Monday, August 1, 2016

Review of The Girl On The Train

I recently finished reading "The Girl On The Train" by Paula Hawkins. 
This book is soon to be a movie, coming out in October. 
I tend to stick to the Young Adult genre, but a friend suggested I read this.
Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised and finished the book in only 2 days!


I was particularly drawn to this book because I personally related to 
Rachel Watson, the main character, who was an alcoholic. Rachel
is a drunk who ruined her marriage after countless
black out drunk nights. 


Soon after discovering her husbands affair and their divorce Rachel
gets fired from her job for showing up drunk.
She now spends every day taking the train back and forth to London
so people think she still has her job. Every day the train drives 
past her old house where her ex-husband and his new wife (the mistress) live
with their newborn baby. A few houses down
lives a couple that Rachel romanticizes into the "perfect couple".



She observes this couple everyday, giving them made up names
and background stories. One morning she sees in the news that 
the wife, of her perfect couple, is missing. Soon she discovers that on the night
Megan, the wife, disappeared she spent a black out night on that street fighting with her ex.
Rachel's already messy world gets turned completely upside down.
Now, instead of focusing on her ex-husband and his new wife, 
she dedicates all of her time to finding out what happened to Megan.


Rachel obsesses over Megan's disappearance, making up lies
and inserting herself into the investigation. 



This story was a whirl-wind of emotions and mystery. I was completely
captivated by this story; the plot, the finely tuned
characters and all the secrets and intrigue. There was a short period of the book
where I got a bit frustrated with the slow pace. Overall, it was a great read, though. 


The considerable build-up of suspense made much more sense
once the book came to its end. Although it seems that Rachel is having a psychotic
break, the reader builds empathy for this unlikely character. 

I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys shows like Law and Order or Criminal
Minds and suspense stories. I would give this book a strong 4 out of 5 stars.

























Monday, March 28, 2016

Sweet Peril and Sweet Reckoning by Wendy Higgins



So, I had a long weekend of being sick in which all I did
was read. Therefore, I am combining my 
review of the final two books in the Sweet Evil series by
Wendy Higgins.

KAIDAN ROWE <3

Sweet Peril was SO much better than I expected.
It has been quite a journey, already, seeing Anna come from being
a perfect little angel, to this party girl who must
save the world. I can't tell you
how heart broken I was when Kaidan was being a 
jerk to Anna. I literally cried (although it's not very hard to make me cry).
I really didn't think that Anna and Kaidan would end up together 
when I started this book. I must admit that
I went into goodreads and read the reviews and spoil 
some of the ending just so I could make sure it was a good ending!
And OH MY FREAKING GOD was it a magical ending. 




 Kaidan Rowe is a bowl full of steaming hottness! Keep a glass
of water nearby because you will be swooning and all
kinds of hot for Mr. Kai. SPOILER ALERT: I was crushed,
but also thought it was so cute, that Kaidan was only
pretending to hate Anna because of her father. I would
have felt differently about him if he had let one of those Dukes keep him
from her.



Overall, this is a very well rounded book and I was
happy that the love story was saved for the end and that the majority 
of the book was dedicated to Anna finding her own strength.





Then there was Sweet Reckoning
What a great ending to a series! What I loved most was that it wasn't
a perfectly happy ending, but it wasn't too devastating where it ruined
the whole series. People died, and while it was tragic, it 
made it an intriguing read.


 At times I found it a little hard to believe that the Dukes
continued to be fooled by the Nephilim when they have been around for centuries. 
I think they would've been a bit smarter and aggressive if
they were even slightly suspicious of someone. I mean come on, they're demons!





I thought the ending battle would be a bit bigger, and that
the angels would make an appearance. It was kind of disappointing that they didn't.
But, I still really enjoyed it while I was reading it. I would give Sweet Peril 5 stars
and Sweet Reckoning 4. 
































Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins







So, after completing the Harry Potter series I've had a lot of trouble finding a book 
I can fully get into. I read the last two books in one of my all time 
favorite series and was so disappointed I didn't even want
to write a review because I feared my emotions were
skewed due to my undying love for Harry Potter and all it's beloved
characters. 



I read two complete books without getting fully enveloped in them, 
and started two others that I reluctantly put down. Finally
I stumbled upon Wendy Higgins' series Sweet Evil. When I began
reading I was rolling my eyes thinking "Oh joy, another
sappy love story with no strong plot what so ever."
However, I pushed forward telling myself that I had to allow myself 
to get through more than just 1 or 2 chapters. Needless to say, I am
over joyed that I pushed on with this book.



So many crazy emotions invaded me while reading this book
and it was a very blissful change. The story line is very unique
and has some very clever plot lines and character choices. It is still
not turning out as I keep expecting it to, which I absolutely
love in a book. This isn't your typical love story where
in the end the two confess their love and end up
together only to live out the remainder of the series together
with sappy undying love. Oh no, Book 2 and they are 
still not together and Kaidan is still an ass. Might I just
pause here to say that I LOVE the name Kaidan!!!



This book deals with angels in demons, but not
in a way that every other angel book does. It all just felt very genuine to me 
and Wendy is an exquisite writer. I am over joyed that
all the books in this series are out because I am 
extremely inpatient when it comes to books that I love.. Over all, Anna (Our main
character) is such a sweet and innocent girl. But, she definitely
showed us that although she is legit a saint, she's still
got some bad-assery in her


I highly recommend this book to my peeps of all ages. There's
suspense, mystery, drama, romance and the supernatural.
I give this a very strong 5 stars!























Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows


I just finished reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This book
is a pure masterpiece. I was hesitant about this series
when I first started, but this final installment
completely blew my mind. JK Rowling was truly brilliant in every
 aspect of characterization, suspense, plot, etc...
I will forever be a Harry Potter
fan and this book in particular is at the very top of my favorite reads.

For those who haven't read this, I won't give too much away.
My mind was completely blown when Snape's memories
were revealed to us. It was the most unsuspecting aspect
of the story. Snape was one of the bravest characters and I certainly
cried so hard after reliving his memories.

I felt a little angry towards Dumbledore because it seemed he only
became close with Harry so that Harry would kill Voldemort,
not because he "loved" him. It was heart breaking to see
some of our beloved, innocent characters die. Truly heartbreaking.
Everyone needs to read this series!! I Give this book Above and beyond 5 Stars!!!















Thursday, February 18, 2016

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince



Hello all! So, I just finished Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rowling.
This book was earth shattering!!
 
 
Current Mood:
 
 
 
It was truly amazing from beginning to end. Rowling twisted a far darker
tale than the previous books in this series. Needless to say, she
always leaves us guessing and there's not a dull moment.
It is clear to me now that JK Rowling's gift is not for language,
but for characterization and plotting. I still hit a few
snags along my read that make me cringe, but I am able to get over
it easily because I am so wound up in the story.
 
 
Readers close the final page of this book feeling profoundly distraught and
desperately seeking for the answers as to how our loyal
friends can possibly rise from the ashes of the the Half-Blood Prince.
Our biggest aly in the fight against evil is now dead
and it seems it is up to only Harry to destroy Voldemort and the Death Eaters.
 
What I enjoyed most was how Rowling has given us these
characters to love and hate, and allowed us to grow with them. Now that
they are all maturing she has given us a glimpse of the weaknesses
that some of the stronger characters have (Voldemort, Dumbledore, Draco & Snape).
The humanization that Rowling reveals to her reads is something
that I think we all needed to hear before steering head first into the battle
to end all battles.
 
To my new Harry Potter friends struggling through the first couple
books: hang on tight it's definitely worth it. This is my favorite book by a long shot, so far,
in the series. I have very high hopes for the 7th, and final, installment of
Harry Potter.
 
 
This book deserves every single inch of 5 stars.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMENT! LIKE! SUBSCRIBE!

 
 
 


Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

 
    Just finished reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
This book was sumptuous! The action was rich and the scenes palpable.
 

    I was both angry and happy when Harry got upset that Ron got the prefect badge and not him.
On the one hand, all Ron has ever wanted was to feel important.
Harry always has the fame and
Ron feels invisible. I think Ron deserved this. However, on the other hand, I thought it was a smart
move to show this weakness in Harry. Up to this point Harry has been perfect: brave, generous, sincere. It's just not natural for someone to be that perfect. So, I liked seeing a bit
of weakness in him.
 

 I found myself really laughing out loud during this book, especially the beginning when Harry
is making fun of Dudley.
 
Umbridge really irritated me! Along with Draco. I kept hoping
 Harry would drop his nice act
and do something to really get back at them for being so evil. I hate how all the evil people
just get away with their actions. In the end, it was Hermione who lead Umbridge out into the forest
where she was captured. I'm hoping to see some truculent behavior out of Harry in the next two books!!
 
The ending was so heartbreaking(I wont give away why). I really felt
for Harry. I couldn't imagine what he went through.
I would've been so angry at myself for not listening to Hermione and for not
opening Sirious' present earlier!


  Like I always say, I don't want to give away too much to my fellow readers who haven't
read this series yet.
 

  I would give this book 5 stars. The Harry Potter Series is staying on my good side and
has made a big comeback since the first two books, which were slightly disappointing.

   LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




 

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire

 
 
Just finished the 4th Harry Potter Installment: Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.
Man oh man, JK Rowling's series gets better with each new book.
 
 
Lots of excitement happening in Harry's world in this book. This particular book is my
favorite so far. We were introduced to a plethora of new creatures and
other wizards from across the world. It was very interesting to learn that there were wizarding
schools beyond just Hogwarts. No one is as
 they appear in this book and the people you think you can
trust most are the real enemies. The outcome of this story was definitely
not predictable at all.
 
This was  the longest book so far yet it seemed to fly by while I was
reading it. The story jinked every time you turned the page. The elegant and beautiful
students from Beauxbaton and Durmstrang were a much needed mixture to
our usual characters. I think, without the addition of these characters, the
series would be a bit dull to me. This was a much needed change in scenery.
 
The ending of this book was tragic, but also a great set up for
the next installment! The plotting and pacing of this book were brilliantly mastered
and the characterization was genuinely rich with great detail. I have found
that it is a common thought that the first two books
of this series are mediocre at best, but as you continue it really draws you in:
 
"I read the first novel in the Harry Potter series, ''Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,''
in April 1999 and was only moderately impressed. But in
April 1999 I was pretty much all right. Two months later I was
involved in a serious road accident that necessitated a long and painful
period of recuperation. During the early part of this period I read
 Potters 2 and 3 (''Chamber of Secrets,'' ''Prisoner of Azkaban'') and found
myself a lot more than moderately wowed." - Stephen King
 
For those of you struggling through the first two books I highly suggest
you hang in there for the long haul. It will be worth it.
 
I give this book 5 stars.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Friday, January 22, 2016

Advanced Copy Review of Baby Doll

 
I just finished reading Baby Doll by Hollie Overton. I got this book as
and advanced copy at my work. It's not due to release until July.
 
I can't even begin to know how to review this book for you.
Wow. Just wow. This is not the type of book that I would ever read.
The publishing company I work for had been giving out copies and raving about
how good it was from the very first page. Curiosity for the best of me and
I decided to try reading just the first page.
Well, one page turned into an entire book.
 
I was in the middle of reading the fourth Harry Potter book and just couldn't wait to read
Baby Doll. There is not one single dull moment in this entire book.
Not one! You are constantly hanging on every word.
 
This book is told through four of the main characters perspectives.
A lot of authors can really destroy a decent story by writing in this type of
format, but this book is mastered brilliantly.
The book wouldn't have turned out as good if not told from the four different perspectives.
 
Where most kidnapping stories end, this book began.
We open to Lily and her daughter escaping the basement she's been held captive
in for 8 years. But, the intoxicating drama only begins there.
Despite being held captive the majority of her youth, Lily is amazingly
strong and brave. This isn't one of those stories that
you follow a broken woman's journey back to life. Lily seems to have
 a lot more strength than her family who has torn at the seams from losing her.
I don't want to give a lot away so that's all I'm going to tsay.
 
I forgot my glasses at work but suffered through the severe headache
because I couldn't stop reading. This is the
type of book you have to read all in one sitting or you'll go nuts, desperate to know
how it ends. I give this book a strong 5 stars.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Inside Scoop!






So, Our company found out yesterday that Caitlyn Jenner will be publishing her
autobiography through my company. I'm not publishing
this one of Facebook as to not get in trouble with my company. This ones just
for my followers.
This means inside scoops and first dibs on the book before it's published.
 
 
Thought it would be fun to share this with my fans. Maybe I'll
even do a give away. ;)
 
 
Stay tuned for more information on this book coming out Spring 2017!


For More Information:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/20/books/caitlyn-jenner-to-publish-a-memoir-about-her-transformation.html?_r=0








Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban



Just finished reading Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban. This book has
officially shifted my thoughts on the Harry Potter series.
I am finally starting to really get into the whole story.
 
This book is my favorite so far. It was thrilling and sparked a Harry Potter
filled weekend complete with Butterbeer, Pumpkin Fizz and the first 3 movies.
 
This book really packed the punch I was looking for with intrigue,
mystery and suspense. The edgy themes in this book are finally appealing to the older crowd.
 I think the first two books are mainly geared towards younger audiences, which is why I couldn't get into it.
 
It was so tragic to read about Buckbeak's impending fate. Unlike the first two books, JK Rowling
led us in all different directions with the suspense.
We were worried about Buckbeak, Dementors, Serious Black and so much more! I even
found myself laughing out loud during a few parts.
 
 
I must say that the Harry Potter series should be considered a classic and
be introduced into the classroom.
This is my first 5 star rating for the Harry Potter series!
 












 


Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets



Just finished reading Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets. I am really blasting
through these books. Although, that will quickly change because
each new book in the series seems to get bigger and bigger.
 
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger are up to their usual
brave adventures again in this book. What I liked most about this
particular book was the fact that Tom Riddle ended up being Vauldemort!
It was so cool to read about him in his teenage human form.
I truly had no idea that Tom Riddle would not only be the bad guy, but would also turn out to be
the Dark Lord himself!
 
I was completely enthralled with this book, but it was definitely good.
I noticed some tense issues again at the beginning of this book, but the ending was pretty clean.
I have a feeling I will like these books more and more as I work
my way through the series.
 
I give this book a strong 4 stars.
Comment below and let me know your thoughts!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


Monday, January 11, 2016

Harry Potter and The Sorcerers Stone

 
I know, I know. It has taken me way too long to begin reading this series. Finally,
I have joined the Harry Potter world, though!
 
I must say that J.K. Rowling has a brilliantly creative mind. I am chapfallen at the
amount of precise detail, names, creatures and spells she was able to come up with.
This book must've truly taken a long time to complete.
 
I think reading this book later on in life, where I am a more experienced reader and
work for a publishing company, I don't think I am able to enjoy it
as much as a kid does. (A.k.a why it's sold in the children's section at your local Barnes and Noble).
I found quite a few mistakes with tense throughout this book and now into the 2nd, which
has distracted me along the way.
 
This is the typical genre that I read so it's been weird to step outside of my comfort zone.
It is not as intriguing as some of the books I have read, but I still love
it all the same.
 
I am hoping to be pulled in more with the next few books. I am not sure 
what to give this book for stars. I think I will wait to decide my feelings
with the next book. Let me know your thoughts.
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, January 4, 2016

Review of The Return by J.L.A.

 
 
        So I just finished The Return by Jennifer Armentrout which is a story from Seth's POV, from The Covenant Series.
 
   Now I am a little biased because I really didn't like Seth in The Covenant Series. I thought he was an ass that used Alexandria and although he redeemed himself big time in the end, I still couldn't forgive him. That being said, here is what I thought:
 
I gave this book 3.5 stars out of 5. While I absolutely loved Armentrout's writing style and  the
romance between Seth and Josephine, I wasn't able to really get into the story
as deeply as I normally do with other books. Which is mostly due to my preconceived feelings towards Seth.
 
What I will say is that I was pleasantly surprised at how Armentrout was able to give these
two characters completely unique personalities and voices from the two main characters in The Covenant Series. Most of the times I find that authors use the same main characters
for each book they write. Seth's voice and personality were exactly how I pictured them to be: crude and sexual. It would've been very out of place for Seth to have thoughts like Aiden St. Delphi who is noble and sweet. Josie's character was magnificently rendered. She as clumsy and brutally honest, which really set her apart from Alex. She was never afraid to tell Seth exactly how she felt
about him. For example, when she first met him and told him how unbelievably hot he was. I found myself laughing out loud when reading her section. Josie used funny nick names for things like Apollyon and calling Tartarus tartar sauce land. She often rambled on about the most
random things and I was able to draw a nice picture in my head of her.
 
     There were a few repetitive pieces throughout the book like the characters "Cutting off a thought process so certain notions wouldn't be real". I noticed a few of these repetitive parts that are
similar to many of the other characters she writes about.
 
Over all, it was a well written book. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
I think I will be reading the second book, which comes out February 23rd.
I'd love to hear your opinions on this spin off series!