Contemporary · Romance · Young, New adult/College

Under Locke – Mariana Zapata

20613920| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: He was my boss, my brother’s friend, a Widower, an ex-felon, and a man I’d seen casually with a handful of women. But he was everything that gripped me, both the good and the bad. Worst case scenario if things turned awkward between us, I could go somewhere else. I’d gotten over epic heartbreak before, one more wouldn’t kill me.

After moving to Austin following six months of unemployment back home, Iris Taylor knows she should be glad to have landed a job so quickly… even if the business is owned by a member of the same motorcycle club her estranged father used to belong to. Except Dex Locke might just be the biggest jerk she’s ever met. He’s rude, impatient and doesn’t know how to tell time. And the last thing they ever expected was each other.
But it was either the strip club or the tattoo shop.

… she should have chosen the strip club.

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My thoughts: Mariana is one of my favorite authors with her unique writing style and thoughtful plots. And even though I often find it a delight reading her books, I can’t say that it I fell for Under Locke. In my opinion, of those book I have read so far, this is certainly the weakest one. I can see how she tried to achieve some strong, kick ass characters but it fell flat on so many levels.

My biggest problem was really Iris and that she certainly is not an character easy to love. She prides herself with not holding grudges, but like 60% of the books is constant nagging about what a dick one character is, what an asshole another are and it goes on and on and on. I can’t stand that type of self-pity and it drives me nuts that she sounds like a broken record. She is almost 25 years old but often acts like 15. Yeah I know she have had a hard life and so on, but then you would expect a more mature woman.

The plot is pretty straight forward. Woman has troubles with finding job, finds a job working for an asshole. Female fall in love with asshole and lo and behold, he is not an asshole after all. Just a man with many layers. Unfortunately those layers was not as deep as expected.

Overall it is a good book. It is quite entertaining and so on but so much dwelling is annoying to read. This book will not change my opinion regarding Mariana Zapata. I see it as a bad day, everyone has one and this book is just one of Mariana Zapatas bad days. Still okay but not as good as I know it can be.

Contemporary · Romance · Sports/Games · Young, New adult/College

The Goal – Elle Kennedy

28262024| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: She’s good at achieving her goals…

College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.

But the game just got a whole lot more complicated…

Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.

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My thoughts:I liked but I didn’t love it. Short, sweet but I wasn’t really feeling it. Okay, I will give you that it is a nice story and as always filled with some really nice characters and a believable plot. But the way it was built and the slowness of it, didn’t do much for me this time.

I like Sabrina. She is a tough cookie. She is just so set on the goal of her life and doesn’t handle stuff well outside of that goal plan and some of her personality traits just rubs me the wrong way.  It is Tucker who does the whole story. Maybe because I already loved him before I started reading this one. And off course how am I not supposed to love him? He is just such a great man. Kennedy really has a gift with writing characters that does not feel needy or unrealistic.

I did enjoy it and it was nice to read something simpler since I have trouble with keeping my head in the reading mode right now. Note to self: Finnish one series before starting another written by Kennedy. That way you wont risk any spoilers on some certain details. 😉 Just saying.

Everyday things

Top 5 Romantic books you should read!

♥ Can you feel the love in the air? ♥

Valentines day is tomorrow and even though that is nothing I and Hubby celebrate, it does bring some more lovey dovey feelings out and the need for romance books are a little stronger than usual. It is not often I read clean romance books, since I like to mix in some suspense. But here I have tried to pick out my top five romantic stand alones, I believe in my opinion everyone should have read.

 

Preacher – Dahlia West
This one took me by total surprise back in 2017 when I read it. With 2234 ratings and an average of 4.20, I believe this one need some extra love. It is actually the first book in an series if we are going to believe Goodreads. But West has not yet given any indications that she is working on a second book. It was first time published back in 2015 and is about a broken man, left for dead, finding new purpose of life in one of my favorite strong female characters. It is just a great story that I need to put on my reread list.

The Hating Game – Sally Thorne
I read The Hating Game only because of the serious hype in the bookish community. In the end I’m really glad that I did even though I feel it’s a little more of an chick flick than I would have liked. It is about two work rivals who hate each outer, becoming friends through hilarious happenings and then more. With 66 031 ratings and an average of 4.22 this is an perfect book for a week like this. Specially if you are single but still dreaming of that one and only perfect guy.

The Rosie Project – Graeme Simsion
I love The Rosie Project. Such a great book with a funny story. There is not often I laugh out loud as much as I did to this one. It’s actually a series but I do not feel the sequel is worth this one, so lets just ignore it. With 368 987 and an average rating of 4.01 this is the book you should read if anyone. It’s about an man who is different from everyone else, who like his life neet, clean and in order. He meets Rosie who is a complete opposite from himself and he agree to help her with finding out a truth about her history. Just hilarious.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
I wanted to recommend a little more historical type of romance to. This one is also specially because it is only written in letters. It is between a woman and some characters she corresponds with in a post second war period. It’s a great work of art and wonderful read. Also became a movie, who I yet have not seen. 509 190 ratings with an average of 4.15.

Wait for it – Mariana Zapata
This was the second book by Zapata I read but the first who made me fall in love with her. It is about a woman, caring for her sisters (if I remember correctly) children, just trying to keep it all in control when the neighbor comes and stirs her day to day life. A great story about grief, sorrow, love, happiness and the will to live. 29 037 ratings on Goodreads and an average of 4.24 this is one of my all time favorite books.

♥ Have you read these? What you think? ♥

Contemporary · Romance · Young, New adult/College

Leah on the off beat – Becky Albertalli

31180248.jpg| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: Leah Burke—girl-band drummer, master of deadpan, and Simon Spier’s best friend from the award-winning Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda—takes center stage in this novel of first love and senior-year angst.

When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat—but real life isn’t always so rhythmic. An anomaly in her friend group, she’s the only child of a young, single mom, and her life is decidedly less privileged. She loves to draw but is too self-conscious to show it. And even though her mom knows she’s bisexual, she hasn’t mustered the courage to tell her friends—not even her openly gay BFF, Simon.

So Leah really doesn’t know what to do when her rock-solid friend group starts to fracture in unexpected ways. With prom and college on the horizon, tensions are running high. It’s hard for Leah to strike the right note while the people she loves are fighting—especially when she realizes she might love one of them more than she ever intended.

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My thoughts: I didn’t like Leah in the first book, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, but I did like Simon and Albertallis way of writing that I wanted to give Leah a shot. However, I still do not like Leah and now I’m leaning to actually hating her. There is not that often characters bug the hell out of me like Leah did. And there is a lot more about the book that I don’t like.

Leah is a bitter, angry, mean, infuriating and unreasonable character who feels sorry for herself and taking it out on others who certainly do not deserve it. I really tried to understand Leah. I really did and to some degree I actually succeeded. Me too have been a teenager with all that it means. So yeah, I do understand, but there is limits to what I feel is acceptable and there was a lot about Leah that I did not accept or even liked.

And the story itself fell kind of flat. There was nothing I liked. No I do not wish to talk about this book anymore. It is just making me mad.

 

Fantasy/Paranormal · Romance · Young, New adult/College

A court of frost and starlight – Sarah J. Maas

31076583| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: Hope warms the coldest night.

Feyre, Rhys, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve.

Yet even the festive atmosphere can’t keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated–scars that will have far-reaching impact on the future of their Court.

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My thoughts: Can you love a couple of characters as much as I love Feyre and Rhysand? O my god how wonderful they are. This is the book about just after the war. Wounds need to heal and order need to be restored. It is powerful, wonderful, happy yet so sad that it breaks your heart. And it gives you a sneak peek on what will come in the future. Because yes, there will be more books in the Court of Thorns and Roses series and o my, I can hardly wait.

It is as good as you would expect. The writing is still the same and Maas is still the queen. I wouldn’t say that the book is especially exciting or anything like that. Not really that much happen, but it is a closure for the old and a beginning for something new. Perfect little middle book while you are waiting for the next one. Oh I hope it comes soon.

This is so far the best series I have read this year. Yes it is that good. All of the books. Two received five star and two received four star. Wish to read more? Her you have my other review.

A court of thorns and roses
A court of mist and fury
A court of wings and ruin

Everyday things

Faire un voyage

bonvoyageI’m going on a vacation and will not be able to write any reviews in that period. But I will still read and when I’m back, hopefully I have lots and lots of books to review. (Probably not but hey, I can dream.)

A fun thing however is that I’m going book shopping while there, so I probably will have a little book haul to share with you. Wish to follow me on my travel? Take a look at my Instagram.

Fantasy/Paranormal · Fiction/Science Fiction · Graphic Novels/Comics · Young, New adult/College

Nimona – Noelle Stevenson

23131087.jpg| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism!

Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are.

But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona’s powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.

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My thoughts: It was a cute story. I do however not feel that I’m experienced enough in the genre to give an equitable review. I do not know what is common among comics and what is not. So I will instead write about how I perceived it. Just my point of view as an graphic novel/comics virgin.

comics.JPGFirst off, it was a great art work. I love how simple, yet elaborate the drawings are. She really choose her colors perfectly and I must say that I enjoyed the color shifts that were depending on who of the characters you were following at the time. I took a picture of a page where you clearly can see the differences and since I had a little trouble with the fast shift in subjects, characters and environment, it did really help me.

I think however I missed the point of the story. Or there is no point. Or there is a hiding meaning, but I’m just too dense to understand it. Either way, I do not fully understand the ending and it felt somewhat undone. Like it will come more books about Nimona, but still it was so satisfying that I do not feel the need to read more.

Either way, I’m happy that I have read it. Will probably do it again in the future after I have gain some more experience to see what my thoughts will be then. That is always interesting.

Fantasy/Paranormal · Romance · Young, New adult/College

A court of wings and ruin – Sarah J. Maas

23766634.jpg| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit – and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords – and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

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My thoughts: I have gone on a total Sarah J. Maas binge and did finish the third book last Friday. This was such a great series. I still have A court of frost and starlight to read and there is rumoured to be released at least 3 more books but I don’t have much more information than that to give. I do believe that the next books to come is about some of the biggest characters around the main ones, judging by how this one ended. And it did end in a satisfying way in my opinion.

I didn’t find it to be just as good as the second one and a little lower than the first one. Still a solid four in rating. I think it is the wars fault. The book is a lot darker in every aspect than the first two books and there was some long patches with not that much happening. The war was a huge and overwhelming plot which frustrated and didn’t quite make sense some of the times. The worst part was that after 300 + pages about the war, it was just boring. Well, at least until I had like 100 pages left of the book. Then the shit hit the fan and I constantly worried that it would end badly. But what a ride.

I really like Maas way or writing. It is easy on the eyes, simple to understand and doesn’t make a book on 700 pages seem long and overwhelming. However I do have to say that I did find her way of using the words this time somewhat repetitive. Like the words mate and dream kept being mentioned all the time. I actually read a review where a reader had counted how many times the word “mate” is mentioned in the book and if I do recall correctly it is over 200 times. I do agree that, that is to excessive use of the word. But other than that, the writing is as I’m now associates with a book by Maas.

To judge this book and this series in one way I would have to say that this is the best series I have read so far this year and would highly recommend for everyone who has not yet read it.

Contemporary · Romance · Young, New adult/College

Four letter word – J. Daniels

28963772.jpg| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: Fate. Hate. Love. Lies.

Which four letter word will change their lives forever?

Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words “wrong number” in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend’s heart but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line.

Brian Savage is living a life he’s quickly come to hate-until Sydney’s wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past . . .

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My thoughts: Cute story. Great build up and sweet characters, a little long and slow some parts and somewhat predictable but cute non the less. I wouldn’t say I love it but can’t say I hate it either. Until like 50% in the book I really enjoyed it. I adored the sexual tension banter between some of the main characters, the easy atmosphere and the interesting sensation it created. There is some depth to the story and layers to the characters that I found intriguing to peal of.

After the 50% however the pace started to halter and nothing really happened. One could anticipate what would happened and how it would go and it was kind of boring, reading + 100 pages and just waiting for it to kick off so something would change the mush that kept going on and on. Nothing surprising in the whole ordeal when it finally happened, but it was still nice and I liked the way they resolved the situation.

A little part in the end surprised me though and it was nothing I had foreseen. I feel it matched the plot perfectly and I would probably not have found the book as great without it. It gave some of the soul back to it.

The writing is somewhat long and not easy for the eye, but nothing I thought much about after I got used to it. It did however make it a little harder for me to connect with the book in the beginning and may be a reason for the slowness in the middle of the book.

Contemporary · Romance · Sports/Games · Young, New adult/College

The Wall Of Winnipeg And Me – Mariana Zapata

29367958.jpg| GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ |

Goodreads synopsis: Vanessa Mazur knows she’s doing the right thing. She shouldn’t feel bad for quitting. Being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization was always supposed to be temporary. She has plans and none of them include washing extra-large underwear longer than necessary.

But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she’s beyond shocked.

For two years, the man known as The Wall of Winnipeg couldn’t find it in him to tell her good morning or congratulate her on her birthday. Now? He’s asking for the unthinkable.

What do you say to the man who is used to getting everything he wants?

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My thoughts: I have had like three books by Mariana Zapata in my electronic library for ever and when I finally read this, I certainly do not regret it. I dont know why I hesitated so to read her books. This one for example has an 4,34 in average rating and over 30.000 people have rated it and there is over 3000 reviews on the book. It should say something. But after my experience I do not often like the stuff that “everybody else loves”. But I did love this one. Not 5 star loved it but still loved. And I shall explain why.

First of, the book is on like 700 pages, but that I hardly noticed because the story captured me from the beginning. I love the characters and the dynamic in the book. I love the fast, funny banter between them and how it all just evolves. I love the up and downs and I specially love the female character Vanessa. That is a girl with skin on here nose and when you think on here childhood and the person she has evolved till, you cant stop loving her even more. Aiden however is so silent and closed for the major part of the book that its hard to get to know him, but also he is a great characters and you will see that as soon you get to know him.

The reason the book not got a full pot is because it was kind of slow. Not boring slow really, but still slow. Some things could have happen a lot sooner and some stuff should have been said earlier. Due to this it made me not get that 100% connection with the book that I need to have to be able to give a five star review. But the book is pretty damn close and I certainly will be reading more from her.