The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas

The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas

Review

* This book will be released on April 19, 2016.

I think there are two types of thrillers: the type that start out normal and then BAM everything goes to crap or the kind where the insanity has already happened and you are on a journey with the narrator to piece together what happened. This book was the second kind of thriller and was a tad confusing in the beginning trying to figure out names and how they fit with the man character. Even though the book started after the murder had occurred the mystery didn't really pick up for me until about three quarters through the story. The beginning of the book seemed to be a lot like what I had seen of "Making of a Murderer"; the main character was questioning the testimony she gave to put the suspected murderer in jail. Also, the little foreword made me think that this book was based off a true story but I didn't want to look it up and get spoiled. After finishing the book I tried to find out more information on whether or not the story was rooted in fact. I couldn't find anything but I did encounter Kara Thomas's website for the book. I really like how it was set up to look like a local news site that was reporting about the murders. The video-promos on the website for the book were really great and would work really well as a book trailer to encourage people to read the book. 

Despite the slow start the book took an unsuspected turn at this point in the story. I was thrown for a loop trying to figure out how all of the individual crimes fit together. I think the best aspect of this book didn't have to do with the Monster but the mystery of Tessa's missing family. I was a bit worried that the author wouldn't be able to pull it all together in the end but I felt like it was all wrapped up very well. All of the loose ends were closed and all the crimes were solved. The only loose piece that wasn't really explained was the last few lines of the epilogue. I thought that it was really neat that Kara Thomas left that little cliff hanger for the reader. It was pretty obvious how the ending fit in with the rest of the story but that tiny bit of mystery left the haunting feeling at the end of the book.

MY RATING: ***(1/2)

A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

by Sandy Hall

I picked this book up because I just wanted a breezy, cute read to read for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, I finished it in one day, and now have to find another awesomely cute read! This book is so fast paced and I got sucked in to the characters' lives so quickly. I was worried that I wouldn't get to know the characters well enough because it wasn't told from either of their perspectives, but I, just like all the narrators of the story got so invested in Lea and Gabe's relationship. I felt like creative writing teacher, Inga, rooting for them so hard, while at the same time cursing Hillary. I think this is a perfect Valentine's Day read or for an everyday pick-me-up.

SPOILERS...

I have to admit that at first I was doubting the author because I found all the different viewpoints confusing. I just didn't understand how I would be able to read about important milestones in Lea and Gabe's relationship if it was told from everyone except them. I quickly grew to like them however. They kept the story fresh and I liked hearing how invested all of the narrators were. I loved how the bus driver Bob, fantasized about stopping short so that Lea would fall into Gabe's arms. I was a bit confused by the bench narrator but I figured the bench would be where Lea and Gabe had an important conversation (and I was right!). My favorite narrator by far though had to be the squirrel. I was reading this book in bed, and I would randomly shout "squirrel" and read passages so my roommate could hear all of the cute things the squirrel said. One of my favorite squirrel lines had to be when he didn't know what a bagel was, but he hoped it was a kind of nut (lol). By the way, I am also a first year college student so I found a ton of the material in this book to be very relate-able. I also really enjoyed the pop-culture references that were sprinkled throughout the book. Great movies and TV shows like Buffy, Mean Girls, and Teen Wolf were mentioned. I did figure out that Gabe had a hearing issue before it was actually stated it but I love figuring out twists and having them be right almost as much as I love being surprised. 

One of my favorite interactions between Gabe and Lea was when they introduced themselves to each other at midnight breakfast after sitting next to each other for an entire semester. Poor Victor was narrating this scene and he broke up some of the second-hand awkwardness by pretending to stab himself with his fork. The most frustrating part of the novel was when Gabe decided to talk to Hillary to get used to talking to girls. I immediately knew that Lea would be offended. She spent so much time and effort trying to get Gabe to talk to her but he was too shy, but he can just walk up to Hillary and chat. He obviously didn't like her, which was why he was able to talk to her but Lea didn't know that and the rift this caused between them was heartbreaking. Gabe finally got up the nerve to talk to her in the coffee shop and she left when he tried. Despite this, they finally worked all their shyness out and the bench had it's big scene with the two of them...

MY RATING: ****1/2

The Secret to Letting Go by Katherine Fleet

The Secret to Letting Go

by

Katherine Fleet

Synopsis:

One summer can change everything…

Haunted with guilt after his girlfriend’s death, Daniel Hudson has no interest in committing to anyone. At the end of the summer, he’ll be leaving Florida for a new start in college. If only he could avoid the mysterious new girl in town, who seems every bit as naive and eccentric as she looks. Trouble is, she’s hard to ignore, with her beautiful piercing eyes, pitiful-looking dog, and unsettling tendency of finding trouble.

Clover Scott lived her whole life off the grid and arrives on the Gulf coast in search of her grandparents. She never expected to nearly drown, or get caught in a hurricane, or fall in love with the boy who rescues her. Now, she has a chance to rewrite her life’s story, to finally fit in somewhere, but Daniel wants answers about her past. When the police start asking questions about the disappearance of her parents, she must make a choice: go to jail or confess her secrets—even if they might destroy her chance at a happily-ever-after.

Review:

Before reading this book I only briefly scanned the synopsis; reading about the first paragraph before deciding it was something I was interested in reading. I had the idea that this book would be a romantic story of two people overcoming past struggles. Although this is a good description, I was not expecting the darkness in this book. I think it was good for me to start the book without really knowing what it was about because the sudden shifts in the emotion of the book kept me totally engaged. Also, this book plunged right into the story, I didn't have to wait at all to meet either of the main characters. These were character that were so lovable and I really enjoyed that I didn't have to read for awhile before getting to know them. Clover was so awkwardly cute and innocent seeming, while Daniel was completely understanding and always willing to help her. Both characters had problems from their past but the problems didn't directly present themselves in the story. I loved first getting to know the characters and observe their interactions before diving into their grief. Their problems started to present themselves and the book started to take a darker turn but it still had surprisingly adorable scenes that perfectly balanced the grief. One of my favorite parts in the book is when Daniel takes Clover to see her first movie. The fact that she helped clean up the theater after and Daniel let her was the cutest thing ever. Moments like these really balanced the mystery of Clover and Daniel's past so the reader wasn't overwhelmed. I expected Clover's secret to be bad but not as horrible as it was. I felt really horrible about how she blamed herself. She didn't understand society because her "father" had kept her secluded and she felt she had no one to turn to.I liked how Daniel handled the situation and supported Clover. I was also completely surprised and blown away to find out that Mr. Garret was Clover's dad. It was nice to know that she had family besides her grandpa left and that she would be able to count on them in the future. Finding out that Sam was her brother was also a really nice part to that surprise. I like how quickly Sam stepped into the role as older brother; even defending Clover when he saw Daniel kissing Morgan. I really loved the unexpected nature of this book, as well as the romance. The romance was unique because even though Daniel and Clover helped each other start to heal, they finished their journey on their own. They both really were able to understand themselves and the pasts before they started dating again. 

My Rating: ****

Purchase Links:

Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1682810704

Barnes & Noble Buy Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-to-letting-go-kathleen-fleet/1123170247 

Not Okay Cupid by Heidi R. Kling

Not Okay, Cupid Blog Tour Review

by Heidi R. Kling

Synopsis: 

Her wicked revenge, or his wicked heart…

Hazel McCallister loves her life. Perfect grades. Perfect best friend. Perfect boyfriend. Until her perfect boyfriend cheats on her with her perfect best friend. Now Hazel’s in free fall—until her best friend’s brother, Felix, gives her the perfect idea. Reclaim her power by taking revenge on her cheating ex.

Felix James loves his life. Casual relationships. Loads of surfing. He’s as drama-free as they come. But he can’t stand by when his sister steals her best friend’s boyfriend, and the dude insists it was Hazel’s fault. So Felix vows to help turn Hazel into a girl her ex can’t resist—so then she can break his heart.

With an alliance in place, Hazel’s revenge is all but assured. But with each piece of payback, she feels a stronger attraction to Felix, even though revenge will turn her into a girl Felix could never be with. And soon Hazel has to make an impossible choice: revenge…or Felix, the boy who’s stolen her heart.

WARNING! This book contains betrayal, revenge, and that most tempting vice of all, the bad boy you know you can’t have.

Review:
This book can pretty much be summed up by its cover. It is a cute, bubbly, romantic comedy in book form. It was pretty predictable (true rom-com fashion) but that is exactly what I want when reading these types of books. I can't think of much else non-spoiler things to say besides the fact that it is adorable.

Spoilers...

First off I would like to address Hazel's original relationship with Jay. It was a classic rom-com toxic romance. Jay sounded like a complete tool; counting his calories and only wearing pastel, frat boy outfits. Also both Jay and Hazel were in the relationship because it was easy; Hazel didn't even enjoy kissing Jay. I think that these obvious faults in their relationship made Hazel's quick feelings for Felix more believable. She never truly had any chemistry or feelings for Jay so it was believable that she moved on so quickly.

The romance between Felix and Hazel was also a pretty typical trope for this type of novel but it was still enjoyable. They started their fake relationship in order to get back at Hazel's boyfriend (classic set-up for the girl to fall in love with the fake boyfriend).  Even though Felix is said to be the "bad boy" he never really seemed that way in the book. He was always bantering with Hazel and even though they weren't really dating he opened up to her. He even named his sweet potato dipping sauce after her for the Valentine's day menu at the diner. My favorite scene from the book though is when Hazel is texting Felix and he says he is trying to avoid a collision right before he runs into her. Then they banter and Hazel play punches Felix and he tells her she shouldn't punch him because he isn't a shark. This is obviously an inside joke and I thought it was the cutest conversation they had in the book. I think I smiled throughout this whole book and I might have even giggled once or twice.

MY RATING: ***.75

Purchase Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27840786-not-okay-cupid 
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Not-Okay-Cupid-Heidi-Kling-ebook/dp/B01828N3JG 
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/not-okay-cupid-heidi-r-kling/1122956723

Top 10 Reads of 2015

Hey guys! It's  almost a week into 2016 so I figured I better make my list of the top 10 books I read last year. These really aren't in any particular order because I have a hard time comparing genres because some (like romance) are purely entertaining and others (fantasy) take more time to fall in love with the world.

... DRUM-ROLL...

10. Winter by Marissa Meyer
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. The month before t was released I reread the first three books so that I could essentially marathon the series because I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing any details. I was not dissapointed at all. I pretty much loved how everything wrapped up and I have to say that this is a series finale to rival a Cassandra Clare finale.

9. Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
This is probably one of the best purely romantic books I have read. I loved the interesting point of view that Archer provided being that he is a mute. I had read books from the perspective a a deaf protagonist and I found this equally eye-opening. I also loved the angst (lol). I listened to this on audiobook and I would listen to it in the car on my way to work or school. There were times when I would just sit in my car until the last possible second and then think about it the whole time I was working because something angsty had happened.

8. Confess by Colleen Hoover
As long as Colleen keeps writing books she will probably always have a place in my top ten of the year. She released two books this year and I absolutely loved them both but I chose Confess to be in my top ten because of the unique art she included. I fell in love with Danny O'Connor's work as well as the characters in the novel. Her books always have a "punch in the gut" moment that just makes you want to curl in a ball but keep reading at the same time. Of course I cried while reading this...

7. The Martian by Andy Weir
It may seem odd but despite my love of reading and literature, I am going to school to be an engineer. This book appealed to both sides of me and I really enjoyed how the author merged science with extreme wit and humor. Also the movie was fantastic (one of the best book to movie adaptations).

6. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
I really enjoyed the rawness of this novel and the historic accuracy Diana portrayed. I loved the story despite the slow beginning and I really enjoyed the first season of the TV show adaptation. Unfortunately I am intimidated by the size of the rest of the series and I have heard it is still slow moving. Please comment to offer encouragement to continue on.

5. Saga by Brian K. Vaughn
This year was my first venture into graphic novels. This is my favorite I have read so far, although I have only read the first two in the series. I like the art and how the daughter is narrating from the future and the omniscience her perspective provides.

4. Winger by Andrew Smith
This book was one of the most surprising for me this year. I just expected a contemporary novel about a boy at boarding school. I thought that was all it was until the last little bit where I was completely blown away by the ending. I haven't read the companion novel yet but I hope to in 2016.

3. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
I was hesitant about this book because of the hype but I really did end up enjoying this debut novel. I am thrilled to hear that it is not a stand alone like it was advertised and I can't wait for the sequel. (Is it going to be a movie too?)

2. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
This was one of the many verrrryyy long fantasy novels I read this year. I loved its uniqueness and the ambiguity of the characters. Also the magic system, is one of the most interesting and powerful of any fantasy novel.

This is the only book that is intentionally ranked because it was hands down my favorite book of the year. And maybe my favorite book of all time.
**1.** All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This year I really developed a liking for historical fiction mostly because of PeruseProject's constant compliment for the genre and because of this book. I LOVED the way this book painted the picture of the historical events and the way I could literally see the story before my eyes. Most of the time I have a vague image and only a movie/TV show solidifies how I see the story but this book painted the picture before me. It had so many character perspectives, narrative styles, and timelines, but it worked so well! It was like watching a movie (I'm pretty sure there was even music playing in my head while I read it) and I really hope it could be turned into an awesome movie.

Naked and Far From Home by J.P. Grider

Naked and Far From Home 

YAReads Blog Tour 

Synopsis:

Tia Mercury was a freshman in high school and had her first serious crush – on a senior who wouldn’t touch her. At least not until she turned eighteen.

Clinton Daniels was not your everyday teenage boy, and because his tougher-than-nails father wouldn’t let him forget it, Clinton became a loner. And learned to distrust everyone.

Until he met Tia.

She was sweet, she was funny, and she knew nothing about good music. It was the nineteen-eighties for goodness sake – time to turn off that AM radio crap. So, while Tia drooled over Clinton, he was busy making her mix-tapes.

She was falling in love. He was ignoring his heart.

See, Clinton had a secret. But sharing it could cost him their friendship, and he was not willing to risk losing the only person he ever loved.

Naked and Far from Home is a serious story that spans a decade. A tale about unconditional love and what two people are willing to look past to prove that love.      

My Review:

This book had the most unusual love story I have ever read. It was very complicated and confusing but I think I understand what the author was trying to get across: love isn't always simple and it isn't as straightforward as we would think. I would recommend this book to people who enjoyed Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe  by Benjamin Alire Saenz. I thought the overall plot was twisted (all over the place) but I found some of the twists to be entertaining or surprising. I also found the love story surprising but I had my issues with that as well. Overall it was a very fast paced read (I finished it in one day) and it kept me reading, though not always for the most positive reasons.

Spoilers...

The twists that I found to be appropriate and believable were her mom's sickness and the reveal of her father's identity. The fact that her "father" that left her wasn't her biological father was probably my favorite twist of the novel. It was surprising but also explained why her dad left her mother. I also really liked the scene where she met her half brother. It was cute and I liked how their relationship changed throughout the book.      

That being said one of the issues I had with Tia and Clinton's relationship stemmed from her half brother. I found it sort of weird that after Tia died Clinton started dating and eventually marrying Tia's half brother. I didn't completely understand Clinton's sexual orientation (which I think is part of the book, the idea that you can't label how he feels) but I still couldn't completely condone his relationship with Tia's brother after she died. I like that her brother helped Clinton through her death and with the child but I know that I wouldn't want my husband marrying any of my siblings after I died. It wasn't the fact that it was her brother, it was just that it was her sibling. 

My last problem with Clinton and Tia's relationship had to do with Clinton's drinking problem. I didn't like it at all that he would drink and then drive Tia home. It is one thing to risk your own life but to risk the life of someone you claim to love is something else. He knew he was drunk but he still made the choice to drive her home multiple times. This was the only part of the book that really made me dislike Clinton.

MY RATING: ***

Interested in buying the book?

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Naked+and+Far+from+Home

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26232441-naked-and-far-from-home         

                              

                                                                                                 

Dreamscape: Saving Alex

**Synopsis**

Sixteen-year-old Alexis Stone is used to getting away from life’s frustration with Dreamscape, a video game she’s loved since childhood. As her family prepares to move, a sleepy night of gaming pulls her into the world like never before. Trapped in Dreamscape’s realm, Alex is about to learn that being a hero has consequences… and this time, the stakes are deadly. Will helping the rebellion cost her everything she knows and loves? Or will she betray them to save her own life?

So today is the day that I review this amazing book! This was the first blog tour that I have ever participated in and I am beyond pumped to be a part of this experience. I am also thrilled that my first blog tour is dealing with a book that I really enjoyed. Since starting college I have read maybe three books... in the three months! I have been in a huge reading slump and have abandoned many books or it has taken me almost a month to finish. This book drew me in right off the bat and I finished it in two days. Every chance I got, in between classes and studying, I found myself going back to this book. I stayed up way too late in order to finish it and went to class the next day a little tired.  I thought this book was quite original and very fast paced. I would probably recommend it to people who enjoy gaming in general or enjoyed reading Ready Player One by Earnest Cline. This review will contain spoilers so if you are interested in reading the book just know that I loved it and go read it yourself before reading this review.

When I started this book I was a bit skeptical because I am not a gamer and I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it as much as someone who liked video-games would. However, I found the video-game aspects very accessible and I really liked how they were incorporated into Alex's adventure, I liked how the fireworks that went off at the end of every level, were represented by the rebellion celebrating the queen. I also like how the little coin chests the character collects throughout the game, were actually rebellion money hidden to use for supplies. I thought both  of these elements of the game were translated well into the real life fantasy world that Alex was sucked into. One translation that I didn't quite get was the theme song of the game. When Alex was first sucked it it seemed like the music was always playing, with no source of origin. After that it wasn't mentioned except when birds sang the same melody. I just didn't understand how the song came into play and I wish there had been a more definitive representation of the song in the world.

Besides this one minor flaw I really did love the adaptation of the game into the world. The characters were also very interesting. I immediately loved Arrow and his sarcastic banter with Alex. I enjoyed their relationship and was rooting for Alex to just give in the entire book. When Melody was first introduced, I instantly became defensive for Alex until I found out that Melody was Arrow's cousin. I loved how affectionate and adorable Alex and Arrow's relationship became after Alex finally gave in. That being said, I was completely crushed when there wasn't another way for Alex to get back into the Dreamscape realm. It was kind of hinted at in the beginning that the luminescence powder was what brought her to Dreamscape. I was hoping that in the end she would be able to take some powder back with her so she could return to help rebuild the realm and visit Arrow. I'm not sure if this book is written to have a sequel, but I think it should because I am dying for Alex to be reunited with Arrow. They were so cheesy and adorable and I couldn't stop reading this story and I just don't want it to be over!

One last thing that I wish could have been touched on in the end was Pipes and Deakon. I enjoyed their characters when they were first introduced and I was hoping to find out if they survived after helping Alex. Also, after finding out about Melody and Pipes I wanted them to be reunited and have a chance together after the king was killed. Despite those few hiccups in the plot, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I wish there was a sequel because I would buy it today so I could start reading it tomorrow.

As a final note, I would like to thank YaReads BlogTours for including me in this wonderful event and Kirstin Pulioff for sending me a beautiful copy of her book.

MY RATING: ****

**Purchase Links**
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dreamscape-Saving-Alex-Kirstin-Pulioff-ebook/dp/B00W0MRM8E