The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good, solid read, and honestly, if I hadn't previously read and loved A MAN CALLED OVE, then I possibly would have given this book 5 stars. It's just that in comparison, the other story is a much stronger character study than this is, which makes this book feel almost like an imitation or copy.

Overall, I did enjoy both reads in their own way. The story of Ove has a lot more humor and charm, and the story of Truluv leans more towards the sentimental side of things. It would be interesting for people to read them back to back and compare, though I do think if I had done that, then it might have led to a lower score for Truluv. However, it would have made for interesting discussion, since there are so many similarities between the two stories.

If you're thinking about reading both, I recommend you start with this, then follow up with A MAN CALLED OVE. Then you can just appreciate this for what it is and the charm that it has, without having to compare the two, as once compared, I feel Ove comes out on top.

Pages: 240

I'm Fine and Neither Are You by Camille Pagán

I'm Fine and Neither Are You by Camille Pagán
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was surprised by how much I liked this one, and it was more of a stressful read than expected. I listen to the audio, which I thought was good and expressive.

All I wanted was just a bit more of the really sweet moments, surrounding all the hard times and tragedy, but this tackled a lot of issues that women, families, and marriages deal with. It felt authentic, and it was well-written.

Pages: 270

Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1) by Jennifer Estep

Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1)
by Jennifer Estep

480 pages

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.

The Last Days of Jack Sparks by Jason Arnopp

The Last Days of Jack Sparks
by Jason Arnopp

3.5/5

336 pages

Jack Sparks died while writing this book.

It was no secret that journalist Jack Sparks had been researching the occult for his new book. No stranger to controversy, he'd already triggered a furious Twitter storm by mocking an exorcism he witnessed.

Then there was that video: forty seconds of chilling footage that Jack repeatedly claimed was not of his making, yet was posted from his own YouTube account.

Nobody knew what happened to Jack in the days that followed - until now. 

What an odd book.  Seriously.  This one is strange (in a good way).  I'm not sure where to start talking about it, honestly. 

It's a 'found footage' type of book which features demons, ghosts, other supernatural oddities, etc.  The bulk of the novel is Spark's written words about what happened to him.  Occasionally, Jack's brother interjects to prove or disprove what Jack's written.  I really liked that aspect.  It gives a unique voice to this novel and keeps the reader on their toes as neither narrator is very reliable. 

It lags in the middle, but the beginning and end are unique and engaging.  I'm not sure this is 'scary' as much as it is unsettling.  Really unsettling. 

Overall, this isn't for the faint of heart.  I'm not a huge fan of horror, but I would recommend this to those that are.  Just know you're in for a ride.

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So I picked this up in an Audible sale, saw that it had a billion reviews, and decided to give it a try without even knowing what it was about.

It turns out the title, cover, and story don't feel in any way related to me, so I was in for a lot of interesting surprises with this story. I liked it far better than I expected, based on the title and cover, because this dealt with the impacts of a false conviction. Even though it is called An American Marriage, it's more about the family you're dealt, the family you find, and the family that you make, and how often those are not the same.

There was some extra drama at the end that didn't always seem helpful or to make much sense to me, but I really enjoyed the story overall. It's not really a feel good kind of story, but it definitely gives you things to think about.

I'm really glad I bought this and read it, and I think if you find the cover or title off-putting, just ignore them, as they don't really match what I feel are the truths of this story.

Page: 308

The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens

The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall, I found this adult mystery/thriller fascinating, and it went in all sorts of unexpected directions. I was able to predict a lot of the outcomes ahead of time, but there was one thing that caught me off guard and surprised me.

There are some things that happen at the end that are a bit ridiculous, though they definitely make the story more dramatic and intense. I just occasionally wanted to shake a few characters for making such poor choices in such a serious situation, but such is humanity.

Overall, this is a captivating read, and I'm glad I picked it up on Audible, as the audiobook narration is excellent.

Pages: 303

Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is awkward and quirky, in the best sort of way. I confess, I was along on the ride more for the amusing character interactions and relationships, rather than for the mystery, but the mystery was interesting, overall.

This was very different than what I expected, which tends to be a good thing.

Pages: 330

Waves by Ingrid Chabbert

Waves by Ingrid Chabbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was touching and emotional. It’s beautiful and painful, both the story and the artwork.

It’s the story of a young woman, and her wife, who want to have a child but are struggling to successfully do so. This graphic novel is so well done that it takes very few words, paired with the gorgeous and easy to understand illustrations, to help tell a strong, emotional story.

The artwork uses color and shading as a tool to help indicate shifts in mood and tone, which is very interesting and effective.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review an early copy of this graphic novel, which will release on May 7, 2019.

With the diversity, emotional artwork, and excellent storytelling, this should be an automatic purchase for all adult graphic novel collections. It brings something new to the table, and I could see this drawing in new and different readers who have never experienced a graphic novel before.

Pages: 96

True Places by Sonja Yoerg

True Places by Sonja Yoerg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It took me forever to read this book, due to personal reasons. In fact, it’s the only book I’ve read in print all fall, though I’ve listened to a lot of audiobooks. Typically, I devour a book within a day, but I experienced a health hiccup this fall that made reading a physical book a more challenging activity than usual, for various reasons. That meant I frequently took breaks while reading this, sometimes for weeks at a time, depending on my current state of health.

Under the circumstances, I crept my way through this story, which actually worked out great, because it’s so distinct. Yoerg does such a great job of creating a strong sense of place and memorable characters that it stuck with me, no matter how many days I took off between reading sessions. I was always able to pick it back up and jump right into the story, which would not have been the case with many other novels.

My current plan is to buy the audible book on release day, so I can go back and listen to this story straight through, since that’s one of my favorite ways to consume stories.

Now, enough about me, let’s talk about how much I love this story. It’s like when it comes to words, Yoerg can do no wrong. She creates complex relationships that are difficult and evolve, and because they are never simple or easy, they feel real in ways that some stories can’t deliver. They are never stereotypical or idealized. She has a real grasp for what makes people tick, and it’s so gorgeous to watch these characters evolve.

The concept is captivating: girl stumbles out of the woods, starving and ill, and has no understanding of the modern American suburban lifestyles.

This story unfolds around a recurring theme of botany, so all fellow science and plant nerds, as well as those with brown thumbs who wish they were plant nerds, and even those who aren’t sure they like plants at all but can keep an open mind, will likely find that fascinating.

This story is the intermingling of two different types of existence: materialism versus idealism, suburbanites versus survivalists, wealth versus poverty, appearances versus realities, and even confidence versus comfort zones. As these collide, the characters are left to either adjust and seek balance, or to learn to accept their different extremes, which makes for an interesting read.

At the heart of this story is a reminder that what we want may not always be what we really need, and something even more important to consider is that we can't expect to get what we need from others, if we don't bother to ask or fight for what we need for ourselves.

This was another gem, and as far as I'm concerned, Yoerg is one of those authors who consistently produces excellent work, regardless of topic.

Book 419 read in 2018

Pages: 347

The Game Changer by Scott Hildreth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book, but the fact that Terra lied and kept who she was from Tripp and they stayed together isn't something that should normally happen. You would think that someone would not want to be with someone that is not completely honest. However, I still enjoyed the second book. 

View all my reviews

336 Pages



The Good Boss by Scott Hildreth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the ending to the series. I was shocked to see how much Tripp opinion on the Mafia had changed by the time this book came around. I was very pleased with the ending to the series. 

View all my reviews

336 Pages

Take Me Back by Meghan March

Summary: "We fell in love on a beach, got married in paradise, and rode off into the sunset. It should have been perfect, but saying “I do” doesn’t guarantee a happily-ever-after.Two years later, I barely recognize either of us behind the walls we’ve built.
It’s time to bring it full circle. Back to a tropical paradise. Back to find out if we can still make this work.
I’m not willing to give her up, but to save us, I have to risk everything.
Two damaged people.
Countless secrets.
The fight of our lives.
We might be broken, but we’re not done." - Amazon

This is not a book I would have chosen to read of my own volition. It was a recommendation from Nicole, so I gave it a go.  And, whew!  It started as a simple 'can they save their marriage' type beach read - but then - there was a turn of events.  A big turn of events.  And I can't say much more without giving away the goods, y'all.  Is there romance?  Yep.  Suspense?  Yep.  Some sappiness that I wish had been left out because it's not real life?  Yep.  Do I regret reading it?  Nope!  It caught me by surprise, and if you read voraciously like I do, you know how difficult that is.

4.5/5

272 pages

One more thing.  The following is a note from the Amazon page - and I agree.

Author's Note: Please be aware that reviews MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. This book is best enjoyed by going in blind, and that is the experience I hope every single reader gets to have. Please read reviews at your own risk.

Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee

J.M. Coetzee is a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, and this novel received the Man Booker Prize for Fiction.  Perhaps these awards encouraged a lofty anticipation of greatness in me, but I just didn't like this novel.

The English teacher in me recognizes the presented dichotomy between the main character's attitude regarding sexuality and dominance over women as a South African white male versus his attitude about the sexuality and dominance of South African black males.  I also recognize how the title speaks to the disgrace of a man unwilling to take responsibility for his actions while also condemning the same actions in others, and the novel effectively asks the question of which of these is worse.  However, the reader in me found the writing self-indulgent, the musings of the main character imperious, the conflict unaffecting, and the women underutilized, flat even.

And while much of the story left something to be desired, the writing itself had beautiful moments.  For example, when discussing why he has failed in love so often, the main character replies, "I lack the lyrical.  I manage love too well.  Even when I burn I don't sing...".  Beautiful.

That being said, I can't help but wonder if meaning was lost in translation, or if I missed the cultural commentary as I have only a surface knowledge of South African society and politics.  Coetzee often writes to portray the involvement of the 'outsider' in the greater issues of the world around him, but in this case, the reader is presented with the hypocrisy rather than effected by it.

2/5

220 pages

Dream of You by J. Lynn

Dream of You by J. Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

(Book 4.5 in the Wait For You series)

This is a novella to a series I read. I like everything by J. Lynn/ Jennifer L Arementrout. This story isn't particularly memorable, but it is still an enjoyable read overall, if you like the series.

Pages: 131

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I randomly purchased this on sale, several years ago, and I expected it to be a fluffy book. It kind of is, but in a very good way.

I really enjoyed it, despite the fact that some of the mystery was pretty obvious. It didn't bother me, because I don't think everything was intended to be a secret from the reader, just from the MC. So I felt in on it, and it was interesting to wait and see when Rose would catch up. She had this delightful naivete that amused me to no end. Plus the whole visions thing kept it interesting.

When I picked this up, I didn't expect to continue the series, but if the second book landed in my lap, I'd open it.

Pages: 374

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Still Alice by Lisa Genova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I confess that in the past, when I found out someone was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, I tended to feel the most sorry for the family members, rather than the actual sufferer. This book has definitely changed that perspective.

Pages: 292

Lady Susan by Jane Austen

Lady Susan by Jane Austen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an epistolary novel. It was an early text by Jane Austen, though she did not consider it to be a finished work. It bothered me, at first, to read an unfinished work, simply because as someone who likes to write, I wouldn’t want the world reading an unfinished work (same reason why I won’t read Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee).

But then I got over it, and I decided to listen anyway, out of curiosity. Okay. That’s a terrible lie. I’m reading it, because it’s short. I’m dreadfully behind on my Goodreads 2017 Challenge, and this was on a list of short books that people should read.

Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about how the protagonist for this book is actually the antagonist. She’s quite the bad girl, which makes her fascinating, indeed. She’s not particularly enjoyable, and I don’t like her at all, which I think is a positive for this short story. In fact, she is definitely an antihero.

The letter format is a bit hard to follow at times, but that is typical of the writing from this time period. Also, let’s not forget that this is an UNFINISHED work. It’s not a must read, but if you like the time period, the epistolary format, Jane Austen in general, frivolous characters, fancy dialogue, and/or a combination of immature and manipulative adults, this might be interesting to you.

Pages: 157

Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole

Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 5 in Immortals After Dark

I don't typically like stories with ghosts, so this is an exception. I'm honestly shocked that I gave it 5 stars, but I rate based on gut impulse when I finish the book and rarely change those scores. I considered 4 stars, on a logical level, but I preferred 5, on an emotional level.

I think the series grows stronger and more interesting with each new book. Something about it captured me from the start, but she's getting even better at world building and character development with each new book, which helps me stay interested in the series and world.

I like how the characters from previous books are woven throughout the series, and it makes me anxious for some of the side characters to one day get their own books. It seems apparent that I'm going to have to finish the series before I can move on to anything else, but at least these are quick reads.

Pages: 368

No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole

No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 3 in the Immortals After Dark series.

I liked the scavenger hunt. I also like that this did a better job of addressing consent than the first 2 books. Sometimes, it felt a bit repetitive of previous novels, but I still enjoy the world. It's a fun, mindless read, and that's what I have needed lately.

Pages: 356

A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole

A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in the Immortals After Dark Series.

Okay, I love these books. They're so feral and animalistic, in a supernatural monster sort of way. I'm pretty sure that doesn't make much sense, but it will once you start reading them.

It's a nice change of pace when I want something mindless and ridiculously fun to read. The world is fascinating, and they're spicy to the max. They also come with a bit of blood and gore, as should be expected when you mix a vampire/valkyrie and a werewolf.

This book also has some consent issues, much like the first book, but it got better as the story progressed. I just want to throw that out there for anyone who is sensitive to this. At the beginning, it did bother me some, and I had to take a deep breath and remind myself that this is a paranormal romance novel. I accept that these aren't humans, and they aren't following my rules for humanity, which is why I just let it go and enjoy the overly-dramatic ridiculousness of it all as the story progressed. However, I do hope that improves in future novels, and as the first one is about 12 years old now, I suspect that it will.

The concept of each creature finding one true mate is charming. I don't even believe in soulmates or "the one" but these stories kind of make me wish that I did. There's some fun to be found in pretty lies.

Pages: 356

The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole

The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

People have recommended the Immortals After Dark series to me for years, and I have politely listened to them go on and on about their obsession before deciding that there are far too many books in this series for me to want to start now. However, I do really enjoy Kresley Cole's YA novels, so I have been curious.

Then the Bestie become obsessed with this series, and it was either finally read them or be texted to death about them for the next 6 months. So I started this series out of self-defense, but I've continued it for far more interesting reasons.

This first book is captivating, fast-space, and extremely steamy. It's a novella, so it's short, which means there's a bit less world-building and storyline than in some of the following books.

Also, let's just be honest and point out that there are some definite consent issues here, especially in the beginning, and that made me feel a bit anxious and wrong from the inside out. I did get over that by reminding myself that this is paranormal romance published about 12 years ago, and I can't expect these monsters to play by human rules. Also, the poor behaviors improved as the book progressed, which helped with my initial concerns, and the characters won me over pretty fast. The female lead, in particular, is sassy and kickass.

I listened to this on audiobook, and I confess that I think I was blushing for half the novel. I'm pretty sure I haven't blushed since high school, so that's impressive. It's a steamy read, not for the faint-hearted. Although, let's be honest. The faint-hearted could probably use a read like this to shake things up a bit. :)

Pages: 163