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Squirrel Bait by Chip Davis

2/29/2016

Synopsis

Tonya the librarian has an unusual passion for books, even for a librarian. When her books are harmed she takes it personally. When people turn up dead over damaged books, there are questions to answer. When the killer is a weresquirrel, the questions become more confusing.

There is a certain pretentiousness in classical literature. Elegant writing filled with meaning both astounding and sublime. This is not that. Not horrific enough to be horror, nor humorous enough to be comedy, welcome to Chip’s Dollar Dreadfuls. There may not be any fundamental truths, but there will be blood...so much blood.

My Review

Squirrel Bait (Chip's Dollar Dreadfuls Book 1)

Squirrel Bait by Chip Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Platypires for Squirrel Bait by Chip Davis.

Oh this was just great silly fun. In the essence of B Hollywood slasher movies, Chip Davis brings us Squirrel Bait. A group of weresquirrels who must protect the books in their local library by any means necessary.

Spoiler alert, By any means, Chip Davis pushes the envelope with lots of glory blood and unique funny deaths. Psst, my favorite was when the character Riley kills off her ex. That was just AWESOME.

Overall, this was just a fun quick read that I believe any horror/comedy fan will enjoy.

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Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

2/27/2016

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Synopsis

Madeline Whittier is allergic to the outside world. So allergic, in fact, that she has never left the house in all of her seventeen years. But when Olly moves in next door, and wants to talk to Maddie, tiny holes start to appear in the protective bubble her mother has built around her. Olly writes his IM address on a piece of paper, shows it at her window, and suddenly, a door opens. But does Maddie dare to step outside her comfort zone?

Everything, Everything is about the thrill and heartbreak that happens when we break out of our shell to do crazy, sometimes death-defying things for love.

This books features POC

My Review

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 Platypires for Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon.

I was so looking forward to reading this book ever since I heard about the author from the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign. Her family picture was one of the ones that went viral. I quickly delved into the novel and was freaking loving it. Highlighting so many quotes and I thought the love story was amazing.
But before I get ahead of myself I need to bring up the fact that the only other time I heard of SCIDS was from the 2001 movie Bubble Boy. The movie is not the greatest at all and unlike the book its a comedy. I kept the movie in the back of my mind till the last 15% of the book.
*Spoiler Alert**
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Just Damn. Both of them have the same ending. WTF! I could not believe it. SCIDs is known as the bubble boy disease so a simple google search would bring up the movie. I was just so disappointed and it basically ruin the book for me. I couldn't get over it. I was really looking forward to reading how someone can have an extreme illness but still make it work with love. I was even willing to accept that maybe the heroine wouldn't survive. I just wasn't expecting the same ending as Bubble Boy. SMDH.
Also after reading this novel I wanted to know more about SCIDs and was extremely disappointed to learn that its not something a teenager can live with for a long period of time. I guess I will just have to believe that even though Madeline had internet access she never googled her illness. She remain completely ignorant about herself.

Overall, Everything, Everything was a decent read and maybe if I haven't see Bubble Boy the movie I would have liked it more. Seriously, before the last 15%, I was close to giving this book 5 stars. Maybe Nicola Yoon's next book will be better.

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Wind Warrior by Jon Messenger

2/26/2016

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Synopsis

THE EARTH GIVES WAY TO THE SEA,
THE SEA BOWS BEFORE THE WIND,
THE WIND FEEDS THE FLAME,
THE FLAME BURNS THE WORLD OF MAN DOWN TO THE EARTH.

The sleepy town of White Halls harbors a dangerous secret. On a picturesque street, two houses down from a lovely little park, in a quaint little home with a wraparound porch, lives a family that seems rather normal. Sure, their twenty-year-old son, Xander, still lives at home, but he’s going to college and dating the leader of the schools top sorority. It’s all very… normal. However, when a man is miraculously saved from being hit by a bus, Xander’s life turns in to the living embodiment of the tornadoes he can suddenly create with a flick of his wrist. Whether he wants this gift or not, Xander must learn to use his new ‘super power’ quickly if he wants to survive. For his kind is a dying race, and when this sleepy town has a sudden influx of new, blonde, fire wielders, no one is safe, especially Xander. It doesn’t help that one of these blondes happens to be the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. Xander can’t deny the instant connection he feels to her so, when she tries to kill him, it certainly makes things complicated.

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My Review

Wind Warrior by Jon Messenger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 Platypires for Wind Warrior by Jon Messenger

I was really looking forward to reading Wind Warrior. I think the cover is amazing and it was really what grabbed me. What I was not expecting was that it read like a middle grade book. The whole time I kept thinking of Percy Jackson and Bobby Pendragon yet this novel is for adults. Xander is a 20 year old college student living at home and having nothing much going for him till he develops a super power. The writing was pretty simple which even though Xander is a 20 year old man , I kept think he was a young teenager. I think I had real trouble picturing him as older.
Now as for the story, I thought it was pretty good. It kept me pretty interested and it was really quick read. The story was really fact paced and I sorta wish there was more development in the back story. Here's hoping more is revealed in the upcoming novels.
Overall , I liked Wind Warrior and plan on reading the next book in the series.

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Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave

2/25/2016

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Synopsis

There are secrets you share, and secrets you hide…

Growing up on her family’s Sonoma vineyard, Georgia Ford learned some important secrets. The secret number of grapes it takes to make a bottle of wine: eight hundred. The secret ingredient in her mother’s lasagna: chocolate. The secret behind ending a fight: hold hands.

But just a week before her wedding, thirty-year-old Georgia discovers her beloved fiancé has been keeping a secret so explosive, it will change their lives forever.

Georgia does what she’s always done: she returns to the family vineyard, expecting the comfort of her long-married parents, and her brothers, and everything familiar. But it turns out her fiancé is not the only one who’s been keeping secrets…

My Review

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 Platypires for Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave

This was my book club's pick for the month of February and I would not have picked for any other reason. The storyline did not sound interesting enough for me to pick it up on my own. My initial thoughts were founded because Eight Hundred Grapes missed the mark. It had a lot of quotable quotes but it failed at delivering an engaging read. Every time I thought the author was going to give us something interesting with the development of her characters the story kept falling flat.
I actually thought the story was pretty predictable and also came across like an episode of "Brothers & Sisters" but without the sexiness of Rob Lowe. I think the story could have used more drama and having Georgia being less self-centered. I actually was more interested in her brother's storyline than hers but than again, I didn't find her love life to be interesting.
Overall the book was just okay and nothing special.

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Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances by Neil Gaiman

2/24/2016

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Synopsis

Multiple award winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman returns to dazzle, captivate, haunt, and entertain with this third collection of short fiction following Smoke and Mirrors and Fragile Things--which includes a never-before published American Gods story, "Black Dog," written exclusively for this volume.

In this new anthology, Neil Gaiman pierces the veil of reality to reveal the enigmatic, shadowy world that lies beneath. Trigger Warning includes previously published pieces of short fiction--stories, verse, and a very special Doctor Who story that was written for the fiftieth anniversary of the beloved series in 2013--as well "Black Dog," a new tale that revisits the world ofAmerican Gods, exclusive to this collection.

Trigger Warning explores the masks we all wear and the people we are beneath them to reveal our vulnerabilities and our truest selves. Here is a rich cornucopia of horror and ghosts stories, science fiction and fairy tales, fabulism and poetry that explore the realm of experience and emotion. In "Adventure Story"--a thematic companion to The Ocean at the End of the Lane--Gaiman ponders death and the way people take their stories with them when they die. His social media experience "A Calendar of Tales" are short takes inspired by replies to fan tweets about the months of the year--stories of pirates and the March winds, an igloo made of books, and a Mother's Day card that portends disturbances in the universe. Gaiman offers his own ingenious spin on Sherlock Holmes in his award-nominated mystery tale "The Case of Death and Honey". And "Click-Clack the Rattlebag" explains the creaks and clatter we hear when we're all alone in the darkness.

A sophisticated writer whose creative genius is unparalleled, Gaiman entrances with his literary alchemy, transporting us deep into the realm of imagination, where the fantastical becomes real and the everyday incandescent. Full of wonder and terror, surprises and amusements, Trigger Warning is a treasury of delights that engage the mind, stir the heart, and shake the soul from one of the most unique and popular literary artists of our day.

My Review

Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 Platypires for Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman

I was really looking forward in reading this book so when I saw the audio was available from the library I picked it up. I was pretty surprised that Neil Gaiman did the narration. Now that being said I'm usually not a fan of authors reading their books. He did a nice job but I think it would have been better with a professional actor.
My favorite part of these stories was the intro where Gaiman gave a trigger warming for each one of his stories. I actually thought that was hilarious and great tongue and cheek for those who think all stories need warnings. Now for the short stories they were pretty good but not many made me want more. Hence why I gave this 3 stars. Usually when I read a book of short stories I never want them to end. I want the author to continue each story and that was just not the case. It's been almost two weeks since I read Trigger Warning and the only one that really stood out for me was the Doctor Who story.
Overall it was a decent book but I think I should have read the book instead of listening to the audio.

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Asa (Marked Men #6) by Jay Crownover

2/24/2016

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Book 1 , Rule, review here
Book 2, Jet, review here
Book 3, Rome, review here
Book 4, Nash, review here
Book 5, Rowdy, review here

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Synopsis

Starting over in Denver with a whole new circle of friends and family, Asa Cross struggles with being the man he knows everyone wants him to be and the man he knows he really is. A leopard doesn’t it change its spots and Asa has always been a predator. He doesn’t want to hurt those who love and rely on him, especially one luscious arresting cop who suddenly seems to be interested in him for far more than his penchant for breaking the law. But letting go of old habits is hard, and it’s easy to hit bottom when it’s the place you know best.

Royal Hastings is quickly learning what the bottom looks like after a tragic situation at work threatens not only her career but her partner’s life. As a woman who has only ever had a few real friends she’s trying to muddle through her confusion and devastation all alone. Except she can’t stop thinking about the sexy southern bartender she locked up. Crushing on Asa is the last thing she needs but his allure is too strong to resist. His long criminal record can only hurt her already shaky career and chasing after a guy who has no respect for the law or himself can only end in heartbreak.

A longtime criminal and a cop together just seems so wrong . . . but for Asa and Royal, being wrong together is the only right choice to make.

My Review

Asa by Jay Crownover
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 Platypires for Asa by Jay Crownover

The final book in the Marked Men series and I won't lie, I'm actually sad to see it end. I think Jay did a great job with each book. Now that being said, Asa was my least favorite.
I liked the characters of Asa and Royal but I felt the storyline was way too repetitious. I could highlight whole paragraphs where it was just repeating the same thing. Ex: Asa has a bad history and for that he doesn't think he deserves or is good enough for Royal. Those sentiments are repeated A LOT! That isn't the only subject that gets repeated either which I found quite frustrating.
When the story wasn't repeating itself. I actually liked it and thought it was good. Asa and Royal are a good couple and the sex scenes were pretty intense. I also enjoyed the epilogue which tied up the series pretty nicely.

Even though Asa was my least favorite, I would still highly recommend this series and can't wait to read the spin off.

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Slamdunked By Love by Jamie Wesley

2/23/2016

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Synopsis

Revenge is supposed to be sweet...
Caitlin Monroe is ready to confront her past. Years ago, her father ditched her mother for the NBA, leaving her pregnant and alone. Now he’s a big-shot coach, and Caitlin’s ready to take the so-called “ family man” down. But on her way to the team gala, her car dies, and it’s her father’s sexy new star player who comes to her rescue.
Brady Hudson wants nothing more than to put his past behind him and concentrate on winning the championship for his new team. But when he finds himself the recipient of unwanted attention—attention that could destroy his career—he introduces the beautiful woman he saved on the side of the road as his "girlfriend."
Brady needs to focus on his job. And Caitlin isn’t about to date an athlete whose career is riding on her father—though he is a convenient way to get the dirt she needs. But sometimes love has other ideas, and it’s not long before their pretend relationship becomes a liability neither can resist...

This book features POC

My Review

Slamdunked By Love by Jamie Wesley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Platypires for Slamdunked By Love by Jamie Wesley

This was just mushy goodness that any true romance fan will like. The characters were just likable and their chemistry was just intense. The dynamic between Caitlin and Brady was a true joy. Their silly banter and flirting was fun to read.
Slamdunked by Love is one of those romances you read for the joy of reading a good love story that isn't filled with crazy drama.
Overall this was a delightful read with a few hot sexy scenes. I would highly recommend this book.

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Fourth World by Lyssa Chiavari

2/14/2016

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Synopsis

IAMOS, S.C.D. 8378
Nadin's planet is dying. As its atmosphere drains away, her people are forced to live huddled in domed cities for protection. With only enough resources to support the population for one more year, time is running out. Nadin thinks she's found a way to save Iamos, but it will mean defying the planet's rulers, the geroi—and betraying the geroi could cost her everything.

When a strange boy from another world appears out of nowhere outside the citidome's glass walls, Nadin knows for sure that her plan will work. But to build the device that can save her people, Nadin must first find the legendary city of Elytherios. And to do that, she'll need the help of the mysterious alien boy named Isaak.

MARS, 2073 C.E.
All Isaak wanted was to get through his senior year at the Academy in one piece. Everything would have been fine if he hadn't found that ancient coin among his missing father's possessions. The coin seems to have a strange connection not only to Isaak's family, but to Mars' ancient past.

But how is that possible, on a planet that was supposed to be dead until just forty years ago?

Now Isaak's got agents of the Earth's government on his tail and a deranged factory worker stalking his every move. Everyone is desperate to get their hands on something called the Key. And the only way to escape is to unlock an even bigger secret, one that could change his life—and the fate of Mars—forever.

This book features POC & LGBTQIA characters.

My Review

Fourth World by Lyssa Chiavari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4 1/2 Platypires for Fourth World by Lyssa Chiavari

I NEED THE NEXT BOOK ASAP!!!

Okay... now for the review. Lol.

I was hooked after the first chapter I truly enjoyed this book and really like it when a book makes me think. I kept trying to guess what happens next and trying to figure out how it all works. Before I get ahead of myself, the story is told through two POVs. Isaak who's living on Mars and Nadin who's on Iamos. Both of them are in pivotal moments in their lives where the adults/gov't is trying to control them and their worlds.
Fourth World is a YA science fiction novel that any science geek would enjoy and even non- science people too. The story just flows and kept me captivated.
I freaking loved all the diversity in this novel. Just A+. A book where POC are the predominant characters and it wasn't pushy at all. Just a great freaking job. Now that is a perfect example of the future.
My only complaint is when the story was told from Nadin's POV. I was confused my some of the terminology. I didn't realize till after the book was over that it contain a glossary. I do wish there was more context when the new words were introduced because I'm not a huge fan of looking at the back of the book. Now that being said it didn't prevent me from enjoying the story.

Overall, this was a really good book that I would highly recommend. Seriously start reading it now.

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

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Book Recommendations for Black History Month

2/12/2016

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I have been asked for book recommendations for Black History Month. These books are books that were either written by a black author or features a main character who is black. I hope you enjoy this it. Let me know if you have any recommendations as well.

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All books have 3 star or more rating by me.

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The Touch by Michelle Bolanger

2/8/2016

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Book one The Kiss review >>>HERE<<<<

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Synopsis

Alexander Koch lives a life most men would kill for. As the sole heir to his family’s enormous wealth, he enjoys the finer things in life despite the crippling pain that increases with every passing day. Until he meets the one he's intended for. The one whose slightest touch makes the pain vanish. But after a chance meeting at the first Gathering of their kind, the girl runs from him in terror. Now he’s willing to spend every last cent to find her.

Jessalyn Vogt escaped her father’s controlling ways and has settled into a simple life, caring for her horses and brewing coffee for her customers. Until Alexander Koch tracks her down. She wants nothing to do with his arrogance, his money, or the undeniable attraction drawing her to him. But she knows she is the only one who can relieve him of the horrible pain racking his body.

The Cotiere has been reunited, but that was the easy part. Greed and old traditions threaten to tear it apart again. Trust has been compromised and hidden agendas are destroying the fragile truce between parents and children. It’s in the hands of the new counsel to keep it together, even if it means some must be willing to lose everything.

My Review

The Touch, The Cotiere Chronicles #2 by Michelle Bolanger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Platypires for The Touch by Michelle Bolanger

I have been waiting to read this book for quite some time. Actually, I am already demanding book 3 but before I get ahead of myself I gotta say a few words about THE TOUCH. LOL.

Michelle Bolanger did it again. She wrote a pretty good book that I truly enjoyed. Book 2 follows Alexander who we met in book 1, THE KISS, and his quest to convince his intended Jessie that he is a good guy. Oh he's just awesome and a great character. I felt book 2 had way more romance than book 1. *sigh I know I am repeating myself from my previous review. Even though this is considered a clean romance there is still a lot of passion. Just damn. Seriously , THE GYM SCENE! OMG!

Overall this was a really good sequel. I liked the fact that more of their world was explained and can't wait to read the next book.

I would recommend this book for those who like their romance with a TOUCH (insert bad pun) of paranormal.

I was given a free copy for an honest review.

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Sofia's bookshelf: read

The Fine Art of Pretending

by Rachel Harris

This was a very cute adorable read. We've all seen those movies where the romantic leads pretending to be dating but are in fact falling for each other. Well as a chick-flick fan this book hit the right spot. Yeah the story-line was a t...

tagged: 2015

The Martian

by Andy Weir

I don't know whether to give this book 4 or 5 stars. It was pretty damn good. My only complaint is that I got kinda lost in all of the space jargon. Seriously, I felt kinda dumb because everything sounded so smart that I'm just gonna as...

tagged: 2015 and nwh-bookclub

How to Talk to a Widower

by Jonathan Tropper

This year I'm planning on rereading some of my favorite books. I'm glad I started with one of my favorite authors. This book is still really good. This time I listen to the audio book instead of actually reading the book. My only complai...

tagged: fave and 2015

The Story of Awkward

by R.K. Ryals

“Love isn’t roses. It’s those little square caramels and a root beer from the gas station because he knows that’s your favorite snack. It’s watching a musical with you without groaning. It’s handing you your glasses at night because he k...

tagged: 2015, fantasy, nerdy, and 2015-reading-challenge

Desolation Row

by Kay Kendall

I want to first start off that I got to meet the author at Houston author bash earlier this year. I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book. I just think it's a beautiful cover. This was the only physical book that I bought at t...

tagged: houston-author-bash and 2014

About ME!

I was born a long time ago in a hospital in Houston At least that's the story that was told to me. I can't recall these details so I can't say with 100% accuracy that its true.

Fast forward some years and I'm an adult women who has a passion for reading. Some might say its unhealthy. Those people suck and should burn in fiery pit. My passion for reading lead me into running the best book club in Houston. I also like to attend author signings. I don't consider that stalking if the author advertised the event. Now when I'm outside their window that might be another story but lets not get into semantics. .

I enjoy reading a lot of different genres from traditionally and indie published books. I don't go out of my way to check how a book was published. If the book captures my interest then that is good enough for me to read. Now that being said I will review books in the genres below:

Romance- contemporary, historical, and new adult, erotica
YA: Paranormal, dystopian, contemporary,
Adult fiction: women lit, historical fiction, comedy,
sci fi- apocalyptic, hard science fiction, and space opera.
Fantasy: contemporary, urban, dark, fairy tales,
Horror:
Vampire, werewolf, and zombies.

I won't read : religious, true crime or fiction crime, action dealing with spy, western, military.

Sofia "The Great"

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