Imperfectly Perfect (A Series of Imperfections, #1)
by A.E. Woodward
4 Star Read for this one. This is a very good depiction on how perfection is in the eye of the beholder. I really enjoyed this and will definitely be looking for more from A.E. Woodward.
"What is perfection? Does it even exist? Is it attainable?" "Life isn't about what is perfect for everybody else; it's about what is perfect for you" ~Prologue Quotes
Those simple statements from the prologue gave me chills. This story is told mostly from Emma's POV. Emma is not a "normal" girl. She doesn't have girl friends. She hasn't since she was 9 years old, but she's always had Shane and Tyler. As time goes on you find that over the years they've stuck together. Going to the same schools, living together (along with Rob whom they meet at NYU), celebrating together, and being there for one another. Emma's Mom has always pushed for Emma to be something she's not; to be the girl who looks for a husband, settles down and has babies. Emma's focus has always been on her career and her 3 soul mates / best friends. It's not a conventional situation for most 30 something adults to all continue to co-habitat after graduation and starting your adult career life. In this story it works. Seemingly happy with her life Emma goes back home to Maine and finds her younger married sister is now pregnant. Shockingly this brings feelings Emma never knew she had about where her life is going. From there you follow Emma's journey to find perfection in her life. Where does that leave her 3 best friends if Emma is looking to move on with relationships and motherhood? Do you need to move on to find perfection or has it been right in front of you all along? Really good read worth picking up
~Shannon
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Review of "Heart-Shaped Box" - Joe Hill
"Heart-Shaped Box" - Joe Hill
4 stars – One of the worst kept secrets in horror fiction is the true identity of Joe Hill. If you don’t already know, and don’t want to know, stop reading now. Drumroll please!!! Joe H...ill is the son of one of the bestselling authors of all time; Stephen King. Needless to say, Joe has a lot to live up to… and I think he is doing just fine.
“Heart-Shaped Box” is Hill’s debut novel and what a debut it is. I couldn’t put this one down. Judas Coyne is an aging 54 year old “shock” rock star (emphasis on the shock) with enough fame to keep the young hot goth chicks still vying for his attention. Not only does he like to keep young naïve 20 year old girls around the house but he also has an ever growing collection of morbid artifacts. These include a hangman’s noose, a skull from the 18th century and sketches from John Wayne Gacy himself. When his assistant notifies him of a ghost for sale on the internet he feels drawn to adding it to the collection. A few days later, via UPS, he receives a heart-shaped box in the mail which contains the haunted suit of a dead man. And this dead man has a score to settle. Unknowingly, Judas had invited into his home the dead stepfather, Craddock McDermott, of his now deceased young ex-lover. And Craddock blames Judas for her death.
With twists you don’t see coming, a vengeful ghost chasing a rock star cross country and rock n’ roll pop culture references galore this is a must read for any horror/rock fan.
4 stars – One of the worst kept secrets in horror fiction is the true identity of Joe Hill. If you don’t already know, and don’t want to know, stop reading now. Drumroll please!!! Joe H...ill is the son of one of the bestselling authors of all time; Stephen King. Needless to say, Joe has a lot to live up to… and I think he is doing just fine.
“Heart-Shaped Box” is Hill’s debut novel and what a debut it is. I couldn’t put this one down. Judas Coyne is an aging 54 year old “shock” rock star (emphasis on the shock) with enough fame to keep the young hot goth chicks still vying for his attention. Not only does he like to keep young naïve 20 year old girls around the house but he also has an ever growing collection of morbid artifacts. These include a hangman’s noose, a skull from the 18th century and sketches from John Wayne Gacy himself. When his assistant notifies him of a ghost for sale on the internet he feels drawn to adding it to the collection. A few days later, via UPS, he receives a heart-shaped box in the mail which contains the haunted suit of a dead man. And this dead man has a score to settle. Unknowingly, Judas had invited into his home the dead stepfather, Craddock McDermott, of his now deceased young ex-lover. And Craddock blames Judas for her death.
With twists you don’t see coming, a vengeful ghost chasing a rock star cross country and rock n’ roll pop culture references galore this is a must read for any horror/rock fan.
~Laura
Review of "Dust" (Silo, #3) - Hugh Howey
5 Stars – “Dust” is the third, and final, installment in the Silo series (insert hysterical crying here) and takes place in a very bleak and dim distant future. Thousands of people live in underground silo’s ...that are hundreds of levels deep. Everyone has their job to do and no one questions anything. Most especially, never question how your ancestors ended up in the silo and why you can’t ever leave. If you do, don’t be surprised when you are sent outside for a “cleaning” and die in the poisonous air. In other words, this world is the very definition of dystopia.
While the first novel “Wool” introduces us to the main characters and the philosophy of the silos, and book two “Shift” travels back in time and explains how the silo’s came to be, this book brings us to the end of the story. Prepare to fall in love with the characters you meet and to become completely intertwined with their struggles and triumphs. While some authors fail to end their series with a satisfying conclusion Howey seems to have mastered the art.
None of the books in the Silo series have let me down, this one included. After completing this series I am more than excited to start on my next post-apocalyptic adventure with Howey; one of the best new sci-fi writers out there.
~Laura
While the first novel “Wool” introduces us to the main characters and the philosophy of the silos, and book two “Shift” travels back in time and explains how the silo’s came to be, this book brings us to the end of the story. Prepare to fall in love with the characters you meet and to become completely intertwined with their struggles and triumphs. While some authors fail to end their series with a satisfying conclusion Howey seems to have mastered the art.
None of the books in the Silo series have let me down, this one included. After completing this series I am more than excited to start on my next post-apocalyptic adventure with Howey; one of the best new sci-fi writers out there.
~Laura
Review of "Red Hill" - Jamie McGuire
5 Stars – I know what most of you are saying to yourself right now: “Really? Aren’t there enough zombie books/movies/tv shows out?” Remember what your momma always told you; never judge a book by its cover.
Though I am a devoted junkie of “The Walking Dead” I have still never labeled myself a “zombie fan”. Most of the time I find it pretty corny or way to over the top gory. On the other end of the spectrum I found “World War Z” to be downright boring… but that’s for a different review. This book is none of those things. It starts off with the classic mysterious “outbreak” leading up to an apocalyptic type setting but the writing is what sets it apart. From what I understand, before this novel, McGuire had never ventured outside of romance novels. After reading this I hope she continues pushing her boundaries. From page one I was hooked.
“Red Hill” has romance, horror, suspense and a hodgepodge of characters that all seek refuge from the undead in the same remote house, Red Hill.'
~Laura
Though I am a devoted junkie of “The Walking Dead” I have still never labeled myself a “zombie fan”. Most of the time I find it pretty corny or way to over the top gory. On the other end of the spectrum I found “World War Z” to be downright boring… but that’s for a different review. This book is none of those things. It starts off with the classic mysterious “outbreak” leading up to an apocalyptic type setting but the writing is what sets it apart. From what I understand, before this novel, McGuire had never ventured outside of romance novels. After reading this I hope she continues pushing her boundaries. From page one I was hooked.
“Red Hill” has romance, horror, suspense and a hodgepodge of characters that all seek refuge from the undead in the same remote house, Red Hill.'
~Laura
Review of Henry (The Beck Brothers #1)
Henry (The Beck Brothers #1)
by Andria Large
Henry was just a 3 Star Read for me. Although it was a easy feel good read. It came up a little short for me and was kind of anticlimactic. Several times it seemed to almost get to that climax and just kind of fell short. I still really enjoyed it and if your looking for a light easy breezy read this is a good one to grab. If you do decide to try this one out keep reading for the Beck Brothers Book 2 teaser. Sebastian's story starts off pretty good.
~Shannon
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Review of Unchosen (Chosen #2)
Unchosen (Chosen #2)
by Alisa Mullen
This one lost a little something for me. I would still rate it a 3.5 Star read but something was missing from book 1 to book 2. I think Lizzy became a little less likeable in this one. I can't quite put my finger on it. May be it was the lack of Teagan that dropped this down a half star for me. Regardless it was still good and I would still recommend it.
This read starts off where Unsettled left off. Lizzy is trying to move forward after Teagan and begins her life as a single mother. Lizzy's family relationships were very strained in book 1. This book the relationships heal and Lizzy relies heavily on her parents and brother for support. Working full time and being a mom has it's strains and a chance meeting during a lunch hour brings Nick into Lizzy's life. Lizzy and Nick become very close friends and he quickly becomes someone she needs in her life. There always seems to be something holding Lizzy back from moving forward with Nick. Her inability to let go of a relationship that was never really more than a fling being the main problem. Lizzy decides to move forward she needs to face the past and heads to Ireland with baby Niall. This is where it kind of loses me. The visit to Ireland does not pan out how I expected and tragedy draws Lizzy right back home. With emotions high Lizzy needs Nick more than ever. As things wrap in book 2 it's looking like all is well but the dreaded Epilogue cliffy strikes again.
I will for sure be reading book 3. Grab this one and let me know what you think!!
~Shannon
Review of Unsettled (Chosen #1)
Review of Unsettled (Chosen #1)
by Alisa Mullen
This was a good 4 star read for me. I really enjoyed the character development and plot. Lizzy the heroine was very likeable and while Teagan isn't exactly "honest" all the time I really liked him as well. Some of the sub characters I could have done without but all in all this book worked for me.
This starts off with Lizzy moving back to her home town of Boston after several years in Portland. While out with her brothers girlfriend Lizzy meets Teagan and all of his Irish "mates". Knowing that Teagan is only in the country for the summer Lizzy takes the risk of starting a relationship with him. Things move pretty fast and the easy breezy fling turns complicated. Teagan hasn't been too forthcoming on where their relationship stands with Lizzy, and secrets will change Lizzy opinion of her new Irish friends. A shocking change of events will make or break things between them. Lizzy has a lot of things to overcome which leads into the Epilogue for book 2.
Grab this read up and let me know what you think of it!
~Shannon
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
ARC Review of Drawn 2 - Obsession (Aaron)
ARC Review of Drawn 2 - Obsession (Aaron)
I received an ARC copy of Obsession in exchange for an honest review. I read redemption first and loved it check out my review of Redemption!! I loved Obsession but had to give it a 4.5 star rating rather that the 5 I gave redemption... simply for the fact that I'm team Damien.
So it amazes me how the little tweaks in the story completely altered the choices and decisions of the 3 characters. This is another testament to what a magnificent author Juliana is. I love her ability to pull you in. As I said before I'm team Damien and I loved the healing process he went through in Redemption and the factor of having a different support system in prison in Obsession altered everything for him. I found myself actually cringing because I love Damien and he just made the wrong choices that ultimately made him into the monster everyone thought he was.
I also felt Etta was much stronger in this version. Having the change in support from her mother and keeping contact with friends allowed her to heal from her toxic relationship and see it for what it really was.
Aaron!! Ok I'm team Damien but I have to say I was team Aaron by the time Damien got out of prison in this version. He did everything right and allowed Etta to heal before pushing for more than friendship. I just feel in love!!
So now I have whip lash from going back and forth. I think I'll choose to think of these two sequels as alternate universes so I can pretend both Aaron and Damien get their HEA.
Final thought on this. The ending was a shocker and I did shed a tear. But if you love Drawn you have to read both Redemption and Obsession. You will not be disappointed.
So it amazes me how the little tweaks in the story completely altered the choices and decisions of the 3 characters. This is another testament to what a magnificent author Juliana is. I love her ability to pull you in. As I said before I'm team Damien and I loved the healing process he went through in Redemption and the factor of having a different support system in prison in Obsession altered everything for him. I found myself actually cringing because I love Damien and he just made the wrong choices that ultimately made him into the monster everyone thought he was.
I also felt Etta was much stronger in this version. Having the change in support from her mother and keeping contact with friends allowed her to heal from her toxic relationship and see it for what it really was.
Aaron!! Ok I'm team Damien but I have to say I was team Aaron by the time Damien got out of prison in this version. He did everything right and allowed Etta to heal before pushing for more than friendship. I just feel in love!!
So now I have whip lash from going back and forth. I think I'll choose to think of these two sequels as alternate universes so I can pretend both Aaron and Damien get their HEA.
Final thought on this. The ending was a shocker and I did shed a tear. But if you love Drawn you have to read both Redemption and Obsession. You will not be disappointed.
~Shannon
ARC Review for Drawn 2 - Redemption (Damien)
ARC Review for Drawn 2 - Redemption (Damien)
**Beware of Spoilers** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved it. 5 Stars!!! There are 2 sequels to Drawn (FYI Book 1 is still Free). Redemption is for team Damien fans (that's me) and Obsession is for the team Aaron fans.
Redemption starts off where Drawn ended. The story is told for 3 POVs.
Damien's time in prison is a real healing process for him. While most people would assume you would become more violent and irrational Damien over comes his issues. His cell mate is a lifer who after time confides in Damien of his relationship problems that ultimately lead to his destruction and the death of his wife. As the story hits close to home for Damien this realization begins his journey to making things right. Therapy and medication help him rationalize his anger issues.
Aaron is living as Etta's boyfriend and Evie's father. While they are going through the relationship motions Aaron never feels his love will be enough to heal Etta of her anguish over her toxic relationship with Damien. You really start to feel sorry for Aaron and at times super bitterness towards Etta for using Aaron for as long as she does. He gave up everything for her safety and you never see the gratitude you would expect for such a sacrifice.
Etta is trying to cope with life as a mother, healing from her heart ache over Damien and "trying" to make herself love Aaron. Etta has a lot of irrational thoughts and actions and you find yourself at times wishing they'd both tell her to screw off.
After a while her and Aaron come to terms that their relationship will never be more than friendship. Aaron moves on with Shay, but still tries to be involved for Evie. When Damien is released from prison an unlikely ally leads him toward Etta and his daughter. Things heat up quick. There is that instant chemistry between Etta and Damien. Trust, lies and old relationship drama follow this couple as they try to heal what was broken and find the happiness they can only find with each other. The ending was perfect for this relationship that didn't look like it could make it. Bravo, I absolutely could not put it down!
Redemption starts off where Drawn ended. The story is told for 3 POVs.
Damien's time in prison is a real healing process for him. While most people would assume you would become more violent and irrational Damien over comes his issues. His cell mate is a lifer who after time confides in Damien of his relationship problems that ultimately lead to his destruction and the death of his wife. As the story hits close to home for Damien this realization begins his journey to making things right. Therapy and medication help him rationalize his anger issues.
Aaron is living as Etta's boyfriend and Evie's father. While they are going through the relationship motions Aaron never feels his love will be enough to heal Etta of her anguish over her toxic relationship with Damien. You really start to feel sorry for Aaron and at times super bitterness towards Etta for using Aaron for as long as she does. He gave up everything for her safety and you never see the gratitude you would expect for such a sacrifice.
Etta is trying to cope with life as a mother, healing from her heart ache over Damien and "trying" to make herself love Aaron. Etta has a lot of irrational thoughts and actions and you find yourself at times wishing they'd both tell her to screw off.
After a while her and Aaron come to terms that their relationship will never be more than friendship. Aaron moves on with Shay, but still tries to be involved for Evie. When Damien is released from prison an unlikely ally leads him toward Etta and his daughter. Things heat up quick. There is that instant chemistry between Etta and Damien. Trust, lies and old relationship drama follow this couple as they try to heal what was broken and find the happiness they can only find with each other. The ending was perfect for this relationship that didn't look like it could make it. Bravo, I absolutely could not put it down!
Welcome!!!
The Blog is Born!!! Today marks the beginning of many book reviews, discussions and a lot of fictional characters that we refer to as if they are real. We are so excited to have this outlet to discuss something we are so passionate about.
~Shannon
~Shannon
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