The Rebel by Jessica Bird

The Rebel
Series: The Moorehouse Legacy #1
Author: Jessica Bird (AKA - JR Ward)
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: Personal Purchase
ISBN: 9780373776306

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)



Nate Walker has never shied away from the hard road. Even when it meant leaving behind his family, wealth, and the fiance who only wanted a rich man. Nothing was going to stop him from opening his own five-star restaurant.
And he was on his way until his car broke down on a dark road in the Adirondacks, leading him right to White Caps Inn and Frankie Moorehouse.


Suddenly Nate has a job he doesn't really need and an affair that has to end when summer does. Except Frankie has a way about her. She gets under his skin. She even makes him want to do what he never thought he could stay forever.

MY THOUGHTS

The Rebel is the fist book in The Moorehouse Legacy series by author Jessica Bird -- also known as J.R. Ward.  Instead of paranormal romance, the author ventures into contemporary romance with The Rebel.

While the books summary held promise, I felt that the book was just okay.  It was predictable and at times a little boring.  I felt there were some parts of the book that could have moved a little faster while some parts should have slowed down.  The ending especially was very rushed.  Everything gets solved and the characters get a happily ever after within a matter of pages.

I liked the side story of how Frankie and Joy had to take care of their Grandmother who has dementia.  The character of George had a mental disability, but the author showed a reader how they can work if given patience.  I think those two story points made this book better.

While I loved the character of Nate,  I wasn't a big fan of Frankie.  She was rude, pushy, and stand-offish.  The author made her character a little too strong and with too much of a backbone.  It made her unlovable in my eyes and I just couldn't seem to connect with her.

This was a quick read and the sex was tamed down quite a bit.  It didn't get too graphic unlike other romance books.  It was glossed over and wasn't taking up pages of the story.  I will definitely try the next book in the series because I am curious to know what happens to the other characters.  Great for a quick fix until you get to your next book.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

The Lady Is A Vamp by Lynsay Sands

The Lade Is A Vamp
Series: Argeneau Novel #17
Author: Lynsay Sans
Source: Publisher
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9780062078070

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)



One late night leads to . . .


Kidnapped When Jeanne Louise Argeneau left work, she never thought she'd end up tied down by a good-looking mortal. More attracted than annoyed, she quickly realizes there is more to her abductor than meets the eye.


One desperate act leads to . . .


Love? Paul Jones has need of a vampire, and only Jeanne Louise will do. He just has to convince this beauty of a Vamp to help him . . . never imagining that he would fall in love. But with the immortal world's answer to law enforcement hunting them, their time together is running out . . . and Paul and Jeanne Louise will need to risk everything to spend an eternity together.

MY THOUGHTS

The Lady Is A Vamp by Lynsay Sands is the 17th book in the Argeneau Vampire series.  I have been a fan of author Lynsay Sands for a long time now.  I have loved her books, gushed about the books, and even interviewed the author and characters on the blog.  When the newest book in the series arrived in my mailbox, I mowed everyone down that stood in my way to the reading chair and settled in for a few hours to devour the story.

Paul Jones is on a mission to save his daughter.  She is dying of a brain tumor that is inoperable, and he is needing someone of the Immortal variety to save her.  After working for Argeneau Enterprise for quite some time,  he already knows about the secrecy and danger of what could happen.  After he finds himself drawn to the exotic Jeanne Louise, he decides that he needs to kidnap her and convince her to turn his daughter to save her.  He plans it out and makes his daring kidnapping using a tranquilizer that he has been working on for the Enforcer Group. After kidnapping Jeanne Louise, he brings her to his house and chains her up in his office.

Jeanne Louise wakes to discover that she is having a hard time reading Paul.  She blames it on the tranquilizer and tries to figure out why she has been kidnapped.  While Paul doesn't treat her like a prisoner, she still realizes that she could still be in danger from him.  When Jeanne Louise finally figures out that she can't read Paul because he is her lifemate, she tries to figure out a way to make him fall for her and accept her as a wife instead of a tool to use for his daughters salvation.  She grows to love Pauls daughter as her own and wants to save her, but she can only turn one person in a lifetime.  She wants that person to be her lifemate as well.

Oh Ms.Sands loves to pull at the heartstrings.  I was already sniffling by chapter two and by chapter four I had tears in my eyes.  Paul's daughter is so sweet and innocent and you can't help but wonder how this story is going to end.  As the two become closer and realize there is chemistry between them, the decision of who to turn is decided by an unlikely person.  This is where I was ready to blow up at the author because she brings in Bricker and he is one of my favorite characters.  Seriously, I have begged the author to include me as Bricker's lifemate when his story comes around, but I think she has me blocked now from all of the begging.  Anyway, Bricker feels horrible about the turn of events, and Lucien is forced to make some hard decisions for everyone involved.

What I loved the most about this installment though was how the author brought the story back to its roots from the beginning.  Previous characters were involved in the story, the tender romance with witty humor was present, and the story flowed beautifully.  I felt like this story was one of the best books in this series since the earlier ones.  I really enjoyed it and it brought back that reading addiction that Ms. Sands can create with just one story.  I really want to go back and start reading the whole series now just to keep my Argeneau fix going!

Another great book to add to your collection and one that will pull at your heart with emotions of love, sadness, and happily ever afters.

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review *

My Book Haul (12)

From now on I will be posting My Book Haul on Saturdays.

Feel free to link up in the comments if you would like to share your mailbox post with me (and others) to check out.

This is also inspired by Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

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FOR REVIEW

The Lady is A Vamp by Lynsay Sands (not pictured)

The Warrior Laird by Margo Maguire

Night Forbidden by Joss Ware

Return of the Viscount by Gayle Callen

The Love Potion by Sandra Hill

The Cowboy and the Princess by Lori Wilde

Lessons From A Scandalous Bride by Sophie Jordan

The Bride Wore Pearls by Liz Carlyle

Dark Desire by Christine Feehan

-- Thanks to AVON Books --

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GIFTED

Secrets Of A Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Forever A Lady by Delilah Marvelle

--Thanks to Anna and Delilah --

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CONTEST WIN

Kindle Touch

-- Thanks to The Indie Bookshelf and Author Jillian Dodd -- 

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So what did everyone else get this week?

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch
Series: Glitch Trilogy #1
Author: Heather Anastasiu
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Source: Amazon Vine
ISBN: 9781250002990

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)



In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.


When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.


As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

MY THOUGHTS

How do you write a review on a book that is just okay?  I am still trying to get my thoughts together on this book.  I really wanted to love the story and the characters, but I just couldn't bring myself to really care about it by the last page.  I am not trying to be harsh, but I think I had this book built up in my head to be great and it disappointed me in so many ways.

Again we are reading about a Dystopia/Fantasy like world set in the future.  With the flood of books in this genre jumping on the Dystopian theme, you really have to write an awesome story and even better characters than the last big book.  I found this book to be repetitive, drawn out and slow in building in momentum.

Onto another issue with this book.  Yes there is a love triangle, but it came across all wrong.  Max was sleaze and total jerk.  If Zoe would have stood up to him when his crap started, I might have felt some sympathy towards her character.  Instead she glosses over his behavior for so long that when her back bone finally stands up straight, I was hoping she would get what she deserved.  Seriously, Max really ruined this book for me.  I understand that some characters are needed to move a story, but his just moved it to the back of the pack in my opinion.

I had a really hard time finishing this book.  I trudged through it though and finished it up until the last page.  I can't see myself reading the rest of this trilogy though to see what happens.

MY RATING

     

I did not like this book at all!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Kitty Steals the Show by Carrie Vaughn

Kitty Steals the Show
Series: Kitty Norville #10
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Genre: Adult Paranormal
Source: Publisher
ISBN: 9780765365668

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)



Kitty has been tapped as the keynote speaker for the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies, taking place in London. The conference brings together scientists, activists, protestors, and supernatural beings from all over the world—and Kitty, Ben, and Cormac are right in the middle of it. 


Master vampires from dozens of cities have also gathered in London for a conference of their own. With the help of the Master of London, Kitty gets more of a glimpse into the Long Game—a power struggle among vampires that has been going on for centuries—than she ever has before. In her search for answers, Kitty has the help of some old allies, and meets some new ones, such as Caleb, the alpha werewolf of the British Isles. The conference has also attracted some old enemies, who’ve set their sights on her and her friends. 


All the world’s a stage, and Kitty’s just stepped into the spotlight.

MY THOUGHTS

I admit that I have this entire series sitting on my shelf and have yet to read them.  I have been dying to read them from book one, but when I was sent this book for review I decided to read it first.  I will say that you should start from the beginning of this series because I feel like some things went over my head and characters that were referenced had no impact for me.  If I had read from the beginning I think I would understand the world better and who was who before getting halfway through the book.

That being said,  I still enjoyed the book.  I loved the world that author Carrie Vaughn created and the character of Kitty was pretty interesting.  I like how the author portrays her in the book and she actually held an appeal of being the main character.  She has a backbone and doesn't back down which is hard to find in the female characters.  The scenes in London were described beautifully and made this reader feel like I had just entered the London streets.  There were plenty of twists and turns that were perfectly paced and kept me reading from start to finish.

Overall I was pleasantly pleased by this book.  I have heard good things and bad things about this series.  After reading this book though, I look forward to reading from the beginning books so I can form my own opinion on the series as a whole.  Definitely a series that will be kept on my radar for future purchases and maybe even featured in my Spotlight Series of the Month further down the road!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review *

Club Shadowlands by Cherise Sinclair

Club Shadowlands
Series: Masters of the Shadowlands #1
Author: Cherise Sinclair
Genre: BDSM Contemporary Erotic Romance
Source: Personal Purchase
ISBN: 9781596321335

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Her car disabled during a tropical storm, Jessica Randall discovers the isolated house where she's sheltering is a private bondage club. At first shocked, she soon becomes aroused watching the interactions between the Doms and their subs. But she's a professional woman--an accountant--and surely isn't a submissive...is she? Master Z hasn't been so attracted to a woman in years. But the little sub who has wandered into his club intrigues him. She's intelligent. Reserved. Conservative. After he discovers her interest in BDSM, he can't resist tying her up and unleashing the passion she hides within.

MY THOUGHTS

I have been hearing about this series for months now.  The BDSM genre is usually a taboo read for others, but I have been a reader of this genre for a long time now.  I am surprised I had never heard much about it before, but Club Shadowlands kept popping up in my browsing of reviews.  So I caved and bought the series and couldn't wait to start them.

When Jessica is stranded in the middle of a storm,  she walks until she finds herself knocking at the door of Club Shadowlands.  After the butler-like man answers the door, he tells her that he needs to get permission from the club owner before she is allowed to stay.  Master Z allows her to stay on two conditions.  She can either sign a contract and join the rest of party that is in full swing, or she can stay in the entryway where it is not much warmer than the storm raging outside.  Jessica is so cold and exhausted she reads quickly through the contract -- actually just glancing at it -- and signs it so she can just get warm inside. What she walks in on though is nothing like she expected.  Jessica is suddenly surrounded by Dom's, Sub's and curious looks.  Master Z takes her under his wing and tries to show her around a bit.  

While the story is hot, steamy and definitely worth the money, I had a hard time bringing myself to like Jessica.  She was just so naive and innocent to the point of me wondering if she actually ever had sex in her life.  She acted like she had never seen people dirty dancing or showing public displays of affection.  Now granted, some of those public displays is not something that is usually seen on the streets, but still she acted way too childish with her reactions.

Now Master Z on the other hand was the sexy creature you hope to run into when you are a damsel in distress.  Hot dang that man could bring a girl to their knees with his looks and voice.  If you have ever wondered what a Dom should like in this genre of reading, then look no farther than Club Shadowlands.  Yes he can be strict, but he also has a soft spot with his subs.  I really like how the author even had a small paranormal element in the book of how Master Z could read emotions as well.  Not something you find in regular contemporary books, but it added a little extra to the story.

If you are a fan of the BDSM reading craze, then I highly recommend reading this series.  I am so happy I discovered this author and series to the point of where I can't wait to start the next book ASAP.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, strong BDSM theme and content (including/not limited to bondage, caning, restraints, spanking, etc), exhibitionism, voyeurism.

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Masque of the Red Death
Series: Masque of the Red Death #1
Author: Bethany Griffin
Genre: Young Adult Steampunk/Dystopia
Source: Amazon Vine
ISBN: 9780062107794

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)



Everything is in ruins.


A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.


So what does Araby Worth have to live for?


Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.


But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.


And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

MY THOUGHTS

When I was typing up the top portion of my review layout,  I had a hard time figuring out how to classify this book.  Young Adult? Yes. Dystopia? Yes. Steampunk? Yes.  So I just put it all together and made my own classification.  What grabbed my attention the most about this book before reading was the cover.  Oh my goodness!  It is gorgeous, dirty, gritty and mysterious all rolled into one picture.  It truly is a picture of many words.  Then I read the summary and thought I would give it a try.

I am having a hard time writing this review though.  I just finished it and frankly, I wasn't a big fan of this book.  I have read so many reviews on this book and every other one is full of praise.  I must be blinded though by the cover, because I just can't hold it in the same glorious light as others.  I don't know if it is because I am still a little confused on how to actually place this book in a certain realm in the young adult genre, or if maybe my reading tastes should stay away from anything with Steampunk involved.  I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy the world that was created.

On the other hand,  I did like a few of the characters.  There is nothing specific that made me like them, I just felt a connection with them which just shows the reader that the author can flesh out a character pretty well.  Beyond the characterization though, the story moved at a slow pace and drawn out in one too many places.  There was even times I wondered how much longer a certain scene was going to go for.

This is a darker themed book.  As others have mentioned, it has a certain Poe-like feel to it.  Yes, it does seem to have that feel to me as well.  Dirty. Angst. Death. Danger and tragedy.  All the makings for a dark and stormy night read.  While this isn't one of my favorite books this week or even this month, I will still give the second book a try for the simple fact of the ending of the first book.

MY RATING

If the library doesn't have it, don't worry about reading it!

* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review *

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

The Reckoning
The Darkest Powers #3
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Source: Personal Purchase
ISBN: 9780061662836

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


My name is Chloe Saunders. I'm fifteen, and I would love to be normal.


But normal is one thing I'm not.


For one thins, I'm having these feelings for a certain antisocial werewolf and his sweet-tempered brother - who just happens to be a sorcerer - but, between you and me, I'm leaning toward the werewolf.


Not normal.


My friends and I are also on the run from an evil corporation that wants to get rid of us - permanently.


Definitely not normal.


And finally, I'm a genetically altered necromancer who can raise the dead, rotting corpses and all, without even trying.


As far away from normal as it gets.

MY THOUGHTS

 *possible spoilers*

The Reckoning is the third and final book in The Darkest Powers Trilogy.  When you finish a final book in a series,  a reader comes to expect questions being answered and loose ties to be, well, tied up.  Readers hate having questions still when they finish a series because we know there is not another book on the horizon.

Finishing up this series has left me with more questions than answers.  I was hoping that this book would be the saving grace of this series.  After such let downs with the first two books,  I was hoping that the author was leaving the best for last.  While the action scenes were plentiful and the characters have shown growth and maturity,  I still couldn't bring myself to rate this book higher than what I have.

These are just a few of the questions I still have even though the series is done.

1.  Why does the necklace that Chloe wears change color?
Did I miss the answer to this question somewhere in the series? I don't remember reading it and it really bugs me that it was never explained.

2.  Does Tori ever realize who her Father is?  I know this was one of the mysteries of the first two books, and Chloe has her suspicions confirmed in book three, but no one ever tells her who her true father is by the end of the book.

3.  What was Chloe's Mom trying to tell her and where is she now?  When Chloe pushes spirits back, where do they go?
Now I understand that Chloe's mother was trying to tell her to run, but she never made it clear why she knew and how she had this information anyway.

4.  After Chloe releases the demi demon, the head honcho demon appears in the room.  He tells Chloe to grow up strong and shows an interest in her.  Why?  Is there some secret in the demon world that they get to have the necromancer souls after death?

As you can see, some of the questions are ones that could be critical to the story.  Also at the end of the book when they are deciding what to do with their lives, why does Chloe just automatically forgive her Aunt Lauren?  I would have been giving her hell for what she had done, but that is just my opinion.

After finishing this series, I can honestly say that this trilogy was a disappointment to me.  I do think the author had a great plot in mind,  but it didn't feel fleshed out and executed to the full potential.  I am still glad I did finish reading all three books and found some answers in the final book.  I even found myself starting to enjoy Tori in this one.  Will I read the series again in the future? Probably not, but I would read other stories by author Kelley Armstrong.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

The Awakening
The Darkest Powers #2
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Source: Personal Purchase
ISBN: 9780061662768

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)



If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl — someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I’m as far away from normal as it gets. I’m a living science experiment — not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization call the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters. I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control: I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.


Now I’m running for my life with three of my supernatural friends - a chaming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch - and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

MY THOUGHTS

After finishing the previous book titled The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong,  I made sure to have The Awakening handy to continue on with the story.  The Awakening picks up right were the previous book left off.  Even though the first book wasn't a favorite book of mine,  I was still interested in seeing where the author would take the characters and what would happen to them next.

While The Awakening still had some slow parts that did become repetitive -- ex. hide, run, chased, repeat -- the book did have some questions answered and character development that was desperately needed.  I can see Tori starting to open up a little more.  Derek is lightning up and showing a softer side.  Simon is still Simon and some small details are brought to light about him.  Liz finally accepts what has happened to her. Chloe is getting stronger and her powers are also getting powerful.

Again there is a bunch of repeat actions and loose ends as well.  I am a little disappointed that the questions are starting to out weigh the answers, but I guess that is a good thing to keep the reader interested until the final book.  Obviously, everything can't be revealed before then, but I do wish some things would start clearing up.  The gang is also still looking for the boys' Father in the hopes of him answering their questions.

I will keep reading the series in the hopes that the final book will finally answer my questions.  While this is not one of my favorite series,  I still have high hopes for it.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

The Summoning
Darkest Powers #1
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Source: Personal Purchase
ISBN: 9780061450549

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)



After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, and meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home. 


At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

MY THOUGHTS

The Summoning is the first book in the Darkest Powers Trilogy.  I have heard reviews range from bad all the way up to amazing.  So when I picked up the trilogy to read, I didn't really know what to expect.  I knew it was about a group of kids that had been genetically altered and have special supernatural powers, but I wasn't sure about what kinds of powers they would have.

This book started out pretty good.  I was liking the plot twists and how Chloe is put into the Lyle House.  Unfortunately, after she arrives at Lyle House, the book really starts to slow down.  Yes, there are some interesting and exciting scenes, but they are far and few.  The pace was not constant.  It would be pretty slow for a few chapters and then we would have one exciting scene.  They would only happen once every couple of chapters. This wouldn't have been such a bad thing, but the parts that didn't have the action were just drawn out and not much to get worked up over.  I wouldn't say those slow scenes were boring, but they did drag the book down.  It felt like it was more of filler pages to lengthen the book.

I found the plot premise to be an interesting one though and continued on in the story.  I am curious to know what Derek could be -- even if I have a good idea what it is -- and how this will effect the outcome of the final book.  I also enjoyed how the author used a mixture of supernatural elements instead of sticking to just one type.  With Chloe having the power of necromancer, Liz and Tori having different powers that could be either witch-like or poltergeist, and Simon having his own mystical powers, it could bring a whole new plot upon the reader before finishing the series.

While the series left me with more questions than answers, I wouldn't say it was horrible.  I would say that I am still intrigued enough to finish the series, but nothing really stood out as noteworthy yet.  I am hoping the books following The Summoning will improve and keep me invested in the final outcome.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Personal Purchase
ISBN: 9780525423287

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.


When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

MY THOUGHTS

Lola and the Boy Next Door had big shoes to fill in my opinion.  After reading Anna and the French Kiss, I was in love with this author and her writing.  It surpassed my expectations in so many ways.  So when Lola and the Boy Next Door was released, I was hesitant in reading it.  I picked it up and put it back.  I eyed it from across the room.  I did not want to be disappointed and have it fall in the trap where second books fall.  I wanted it to be great like Anna.  Finally I caved and started reading it.

I was right though.  Lola fell flat and it fell hard.  I will say that the writing was there and the author can write some amazing scenes.  You could read a paragraph and know it was written by Stephanie Perkins.  I think one of the main reasons I didn't enjoy this book so much was because of the main characters.  Lola was a spoiled girl that is being raised by two Dads.  I have nothing against gay parents raising a child.  Yet when two parents -- no matter the genre -- think it is okay for a teenager who is approaching adulthood dress like it is Halloween everyday makes me rethink their ability to be a parent.  Seriously?  They think it is okay to send their daughter to school in a sheet with a Cleopatra wig and eyeliner?  Lola was also spoiled and bratty.  I couldn't connect with her on any level.

Then we have Cricket.  Oh Ms. Perkins.  Why? Why name a guy Cricket?  Seriously?  Then you step off the ledge and dress him like a dork?  Skinny short pants? Plus we have a plot of them growing to like each other when they were younger and the reason they separate is just laughable. I just couldn't see the reason being enough to cause Lola to act the way she does whenever his name is brought up.

There were just so many cliches in this book that it made it unbelievable and worthy of eye rolling every other page.  I know this author can write.  Anna and the French Kiss is proof of it.  I wish the author would take a step back before her next novel and go back to her roots in writing.  I desperately hope her next novel can reclaim her work to that spot in my heart that Anna is filling.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

My Book Haul (11)

From now on I will be posting My Book Haul on Saturdays.

Feel free to link up in the comments if you would like to share your mailbox post with me (and others) to check out.

This is also inspired by Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

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FOR REVIEW

Run The Risk by Lori Foster

-Thanks to Meryl L. Moss Media-

The Cowboy and the Princess by Lori Wilde

-Thanks to AVON Books-

Call Me Wild by Robin Kaye

Savage Hunter by Terry Spear

I Own the Dawn by ML Buchanan

Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker

Mistletoe Cowboy by Carolyn Brown

-Thanks to Sourcebooks-

Blood Fever by Veronica Wolff

-Thanks to NAL-

Amber House by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, and Larkin Reed

-Thanks to Scholastic-

Venom by Fiona Paul

-Thanks to Philomel Books-

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So what did everyone else get this week?

Because You're Mine by Lisa Kleypas

Because You're Mine
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
ISBN: 9780380781447

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Lady Madeline Matthews would rather shame herself than sacrifice her freedom. To avoid marrying an aging, lecherous lord, she seeks out the company of Logan Scott, for a torrid affair with the notorious womanizer would surely condemn her in the eyes of good society.


In truth, Logan is an intensely private man tormented by past betrayals. Now a forward little minx, completely at sea in London's sophisticated whirl, is disrupting his life with her vibrant charm and unspoiled beauty. But when what begins as a kiss threatens to blossom into something more rapturous and real, will Logan and Madeline have the courage to drop the masks they hide behind in the name of love?

MY THOUGHTS

Yes, I am on a Lisa Kleypas reading kick.  Since discovering and reading Dreaming of You, I scrounged my shelves to find any other books by this author that have been sent to me for review.  I passed other review books just to move it to the top of the pile since Historical Romance is not my usual cup of tea.  So when I found myself actually craving more from this genre based solely on my previous experience with Lisa Kleypas, I just had to read them.

I think Dreaming of You will always be my favorite Historical Romance, but Because You're Mine is also on the top ten list for me.  This is not to say that I there weren't some things that I didn't like, but it was pleasurable enough to read that I would consider it as one of the better books in this genre.

Madeline was an iffy character for me.  She decides that she is not going to marry the man that her parents have chosen for her.  After seeing a photo of Logan Scott who is an actor, she decides to leave school and try to work for him at the theater.  After finding a way to get a job there,  she quickly worms her way into everyone's heart.  She was kind of meek and mousy, but that is just her character of prim and proper among the quirky and sometimes comical theater bunch.  I did love the way she stood up to Logan when he was being an arse.  Seriously, I think that was her saving grace for me in this book.

Logan was the typical "pound my chest and do as I say" type of man in this book.  He had a hard life growing up with no title or wealth.  He worked hard to amass his fortune and his heart belongs to the theater.  Everything comes second in line when the theater is involved.

Madeline decides to throw herself of Logan to lose her purity and ruin herself to her parents.  She plans on using Logan for this scheme, but Logan is being stubborn about it.  She enlists the help of others in the hopes of winning the plan.  Along the way they fall in love.

End of part one of the book and on to part two.  When Logan finds out that Madeline was doing all of this as a plan, he kicks her to the curb so to say.  What he doesn't expect is for their one time of love making to produce a child.  Yes, Madeline becomes pregnant.  This is where I started not to enjoy the book.

In previous chapters Logan had no problem with Madeline being betrothed to another man.  He told her that they would find a way.  But when her parents reveal this to him and she explains her plan to him, he becomes ticked off and cold to her.  He tells her to leave and never come back.  Um, hello?  You have been telling her it wouldn't matter.  Now you are telling her to leave? Yes, she lied and you think she used you, but you couldn't let her explain the situation first?

When Logan finds out that she is pregnant he basically tells her he will marry her and the only use she is for him is to carry his child.  He is cold, mean and an all around brute.  Madeline is patient with him and hopes to regain his trust.

Secrets of Logan's past come into light, characters are revealed to be more than what we thought, and a romance needs to be repaired before a happily ever after will come.  A historical romance that had good points and bad points, but one that I am glad I read.  This author can write the best Historical Romance and I am so glad to have discovered her.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*