September 29, 2017

First Lines Friday


First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Revision. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Grab your current read(s).
  • Share the first line(s).
  • Include the title and author.

"This story began, as all writing must, in failure."

~ We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy by Ta-Nehisi Coates 



πŸ“– πŸ“– πŸ“– πŸ“– πŸ“– πŸ“– πŸ“– πŸ“– πŸ“– πŸ“– 




"I looked down the barrel of my Glock 19 service weapon."

Haunted by James Patterson & James O. Born

September 28, 2017

Rosie Colored Glasses


"When one world rubbed against another." ~ 1%

Rex Thorpe is a man with a plan. He has strong morals and always prepared. Rosie is the opposite; she craves spontaneity. She flits here; skips there. Never a steady presence. Rex and Rosie meet in an unconventional way. Their romance is sudden. Then came marriage and children: Willow and Asher. Years go by with series of events happening and then divorce comes. Rosie Colored Glasses tells the story of this family focusing on central themes like love, bliss, self-medication and extreme loneliness.

Titles mean everything! It is often the first thing you notice about a book besides the cover. So was this an attempt at the clichΓ©: looking through life with rose-colored glasses? Because if so...nice try. Rosie wasn't even looking through life with clear vision let alone following her line of view! Some call it eccentric, but she was too loopy when it came to love, life and basic interaction. Thus making it hard to embrace her as the main character.

Willow, however, was more relatable. She wanted to see the good in all people. She had firm beliefs in her little world and darnit if anyone would tarnish them. As an eleven-year-old, Willow tries her best to adapt to newly divorced parents and two households. But she really wants to spend all her time with mom Rosie. Unfortunately, Willow learns the hard way that Rosie has her own demons to deal with.

"Determination to get to love."
 ~ 88%

Rosie Colored Glasses was not incredibly heart-breaking. It did not cause tears or draw sympathy from me. The writing style of alternate narration was done very well though. It is what kept me interested seeing points of view from the past and present. This can be tricky for a debut novel but the author definitely made it work.

Happy Early Pub Day, Brianna Wolfson! Rosie Colored Glasses will be available February 18, 2018.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Rosie Colored Glasses
Author: Brianna Wolfson
Published: February 2018
Pages: 336
Edition: Galley
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€

 

This Is Not A Love Letter


"Do you see #chriskirk?" ~ 53%

Chris Kirk is a responsible, smart, athletic, funny and kind high-school senior. He is heading off to college on a full-ride baseball scholarship. Almost everyone in the small town loves him. His little sister adores him. His best friends are loyal. His girlfriend of nine months thinks his laughter is like a gulp of cold water on a hot day. He's the sparkle in his mom's eye. A guy like Chris Kirk doesn't go missing.

Police do not suspect foul play. In fact, authorities believe he ran away. But as the search continues, accusations of racism in the small town arise. After all, Chris Kirk is one of the only black boys in this white community. Could it be more to his disappearance? A hate crime or harassment gone too far? Why is Jessie receiving frightening threats now?

"I just packaged my heart in bubble wrap." ~ 70%

I want to reach through my Kindle and give a group hug. I want to join the search for Chris Kirk and give him a strong shake. I want to hold Jessie and tell her it'll be okay. These characters had my heart on the page and twisted it with every new day. Instead of chapters, the book is set up as dates and times surrounding Chris' disappearance and narrated by the girlfriend, Jessie. Every Friday since they've started dating, Chris wrote Jessie a love letter shaped as an airplane. Now she is writing a letter of her own. She may not know it yet, but as readers we see she is falling in love with him. The emotions of all friends and family leap off the pages.

"Did you know that we release a hormone when we get sad, which actually causes the throat to swell up?" ~ 8%

No exaggeration. No fib. I legit cancelled my plans for the day to finish this book. I got zero steps on the Fitbit. I didn't want to leave the house for food so I cooked a frozen pizza and stayed in just to finish reading. Not many books can hold my attention like this. Not many plots can make me read nonstop. And I am stingy with my five (5) hearts! So consider this a high compliment, author Kim Purcell and a strong recommendation, bookhearts.

Happy Early Pub Day, Kim Purcell! This Is Not A Love Letter will be available January 30, 2018. Yup, you have to wait for the publication of this greatness.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: This Is Not A Love Letter
Author: Kim Purcell
Published: January 2018
Pages: 368
Edition: Galley
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

September 27, 2017

A Messy, Beautiful Life


"If only all of life were that simple—a morphine-drip for the soul." ~ 34%

I like to read books with settings in places I recently visited. So it was a pleasure to read an advance copy of A Messy, Beautiful Life that takes place in the north suburb of Chicago. The colorful cover reminds me of the Osaka Garden, with beautiful Japanese landscape, a waterfall, bonsai trees and foot bridges. It was my hope that the story within would be just as beautiful.

The problem with judging a book by its cover is...well, it can be misleading. And while the book cover and title is literally beautiful, the subject matter is not. Life can indeed be messy and downright ugly sometimes, especially if finding out you have a rare cancer called chondrosarcoma. As such is the life of 17-year-old Ellie. Her life is at its very best and very worst simultaneously; hence, messy and beautiful. She tries to be strong, funny and brave for her mom, friends, improv group and that hot guy. She doesn't want them to watch her die. So Ellie puts on a smile and tries her damnedest not to cry. #LiteraryBars

"I prefer tumorously challenged." ~ 47%

Sorry if you are on the verge of crying mere minutes into my book review. Sometimes we need a reminder to appreciate life to the fullest, the importance of family and building friendships. Author Sara Jade Alan writes about cancer and love in such a tender comforting way through well-developed characters and, at times, perfect dialogue.

I'll be careful not to compare this new release to that other cancer book that shall remain nameless but made me boo-hoo-wet-face in between pages and in movie theater. Nope. Instead I will say, fans of TFIOS should add A Messy, Beautiful Life to your immediate reading lists because I know you will appreciate this good read. And the cover is so public-friendly!

Happy Early Pub Day, Sara Jade Alan! A Messy, Beautiful Life will be available Monday, October 2.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: A Messy, Beautiful Life
Author: Sara Jade Alan
Published: October 2017
Pages: 212
Edition: Galley
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

 

September 26, 2017

Don't Let Go


"The past does not simply die away. Whatever happened here still haunts these grounds." ~ 20%

Detective Napolean "Nap" Dumas has no family and few friends. His life has been this way since his senior year of high school when his twin brother and friend were found dead on the town's railroad tracks. Immediately after, Nap's girlfriend disappeared without logical explanation. For fifteen years, Nap has been searching for the woman he considers the love of his life and also the truth behind his twin brother's death. When familiar fingerprints turn up at a murder scene, Nap is forced to investigate the abandoned military base near where he grew up and also look into a secret conspiracy club.

Few things are certain. One is that author Harlan Coben will deliver a bestselling thriller that I will no doubt cancel plans in order to read the page-turning novel nonstop. It will be full of suspense. It will raise my eyebrows and get the sleuth in me going. It will introduce a new, or familiar, character that is well-developed. The story will occupy my mind for hours on end and most likely be one of my top reads of the current year. New fiction release, Don't Let Go, is no exception.

"I know your pain now. It's like...it's like being members of the worst club imaginable." ~ 54%

Nap Dumas is probably one of the most emotional characters belonging to Harlan Coben. Through careful dialogue and narration, I was able to pick up on Nap's thought process and feelings. I felt Nap's frustration when he hit a roadblock that didn't mesh with his theory. I smirked at his smart ass remarks when talking to a character that didn't understand his dry humor. I related to his quest for answers and need to pry open doors from the past. And though I am not a person who loves the idea of ghosts, I did not mind Nap talking to his dead brother throughout the whole book. And oh, fans will be delighted to read a cameo of Myron Bolitar within its pages. Reading Don't Let Go allowed me to escape the real world for a day to get lost in a story based on a legend.

Happy Pub Day, Harlan Coben! Don't Let Go is now available.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Don't Let Go
Author: Harlan Coben
Published: September 2017
Pages: 400
Edition: Galley
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

 

September 24, 2017

Series Sunday: P is for Peril

(Kinsey Millhone #16) 

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name. 

My Series Sunday pick is P is for Peril, the 16th book in the Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton. My fave Private Investigator is knee deep into a case involving a missing man, his angry ex-wife, his carefree current wife and unfinished business. She doesn't even realize that the man she's attracted to has a fatal secret. Kinsey doesn't realize until it's too late that a killer is standing right before her eyes.

What a letdown! Especially after reading one of the best books of this series (O is for Outlaw). This one just fell flat. Why do I expect more of Kinsey's personal life when it's never been the basis of this whole series?! It is not the fault of the author; I get that Sue Grafton wants to focus on solving mysteries and not too much on the main character. But can I get another morsel here?

Of course this does not discourage me from continuing the series. In fact, I am eager to catch up now. You should too!

Author: Sue Grafton
Published: October 2000
Pages: 532
Edition: eBook
Challenge: Perpetual Kinsey Millhone
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€

September 22, 2017

First Lines Friday


First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Revision. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Grab your current read(s).
  • Share the first line(s).
  • Include the title and author.

"I'll start with first thing this morning. I wake up to someone banging on my back door. I open my eyes."

~ This Is Not A Love Letter by Kim Purcell

 

September 21, 2017

If The Creek Don't Rise


"More than words on a page." ~ 73%

Dear authors, book covers and blurbs matter! Let me tell you why. While picking up a library hold, I took a few minutes to browse the New Releases/Hits section. A title caught my eye: If the Creek Don't Rise. The cover features a little girl barefoot sitting on the grass next to an open, rusted car door. Or maybe it's an old pickup truck. Regardless, it caught my eye. What sealed the deal was a blurb on the front cover by Kathleen Grissom, author of The Kitchen House and Glory Over Everything. She calls it "an impressive debut from a talent to watch." Nuff said! I checked it out of the library.

Later that evening, I picked it up to read the synopsis and first chapter. Fast forward a few hours and I was more than halfway done. The avid reader dilemma kicked in: do I pull an all-nighter to finish the book or take my ass to bed and continue reading tomorrow? I compromised by reading two more chapters then went to sleep.

This story takes place in the 1970s in a small town where gossip is the norm and ere'body knows ere'body else's business. Judgmental church folk, a preacher tempted by lust, a jealous sister, a sweet naive girl married to an abuser, an ornery old lady and a good-hearted town matriarch make up the cast of characters. The author allows each character to tell their truth. It is up to us whom we favor or suck our teeth at. Add moonshine, dead-end futures and buried secrets...this debut is layers and layers of drama in Appalachia. Bookhearts, you know I do not care for books with multiple points of view, especially all in first person. But this story couldn't be told otherwise. In just one month, this book has 750+ ratings with an average of 4-stars. Well I am adding another positive review.

If the Creek Don't Rise is a mason jar of homemade sweet tea with a slice of lemon on the rim. Drink it all up and enjoy every sip of this southern comfort.

Title: If the Creek Don't Rise
Author: Leah Weiss
Published: August 2017
Pages: 320
Edition: Paperback
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

 

September 20, 2017

Chat w/Chickadee

*The Spirit of Detroit wearing a Detroit Lions jersey hand-sewn by my Chickadee.

Me
: Chickadee, we are jinxed. It is just not meant for us to visit New Orleans. First Hurricane Katrina and now Harvey, Irma and 'nem.

Chickadee: I know! I was looking forward to spending our birthdays at a nice bed-and-breakfast in NOLA and exploring the bayou.

Me: Welp, let's make the most of our staycation then. Let's get to know our hometown Detroit.

And so we are! During this entire week, Chickadee (what I affectionately call my mama) and I are exploring well-known sites and historical places in The D. We dress comfortably and act like tourists in our own city for a full week. See our list below of spots/events.

  • DETROIT movie about 1967 riots
  • Good 'ole backyard bonfire party 
  • Detroit Tigers vs. White Sox 9-0
  • Q-Line and People Mover
  • Underground Railroad Experience at the First Congregational Church of Detroit
  • Museum Tours: Motown Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Historical Museum, Charles H. Wright African American Museum
  • Detroit Public Library
  • Detroit Brewery
  • David Whitney Building
  • The Whitney
  • New Center
  • RenCen & COBO Hall
  • Greenfield Village
  • Belle Isle (Remember the Giant Slide?!) 
  • Lafayette Coney Island vs. American Coney Island
  • Breakfast at The Clique
  • Connie & Barbara's Soul Food (meals served w/Kool-Aid) 
  • Eleanor & Edsel Ford House Tour
  • Detroit Riverwalk
  • Chene Park
  • UniverSoul Circus
  • Detroit Jazz Cafe
  • Bakers Lounge
  • The Eastern Market
I so cherish this Mother/Daughter Quality Time! Better than any international or out-of-state vacation we could have ever taken for our Born Days. 


  

September 19, 2017

Because You Love to Hate Me



"Villians, the deliciously wicked. We love to hate them and they hate to be loved, if only because being hated frees them from having to be good." ~ pg. 10

How refreshing to know I am not the only reader or book blogger that loves to hate villains but sometimes root for them. Villains are necessary for heroes to exist in our favorite books. Stories aren't nothing without them. In Because You Love Me, singer/songwriter/author Ameriie gathered thirteen stories of villainy written by various authors. Also included is commentary/challenges by thirteen different booktubers and bloggers.

"You see red when you're angry. You should never actually be seeing red unless you're standing in a room that's covered in red paint, or blood, or looking at an apple. If you're just seeing red, something's wrong. Don't panic, but you might be evil." ~ pg. 24

Because You Love Me goes deep into villainy with retelling of fairy tales, folklores and original stories. My favorite (I could be biased because editors heart other editors) was Ameriie's retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. Pure villainy at its finest! I also liked the modern-day mash-up of King Arthur and Persephone-Hades and another tale titled Gwen and Art and Lance where the villain takes hold of the reins and manipulates destiny. I was a bit spooked by another villain named Julian; he was a teen psychopath. EEK! Then was excited to read about Nicola Yoon's gender-flipped god of war. All hail bad bitches!

"And then I finally understand what I am, and it's a relief." ~ pg. 260

Why should heroes get all the fun? They get the happy ending, a romantic love story and favor from all readers. But in Because You Love to Hate Me, the villains are shown some love too. Most importantly, readers will finish this collection knowing what it means to be a true villain and perhaps discover our own evil. This book is a good companion for reading during commutes or when traveling. Enjoy!

Title: Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy
Author: Various; Edited by Ameriie
Published: July 2017
Pages: 296
Edition: eBook
Challenge: Popsugar—A Book Involving a Mythical Creature; Popsugar—A Book with Multiple Authors
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

September 17, 2017

Series Sunday: O is for Outlaw

(Kinsey Millhone #15) 

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is O is for Outlaw, the 15th book in the Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton. How refreshing it is to still enjoy a series this far into it. I am still finding out personal things about the private Private Investigator, Kinsey Millhone. At this point, all readers know very little about her. We know she was raised by an aunt, twice divorced, briefly worked as a cop and has a long-lost family somewhere up the California coast.

On a random morning, Kinsey receives a phone call from a storage unit auction winner (yes, it is a real thing! People actually bid on storage units that have defaulted in payment and auction off the found items.) He contacts Kinsey to sell her the contents of a box. Now she is no sentimental character. She couldn't care less about personal belongings. But out of curiosity, she buys it for a cool twenty bucks. Inside sends her down memory lane and forces her to face the breakup of her first marriage.

I was so eager to read this because finally more than a dollop of personal info on Kinsey! It was well-placed in the series and kept me glued to the end. Bookhearts, if you have not already started this series it is not too late. Read now!

Author: Sue Grafton
Published: October 1999
Pages: 336
Edition: eBook
Challenge: Perpetual Kinsey Millhone
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

 

September 15, 2017

First Lines Friday


First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Revision. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Grab your current read(s).
  • Share the first line(s).
  • Include the title and author.

"This fairy tale begins in 1968 during a garbage strike."

~ The Changeling by Victor LaValle

   

September 14, 2017

No One Is Coming to Save Us


I hate when this happens. A highly anticipated, hyped up, named one of the best books of the year turns out to be a dud. Does my edition have the same words? πŸ™ƒ  I had to enforce my 50-page Rule. Perhaps it was because of the comparison to The Great Gatsby but I did not finish No One Is Coming to Save Us, the story of an extended black family and their visions of the great American Dream. 

Title: No One Is Coming to Save Us
Author: Stephanie Powell Watts
Published: April 2017
Pages: 300
Edition: eBook
Rating: πŸ–€ DNF

 

September 13, 2017

How to Be a Bawse


"A Bawse should know when to take the time to think something through and when to simply make a quick decision." ~ pg. 56

The 2017 People's Choice Award winner for Favorite YouTube Star is Lilly Singh AKA IISuperwomanII. In a humorous yet insightful book, she gives the definitive guide to being a bawse: a person who exudes confidence, hustles relentlessly and smiles genuinely because he or she has fought through it all and made it out the other side. According to Lilly, there are fifty (50) rules to conquering your life; How to Be a Bawse (officially in my Top Books of 2017) details them all in an easy to read guide.

I don't know how to properly review this nonfiction book without stanning out with tons of praise. Lilly Singh is my new BFF-in-my-head. She truly thinks and mentors like a bawse through clear explanations with supporting scenarios. I have so many screenshots and highlights in my eBook edition. Bookhearts know I do not make a habit of re-reading books but this one right here is definitely worth revisiting so I can track my progress, recap bawse tips and LOL while doing it.

"You are a product of your environment, so decide wisely what kind of factory you want to be built in." ~ pg. 323

How To Be a Bawse is a must-have product for your personal library and mindset. I picked up many lessons that are sure to keep me on track with goals. I dare not group this book into a basic genre like self-help or memoir; it is so much more. If you are a goal digging hustler like myself and need guidance, this book is for you! Read it. Learn from it. Apply it. I'll say it plainly for slackers in the back. πŸ—£ I RECOMMEND HOW TO BE A BAWSE!

Now excuse me while I go change all my passwords to an affirmation like StayDetermined! to give my brain a subliminal message.

Title: How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life
Author: Lilly Singh AKA IISuperwomanII
Published: March 2017
Pages: 393
Edition: eBook
Challenge: Popsugar—A Book With Career Advice
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

 

September 12, 2017

When They Come For You


"An exposΓ© of child slavery, chocolate, and murder." ~ 32%

Photographer Harper McDaniel has nothing left to live for when her journalist husband and infant son are executed in a house fire. The local police fail to seriously investigate the arson. So Harper, teamed up with her financier brother and mobster grandfather, vow to settle the score. Harper discovers her husband was doing more than writing a piece on the history of chocolate and its billion-dollar industry; he was investigating mysterious deaths at a cacao plantation. The manhunt goes global; Harper travels well beyond their Florida home to Africa, Zurich and more.

"Taking suicidal risks, plunging ahead into the reckless quest. Not courage at all, but simply nothing left to lose." ~ 39%

One of the great writing lessons I learned is that less is best. As a copyeditor, I can appreciate attention to detail. But as a reader, too much detail and unnecessary verbiage distracts from the story itself. Because of this, I lost interest in the book fairly quickly. Too many far out actions and way too many characters with side details that clouded the main mystery. There is a such thing as too many layers. Such a disappointment for a bomb book cover. It just wasn't thrilling for me. However, it is an Amazon Charts bestseller.

🀷🏽‍♀️ For those still interested, When They Come For You is now available.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: When They Come For You
Author: James W. Hall
Published: September 2017
Pages: 290
Edition: Galley
Rating: πŸ–€

 

We Are Never Meeting in Real Life


"Since we can't get reparations, we will make it up in toppings. I want provolone cheese and cucumbers and spinach and lettuce and red onions and tomatoes, olives and banana peppers and giardiniera. I need the chipotle southwest sauce and the ranch, and extra meat, but I don't want you to charge me for it."  

Bitches Gotta Eat blogger and comedian, Samantha Irby, brings her comic to essay form. In We Are Never Meeting in Real Life, she talks about her childhood, ghosts of the past and emotional truths. No one is exempt in her tales either, such as her estranged father and awkward sexual encounters with her significant other. Poking fun is an understatement!

"fuck it, bitch. stay fat." ~ pg. 143

LISSEN. Samantha Irby spoke to me. She knows my life. I nodded my head in agreement and literally LOL'ed while reading this. Albeit, there were a couple chapters that I skimmed because they weren't as entertaining but we probably never will meet in real life so it's not like she'll quiz me on it. Anyway, what a perfect title for this collection of funny ass essays. Bookhearts, I will not steer you wrong. Add this book to your TBR! It is great to read when you just have to laugh.

Title: We Are Never Meeting in Real Life
Author: Samantha Irby
Published: May 2017
Pages: 288
Edition: Paperback
Challenge: Popsugar—A Book With a Cat on the Cover
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

 

September 10, 2017

Series Sunday: The Medical Examiner

(Women's Murder Club #16.5) 

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is The Medical Examiner, book #16.5 in the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson. Imagine the horror of two bodies arriving at the morgue but one is still breathing! Go ahead and gasp because this original story had my full attention as the Women's Murder Club solved this twisted mystery.

So this is the BOOKSHOT that I tried to skip. HAHAHA As I previously stated, these short eBooks fall in the middle of a series making it still necessary to read. Genius marketing on Patterson's part because readers can't just skip them. You'll miss a major/minor event that may come up in a future book. Plus it is always nice to check in with our favorite characters while waiting for the next book in series to release. So yes, bookhearts, read The Medical Examiner not only because it was good but because you have to when continuing to read this series.

Author: James Patterson
Published: August 2017
Pages: 144
Edition: BOOKSHOTS
Challenge: Keeping Up With Patterson
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

 

September 8, 2017

First Lines Friday


First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Revision. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Grab your current read(s).
  • Share the first line(s).
  • Include the title and author.

"Spider Combs was parked five blocks east of the white wood cottage on Margaret Street in Coconut Grove where his target lived. Behind the tinted windows of the stolen pickup, he spied on the residents of the cottage via the iPad in his lap."

~ When They Come For You by James W. Hall

   

September 7, 2017

Smitten


"It is personal. I'm a person, so that makes it personal." ~ 3%

Celena Payne was so done with romance after her most recent ex ghosted her. Now the focus was on her career until Karim Holt moved back to town. He was too busy for a relationship with caring for his ailing grandmother and opening a new business. But a chance meeting between the two sparked an unexpected romance. Their lives were altered from this undeniable chemistry.

I was smitten with Celena and Karim's ship! Author Nicole Falls has once again wrote a good read featuring realistic characters of color. I would have rated this novel a solid five (5) hearts if it was edited better. The typos were a distraction. But if you can skim over these errors, Smitten is the choice if you're in the mood to read a fun romance. Reading it is like a conversation with your close friends. "Girl, let me tell you what happened!"

Smitten is available now for less than $3.00 or read free with Kindle Unlimited. Go ahead and download now, bookhearts!

Title: Smitten
Author: Nicole Falls
Published: March 2017
Pages: 182
Edition: eBook
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

 

September 6, 2017

The Dolls


"Of all the emotions she'd been programmed to learn, this one was the most palpable, the most real: fear." ~ pg. 42

Investigative business reporter, Lana Wallace, has covered crimes for the past ten years. But nothing prepared her for the dolls: prototypes custom created to speak, act, look and feel like a real woman. They're the perfect companion. But why are their owners being found murdered? Perhaps looks can kill.

A mighty hand clap for the MasterClass winner, Kecia Bal! I really enjoyed reading this book that she co-authored with James Patterson. What an honor! I could tell she implemented some of the lessons learned in the MasterClass. It only motivates me to continue the class and hopefully finish with a manuscript of my own. The Dolls was original, page-turning, and easily devoured in a couple hours.

Title: The Dolls
Author: James Patterson & Kecia Bal
Published: August 2017
Pages: 132
Edition: BOOKSHOT
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

 

September 5, 2017

I Hate Everyone But You


"I don't really see a world in which you remain objective." ~ 80%

Best friends Ava and Gen start their freshmen years of college on opposite sides of the country. They keep in touch through a series of text messages and emails. Their friendship develops and hits rocky roads when dealing with self-discovery, heartbreak, mental health and weird roommates. As each young woman grows, readers wonder if their BFF-ship will survive. Will they still be best friends living side-by-side in a gated community like the Golden Girls?

I Hate Everyone But You had potential to be a good YA novel but it fell short. I absolutely love books in e-mail or text message format. But this one I grew tired of real quick. Not because of the writing style or content but because of the annoying characters. I kept asking if I acted like this during my first year of college with friends back home or enrolled at different schools. Hopefully not! Maybe this book is relatable to younger women but it's a hard pass for 30-somethings.

Happy Pub Day, Gaby & Allison! I Hate Everyone But You is now available.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: I Hate Everyone But You
Author: Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin
Published: September 2017
Pages: 352
Edition: Galley
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€