Review: Always Mine (St. Fleur #2) - AJ Renee

Title: Always Mine (St. Fleur #2)
Author: AJ Renee
Date(s) Read: March 26-28, 2017
Pages: 275
Format: Digital (Kindle)
Rating: 4.5

Review:

I was provided a copy of this book for review as a stop on the Blog Tour, in exchange for an honest review.  I would like to thank AJ Renee, the publisher, and Hea Book Tours for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to its release on 3/29.

This book is the second book in the St. Fleur series and the second novel by author AJ Renee.  So far, she is two for two, when it comes to this series.  If she keeps going like this, this is easily going to become one of my favorite series, and with the number of books that I read, that is not a judgment that is passed lightly!  She is definitely one of those authors that I will always one-click to add their books to my kindle, and if I happen to have the extra money, own her books in print.

After reading her debut novel, Widower's Aura, I was definitely looking forward to the story of Linsey and Marc.  Their story is one that quickly became my favorite, the flashbacks that showed us how their attraction started and continue to grow - since Marc was best friends with Andrew, Lindsey's brother they grew up together.  However, it was the addition of the mystery and suspense that also drew me into the story.  Lindsey's stalker, and the clues and hints that are dropped so artfully throughout the story definitely help pull you in and make you want to finish it.

Oh, the chemistry between Marc and Lindsey is unmistakeable...however, I cannot count the number of times I wished I could grab them by the shoulders, shake them and yell..."USE YOUR WORDS!!!  TALK TO EACH OTHER!!" because it would no doubt make things so much easier at times. Despite their bumps in the road, I greatly enjoyed watching this couple grow, as well as the catch up with Sofia and Nick.

So, if you're looking for your next romance read with a bit of suspense and some great story telling, I definitely recommend you pick up Widower's Aura and Always Mine, plus any other books that are part of the St. Fleur series by AJ Renee.  You won't be disappointed and you might just find your next favorite read!

Review: The Realm of Possibility

Title: The Realm of Possibility
Author: David Levithan
Format: Hardback
Pages: 210
Date(s) Read: Jan 7-8, 2016
Rating: 3

Summary: 

This is a unique collection of twenty selections of prose.  Twenty different voices.  Twenty unique perspectives.  One school. 

Review:

Okay, I'm a sucker for poetry.  It is honestly my first love.  I write it...not very good mind, but still.  This book is written in verse, twenty verses to be exact.  Unique perspective of twenty teenagers in one school.  Possibilities are no doubt endless, and the emotion that is crafted within these twenty unique pieces of verse are fantastic.  

The poems within that can be related to.  Some that played with your emotions.  Some that left a lesson behind once you finished reading them.  The perspectives are different, emphasized, and every story has a different perspective.  I could have perhaps given this book a higher rating, however, three seems a much more fitting rating.  It is a book that I enjoyed reading, and would recommend to someone if they were looking for something unique and different.  However, it is not a book that I would ultimately scream it's praises from the rooftops. 

I have four favorite poems from this particular collection and they are in no particular order: 
1. Suburban Myths
2. Gospel
3. Writing
4. The Patron Saint of Stoners

Review: Destined

Title: Destined
Author: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Format: Hardback
Pages: 325
Date(s) Read:  Jan 3-7, 2016
Rating:  3 

Summary: 

Zoey is home, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark.  She is preparing to face Neferet.  Rephaim's been released from Kalona's hold and given human form.  He and Stevie Rae can be together.  Can Rephaim stay free of his father's shadow and walk the path of the Goddess?  What will happen as the forces of light and dark continue their struggle continues its focus on Tulsa's House of Night.

Review: 

Okay, so it's been a bit since I've read this book.  Even with the background I have from the Novellas, I wasn't entirely thrilled with this book.  I am, thanks to my book OCD, committed to finishing this series.  However, I do not think the books will ever receive higher than a three from me as far as rating goes.  The plot, the premise of the story was one that I enjoyed from the beginning.  However, at this point in time I am starting to think that it is getting drawn out further and further.  There is very little resolution in these stories and it is, to be honest, starting to get maddening. 

I honestly really used to like Zoey and Stevie Rae...I really did.  However, at this point in time, Zoey is getting on my damn nerves.  She's gone from something likeable to something vapid and annoying as hell.  She doesn't deal with her emotions, she doesn't deal with things.  Instead of dealing with the potential death of her mother...she wakes Stark up for SEX!  Seriously? That is the first thing you do when you have a dream with Nyx in it that tells you your mother is freaking dead! You wake your boyfriend up for sex?! Also, for one, if you wake your boyfriend up and he gets MAD AT YOU for waking him up over something like that....IT IS TIME FOR THE STUPID BOY TO GO!  Like now. 

I have more to say about this series, however, I'm not entirely sure where to start or how to make it sound less ranty than it actually is.  UGH!   I don't think that's possible.  So, I will simply leave this review as it is because otherwise I might make it longer than I intended. 

Review: The Future of Us

Title: The Future of Us
Author: Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler
Format: Hardback
Pages: 356
Date(s) Read: Jan 4-5, 2016
Rating: 4

Summary:

Josh and Emma are neighbors and best friends.  Until last November...Josh did something that changed everything.  Josh ultimately ends up bringing over an AOL CD (we all know the free ones that were sent out all the time) and when they install it on Emma's computer they are automatically logged onto their Facebook pages...but Facebook doesn't exist yet!  They are looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.

Review:

This is one of those books that I wasn't sure if I wanted to read or not.  I'd read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher and while I liked it, I wasn't even sure I wanted to read this one because I wasn't sure I was ready for a roller coaster ride that had been present in Thirteen Reasons Why. I was honestly torn, until I'd read a few reviews and further learned a bit about the premise of the story.

1996, I was a kid, born in the early 80's and loved everything (just about) about the 90's.  This was nostalgia and wonderful things mixed in with a glimpse of the future.  I remember getting AOL discs and the NetZero ones too.  Good coasters and ended up using them in some arts and crafts projects too because why the hell not.  The same music, all of it.  I was 14 in 1996, and this was how a lot of my teen years were spent.  Seriously.

Both Emma and Josh get a small glimpse of their own futures and begin realizing that even their small conversations, choices and small decisions have impacts upon their major stuff going on.  Consequences of actions aren't something that is usually considered by people when making decisions - beyond that - to see the impact in a potential future it makes one definitely stop and think.  That is what this forces Josh and Emma to do as they begin to realize what lies ahead for them.

Definitely one that made me dust off my Dave Matthews CDs and listen to some Goo Goo Dolls and Hootie and the Blowfish.  I would absolutely recommend this book.  Josh and Emma are pretty fun characters.

Review: Locked Inside

Title: Locked Inside
Author: Annette Mori
Format: Kindle
Pages: 199
Date(s) Read: April 3-5, 2016
Rating: 4 (up from initial 3)

Summary:

Belinda is semi-comatose, suffering from what is known as locked-in syndrome.  Carly sees something special in her, and begins spending time with her.  An unusual bond is formed.  Can Carly pull Belinda from her own emotional prison?  Will Belinda's fears keep their relationship from developing into something deeper, something more?

Review:

Thank you Annette Mori for a copy of this book.  It was a surprise and a blessing rolled into one when I was the one chosen in the giveaway.

Yet, for some reason, I was nervous about reading this book...as a member of the LGBT community, and this being my first piece of lesbian fiction...I wasn't sure what to expect.  I wasn't sure what was behind the cover.  However, the uncertainty faded as I started reading, and I was pulled into the story of Belinda and Carly.

Locked-in syndrome is not something nice, not something that we can fully understand, but we know it exists.  The fact that Carly was willing to take a chance on Belinda was something that made me hopeful.  After a six-year coma, Belinda surfaces, however her body at this point is nothing more than a shell.  Locked inside herself, she can only communicate by blinking her eyes.  It was Carly that began noticing the change, as she spent her lunch hours reading to Belinda.  

Eventually, Belinda's recovery begins and Carly is by her side every step of the way.  Yes, this story made me cry at times, but then again what story like this wouldn't move you to tears at least once.  I am very thankful to have read this book, and I will definitely be looking for more of Ms. Mori's work in the future.

Review: Across the Universe

Title: Across the Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 398
Date(s) Read: July 7-9, 2015 (re-read)
Rating: 3 

Summary: 

17-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the spaceship, Godspeed and expects to wake up 300 years in the future.  However, she is woken up fifty years too early.  Her awakening wasn't a computer error, but an intentional thing.  Someone, among the thousands on the ship, was trying to kill her.  Her parents will be next if she can't find out who it is.  She must race to find the ship's hidden secrets, however, there is only one name on her list of murder suspects that matters: Elder.  The future leader of the ship and the love she never saw coming. 

Review: 

Okay, so I've now read this book twice.  Yes, twice.  Before actually sitting down and formulating this review.  Note, there was also eight months between my last read and this review.  Yeah, I've been sitting on this one for a little while and for reasons that I will get to momentarily.  

I did not love this book.  I also did not hate this book.  Thus the somewhere in the middle three that it has received.  It is a good book, however, for me there were a few issues.  The characters for one, I couldn't really find a true connection with either of them.  

Amy came off as a Mary Sue, and the point of her Mary Sue-ness was stressed even more with the biggest cliche to describe her red hair "flaming red hair," is something that drives me absolutely crazy.   She honestly doesn't even have that great a personality, and it is like she is stuck in two modes: running or complaining about her left behind boyfriend.  I get it, you're a teenager and you were forced to leave your boyfriend....a boyfriend and a relationship that I really had no connection with, no understanding of, or scope of aside from the few seconds of flashback that we were given.  Jason - ask me about him and honestly, I would have absolutely nothing to tell you.  I have no idea what his personality is, or even what to tell you made him so great to Amy. 

Elder.  Seriously, I do not like him at all.  I mean, I'd probably like him if he wasn't a jerk, or seriously shallow.  His only thoughts about Amy are objectifying.  He wants to make out with her.  He wants to have sex with her.  Seriously dude, get a grip.  Then, what we learn about Elder makes me really, really angry.  It also further proves just how absolutely shallow and self-serving this guy really is.  Why would you do that?  Why would you freaking RISK her life, just for that?! Oh, right, you also just want to make out with her and have sex with her. I got it.  Elder is a douche.  

Right, I've officially gotten that out of my system.  For now.  I think.  At least until I get to book two and I might have to hop back on the "I really don't like Elder" train.  

The ending, however left me feeling kinda meh.  Everything was pretty much tied up just a little bit too neatly, too easily.  The reasons for the murders did not make a whole lot of sense.  Also, seriously? Are we arriving on Centauri-Earth in this book?  Is Amy going to be living out her life without her parents?  Is she going to end up having a relationship with said objectifying douche? Please someone give me the answers, because they are simply NOT in this book.  

I think it is worth the read, despite the fact that there were things that drove me quite batty about this book.  YAY I managed to actually write this review without having to use the spoiler tag.  A feat that I wasn't certain was going to happen. Win.  For.  Me.

Review: Since You've Been Gone

Title: Since You've Been Gone
Author: Morgan Matson
Format: Hardback
Pages: 449
Date(s) Read: November 4-7, 2015
Rating: 4

Summary: 

Emily and Sloane are the kinds of friends you never see without the other.  Joined at the hip for the most part.  They'd ultimately planned the most awesome summer.  However, when the first week of summer comes and goes, Sloane is no where to be found.  All that she left is a list.  A list of thirteen things that Emily should do, that Emily would NEVER do.  However, would doing them bring her friend back? 

Review: 

This book.  I think the only thing keeping this book from being a 5 for me is minor issues with the writing that I couldn't get over.  Beyond that, EVERYTHING about this book is absolutely wonderful.  

Shy.  Check.
Introvert.  Check. 

Emily is both of these, and she is complimented by her best friend Sloane who is her polar opposite.  We don't actually get to meet Sloane, however we learn of her from flashbacks throughout the story.  Emily, we learn quite a bit about, and ultimately she learns more about herself while she goes through the thirteen item Sloane-inspired to-do list.  

Something I did like about this book is that there was no attempt to 'fix' or 'change' the shyness that makes Emily who she is.  The story writing allows Emily to essentially come to terms with who she is, and settle into her friendships and relationships without Sloane's guiding hand all the time.  

The list is by far my absolute favorite part about this story.  Apple picking at night.  Dancing until dawn.  Skinny dipping.  All fun things to do, and then there would be a singular word.  Just one word and then there would be a flashback, an explanation as to what the word meant and we would learn why it is on the list.  

I am in love with this book and I will probably end up eventually owning it (rather than repeatedly checking it out from the library) because it is one that I will enjoy re-reading (despite the excessive bits of fluff that could have been cut).  

Review: Prudence

Title: Prudence
Author: Gail Carriger
Format: Hardback
Pages: 359
Date(s) Read: July 3-8, 2015
Rating: 5

Summary: 

Book the First in The Custard Protocol series.  We follow Lord and Lady Maccon's daughter, Prudence and her best friend Primrose on a trip from London to India.  The trip taken of course by dirigable, given to Prudence by her adopted father, Dama. However, when you are a metanatural (having the ability to take another supernatural's abilities with the merest touch) things very rarely go as smoothly as one would hope.  

Review: 

Okay, so I have read this one without reading all of The Parasol Protectorate series.  I will remedy that eventually, the books are on my TBR pile and will be gotten to eventually.  However, even with the minimal background I had about the individuals in this story, I truly did enjoy it.

It was within the first thirty or so pages that I realized that I was getting quite a few spoilers from the PP series, however, there has been enough time between reading this and the time that I ultimately get to the rest of the PP series that I will have likely forgotten them.  Don't judge me.  Yes, it is also killing my book OCD that I read a spin-off without finishing the ACTUAL first series. 

This story did get a bit ditsy for me, and the focus on proper fashion and reputation and things like that was not entirely unexpected for the time period that this is set in.  Steampunk, Victorian, etc it is quite expected for propriety and proper dress.  Prim tended to annoy the absolute crap out of me, but I did enjoy the character and how she interacts with Rue as well as her brother. 

The entire cast of characters were absolutely wonderful and entertaining.  I love the wit and snark between the quad on "The Spotted Custard," on their time in the air and even when they stop in various places along the way from London to England. 

I can understand some of the negativity that this book received, however, I can think that some of it might be around the hype for this particular book.  I went into it without all of that.  To be honest, the only reason I'd actually picked up the book initially from the library was the fact that I absolutely LOVED the cover, and to be honest I am a sucker for an awesome cover.  I was pleasantly surprised with the story, and definitely believe that this book is so much more than an interesting cover.

Review: Soulless

Title: Soulless
Author: Gail Carriger
Format: Paperback
Pages: 373
Date(s) Read: July 29-30, 2015 (re-read date)
Rating: 4

Summary: 

Alexia Tarabotti has no soul.  She is a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead.  She was rudely attacked by a vampire - standards of social etiquette broken! Things apparently go from bad to worse for Miss Tarabotti, especially when it is she who accidentally kills the vampire.  Lord Maccon is soon sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.   London's high society is a mess, and many people believe that Alexia is to blame.  Can she figure out what is going on? 

Review: 

This one had definitely required a re-read because honestly I hadn't remembered much of it when I'd first read it.  This series is absolutely fantastic!  Seriously!  I have always been a fan of anything Steampunk and this book heartily delivers, as does most of anything that Gail Carriger writes.   Yes, I've read more, and there will be more books of her reviewed here...because well...STEAMPUNK. 

It is refreshing to read a story with dark fantasy creatures (werewolves, vampires, ghosts) are living among humans knowingly.  1800 Victorian London is such a place where this could happen.  This series has very much a Jane Austin meets Supernatural feel to it with the propriety and social standards that are of course rigorously upheld even by the creatures that walk among the human population. 

Miss Alexia Tarabotti is quite the sassy, independent, strong-minded woman and her soullessness does not even dim her brightness.  She will be a source of laughter and delight throughout the entire story.  Lord Maccon - the loud, messy, gorgeous werewolf - sent by Queen Victoria to investigate a murder committed by one Miss Alexia Tarabotti.  The pair of them together adds a level to the story that makes it all the more enjoyable.  

I absolutely love the back and forth between them, and the constant sense of everything that is going on. Gail Carriger has a knack it seems for throwing you right into the middle of the action in Victorian London, and the language only enhanced it and I absolutely loved each and every page and I will be reading the remainder of this series, as well as the subsequent series set in the same world.  

Review: Assassin's Lament

Title: Assassin's Lament
Author: Michael Carins
Format: Ebook
Pages: 329
Date(s) Read: March 2-3,2016
Rating: 3.5

Summary: 

Aryan was born to a whore. He always wished something would change, something would happen.  Well, Night of Blood came, and well...Aryan got his wish.  Now, Aryan searches for a myth that no one believes in any longer.  Wildlands controlled by walkers, and only fools leave the wall's safety. It takes a fool to see what others are too afraid of.  It takes an assassin to do what others can't...or won't. 

Review: 

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you for the opportunity to review your work Mr. Carins. 

This is a coming of age story, mingled with romance, tragedy and quite a bit of action. We've got a healthy chunk of swords, zombies, kingdoms, assassins, blood, war....and perhaps an unhealthy dose of guilt.  However, it is, in my opinion worth the read. 

The plot is an interesting one, and I enjoyed following Aryan and his friends throughout their journey and discovery.  It is engaging and I am looking forward to reading more of this trilogy to be honest, because I want to know what happens!  Seriously...like, I am attached to these characters and desperately want to know what happens.  This is what my book OCD and series commitments do to me. 

There are a few negatives, and the book perhaps could benefit from a bit more rigorous editing.  However, this does not ultimately detract from the story that is presented to the reader.  The use of 'walkers' did kind of throw me for a bit, and that is probably because I am a fan of The Walking Dead.  However, it was that tie, that I was able to kind of figure out that the walkers outside the wall were indeed undead.  I am not as proprietary of that word as some people might be, because it is a fitting word for what zombies are...walkers.  

There are moments that almost can make you feel that you are in a high fantasy version of an episode of The Walking Dead, however I have a feeling this only enhances the story and to be honest I doubt I will look at another episode of The Walking Dead without turning it into some sort of high fantasy adventure.  This cross-over imagery makes me happy and does fun things to my imagination.  So, this was definitely a plus for this particular story.  

Overly British.  This does not displease me, as I know it might displease some.  I absolutely adore all things British for the most part.  Downton Abbey is by far one of my favorite series, and you honestly can't get more British than that...well you probably can, but you get my point.  I like that this particular high fantasy story tends to shy away from the more neutralized English used in most, it adds a more unique aspect to the story and makes it, at least for me more enjoyable.  

The scenes involving the guild are some of my favorites, and the healthy doses of humor mixed in are definitely awesome.  The action scenes are well written.  However, consider yourself warned....CLIFFHANGER.  So, you can wait for the rest of the series, or you could join my suffering in waiting for the next book. 

Review: Fangirl

Title: Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Format: Hardback
Pages: 433
Date(s) Read: July 27-29, 2015
Rating: 5

Summary: 

Cath and Wren are Simon Snow fans...though for Cath, being a Simon Snow fan is LIFE.  They've now gone off to college, Wren has outgrown the fandom.  Wren doesn't want to be roommates, her fiction professor things fanfiction is the worst thing, and she's worried about her dad. With all the issues Cath faces, it comes down to the questions of can she do this? Can she make it on her own? Is she actually ready to start living her life without her sister holding her hand? 

Review: 

This is a cute, emotional, coming of age story.  This was the second book I'd ever read by Rainbow Rowell, and the first YA I'd read of hers.  I was not at all disappointed.  Seriously.  There was very little about this story that disappointed me, if anything.  Well, the one thing....I wanna know how the Simon and Baz story that Cath is writing ENDS!  That's about the only complaint I have! 

I had heard a WHOLE LOT about this book.  The hype was something that I'd listened to, read the reviews of people who had read it.  They ran the gambit from loved it to hated it to somewhere in between.  So, much like I do with any movie that I see that has reviews on either side of the spectrum, but very  little that resided in between: I waited.  I waited patiently, and ultimately grabbed the book from the library. I settled down, not entirely knowing exactly how I would react to such a story.  

I think part of me really, really liked Cath, because I knew a girl like her (well, minus Cath's level of social anxiety) when I was in college.  She was actually one of my best friends and she drew and wrote Final Fantasy VII fanfics, comics, and the like.  They of course weren't the only thing she drew/write, but I know for a fact that the Final Fantasy series to her is like Simon Snow is to Cath.  So I could relate to Cath a bit, and to be honest I've always been the dorky, geeky awkward girl with the social anxiety and things like that...I mean yes, I have my fandoms but I do not live, eat and breath them...unless you count Nightmare Before Christmas...then all bets are off. 

The mix of humor and heart in this story is pretty much perfect, and I was happy to finally get a chance to read one of her YA novels.  I think I will be spending a bit more time with some of her books as I can get my hands on them.  I mean, seriously?  Even her adult novels can get me right in the feels. 

I highly recommend checking her out and getting to know all about the characters she creates. 

Review: Landline

Title: Landline
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Format: Hardback
Pages: 310
Date(s) Read: July 5-8, 2015
Rating: 4

Summary: 

Georige McCool knows her marriage is in trouble.  Has been for some time.  Neal still loves Georgie, Georgie still loves Neal.  2 days before they are supposed to leave for a family trip to visit Neal's parents in Omaha, Georgie backs out because of something going on with the show she writes for (she's a TV writer).  She doesn't expect Neal to take the kids and go without her, but he does.  Georgie finds a way to communicate with Neal from the past...should their marriage never have happened? 

Review: 

Okay.  This was my first Rainbow Rowell book.  I was not in any way, shape or form disappointed with what I was presented with.  As I'd never read anything by her before, I wasn't entirely certain what to expect, however I can say that I will definitely be reading more and more of this author to come.  

I probably could have finished this book in a day, if I hadn't had to put it down and actually do adulty type things like work, cook dinner, and things like that.  Yeah, I probably would have even sacrificed sleep to get it done in a day (which probably wouldn't have been the best idea I'd ever had...).  

I was lost to the writing of this book within the first twenty-five to thirty pages and the story that was created was one that made it easy to follow and the voice of the story was one that made it seem all the more.  This is a book that will make you cry.  There is no way around that, you will end up teary-eyed in some parts of this story.  

I would definitely recommend this book as a starter for reading Rowell, especially if you aren't into YA as much as others.  Since this one is decidedly not a YA novel. 

Review: These Broken Stars

Title: These Broken Stars
Author: Amie Kaufman
Format: Hardback
Pages: 374
Date(s) Read: Oct 28-Nov 4, 2015
Rating: 4

Summary: 

This is the first book in the Starbound trilogy, in which a luxury spaceliner, the Icarus, suddenly plummets from hyperspace into the nearest planet.  Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen are the only survivors.  Rich girl.  Poor boy.  They search for help.  However, there is a much bigger truth that they find. 

Review: 

It is Sci-Fi meets elements of the Titanic.  You've the haughty heiress and the lower class handsome lad....and eventually they fall in love.  Yeah, it happens.  No spoiler there.  However, this book is quite unique and creative.  A lot of the plot twists I didn't really see coming, but if I looked harder I -might- have.  Either way, it is a vastly enjoyable read and I will eventually be checking out the rest of this trilogy. 

This was my first work by Kaufman, and I am not at all disappointed.  Kaufman's writing is encompassing and it draws you into the world she has created - from life on the ship in hyperspace, to the moments when Lilac and Tarver are travelling through the eerie desert in search of help.  

The planet that Lilac and Tarver end up landing on when the Icarus comes to rest is kinda creepy and confusing at times.  However, definitely an interesting thing.  There are are a few spots where the story seems to drag a bit, but they are few and far between and I did greatly enjoy the development between Lilac and Tarver as they struggle to find food and shelter in a place they know absolutely nothing about. 

I'm not sure how much more I can say about this book, other than the fact that I truly enjoyed it and will be looking for the rest of this trilogy to find out exactly what happens! 

Review: Bittersweet

Title: Bittersweet
Author: Sarah Ockler
Format: Hardback
Pages: 378
Date(s) Read:  July 24, 2015
Rating: 5

Summary: 

Hudson, at one point in her life, knew exactly what her future looked like.  However, Hudson doesn't believe in second chances.  She bakes cupcakes, stays under the radar.  Then there is mixed signals guy who begins giving Hudson hope.  Eventually she has to make a decision on if it is worth going after what she wants and risking getting burned again. 

Review: 

Okay, fair warning, this book will speak to your sweettooth with the cute cupcake recipes at the top of each chapter.  I really liked some of them, never actually made it a point to write them down (though I really, really should have!) 

This book is cute.  However, it is so much more than a cute story.  There is cute story of course.  There is also Hudson realizing things about her family, her future and ultimately herself.  There were times when Hudson annoyed the crap out of me, but then again I did realize that this is her story and she's developing further and realizing stuff...but there were times when she seriously rubbed me the wrong way with some of the stupid things she did at the beginning of the book. 

Despite Hudson occasionally driving me crazy, the rest of the cast of characters definitely helped make the book more enjoyable and ensured that it was a very good read.  I enjoyed it, and it really makes me wish I had the skills (or more so the supplies and the room) to bake a lot more than I do!   

Consider yourself warned, you will leave this book with some SERIOUS cupcake cravings! 

Review: Moment of Impact

Title: Moment of Impact
Author: Rene D. Schultz
Format: Ebook (Kindle)
Pages: 248
Date(s) Read: Feb 23, 2016
Rating: 4

Summary: 
Seven people on a train to Los Angeles.  Each holds their own story.  However, a moment of impact...a train crash will forever change their lives and alter their stories.  

Review: 

I was generously given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

OH MY FEELS!  Just saying.  Rarely will I sit through a book that makes me cry this much and finish it in one sitting.  I think the last one I did that with was John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and this one made me cry just as much.  Seriously. 

This story involves seven people.  Their lives forever changed by a singular moment of impact:  a train crash.  Some live to continue their story.  Some find the ending of their story.  No one knows what will come.  Seven people who chose to step on that train.  Seven people who will have their lives changed beyond any hope of repair.  Not all the changes are for the better. 

The characters in this book are intense and crafted so beautifully that you are thrown into their world.  Suffer with them.  Find yourself as helpless as they are in that moment of impact.  It is almost as if you are standing there watching the events unfold right in front of you.  

You can find the heart and soul that Rene pours into each and every one of her works in this book.  I would highly recommend checking out other books by this author, though I would make certain that you have plenty of tissues available because the roller coaster ride of emotions in her books will ensure that you need them.  

Thank you Rene for allowing me a chance to read this book and offer an honest review.  

Review: Unravel Me

Title: Unravel Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Format: Hardback
Pages: 461
Date(s) Read: July 25-27, 2015
Rating: 5

Summary: 
Juliette has escaped Omega Point, which is at the same time a place for people like her.  People with gifts, and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.  She can be free to love Adam...but she will never, ever be free of her lethal touch...or Warner who wants her more than she ever thought possible. 

Review:

Okay, I still love this series.  Even though Mafi's particular writing style does take some getting used to, however, that does not mean that it detracts from the actual story.  There is a beautiful flow to the story, and the world building is wonderful.  The emotional ties between her characters are something that are tangible and gut-wrenching when things do not ultimately work out the way we hope they do. 

This particular story will, be like the first, and the twists and turns will keep you completely enthralled from beginning to end.  Things will definitely not turn out as you hope, and Warner will break your heart just a little bit.  That will be the extent of the spoilers I share with you about this particular book.  I am greatly looking forward to getting my greedy little hands. I just have to wait for it to be available for either kindle or physical copy from the library! 

Yes, I know this review is kinda short.  However, it's about as much that I want to give for it because to give away much more will require many more spoilers that I don't intend on giving! 

Review: Bishop Street

Title: Bishop Street
Author: Rene D. Schultz
Format: Ebook (Kindle)
Pages: 333
Date(s) Read: Oct. 06 - 15, 2013 
Rating: 4.5 (Originally a 3) 

Summary: 
Margaret Gray for the past twenty years remained hidden behind a facade of normalcy.  Riches and fame weren't always hers.  At seven she was dropped off at the Bishop Street Orphanage.  Beneath the cruel hand of Sister Theresa she forms a bond with her roommates.  At thirty-nine the nightmares return, and she hires a private detective to find her friends, starting a journey that will test her strength of character.  

Review: 

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I had been slacking on getting this one done, mainly because even so many months later it has stuck with me.  Rene is one of those writers that you cannot read her books without having tissues handy, kinda like when I'm reading anything John Green...seriously, all the feels and all the tears. 

Originally I'd given this book a 3, however in going back over this book and re-reading a few things I've changed my ultimate review to a 4.5 because I believe it was worth the bump up.  

This is a book that will leave you with goosebumps and quite a few shed tears.  However, it is a heartwarming story that will leave you with a warm feeling of joy by the time the final word is read.  I spent many times unable to put the book down (to the dismay of my roommates and my own hunger) when I was reading it because I couldn't actually tear myself away from this story.  

I love the style of writing that Rene offers, her skill allows each and every character room to breathe and express themselves and ultimately entrench themselves within our hearts and minds.  Her characters are very real and very much vivid as you read through her work.  

Thank you Rene for ultimately offering me a chance to read this book and offer my words (even though I'm quite a bit late getting this review to you!)

Review: Shatter Me

Title: Shatter Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Format: Ebook (Kindle)

Pages: 338

Date(s) Read: June 29-30, 2015

Rating: 5

Summary: 

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in 264 days.  The last time she did, the Reestablishment locked her up for murder.  Who would worry about a seventeen-year-old girl.  The Reestablishment said that their way was the only way, and so Juliette went into a cell.  Now, so many have died, that the people are whispering war.  Juliette now has a choice....be a weapon or be a warrior. 

Review: 

Okay, honestly, I've not been entirely known to see all the hype in most books.  There have been a few that have easily won the five star mark from me and lived up to the epic amount of hype.  I have read the hype, the amount of fabulous words written about this book and ultimately this series. It has earned some of it. 

There are things that drove me absolutely crazy about the first book, and there are things that I absolutely loved.  The constant strikethroughs of many things was at the absolute top of my maddening list.  Honestly, I think that could have been left out...with the words just left in.  Though, I do understand the visual it gives to the one reading this story and for that I chose to overlook them.  

The character development was interesting.  Getting to know the characters in this story was one of my favorite things.  There are some I love, Kenji and James.  There are some that got on my absolute nerves: Warner, Juliette.  There are some that I am still not entirely sure about: Adam.  

Beyond that, I will definitely be looking over the rest of this series!

Review: Wonder

Title: Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio
Format: Paperback
Pages: 315
Date(s) Read: November 20-23, 2015
Rating: 4

Summary: 
August Pullman is not your ordinary ten-year-old.  Ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run from them on the playground.  Auggie was born with a terrible facial defect.  He's been homeschooled for his whole life, and for the first time he is being sent to a real school.  He wants to be accepted, but will he be? 

Review: 

Wonder is one of those books that will resonate with anyone that reads it.  Anyone who has been bullied while growing up, or is currently still being bullied.  This is a coming of age story, and ultimately it is something that all of us fight with.  Accepting who you are, accepting what you are and being proud of that - no matter what.  No matter your looks, no matter your clothes, no matter your family.  Be proud of who you are and who your family is.  

This book teaches us that, you really shouldn't judge people by initial impressions and appearances.  You have no idea the fights that they fight, the troubles they are dealing with or what truly lies within their hearts.  This book reminds us to strive to be less judgemental.  

Augustus is by far one of my favorite characters, and while the end was a touch neat and shiny for my tastes....I would still highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.  

This isn't a book with an action packed plot, this isn't a book with a plot that is super exciting.  It doesn't need to be, and doesn't need any major plot twists or turns to make it anymore interesting than it already is.  Some of it was transparent, and I could guess which way things were going to go, but I honestly don't really care.  The writing makes it easy to imagine the world, to make it feel all the more real and you could actually picture the family as a real family you'd want to be a part of. 

Review: The Young Elites

Title: The Young Elites
Author: Marie Lu
Format: eBook (Kindle)
Pages: 336
Date(s) Read: July 21-24, 2015
Rating: 5

Summary: 
Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. Teren Santoro works for the King.  Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger society.  Their lives will collide in unexpected ways.  Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side and that Teren is the enemy, but is this the case? 

Review: 

Marie Lu has been one of my favorite young adult authors since I read the Prodigy series.  This one, however, is above and beyond her first series.  I love this, I always have. This was no exception, and I am definitely going to have to get my hands on the second book in the series. 

I think the biggest reason I absolutely love Marie Lu's writing style is because she has a way of taking older tropes and archetypes and giving them a new and unique spin.  The world for this is something that feels almost familiar, and that makes you feel complacent...until the rug is yanked out from under you and the world you know is twisted upside down.  

Adelina Amouterou is a malfetto; marked and ostracized by her community. She survived a virus that killed so many before her.  Her hair, silver, or shock white.  One eye, and a scar to match lost because of the virus.  She is flawed.  That makes her even more likable.  I absolutely adore this protagonist.  Her darkness, her almost anti-hero qualities are absolutely wonderful to me.  

There is more to Adelina than I have already said, at least in small quantities...however to give more away would lend itself to bringing a few spoilers into play and I don't like doing that.  

The Young Elites is both epic in scope and yet full of specific, near poetic detail. The prose provide us a glimpse into Marie's background of design. The ending was absolutely crushing, and unexpected.  I am quite glad that I actually took the time to read this book, and I am looking forward to the continuation of this series.