Carrie
See more on http://carriejosbookblog.blogspot.com
WARNING SPOILER IN REVIEW!!
**copy from author for honest review
Honestly, it just wasn't for me. I gave it 3 cupcakes but honestly I would give it a 2.5 if even possible on my rating system. At the start of the book yes, there were parts that were funny and I found myself totally engrossed with the events of Amelia trying to get over her breakup with Simon. Those dates she went on c/o of Tina were freakin' hilarious. BUT after I guess a few chapters in I started disliking Amelia so much I just wanted it to end. I found her character very selfish, self-centered and vain. She seems too obsessed with the political and social status of the peers around her especially potential guys to date. At the start of the story you notice her many times putting Peter down or not giving him a chance in the world because she thinks he is just a barista but when she finds out the truth thats when she gives him a chance?! When she mentions Peter calling her a gold digger, I wanted to scream, Yes, yes, you kind of are. There were parts throughout the story I just wanted to smack her! I'm sorry. But yes, there are redeeming qualities to her character escpecially how protective she was of Olivia. :) Peter, I absolutely loved Peter's character. Sweet, charming and loving fellow that he is. The character I liked most of all was Tina! I wish she had a story coming up for her it would be very interesting seeing her fall in love. :) I also found the story very dragging and basically towards the end it felt like just going through the pages just to get the story done. So few times do you come by a book you think needs a prologue novella and The Prince's Ex is one I would most definitely recommend a novella prologue to be written just to get a better feel of HOW she became the Prince's Ex. I feel that the book has so much potential I think it just needs to go through a better editor (?) maybe, maybe not. Oh well. I recommend it though for you all!
reviewed for Carriejo's Book Blog
This book isn't for everyone I will say that, but, I am really happy I took a chance on it. I absolutely loved it! I stayed up all night just trying to read and found myself actually reading more slowly because I didn't want the story to end too fast. A lot people might find this book very juvenile and with it's over the top situation of Nero being a high school senior son of a mob boss with contacts to hell and high over, being able to do whatever the hell he wants and to whoever the hell he wants without consequence.
In this book we meet Elle Buchanan; she is basically the punching bag of Legacy Prep High along with her best friend Chloe. She is loyal to a fault and puts herself in harm's way to protect her best friend from all the bullies in school. Their scenario of bullying is way beyond any I have heard of, to the point that they are scared to even walk the halls of school, choose their food depending on who are in the line to avoid physical abuse from their fellow school mates. One late night shift she ends up witnessing something she wasn't supposed to and the boss sends his son, Nero, to find out if Elle knows anything else and will rat them out to the feds. The Plan back fired and Nero, ends up falling for the one girl he would have never even bat an eyelash to.
Nero is the Prince of Legacy Prep along with his loyal crew of friends, Amo, Vincent and Leo (who I love!) They end up guarding Elle and Chloe through school and learn how bad things really are for the two. Sometimes even comical, they are three alpha males who will do anything to protect who they love and care about. No one messes with them. They are tough and rough on the outside but so very much sweet and caring when it comes to Chloe and Elle.
This is my favorite scene from Nero:
When they reached the lunchroom, Amo stopped to wait for them. Once they were in one, big group, Nero spoke. “So, what do you girls want to eat?” Elle dropped her hand from Nero's when Chloe and her eyes met. They didn't know how to respond. “It's either pizza or the same line that's always been here of chicken patties and hamburgers.” Elle and Chloe both turned their heads to stare at Nero. They had never gotten to pick on taste. “I don't care,” Elle got out. “Yeah, uh, me either.” Chloe looked at the floor. “Jesus, pick already. I'm fucking starving.” Amo, on the other hand, was still grouchy and tired. Elle looked at the two lines. Hardly anyone was in the chicken and hamburger line. “Chicken patties sound fine.” “Who the hell doesn't choose pizza?” Vincent obviously wasn't happy with their choice. “Elle, do you like pizza?” She looked at Nero, remembering what he had told her about lying. She had already made him mad once today, and she'd learned she didn't like it when he was mad at her. Elle silently said, “Yes.” “Chloe, do you eat pizza?” Amo asked that time. Chloe looked over at Elle, and Elle hoped she understood to tell the truth. She nodded. “So, why the hell can't I have pizza?” Vincent clearly wanted some pizza. “Elle, why did you pick that line?” She looked up at Nero and bit her lip. She really didn't want to lie to him. Therefore, the only thing she could possibly do was evade the question, and by the looks of their three faces, they weren't going to let her off. She decided not to look at their eyes. “We always pick the line that doesn't have anyone in it.” “And what happens if the lines are about the same?” She really wished Nero would quit asking her questions. She felt all their eyes on her, waiting for her answer, except Chloe's. She was looking at the ground, wringing her hands. She didn't want them to know anymore than Elle did. “Hey, guys, what's up?” Leo had found them and joined in, giving her hope she might not have to answer. “Shut up, Leo. Answer the fucking question, Elle.” Elle was shocked Amo had been the one to say that. All hope is lost. Elle decided to take a page from Chloe's book—she looked at the floor. “If the lines are even, then we pick the line that has the least scary people in it.” “Jesus Christ.” Elle heard Nero say. “For fuck's sake,” Amo chimed in. “Motherfuckers,” Vincent added. “Does that mean they don't want piz—” “Shut up, Leo!” Nero, Amo, and Vincent all said it at the same time, making Elle and Chloe jump.From now on, you fucking eat what you want to. Do you both understand?” Elle nodded her head at Nero. Chloe still didn't reply. “Chloe, if you want fucking pizza, you eat fucking pizza, got it?” Amo yelled at her. Chloe didn't waste any time to nod in understandingI know it's real sad they were bullied to this point but jeez, I laughed so hard after this scene! HAHAHAHA!!
Ack! Okay, I gotta be honest here. I was a bit disappointed with this one... I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the Buckhorn Brothers series by Lori Foster but well, I guess this one just wasn't for me. One, I was disappointed it was a novella I thought we'd get a full on story but I'm hoping she's saving that for Amber's love. I expected laughs and banter, which I did get with Amber's matchmaking schemes which she did for Shohn back in Animal Attraction and Morgan showing up and grilling his son about meeting Zoey. (hehe) But all in all, it was good quick read. I just didn't get all giddy or that tinkly happy feeling with this book as I did with the previous ones. Oh well. I do suggest you read it if you're up to date with the Buckhorn series. :-) Even though, I didn't quite fancy this one I am still very much excited for the next installment into the series. :)
for more review go to http://carriejosbookblog.blogspot.com
Carriejo's Book Blog
I was so happy to receive a complimentary advance copy of this book directly from the author. (Thank you, Tess!) So... Out of all the Custom Culture guys I would have to say I loved Barett (asides from Dray) the most so obviously I was looking forward to learning his story of finding love.
I have mix feelings about this book, I was informed from a fellow blogger after chatting with her about the book because she's a fan of the series too that I should read Tess' book Strangely Normal to really appreciate this book. (which I plan to do later on, after my full on TBR list is done) I rated this book a 4 cupcake icon, but truly I would have rated it 3.5 cupcakes. I just felt that it was lacking something? I guess. I couldn't really grasp the back story behind Finley's anxiety problem or her past. It was discussed in this book but not so much. I was constantly struggling with what Finley's true character was... she was shy? but then seemed so forward and outgoing? I did really enjoy the fact that she was an animal lover/whisperer! :)
Even though, I wasn't too keen on Finley's character you do come to know Rett, the hero. In the past books we learn Rett has a irresponsible and careless and boy-oh-boy playboy personality. With the face any girl would kneel down to. He is known amongst his guy friends as the “legend” with the ladies. Scotlyn and Taylor often refer to him as a “lost puppy”. But we learn in Dray's story that Rett has finally had enough of that lifestyle and is willing throw all his one night stands to find Ms. Perfect. Little does he find, his Ms. Perfect isn't so perfect. ;-) But no one is any way.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book, it was a very quick read. Full of angst, a little action,a lotta tears, a handful of protective brothers and a whole lotta farm animals! :) i LOVED Some Pig! ;) So, I highly recommend this book to you all. I would just recommend you read Strangely Normal first to really appreciate this story! :)
ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I a huge fan of books with supernatural characters so I was looking forward to reading the Exterminating Angel. I was so disappointed though. It was so hard to get into the story because half of the time you're basically trying to comprehend what's happening throughout the story. So overall, the book wasn't for me with confusing story lines, forgettable plot and no chemistry between the characters. At one point I was thinking of just ditching this book and not finishing it.
Merged review:
ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I a huge fan of books with supernatural characters so I was looking forward to reading the Exterminating Angel. I was so disappointed though. It was so hard to get into the story because half of the time you're basically trying to comprehend what's happening throughout the story. So overall, the book wasn't for me with confusing story lines, forgettable plot and no chemistry between the characters. At one point I was thinking of just ditching this book and not finishing it.
One, I hate giving bad reviews but seriously there isn't any other way to put it with this book. I requested an ARC copy because the plot had so much potential but sad to say, the book did not deliver.
The dialogue was so awkward and seemed to me to be too scripted/forced. The scenarios in the book were so unreal that most of the time it was just exasperating to read. Especially how Bailey divulges or deals with what happened to her. I would like to read it after it goes through a very very good editor because as I mentioned earlier, the storyline does have potential. But overall, it just didn't do it for me. So no, I would NOT recommend it.
For more reviews please go to Carriejo's Book Blog
First, I would like to thank the author, David Meredith for giving me this beautiful book for an honest review. So here it goes. This is not your typical fairytale story. No, it is not the Snow White you remember from your childhood days. This book tells a story that is at times dark, heart-wrenching and melancholy that it will bring you to tears. This book was so well written the descriptions of scenes were so brilliantly depicted that at times I felt like I was at Castle Wolfejager along with the queen, the mirror and Charming.
In this story we meet up with Snow White, after her happily ever after with her Prince Charming. Years have passed and now, she is Queen. It has been a year since Charming's death. Snow White is grief stricken and finds herself, isolated and depressed within the walls of Castle Wolfejager with no way of escape from her forsaken thoughts. She ends up returning to her step mother's old quarters and discovering the long lost Magical Mirror. Thus, starts the beginning of her journey to discover self-worth, strength and hope in what was left after an awful tragedy, such as the death of your soulmate.
This was a wonderful turn of the story of Snow White and I would most definitely recommend it to everyone whether you are a fairytale fan or not.
for more reviews please go to http://carriejosbookblog.blogspot.com
Let me first say that if you've read Freefall and didn't like it that much or it wasn't your cup of tea don't give up on the series because Dray's story is much much better.
Dray has lived a hard life. With an abusive father and and a neglectful mother, he was raised in his bestfriends', Nix and Clutch's homesteads. He is an amateur mma fighter who has a really short fuse which usually means he ends up in trouble.
Cassie fell in love with Dray the first moment she met him at Freefall. She's spent years pining after him and finally Dray comes to his senses and notices Cassie. These two were in love but Cassie was offered a very good photography job all the way in NY while the Freefall gang live in California. Dray decides to let Cassie go and not stand in the way of her dream. Little does he know, he is all she wants. So with a bitter heart and broken love Cassie goes off NY and leaves Dray behind. Dray then starts hanging around with Rett, Clutch's playboy brother and the two find themselves in an awful predicament in Mexico. Cassie soon finds out Dray is in trouble and rushes to his aid.
So here it goes, the story is full of action, drama and angst. I love Dray, he is this guy who had a really crappy upbringing yet, he is very honorable, decent and loyal to a fault when it comes to his friends. He doesn't take sh*t from anyone and he doesn't have to.. he just end up knocking them out. ;) The problem is he never lets anyone in..except for Cassie but when it came time to admit to himself and her that he couldn't live without her, his pride wins. Cassie has had enough, she's not asking much, she just wants Dray to let her in. I also must say, Rett is hilarious he's such a playboy you wanna hate him, but yes, he is very much like a lost puppy dog. :)) I can't wait for his book to be out. :) The only thing I didn't enjoy about this book was their reunion, I found it very anticlimactic, for me it wasn't a big point in the book. But, overall I will say Dray is my favorite in the Custom Culture series. I am very much looking forward to Rett's book I think that would be very interesting.;)
Peace!
Carrie
Rating:
Okay, let me start out this review saying I am a HUGE, and I mean HUGE fan of Tammy Falkner's Reed Brother's series. So when I found out that Matt's story was coming next I was so giddy! Let's just say a little dance is called for...
Maybe, Matt's Miracle made me wanna cry, get up grab the heroine and just give her a hug and LOL (especially in the revealing of “the letter”). This book was just full of so many good moments... I loved it! Skylar is a strong, selfless loving woman, the way she took hold of those three kids from her deceased step sister who she never really truly got to know. Her parents were basically a mess, I did not like her Father, the way he dealt with his family and marriage. And her mother was no cupcake either, she was cruel even though there were some good traits about her towards the end of the book.
But let's talk about Matt, the hero of the story. Matt has gone through a storm throughout the series. He was diagnosed with cancer, he almost died if it would not have been for Emily, Logan's girl, who helped get Matt into the clinical trial that saved him. He has now concurred his cancer, in this story he concurs his heartbreak from a love he lost from his previous cheating girlfriend April and finds love in Skylar, the woman who was entrusted with the three kids of his cancer patient friend Kendra, who recently did not make it through the trial. Matt is just a knight in shining armor personified, he's so good, it's kinda to good to be true but we all that ain't true ;)
His relationship with Seth is absolutely funny and loving! :) Seth calls him dude yet sees him like a father figure. I found that so cute!Especially in the start of the story where Sky doesn't have a clue on how to deal with the kids. Those naked bath runs were hilarious, the two little girls were just too adorable!
Overall, I would have to say if you are a fan of gentle ALPHAS, and are a fan of the Reed Brothers Series you most definitely wanna add this book to your TBR list!
Stupid Girl is story about a humble girl, Olivia Beaumont, who had a very terrible experience during her last year of high school. She decides to escape to a college four hours away from her hometown. On her first day she literally bumps into the second year star bad boy baseball pitcher of Winston University, Braxton Jenkins. Every warns Olivia away from Brax and his womanizing ways but she decides to find out for herself what he is like. The two then fall into a romantic relationship sans their friends' opinions. But Braxton has a secret he is keeping from Olivia. One that will most ultimately be a deciding point in their relationship.
I have very mixed feelings about Stupid Girl. Yes, there are parts which are too sweet to count. Especially the way Braxton treats Olivia/Sunshine like she's the center of the universe. But, the focus on his Boston accent, how many times the author mentions pronunciation in ordinary words, it really was too much. The story in itself is very cliche, geek girl falls for the bad-boy college student. I will say, I was very intrigued towards the middle of the story when everything falls apart. Overall, it was an okay read it just wasn't for me. But I would recommend it to a friend.
Rating:
Nick Mason has been in the Army since he was seventeen. He has no family, which leads him to become pen pals with a lady from back home known to the troops as The Goodbye Girl. The day he is to be heading home he receives his last letter. But he doesn't want to say goodbye to the special lady he has come to know. He finds out that her letters are also posted from Whicha, the same place where his close friend Alex Lawson resides. He ends up coming home with Alex to find his Goodbye Girl, but when he finds out who she is he is in for a handful. Bree, has always been on the move with her mother, moving from city to city looking for UFO sightings. She finds herself settling in Whicha were she meets Nick. They both know who they are to each other, the connection but will it be enough to withstand their different beliefs?
This book is full of humour, drama and action...hmmm, and a lot of mentions of probing by little grey men. haha! specifically anal probing?!
Okay, I am an uber fan of Angela Verdenius books. And this one did not disappoint! I love love loved it! from the crazy banter between Alex and Nick, Paul's crazy views on dealing with his wife Becky to the Bree's crazy UFO speculations! :) all in all this book will not disappoint!
Colton Calloway, you are a dream!
it's always the tatted ones, yeah?
I am in shock really. I loved POV parts that were based on the males, especially Colton. The way he has matured in the last 17 years. Just AMAZING, I love how he is so rational with Kylie and Oz. That he sees so much of himself in Oz that he tries so much to help him out. How he tries to help Ben deal with the heart ache. And especially how he deals with Kylie, honest and upfront.
I can't help but be respectful to Colt. He's dangerous. I can sense it in him. The fighter in me, the survivor in me, recognizes the hardness in him. He's seen some shit, and he may live a cush life now, but he hasn't always. Fists remember. -Oz Hyde
This story picks up years after Falling Into You we catch up with Colton and Nell, who now have a child of their own, Kylie. She is talented and smart much like her parents. She stumbles upon Oz Hyde, stereotypical bad boy tatted up, motorcycle, long hair, hot as hell. But that's not all he is and that's what Kylie sees she's intrigued by him. How different he is from what she is used to. People trying to act other than they really are and Oz is...real Oz, he is a very interesting character. Troubled, affinity for self mutilation, awesome guitarist and musician, longs for explanations from his distanced mother about the father that has always been missing from his life. But he is a kind soul and the love he has for Kylie is truly unwavering.
This story has some similarity to Falling Into You, but not has heavy. I absolutely loved it though. I most definitely recommend it but read the first books first so you can truly appreciate the character progression. ;)
Also, the playlist in this book is awesome! :)
