Review: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

On Dublin Street 

By: Samantha Young

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 372 pages

Synposis From Goodreads:

Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare…

Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well—until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core.

Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached.

But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won’t be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her… down to the very soul.

My Review:

Rating:

After reading the reviews on Goodreads and seeing the 4 star rating it had received, I had high hopes for this book. However, sad to say I had a difficult time getting into this book. It started out very slow and at times I found Jocelyn to be a bit annoying. 

I think I was going into the book hoping for more suspense, more mystery but instead it was quite predictable. The whole time I was waiting for some epic mystery to be exposed but it never happened.  

The romance between Braden and Jocelyn was very cute. I liked how it developed and it wasn't an instant romance. The difficulties and struggles they went through has a couple really made it seem real.

Overall, the writing was amazing and the story was good. I just don't think it was my kind of book. And maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't just read a ho-hum romance before this one. 

Published by: K

Review: The Scorch Trials (Maze Runner Trilogy) by James Dashner

The Scorch Trials

By: James Dashner

Synopsis From Goodreads:  

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. 
 
Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But WICKED isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch. 
 
There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die.
 
The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch—the most burned-out section of the world. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them. 
 
Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off. 
 
There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction—and they’re determined to survive.

Mom's Review:

My Review:

Well okay since I am the "Mom" and I read The Maze Runner, saw the movie, and I am just amazed by the way James Dashner writes with such detail that I had to try The Scorch Trials.

James Dashner did it again, he pulls you right into the characters, however, I was a little skeptical in the beginning becasue I thought maybe this story was heading into a "Zombie" world. Thank goodness it didn't! I love the character Thomas and his interactions with Minoh and Newt. 

This story keeps you on the edge wondering whats going to take place next, who is not going to make it through. Adding in a new "love" interest has become intriguing as you try to solve the mystery of all the connections each has to Thomas. 

This is a great book and I just went out and bought The Death Cure! Have to see what new adventures Thomas and his crew will be sent into to survive. 

Published by: Mom :)

Review: Me and My Invisble Guy by Sarah Jeffery

Me and My Invisible Guy

By: Sarah Jeffrey

Genre: Young Adult Romance, Coming of Age

Length: 258 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

The cheerleader who has everything . . . ? 

Mallory Dane has a great family (at least on the surface), is popular at school (as long as she doesn’t make waves), and dates an amazing boyfriend, Todd (who happens to be completely made up). Boys—and sex—are something Mallory just can’t deal with, so she created her “invisible guy” to avoid it all. But when Liam Crawford comes along—a real guy, flesh and bones and strumming his guitar—Mallory starts questioning her fictional relationship. 

Is she really willing to give up Todd for Liam? And can she make amends for the lies she’s told—even to her best friend, Tess? What if your biggest, most embarrassing secret was broadcast to the whole world? Letting go of her secret will be easier said than done, and Mallory will risk everything—her family, Tess, cheerleading, her reputation, and most of all, her heart.

My Review:

Rating:

I really do hate giving books bad reviews but I just could not get into this story. I thought for sure I would enjoy this book after reading the premise on Amazon, but sadly that was not the case. It started out way too slow for me and I found the main character too whiny and naive. The writing however was good and I think if it had been longer with more detail and depth the book could have been much better. 

Mallory carries so many secrets with her that it is slowly destroying her. When she finally starts sharing her secrets her world starts to fall apart. She also doesn't have much of a filter when it comes to spilling her secrets once she does, she can't stop and she isn't sharing just her secrets but the secrets of those around her. Ones she swore to keep. I found that a bit fustrating.

The mom was also a bit annoying. She was always angry at Mallory even when she did brave things to help her once depressed sister. She was constantly blaming Mallory without trying to understand why Mallory did what she did. That only made me dislike the mother more. Parents are supposed to be there for their kids and this mother only thought of her older daughter, she didn't think once about Mallory, until the end of the book.

The romance was also a bit lacking in this story. Liam and Mallory never really had any major romantic moments. I was hoping for more romance, but it never came. 

It really sucks not liking a book, you looked forward to reading. I guess this book just wasn't for me. 

Published by: K

Friday Finds #3

FRIDAY FINDS showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased). This is hosted by ShouldBeReading!

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This week is a short list. I've been so busy reading my TBR that I haven't really been adding books to my to-read list. All of these books caught my eye because of their beautiful covers. :D After reading the premise I only wanted to read the book more. So without further ado here are this weeks amazing finds!! :)

Click on the book cover to be redirected to its Goodreads page.

 Question: What are ya'll currently reading?

Published by: K

  

Review: The 100 (The Hundred #1) by Kass Morgan

The 100 (The Hundred #1)

By: Kass Morgan

Title: The 100

Author: Kass Morgan

Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult Fiction, Science Fiction

Length: 323 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

In the future, humans live in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland... before it's too late.

Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.

My Review:

Rating:

 

Wow...I have to say I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. From the start I had mixed feelings because I watch the show and absolutely love it. I was slightly worried that it wouldn't live up to the show. 

I usually try to read the book before seeing the film adaptations but I got hooked on the show before I got my hands on a copy of this book, so that didn't quite work out for me. LOL!! 

First I am a huge Bellarke shipper and reading the book only intesified my love for them. AHH....BELLARKE ALL THE WAY!! I am still waiting for the romance to blossom more on the TV show. I enjoyed actually reading about their pasts rather than seeing it portrayed on tv. Granted some of the book is different from the tv show, which in some ways is great because you can explore so many different paths and stories. Most of season one is everything that happened in this book, with some slight changes.

It was reassuring that most of the characters from both the book and the tv show were the same. However, I do wish that Glass and Luke's story had been portrayed in the tv show because their storyline was one of my favorites. Their backstory was interesting and it would have been cool to see it portrayed on tv. 

Wells was never one of my favorite characters in the show and my opinion of him did not change much after reading the book. I found him slightly annoying, however I did find him more interesting in the book than in the show. I felt like he was a stronger character in the books compared to the show. I do look forward to seeing how he grows, since his life span was short on the show. 

It is unusally to see Clarke "the doctor" in the book compared to Clarke "the leader" in the tv show. Hopefully things change throughout the rest of the series. I like the strong leadership role Clarke portrays on the show and would like to see that portrayed in the books.

While the book is quite different from the show in some ways, I still enjoyed it. It's nice sometimes when books are portrayed as tv shows rather than movies because it allows you to explore so many different paths in the story. Sometimes they become better than the books. But I have to say I find that with this book, the show and the book are equally amazing! 

I highly recommend reading this book. It is definitely worth reading! :)

Published by: K

Review: Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Confessions of a Murder Suspect

By: James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

 

Synopsis From Goodreads:

James Patterson returns to the genre that made him famous with a thrilling teen detective series about the mysterious and magnificently wealthy Angel family... and the dark secrets they're keeping from one another.

On the night Malcolm and Maud Angel are murdered, Tandy Angel knows just three things: She was the last person to see her parents alive. The police have no suspects besides Tandy and her three siblings. She can't trust anyone -— maybe not even herself. 

Having grown up under Malcolm and Maud's intense perfectionist demands, no child comes away undamaged. Tandy decides that she will have to clear the family name, but digging deeper into her powerful parents' affairs is a dangerous -- and revealing -- game. Who knows what the Angels are truly capable of?

Title: Confessions of a Murder Suspect

Author: James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Genre: Young Adult Mystery

Length: 372 pages

My Review:

Rating:  

If you enjoy a good mystery, much like my sister and I do, this is a good book to consider picking up. My sister and I both read this book and fell in love with the story. This is my first James Patterson book and he really knows how to bring you into a story, making you want more. I did not want to put this book down until I found out who killed Tandy's parents. He puts you on a joureny through Tandy's eyes as you help to solve the death of her parents.

I have always enjoyed a good mystery and James Patterson wins with this book. The entire time you are questioning Tandy's siblings and unlocking secrets right along with her. It really brings the story to life. 

But not only are you wondering if her siblings killed their parents, you also find yourself wondering "could Tandy have done it?" Throughout the entire story Tandy shows few emotions if any. In a way each sibling is somewhat unusually. You begin to wonder "are they even human?" It's hard to put this book down because you just have to know what is coming next for this poor girl and her siblings. 

If you enjoy the mystery genre I definitely recommend this book. It is definitely worth reading, especially if your new to the mystery genre, this is a good starter book. I can't wait to start reading book two. I'm sure it will be just as good as this book. 

Published by: C

Cover Reveal: Balance Keepers 2: The Pillars of Ponderay by Lindsay Cummings

Omg...today the cover was revealed for Balance Keepers 2, The Pillars of Ponderay by: Lindsay Cummings. Sadly I have yet to read book one but it is definitely on my TBR list. I absolutely love this cover and it only makes me want to read the series more. 

Title: Balance Keepers 2, The Pillars of Ponderay

Author: Lindsay Cummings

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Cover Design: HarperCollins

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy/Adventure

Release Date: September 22, 2015

Preorder: Amazon | B&N | Books a Million

About the Author

Lindsay Cummings Social Media:

Lindsay Cummings is the 23-year-old author of THE MURDER COMPLEX duology and BALANCE KEEPERS trilogy at HarperCollins. She lives in Celina, TX, with her Grumpy Husband Josh, a German Shepherd, a German Shephusky, a real Wolf Cub, a draft horse named Dan the Man, a hedgehog named Hedwig, a cat named Crookshanks, and 5 silly, egg-laying chickens. She's still trying to convice her husband to let her get a teacup pig and name it Pigwidgeon. She is convinced her Hogwarts letter was just lost in the mail.

Lindsay graduated high school in 2009, and after several years of severe illness due to Chronic Fatigue, she decided to take up writing. She never looked back, and once Lindsay's books found a home at HarperCollins, she turned to social media to connect with her fans. Lindsay created the hashtag "#booknerdigans, which has reached nearly 100k uses on Instagram, and even more on Twitter. 

Lindsay loves to do school visits, writing workshops, attend bookish events around the USA, and when she's not writing, you can find her reading (she believes you can never read enough), riding her horse, hanging out with her dogs, going to church, where her husband is a Youth Pastor, and lately, Lindsay loves filming nerdy videos for her new YouTube channel. 

Lindsay loves to connect with her fans. She's a big believer in helping young writers find the right path to publication. She believes that if she can do it, you can too.

Published by: C

Friday Finds #2

FRIDAY FINDS showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased). This is hosted by ShouldBeReading!

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Sorry about missing last Friday's Finds everyone. Starting a new job in a week and have had a lot of preparations to make. This weeks list is a bit long but I have discovered a new trilogy I am absolutely in love with and can't wait to finish, so the first two books in the series have made it to my list this week. :D

**Click on Cover to be redirected to Goodreads page!!

The last two book in the Guards of the Shadowland Trilogy

Now for the  last of the books added to my TBR list this week!!

 

Published by: K

Review: Sanctum by Sarah Fine

Sanctum: Guards of the Shadowlands

By: Sarah Fine

Synopsis From Goodreads:

“My plan: Get into the city. Get Nadia. Find a way out. Simple.”

A week ago, seventeen-year-old Lela Santos’s best friend, Nadia, killed herself. Today, thanks to a farewell ritual gone awry, Lela is standing in paradise, looking upon a vast gated city in the distance—hell. No one willingly walks through the Suicide Gates, into a place smothered in darkness and infested with depraved creatures. But Lela isn’t just anyone—she’s determined to save her best friend’s soul, even if it means sacrificing her eternal afterlife. 

As Lela struggles to find Nadia, she’s captured by the Guards, enormous, not-quite-human creatures that patrol the dark city’s endless streets. Their all-too-human leader, Malachi, is unlike them in every way except one: his deadly efficiency. When he meets Lela, Malachi forms his own plan: get her out of the city, even if it means she must leave Nadia behind. Malachi knows something Lela doesn’t—the dark city isn’t the worst place Lela could end up, and he will stop at nothing to keep her from that fate.

My Review

     Rating: 

Oh My Goodness.....this book was absolutely amazing! I loved every second of it. I had the hardest time putting it down to go to work. :D It drew me in from page one. Sarah Fine is an amazing author and describes this Shadow-world excellantly, I actually felt like I was there with Lela and Malachi. Oh....Malachi....I couldn't get enough of him. ;)

I really enjoyed Sarah Fine's world-building, it was easy to picture this Shadowland that Lela winds up in after she dies and the Mazikian that are trying wreak havoc throughout the city. Some of them were "creepy." The people in this world had commit suicide and therefore are sent into this Shadowland in order to find a way to overcome there misery (if they can or want to).

"...some people found the sickness easier than the cure."

I love reading books with strong female characters, so that made the book that much better for me. Lela was such a strong person before she ended up in the Shadowland and she only got stronger when she gave up an afterlife in a beautiful Countryside to save her friend in the Shadowland. Her whole motive for entering the Sahdowland was to save her friend, she never expected to meet a Guard like Malachi.

"Are you telling me you arrived in the Countryside and chose to come into the city? To rescue your friend?" He sounded completely baffled.
I clenched my teeth. "I have to find her. It's the only reason I'm here."

Malachi has to be one of my favorite male characters since Daemon from the Lux sereis. For a tough Guard Captian he was so sweet to Lela and willing to help her with a mission he knew was most likely impossible.

I can't wait to read the second book. I am going to have to go out and buy it. I don't think I can wait to see if I can find it at the local flea market. I loved this book so much. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know, it was that good. :D


Published by: K

March TBR

March already! Where has the time gone! It feels like just yesterday it was February 1st. Even though I didn't finish my February TBR list I'm not going to let that get me down. 

I have decided to be ambitious and read 6 books. Hopefully this month I can make it throught my list.

 

Source: @kales2013

1. Mila 2.0 by: Debra Driza

2. On Dublin Street by: Samantha Young

3. The 100 by: Kass Morgan

4. Sanctum by: Sarah Fine (finishing)

5. The Bane Chronicles by: Cassandra Clare

6. Me and My Invisible Guy by: Sarah Jeffery (didn't read last month)

Published by: K

February Wrap-up

I can't believe February is over! I thought I had more time to finish my TBR list. :( Sadly I wasn't able to finish all the books on my February TBR list. I have had a busy last couple weeks, starting a new job and trying to find time in my busy schedule to write. So this month I only read 2 books from my list.

The books I didn't finish will be pushed to next months TBR list :D

 

Books I Finished:

~Wicked by: Jennifer L. Armentrout --- 5/5 stars

~Leviathan by: Scott Westerfeld --- 3.5/5 stars

Books Chloe Finished:

~The Bane Chronicles by: Cassandra Clare --- 5/5 stars

~Rebel Spirits by: Lois Ruby --- 5/5 stars

Published by: K