Rainy Day Ramblings

Something Wicked Strikes Blog Hop!

There is something Wicked in the air! Can you feel it? Fall has arrived bringing crisp cool days, fall leaves and all things spooky and paranormal. It is the season for ghosts and goblins, witches and werewolves and all things that go bump in the night. Do you dare crack the spine of that creepy book? If you are looking for a good scare, settle in and prepare for all things wicked scary during Something Wicked Strikes. A month long event featuring paranormal books and terrific giveaways.... speaking of giveaways, the month kicks off with The Something Wicked Strikes Hop!

Enter to win a $50.00 Amazon Giftcard courtesy of Rainy Day Ramblings, The Nocturnal Library, Candace's Book Blog and My Guilty Obsession!

 

To enter the giveaway, read the Contest Policies and fill out the Rafflecopter! Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway Here are a few of the titles you will encounter during Wicked: (click on covers for details)

 

These are just the titles on my blog.  There are many more.  Stay up to date by visiting the Wicked Page! You don't want to miss a day. 

Be sure to visit all the other participating blogs in the hop and enter their giveaways!

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Library Love

Welcome to Tell Me Something Tuesday. A weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

 Today's Topic:

Do you support your local library and take advantage of all it has to offer?

 

Yesterday, I posted over at The Geeky Book Blogger's Book Blog where I shared all the benefits of the library with young kids.  You can see the full post here. 

While you are there be sure to check out the entire month.  Felicia and Jennifer@The Book Nympho  have been featuring posts on library love. A truly awesome month!

I have always loved the library.  How can you not? You get to wander through aisles and aisles of shelves looking for that one perfect read or reads, and you can borrow a whole stack of books for free.  A book lover's dream, right?  

These days as a mother of two children: Risa who just turned six and Matues who is now four, I rely on the library to help generate a love of reading in my two kids. 

We visit the library every two to three weeks and come home with a load of books. 

The library is fantastic for kids.  

What about for adults?  I have rekindled my love for the library while going with my kids and I have started to utilize all the resources available for everyone.  Libraries are evolving just like the book industry.  With ereaders becoming more and more prominent, libraries are getting on board with ebooks.  There are several programs you can download and use that allow you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library.  The two I use are Library 2 Go and Overdrive.

I love that I am able to access audiobooks and ebooks using the library and I don't even have to leave my home.  This past year,  I have incorporated audiobooks into my review schedule because with the library they are free and I can catch up on all the books and series I have been wanting to read via audiobook.  I listen to audiobooks when I am driving my kids, waiting for them at their activities and while walking and cleaning house. You would be surprised at how many audiobooks you can fit in if you take advantage of your time

I love how convenient the library is these days.  For instance, I can go on the online catalogue, pick out the books I want to read, place a hold on them and run in and pick them up at the front desk.  How is that for convenience?  And the best part? It is free.  .  

Other things that you are wonderful about the library is their involvement in the community.  Our little library hosts numerous activities during the month from book clubs, meetings, craft workshops, movies in the park and even pajama night for kids.  During the summer they had all kinds of fun stuff to keep kids reading that I took full advantage of with my kids this past summer.  

For all you battling your book budgets, you need to take a second look at your library if you haven't done so.  You will find many of those titles you have been dying to read on the shelves, or available via ebook and audiobook just waiting to be borrowed.  

I appreciate all the library does for me, so I try and give back.  When I have accumulated lots of ARCS and books that I have either won or received from publishers, I take them down and donate them to my local library.  It makes me feel good knowing that I can help keep this wonderful resource alive. 

I know I am just touching on the surface as far as all the benefits of the library go, so if you want to know more, I suggest you visit Felicia@The Geeky Book Blogger's Book Blog and Jennifer@The Book Nympho .  I promise you they will provide many tips and tricks that you never knew about your library.  

So get out and support your library! What do you love about your library?

Next week's TMST:

 What type of villains whether paranormal or not frighten you the most?

 

Review: Once Perfect (Shattered Past #1) by Cecy Robson

 

His life was never easy. Hers wasn’t supposed to be this hard. They come from different worlds, but fate lures them together in a way neither expected in Cecy Robson’s raw, steamy New Adult debut—perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn.

Evelyn Preston’s future once looked perfect—until her wealthy father was caught in an embezzlement scandal and took his own life. Alone and struggling to pay her college tuition and bills, Evelyn finds a job as a waitress at the ultra-hip nightclub Excess, where she used to have more in common with the privileged private-school clientele than her fellow staff members. But something attracts her to the sexy six-foot-four bouncer and underground MMA fighter Mateo Tres Santos. Although they’ve led different lives, their troubled pasts bonds them in both survival and love.

Mateo is ex-army who wound up in prison for assaulting the man who harmed his sister. Now he’s feeling the same protective impulse for this petite blond waitress. When Evelyn experiences a panic attack at the club, Mateo comes to her rescue. And when Mateo is wounded shielding her from a brawl, Evelyn returns the favor and comes to his aid.

As their attraction intensifies, Mateo is determined to find out what nightmares are lurking in Evelyn’s past—even if that means tackling his own to save her.
ebook, 272 pages
Expected publication: October 7th 2014 by Flirt 
Source: Publisher in Exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

 

Three and a half stars: A NA with great chemistry and some troubling issues.

Evelyn slinks past the bouncers on her way into the nightclub.  To pay for school, Evelyn waitresses at a hip nightclub.  Evelyn has no friends in the club and she keeps to herself, but on this night, one of the bouncers makes a sexually charged comment and he is immediately shut down by the lead bouncer, Mateo.  Evelyn is shocked to hear him defend her because she has always been terrified of him.  Mateo is muscular, tattooed and an ex con.  Later, he rescues her when she is shut in the storage room in the dark.  Then she learns the truth about his imprisonment, and she realizes how wrong she was to judge him based on appearance and perception.  Soon Evelyn is falling for Mateo, but can their relationship work considering they come from completely different backgrounds and they both are carrying a great deal of baggage from the past?

What I Liked:

• I am a big fan of Cecy Robson's Weird Sisters Series, so I was anxious to see what she would turn out in the NA genre.  Needless to say, I found this book sucked me in with its engaging characters, interesting story and a bit of mystery.  It does, though, follow the typical NA theme of two individuals with troubling pasts coming together, falling in love and healing.  So if you are a fan of this type of NA read, you will like this one. 
• Mateo and Evelyn are top notch protagonists.  I was immediately drawn to both of them.  Evelyn is the shy, once privileged white girl who lost everything thanks to her fathers crimes and death.  These days, she is working her way through nursing school, trying to keep her head down and find her way again.  Mateo is all kinds of sexy.  I loved him! He puts on the big, tough guy exterior, but underneath he's gentle, kind and compassionate.  I love that he is always looking after his sisters and mother, and the way he took Evelyn under his wing melted my heart.  I liked him even more once I knew more about his troubling past, and how he fought to constantly rise above it.  Both of these characters have terrific chemistry when they come together, and I like that they have to fight to maintain their relationship.  They both have their flaws and secrets.  I appreciated that they were realistic and likable.  
• The entire cast of secondary characters is terrific.  I liked all the players, and I was more impressed with the entire cast.  Ms. Robson certainly knows how to write excellent characters. 
• The romance is perfectly paced.  It starts out as a hesitant friendship before moving into a strong attraction.  I liked how it took its time to build, and I especially loved how considerate and patient Mateo was toward Evelyn regarding sex.  There are ups and downs and growing pains, but in the end, I liked how it all worked out.  No love triangle or unnecessary romantic drama, the roadblocks they encounter are not small, petty issues added in for dramatic purposes.  I thought this was one of the better NA romances I have read. 
• There is, of course, lots of sex in this one, but I found the sex scenes to be just right.  They were descriptive but they didn't go on and on and they didn't cross the too much information line.  Nor did they overtake the story.  
• I was surprised that there was a bit of mystery in this one.  Evelyn suffers from panic attacks, nightmares and anxiety, but she is uncertain as to the cause of her problems.  As the book progresses, there are clues dropped that indicate something horrible happened to Evelyn but she can't remember what.  Once the ugly truth comes out, it is heartbreaking and terrible.  However, I liked the way it was handled since Evelyn got the appropriate help for her problems.  Ms. Robson takes on a very touchy and troubling topic, and I thought she handled it well. 
• The ending ties up most of the loose ends regarding Evelyn and Mateo, and I so appreciated after the turmoil and struggles that things ended on a positive note.  I do have some unanswered questions, and I am expecting them to be followed up on in the next book.

And The Not So Much:

• If you are looking for something unique with this NA book, you will be disappointed.  Unfortunately, this one follows what is becoming the norm for NA.  It features two individuals with loads of emotional baggage, coming together, falling in love and healing.  Even though I was engaged in the story and drawn to the characters, I couldn't help feel a touch let down that this one didn't break out of the worn out NA tropes. 
• As much as I adored Mateo, I struggled with his behavior at the end.  He, his sisters and mother have been abused repeatedly by their monstrous father.  Due to cultural expectations, Mateo refuses to stand up against his father.  I hated that everyone just stood by and watched the abuse.  I don't understand these customs and cultural differences, and I hated that in that community the abuse was overlooked.  I wanted them all to take a stand.  Abuse is ugly and no one should ever have to endure it, cultural expectations be damned.  It was tough to for me to read about this. 
• There were several story lines and issues left unresolved at the end, especially regarding Mateo's sisters.  Lety's portion leaves off on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I wanted to know more.  Luckily, I found that the next book: Once Loved, releasing early 2015, is all about Lety and Brodie.  I thought this couple was adorable and I can't wait for more. 
• The issues touched upon are not easy to read about, there is sexual, physical and emotional abuse along with anger issues and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  This is definitely a book that is suited for older readers due to the mature content.  I appreciated that in the author's note, Ms. Robson provides resources for those who might be in a similar situation. 

Once Perfect was a book that drew me in with its engaging characters and interesting storyline.  I loved the romance, but I struggled with the way some of the abuse was handled.  Like it or not, this book takes on real issues that many people struggle with every day.   This is a well written, realistic NA book for those who like books that tackle tough topics.  Even though this one followed the worn out NA themes, I enjoyed it, and I will be continuing the series as I have to know what happens next. 

 

Favorite Quotations:

"The way I see it, if you have someone calling you Daddy, you've gotta man up and be everything to that kid."

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

 

 

The Sunday Post 105th Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly post hosted by Kimba@ the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It is a chance to share all the news and highlights on your blog for the past and upcoming weeks. Head over to Kimba's for details and to link up!

 

 

I have escaped! Yes, I have gone away to the Coast for four days and I am currently soaking up rain drops as you read this, with perhaps a bit of sun.  It figures that we would have a string of hot days and then the weekend we plan a get away it rains. Oh well, it is nice to sneak away for  a few days. 

Seaside, Oregon

I apologize for being absent for most of the week, but again, I am taking a vacation.  I will be back in full force on Monday, hurriedly preparing for the kickoff of  Something Wicked Strikes! We are just a few days away from all things spooky and paranormal.  I have an outstanding line up of authors for you and I can't wait.  Don't forget to sign up for the Blog hop!

How was your week?  I have had a busy busy few weeks. My husband and I celebrated our fifteenth wedding anniversary and both our kids' birthdays.  

Mateus turned four on Monday! Where has the time gone?  He had a terrific birthday with cars and a Build a Bear trip like his sister.  So grateful for both these kids.  

Risa turning six on September 11th

Matues turning four September 22nd

Anyway.... onto blogging stuff.

 Felicia@The Geeky Book Blogger's Book Blog and Jennifer@The Book Nympho are still sharing Library Love.  Be sure to check out their posts. I will be posting on Felicia's Blog on Monday.  Stop by and read about how much I love the library for kids. 

This past week on the blog I featured:

Monday: Tour Stop: Neurotica By Eliza Gordan

Tuesday: Tell Me Something Tuesday: Are You Happy with the Direction of NA?

Wednesday: Review: A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard

Thursday: Audiobook Review: Game by Barry Lyga

Friday: Friday Forecast

 

I received for review: (Click on covers for details).

Purchased:

 

Next week on the blog:

Monday: Review: Once Perfect by Cecy Robson

Tuesday: Tell Me Something Tuesday: Library Love

Wednesday: Something Wicked Strikes Blog Hop 

Thursday: Guest Post, Review and Giveaway: The Bodies We Were by Jeyn Roberts

Friday: Friday Forecast

 

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

 

Friday Forecast Sept 28th- October 4th

What? We are already at the end of September?  Are you ready for a month of all things spooky and paranormal? October is always a fun month and I can't wait for all the terrific scary reads that pop up this time of year.  Don't forget, Something Wicked Strikes starts next week, and you won't want to miss it.  In the meantime, feel free to browse next week's hot releases and compare your weather to Portland.  Let me know your picks in the comments.  (Click on covers for details).

Forecast September 28th- October 4th

 

 A nice offering, don't you think? What are you picking up?

Weather for Portland, Oregon:

Saturday:H 77 L 51 Chance of Showers    Sunday: H73  L55 Chance of Showers  

Audiobook Review: Game(Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga

 

Billy grinned. "Oh, New York," he whispered. "We're gonna have so much fun."

I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jazz, the son of history's most infamous serial killer, Billy Dent.

In an effort to prove murder didn't run in the family, Jazz teamed with the police in the small town of Lobo's Nod to solve a deadly case. And now, when a determined New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz's door asking for help, he can't say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple—and its police —running scared. So Jazz and his girlfriend, Connie, hop on a plane to the big city and get swept up in a killer's murderous game.
Both the stakes and the body count are higher in this suspenseful and unstoppable sequel from acclaimed author Barry Lyga.
Audio CD
Published July 16th 2013 by AudioGO (first published January 1st 2013)

 

 

Four and a half stars: A smart, chilling, and horrifying sequel! 

Jazz Dent is haunted.  He struggles daily with his inner demons wondering if he will snap and turn into a murdered just like his dear old dad.  To make matters worse, Billy Dent, one of the world's most notorious serial killers is still on the loose.  Jazz vows he will hunt him down.  In the meantime, Jazz receives an unexpected visit from a New York detective.  Brooklyn is being terrorized by a serial killer, and they need help.  Can Jazz catch another killer?

 

What I Liked:

• Whoa! Well played Mr. Lyga.  Game is even more terrifying, fascinating and creepy than its predecessor.  I was immediately sucked into the story, and it didn't let go until the final heart stopping pages.  I can't get enough of this series.  It is so horrifying and interesting at the same time.  If you ever wanted to know what makes a serial killer tick, read these books! 
• Once again, I loved the heavy focus on nature vs. nurture.  Mr. Lyga continues to confuse us by throwing in plenty of tidbits that could sway your opinion one way or another, until the next revelation.  Will Jazz become a killer because of his genes or his upbringing, or will his very nature steer him away from the path chosen by his father?  Can we overcome our nature? Our nurture?  
• Jazz continues to impress me.  He is so smart, and I appreciate that he is taking all the teachings from his murderous father and using them for good.   Jazz helps the police hunt down a killer, and the amount of information he throws out regarding serial killers is astonishing and fascinating.  I loved learning more about what makes a serial killer tick and how in depth Mr. Lyga explored the nature of serial killers.  This book is not for the faint of heart!  While he uses his skill to hunt down killers, Jazz is constantly struggling inwardly as he tries to avoid succumbing to the temptations ingrained in him by  his father.  The psychological implications of his conundrum are mind boggling.  I have my fingers crossed that he will rise above his DNA and his upbringing and be his own man. 
• The story line is packed full of startling and shocking revelations.  My jaw dropped in astonishment and there were numerous times when I squeaked out loud while listening to this one.  I loved the twisty plot and the big surprises.
• Even though the overall story line is dark and a gruesome, Mr. Lyga provides plenty of comedic relief with Howie and Grandma.  Howie, Jazz' best friend, delivers many laugh out loud lines.  Howie is convinced he is going to score with an older woman, a cougar encounter.  Howie makes the book with his comedic gems.  Jazz' insane grandma is always entertaining with her crazed delusion behavior.  I think Mr. Thurston's voice for her in the audiobook is outstanding.  I like that there are these tiny snippets of humor that will catch you off guard, like that line at the end about the grapefruit spoon.  
• The ending was riveting, shocking and so frustrating.  I finished the book on the edge of my seat.  Talk about mother of all cliffhangers!  You are left with not one but three fates in the balance.  Lucky for me, my procrastination saved me a long wait.  I have a copy of book three, Blood of My Blood,  ready to dive into. 
• The audiobook is top notch.  Charlie Thurston delivers another masterful performance.  I think his voices for Jazz, Howie, Billy, Grandma and Connie are terrific.  I am hooked on the audiobooks, and I highly recommend them. 

And The Not So Much:

• I must remind you that this series is not for the faint of heart.  Mr. Lyga spares no punches when it comes to delivering all the gruesome horror of a serial killer.  There is a plethora of blood and guts, it is very graphic. Where else would you learn the definition of a world like enucleated.  If you are squeamish, these books are not for you.  
• I was a big fan of Connie in the first book, and I still am, but I was a disappointed in her this time out.  Connie is sucked into the game, and I questioned her judgement.  I couldn't believe that she took such big risks and landed herself in a precarious situation.  What were you thinking, Connie, you know better!
• This book concludes with a horrendous cliffhanger.  You have the fates of three major characters in the balance along with a jaw dropping reveal.  Not to mention, a whole host of unanswered questions.  Even though I abhor cliffhangers, this one did the trick. I am absolutely itching to get into the third book, but I am waiting for the audio.  Well played, Mr. Lyga! 
• While I love the audiobook narration by Charlie Thurston, I had two hesitations this time out.  First his narration for Morales, a female FBI agent, didn't work for me.  She came across as a man impersonating a woman.  I know he is capable of doing good female voices as I have no problems with Connie and Samantha.  Second, there are several new law enforcement characters and I thought that some of the voices sounded a bit too similar.  Not a big deal, just a minor complaint.  The audiobooks are so good!
• I struggle with these books being labeled YA.  In all honest, these books are suited for mature readers only.  The murders are graphic and gory, the plot is smart and complex and the overall story line is best suited for adults.  

Game was a shocking and riveting sequel, stronger than the first book.  I am absolutely hooked on this dark and gruesome series all about the serial killer.  If you want an entertaining and fascinating read with deep psychological implications, read these books. 

 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Review: A Darkness Strange and Lovely (Something Strange and Deadly #2) by Susan Dennard

 

Darkness has come to the City of Light...

With her brother dead and her mother on the verge of insanity, Eleanor Fitt is utterly alone. Even the Spirit-Hunters—Joseph, Jie, and the handsome Daniel—have fled to Paris. So when Eleanor begins to hear the vicious barking of hounds and see images of haunting yellow eyes, she fears the worst—that the Dead, and the necromancer Marcus, are coming for her.

To escape and search out the Spirit-Hunters, Eleanor boards a steamer bound for France. There she meets Oliver, a young man who claims to have known her brother. Though friendly, Oliver entices Eleanor with necromancy and black magic, yet as long as she can resist his powerful temptation, she'll be fine. But when she arrives in Paris, she finds that the Dead have taken over the city...and there's a whole new evil lurking. With the body count rising, Eleanor is forced to make a deadly decision that will go against everything the Spirit-Hunters stand for.
In Paris, there's a price for this darkness strange and lovely...and it may have Eleanor paying with her life.
In this spellbinding sequel to Something Strange and Deadly, Susan Dennard delivers a thrilling mix of intrigue, romance, and revenge, all set against the wonderfully enchanting backdrop of nineteenth-century Paris.
Hardcover, 406 pages
Published July 23rd 2013 by HarperTeen
Source: Library

 

 

 

Three and a half stars: A good sequel, but I struggled with the heroine.

Eleanor hurries along the busy streets of Philadelphia, anxious to complete her errands.  She rubs the stump of her arm nervously, hoping to erase the phantom pain from her missing hand.  It has been months since the Spirit Hunters left after she lost her hand in the zombie attack, and Eleanor is anxious to hear from them.  Finally, a letter arrives from Jie.  Eleanor's heart beats anxiously hoping for some word from Daniel, but alas......As Eleanor prepares to cross the street, pain assaults her phantom limb.  Then to her horror, Eleanor catches a glimpse of yellow eyes peering out at her in the darkness.  Marcus, the necromancer who killed her brother has come for her.  Eleanor quickly flees to Paris in hopes of finding the Spirit Hunters so they can help her banish Marcus once and for all.  Will Eleanor be able to defeat darkness?

 

What I Liked:

• It has been two year since I first picked up this series, and I am pleased that this sequel was entertaining and interesting, and it that it didn't succumb to many of the sophomore novel stumbles.  This book has an engaging story, fascinating characters and hungry zombies.  
• Ms. Dennard excels at her settings and world buildings.  She quickly moves us from 19th Century Philadelphia and takes us to Paris, the city of lights and Le Mort.  Things are not so perfect in the romantic city since the zombies started walking the streets looking for their next victim.  I love how well Ms. Dennard presents Paris and this time period.  
• Even though I was able to guess early on in the book who the villain was, I was pleased that there were a couple of twists at the end that put things in a whole new light.  So even though I thought I knew who was behind the zombie attacks, I was wrong.  I liked that Ms. Dennard threw in some surprises and that in doing so, she managed to further connect the two books. 
• The romance is still in the early stages.  It is moving, and then it isn't.  It stumbles and falters due to the stubborn natures and headstrong attitudes of both parties.  It is painfully apparent that they both have feelings for one another, but neither is willing to act.  I like that the romance is taking its sweet time to build and that it isn't succumbing to any of the ridiculous tropes like love triangles and insta love that we are so tired of in YA.
• Even though I had some issues this time around with Eleanor, I still admire her courage, tenacity and her determination.  While most well bred ladies would be swooning at the sight of zombies, Eleanor doesn't back down, she insists on fighting them any way she can, even if that means putting her life in danger.  In this book, Eleanor is struggling with her own black magic, and trying to avoid succumbing to the dark arts.  I did like her inner struggle, and I am anxious to see how she will make out.  So far, I am liking her growth. 
• I appreciated that Ms. Dennard provided plenty of refreshers to help jog memories in between books.  The recap was done just right, not too much to mire down the story, but enough to help remind of us the events in the previous book. 

And The Not So Much:

• My issues with Eleanor stemmed mostly from the fact that I questioned her judgement and her poor decisions.  This time around she becomes entangled with Oliver, her deceased brother's demon.  I didn't like that she kept things hidden from the spirit hunters and that she was endangering herself and others by her questionable decisions.  I missed her brandishing parasols and trying to avoid the stifling societal restraints and expectations of a young lady.  She isn't quite as headstrong and rebellious in this one.    
• Oliver the demon was a conundrum.  At first, I wanted to like him.  He is a demon brought forth and bound to her brother, but since Elijah's death, Oliver is wandering alone until he attaches to Eleanor.  Oliver constantly kept me guessing regarding his intent and his nature.  I am still confused as to whether he is good or evil.  Right now, I am thinking he is up to no good. 
• I desperately missed the Spirit Hunters.  They don't show up until the second half of the book, and even then, their parts are scant.  Jie is noticeably absent for most of the book, and I found I was missing her fierce prowess and antics.  Daniel and Joseph's parts are small as well.  I thought that too much time was spent with Oliver, and I would have preferred more of the Spirit Hunters.
• I was a bit disappointed that Eleanor didn't clue in early that something wasn't quite right after she spent time with a certain person.  Her memory was always blank and she was missing time.  It was painfully obvious to the reader what was going on, so I kept expecting her to figure it out, and if not Eleanor, then the demon, but she doesn't.  
• The book ends on a jarring cliffhanger.  Not one that will make you want to throw the book against the wall, but there is still a cliffhanger none the less.  At least, the villain was unmasked and the lines are laid out for the next book.

Something Strange and Lovely is a good sequel with an entertaining story and exciting developments.  Expect a few stutters with Eleanor's character and the romance.  Still, it was a fun read, and I am looking forward to the finale. 

 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #75: New Adult: Do You Like the Direction It is Going?

Welcome to Tell Me Something Tuesday. A weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. 

Are you comfortable with the direction NA is going.... with all the erotic scenes and steamy covers? 

 

When New Adult first hit the scene a couple of years ago, most of us were eager to see the Young Adult genre branch out and grow up.  I was hoping for diversity and more mature stories without the YA love triangles and insta love that were so prevalent.  

Unfortunately, my enthusiasm for New Adult has quickly waned.  I am writing this post right after completing two NA books, which have reaffirmed my opinion of the genre.  Now I realize that not all NA books are alike, but I am personally getting tired of the same old same old.  I feel like too many of the popular books in NA are just rehashing similar worn out themes.  You could probably pick ten NA titles at random and find several that feature either one or both of the protagonists overcoming some type of dramatic issue whether it be abuse, drinking drugs, rape etc.   Then said character or characters meet someone, fall in love and learn to heal because of their relationship.  Sound familiar?  I assure you, this is the common theme in NA, and my last two NA reads followed this same pattern.  

I am fed up with the lack of originality in the genre.  Too many authors want to copy the success of authors like Colleen Hoover, Tammara Webber, Jessica Sorensen and Abbi Glines so we are treated to more books following these authors' leads. 

 

One of the books I just read was a Colleen Hoover book, and I couldn't help but to draw comparisons to her other novels while reading it.  She used several of the same themes in her latest novel that I had experienced in other books: forbidden love, devastating lose and heart break and a new love to heal all wounds.   

Where is the originality?  I would love to seem more paranormal/dystopian NA reads or even humorous NA books.  I know there are some out there, but I am still longing to see much more diversity with the genre.  NA right now feels a bit to my like the YA market there for awhile after the success of Twilight. 

Then you have all the covers in New Adult.  Is it just me, or do you feel like you are seeing variations of the same cover over and over again? (see covers above)  There are so many NA books out there with couples in provocative clothes, engaged in making out or close to making out on the cover.  I doubt you would leave your many of your NA titles laying around the house for when company comes over.  Some of them are downright racy!

The sex in NA is prominent, explicit and sometimes borders on erotica.  I have read several NA books where the sex was over the top, and I honestly felt like they should have been in the erotica category.  Don't be fooled into thinking that NA is for mature teens, some of the sexual content and topic matter are best suited for adults. If the book has a warning label on it, think twice before handing it to a teen.  Most NA is truly for those seventeen and up. 

As far as the direction NA is going, I am not happy with it because I feel like it is stuck in a rut. 

My hope is that we will soon see more diversity in the genre, as I am tired of the same old same old.  I unfortunately am putting NA on the shelve for awhile until I see a change in direction, because I can only handle so many broken characters falling in love....

Is it just me or do you all feel that NA is lacking originality?

Weigh in....

Next week's topic:

Library Love: Do you support your local library and take advantage of all it has to offer?

Tour Stop: Neurotica by Eliza Gordan

 

I am pleased to be a part of the Neurotica Tour hosted by Candace's Book Blog and Promotions.  I loved that this book was set in my home town of Portland, Oregon and that it brilliantly caputured the essence of Portland.  If you want to know  more about life in Portland, read this one.  Anyway, as part of the tour, I have a review and a tour wide giveaway featured for you.  Be sure to visit Candace's Book Blog for upcoming tours.

 

 

Here is my review: 

Neurotica by Eliza Gordan

 

 

If you find yourself talking to Jayne Dandy, keep the conversation on Star Wars and rubber ducks—best not to mention men, dating, or S-E-X. Because Jayne is fine with the way things are: writer of obituaries and garage sale ads by day, secret scribe of adventures in distant galaxies by night. But her crippling fear of intimacy has made her the butt of jokes since forever, and hiding behind her laptop isn’t going to get her lightsaber lit.

 

After her therapist recommends that she write erotica as a form of exposure therapy, Jayne joins forces with pen and paper to combat the demons that won’t let her kiss and tell. Unexpectedly downsized at work, she adopts a pseudonym and secretly self-publishes one of her naughty books to make ends meet. When her adorable, long-time friend Luke, co-owner of the popular Portland food truck Luke Piewalker’s, hears she’s been demoted, he insists on hiring her to sling éclairs and turnovers at his side. Her secret must be kept, but sparks ignite between them, sending Jayne and her X-Wing into a tailspin that will either make her face down her neuroses or trigger a meltdown of Death Star proportions.
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

Three and a half stars: A funny book that takes full advantage of the Portland setting.

Jayne sidles up to Piewalker's Food Truck hungrily anticipating her morning apple turnover with whipped cream, and if she is honest, she is also eager to see Luke, the owner of Piewalker's.  Jayne loves to geek out and talk Stars Wars with Luke, but she won't admit that she might have feelings for him other than friendship.  Jayne is terrified to enter into any kind of sexual relationship, but she doesn't know why.  Even though she is fearful of sex, Jayne secretly writes terrific erotica novels.  When she self publishes her novel, her life changes practically overnight, forcing herself to make some grown up decisions. Will she be able to overcome her neurotic tendencies and take a chance on love?

What I Liked:

• Neurotica despite its title is for the most part a light, funny, romantic read that follows a young woman trying to move into adulthood and overcome the trauma of her past.  This is a novel all about growth and transformation and letting go of excess baggage.  I enjoyed watching Jayne change as she meandered her way through life. 
• Jayne is a unique, shy girl with all kinds of quirks.  She is terrified of sex and intimacy, yet she writes brilliant erotica on the sly.  It was a strange irony to have a best selling erotica author who was afraid of sex.  For those of you thinking this is a book with lots of sex and erotica, I assure you its not.  Even though Jayne writes erotica, there aren't any snippets from her books at all in the novel, and they are no sex scenes.  This sounds like an oxymoron, but believe me it works.  
• For me, what really made this book shine was the setting of Portland, Oregon.  Portland is where I currently reside, so I was delighted to find this book was set here.  I thought Ms. Gordon did a brilliant job of depicting Portland with all its eccentricities from the fashion, the culture to the love of food carts.  Ms. Gordon bring forth many of the popular places in the city while capturing Portland's flavor.  She even goes so far as to talk about the weather, and the importance of environmental conservation, which is a near and dear issue to Portlanders.  This was a book where I totally felt the author got it right when writing about Portland.  I only wished that Piewalker's (loved that name) was a real food cart.  Perhaps it was inspired by one? I need to find out...
• I enjoyed the geek culture.  Luke and Jayne are huge Star Wars fans.  I laughed at how far fans take their love for these films, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Luke and Jayne geeking out over Star Wars. 
• The romance is pleasant and light.  It is based on a friendship and it takes its time to slowly develop into something more.  It takes its sweet time.  No need to worry about insta love with this one.  I was worried that a love triangle might be in the works, but thankfully, it never develops.  The romance was realistic and nice, except for a small hurdle toward the end. 
• Jayne is in therapy during the novel as she is trying to work through her baggage and intimacy issues.  I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the relationship Jayne developed with her therapist, and I especially liked the turn of events toward the end with this relationship.  The therapist delivers some brilliant, heart felt advice to Jayne regarding dealing with her mother.  I thought this was one of the highlights of the book.
• There is plenty of humor and snark in this one that made me snicker.  I always enjoy a book that makes me laugh. 

And The Not So Much:

• While I enjoyed the slow building romance, I was frustrated by three things.  First, that there was a bit of unnecessary romantic drama toward the end.  It was a bit too much and predictable.  Second, I disliked that the book abruptly ends right at the sweet spot.  Seriously?  I waited the whole book for that scene and then the book just ends.  It almost felt like a cliffhanger, but it wasn't.  Third, when the book opens, Luke and Jayne have already established a friendship.  I was hoping that there would be some insight as to how they became friends and all that, but there was nothing.  I felt like I was missing a piece of the puzzle. 
• Jayne has some big issues with her mother.  Jayne's mother is in the middle of an ugly divorce, so she is bitter and nasty.  Jayne's mother is not a pleasant person at all, and it was evident that a lot of Jayne's neurotic behavior stemmed from her troubled relationship with her mother.  There is a moment of confrontation in the book between Jayne and her mother, where Jayne finally steps up and takes a stand, but after that nothing.  I was expecting more resolution with the conflicted mother daughter relationship.  In this case, I wasn't hoping for an amicable understanding, not with Jayne's mother, but I wanted something more.  It seemed like such an important part of the novel and it felt unresolved. 
• Throughout the novel, there are chapters that feature Jayne's sci-fi story.  I couldn't really see the point in including these pages and after awhile I found myself skimming them and not even wanting to read them.  Jayne's story didn't add anything of major importantance to the main story, and I thought it was boring.  I would have actually preferred to see some pages from her best selling erotica novels to see how a girl who was afraid of sex was able to write erotica. 
• The ending was a disappointment.  It just cuts off right at the best part, and I felt ripped off.  I wished that there was more, perhaps an Epilogue down the road or even further development with the final scene.  

Neurotica is an interesting romance novel all about growth, change and taking chances.  I enjoyed watching Jayne transform.  The Portland setting makes this book shine along with plenty of humor.  I only wished that there was a bit more development with some of the relationships.  

 

Favorite Quotations:

"The rock will serve as a reminder that the sharp stones can be sanded, their jagged edges lessened and tamed.  And that every step forward is exactly that: a step forward."

"Just because society dictates certain norms and delivers them on a packhorse of guilt, it doesn't mean we have to climb on.  You deserve to be treated with respect by everyone you choose to have in your life.  You deserve to be accepted for who you are.  You have the right to be yourself because there is only one you."

"My young friend, if someone does not grant you the respect you are due as a human being, no matter what their relationship to you, friend or blood, you have no obligation to suffer their presence in your life."

 

I received a copy of this book as part of a tour.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

Goodreads | Amazon 

About the Author:

A purveyor of fictions, Eliza Gordon has excellent taste in books, shoes, movies, and friends, and questionable sanity in the realm of love. Best leave that one alone. www.elizagordon.com

 

Connect:

Website |  Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

 

Giveaway:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Check out the rest of the tour:

Schedule:

9/22

Lustful Literature- Review

Rainy Day Ramblings - Review

My Love For Reading Keeps Growing- Promo

9/23

Maureen's Books- Review

Sue Cover Reveals & Book Promotions- Promo

Addicted Souls- Review

9/24

The Word at My Fingertips- Author Interview

Christy's Love of Books- Guest Post/Top Ten

9/25

I Read Indie- Promo

Chasing My Extraordinary- Review

A Book Vacation- Guest Post/Top Ten

9/26

Girl of 1000 Wonders- Review

The Revolving Bookcase- Review

Book Briefs- Review

9/29

Books and Bindings- Review

Bookish Wanderlove- Review

Curling Up With a Good Book - Review

9/30

Casual Readers- Review

Every Free Chance Books- Review

Her Book Thoughts! - Review

10/1

All is Read- Review

A Tiffyfits Reading Corner- Guest Post/Top Ten

My Guilty Obsession- Review

10/2

Donnie Darko Girl- Review

Gin's Book Notes- Review

Three Boy Circus- Review

10/3

If These Books Could Talk- Review

Alice Marvels- Guest Post or Top Ten

 

 

The Sunday Post 104th Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly post hosted by Kimba@ the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It is a chance to share all the news and highlights on your blog for the past and upcoming weeks. Head over to Kimba's for details and to link up!

 

 

Another week in the book.  This year is flying by.  We are already nearing the end of September.  We survived the second week of Kindergarten and everything is going great.  I think we are finally settling into a routine again and it feels good. I am definitley able to get more done with just one kid around the house.  It sure is quiet. 

Our weather has been a bit of everything this week.  It started out hot and dry in the nineties with smoke from a nearby fire, then we transitioned to clouds and humidity and finally on Thursday rain sprinkles.  We haven't had a good rainy day in a couple of months.  Then it warmed right back up so I am happy to still have the sun.  

The leaves are starting to turn, and I am enjoying seeing the fall colors.  What about where you are?  Are you seeing fall leaves?

Be sure to check out the Something Wicked Strikes page if you have yet to sign up for the hop, hurry and do it.  We will be kicking Wicked off in less than ten days. Yikes!

Have you been over to The Geeky Book Blogger's Book Blog this month?  Felicia and Jennifer@The Book Nympho have spent the entire month of September spotlighting all the benefits of the library.  Do you utilize your local library?  Stop by and check out all the bloggers sharing their library love.  I will posting on Felicia's blog on September 29th.  What an awesome event!

In November, watch for giving thanks posts from  Felicia @ The Geeky Blogger’s Book Blog and the gals at Fantasy is More Fun and  Because Reading.  It promises to be a great month of remembering what we are grateful for, aside from good books. Sign up to particpate here.

Finally, are you an aspiring YA author?  If you answered yes, you must check out  The Next Big YA Book event hosted by Jenny@Supernatural Snark and  Hipso Media. You could land a publishing deal along with a cover designed by Jenny and a tour hosted by CBB Book Promotions.  Click here for all the details. 

Whew! That is a lot of good stuff!

Onto blog news.  This last week on the blog I highlighted:

Monday: Audiobook Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Tuesday: Tell Me Something Tuesday: Are cheap books/free books good reads?

Wednesday: Review: Suddenly Sorceress by Erica Lucke Dean

Thursday: Inferno Park by J.L. Bryan Review and Giveaway

Friday: Friday Forecast

Saturday: Stuck in a Good Book Blog Hop

 I received for review:

Audiobook:

A huge thanks to all the publisher for these titles. 

Next week on the blog:

Monday: Tour Stop: Neurotica By Eliza Gordan

Tuesday: Tell Me Something Tuesday: Are You Happy with the Direction of NA?

Wednesday: Review: A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard

Thursday: Audiobook Review: Game by Barry Lyga

Friday: Friday Forecast

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!