Rainy Day Ramblings

Audiobook Review: Fight or Flight by Samantha Young

 

The universe is conspiring against Ava Breevort. As if flying back to Phoenix to bury a childhood friend wasn't hell enough, a cloud of volcanic ash traveling from overseas delayed her flight back home to Boston. Her last ditch attempt to salvage the trip was thwarted by an arrogant Scotsman, Caleb Scott, who steals a first class seat out from under her. Then over the course of their journey home, their antagonism somehow lands them in bed for the steamiest layover Ava's ever had. And that's all it was--until Caleb shows up on her doorstep.When pure chance pulls Ava back into Caleb's orbit, he proposes they enjoy their physical connection while he's stranded in Boston. Ava agrees, knowing her heart's in no danger since a) she barely likes Caleb and b) his existence in her life is temporary. Not long thereafter Ava realizes she's made a terrible error because as it turns out Caleb Scott isn't quite so unlikeable after all. When his stay in Boston becomes permanent, Ava must decide whether to fight her feelings for him or give into them. But even if she does decide to risk her heart on Caleb, there is no guarantee her stubborn Scot will want to risk his heart on her.... 
Audiobook
Published October 9th 2018 by Penguin Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Four stars: A fun, flirty romance that starts out with antagonistic banter, but there is more to this one than fluff. 

Ava is exhausted after an emotional few days in Phoenix under the most trying circumstances. She wants nothing more than to get on the airplane and get home. Unfortunately, a rude man named Caleb Scott, gets in her way. He steals her first class seat, barks at her and then she finds they are seat mates. They fight and argue on the flight, and then something changes during the lay over. The pair end up in the bedroom. They part ways, not expecting to run into one another again, but fate has other things in mind. The two are thrown together again and their chemistry is off the charts, but neither wants a relationship. The pair agrees to a no strings attached, physical relationship only, but will they be able to walk away when the time is up?

What I Liked:

• Fight or Flight was a fun romance. I loved that it started out completely antagonistic and then it moved into a friendship and so much more. There are layers and layers to the characters and the relationships. This is so much more than a sexy romance. 
• Eva and Caleb shine as the main characters. At first, Caleb is brusque and rude. He never utters a please or thank you and he has nothing by snide, snarling remarks for Ada. Ada at first glance, appears to be a superficial pretty woman who is concerned about her appearance, but first impressions are deceiving. There is so much more to these characters. Caleb in reality is kind and caring under that gruff exterior. Ava is damaged and she uses her appearance to bolster her confidence. Both have suffered through major setbacks in their lives, and they are trying to forge ahead. I loved the complexity of both Ava and Caleb. 
• The romance is wonderful. It starts out with the two completely at odds, not liking one another at all. Then the sparks of attraction ignite and they find their sexual chemistry is off the charts. Again, the relationship transforms and the duo learn to truly open up and they become friends, and then one more turn and they are genuine lovers. I loved the depth and complexity of the relationship and how they formed a powerful bond that benefitted both of them. 
• I enjoyed the secondary cast of characters such as Ava’s best friend Harper and Caleb’s brother, and several others. I loved that there was a strong focus on friendship in this one. The bond between Harper and Ava is wonderful. 
• I appreciated that this book had a lot of substance to it, and that it wasn’t all sex, romance and fluff. It takes on some deep issues such as domestic abuse, emotional abuse, child neglect and self doubt and self esteem. I thought the author did a wonderful job with these topics. 
• The book ends with a nice happy exclamation point. I was thrilled with the way things settled out, but I was also hopeful that there might be more with other characters in the book.

And The Not So Much:

• I loved Harper, Ava’s bestie, and I wanted so much to see her find her happiness. I am hoping that there might be another book with her as the main character. 
• I was bothered by the relationship between Ava and her parents. I wish that there had been some movement in that area. 
• I hated the big stumble toward the end. Just when I thought things were on the up and up, Caleb has to go and be a big ass again. Argh. I wish I could have gotten Caleb’s point of view so I could understand him better. 

Fight or Flight was a great read. I loved that this book was so much more than a romance. It was a book with depth. I loved the complex characters and the layered relationships. It was one heck of a ride. I grew attached to these characters, and I am hoping that there might be a companion novel in the works featuring Harper.

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 Proposal (The Wedding Date #2) by Jasmine Guillory, Janina Edwards (Narrator)

 

The author of The Wedding Date serves up a novel about what happens when a public proposal doesn't turn into a happy ending, thanks to a woman who knows exactly how to make one on her own...When someone asks you to spend your life with him, it shouldn't come as a surprise--or happen in front of 45,000 people. When freelance writer Nikole Paterson goes to a Dodgers game with her actor boyfriend, his man bun, and his bros, the last thing she expects is a scoreboard proposal. Saying no isn't the hard part--they've only been dating for five months, and he can't even spell her name correctly. The hard part is having to face a stadium full of disappointed fans...At the game with his sister, Carlos Ibarra comes to Nik's rescue and rushes her away from a camera crew. He's even there for her when the video goes viral and Nik's social media blows up--in a bad way. Nik knows that in the wilds of LA, a handsome doctor like Carlos can't be looking for anything serious, so she embarks on an epic rebound with him, filled with food, fun, and fantastic sex. But when their glorified hookups start breaking the rules, one of them has to be smart enough to put on the brakes... 
Audiobook
Published October 30th 2018 by Penguin Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Three stars: A fun romance, but it lacks originality, it was far too predictable. 

Nik stabs at her phone, wondering how much longer she has to endure being at this ballgame with Fisher, her boyfriend. Nik is in for the shock of her life when a few minutes later, she is up on the Jumbotron with Fisher proposing to her in front of thousands of people. She has only been dating him causally for five months and they haven’t even exchanged I love yous, let alone discussed marriage. Nik desperately tries to let him down without making a spectacle, but it’s too late. Thankfully when the camera crew heads her way, a Good Samaritan quickly intervenes and saves her from more humiliation. Carlos while watching the scene unfold in front of him at the baseball game, and decides to help poor hapless Nik. Soon the two are friends with benefits, but neither one of them wants an involved relationship, or do they?

What I Liked:

• The Proposal was a book I desperately wanted to read after reading this author’s debut: The Wedding Date. While this one may not have quite lived up to its predecessor, I found it to be fun and flirty, and I was thrilled to get more Carlos. 
• I loved the opening of the book. I can’t imagine a more humiliating thing than a public proposal in front of thousands of people that you have to turn down. It was hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole scene. 
• The romance itself was fun. I liked that it started out under strange circumstances and that it turned into a friendship. I felt like that couple took some time to establish a friendship and to get to know one another before moving to the next level. I especially liked that they laughed and enjoyed the time they spent together. 
• Big props to the author for continuing to bring racial diversity in her books. I liked that Nik is an African American woman, while Carlos is Latino. It is nice to see diverse racial couples. 
• Carlos was one of the main reasons I wanted to read this book. If you have read The Wedding Date, you will know Carlos as Drew’s supportive friend. I liked getting to know Carlos better in this one. I appreciated that he was dealing with personal tragedy and that he was always a stand up guy. He was the backbone of his family. He is kind, compassionate and a genuine good guy. 
• I enjoyed the strong focus on female friendships. Nik has two besties, who always have her back. I loved this part of the novel. 
• I liked that there was a tiny portion of the novel that focused on domestic abuse.
• I enjoyed catching up with Drew and Alexa from Wedding Date. It was fun to see them again. 
• The book ends in a good spot. I was happy and satisfied. 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Janina Edwards. I enjoyed her work, I thought her voices were good, and I think I enjoyed this far more listening to it vs. reading it. 

And The Not So Much:

• I think the biggest draw back for me with this one was that it was so predictable. It was easy to see how things were going to progress with the relationship, and even with the whole situation with Carlos’ cousin. There was really nothing in this on that was surprising. 
• I was disappointed that we didn’t get more from Natalie and Dana. There was so much going on there that was left unexplored. 
• I struggled with the realism of the story. There were so many things that seemed a little too convenient or over the top, especially the final scene between Nik and Fisher. It was funny but so unrealistic. 

The Proposal was a cute read, but I found myself bored because everything was too predictable. I knew everything that was going to happen pretty much before it occurs. Yes, there are some fun, flirty moments, but nothing in this one that is original. I expected much more after reading this author’s debut The Wedding Date. This was by no means a bad book, but I expected more. Still, I plan on reading the third book in this series when it releases. 

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. 

Don't miss the first book in this companion series:

Audiobook Review: Love à la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Take two American teen chefs, add one heaping cup of Paris, toss in a pinch of romance, and stir. . . .

Rosie Radeke firmly believes that happiness can be found at the bottom of a mixing bowl. But she never expected that she, a random nobody from East Liberty, Ohio, would be accepted to celebrity chef Denis Laurent's school in Paris, the most prestigious cooking program for teens in the entire world. Life in Paris, however, isn't all cream puffs and crepes. Faced with a challenging curriculum and a nightmare professor, Rosie begins to doubt her dishes.Henry Yi grew up in his dad's restaurant in Chicago, and his lifelong love affair with food landed him a coveted spot in Chef Laurent's school. He quickly connects with Rosie, but academic pressure from home and his jealousy over Rosie's growing friendship with gorgeous bad-boy baker Bodie Tal makes Henry lash out and push his dream girl away. Desperate to prove themselves, Rosie and Henry cook like never before while sparks fly between them. But as they reach their breaking points, they wonder whether they have what it takes to become real chefs.Perfect for lovers of Chopped Teen Tournament and Kids Baking Championship, as well as anyone who dreams of a romantic trip to France, Love la Mode follows Rosie and Henry as they fall in love with food, with Paris, and ultimately, with each other.
Audiobook
Published November 27th 2018 by Listening Library
Source: Publisher

 

Three and a half stars: A cute, feel good romance set in Paris. 

Henry Yi is busy leafing through one of his culinary magazines on the plane headed to Paris, when the girl across the aisle asks him to not turn the page because she has been reading his magazine along with him. Rosie is embarrassed to be caught reading over Henry’s shoulder, but she couldn’t resist since it was all about cake. The two strike up a conversation, and they learn that they are both headed to the same elite cooking school in Paris. Rosie and Henry immediately hit it off, and neither can deny the sparks of attraction. When they get to the school, the two find themselves struggling with the pressures of their coursework and cooking, making them question themselves, their skills and whether they are right for one another. Can a romance in Paris blossom?

What I Liked:

• Love à la Mode is a light, feel good teenage romance with an amazing setting. Who doesn’t love a romance set in Paris? Plus, add in all the decadent food, and you have the makings for a cute little romance. 
• I adored both Henry and Rosie. They were fun characters. I loved how Rosie was the one who always looked out for her brothers, even from Paris. I also enjoyed her sweet personality and her love for baking. Even when she struggled and had her doubts, she kept on going. Rosie is an excellent friend, and I appreciated how she was always there to help her fellow classmates  Henry was also fun. He was an all around good guy who loved to cook. I like how he wanted to always look after Rosie and help her along. 
• I couldn’t get enough of the Paris setting. It was fun to explore Paris with Rosie and Henry and to get a vicarious taste of all the wonderful foods. I could almost smell the crepes and the breads. Loved it!
• I enjoyed the camaraderie amongst the students at the culinary school. At first, I thought there was going to be some issues with some of the more popular kids, but that really wasn’t the case. For the most part, all of the students from all over the world learned to work together, to help one another and to become friends. The friends Thanksgiving was one of the best parts. I was especially surprised by celebrity chef Bodie Tal. He ended up being a really good guy. 
• The romance itself was sweet and nice, even though it had its stumbles. I liked the chemistry between Henry and Rosie and how they formed a strong friendship. 
• I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author. I thought she did a terrific job with the characters. 

And The Not So Much:

• My one hesitation with the romance was that I grew frustrated with the way that Henry kept shutting out Rosie instead of talking to her about his problems. I wish there was more honesty and communication. 
• I was frustrated that the situation with Rosie’s dad wasn’t covered more in depth. There were hints early on, but nothing was revealed until the final portion of the book. I wish that there had been more on everything, I thought this part of the story was lacking. 
• I didn’t like way Henry’s mother kept pushing and pushing. I thought it was unfair of her to step in and behave the way she did. 
• The book ended abruptly, leaving me wanting way more. I wish there had been an epilogue a year down the road as I would love to see how everything worked out.

Love à la Mode is a nice feel good romance perfect for those who are looking for a light romance without drama and angst. Plus, you can’t go wrong with the Paris setting and all the scrumptious food. This was an easy, breezy read that I enjoyed. 

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. 

Audiobook Review: The Elizas: A Novel by Sara Shepard, Jayme Mattler (Narrator)

 

New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars Sara Shepard makes her mark on adult fiction with this Hitchcockian double narrative composed of lies, false memories, and a protagonist who must uncover the truth for survival. When debut novelist Eliza Fontaine is found at the bottom of a hotel pool, her family at first assumes that it’s just another failed suicide attempt. But Eliza swears she was pushed, and her rescuer is the only witness. Desperate to find out who attacked her, Eliza takes it upon herself to investigate. But as the publication date for her novel draws closer, Eliza finds more questions than answers. Like why are her editor, agent, and family mixing up events from her novel with events from her life? Her novel is completely fictional, isn’t it? The deeper Eliza goes into her investigation while struggling with memory loss, the closer her life starts to resemble her novel, until the line between reality and fiction starts to blur and she can no longer tell where her protagonist’s life ends and hers begins. Fans of Pretty Little Liars, S.J. Watson’s Before I Go to Sleep, and Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10 will be drawn to the drama of feeling like no one is on your side, the high tension of not knowing who you can trust, the hair-raising truths hidden among lies, and a faceless, nameless presence controlling Eliza’s life from the shadows. 
Source: Publisher

 

Three and a half stars: A twisty little mystery with an unreliable narrator whom you just can’t trust. 

Eliza checks into the hotel and immediately raids the wet bar. She knows she shouldn’t drink, but just one or two drinks won’t hurt, right? The next thing she knows, Eliza is waking up in the hospital after nearly drowning in the hotel pool. Her family and doctors believe that Eliza once again tried to commit suicide, but Eliza is over the suicidal tendencies after overcoming  her brain tumor. Eliza is certain that someone pushed her, but who would push her why, especially right before her debut novel releases? Is someone out to get Eliza?

What I Liked:

• The Elizas is a suspenseful mystery with two story lines. It follows Eliza, a debut novelist, who is certain someone tried to kill her. Then there is the secondary story arc that features the tale between the two Dots, which is the story in Eliza’s novel. I enjoyed the double story lines and the suspense in this one. Plus, add in Eliza, the unreliable narrator, and you have the makings for a solid psychological thriller. 
• I enjoy a good unreliable narrator, and Eliza is definitely someone you can’t figure out. I wanted to like her, but she doesn’t even truly like her self. She engages in destructive behaviors, and her mental stability is questionable. She swims in a fog, and often appears delusional. Yet, there is so much more to her than meets the eye. It was fascinating to watch her overcome and learn the truth. 
• At first, I wasn’t sure about the secondary story line of the two Dots, but the more I read, the more invested I became in this portion of the story. It was just as interesting as the main story line. 
• There are some twists and turns, that I enjoyed. For the most part, the big reveal was easy to see coming, for me at least, but then there were a few other surprises that I didn’t anticipate. I liked that suspense and the reveals. 
• The ending was satisfying, it appeared that all the loose threads were done up, and I was relieved at the outcome, but then the author throws in one final twist that leaves the reader wondering......
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Jayme Matler. This is my first time listening to Ms. Matler, and I would certainly listen to her again. She did an excellent job with the characters and the voices, I especially liked her depiction of Dot. 

And The Not So Much:

• I think the drawback for me with this one was that I spent the entire time clamoring for a character to latch onto and like. I could never really relate to anyone, and I ended up finishing the novel not liking any of the characters. It makes it harder to become invested in the story when you don’t like any of the characters. 
• I was satisfied with the ending until the author threw in that final wrench. It felt that last twist was unnecessary and I didn’t like that it left me wondering. 
• For me, it was easy to figure out how the two story lines were going to intersect, I wish that it had been more of a surprise. 

The Elizas is an entertaining mystery with a great deal of suspense and plenty of twists and turns. It features an unreliable narrator whom you want to like, but you just can’t. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but my one big hesitation with this book was that I ended up not liking any of the characters, and it is hard to truly invest oneself in a story when everyone remains unlikeable. Still it was an interesting read, one I would recommend for anyone who wants a good psychological thriller. 

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. 

Audiobook Review: Rule (Rule #1) by Ellen Goodlett

 

Three girls with three deadly secrets. Only one can wear the crown.

The king is dying, his heir has just been murdered, and rebellion brews in the east. But the kingdom of Kolonya and the outer Reaches has one last option before it descends into leaderless chaos. Or rather, three unexpected options.

Zofi has spent her entire life trekking through the outer Reaches with her band of Travelers. She would do anything to protect the band, her family. But no one can ever find out how far she's already gone.

Akeylah was raised in the Eastern Reach, surrounded by whispers of rebellion and abused by her father. Desperate to escape, she makes a decision that threatens the whole kingdom.

Ren grew up in Kolonya, serving as a lady's maid and scheming her way out of the servants' chambers. But one such plot could get her hung for treason if anyone ever discovers what she's done.

When the king summons the girls, they arrive expecting arrest or even execution. Instead they learn the truth: they are his illegitimate daughters, and one must become his new heir. But someone in Kolonya knows their secrets, and that someone will stop at nothing to keep the sisters from their destiny... to rule.

Magic, mystery, and blackmail abound in this sensational and striking fantasy debut. 
Hardcover, 376 pages
Published September 11th 2018 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Source: Publisher

 

Three and a half stars: An intriguing story of three half sisters battling for a crown, but beware of the cliffhanger. 

Zofi, Ren and Akeylah are about to get the shock of their lives. The three have been living unique lives in different parts of the kingdom, until the day they are all summoned by the king. The girls learn that they are the king’s daughters and would be heirs as well as half sisters. A shock. Zofi is not prepared for life at court, she has spent her entire life as a traveler, trekking the kingdom with her people. Akeylah, on the other hand, welcomes the change as she spent her life abused at her supposed father’s hands. Ren is the most likely to fit the mold as she grew up the daughter of a lady’s maid serving the nobility of the court. Now the three sisters are to be adversaries as they vie for the throne. However, things get ugly when each of the girls receives blackmail notices from someone who knows their darkest secrets. With no one else to turn to, the sisters look to each other to sniff out the traitor and save the kingdom, but can three different girls become friends?

What I Liked:

• Rule is a book that I had a love hate relationship with. There were many parts that I found intriguing and I easily slipped into the world and the story. This ended up being a strong book despite the cliffhanger. If you are wanting a fantasy story with magic, betrayals, camaraderie, secrets and more, this is one to try. 
• At first, I wasn’t sure who amongst the girls that I would identify with, each girl was unique in her own way, but thankfully each girl demonstrated likable qualities and I had no trouble liking all of them. Zofi was the hardest one for me to identify with at first. She comes across as wild, unfettered and she has no regard for rules or anyone else. She grew up living a gypsy lifestyle, and she has little loyalty for anyone. That being said, I ended up liking her fierce spirit and her wild ways. She could always be counted on when things got rough. Akeylah starts out meek and mild, the victim of years of abuse. However, once she breaks free of her abusive stepfather, she begins to blossom. I liked watching her grow. Ren, is the wild card. She grew up in the court, and she knows the ins and outs of court life, but she made a terrible mistake by trusting someone, and that trust was broken when information gotten by her hand killed over a thousand men. She is desperately trying to right her wrong. It was interesting to get to know these girls and watch them grow. 
• One thing that I wasn’t expecting was the eventual bond and friendship that formed between the girls. They start off as adversaries and enemies, but things change when someone starts blackmailing them. The girls turn to each other and soon become friends and even sisters. I loved watching them work together. This was my favorite part of the book. 
• I appreciated that there was plenty to keep me invested in the story. There were plot twists, betrayals and lots of dark secrets. I thought I had things figured out, but there was a startling development at the end, leading me to believe that all my conjectures were all wrong. I am eager to know more. 
• I liked that there was magic involved in this one and a nod to the dark arts. 
• The book culminates with a brilliant climax packed full of stunning developments and a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming. I was on the edge of my seat until the cliffhanger. 
• I listened to the audiobook version, and I loved that three narrators were incorporated to voice each girl’s perspective. It added to the enjoyment of the story.

And The Not So Much:

• My biggest annoyance with this book was the cliffhanger. Every time I go back and try a YA book, I am once again slapped with a cliffhanger. I am so over the cliffhanger endings. I hate them!
• This is a niggling point for me, but it drove me crazy. Each girl constantly used a phrase that was inherent to her part of the world to express shock or dismay or frustration. The use of these phrases was constant and it drove me nuts after awhile.
• There are some subtle romances in this one, but nothing that I thought was worthwhile. There is a f/f romance, but it lacked substance. It felt disingenuous and I thought it was based on lust. It was an insta love type relationship. I didn’t care for any of the romantic relationships. 
• I felt like the world building was a bit lacking. I wanted more depth especially when it came to the outlying areas and the magic. 

Rule was an interesting read, but it never felt completely original. There were aspects that I enjoyed, especially the friendship that was forged between the three girls, but the cliffhanger was a huge frustration, making this feel like the same old same old in the YA genre. It was a good read, but I wanted fantastic, thus I am on the fence as to whether or not I will continue this series. If you are one that enjoys YA fantasy and you don’t mind cliffhangers, definitely give this a whirl. 

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. 

Audiobook Review: The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

 

We've been waiting for an hour. Thats what Audrey says. She states it with a little bit of an edge, her words just bordering on cursive. Thats the thing I think first. Not: Audrey Hepburn is at my birthday dinner, but Audrey Hepburn is annoyed. At one point or another, we've all been asked to name five people, living or dead, with whom wed like to have dinner. Why do we choose the people we do? And what if that dinner was to actually happen? These are the questions Rebecca Serle contends with in her utterly captivating audiobook, The Dinner List.When Sabrina arrives at her thirtieth birthday dinner she finds at the table not just her best friend, but also three significant people from her past, and well, Audrey Hepburn. As the appetizers are served, wine poured, and dinner table conversation begins, it becomes clear that theres a reason these six people have been gathered together.Delicious but never indulgent, sweet with just the right amount of bitter, The Dinner List is a romance for our times. Bon appetit.Praise for The Dinner List: Its Serles unflinching investigation into the triumph and failings of love that makes this book one of a kind. A touch magic, a touch tragic, and absolutely compelling from beginning to end. Stephanie Danler, New York Times bestselling author of Sweetbitter "Rebecca Serle draws you in with this clever and delightful story and then (when you least expect it) offers up some of the sharpest insights on first loves, friendships and family. 
Audiobook, 6 pages
Published September 11th 2018 by MacMillan Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Three and a half stars: An interesting book that explores the complexity of relationships. 

When Sabrina arrives at her thirtieth birthday dinner, she is shocked to be greeted by Audrey Hepburn informing her they have been waiting for her for over an hour. Seated at the table are five important people to Sabrina: Her dead father, her boyfriend, her best friend, her college professor and Audrey Hepburn. As the dinner gets started, so does the conversation, and it soon becomes clear that each guest is there for a reason, as Sabrina begins examines the relationships in her life. Who would you like to dine with if you had the chance?

What I Liked:

• The Dinner List was a book I couldn’t resist because I was intrigued by the concept of someone having that dream dinner with their top five guests. This is a book about life, love and the complexities of relationships. I found it intriguing. 
• Sabrina is a girl who has a lot of baggage in her past, and soon she finds this dinner is an opportunity to come to terms with unreconciled issues. Seated at the table is her father, whom she barely knew. Dining and conversing with her father gives her a chance to say the things she never could say and to get to know the man who abandoned her and her mother so long ago. I found this part of the book to be the most touching. Like with any of the relationships in the book, this one is full of conflict and many unresolved issues. For me, watching Sabrina have the chance to say the things she never could while he was alive was one of the highlights of the book. 
• The main focus of the book is on the troubled romantic relationship between Tobias and Sabrina. The story moves jumps back and forth from the dinner to the past as the details of Sabrina’s and Tobias’ relationship are uncovered. Parts of the relationship were magical and wonderful as it was based on fate and destiny, while other portions were troubling. I think the main message is that love is messy and complicated, and sometimes even with fate and destiny involved things don’t always work out. There were so many ups and downs with the relationship, including a big shocking twist, and I was frustrated and charmed by the relationship. When everything was said and done at the end, I was satisfied with the way it worked out. 
• Also at the table is Jessica, Sabrina’s best friend. Just like with Sabrina’s romantic relationship, this friendship is also full of complications. The friends go through their growing pains, they grow apart and they have their differences, but once they really talked, I felt like the friendship was back on track. 
• Audrey Hepburn was one of the most interesting people at the table. At first, I wasn’t sure about this character, but as the dinner goes on, Audrey became a favorite. I liked that she wasn’t portrayed as a dazzling starlet. Instead, she is a genuine person with her own faults and troubles. I liked learning more about Audrey’s personal life, and I enjoyed her sage advice. 
• The book ends with the conclusion of the dinner. I was satisfied with the way things played out, and I liked that the whole dinner wasn’t chalked up to some elaborate dream. Instead there is the hint that it really did happen by some extraordinary means. 

And The Not So Much:

• Even though I liked that this book was all about exploring the complex romantic relationship between Sabrina and Tobias, it got so frustrating. I can’t put it all into words, but I think my main issues was that I never was a big fan of Tobias. I felt like Sabrina was the one doing all the work all the time in the relationship. I guess I wanted more......
• The one guest at the party that didn’t really serve a purpose was Sabrina’s professor. Conrad is a nice guy who offers some advice, but I expected more from him. There was nothing in Sabrina’s relationship with Conrad that was impactful or important. I didn’t feel like this guest offered much at all at the table. 
• At first, I was swept up in the book, but toward the final third, everything began to slow. I grew tired of the dramatics in Sabrina’s and Tobias’ relationship, I felt like it dragged down the book. 
• Finally, I listened to the audiobook version narrated by the author herself. I was disappointed in the audiobook because I felt like the author was just reading the book to me. There were no character voices or much emotion. It was not up to par with the audiobooks I usually listen to.

The Dinner List was a book I wanted to love. I was fascinated by the concept of the dinner and the guests, and I liked the touch of magical realism. This is a book that explores the complexities of all the different relationships in one’s life. Overall, I liked the book, but in the end, I was disappointed that so much of the story was focused on the unhealthy romantic relationship between Sabrina and Tobias. Still it was interesting enough to recommend to those of you who want a little something different. 

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. 

Audiobook Review: The Reckoning by John Grisham, Michael Beck (Narrator )

 

New York Times bestselling author John Grisham returns to Clanton, Mississippi, to tell the story of an unthinkable murder and the bizarre trial that follows it, in this powerful new legal thriller.

Pete Banning was Clanton's favorite son, a returning war hero, the patriarch of a prominent family, a farmer, father, neighbor, and a faithful member of the Methodist church. Then one cool October morning in 1946. he rose early, drove into town, walked into the Church, and calmly shot and killed the Reverend Dexter Bell. As if the murder wasn't shocking enough, it was even more baffling that Pete's only statement about it--to the sheriff, to his defense attorney, to the judge, to his family and friends, and to the people of Clanton--was "I have nothing to say." And so the murder of the esteemed Reverend Bell became the most mysterious and unforgettable crime Ford County had ever known. 
Audiobook, Unabridged
Published October 23rd 2018 by Random House
Source: Library

 

Four and a half stars: A powerful, heartbreaking read that will leave you heartbroken and stunned. 

One morning in October 1946, Pete Banning, a war hero and favorite son of Clanton Mississippi, goes through his day with murder on his mind. After his affairs are in order, Pete drives to town where he confronts the Methodist Minster and shoots him point blank. Pete is arrested and tried for gruesome crime, but he refuses to tell why he did it. He doesn’t even put up a fight. He claims he did what needed to be done and he has nothing more to say. As Pete is put on trial for murder, his sister, son and daughter are reeling from the tragedy as they search for answers. What drove their dad to murder? Will they ever find out the truth, or will Pete take his secrets to his grave?

What I Liked:

• WOW! This was an emotional and riveting read. I couldn’t put it down. It is fascinating, terrifying, appalling and full of heartbreak. Once I read to the shocking conclusion, I was stunned. This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. 
• I liked that this book takes place in 1946. The majority of the book is set in rural Mississippi where Jim Crow laws and prejudice run rampant. It was fascinating to get a snippet of what life was like during this time period, especially when it came to trial procedure and court matters. 
• Part of the book goes over what Pete endured as a Japanese prisoner of war. This part of the novel was tough to read. Parts of it are horrifying, gruesome and tragic, but I had to read on because I had to understand what many Americans suffered through during the war. Even though this section of the book was tough going, I am glad that I read it as I learned so much about World War II that I didn’t know. 
• The suspense in the story is thick. Everyone keeps asking why Pete committed the murder, and then there is the situation with Pete’s wife who was placed in a mental institution a couple of months before the murder. Did something happen between Pete’s wife and the preacher? I was completely invested in the story line surrounding the murder and the motive.
• I started the book not liking Pete as I wasn’t sympathetic to a man who premeditates and follows through with murder. I couldn’t fathom why he would destroy the lives of his children, but then when Pete’s brutal past comes out, my heart ached for him. He was one tough man. I admired his strength and courage, and wished things were different for him.
• The book culminates with an unforgettable conclusion. As the suspense mounted and the pieces started to fit into place, I thought I had it figured out, but then there is a stunning twist that I never saw coming. The ending is heartbreaking and unforgettable, I will be thinking on it for days and weeks to come. 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Michael Beck. This is my first time listening to Mr. Beck, and I thought his narration was superb. His voices were amazing, I thought he did a fantastic job. 

And The Not So Much:

• I was invested in the story right up until the final third of the book where the pacing started to drag. This part of the story involves the fight over Pete’s land and the countless appeals. I didn’t care that much about this part of the book, it got too lengthy. 
• I am not going to lie, parts of this book are brutal. The entire section on Pete’s time in the war is not for the faint of heart. It is disturbing and tough to read. 
• The story ends abruptly and I was left wondering about the fate of Pete’s longtime housekeeper and her husband as well as his children. I wish there had been an Epilogue, something to ease the sting of the dramatic ending. 

The Reckoning is a book I am finding hard to review. This was a book that swept me up with its captivating and sorrowful story. The story is shockingly sad, and parts of it are gruesome and tough to take. Mr. Grisham proves why he is a masterful story teller with this one. I was glued to the pages, right up to the shocking finale. I will be thinking on this book for a long time to come.

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

The Darkest Star (Origin #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

 

When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen...but he is in fact something much more powerful.
Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she'd only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head... 
Audible Audio, Unabridged (12 hours and 11 minutes), 12 pages
Published October 30th 2018 by Macmillan Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Three and a half stars: A fun book, but nothing mind blowing.

Evie Dasher knows she shouldn’t be sneaking out with her best friend to go to the local club where Luxen hang out. Evie knows this is a bad idea because her mother is a high ranking military official, and she could get in some serious trouble if caught. Yet, she does not want to disappoint her best friend, so she decides to go anyway. Once at the club, Evie quickly feels out of place. Her attempts at blending in go horribly wrong, then things get worse when she is seemingly recognized by a handsome guy, who doesn’t appear to be human. Disaster strikes when the club is raided. Luc helps Evie escape, and she thinks all is well. Unfortunately, she has to return the next day to retrieve her phone, and then Luc shows up at her house. Soon, her whole world comes crashing down as Evie learns the truth. Will Evie survive this strange new existence?

What I Liked:

• Confession, I never finished the original Luxen Series, but I had no problems diving into this book. Sure it would have helped to have the other series under my belt, but thankfully, this was written in a way that I had no problems and I never felt lost. This proved to be a fun and entertaining read that captured my attention. 
• I liked the whole idea of the Luxen, an alien race, living amongst the humans. Of course, there are problems, such as the Luxen trying to kill off the human race, but that is behind them all now, or is it? It was interesting to uncover the secrets of the Luxen and learn more about their capabilities and history, especially when it comes to the Origin. 
• I liked the mystery and the suspense. There are layers upon layers of secrets waiting to be uncovered. A few were easy to guess, while others caught me off guard. There was hardly a dull moment in this one. 
• For all you romantics, this one has a touch of romance. I liked that the romance was unique. It is built upon a history, but the problem is that one of the parties doesn’t completely recall all that history. I appreciated that this was one started out antagonistic with hints of attraction, and it takes its time to build into friendship and trust before finally blossoming into something more. I loved the banter and the heat. Lots of fun. 
• One aspect that I liked was the tension that built up between some of the humans and the Luxen. It felt very similar to what goes on in our world today. 
• The climax builds and builds with some startling revelations leading into a satisfying conclusion. The majority of the questions are answered and there isn’t a major cliffhanger. However there are still some unanswered questions to follow up on. 

And The Not So Much:

• For me, the main characters: Luc and Evie didn’t feel overly original. Sure, Luc has some big secrets and some mysterious powers, but otherwise he is the typical, cocky love interest that you encounter in the YA genre. Evie felt so vanilla to me. There is nothing that stands about her. I guess I just felt like these characters weren’t anything special. 
• There is this mystery surrounding Luc and Evie that goes on and on. It was very apparent early on to me what had happened even without knowing the specifics. Then when the big reveal came, it fell flat.
• I was disappointed that the situation with the humans who were against the Luxen didn’t come to a head or reach a resolution. 
• I wish that there had been more with James, Evie’s next door neighbor and the young Luxen that Evie and James befriended. 
• Early on the book had a lot of high school melodrama that I thought was boring. 

The Darkest Star was an entertaining and interesting read. I enjoyed the story and the mystery, but I found the characters to be lacking, they felt like been there done that characters to me. Still, the overall story arc was compelling and the suspense was solid. I am strongly considering continuing this series. I especially liked that I was able to jump in without having completed the first series, I never felt lost. 

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. 

Audiobook Review: Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras

 

When women of color write history, we see the world as we have never seen it before. In Fruit of the Drunken Tree, Ingrid Rojas Contreras honors the lives of girls who witness war. Brava! I was swept up by this story."--SANDRA CISNEROS, author of The House on Mango StreetA mesmerizing debut set in Colombia at the height Pablo Escobar's violent reign about a sheltered young girl and a teenage maid who strike an unlikely friendship that threatens to undo them both seven-year-old Chula and her older sister Cassandra enjoy carefree lives thanks to their gated community in Bogota, but the threat of kidnappings, car bombs, and assassinations hover just outside the neighborhood walls, where the godlike drug lord Pablo Escobar continues to elude authorities and capture the attention of the nation. When their mother hires Petrona, a live-in-maid from the city's guerrilla-occupied slum, Chula makes it her mission to understand Petrona's mysterious ways. But Petrona's unusual behavior belies more than shyness. She is a young woman crumbling under the burden of providing for her family as the rip tide of first love pulls her in the opposite direction. As both girls' families scramble to maintain stability amidst the rapidly escalating conflict, Petrona and Chula find themselves entangled in a web of secrecy that will force them both to choose between sacrifice and betrayal. Inspired by the author's own life, and told through the alternating perspectives of the willful Chula and the achingly hopeful Petrona, Fruit of the Drunken Tree contrasts two very different, but inextricable coming-of-age stories. In lush prose, Rojas Contreras sheds light on the impossible choices women are often forced to make in the face of violence and the unexpected connections that can blossom out of desperation.
Audiobook
Published August 1st 2018 by Random House 
Source: Publisher

 

Four stars: A moving and informative journey that exposes the ugliness of Columbia’s past.

It is the nineteen nineties in Columbia. It is a dangerous time as Pablo Escobar continues to outsmart the authorities. Escobar is a prominent drug lord with a larger than life reputation, but in his wake he leaves poverty, corruption and rampant kidnappings. The country is corrupt and at war as factions of guerrillas kidnap prominent citizens for ransom money. It is a terrifying time, but seven year old Chula and her older sister Cassandra, live in the relative safety and comfort of a protected gated community. Things change when their mother hires a new maid. Thirteen year old Petrona comes from abject poverty. She bears the heavy burden of trying to protect her family and provide for them. After time, Chula and Petrona form a friendship that will soon be tested. Will their friendship survive?

What I Liked:

• The Fruit of the Drunken Tree was a powerful and informative read that exposes the horrors that occurred in Columbia when Escobar was at the peak of his power. This is a tale of heartbreak, loss and sacrifice. 
• The story centers around two very different girls. Chula is seven years old, living in a wealthy community. She has a life of privilege, yet she isn’t immune to the horrors that are going on just outside her door as people are losing their lives in bombings and kidnappings. I liked Chula’s wide eyed wonder, her curiosity and her strong moral compass. I liked watching her grow.
• Petrona is the soul of this book. Her story is so much different. She comes from a poor family that has been rocked by tragedy after tragedy. At thirteen, the responsibility of trying to care for her remaining family members falls on her thin shoulders. She steps up finds and job and works hard. She believes in honest labor, and she does everything she can to stay on the straight path until she can’t. My heart broke for Petrona, especially after what happened to her when she decided to do the right thing. I wanted things to be better for her. 
• This is a fascinating book. I know very little of Columbia’s history, and this book exposes how dangerous life was in Columbia during Escobar’s reign of terror. I appreciate that the author shed light on what life was like in Columbia, and I especially liked that this story was in part based on real life experiences. 
• This is a book of ups and downs. It ends with one of the girls finding safety and reunification, while the other does her best to put her life back on track. It is hopeful and sad at the same time. I wish I could better explain this book. It is a story that you should read. 
• I listened to the audiobook version. The narrators both did a wonderful job with the voices, and I liked that they brought the characters to life. 

And The Not So Much:

• While I had no trouble immersing into the story, after awhile I began to struggle with the flow of the story. The story doesn’t have a cohesive easy to follow time line, and I couldn’t figure out where the story was going, especially when it came to the trip to see Chula’s grandma. I wish the book had a tighter plot. 
• Petrona’s portion was far more interesting than Chula’s, and I found myself wanting to hear far more from her than Chula. 
• The book ends with hope and heartbreak, and I was left wondering who things are in Columbia today. Are they better, worse, the same?
• This book is tough to read at times. There are mentions of rape, violence, kidnappings and drug use. 

Fruit of the Drunken Tree is a powerful and moving read full of heartbreak and hope. This is a book that takes you back to the tumultuous period in Columbia during the nineties when Pablo Escobar, a prominent drug lord, brought terror, corruption and crime to the country. This book follows two young girls from very different walks of life. It is a glimpse into a tragic time, and a story of how two girls fought to stay safe. Read this. 

 

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.

Audiobook Review: The Winters by by Lisa Gabriele

 

A spellbindingly suspenseful new novel set in the moneyed world of the Hamptons, about secrets that refuse to remain buried and consequences that cannot be escaped. After a whirlwind romance, a young woman returns to the opulent, secluded Long Island mansion of her new fiancé Max Winter--a wealthy senator and recent widower--and a life of luxury she's never known. But all is not as it appears at the Asherley estate. The house is steeped in the memory of Max's beautiful first wife, Rebecca, who haunts the young woman's imagination and feeds her uncertainties, while his very alive teenage daughter Dani makes her life a living hell. She soon realizes there is no clear place for her in this twisted little family: Max and Dani circle each other like cats, a dynamic that both repels and fascinates her, and he harbors political ambitions with which he will allow no woman--alive or dead--to interfere. As the soon-to-be second Mrs. Winter grows more in love with Max, and more afraid of Dani, she is drawn deeper into the family's dark secrets--the kind of secrets that could kill her, too. The Winters is a riveting story about what happens when a family's ghosts resurface and threaten to upend everything. 
Audiobook
Published October 16th 2018 by Penguin Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Four stars: A thrilling retelling of Rebecca with an ending you won’t see coming.

For one young woman, life has been a series of hardships and work. Then just like Cinderella, she finds herself swept off her feet by a handsome, older man who recently lost his wife. Before she knows it, she is engaged to be married and headed to live in a large mansion on a secluded island. Everything seems to be perfect, but then again, appearances can be deceiving as the next Mrs. Winters to be settles in at Asherley, dark secrets come bubbling forth, and she begins to see things in a new light. What really happened to Rebecca? 

 

What I Liked:

• Rebecca remains one of the perennial classic favorites. So I was hesitant and excited to pick up The Winters. Would this book do justice to the original or ruin it? Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised, this book captures the essence of Rebecca while adding in new and unique spins and twists. I couldn’t put it down. It was an addictive read!
• Just like in the original story, our main character remains nameless, which adds to the intrigue. I liked that the heroine was plucky and that she came from nothing and she knew plenty about hardship. She feels intimidated by Rebecca’s shadow, but she learns to come out and stand in the light. I thought she grew and transformed into a force to be reckoned with. 
• I was surprised and pleased by the friendship that was forged between Dani and the heroine. At first, the relationship is contentious, but things gradually change. I liked the way it turned out, and I thought this friendship was one of the highlights of the story. 
• Dani is a fascinating character. She is complex and hard to understand at first. Is she a deranged, spoiled brat or is there something more to her demeanor? I went back and forth over her character, I loathed her, I sort of liked her, I felt sorry for her and then I liked her again. I loved the conundrum of her character. 
• The suspense is thick, and it keeps layering on and on. I liked that I was drawn in by the mystery of Asherley and what happened to Rebecca and what is going on with Dani. The tension builds and builds to a shocking climax and an ending you won’t see coming. Loved it!
• Maxine was another character who completely surprised me in a good way. Loved the way she stepped up. 
• I liked the setting of Asherley. It wasn’t quite as atmospheric as Mandalay in the original, but it comes close. 
• The ending is stunning. I was shocked by the final twist. There was a brilliant climax followed by a pleasant aftermath. I liked how things settled out. 

And The Not So Much:

• I wish the creepy, gothic atmosphere from the original was transferred to this one. The setting didn’t capture that eerie feeling that ratchets up the suspense in Rebecca. 
• Even though I liked the ending, the author throws in this weird line right at the very end about meeting the grandmother for the first time, I was left wondering why she found her after all this time. It was rather jarring. 
• I was left wondering more about the real Rebecca. I would liked to have gotten to know her through other character’s eyes. 
• I was bothered that the door was left ajar regarding one of the character’s fate. 

The Winters was an addictive book that borrows from the classic Rebecca while providing some brilliant new spins on the old tale. I loved the mystery, the suspense and the characters. I especially enjoyed the stunning finale. If you have read the original give this one a chance and if you haven’t grab this and enjoy it. 

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. 

Check out the original: