Review: Revelry by Kandi Steiner

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I purchased this book without reading the summary. I had read previous books by the same author, and I really enjoy her works. She is a good writer and creates brilliant flawed characters and romances. And just like all of her books, I would recommend this one. One thing that I enjoy about Kandi Steiner’s books is that they feel new and exciting. They generate emotion and are not forgettable.

Revelry was a good book; however, it does not live up to its predecessors. It’s a forgettable book, and a big part of that is because it felt familiar.

Recently divorced, Wren leaves city life to attempt to find herself in a small mountain town. She meets kind people as well as a broody mysterious man. The two are draw together and eventually start to develop feelings. They also begin to trust each other enough to reveal their past to each other. There’s some added drama to keep the story moving and even a few emotional moments.

I feel like this premise has been done several times in New Adult fiction. And because of this it felt predictable and this novel didn’t really stand out. The author did not add any new threads to this tiring narrative.

Another issue I had is that there was a lot of telling rather than showing. What I mean is that conversations between characters were summarized instead of the reader getting to experience those conversations take place.

I did think that the pacing was nice. It never felt like it dragged on, or moved too fast. Another thing I enjoyed is that it was interesting although this story had been told many times before. I was never bored.

Characters

Both Wren and Anderson felt familiar. I had seen these types of characters before in many other books. However, they were enjoyable and likeable. Both had their own issues that they were dealing with, and it was great to see them come out on top.

I did enjoy that they both communicated well with each other. Miscommunication was not a big issue for them. And they also had great chemistry and were cute together. While reading, I never thought that these two characters didn’t belong together.

There were a lot of supporting characters. I wish that they stood out more. They were very prominent in Wren and Anderson’s journey; however, they seemed to fade in the background in the book. They were forgettable.

Wren and Anderson spend a lot of time speaking about the past, and it left little room for the future to be discussed. The moving on aspect was lost because they were both trapped in the past. They did eventually develop, but it was close to the end.

Final Analysis  

Revelry is a good read, but if you’re looking for something new and fresh it doesn’t deliver.

Review: Preston’s Honor by Mia Sheridan

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I enjoyed Preston’s Honor. However, I didn’t love it. It felt very slow at times. This was especially true in regards to the scenes that take place in the past. I get that the author was trying to show the relationship between Cole, Lia, and Preston when they were younger; I just wish that she spent less time on it.

This book is filled with angst. There were few fluff moments. Also, this book had one too many deaths. The second death felt cheap and only done to further the plot and postpone the romance.

I did enjoy that the author had some diversity. And along with the diversity, she also tackled the issues that they face in society, while also adding in some of their culture.

Characters

The characters were well written and flawed. They a little unlikable sometimes in the novel. I do appreciate that they dealt with real problems and were not perfect. However, their behavior tended to be off putting sometimes. For example, Preston gets mad at an old high school bully and threatens to release “lewd” photos of her to every guy in town. He didn’t, but he was serious and would have done it. That crossed a line for me because he’s supposed to be charming and basically a sweetheart.

The sort of love triangle between the characters felt unnecessary. I would have liked if the Cole and Preston sibling rivalry had been with something else.

Preston and Lia were cute together. Miscommunication was a huge obstacle for them. I’m glad they worked it out; however, the miscommunication stood in the way for some of the romance to be seen.

Final Analysis

Preston’s Honor is an enjoyable angst filled read. The characters are likable and real; however, at times they could be extremely unlikable. It did drag on, but it does have a nice romance.

Review: Meant for You by Michelle Major

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I think Michelle Major is my newest inductee to my favorite author list. Meant For You, was my first book read by her and this definitely was a home run in every way. All I have to say is that I have some back reading to do to catch up on her other books. 

Meant For You had an awesome vibe from start to finish. I definitely didn’t want to stop reading and Jenny and Owen will definitely have you on a roller coaster. Honestly, I was so into the book that you know when you get that story that has you hanging on every word? When you are rooting for that HEA and then the book looks like it’s taking a detour that is not a welcomed one but surprises you? Well, this book was so unpredictable, which I absolutely loved because from the beginning, I thought it would be one way but it wasn’t.  I definitely had to earn my HEA. 

Let’s chat about the book! Jenny Castelli, a single mom, is a feisty gal. She is definitely the chic that you want in your corner to have your back. Unfortunately, she was dealt a rough card in life but she managed to turn her lemons into lemonade. Despite hardships including taking care of her mother in a home, supported well by some amazing friends, she is happy with the life she has made for her and her son, Cooper. One day her life was turned upside down by some remarks a couple of mean girls from high school made about her son. Getting on the defensive, with her upcoming reunion coming up, she wasn’t going to let them make her feel less than she was. She was going to show them. 

Her mouth, not her biggest attribute, mainly due to her temper, has really gotten her into some situations. One in particular, in an attempt to not sound like a loser with the upcoming reunion, she alluded that she was attending with her guy who was not only hot but had a lot of money. Here’s one problem. Only one person who they knew she was connected with that fit that description but considering what happened between them, she’s be lucky if she didn’t get the door slammed in her face.

Now, I’m not trying to be all harsh on Jenny but she was a total jerk on how she did Owen. Owen is your typical nerd turn Doc McDreamy except everyone knows it but him. He’s got everything going for him, the looks, the brains and a great company but isn’t really happy. On the surface, yes but internally no. Having to grow up not feeling a part of his family and spending his life trying to gain acceptance is tough but then getting burned by every relationship doesn’t help either. So when Jenny came marching through his door with her fake invitation, you could only image what was going through his mind. You’ll have to read to get the 411 on their history but all you need to know is she broke his heart. 

Now, put yourself in his shoes, the gal that broke your heart, comes to you to ask if you can be her pretend boyfriend? I don’t think so but he agrees and the lines get very blurred. What’s real? What’s fake? Not only that but her past (confronting that loser who left her as a single mother) and his past (finding out some major secret that changes everything for him) come into play and make things get a bit complicated and confusing. Not only does this fake engagement have real implications but can they convince themselves that it is really only pretend? Well, you’ll have to dive in and find out!

The book overall was a fun read. At first I was like, fake engagement? This is going to be so predictable but surprisingly it wasn’t. Their story was engaging and addicting and the plot really unraveled with detours and surprises that will definitely keep the reader wanting more. I loved how she explored the relationship dynamic between the characters, whether it’s or familial, friendships or love interest. This allowed the reader to connect with the characters and feel a part of what was happening and fall in love with the book. Make sure you add this fun one to your TBR pile. 

Review: Pinot, Pasta, and Parties by Dee Dee and Paul Sorvino

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Goodfellas star Paul Sorvino and Emmy-award winner Dee Dee Sorvino create delicious, authentic Italian recipes in this entertaining cookbook. 

Dee Dee and Paul Sorvino do their best to make everyday a party. They celebrate life and being with each other in big and small ways as often as they can. They believe that the best way to celebrate or to solve the problems of the world is with a nice glass of wine and bountiful meal. No subject is taboo at their lively dinner table-especially when cocktails are served!

Providing a glimpse into their bi-coastal life and tales of Paul's acting career, this authentic Italian cookbook offers 80 recipes with menus for relaxed entertaining. From a Goodfellas' feast to a picnic with an Italian accent, from an abundant buffet to elevated Italian street fair food, the Sorvinos know how to turn out meals that are as delicious as they are fun. Their easy-to-prepare, mouthwatering recipes range from regional Italian classics to new takes on traditional food. Stuffed clams oreganata, unique bruschetta combinations, pasta e faigioli, pizza salumeria, farfalle with asparagus and pancetta, Pauls' famous meatballs and spaghetti sauce, chicken scarpiello, panzanella, grilled figs with honey and walnuts are just a few of the outstanding recipes found in Pinot, Pasta, and Parties. The food is so good at the Sorvinos' that theirs is the place of choice for casual get-togethers wherever they are.

Review

There are two things that I absolutely love in the world of food: cookbooks and Italian food. There is nothing like a genuine, authentic Italian meal that just comforts me. I've gone through many books and haven't found delicious authentic recipes that not only capture the beautiful, elegance of what makes an Italian meal unique but one that really pay homage to a culture that brings great food that everyone can love. When I dove into Pinot, Pasta and Parties, I just knew that I had found what I had been waiting for. Not only did it have amazing recipes but for an aspiring cook to learn Italian cuisine, it really translates how to make authentic meals that validate a cultural homage that will appeal to the palettes of your family and friends.

What I loved about this book was the amazing photography accompanying the different recipes and well as capturing their lives. They really inspire you to want to jump in the kitchen and start cooking. I could barely stand it because I couldn't make it through the book without wanting to stop and make one of the delicious recipes. Every page you turn, there was another meal that you want to try. What was such a sophisticated touch was how each chapter features a sample menu, followed by the courses of a traditional Italian meal. It's a nice touch if you were serving guests and it was encouraged to be mixed and matched if you weren't.

One of the sweetest parts of the book was getting to know Dee Dee and Paul. Push aside the famous aspect of their careers, the book had a vibe that was nurturing and inviting. The dual story telling of the development of their lives together make you feel like you are part of the family or a guest sitting around the table sharing stories and a great meal. You can really feel the joy both of them feel and how much food is a part of their life and how important it is when shared with their family and friends. This was definitely one of the best that I have read that I know if you are looking to make great Italian meals can go to time and again. I would definitely recommend checking this one out! 

Review: A Boy Like You by Ginger Scott

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A Boy Like You was a decent. It definitely was not predictable and isn’t the average love story like I was expecting it to be.  It was emotional with some sparkles of paranormal. The paranormal aspect of it is a little vague because the characters are still trying to figure out what is happening.

This book was a little frustrating because it took a while for some things to be revealed. And when they were reveal, the reasoning for the secrets felt a little weak. There is a second book, and I do plan to read it. I would love to know how the author plans to expand on certain things.

The pacing was nice; it was not too fast or too slow. The author took her time developing things which in turn benefited the romance. We get to experience those moments where Joss and Wes begin to open up to each other and fall in love.

Characters

Joss is extremely reckless and makes terrible decisions; however, she does change. I would have liked to have seen scenes where she realized that she was being reckless to have been highlighted more, but it sort of got lost and did not really stand out to me. It should have been a bigger moment.

I did enjoy Joss. I appreciated that she was not perfect, and that she had so many different layers to her. She had a very complicated relationship with her father, and as the story progresses we see that relationship change. Although, I enjoyed where they ended up, the progress lacked a little. Her father’s reasoning for her behavior is never really explained and I would have liked to hear him address his reasoning for changing.

Wes was a guardian angel for Joss. And I mean that literally. He saves her so many times in this book. His backstory is vague; maybe in the next installment it can be in his POV as well and we get some details about his life. He was a good guy. And I felt the love that him and Joss had for each other. It was a sweet romance. It was a little unbelievable that he fell in love with her when they were nine.

Final Analysis

A Boy Like You is a decent book filled with likable characters, a good romance, and a mystery.

Review: A Girl Without a Face by Medeia Sharif

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This book felt like a Lifetime movie. Although some Lifetime movies are interesting and entertaining, this was not. It did start off strong; however, the quality declined as it continue and it felt as if the author randomly selected outrageous things to occur.

The overall premise of the plot was very intriguing. Destiny wakes up and can’t remember who she is. All she has are these dreams, but she can’t see anyone’s faces. Her mother, Mildred, tries to prevent Destiny from finding out the truth and later becomes physically abusive. Destiny and her neighbor, Gabriel, try to bring back her memories.

I expected it to be thrilling and intense because of the mystery of what happened to Destiny and also because of her mother’s strange behavior. In the beginning, those things were present, but as the plot begins to develop those feelings disappeared. It became predictable. Reader’s will be able to figure out Destiny’s past within the first or second flashbacks.

Another problem I had was that the dialogue was weak. The characters felt lifeless when they spoke. It felt awkward and in turn impacted the romance. As a whole, the romance was nonexistent and contributed nothing to the story.  Destiny and Gabriel had zero chemistry and it felt rushed. She randomly opens up to him in their first meeting, and he felt too perfect.

Final Analysis

A Girl Without a Face is a predictable mystery that falls extremely short of being suspenseful and intense.