Review: Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

Stand Alone
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library (Overdrive)
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: Delacorte Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Review

I waited about two months on a library hold before I could read this book. That may have played a roll in my rating, but I don't think it did Maybe this has been so built up in my mind, but I found it a little lacking. It's a good book that explores some difficult situations in a beautiful way. The story-telling was different and had a nice pacing. But it didn't feel as deep as I was expecting.

Maddy is a great character full of real emotions. Even though I'm not even close to being in the same situation as her I could understand her and even relate to her. It's also great to see a lot of diversity-racial, physical health, mental health, etc. And I definitely liked the female relationships. There's Maddy and her mom and Maddy and Carla-her nurse. Olly was also interesting but I don't have a lot of thoughts on him.

Before I go into spoilers here are some more vague comments. The romance was cute but a little rushed. Maddy's personal/internal struggles were the more gripping parts of the story to me. The ending felt abrupt, but I think my thoughts on that could change upon a re-read.

Spoiler Time!!!

The reveal about Maddy's illness shocked me and initially felt cheap. I was wondering the whole time I was reading how this book would be "resolved." But that plot choice is starting to grow on me. Although, it did feel hurried. I actually love that her mom is so protective of her daughter that she's able to convince herself that she's sick. It is awesome to have a book look at what grief and mental illness can do to anyone even if they are highly intelligent.

That's it.

What do you think of this book?

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren

Series: Wild Seasons Book #1
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New  Adult
Publisher: Gallery Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

One-night stands are supposed to be with someone convenient, or wickedly persuasive, or regrettable. They aren’t supposed to be with someone like him.

But after a crazy Vegas weekend celebrating her college graduation—and terrified of the future path she knows is a cop-out—Mia Holland makes the wildest decision of her life: follow Ansel Guillaume—her sweet, filthy fling—to France for the summer and just…play.

When feelings begin to develop behind the provocative roles they take on, and their temporary masquerade adventures begin to feel real, Mia will have to decide if she belongs in the life she left because it was all wrong, or in the strange new one that seems worlds away.

Review

This is my first Christina Lauren book and I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I'm a judgey mcjudgerton and assumed their books would be bad and I hate people who judge romances. I'm such a hypocrite!

Now, this is a predictable and super-formulaic romance. Personally, this isn't an issue, but it might bother you.

There's a lot of sex-too much in my opinion. Turning them into closed-door scenes and it would've been better. I have read books before where I want to skim the sex scenes because of this, but this was different. Ansel and Mia use sex to avoid having serious conversations and that actually is a plot point. I can appreciate that.

Mia and Ansel were fun and likable characters. They felt realistic even though they were in such a crazy situation. And Ansel is such a sweet guy which I'm loving right now. And Mia had a nice strong friendship with her two best friends even though it doesn't get a lot of page-time.

I will certainly read another Christina Lauren book. If you have a suggestion let me know.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare

Series: Castles Ever After Book #3
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the library (Overdrive)
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shyly pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.

A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.

Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.

 
Review

So, this is really going to be an awful review. The book was great. It's just me. I hand-write my reviews and couldn't write due to a wrist injury. So, I've forgotten a lot of the specifics. Sorry.

This one was a step up after the second book. Maddie was that great combination of a dreamer and realist. I also really appreciate how passionate about her choosen profesion she is. Logan is a sweet guy who really cares about the men in his life. Actually, Tessa Dare seems to write a lot of heroes like that.

The whole romance plot is kind of kooky, but it works. There are serious moments, but mostly it's a romantic comedy full of situation comedy and humor. I blew through this book and loved it.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

Series: Study Series Book #3
Format: Paperback
Pages: 441
Rating: 5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Fantasy, New Adult, Young Adult
Publisher: Mira

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before...

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear.

Review

This book was a roller coaster and kept me on the edge of my seat. The stakes were pretty high in this one and I never knew what would happen next.

Yelena goes through so much. She also grows into her magic a lot. She makes some dumb decisions, but I understand why. The story also showed more about other characters like Lief, Moon Man, and the Commander. The characters are very realistic which makes the story unnerving.

Poison Study continues to be my favorite, but this was a great conclusion to the trilogy. It explored all of the themes throughout the series to their fullest. Characters, politics, magic. They were all fully developed. And it was a very realistic finale.

I know I'm being very vague, but I'm trying to avoid spoilers.

I am happy wiht how this ended. I'm excited that there are more books, but I'm also nervous. What if the books aren't as good as the main series? That is always the struggle. And it isn't going to stop me from still reading them.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Summer TBR (2017)

It's that time again. I'm going to try a seasonal TBR of 5 books again. Some of these have been on TBRs before, so hopefully, they'll actually happen this time. But I think this is a great list, especially for the summer season.

Doon by Carey Corp and Laurie Langdon

The Heir by Kiera Cass

The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Review: Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare

Series: Castles Ever After Book #2
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library (Overdrive)
Genre: Romance, Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

After eight years of waiting for Piers Brandon, the wandering Marquess of Granville, to set a wedding date, Clio Whitmore has had enough. She's inherited a castle, scraped together some pride, and made plans to break her engagement.

Not if Rafe Brandon can help it. A ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, Rafe is determined that Clio will marry his brother—even if he has to plan the dratted wedding himself.

Review

I have to be honest, this was a  little disappointing. The first book was just so magical and beautiful. Don't get me wrong, this is good, but pales in comparison to the other.

Clio is a really strong heroine. She has depth and the right amount of uniqueness. And she feels like a real woman instead of an idealized romance heroine. Rafe should've been the hero for me. He's got some brooding angst while being a sweet puppy dog. I don't dislike him, but sometimes she was a little annoying.

They make a cute couple. Their story has a good amount of tension. Now, there are shades of a cheating story since Clio is engaged to Rafe's brother. I'm not a huge fan of those type of stories. It wasn't a huge distraction, but it was always in the back of my mind.

Sorry, I can't really explain what about this didn't work for me. It's a perfectly enjoyable book and I would read again, but it isn't at the top of my list.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

Series: Inside Out Book #1
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian
Publisher: Harlequin

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

Review

This is a hard one. I still enjoy Maria V Snyder's writing but the story doesn't really work for me. I read it rather fast and it was gripping but didn't fully connect. It isn't something I can explain.

The concept is an interesting me, but a lot of information is withheld. I believe this was a conscious choice, but it's still frustrating. I just wish I knew more about what the "Inside" is and the people. There's also a lot of terminology to wrap your mind around.

This is a duology and maybe I'll read the second book some day. But for now, I'm perfectly content with how this one ended.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Do You Want to Start a Scandal? By Tessa Dare

 

Series: Spindle Cove Book #5
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 376
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the library
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library. Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan? Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall? Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: it wasn’t her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers’ true identity, she’ll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville—the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she’s ever had the misfortune to embrace. When it comes to emotion, the man hasn’t got a clue.

But as they set about finding the mystery lovers, Piers reveals a few secrets of his own. The oh-so-proper marquess can pick locks, land punches, tease with sly wit . . . and melt a woman’s knees with a single kiss. The only thing he guards more fiercely than Charlotte’s safety is the truth about his dark past.

Their passion is intense. The danger is real. Soon Charlotte’s feeling torn. Will she risk all to prove her innocence? Or surrender it to a man who’s sworn to never love?

Review

This was a super adorable story and might be my favorite Spindle Cove book now. Who would've known the youngest Highwood would be the best?

It's a cute story with a spunky heroine. It actually reminds me of an older Julia Quinn book. Charlotte is a fantastic heroine. I love her. I root for her. I want her to be my friend. There's something about a well written optimistic character I particularly enjoy.

Piers is an awesome hero. He has some darkness that makes him intriguing, but he's a good guy. He's smart and caring even if he tries to hide that part of himself. And it's pretty funny to see them all spun up by Charlotte's high jinx. They complement each other as a couple very well.

I'm already a fan of Tessa Dare, but if she keeps writing like this she's going to be a favorite/must-buy author.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Series: An Ember in the Ashes Book #1
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Overdrive
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Razorbill

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.

It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.

There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.

Review

This probably won't be my best review, but I feel like I need to review this.

Generally, I enjoyed this book. It was interesting and I liked the characters. But I found it a little lacking. A big factor in this is the world-building. I don't understand all of the politics and the mystical elements are even more confusing. Hopefully, this is being done on purpose since the characters don't know everything, but it didn't feel like it.

I'm certainly curious to see what happens to the characters, but I might wait until its complete. This feels like a series that could be drawn out and I don't have the burning need to pick up the next one.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Good Boy by Sarina Bowen

Series: WAGS Book #1
Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 269
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Hosting her brother’s wedding for an MVP guest list is the challenge of Jess Canning’s life. Already the family screw-up, she can’t afford to fail. And nobody (nobody!) can learn of the colossal mistake she made with the best man during a weak moment last spring. It was wrong, and there will not be a repeat. Absolutely not. Even if he is the sexiest thing on two legs.

Blake Riley sees the wedding as fate’s gift to him. Jess is the maid of honor and he’s the best man? Let the games begin. So what if he’s facing a little (fine, a lot) of resistance? He just needs to convince the stubborn blonde that he’s really a good boy with a bad rap. Luckily, every professional hockey player knows that you’ve got to make an effort if you want to score.

But Jess has more pressing issues to deal with than sexy-times with a giant man-child. Such as: Will the ceremony start on time, even though someone got grandma drunk? Does glitter ever belong at a wedding? And is it wrong to murder the best man?

Review

I'm going to be honest, when I started reading this I thought I wasn't going to like it. Which would've been quite the disappointment since I love Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. But I pushed myself to keep going and I'm so glad I did.

So this book is a lot a bit crazy. Blake especially is so over-the-top. He's like Dean from The Score times 100. And hew was the reason I was initially put off. I like humor in books, but he was so much that he didn't feel real. But as it continued I was able to understand him as a character and why he acts the way he does. Jess was easier to connect with because I've had some of the same feelings as her. It was nice to see Wes and Jamie again. I really need to read their second book.

The romance was well executed. At first, I thought it might be rushed based on how the book started. But it developed very naturally and I really wanted to see them happy and together. There was a lot of sexy times and sexy talk. I didn't think it was too much but wanted to mention it in case that bothers you.

I was a little disappointed by the lack of dogs. The cover has a dog on it! There should be tons of dog action. I will forgive it this one time. The next book better have more dogs.

If you've read it, let me know what you thought.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James

Series: Fairy Tales Book #2
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 372
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased (I think)
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne is a Beauty . . . Naturally, she's betrothed to a Beast.

Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, lives in a castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses. And rumor also has it that a wound has left the earl immune to the charms of any woman.

Linnet is not just any woman.

She is more than merely lovely: her wit and charm brought a prince to his knees. She estimates the earl will fall madly in love—in just two weeks.

Yet Linnet has no idea of the danger posed to her own heart by a man who may never love her in return.

If she decides to be very wicked indeed . . . what price will she pay for taming his wild heart?

Review

After watching the new Beauty and the Beast movie I had a strong urge to watch this. Then the book made me want to watch House but isn't on Netflix anymore. Now, back to the actual review.

I really enjoyed this book, but I feel like it may not be for everybody. Linnet and Piers have a pretty biting banter. I like reading those kinds of interactions and they were written very well. Piers especially comes across very harsh, but that is his personality he isn't a cruel man. Linnet is very sharp and gives as good as she gets. They compliment each other as a couple.

Piers is scared and has a limp so you know I'm all about that. It is a part of his character but doesn't overwhelm the story or him. Linnet's beauty, however, plays an almost constant role. That isn't a complaint. Within the context of the story, it makes sense. It isn't like oh, it's horrible to be beautiful, but does show different parts of how being beautiful can impact it.

I wouldn't necessarily consider this a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Instead, it's inspired by the concept and works with its basic themes. And it does a good job of that.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

May Wrap-Up (2017)

This was a roller coaster of a reading month. I started wanting to re-read but I also was confused didn't force myself to read.

Then, I picked up Poison Study because I figured it would be an easy re-read. Instead, I was sucked in again and it really kickstarted my reading for the rest of the month.

Here are the books I read and their rating.s

What did you read this month?

The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie-5 Stars

The Academy-2 Stars

Flowers from the Storm-5 Stars

An Ember in the Ashes-3 Stars

Do You Want to Start a Scandal-4 Stars

Annyoing-3 Stars

Poison Study-5 Stars

Assasin Study-3 Stars

Magic Study-4 Stars

Wallflower at the Orgy-3 Stars

A Wallflower Christmas-3 Stars

April Wrap-Up (2017)

April is kind of a blur to me. I don't really remember what happened in my life or reading. I read a decent amount of books and a nice blend of genres. I also read quite a few books I've read before.

Below are the books I read this month along with their ratings.

Just for Now-2 Stars

The Viscount and the Vixen-5 Stars

Scandal in Spring-4 Stars

Darkest Hour-4 Stars

Good Boy-4 Stars

The Understatement of the Year-4 Stars

When Beauty Tamed the Beast-4 Stars

Every Girl's Dream-3 Stars


What did you read?

Thanks for reading!
Holly