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Synopsis: Twenty-three-year old Jadie Santiago has a secret.

One morning on her way to work she stops to offer a homeless man a bottle of water. As she meets the man’s eyes, Jadie instantly recognizes they belong to her father, whom she hasn’t seen since she was sixteen. Unable to accept the truth of her encounter, Jadie flees, hoping eventually to forget the experience and continue leading a normal life.

But then she meets Reece, an aspiring writer with a mysterious past who is set on capturing Jadie’s affection. Jadie wants nothing more than to give her heart to Reece, but her broken past and crippling secret keep her from surrendering it to him fully.

Things won’t come easy to Jadie as she fights for her place in the world, but there is strength in her, and she is determined never to stop struggling for what so many others have: love, happiness, and a sense of belonging.

My Review:

Something Like This (Secrets Series, #1)

Something Like This by Eileen Cruz Coleman
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

1 Platypire for Something Like This by Eileen Cruz Coleman

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

This is just bad. Really bad. I felt like I read an unfinished, unedited book that was someone's first draft. At first I was intrigued with the cover, the synopsis and I liked the fact the protagonist was a Latina. That's pretty much all I liked about this book.
I knew after the first few chapters I was in trouble. The author missed the mark with not enough "showing" and basically was just "telling" the story. Therefore, I could not picture what was going on or could not relate with the characters. I honestly did not understand all of Jadie's mood swings or why she fell in love so fast with Reece. This had to be one of the worst written instant love stories I've ever read. I am not against instant love stories but they still need a build up. Did he look at her seductively, flirt, or something kinda romantic? The answer is no. They had one sorta date and basically after one night of passion knew they were in love. WTF!!!
Then there was all the unnecessary , overreaction drama that made no sense. Jadie became a women who at first was mature then turn into a teenage brat. I really did not understand why she hated her coworker Tom so much. She just hated him on the spot just based on her own neurosis. He didn't do anything bad. Not even looking at her smugly or talking to her in a condescending manner. NADA! Then her behavior at her roommates dinner party was ridiculous. What grown women throws a plate with food because their coworker shows up? That was just an awful over the top scene that made no sense.
There was quite a few more issues that I had with this story. From start to finish I just did not like this book. There was no character development and the whole story was completely rushed.
I need to also add that I did not like that acclaimed author, Junot Diaz, was mention throughout the whole novel. He's one of my favorite authors and has no problems with "showing" his readers a great story. Read just one paragraph from him and there is no comparison.
I can not recommend for anyone to purchase or read this book. Please take a pass and not waste your time.

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180 Days by T.E. Ridener

11/27/2015

Synopsis: Lydia McIntosh left her old life behind when she said goodbye to Prairie Town, North Carolina and started over halfway across the country with her beloved Gran; away from her family, away from everyone who knew the person she once was, and from the identity she never quite wanted in the first place. When her grandmother passes away, she returns home and while she only intends to stay for the funeral, her grandmother has other plans, from the grave. Her will states that Lydia must remain in Prairie Town for six months in order to give her family and her old town a chance to get to know the new her, the real her. Lydia has had years to adjust to long hair, summer dresses, and nail polish, but she understands her family will need time to get reacquainted with a daughter they've never known and a sister they've missed terribly. Anticipating the worst, as she always has, Lydia's feelings about her old town begin to change when she meets her brother's best friend, Callum. Callum is kind and more accepting than she could have ever imagined and she's falling for him. When her 180 days are over, will she be able to say goodbye to the family she's missed so much? Will she survive her mother's endless intolerance? Can she really leave the man who acknowledges her past and still wants her? A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: This is a story about a transgender girl and her journey to acceptance and love when she returns to her hometown. Within the pages of this book you will be introduced to characters who color outside the lines and that's just how they like it. I implore you to give them a chance because we are all beautiful and unique in our own ways, and we all deserve love and happiness.

My Review:

180 Days by T.E. Ridener
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 1/2 Platypires for 180 Days by T.E. Ridener

I won a free copy from a giveaway hosted by the blog Celebrity Readers.

“Love doesn’t know gender. Love doesn’t understand what used to be or what is; it only understands what could be and what should be.”

This is my first full length trans-romance novel but not my first read with a transgender person. I heard good things about 180 days from friends of mine and was pretty excited that I won a copy.
I thought the story was really nice and well written. I liked how informative it was in explaining trans issues and procedures. I did learn a few things but I did feel it was a tad to preachy. Not sure how many people who are anti-trans would actually read this book but who knows. Everything is possible.
Now that being , I did like Lydia and Callum and thought they were really good, nice people. Actually, everybody was really accepting except for Lydia's mom and the town bully. Callum was just like prince charming and came off as the perfect man. Too perfect for me because I tend to prefer characters with a few flaws.
In all honesty, I thought 180 days read like a Hallmark movie. Its was a feel good love story with mushy, romantic goodness. I think those looking for a nice romance will like this book.

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Digital Heretic by Terry Schott

11/25/2015

Synopsis: Millions on Earth are shaken by the events set in motion by Zack's final play...

Billions on Tygon watch breathlessly as the consequences of his actions ripple through both worlds.

Will his girlfriend, still inside the Game, step forward to lead the movement that he created?

Billions of lives are in jeopardy of being lost...based on the decisions made by children inside the Game.

My Review:

Digital Heretic by Terry Schott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 Platypires for Digital Heretic by Terry Schott.

“Words and truth follow the basic laws of physics. For every truth there is a contradicting lie. If you search for the truth with an open mind, looking at both sides of the story to form your own opinion, you will soon become so confused that you’ll believe anything.”

Digital Heretic is the second book in the Game is Life series. I really liked The Game, the first book in the series and really wanted to know the answers to all the unanswered questions. Terry Schoot has a great ability in pulling in his readers but I felt he did not do the greatest job giving answers. The second book just keeps adding more questions.
I also felt it had more unbelievable moments but I willing to let it slide because of the genre. Normally, I am not a fan of when science fiction mixes with religion because sometimes I feel there might be an ulterior motive. I just hope that is not the case in this series.
Normally I never mention how much I paid for a book but I feel I need to do so for this one. Book 1 was free which was great so I didn't think $4.99 was that bad. But its still pretty higher than normally priced indie books. Paying $4.99 I would expect the book to be properly formatted but this was not the case.The bad formatting made the reading at times difficult. Digital Heretic was released over 2 years ago (3 in January) and I recently noticed other reviewers mentioning the same issues. I feel those issues should have been fixed sooner. I did find out through social media that all the books in this series have good through reedits, formatting and new covers last month. That is all great but I did not receive the newer version or the update. I bought the book last April and do not think it should have been published if it wasn't properly done.
Now all that being said I did like the book and would like to see where the series goes. I am just not sure if I would ever buy any new releases from the author. I might have to wait a few years to make sure I get the proper version.
I would recommend this book to fans of the Matrix movies. The concepts are very similar and I think they would like it.

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Voices by R.E. Rowe

11/24/2015

Synopsis: In a small town in Arkansas, two lives that seemingly have nothing in common will converge and change each other forever. A brilliant but tormented street artist and an ex-track star whose career was cut short by a heart condition.

Aimee DeLuca had a promising athletic career before her heart gave out during a high school track and field contest. Aimee struggles to find her way after spending time with a deceased grandmother during a near death experience. Reizo Rush is a street artist whose torment fuels his desire to add color to the gray walls of the city. But Reizo's tagging and the two voices only he hears land him in perpetual trouble with both his teachers and the law.   During a chance encounter, the two quickly find out they have much more in common than love. When they stumble upon a century-old storm cellar hidden underground on Aimee’s uncle’s ranch, they unearth a cellar full of artifacts and a hundred-year-old Will. Once the news of the discovery leaks out, a drug-dealing teen and a mysterious soul named General are determined to bury the truth along with anyone who gets in their way.
My review:

Voices by R.E. Rowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3 1/2 Platypires for Voices by R.E.Rowe

Voices is an original story that was really quite interesting to read. I liked that Reizo was not your typical male lead. He's a guy dealing with a mental illness that causes him to hear multiple voices. The only outlet he has is his art. Tagging his town with his street art is his only joy in life till he meets Aimee. She comes with her own set of issues after surviving a near death experience. Their love of art and innocence is what really drew me to them. I liked their build up and how they balanced each other out.
Voices also had a paranormal aspect that I liked which is what made it unique. My only complaint is that some parts felt kinda far fetched even with it being a paranormal book. Basically the "bad guys" seem like a stretch for me but it did make it more of a page turner. I wanted to know what else was going to happen.
Overall this was a good book that left me wanting to read the next book in the series. I would recommend this novel to fans of paranormal YA.

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Music Monday: Lianne La Havas: Blood

11/23/2015

Lianne La Havas is from the UK and sings soulful R&B music. She is a singer, songwriter who just released her second studio album "Blood" released on July 31, 2015 from the Nonesuch label.

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I recently just heard about Lianne La Havas and I really liked her sound. She has a very soulful voice that reminds me of Jill Scott and India Arie. I thought the album was really nice and decent. Lianne La Havas can sing and she has the skills. The songs that stood out the most for me were "Green & Gold", "What you didn't know" and "Good Goodbye". I could have done without Midnight. I just wasn't feeling it. Overall this was just a nice album that would be great for a romantic dinner. I just don't think any of the songs would ever become a favorite of mine. Meaning I would not be playing them on constant repeat like I usually do.

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Lost in Flight by Neeny Boucher

11/23/2015

Synopsis: If you like your characters quirky, socially awkward and badly behaved, this is the book for you. What if you got another chance with the love of your life even when you didn’t want one? Would you grab the opportunity or run as fast as you could in the opposite direction?

Christina Martin, lawyer, ex high school grunge queen, teenage bride, divorcee and once a suspected killer, is confronted by a past that she has spent the last eight years carefully avoiding. Drawn back to her hated hometown with her family under the worst of circumstances, matters are complicated when she finds the love of her life, ex husband and nemesis, Nicholas Riley, also in residence.

Riley, a man with secrets, who has a penchant for psychological games, made wary by life and with one weakness, his ex wife. Christina is the woman that brings out all his protective instincts and others less noble. All it takes is one fateful night, where these two collide, opening a door both thought slammed shut and locked forever.

From the past to the present, Christina and Riley show that true love doesn’t always run smoothly, it might not conquer all and most importantly, love is complicated.

Recommended for audiences over the age of 17. Lost in Flight is book one in the Complicated Love series.

My Review:

Lost in Flight by Neeny Boucher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Platypires for Lost in Flight by Neeny Boucher

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

This is actually the second book that I read from Neeny Boucher. I was fortunate enough to beta read the prequel "Back of Beyond" so therefore I was already familiar with these characters.
It was great to the see all the characters in the present and see how they turn out. Of course it didn't surprise me that there was a lot of good, fun, drama. Yes, this book has some funny OMG moments and my favorite was the walk of shame from Dina. I love the way Neeny makes her characters realistic to a point to where someone can see themselves or their friends in similar situations.
I also liked the back and forth between the past and the present in this book. It was interesting to see how a teenage love that was so strong could break up. Plus Riley is a favorite of mine. I just like his attitude and stubbornness.
Overall this was a good book to read and I would recommend it to others.

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The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler

11/22/2015

This was taken at my book club meeting.

The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler was my November's book club selection. Overall most of the members liked the book The ratings ranged from 3-4 stars which isn't that bad. Some said they couldn't put the book down while other thought it was just an okay book. There were some comparisons to the books Water for Elephant and Night Circus is that helps any other book club pick this book. I thought the discussion guide from Mac Millian could have been better. They just weren't that thought provoking.

Book Of Speculations Reader's Guide.

Synopsis: A sweeping and captivating debut novel about a young librarian who is sent a mysterious old book, inscribed with his grandmother's name. What is the book's connection to his family?

Simon Watson, a young librarian, lives alone on the Long Island Sound in his family home, a house perched on the edge of a cliff that is slowly crumbling into the sea. His parents are long dead, his mother having drowned in the water his house overlooks.

One day, Simon receives a mysterious book from an antiquarian bookseller; it has been sent to him because it is inscribed with the name Verona Bonn, Simon's grandmother. Simon must unlock the mysteries of the book, and decode his family history, before fate deals its next deadly hand.

The Book of Speculation is Erika Swyler's gorgeous and moving debut, a wondrous novel about the power of books, family, and magic.

My Review:

4 Platypires of The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler Book of Speculation was my book club's pick for November. I think the cover is what really drew me in. A book about books. What book lover wouldn't like that? lol. The story goes back and forth between past and present from a traveling carnival to a librarian trying to find out the mystery about his family. The women in his family keep drowning on the same day even though they have the unnatural ability to hold their breath underwater for long periods of time. I liked the writing style and thought the author did a good job engaging her readers. I did find the past part more interesting than the present part. Something about it reminded me of "Water for Elephant" minus the elephant. I guess because it had a lot more interesting characters. Amos the mute, wild man/tarot card reader was a very fascinating innocent character. Simon, the librarian on the other hand was not that interesting. He was good character but wasn't that appealing. Overall this was a good book and I would recommend for other book clubs to read.

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Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

11/13/2015

Synopsis: A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect.

Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

My review:

Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry, #1)

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Platypires of Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

A while back I asked on the Platypire Reviews Facebook page recommendations with Hispanic leads and Perfect Chemistry was one of the books mention. I am so glad to have been able to pick it up at my neighborhood bookstore cause after the first chapter I knew I was going to like it.
This book sucked me and and I read it all in one day. I just couldn't put it down. I love the Latin aspect of the book and the mix of Spanish. I don't think it would be hard to follow for those who do not know the language because phrases were immediately translated.
Perfect Chemistry is a great tale of a forbidden love with a lot of teen drama. I was rooting for the couple the whole time and their stories were so engaging. I loved the writing and can't wait to read the next book in the series. Also I freaking loved the epilogue and giggled out loud which never happens.

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Rain by Shaun Harbinger

11/12/2015

Ready to fight zombies.

Synopsis: The dead rise...

A doctor returning from the mountains of India unknowingly brings a deadly virus to the western world. The nightmare begins.

Society crumbles...

Alex Harley is hiking with three friends when all media channels shut down to be replaced with the Emergency Broadcast. Civilians are warned to stay in their homes. Isolated and afraid, the four friends begin a fight for survival.

The end of the world is here...

The military sets up Survivor Camps to separate the infected from the uninfected. As a U.N. rescue mission is put into operation to save survivors from the clutches of the zombies, Alex and his friends must deal with the undead and power-crazed soldiers.

But while they fight to survive, the authorities consider drastic measures to rid the world of monsters..

My Review: