Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

I really, really wanted to love this book.  But, I just didn't.  I thought it might be because I had just read it right after the awesomeness that was Slammed and Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover, but I know that's not true.

To be honest, I haven't really been excited over the Sookie Stackhouse books for a while.  I started reading this series right when True Blood came out.  I can't quite remember which came first for me, the show or the books.  I think it was the books, because I remember thinking how closely the first season followed the first book, and then it all went to shit, in a good way - I love the crazy turns the show takes.

After I began the series, I devoured it, reading every book that was out.  I loved Sookie, and every nightmarish situation she got in.  But then I ran out of books, and sat around forever, anxiously waiting the arrival of the newest release.  When it finally came out, it was good, but not as great s the ones before it.  And that started the pattern of every book since.

I don't know what it is, but I feel like every book since the birth of the TV show has had a slight decline to it.   I still hear Charlaine's voice in the books, and still love the way she writes...but I find myself bored.  Like, really, really bored.

In this last book, the last of the series...I think I raced and skimmed through the majority of the book, trying to get to the end, just to find out who Sookie ends up with.  That was my only motivation for finishing it.  I did like how Charlaine brought back each of Sookie's lovers and allowed her to have a special moment every one.  But, those were the only parts that interested. me.

And the ending!  Totally let me down.  I'm not going to go into detail, but wow...I didn't see that coming, and I don't mean in a good way.  I feel like she took an easy way out and made a random connection that was totally out of left field.

I still love the world Charlaine's created.  I will always hold a special place in my heart for Eric, and especially Quinn - seriously....when are they going to bring him into the show?!  I want to see him live and in living color!!  But I wish she would have done more with the ending.  I did see there is a follow up to the ending?  Kind of a dictionary with every character, and a synopsis of what their future beholds.  That idea I kind of like since so many story lines were left wide open.

So, do I recommend it?  As a stand alone?  No.  If you are a Sookie fan?  Yes.  I mean, you need to finish the series right?  And you at least need to find out who she picks!!

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Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

I could literally sum this book up in one sentence.  

It was amazing.  

Okay, I'm done.  Thanks for reading.  :-)

No, seriously...this book was great.  But, it's Colleen Hoover so I mean, should you expect anything less?  

Point of Retreat is the sequel to Slammed, and takes place about a year or so after the events at the end of the first book.  

Knowing that this review follows right after my review of Slammed, I don't want to give too much away, in fear that I might ruin Slammed for anyone stopping by to read that review.  So, I guess I'll just say that things are going well for Lake and Will, for the first time in a long time.  But it's a book, and obviously things can't stay that way...otherwise it would be a very short, boring book.  The twists and turns in this book are heart wrenching.  Colleen literally takes you in a hundred different directions, tugging your heart strings at every turn.  But, that's kind of her thing, and she's really, REALLY good at it.

“My heart pounds against my chest. Not because I'm nervous. Not even because I want her worse that I've ever wanted her before. It's pounding against my chest because I realize I've never been so sure about the rest of my life than I am in this moment. This girl is the rest of my life.” 

When I started this book, I was curious as to why she named it "Point of Retreat", and I soon found out. There is a definite reason.  And it's a point of, let's say....frustration in the book. I don't know how many times I would be reading thinking to myself "Yes, nice....Yes!! NO! NO!  STUPID BOOK!" and then it would start all over again.  Don't worry, you'll understand when you read it.

There are so many great lines in this book.  I could write nothing in this review but quotes from the book, and that would be enough to hook you.  Point of Retreat is written from Will's POV and I love being inside his head, hearing his thoughts and hearing his words.  It's beautiful, and totally hot.  

“I love you because of you. Because of every single thing about you.” 

So, please...do yourself a favor and read this book.  It's beautiful, romantic and makes your heart swell.  It's a testament to why we all fell in love with Lake, Will and Colleen Hoover.

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Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Can I first start by saying I heart this book.  I heart this book so hard...

Okay, I had to get that out.  Thanks.  I feel better now. :)

No wonder Colleen Hoover has become such a success.  This book is absolutely amazing.

Slammed is one of the big titles in the new category of romance called "New Adult".  I heard an editor classify it as the "Beverly Hills 90210 - The College Years" of romance.  And I guess I sort of agree, with one caveat   New Adult feels grittier to me.  It has a raw and emotional feel to it that a soap opera can't pull off.  Kelly and Dylan had their ups and down, but I didn't cry when they broke up or scream when things didn't go their way.  Authors in this genre have a way of sucking you into their stories and making you feel, and bleed for the characters they create.  I don't think I've been so stressed, cried or been so angry over a book more than a New Adult novel.

In Slammed, you meet Lake, or Layken who recently lost her father and is moving from Texas to Michigan with her mother and younger brother to start a new life.  She's utterly depressed about the move, and makes it clearly known to her family.  Her opinion is completely reversed when she meets her neighbor Will.  He's older, totally hot and Lake finds herself forming an deep and instant connection to him.  They both free-fall for each other, until their world's are rocked, and they discover the connection they feel can be no longer.  But how do you walk away from your destiny?

I love New Adult, but I must admit, it's an interesting category in romance.  In most categories of this genre, as a reader, you know what you're getting out of a novel.  In YA - teens, with little to no sex.  Paranormal, well...that does really require an explanation.  Erotica - full out banging, lol.  But New Adult...it's kind of all over the place.  I've read some books in this category that mimic a contemporary romance novel, and the characters happen to be younger.  I've also read New Adult books that edge closer to YA, with fade to black sex scenes or none at all.

"His breath becomes heavier as his lips slowly move across my shoulder and onto my neck.  The room starts to spin, so I close my eyes.  His lips make their way to my jaw and closer to my mouth.  When I feel him pull away, I open my eyes and he's watching me.  There's a slight moment of hesitation in his eyes just before his lips close over mine."  

Slammed is closer to YA I think.  There is no sex in this book.  But I think this is where Colleen's talent as a writer kicks in, because there is no lack of heat.  Will Cooper is H.O.T.  When he gets on that stage and reads poetry (I know, right?!  Poetry!) it's flat out sexy.  The movie rights have been sold for this book, and I CANNOT wait to see these slam poems done on stage.  It's hard to imagine the flow when you're reading them on the page, so seeing and hearing them will be every Hoover fan's dream!

“So you keep your ocean, I'll take the Lake.” 

I loved this novel so much.  I devoured it in an afternoon...and moved into the sequel, Point of Retreat, right away.  I highly recommend it.  There is a third book also called "This Girl" which is a retelling of Slammed from Will's POV.  I haven't read it yet, but I definitely plan to.

“I got schooled this year by a boy. 

A boy that I'm seriously, deeply, madly, incredibly, and undeniably in love  

with.And he taught me the most important thing of all... 

To put the emphasis  

On life .” 

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Virtual Teasers!

As you know, before I was a writer, I was an avid, devoted (obsessed) reader.  Teaser’s are, by far, one of my favorite things to look forward to while waiting patiently (0k, not so patiently) for a book to come out.  So, knowing there are probably at least a few book crazies out there like me, I try to fill the habit by supplying as many sneak peaks of “When You’re Ready” as I can.

Today, I decided to go the visual route and add some graphics!  Oooohhh, pretty!  I know, I’m so talented.  Ok, I confess…I didn't do them.  My husband did.  He wasn't so excited about editing graphics of half-naked men, but he agreed, because he loves me.  :-)

So here there are, a few brief teasers.  Hope you enjoy!

(Oh!  And I've started reading again!  My book is with the editor, so while I'm twiddling my thumbs, I'm reading!  So, I've got about three books to review!  Stay tuned!)

Facebook Giveaway!

Visit my Facebook Fan page, or enter below for a change to win a $10 Amazon Gift card!!  I'll give away 2 when my page reaches 200 "Likes"!!  Gooooood Luck!!!

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Over The Edge by Suzanne Carroll - BLOG TOUR!!

I am pleased to be part of the Over the Edge Blog Tour today, presented by The Writer's Coffee Publishing House!  

For those of you who may not be familiar with this book, I've included the book summary to bring you up to speed.  So go on, and read it.  It's ok.  I'll wait.  :-)

In six weeks Zoe Harper will marry Dan Costi in an over-the-top Sydney society wedding, complete with fire-eaters and belly dancers. But when she receives an unexpected gift from her future mother-in-law, Zoe realizes she’s making a huge mistake. In a blazing sidewalk argument, she breaks up with her fiancé, and his mother—who has joined the fight via conference call.
Following the advice of friends and co-workers, along with some inspiration from late-night-television self-help guru Dr. Pam, Zoe sets out to find the life she thinks she should be living. Always a planner, she makes a list of goals: travel, career, tattoos, and no romantic entanglements. It’s all carefully laid out, until she meets Angus Creed.
Angus is supposed to lead the opening waltz at a charity ball in New York City. Only problem is the handsome billionaire construction magnate with the tabloid past can’t dance. Not one step.
Tainted by gossip and with a well-publicized failed engagement behind him, Angus has become a master at keeping an emotional distance. Until he meets Zoe.
What starts as dancing lessons, slowly becomes something more. Angus begins to let down his guard and open his heart, even when his past makes an unexpected and unwelcome return. As Zoe discovers the real man behind the headlines, she questions where her new choices are taking her. Her goals look good on paper, but are they what she really wants? And by the time she realizes where her heart lies, will it be too late?

As you can see, Over the Edge is a wonderful novel by Suzanne Carroll.  Who is Suzanne Carroll?  Well, I happen to have her author profile right here!!

"Suzanne lives in Sydney with her husband and children.  By day she works in an office where she sneakily scribbles plot ideas on yellow sticky notes and hopes they don't accidentally end up on the departmental monthly report.

One such sticky note has turned into her first novel, Over the Edge."


Now, on to my review!!!

Here is the review I posted a few months ago, when I was an advanced copy for review.  

Whenever I read a book by an author I'm not familiar with, I always run to google, or stalk them on Goodreads.  I like to know what other books they've published, if the book I have my eye on is the beginning of a series and what kind of reviews are out there.  When I found Suzanne Carroll on Goodreads, I was dying to know if she had anything else I could get my hands on.  I quickly discovered that Over The Edge is her debut novel!  I was blown away.  This book is damn good, and feels like its been written by a seasoned pro.

Over the Edge immediately draws you in, as you find Zoe Harper, the heroine, in the middle of a full blown panic attack in the ladies room at her workplace.  She's realizing, or has been realizing for months that her wedding has turned into a full-blown circus.  Her crazy bitch mother-to-be has taken over and she can't seem to stop it all from happening.  She calls her fiance, Dan, for comfort and as a reader, you quickly discover he's kind of a douche, not to mention a total Mama's boy.  Soon, Zoe comes to realization that she is basically engaged to Dan, and his mother.  She puts her big girl pants on and dumps both their asses to start a new life. 

Zoe works for Creed Construction.  The CEO, Angus Creed, is a self-made billionaire who turned his father's small construction company into global empire.  Everyone fears him.  He is known for being a hard ass in the boardroom and a player in the tabloids.  His failed engagement a few years back was all over the news and he's become a bit of a recluse ever since. 

After a chance, totally hillarious encounter one weekend, Zoe offer Angus dancing lessons for an upcoming charity function he must attend.  What starts out as a friendly gesture to the boss, turns into something more and the two find themselves feeling a deeper connection that goes way beyond their working relationship. 

I love books that are written in first person.  It's like giving you a first class ticket into the characters brain.  There is a certain writing style I love.  I guess you would call it witty humor. 

"My plan is to get in and out before he knows I'm here, so I tiptoe across the carpet.  I am the Secretary of Stealth."

Zoe's inner monologues are hilarious   She's not over the top funny, but just enough to make you laugh out loud in certain situations.  Also, this book is set in Australia, which makes the writing style slightly different.  Reading Australian phrases and slang made the book ever better. 

The build-up in this book is slow, and concise ..but it still gives you goosebumps.  Considering Zoe has just broken off an engagement, she is reluctant to move past friendship, especially with her CEO.  The only downside I found about this book was its quick ending.  I felt so happy and elated in the last few pages, and I then turn the page and realize its over.  It just felt very abrupt.  An epilogue would have wrapped it up a little more neatly.  Also, this book is tame, and would be perfect for someone who likes romance, but doesn't necessarily want anything too steamy.

Don't miss out on this fantastic love story from down under!  ;-)


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Small Break...

I'm going to be taking a little break...I know, it's sad.  Get the tears out.  It's ok, I'll wait..... :-)

Anyway, the reason?  My book. (When You're Ready by J.L. Berg - check out my website!)  It's almost done!  I've got a few chapters left to write that I will hopefully finish up in the next few days, and then I begin rewrites/edits.  So, between that and keeping my kids alive, and my house from falling apart, there will be little time left for reading and blogging.  But I hope to be back by the end of the month.

I will, however, be posting re-posting my review for Over the Edge by Suzanne Carroll on Tuesday, May 9th as part of her blog tour, so be sure to stop by for that!!

Now, on to the last point of this post.  If there is anyone who would like to post a book review on my blog, please contact me.  Maybe you've read a good romance recently, and want to spread the word.  Or you really want to try out blogging, but don't have the time or courage to start one on your own?  Get your toes wet and take mine for a test drive.  I'd be happy to feature you!

If interested, you can send me a private message on my Facebook page.