Book Of The Week

For this week's book of the week I will feature one of my all time favorites.  If anyone asks me for a book suggestion, this is my "go-to".   It is a story that will touch you, and become a part of you.  By far, one of the most amazing stories I have ever read.  But be careful, it causes a major book hangover and you will compare everything else to this.  I also added my review that I wrote way back...

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 a 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, and 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 on my favorites list!

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

Hopeless Series by Colleen Hoover - Review

I can't believe that I didn't already write a review for Hopeless!  I re-read it recently before I read Losing Hope: A Novel which is the same story but in the male character's POV.  And as a bonus the author released a follow up story, Finding Cinderella: A Novella.

All three amazing books are written by one of my favorite authors, Colleen Hoover.  The same author who wrote another of my "5 Book Boyfriend" rated series: Slammed: A Novel, Point of Retreat: A Novel (Slammed), and This Girl: A Novel (Slammed)

To keep with my "spoiler free" reviews I will try to give these books the credit they deserve without giving anything away.  This is going to be a tough one!

First I will touch on Hopeless.  This was heart wrenching,  sometimes disturbing and absolutely beautiful story!

After pleading with her mother, Sky finally convinces her to let her go to public school instead of continuing with homeschooling.   Shortly after, her best friend Six, announces she will be leaving to study abroad in Italy.   Leaving Sky to face high school and all its drama alone.  Despite Sky's intact virginity, she has quite a reputation that she doesn't bother to defend.   This unfortunately does not help her make friends at her new school.  Although, she does get the attention of one boy,  Dean Holder.  Holder, who's dealing with a major loss, also has to deal with the rumors and gossip that circulate through school.  Holder can be a bit intense at times and Sky's logic says she should stay away,  but she can't deny the connection they share and follows her heart instead. 

Ok, that's all the synopsis I can write for Hopeless and I'm not sure I can write one for Losing Hope without spoiling both.

Now let's talk about, Holder.  Wow!!  The things this boy says and the way he takes care of Sky is beautiful.  Holder is beautiful, inside and out!!  He is way more than just a boyfriend, he's a best friend and a protector.  Seriously, his words and his actions make your heart skip a beat and weak in the knees (I don't recommend reading while standing ;) ).   Holder is definitely in the top of my list of book boyfriends.   I put him in the same category as Josh Bennett from The Sea of Tranquility: A Novel by Katja Millay.  There's even a The Sea Of Tranquility reference in both Hopeless and Losing Hope!

Next is Sky,  She is a strong and fragile at the same time.  She deals with all the torment at school, her quirky mother, and all the stresses of a teenage girl.  However, once her world as she knows it, gets flipped upside down, her strength gets put to the ultimate test.  She is one female character that you don't get frustrated with, instead your heart breaks for her.

I may as well group in Losing Hope with this portion of my review.  Even though its the same story, it fills in some missing pieces (AKA Holder's thoughts and motives) and gives some background and explanation into Holder's past.  I was just as wrapped up in the story even after knowing the outcome.  It is such a great companion story to Hopeless.

Alright, now I am excited to talk about Finding Cinderella!!  Don't get me wrong I LOVED the first two but something about this little novella that took my breath away.  I seriously fell hard for Holder's best friend Daniel!!  Maybe it's his wit, his endearing immaturity, or his typical teenage boy antics, but he absolutely stole my heart!  I laughed and smiled through the entire story.  This one is a little more lighthearted than the other two.  There is still a little shocker and unexpected drama but it only made the end that much sweeter.  But isn't that what we expect in a good romance book?

Sorry no synopsis for Finding Cinderella, but once you read Losing Hope you can figure out what the story's about.  

As for the the two full length novels and the little novella (my favorite) I give the entire series my 5 Book boyfriend rating.  If I was rating them separately they would each get 5.  Well maybe Finding Cinderella would get 5.5   :D

Next up in my Colleen Hoover marathon is Maybe Someday,  which is a standalone novel.   If its anything like all her other books, I know I will not be disappointed!!  Look for my review very soon!

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.  

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)