Take a photo of a barcode or cover
2.54k reviews by:
bookbriefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Touch by Natalia Jaster is a standalone young adult novel which features a different take on Eros. In touch, Eros is a girl and is a class of goddesses called the archers. Here all of the emotions have a representative god or goddess and they all wield arrows to help maintain the balance of their emotion in the world. In Touch, Eros is sent to balance out the love in a small town. I liked the idea that other gods and goddesses also used arrows to maintain order, and the arrows themselves were more complicated than I have seen in other stories. It added an interesting element to the story of cupid.
Love is such a lonely girl. (or I should say Goddess) she is unable to touch any human, and she longs for that kind of contact and companionship more than anything. I loved, loved loved that the human that grabs her attention is one that is so overlooked by his peers. He has a leg injury and is often the the prime target for bullies, but he has a heart of gold and he doesn't put up with any of Love's annoyingly superior tendencies. (Don't get me wrong- she is nice, but she is also vain. I mean, come on- she is the goddess of love.) Watching Love and Andrew, it was impossible not to root for them. Although there was just something about Anger that almost made me wish it would turn out a different way! (it was never really explored in the story, so it was mostly just my wishful thinking)
Though there were a few aspects of the story that I found a little hinky- the author did explain them, so I can't really fault anyone for it, they just didn't sit 100% with me. Like the fact that Love was essentially living in this one small town in the middle of nowhere matching people. But she is the only love goddess, so what about the billions of other people. The gods and goddesses rotate their location, but it seemed weird to me for them to stay in any one location for such an extended period of time. (like I said, it was explained in the story as to why. Author Natalia Jaster left no stone unturned with explanations of the arrows, gods and goddesses and their whole world.)
Bottom Line- if you are a fanatic about mythology books like I am, you will enjoy this different take on a cupid tale. I really enjoyed it, and the love story and character growth is really great. An all around fun read.
Side note: I would love to see Anger's story!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Touch by Natalia Jaster is a standalone young adult novel which features a different take on Eros. In touch, Eros is a girl and is a class of goddesses called the archers. Here all of the emotions have a representative god or goddess and they all wield arrows to help maintain the balance of their emotion in the world. In Touch, Eros is sent to balance out the love in a small town. I liked the idea that other gods and goddesses also used arrows to maintain order, and the arrows themselves were more complicated than I have seen in other stories. It added an interesting element to the story of cupid.
Love is such a lonely girl. (or I should say Goddess) she is unable to touch any human, and she longs for that kind of contact and companionship more than anything. I loved, loved loved that the human that grabs her attention is one that is so overlooked by his peers. He has a leg injury and is often the the prime target for bullies, but he has a heart of gold and he doesn't put up with any of Love's annoyingly superior tendencies. (Don't get me wrong- she is nice, but she is also vain. I mean, come on- she is the goddess of love.) Watching Love and Andrew, it was impossible not to root for them. Although there was just something about Anger that almost made me wish it would turn out a different way! (it was never really explored in the story, so it was mostly just my wishful thinking)
Though there were a few aspects of the story that I found a little hinky- the author did explain them, so I can't really fault anyone for it, they just didn't sit 100% with me. Like the fact that Love was essentially living in this one small town in the middle of nowhere matching people. But she is the only love goddess, so what about the billions of other people. The gods and goddesses rotate their location, but it seemed weird to me for them to stay in any one location for such an extended period of time. (like I said, it was explained in the story as to why. Author Natalia Jaster left no stone unturned with explanations of the arrows, gods and goddesses and their whole world.)
Bottom Line- if you are a fanatic about mythology books like I am, you will enjoy this different take on a cupid tale. I really enjoyed it, and the love story and character growth is really great. An all around fun read.
Side note: I would love to see Anger's story!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
3.5/5
Firsts is a standalone upper young adult novel by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn. Firsts was a lot edgier of a story than I was initially expecting. The main character made me cringe more than once. I mean she is kind of a train wreck, but not once- not even at any one point- did I not enjoy myself with Firsts. I really, really liked this book. I know it won't be for everyone, but there is just something about Mercedes that got to me. Even when she wasn't a good friend...at all...I still couldn't give up on her. And I am so glad that I didn't. Even Mercedes deserves a happy ending and I loved the way Laurie Elizabeth Flynn wrapped everything up. Firsts was a fun and, strangely enough, satisfying read.
Once I started reading Firsts, I didn't really know what to expect. It is about this super smart girls (she has her sights set on MIT) who is quiet and unassuming. And heck, she even does "good deeds" for her fellow classmates. Of course, her good deeds are letting the boyfriends of the school practice their first time on her, so they can make it super special for their girlfriend. Didn't see that one coming, right? She had the weirdest logic behind her side gig. She really, honestly thought she was helping these guys and their girlfriend. I know, I told you she was a train wreck. But don't go thinking I am bashing her- I told you I really like her. In the strangest, weird way, her journey was something that I just didn't want to stop reading.
She has some great friends, both old and new, and Zach is such a great guy. More than anything I wanted Mercedes to grow as a person- for him. Because he deserves that. I can't stand cheating, and I don't condone what Mercedes was doing, but if you put that aside, Firsts has some really great writing and character development. I just couldn't seem to tear my eyes off the page.
Bottom line: Firsts will be great for fans of upper level, edgy YA with messed up characters, on their own messed up journeys. If you like reality tv and/or CW tv shows, Firsts is right up your alley. Grab a bowl of popcorn and let yourself enjoy it!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
3.5/5
Firsts is a standalone upper young adult novel by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn. Firsts was a lot edgier of a story than I was initially expecting. The main character made me cringe more than once. I mean she is kind of a train wreck, but not once- not even at any one point- did I not enjoy myself with Firsts. I really, really liked this book. I know it won't be for everyone, but there is just something about Mercedes that got to me. Even when she wasn't a good friend...at all...I still couldn't give up on her. And I am so glad that I didn't. Even Mercedes deserves a happy ending and I loved the way Laurie Elizabeth Flynn wrapped everything up. Firsts was a fun and, strangely enough, satisfying read.
Once I started reading Firsts, I didn't really know what to expect. It is about this super smart girls (she has her sights set on MIT) who is quiet and unassuming. And heck, she even does "good deeds" for her fellow classmates. Of course, her good deeds are letting the boyfriends of the school practice their first time on her, so they can make it super special for their girlfriend. Didn't see that one coming, right? She had the weirdest logic behind her side gig. She really, honestly thought she was helping these guys and their girlfriend. I know, I told you she was a train wreck. But don't go thinking I am bashing her- I told you I really like her. In the strangest, weird way, her journey was something that I just didn't want to stop reading.
She has some great friends, both old and new, and Zach is such a great guy. More than anything I wanted Mercedes to grow as a person- for him. Because he deserves that. I can't stand cheating, and I don't condone what Mercedes was doing, but if you put that aside, Firsts has some really great writing and character development. I just couldn't seem to tear my eyes off the page.
Bottom line: Firsts will be great for fans of upper level, edgy YA with messed up characters, on their own messed up journeys. If you like reality tv and/or CW tv shows, Firsts is right up your alley. Grab a bowl of popcorn and let yourself enjoy it!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Crimson Cove is a standalone paranormal (in a supernatural subgenre) by Eden Butler. I would classify the book as new adult. It starts off with the two main characters in high school and the story line continues to 10 years later. (almost my age, and I would like to consider myself in the new adult age range- though maybe the upper end...) The first few chapters were a bit of a jumble for me, but once I got past those and into the meat of the storyline, I flew through the book. I ended up really enjoying it.
Crimson Cove is full of witches and shifters and wizards, and the town knows nothing about it. That is, until someone steals something that causes magic to go haywire in town. It was this event that brought our main characters together. Bane is this huge mystery to me. I would have loved to have gotten inside his head throughout the story, because he is so annoyingly hard to read. He is all brooding stares, and not much talk. But I loved him anyway. Jani is the main heroine, and her special ability is tracking, or finding lost objects. She is brought back into her small town, after being gone for ten years, to find the missing Elam.
Jani is carrying around a big secret. One that even Bane doesn't know about. I wanted this secret to come out in the open pretty much the entire time I was reading, because let's face it- in this case that would have been so much more fun. I really liked the characters that Edent Butler created in Crimson Cove, and I love that it was a standalone. I thought it came together and ended in a very nice place. But I do wish there was a little bit more world building on the front end. I got a good picture of what was going on, but only after I got past the first few chapters. Those confused me. They jumped all over the place in time and there wasn't enough time spent in the past before we jumped ahead 10 years, in my opinion. But I would encourage you to get past the first few chapters because once we are in the present day setting, the book really picks up.
Bottom Line: if you are a fan of elemental type magic and witch books, this is a good standalone for you to check out. The take on magic and the lines in nature was wonderful and the characters make the story.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Crimson Cove is a standalone paranormal (in a supernatural subgenre) by Eden Butler. I would classify the book as new adult. It starts off with the two main characters in high school and the story line continues to 10 years later. (almost my age, and I would like to consider myself in the new adult age range- though maybe the upper end...) The first few chapters were a bit of a jumble for me, but once I got past those and into the meat of the storyline, I flew through the book. I ended up really enjoying it.
Crimson Cove is full of witches and shifters and wizards, and the town knows nothing about it. That is, until someone steals something that causes magic to go haywire in town. It was this event that brought our main characters together. Bane is this huge mystery to me. I would have loved to have gotten inside his head throughout the story, because he is so annoyingly hard to read. He is all brooding stares, and not much talk. But I loved him anyway. Jani is the main heroine, and her special ability is tracking, or finding lost objects. She is brought back into her small town, after being gone for ten years, to find the missing Elam.
Jani is carrying around a big secret. One that even Bane doesn't know about. I wanted this secret to come out in the open pretty much the entire time I was reading, because let's face it- in this case that would have been so much more fun. I really liked the characters that Edent Butler created in Crimson Cove, and I love that it was a standalone. I thought it came together and ended in a very nice place. But I do wish there was a little bit more world building on the front end. I got a good picture of what was going on, but only after I got past the first few chapters. Those confused me. They jumped all over the place in time and there wasn't enough time spent in the past before we jumped ahead 10 years, in my opinion. But I would encourage you to get past the first few chapters because once we are in the present day setting, the book really picks up.
Bottom Line: if you are a fan of elemental type magic and witch books, this is a good standalone for you to check out. The take on magic and the lines in nature was wonderful and the characters make the story.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**Grave Attraction is the fourth book in the Grave series by Lori Sjoberg. The Grave series is an adult paranormal romance series, and this is the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading. I find the idea of reapers fascinating, and if you have read many of my other paranormal and urban fantasy reviews, you know that I love it when lots of magical creatures come out to play together in one world. And that is exactly what is going on in Grave Attraction. Witches, and shifters and reapers...oh my! (sorry, I couldn't help it.)
In Grave Attraction we meet Adam, a new reaper and Marlena, a shifter. Adam rescues Marlena from a serial killer that is more than he appears to be. The rest of the story spirals from there as the group of reapers team up with some witches to solve two sub mysteries. I loved the mix of paranormal creatures and I love the side story line that Marlena introduced for how she is connected to Adam. I thought that was a great addition to the story and one that I have not seen done in quite this way. Their romance was the highlight of the story for me.
Whether you are an old fan to this series, or completely new to it like I was, I think you will enjoy Grave Attraction. The characters are great, the plot is riveting, and I had a particularly good time reading this book because I know the setting so well. (Grave Attraction is set in Orlando, FL) I loved pointing out the sights and the restaurants that I have eaten at. (and yes, Lori- that is the best Polish restaurant!) I also really enjoyed the mystery of who was tamping down death's powers. I thought it was a fun, scavenger hunt meets detective style journey. I feel like this series would make a great tv show.
Bottom line: if you are a paranormal romance junkie, this is a must read series. Whether you start with book1, 2, 3, or 4 doesn't matter. They each stand alone, but do start this series. I really enjoyed it and I need to go get the other books ASAP.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
In Grave Attraction we meet Adam, a new reaper and Marlena, a shifter. Adam rescues Marlena from a serial killer that is more than he appears to be. The rest of the story spirals from there as the group of reapers team up with some witches to solve two sub mysteries. I loved the mix of paranormal creatures and I love the side story line that Marlena introduced for how she is connected to Adam. I thought that was a great addition to the story and one that I have not seen done in quite this way. Their romance was the highlight of the story for me.
Whether you are an old fan to this series, or completely new to it like I was, I think you will enjoy Grave Attraction. The characters are great, the plot is riveting, and I had a particularly good time reading this book because I know the setting so well. (Grave Attraction is set in Orlando, FL) I loved pointing out the sights and the restaurants that I have eaten at. (and yes, Lori- that is the best Polish restaurant!) I also really enjoyed the mystery of who was tamping down death's powers. I thought it was a fun, scavenger hunt meets detective style journey. I feel like this series would make a great tv show.
Bottom line: if you are a paranormal romance junkie, this is a must read series. Whether you start with book1, 2, 3, or 4 doesn't matter. They each stand alone, but do start this series. I really enjoyed it and I need to go get the other books ASAP.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Shade Me is the first book in the young adult mystery and suspense thriller, Nikki Kill series. Nikki sees emotions as different colors. It is a phenomenon known as synesthesia, and I find it completely fascinating. I have read a few magical books where witches or the like have an ability that is similar to synesthesia, but it was really very interesting to see Nikki in a more contemporary/mystery suspense setting with this ability. I found Shade Me to be a really fun ride of a read. The mystery was kept me interested and engaged until the very end. I didn't always love the characters, but I did like them, and with as action packed of a plot, liking them was more than enough for me.
Nikki is the main character, and I can see where she would feel completely overwhelmed by her synesthesia. That has to be like sensory overload. Which could account for why I sometimes found Nikki to be a bit too brash. Even so, I was really into her using and interpreting all the colors and emotions around her as clues. It made for a very interesting detective hunt, while she tried to piece together what happened with Peyton.
What I dug most of all about Shade Me was the creepy atmosphere. It reminded me of Sin city. (That was how I pictured it anyway.) All black and white with pops of color. Very crime noir. Jennifer Brown did a great job creating a suspenseful atmosphere. There were a few bumps that I had, but without spoiling anything, I will just leave it at that. Nothing major though, and nothing that took away from my overall enjoyment of the story too much. I still very much would like to continue the Nikki Kill series. Now that I know some of the secrets of the story, I am even more interested to see where Jennifer Brown is going to take us in the next book.
Bottom line: if you like suspense/mysteries and you love the flair of seeing emotions, this is a really interesting and pretty well done mystery.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Shade Me is the first book in the young adult mystery and suspense thriller, Nikki Kill series. Nikki sees emotions as different colors. It is a phenomenon known as synesthesia, and I find it completely fascinating. I have read a few magical books where witches or the like have an ability that is similar to synesthesia, but it was really very interesting to see Nikki in a more contemporary/mystery suspense setting with this ability. I found Shade Me to be a really fun ride of a read. The mystery was kept me interested and engaged until the very end. I didn't always love the characters, but I did like them, and with as action packed of a plot, liking them was more than enough for me.
Nikki is the main character, and I can see where she would feel completely overwhelmed by her synesthesia. That has to be like sensory overload. Which could account for why I sometimes found Nikki to be a bit too brash. Even so, I was really into her using and interpreting all the colors and emotions around her as clues. It made for a very interesting detective hunt, while she tried to piece together what happened with Peyton.
What I dug most of all about Shade Me was the creepy atmosphere. It reminded me of Sin city. (That was how I pictured it anyway.) All black and white with pops of color. Very crime noir. Jennifer Brown did a great job creating a suspenseful atmosphere. There were a few bumps that I had, but without spoiling anything, I will just leave it at that. Nothing major though, and nothing that took away from my overall enjoyment of the story too much. I still very much would like to continue the Nikki Kill series. Now that I know some of the secrets of the story, I am even more interested to see where Jennifer Brown is going to take us in the next book.
Bottom line: if you like suspense/mysteries and you love the flair of seeing emotions, this is a really interesting and pretty well done mystery.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
This Raging Light is author, Estelle Laure's debut novel. It is a young adult standalone contemporary romance, and it is a very moving read. Lucille is the main character, and after some issues with her parents, she is left to care for her younger sister Wren. It is a lot to dump on anyone, let alone a teenager.
Lucille made a bad romantic decision right off the bat. One that had me cringing, because it is one of those things that you know is not going to end well for someone. She fell hard for her friend's twin brother. And oh yeah, he had a girlfriend. I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out, but Estelle Laure made me believe. She made me believe in the characters and most importantly, she made me believe in the romance between Lucille and Digby. Estelle Laure's writing had a very lyrical feel to it, which helped made me fall into a reading rhythm easily. This kind of writing is very hit or miss for me, but it worked well in This Raging Light.
What I really enjoyed about This Raging Light was how flawed and messy the situations in the plot were. I know that may sound kind of strange, but I found myself getting closer and closer to the characters because of their flaws and because of the imperfectness of this first love story. It was all very true to teenage dramatics. (which, by the way is another element that is very hit or miss with me. ) I sometimes feel the drama to be over the top and annoying, but if it is well done and plays an appropriate role in advancing the story, I don't mind it. I don't like drama just for drama's sake. And I don't feel like that was the case in this book.
Bottom line: If you are a fan of angsty teenage contemporary romances, with beautiful writing, This Raging Light is a great book for you. If you are not one of angst and drama in your young adult, maybe look for a different read. I enjoyed This Raging Light. I found it to be a very moving read.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
This Raging Light is author, Estelle Laure's debut novel. It is a young adult standalone contemporary romance, and it is a very moving read. Lucille is the main character, and after some issues with her parents, she is left to care for her younger sister Wren. It is a lot to dump on anyone, let alone a teenager.
Lucille made a bad romantic decision right off the bat. One that had me cringing, because it is one of those things that you know is not going to end well for someone. She fell hard for her friend's twin brother. And oh yeah, he had a girlfriend. I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out, but Estelle Laure made me believe. She made me believe in the characters and most importantly, she made me believe in the romance between Lucille and Digby. Estelle Laure's writing had a very lyrical feel to it, which helped made me fall into a reading rhythm easily. This kind of writing is very hit or miss for me, but it worked well in This Raging Light.
What I really enjoyed about This Raging Light was how flawed and messy the situations in the plot were. I know that may sound kind of strange, but I found myself getting closer and closer to the characters because of their flaws and because of the imperfectness of this first love story. It was all very true to teenage dramatics. (which, by the way is another element that is very hit or miss with me. ) I sometimes feel the drama to be over the top and annoying, but if it is well done and plays an appropriate role in advancing the story, I don't mind it. I don't like drama just for drama's sake. And I don't feel like that was the case in this book.
Bottom line: If you are a fan of angsty teenage contemporary romances, with beautiful writing, This Raging Light is a great book for you. If you are not one of angst and drama in your young adult, maybe look for a different read. I enjoyed This Raging Light. I found it to be a very moving read.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Love So Perfect is the 5th book in the Lawson Brothers series by Marquita Valentine, but each of the books can be read as a standalone. They each focus on, you guessed it, a different Lawson Brother. Love So Perfect is Austin's story. Austin is the first Lawson brother that I have had the pleasure of meeting and I have to say that I fell head over heels in love with him. (Well, him and Harper, I guess. But mostly him.) Love So Perfect is a classic contemporary sports romance. Not to mention very current with the older woman, young man thing going for it.
Austin is back in town trying to play PR control while he cleans up his image after a recent scandal in the media. Insert "good girl" Harper Bell, and Austin think she is just what he needs to reinvent himself. I found Love So Perfect to be a really cute read. I loved the characters. Harper is such a sweet girl, with just a side of sass. And Austin is clearly taken with her. Austin started off with his own selfish agenda, but I soon found myself completely swept up in how genuine he seemed. It was clear to me that this was the real deal for him. And I couldn't help love him for that. Their romance was a bit predictable, but in a very satisfying way. It was just what I wanted.
The small town setting really added to the charm of Love So Perfect. I want to go back and read about all of the other Lawson Brothers now. Marquita Valentine does such a great job with her books. I know that the romance is always going to be great. I always walk away from her stories happy, content and feeling just a bit sappy.
Bottom line: If you like your romances on the sweet side, and you need your dose of cute "cheese", this is the book for you. People that love small town settings will eat up Harper and Austin in Love So Perfect.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Love So Perfect is the 5th book in the Lawson Brothers series by Marquita Valentine, but each of the books can be read as a standalone. They each focus on, you guessed it, a different Lawson Brother. Love So Perfect is Austin's story. Austin is the first Lawson brother that I have had the pleasure of meeting and I have to say that I fell head over heels in love with him. (Well, him and Harper, I guess. But mostly him.) Love So Perfect is a classic contemporary sports romance. Not to mention very current with the older woman, young man thing going for it.
Austin is back in town trying to play PR control while he cleans up his image after a recent scandal in the media. Insert "good girl" Harper Bell, and Austin think she is just what he needs to reinvent himself. I found Love So Perfect to be a really cute read. I loved the characters. Harper is such a sweet girl, with just a side of sass. And Austin is clearly taken with her. Austin started off with his own selfish agenda, but I soon found myself completely swept up in how genuine he seemed. It was clear to me that this was the real deal for him. And I couldn't help love him for that. Their romance was a bit predictable, but in a very satisfying way. It was just what I wanted.
The small town setting really added to the charm of Love So Perfect. I want to go back and read about all of the other Lawson Brothers now. Marquita Valentine does such a great job with her books. I know that the romance is always going to be great. I always walk away from her stories happy, content and feeling just a bit sappy.
Bottom line: If you like your romances on the sweet side, and you need your dose of cute "cheese", this is the book for you. People that love small town settings will eat up Harper and Austin in Love So Perfect.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Sanctuary Bay is the collaborative effort of authors Laura J. Burns & Melinda Metz. It is a young adult mystery that was totally mind warping. In a really good way. This book really had me on the edge of my seat. It takes place at an exclusive boarding school, and right away the authors did a great job setting the spooky atmosphere. As soon as the main character, Sarah arrives, she finds out that there is no leaving the island- not to shop, or visit town, not to get packages and not to even talk to people. There is no internet or contact with the outside world. I knew something creepy was going on. But I was instantly hooked. And as the story unfolds, it just kept getting more and more twisted and intense.
I love boarding school settings. And when you throw in a super mysterious setting, and secret societies, I just have to check it out. Sanctuary Bay was all that it promised and even more. It reminded me of the movie, Shutter Island. A psychological thriller, that just kept catching me off guard. Authors Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz zigged when I expected them to zag, and they went off the freakin' charts when I expected them to stay the course. To say they took me by surprise is a complete understatement. Sanctuary Bay is a book that you need to read closely and stick with until the very last page because thee is a lot going on. I loved the characters and the plot had me reading as fast as I possibly could so I could see what was going to happen next. I skipped dinner, I was so engrossed! (and trust me, that does not happen with me.)
Bottom line: if you like books that mess with your mind, Sanctuary Bay is one that you need to be reading like yesterday. But be sure to block off an afternoon and a night because you will not want to put this one down. Perfect for fans of creepy boarding school settings and of the movie Shutter Island. Read Sanctuary Bay and then come talk to me, because I want to chat with you about a lot of things!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Sanctuary Bay is the collaborative effort of authors Laura J. Burns & Melinda Metz. It is a young adult mystery that was totally mind warping. In a really good way. This book really had me on the edge of my seat. It takes place at an exclusive boarding school, and right away the authors did a great job setting the spooky atmosphere. As soon as the main character, Sarah arrives, she finds out that there is no leaving the island- not to shop, or visit town, not to get packages and not to even talk to people. There is no internet or contact with the outside world. I knew something creepy was going on. But I was instantly hooked. And as the story unfolds, it just kept getting more and more twisted and intense.
I love boarding school settings. And when you throw in a super mysterious setting, and secret societies, I just have to check it out. Sanctuary Bay was all that it promised and even more. It reminded me of the movie, Shutter Island. A psychological thriller, that just kept catching me off guard. Authors Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz zigged when I expected them to zag, and they went off the freakin' charts when I expected them to stay the course. To say they took me by surprise is a complete understatement. Sanctuary Bay is a book that you need to read closely and stick with until the very last page because thee is a lot going on. I loved the characters and the plot had me reading as fast as I possibly could so I could see what was going to happen next. I skipped dinner, I was so engrossed! (and trust me, that does not happen with me.)
Bottom line: if you like books that mess with your mind, Sanctuary Bay is one that you need to be reading like yesterday. But be sure to block off an afternoon and a night because you will not want to put this one down. Perfect for fans of creepy boarding school settings and of the movie Shutter Island. Read Sanctuary Bay and then come talk to me, because I want to chat with you about a lot of things!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**Not Okay, Cupid is the first book in the High School Heartbreakers series by Heidi R. Kling. Not Okay, Cupid is a young adult contemporary romance that I think would be fitting for a younger, young adult audience. The end of the book ended up being pretty cute, but it was a rough start for me. The book is told in dual narrative between Hazel and Felix. I really liked the dual narrative, and I really enjoyed Hazel and Felix. They were both good people and good characters, their voices just seemed so young and impulsive. (which I guess they are.)
I think a lot of people will enjoy this cute story of wanting to get revenge on your friend and ex, and ending up falling for the guy helping you enact said revenge. (I bet you can guess why revenge was needed...her best friend and ex boyfriend got together behind Hazel's back.) But to set the scene, we were 4 percent into the book when Hazel and Felix walk into the school cafeteria and she sees her best friend (her best friend people!) and her current boyfriend all over each other. When she confronts them, the boyfriend couldn't care less and just breaks up with her. I mean, who does that?? How could her best friend just think it is ok to blindside her freakin' best friend by announcing to the whole school at lunch that she was with her boyfriend. And not even seem to care about it. The whole scene rubbed me the wrong way. Those two were not going to be the characters for me, no matter what they did to redeem themselves later on. They were just too immature and frankly, mean.
I read on because even though Hazel and Felix's voices bugged me a bit, I wanted to see where the story was going to go. I liked Felix and I wanted him to get the girl. Honestly Felix was my favorite part about the story. Even though his narrative sometimes irked me, he was pretty adorable in how much he has always liked Hazel. And I do have to say, Not Okay, Cupid is a book that builds as the story goes on. In a positive way. The story did get better and better, but the immature voices and choppy start made it hard for me to recover from and really fall in love with the story. I still think that a lot of people will enjoy this story. It makes for a cute romance.
Bottom line: If you like your romances with a side of light and fluffy revenge, this might be the book for you. But be warned, the characters show their age. They are pretty immature, but if you stick with it, Not Okay, Cupid makes for a quick read that turns out cute in the end. I'm just not sure it was the book for me. I think a lot of readers will enjoy Not Okay, Cupid.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
I think a lot of people will enjoy this cute story of wanting to get revenge on your friend and ex, and ending up falling for the guy helping you enact said revenge. (I bet you can guess why revenge was needed...her best friend and ex boyfriend got together behind Hazel's back.) But to set the scene, we were 4 percent into the book when Hazel and Felix walk into the school cafeteria and she sees her best friend (her best friend people!) and her current boyfriend all over each other. When she confronts them, the boyfriend couldn't care less and just breaks up with her. I mean, who does that?? How could her best friend just think it is ok to blindside her freakin' best friend by announcing to the whole school at lunch that she was with her boyfriend. And not even seem to care about it. The whole scene rubbed me the wrong way. Those two were not going to be the characters for me, no matter what they did to redeem themselves later on. They were just too immature and frankly, mean.
I read on because even though Hazel and Felix's voices bugged me a bit, I wanted to see where the story was going to go. I liked Felix and I wanted him to get the girl. Honestly Felix was my favorite part about the story. Even though his narrative sometimes irked me, he was pretty adorable in how much he has always liked Hazel. And I do have to say, Not Okay, Cupid is a book that builds as the story goes on. In a positive way. The story did get better and better, but the immature voices and choppy start made it hard for me to recover from and really fall in love with the story. I still think that a lot of people will enjoy this story. It makes for a cute romance.
Bottom line: If you like your romances with a side of light and fluffy revenge, this might be the book for you. But be warned, the characters show their age. They are pretty immature, but if you stick with it, Not Okay, Cupid makes for a quick read that turns out cute in the end. I'm just not sure it was the book for me. I think a lot of readers will enjoy Not Okay, Cupid.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
It's All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick is a young adult contemporary novel that will have you laughing your butt off. Leave all of your political agendas, and social views behind and sit back for a couple of hours of really witty dialogue, and pure irreverent hilarity. I thoroughly enjoyed Caitlin and her cousin Heller's whirlwind weekend. The end was surprisingly sweet too. It's All Your Fault is a very fun book. You have to put your sensitivities aside, and just let yourself go with it. If you do, I think you will have a blast with It's All Your Fault. Paul Rudnick is one funny dude.
It's All Your Fault is the story of what happens when you mix a very sheltered, very religious "good girl" with her very famous, very do as you please, try everything once cousin. Caitlin and Heller used to be close when they were younger but they had a falling out over a big (and mysterious) event in their past. You eventually find out just what happened between them. I'm not sure what I thought the event was going to be, but I certainly didn't think it was going to be what it actually was. Paul, you surprised the heck out of me with that one.
Heller and Caitlin get into a lot of, let's just say mischief, in one weekend. Caitlin is put in charge of making sure her cousin doesn't get into any trouble before her big movie premiere, and Caitlin has it in her head to cure Heller of her sins. Heller has other ideas. And the result is a whole lotta fun. That being said, are there going to be things in this book that offend you. I feel pretty confident in saying, yes. Paul Rudnick holds no punches, and nothing is off limits. Which is what I think makes a great comedian. You can't be scared of offending people. But if you just put all of that aside and choose not to take this book too seriously, you will have a great time with the story. I know you will laugh out loud on multiple occasions.
Bottom line: It's All Your Fault is one heck of a hilarious journey. The one liners had me laughing out loud almost every other page. I am not joking. And the ending put a big smile on my face. This is a great book to grab when you are in the mood for something not too serious, but something seriously funny. A word of warning though: Maybe pass on this book if you are easily offended.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
It's All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick is a young adult contemporary novel that will have you laughing your butt off. Leave all of your political agendas, and social views behind and sit back for a couple of hours of really witty dialogue, and pure irreverent hilarity. I thoroughly enjoyed Caitlin and her cousin Heller's whirlwind weekend. The end was surprisingly sweet too. It's All Your Fault is a very fun book. You have to put your sensitivities aside, and just let yourself go with it. If you do, I think you will have a blast with It's All Your Fault. Paul Rudnick is one funny dude.
It's All Your Fault is the story of what happens when you mix a very sheltered, very religious "good girl" with her very famous, very do as you please, try everything once cousin. Caitlin and Heller used to be close when they were younger but they had a falling out over a big (and mysterious) event in their past. You eventually find out just what happened between them. I'm not sure what I thought the event was going to be, but I certainly didn't think it was going to be what it actually was. Paul, you surprised the heck out of me with that one.
Heller and Caitlin get into a lot of, let's just say mischief, in one weekend. Caitlin is put in charge of making sure her cousin doesn't get into any trouble before her big movie premiere, and Caitlin has it in her head to cure Heller of her sins. Heller has other ideas. And the result is a whole lotta fun. That being said, are there going to be things in this book that offend you. I feel pretty confident in saying, yes. Paul Rudnick holds no punches, and nothing is off limits. Which is what I think makes a great comedian. You can't be scared of offending people. But if you just put all of that aside and choose not to take this book too seriously, you will have a great time with the story. I know you will laugh out loud on multiple occasions.
Bottom line: It's All Your Fault is one heck of a hilarious journey. The one liners had me laughing out loud almost every other page. I am not joking. And the ending put a big smile on my face. This is a great book to grab when you are in the mood for something not too serious, but something seriously funny. A word of warning though: Maybe pass on this book if you are easily offended.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs