Another Saturday Night and I Ain't Got No Body (A Page Turners Novel, #1) by Jennie Marts

Another Saturday Night and I Ain't Got No Body by Jennie Marts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Sunny’s not sure she’s even looking for Mr. Maybe, when her friends decide to find her Mr. Right. Sunny Vale considers herself a dog-loving, romance-reading homebody. But her life goes from dull to deadly when her book club fires her from her own love life and sets her up on six blind dates--one of whom might be with a murderer.

More trouble arrives in the dead of night, in the form of Jake Landon, a mysterious stranger, who breaks into her neighbor’s house and possibly her heart. But Jake is packing more than a loaded gun in his well-fitting Levi’s. He brings an arsenal of secrets and plenty of heat to Sunny’s ho-hum summer.

Jake Landon finds himself caught up in the capers of the sexy blonde in the house next door. But he has his own agenda which doesn’t involve playing hero to a curvy second-grade teacher and babysitting her panty-puking puppy. He's got other problems like fiery explosions, a missing person...and a parade of jerks Sunny insists on dating. Could Sunny’s Mr. Right be right under her nose? Even though Jake is gorgeous, likes her dog, and has abs she can crack an egg on, can she really go out with him if he’s just murdered her next door neighbor?

Women of all ages will enjoy this tale of humorous, women's fiction that also has a touch of cozy mystery in this small town love story.

My Review:



Oh man, I really enjoyed this book. Right off the bat I enjoyed the MC, Sunny, and I absolutely loved her older neighbor Edna. She literally had me cracking up, thus giving it away to my coworkers that I was reading instead of working. Oh well, this story was worth it. Sunny's other friends added more dimension to Sunny and made me wish I had friends like that, or at the very least a book club like that.

Sunny was such a goof that I couldn't help falling for her, and her blind dates were so disastrously hilarious. She had more nerve than I would to say yes to a blind date, much less six. How terribly awkward. Jennie Marts may have gone a little stereotypical on each blind date, but it was fun, so who cares.

Mr. Show-up-in-the-night-with-a-gun-and-all-suspicious-like, aka Jake, her neighbors grandson was intriguing from the get go too. Despite all the suspicion about him, I was like Sunny and didn't believe all the hype and trusted him. He was such a dream, impossible in real life, but a dream nonetheless.

This was a fun Rom-Com that is worth anyone's time if they enjoy that genre. There was a hint of naughtiness but it didn't drive the book and when it was present it wasn't grotesquely described. It was beautiful and refreshing. I wouldn't be opposed to checking out some of Jennie Marts' other work.

I also want to add that the writing was very similar to Jennifer Skully's books Baby I'll Find You, She's Gotta Be Mine, and Fool's Gold. So if you like those books, check this one out.

Read from April 16 to 22, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Romance, Women's Fiction/Chick Lit, Mystery, Contemporary, Humor/Funny
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Shakespeare's most imaginative and merry play is set in an enchanted wood amidst fairies and sprites.

When Oberon, King of the Fairies, uses his magic upon four runaway lovers in a midsummer wood outside Athens, chaos ensues. Who really loves whom? Meanwhile, a band of well-meaning but bungling local actors have their rehearsal sabotaged by the mischievous Puck, who bewitches their leader, Bottom, and Titania, the Fairy Queen. The result is a lively and anarchic comedy which can only be resolved by an elaborate disentangling of spells.

My Review:

I'm starting to wonder if I'm not cut out for the classics. This was a struggle. At first I saw a lot of similarities with The Rocky Horror Picture Show. However, about halfways through, it took a detour and I was confused the rest of the time.

I should have known I wasn't going to be a fan, as I have tried again and again to read, listen, and/or watch this story and I haven't succeeded in finishing till now. I'd rather be watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show.



Also, I just recently read The Iron King which had many of these same characters. Puck, aka Robby, was much more mischievous in a cute prankster kind of way, but here he was such a dolt. I'm sad to say I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.

Favorite Quotes:

“The course of true love never did run smooth.”

“Though she be but little, she is fierce!”

Read on April 17, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Classics, Plays, Fiction, Drama, Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

One of the best-known stories in American culture, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has stirred the imagination of young and old alike for over 100 years. Best Actress nominee Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married, Alice In Wonderland), fresh from filming one of this year's most anticipated films, The Dark Knight Rises, lends her voice to this uniquely American fairy tale.

Follow the adventures of young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as they get swept away into the magical land of Oz , where they encounter characters and places you may remember from the movie - and several more that never made it to the big screen - on an unforgettable journey to the Emerald City.

"It's such a wonderful book and I was so happy to be a part of bringing it to life", Ms. Hathaway said. "There are a lot of great voices in it. The more fun you have with it, the sillier and the more free you get with it, the better it is because it's a story that can handle it. It's amazing to be able to discover something new about something you feel you know so well."

My Review:



It's the actual story of The Wizard of Oz. Of course it's filled with magical adventures, mystery, dreams, friendship, and a little bit of evil. Like most novels turned to films, the book was way better - from the portrayal of the Scarecrow, The Tinman, and The Lion to the ending - Dorothy was not dreaming about Oz, but actually navigating the mystical land. I mostly enjoyed the back stories of Dorothy's friends (most heartbreakingly The Tinman's). I also heard a lot more tie-in's with the newer film about Oz, including the Porcelain Town, etc. I would definitely recommend this book to any child interested in a fun fantasy.

Favorite Quotes:

“Hearts will never be practical until they can be made unbreakable.”

“Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?”

“A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others”

“It is such an uncomfortable feeling to know one is a fool.”

“True courage is in facing danger when you are afraid...”

Read on January 30, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Classics, Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Fly away with Peter Pan to the enchanted island of Neverland! This first chapter book adaptation of the classic novel, originally published in 1911, tells the story of the boy who never grows up. And when they join Peter on his magical island, Wendy and her brothers are in for exciting encounters with mermaids, an Indian princess, and pirates! Let the amazing adventures begin!

My Review:

Just a cute fairytale about growing up and never growing up, make believe, killing pirates, snotty mermaids, jealousy, war, and a ticking gator.

This was fluffy, and my only complaint was that within the beginning of the story, Wendy kept trying to kiss Peter. I mean c'mon woman, you want to make out with the first boy to crawl through your window, have a little dignity. I suppose I cannot blame Tinker Bell's interference, I'm protective of my friends too, although she had ulterior motives.



I'd recommend this book if you want a blast from the past, and something easy and quick!

Favorite Quotes:

“To die would be an awfully big adventure.”

“To live will be an awfully big adventure.”

“Stars are beautiful, but they may not take part in anything, they must just look on forever.”

“Never is an awfully long time.”

Read from July 13 to 15, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Classics, Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Young Adult
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews

Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell

Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

From the author of the instant New York Times best seller Swamplandia! (a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize), a dazzling new collection of stories that showcases Karen Russell's gifts at their inimitable best.

In the collection's marvelous title story, two aging vampires in a sun-drenched Italian lemon grove find their hundred-year marriage tested when one of them develops a fear of flying. In "The Seagull Army Descends on Strong Beach, 1979," a dejected teenager discovers that the universe is communicating with him through talismanic objects left in a seagull's nest. "Proving Up" and "The Graveless Doll of Eric Mutis"--stories of children left to fend for themselves in dire predicaments--find Russell veering into more sinister territory, and ultimately crossing the line into full-scale horror. In "The New Veterans," a massage therapist working with a tattooed war veteran discovers she has the power to heal by manipulating the images on his body. In all, these wondrous new pieces display a young writer of superlative originality and invention coming into the full range and scale of her powers.

List of Stories and Readers:
"Vampires in the Lemon "Grove read by Arthur Morey
"Reeling for the Empire" read by Joy Osmanski
"The Seagull Army Descends on Strong Beach, 1979" read by Kaleo Griffith
"Proving Up" read by Jesse Bernstein
"The Barn at the End of Our "Term read by Mark Bramhall
"Dougbert Shackleton's Rules of Antarctic Tailgating" read by Michael Bybee
"The New Veterans" read by Romy Rosemont
"The Graveless Doll of Eric Mutis" read by Robbie Daymond

My Review:

I really enjoyed the stories. They were detailed and really spun a picture in my mind. I felt the author provided more insight into the stories than a normal novel. There were a lot of endings that were not wrapped up into a nice and neat package. However, I feel that was part of the magic, you could finish off the story in your head to your liking. I haven't read a book of short stories in a while, and then they were more mystery (Agatha Christie) not a broad range of stories. I will definitely be open to reading another similar book.

Favorite Quotes:

“I wanted to touch the edges of my life - the same instinct, I think, that inspires young mortals to flip tractors and enlist in foreign wars.”

“There is a loneliness that must be particular to monsters, I think, the feeling that each is the only child of a species. And now that loneliness was over.”

Read from May 01 to June 24, 2013

Top 5 Genres*: Short Stories, Fiction, Fantasy, Magical Realism, Horror
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews

The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy

The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

On January 15, 1947, the torture-ravished body of a beautiful young woman is found in a vacant lot. The victim makes headlines as the Black Dahlia–and so begins the greatest manhunt in California history.

Caught up in the investigation are Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard. Both are obsessed with the Dahlia–driven by dark needs to know everything about her past, to capture her killer, to possess the woman even in death. Their quest will take them on a hellish journey through the underbelly of postwar Hollywood, to the core of the dead girl’s twisted life, past the extremes of their own psyches–into a region of total madness.

My Review:

This was definitely a twisted and dark book. There were so many story line changes, and a multitude of complex characters and relationships to try to keep track of. I've read the the actual story of the Black Dahlia, and I know this story definitely does not reflect the actual events in time.

Taking that into consideration, I enjoyed the book overall. To be honest, I had a completely different review in my head, until I read the afterward. I have now forgotten the direction I wanted to take it. I enjoyed the relationship the narrator draws out between the story and his personal life.

Favorite Quote:

“Some people don’t respond to civility.”

Read from June 06 to 17, 2013

Top 5 Genres*: Mystery, Mystery/Crime, Fiction, Mystery/Noir, Historical Fiction
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

When we first meet 14-year-old Susie Salmon, she is already in heaven. That was before the milk carton photos and public service announcements, she tells us. In the sweet, untroubled voice of a precocious teenage girl, Susie relates the awful events of her death and her own adjustment to the strange new place she finds herself. This story of tragedy is transformed into a touching, even funny novel about family, heaven, and living.

My Review:

This was a story with a lot of potential, but then I found it to be long and unnecessarily drawn out. I found many times I had continued reading but had not retained what I read. Usually at that stage, I will go back and re-read what I didn't comprehend, but I found that I just didn't care, and it really didn't seem to matter.

I thought the Detective was a sleazeball, along with Abigail. Harvey needed justice, way more than what was doled out to him in the end. I am happy that Lindsey, Buckley, and Jack had found their way in life. I liked how Samuel treated Lindsey. Grandma Lynn was a cute and crazy ol' bat, and Holly was a strange and unnecessary character. Ruth was interesting and I really liked Ray, but he really needed to move on. Now, about the love making scene between Ray and Suzie, who was in Ruth's body (despite the fact that Ray and Ruth fooled around while they were younger, she preferred women) was just a little too much for me. It seems like that would be a violation of Ruth's body to the extreme. Even though both Ray and Ruth are in their twenties, Suzie was still 14 years old, I mean, sure she may have wised up while viewing the world from her heavenly perch, but it was just too weird.

In closing, this wasn't a bad book, I just couldn't see myself recommending it to anyone.

Update: I have since seen the movie and I have to say that I now understand Holly's role. Although the movie wasn't that great either, I'd have to say I preferred it over the book. So, although I had mentioned I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, I would recommend the movie over the book if you are intrigued.

Favorite Quotes:

“Murderers are not monsters, they're men. And that's the most frightening thing about them.”

“Because horror on Earth is real and it is every day. It is like a flower or like the sun; it cannot be contained.”

“Our only kiss was like an accident- a beautiful gasoline rainbow.”

“Loss could be used as a measure of beauty in a woman.”

“Life is a perpetual yesterday for us.”

“Sometimes the dreams that come true are the dreams you never even knew you had.”

Read from October 07 to 14, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Fiction, Mystery, Young Adult, Contemporary, Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

The niece of Syvia Perlmutter, one of only twelve child survivors of the Lodz ghetto in Poland, shares her aunt's experiences of the Holocaust in free verse that relates the courage and heartbreak she lived during a time of terrible circumstances.

True story of my Aunt Sylvia's childhood in the Holocaust in WWII. Out of 270,000 people who entered the Lodz Ghetto in Poland, only 12 children walked out alive. My aunt was one of the twelve.

My Review:

This was an easy read if you mean that it was written in such a simple manner. A simple but gripping manner. This is a story of one of the only 12 children who survived in the Lodz ghetto during the Holocaust.

It is written by a descendent of the little girl, but written in her own words. As the women tells her story, she tells her story as if she is currently reliving the experience, in a child's voice. This makes this story evening more haunting and heartbreaking, which does not make this an easy read.

I am normally not one to shed tears for books or movies, but admittedly found myself balling my eyes out at the end. In truth, I'm not sure why, I was pissed people could do this to other people, I was happy they survived, I was horrified and relieved, I was just so overcome with a mix of emotions.

I would definitely recommend this book to older children learning about the Holocaust.

Read from January 25 to 31, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Historical Fiction, World War II/Holocaust, Young Adult, Historical, History/World War II
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews

Entangled (Spellbound, #1) by Nikki Jefford

Entangled by Nikki Jefford

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Two months after dying, seventeen-year-old witch Graylee Perez wakes up in her twin sister Charlene’s body.

Until Gray finds a way back inside her own body, she’s stuck being Charlene every twenty-hour hours. Her sister has left precise instructions on how Gray should dress and behave. Looking like a prep isn’t half as bad as hanging out with Charlene’s snotty friends and gropey boyfriend.

The “normals” of McKinley High might be quick to write her behavior off as post-traumatic stress, but warlock Raj McKenna is the only person who suspects Gray has returned from the dead.

Now Gray has to solve the mystery of her death and resurrection and disentangle herself from Charlene’s body before she disappears for good.

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book. It immediately started off showing the true light of the twins, Graylee & Charlene. Graylee was the down to earth, try to follow the rules, care about school type of girl, while Charlene was self-absorbed, melodramatic, and a pain in the ass. Based on these observations, I was quickly drawn to Gray and disliked Charlene.

I knew Charlene was a danger to herself and others, and I was worried about the chocolates she had made as an apology to Gray. Turns out I was right, what a psycho. The fact that these two girls are identical twins creep me out tremendously, especially if the twin with the killer instincts were my sister. That makes me think of nature v. nurture and what that means for myself.

Raj was introduced early on as a troublemaker, but I thought he was just misguided and misunderstood. I liked him right off and knew he'd be good for Gray. I also thought they'd make a cute couple.

I don't usually do this, but this is how I envisioned Raj & Gray


Ryan was Charlene's minion and was a sniveling little creep, obviously I didn't like him. Nolan had potential, at first. He had a boyish charm about him, but once he admitted the reason he got kicked out of his last coven, I became wary. Turns out I was right again.

So, my only concern (and maybe that's because I was over thinking things) was how disgusting it would be to share a body with someone else. At least they weren't occupying it at the same time. My concern was of the intimate aspect. Gray was portrayed as innocent, but then she had to occupy her sisters body, and Charlene has run her body through the mill, at least a handful of boys. That would just feel so dirty. You'll see what I mean if you read this book.

I know it seems like everything was too predictable, but I didn't find it bothersome with this story. I thought the concept was interesting, certainly not something I've come across before, and it was executed quite well. I'd recommend this book if you want a quick and fun read filled with magic, family tragedy, and high school romance.

Favorite Quotes:

“Love is a more powerful force than magic. You can trick the mind and even the heart, but never the soul. When a person is not free to love with their soul, that is not love and that is why a love spell can never truly work.”

“Gut instincts were supposed to be the most trustworthy and it was in her gut where she felt the butterflies. The heart had its purpose as a blood pumping muscle, but love...love blossomed and sparked through the body - originating from the gut.”

Read from April 03 to 06, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fantasy/Paranormal, Fantasy, Paranormal/Witches, Romance
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews

Monster Motors by Brian Lynch

Monster Motors by Brian Lynch

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

The once-quiet town of Transylvania, Kentucky is under attack from Cadillacula, an evil vampire-car that sucks the gas out of other vehicles! The more victims he claims, the more powerful he gets. Genius mechanic Vic Frankenstein has a solution: build a monster to fight a monster. Vic and his android assistant iGOR (interactive Garage Operations Robot) assemble a giant truck from the pieces of the town’s fallen vehicles. Frankenride is born and the battle between good and evil hits the road!

My Review:

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had a few ups and downs with this story. At first, I liked Victor, I thought he was funny, somewhat cute, and definitely full of himself. I loved iGor, he was just hilarious. I was enjoying the character building and world building immediately. I thought the art was great, it had an old-time aspect to it. Just look at Victor's hair.



Then, we were introduced to Cadillacula. OMG! That was just corny. I took a break at that point. After explaining the premise to my bf, I realized it was supposed to slightly comical, not to be taken to seriously. So, I then continue on, and it was worth it. It was funny, and the names Brian Lynch came up with for the Monster Motors was clever. I laughed my way through the rest of the story and to 4 stars.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves classic monsters, cars, or just wants a quick laugh at an outrageous storyline!

Read from April 03 to 06, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Sequential Art/Graphic Novels, Paranormal/Vampires, Childrens/Juvenile, Fantasy, Graphic Novels Manga
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews