Sunday, October 2, 2016

Bossman

Book: Bossman
Author: Vi Keeland


The first time I met Chase Parker, I didn't exactly make a good impression.

I was hiding in the bathroom hallway of a restaurant, leaving a message for my best friend to save me from my awful date.

He overheard and told me I was a bitch, then proceeded to offer me some dating advice.

So I told him to mind his own damn business―his own tall, gorgeous, full-of-himself damn business―and went back to my miserable date.

When he walked by my table, he smirked, and I watched his arrogant, sexy ass walk back to his date.

I couldn't help but sneak hidden glances at the condescending jerk on the other side of the room. Of course, he caught me on more than one occasion, and winked.

When the gorgeous stranger and his equally hot date suddenly appeared at our table, I thought he was going to rat me out.

But instead, he pretended we knew each other and joined us―telling elaborate, embarrassing stories about our fake childhood.

My date suddenly went from boring to bizarrely exciting.

When it was over and we parted ways, I thought about him more than I would ever admit, even though I knew I'd never see him again.

I mean, what were the chances I'd run into him again in a city with eight million people?Then again...

What were the chances a month later he'd wind up being my new sexy boss?-Goodreads

Review: This was a light, funny, romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was my first Vi Keeland book and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed Chase and Reese's relationship-if you are looking for a fun romance, check this one out! 

Grade: 4/5

Stoned

Book: Stoned
Series: Wrecked #1
Author: Mandi Beck


“A rock star with no rhythm is a man with no soul.” – Stone Lockhart
As the lead singer of one of the hottest bands to hit the rock scene, f*cks are free, drugs come easy, and music is life.
For as long as Stone can remember, Willow has been his music – the notes that weave his soul together. His rhythm.
Until he threw her away.
All he has left is a handful of pills and a few lines of powder to make him forget her. And he tries, over and over.
Clean and ready to make things right, he’s faced with the fact that Willow’s moved on. She’s not the same girl he cast aside. Willow’s a woman sure about her purpose in life. Sure about who she’s meant to love.
Stone may be lost without his rhythm, but Willow has found so much more. -Goodreads


Review: This was a free download and I had low expectations. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed this one! Stoned is about Stone Lockhart, a successful and famous musician and his long-time girlfriend, Willow. Together since high school, Willow has stayed by his side despite his downward spiral into drugs and constant cheating. When the book starts, she has finally reached her breaking point and leaves while Stone is in the middle of a tour. When he's done touring, he needs to get his life straight and try to win her back. 

Yes, Willow was a doormat for years so it's hard to think of her as a 'victim' in their whole relationship. But I liked how she tried to move forward with her life and even though there was extremely cheesy language, I thought this was a good romance. I wish there was more 'sexiness' but I will definitely read the next in the series. 

Grade: 3/5

Empire of Storms

Book: Empire of Storms
Series: Throne of Glass #5
Author: Sarah J. Maas


The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?-Goodreads


Review:  I have mixed thoughts on this book but I overall enjoyed it. Oddly enough, my least favorite character is our heroine, Aelin. She continues to be an obnoxious know-it-all who keeps almost everything secret from her 'trusted court.' While her interaction with Darrow did not go as she planned, I actually found myself agreeing with several of the things he was saying (as a side note-I'm still wondering where her military and strategic knowledge has materialized from). I like Rowan and don't mind them together, but too much of the book was spent on their love for each other and I found myself rolling my eyes and skimming these sections. Several of the 'big reveals' about their relationship seemed like de ja vu from A Court of Mist and Fury. 

The MVP's of this book were Lysandra and Manon. Lysandra was simply awesome in this book and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next installment. Manon's story in the first 2/3 of this book was so good I felt like I was strictly reading just so I could get to her sections. Unfortunately, her storyline stalled when she met up with Aelin and too much time was spent on the ridiculous "relationship" with Dorian. Listen, I love romance as much as the next person, but every character does not need to be paired up. Or at least if you are going to pair them up, create some angst. 

Overall-loved Lysandra and Manon, excited for the final book next year. 

Grade: 3/5

Magic Binds

Book: Magic Binds
Series: Kate Daniels #9
Author: Ilona Andrews


Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…

Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…-Goodreads

Review: I don't know how the writing duo that is Ilona Andrews continues to do it-but Magic Binds is another winner in the amazing Kate Daniels series. Seriously people-if you are a fan of urban fantasy, please check out this series. Kate is smart, loyal, funny and all-around awesome. I love her relationship with Curran, Julie and the whole crew. While I love Kate and Curran, my favorite scenes were without question those with her father Roland (filled with magical tension and a dash humor) and Roman. Roman is my favorite secondary character in this series and I remember asking the authors (at a book signing a few years ago) if he would get his own book. While this isn't his own book, I loved every scene with him. Christopher also had some great character development in this installment. I only wish there had been more detail in the final scene with Kate and Roland. Overall, great read!

Grade: 5/5

The Rejected Writers' Book Club

Book: The Rejected Writers' Book Club
Series: Southlea Bay #1
Author: Suzanne Kelman


Librarian Janet Johnson is puzzled when she is invited—and practically dragged—to her first meeting of the Rejected Writers’ Book Club. This quirky group of women would much rather celebrate one another’s rejected manuscripts over cups of tea and slices of lemon cake than actually pueblish a book. But good friends are exactly what Janet needs after moving to the small town of Southlea Bay, Washington. Just as the ladies are about to raise a teacup to their five hundredth rejection letter, they receive bad news that could destroy one member’s reputation—and disband the group forever. To save the club, Janet joins her fellow writers on a wild road trip to San Francisco in search of the local publisher who holds the key to a long-buried secret. As they race to the finish line, they’ll face their fears—landslides, haunted houses, handsome strangers, ungrateful children—and have the time of their lives.-Goodreads


Review: 'The Rejected Writers' Book Club' is an extremely "cutesy" book about a bunch of women who band together over their failed attempts at being published. When the Doris, the leader of the group, receives a letter that she will be published, she's devastated that the group will have to be disbanded. She's also concerned that sensitive information is in the manuscript that could ruin someone's reputation. Enter Janet, the local librarian, who Doris deems a 'book person.' Janet allows Doris to talk to her into a road trip to San Francisco to retrieve the manuscript. 

I found the entire premise of this book to be ridiculous. I understand women banding together over failure. I have a hard time understanding their devastation when one of them actually has success. Janet was a total doormat and allowed Doris to walk all over her. Janet's relationship with her daughter was very odd, the raccoon situation dragged on way too long and I  didn't care to hear about the soap opera. I will say that there were a few funny moments on the road trip. 

Overall-I didn't hate this book, it is extremely "cutesy" and might appeal to an older demographic. 

Grade: 2/5