Book Review: Should've Been a Cowyboy

Smutty Saturdays!

 Book Smut Level is: MEDIUM ;)

By: Vicki Lewis Thompson

Series: Sons of Chance #4
Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date:  May 24, 2011
Pages: 224
Source: Netgalley

Party organizer Tyler O'Connelli is on the fast track to her dream career. She's so close she can almost taste it. But when she returns to her family and sees her one-night stand, Alex Keller, all done up in his cowboy gear, her self-control is stretched to the breaking point….

They're worlds apart. She's a busy career girl, and Alex is a cowboy. But while getting together might not bode well for anything long-term, it more than makes up for it in sheer hot chemistry! Problem is, this is one wrangler she might want to get tied down—and tied up—to…indefinitely!

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I have been wanting to read a good cowboy book for a while now, and unfortunately this book did not do it for me. I loved the setting and the family life style of the ranch in the book, and maybe if I had read the other books in the series I would have enjoyed it more, but as is I I wanted MORE!

I thought it was a little too fast paced, very little romance, and awkwardly realistic? What do I mean by that? The sex scenes, while steamy and hot, where at first a little awkward in that there was fumbling and movement to get into the right place... I don't know how to describe, but it just didn't do it for me.

There where some hot points and the family was a huge plus, which I was I kept reading, but I am not sure I would read the other books in the series. Also, wanted more cowboy sexiness if possible!

My Review in a Tweet: 
For fans of quick, realistic, sexy reads I would recommend this book, however it fell flat to me in the sexy cowboy department.

Ratings:

Plot: 2/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 3/5

Buy the book here!
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Book Review : The Vespertine

Book: The Vespertine
Author: Saundra Mitchell

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Date Published: March 7, 2011
Pages: 293
Source: Galley
Date Read: May 7, 2011

It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I am a fan of historical romantic fiction, so I expected to really like this book. I didn't. Don't get me wrong, the premise was intriguing and the male lead was -like all good male leads- swoon-worthy, but I just didn't click with it.

This is going to sound a lot like complaining, but first I will tell you the things I didn't like:

1. the old style writing - this usually doesn't bother me but mixed in with the paranormal (or is mythical?) aspects, I didn't know what was up and what as as down, what was real and what wasn't. I had to reread a lot of parts over and over again.
2. Chapter 1 is really like a prologue, and then I realized that its jumping from past to present. Combined with what I wrote as #1, this led to more confusion.
3. Very slow to pick up, I swear I almost dropped (stopped reading) the book like three times before things finally started happening.

What might have saved the book:

1. The last 1/4 of the book picked up quickly and the plot thickened as you would say and that is when I finally got hooked into the story.
2. Nathaniel - so intriguing and dark, and he has special gifts!

 Throughout the book there where many things I liked as well, but I feel like my confusion didn't allow me to love the book as I should. With such a different background and the historical aspect this should have been a Epic read for me, instead it just good. Still I probably will pick up the sequel, though I won't be knocking down doors to get it.

Ratings:

Plot: 3/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 4/5

Similar Titles:
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Memorable Quotes:

Book Review : Tender Loving Care

Book: Tender Loving Care
Author: Jennifer Greene

Publisher: Carina Press
Date Published: March 16, 2011
Pages: -
Source: NetGalley
Date Read: May 28, 2011

When tragedy strikes, Zoe Anderson finds herself in the one role she never expected to have: mother. Sharing guardianship of four-year-old twins with sexy Rafe Kirkland is a responsibility she simply cannot accept. Rafe is just going to have to take care of the boys himself.
Rafe's not prepared to be a single parent either, but deserting the children is not an option—and he's never been as attracted to a woman as he is to their godmother. He proposes a solution: Zoe and the boys will move in with him, at least until other arrangements can be made. Or until he can convince her to make their temporary family permanent.
Zoe reluctantly agrees to the plan, but even after she loses her heart to the twins, she can't possibly take that emotional risk with Rafe…

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

This was nothing like I thought it would be. I was sort of thinking something along the lines of that movie with Katherine Hiegl, Life as We Know It, and while the plot was similar, the writing just didn't sell it to me. One, it moves very fast. Its a shorter novel, which usually doesn't bother me, but when you are dealing which such an interesting topic as this, I was expecting some hijinks and funny situations that would throw the characters together.

Second, the book was just odd. The four year olds sounded like 12 year olds. The girl (can;t even remember her name now) had an interesting back story that wasn't developed the way I hoped it would be. And the death was hardly mentioned. Also, the spanking scene, just ugh.

The one redeeming part of the story was Rafe. Rugged and charming, who wouldn't fall in love with this volcanic personality. However, other than that everything just fell flat.

Ratings:

Plot: 2/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 4/5

Book Rivals: Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood and The Lipstick Laws

Book Rivals:

Two Books. Similar Stories. One Winner.

This if the first post in a new feature I am creating. Lately, I have been feeling the similar styles of many books, and without meaning to I always chose a winner. I know its not a competition and each book stands on its own merit, but I still have one I like more than the other. This month I read two great books about mean girls. They both have similar themes of vengeance and being the bigger person. Here are my reviews...

Book One:

Book: Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood
Author: Eileen Cook

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Date Published: December 26, 2009
Pages: 272
Source: Library
Date Read: April 25, 2011

Popularity is the best revenge.

In the final weeks of eighth grade, Lauren Wood made a choice. She betrayed her best friend, Helen, in a manner so publicly humiliating that Helen had to move to a new town just to save face.

Ditching Helen was worth it, though, because Lauren started high school as one of the It Girls--and now, at the start of her senior year, she's the cheerleading captain, the quarterback's girlfriend, and the undisputed queen bee. Lauren has everything she's ever wanted, and she has forgotten all about her ex-best friend.

But Helen could never forget Lauren. After three years of obsessing, she's moving back to her old town. She has a new name and a new look, but she hasn’t dropped her old grudges. She has a detailed plan to bring down her former BFF by taking away everything that's ever been important to Lauren—starting with her boyfriend.

Watch out, Lauren Wood. Things are about to get bitchy.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I am a big fan of Eileen Cook's work. She has a great writing style and her books are laugh out loud funny. However, I am really glad I got this book from the library and didn't buy it. Not to say this book wasn't funny or it was bad writing, I just didn't connect to the characters like I did with her other books.

The plot was interesting, but it didn't have anything new to add. Take Mean Girls and make it into a book and you got Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood.... the lesson being that become like someone to take them down makes you no better than they are.

The one thing I really liked was the geeky new BFF Brenda. She was smart and funny and knew who she was. And Christopher sounds hot, but I would have liked to see more dimensions to him.

I didn't like the ending either. It came together too quick and neatly, and Lauren was the same bitch she was in the beginning. Not that every story about a mean girl must have a transformation or enlightenment, but I just wasn't satisfied. Overall it was a funny read, but that is about it.

Please check out Eileen's other books: What would Emma do? and The Education of Hailey Kendricks. Those where funny complete stories with amazing main characters.

Book Two:

Book: The Lipstick Laws
Author: Amy Holder

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Date Published: April 4, 2011
Pages: 243
Source: Netgalley
Date Read: May 16, 2011

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her.   For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity.   But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay?

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

This book had me on a roller coaster. One minute I was really feeling it and the next I was so over it. I was even tempted to stop reading it altogether a couple of times, but I kept going because of the Amy's writing. She has a great sense of writing style, and while this book felt 'younger' the words weren't. I mean the first couple of paragraphs had me cracking up.

I really liked April, and while I did have some issues with her (similar to above... aka good girl becoming mean girl to defeat original mean girl), I felt like April always knew what she was doing was wrong. Also, she never believed Britney was that great of a person when she became friends with her, she was just lonely and I could totally understand that. I was lucky enough that I never had to go through the first day (or year) of high school without friends, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

And Britney really is the typical mean girl. She is nasty and cruel and as self absorbed as ever. And she advocates shallow things, like not gaining weight by not eating , though this next line made me laugh:

Remember, a growling stomach is just a round of applause for a job well done!

The story moves really quickly and things fall apart for April in the first third of the book. Its your typical revenge/nemesis story, with a love interest of course, but I did find it lacking a little in the love side and the way it was set-up. Overall, I still enjoyed the story and think April is a realistic character, smart and funny, and no matter what I don't ever really think she questions that. She is more self-assured than she ever realized.

A great story about finding out who your true friends are and being a better person than those that try to bring you down.

Ratings:

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood

Plot: 2/5

Writing Style: 4/5

Uniqueness: 2/5

Characters: 3/5

The Lipstick Laws

Plot: 2/5

Writing Style: 4/5

Uniqueness: 2/5

Characters: 3/5

Similar Titles:

Review: Ten Miles Past Normal

Book: Ten Miles Past Normal
Author:  Frances O'Roark Dowell
Publisher: Atheneum
Release Date: 3/22/11
Pages: 256
Source: ARC
Date Read: 2/21/11

Summary:

Janie Gorman wants to be normal. The problem with that: she’s not. She’s smart and creative and a little bit funky. She’s also an unwilling player in her parents’ modern-hippy, let’s-live-on-a-goat-farm experiment (regretfully, instigated by a younger, much more enthusiastic Janie). This, to put it simply, is not helping Janie reach that “normal target.” She has to milk goats every day…and endure her mother’s pseudo celebrity in the homemade-life, crunchy mom blogosphere. Goodbye the days of frozen lasagna and suburban living, hello crazy long bus ride to high school and total isolation--and hovering embarrassments of all kinds. The fresh baked bread is good…the threat of homemade jeans, not so much. It would be nice to go back to that old suburban life…or some grown up, high school version of it, complete with nice, normal boyfriends who wear crew neck sweaters and like social studies. 

So, what’s wrong with normal? Well, kind of everything. She knows that, of course, why else would she learn bass and join Jam Band, how else would she know to idolize infamous wild-child and high school senior Emma (her best friend Sarah’s older sister), why else would she get arrested while doing a school project on a local freedom school (jail was not part of the assignment). And, why else would she kind of be falling in "like" with a boy named Monster—yes, that is his real name. Janie was going for normal, but she missed her mark by about ten miles…and we mean that as a compliment. Frances O’Roark Dowell’s fierce humor and keen eye make her YA debut literary and wise. 

In the spirit of John Green and E. Lockhart, Dowell’s relatable, quirky characters and clever, fluid writing prove that growing up gets complicated…and normal is WAY overrated.

Yani's Analysis:
All Janie wants is to be a normal teenager. It is a couple of days into freshman year and she is already known  as the girl that walked around with hay in her hair. Why did her 10 year old self ever think that living on a farm was a good idea?Ten Miles part normal is a book about growing up and fitting in. While other books I have read to live in a fantasy, this book was like returning to my past, minus the farm. I was an insecure freshman once, too.

Janie loves the farm, but lets other's opinion dictate how she feels. Whats funny is she wants to be normal, but her role model is one of those rebellious against the grain types. I don't think Janie realizes she doesn't want to be normal, she wants to be noticed.

A cute story about growing up and learning to be yourself, Janie takes my back to my high school years. This isn't my usual type of book... a little too young and way to country for a twenty-something city girl like me... but I think people will appreciate this book and enjoy reading Janie's journey.

Ratings:

Plot: 3/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 3/5

Similar Titles:

Other Memorable Quotes:

"...wondering why some people could totally be themselves and still be accepted by everyone, while other people- people who did everything in the world to fit in - were shunned like the runts of the litter."

Review: Head Games

Book: Head Games (Pretty Tough #3)

Author: Keri Mikulski

Publisher: Penguin Books

Release Date: 1/6/2011

Pages: 284

Source: Own

Date Read: 2/1/2011

From Amazon:

Taylor is calm, cool, collected, and ferocious on the basketball court. A total all-star. Not so much in real life. She may be tall, gorgeous, and an incredible catch, but just try telling her that!

And lately, Taylor doesn't know which way to turn: The summer showcase game is almost here. Her BFF Hannah roped her into a fashion show (eek!). And she can't decide between Zach - the super-popular, super-tall, super-off-limits basketball dynamo and Matt - the sweet boy from her math class (who may just be dating her BFF's older sister). It's enough to make any girl's head spin!

Can Taylor strike a pose, land the boy of her dreams, and win the game?

Yani's Analysis:

First, I have to say I loved the first two in the Pretty Tough series. They are about sporty girls, who are still popular and cute, that get the guy. The series doesn’t have to be read in order, because the books can be standalone books, but some of the characters do make cameos in the other books. The author of the first two Liz Tigelaar is really in tune with teenagers. She is an amazing writer. (She was also the producer/writer for the show Life Unexpected)

Even though Pretty Tough series is aimed more at the young of young adult -and not twenty-somethings like me- I can usually relate to the girls in the story. After all, I did only graduate high school four years ago. So because of my love for the first two books and my intellectual youth, I was very excited to see a third Pretty Tough book coming out, even if it wasn’t the same author. However, with Head Games I just couldn’t relate. I don’t know if it’s that the generations have changed so much – I mean bratz was mentioned once, when I was little there was only Barbie – or the sports references where over my head, but it took me a while to connect with Taylor. This is supposed to be a fun light read, I don’t like spending too much time forcing myself to sit there and do it,

Overall, there were some cute moments, but then there were times I wanted to scream at the characters. I mean do they even understand what being in a relationship is? If you are into the younger high school period or first crushes then you might want to give this book a try.

Ratings: 

Plot: 2/5

Writing Style: 3/5
Uniqueness: 1/5

Characters: 2/5

Similar Titles:

·      The Boyfriend Game by Stephie Davis

o   Highly recommended- younger high school students and first crushes, mixed in with sports

·      Pretty Tough by Liz Tigelaar

·      Playing with Boys (Pretty Tough #2) by Liz Tigelaar

·      Smart Boys and Fast Girls by Stephie Davis

Memorable Quotes:

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Review: The Blizzard

Book: The Blizzard

Author: Marty Martins

Publisher: Mano Pa`ele

Pages: 188

Date Read: January 11, 2011

In Marty Martins's novel, The Blizzard, readers are taken on a journey that touches on questions of morals and ethics, and the need for parents to learn to communicate with their children. Melanie Hondel is the all-American high school student. She is popular, pretty, and attracts the attention of more than a few boys. One of them is Chet, who Melanie thinks is handsome enough, but whose determined self-reliance she has always found a bit strange and hardly romantic. When Melanie refuses the advances of a classmate, Tommy, and is beaten by him, she flees into a blizzard, where she falls through the ice. Her cries for help are heard by Chet, who is able to save her. They find refuge in an isolated cabin, where they shed their icy clothing and huddle together for warmth...in a bed. Rescuers arrive the next day, followed closely by Melanie's father, and there is confusion and anger. Mr. Hondel insists that Chet be arrested and refuses to accept his daughter's explanation, thereby leaving everyone convinced that Chet is dangerous. What ensues is an emotional and very important story about parental expectations, the decisions teenagers and young adults must make that impact their self-respect, their confidence, and their relationships with parents and community. This is a novel about coming of age, romantic love, and the importance of trust.

Jordyn's Analysis:

The Blizzard has been the most surprising book I have read in a while. At first, I wasn’t getting into it; I just didn’t click with the characters. I saw them as a throwback perfect family a la 1950’s. And I guess that was the point. That even such a tight, close family with the best intentions can have misfortunes such as the ones this family had to face.

This book reminds of the types of books I would read in school and enjoy. The writing was to the point, concise. Martins did not need superfluous language to hook you in; the story did it on its own. I loved the style of the conversations and what the characters talked about. To me it was very realistic debates on sex and relationships that I have had with my own friends, and Martins did it without sounding preachy.

Chet was probably the biggest surprise to me. At the first introduction, I believed him to be the preppy and goody goody perfect son. Then you see the sarcastic, self- confident boy who would do anything to win the heart of the girl he adores. He and Melanie are two, honest to god, good kids. My only complaint is that although the topics and issues discussed where very real and current, the characters are a little too good to be true. I would say that the Chets in this world are rare, and the men no longer tend to be respecftul and are gentlemanly like he is; and the Melanies of the world are endangered species as well.

Still, I really enjoyed this book and it was it different from the norm I am used to. I am looking forward to see what Marty Martins comes up with next.

Ratings:

Plot: 3/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 3/5

Memorable Quotes:

Chet grinned back. “Can I carry your books to your locker?”
“No, thank you,” she said, then smiled the instant she saw the look of disappointment on his face. “But you can hold my hand.”

We will be hosting a interview and giveaway of the Blizzard with Marty Martins next week, so submit your questions in the comments section and we will be sure to ask him the good ones =)

Review: Invisible Things

Update 1/3/2010: Just found out this is a sequel, still from what I have read of this book, the author's style is not to my liking. I probably will not read the first one, but if you were a fan of The Explosionist, I think you will enjoy the story progression of Invisible Things.

Book: Invisible Things (The Explosionist #2)

Author: Jenny Davidson

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 272

Book Received from Star Book Tours

Date Read: 12/19/10 - 12/22/10

From Amazon:
Sixteen-year-old Sophie knows there is more to the story of her parents' death. And she's on a mission to find the truth. To aid her in solving the decades-old mystery, Sophie has enlisted her best friend, Mikael, whose friendship has turned into something more. It's soon clear that Sophie's future is very much wrapped up in the details of her family's past, and the key lies with information only one man can provide: her parents' former employer, the elusive billionaire Alfred Nobel.  As the threat of war looms in Europe, dangers to Sophie and her loved ones grow. While her determination to solve the mystery doesn't waver, forces beyond her control conspire to keep her from her purpose. Then, news of her great-aunt Tabitha's death sets off a chain of events that leaves Sophie questioning everything.

The more Sophie learns, the more she realizes that nothing—and no one—in her life is what it seems. And coming to terms with the dark secrets she uncovers means imagining a truth that she never dreamed possible. Full of gorgeous settings, thrilling adventure, and romance, invisible things is a novel that dares to ask, what if?

Yani's  Analysis:

"What if" is not the question of this book. Its more like just "What???" When I first started reading I kept looking around and going to the front to see if I had skipped something. Still, even after having completed the book I felt like there are many unanswered questions and not the good kinds that make you anxious to read the sequel. Maybe I had too much expectation for what seemed like a unique and thrilling storyline as it is described above. First, there was no mission, things happened to Sophie, she did not make anything happen. Second, while Mikael is her love interest I did not feel his back story as a best friend was formed. Also, for being mentioned in the synopsis I thought there would be a little more love or flirting going on between them, but alas nothing ::sigh::

You could tell from her writing style that Jenny Davidson is very intelligent. I usually love books that are witty and so well versed, but her writing style just irked me. The story is slow to pick up, confusing, vocabulary is foreign, and the back and forth between memories and her current thoughts just made me want to pull out my hair. Still, the novel had some good moments. Female power and all that good stuff was included, plus relevant issues on what is right and wrong when a country is at war... see below for a great quote on that topic.

Overall though, there was too much left unsaid. Like what was the point of the supernatural element? What exactly is the agency her aunt ran? What does legation mean? These thoughts consumed me even after I put down the book. And while I love a good open ending that leads to a sequel, this is one sequel I won't be picking up.

Ratings:

Plot: 3/5

Writing Style: 2/5

Characters: 3/5

Uniqueness: 4/5

Memorable Quotes:

"But there was kind of a hypocrisy, wasn't there, in congratulating oneself on not having to assent to such things while simultaneous benefiting from living in a world where espionage and even assassination might be the only way for one's country to maintain it's independence."