Review: Winner Takes All by Erin Kern

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About the Book

Money. Fame. Endorsements. Blake Carpenter had it all -- before his professional football career spiraled out of control. Determined to rebuild his life, he takes on coaching the high school team in his Colorado hometown. Despite a few fumbles, Blake knows he can lead these boys to victory. As long as he can keep his eyes on the prize and off the team's distractingly gorgeous physical therapist.

Annabelle Turner knows all about the scandal that cost Blake his NFL career, and she'll be damned if she's going to let his mistakes hurt her team. What she doesn't count on is the intense attraction that turns every heated run-in they have into a wildly erotic competition. Point by point, play by play, kiss by kiss, they try to keep things professional for the good of the team. But when the score is this close-and the passion this fierce-it's anybody's game . . .

Review

If there are ever two characters that I wanted to smack, they’d be Blake and Annabelle. Why? Have you ever come across two people who you know were meant to be with each and everyone knew it but them? Well, let me introduce you to this pair that will definitely add some spice and everything nice to your summer TBR! Kern’s upcoming novel, Winner Takes All, the first in the Champion Valley series, will really gives readers a workout earning that ending!

Kern’s upcoming novel was one that I found myself with many love hate moments with the characters. I say that as the biggest term of endearment because the more I got into the characters, the more their chemistry drove me crazy. I’ll just say it was a fun and interesting ride.

Let me introduce you to Blake. Let me first say how much I hate football. So, going into a novel that was surrounded by football was not the greatest appeal for me but it’s all good because I was more than entertained by the overall story. He’s definitely someone that I felt at first impression was the biggest tool. I will admit as the book went on and I got to know him a little better that I softened to his struggle but the jury is out overall how I really feel about him. 

Here’s a guy who was a professional football player whose career came to end through a scandal. Trying to pick up the pieces, he returns to his hometown and is given a one shot chance of redemption teaching high school football. He’s got a couple of problems. One, he inherited a team that hasn’t won since he was there and knowing that he’s got only one chance, there isn’t anyone or anything that is going to get in the way of him reaching his goal. Then his other problem is Annabelle Turner.

Annabelle is the team’s physical therapist. She really loves the boys and wants the best for them. So, when Blake encounters her working with his team, he doesn’t take to kindly someone interfering with his prize. Trying to show her concern, Blake sees her as an interference and annoyance to his end goal. Despite Blake’s opposition to her being around, she determined to do whatever it takes to help the team regards of what he says. As the tension mounts between them professionally, there is an intense attraction that is drawing them near personally. The more they resist each other, the closer there are being drawn to each other. Which way do they decided to go? I’m not going to tell you, you are just going to have to find out!

Overall, I enjoyed the book. What I really appreciate about the book is how Kern gives readers something to hold onto that really makes the story worth it in the end. She could’ve went the cheesy predictable way but then it wouldn’t have been as good. Their struggles and back story really gives you a chance to understand them and the love/hate buildup between them not only give moments that make you want to laugh but make the ride along with them fun. This is one that will make you laugh, grab your heart and make you want rush things but be patient because it will be worth it. Definitely a fun one to add to the summer TBR!

Review: The Promise by A.B. Michaels

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About the Book

HE’LL RISK EVERYTHING TO KEEP HIS WORD

April 18, 1906. A massive earthquake has decimated much of San Francisco, leaving thousands without food, water or shelter. Patrolling the streets to help those in need, Army corporal Ben Tilson meets a young woman named Charlotte who touches his heart, making him think of a future with her in it. In the heat of the moment he makes a promise to her family that even he realizes will be almost impossible to keep.

Because on the heels of the earthquake, a much worse disaster looms: a fire that threatens to consume everything and everyone in its path.

It will take everything Ben’s got to make it back to the woman he loves—and even that may not be enough.

The Promise, a stand-alone novella, is the latest offering from A.B. Michaels’ multi-genre series “Sinner’s Grove.”

Review

The Promise, was definitely a pleasant surprise. I’m always cautiously optimistic when I dive into a book within the historical fiction genre but this one definitely was worth the read. Everything about this was gorgeous. Not only did it captured a nostalgic innocence that places the reader in that time period but through her words it portrayed a beautiful moving story that was so engaging.

The Promise, a novella in the Sinner’s Grove series, centered around the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. The story dually told by the perspectives of Charlotte and Ben, captures the story of a family devastated by grief blended with the devastating effects of the earthquake and aftermath. The other tells of a young soldier who finds himself captivated by this family, especially Charlotte, in the midst of helping them during the earthquake and in the process, makes a promise that he moves heaven and earth to try and keep. 

This is the first book that I read from this author and was after reading will definitely venture into the other books in the series. I will say how much I was impressed that such a well thought out, paced story fit into a book of that size. This was a really good character driven story that will have your heart in several moments break. I did feel a couple of moments in the end rush a bit for me but that didn’t take away from my utter joy of the overall experience. I loved everything about it and know if you are a fan of historical fiction, this is one that you will enjoy. 

Review: Keep Me Still by Caisey Quinn

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This book wasn’t for me. And it’s sad but not every book is going to be the one . I didn’t hate this book; it had a few cute moments that touched my soul. But the cons outweighed the pros. 

This was a short book. And if I’m being honest, it felt like it dragged on. I really had to force myself to finish it. This can partly be due to the fact that the pacing was extremely fast. About by the 11% mark so much stuff had happened that made it feel like the book was already over. It was too many conflicts squeezed into a tiny book. 

But back to the pacing, everything was fast. The plot, their love story, and the conflict resolution. The story didn’t have time to fully develop smoothly. 

Another problem I ran into was that a lot of important things happened off screen and the reader is left in the dark with some important developments. I was constantly checking to see if I had skipped a page or two, because the scenes were not there. It felt like the book skipped around. 

This usually isn’t a problem for me, but throughout the book I found out things the same time as Layla. This book has two POV’s, but Landon’s POV seemed to be lacking and withholding information from the reader. I would have let it slide if it had happened once, but it had happened multiple times. 

They were usually revealed in Layla’s POV which cause Landon’s feelings or internal reaction toward the situation to be hidden. 

This book wasn’t overly filled with clichés, which was nice. It had a few original aspects to it. 

Characters 

I didn’t have time to fall for these characters, and I didn’t understand their decisions. Layla was a decent main character. I didn’t have any major issues with her. I felt like her relationship with her aunt could have been shown more than told. The connection that I was told they had, wasn’t there.

Landon was portray as the ‘Knight in Shining Armor”, which I wasn’t okay with. I did read the second novella, and I must admit that Landon’s actions made me like him less. It also changed my perspective about their relationship. 

I didn’t hate Landon and Layla together. And actually I really enjoyed how their relationship started. It was cute. And I loved that he brought her milkshakes. It’s just that everything happened quickly. I wish there was a little bit more buildup so I could see their relationship develop more.  They had their cute moments. And at the beginning of the book, they both acted a little immature for their age. 

Final Anaylsis 

Keep Me Still attempts to be raw and emotional but fast pacing contributes to its downfall. The lack of information given is frustrating at times, but the novella does offer a cute relationship and a happy ending. I would recommend this to someone who wants a fast novella to read. 

Review: Dreamology by Lucy Keating

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3.8 Stars

I enjoyed this book. It was cute and fun. I definitely don’t regret buying it, and I’m actually surprised with how well I liked it. It had a very interesting concept, and loveable characters. I had a few minor issues with it, but they don’t really take away from the story. 

Also, I feel the need to mention the cover here. The cover is lovely and what originally drew me to the book. The summary is what kept me. 

Plot 

I mentioned this earlier, but it had a very interesting concept. I was intrigued with how the author planned to write a story centered on a girl who meets a boy in real life who had been subject to her fantasy for most of her life. Although, the explanation behind the dreams was a little weak, Lucy Keating did the overall story justice. I think I’d read somewhere that this is a debut novel from her. I’m really impressed.

The pacing was nice, as well as the flow. It was a cute and light read. It is definitely something that can put a smile on your face. 

The writing was refreshing. It wasn’t too over the top or too simple. It was just right and easy to fly through. I must admit that there are a few plot holes, but they are minor. Another problem that this story faced was that it lacked descriptions in some parts. I think if the book was longer both of these issues could have been resolved. 

Characters 

To be honest, I enjoyed every character in this book. I thought they all were interesting. Alice was a great main character. Max was a good love interest. However, Dream Max and Real Life Max felt like two separate characters. Both Max and Alice were a little frustrating at times when they were both being indecisive. 

I must say that out of all the characters, Celeste was my favorite. I loved Alice and Sophie’s friendship. I’m extremely glad that Sophie wasn’t dropped the second half of the book, and that she was included more. 

The romance was adorable. I have a minor one complaint about it, but I won’t discuss because it is a spoiler. Another complaint, I have is that I wish there had been more moments with Alice and Max as a couple (real life) in the book. There were a few moments, but they were overshadowed with drama, so we didn’t really get them together without it. But other than that, it was cute, and I couldn’t wait for them together.

Final Analysis 

Dreamology was a cute and unique read. It holds true on being “vibrantly offbeat.” The plot and characters were refreshing; there isn’t a lot of angst. And the love story was one that had more strengths than weaknesses. There were a few minor issues, but they are not infuriating. I would recommend this book.  

Review: My Way Too by David P Perlmutter

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I find myself in conversations all the time with authors about their books but especially with new authors getting advice on what to from writing to getting published. The greatest resource you can pull from is your peers. The biggest person who can understand your struggle is someone who been there, done that. So many people think writing a book and it becoming an instant hit is a an easy task and yes it can be if you want to put out anything. For those who want a career, it is a labor intensive journey, given the amount of thick skin and perseverance you have can be a rewarding one.

I came across this interesting little read that I found would be a good resource for those of you out there who wrote a book and are in the process of trying to figure out what to do next. Just like you, the author of the book has learned by experiencing the good and bad but brings some really good input to the book that I think would be very helpful. There isn't a "secret" to his success but hard work and his passion to help other authors out there gain the success they deserve really makes this worth mentioning.

A quick read, the book highlights some good points that include the importance of formatting and having a great cover, marketing and really building relationships and networking through social media. I thought he offered genuine commentary that if you are an aspiring or current author could relate to because it came from the perspective of someone who has found success in making their book successful through trail and error. For someone who didn't have a background in writing and dove into the craft not so long ago, I think this book give some valuable information that in a way pays it forward.

Review: United: Thoughts on Finding Common Ground and Advancing the Common Good by Cory Booker

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About the Book

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A passionate new voice in American politics, United States Senator Cory Booker makes the case that the virtues of empathy, responsibility, and action must guide our nation toward a brighter future.
 
Raised in northern New Jersey, Cory Booker went to Stanford University on a football scholarship, accepted a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University, then studied at Yale Law School. Graduating from Yale, his options were limitless.
 
He chose public service.
 
He chose to move to a rough neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey, where he worked as a tenants’ rights lawyer before winning a seat on the City Council. In 2006, he was elected mayor, and for more than seven years he was the public face of an American city that had gone decades with too little positive national attention and investment. In 2013, Booker became the first African American elected to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.
 
In United, Cory Booker draws on personal experience to issue a stirring call to reorient our nation and our politics around the principles of compassion and solidarity. He speaks of rising above despair to engage with hope, pursuing our shared mission, and embracing our common destiny.
 
Here is his account of his own political education, the moments—some entertaining, some heartbreaking, all of them enlightening—that have shaped his civic vision. Here are the lessons Booker learned from the remarkable people who inspired him to serve, men and women whose example fueled his desire to create opportunities for others. Here also are his observations on the issues he cares about most deeply, from race and crime and the crisis of mass incarceration to economic and environmental justice.
 
“Hope is the active conviction that despair will never have the last word,” Booker writes in this galvanizing book. In a world where we too easily lose touch with our neighbors, he argues, we must remember that we all rise or fall together—and that we must move beyond mere tolerance for one another toward a deeper connection: love.

Review

When Senator Booker first mentioned that he was coming out with his book, I was really excited for him. I was elated, anticipating what the book would be about. Now, I rarely indulge in books that feature politicians or celebrities due to the nature of their positions. In many circumstances, the blurred line of separating the real individual versus the publicity driven marketed package tends to shift my perspective by not allowing me to grasp their authentic voice. With that said, I can wholeheartedly say with appreciation and gratitude that the narrative that graced the pages was the authentic voice of a person many of us have grown to admire.

So, I’ve had the book for a while. Not sure why I didn’t jump on it when I got it. Like with many books that have crossed my desk, this one in particular that I had been patiently waiting for, just wasn’t the right time to pick it up. Around this time ironically, it was about this time couple years ago when I first met the Senator, then Mayor of Newark. I didn’t know much about him other than what I read and observed but I knew there was something that resonated with me about his passion for public service and his ambition for elevating the quality of life for his constituents. As I read United and reflect, I’m grateful for the opportunity to had been invited to spend the day with him and his staff, most importantly the time spent helping his initial campaign into the Senate. At the conclusion of United, I thought about this day and feel very privileged. In these times of politicians who make empty promises and don’t have a follow thru, I’m glad that I put my trust and faith in him and after reading his book, I’m looking forward to seeing where his path continues.

There has been criticism about United being a bit fluffy. Who cares. At the end of the day, whether his title is Senator Booker or just plain Cory Booker, this was probably one of the more well thought out, honest narratives that I have read from a public figure in a long time. I’m assuming people were expecting something more scandalous but I’m glad that he chose the path he did because it he really showed readers that no one is perfect and we all are flawed. With such an eloquent introduction and epilogue, his intelligent homage to others through his vulnerable humility to embrace the ideology that others paved the road before that cultivated the soil that has allowed him to grow. The maturity of a person who is not superhuman as newspaper titles like to proclaim, but just a regular guy through his journey has learned how to be better by understanding that it is the wisdom of the past that has laid the foundation for his continued progression and the privileges that he has built upon emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually.

As you read United, he blends his personal commentary and journey, his evolution in politics, familial history and shares personal accounts with memorable, inspirational folks that inspire and make you appreciate the life you have. I went into the book with an open mind and without prejudiced to find many moments that moved me to tears of joy, sadness and most importantly inspired ascension in my own social consciousness. He brought to life in the book many of the social challenges that we as a nation face supported by data and information, we are able to grasp from a statistical perspective the realities of the challenges we face in our individual communities. 

His thought provoking commentary really dives into many challenges experienced especially in urban areas that invoke social awareness because like for many cities around the country, the narrative in the same. Since the narrative has produced the same outcome, it’s time to turn the page and start a new narrative by doing something more and be accountable for each other and the greatest life we can give each other. 

I fell in love with a quote that was said in the book that is so fitting for this, he said, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.” If we want to make things better, we need to unite as people, despite our differences. This book was not just his journey but our journey together being United because when something happens in your community, it isn’t just their problem, it is yours as well. 

Whether you are supporter of Senator Booker or not, I’d recommend taking the time to read his book. It really opened my mind open to gaining a different perspective, especially from a legislator perspective, that has inspired further dialogue for conversation in our evolution of progress. For me personally, it has inspired a shift in my own perceptions that have pushed myself to want to do more with helping those around me who want a second chance who don’t get one. His book hopefully will leave you inspired, aspired for better and hope that together we can elevate the social consciousness to be more accountable and to want to do more united, so we can be the best we can be.