#BookReview The Love Shack by Jane Costello

The Love Shack
by Jane Costello

Genre: Chick Lit, Romance
Publication: 2015
Format: Paperback, 484 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

Life's great when you're 29 years old with a gorgeous girlfriend and fulfilling job. Until you have to move back in with your mum . . .

Dan and Gemma have found their dream first home, but the asking price is the stuff of nightmares. The only way they'll ever save enough for the deposit is by moving in, rent-free, with Dan's mum.

It's a desperate solution, but it's only for six months. And Gemma's determined to make it work, no matter how bad things get.

But between Dan's mum's kitchen karaoke, her constant innuendos, irrepressible argumentative streak and - worst of all - her ham and pineapple curries, life back at home would test the patience of two saints. Which Dan and Gemma most definitely are not.

Then, as they're trying to convince themselves it will all be worth it, Gemma's past comes back to haunt her. And suddenly the foundations of their entire relationship are shaken to their core…

Gemma and Dan finally found their dream house, but unfortunately, it was not within their budget. To save money, they decided to move in with Dan's mom for six months. This may not be the best arrangement for the couple, but Gemma was determined to make things work.

The Love Shack was written in both Gemma and Dan's point of view. I usually love alternating point view since I get to understand what both parties are feeling, but in Gemma and Dan's case, it can get a bit confusing. Like in one of the chapters where it was supposed to be in Dan's/Gemma's point of view, but there was a bit of mixup.

I'm a fan of Jane Costello's books, but The Love Shack is definitely not one of my favorites. It has such a good premises, but I thought the book was too long and too plain. The humor wasn't as humorous. The supporting characters weren't memorable. There wasn't much characters development despite the book being too long. I couldn't really enjoy this book and I have to force myself to read to finish this book. Overall, I'm disappointed.  I was so relieved when I finally finished. 

#BookReview Love, Reality Style by Judith Natelli McLaughlin

Love, Reality Style
by Judith Natelli McLaughlin

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Drama, Contemporary, Women Fiction
Publication: 7th 2016 by Blue Moon Publishers
Format: ebooks
Source: Netgalley, Author, Publisher
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

When cake-loving third-grade teacher Mary Grace Falcone receives a proposition of marriage from her germ-phobic boyfriend Ralph Ichy, her comfortable life is thrown into a tailspin. Should she marry Ralph? The man dubbed "the CEO of Antiseptic Hands"? Reluctantly, and despite the differing opinions of her best friends Jayde and Annie, Mary Grace accepts. Her decision gets her meddling mother off her back, but also lands her on a reality wedding show where handsome host, Nick Charmin, unexpectedly falls for her.

Will Mary Grace choose hot Nick or faithful Ralph? Is the decision really hers to make? And, is a slice of cake actually the answer to all of life's problems?

I'm such a sucker for books with a food theme. When I heard that the main character, Mary Grace love cake, I know that I need to read this book.

I love the idea of the book, with Mary Grace's hesitation to accept her germ-phobic boyfriend, Ralph Ichy, proposal. I’m sure that many could relate to Mary Grace’s situation. She just wasn’t sure if Ralph was the right man for her. And then, there was her meddlesome friends and mom.

I have to say that I wasn’t a big fan of Mary Grace. Especially after she accepted Ralph’s proposal and met Nick Charmin, the handsome TV host of the wedding show she joined. I thought that Mary Grace’s and Nick’s attraction towards each other came a bit forced and sudden. There are times when I thought that Mary Grace didn’t deserve Ralph. He’s a nice guy, despite being a germ-phobic. He lived with his mother, but only because he loved her, and she was in a situation.

The supporting characters made the book much interesting. Mary Grace’s friends, Jayde, and Annie were two interesting characters. I love how they both have different personalities and advice to Mary Grace. But Mary Grace’s mom definitely irritated me with her attitude to her daughter. 

Love, Reality Style is a quick romance read. The book was written in several point-of-views, but, mainly focusing on Mary Grace’s. I wish that the author concentrates on Mary Grace’s alone. I didn’t like how I get to see a glimpse of Jayde and Annie’s life, but, I didn’t get to learn what happen to the rest of their stories.

I received a copy of this book from the Netgalley & Blue Moon Publishers in exchange for my review.

Review: Echo by Lorena Glass

Echo
by Lorena Glass

Genre: Romance, Time Travelling, Fantasy
Publication: February 1st 2015 by MyInkBooks.com
Format: ebook, 511 pages
Source: ARC

Echo is the first book of a trilogy that is the epic love story of two cursed lovers that fate, time, and death are constantly conspiring to keep apart; while they are determined to defy all three to be together. Whenever one dies, the other time travels to the lost lover's next (or last) incarnation. The story spans over a millennium; to several different times, places, and lives of two extraordinary lovers whose devotion to each other defies all barriers and all odds---and an extraordinary love that will never, ever die.

Echo tells a story of  Karissa and Adregin and their accursed love. It seems that death would always follow them, and constantly keep them apart. So whenever one of them dies, the other will time travel to the other's incarnation.

I love time-travelling books, and naturally, I can't really say no when I was given the chance to read and review Echo. I think it's okay to say that Echo was divided into three parts. The first part of the book was good. It started out slowly, but, I did enjoy it, until something happened to Karissa and Adregin, which I thought were a bit too rushed. Then, there's the second part. I thought that the second part was a bit too dragging for my liking, and I don't really like the character, Iilassa. She sounded a bit too immature, and whiny. 

I thought that Echo was an okay read. It wasn't that bad. The idea and setting were quite good and the author did a great job describing the history and places. I just think that I didn't like the characters, the way the story kept dragging and the way the story ended. 

Echo is the first book of a trilogy, and I'm torn between wanting to read the next book, or not. I am curios to know what will happen to the characters and how will they achieve their happily-ever-after, but I am worried that the next book would continue to disappoint me. 

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review

Review: Where the Road Takes Me by Jay McLean

Where the Road Takes Me
by Jay McLean

Genre: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: February 10th, 2015 by Skyscape
Format: Paperback, 315 pages
Source: Netgalley, ARC
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Chloe has one plan for the future, and one plan only: the road. She’s made a promise to herself: don’t let anyone in, and don’t let anyone love her. She’s learned the hard way what happens if she breaks her rules. So she’s focused on being invisible and waiting until she can set out on the road—her dream of freedom, at least for a little while.

Blake Hunter is a basketball star who has it all—everything about him looks perfect to those on the other side of his protective walls. He can’t let anyone see the shattered pieces behind the flawless facade or else all his hopes and dreams will disappear.

One dark night throws Chloe and Blake together, changing everything for Blake. For Chloe, nothing changes: she has the road, and she’s focused on it. But when the so-called perfect boy starts to notice the invisible girl, they discover that sometimes with love, no one knows where the road may lead.

I do not know what to expect when I read this book. I picked up this book because I was attracted to the cover (it's pretty!) and the blurbs. So... Chloe met Blake this one night when Blake saved her from this circumstance, and Blake just can't get her out of his mind.

I've got tons of issue with the book right from the start. I couldn't understand what makes Blake attracted to Chloe. I mean, I get that Blake was attracted to Chloe because she's cute, but, I failed to see other reason than that. 

The story was written in Blake and Chloe's point of view. I have to say that I love Blake as compared to Chloe. I just can't understand her. I know that she had issues, but I just don't get her plan with the road trip. I wasn't a big fan of the other supporting characters, but I do love Chloe's parents and Blake's mom. After a while, I started to think that the story was not so bad. I love Chloe's and Blake's interaction. 

Where the Road Takes Me was an okay read. I could probably enjoy  the book more if I ignore the meeting, the bad dialogue, and Chloe. Now that I think of it, perhaps this book would be better if it was written in Blake's point of view, instead of both.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Review: Thunder by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Thunder (Stone Braide Chronicles #1)
by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Genre: Adventure, Dystopia, Fantasy, Young Adult
Publication: September 30th, 2014
Format: ebook, 432 pages
Source: Netgalley
Connect: Facebook | Twitter

In post-apocalyptic America, Selah Chavez is crouched in long grass on a shore littered with the rusted metal remnants of a once-great city. It is the day before her eighteenth Born Remembrance, and she is hunting, though many people refuse to eat animal flesh, tainted by radiation during the Time of Sorrows. What Selah's really after are Landers, mysterious people from a land across the big water who survive the delirium-inducing passage in small boats that occasionally crash against the shoreline. She knows she should leave the capture to the men, but Landers bring a good price from the Company and are especially prized if they keep the markings they arrive with.

Everything falls to pieces when the Lander Selah catches is stolen by her brothers--and Selah wakes up the next morning to find the Lander's distinctive mark has suddenly appeared on her own flesh. Once the hunter, Selah is now one of the hunted, and she knows only one person who can help her--Bohdi Locke, the Lander her brothers hope to sell.

With evocative descriptions of a strange new world that combines elements of scientific advances, political intrigue, and wilderness survival, Bonnie S. Calhoun weaves a captivating tale of a world more like our own than we may want to admit.

On the day before her eighteenth Born Remembrance, Selah Chavez went hunting and found a Lander. She captured the Lander for money, but her capture was stolen by her brothers. When Selah woke up the next morning, she saw the Lander’s mark on her, forcing her mother to tell her the truth about who she really was. Now, Selah must run from her former life, if she wanted to live. And the person who can help her was Bodhi, the Lander she had caught.

I thought that Thunder by Bonnie S. Calhoun had a promising start. I do like the idea of the book. The plot sounds good. And Selah can be a good character, even though she can be childish at times. But the story was a bit too slow and too long to my likings. The plot was a bit messy. It was a bit confusing at times and I was not sure what was going on. I have to reread a few scenes a few times to understand what was going on. There was supposed to be a bit of romance between Selah and Bodhi, but I thought that the romance was going on too fast. There wasn’t much attraction between them, except for physical attraction. It was kinda disappointing, but, I’m sure that the book could have been better with more editing.

I received the copy of the book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Elixir by Hilary Duff

Elixir (Elixir #1)
by Hilary Duff

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: June 2011
Format: Paperback, 327 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter

Seventeen-year-old Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent politician, she has become a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a world that allows her to travel to many exotic places. But after Clea's father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea begins to notice eerie, shadowy images in her photos of a strange and beautiful young man- a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father's disappearance, and they discover the centuries-old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives- and their futures.

I was curious when I found out that Hillary Duff wrote a paranormal, fantasy, YA book. So, like anyone else, I decided to check it out despite those negative reviews out there. I thought that, it couldn’t be that bad...

Clea Raymond, the daughter of a well known surgeon and a prominent politician became a photojournalist. It was after her father disappeared on a humanitarian mission, that Clea noticed the images of a young man in her photos. She began to have dreams about this man. When Clea and this man, Sage, were finally together, Clea found out that the man might have a connection to her father’s disappearance. She discovered the truth about Sage, the story behind her dreams, and probably their past.

The beginning of the book wasn’t so bad. I can tolerate the writing style, and Clea wasn’t a bad character. She’s boring, but she wasn’t that bad. I thought that this was going to be an okay read—until Clea met Sage, the mysterious man who appeared in her photos. She then turns into this brainless character thanks to him (and her best friend, Rayna). It turns out that Elixir isn’t different from the other romance, YA out there. It was the same love triangle story and the same tragedy.The romance between Clea and Sage was too fast. There wasn’t much sparks between them, even though they were supposed to be Soulmates.

*sighs*

I don’t think I’m going to be reading the sequel to this book.

Review: Doctor Who: The Bog Warrior by Cecelia Ahern

Doctor Who: The Bog Warrior (Time Trips)
by Cecelia Ahern

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction
Publication: May 2014
Format: Kindle Edition, 42 pages
Source: Netgalley
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Arriving on the planet Cashel, the Tenth Doctor witnesses a strange masked ball. To guarantee peace, Prince Zircon has to choose a bride from the Bog People - dead men and women who have been resurrected as slaves. Or as warriors. But Zircon is in love with the enslaved Princess Ash, whose parents were deposed and executed by the current Queen. As usual, the Doctor has walked right into trouble, and it's up to him to sort it out.

I was really excited to read this short story. I have never read any of Cecelia Ahern’s work even though I’m a fan of Chick Lit. I thought that this was a great opportunity for me to sample her work.

I find that the idea with the bog people was very interesting. However, the story was a bit rushed. I wish the author would take the time to explain more about the planet, the people, the bog people and Queen Xenotime's witchcraft. I was a bit disappointed with the doctor’s characterization. The Doctor doesn’t sound like the 10th Doctor that I knew. Although the writing was alright, I don’t think that the author’s writing style suit science fiction. 

Overall, this was an okay read. Entertaining, but just not good enough.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Wisdom's Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Wisdom's Kiss
by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: January 2013
Format: Paperback, 320 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website

Princess Wisdom, known as Dizzy, longs for a life of adventure far beyond the staid old kingdom of Montagne.

Tips, a soldier, longs to keep his true life secret from his family.

Fortitude, an orphaned maid, longs only for Tips.

These three passionate souls might just attain their dreams while preserving Montagne from certain destruction; if only they can tolerate each other long enough to come up with a plan. Tough to save the world when you can´t even be in the same room together.

Magic, cunning and one very special cat join forces in this hilarious, extraordinary tale by the author ofDairy Queen and Princess Ben. An incredibly creative tale told with diaries, memoirs, encyclopedia entries, letters, biographies, even a stage play, all woven together into a grand adventure.

I’m not sure what to expect when I bought this book. The cover looks nice... and the synopsis do sound interesting. It’s kinda frustrating that I didn’t enjoy this book as I thought I would.

Wisdom's Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock was one of the confusing book I’ve read. It was written in a few point of views – Tips, Trudy, Dizzy and a few others. I usually did not mind reading any book with alternating point of views, but in Wisdom’s Kiss, it was written in several styles – letters, encyclopedia and in screenplay form to name a few. The constant change in point of views and styles was too confusing that it  forced me to put down the book for quite a few times. It was sad because the storyline wasn’t so bad.

Review: No Place Like Oz by Danielle Paige

No Place Like Oz (Dorothy Must Die 0.5)
by Danielle Paige

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling, Young Adult
Publication: November 12th 2013 by HarperCollins
Format: ebook
Source: Own
Connect: Twitter | Goodreads

In this digital original novella, Dorothy travels back to Oz to reunite with old friends, but her story may not have a happy ending. No Place Like Oz is a prequel to the forthcoming novel Dorothy Must Die.

After returning to Kansas, Dorothy Gale has realized that the dreary fields of Kansas don’t compare to the vibrant landscapes of Oz. And although she’s happy to be reunited with Aunt Em, she misses her friends from the yellow brick road. But most of all, Dorothy misses the fame and the adventure. In Kansas she’s just another prairie girl, but in Oz she was a hero. So Dorothy is willing to do anything to get back, because there really is no place like Oz. But returning to the land she left comes at a price, and after Dorothy is through with it, Oz will never be the same.

I don’t think that I would be reading “Dorothy Must Die” if I were to read this novella first. I know that Dorothy was going to be evil and I was very curious how she was going to turn into the dark side. But I may have a different kind of expectation when I picked up No Place Like Oz.

I was expecting that No Place Like Oz would be shorter, because this novella was a bit too long for my liking, and the pace is a bit too slow. There are times when I would check up on how many pages left before I finished this novella and there are some parts in the story that bore me. 

I really did not like Dorothy in this prequel right from the beginning, although Dorothy was not as evil as I expect she was going to be. In fact, I didn’t think Dorothy’s evil at all. She's just rude. And mean. I think Dorothy is just that teenage girl who was being an ass because she can't have what she want. In the end, I don’t think I’m going to be sorry when Dorothy really dies at the end of the series! I'm a bit disappointed in No Place Like Oz, but Dorothy Must Die, the sequel, is definitely a good book.

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite (The Selection #2)
by Kiera Cass

Genre: Dystopia, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: April 2013 by HarperTeen
Format: Paperback, 323 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Iléa.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

The Elite by Kiera Cass is the second book from The Selection series. I didn't really like the first book, but I wanted to give this series another chance. I wanted to see America matured just a little bit. I wanted to know more about the rebel. I mean, the series does have a good premise. But after a few pages into the book, I was disappointed. Mostly with America. I didn't like her character. She can't make up her mind and she sounded very selfish in this book. The only scene that made me like America a little bit was the part where she defended her friend in public. But that was it. 

I was really happy when the rebel made their appearance, even though just for a little while. I was hoping to see more of them. I wanted to know why they rebelled against the kingdom. Will I read the next book of the selection, The One? I might. I have to admit that I have mixed feelings about this series. I didn't like the characters and plot, but I still wanted to find out what happen at the end. I wanted to know the kingdom's history. It would be really interesting. I just hope that The One would be slightly better than The Elite.

Book Review: Talisman of El

Talisman of El (Talisman of El #1)

by Alecia Stone

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal

Publication: May 20th 2012

Format: ebook, 251 pages

WHAT IF YOUR WHOLE LIFE WAS A LIE?

One Planet.

Two Worlds.

Population: Human ... 7 billion.

Others ... unknown.

When 14-year-old Charlie Blake wakes up sweating and gasping for air in the middle of the night, he knows it is happening again. This time he witnesses a brutal murder. He's afraid to tell any one. No one would believe him ... because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago - the day before his dad died.

Charlie doesn't know why this is happening. He would give any thing to have an ordinary life. The problem: he doesn't belong in the world he knows as home. He belongs with the others.

Charlie is an orphan who has been from home to home. And now, he’s living with his foster parent, Jacob. Things were pretty okay as he live with Jacob. He made a few enemies and friends, Alex and Richmond. That is it until Jacob begins to show his true colors.

Charlie also had a secret. He had dreams that appears vivid to him. When he Derkein, a man that appears in his dream, he knew that the dreams were real. Charlie and his friends, Alex and Richmond than discovers another world as they were trying to save Derkien from death while escaping from Jacob. Along their adventure, Charlie discovers that he wasn’t really who he thought he is.

Talisman of El is a fantasy, adventure young adult books with a bit of magic and mythology. The book started out pretty good. I was hooked with the story when I learned about Charlie and his dreams – that he can see the past. But once Charlie and his friends entered the Arcadia, I started to lose my interest. I have to admit that I’ve put down the book once, before I decided to give it another try. I think that the middle part was kinda confusing, especially when the characters from Arcadian entered the story. I have a hard time focusing on who’s who. Some of the actions and Arcadian's scenery confused me. I had to reread a few scenes twice to know what was happening. In the end, I get bored, and started to skimming around. There are some parts where the dialogue seems awkward and some humors that didn’t quite suit the scenes. I also thought that Charlie and the relationship between other characters were a bit unnatural. I think it would be great if the author could spend more time developing their friendship. 

Overall, Talisman of El was an okay book. I think I enjoyed the starting and the ending. (I really like the ending!) It had potential to be more than that, but I guess, it wasn’t really my taste. Perhaps teens would find this book enjoyable. 

Book Review: To Love an Earl

To Love An Earl

by Elizabeth Thornton

Genre: Historical Romance

Publication: 1988

Format: Paperback, 476 pages

Buy: Amazon

I got ‘To Love an Earl’ for book swap with Michelle from Michelle Chew Writes. (Thanks Michelle!) I don’t usually read (or buy) historical romance book. But I’ve been receiving some historical romance books from friends :D

I suspect that the heroine, Deirdre Fenton as a masochist and the hero, Rathbourne is a sadist. Even though Rathbourne lie, manipulate, threaten and blackmail Deirdre, in the end, she still loves the man, which proves that she’s an idiot. Rathbourne isn’t any better. I mean what kind of guy who would hurt someone you love and told her that he did all that because he loves her? Unless he’s a sadist, right? What I loathed the most was the first sexual encounter where I was really sure that it is a rape which Deirdre after some time (or what some called seduction), enjoy the encounter. I think that is sick. Or crazy. Or both.

To Love an Earl in my opinion is too lengthy and too dragging. There were quite a few times when I thought ‘when will this story end?’ I grew tired when a new conflict arose just as things starting to go right. Then, there were too much unimportant details and sentences which really tempted me to skip them. But that probably had something to do with the fact that I don’t like the characters. I can’t believe I finished the book! But I probably enjoy the book a bit more if it is not too dragging...

Book Cover’s Description

A woman of remarkable beauty and indomitable will, Deirdre Fenton is determined to extricate her incorrigible brother from his latest escapade - a dalliance with a renowned actress rumoured to be enjoying carte blanche with the infamous rake and war hero, the Earl of Rathbourne. Despite her memories of the night the Earl nearly ravished her senseless - inflaming her fury and her passions - Deirdre intends to straighten out her brother, and then find a husband who will be steady and faithful. She wants no part of love, or its inevitable heartbreak.

A master strategist on the battlefield and off, Rathbourne discovers trying to breach the defences of a woman who refuses to believe in happy endings is an uphill battle. And after five years of waiting to put Deirdre in her rightful place - in his home, his bed, and his heart - he's not above putting his considerable powers of persuasion to work. Firmly convinced passion is a battlefield where love conquers all, he vows to lead them both to victory...with the tender mercies of the heart.

Book Review: The Way to a Woman's Heart

The Way to a Woman's Heart

by Christina Jones

Genre: Chick Lit, Culinary Theme, Contemporary

Publication: February 2011

Format: Paperback, 455 pages

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

The Way to a Woman’s Heart is mainly about Ella, who went to this remote English country village called Hideaway Farm as a nanny to get away from her life and boyfriend, Mark. Ella wants to have her own kids and Mark wasn’t fond of kids. Ella thought that by separated with Mark for three months, Mark might think that he can’t live without her and change his mind about having kids.

When Ella met Poll and George (Poll’s son) in Hideaway Farm, she was quickly smitten. Poll then told Ella about her plan to open her home to help those who need a home and that she need Ella to look after young George while she was taking care of the others. Of course, Ella wasn’t sure of the idea, but thought that she will go along with Poll’s plan. Poll then revealed that she had ‘adopted’ three people – Ash (a young chef who lost his home and job because his chef refuse to let his partner, Roy stay with them) Billy (who was accused for murdering his wife) and Trixie (who was accused as an arsonist and lost her home in a fire). They get along just well and found out that they all shared two things in common – cooking and T.V cookery show called Dewberrys Dinners. 

When they found out that their favorite Dewberry’s Dinners comes to Hideaway Farm looking for their latest contestant and looking for a venue to film the show, they all (unknown to each other) applied to the show. And thus, their journey to win cash prize and a chance to own their own restaurant begins.

I haven’t read anything written by Christina Jones before, and I thought that I should give The Way to a Woman’s Heart a try. But, this book wasn’t really what I thought it would be. I think I might be deceived by its cover, title and summary (which is the reason why I bought the book in the first place)!

The Way to a Woman’s Heart is a light read with light romance, humor and a little magical element in it (with Trixie believing in fairies). But I thought that the book was more into romance. But sadly, it is not. Although there was a hint of romance, I think it wasn’t enough. There were so little scene of Ella and Ash to the point that I wasn’t really sure when they start to like each other (I just knew that Ella thought of him as hot and handsome and that she like him instantly when they met). Then, there was the romance between Poll and Billy, which sadly didn’t get much coverage as well, except that they start to like each other in first sight.

The story had a slow pace at the beginning with the author trying to introduce the characters into the book. I think that the book finally picked up its pace when the Dewberry’s Dinners TV program is being introduced (which is 1/3 through the book). I thought the book had too much trivial dialogue. It would be better if the author use them to enhance the character’s relationship. I was disappointed with this book but overall, it was an okay read.

Book Cover's Description

Cooking seemed like the perfect distraction - until a delicious chef was thrown in the mix ...

Escaping from corporate city life into the heart of the Berkshire countryside, Ella Maloney hopes to find rural tranquillity and a chance to sort out the problems in her long-term relationship. On arriving, she realises tranquillity is in short supply, but welcomes the distraction her chaotic new life offers - until she meets devastatingly gorgeous, but equally attached, chef Ash Lawrence, and realises that he's maybe one distraction too many. 

And when Ella's favourite top-rated TV cookery programme - Dewberry's Dinners - comes looking for a venue to film their latest show, she pulls out all the culinary stops in an attempt to keep her mind on the task in hand (and not on the sexy Ash), but it's hard to keep your head when all around you people are losing theirs ...

Book Review: When You Open Your Eyes

When You Open Your Eyes

Celeste Conway

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Publication: March 2012

Format: Paperback, 320 Pages

Buy: Amazon

Tessa’s life changed when her family moved to Argentina. She met her new friends and fell in love with Lucient, the son of a French diplomat. Lucient changed as he went back from a trip from Rome with his mother. Tessa then learned that Lucient had an illness – mental illness. Soon, Lucient started to push Tessa away from his life without any explanation. Then Tessa found out why Lucient did that, and everything wasn’t the same. This book was probably about a young girl who had to face a few changes in her life. She started to hang around with the wrong people and fell in love with someone who is a bad influence to her.

I’m not sure what to say of this book. The writing was alright. Sadly, the plot was not. The beginning of the book was quite confusing. I wasn’t sure of what was happening to Tessa and her friends. The middle was a bit slow. But I can’t stop reading it because I expect something to happen. And it was towards the end when there’s finally something. It was really frustrating when a writer stashed everything important towards the ending. 

Book Cover’s Description:

The more you love, the more you stand to lose….Tessa’s head over heels for Lucien, the son of a French diplomat. Sexy, artistic, and daring, he brings out a completely new side of her. With him, Tessa feels beautiful and exotic. So when Tessa’s strict father forbids her to see Lucien, she’s determined to keep their relationship a secret.But as Tessa gets caught up in Lucien, he becomes increasingly volatile. What she once found alluring about him now feels alarming. Tessa must figure out how far she’ll go for Lucien before she risks losing not just him, but everything she loves.

Book Review: Wife For Hire

Wife for Hire (published as Loveswept in 1990)

Janet Evanovich

Genre: Romance

Publication:  2007 (first published 1990)

Rating: 2/5

Hank Mallone knows he's in trouble when Maggie Toone agrees to pretend to be his wife in order to improve his rogue's reputation. Will his harebrained scheme to get a bank loan for his business backfire once Maggie arrives in his small Vermont town and lets the gossips take a look?

Maggie never expected her employer to be drop-dead handsome, but she's too intrigued by his offer to say no . . . and too eager to escape a life that made her feel trapped. The deal is strictly business, both agree, until Hank turns out to be every fantasy she ever had.

I’m a fan of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. When I saw this book, I knew that I have to read it. Wife for Hire is one of Evanovich’s early works before the Stephanie Plum series. Besides, I’ve read Love Overboard and thought that it was quite good.  

But I was a bit disappointed with this one. The plot was unbelievable, flat and boring. Most of all, I couldn’t believe that the characters fell in love with each other in a single day. It was dumb since there wasn’t much attraction going on in the book. I’m really frustrated with this one. 

Book Review: Ever

Ever

Gail Carson Levine

Pages: 244

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Publication: 2008

Rating: 2/5

Falling in love is easy . . .

. . . for Kezi, a beautiful mortal, dancer, and rug weaver, and for Olus, Akkan god of the winds. Their love brings Kezi the strength to fight her fate, and it gives Olus the strength to confront his fears. Together—and apart—they encounter spiders with webs of iron, the cruel lord of the land of the dead, the mysterious god of destiny, and the tests of the Akkan gods. If they succeed, they will be together; but if they fail, Olus will have to endure the ultimate loss, and Kezi will have to make the supreme sacrifice.

I’m a big fan of Ella Enchanted. I read it a few years ago and immediately smitten with Levine’s story telling. It was fun, witty and I absolutely adore the character. However, I was a bit disappointed with this book. 

Ever was written with Olus and Kezi’s narration switching with each chapter. I find that Levine’s writing style was different in this book. It is too simple. It almost makes me feel like the sentences were not complete. What sadden me was that the romance between Olus and Kezi seemed a bit rushed. I thought the story—the love story was bland. The character was bland.

Great  plot, easy read. But I think the story could be developed into something better.

Book Review: English as Second Language

Title: English as a Second Language

Author: Megan Crane

Genre: Chick Lit

Publication: 2004

Rating: 2/5

Smart, sarcastic Alexandra Brennan is bored with her dead-end job in New York City and uncertain about where her life is headed. But when her smug ex tells her she could never get into graduate school in the United Kingdom, that's precisely what she does. Armed with American cigarettes and extra-strength coffee, Alex leaves home and crosses the Atlantic. She's ready to face all that Great Britain has to offer, including beer, blokes, and more books than she can possibly read in a year. What she discovers, however, is that instead of running away from home, she may have actually found it.

I had read so many great reviews of this book and decided that I should try to read this book too. After reading it, I wasn’t sure what I felt about this book. I’m not sure if I like it or not.

This book is about Alex’s life in graduate school. The story starts off with Alex who moved to the UK to show her ex that she could get into graduate school. She met up with a few friends—Cristina, Melanie, Toby and a few others. Then there were a lot of drinking, partying and smoking going on and I was lost. I wasn't quite sure what this book was about.

I thought that this book was poorly written. The same arguments with Alex and her friends keep on repeating over and over again towards the end—and arguments that seems to lead them nowhere. And all of the sudden, the book ended with the characters completed their year in graduate school. Really??

I was quite disappointed because I’ve seen lots of good reviews and high rating for this book. I don’t think that I wanted to read Megan Crane’s other book (although I heard that her later work is much better). I wasn't convinced. Perhaps this isn’t my cup of tea...

Book Review: Scandal in Spring

Title: Scandal in Spring (The 4th Wallflower Series)
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical Romance
Publication: 2006
Rating: 2/5


After spending three London seasons searching for a husband, Daisy Bowman's father has told her in no uncertain terms that she must find a husband. Now. And if Daisy can't snare an appropriate suitor, she will marry the man he chooses—the ruthless and aloof Matthew Swift.

Daisy is horrified. A Bowman never admits defeat, and she decides to do whatever it takes to marry someone . . . anyone . . . other than Matthew. But she doesn't count on Matthew's unexpected charm . . . or the blazing sensuality that soon flares beyond both their control. And Daisy discovers that the man she has always hated just might turn out to be the man of her dreams.

But right at the moment of sweet surrender, a scandalous secret is uncovered . . . one that could destroy both Matthew and a love more passionate and irresistible than Daisy's wildest fantasies.

This is the final copy of historical romance books that I received from a friend.

This book was alright. The story was predictable. I still love Lisa Kleypas' style. It was smooth and fun to read. She writes good romance.