Review: The Fortunate Ones by R.S. Grey

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I don’t have a lot to say about this book because unfortunately, I did not enjoy it. There were several times when I wanted to mark this as “Did Not Finish.” But I powered through it.

This book felt unnecessary long. I’m not sure if it was because I wasn’t entirely into it or if it was because of the inner monologues.

This was not a romantic comedy. I’m not sure why that is advertised on the book cover. It was not humorous or romantic. Quite frankly, it was messy, instalove, and angsty. If there were humorous moments, I missed them.

The two main characters severely lacked chemistry and it was hard to root for them. What was the thing that made them both fall in love with each other besides instant attraction? They maybe had one deep emotional conversation, and it wasn’t enough to convince me that they belonged together.

There was so much unnecessary drama and lack of communication. Brooke was 25 and James was 36, however, they both acted like teenagers.

Character development was nonexistent. The characters did not feel real or even remotely interesting. They felt, James in particular, cold and distant. Besides being this super attractive businessman, what else did he do? What’s his history?

I had trouble understand character motive. For example, did Brooke only want the things she wanted because of her mother? Or was it because she actually had a passion for tutoring overseas?

I’ve said it many times, R.S. Grey’s book are hit or miss with me. So although, this one was definitely a miss, I might enjoy her next. So I’m not going to give up on her just yet.

Review: The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

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I can't begin to express in words how I feel about this book. My mind hasn't been blown like this since I read Gone Girl. There are just no words to describe this thriller other than what you think you know, you really don't.

When you check out the book and read the first line of the summary, “when you read this book, you will make many assumptions,” that is a total understatement. You will think a lot of things and presume so much but as the book progresses, you will be questioning thoughts and doubting your presumptions but let me just say OMG this is THE book to start your new year. There is not one moment where you want to let go and I held on for dear life because this is definitely a need to know because there were 50 shades of crazy with one twist after another.

I am so torn between talking about the book because any detail will mess it up for you so I won't but will share with you this. The summary of the book is enough to give you an idea of what it is about. In case you didn't read it, here it is:

When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.
You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love. 
You will assume you know the anatomy of this tangled love triangle.
Assume nothing.

Twisted and deliciously chilling, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen's The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage - and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.

Read between the lies.

Overall, the book was perfect the way it was without being overtly predictable with the plot and your initial expectations. The characters were brilliantly written and the plot so intricately is woven together to fit like the perfect puzzle. The book had the right pace for the unraveling of all the elements that the reader needed to absorbed the quick plot twists. You really are kept on your toes especially with that unexpected ending. My assumptions in the beginning definitely were turned upside down by the time I finished the book. I've read a lot of books this year that I tell you to add to your tbr but this one is a must-read. A definite read. A read that you have to start your New Year reading because it releases January 9th. There's nothing else to say but just that it was totally worth the read!

Review: Here We Are Now by Jasmine Warga

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I had extremely high hopes from Here We Are Now. I had previously read My Heart and Other Dark Hole and enjoyed it. I expected nothing less from Jasmine Warga’s newest novel. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met.

I did not hate the book. It was good enough to not feel any buyer’s remorse. It was a touching story that wasn’t repetitive or frustrating. However, my main issue with the book is that it barely touches the surface. It hints at many complicated and intriguing character developments, themes, and internal struggles but never manages to explore them. If they are explored, it doesn’t offer a satisfying or full exploration of them.

For example, Tal’s mom struggled with keeping true to her culture or conforming to American standards in the flashbacks. That’s big deal and seemed like something that would have impacted Tal’s childhood and the decision to keep Tal’s existence hidden from her father.

By not driving exploring the character’s psyches fully, I felt a disconnect. Character motive’s  felt weak and not real or raw. Why was Tal so upset that her best friend wasn’t around that much? How and why did Tal discover music? I have so many unanswered questions.

I expected this book to have a heavy emphasis on family. It mostly did. The story takes place in five days. It felt rushed, and didn’t allow time for the reader to develop an emotional connection to the characters or the story.

Instead, value time felt wasted on an unnecessary and uninteresting blooming relationship between Tal and the boy next door. The romance simply added nothing to the plot. Time could have been spent elsewhere.

I wanted more emotional bonding moments between Tal and her dad, Julian. Why did it take him so long to reach out to her? If it was explained, it was brief.

Final Analysis

Here We Are Now almost got it right. It felt as if many important moments, character development, and explanations were ripped from the pages and only the skeleton was left.

Review: On The Way to You by Kandi Steiner

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This was unexpectedly an emotional journey. It hit me in the feels. Hard. I’ve read other books by Kandi Steiner before, so I immediately purchased this when I saw her name. I didn’t read the blurb, so I went in completely blind.  Which was an interesting experience because it wasn’t what I expected.

Cooper Owens is just existing until she can earn enough money to get away from her terrible parents and out of Mobile, Alabama. One day, an attractive guy, Emery, walks into the diner where she works. She’s caught off guard when he asks her one simple question- “What makes you happy?”

She doesn’t answer instead proceeds to take his order. She later learns that he’s heading to Seattle; the place she’s been saving for all these years. He asks her if she wants to tag along. Unlike before, she answers; hesitant but nevertheless, she says yes. The two embark on a cross country road trip filled with discovery, secrets, and love.

On The Way to You was unlike any road trip book I’ve read before. It didn’t feel silly or a great big fun adventure at times. The road trip was quiet, filled with emotional moments as the two leading characters developed a friendship and opened up to each other. It was nicely paced, which allows for readers to really soak in what they are reading and feel the emotions.

There were humorous moments, however, this book does deal with heavy subject matters and those humorous were perfectly blended without feeling overwhelming or taking away from the overall message of the book.

Characters

I was immediately on board with Emery when he asked Cooper, “what makes you happy?” It was such an odd question to ask a stranger, and I wanted to drive more into his psyche. I was intrigued by him.

Although, this book is in only in Cooper’s POV, we get a glimpse into his mind through his journals that Cooper secretly reads. He’s struggling with something personally. And it’s heartbreaking when his reasoning to going to Seattle is revealed.

I find Cooper to be refreshing. Despite, everything that she has been through, she remind extremely positive. That says a lot of about her. She was a hard worker, never giving up on her dreams. I will admit, Cooper felt younger than what she was at times. Her internal voice felt more like she was sixteen instead of twenty.

I had no trouble believing that Cooper and Emery were meant to be. They were a positive influence on each other lives and brought some much needed light in a dark world.

Final Analysis

On The Way to You is a beautiful story of a road trip that ends in discovery and love.

Review: Liar Liar by L.A. Cotton

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This wasn’t my type of book. I finished a couple of minutes before I began writing this, and I’ve already forgotten the majority of the book, which is utterly disappointing. It’s going to be a tad bit hard to review this book.

I wasn’t instantly drawn into this book. Yes, there was a mystery of the main character’s past but it was mentioned only when convenient, and I tended to forget about it and wasn’t in a rush to figure it out.  There were few hints about it.

Because of not being drawn in, it was hard to stay focus, and I felt disconnected from the book. I don’t want to blame the writing. It could possibly be it was the wrong book at the wrong time.

It felt entirely too slow for me and dragged on. I didn’t understand character motives and somethings felt too vague or too unbelievable.

Characters

I wanted this book to focus more on Becca. Something bad happened that caused her and her parents to move to a different town and try to start a new life. That premise has so much potential. However, unfortunately for this book, it did not live up to my standards. Becca’s psyche was barely touched. I wasn’t quite sure why she wanted to completely change or how the terrible event impacted her psyche.

Everyone in this book had a secret. And I wasn’t sure if I could trust any of the supporting characters. They all seemed likely to stab Becca in the back at any moment. Because of this it was hard to believe that they were Becca’s friends.

Evan quite frankly was annoying. He was very adamant that Becca not hang out with certain people or at certain places but never offered her a reason why she shouldn’t. His and Becca’s romance felt rushed. Their conversations were limited, and when they did talk it was hard to see the attraction.

He felt like a shady individual and followed her around. When they did eventually get together, they both seemed like they were holding back emotionally.

Final Analysis

Liar Liar was forgettable for me. I wasn’t sucked in. I wasn’t attached. Maybe if I reread this, my feelings would change.

Review: I Need to Tell You Something: Life Lessons From a Father for His Teenage Children by Bill Franks

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Ideally, I think the concept of the book is something that everyone should do. You never know when you're not going to be around and it is a great way to share your wisdom and insight to your children.

The title of the book inspired by something his son said that was picked up later by his daughter when they were young. The concept of the book was inspired by a meeting with his financial adviser to outline their views on life that they would want to pass onto their children if something should happened to them. The initial intention was to write a book solely for them but through the process he was inspired to write this for other people, especially those who it could benefit from 12 to 22. Each chapter follow by questions to inspire conversations for dialogue.

I like the idea of what the author intended to do but I wish many of the concepts transitioned from personal to an objective point of view. Since the book was initially geared towards his own children, solely based on what I read, it would be perfect for them. Having your own opinion about certain issues and what you think they should do is fine but considering a broader base, there were moments that seemed a bit judgmental rather than personal insight on how to handle a situation. Some perspectives seem a bit antiquated considering a cultural shift in the dynamics of households that have changed over time influenced by cultural, economic, and social conditions that are not necessarily bad. In certain situations, I felt like certain people or situations were criticized for not be right, which I felt like there needed to be a little more open mindedness towards their situation. It's just what it is. People don't follow the same moral and cultural norms that were once ingrained in our society. You just have to adjust and accept it for what it is but be the best you can be and raise your family with great traditions being morally and ethically sound. 

Overall, there were many topics that would open up great conversation within families. Just wish it was a little more open minded in certain areas beyond his point of view and personal commentary to make it appropriate for a wider, diversified audience. This is my opinion and you might feel differently but..If the book was less persuasive towards his own opinion and more objective in the advice he wanted to bring insight to, it would have a broader base appeal.