Review: Turning Pointe by Katherine Locke

Series: District Ballet Company Book .5

Format: ebook

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased (for free)

This was a great start to what I can only assume will be a great series. Any book that references Center Stage (and it’s greatness because it has real dancers) gets a boost for me. This was a very solid novella and any issues I may have I believe will be addressed in the series as a whole.

Let me actually mention my only real issue. I wanted more back-story on both characters-especially Zed. There were allusions to his family, but I want more. Then, there’s their whole friendship. I completely buy it, but I wish I could’ve seen it.

But as a whole I loved this story. They are a cute couple with great chemistry. I really root for them and am so excited to see them grow and evolve. And I like them as individuals-especially Zed because he’s amazing.

I have some other things to say, but I’m going to save them until I read the first full book in the series.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

Review: Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

Series: Prisoner of Night and Fog Book #1

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 401

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library

Holy S**t! I actually had to read another book to cleanse my brain before writing this review. This book had a profound impact on me and I equal parts want to read the next book and fear reading it.

I’m actually struggling to write this, so I’m not sure how much I can talk about the content and technicalities in here.

The reason I gave this five stars is how it made me feel. While reading this I was so tense. I was constantly nervous that something horrible would happen to Gretchen and Daniel. I was so tense that I’m not sure I can read it again.

Now, why is this a good thing?

I can only assume the way I felt is similar to how living in this time felt. And, unfortunately, the way some people still feel. It made me think and re-evaluate my views in life.

OK. I think I can talk content now.

Gretchen is a great character. And she has some great growth as she learns things and starts to think for herself. And Daniel is understanding and sweet. They have a cute romance that causes me to live in fear that one of them will die and I will not get a Happily Ever After.

I don’t know a lot about German history or Hitler. But I did read Anne Frank’s Diary ten million times as a kid. But Ms. Blankman gave me enough information that I understood. It was also great that she explored the newly developing world of psychology. And I’m actually curious about Hitler now.

Oh, there’s one more thing I want to say about Gretchen and Daniel, but mostly Gretchen. They could have avoided a lot of problems if they lied about their true feelings. The fact that they are willing to risk their lives for what is right is so inspiring.

I will be reading the second book and have already requested it from my library. But I think I’m going to need to prepare myself mentally to read it.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

Top 10 Tuesday: Characters Who are Fellow Book Nerds

 

Top 10 Tuesday was created by the Broke and the Bookish. You can find more information here

1)      Lily and Lo (Addicted Series by Krista and Becca Ritchie)

~They are huge Harry Potter and comic book fans

2)      Kat (Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout)

                ~She has a book blog and makes videos-how cool is that

3)      Finn (Cahill Witch Chronicles by Jessica Spotswood)

                ~Nerdy boys for the win

4)      Celaena Sardothien (Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas)

                ~Now, I’m not her biggest fan but she is a reader and loves a good romance like me

5)      Matilda (Matilda by Roald Dahl)

~Technically, I haven’t read this. But Matilda was my home girl when I was little

6)      Catherine (Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen)

                ~I really liked Catherine and this kind of under-rated Austen novel

7)      Sydney Sage (Vampire Academy and Bloodlines by Richelle Mead)

                ~Sydney’s more of a non-fiction reader, but she’s a girl after my own heart

8)      Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

                ~She’s definitely a quirky reader

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

Review: Soulless by Gail Carriger

Series: Parasol Protectorate Book #1

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 373

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the library

From page one I knew I was going to like this book. The tone and humor were perfect for me. And I don’t listen to audiobooks, but I feel like this would be a great one. Ms. Carriger just has a light funny writing style. Seriously, it just made me so happy and I am excited to continue the series.

I think one of the reasons I loved this was the world. I read a lot of historical romance and I could see that world I’m used to but Ms. Carriger easily blends in paranormal and steampunk elements. I’m completely like: yes, this is exactly what the 1800s were like.

And Alexia. She’s so odd that I can’t help, but love her. She’s also very forceful and opinionated. Sometimes those characters can be annoying, but not Alexia. Plus, she’s very fixated on food and eating. I also have these feelings so we are on the same team.

Then, there’s the Earl. Why do I love you so much? He’s exactly what I want in my historical alpha hero. And she did a very good job of exploring pack dynamics and what being an alpha means. I hope we get more of this.

I don’t want this to go on forever, but I also like Professor Lyall and Floote the butler. They both provide some sarcasm I guess-they’re kind of the straight men. Especially Floote. I feel like he’s my favorite character and he better continue to show up.

Then, there’s the romance. It’s definitely my kind of romance and I’m glad there’s so much of it. And without spoiling it I’ll say I’m glad it progressed the way it did. Mostly because I’m happy to see what happens with the rest of the series.

The non-romance plot was also executed very well. I was on edge and constantly questioning what was going on. And just like the romance I’m very excited to see how it develops.

That was a lot of complimentary things so I feel like I need to say something negative. My only complaint is minor, but it happened a couple of times. That issue is that I would get confused about which character’s head I was in. The book is in third person but bounces around without page or chapter breaks. It was a little confusing, but not distracting.

OK. I need to stop because this one is getting a little too long.

OK. Bye.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

Review: Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas

Series: Travis Family #2

Format: Paperback

Pages: 328

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

I have no idea how many times I’ve read this book and it continues to be a five star read for me. Haven’s story always touches me and is such an important one. But one of Lisa Kleypas’ great skills as a writer is character growth and their personal journey.

For me, Haven is a great character and I immediately connect with her. Some people might think she’s a spoiled rich girl, but I don’t see her that way. And she shows that money can’t protect you from everything. I originally read this book when I really hated first person, but I still loved her voice. Plus, this story is so much about her personal recovery that it has to be told in first person. And Haven never plays the victim or comes across as whiny.

Then, there’s Hardy. He’s an alpha male I can really love. He’s strong, smart, and ambitious, but he’s also caring and gentle. Ms. Kleypas gives him enough backstory and development for him to be a fully realized character, but allows the story to be about Haven.

And I love them as a couple. They have great chemistry and really work together. Haven talks about how their flaws fit together like puzzle pieces and I think that’s very true. And they are a great example of a couple who equally support and respect each other. I will always love them as a couple and want more of them.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly