Review: Goodbye Paris by Mike Bond

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Summary:

Special Forces veteran Pono Hawkins races from a Tahiti surfing contest to France when he learns that an ISIS terrorist he’d thought was dead, Mustafa al-Boudienne, has an Iranian backpack nuclear weapon and plans to destroy Paris. Pono was once Mustafa’s prisoner in Iraq and is now the only one left alive to identify him.

When Pono reaches Paris he finds that his closest comrade has been kidnapped, and that the date to destroy the city is fast approaching. Joining forces with allies from US and French intelligence, and with a fearless and brilliant French agent, Anne Ronsard, with whom he soon falls in love, Pono sets out against impossible odds to catch and kill Mustafa and his terrorist cell before they can destroy the most beautiful city on earth. As they dig deeper into the terrorist networks, their own lives are more and more endangered, while the terrorists change tactics again and again to outwit them as the time to save the city runs out.

Spanning a fast two weeks in and around Paris, Goodbye Paris is a window to today’s France, its elegance and poverty, humanism and fanaticism, beauty and despair, to the still-magical French countryside with its white castles and dark forests, the food, wine, and joyous ironic people, the magic of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame and the tragic fate awaiting them.

Another Pono Hawkins adventure following the best-sellers Saving Paradise and Killing Maine, Goodbye Paris takes us into never-before revealed depths of covert action on three continents, to insider secrets in the war against terrorism, into intense memories of combat in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, and to the depths of love when everything seems lost.

Based on the author’s years of experience with terrorism and Middle East wars, and his deep knowledge of French and US intelligence and military operations, Goodbye Paris is a stunning thriller, an entrancing love story, and an exciting account of anti-terror operations from Paris and Morocco to Afghanistan.

Goodbye Paris is a hallmark Mike Bond thriller: tense, exciting, and alive with real details and places, and that will keep you up all night.

Review

To be honest, I didn’t connect to this book as quickly as I’d hope. It was about midway into the book that it really grabbed me and once it did, I found the plot really exciting. This was my first exposure to Pono Hawkins and I found him very likable and would explore other novels featuring him.

There were many elements to the plot that keeps you interested. I loved the themed titles of the chapters. It brought an anticipation of what’s to come stirring your curiosity of what’s next. The historical and political relevance incorporated in this intricate plot puts the reader right in the center of the action. His storytelling provides a great visual for the readers with its descriptive locals and we really get in the head of the characters through the dialogue. Not to mention, some of my favorite moments between Pono and Anne, are very funny.

Overall, despite my late jump into the book, it was worth the read. The book had an action packed plot filled with interesting characters that keep you turning the pages. I’m looking forward to see what adventure lies ahead for Pono Hawkins. If you enjoys thrillers, you might want to check this out.

Review: Broken Knight by L.J. Shen

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Broken Knight tells the story of Luna & Knight; best friends who are secretly in love with each other but are too afraid to tell each other. It’s a friends-to-lovers story filled with all the angst in the world. Seriously, it’s overflowing with angst.

Out of all the tropes out there, the friends-to-lover is a trope tier trope. When done correctly it can have significant and satisfying results. And although the author made good honest attempt at establishing a great romance, unfortunately the story of Luna & Knight is undercut with a lot of issues.

Like mentioned, previously this book is filled with angst. It’s too dramatic at times. There were very few light moments nor were there time to breathe. Something was always happening. Also, the pay off for the angst felt rushed. What I mean is, everything is quickly wrapped up in a nice bow without any proper real development at the end.

Characters

It was very hard to subscribe to the Luna & Knight love story. At first, I was all for it. But as the book progressed, I quickly changed my mind. More times than not they were being unlikable characters, and their romance straddled the line between problematic and unproblematic. In addition to hurting themselves in the process of their pinning, they also hurt other people. They were selfish at times and brought out the worst in each other. This was especially true in regards to Knight. I get that he is dealing with a lot of personal issues, but that does not mean that he has permission to lash out other people. Some of his actions and words were uncalled for. When we eventually made the steps to solve his problems, his apology to others was weak and he vaguely felt remorseful.

Final Analysis

Broken Knight is layered with angst and unfortunately falls victim to an unlikable romance.

Review: The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen

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One of the first books that I ever loved was written by Sarah Dessen. In middle school, I went through a phrase where as I would read was Sarah Dessen books. It not fair off to say, that I have grown up with her words and her characters. It was an unspoken rule that Sarah Dessen's books were always going to be good. Unfortunately, at one point her books all started to run together and followed the same formula. Although it had gotten predictable and boring, I continued to read. Only recently did I feel captivating feeling of reading her books return. The Rest of the Story is Dessen's 14th book, and it was nevertheless, captivating.

The Rest of the Story tells the story of Emma Saylor. At a young age, she lost her mother and unfortunately she doesn’t remember a lot about her. She does, however, remember the stories about the North Lake. After plans are changed, Emma Saylor finds her self there for the summer. While there she meets family and begins to uncover her mother’s past.

I think one of the most fascinating aspect of this book, was the history. I had the pleasure of attending a book signing for this and Sarah Dessen talked about how North Lake is a place where generations of families all gather. It is past down. And every year families are expected to be there. I think Sarah did great job of portraying that aspect. In addition, she did a great job of incorporating the locals. Emma Saylor's maternal family live there year round. Because of this there are certain opinions and behaviors that they will have. This was particularly true in contrast to Emma Saylor and her cousin Bailey. Unlike Emma Saylor, Bailey had lived in North Lake her entire life. There was a scene between the two towards the end of the book, that did a great job of highlighting why they would have different opinions about the place and why one might be interested in leaving.

Like mentioned earlier, Emma Saylor begins to unravel her mother’s past. Again, I thought this was done great. In both big and small ways, the supporting characters were able to provide her some help in uncovering her mother.

Characters

From the first page, Emma Saylor is a likable character. And although she is, there is a great character transformation that takes place as the book progresses. And I think it is a much needed development. To semi quote Emma Saylor, she used to be the passenger and when the book ends she is a driver. It was a fulfilling journey to witness.

It is important to also mention that in addition to having a great well developed main character, the supporting characters were also those things as well.

Final Analysis

The Rest of Story is a story essentially about family. It is about trying to understand where someone comes from but also trying to become who you’re supposed to be. It has great characters, an adorable romance, and an overall rich and depth story.

Review: One of the Guys by A.R. Perry

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Buy on Amazon

One of the Guys centers on Rylee and Spencer. They have been friends for several years and rarely are seen without each other. During their junior year, Rylee and Spencer situation s that could possibly alter their friendship. Ryle has always been a tomboy but after being noticed by her crush while wearing a dress, she begins to wonder if maybe a little change may be good. Spencer’s parents have announced their divorce and he fears that loosing Rylee may soon become a reality.

One of the Guys was a cute friends to romance story. There tons of stereotypes. But nevertheless, it is a decent read.

For the majority of the book, I never felt that the pacing was rushed nor too slow. Everything felt organic. Especially Rylee and Spencer's chemistry. There was real sense that these two characters have been friends for a long time. The author did not have it spend a lot of time explaining their relationship, it was felt through the way they interacted with each other and their dialogue.

The only major issue I had was the climax of the story. In order to officially push Rylee and Spencer together the author creates a situation that almost feels too serious and out of place. Especially, since there are not really any lingering reactions after what happened. That would have been a trauma experience for most people and to have the author practically blame the main character for what had happened was a poor creative choice.

What ultimately happened was a plot device that served no real purpose than to get the characters to realize their feelings for each other. There could have been a different situation that allowed for these two characters to come together. Something lighter, or something that would not have had a lasting impact on a character.

Final Analysis

One of the Boys is a cute and soft friends to romance YA. It does start off strong but unfortunately doesn’t exactly feature all the right creative choices.

Review: Coming Up Roses by Staci Hart

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Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Coming Up Roses is a fun & breezy romantic comedy. It straddles the line between the friends-to-enemy/friends-to-lover trope.

Coming Up Roses tells the story of Tess & Luke. For several years, Tess has work at Luke's family flower shop. Unfortunately for her, she has had several run ins with the arrogant seeming stud. After business begins to decline, Luke & his family must come up with a way to save the shop. Tess loves the shop so she's more thank happy to help, however, she is a little less excited about seeing Luke more than she has to.

There are times where the plot is overdramatic or character's actions may be extreme, but it unexpectedly works. The author manages to tell an intriguing and romantic story about two characters who are designed to be together.

A flower shop is a textbook example of a romantic scenery. And creates an essence of blooming and colorful background. In addition, to acting like a backdrop, the flower shop was seamlessly woven into the over story. Never once did it feel "too on the nose" to have a romantic comedy set mostly in a flower shop. With this story, it wasn't just a flower shop. It was place that some many characters had such a strong connection to.

Like mentioned earlier, there are times where the plot is overdramatic and character motives are a little too extreme. I want to touch on that briefly again. There were big reactions for small things. Or overreactions for things that could have been solved with a simply conversation. The author doesn't drag those overdramatic moments out she quickly addresses them and moves on. I think this is why they can easily be overlooked.

Characters

When Luke was first introduced in the book, I was afraid that I wouldn't like him. I'm happy to report that I was proven wrong. He was a great character who had good motives.

Like Luke, Tess was a likeable character. She had this overarching goodness about her. She had such a strong dedication and admiration for her job and I think that was inspiring.

Final Analysis

Coming Up Roses is an entertaining romantic comedy with two great characters.

Review: The Year I Left by Christine Brae

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About the Book

“A thousand half loves must be forsaken

to take one whole heart home."

Carin Frost doesn’t understand what’s happening to her. A confident businesswoman, wife, and mother, she begins to resent everything about her life. Nothing makes sense. Nothing makes her feel. Maybe it’s the recent loss of her mother in a tragic accident. Or maybe she’s just losing her mind.

Enter Matias Torres. As their new business partnership thrives, so does their friendship—and his interest in her. Carin is determined to keep her distance, until a work assignment sends them to Southeast Asia where a storm is brewing on the island. In the midst of the chaos, Matias asks her to do something unimaginable, exhilarating, BOLD. Carin knows the consequences could be dire, but it may be the only way to save herself.

An honest look at love and marriage and the frailties of the human heart, this is a story of a woman’s loss of self and purpose and the journey she takes to find her way back.

Review

There are no words to describe how beautiful this journey was experiencing through Carin. Depression is an extremely difficult experience for many, especially when you have experienced loss. Unique and beautifully written, we experience the depth of despair, sadness, hopelessness revived through unconventional second chance of love to reclaim her life.

I was really saddened to find out that this was the last book by this author. This is my first book read by her and I was so captivated by the story that I was looking forward to what is to come. She has a way with words that gently pull your heart into the characters. I loved every moment and know the emotional gravity of her experience will resonate with many women.

Carin bore the emotional tug of war that many women find themselves into. Not that men can’t experience this but we’re chatting from the female perspective here. At first, I was like, she’s got a husband that seems to love her and a child that adores her, why can’t she lean on them. Sometimes things happen in life that pull us into a hole that suffocate our existence despite the stability and love that surround us. After losing her mother, things just sequentially spiraled to a place where she lost herself and everything around her imprisoned her. Poor decisions and consequences of her unhappiness led her to drown herself with work, which led her to Matias.

First impression, Matias rubbed me the wrong way. The only light in her darkness she had was when she was around him. I think what frustrated me about him was while she was going through her emotional struggle, sometimes outside influences can affect that decision you make at the fork in the road. He gave her an out from having to face everything. At first I wasn’t feeling his charming ways feeling like he was pulling her in the wrong direction but then things played themselves out. Not to give anything away but I struggled with her decision whether or not making that huge decision that changed her life was worth it or not? Despite my reservations, that was the catalyst to her journey reclaiming her life to love and be loved and find her way to a new beginning.

Everything about her journey at the conclusion in retrospect had a purpose despite my reservations as I read. The Year I Left, embraces Carin’s sabbatical of life to fight for her conscious existence. Her fight through her emotions from her marriage, being a mother, the loss of her mother and really dealing with her depression shine through making you want to root for Carin’s happiness. Christine saved her best for last. I’d recommend adding this book to your TBR list.