Month: November 2013

Review: NOS4A2 by Joe Hill

Posted by

2

nosHow does one write a 700 plus page novel and make it non-stop stay on the edge of you seat the entire way? Damned if I know, but go ask Joe Hill, because he sure the f**k knows how!!!!!! Wow! What a ride! Remember the episode of “Friends” where Joey keeps the book in the freezer? I SERIOUSLY wanted to shove my poor kindle in the deepest parts of my freezer at night whilst I was reading this one!

This was my very first Joe Hill book but believe you me, it won’t be my last! Two confessions…one, I always wondered what it would be like growing up as Stephen King as my dad. I mean, what goes through the man’s mind as he sits down to pancakes on a Sunday morning. Does he see THAT pile of pancakes as others would view it? How does his sense of reality compare with others? What stories does he tell his kids? Well, Joe Hill was one of those children that actually sat at that table on Sunday mornings with SK as his pops…When SK had a random thought, JH was around to hear what it was…My second confession is, (okay, I KNOW this isn’t fair, Mr Hill) that I was hesitant to read this because Joe Hill IS King’s son….well, let me tell you….there are some things in the book that made me think of SK, but seriously, this is not some guy making a living based on having a famous father….if anything, Joe Hill deserves so much more fame then he currently has. I don’t scare easy. I don’t sit there and rapidly turn pages as fast as I can for 700 plus pages! I can’t EVER remember wanting to put a book in the freezer before! Joe Hill , much like his father, has that uncanny ability to take the everyday simple things that everyone has experienced as a kid and turn it into the stuff of nightmares…bikes, childhood games, and even Christmas!!!! What the hell!?!?!?!

Don’t read this book if you get emotionally attached to great characters and want them to live forever. Don’t read this book if you are afraid to “think outside the box”. Don’t read this book if you think every Christmas should be perfect. Don’t read this book if you live alone and don’t have a safe, sturdy freezer to store your current read in. Don’t read this book if you are afraid of jumping at a mysterious bump in the night. Don’t read this book if you think it’s okay to listen to Christmas music all year long….

Do read this book if you want to have the simple things we all did as a child revisited and made real. Oh come on…you need an example? Okay, remember how you used to ride your bike, only it wasn’t *really* a bike? It was some magical travel machine that could take you any imaginary place you wished to go! Sure that was only your imagination…

Or was it….

Hmmmmmmm….

Do read this book if you enjoy an author that cares enough about his readers to make you love all the characters in his novel…even those that aren’t gonna make it to the end….Do read this book if you want your heart pumping at fast speeds….Do read this book if you think Christmas should be kept year round in your heart (insert cheesy awwww)….Do read this book if you are looking for a new favourite author that you will forever adore!

Holy Hell, again, what a great f**king ride!!!!!!!!

Until next time….

Urania xx

Buy it now NOS4A2

Review: Four Seconds to Lose, by K.A.Tucker

Posted by

1

17571140
I believe you don’t have years, or months,
or weeks to impact a person’s life.
You have seconds.
Seconds to win them over,
And seconds to lose them.
–Cain

This was definitely not the like the first two books. It was still good, but just different.

Cain wasn’t your traditional strip joint owner. He set out to help girls get back on their feet. He knew if he didn’t help them they’d end up lost and forgotten. He’s very good at his job and he never wanted to mix business with pleasure.

Well, that was until he met Charlie.

Charlie needs cash. And she needs it FAST. She is in a horrible situation and need is desperate to get out of it. So desperate that she’ll become a stripper to do it.

Soon she finds herself falling for Cain, but she knows she can’t. She can’t risk him knowing who and what she really is. She doesn’t want him to get hurt or worse.

She tries everything to get away from him and her new friends, but she is so lonely she doesn’t want to leave.

Cain doesn’t want to let Charlie go. He is determined to help her with whatever she needs help with. He doesn’t care what she’s done in her past. He wants to be in her future. He’s done things in his past that he’s not proud of, so he understands why she’s leery.

When everything comes out in the open, they both need to make some very hard decisions. Decisions that will tear them apart, before they can even think of being together.

We get a glimpse of the past friends from the other books. Storm and Dan play a bigger roll than Ben, Kacey, Trent and Livie do, but they all play a minor roll.

I knew I liked Cain, after reading the other two books. But after reading this, I REALLY liked him! Something horrible happened to him, in his late teens, but he chose to turn it around and make a better life for himself.

I can’t wait to see what trouble Ben gets into, in the next book. But I have to wait til February for that one.

~Melpomene

Buy it now Four Seconds to Lose: A Novel

New releases for November 12, 2013

Posted by

0

I’m actually quite happy with the low amount of books this week. I can’t keep up with all the past ones I’ve purchased. It’s nice to have a break. The funny thing is that the first two were released yesterday!

17840487Working It: A Love by Design Novel
I can’t wait to read this book! I’m saving it for my birthday treat. I plan on doing nothing but read, and this is the first book I’m starting with. I’ve really enjoyed all of Kendall’s books, so I know I’ll enjoy this as well.

18166194Infinite Possibilities (Contemporary New Adult) (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen)
After the last book, Escaping Reality, left us with a cliffy, I am dying to read this book as well. So don’t even look for me tomorrow. I’m gonna be busy. 🙂

17628631 Plain Peace (A Daughters of the Promise Novel)
And while this may not seem like my normal read, I’ve read the first 5 books in the Daughters of Promise series. This is #6. So I know I’ll be reading it as well. I sometimes enjoy the simpleness of the Amish life and reading about it gives me a glimpse into it.

Happy Reading!!

Don’t forget to enter the 2nd birthday week giveaway, on our Facebook page!!

~Melpomene

Review: In the Clear by Tamara Morgan

Posted by

0

18627383 Fletcher Owens has not had a great life, but the one thing he could count on was his best friend Sean Sinclair and his twin sister Lexie. Their family became like his family while growing up and he would never do anything to risk that, not even act on his feelings towards Lexie. Fletcher is quiet, sensitive and afraid of blood. To conquer that fear he decides to volunteer for the Search and Rescue team, but doesn’t want the attention he knows that will bring so he keeps it secret from his best friends.

Lexie is outgoing and bubbly, a fundraiser for a local charity. She loves her twin brother and Fletcher but hates feeling like an outsider in the trio. When they hang out without her she feels left out as they are truly her best friends as well. When Fletcher’s secret is revealed in the local paper she is shocked that she really doesn’t know him as well as she thought. Lexie ends up on a rescue mission with Fletcher and what they discover about each other surprises them both.

I fell in love with this novella immediately, I love this romantic trope. I felt that the traditional gender roles in these kinds of stories were flipped, which I really appreciated. Often in romance novels we see the confident, outgoing males who will get what they want no matter want and in this one while Fletcher was definitely a strong male, he has his quirks and anxieties. Which made me love him even more. The rescue mission with Lexie interacting with Fletcher and the whole team was the best part of the book for me as it revealed Lexie’s strengths, that she didn’t know she had. The banter between Lexie and the other guys slowly revealed more of Lexie to Fletcher that he didn’t know was there.

Both characters have a lot of depth and are well thought out for a short story. I felt that I knew them very well. Fletcher and Lexie are almost opposites and seeing the two together and interact was very cute. Overall, this was an adorable Holiday novella. I would definitely recommend. PLUS it’s only 99 cents! That is a crazy good price a such a cute story. I would so buy it if I were you. Now!!

I received this ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

4 stars.

~ Clio

Buy it Now In the Clear (Winter Rescue)

Review: See You at Harry’s by Jo Knowles

Posted by

0

20131110-155653.jpgI remember with absolute clarity the angst and turmoil that came with being a preteen and entering middle school: hormones, self-image issues, embarrassing family members, bullying, secret crushes…See You at Harry’s encompasses all that and more.

Twelve-year-old Fern, named after the character in Charlotte’s Web, is entering middle school and all the accompanying drama that goes with it. Her eccentric but loving family includes three siblings, all also named after book characters, each accompanied by their own drama. Brother Holden is coming to terms with his sexual orientation. Charlie is the much-loved and over-indulged baby of the family. Older sister Sara has recently graduated from high school but is trying to find herself while working in the family restaurant. Fern’s mom, although a loving parent, distances herself from the family by withdrawing into her private world. Fern’s dad is understandably tied up with the day-to-day business of running a restaurant. And speaking of the restaurant, this is the center point in the family’s life and the source of much of Fern’s discomfort. However, when tragedy strikes the family they must all come together in order to survive.

This book is an amazing account of a young girl’s journey through one of the most difficult life events imaginable. Jo Knowles does an amazing job of bringing this story to life. Fern’s story is funny, embarrassing, sad, and entirely believable. It’s an excellent read for young adults and preteens as well as adults such as myself. There was also an element of suspense as the story led me to believe one tragedy was about to occur before going in another direction. I couldn’t pull myself away from this one and can’t wait to read more by this author.

~Thalia

Buy It Now: See You at Harry’s

Review: The Stone Boy by Sophie Loubiere

Posted by

0

20131110-160727.jpgWhat would you do if you thought your neighbour was abusing their child? Well, that’s the predicament faced by Elsa Perau. In this novel (touted as a national phenomenon in its native France), the reader is presented with the narrative view of Elsa Perau and her increasing concern for the safety of a child living next door to her. However, this isn’t just your usual case of an abused child living next door; Elsa isn’t exactly the most reliable person, and paranoia is the main theme of this novel. Is the child actually being abused, or is Elsa imagining it?
This novel is translated into English, and I believe that it lost something in translation. Don’t get me wrong, the pace and style was good, but I just couldn’t help thinking that I was missing something by not reading in the original language. It felt like a heavy fog – you could make out something, but not quite see it clearly.
As mentioned above, the pacing of this novel was good because just when you think it is going in one direction, it turns on you. This kept me guessing, and changing my mind at various points throughout. However, there are some parts where it seems like there is no build up to surprises, and it feels like a kind of “oh this happened, surprise!” And then it moves straight on. I did like how it made you think about what is real, and what you want to be real; so often in life we can make things seem real enough, and in fact there will be a completely different interpretation, depending upon who you ask.
Overall, it was an entertaining read, but I felt it lacked that certain je ne sais quoi. I recommend it for its ability to portray truths and versions of truths that I haven’t seen before, but being a phenomenon? I don’t know….

ARC provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Buy it here: The Stone Boy

Review: The Mountain Between Us by Cindy Meyers

Posted by

0

20131108-161406.jpgA snowy Christmas romance! The Mountain Between Us is set in Colorado, in a tiny town where everyone leans on each other. The dynamics among the residents of Eureka remind me of those in Robyn Carr’s Virgin River — a focus on family, with woodsy, macho men who protect strong and emotional women.

Cindy Meyers gives us DJ and Olivia, a former couple who may or may not get back together; and Maggie and Jameso, a newish couple who have some real obstacles to overcome. Throw in a few spinsters, a con artist, a teenager and a local diner, and you have yourself a town.

I liked how Meyers gave the characters strength and integrity. They were likable and sweet. They held each other up during snowstorms and swindles. They lent each other an ear and a shoulder to cry on. I also liked the dual romance… and the inclusion of extended family. I felt like I could depend on these people. I trusted them.

The only thing that disappointed me about this book was the rambling writing. Some chapters took way too long to say what they needed to say. A good 10% of the verbiage should have been cut to tighten up the writing. Because of the long-windedness (especially in the first half), I found myself skipping over entire paragraphs, itching to get to the action! Nevertheless, the writing is excellent and the dialogue flowed naturally.

The Mountain Between Us is a warm Christmas romance, replete with snowstorms, love, and a strong sense of family. Read it beside your Christmas tree with a cup of hot cocoa, and you might even hear the jingle bells.

–Calliope

Buy it now The Mountain Between Us

Review: Mine, by Katy Evans

Posted by

0

17792606

“Remy, you’re my king…There’s no chess game for me without you.”
“You’re the queen who will protect me.”

Oh my word!!! This book had my emotions all over the freaking place!! I remember how intense Real was and this is right up there. This takes place right after Real ends. Brooke is back with Remy and she continues to fight for him at every corner.

They have such a fierce, and an all consuming love for each other, it made their struggles even more hard to read. And boy did they have struggles. They had such doozies, that I remember the exact percentage that these happened. Brooke had to come to terms with what happened when she left him, in Real. She knows she was gone, and shouldn’t hold anything against him, but it’s much easier said than done.

“You…are going to love me until I die. I’m going to make you love me even if it hurts, and when it hurts, I’m going to make it better, Brooke.”

I felt so bad for Brooke during this book. She seemed to draw the short straw at every turn. At one point, I was reading, thinking it was a dream, until I realized it was actually happening. I was shocked and appalled. I couldn’t imagine anyone surviving that.

But then something wonderful happens and that totally made the book for me. But, as with all good books, the good parts can only last for so long, before the drama and turmoil starts to seep in and tries to destroy everything that is good. Brooke has to face something so hard, and Remy can’t help her. And when he’s away from her, the poor guy can barely function. He may appear so strong, but even the strongest beasts can fall. And if she’s not there to catch him, no one can.

Scorpion is still a major player in this book. He’s also the creator of some of the drama. Brooke’s sister play a role in the drama as well. I was getting so mad at her for not supporting her sister and Remy. He was the reason she’s alive and back in good health. But of course, drama is needed.

“You deserve this and more. While you fight out there, I will fight for you to come home to this.”

I was so strung out on the all the fight and sex scenes. FIERCE. Every time I turned around, someone was getting thrown to the floor or the bed. Not that I’m complaining. If I had a Remy of my own, I’d probably be the same way. He’s a force to be reckoned with and you better watch out. He loves and protects the ones he loves and he’s not afraid to fight hard or dirty.

There was a point where him being bipolar produced a scene that was extremely hard to read. My stomach was in feet. He was so down, there was no other option for him. Watching Remy try and fail to bring himself back up, was so sad. Growing up with people who basically threw you away, will change you, and not for the better. Even if he has caring friends, that love and support him now, not having that in the beginning of his life, has done damage to him. I know there are many people who suffer from this also, I just hope they are surrounded by loving people who will help them.

“Your family isn’t with you because of destiny or blood or because they have no choice. They’re with you because they love you. And chose you.” I gaze into his blue eyes. “I choose you.”

~Melpomene

Gallery books
Buy it now Mine (The REAL series)

blogtourbutton

Review: 4 to 16 Characters by Kelly Hourihan

Posted by

0

18273649 Jane Shilling is 15 year old and pretty much hates her life. So she escapes into one of her alternate online lives, of which there are many. Her mother died last year, her father drinks and she is pretty much invisible at school so she balances her different personas. One is an emo, goth boy who likes to blog about dark feelings, another is an angry woman who likes to pick fights online but mostly she is Rachel online. Rachel, who likes to write fan fiction for her favorite sci-fi show.

Jane hates her therapist at school and hates her teacher when she tries to send home notes about her missing 27 homework assignments. Why do they care? What business is it of theirs? She begins to become friends with some online people but finds it tricky when none of the things she reveals is true. A boy at school tries to be her friend but Jane can’t understand why he would want to and is he really a skee-ball champion?

I found this book to be funny and touching in surprising ways. The cover definitely underwhelms and I wish it would get a new one just so it would draw some actual readers in. I always like when books use multiple mediums to tell stories and the use of IM’s, emails and journal entries definitely worked for me. Through this medium we were able to tell at a glance which of Jane’s online personas were “talking”. I loved reading Jane’s actual journal entries because her venting about her school was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The surprisingly touching parts came in the forms of the IM’s. Both the therapist and Jane’s friends had conversations that were insightful and real. I know some older people might find it hard to read the IM’s because they were in “text speak” that teenagers use, but since this is a young adult novel I thought it was very appropriate and right on. I would recommend this book to any young adult reader.

I received this book via Netgally in return for an honest review.

4 stars

~Clio

Buy it Now 4 to 16 Characters

Review: Love, in Writing; by Elsa Winckler

Posted by

0

20131102-220427.jpg Just released this month!

Love, in Writing is about a romance author, Margaret, who meets a sci-fi writer, Graham. They live in different towns in South Africa but keep running into each other at various events. Margaret and Graham develop a relationship, but each is too stubborn to see the love they have between them.

I enjoyed the South African setting, the surfing references, crazy cousin Louise, and Margaret’s bookshop (full of books with happy-ever-afters). The author signings and book launches were fun to read about, too.

I really liked that Margaret stood her ground and wouldn’t compromise her values and needs just because she met a hot guy. She wanted Love and Forever, and she was prepared to wait for it. I also thought it was great that Graham wanted to hold back, since his goal was a casual relationship. He pulled back from getting too close to Margaret before he was really ready.

Within this novel, Margaret and Graham wrote about each other in the books they were writing. Using valuable novel space to describe how and what they were writing was a little too silly for me. I skimmed over those parts when I saw them coming. I thought the plans near the end to get back together were also a little unrealistic. But I suspended my disbelief and was satisfied with the ending and the epilogue.

Love, in Writing is a well-written, quirky romance. The characters are fun, and the setting is unique. I enjoyed it.

–Calliope

Buy it now Love, in Writing