as if you're watching a movie, not reading a book.That's always (for me) a sign of a great book.

As the story moves along there are so many questions. They keep piling up, and even when you get answers, it just makes more questions pop up. It's also full of intrigue and action. The plot, the antagonists, protagonists, secondary characters-- they are all great, well rounded characters that make this story what it is. The lure and myth behind the book is fascinating and gets your brain really going. Ms. LaFevers built a whole world that just amazed me and made me crave more.

Oh... and Grave Mercy is a young adult book. Huh. I'm still not sure how to wrap my brain around that one. The whole time I was reading I kept thinking "isn't this YA?? I thought it was YA." Seriously, it reads so differently than any YA I've ever read. The sizzle was off the charts. I dare say it's the only YA I've read that did not leave me saying "stupid fade to black" even when it faded to black. The story is so layered that I don't even miss that part. Because I admit, I read YA but it's not my main focus, because well-- I like the smut. With this book I didn't feel like I was missing out on things.

I can't rave about this book enough. Like I said, I did get it from netgalley and since it will expire on my kindle, I'm planning to buy. As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to pre-order now.

Now to wait for Spring 2013 for the second book, Dark Triumph. What in the world?!

{Review} Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Published Date: Dec 2, 2010
Publisher: Dutton

Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

Synopsis: Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited? (SOURCE) 

As if high school can't be complicated enough Anna's parents decide to send her away to an American school in Paris. Now, to me, that sounded like a really cool thing to get to do. But not to Anna. She has a great best friend, an almost boyfriend and a cool little brother - none of which she wants to leave behind. Anna doesn't know anyone at this new school and she doesn't speak a word of French.

Her dad is such a lame guy that you can't help but giggle over his ridiculousness. He's the reason she's being sent to school in an entirely different country. Her mom seems flighty and

Anna herself is funny, smart and sarcastic. I enjoyed her inner monologue so much. Shortly after her arrival she meets her 'neighbor' in the dorm, Meredith. Mer does everything she can to make Anna feel at home by introducing her to Mer's own eclectic group of friends.

When Anna meets St. Clair she feels connected to him right away. Bummer though, he has an older girlfriend. Anna thinks their relationship is great but through a nice slow build up, you learn it is not. The two of them become good friends and she falls head over heels in love with St. Clair and he with her.

Anna's adventures and explorations in Paris are so fun to read through her eyes. I instantly wanted to pack up and be sent off to a boarding school. I mean, geez, it didn't seem all that bad once Anna allowed herself to have fun and make friends. I'm kind of jealous of her actually.

I instantly loved every character in this book. It felt bright and sunny, and lifted my heart up. I am such a fan of something that is light and makes me smile for days. Anna and the French Kiss did that so well. It was a breath of fresh air!

These are my only personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Published Date: Nov 15, 2011
Publisher:  HarperCollins
My Rating:


 

Synopsis: The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. 

There are some books that just linger with you when you read them. For me, Shatter Me was one of those books.

Tahereh's words are like magic. They are poetry and lyrics; wind weaving through the trees, ocean waves smoothing sand. She strings together phrases and sentences that make me sit back and gasp. And think. It's lovely and brilliant what she did with this book. I think I have a pretty decent imagination when it comes to visualizing what I'm reading, but wow, Tahereh just blew me away with his descriptions. I felt like I was right in the middle of the action.

Within the first line of chapter 1 I was curious about this world I was being thrown into. Juliette has such a strong, powerful voice that carries the reader straight into her heart and mind.  Accuse of murder, she has been thrown into a cell to count the days one by one. Without having been talked to or touched in over two hundred days one would think she would have lost her mind. But she's strong and alert; a fighter.

When Juliette is told she'll be getting a cellmate her mind goes in all different directions. I could feel her panic at the thought of having someone that close. Because, for her to touch someone physically, it could  destroy her, make her more of the murder she sees herself as. Juliette's touch, is deadly, but no one knows why.

I don't want to spoil the entire book, because had I known what happens, what the cellmate was going to be like, I would have gone into the book with different eyes. I will say that I was definitely surprised when her roomie entered the room and something sort of niggled at my mind. As it did Juliette's, because she isn't willing to open up and talk to this new person. Not at all. She does an excellent job of deflecting and protecting herself as she searches her mind for clues about this person.

As things are revealed, as you go deeper into this world that has been so craftily created by Tahereh, you will gasp in anger, feel your heart expand and desperately need more. When I read Shatter Me I didn't realize it wasn't just a stand alone book. To my surprise and great joy, I realized it was only the beginning of great things to come

If you enjoyed The Hunger Games, which I did, you'll probably love Shatter Me as well.


These are only my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Three Daves by Nicki Elson

Three Daves by Nicki Elson
Published Date: Feb 16, 2010
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
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My Rating:

Synopsis: Jennifer Whitney was the last American virgin. At least that’s what she felt like in 1986 as she began her sophomore year at Central Illinois University. She was proud of her decision to wait for the right guy, and yet she was getting restless. It seemed like everyone around her was doing it... and having fun doing it, too. She didn’t want to become the campus slut or anything, but surely there was a difference between a trashy skank and a nice girl with a little experience. Perhaps it was time to stop relying on fate to guide her and instead take matters into her own hands. And with that realization, Jen decided to find “the one” and lose her virginity, although not necessarily in that order...  (SOURCE)

Ah Three Daves! It was on my TBR list for far too long because really, I wish I'd read it much sooner. Three Daves is set in the 80's (I. KNOW. RIGHT?!). And let me tell you, Three Daves is an excellent book, no matter what decade you grew up in. If you wore acid wash jeans, a denim jacket, had big hair, wore old concert t-shirts, swooned over hair band guys or wore your heels with socks - you'll love it even more.

I should probably preface this by saying I was born in '81 and didn't reach high school and college age until mid and late 90's so I can't totally identify with Jennifer on that level. I did have much older step siblings and remember a lot of things from their high school days. I love 80's music as well. And I'm always up for a great story. I couldn't have gone wrong by reading Jen's story. I giggled and swooned over this light and fun read. Just thinking back on it makes me smile and want to read it again.

The only thing that threw me off was that there are bible quotes but it wasn't a turn off. I just didn't quite know where they fit in. Other than that, the story is so authentic. Jen's emotions and thoughts are dead on with a college girl. Who wouldn't have a hard time deciding which of her three Dave's to date? On one hand, you have the mysterious bad boy, then you have the boy friend that is sorta emo but adorable and you've had a crush on him forever, and of course, the big man on campus with a heart of gold. Such a wide range of guys to choose between! Add to that, the desire to lose her virginity and Jen's life is a whirlwind. (Boy did her plan to lose it make me giggle.)

I really enjoyed Nicki's writing style and felt like I was getting a glimpse into someone's real life. This was one of those fiction stories that leaves you wanting the characters as your friends. I can't say enough how much I loved and enjoyed it. Three Daves made my heart happy.

These are only my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1) by E. L. James

Published Date:

Publisher: The Writer's House Coffee Shop

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My Rating:

 

Synopsis: When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time. Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever. --Source

First, I want to preface this review by saying Fifty Shades of Grey started out as a Twilight fanfiction on the internet. I never read this when it was Twilight fanfiction. I'd heard of it but never got around to reading before it was pulled. That said, I'm pleased I never let others complaints about the author pulling the fanfic offline deter me from reading the published version.

Originally I was in the mood to read something different and downloaded the sample on my kindle. After reading through that, I purchased the book right away. I was hooked. Fifty is filled with intense characters that are full of passion. They are also riddled with flaws and imperfections. This makes the book entirely better, in my opinion. Anastasia and Christian are true people. I fell in love with them very easily.

As I read I went through a slew of emotions. Laughter, tears, frustration, heart break, love. I like nothing better than a book that makes me FEEL things from start to finish. I found myself actually talking to the characters as I read. Like they would hear me and I could change the outcome or make a difference in their story.

Fifty Shades of Grey is much more than a book about a man that feels the need to control emotionally and physically. It is about people that learn and evolve. Christian is changed by Anastasia, even in the very beginning. Even when he doesn't want to see how she's effected him. But not only does Ana change Christian's life, he changes hers as well. She finally gets something she never knew she wanted or needed in her life.

This book does contain BDSM but it is not used gratuitously. It is important to the story though so if that squicks you out, consider it before hand. There is nothing too severe, this is just a heads up.

I loved Fifty, honestly. I don't give a five start rating that often, not unless a book really sticks with me or I can't put it down. This is definitely one of those books.


These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Published Date: Feb 10, 2009
Publisher: Amy Enihorn Books/Putnam

My Rating:

Synopsis: Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.

Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women - mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends - view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't. -Source

I'd been wanting to read The Help for a while, especially since it was made into a movie. The big draw for me was it's southern roots, plus it's based in Jackson Mississippi, where I've been multiple times and have great memories of.

I loved that it has southern vernacular and little sayings that I'm so familiar with. There weren't too many (fake) "y'alls" thrown in just for the heck of it. It was all more 'old south' with phrases like "a goin" and "fixin". I laughed my way through most of the book because it all seemed so familiar to me, especially parts that reminded me of my grandmother or great grandmother.

The relationships between the ladies and their help was interesting. Some of them were nicer than others. What I really found fascinating was that in private a few of them were nice to their maids, but in public they were dismissive or rude. Keeping up appearances and all of that, you know.

Skeeter is such a great character, as are Aibileen and Minny. They truly came alive and jumped off of the pages for me. Miss Skeeters manuscript is almost like reading a book with-in a book. You get her journey of writing her novel as well as the stories the maids shared with her for her book.

I think if you are from the south, have southern roots you might like The Help.

{Review} The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

Published Date: Dec 1, 2010

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

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My Rating:

Synopsis:

History has all but forgotten...

In the spring of 1708, an invading Jacobite fleet of French and Scottish soldiers nearly succeeded in landing the exiled James Stewart in Scotland to reclaim his crown.

Now, Carrie McClelland hopes to turn that story into her next bestselling novel. Settling herself in the shadow of Slains Castle, she creates a heroine named for one of her own ancestors and starts to write.

But when she discovers her novel is more fact than fiction, Carrie wonders if she might be dealing with ancestral memory, making her the only living person who knows the truth-the ultimate betrayal-that happened all those years ago, and that knowledge comes very close to destroying her... (SOURCE)

I happened upon this book and downloaded the free sample. It was the first three chapters of the book and I was immediately hooked. I bought the rest of The Winter Sea right away and I jumped into it immediately.

It is beautifully written, telling the story of an author, Carrie McClelland who has traveled the world while writing her best sellers. After having not found what she's looking for in France, where she had been researching the Jacobite in 1708, she is led to Scotland.

There, her story begins to unravel, dreams begin to be come reality and her life isn't what it seems. Once Carrie is in Scotland she begins meeting a cast of characters that ultimately help her put all the pieces of her book together.

One of my favorite parts about this book is that Susanna Kearsley gives not only the details of Carrie's life as the author but also, you get to read the book she's working on. It's sort of like two books in one. Sophia, the heroine of Carrie's novel is a fantastic character that you can't help but love and root for. She becomes intertwined with a mission to bring King James back to the thrown. There is intrigue, betrayal, scandal, and a love story.

Impressively, even with the weaving of two different stories, and time periods, weaving through the book, it's easy to follow and envision.

It had been a long time since I'd read anything that wasn't Young Adult or supernatural/paranormal (vampires). I'm so glad The Winter Sea caught my eye and I read the sample, otherwise I don't know if I'd have ever read it. I'm not usually into historical fiction but this caught my attention and kept me enraptured through out. Although it does have a bit of a paranormal element, it's not like the usual paranormal I read. It was refreshing and different; the writing flowing and beautiful. A delightful read that stayed stuck in my head for days, a week, after I finished it.

I definitely recommend this one!

{Review} Breaking Dawn (Twilight #4) by Stephenie Meyer

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

Published Date: Aug 3, 2010

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young

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My rating:

Synopsis:  When you loved the one who was killing you, it left you no options. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?

To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife have led her to the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or to pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fates of two tribes hangs.

Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating, and unfathomable, consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life-first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse-seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed... forever?

The astonishing, breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions. (SOURCE)

This is only the second time I've read Breaking Dawn since it came out. I loved it then but I think I enjoyed it more this time. I saw a lot of things differently this go around. I don't know if it was just because of the movies or other factors [fanfic].

There were things that I didn't really remember from before, and other scenes that will always be embedded in my brain. I laughed a lot (mostly when it came to Emmett teasing Bella). I wanted to hug Jacob for the agony he went through in the beginning. I didn't dislike him the first time but I definitely have a different view now that I am partly Team Jacob (not for Bella, just in general).

The Ness thing never bothered me but I find that I appreciate her even more now. Her existence sort of fascinates me. I want to sit down with Carlisle and pick his brain.

It's also nice to see Edward happy (except for the stress of the outside sources) with Bella. And for Bella to still have her "human" family in her life. If she had to stay away from Charlie or even Jacob, I would have been so hurt for her.

Seeing it all play out in my head was a lot easier during this second reading; probably because of the three movies that are already out.

It made me happy to re-read after all this time. I even want to start all over with Twilight and read them back to back. Too many books, too little time.

{Review} Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Published Date: Aug 24, 2010

Publisher: Scholastic Press

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My rating:

Synopsis: My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.(SOURCE)

I read the first four chapters as soon as I finished Catching Fire. After that, things got in the way and it was another week before I was able to pick Mockingjay back up. I couldn't put it down once I settled back into it.

Lots of questions answered. Lots of heartache and bittersweet.

Peeta in particular tore at my heart. Seeing him struggle the way he did, wanting so badly for him to remember why he loved Katniss.

Then there is Gale, whom I loved as well. So full with pain, being in love with someone he wasn't sure he could 'have'.

The main focus isn't a romance between Katniss, Gale and Peeta, but the struggle and the battle they live with regarding the Snow and the Rebels. That's probably the most heartbreaking part. Knowing they are all struggling with inner demons, worrying about loved ones, losing others that have touched their lives.

Had so many people not read, reviewed and recommended the trilogy, I doubt I would have read it. I'm not usually into this type of thing- futuristic world where things have been destroyed, etc. I'm glad I joined the crowd this time. They are powerful books. Powerful characters that you can't help but love and pull for and want to see happy. Sadly, even the 'happy' isn't what we'd like to see them get. I guess given the things they've lived through, their HEA is more than they could have ever dreamed of.

My mind is still all over the place. Not really connecting all the dots. I think this is probably a good thing. When you read a book like this, it should be powerful enough to make you think about it for days after you finish it. It definitely makes you realize how lucky you are in the world you live in.

That aside, Suzanne Collins writes an amazing tale. I'm truly captivated. (And a little rambly.)

{Review} Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins
Publishing Date: Sept 1, 2009
Publisher: Scholastic Press

My rating:

Synopsis: Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn. (SOURCE)

I finished reading Catching Fire last night and I'm still not sure what I think. Even after sleeping and thinking about it all morning.

Every twist and turn was unexpected. Every emotion sent me on another roller coaster ride. I think I loved it. "Think" because my mind is still whirling so much from the first book that it hasn't caught up with the second.

I feel like I know Katniss. As if this isn't just a book, but a real event. I'm angry for her, for Peeta and Gale and Prim. For Haymitch, Darius, Cinna. Everyone.

I feel like I can't take a breath because if I do, something else might happen. I keep waiting on the other shoe to drop.

I want the Capitol and President Snow to be tortured and punished.

There are so many twists and turns I don't know what to think or say. One things for sure: I need more.