Middle Grade Review: Framed

* first book in a trilogy *

Florian has just moved to Washington D.C. and finds a new friend in the neighborhood. He teaches his new friend Margaret TOAST (The theory of all small things). They use this theory to impress the FBI when paintings go missing at a museum. Can they solve the case?

My Thoughts: I've been meaning to read this for years and my co-workers been pushing me to read it for just as long. James Ponti is a favorite author of mine. Our copy is frequently checked out of the library, but I grabbed it one day. And I'm so happy I did. I really enjoyed this book; I couldn't put it down. I love the friendship between Florian and Margaret. I love TOAST. I can't wait to read what happens next! 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have trilogy for your school and public library.

Review: The Housemaid

 

* First Book in a trilogy * 

Mille's out of prison and out of a job. When she lost her job, she lost her apartment. Millie's been living in her car. She needs to find a job pronto - or risk going back to prison. She stumbles across a job opportunity where she would work as a housekeep as a live-in maid. She thinks it's a dream come true.

But her boss, Nina, is nothing like she seemed in the interview. She's moody, jealous, makes giant messes, and lies. Millie thinks she's losing her mind with the whiplash. Can she last long enough to create a life for herself?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I read it quickly, unable to put it down. There were twists and turns that I never saw coming. Just when I thought I had a handle on the story, everything changed.  I don't want to say too much without spoiling things. If you slept on this book like I did - go forth and pick this one up immediately!  I can't wait to read book 2. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: My Library 

Library Recommendation: A must have trilogy for your library.

We are passing this author's books all around the library. And there are so many people waiting to read her books. 

Review: Going Wild

 

* First book in a trilogy *

Charlie and her family move from Chicago to Arizona. Charlie's annoyed by the move - she's missing her friends and her soccer team. Of course, she's going to try out for a new team, but it's not the same. While they're unpacking, she finds a package with her name on it with a sports bracelet inside. 

She's excited for the gift as she thinks it will help her focus on her soccer skills. When she puts it on, strange things start to happen. Charlie can run super-fast, and her healing ability is amazing. Add that with super strength and Charlie is confused. Worse, she can't get the bracelet off. Can she figure out the truth behind the bracelet and its powers?

My Thoughts: I heard about this book at an author event. I'm so glad I did because I missed it somehow. And it's super good - there's lots of action and danger. Lots of friendship drama as Charlie navigates friendships at her new school. There's family drama as everyone is adjusting to a new routine. Charlie's involved in soccer and theater at school. I can't wait to read the next books and lucky for me, because this is an older trilogy, I don't have to wait. 

Cover Thoughts: Cool

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: If you don't have this trilogy, it's highly recommended!

Review: Pride and Premeditation

 

There's nothing Lizzie desires more than to become a barrister in her father's law office. He's not sure that hiring her is the right move. It doesn't matter that she can do the work (and better than some of his current employees). He's not sure because of the optics. But maybe if Lizzie proves herself, he will allow it.

When Lizzie hears the news, she's not thrilled, but determined to make a good impression. When gossip reaches her ear about a gentleman accused of murder, she pretends to be his sister to gain access to him in prison. She hears his story. Charles Bingley, however, already has a barrister. 

But Mr. Darcy isn't interested in discovering the truth about the murder - he's more interested in keeping his client and friend out of jail. Lizzie wants to uncover the truth about that night, but in poking her nose into other people's lives, she places a target on her back.

My Thoughts: A Pride and Prejudice murder mystery? Sold! I really loved this book and I'm so happy there are two more coming in the series. I'm a sucker for a good Jane Austen adaptation and this one is really unique. I love the barrister angle. I love how Lizzie meets Bingley, Darcy, and the Bingley sisters. Charlotte is great and thoughtful. I loved the banter between Darcy and Lizzie. I loved Lizzie's ambitions, her moments with her sisters, and the way her mind works. I can't wait for book 2 (out next April). 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great historical mystery for your school and public library.

Adult Review: Every Last Breath

* 1st in a trilogy *

Maddox has nothing to lose, making her the perfect operative. An operation goes sideways after it's cut short because she's needed elsewhere does nothing for her self esteem. She's supposed to stop the sale of a deadly virus. And the only person who can help her is someone from her past - someone she thought was dead.

Now she's racing against the clock and trying to keep her emotions in check. The past keeps coming back and she must find a way to deal with it in order to move forward. Can she and Cole save the world and save each other?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of spy novels and movies - so I've been waiting to read this book since I heard about it. It was one of the first books I requested when my library's hold system opened back up. I loved the operations. I loved the team. I'll be happy to read more about them. I enjoyed the emotional struggles between Cole and Maddox and how they worked through things. Lots of action, lots of danger, and lots of emotions in this adventure. I didn't want to put the book down because I had to see how everything would turn out and of course there was a cliff-hanger ending of sorts and now I need the next book in the trilogy!

Cover Thoughts: Awesome
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A fantastic romantic thriller - highly recommended for public library's romance collections.

Graphic Review: Nameless City

* First in a new Trilogy *

Kaidu comes to the Nameless City for training. His father is a General, but Kai's never met him before. On the first day, he takes his son around the city for a quick tour. Kai's impressed with the city so far. Then he meets a girl.

She looks hungry. His father attempts to befriend her, but she wants nothing to do with either of them. But when Kai's lost in the city, she appears.At first she torments him, and then she realizes that he's fast. in exchange for food, she teaches him how to run.

They form a bond, even though she's not interested in outsiders. When she meets his General, he's nice to her. She thinks about changing her mind about outsiders. When she overhears a plot against him, will she risk everything to save the General?

My Thoughts: I loved this graphic novel, it's perfect:

• Lots of action. 
• Outsiders. 
• Friendships. 
• Stunning art. 
• Rooftops. 
• Cityscapes. 
• Traitors
• Race against time

I can't wait for the next installment!

Cover Thoughts: Brilliant.
Source: Sent for Review

Final Thoughts: Add this to your graphic novel collection immediately!

Adult Review: I Married the Duke

 * first in a trilogy *

Once upon a time, three sisters find themselves standing in front of a gypsy. She tells them one of them will marry a prince and afterwards they will learn the truth about their past.

Arabella's determined to marry this princes, learn about their past, and save her sisters. When she has an opportunity to take a job helping a princess navigate society, she leaps at it. She just needs to find a way to travel to the position.

Arabella enlists the help of a sea captain. She doesn't know his true identity, but he's the only one willing to help her. The attraction between them is palpable - but she's holding out for a prince. She can't help how her heart feels and when Luc gets hurt, she must sacrifice her future for him.

My Thoughts:  I loved this book. Arabella was sweet, thoughtful, smart, and loyal. She had a good heart. Plus she was feisty. I loved her banter with Luc. I enjoyed Luc. He has plenty of secrets about his family life and why he's interested in Arabella. I liked watching the secrets unfold. I quite enjoyed the secondary characters. They were funny, smart, and entertaining. I loved the snippets of Arabella and her sisters. I'm looking forward to learning more about them too.

Cover Thoughts: Lovely
Source: RWA signing

Final Thoughts: I adored this book and can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy!

If You Like:

Adult Review: Eye Candy

 * First in a trilogy *

Lydia invented a new boyfriend to her work colleague. Now she's been invited to an important networking weekend with him. And her ex-boyfriend will be there.

Lydia's not sure what to do, but she knows that she must attend and not alone. When her friend suggests she hire someone for the weekend, Lydia recoils. But she's desperate.

Phelps is perfect for her - even though he's a little immature. He brings her out of her shell and makes quite an impression. So much so that they're expected to attend other functions together. Is there a chance for romance?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. Lydia was addicted to candy; I loved hearing about her favorite kinds. 

I liked the moments between her and her co-workers - from the jellyfish moments to the honest conversations and judgments.

I loved the moments between Phelps and Lydia - the banter, how he helped bring her out of her shell, and especially his playful moments.

I liked the unfinished business between Lydia and her ex-boyfriend. They had some moments together.

I loved Lydia working on her jewelry and thinking of taking a chance a pursing her creative passion. It inspired me to do some looking at my own life choices and creative passions.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Purchase
Alternate Paperback Cover:

Final Thoughts: I can't wait to read the next one! 

Review: Shatter Me

* 1st in a trilogy *

Juliette's touch is fatal and because of that she's been locked away. One day, she gains a call mate. At first, he's horrible taking her bed and her little comforts. She doesn't pay him any attention. She doesn't answer his many questions, but she does show him the ropes.

He begins to realize he's been a jerk and apologizes to her. They begin to talk, it's not much but it increases daily. As their talks get more personal, Juliette begins to view him as a friend. That's when Adam is taken away.

Before long, Juliette's taken too. What she learns could be the death of her...

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this dystopian book with a side of X-Men powers. I felt sorry for Juliette through the entire book - for the time she spent with her parents, to the time she spent in the cell, to the time she spent as a prisoner. 

I liked her interactions with Adam - and how she knew him from before her life turned upside down. 

I liked Adam, especially his interactions with his brother.

I liked the issue of trust and loyalty - I was never quite sure what was a lie and what wasn't. It kept me guessing and turning the pages.

The government propaganda, the horror or war, and a person as weapons plot lines were well done. They were horrible, convincing, and made me cringe. 

Cover Thoughts: Not a huge fan - it doesn't tell me much about the book

Final Thoughts: I've been wanting to read this book for a long time - the idea of X-Men powers hooked me. Even though I'm late to the party, I'm glad I read this and I'm looking forward to book 2. 

Review: The Living

Shy's happy to work on a cruise ship, earning much needed money until a man jumps overboard. Shy tried to save him, but it was no use.

On his next week shift, the weather turns deadly. An earthquake hits the west coast. As the ship heads to Hawaii, tsunamis endanger everyone. When they hit, the ship goes down.

Now Shy's fighting for this life as he attempts to reach land with little water, no food, and burning under the heat of the sun. Shy doesn't want to die, but if he has to die then he wants to figure out why people are so interested in the conversation he had with the man who jumped to his death.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I couldn't put it down, although I will think twice about going on a cruise. I loved the layers of this story. I loved the connections between the passengers. I loved the camaraderie amongst the crew. From friendship to almost romance in a little over a week, these friendships were cemented with tight bonds over their work and similarities.  

The class distinction and the boat reminded me immediately of the Titanic. As the boat sank, it struck me how much the world hasn't changed in over 100 years.  Everyone struggled to get off the boat - feat, entitlement, and the desire for survival made people react.

I loved how the plot twisted and turned. At first, I thought it was about the suicide of the man, then about survival, and then about the dangers of the plague. Lots of danger, lots of action, and lots of fast turning pages. I can't wait to read what happens next to these characters.

Cover Thoughts: This is the paperback version, but both are great
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: Read this as a judge for the Cybil Awards

Final Thoughts: Not only a great book that kept me turning the pages, but the depth of this book makes it perfect for book discussions too.

Review: Pawn

Kitty's testing didn't go has planned. Now she has to spend the rest of her life making up for the fact that she's unworthy.  Her boyfriend urges her to let them runaway together, but Kitty doesn't want to spoil his chances at being someone in society.

So she slips away and joins the oldest profession. Upon her first night, there's a bidding for her. The person who wins has the power to change her life. He's offered her the chance of a lifetime - to become the Prime Minister's niece: Lila Hart.

Lila died under mysterious circumstances. While it's easy to change someone's face, the eyes are difficult. Kitty has the right shade of blue eyes, making her perfect for the job. She can live her life as is, or she can rise in power.

She doesn't hesitate in making the choice to become Lila, but once she's in the palace, Kitty learns that each choice could be her last. She's never lived in a more dangerous setting, where her every move is watched and weighed. Can she be who they want her to become?

My Thoughts: I devoured this book - loving the dystopian vibe. I love the love story between Kitty and Benjy and their obstacles at being together. I love the danger, the action, the secrets, and the threats from the family. I enjoyed reading the plot twists and uncovering more details about this horrific powerful family. I like Kitty finding her way at Lila, but never forgetting her past. I can't wait to read the second book.

Cover Thoughts: Interesting
Source: My Library