By Carl Hiassen
I give it a 3
A page turner, just like Hiassen always is, but this one is a bit raunchy. It follows a paparazzi photographer and his desire to "get" a drugged out singing sensation. There is a little bit of the ecoterrorism that Hiassen is famous for, but it's definitely a sub sub plot to the main plot. We see Skink character recurring (the former governor of Florida turned renegade) but he's not nearly as interesting as he was in previous books. Although I did like his defacating in the corrupt former lieutenant governor's washing machine (told ya it was raunchy).
It gives a different view of the rich and famous through the eyes of those who keep track of them via film and video. Kind of interesting, but depressing as well. Makes you want to go take a shower.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta
Paperback, 608 pages
Published October 3rd 2011 by Viking Australia
Series: Lumatere Chronicles #2
Currently Reading for review...
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick
Rating: 4 Stars
Hardcover, 438 pages
Published October 4th 2011 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
A wonderful addition to the Hush Hush series. Full review to come...
A wonderful addition to the Hush Hush series. Full review to come...
Tempest by Julie Cross
Rating: 5 Stars
Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: January 3rd 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin
Review to come....
Unraveling Isobel
Rating: 4.5
Hardcover, 256 pages
Expected publication: January 3rd 2012 by Simon Pulse
What a fantastic story. Unraveling Isobel was so much different than I had expected. Sure, the blurb was interesting enough, but the story and dialect was so much more.
Isobel is moving with her mother, her new step-father and step-brother to Naime, an island off the coast. She has very few nice things to say since her mother dragged her away to some desolate island her senior year with a hot step-brother and a new step-father her mother has only known for 3 months. Yeah, I'd be pissed off too. You would think the "crazy" would run in her mother's side of the family.
Isobel isn't exactly feeling like gummybears and rainbows around her new step-father. The more he pushes "family" the more she despises him and the fact that her mother is totally oblivious to the fake charm he puts off.
The Wickham family has an "estate" on the island and this place seems huge. But there are stories on this island about a curse and murders. Seems that there is more to Morrigan (the estate) than Isobel realized.
Weird things begin to happen and there is a murder mystery Isobel must figure out. Her step-father, Dick (Richard), is making her life miserable and the only person who believes her is Nate, her step-brother.
There is so much more to this story. You have your classic bitch from school who is out to ruin you, the sexy guy (Nate, woo hoo), a murder mystery, SWOON worthy moments and so much more.
From the beginning I knew I would like this book. There's something to say about a writer who can make you laugh within the first few pages. Isobel is an awesome character. I admire a character who has the kahuna's to face scary situations. Nate, the sexy step-brother, was intriguing. I loved the chemistry between Nate and Isobel.
This is one book that don't think I would have normally picked up to read and I am so glad I did.
Isobel is moving with her mother, her new step-father and step-brother to Naime, an island off the coast. She has very few nice things to say since her mother dragged her away to some desolate island her senior year with a hot step-brother and a new step-father her mother has only known for 3 months. Yeah, I'd be pissed off too. You would think the "crazy" would run in her mother's side of the family.
Isobel isn't exactly feeling like gummybears and rainbows around her new step-father. The more he pushes "family" the more she despises him and the fact that her mother is totally oblivious to the fake charm he puts off.
The Wickham family has an "estate" on the island and this place seems huge. But there are stories on this island about a curse and murders. Seems that there is more to Morrigan (the estate) than Isobel realized.
Weird things begin to happen and there is a murder mystery Isobel must figure out. Her step-father, Dick (Richard), is making her life miserable and the only person who believes her is Nate, her step-brother.
There is so much more to this story. You have your classic bitch from school who is out to ruin you, the sexy guy (Nate, woo hoo), a murder mystery, SWOON worthy moments and so much more.
From the beginning I knew I would like this book. There's something to say about a writer who can make you laugh within the first few pages. Isobel is an awesome character. I admire a character who has the kahuna's to face scary situations. Nate, the sexy step-brother, was intriguing. I loved the chemistry between Nate and Isobel.
This is one book that don't think I would have normally picked up to read and I am so glad I did.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Unveiled by Trisha Wolfe
Published September 18th 2011 by S.B. Addison Books
Rating: 5 Stars!
Wow, for a short story this was awesome. This is the first of Trisha Wolfe's stories I have read. I was totally pulled in from the beginning. I love stories with action and romance.
The Kingdom of Karm is supposed to protect it's people from the Outside, the wasteland. King Hart rules Karm. Fallon is a Rebel sent on a mission to dispose of one of Karm's men. During her mission she questions her leaders intentions and wonders what Xander has done to be placed with a death wish. Micha, Fallon's leader, had taken her in when she was 10 because her mother died from the virus.
On Fallon's mission she realizes that this was her personal test to prove her allegiance to the Rebels. It didn't feel right to her though.
She soon finds out that Micha had sent a plant, a man by the name Larkin, to watch Fallon and make sure she did what was ordered. Fallon has fallen somewhat for Xander and she decides to confront Micha about this mission.
In the end, Fallon ends up wearing the ring marking her the chosen leader of the Rebels.
Even though this is a short story, It is very well written and easily pulls you in. The lavish details and the quick chemistry between Fallon and Xander didn't make me want to gag. I actually found it perfectly executed for such a story.
There was lots of action and enough peaking romance that I couldn't NOT want to read this. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Wolfe's stories
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Indelible by Lani Woodland
Hardcover, 416 pages
Expected publication: September 27th 2011 by Pendrell Publishing
Hardcover, 416 pages
Expected publication: September 27th 2011 by Pendrell Publishing
Absolutely Amazing!! If you loved Intrinsical (The Yara Silva Trilogy,#1) you will LOVE Indelible (The Yara Silva Trilogy, #2). Ms. Woodland has hit a grand slam with Indelible. I will try to make this review as spoiler-free as possible. It will be difficult due to the fact that it was so good, I could just ramble on and on about it. So, here I go...
Yara has spent her summer with Vovo in Brazil. It takes practice to develope the skills and insticts needed to know how best to help a spirit cross over. Three months of Waker training, Yara was ready to be back in the arms of her boyfriend, Brent (who by the way, is outstanding in Indelible). Here is a simple quote to wet your taste buds..."His velvet lips found mine again. He was the oxygen I had been deprived of all summer and I willingly kissed him back."
Back at Pendrell Academy, all seniors attend a recruiting dinner in hopes of being awarded an internship position. From this point forward the story takes off without haste. There are new characters, new ghosts (scary, angry ones at that), new plot with intricate twists and skillful details, lots of action, suspense and plenty of romantic moments.
It is amazing to watch the development of Yara's character grow and ascend into this strong woman. Not only do we see her grow, but the relationship with Brent was deeper and more developed. I loved the fact that there are so many more "memorable" moments throughout Indelible. I am serious when I tell you I have 6 pages of notes written because I surely did NOT want to miss anything or forget pieces of this AMAZING story.
Vovo was a backbone in guiding Yara through her trials and tribulations. Facing her biggest fears, Yara figures out what her true calling is. From beginning to end,I assure you, this story will leave you in awe.
All notes aside, After reading Indelible, Lani Woodland has reserved her spot on my "Most Favorite" Author list. I admire a writer who can handle intense intricate plots and make it come out smooth and desired.
A well deserved Five-Star rating!!
Crave by Melissa Darnell
Rating: 2 Stars
Paperback, 416 pages
Expected publication: October 18th 2011 by Harlequin Teen
A forbidden love, Withches/Warlocks and Vampires. This sounds very enticing right? To be honest, I couldn't love this book. It was just okay for me.I had high hopes for this book. I think the storyline was tempting and the idea was promising, but this is irrefragable proof you can't judge a book by its cover.
Savannah was told by her childhood friends, that they couldn't be friends anymore and without explanation. Savannah and Tristan (love that name) were what you would call childhood sweethearts until that day. Savannah Colbert has moved on with her life and now being in high school life has not been any easier. Those "once" friends bully and tease her. She doesn't know why or what she could have done to them for that kind of treatment.
The Clann descendants were advised to stay away from Savannah. Suddenly Savannah develops an illness, so she thought. She finds out that she is something very rare. Her father is an incubus (a special kind of vampire) and her nanna and mother are witches.
I feel that there were parts of the story that were drawn out a bit too long. I did like Tristan and Savannah as a couple. I am curious as to where the author will take them next.
Overall, it was an okay read for me.
(Arc provided by Netgalley)
Savannah was told by her childhood friends, that they couldn't be friends anymore and without explanation. Savannah and Tristan (love that name) were what you would call childhood sweethearts until that day. Savannah Colbert has moved on with her life and now being in high school life has not been any easier. Those "once" friends bully and tease her. She doesn't know why or what she could have done to them for that kind of treatment.
The Clann descendants were advised to stay away from Savannah. Suddenly Savannah develops an illness, so she thought. She finds out that she is something very rare. Her father is an incubus (a special kind of vampire) and her nanna and mother are witches.
I feel that there were parts of the story that were drawn out a bit too long. I did like Tristan and Savannah as a couple. I am curious as to where the author will take them next.
Overall, it was an okay read for me.
(Arc provided by Netgalley)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Vanish by Sophie Jordan
Rating: 4 stars
Hardcover, 304 pages
Hardcover, 304 pages
Published September 6th 2011 by HarperTeen
I was very excited to be able to get a chance to read Vanish right after I had read Firelight(Thank You Crystal). Vanish was a delightful addition to the Firelight series. This is such an original in my opinion. We see tons of books on ghosts, vampires, shapshifters, fairies etc. So when you pick up the Firelight series, we are welcomed to a fresh new genre that has not been written and re-written time and time again. Sophie Jordan invites us into the draki world with a new spin on fantasy.
Jacinda, Cassian, Tamra and their mother are on their way back to the pride. Jacinda is one of the most rare and prized of their kind, but Tamra will no longer be dismissed and worthless. She becomes more useful than ever before. The roles get somewhat reversed as Jacinda is not treated with the same respect as before and now Tamra is. Being back in the pride was difficult. More tense moments and a creepy Corbin, Cassian's cousin. Being under a watchful eye, Jacinda must prove that she is bound to the pride and she has let the thought of being in love with Will, go. But can she convince the pride and herself of this?
I was a bit annoyed by Jacinda in this book, I'm not going to lie. She never seemed to know what or who she wanted. The love triangle was dragged out a little too much. It seemed like the inner battle Jacinda faced with Will/Cassian and her loyalty to her family and the pride was the base of Vanish. I think deep down it was always and will be Will for Jacinda. I totally LOVE Will! Even thought he wasn't in the book much, he still seemed to win me over once again. Cassian is somewhat labeled arrogant and a bit shallow, but I feel deep down he has a good heart. I adored Tamra in this book. She turned out to be an amazing character.
There are a lot of twists throughout this installment and I was rather satisfied with the outcome. I loved where it left off and look forward to reading the Untitled (Firelight #3)
Jacinda, Cassian, Tamra and their mother are on their way back to the pride. Jacinda is one of the most rare and prized of their kind, but Tamra will no longer be dismissed and worthless. She becomes more useful than ever before. The roles get somewhat reversed as Jacinda is not treated with the same respect as before and now Tamra is. Being back in the pride was difficult. More tense moments and a creepy Corbin, Cassian's cousin. Being under a watchful eye, Jacinda must prove that she is bound to the pride and she has let the thought of being in love with Will, go. But can she convince the pride and herself of this?
I was a bit annoyed by Jacinda in this book, I'm not going to lie. She never seemed to know what or who she wanted. The love triangle was dragged out a little too much. It seemed like the inner battle Jacinda faced with Will/Cassian and her loyalty to her family and the pride was the base of Vanish. I think deep down it was always and will be Will for Jacinda. I totally LOVE Will! Even thought he wasn't in the book much, he still seemed to win me over once again. Cassian is somewhat labeled arrogant and a bit shallow, but I feel deep down he has a good heart. I adored Tamra in this book. She turned out to be an amazing character.
There are a lot of twists throughout this installment and I was rather satisfied with the outcome. I loved where it left off and look forward to reading the Untitled (Firelight #3)
Monday, August 29, 2011
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Hardcover, 338 pages
Expected publication: September 29th 2011 by Dutton
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Blurb:
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
I became a huge fan of Stephanie Perkins after reading Anna and the French Kiss. I was totally in love with the characters and the story. So, when I heard she was writing Lola and the Boy Next Door, there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to read that book. A special “Thank You” to my friend Arlene, who was so kind to share her copy with me.
Perkins, once again, has delivered another fantastic story.
Blurb:
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
I had so much fun reading this story. There for a while I was having mixed feelings about her “rocker boyfriend.” It seemed like she really had to work to make their relationship work. So when the Bell twins moved in next door, I found myself cheering on the obvious choice, Cricket.
I’m just going to give a rundown of parts that I truly loved about the book…
~Lola: She is such a fun character and the way she expresses herself by design and her own fashion, really made her stunning and captivating. Her creative mind really infuses a special likeability about her.
~Andy: Who couldn’t love Andy!! He was so awesome!
~Cricket’s entrance: I would have just died!!! But loved every second of page 34!! “Cricket Bell grins. “Hi, Lola.” ~SWOON!!! (You will too, when you read this page!)
~Etienne and Anna: They were in this book more than I thought they would be. I was pleasantly surprised. It gave me the wanting feeling of reading Anna and the French Kiss again!
~Window moments: Ah, these were moments I craved throughout the book.
~Heavens to Betsy: Just love the name!
~The Sunday Family Picnic: Way to go Nathan and Andy!!
~Abby: The cute little niece. She opened a window of opportunity for Lola…
~The ending: EPIC!!
Okay, so I can go on and on. The ending of this book had me all goo-goo eyed and sighing. I was totally and utterly in love with Cricket. (He is a man of many talents and will surprise you by his devotion. Who couldn’t love a guy like that!) But what I really got out of this story besides a lasting impression, fantastic storyline and excellent characters, is “being yourself”
Perkins, once again, has delivered another fantastic story.
Blurb:
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
I had so much fun reading this story. There for a while I was having mixed feelings about her “rocker boyfriend.” It seemed like she really had to work to make their relationship work. So when the Bell twins moved in next door, I found myself cheering on the obvious choice, Cricket.
I’m just going to give a rundown of parts that I truly loved about the book…
~Lola: She is such a fun character and the way she expresses herself by design and her own fashion, really made her stunning and captivating. Her creative mind really infuses a special likeability about her.
~Andy: Who couldn’t love Andy!! He was so awesome!
~Cricket’s entrance: I would have just died!!! But loved every second of page 34!! “Cricket Bell grins. “Hi, Lola.” ~SWOON!!! (You will too, when you read this page!)
~Etienne and Anna: They were in this book more than I thought they would be. I was pleasantly surprised. It gave me the wanting feeling of reading Anna and the French Kiss again!
~Window moments: Ah, these were moments I craved throughout the book.
~Heavens to Betsy: Just love the name!
~The Sunday Family Picnic: Way to go Nathan and Andy!!
~Abby: The cute little niece. She opened a window of opportunity for Lola…
~The ending: EPIC!!
Okay, so I can go on and on. The ending of this book had me all goo-goo eyed and sighing. I was totally and utterly in love with Cricket. (He is a man of many talents and will surprise you by his devotion. Who couldn’t love a guy like that!) But what I really got out of this story besides a lasting impression, fantastic storyline and excellent characters, is “being yourself”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)