Sunday, December 30, 2012

Review - Wallbanger by Alice Clayton.


Wallbanger

At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book. It did have its funny moments. The characters were very likable, especially, Clive the cat. He was definitely my favorite. But in the beginning I just wasn't so sure the book was going to keep my interest. However, about 30 percent in I was hooked. The banter between Caroline and Simon was hilarious. The texts between all the characters had me laughing out loud! And of course Clive and his antics! Once Clive peed on Simon's sweatshirt I knew this book would be one of favorites. I fell in love... with Clive of course! Oh and Simon the hot photographer wasn't so bad himself.

I really liked the heroine, Caroline. She was strong, successful, self sufficient and didn't need a man to make her feel complete. But something important was missing in her life and maybe a man could help her find it again.

Simon and Caroline start out as neighbors, develop to friends and then sexual tension takes over and... I'm sure you can figure out what happens next.

Of course the two didn't meet, instantly have amazing chemisrty and fall in love. No, Caroline pretty much hated him! A shared bedroom wall, that's extremely thin, and a man with a harem of ladies that he entertained nightly would be enough to make anyone a little angry. You don't mess with a women and her sleep! I didn't have insta love for Simon either. He had to earn it! And boy did he!

Caroline and Simon don't just have an apartment building in common, they have friends in common too, forcing them into social situations.  Simon and Caroline's friendship starts to develop and they even work together to straighten out a little mistake in their best friends romantic relationships.

This book was a nice break from all the dark and emotional stories that I have been reading lately. I'll be sure to pull this one out the next time I need a little comic relief to brighten my mood!

My rating 4 stars







Monday, December 24, 2012

Happy Holidays

                                       

Wishing all the book lovers (aka addicts) out there a very Happy and Healthy Holiday!  

Since I have been really good this year, do you think Santa will release some of my much anticipated books early?  If not, I can celebrate the season by re-reading some of my favorites.





Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Troubles and Treats by Tara Sivec - Review

In anticipation of the third book of the chocolate lover series, Troubles and Treats (Chocolate Lovers #3), I re read the first two books, Seduction and Snacks (Chocolate Lovers #1)and Futures and Frosting (Chocolate Lovers #2).  I must say they were even funnier than the first time I read them. Once the third book was released I immediately dove right in.  All three books were the perfect cure for my reading slump that I was in after The Sea of Tranquility.

I seriously have a girl crush on the author, Tara Sivec.  She can make me laugh like no other!  All three of her books have me laughing out loud, swooning and (more often than not) blushing!!  I will warn you, if you get offended easily by off the wall sexual situations, obscene language, or the word "spoop", this book is not for you!  Actually, maybe you should read it and live a little!! ;)

The characters are based on her friends and family and I would do anything to meet that crazy group and hang out with them for a night!  Tara, call me!! :)

The third installment is focused on Drew and Jenny.  The outrageously kinky couple, that has no shame when it comes to their romantic escapades, is having trouble reconnecting after the birth of their second child. With the help from their best friends, they have a hilarious journey trying to get their groove back.  Seriously, I will never look at skittles the same way again!

I fell in love with Drew and Jenny in the first book. With Drew's inappropriate but amusing t-shirts and Jenny's misuse of the English language, they have me once again holding back my laughter while my husband sleeps.  It wasn't easy to read while he was awake either, he would constantly ask me what was so funny or grab my iPad out of my hand to read what had me in hysterics.  Geez!  He could just download his own copy!

I am sad that the series is over but happy with the way it concluded.  Tara's next book, A Beautiful Lie,  is a romantic suspense story that is due out early next year!  An excerpt is available at the end of Troubles and Treats.  I can't wait!!

My ratings:

Seduction and Snacks 5 stars
Futures and Frosting 4.5 stars
Troubles and Treats 4.5 stars

                                               

Monday, November 26, 2012

Book Hangover

I saw this on Facebook the other day and it completely explains what I am going through right now!


I have been in this funk since The Sea of Tranquility, so it may be a little while until my next review.  However, the third installment of Tara Sivec's chocolate lovers series, Troubles and Treats, is expected to be released November 30th.  That should be the hangover cure I have been looking for!!  Her first two books Seduction and Snacks (Chocolate Lovers #1)  and Futures and Frosting (Chocolate Lovers #2)  were HILARIOUS!!!  A laugh out loud, romantic sexy comedy that is an absolute must read!  Unfortunately, the link to Troubles and Treats is not up on Amazon yet.  As soon as it is, I will update with the link.  If you haven't read the first two, I suggest you do that ASAP!!!!  You will not be disappointed!.  Now back to my book hangover.  



Saturday, November 24, 2012

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay - Review

I wasn't sure where to begin with my review of The Sea of Tranquility.  I had to take some time to let it sink in and wrap my head around it.   I was frustrated that no one was reading it at the same time so I could talk about it.  I had to talk about it!  So, I spent my lunch break today explaining the entire story, all the secrets, and even the touching ending to a co-worker.  I pretty much ruined it for her.  Sorry CB!   I just couldn't help it,  I needed to talk about it.

I really don't want to give anything away so this is a difficult review to write.  I refuse to write  any spoilers on this blog (I just seem willing to do that face to face).  I want readers to start, knowing nothing, be completely surprised and get swept up in the story like I did.

There were times it didn't even feel like I was reading.  I was so engrossed in the story,  it was like I was watching a movie or even living it.  Absolutely nothing could distract me, not even the time.  I read until the very early hours of the morning and had to force myself to stop so I could have few hours of sleep before work.  Everyone knows when I'm really into a book when I come into work looking like a zombie.  "Were you up all night reading again?"  is a common question I'm asked.   The story stayed with me all day and I couldn't wait to go home and finish it.  Once I did, I was sad it was over.

What I can say is that it was a truly beautiful, captivating, and powerful story that completely took my breath away.   I can't bring myself to start a new book at the moment because I am afraid I won't be able to connect like I did with this one.  Maybe I'll just have to read it again ;)

I do want to touch on the characters for a bit.  They were so beautifully developed, complex, and at times completely relatable.    I fell in love with all of the characters, but I was surprised with the way I changed my opinion about one in particular, Drew.  At first you just assume that he is going to be a selfish, shallow jerk and it turns out he was anything but.   He was just as special as the two main characters, Nastya and Josh.  The relationship between the three of them was very touching.

I am hoping that someone I know reads this soon (hint hint Abbey) so I can discuss it some more.  I could seriously talk about this book for days!!  It is definitely going in my favorites list!

My rating 5 stars.  (not sure if five stars is enough)



Wednesday, November 21, 2012

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski - Review

I feel like I didn't give The Edge of Never enough credit while I was reading it.  I read the reviews and they all said it was a tear jerker.  So I did it again!  I kept from getting too involved with the characters to protect myself from heartache.   It's really kind of pathetic that I can get scared of a story and not give it the attention it deserves.  Now that I know what to expect I promise to read it again and get completely swept up in the story.

Camryn has been dealing with her high school boyfriend's accidental death, her parents divorce, her brother's jail sentence and her best friend's decision to chose her boyfriend over her.  That would be enough for me to want to hop on a bus to nowhere and just escape. And she does just that.

On her journey to Idaho, which she decided on while watching the ticket clerk eat a baked potato, she mets Andrew.  Andrew is on his way to Wyoming to visit his dying father, choosing taking a bus rather than fly, to grieve and to just think.  Once they meet their relationship progresses from strangers, to friends, to more.  The two venture out on a road trip where they can forget their grief, enjoy life and live in the moment.  Camryn wants to protect herself from getting too wrapped up in Andrew because she promised she won't set herself up for another broken heart after losing Ian, the love of her life.  Andrew has the same thought although its not clear why until the end.  But promises are made to be broken and new a love begins.

Now let's talk about Andrew!  He has model good looks, interesting tattoos with deep meanings, plays the guitar and sings.  He has just the right amount of sweetness and cockiness with a heart of gold.  Sounds like the perfect book boyfriend to me!  Oh and he drives a Chevelle! (just like my #1 Kellan!)  

The author writes a beautiful story, packed with emotion, friendship, love and a little humor.  With both characters point of view, which I always enjoy, I am able to get inside both of their heads and feel along with them.

Despite the fact I didn't allow myself to get fully invested in the story or characters, I still feel it deserves a 5 star rating!

Here is a little excerpt from the book that made me laugh and remind me of the love of my life.

     He answers easily: "A...movie made me cry once," but he suddenly appears embarrassed and might be regretting his answer.
     "What movie?"
      He can't look me in the eyes. I feel the mood lightening between us, despite what created it.
      "What does it matter?" he says.
      I smile and step up closer to him.  "Oh come on, just tell me-what, you think I'm going to laugh at you and call you a pussy?"
      He breaks a small grin underneath the embarrassed flush of his face.
      "The Notebook," he says so low that I didn't quite catch it.
      "Did you say The Notebook?"
      "Yes! I cried watching The Notebook, alright?"

Monday, November 12, 2012

Currently Reading

There is one good thing about being stuck in bed, sick, I can ignore the messy house and read quilt free!   So for the past two days while I wallow in my misery I have been napping, reading, napping, reading and so on.  I really think its the reading is helping me get better  ;)

I wish I could say I'm enthralled in a new romance novel that was next up on my TBR list.  Enthralled? Yes! New? No.  After reading so many books about musicians lately, it made me miss one of my favorite book boyfriends, Kellan Kyle.  So I am currently re reading S.C. Stephens' series of Thoughtless and Effortless. I'm not sure how many times I have read this series but it never gets old!

Don't get me wrong all of my other rock star book boyfriends are wonderful!  They give me butterflies and make my heart melt, but none of them really can compare to Kellan!  Oh Kellan, if only you were real!  So here I am once again getting wrapped up in the story and falling in love with him all over again.

Both books are very long, about 1200 pages each (on the nook).  Don't let that scare you!  There is never a dull moment and you will be captivated from the start.  You really get to know the characters and watch the story develop without the feeling that its dragging. And rumor has it that there is a deleted scene for Thoughtless that is super hot!  Too hot for my blog but you can find it here http://thesubclubbooks.com.

The author just released the series in paperback on November 6th so that is some good news for anyone who doesn't have an e-reader!  And the third installment, Reckless, is set to be released in March.  I know if I am in the middle of something at the time of the release I will most definitely push it aside to continue my love affair with Kellan.

Well, I must get back to my reading...I mean resting.  But I will leave you with a little excerpt one of my favorite parts in Effortless.

Once again fully dressed, he was reading one of my romance novels with a small, amused grin on his face.         

Glancing at the cover, which featured some bronze, buff man holding a scantily clad woman to his bare chest, I shook my head at Kellan.  "What are you doing?"

Not looking up at me, his smile widened.  "I reading your porn."

Smacking his foot as I walked by, I scoffed, "That's not porn...it's romance."



Sunday, November 4, 2012

The Secret of Ella and Micha By Jessica Sorensen - Review

Since I am on a roll with books about musicians I figured The Secret of Ella and Micha would be perfect.  Even though the main character Micha is a musician that was not the main focus of the story.  It was just another aspect that I loved about him.  I may not of gotten the full rock star experience, but I did get the love story I crave.

Ella and Micha are next door neighbors and best friends.  Ella will even admit to herself that they are soul mates.  But after tragedy strikes her family she leaves Micha and the rest of her life behind to escape the pain and guilt over her mother's death.  After being away for eight months at college, Ella comes back to town for summer break more reserved, calm and one who follows the rules.  Micha has been looking for her since she left and is determined to get the old wild Ella back and convince her they belong together.

The author did an excellent job developing the characters and the love story.  You fall in love with Micha from the beginning and root for him.  Even as Ella tries to fight back her true feelings for him, she still shows how much she cares for her best friend.  As she starts to find herself again and deal with the problems she faces, she realizes what Micha really means to her.

I have said before that I usually have issues with the female characters and how they seem to bring heartache on themselves.  I didn't feel that way about Ella.  You understand why she ran away and why she wants to hide her true feelings for Micha.

The one issue I had with the book was actually the title.  I felt the secret wasn't much of a secret and that the title was a little misleading.   If it was just "Ella and Micha" I would have given it 5 stars.

I am excited that the story does not end with this book and the sequel will be out sometime this month.  I have not gotten enough of Micha and can't wait to see where the next story takes them.  Hopefully this time the title "The Forever of Ella and Micha" will live up to it's name!

My Rating 4.5 Stars


Saturday, November 3, 2012

In the Band by Jean Haus - Review

I just finished In the Band  by Jean Haus for the second time and I must say I loved it just as much as the first.  I really think I have a thing for musicians!  I seem to gravitate to stories that involve a sexy, moody rock god!  This one was not lacking in that department!

A self proclaimed "band geek", Riley, gives up her music scholarship and position in the marching band at a division I school to help her mother take care of the family that is being torn apart by divorce.   While her mother slips further into depression she takes on the role as mother, father, and maid to her 8 year old sister, Jamie.  After her best friends, Marcus and Chloe, convince her try out for a rock band, she meets a not so nice (at least to her) guitarist, Romeo.  He is determined not to let her join the band even though at the auditions she was clearly the most talented.  He gives in but with the plan to make her quit.  Despite the fact that he is absolute jerk to her she still finds herself attracted to him.  But who wouldn't? Romeo has his reasons for treating her the way he does but eventually his heart starts to overrule his logic and he starts to fall.

The author has an incredible way of describing the music scenes that make you feel like you are actually listening to them play.  I know very little about music besides what I think sounds good. However,  from her writing I could feel and understand the complex elements that go into making music.  I found myself getting completely lost in the story and could not put the book down until it was finished.

As for the love story between Romeo and Riley, it was touching and sweet and I enjoyed watching the relationship progress.  Even though Romeo was such a jerk I still loved his character especially when his true personality started to show.   At the end, the author gives you a little treat with the audition scene in Romeo's point of view and his actions really start to make sense.

I look forward to reading more from this author and really hope there is a sequel to In The Band!  Please I need more ROMEO!

My Rating 5 stars

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Thanks a lot Sandy!

Due to Hurricane Sandy's un-welcomed visit to the mid-Atlantic, I and thousands of others were left with out power.  Luckily we only went a day and half without.  The positive side was I had nothing else to do but snuggle in bed with my iPad (and kids occasionally).  Not having Internet access I was unable to review any of the 4 books I read.  Yes, I read 4 books in 2 days!  So, my reviews will be brief since My brain absorbed too many characters and stories all at once.  I really hope I keep them straight! ;)

Slammed by Colleen Hoover,

My mom has been on me to read this and the sequel for awhile now.  It went on sale and I decided to stock up some books, which came in handy during the hurricane.

Eighteen year old Layken moves from Texas, with her mother and 9 year old brother, to Michigan after her father passes away. She meets her neighbor, Will, who is the sole guardian for his 9 year old brother after the death of his parents.  The two young boys become instant best friends, while Will and Layken (or Lake) have an instant attraction for each other.  They hit it off and have a perfect first date.  Unfortunately, and unforeseen circumstance does not allow them to continue their relationship.  Then Lake must deal with more heartbreak plaguing her family once again.  Will is there to offer support and the relationship grows despite the obstacles blocking them from being together.

I really enjoyed this story and it was a little different then the other young adult romances I have read.  Also, there were more in depth secondary stories besides the love story between the main characters.  I liked that the author developed the supporting characters and you could connect with all of them.  I even got choked up at Layken's best friend, Eddie's, story.  Another aspect I'd unexpectedly enjoyed was the poetry.  I'm not one to read or listen to poetry but after reading the poems and learning about slam poetry, I am now a fan!

My Rating 4.5 stars

I was satisfied with the way Slammed ended and didn't feel the story needed to continue.  However, I was happy it did.   Point of Retreat continues where Slammed leaves off.  I won't go into too much detail that will spoil the first book.

I loved that this story is in Will's point of view.  It gives you a deeper connection with Will and a new perspective on Lake.  Of course their relationship gets tested and there is a major misunderstanding all while they are trying figure out how to move forward with another tragedy in their lives.  I love the involvement Lake's mother, Julia, has on their relationship even if it's not how they would have wanted it.  The story very heartbreaking, real and sweet adding a nice continuation to the first story.

My Rating 4.5 stars

Unravel Me by Kendall Ryan

Ashlyn,  a psychology student working towards her PhD, finds herself intrigued by the amnesia patient she studying for her Thesis.  "Logan" is thought to be dangerous, possibly a murderer, but she sees him differently and wants to help him remember who he is.  The lines of professionalism gets blurred when she finds him on the streets of chicago after he is released from the hospital and offers him a place to stay. She helps him get back his life and he helps her learn to live in the moment.

The book was fairly short, however I did not feel the story or the characters lacked in development.  The story had steamy passion, mystery and of course romance.  Once I started I could not put it down.  I had to find out who "Logan" was and if their relationship could survive once it was revealed.

My Rating 4 stars

In the Band by Jean Haus

Out of all the books I read during the power outage this was my favorite.  I was so involved with the story that I read it so fast and into the early hours of the morning. I feel that I may have missed parts of the story.  So to give it a fair review (and because I am obsessed) I am reading it again.  My complete review will be posted soon.