Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is all kinds of twisted. I spent 1/3 of the time reading it wondering if I should be hating this book instead of loving it. It inspired all kinds of conflicting emotions, and I had no clue how anything was going to work itself out or if it even could.

I have to say I have never read anything quite like this, so Penelope Douglas continues to surprise me. This is one unexpected revenge themed story.

I think my mixed emotions and reactions to this story can best be summed up using GIFs.








































Book 403 read in 2018

Pages: 460

View all my reviews

Origin (Robert Langdon, Book 5) by Dan Brown

Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to attend the unveiling of a discovery that “will change the face of science forever.” The evening’s host is Edmond Kirsch, a forty-year-old billionaire and futurist, and one of Langdon’s first students. 

But the meticulously orchestrated evening suddenly erupts into chaos, and Kirsch’s precious discovery teeters on the brink of being lost forever. Facing an imminent threat, Langdon is forced to flee. With him is Ambra Vidal, the elegant museum director who worked with Kirsch. They travel to Barcelona on a perilous quest to locate a cryptic password that will unlock Kirsch’s secret. 

Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme re­ligion, Langdon and Vidal must evade an enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace. They uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery…and the breathtaking truth that has long eluded us.

Let's start by getting the obvious question out of the way - Yes, I loved The Da Vinci Code; No, this book isn't even close to as good.  Now that that's done, let me give some thoughts on Origin as a novel in and of itself.  The storyline was blah.  The characters were blah.  I finished it simply to know the end - which turned out to be blah.  I won't be recommending or ever picking this up again because it was, say it with me, BLAH.

2/5

656 pages

No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Everyone loves this, so what is wrong with me? This is my first Cormac McCarthy book, and I’m completely underwhelmed.

At first, I thought this was interesting and maybe even strangely charming. I liked the simple/sparse style. Then it shifted to boring and confusing with a lot of description. I never could get a handle on any of the characters. They are introduced rapidly and make no real impression before disappearing again. Everyone and everything just blended together.

There is literally no character growth or development. Also, 75% of the time, I couldn’t even figure out who was speaking, and there is a lot of telling through the dialog. The story jumps around constantly, so good luck trying to follow along and make sense of it. You are just along for a weird, confusing, less than satisfying ride.

There’s blood and violence, which should have caught my attention, but somehow even that manages to be boring or feel unnecessary.

A lot of reviewers who liked this book seem to have watched the movie first. Maybe you have to do that to be able to understand the book? If that’s the case, then Cormac McCarthy is a hard pass for me.

2nd star for interesting stylistic choices, even though they aren’t that effective. Let’s consider it a “good effort” star, rather than a good end result star.

Pages: 309

The Royals Series Final Two books

Fallen Heir by Erin Watt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My major complaint is that you only get part of the book, not a full story, so have book 5 on hand.
I could say this is a cliffhanger, but there's a big difference between a closing cliffhanger and having absolutely zero resolution to any part of the story, which is what this book does.

Other than that, it's similar to the first three, though with more contained drama. It's on that same wild thread, just much tamer.

I honestly think the last two books should have been one book, and the ending of this story should have been the midpoint of the book. That would have made a lot more sense, and some of the unnecessary excess could have been cut.

Pages: 300

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Cracked Kingdom by Erin Watt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like this better than book 4, but it could be because I was just desperate for some resolution.

These are decent overall, but they weren't really necessary to the series. They feel pretty different from the first two books, despite containing the same world, some of the same characters, and plenty of drama. There's an element of the ridiculous that is gone from these final two books. I can't decide if that is good, because it can make for a better story, or if it's bad, as that is why I was reading this series in the first place---to watch the ongoing trainwreck.

Overall, not a bad story, but it's incomplete without book 4. The two have to be read together to make sense, since each book is essentially one half of one story.

Pages: 305

The Song of Achilles

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was something else, and I enjoyed every layer and nuance. It adds depth, complexity, and a full range of human emotions to a previously known story (Achilles and the Trojan war). It was not at all what I expected, in the most rewarding sort of way.

Everything about the style and voice was so honest, that it took me back in time, to a place where honor is often valued above all else. I can't wait to pick up and read Circe next. I hope it's as worthwhile as this read.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Homebody Bilbo Baggins is appointed by the wizard Gandalf to go on a quest to defeat Smaug the dragon and collect the treasure he guards. Bilbo, a hobbit, is accompanied by a gang of dwarves to the Lonely Mountain, where Smaug rests. 

300 pages.

Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas

Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Penelope Douglas is something else. She writes messy characters that you adore, has solid and interesting storylines, and everything is always super steamy. I pretty much want to read everything she has written now, because Punk 57 was magnificent. And now this one. Whew!

Delicious. Better than cupcakes (obviously I'm biased, since I can't eat cupcakes).

Book 402 read in 2018

Pages: 349

Warcross Series

Warcross by Marie Lu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Wow. This was just as good the second time, and I'm so happy I reread it before going on to book 2, as there were several things I had completely forgotten about.

Pages: 353

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
This was delicious. Yum. The world. The characters. The exciting plot. I just ate this book right up, and I love how fantastic YA Sci-Fi is these days. It makes my heart trip in all kinds of good ways.

It has some of the flavorful undertones of Ready Player One, which I adore, but this has less pop culture geekery/nerdery, which actually may make this story even more approachable by a wider audience.

More, please!

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Wildcard by Marie Lu

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wish it wasn't over.

Pages: 341

November 9 by Colleen Hoover

November 9 by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

I wanted to reread this on November 9 this year, but I had a conflict and revisited it on the 11th. And I'm so glad that I did. It's such a rich and rewarding read. It's full of real emotion and struggle, and the concept is captivating. I love these characters, and it's such a pleasure to watch them change and grow.

This book makes me want to write romance novels, instead of YA novels. Maybe I missed my calling. . .

Book 378 read in 2018

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
Colleen Hoover is brilliant. I think everyone should try one of her stories, and I don't care what category and genres you like best (this falls under New Adult Contemporary Romance). There's something about the way she tells a story that's magic. She comes up with fascinating concepts, like this one, where two people meet up every year, on November 9, for five years. The only catch is that they can't communicate with each other at all on the days and months between.

This is clever and funny, with a unique, non-linear format and a major twist. Basically, this story slayed me. Colleen Hoover pulls you into her worlds so fast and hard that I find it impossible to set her books down. They are an emotional roller coaster, and they're the kind of ride I'd wait in line all day long to get on.

I hate to generalize, but if you can't read a Colleen Hoover book and feel something, then it's possible that you are soulless. Please note: I have no background in medical practice or religious theology and definitely cannot scientifically prove the existence of souls. This review should not be taken as a statement of fact or even advice. I just want you to know that if you hate her novels, I will be concerned about your well-being on a very personal level.

Pages: 320

Rose Hill Mystery Series by Pamela Grandstaff

Summary: Rose Hill is a small mountain town in West Virginia where everyone knows everyone else’s business. In this cozy mystery series, amateur female sleuths (also cousins) Maggie, Hannah, and Claire navigate the challenges of marriage, family, children, and nosy neighbors as they solve crimes and entertain each other. If you like small town cozy mysteries with a little humor and romance, you will love the Rose Hill mystery series. (Publisher’s description) 

Review: I found the mysteries to be secondary and really got caught up in the family saga and the antics of the cousins. 

My Rating: 4 out of 5 

Series Order:

	Pages
1.   Rose Hill	258
2.   Morning Glory Circle	284
3.   Iris Avenue	329
4.   Peony Street	354
5.   Daisy Lane	330
6.   Lilac Avenue	379
7.   Hollyhock Ridge	326
8.   Sunflower Street	268
9.   Viola Avenue	258
10. Pumpkin Ridge	331
TOTAL	3,117

Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell

Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Nope. I just couldn’t with this one. It’s not for me. Maybe I came in with the wrong expectations, and I'm not the right audience for this story.

Having lived in Missouri for 38 years, both in and near the Ozarks (currently along the Northern edge of the Ozarks), I wanted to love this. Unfortunately, the end result of a short story that is 65% setting and 35% story is 2D characters that show very little depth or growth and aren’t much more than stereotypes. The story itself is flat and doesn’t evoke any real emotion, and the writing is bogged down by poetic attempts and lengthy sentences that just aren’t fun to read.

Then there is the dialect that has so many affectations that it’s hard to read through, but I would have appreciated it, if it had felt honest or accurate. Instead, it just feels forced and unnatural.

It was a struggle to push through this. The longest book I have read this year was over 1,000 pages, and that book felt far shorter than this 193 page story. I should have just stopped after I had to reread the start of the novel four times before I could propel myself forward, but I powered through, as I wanted to understand why it is that people love it so much that it was made into a movie. I haven’t seen the movie yet and am not sure I will now.

I almost gave it one star, but there are a few moments or sentences that were truly interesting or beautiful, so I'm giving it 2 stars. I can see moments of potential that are interesting to me, even though I just couldn't connect with this story overall.

If you're really into unique settings, or poetic descriptions, then maybe this will be your cup of tea.

Book 379 read in 2018

No Land's Man by Aasif Mandvi

No Land's Man by Aasif Mandvi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's an interesting perspective. I appreciate the honesty.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I don't know how I failed to read this until I was 38. It's kind of a shame, as I might have liked it better had I read it when I was actually 8. It's a decent story, but it shows its age.

There's a bit too much stating the obvious and hitting you over the head with the knowledge/lesson that occurs, and that doesn't really appeal to me. I think that's more a byproduct of literature from that time period, so it's understandable. I just don't love it.

You Need a Budget by Jesse Mecham

You Need a Budget: The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck to Paycheck Cycle, Getting Out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want by Jesse Mecham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love it. I already use the YNAB app and would never go back to life without it, but just getting a refresher on all the principles and why they matter was a good reminder.

Pages: 224

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J to the K Rowling

Continuing with my reread of HP, I finished Order of the Phoenix! It's a very unpopular opinion, but this is my favorite book in the series mostly for the antics of the Weasley twins as they make their exit out of Hogwarts forever. Plus I'm oddly fascinated with the Black home and all its weird creatures, things, and....lockets.

Rating: 5/5
Pages: 870

Audible Romance Package Strikes Again

Thirty Day Boyfriend by Whitney G.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Too simple. Not terrible, but 18 days later, I couldn't remember a single thing about the story, not even the premise.


Pages: 119

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Damaged Like Us by Krista Ritchie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, I read the whole book before I realized there was a previous generation. It's good overall, not perfect, but an enjoyable read. The concept entertained me.


Pages: 378

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The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a breath of fresh air, and I can't even begin to say how much I enjoyed a story about an MC (Stella) who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, written by an author, who is also on the Autism Spectrum. This makes me so happy, and on all those other days, where I'm angry about the world, humanity, and our (what seems like) constant decline back towards the dark ages, then I go and pick up a book like this and I'm happy about humanity and the progression of the world all over again.

Stella is neurodiverse, but it doesn't stop her in any way from wanting to live her best and most fulfilling life, which includes a kick-ass job and figuring out how to navigate the complicated world of a relationship (SPOILLER ALERT--while Stella has her own unique relationship challenges, she still manages to do a better job with a relationship than I do half the time, because she does this amazing thing called---picks the right guy for herself on the first try and is constantly honest with him, which he respects--which is something many of us are not lucky enough or skilled enough to find/achieve).

This story is awkward and honest in the most uncomfortable and delightful sorts of ways. It's like none of the other romance novels I've read this year, which means it continues to stand out in my mind, even after I moved forward and read 4 other novels.

I kind of think this is an everyone book, not just a book for romance readers, but the small exception will be that it does get scorchingly hot. There's this slow burn that just grows and grows and grows until you feel like you might explode, so if you can't handle that, followed by some sexy fun, then I think I actually feel sorry for you. Maybe you should read this anyway, in case you are wrong about what you can handle. There's always hope.

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Lovers Like Us by Krista Ritchie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Still enjoying the series.

Pages: 440

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Alphas Like Us by Krista Ritchie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good overall. Some aspects could be stronger, but I generally liked it.

Pages: 489

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Tell Me by Abigail Strom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It's not a bad read. I enjoyed it overall, even though I wish some things had been developed better. It held my attention just enough, but it's missing that something extra that I'm always looking for in a story.

Still, it has an MC who loves books, and a modern cowboy who is a thrill seeker, so all of that leans towards fun. Plus, it has a whole Anne of Green Gables thread, and who doesn't love that? If you're a book nerd, you might enjoy this one.

Pages: 252

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Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Funny. Strong writing, good storyline.


Pages: 320

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Infraction by Rachel Van Dyken

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun follow up about some of my favorite side characters from book one.


Pages: 278

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Remembering Us by Stacey Lynn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was different, which is what I liked best about it. The characters start in a bad place and have to struggle to try to find their way back to a good one.


Pages: 215

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Addicted to You by Krista Ritchie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read the story about the next generation first, so then I came back to see what this was all about, due to the constant references. It was an interesting look at addiction, but a bit repetitive.


Pages: 324

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Ricochet by Krista Ritchie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is pretty one note, but I kept on, out of curiosity.


Pages: 260

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Addicted for Now by Krista Ritchie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Also repetitive, but I kept on to see how they couple progressed after getting help for their addictions.


Pages: 488

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Kiss the Sky by Krista Ritchie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a refreshing change of pace. I enjoyed Rose's story.

I liked this better than book 2.


Pages: 442

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Hothouse Flower by Krista Ritchie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Daisy's story. I gave all the books in the series 4 stars, but I'm realizing that if this is 4 stars, then books 1.5 and 2 should probably be 3 stars. I'm not going to go back and change it, but this book is better than both of those, probably just because there is some new content and less repetition.

Pages: 479

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I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez

Perfect Mexican daughters do not go away to college. And they do not move out of their parents’ house after high school graduation. Perfect Mexican daughters never abandon their family.

But Julia is not your perfect Mexican daughter. That was Olga’s role. 

Then a tragic accident on the busiest street in Chicago leaves Olga dead and Julia left behind to reassemble the shattered pieces of her family. And no one seems to acknowledge that Julia is broken, too. Instead, her mother seems to channel her grief into pointing out every possible way Julia has failed.

But it’s not long before Julia discovers that Olga might not have been as perfect as everyone thought. With the help of her best friend Lorena, and her first love, first everything boyfriend Connor, Julia is determined to find out. Was Olga really what she seemed? Or was there more to her sister’s story? And either way, how can Julia even attempt to live up to a seemingly impossible ideal?

Let's start with the 'yays'.  This book has voice, y'all.  And it's good, in both meanings of the word.  The protagonist, Julia, is excellent.  She acts and sounds like a teen, warts and all.  She's selfish but insightful, insecure but confident in what she wants, and angsty but not without compassion.  I found  myself identifying with Julia and being reminded of what it was like in my world when I was a teen.  In addition, the author has a unique way of making you feel the story.  I often mentally paused to appreciate a turn of phrase, metaphor, or image.

The bad?  The massive amount of issues shoved into this book.  The timeline moves fast, and I wasn't always sure just how much time had passed.  The 'main' conflict, the mystery of her dead sister, was meh at best.  It wasn't engaging, and I mentally checked out as the book went on during those parts.

Overall, I found depth in Julia's relationship with her family, and I was moved by the sheer 'teenageness' of Julia. 

352 pages

4/5

Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe, Book 2) by Neal Shusterman

Rowan and Citra take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds, in the chilling sequel to the Printz Honor Book Scythe from New York Times bestseller Neal Shusterman, author of the Unwind dystology.

The Thunderhead cannot interfere in the affairs of the Scythedom. All it can do is observe—it does not like what it sees.

A year has passed since Rowan had gone off grid. Since then, he has become an urban legend, a vigilante snuffing out corrupt scythes in a trial by fire. His story is told in whispers across the continent.

As Scythe Anastasia, Citra gleans with compassion and openly challenges the ideals of the “new order.” But when her life is threatened and her methods questioned, it becomes clear that not everyone is open to the change.

Will the Thunderhead intervene?

Or will it simply watch as this perfect world begins to unravel?

More please!  Can't wait for book three. :)

5/5

512 pages

The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town

 The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town
by John Grisham
Pages: 360
Rating: 4 out of 5

John Grisham’s first work of nonfiction is an exploration of small town justice gone terribly awry.

In 1982, a 21-year-old cocktail waitress was raped and murdered, and for five years the police could not solve the crime. For reasons that were never clear, they suspected Ron Williamson and his friend Dennis Fritz. The two were arrested in 1987 and charged with capital murder. Dennis Fritz was found guilty and given a life sentence. Ron Williamson was sent to death row.

John Grisham takes you through the suspects' previous lives, the crime and the court case as well as the fight to exonerate them.

The Confession

 The Confession
by John Grisham
Pages: 418
Rating; 4 out of 5

Travis Boyette abducts and kills a popular high school cheerleader in Sloan, Texas. He hides in body in Missouri so it will never be found. Another man is tried and convicted of the crime. With only days left before Donte Drumm is to be executed, Travis finds a minister and tells his story then leaves. The minister must decide if he should betray the confidence of confession to save an innocent man, but how can he get anyone to listen to him in time?

Grisham again brings up the flaws in our legal system, race,  and capital punishment, while crafting this legal thriller.

The Power of When by Michael Breus, PhD

Most advice centers on what to do, or how to do it, and ignores the when of success. But exciting new research proves there is a right time to do just about everything, based on our biology and hormones. As Dr. Michael Breus proves in The Power Of When, working with your body's inner clock for maximum health, happiness, and productivity is easy, exciting, and fun. 

The Power Of When presents a groundbreaking new program for getting back in sync with your natural rhythm by making minor changes to your daily routine. After you've taken Dr. Breus's comprehensive Bio-Time Quiz to figure out your chronotype (are you a Bear, Lion, Dolphin or Wolf?), you'll find out the best time to do over 50 different activities. Featuring a foreword by Mehmet C. Oz, MD, and packed with fascinating facts, fun personality quizzes, and easy-to-follow guidelines, The Power Of When is the ultimate "lifehack" to help you achieve your goals.

I am all about reading things to glean more insight into my personality and habits, but sadly, this fell short for me.  I had taken the quiz before but never actually read the book (I'm a bear in case you were wondering).  And while interesting, I didn't find anything in it to be life-altering.  I do know some people, however, who had their whole perspectives changed.  So maybe try it out for yourself.  And let me know what you are. :)

384 pages

3/5

Scythe (Arc of a Scythe) by Neal Shusterman

Two teens must learn the “art of killing” in this Printz Honor–winning book, the first in a chilling new series from Neal Shusterman, author of the New York Times bestselling Unwind dystology.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

Scythe is the first novel of a thrilling new series by National Book Award–winning author Neal Shusterman in which Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price.

Loved.  Couldn't put it down.  Immediately bought book two.

5/5

464 pages