Review: Accidentally in Love with the Pilot by Teri Anne Stanley

Accidentally in Love with the Pilot

Author: Teri Anne Stanley
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Pages: Kindle Edition, 197 pages
Genre: Romance
Release Date: August 13th 2018

Summary:

Fighter pilot Ben Rutledge loves his solitude. Which means spending a month of leave in overcrowded, over-glitzy Las Vegas isn’t up his alley, especially after his friend ditches him. His first inclination is to bow out, and quickly. Instead, he finds himself sharing drinks—and a whole lot more—with a sexy woman celebrating her birthday. After all, it’s just one night, and he can go back to his quiet life tomorrow.

Megan Shuttlekrump doesn’t have time for a boyfriend, much less a husband. But a night of celebratory drinks with a handsome stranger ends with a ring on her finger—and no memory of how it got there. Her new “husband” is over the top hot, but he’ll be out of her life once his leave is over. As long as they can find out which of the thousand or so chapels in Vegas married them…

Review:

Accidentally in Love with the Pilot looks like a cute & fluffy, sounds like one as well.
And it does deliver exactly what the package says. Light-hearted cute & fluffy.
It's basically a what you see is what you get.

So on those bases, I got exactly what I was feeling for.

It is completely predictable. I mean completely and utterly. No surprises at all. Even the grand gesture. But I didn't care. Because it was sweet, funny fluff. It made me feel all sweet and fuzzy. Which is frankly why I read these kinds of books.
Though predictable, it's a fun storyline. For some reason, it reminded me of the old school romcom movies a la Doris Day, just with a dash of shmexy thrown it.
The only small thing I was a bit taken aback was the last announcement. I mean, I knew Stanley will throw that in, but I think the number was a bit, well over the top? Though it was for the last line clearly, which is funny. But I felt it drove home the kinda caricature aspects that surfaced during the book. I would have liked one less, in fact preferably two less.


The two MCs were both interesting. Both being introverts to some extent. Both being at times plagued by the same insecurities. I love Ben, even when he was a bit too perfect.
Their assumptions about each other, grated on me. They were both pretty presumptive and worse they never actually talked about it. EVER. I kept thinking, just talk to each other, problem solved. But noooo, we rather assume and be worried.
The supporting cast was quirky and funny. A bit over the top, to be honest, they very over the top. I mean even his family was eccentric, it felt a bit much. But I do like them.
Though Stanley does add a few issues the MCs struggle with, which made the MCs feel more real, it still is super lighthearted.
If you looking for deep character building. This ain't your book. If you feel like endearing characters who grapple with finding some love, then you at the right place.

So basically, it's nothing hugely suprising, nothing heavy.
As I said, what I see is what you get.
In fact, I am sure it isnt very memorable.
The writing style is not amazing, but it's not terrible either. Dialogues are fun and witty but not ingeniousnius or inventive.  The characters are quirky but have not much depth to them. The story line is sweet but predictable...
Honestly this probably should be 2.5 Stars, however, I did feel like exactly this kind of book so I am rounding it up. *shrugs* I know totally subjective, but I couldn't care less. I am feeling all pink and fuzzy atm. (thanks to reading this)

Accidentally in Love with the Pilot is a perfect lazy afternoon read.
It's lighthearted, sweet and leaves you smiling.
Cute & fluffy happiness which will leave you pink and fuzzy.

Rating: 

Review: The Difference Between Us by Rachel Higginson

The Difference Between Us

Author: Rachel Higginson
Publisher: Reckless Siren Publishing
Series: Opposites Attract #2
Pages: Kindle Edition, 284 pages
Genre: Romance
Release Date: July 17th 2017

Summary:

I'm cursed.

At least when it comes to finding Mr. Right.

I'm tired of men that only want one night stands or blind dates that are nothing but awkward and uncomfortable. I'm tired of avoiding inappropriate text messages and the constant disappointment of always meeting Mr. Wrong.

After all these years of dates that lead nowhere, I can admit that it's me. I'm the problem. I'm shy and picky and cursed. Definitely cursed.

So I've decided two things.

The first? I'm giving up dating and relationships and men in general. Maybe, possibly, forever.

The second? I'm going to have to try harder to avoid Ezra Baptiste.

If I couldn't hack it in the kiddy pool of dating, I certainly can't swim in his deep end. He's too successful. Too intense. He's all man when I'm used to nothing but boys pretending to be grownups. He's everything I'm afraid to want and so far out of my league we might as well be different species entirely.

So he'll need to find a different artist to paint his mural. And a different graphic designer to help him with his website. He'll need to find someone else to glare at and flirt with and kiss.

It can't be me.

We're too different.

Review:

So I like some parts of this, and others... well not so much

But lets cut to the core: my biggest issue, just like in the first installment, with this, is inconsistency.
And we talking in every aspect.

I like certain descriptions for example. They are beautiful and feel authentic. Others feel run of the mill, very cliche and unreal.
Some moments are poignant they feel real, go straight to the heart. And others... well they felt formulaic and extremely planned.

The character building is the same. There are things I adored about the characters. Others felt too shallow and also very inconsistent.
In both books, there is a kinda back and forth between the MCs. The men are clearly into this idea and are pursuing the gals. I quite enjoyed it, but at times I felt the women were a bit obtrusive. It did feel out of character.
Then there is the Molly in this book and the Molly in the previous book. I don't think the two pictures align. I got the impression that Molly was loyal, sassy and confident in book one. In this installment, however, she stresses how shy she is, all the time. I mean I got she was intimidated by Ezra. But... she didn't come across as shy.
Then there is Ezra. I loved Ezra in the first installment. And I like him in here, but- and there is a but, somehow I didn't get enough depth from him. I mean Higginson scratched at some of the surfaces. And that was awesome, but most of the time it was just not enough. We didn't get any insight into his relationship with his sister for example. We got more in book one, considering this is his book, I felt unsatisfied. I had questions about his father, his previous relationships - but basically got no answers. I mean they were hinted at, but that's that.
There were a few moments where one got a feel for what lurks behind Ezra's intensity and his drive. But not enough
This being written from Molly's POV one could kinda say I am nitpicking about Ezra. But I was left with a lot of questions. Hinting at stuff made Ezra feel a tad too planned and at the same time not thought through enough to make him tangible and real.
I had moments where I could relate to Molly. Others where I should have been able to relate, but simply couldn't.
Like I totally got her problems with Henry. I have never been in a situation like it, I got her. Her reluctance at first, her assumptions all of it felt real. Higginson did a really good job at that.
But then there are Molly's issues with cooking. I mean really?! I could so not relate. I honestly couldn't. It felt like Higginson just needed to add another element of them being opposites. But it made Molly look ditzy. Which is totally out of character. The entire scene felt wrong to me
Then there is Molly's are and her work. Her assessment of Graphic Design was rather annoying since I am in that field I strongly disagree with her. Also, Molly was complaining about it, but in the end, she didn't choose to become an artist. Again, it felt inconsistent.
Then there is the subject of being creative. I don't think Higginson and I see eye to eye on that. So I won't bore you with that bone I want to pick with her. But, while on some occasions, I could feel Molly's love and her losing herself in her art, most of the time it felt like how one should feel about art. Or at least how the run of the mill describes it.


There are zero surprises in here. But I was okay with it. It is what I expected in many ways. It's cute and fluffy set around chefs and all that.
But while Higginson does touch on some heavy subjects. And she does a really good job at it if you ask me. Every time it comes to its peak- it's kinda swept aside. Done. Solved. It felt like not enough.

I did enjoy it. But I also felt like there are plenty of inconsistencies, enough to make me think - here we go again, this was different a few pages ago...
Alas, I am going to read the next installment next. Because while I feel this needs some more work it also is actually not bad. In fact, I think it could be quite a great book if one would iron out those inconsistencies and add more depth to subjects that have already been touched.
So a generous 3 Stars it is.


Rating: 


Review: by Deniz

Review: Flamecaster by Cinda Williams Chima

Flamecaster

Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Publisher: HarperCollins
Series: Shattered Realms #1
Pages: Hardcover, 535 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: April 5th 2016

Summary:

A burning vengeance.

Adrian sul’Han, known as Ash, is a trained healer with a powerful gift of magic—and a thirst for revenge. The son of the queen of the Fells, Ash is forced into hiding after a series of murders throws the queendom into chaos. Now Ash is closer than he’s ever been to killing the man responsible, the cruel king of Arden. As a healer, can Ash use his powers not to save a life but to take it?

A blood-based curse.

Abandoned at birth, Jenna Bandelow was told the mysterious magemark on the back of her neck would make her a target. But when the King’s Guard launches a relentless search for a girl with a mark like hers, Jenna assumes that it has more to do with her role as a saboteur than any birth-based curse. Though Jenna doesn’t know why she’s being hunted, she knows that she can’t get caught.

Destiny’s fiery hand.

Eventually, Ash’s and Jenna’s paths will collide in Arden. Thrown together by chance and joined by their hatred of the king, they will come to rescue each other in ways they cannot yet imagine.

Set in the world of the acclaimed Seven Realms series a generation later, this is a thrilling story of dark magic, chilling threats, and two unforgettable characters walking a knife-sharp line between life and death.

Review:

Hmm... I don't know how to put into words (or rating) my thoughts about this book. I was kinda sad with how the book started but I guess it was important to get the plot moving? That being said, it didn't take me long to get invested into the story but at the same time, the crux of the story wasn't that appealing to me. I mean, I remember that the King of Arden was an ass but for him to hold a grudge for that long? And then the ending? I don't know man..it could have been spun out a lot better IMO.

As for the characters, I think they were alright. Not great enough to leave a remarkable impression but interesting enough to stand out. Speaking of, what's up with Jenna and her secret powers? I really really wanna know but after reading the blurb of the sequel, I'm kinda bummed that the next book isn't going to focus on Ash and Jenna and also confused about how the author plans to progress with all these secrets.

Anyhoo, I liked the book but it did fall short on leaving a lasting impression. It wasn't bad but it wasn't memorable either. Meh 3 stars.


Rating: 



Review by Navs

Review: Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann

Let's Talk About Love

Author: Claire Kann
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Pages: ebook, 304 pages
Genre: YA
Release Date: January 23rd 2018

Summary:

Alice had her whole summer planned. Non-stop all-you-can-eat buffets while marathoning her favorite TV shows (best friends totally included) with the smallest dash of adulting--working at the library to pay her share of the rent. The only thing missing from her perfect plan? Her girlfriend (who ended things when Alice confessed she's asexual). Alice is done with dating--no thank you, do not pass go, stick a fork in her, done.

But then Alice meets Takumi and she can’t stop thinking about him or the rom com-grade romance feels she did not ask for (uncertainty, butterflies, and swoons, oh my!).

When her blissful summer takes an unexpected turn, and Takumi becomes her knight with a shiny library employee badge (close enough), Alice has to decide if she’s willing to risk their friendship for a love that might not be reciprocated—or understood.

Review:

Always there for some ace rep! This book was adorable and the rep was mostly great and on point (that weird freak out when she meets Takumi was well, weird for me, cause I just don't get it? but other than that it was great.)

What I didn't like was just how cutesy this book was and Alice as well. Felt a bit childish at times and it reminds me of how people usually think aces are childish because we don't like sex would have been nice if it was a bit more adult or serious, but that might just be me reading too much into it.

Another problem was Feenie and their main fight at the costume party. Feenie never apologized. SHE NEVER APOLOGIZED. It was Family Night and she gets ditched in the middle of a party after she went to get them drinks ffs. Like high school all over again and yet these are people she considers family, and somehow Feenie feels entitled to ditch her bff in that manner to go have a quickie WHEN IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE FAMILY NIGHT. If this had been any other random day where they had just decided to go to this party it wouldn't be quite as big of an issue, still one because ditching, but not quite as hurtful, and Feenie still never apologized, and that's fking rude. How was it ever okay to treat Alice like a random third wheel? Boundaries and such should have been done earlier in this friendship they've got but it's still in no way excuses Feenie's behavior. It infuriated me because Feenie blamed it on Alice's aceness. Like Alice wouldn't have been pissed that she had gotten ditched for sex during family night if she weren't ace. No Feenie, it's called being A DECENT FRIEND.

Anyway...That ending, when Alice confesses to Takumi killed me. I don't even make it that far cause unlike Alice I'm upfront about my aceness so we don't even make it to the friendship stage. Not worth putting in the effort if nothing is ever gonna come out of it I guess.

If anyone is looking for more ace rep try How To Be Normal by TJ Klune, hilarious read.



Rating: 




Reviewed by Ella

Review: The Chaos of Standing Still by Jessica Brody

The Chaos of Standing Still

Author: Jessica Brody
Publisher: by Simon Pulse
Pages: Hardcover, 320 pages
Genre: YA
Release Date: November 28th 2017

Summary:

Over the course of one chaotic night stranded at the Denver airport, Ryn confronts her shattered past thanks to the charm of romance, the uniqueness of strangers, and the magic of ordinary places in this stunning novel from the author of Boys of Summer.

Ryn has one unread text message on her phone. And it’s been there for almost a year.

She hasn’t tried to read it. She can’t. She won’t. Because that one message is the last thing her best friend ever said to her before she died.

But as Ryn finds herself trapped in the Denver International Airport on New Year’s Eve thanks to a never-ending blizzard on the one-year anniversary of her best friend’s death, fate literally runs into her.

And his name is Xander.

When the two accidentally swap phones, Ryn and Xander are thrust into the chaos of an unforgettable all-night adventure, filled with charming and mysterious strangers, a secret New Year’s Eve bash, and a possible Illuminati conspiracy hidden within the Denver airport. But as the bizarre night continues, all Ryn can think about is that one unread text message. It follows her wherever she goes, because Ryn can’t get her brialliantly wild and free-spirited best friend out of her head.

Ryn can’t move on.

But tonight, for the first time ever, she’s trying. And maybe that’s a start.

As moving as it is funny, The Chaos of Standing Still is a heartwarming story about the earth-shattering challenges life throws at us—and the unexpected strangers who help us along the way

Review:

The Chaos of Standing Still is definitely interesting and worth giving a go.

I like Brody's writing style. I like the fact, that she does tackle some interesting subjects. The Chaos of Standing Still she explores survivors guilt.
There is much more going on, however. It is a fun little adventure set on an airport, during a snow blizzard. I have never been to Denver, but I have spent plenty of hours on airports and Brody gets the moods and the feeling just right. Her snarky, witty and fun outlook on the world resonates with me.

I really like the idea of this. A lot. I love all the little side themes, the adventures and little weird anecdotes (like passenger lotto) In the beginning I liked the back flashes as well, but as the book progressed they felt disruptive. There were simply too many of them for me.

The character building is done well. I feel like I got to know Ryn, Xander and Lottie fairly well. Really liked Xander. He is sweet and fun. My favorite in the bunch. Lottie, let me just say this, is a right out b*tch. I couldn't understand why Ryn was friends with her? Their relationship sounded toxic to me. Lottie is beyond self-involved and manipulative. I just didn't get their connection. However, I have seen friendships like that and know that they are possible. So while I don't approve, it doesn't negate the way Ryn feels.
Ryn had me divided. Because at first, I adored her. She is all negative snark and obsessions, so can relate. But then I found her more and more annoying. She was throwing this huge continuous tantrum refusing to even listen to someone else's story. I didn't like how she dealt with Xander, when he talked about his issues with his parents, for example. I mean, I get she doesn't feel understood by her parents, that she feels lost and that she doesn't really want to deal with the past, hence resents her therapist first and foremost. But her passive aggressive behavior has no bounds and I at least wanted some kind of sympathy towards Xander.

So while I love the context and the storyline, I didn't like some of the styles the story was told in. And though I do think the character building, I was not a fan of most of the characters. Both of these things diminished my liking- ergo the rating of the book. While I think the idea is fabulous, the execution is only good. So 3 I-wish-it-was-more Stars from me.

Rating: 

Review: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

Author: Mackenzi Lee
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: Hardcover, 528 pages
Genre: YA
Release Date: June 27th 2017

Summary:

An unforgettable tale of two friends on their Grand Tour of 18th-century Europe who stumble upon a magical artifact that leads them from Paris to Venice in a dangerous manhunt, fighting pirates, highwaymen, and their feelings for each other along the way.

Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

Witty, romantic, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a sumptuous romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.

Review:

First I should mention that I somehow missed that this is an m/m romance... Don't ask me how, or why I just kinda didn't know it. And we all know that I am not a huge fan of m/m romances. However, this is a fun and cute gay Regency rump. And I am sure for readers, who like gay romances better than I do, this is a must read. I feel a bit bad to "only" rate this 3Stars, but honestly, while there were aspects I really liked, this was just not quite my thing. Rating, in the end, is subjective.

So the romance was not quite my cup of tea. I found it a bit slow and painful at times but also really cute. And let me tell you, I loved the end!
The writing, however, was fantastic. I love the writing style, adore the sense of humor and I think there was some amazing research put in. Most of all I felt like Lee did convey a lot about the places and era. The narration feels British and in my imagination historically accurate. The descriptions of the places are fabulous.

The story line is one misadventure after another. I did enjoy it, though I wanted to smack Monty at times and I gotta say it's a bit long wound at others.

Most of all The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue shines in the character building. Lee did a fantastic job with the MCs and also with the support cast. They felt real and I could relate to them, most of all I got their insecurities and understood their wishes. Very well done indeed.

So while at times this is not quite my thing, it is extremely fun, well written and definitely, a must read! Can't wait to see what Lee comes up next with.


Rating: 

Review: Run the Risk by Allison van Diepen

Run the Risk

Author: Allison van Diepen
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: On the Edge #3
Pages: Hardcover, 288 pages
Genre: YA
Release Date: April 11th 2017

Summary:

Set in the same world as On the Edge and Light of Day, Run the Risk is a romantic, gritty story about the dangers one girl faces to save the people she loves.

Grace has done her best to move on since her ex-boyfriend, Mateo, chose gang life over her. But even though years have passed, she hasn’t forgotten him—especially since she’s seen her younger brother, Alex, drawn to a life on the streets. She can’t bear to think of Alex making the same mistakes as Mateo, but she feels him slipping away.

So when Mateo suddenly resurfaces, insisting he’s left gang life behind him, Grace sees an opportunity. Maybe he could be the one to reach Alex and pull him away from the edge. She tells herself she’s only talking to Mateo again because of Alex, but her feelings quickly return. Can she ever trust Mateo again? And is saving her brother worth risking a broken heart? With everyone she loves in danger, Grace must decide how much to sacrifice before it’s too late.

Review:

Run the Risk is interesting because it kinda straddles several genres. It is a romance and has some cute&fluffy moments, but it's also an action story, which get get plenty and then it also is socio-critical in that it shows aspects and issue of gangs.
I applaud van Diepen for trying to add depth to a romance novel and for shedding light on the aspects of gangs. The reality is gang-affiliation is a huge issue in many big cities, especially in the less privileged areas.
But at the same time, van Diepen's try on straddling two such opposite things is kinda what didn't work for me. It was either not deep enough or not cute & fluffy enough. To be frank while I read the book, expecting a cute kinda romance, it was lacking in the later for me. Retrospectively I am not so sure that would be necessary the way to go. Alas I feel as it is it's not quite working

The character building is interesting- if this would be a cute&fluffy I would have been quite happy with it actually. But as it is, I felt that several characters were not developed quite enough. I found Grace's stubbornness a bit annoying. We never found out why Mateo was doing what he was doing. Which I found a pity. I'm not for vigilante behaviour. But I doubt that Mateo was frivolous, I feel that she should have at least let him explain what they do and why he actually joined. Even though we got some explanation, I felt it wasn't enough. Still I find Grace's black and white view rather condescending. I think one should give people a chance to explain, one never knows why someone ended up where they did. The way this issue was dealt with was a bit disappointing. I guess van Diepen was trying to send a message, but having worked with many people from the kind of areas Mateo and Grace were from, I can only say life is not black and white.

The plot is fast paced, full of action and at times thought provoking.

Last I should mention, that I haven't read the previous novels in the series, which might affect my opinion in the negative. It is possible that the previous books would have shed light on my questions? Alas I shall read them, because while it didn't quite work as well as I wished, I also enjoyed this novel.

Rating: 

Review: All the Forever Things by Jolene Perry

All the Forever Things

Author: Jolene Perry
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Pages: Hardcover, 272 pages
Genre: YA
Release Date: April 1st 2017

Summary:

“How many times have you saved me?” I ask Bree.

She grins. “Don’t you mean how many times have we saved each other?”

Nothing is forever. Gabe knows that more than most girls. After all, she lives in a funeral home (it’s the family business), and she gets that everything in the world dies eventually – people, rumors, fashion trends, the nickname “Graveyard Gabe.” But her best friend, Bree, has been a constant in her life; it’s always been the two of them together. Until Bree starts seeing a guy who stands for everything Gabe thought they were against. How could Bree change her mind and go for someone like Bryce Johnson?

Now Gabe doesn’t know who her friend is anymore. And the only person who seems to have time for her is Hartman, the new guy, who is somehow not weirded out by the funeral home stuff (well, a little). Still, Gabe doesn’t want to lose her mind over a guy the way Bree has, so she holds back.

But a very strange prom night (driving the family hearse instead of a limo) will change what Gabe knows about friendship, love, life, and everything that comes after – forever and otherwise.

Review:

I like the idea behind this book.
I loved the blurb. I expected quirky, and some of it was. But most of it was kinda, well, blah. At least for the first half. The third quarter picked up a bit and the last quarter was what saved this book for me.
I didn't like Gabe much in the beginning, she did grow on me. Rather slowly mind you. She was too self involved and very imature. Though she is only 16, I tried to give her some slack for that but despite that she felt immature and also much younger. She does do some growth though which is what totally endeared her to me at the end of the book.
The support cast is in some ways quirky but when one scratches at the surfaces they take on the normal roles we get in basically every YA contemporary book.
The only difference here and what kept me going was the recurring theme of loss and death. It gives the book some unexpected depth. It is also what kept me going, when I was pondering if I should DNF 30 or so % in.
The first half felt incredibly long wound and like it was trying too hard to be different. Barely anything happened other than Gabe having internal and not so internal dramas.
Perry did an interesting take on death and loss. Retrospectively I like how she set it all up, even if I wasn't a fan of it in the first half. And she turned it around as well, looking at the question of living. The question of change and friendship were raised. Hartman was such a great contrast to Gabe when looking at life. I love how Perry made them reflections to each other, so similar yet coming to a totally different view.

"Forevers are personal, Gabe. My father's existence may not matter to a star a million miles away, or even to someone else who lived on my street. But my father's life was so much to me. The way I live my life will always be influenced by knowing him. So, in my world, my father is forever. In my world, that time we spent on the beach is forever. I will never forget that. Forevers are everywhere."

It's worth giving it a try, because while something are the usual usual other parts are so different, unexpected, insightful and beautiful.

Rating: 
I am giving 3 Stars, because the first half was a generous 2stars, the 3rd quarter 3 and the last bit probably 4Stars.