Anna and the French Kiss

Summary:

"Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?"

Plot: The plot is the typical Boy Meets Girl, fall in love drama, but a realistic take on it and with no insta-love!

Characters: I liked Anna a lot and could relate to her in many ways, as well as I could relate to St.Clair a lot in many ways. And I was surprised for a character who isn't really there, how much I disliked Ellen.

Pros: A perfect Young Adult Romance, set in Paris. Fluffy, Cute, Funny and Realistic.

Cons: The only Con is that is wasn't (in my opinion) as great as everyone has said.

Final Thoughts: I liked this book, I really did. But I totally psyched myself into thinking this book would be the best book on the planet. I think a weird problem that can happen when a book is highly praised. The book was good, I would recommend it to a general group of people, but I am not gushing over it. Although, I did find myself having such a hard time putting it down and the book has memorable one liners. I just couldn't completely connect with the book. One thing I really liked about this book, was that I wasn't questioning whether or not it was appropriate to give to my younger cousin. Which isn't a bad thing in some books that are not, I just like that this book was more mature, but still young. Does that make sense?

The Lucky One

Summary:

"After U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman buried in the dirt during his tour of duty in Iraq, he experiences a sudden streak of luck -- winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph -- his lucky charm. 
Back home in Colorado, Thibault can't seem to get the woman in the photograph out of his mind and he sets out on a journey across the country to find her. But Thibault is caught off guard by the strong attraction he feels for the woman he encounters in North Carolina - Elizabeth, a divorced mother -- and he keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate love affair, his secret soon threatens to tear them apart -- destroying not only their love, but also their lives. 
Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, THE LUCKY ONE is an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love. "

Plot: The Plot is pretty predictable, especially with how Nicholas Sparks books usually are, yet no matter how many different ways he write the story, it is still beautiful and captivating. The book is a slower paced book, kinda like how a small town would be, and there isn't really insta love it is built up from strangers,to friends, to lovers.
Characters: The story was told from three different peoples thoughts Beth,Clayton and Thibault because that was you got to know each character without having to be over descriptive. However, my favorite to characters were Ben and Nana, who showed a lot of personality.
Pros: It is a romantic love story which you will enjoy, it is slower paced--no insta-love here, typical Nicholas Sparks.
Cons: The end was anti-climatic for me, I didn't like Beth's Anger it was almost immature.
Final Thoughts: I enjoyed the The Lucky One a lot, it was a 4 star read for me and since I finished reading the book on Valentine's Day, it was a perfect Valentine's Day read. I liked how naturally the book flowed, and how it definitely gave me the small town southern feel. Overall, it did what any good love story does, but especially what any good Nicholas Sparks story does, it made me cry when I was said and it made me cry when I was happy. My only complaint is I felt it was missing a little something.. I just don't know what.

Brava, Valentine

Summary:

"As Brava, Valentine begins, snow falls like glitter over Tuscany at the wedding of her grandmother, Teodora, and longtime love, Dominic. Valentine's dreams are dashed when Gram announces that Alfred, "the prince," Valentine's only brother and nemesis, has been named her partner at Angelini Shoes. Devastated, Valentine falls into the arms of Gianluca, a sexy Tuscan tanner who made his romantic intentions known on the Isle of Capri. Despite their passion for one another and Gianluca's heartfelt letters, a long-distance relationship seems impossible.As Valentine turns away from romance and devotes herself to her work, mentor and pattern cutter June Lawton guides her through her power struggle with Alfred, while best friend and confidante Gabriel Biondi moves into 166 Perry Street, transforming her home and point of view. Savvy financier Bret Fitzpatrick, Valentine's first love and former fiancÉe who still carries a torch for her, encourages Valentine to exploit her full potential as a designer and a business woman with a plan that will bring her singular creations to the world.A once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity takes Valentine from the winding streets of Greenwich Village to the sun-kissed cobblestones of Buenos Aires, where she finds a long-buried secret hidden deep within a family scandal. Once unearthed, the truth rocks the Roncallis and Valentine is determined to hold her family together. More so, she longs to create one of her own, but is torn between a past love that nurtured her, and a new one that promises to sustain her."

Plot: Brava, Valentine pretty much picks up where Very, Valentine left off. The writing of the plot is pretty steady, having a nice amount of highs and lows, keeping you excited enough to keep reading. For book 2 out of 3 it was a good plot. If this was the last book, the plot would be pointless, but since it is #2, the plot leads up to book 3 very well. 

Characters: Beside the Italian family essence that Trigiani captures very well, the characters are my favorite part of the book. Mainly cause they are so normal and real. They don't have anything overly special or damaged about themselves. They are your typical human beings and crazy family. And if it isn't your family, you know a family like this. 

Pros: Awesome sequel, realistic romance, realistic overall, a nice read

Cons: If it wasn't Book 2 in a series, I would say it was a bit longer then I needed..

Final Thoughts:  Every since I read Very, Valentine a few years back I have been waiting for the sequel.  Valentine has a very normal life, but once you add Italy, love and travel it become something very wistful. Both books give me a sense of happiness and the one thing I love is that the Valentine Series is a book I can recommend to most readers. It has a very broad audience it can relate too. 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Summary:

"Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?"

Plot: Uhm, can this book receive the MOST Unique Book Plot of 2011 Award?!  Enough Said. 

Characters: I absolutely adored Karou's Character, and Madrigal's grew on me and I just liked Akiva. I did and I didn't understand Zuzana's Character though (she is Karou's best friend) Unless, in the next book.. (there will be a next book right?) she is like Madrigal's sister Chiro. That is  a thought that just hit me. Brimstone and the other Chimeara are written well, that you feel the same way towards them as Karou does.. you like them, there is this sense of home and family, but you know there is secrets and darkness too.

Pros: beyond unique plot, fast chapters

Cons: For me I felt a lack of connection between Karou and Akiva.. I just couldn't BELIEVE it. 

Final Thoughts:  I began reading Daughter of Smoke and Bone and I was a little disappointed cause I wasn't as sucked in as everyone has been claiming to be with this book, but the books chapters are so short and story moves along so quickly that soon I was caught up in Karou's Story. Which is why when it switches to Madrigal's story I was a little thrown off, I wanted more of Karou. Madrigal's story gets more intriguing and hearing her story is absolute key to the story, but I think it was a combo of me only getting to read her story in bits and pieces since I have been busy and just wanting Karou's Story. Over all though, I beyond enjoyed the book, especially the last 20 pages! This is a must read for the YA community. It isn't your normal paranormal.. I can't even say it is Paranormal... it is almost fantasy. Oh, I don't know.. it is just plain AWESOME. I guarantee you haven't read this story yet.

Devoted

Summary:

"Since Sage was kidnapped, Clea has no way of knowing if he is alive or dead. And even though she has only just discovered they were soulmates, she feels like a part of her is lost forever. What’s worse, she can’t even turn to her best friend Ben—because every time she looks at him, all she sees is his betrayal.But waiting for something to happen is not an option, so Clea is ready for action. Suffering through dreams of seeing Sage with another woman, she makes an uneasy alliance with Sage’s enemies and sets out to be reunited with Sage...in this life or the next."

Plot: You know this wasn't exactly my favorite plot. It began REALLY slow and didn't become addicting until  the very end. Even though it's ending was very WTF?! But I imagine, this was another build up book. A book that explains what is going on, gives you a little drama here and there and a huge cliff hanger so you will read the next book.
Characters: The addition of the orginal Elixir family was indeed interesting and having the story told through Clea and the little girl Amelia was refreshing. However, I wanted Amelia to not talk as much and I want more of Clea and the other characters. Clea is Clea, she is a very generally likeable charcter. I liked that we see a change in Ben's personality, although a little frustrating  at times, deep down he is still the old Ben.
Pros: Major Cliffhanger, quick read, unique storyline, romance
Cons: Slower Plot, not as well written.
Final Thoughts: Until the last 100 pages, I didn't really like the sequel to Elixir. Which for me was sad, given HOW much I LOVED Elixir. Something about the plot and writing seemed more thrown together then well thought through. But that could just be me, cause technically the twists have to be thought out. The ending though was insane and honestly, I don't know how I feel about this at all! I will have to see where this goes for the next book. Which I have a feeling is where Clea's best friends character Rayna will have a stronger role. Besides that the book is a decently nice read and shouldn't keep you from enjoying the series.

Star Struck

Summary:

"Our memories define us don't they? And Skye Threppel lost most of hers in a car crash that stole the lives of her best friend and fiancé. It's left scars, inside and out, which have destroyed her career and her confidence. Skye hopes a trip to the wide dusty landscapes of Nevada and a TV convention offering the chance to meet the actor she idolises will help her heal. But she bumps into mysterious Sci-fi writer Jack Whitaker first. He's a handsome contradiction cool and intense, with a wild past. Jack has enough problems already. He isn t looking for a woman with self-esteem issues and a crush on one of his leading actors. Yet he's drawn to Skye. An instant rapport soon becomes intense attraction, but Jack fears they can t have a future if Skye ever finds out about his past ... Will their memories tear them apart, or can they build new ones together?"

Plot: There are 2 plots in this book the love plot and the underlying forgotten mysterious past plot. Personally I felt that the mysterious plot was more well written and more intirguing then the Romance part and while not being a trashy romance novel in the least, it came of more like a soap opera.

Characters: Although, for the most part I liked the characters in general I found it hard to connect with them.

Pros: Translates well from UK to US, Beautiful Cover, Decent Read

Cons: Plot seemd choppy/soap opera-hy, hard to connect.

Final Thoughts: I didn't know exactly what to expect from this book, I was nervous that it would be a dirty trashy romance novel, with a lot British humor and jargon that I wouldn't understand. Boy was I wrong! There were moments where it took me a second to realize what a word meant, but overall it wasn't hard at all and it was not a trashy love novel either, more like Chick Lit Romance. Now as far as the story goes, if it was JUST soley based on the romance part I would have stopped reading the book less then half way in, but the the whole memory loss, we both have baggage and you won't find out what that is til the end of the book thing, is what kept me reading... Which is also where the book took  A Days of Our Lives turn on me. However despite that, I found the book charming and would recommend as a Airport read or something to read to kill the time. It didn't blow my mind, but it didn't waste my time either. My only major complaint was I honestly felt Jack Skye would have just been better friends.  Anyways, I am still intriguing into wanting to read Loverings other book Please Don't Stop The Music.

Thank You To Choc Lit for sending me a copy of Star Struck By Jane Lovering.

Star Struck Comes out Today in the UK.

Check It Out At Amazon.

Vixen

Summary:

"Jazz . . . Booze . . . Boys . . . It’s a dangerous combination. Every girl wants what she can’t have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle—and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she’s engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago’s most powerful families, Gloria’s party days are over before they’ve even begun . . . or are they? Clara Knowles, Gloria’s goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch—but Clara isn’t as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she’ll do anything to keep hidden. . . .  Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria’s shadow. When Lorraine’s envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone’s going to be very sorry. . . . "

Plot: At first it was hard for me to get into this book, mainly cause I find similarities between the Luxe Series and this one. And although I have yet to read Bright Young Things (also, by the author of The Luxe Series) It also has 20's premise. But when you take the book for what it is, it has a nice intriguing story line, that is intriguing enough, but not unique.

Character: The three girls I enjoyed, you can't really dislike any of them too much. They each are there own person and Larkin distinguishes that pretty well, but telling each chapter in a different view point. She also, develops strong male characters and well as other supporting characters.

Pros: Fun, enticing and rip roaring 20's 

Cons: The insta- love, not enough build up between the characters. Also, on the page I was appalled to see a character using the phrase "Oh My Gawd..." Not my idea of proper 20's language. This instantly made me even more skeptical 

Final Thoughts: I feel the story line has already been done and it was pretty similar to Anna Godbersen's the Luxe Series. However, like i said when I read the book at face value and understood that it is hard to be completely original and you just need to add your own touch to it. Once, I did that I began to really enjoy the book. I fell in love with Jerome and Marcus (future MBBF's?) I felt I was reading a dirty love novel when they were each together with their leading ladies. Although kept quite G-Rated. I could feel their passion. The only thing was I wanted more build up. In general I wanted a little more build up. I didn't feel as if the book had enough description. It was set in the 20's but didn't feel like it was in the 20's much at all. Larkin did take her characters to interesting conclusions and the end of this book though and since I do like the girls, I am interested in seeing where these paths will lead them. 

Where She Went

Summary:

"In the three years since the tragic accident Mia barely survived in If I Stay, she and high school ex-boyfriend Adam have lived separate lives on opposite coasts. But then Adam, now the dissatisfied front man of popular LA-based band Collateral Damage, stops over in New York City for one night before kicking off the European leg of his tour. It happens to be the same evening that Mia, now well on her way to becoming a renowned cellist, is performing at Carnegie Hall. Adam buys a ticket, planning to slip in and out, but Mia spots him and for the first time in years they’re face-to-face with each other and their shared past. Over the course of one evening, as Adam and Mia traverse the city’s streets, they relive the four days Mia spent in the intensive care unit as well as her departure to Juilliard and from the life she knew. Emotionally raw and incredibly moving, Gayle Forman again showcases her considerable talent for drawing complex characters who face impossible decisions and then bear the consequences."

Plot: I did not expect this plot, but I truly fell in love with it, because although Ideally we would want Adam and Mia to be together and be the Hollywood fairytale romance, reality is going through an accident like Mia had, changes a relationship, growing up changes a relationship, different ambitions changes a relationship. So I enjoyed how the story played out and how heart wrenching it was. I also liked that the story is told through Adam's POV. So major kudos to Forman! Also, while being realistic, Forman somehow brings in the "Hollywood" element into the book, sucking you in and wishing you were  Mia and living that night through New York.

Character: Three years can change people a lot, so I love how much growth Forman's characters had, how much matured they sounded while being true to who they are in the core of things. Plus, even though he smoked and became a "guy" as Mia says. I really fell in love with Adam in this book. Something about the edgy bad boy, with a good heart, that makes a girl melt.

Pros: Emotionally Compelling, Well Written, Cohesive with the 1st book..while being its own book, realistic.

Cons: I can't think of any.. and I have only said that about one other book. Maybe, I would have liked the touring process to go on more and extend the story; instead of being wrapped up nicely.

Final Thoughts: I died when I began reading this! I was sucked into and could not put it down, I just had to know where Mia and Adam were going, had gone, etc. I love the couples who make my heart start beating faster, put butterflies in my tummy and basically essentially make me envious of them. Not even always couples, but the connection between two people. I haven't felt this strong off a connection for a couple in a long time and the way  it was set up and written was just amazing. I mean really can this be turned into a movie?  This book is more the worth your time to read.

If I Stay

A few side notes before I actually review this book. 

1. I do not understand why the main review printed on the cover is "Will appeal to fans of Stephenie Meyere's TWILIGHT"  Not that it won't (cause I am a fan and it appealed to me) BUT this book isn't about vampires or anything remotely close to Twilight. Therefore, this shouldn't have been the cover quote. 

2.  When Buffalo News was quoted by saying it was "reminiscent of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones." I was skeptical, I loved The Lovely Bones and feel this is quite a bold statement. They also, (they being whoever picks what quotes from reviews to print on the books) included a review quote from San Jose Mercury News (aka my hometown newspaper) making this book already CRAZY awesome. 

3. This book is heavily musically influenced, SO much that the author contains a couple pages explaining the songs she choose for the book and even more so that as I write this review , I am listening to the songs on YouTube.

If I Stay is a book about a girl named Mia who is involved in a car accident with her family and during the 24 hours she is in a coma from all her injuries, her spirit is still alive... Able to see what is going on around her. While watching this happen she is reminiscing on all the memories she has had with her Dad, Mom, younger brother Teddy, Her boyfriend Adam, Her best friend Kim, and her Grandparents.. As well as other parts in life; such as being an extremely talented Cellist. As she is looking back on these memories and watching her life as it is now in the Hospital, she is stuck with the choice should she stay or should she go?

When I picked this book, I had sneaky suspicion it would be an awesome book, but little did I know I would REALLY love it. The drama starts in fairly quick and the author Gayle Forman does an amazing job, at making you fall in love with all these characters and feeling their pain. You CANNOT read this book without crying and what is even better is how real and quirky all the characters are from her Parents, and Kim and even Adam. The innocence and depth of that love, her and Adam shared it SO amazing. It isn't the lustful, fluffy romance we see in books and movie, that was all wish we had. It is an honest portrayal. Although, not attainable by most people; it is still out there.

My other favorite thing about the book, is how at the end Forman explains to us how she got the idea for the book, as well as why she choose the songs she did and again, I think it made the story that more real. The music is such a big deal in the book, it is the glue.

All in all, it is a pretty quick read and a great read at that. Please Please Please read it, please be moved by it. Please.

Romeo's Ex : Rosalines's Story

I fell upon this book while perusing the other YA books at the library, I decided to check it out, because it seemed interesting enough. I mean we don't know much about Rosaline and it is always fun to see an authors interpretation on it.

For those who don't know Rosaline is the girl in (I believe) the beginning of the story who Romeo is sulking over, for she has denied him. The story begins with her pursuing her dream of being a healer, when a man comes in wounded. Through this she meets Romeo and he falls in love with her. (Until he meets Juliet the next day). Romeo tries to court (poorly) Rosaline (who is a Capulet, by the way) but as it is stated beforehand; he is denied. Then during a fight between the Montague's and Capulet's, Rosaline falls for Mercutio and later shows interest in Benvolio. So, basically there were more the 2 star crossed lovers.

To summarize the book as a whole is a very quick and easy read. However, it is not greatly written. The author had a hard time with seamlessly mingling Shakespearean  with modern day language. She also took some artistic liberties; most warranted since as stated before not much is known about Rosaline... BUT she does change the infamous ending! Either way, the book isn't amazing, but it will make you smile.

The Debutante

"Cate Albion is a gifted artist who is hiding from her past in her elderly aunt’s London antique shop. When her aunt sends her to Devon to catalog the contents of an old Georgian house, Cate finds more than just antiques, she finds a mystery. The home belonged to Irene Blythe, a wealthy, elderly woman who was once a beautiful socialite between the wars. Cate finds an abandoned nursery, locked for years, and a shoebox full of mysterious articles hidden behind a stack of books. Cate realizes the box belongs not to Irene but to her sister, Baby Blythe, the dazzling, dangerous, over-the-top debutante who mysteriously disappeared without a trace more than 60 years ago. Unable to resist, Cate unpacks the box and follows the clues to Baby Blythe’s dark, secretive past––one that parallels Cate’s own dark life all too well. Tessaro’s fourth novel is a smart book with an interesting historical vein that will charm and engage the reader. --Hilary Hatton" -Amazon

DO NOT let the pink cover full you, this is not a cute, girly, summer read... as it led me to think it was. It is definitely a more serious adult toned book. Altogether, you follow loosely a few people's life stories. Katie/Cate's relationship back in New York, her childhood and then he current budding relationship with Jack. Then you focus on Jack's past life with his wife, friends and again, his relationship with Cate.  Interwining into this is Rachel and Anne's past and present relationships and then of course, The Blythe Sisters Relationship which is shown through letters Diane writes. So many things to follow, although not that hard.

The story in general has a pretty dark tone and begins quite slowly. For the most part the story is alright, my only problems were that there were repeats of names, which confused me and the letters that Diana Blythe wrote, which took me awhile to distinguish who she was writing to at what time. And although, I was fond with the ending, and it is someone predictable. It didn't end with defininent closure; meaning you see how it ends, but nothing is really confirmed in the story line. Which somewhat annoyed me, but I understood why the author did it like that. It just didn't personally sit well with me. I also, would have avoided the relationship between Cate and Jack, since I find the age difference creepy... though pretty tastefully done. I just would have preferred a friendship between them. I did enjoy the mystery aspect to the story and I liked how there were all these clues that didn't add up, but gave you a tid bit of the era.

If you are into more adult themed books, that are slower paced, and a little mystery and little romance then you will enjoy this book. If you aren't then you aren't missing out on too much, by not reading this book. If I would rate this book I would give it 3 stars. I did enjoy it, but I wasn't impressed by it, though I am still interested in reading Tessaro's  other books "The Flirt" , "Elegance" and "Innocence".

Rumors

Book #2 in The Luxe Series, Rumors definitely brings it's A- Game. It took me forever to get my hands on the second book in the series, but once I did I couldn't stop reading and ended up finishing it in one day. Let's just say the first few pages the book begins with are more then enough to get you hooked!

Rumors picks up a few months after the death of the most beloved heiress in New York,  Elizabeth Holland's funeral. Diana (Elizabeth's sister) is now waiting for her true love Henry to sweep her off her feet once his mourning period is over. Problem is Penelope (Elizabeth's BFF) has her sights set on Henry too and Penelope is relentless when she attempts in getting what she wants. While this love tryst is going on in full swing. We also she the rise of Elizabeth's old maid Lina Broud who now goes by Carolina is trying to pull herself off as a western heiress. All the while the Hollands fortune is dwindling and Mrs. Holland's health is deteriorating.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and am more then excited to read Book #3 (Envy). I feel the series can only keep getting better.

Demon Glass

 

Demon Glass is the 2nd book in the what I believe would be the Hex Hall Series By Rachel Hawkins and although I didn't give the 1st book an amazeballs review.. the book was still intriguing enough for me to  want to read the next book and I am most glad I did! 

[SPOILER ALERT If You Have NOT read Hex Hall and want too,  this part of the review will give some shockers away]

Demon Glass follows Sophie as she copes with the fact that the person she loves is actually a demon hunter and the fact that Sophie herself is in fact not a witch but a Demon. After, a few troubling issues at Hecate... Her Dad requests that she move to England and live with him and the council for the Summer. Jenna joins the trip, as well as the hunky groundskeeper Cal. Soon there ensues a love triangle, a little spy work to solve a demon farming mystery and so forth.

[END SPOILER]

Anyways, maybe that wasn't a spoiler.. but Hey! I don't want to risk anything! Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the book. I definitely enjoyed it more then the first one. Although still cheesy in ways and kind of predictable. I feel that Hawkins definitely found more of her own voice in this book... and the cliffhanger was perfect. I felt so much more invested in the characters this time around and towards the head I was really worried for them. As far as the cliffhanger mentioned.. I did not see it coming... I for some reason felt that their would only be two books and the story would end there, so I was shocked when it ended with an opening for a third book... which I am  more excited then ever to read!  I want to know more!

The Wedding Girl

Boy, did I ever learn not to pick a book by its cover with this one! I mean this obviously won't detour me from buying books just because I like their title and cover, but it is a disappointment when a book with both, falls short on the whole story line.


The book is about Milly who when she is 18 marries a man named Allan spur of the moment, ten years later she is engaged again and about to get married to a wealthy handsome man named Simon and have the wedding of the century. Until someone from the past comes back into her life and threatens to tell the secret that she was in fact married before and never got divorced. Yea, that really is the plot.

It has potential and unfortunately the story didn't really progress to more then a bad soap opera. I really wanted to like the book and since I have enjoyed her books in the past I was sad that this one was not one of those books.. but to be honest I just found the book dry and annoying with twists that weren't exactly shocking, but disturbing. Ok, disturbing is harsh.. they just weren't "OMG I can't believe it!" they were more "Really? That is weird..." I also, found it hard to really emotionally love the characters... although I found easy to hate a one. Particularly Simon; who's constant whining, insecurities and outbursts drove me insane!

To some readers, I am sure this book may appeal to you... it could definitely become someone guilty pleasure summer vacay read... it just wasn't mine and it wouldn't be a book I recommend to my fairweather reading friends.

The Luxe

 

I originally saw The Luxe series a year or so ago and for some reason I completely ignored it and honestly, I don't know why since this book is right up my ally. 19th century New York, Grand Balls, Expensive Dresses, Socialites, Love, Mystery, etc. So, once I heard RAVING reviews on Anna Godbersen's Bright Young Things; I decided I would read The Luxe Series. 

The book started off slow for a moment... at least for me, but then I really go into it. We begin with the funeral of popular socialite Elizabeth Holland's and then work our way back to the weeks leading up to the incident. The book is very memorable for starting every chapter with an excerpt from an 1800's newspaper or from the girls diary, each excerpt having something to do with what you are going to read in the chapter. The book also reminded me very much of Gossip Girl, but in period form. 

There is more then one love triangle in the book which makes for a great story and plenty of build up... Try to follow. Lina loves Will who loves Elizabeth and Elizabeth Loves Will Too, Elizabeth is engaged to Henry, who dated Penelope but Henry Loves Diana and Diana Loves Henry and Penelope is in love with Henry as well. CRAZY! For me the outcome of the book was kind of predictable, but it is what needed to be done, for the series to continue and to be interesting. I am looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series goes, since the 1st book was really more of a giant prologue. The forbidden loves and the marriages for money, although historically accurate, also remind me of a Jane Austen love. 

Love Me Some Libba Bray

Alright, I haven't blogged a review in awhile, but I have wanted to review this book and the series for awhile, and as I am writing this I haven't decided If I want to review all 3 books separately or review the series as a whole. Hmmm.. OK, I will do the series as a whole I think... that way I won't give too much away.

 #1

Before I review the whole series I want to say that I remember finding this book, randomly at the Border's in Los Gatos. What made me want to read the book was the cover. It was unique and I remember the lace of the corset was raised, as well as the poetic title (in my eyes) and the fact that I love anything that has anything to do with history/ period / era  pieces. After reading the book I was hooked and I could not WAIT for the next book to be released and then a year or so later I was looking through the book section at Target to see that the not only the sequel had been released BUT also the third book as well!

#2

#3

What is known as the Gemma Doyle Trilogy is probably one of my favorite series of books and maybe to the less experienced readers/ reading world (not that I am at all experienced) it not extremely well known. I get excited whenever someone I know has read the series.

The Gemma Doyle Trilogy is about Gemma Doyle is a teenager growing up in the Victorian Era. She grew up in British India until her mother went missing, She was then sent to England to attend her Mothers old boarding school Spence Academy. Gemma makes friends with three girls Pippa, Ann and Felicity. Gemma and her friends soon learn that the school has a dark past and Gemma learns she is different in more then one way from any other girl. She hold Magical powers, these powers soon lead to a dangerous mystery and a secret society. The Trilogy is a fantasy, as well as a tale of mystery, and forbidden love, but overall it is a thriller. You easily fall in love with Gemma and just as easily hate some of the characters or their characteristics just like Gemma. You feel the passion she does when she engages in a forbidden relationship. You cannot help but get caught up in this series.

Library Lovers: BOTD #17

Ok,  I definitely pushing it but I didn't want to fail my personal challenge of having a Book of The Day, Everyday in February for Library Lover Month. However I am still sick. SO I will let Amazon explain the book. I will say thought that I thought the book was cute, but the cover doesn't match the story.

"Phillips (It Had to Be You) makes old Hollywood gossip new again in this over-the-top, hot-under-the-sheets rom-com. Sitcom Skip and Scooter co-stars Georgie York, who like her character exudes spunky charm, and Bram Shepard, whose upbringing couldn't be more different from the nice boy he plays, hate each other even before Bram's offscreen sexual escapades lead to the sitcom's cancellation. Flash forward eight years: his career has cratered, and her biggest accomplishment has been briefly marrying hunky star Lance Marks, who abandons her for sex-goddess-turned-international-do-gooder Jade Gentry. So when Bram and Georgie wake up from a Vegas bender and find themselves married to each other, they make the most of it: Georgie aims to undo the damage Lance has done to her heart and her public image, while Bram is gunning for a second chance at life, love and stardom. It's a blast to watch the hate-each-other-yet-made-for-each-other couple as they duck paparazzi or spar before falling into bed. In this massively entertaining romp, redemption is always possible, and even a fake Hollywood couple trapped in a pretend marriage might find true love"

Library Lover: BOTD #12

Do I need to explain Pride and  Prejudice? I think most of us know what this book is about and I am sure most of you just watched to movies = ) Before Disney came along and gave us women fairytale princes (i'm aware the stories Disney movies are based on existed way before Disney made them into films) There was Jane Austen and her love stories. Turning women into hopeless romantics. Jane Austen in general is a author whose books people either adore or could do without. I personally fall under the 1st category. Her books are all known, but the most infamous is by far Pride and Prejudice. I feel no need to explain the premise of the book for it really is well known.... but really, if you are a reader and you have only seen the movies; you need to go read the book.

Library Lover: BOTD #11

If you could live forever would you? Well for the Tuck family that is a reality, after drinking from a spring in the forest. For eighty years the four Tuck family members lived around the world, trying the best to not be discovered. That is until one day after running away from home Winnie Foster runs into Jesse Tuck. She learns their secret and promises to keep it. Unfortunately, the Tuck's have been followed by a man for awhile and there cover is blown. The story is about love, and growing up. A cute story and equally cute movie. 

S.W.O.K

The version I read was actually 3 books combined, Kissed By An Angel, The Power of Love and Soulmates. Basically, the book is about Ivy and Tristan who are madly in love teenagers, until one night they get in a terrible accident, and Tristan gets killed. The book follows both Ivy and Tristan. It follows Ivy coping with Tristan's death her mom's new marriage and all the twists and turns of this thriller. Tristan is coping with being dead and learning what he is and isn't capable of doing now that he is Ivy's angel. There is a whole bunch of creepy paranormal, mystery, murder and what not.. oh, and love.

To Be Honest, the book was a cute,creepy and fun BUT over all not memorable and not worth buying. In fact, it's boring me to even TRY and go back and think about what happened in the book. Three Books was TOO long for the book, the title made it seem promising and that was about it.


Currently Reading: The Girls Of Murder City By Douglas Perry