Review: Rumor Has It by Jill Mansell

I recently read Rumor Has It by Jill Mansell, which was released this month from Sourcebooks.

Summary: Tilly Cole is a young woman who recently finds herself single and answering a newspaper ad for a “Girl Friday.” She accepts the job as “Girl Friday,” moves to the small town of Roxborough, and finds herself fancying Jack Lucas. She learns very quickly that Jack Lucas has quite the reputation with women but a very interesting past. While battling with herself to keep away from Jack, she helps her friends battle Hollywood rumors, gay rumors, and revengeful soon to be ex-wives. With so much going on and Jack working around her constantly, will she be able to keep herself from becoming another one of Jack’s conquests, or will she allow herself to give in like all of Jack’s other women?

My Thoughts: This book was incredibly interesting and very hard to put down! There was never a dull moment and every page was filled with juicy gossip. I thoroughly enjoyed Tilly and all of her friends. I found myself relating to some of their problems, as I am sure others will too. It is definitely a chick-lit book and very much resembles Sophie Kinsella. If you are a fan of Sophie Kinsella, you will soon become a fan of Jill Mansell, if you aren’t already. It was a great read and I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys chick-lit. I would definitely read more work from this author.

My Rating: 4/5

Review: The Man Who Loved Pride and Prejudice by Abigail Reynolds

I recently read The Man Who Loved Pride and Prejudice by Abigail Reynolds, which was released this month from Sourcebooks.

Summary: Cassie Boulton is a marine biologist with a secret past. Her favorite book is Jane Austen's, Pride and Prejudice. While she is doing research in Cape Cod, she meets Calder Westing III, who she writes off as just another stuck up rich guy. To win her over, he retells Pride and Prejudice with himself and Cassie as the main characters. Will she allow him his happy ending?

My Thoughts: I've only ever gotten through the first half of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, so I wasn't entirely sure if I'd be able to understand this book, but was pleasantly surprised to find that I had no problem. People who have no knowledge of the story could read it and enjoy it as well. While the author does make mention of it, it's really Cassie and Calder's story told in this book. It is a typical romance novel in that they have all sorts of obstacles (secret past, overbearing, non-approving parent, etc.) which they eventually overcome to find love. I also thought it was a really neat idea that the author added in the whole Pride and Prejudice element... it made it a little different and more unique for a romance. It was an enjoyable read and I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes romance novels or just wants a happy ending. I would definitely read more work from this author.

My Rating: 3.5/5

Sharing a Piece of My Heart With You

I decided I'd like to share something personal that's been going on in my life. I've been blogging for eight months now, but it has truly opened my eyes and my heart to so many new people and friends, and I know I have expressed my love and gratitude for all of my blog friends before in a post, but I don't feel like I need to be guarded anymore. I feel like I can share with you, and you'll be supportive and caring, and lovely, like you always are. I want to share bits and pieces of my life with you, because blogging has become such an important part of my life. Up until now, I've done strictly reviews, no memes, nothing else, and for the most part, I intend to keep it that way, so I hope you don't mind me sharing a story tonight. I know this blog is about books, and it will remain that way, but this post is for those of you that have become my friends. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I just got out of a relationship about three weeks ago. He ended things. We were together for three and a half years. We've broken up before, and have always gotten back together, but this time is for good. It is over. It is done. Of course I felt a sense of loss; how do you go from having someone in your life for that long to not having them there at all? We spent a lot of time growing up together. I was 17 and a senior in high school when we met; now, I'll be entering my senior year of college. I do feel a huge sense of loss: loss of a significant person in my life, but mostly a loss of so much time. I just feel like I threw so much time away. I no longer feel anything about him, except maybe sorry for him, because he is a spiteful person. I am happy and ready to move on. We were becoming emotionally detached from each other before the breakup, so while it hurt, it could have been worse. Of course I will sometimes look back on happier, early times and maybe feel a bit nostalgic or sad, but the truth is, I am a better person without him. We weren't right or good for each other.

I don't know why I am writing this. I think maybe I am proud for being strong. I haven't let it get to me, like I usually do. I've taken back control of my life and have been doing things that make ME happy, like reading a lot and spending tons of time with my friends. He brought me down a lot. I won't deny, there were plenty of good times and laughs, but there were also times that he put me down and made me feel bad, or just brought me down with him. He wouldn't even read my damn blog! We were not a good combination and we just didn't work. I refuse to ever go back to that or to ever be a fool again. I feel more free and am ready to move on from this stage in my life. I know I am a stronger person now.

All I can say is... I hope the next man in my life loves books as much as I do. :)










Here are some pictures woohoo! The first one is over three years old, but it just captures the relationship my two best friends and I have with the laughter and silliness. I am the nerd in the middle. The second one is of me and four of my friends from last summer. I am the one wearing the obnoxious yellow work uniform.

Review: Morpheus Road: The Light by D.J. MacHale

I recently read Morpheus Road: The Light by D.J. MacHale which is the first in a new trilogy for middle grade and young adult. Three quick words to describe it: dark, creepy, and fun!

Summary: Marshall, 16, is bummed out when his trouble-making best friend, Cooper, is sent off for the summer to his family's cabin. His summer seems lonely and desolate and it gets even worse when he starts being haunted... by a creepy character he created and has been sketching for quite some time named Gravedigger. He begins seeing things, hearing things, and believes that Cooper is the only one who will understand and not think he's crazy. He decides to go to the cabin to talk to him and try and get away from the haunting, and Gravedigger, but when he arrives, he discovers that Coop has gone missing, and he begins to wonder if Gravedigger has something to do with the disappearance. Worse yet, Marshall thinks Gravedigger may be trying to kill him and those around him... he hopes to find Cooper before it's too late... for both of them.

My Thoughts: This was an action-packed, dark, fun little adventure ride! This would be an ideal read for someone looking for a little horror, creepiness, and suspense in their middle grade or YA. The level of horror is appropriate for those age levels -- I'd say "fun" scary, because I wasn't frightened by it, but I imagine someone younger might be. Though I felt the writing and book were a little too young for my taste, I've got to admit, the story still had me on the edge of my seat from the suspense, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Marshall was a likable character and I was rooting for him the whole time and Gravedigger was thoroughly creepy. This author has quite an imagination which makes for a fun time and a very quick read! I'll definitely be reading the rest of the books in the trilogy when they're released. Love it!

My Rating: 4.5/5

Book from Around the World tours.

Review: A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare

I finished up A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare last week, a historical, paranormal romance, and first in a new trilogy that was released last month. This is outside of my normal reading area, as I typically don't read historical fiction, or paranormal romance, but I've gotta say, all in all, it was pretty fun! I was really interested in giving it a try despite the genre becasue the premise was so cool!

Summary: This is set in 19th century England, and Miss Lily Rutledge has been caring for her young nephew for years, after the death of his parents. At the age of 12, his behavior becomes strange and aggressive, and Lily is uncertain what to do, so she calls upon his guardian and cousin, Simon Westfield, the handsome, powerful, and quite promiscuous Duke of Blackmoor. Lily knows he has a reputation around town and is not too fond of him. What Lily doesn't know is that Simon and his male relatives, including her nephew, come from a line of wolves called Lycans. They are in human form most of the time, but during the full moon, transform into wolf form, which is dangerous for anyone around them and a secret he longs to hide. Underneath growing tension and disgreements between Lily and Simon lie lust and love, and soon the two are engaged to marry. Will secrets be revealed before it is too late?

My Thoughts: This story had quite a lot of interesting elements. Hot romance, sizzling and palpable chemistry, and of course, the shapeshifting from human to wolf form. Also, despite my usual distaste for historical fiction, I was able to enjoy this book, probably because there was a lot to keep it interesting and it wasn't dry at all, like I sometimes envision the genre to be. I found the story to be a bit slow paced at times, so it took me a while to get through, but, if you're a fan of the genre (historical), I'm confident this would not be a problem for you. I found the characters and story lines to be intriguing enough to keep going though, and I did find myself wanting to keep reading. All in all, I enjoyed it, and it gave me one of my first positive experiences reading historical romance. It wasn't exciting for me, but it was worth the read, especially for fans of the genre, who I think will love this one.

My Rating: 3.5/5

New Blog Look

Hey everyone! I have a new blog look, as you can probably tell! I wanted to go for something new, different and more professional than my old look and I don't have the money to pay someone so I did it on my own. I'm pretty happy with it even though I have no design skills on the computer haha. I've been working on it for a few days and have still been playing around with it a bit, but I think I've finally got it just about right. What do you think?

Review: Stalker Girl by Rosemary Graham

I recently read Stalker Girl by Rosemary Graham, an August 2010 release, through Around the World Tours.

Summary: Carly's your typical teenager: friends, school, work, family, a life... until Brian breaks up with her and meets someone else. She's heartbroken over this, so she begins doing a little online research about his new girlfriend, Taylor, who seems to have it all: beauty, wealth, talent. One day, Carly has a desperate urge to see Taylor in person for herself, so she sets out to get just one quick look, but it turns into more than that, and soon, she finds herself following her, obsessing, and stalking, turning interest into danger and criminal activity.

My Thoughts: Wow, this book was definitely interesting! It's fascinating to see Carly's change. At first, she's just doing some innocent online Facebook type browsing, then she quickly crosses the line into obsession and becomes consumed by it. She grows mentally ill, and at one point even disguises herself and claims to be Taylor at one of Brian's shows (he's in a band). Her feelings of heartbreak, anguish, and jealousy were realistic and sympathetic as we all feel similar during a breakup, but then the story takes an interesting turn when she takes it a step further... and further... and further. I thought this book was really enjoyable because the emotions were so raw and real, and, lets face it, it's pretty fascinating, albeit sad, to see someone spiral out of control. And, lets be honest, who hasn't been a little curious before? Luckily, most of us know self-control, unlike Carly, apparently.

My Rating: 4/5

Guest Review: The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark

Hey everyone! I am finally done with this semester as of last week - woohoo! When I go back in the fall, I'll be a college senior! Where did the time go? Yikes!

Anyways, I'll be posting some reviews very shortly, but in the meantime, I hope you will all welcome back my mother, Kim, for another guest review. She reviewed Eternal on the Water a few months back, and I am glad to have her here again! As I've mentioned before, my mom is the person who got me into reading and she loves to read too! So here is her review of Bridie Clark's, The Overnight Socialite.

Summary: Lucy Jo Ellis, an aspiring fashion designer from Minnesota, has just been fired from her job working for a design house in Manhattan. Wyatt Hayes IV is very rich and very bored and not using his Ph.D. in anthropology. After breaking up with his socialite girlfriend, he brags to his friend that he believes he could transform any random girl with no background into an "It" girl. A chance run-in with Lucy during a torrential downpour where she is soaked and looking her worst, they strike a deal. He will train her to run in his social circles and at the end of three months, if she is a success, he will set her up with a design job. Little does she know, he is also writing a book about this whole experience, which could jump start his book career, but unfortunately expose her as a fake.

My Review: The Overnight Socialite was promoted as a modern twist on the classic Pygmailion story of My Fair Lady and it did have the same basic storyline and I loved it. I thought the characters were very well developed and believable, although obviously I am not part of the jet set scene in New York City! I was really pulling for Lucy to succeed without sacrificing her true self. Of course there are obstacles in her way, including evil Cornelia Rockman, Wyatt's jilted ex-girlfriend, who tries to ambush her every chance she gets. This was a truly enjoyable story. This is Bridie Clark's second novel, so I am definitely going to read her first book, Because She Can, which I just put on hold at the library, and look forward to reading future publications!

My rating 4/5

Awesome MINDER book trailer! Watch it for a good cause!

My blog buddy Kate over at Disgruntled Bear just wrote a book called Minder that looks preeeeetty awesome, I've gotta say. It's coming out this summer, and to help promote it, she's got an awesome trailer out for it. From now until the end of the month, for every view of it she gets on Youtube, she is donating a penny to Nothing But Nets, which is a non-profit organization that distributes anti-malaria netting.

A really good friend of mine is from Sudan, a war torn country in Africa. His one year old nephew just had Malaria, which can often be fatal. Luckily, he was able to get medication and fight it off, but many people are not able to get the medicine and end up dyng from it. I think this is a wonderful cause that Kate is donating to, and a wonderful book that I can't wait to read. So go watch the trailer. The song in it is pretty flipping awesome too! I love it.

Go watch it here!!

Review: Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

I just read Beth Fantaskey's brand new novel, Jekel Loves Hyde, through Around the World Tours. It was released this month, and is Fantaskey's second novel, after the wonderful Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (you can read my 5/5 star review for that here).

Summary: Jill Jekel's a high school student, a "good girl," whose life is taking some bad turns as of late. Her father, a renowned chemist, was just murdered, and involved in some mysterious business that involved him taking her college savings right before his death. When her chemistry teacher nominates her to participate in a prestigious chemistry contest that could earn her a college scholarship, she decides to go for it. He also nominates the "brooding" and elusive Tristen Hyde, who Jill teams up with. Together, they discover that the novel of Jekel and Hyde may not be entirely fictional, and that Tristen may really be partly mad, like Mr. Hyde. It's then that they decide to look into Jill's father's secret past to try and recreate the formulas from the novels... and then... they start to drink them...

My Thoughts: What a fun and original premise for a novel, and very clever! I was really looking forward to reading this one as I loooved Jessica's Guide. I wasn't necessarily let down, but this story was a lot different than what I had anticipated. It wasn't light and cute like her previous novel, but very dark instead. It shows the more evil side of human nature. To me, this was a far more serious book than Jessica's Guide, which made me laugh a lot. This book didn't make me laugh at all, but it did keep me very intrigued, as it is part mystery - who killed Jill's father and why? Is the Jekel and Hyde story really true? I really enjoyed those mysterious aspects of the book and also the romantic entanglements of Tristen and Jill.

The Bottom Line: This is not light like Jessica's Guide - this is a dark but intriguing tale full of mystery!

My Rating: 4/5

I shall be back! Tomorrow!

Tomorrow I turn in my last paper, and take my last two finals of the semester. So... tomorrow... at 6:30 PM... my summer officially starts! Woohoo!

That means... more time to read! More time to blog! More time for LIFE!

I just finished up Jekel Loves Hyde a few days ago so I'll be reviewing that one soon.

I'm so ready for summer and book talks with all of you. Sorry for my sort-of absence as of late. Such is life when you're in college I s'pose.

Guest Blogger Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Please welcome my awesome eight year old cousin, Mattison, who is here today to review the first book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney. There she is above. Isn't she the cutest? Below is her handwritten review.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid is about a kid that doesnt like middle school. I like this book because it is funny and I like the pictures. I think people would like this book because Its funny. I'm in 2nd grade and I read all four books in four days. I like all of them equally. 5"

(The 5 is her rating - I told her about the 5/5 rating system).

My mom and I recently took Matti and her siblings to see the film adaptation of this book, since Matti enjoyed the books tremendously, and we all LOVED the movie! Seriously. All of us, myself included, laughed our ways through the whole thing. So, as you can see, Matti strongly recommends the books, and I strongly recommend the film. I've yet to read the books, but I do plan on checking them out now!

Thanks to Matti for the great review, and thanks to everyone for stopping by and reading it! It makes me really happy to see children reading, and I'm glad to see such a popular series like this out for kids now.

Review: Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook

I recently read the YA novel, Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood, by Eileen Cook, through Around the World tours.

Summary: In eighth grade, Helen is betrayed and humiliated by her best friend, Lauren Wood, in front of the whole school, in order for Lauren to gain popularity. Helen is left lonely and hated, and is relieved when her parents announce that they will be moving that very summer. Four years later, right before senior year, Helen is forced to move back to her old town, which she is dreading, until she hatches a plan to formulate a new name, identity, and look in order to, of course, get revenge on Lauren Wood, for ruining her life all those years ago. Lauren is the most popular girl in school now, and Helen is adamant about taking her down, under the guise of the "new girl" Claire.

My Thoughts: I thought this was a fun, fast read, very reminiscent of the film, "Mean Girls." Very realistic in the sense of cattiness, cliques, backstabbing, etc. I felt like I was watching some of the girls from my high school days all over again. Oy - I am so glad to be done with that nonsense - but it's still fun to read it about it once in a while! Now, I've got to say, I really did not like Helen! I felt for her, I really did. It was not cool at all what Lauren did to her, but she took it too far and was way too obsessive and kind of whack! I didn't like Lauren either. Her two catty friends were the most tolerable between her and Helen. They also reminded me of the sidekicks in "Mean Girls." All in all, this was a fun read but without a whole lot of substance.

My Rating: 3.5/5