#BookReview The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You by Lily Anderson

The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You
by Lily Anderson

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: May 17th, 2016 by St. Martin's Griffin
Format: ebooks
Source: NetGalley
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Trixie Watson has two very important goals for senior year: to finally save enough to buy the set of Doctor Who figurines at the local comic books store, and to place third in her class and knock Ben West--and his horrendous new mustache that he spent all summer growing--down to number four.

Trixie will do anything to get her name ranked over Ben's, including give up sleep and comic books--well, maybe not comic books--but definitely sleep. After all, the war of Watson v. West is as vicious as the Doctor v. Daleks and Browncoats v. Alliance combined, and it goes all the way back to the infamous monkey bars incident in the first grade. Over a decade later, it's time to declare a champion once and for all.

The war is Trixie's for the winning, until her best friend starts dating Ben's best friend and the two are unceremoniously dumped together and told to play nice. Finding common ground is odious and tooth-pullingly-painful, but Trixie and Ben's cautious truce slowly transforms into a fandom-based tentative friendship. When Trixie's best friend gets expelled for cheating and Trixie cries foul play, however, they have to choose who to believe and which side they're on--and they might not pick the same side.

Trixie Watson goes to a prestigious school for the smart students with high IQ. It was her senior year and she wanted to place third in the ranking and knock Ben West, her arch enemy, down to number four. But when their friends started dating, the Trixie and Ben have to play nice. Trixie began to soften towards Ben. But soon, Trixie's best friend was expelled for cheating. And Trixie was determined to find out the truth.

I saw the word, Doctor Who, and knew that I have to read this. And I wasn't disappointed. I love Trixie. She's funny. She can be harsh sometimes, but she had a really good heart and loyalty towards her friends. I love the banter between her and Ben. The occasional fandom references made the book a whole lot entertaining. There are a few references that I didn't get, but that didn't ruin the story.

I love the author's writing style. It's fresh, funny and I enjoyed the sarcasm. The characters were amazing and the plot was really good. Once I picked up the book, it was really hard to put it down. I just can't get enough of Trixie and Ben. They are super cute! I enjoyed this book from the beginning until the end. And then, there was this small plot twist towards the end that just blew me away. 

The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You by Lily Anderson have everything I love about. Geeky characters, a bit of mystery, and a good romance. If you're looking for a light, cute romance read, or book with fangirl characters, this is the book you're looking for.

I received a copy of this book from the Netgalley & St. Martin's Press in exchange for my review.

#BookReview Cogling by Jordan Elizabeth

Cogling
by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Steampunk, Sci-Fi, Romance
Publication: January 25th, 2016
Format: ebooks
Source: Author/Publisher
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little brother's neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a device to power Coglings—clockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been forced to work in factories.

Desperate to rescue her brother, Edna sets off across the kingdom to the hags' swamp, with Ike in tow. There, they learn Coglings are also replacing nobility so the hags can stage a rebellion and rule over humanity. Edna and Ike must stop the revolt, but the populace believes hags are helpful godmothers and healers. No one wants to believe a lowly servant and a thief, especially when Ike has secrets that label them both as traitors.

Together, Edna and Ike must make the kingdom trust them or stop the hags themselves, even if Ike is forced to embrace his dark heritage and Edna must surrender her family.

I didn't read a lot of steampunk. But I wanted to give this book a chance since I have previously read Jordan Elizabeth's work in Gears of Brass Anthology and enjoyed it. I was glad I did. I wasn't expecting this book to be this good. I was definitely blown away.

In Cogling, children were kidnapped and forced to work in factories. Their dreams were taken away. These children were replaced by a Coglings—clockwork changelings, to fool their families. Edna Mather watched her brother turn into a pile of cogs before her. When Ike, a thief who wanted to steal her watch, explained to her about coglings, Edna asked for Ike's help to rescue her brother.

I love the author's voice and writing style. The author did a great job describing the world in the book. The setting was perfect. It felt almost like a movie. There are the human, hags, ogres, foxkin and other interesting creatures. 

I was amazed at the characters development in the story. I wasn't a big fan of Edna at first, but she grew on me. She's strong and won't stop at anything until she gets her brother back. Ike is definitely swoon-worthy. He may be a thief, but he had a good heart and was always looking after Edna. But, my favorite character in the book is Rachel. She was this pampered rich young lady, who Enda worked for. But she sort of grew up and she surprised me with her transformation.

Cogling is a great fantasy-steampunk read for the young adult. I may not be the target audience, but I enjoyed this book wholeheartedly. There are some romance, friendship, adventure, conspiracy and fighting with a few twists along the way. If you love a good fantasy read, you should definitely read this book.

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

Review: Terminal by Kathy Reichs & Brendan Reichs

Terminal (Virals #5)
by Kathy Reichs & Brendan Reichs

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Suspense, Young Adult
Publication: Published March 26th, 2015 by Arrow (Young)
Format: Paperback, 400 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

The Virals are back—but they’re not the only pack in town anymore. Terminal finds Tory Brennan—grandniece of the famous forensic anthropologist (star of the hit show Bones)—and the rest of the Morris Island gang tracking a pack of rogue Virals who call themselves the Trinity. The new pack was infected by a strain of supervirus created by Tory’s nemesis and sometimes-crush, Chance Clayborne, who accidentally infected himself, too.

These red-eyed Virals have openly challenged Tory’s pack for domination of Charleston, bringing on the attention of a shadowy government organization intent on learning the secret to their powers. Surviving it all is going to test the limits of the gang’s abilities.

Terminal is amazing! I can't say how much I love the Virals. At the end of the previous book, the Virals learned that Chance Claybourne was infected with the virus and there was a new pack in town. A pack called Trinity. Tory and the gang, along with Chance Claybourne have to find out about the new pack before they attract the attention of a government organization who were after their power.

Like every other Virals book, Terminal was packed with action and suspense. The Virals have to deal with the new pack and the secret organization. I am amazed with the friendship between the Virals and absolutely in love with the bits of romance between Tory/Ben/Chance. But, of course, Tory's choice was obvious from the beginning. 

Kathy Reichs & Brendan Reichs were very good authors. The storyline was amazing. The characters were great. I love how Tory and the Virals investigate things, with their curious nature. I just can't stop reading once I have this book in my hand. I wanted to know what will happen to the Virals and how will they escape from each danger they faced. I was heartbroken with the story towards the end, but, the authors got me excited again with the ending. Thankfully, there's a novella after this book. Hopefully, the writers will explain to us what happened to Tory and the Virals. I just need the novella in my hand, then, I can relax. Hopefully.

Virals will always be one of my favorite series of all time. It was sad to know that this is the final book for the Virals series, especially with how the story ends. I'm definitely going to miss the pack so much. 

If you haven't read the book and the series, I recommend that you will start now. It was amazing. If you like a kick-ass heroine who faced a lot of dangerous situations because of her curiosity nature, you will definitely enjoy this book.

Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door
by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Genre: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
Publication: June 13th, 2013 by Speak
Format: Paperback, 394 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

I know that I should have read this book sooner. I mean, the book has been sitting on my shelf for a while, and I've seen lots of wonderful reviews about this book. But finally, I decided that it's time to indulge myself in this one. I wanted to read something light after I've been in a long reading slump.

Samantha had a perfect life and an attentive mother. She loved to watch her neighbor, the Garretts, who are not like her family. Samantha's world changed when she met Jase, a Garrett, after he climbed up next to her. It was a beginning of their love story. But, just like any other good love story, there's always a little bit of drama. Samantha and Jase's relationship was tested when something happened, and Samantha had to decide if she was going to choose her family, or the Garrets.

I love this book. It was exactly what I wanted to read. Like Samantha, I too have fallen in love with the Garretts. It was hard not to fall in love with Jase. And George. It was fun to get to know their family and their various personalities. The author is amazing at creating the lovable and believable characters. 

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick is a great YA contemporary romance. It was light, funny, and cute. It made me go through the emotional roller coaster ride with the unexpected drama. But in the end, everything worked out. I would definitely recommend this book to contemporary romance lover.

Review: Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Carry On
by Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Publication: October 6th, 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin
Format: Hardcover, 522 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.

That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.

Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters.

I enjoyed reading Raibow Rowell's Fangirl, and had pre-ordered Carry On when I found out that the author was going to write a story about Simon and Baz.

I love Carry On! I do think that the beginning of the book was a bit slow, but everything began to get much more interesting when Baz, Simon's nemesis showed up. The plot was straightforward, but, with a bit twist at the end that I totally wasn't expecting. I am contented with how the story goes and how it ended. But, I wouldn't mind for a sequel just to find out what will happen to Simon next.

Rainbow Rowell was really good with her characters in all her books. The characters in Carry On were brilliant. I love Simon interaction with Penny and Baz. Especially with Baz. I especially love the development with Simon and Baz. There were lots of moments that made me squealed and laughed maniacally, like a crazy fangirl. And then, I would reread a few of the scenes again, because it made me happy.

I have to say that Carry On was not what I had imagined or expected at first, But that didn't mean that I didn't enjoy it. I've been pondering whether to give this book 4 or 5 stars. In the end, I think Carry On deserved 5 stars. I don't really mind if people are comparing Simon with Harry Potter, or saying that Carry On was a fanfiction to Harry Potter. I enjoyed the book, and had fun reading Carry On. I think, that was what matter most. 

P.S: I've participated in Romance Is in the Air Giveaway Hop hosted by Bookhounds, which run from Feb 4 to 14, and listed Carry On by Rainbow Rowell as the prize. You should totally check it out before the giveaway ends.

On Tour: The Marrying Type by Laura Chapman - Review & Giveaway

Laura Chapman is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours with her book, The Marrying Type. Please visit her page for more blog stops.

The Marrying Type
by Laura Chapman

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary
Publication: February 20th, 2015 by Marching Ink LLC
Format: ebook
Source: ARC, CLP Blog Tours
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Blog
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Always the wedding planner, never a bride, Elliot Lynch is famous for orchestrating the splashiest weddings in Charleston, South Carolina. When her father’s sloppy management practices leave them on the brink of bankruptcy, Elliot will do whatever it takes to save the family business. When asked to appear on “The Marrying Type,” a reality TV show about the people behind the scenes as couples exchange I dos, she says yes to the invasion of privacy (and the hefty paycheck that comes with it).

With a camera crew capturing every detail of her life, Elliot faces her most challenging contract yet: planning a wedding where her ex is involved in every part of the process. Add in a lazy assistant, liquor-loving bridesmaid, and rival planner encroaching on her turf, and Elliot’s wedding season goes from high-end to high-stress.

Forced to confront her past, Elliot must live out her troubled present on national TV if she has any hope of saving her future.

Elliot's family business is in financial trouble. To save their business well as their home, Elliot agrees to do a reality TV show, "The Marrying Type". When Elliot has been asked to plan for her ex's sister's wedding, she agreed. After all, the money could save the business.

This is a great read. The story flows beautifully and I just couldn't put it down. The characters are great. I love Elliot and Eric. They're adorable. I enjoy the progress of Elliot and Eric's relationship. It was very well developed. The other supporting characters make the book a lot more interesting. There may be lots of supporting characters, but every one of them is a great companion. They make the story enjoyable, even crazy Heloise. My favorite part is reading about the behind-the-scene of a wedding. It is mostly fun and a bit crazy. 

The Marrying Type is a quick, fun and cute read, with a bit of twists. I love Laura Chapman style and am definitely looking forward to read more books from her. I would definitely recommend this book to chick-lit lover. 

I received a copy of The Marrying Type by Laura Chapman from the author/CLP Blog Tours as part of the book tour.

Author Bio:

Laura Chapman is the author of The Marrying Type, Hard Hats and Doormats and the Autumn and Tuck series, which appear in Merry & Bright and A Kind of Mad Courage. A native Nebraskan, she loves football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Until she fulfills her dream of landing a British husband or becoming a Disney princess, you can find her in a bar penning her next novel.

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Review: Passing Through Perfect by Bette Lee Crosby

Passing Through Perfect (Wyattsville #3)
by Bette Lee Crosby

Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Womens Fiction
Publication: January 14th, 2015 by Bent Pine Publishing
Format: ebook, 256 pages
Source: Author
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

It's 1946. The war is over. Millions of American soldiers are coming home and Benjamin Church is one of them. After four years of being away he thought things in Alabama would have changed, but they haven't. Grinder's Corner is as it's always been--a hardscrabble burp in the road. It's not much, but it's home.

When Benjamin attends a harvest festival in Twin Pines, he catches sight of Delia. Before their first dance ends, he knows for certain she's the one. They fall madly in love: happily, impatiently, imprudently, in love. It doesn't matter that her daddy is staunchly opposed to the thought of his daughter marrying a cotton farmer, never mind a poor one.

It's true Benjamin has little to offer; he's a sharecropper who will spend his whole life sweating and slaving to do little more than put food on the table. But that's how things are in Alabama. Benjamin is better off than most; he has a wife, a boy he adores, and a house that doesn't leak rain. Yes, Benjamin considers himself a lucky man until the fateful night that changes everything.

I'm not sure what to expect from this book when I start reading. This wasn't the kind of book I usually read. So, I am surprised that I really enjoy reading this story.

Passing Through Perfect tells a story of Benjamin Church after he returned home after the war. He fell in love with Delia, and married her even though Delia's father opposed the marriage. Benjamin faced a lot of hardship, but he was happy with his wife and his son until that one night that took his happiness away. 

The book can be read as a standalone even though this is the third book from the Wyattsville series. The story was a bit slow at the beginning, but the writing was smooth. It was easy to get into the story. I can't put the book down once I picked it up. I need to find out what will happen to Benjamin and his family. I wanted to cheer for him. I wanted him to find his happiness after everything he went through. 

Passing Through Perfect was a great book. The writing was flawless, the characters were great and the story was smooth. There are lots of things going on! I was on a rollercoaster of emotion throughout the book. I'm glad that I gave this book a chance. I really enjoyed this. I think this is the kind of book that everyone would enjoy, even though this isn't something that you'd like to read.

I received a copy of this book from the author to provide an honest review.

Review: Petite Confessions: A Humorous Memoirette by Vicki Lesage

Petite Confessions: A Humorous Memoirette
by Vicki Lesage

Genre: Memoir, Humor, Autobiography
Publication: Published March 7th, 2015 by Party Girl Press
Format: Kindle Edition, 58 pages
Source: Author
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

From champagne bottles to baby bottles, this memoirette offers a humorous look at an American mom's decade in Paris. Party Girl Vicki moved to Paris hoping to drink her fill of wine and fall in love. She accomplished her goal, but encountered many bumps along the way: romantic encounters gone awry, absurd French bureaucracy threatening her sanity, and two adorable but impossibly energetic kids keeping her on her toes. This memoirette takes you on a journey of the ups and downs of Vicki's 10 years in the City of Light.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to open another bottle of wine.

Also: Read about Vicki's crazy Paris debut in Confessions of a Paris Party Girl and her bumpy journey into motherhood and French parenting in her #1 Amazon Best Seller, Confessions of a Paris Potty Trainer.

The collection of humorous essays shows the funny side of life, love, and raising a family in Paris.

As usual, Vicki's books are fun to read. I adore Vicki's writing style and voice. Once I pick it up, I just can't put it down. It's a bit sad when I reached to the ending of the book. I want to read more! Vicki never fail to make me laugh. There are tons of laugh-out-loud moment. Most of them, are things that I didn't exactly expect/imagine of Paris, and the weird things that the French do.

Petite Confessions by Vicki Lesage is a collection of fun short stories. It's the perfect introduction if you haven't read any book by Vicki yet. I would totally recommend any books from Vicki, if you enjoy reading something humorous. The book is currently free via kindle. 

I received a copy of this book from the author to provide an honest review.

Review: When by Victoria Laurie

When
by Victoria Laurie

Genre: Crime, Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Young Adult
Publication: Jan 13 2015, Disney-Hyperion
Format: ebook
Source: Netgalley
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Maddie Fynn is a shy high school junior, cursed with an eerie intuitive ability: she sees a series of unique digits hovering above the foreheads of each person she encounters. Her earliest memories are marked by these numbers, but it takes her father’s premature death for Maddie and her family to realize that these mysterious digits are actually death dates, and just like birthdays, everyone has one.

Forced by her alcoholic mother to use her ability to make extra money, Maddie identifies the quickly approaching death date of one client's young son, but because her ability only allows her to see the when and not the how, she’s unable to offer any more insight. When the boy goes missing on that exact date, law enforcement turns to Maddie.

Soon, Maddie is entangled in a homicide investigation, and more young people disappear and are later found murdered. A suspect for the investigation, a target for the murderer, and attracting the attentions of a mysterious young admirer who may be connected to it all, Maddie's whole existence is about to be turned upside down. Can she right things before it's too late?

I wanted to read this book when I saw the author (I have previously read Victoria Laurie's book from the The Psychic Eye Mysteries and liked it) and saw the synopsis. I was intrigued by the idea of how Maddie can see the death day.

Maddie's father died earlier in the story, and Maddie blamed herself, knowing that she could save her father's life with her gift. When she saw the death date of her client's son, she wanted to save him, because part of her felt guilty that she was not able to save her father. But when the boy went missing on the date, Maddie was suddenly a suspect. 

I really like Maddie. She's kind, loyal and brave enough to go through things to prove that she and her friend is innocent. The other supporting characters made the book much more interesting. I really enjoyed the interaction between Maddie and Uncle Donny. I like how he was always looking after Maddie and her mom. And Detective Faraday! He wasn't really my favorite in the beginning, but he wasn't so bad after a while. 

This book pulled me right from the start. Once I start, it was very hard to put down. The pace was perfect and the plot was really great. There were a few twists that I wasn't expecting, but in the end, the book was written up nicely with a cute surprise. It would be awesome if the book could be made into a movie. When, or Death Date by Victoria Laurie is an enjoyable read filled with YA mystery. This is definitely one of the 2015 books you should look forward to. I would definitely recommend When to mystery/paranormal fan.

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

Review: Exposure by Kathy Reichs

Exposure (Virals #4)
by Kathy Reichs & Brendan Reichs

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Publication: April 10th 2014 by Arrow
Format: Paperback, 432 pages
Source: Own
Connect to Kathy: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Tory Brennan - great niece of Dr Temperance Brennan - and the Virals return for their most terrifying adventure yet.

Morris Island has barely had a chance to return to normality after the high profile trial of the Gamemaster, when two local students seem to vanish into thin air.

Tory Brennan and the Virals pack, move quickly in their attempts to discover what has happened to their twin classmates. But the pack's canine powers are growing wilder, and it is becoming ever harder to conceal the secret which protects them.

When Tory and her friends find evidence of blood in the students' basement, they realise that the disappearance is no game.

But in order to save the twins, the Virals must risk the exposure of their powers, and in doing so put even their own lives in terrible danger.

I’m excited to see what the Virals are going to face this time. In Exposure, the Virals relationship has changed, since the last event with the Gamemaster, especially between Tory and Ben. It was fascinating to see how the Virals are going to get back together as a pack. 

I must admit that I wasn’t really intrigued by the case of the missing classmate at first. But, the writers did a great job in building the plot. I am excited to see the Virals back with another adventure and danger. Their powers are getting stronger and harder to control. I’m very happy to see Chance Claybourne. He made the story much more interesting. He just won’t stop until he finds out the Virals’ secret, to prove his sanity. 

I have to say that Kathy and Brendan Reichs did a really great job in writing this book. Exposure is packed with excitement! It was very hard to put down the book. I need to find out what happen to the Virals. I love Tory and the Virals. Hi and Shelton never disappoint to humor me. Exposure ended with a brilliant cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the next book! 

Review: Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

Fire Study (Study #3)
by Maria V. Snyder 

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: May 2009, by Mira Books
Format: ebook, 284 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Blog | Facebook

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder--able to capture and release souls--spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before....

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself--and save the land she holds dear.

Fire Study is the third book from Study series. In the previous book, Yelena found out that she is a Soulfinder, who was able to capture and release soul. Yelena must find a way to catch Ferde, a Soulstealer who had escaped in the previous book. As Yelena’s future is being decided by the council, she found out that a plot to take over Sitia, by a group of Warpers. But it won’t be easy for Yelena as the council and the First Magician, Roze, were against her. 

I love this book, although not as much as the first one. But I just can’t put down the book. I need to know what will happen to Yelena. I wanted to see more Valek, Ari and Janco. These characters were the reason why the series was much more entertaining. There were lots more action and excitement in this book, especially towards the end of it. Fire Study was very well written, with great plot and character development. I was sad to see that the series has ended. The series was fun and I don’t want to see it end. But then, I found out that there will be another three books coming out soon. I just can’t contain my excitement. I just can’t wait!

Review: Prosecco Pink by Traci Andrighetti

Prosecco Pink (Franki Amato Mysteries #2)
by Traci Andrighetti

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Chick Lit
Publication: January 2014, Gemma Halliday Publishing
Format: ebook
Source: ARC, CLP Blog Tour
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

For Franki Amato, life in New Orleans is anything but “The Big Easy.” When she met handsome bank executive Bradley Hartmann, she knew she’d finally found a man she could trust. But she can’t say the same for his sexy new secretary, who is about as trustworthy as Mata Hari and every bit as seductive. Meanwhile, Franki’s best friend and employer, Veronica Maggio, has named her the lead investigator in the murder of a gorgeous cosmetics CEO who was found lying dead in the master bedroom of a historic plantation home.

Now the pressure is on Franki to figure out what a bottle of pink lip gloss and the legend of a pink diamond have to do with the bizarre killing. The problem is that the plantation is notorious for being haunted, and Franki is less than enthusiastic about the prospect of meeting a ghost. Adding to her stress, her Sicilian grandma is up to her usual meddling antics—this time planning Franki’s engagement to Bradley before he’s even considered popping the question. As Bradley grows distant and plantation employees begin dropping like Southern belles during a sweltering summer, Franki turns to a psychic with a phobia of ghosts to solve the mysterious murders and her own relationship fears.

Franki Amato is back! And this time, Franki was assigned to lead the investigation of a murder of a cosmetics CEO in the historic plantation home. Not that the investigation was going to be easy with the plantation being haunted, and Franki received a few threats. Moreover, Franki had to deal with her meddling noona, and her boyfriend’s seductive, new secretary.

I love this book. Prosecco Pink is the second book from Franki Amato Mystery series, but it can be read as a standalone. In my opinion, Prosecco Pink was definitely better than the first book. It was a lot more exciting, and the mystery behind Franki’s case hooked me right from the start. I’m happy that noona was back with her new scheme for her granddaughter. What I love most about the series was the supporting characters. They made the story much more entertaining. I’m looking to see more of Franki’s family and Glenda. I bet they’re going to be fun. 

Prosecco Pink has the right amount of mystery, suspense, humor and romance. I would definitely recommend this book to Cozy Mystery lover.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

Magic Study (Study #2)
by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: November, 2007 by Mira Books
Format: ebook, 284 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Blog | Facebook

So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster, I would have endured enough. But no. The discovery of my magical abilities--powers forbidden in Ixia--has resulted in an execution order. My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long-lost birthplace.

But Sitia is unfamiliar. I'm treated like an enemy--even by my own brother. Plus I can't control my powers. I want to learn about my magic, but there isn't time. A rogue magician has emerged and I'm targeted as his next victim.

Will my magical abilities save me...or be my downfall?

I love the previous book,  bought Magic Study as soon as I finished Poison Study. I just can’t get enough of Yelena, Valek and their friends. I couldn’t say that Magic Study was as good as Poison Study, but I still like it. Very much.

In this book, Yelena returned to her birthplace, Sitia after she was banished from Ixia. Yelena learned more about magic and how to control them from Irys, the fourth magician. Returning to Sitia means that she will be meeting her family for the first time since she was kidnapped. Her reunion, however, was not as she had expected. Her brother didn’t exactly welcome her return. 

The pace of the story was a bit slower than the first book. But it still has a very good storyline. I wasn’t too excited to see Yelena separated with her friends in Ixia, but it was interesting to see Yelena in a new environment. I was excited to see how Yelena reunited with her family. Her family members (especially her cousins) are very interesting. Yelena made a few more friends in Sitia (and a few more enemies). The new characters (I love the moon man and Kiki) made the story much more exciting, but I am so happy to see Valek, the Commander, Ari and Janco reappearance. 

If you enjoyed the first book, Poison Study, you'll definitely want to read Magic Study.

Review: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Poison Study (Study #1)
by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: November, 2007 by Mira Books
Format: ebook, 284 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Blog | Facebook

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooma in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...

I’ve previously read Storm Glass, and wanted to read the Study series before I continue with the next book. I instantly fell in love with the poison study, and I didn't want to put down. I loved it. This book was brilliant.

Yelena was to be executed for murder. She was offered to be a food tester for the Commander of Ixia or face her punishment. The chief of security, Valek fed her with a poison called, Butterfly Dust, so that Yelena cannot run. To survive, Yelena must take her daily antidote, or die from the poison.

I love Yelena. She’s a kick ass heroine. It was interesting to see how Yelena tried to stay alive in Ixia since there are a few people who wanted her dead. The other supporting characters made the story much more interesting. The chemistry between Yelena and the other characters was awesome. I fell in love with the characters and I just can’t get enough of them.

This book wasn’t what I was expecting. The plot was absolutely amazing. There was a bit of romance in the book that turned my fangirl switch on. I thoroughly enjoyed the book that I immediately purchased the next book of the series to find out what was going to happen to Yelena and the others. I highly recommend this book! 

Review: Confessions of a Paris Potty Trainer by Vicki Lesage

Confessions of a Paris Potty Trainer
by Vicki Lesage

Genre: Autobiography, Chick Lit, Humor
Publication: January 2014
Format: kindle
Source: ARC
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Diapers, tantrums, and French bureaucracy - the crazy life of an American mom in Paris.

Former party girl Vicki trades wine bottles for baby bottles, as this sassy mommy of two navigates the beautiful, yet infuriating, city of Paris.

How does she steer a stroller around piles of dog poop? Or find time for French administration between breastfeeding and business meetings? And will she ever lose the baby weight with croissants staring at her from every street corner?

This hilarious memoir will have you laughing, crying, and wiping up drool right alongside Vicki as she and her ever-patient French husband raise two children in the City of Light.

I enjoyed Vicki Lesage's first book, Confessions of a Paris Party Girl, and was excited to receive another memoir from her. Vicki is an American, living in Paris with her French husband. The book was about Vicki’s pregnancy and her the experience in Paris.

Confessions of a Paris Potty Trainer were as hilarious as the first book. But I enjoyed this book more than the first one, probably because there are less partying. I love Vicki’s voice. She’s funny and she can be a little mad, which is a good thing, because she made me laughed so much. I just couldn’t put down the book. It was interesting to see Vicki would compare the culture of American and French. My favorite part of the book the apartment hunting. Now, I’m really curious to see how the apartments in Paris!

This book is highly entertaining. There wouldn’t be a single moment where you would find the book, boring. I definitely recommend this book (and the previous one) and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

I received a copy of this book from the author to provide an honest review.