June 29, 2010

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:



  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Literary Marie's Tuesday Teaser:

"Kissing didn't sound the same with vampires as it did with humans. No soft, fleshy, liquid-filled cells to squish against each other. Just stone lips, no give." 

~ p. 71, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga) by Stephenie Meyer

June 28, 2010

Quote of the Week

"There are a lot of books out there. I'm under 30, but don't have time to waste with poorly written ones." -- Literary Marie

June 23, 2010

Expected Endings & Secrets

Victoria Smalls is a Daddy’s girl that did exactly what everyone else wanted her to do. Instead of following her dream, she worked in Corporate America after graduating from the college of her father’s choice. The she was involved in a toxic relationship with, dare I say his name, Neil. After their break-up, she took a much-needed break.

Now a year and a prayer later, Victoria finds herself getting more than she prayed for: two entirely different good men. Ted Thornton is the CEO of the company Victoria works for. He’s been interested in V, the nickname he affectionately calls her, since the day they met. He inconspicuously plans projects and late evening meetings so he can spend time with her. Parker Brightwood is a successful young surgeon that met Victoria while he was on a date with another woman. They meet again, and are inseparable from that point on.

When Ted finally confesses his feelings, V finds herself torn between a powerful white man and a gorgeous black man. Whom she chooses is merely at the expense of the other. Classic copout!

I read this book with my book club as our May BOTM. We all chose it because the description seemed very interesting. The story starts off really slow. It literally took me half an hour (30 minutes) to read the first chapter. I struggled through the remaining chapters. In my opinion, the pace never picked up.

I did not like the author’s writing style. The scenes were too long and redundant. There was unnecessary dialogue and the settings were too descriptive. It took the imagination out because I didn’t have to wonder how the characters looked or the ability to draw my own conclusions.

If the irrelevant parts were removed, the book would be 100 pages instead of 280 pages.

I will admit that it sparked a good discussion. Our book club debated about interracial relationships, whether a white man can raise a black boy, the stereotype of light- and dark-skinned African-Americans, getting along with in-laws, and leaving Corporate America to become an entrepreneur.

I’m conflicted on how to rate Unexpected Interruptions. The book was not all that great and I’m baffled at the 60+ good reviews on Amazon. If a good book means it sparked good conversation, then yes it qualifies. There are underlying issues that led to a debate. After research, we discovered there is a sequel titled Keeping Secrets & Telling Lies. Out of curiosity, I speed-read it with another book club member. It was worse and even more predictable. The story had a big build-up only to be let down. The secret was easy to figure out and revealed early on. It’ll have you saying, “That’s it? Really?”  and throw the book across the room.

In conclusion, it depends on what you consider a good book.

Rating: ♥♥

June 19, 2010

Private Preview

In honor of Father's Day, enjoy this free preview of a brand new series by the Father of Mystery and Suspense: James Patterson. Enjoy the first 24 chapters of Private!

Pre-order your copy now by clicking the image on the left. This book will be released on June 28, 2010.

June 16, 2010

Namaste

Zoe Fishman focuses her debut novel, Balancing Acts, on four college friends reunited after 10 years. They meet every Saturday morning for a six-week yoga class. I usually don't care for stories told through different points of view, but it was a recommendation from a fellow reader and blogger. Thanks for recommending, Kim!

Charlie left a high-paying Wall Street job to pursue yoga. She sees Boston University's alumni night as the prime opportunity to pass out fliers and drum up businesses for her new studio in Brooklyn. Sabine started a career in book publishing with the sole intention of becoming a novelist. Now she can't seem to focus on writing because she's editing romance manuscripts. She doesn't have much time for love either; unless you count the minutes she spends crushing on Subway Guy. Naomi is a single mother who hasn't picked up a camera in years. She dumped photography for web design after a bad breakup. Now Naomi is ready to enter the non-Mommy world. Bess dreams of writing for substance, but instead she's stuck in a rut writing snarky captions for a tabloid. She has an idea for an article that just may help her. She attends the reunion and signs up for the yoga class with an ulterior motive. 

The four friends have three things in common: a past, a dream for their future, and looking for love. In reuniting, they take new chances and face realities. 


I finished this book in one sitting on a sunny Saturday. It was easy to relate to these Brooklyn/Manhattan women. They were so unlike Carrie Bradshaw. These are realistic women dealing with issues and faced with making the same decisions as us. I found a little piece of me in each character. Zoe Fishman has a writing style that flows. It's a great summer read, especially for women who are also finding balance in their lives. 

Yoga anyone?


Rating: ♥♥♥♥

June 15, 2010

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:



  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Literary Marie's Tuesday Teaser:

"Not an actual adult, I'm more adult-ish. And like so many other little brown girls my age, I believe the problem of loving, lusting, or even 'liking liking' someone can be solved with a simple equation: x + y = gtfohwtbs (if "x" ≥ 28 years old and "y" = socially retarded men)."

~ p. 3, Bitch Is The New Black by Helena Andrews 




June 14, 2010

Your Fave Female Bounty Hunter is Back!

The hilarious, adventurous Stephanie Plum is back. 


Uncle Vinnie has wracked up a gambling debt of $786,000. He's being held until the debt is paid. Its up to Stephanie, office manager Connie, and file clerk Lula to raise money and rescue him. Stephanie also inherits a lucky bottle from her Uncle Pip. But he didn't exactly specify whether it brings good or bad luck. Judging from Stephanie's past, the bottle will humorously bring both kinds of luck. Of course there are appearances by hot cop Joe Morelli and sexy mysterious Ranger.


Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich will be released on June 22, 2010. However, as a special gift to followers of my blog, you may click here for a special preview of the first two chapters.


Happy Spoiled Reading!

June 13, 2010

On Writing


Which well-known author wiped his ass with poison ivy? Did you know that The Shining was written about himself: an alcoholic and ex-schoolteacher addicted to cocaine and Nyquil? Two words: Stephen King. He needs no further introduction.

I never had an interest in reading any of his books. Although in my journey to write a novel, I thought I’d read his memoir On Writing. If I were to take advice, it would definitely be from one of the bestselling authors of all time. He describes his childhood, how he was formed, and his struggle early on in his career, and some of the life situations that made him a writer. The meat of the book is filled with valuable information and writing tips. The last section even describes his near death accident in 1999.

I opened the pages and began reading equipped with my highlighter to later reference the tips I’ve learned. Below are some of the tidbits I learned:

v  ♡ Write with the door closed. Rewrite with the door open.
v  ♡ You must not come lightly to the blank page.
v  ♡ Construct a toolbox.
v  ♡ Adverbs are not your friend.
v  ♡ To write “he said” or “she said” is divine.

On Writing will benefit writers and provide a glimpse into the mastermind of Stephen King. Keep in mind the tips and tools are what worked for him and may not necessarily work for every aspiring or achieved writer. But remember, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.

I cannot agree with the critics and reviewers more. It is simply the best book on writing. Ever. After reading the last page I felt like I cheated Stephen King. Within the 297 pages is a professional class on writing and I’d only paid $7.99.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Quote of The Week

"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." -- Stephen King

June 12, 2010

To Read or Not To Read?

Before he died last year, E. Lynn Harris, supposedly wrote the first installment of a new series. It is about a bisexual owner of a Miami modeling agency named Bentley L. Dean III. Due to the economy, he reluctantly agrees to supply 15 models for a VIP party. Jah is his 18-year-old protege that has to substitute for a model that dropped out. Suddenly, the stakes are higher when Jah falls in love with a very dangerous, very famous, and very married man. Will Bentley's fatherly advice and guidance save Jah?


First of all, I didn't believe that E. Lynn Harris finished writing his last novel, Mama Dearest, let alone finish an entirely new novel. Secondly, it is uncharacteristic of him to name the heroin after a luxury car. I am used to the late author's books having substance, being well-written, and leaving me with a lesson or relevant message. Will this posthumous work live up to expectations and standards?


The hardcover will be released on June 22, 2010. So far, there are six reviews posted on Amazon with an average rating of 3.5 stars. Ouch! Read them and determine for yourself whether In My Father's House is worthy of pre-ordering, or even reading.

Summer is Meant for Reading

Welcome book lovers! I changed the layout in honor of the summer season. This is the time of year I spend reading by the pool and in the sunshine. 


Browse my bookshelf to the right. Have you also read a book that I recently finished? Share your thoughts on books that I plan to read. Are you currently reading the same books I am?


If you have book recommendations, interested in guest blogging, or would just like to share your summer reading list, please click the "Contact Me" link above. 


Happy Reading,


Literary Marie 

June 6, 2010

The Perfect Pair of Pleasure

I know it’s a good book when I’m lost in its fiction for hours.

Raven Armand has it all: independence, wealth, success, a best friend, and a doting son. But the perfect man is missing from her life. Pierce Randall is so occupied with saving his business from a corrupt business partner that he doesn’t even have time for love. However, Raven’s son and agent are determined to play matchmaker and piece the perfect pair together. With the introductory part done, its up to Raven and Pierce to make the rest work. However, curiosity and sexual fantasies just may interfere with life, as they know it.

Bestselling author Naleighna Kai has delivered another great book to contemporary fiction lovers.  I was a fan ever since her debut novel titled Every Woman Needs A Wife. She has a way of weaving a tale so realistic and detailed, that you find a bit of yourself in the characters.  You will be grabbed from the first page until the very last word! It’s also rare for a reader to feel so many different emotions while reading the same book. I felt happiness, sadness, grief, heartache, love, and ecstasy all within reading about the perfect woman and perfect man experiencing the perfect opportunity. If you're looking for a book that you literally cannot put down until its finished, this is it! In reading this book, I have added Naleighna Kai as one of my favorite authors…and that says a lot. Well done!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Quote of the Week

"Fiction is like a spider's web, attached ever so lightly perhaps, but still attached to life at all four corners." -- Virginia Woolf