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.


 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Butterfly Weeds by Laura Miller -Review

So I did it.  I finished Butterfly Weeds and I'm not quite sure if I am ready to talk about it yet!!  But here it goes. It was an absolutely touching love story! And yes there were tears. Lots!! However,  about half way through I had a hard time connecting with the story and the characters like I had in the beginning.  I didn't happen again until the end. I'm not sure if that was due to my reservations about reading it or if I was protecting myself from getting too invested and trying to save myself from heartache.  I was waiting for a bomb to drop and there wasn't one.  I assumed it was going to end a certain way and it didn't.  Maybe I should read it again.  But not anytime soon. I need to read something funny or lighthearted to brighten my mood.  By the end I was such a wreak that I was sobbing with nose blowing ugly tears.  And I went to write my review earlier, I started tearing up again!  This is a fictional story! What's my deal?  I guess it really did get to me!  So overall, I consider this a favorite but I don't think it will be one that I will read over and over again.

My rating 4.5 Stars

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Currently reading


I just finished a book the other day that I plan to review but I had to put that off and dive right into Butterfly Weeds by Laura Miller.  Now that I have, I am scared to finish it.

I am about 20% in and I'm absolutely in love with the two main characters, Julia and Will and their relationship.  What do I do when I really like a book?  I take a break and start to read the in-depth reviews to see what direction the story may lead.  I try not to read any spoilers but I want to know what I am in for.

Most reviewers said things like "beautiful story", "made me sob" and "reminded me of the notebook".  What??  I don't know if my heart can handle that.  I know, I never actually read the notebook and I fell asleep during the movie (I was pregnant and very tired, don't judge!) but from what I heard no one finishes either one with a dry eye.  I do know this to be true, because when I finally woke and the credits were rolling, I glanced over and  my husband was crying...a lot!!  It also wasn't the first time he had seen it either.  I vowed then to never read or watch "The Notebook".  Ok, who am I kidding?? I love Nicholas Sparks and I'm sure I'll break down and read it.....someday.

But for now, I have to decide whether to go forward or not.  I am still reeling from Molly McAdams' Taking Chances.  That book crushed me and I have yet to recover.  Since I am a glutton for punishment, I know I will soldier on and finish the book.  Of course, with tissues by my side.  I also must make a mental note not to read it on my lunch break at work.  That could get a little awkward.


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

My Favorite Mistake by Chelsea M. Cameron - Review


Two college students placed in co-ed housing together. Taylor, a feisty sophomore, is not too pleased sharing a room in her apartment with a boy. Even if he is wildly attractive, plays the guitar and can cook!  What's the problem???

Hunter is very intrigued by his new roommate despite they fact she punches him in the face a few minutes after meeting him.  This sets the stage for a roller coaster friendship and then romance.

While both characters have dark secrets in their pasts, Hunter's secret is a little darker and than Taylor's.  However, she seems to have more issues coping with hers.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story.  It had a "Beautiful Disaster" feel and even included a bet between the two main characters.  Hunter said he would move out if Taylor could honestly say she hated him or loved him.  He made sure to ask every night before bed.  Did I mention he sleeps naked?  What's not to love! ;)

Even though the story moved a little slow at times, I really connected with the characters and enjoyed the developing romance.  Hunter was down right adorable at times and the banter between the two was funny and witty.  Of course, as all female character are in contemporary romance, Taylor was frustrating at times. Her anger issues and stubbornness got a little old.

All in all, the story made me sigh and swoon and I felt satisfied at the end.  I can add another book boyfriend to my list!

Excerpt from My Favorite Mistake:

"Goodnight,  Hunter." I somehow got myself back into bed.  He stood there for a moment before sighing and going to his bed.

"Love me?" he whispered as he tossed his boxers on the floor.

"Nope."

"Hate me?"

"Not as much as conjugating verbs."

"Good"

Rating 4 stars

Saturday, October 20, 2012

The Mighty Storm By Samantha Towle - Review

I finished The Mighty Storm the other day I must say it did not disappoint!  The relationship between the two characters was very intense and I felt it.  As much as I love the ups and downs of a love story I also fear it!  I sometimes just want the story to be happy and perfect the entire time.  But thats no fun!  I knew I was in for something huge when it seemed everything between Tru and Jake was perfect and  I was only half way through the book.  I almost wanted to stop right there!  But no, I had to carry on and go through all the heart ache and angst I knew was going rear its ugly head!  And it did!  I also knew from reading so many romance novels that the female character was going to piss me off, and she did!  I just wanted to scream at her to wake up and stop being so stupid!  Then again, at times I respected her decisions and actions.  The story definitely had its share of drama but it also had some comedic touches that made me laugh!  I was definitely satisfied in the end and got a little treat with an extra chapter in Jake's POV.   And rumor has it there will be a sequel!!!!


My Rating - 4 stars

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Welcome

I must first state that I love the smell and feel of a real book. Turning the physical pages and even watching the book become worn and torn from being well loved makes me smile.  However, buying ebooks is the most econmical (and space saving) way to feed my addiction.  I read roughly 2-3 books a week and when I really fall for a great read I will read it again and again.  My husband is slightly jealous of the attention that I give my iPad and nook, but hey, he has a love affair with his Xbox so we are even.

My intent for this blog is to give reviews and start discussions on any given book.  For my co-workers, who I force my opinions on and make them read every one of my "new favorite" books, I plan to start reading lists and a "my favorite" list, but more on that later.

I have read plenty of books in the past few months but I think I need it to be fresh in my mind to write an accurate review.  So I will start my reviews after I finish the book I am currently reading.  Don't worry you will get reviews on my absolute favorites since I plan to read them a few thousand more times. ;)

If you are wondering where I get most of my suggestions, they are mostly from my mom.  This sometimes disturbs me since the majority of the material I read is very explicit.  Oh well, we are all adults here.

Currently Reading:

The Mighty Storm by Samantha Towle

brief synopsis - two childhood best friends, a music journalist, Trudy and a bad boy rockstar, Jake, reunite after twelve years apart.  Of course Trudy has a "good guy" responsible boyfriend, Will, that she loves.  Can their relationship survive when she is invited to go on tour with Jake?   I can't wait to find out!  Although I am only 20% in and I am already team Jake!!! Stay tuned!


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