Sexy Jerk

Sexy Jerk by Kim Karr
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was such a cute story and enjoyed so much about it. However, I just felt like their was something missing from the story.

262 Pages

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Nobody: Casualties of America's War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond by Marc Lamont Hill

Nobody: Casualties of America's War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond by Marc Lamont Hill

4.5/5

272 pages

In this “thought-provoking and important” (Library Journal) analysis of state-sanctioned violence, Marc Lamont Hill carefully considers a string of high-profile deaths in America—Sandra Bland, Freddie Gray, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, and others—and incidents of gross negligence by government, such as the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. He digs underneath these events to uncover patterns and policies of authority that allow some citizens become disempowered, disenfranchised, poor, uneducated, exploited, vulnerable, and disposable. To help us understand the plight of vulnerable communities, he examines the effects of unfettered capitalism, mass incarceration, and political power while urging us to consider a new world in which everyone has a chance to become somebody. Heralded as an essential text for our times, Marc Lamont Hill’s galvanizing work embodies the best traditions of scholarship, journalism, and storytelling to lift unheard voices and to address the necessary question, “how did we get here?"

This was an extremely interesting read.  Hill gives a deeper analysis of certain high-coverage cases (Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Flint Water Crisis, etc.) by placing those events into the context of political, economic, and legal history.  While not all-encompassing, a lot of ground is covered and the footnotes are extensive, which I appreciate.  I was forced to think, and I did learn some new things - so, overall, this is absolutely worth your time.     

Unfortunately, little is suggested about how to make these situations and issues better, but I don't think that is the point of this short examination.  I will be looking up more of Hill's writings, for sure.  

Doctor Who: Pest Control by Peter Anghelies

Doctor Who: Pest Control by Peter Anghelies

3.5/5

2hrs 26mins (no print version)

The TARDIS is lost in battle on a distant planet. When the Doctor sets off in pursuit, Donna is left behind, and finds herself accepting a commission in the Pioneer Corps. Something is transforming soldiers into monstrous beetles, and she could be the next victim. Meanwhile, the Doctor steals a motorbike and stages a jailbreak. Well, how hard can it be to find the TARDIS, rescue Donna, and negotiate a peace? But that’s before the arrival of a brutal and remorseless mechanical exterminator, bent on wiping out the insects. It may be that nothing can stop it, because this robot’s solution for the infestation is very simple: kill everything. Featuring the Doctor and Donna, as played by David Tennant and Catherine Tate in the hit series from BBC Television, this story has been written specially for audio, and is read by David Tennant.

This story was okay.  It's your basic "what do humans do when colonizing a planet with an already existing population" - and we all know how that goes.  It leans toward the ridiculous as there are centaurs and giant bugs and even more giant pest control robots.  But - David Tennant, once again, ROCKS.  I may just listen to everything he narrates, just because he's so good.

Yes.  Yes, you are, sir.

Love, Sincerely, Yours

Love, Sincerely, Yours by Sara Ney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! It was super funny and both main characters are great!

273 Pages

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Romance Package Strikes Again

In Too Deep by Lexi Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great series, and I was able to pick right back up where I left off. There's some complex back story with this one, which kept things interesting.

This fits the trope for "accidentally" married in Vegas, which seems to be an endlessly fun concept, considering the many different ways things can go afterwards.

Book 422 read in 2018

Pages: 329

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Forever Mine by Elizabeth Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think I got this book free on Kindle years ago and never read it, despite the solid reviews. Then when I saw it in the Audible Romance Package, I thought, what the heck? I'll give it a try. I wasn't sure at first, as there is a different style and flow to the writing, but it ended up being a pretty good story.

Book 423 read in 2018

Pages: 334

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Always Been Mine by Elizabeth Reyes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is not as good as the first book. It details some by not resolving major issues. They just sort of slip under the rug. It makes it feel like there's too much unnecessary surface drama and not enough real intrigue. I like the couple, but I just didn't love the handling of their story.

Book 424 read in 2018

Pages: 372

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Sweet Sofie by Elizabeth Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short and mostly sweet.

Book 425 read in 2018

Pages: 223

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Romero by Elizabeth Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This has some violence issues that go completely unaddressed. In storybook land, this guy is sexy, manly, stands up for what he thinks is right, and has a short fuse (basically all that full of testosterone crap that is supposed to be appealing as long as you don't have to live with it).

In reality, Romero would be that guy for whom there are so many red flags that you would be a complete idiot to move forward in the relationship. I wish that had been addressed better, but overall, it's a decent read if you just suspend your disbelief.

Book 426 read in 2018

Pages: 336

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Making You Mine by Elizabeth Reyes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It's a bit drawn out with drama that could use more teeth, but I like the couple, especially Gracie. There's some stuff that is just impossible for anyone to believe, which annoys me when the characters believe it, so there's some unnecessary manufactured drama. Despite that, it's not a bad read.

Book 427 read in 2018

Pages: 372

Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an intricate and colorful world, full of chaos and intrigue. I think this book requires a second, or even a third read. There's just so much to take in, that I have a feeling the experience would be a bit different each time I read it.

Book 421 read in 2018

Pages: 514

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was like my favorite dream, and I never want to wake up from it.

Everything about this story is perfect, from the complex world building, right down to the many different inner-hopes and wishes of the extraordinary characters. I'm both angry at myself for waiting this long to read it, since I bought it when it first came out, and glad I waited for book two before starting this. Now I can rush right back into this gorgeous, turmoil filled world with barely a pause. Gotta go.

Pages: 536

Knitting in the City Series by Penny Reid

  

Knitting in the City Series by Penny Reid

Neandertahal seeks Human

I loved this book! The way her mind works is just super funny!!

403 Pages

Neandertahal Marries Human

I enjoyed this book, a perfect ending to the first book. 

410 Pages

Friends without Benefits

This wasn't near as good as the first books and I don't think that I will keep moving in the series after this. 

424 Pages

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

I'm not sure how it happened that I read this before and failed to review it. I wish that I had, so I could see if my opinion stayed the same across a second read.

Anyway, this is such a delight, especially for any fan of FANGIRL. It has an element of the ridiculous, but it is still absolutely charming and emotional. It's a strange thing to fall in love with the imaginary characters created by the imaginary characters of another novel, but it's a wonderful thing.

Book 418 read in 2018

Pages: 522

Erin Watt's Books

One Small Thing by Erin Watt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beth is trapped by her parents after her sister is killed. The one person that helps her move forward and feel like a person again is the last person that she should feel the comfort from. The way this story all pulls together is super crazy and I could not stop until it was over.

299 Pages

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When It's Real by Erin Watt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this!

413 Pages

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Doctor Who Novels: Dead Air by James Goss and Stone Rose by Jacqueline Rayner

Dead Air by James Goss

5/5

1 hr 11 mins (no print version)

Hot on the heels of a creature that exists through sound, the Doctor lands on a pirate radio station boat in the late 1960s. The creature has already killed some of the DJs, and the Doctor befriends the survivors. But then the lights go out, and a desperate race for survival begins. Who can the Doctor trust in the dark?

I love when a tv/fan/movie/spin-off book is done right - and this one is Done Right.  I had the same roller coaster feelings and tense apprehension that the show gives me.  Worth every minute.  And of course, bonus points for it being read by David Tennant.  That man does no wrong.

Stone Rose by Jacqueline Rayner

4/5

249 pages

Mickey is startled to find a statue of Rose in a museum a statue that is 2,000 years old. The Doctor realizes that this means the TARDIS will shortly take them to Ancient Rome, but when it does, he and Rose soon have more on their minds than sculpture.

While the Doctor searches for a missing boy, Rose befriends a girl who claims to know the future a girl whose predictions are surprisingly accurate. But then the Doctor stumbles on the hideous truth behind the statue of Rose and Rose herself learns that you have to be very careful what you wish for.

Still good.  Still David Tennant (who does no wrong).  This story just wasn't as gripping as Dead Air.

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

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

3.5/5

226 pages

Summary: Korede is bitter. How could she not be? Her sister, Ayoola, is many things: the favorite child, the beautiful one, possibly sociopathic. And now Ayoola's third boyfriend in a row is dead. Korede's practicality is the sisters' saving grace. She knows the best solutions for cleaning blood, the trunk of her car is big enough for a body, and she keeps Ayoola from posting pictures of her dinner to Instagram when she should be mourning her "missing" boyfriend. Not that she gets any credit.

A kind, handsome doctor at the hospital where Korede works, is the bright spot in her life. She dreams of the day when he will realize they're perfect for each other. But one day Ayoola shows up to the hospital uninvited and he takes notice. When he asks Korede for Ayoola's phone number, she must reckon with what her sister has become and what she will do about it.
Sharp as nails and full of deadpan wit, Oyinkan Braithwaite has written a deliciously deadly debut that's as fun as it is frightening.

This book seems to be everywhere.  I've seen multiple reviews, and it's appeared on all kinds of lists and blogs I follow.  So - I had very high hopes.  I mean, look at that cover art!  Stunning.  And the title!  Thriller.  Sadly, for me, those were the best points of this novel (really, it's a novella as the chapters are very short, some only sentences long).  There is so much crammed into this short book, and with the added choppiness of the chapters, the pace is just off.  This is a novel of scenes.  Don't get me wrong, there are some gems in this book.  The characters are interesting and the ending surprising -  I just wanted this to be so much more than it is.

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, this is fun. It’s a zombie story from the zombie perspective, but it’s more captivating than other story options with this concept, such as The Girl With All The Gifts. It has a lot more range and personality, which held my interest better.

Just be forewarned, for the hard-core zombie and/or horror fans that this book is not exactly that. It is more of an existential romance from a skewed zombie perspective, with brief moments of horror.

Book 417 read in 2018

Pages: 256

Arrangement Series by Vanessa Waltz

The Cinderella Arrangement by Vanessa Waltz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I didn't really enjoy this book as well as the others, it was just like some of the other books that I have read in the past but it was missing that spark that draws me in wanting more.

484 Pages

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The Roommate Arrangement by Vanessa Waltz

Her brother was a complete piece of work!! I really don't get how family could treat each other that evil. Grayson from day one was a an amazing guy!

603 Pages

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The Secret Arrangement by Vanessa Waltz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a different story and was super weird. But yet I was drawn in and needed to know what happened next.

244 Pages

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Paranormalcy Series by Kiersten White

Paranormalcy Series by Kiersten White

Book 1: Paranormalcy, 368 pages
Book 2: Supernaturally, 368 pages
Book 3: Endlessly, 416 pages

Summary for Book 1:  Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through supernatural glamours.

She’s also about to find out that she may be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

For fans of Teen Wolf, Buffy, and Supernatural, this New York Times bestseller is a witty, fresh, and downright fun read that will capture your heart.

I have to admit that I was seriously skeptical about this series.  It's been on my TBR pile since the first book was published (2011, y'all).  It had a lot of hype, and it was label 'paranormal romance' - both things that immediately turn me off.  I need to get over those hangups, though!  This series was really good!

I have to give some love to Ms. White for writing a teen, supernatural series, that retains the seriousness of that genre while allowing for the light humor and often flippant nature of teens.  The main character, Evie, is great.  She makes intelligent decisions, is strong and confident, and has a rather sardonic sense of humor (which I will always appreciate).  There is also a strong theme of 'no judgement' and 'meeting people/paranormals where they are' that I'm 100% for.  Every once in a while, the novels get a little too teeny-bopper, but it's not often and never lasts long.

Overall, this is a quick read that is fun, fast-paced, and unexpected.  Definitely recommend.

Books & Overall: 4.5/5

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The concept is great. The execution is good. The characters are unusual and distinct. The nonlinear format is an interesting way to tell this story about a girl who is in juvenile detention after the prophet of her cult has been murdered and the camp of the cult set aflame.

This has all the classic factors that should add up to equal a perfect book, and yet I still wanted to hold it at arm’s length the whole way through. I just wouldn’t or couldn’t let this book get too close, and I’m not sure why. I think that maybe something about it feels a bit too prescribed, and not authentic enough. I guess I wanted more emotional resonance, and this is a bit flat and dry at times. Almost mechanical.

It’s not really a book that you enjoy. It’s more like it’s a book that you survive. That being said, it was compelling, and I kept moving forward, even when I sometimes felt a disconnect.

Book 416 read in 2018

Pages: 400

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Still love this. Rainbow Rowell can do no wrong.

Book 415 read in 2018

BookPages: 481

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
I can’t begin to say how much I love this story, and every person who’s ever loved a book or character to a fangirl or fanboy level should definitely read this novel and can probably relate to this novel in a very personal way, even if your level of obsession does not equal Cath’s.

If the above does not describe you, then read this novel anyway. Afterwards, send me a message. I will help you find a story with characters you adore and who become important to you, much like Simon Snow does for Cath, because everyone should have or experience that at least once in their life.

It wound long fingers around my heart so slowly and gently that I did not realize it until it was too late, and I could no longer pull away from the story.

I like this novel even better knowing the author wrote it as a NaNoWriMo novel, because too many people think or assume that what gets written that month is not worthy material. This is definitely worthy.

The Royals by Erin Watt

Paper Princess by Erin Watt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I went into this series not having any idea what they were about. Well I was thinking fantasy, but not at all... I was hooked after book 1.

370 Pages

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Broken Prince by Erin Watt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am hooked!!!

370 Pages

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Twisted Palace by Erin Watt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was happy with the way this all ended and all the pieces started to fall together.

370 Pages

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Fallen Heir by Erin Watt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Awe Easton!! I loved him from the first books!

300 Pages

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

I enjoyed this, but also think it could have been half a book.

305 Pages

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Hunting Annabelle

Hunting Annabelle by Wendy Heard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a delicious and mysterious psychological thriller by a debut author, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

This story will have you second-guessing every character and every event that occurs from start to finish. There’s so much suspense that it deserves all 5 of the dark, twisty, and murderous stars that I awarded it.

Here are my 10 favorite things about it, with no spoilers:

1. This is Dexter level on the murderously creepy scale.

2. I love a potentially unreliable narrator, especially when I desperately want him to be somewhat reliable but can’t be sure if he actually ever is or not.

3. It’s so layered and nuanced. I feel like I need to go back and read it again right now, so I probably will. I want to take everything in again, since so much happened so fast.

4. Heard does some amazing things with description. I feel like I’m right there seeing, feeling, tasting, smelling, and hearing it all.

5. The characterization is so complicated and fascinating.

6. The mom. Wow. She’s something else. Talk about an intense side character.

7. The audiobook is also amazing, and I love the narrator, Tim Chiou. I wish he would narrate more books.

8. Talk about kicking a character when he is down…repeatedly. There are no easy fixes or lazy solutions in this story. Sean just has to cross all of the muck to get to the other side, and it just keeps getting deeper.

9. Here’s what it felt like to read this one: “Okay, I know exactly what is happening now”. . . twist. . . “So I was wrong before but now I’ve got it”. . . Twist. . .” I’m pretty sure”. . . twist. . . “It just has to be”. . . twist. . .”Oh, my God! It’s totally”. . . twist. WTF???

10. The cover is perfection. I adore it. I have some bookmarks, and I really want to cut one of them apart to highlight book quotes from this novel between the title, kind of like the cover. That may happen.

As far as I’m concerned, this book is A+ from start to finish, and you should all go out and snatch it up for some murdery holiday reading (come on, we all know how you really feel about those in-laws).

It would also make a great present for your favorite book nerd friends, your least favorite family members, and all frenemies. Books like this can be a great way to say, “Hey, everything is fine. I just might want to murder you today,” or even, “I swear, I’m not trying to frame you. Mostly.” ;)

Pages: 336

Black (Circle Series #1)

 Black
by Ted Dekker
Pages: 560
Rating: 4 out of 5

Ted Dekker is known for his fast-paced, character driven novels that are unlike any other Christian fiction I have read and is often not marketed as Christian fiction. This series is a fantasy tale with our reluctant hero, Thomas, fleeing for his life from loan sharks in our world but entering a whole other reality when he dreams. Is he in the future, the past, or an entirely different planet? The beings he meets in the dream world tell him different things and that the others are lying. Who to believe? Which world is real. Both his sister and his new friends say that their world is real and the other a dream. Are they both real? After several "trips" back and forth Thomas is suffering from sleep deprivation but must learn information from both worlds to save the other. If only he can remember and make the right choices. As you may guess from the subtitle, book one sets up the major problems and players in this series. Part of Thomas' task is to decide which side is evil and which side is good and how does he really know? Whose definition of good and evil is correct?

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

I first saw family friends recommending this book on Facebook, and thought I would check it out. It took quite a while for my hold to come in! It's the number one requested book on interlibrary loan this year!

I almost didn't finish it, but then I applied one of the lessons of the book, and made myself finish it.

I'm glad I did. 

I know some people have issues with it, but in my opinion, the good outweighs the bad. While sometimes self-indulgent and a bit ignorant, the spirit of the book is nothing to scoff at. And the helpful tools Rachel provides at the end of each chapter are easy to understand and implement. Each chapter begins with a Lie that women often tell themselves, and it ends with list of "Things That Helped Me...". The tools and mantras that Rachel learned from therapy and life experience are shared in simple ways to understand and appreciate. I've already used some, and it's been wonderful: 

1. making and keeping promises to myself. Just as I wouldn't break a promise to a friend, I shouldn't break a promise to myself.

2. each day, schedule and set a 5 minute timer, to think about your trauma, stressful situation, etc. It seems to have been a relief to her to know that she could think about it later in the day, rather than obsess over it throughout the day.

3. hustle for joy. work hard for the fun moments, just as hard as you do anything else.

4. priorities. make a list and decide what is important to you.

goodreads

220 pages