Literary Ladies - Challenge Over

Ladies (and gentleman) I woke up this morning a little groggy and bemoaning my early morning but suddenly, I dare say, things started falling into place. I remembered my dad is still visiting with me, I was starting the squat 30 day challenge (and have subsequently added in the ab challenge) and that I actually completed the literary ladies Summer reading challenge.

I first mentioned it here and I updated you in July and then August. I actually completed it about two days after my last check in but I read a few more books so I decided to change up my reviews and share the most appropriate and/or the books I liked most. I'm so excited about this so let's get into it!

1. A YA book - To All The Boys I've Ever Loved by Jenny Han 

I initially said I would be reading Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell but I didn't have a chance to get a copy and I didn't like the narrator's voice for Audible. 

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm not sure if I'm being a bit generous with the rating of 4 stars but the truth is, I really enjoyed this story, Laura Jean grew on me as well as her sweet family. I'm not exactly taken with the perfection of Margeux but I found the rest of the characters endearing in their own ways. Kitty is definitely the show stealer with her sweet mischievous yet helpful ways... Can't wait to read the next installment

View all my reviews

2. Non- US Author - What Alice Forgot by Alice Moriarty

Initial choice By Any Means by Kurt Ellis same reason as above, I couldn't get a physical copy but there was no audible book option for this one... Oops!

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think this book was/is slightly overrated but at the same time the things I loved about it I really loved. It got me thinking where would I be in 10 years time and how easily things change. I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about this book but I didn't hate it...

The one thing I will say is the first half of the book dragged and I don't understand the huge relationship Alice has with a certain friend it's actually a bit weird

View all my reviews

3. A Book Recommended by a friend or blogger - Where We Belong by Emily Giffin

Recommended by Kate and I loved it.


Where We Belong by Emily Giffin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book! It was a little slow in the beginning but once we got a quarter of the way in I just wanted to spend all my time reading (which I couldn't) but Kirby is a lovely lead character as well as Marian. To follow the natural progression of their relationship was touching. My only criticism would be that I wish there was an epilogue or something because I just want to know how the characters developed and where they ended up.

View all my reviews

4. A book from my TBR list  for more than a year-  Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

I was supposed to read I am Malala by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai, I don't have a reason why I swapped this one out but I will read it one day, soon!


Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book was disappointing, I was so excited when I realized I hadn't read the follow up to The Devil Wears Prada but I'm also glad I didn't until now. If I wasn't listening to this book I probably would have stopped or read at an extremely slow pace. I'm not sure why Lauren Weisberger choose to write this book because pretty much anyone who enjoyed the first book (or the movie) wouldn't have really appreciated the complete change in style of this novel. Sad because the revenge of Miranda Priestly had the potential to be best chick lit ever.. Instead it's just ... Blah

View all my reviews

5. A kickass Female Lead  - Seamless by R.L Griffin


Seamless by R.L. Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a brilliant way for this series to end. The evolution of the characters was seamless. Although I thought this last installment would be a predictable end but it was anything but. I am so sad that this series is done because Stella, George, Patrick and Millie have become part of my everyday life at times they almost drove me to drink right along with them but for the most part they were just good people. Love Love Love!

View all my reviews

6. A book that will be/ is a movie or show - Paper Towns by John Green

I did in fact, read Diary of Wimpy Kid and included in my previous reviews but I really didn't enjoy it so I am blocking it out from my memory! haha

I recently watched the movie but I'll save that review for another day..


Paper Towns by John Green
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I didn't love this book, to be honest I'm not sure I really liked it either... It's strange because I don't want to be the odd one out not absolutely loving Quentin and Margo and all the extras but I just felt like I've met these characters before in so many other books and movies and I just don't think there was anything particularly special about this story. I of course will watch the movie but this may be one of those rare gems where the movie will exceed the book's expectation... I'm sorry John Green but this just didn't do anything for me.

View all my reviews

7. A book written by a comedian or celebrity - Going off Script by Giuliana Rancic

I was't sure if I would read this one or Kris Jenner and all things Kardashian and being the overachiever (I wish I really was) I read both!


Going Off Script: How I Survived a Crazy Childhood, Cancer, and Clooney's 32 On-Screen Rejections by Giuliana Rancic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To be honest I wasn't sure if reading this would make me hate G, I'm happy to say that isn't the case.
This isn't a book which the celebrity is fluffy and fake about her feelings, G shares personal stories and more insight into her life and her heartaches over lost pregnancies as well as the joy of her husband. I loved her and Bill before reading this but the truth is after this I respect them so much more for sharing their story. Giuliana is beautiful, naughty and an inspiration ...

View all my reviews

8. One Word title -  Grey  by E.L James


Grey by E.L. James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In some ways EL James achieves her goal by letting the reader understand more of why Christian is the way he is but on the other hand, it's strange because Christian is "50 shades of F*%#ed up" and seeing things from his POV is odd. I found it difficult to remember the story from Ana's POV because I read the first book so long ago but at times it felt like the story didn't link up however I could be wrong about that..

View all my reviews

9. A suspense or thriller - The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

 This book I found by accident and really enjoyed it! I am still reading Big Little Lies but it's taking a while.


The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story, it had mixed reviews which made me skeptical but I immersed myself in this story and characters and loved it. It's suspenseful, interesting and at times extremely realistic.

View all my reviews


10. A title with the word "Summer" in it - The Boys of Summer by CJ Dugan


The Boys of Summer by C.J. Duggan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Technically it's a 4.5 stars rating.. I really enjoyed this book, I got it for free from Amazon so I wasn't sure what it would be like but I loved it.

View all my reviews



I just want to take a moment and really appreciate this challenge set by Kay, Kristin and Kari. I loved every second of it and I am super proud of completing it.

So tell me, what have you been reading recently?

Literally Ladies - Part Two

Ladies I cannot believe another month has passed into this challenge (or at all, really) because it feels like I was just deciding whether I wanted to join the challenge or not just the other day and now... Well now... I've just about finished it! I can't believe I've read 10 well actually I've read more than 10 but I'm still finishing off 2 categories.. 

Also, slight disclaimer for this crappy set up. My laptop is acting up so I'm posting off my phone which means I can't share links to the link up or my previous posts until I get back on to it properly. But I am linking up with Kay, Kari and Kristen! 

So from where I was last time, I've read the following:

1. Paper Towns by John Green this may be swapped into my previous lists for the YA category but I haven't made my final decision.

Paper Towns was totally not what I expected it to be and tbh I was slightly disappointed. It felt as if I've read this story or watched this movie a million times. The geeky boy next door obsessed over the hot girl next door  who used to be friends and then there's a reconnection of some type etc... I found Quentin just downright annoying  with his obsession with Margo and I found I wasn't even rooting for him. I will though, of course go watch the movie because you know... FOMO! 

2. What Alice Forgot by Lianne Moraity... This book was boring me and surprising me simultaneously. Strange I know, but the thing that kept pulling me into it was thinking, "What would my life be like in 10 years time?" It's so odd to think at the natural progression and regression of some relationships and how we don't think anything in our lives will change and then it does. Coincidentally I didn't understand the whole level of how huge Gina's friendship was to Alice and how she could even take her "memories" as her own. I found it bizarre. 

3. Grey by EL James this was surprising too, I thought I would have somewhat enjoyed it because I enjoyed the 50 Shades series but for the most part I didn't! I'm sorry to all the 50 shades fans out there but seeing things through Christian's eyes didn't make me comfortable at all. 

So it seems like I haven't enjoyed my last few books but that isn't true I am truly enjoying them I think it's just because I'm reading so much that my level of expectations is so much higher. 

Also I will tell you I'm very close to finishing Where we belong by Emily Giffin and I am LOVING it! 

That being said, it's 20 minutes later, my laptop is still frozen (not good news) and I have to get back to work! Have an awesome weekend and tell me about your views on the books I've read... Or recommend something and make it good ;) 

Don't forget to check in with the other ladies doing the link up and I'll update this post soon with pics and links and buttons! 

X nats

Literary Ladies - Part One

I am so excited to link up today with Kay, Kari and Kristen for the literary ladies link up. 

When I decided to join in this challenge I honestly thought I wouldn't be able to do it but we're halfway through and I think I'm sort of on track...Lucky the competitive side in me has kicked in! If you want to know more about the challenge click here. 

If you just want to know about what I've been reading... Continue to read ... There's been some good ones ;) the categories aren't outline or in order but I promise to update this post sometime later today... {UPDATE - I have included the categories}

Going Off Script by Giuliana Rancic - A book written by a comedian/ celebrity

  

I wasn't sure whether I should read Giuliana's or Kris Jenner's book for this category but I received some feedback saying read G's book and I'm so glad I took it. I love Giuliana she's funny and honest but the part I enjoyed most about her book was learning that she was such a naughty, sneaky teen! {Enter the car stealing example}. Also I'm such a fan of Bill and Giuliana as a couple so get the open and honest feelings about their relationship had me laughing, then crying and then laughing and crying...

Going Off Script: How I Survived a Crazy Childhood, Cancer, and Clooney's 32 On-Screen Rejections by Giuliana Rancic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To be honest I wasn't sure if reading this would make me hate G, I'm happy to say that isn't the case.
This isn't a book which the celebrity is fluffy and fake about her feelings, G shares personal stories and more insight into her life and her heartaches over lost pregnancies as well as the joy of her husband. I loved her and Bill before reading this but the truth is after this I respect them so much more for sharing their story. Giuliana is beautiful, naughty and an inspiration ...

View all my reviews

To All The Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han - A YA book

Another one I wasn't sure about, despite the fact that I had marked it TBR for ages , so long ago that I don't even remember how I came across it... Either way, Laura Jean is so much like me that sometimes I just found myself laughing out loud... In public. Laura Jean is the middle child of a father run home, she's written love letters, officially ending her love for the guys she's loved in the past but these letters were never meant to be sent to the addressees. And of course they were sent so Laura Jean needs to clean up her literary mess. It's silly, sweet and entertaining. Can't wait to read the follow up.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm not sure if I'm being a bit generous with the rating of 4 stars but the truth is, I really enjoyed this story, Laura Jean grew on me as well as her sweet family. I'm not exactly taken with the perfection of Margeux but I found the rest of the characters endearing in their own ways. Kitty is definitely the show stealer with her sweet mischievous yet helpful ways... Can't wait to read the next installment

View all my reviews

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney - A book which is or will be a movie

My cousins, aged 10 and 12 asked me to read this and although I haven't watched the movie I thought I would give it a chance. While the book was funny because I love sarcasm I found that there was no point to it and I really didn't grow fond of any of the characters. I don't plan on reading any more of the books in this series and I'm not even sorry. 
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

My 10 and 12 year old cousins recommended that I read this book and because it seemed as if a few adults also read it I gave it a chance but while I found the sarcasm enjoyable for the most part I couldn't wait for it to be done. It was amusing but I don't have any desire to read the rest of the series.

View all my reviews

The Boys of Summer by CJ Duggan - A title with the word "Summer" in it

Update: I actually left this off my initial post even though it was one of the first books of this challenge that I read. I loved it! I really enjoyed the characters - main and supporting and I got it for free on Amazon so I thought it would suck. It totally does not. 

Tess needs this summer to give her some joy, her previous relationship has left her in a vulnerable social standing state and working with her bffs at the Oslow is exactly what she didn't want but definitely needed. All the Oslow boys are sweethearts and I truly enjoyed this summer read...

The Boys of Summer by C.J. Duggan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Technically it's a 4.5 stars rating.. I really enjoyed this book, I got it for free from Amazon so I wasn't sure what it would be like but I loved it.

View all my reviews

Seamless by RL Griffin (Re-Read) - Kickass Female lead

I found "Mending" and it was the end of the "By A Thread" series and before I could read it I had to reread Seamless so I could remember how the story shaped up. I LOVED this book first time round and I didn't realize how much I missed Stella.. 

Seamless by R.L. Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a brilliant way for this series to end. The evolution of the characters was seamless. Although I thought this last installment would be a predictable end but it was anything but. I am so sad that this series is done because Stella, George, Patrick and Millie have become part of my everyday life at times they almost drove me to drink right along with them but for the most part they were just good people. Love Love Love!

View all my reviews

Mending by RL Griffin -  One word Title

In many ways this book wasn't necessary because the epilogue rounded it all off in Seamless but then I started reading it and I was so grateful that RL Griffin wrote this... Realizing how much I missed these characters made me want to re-read the entire series... If only I wasn't a part of the reading challenge lol 

Mending by R.L. Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this book by mistake, I thought the series was over after reading seamless but R.L Griffin have a gift in filling in the blanks... I didn't realize how much I missed Stella and after reading Mending, a book which I didn't think was even necessary I understand that it was completely essential to round off the 6 years of Stella's life that we as readers spent with her.

View all my reviews If you want to know more about what I'm reading, let's be friends on goodreads. 

x nats

Literary Ladies Summer Reading Challenge

For my South African readers I will be treating this as a Winter Reading Challenge because well, we're in the midst of winter.

I have been meaning to post this list since last week but first I wasn't sure I could raise to the challenge of reading 10 books in a matter of two months but then I decided I have to give it a shot! And secondly, life just got really busy so I had to play around with my book options. Now it may seem like I've started this post in the middle of a thought process and that would be true #hidesfaceinshame. If you're not sure what I'm talking about check out Kay's post. 

So this is my preliminary list but it is subject to change.

1. A YA Book - Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

2. Non US Author - By Any Means by Kurt Ellis 

3. A book recommended by a blogger or friend - Where We Belong by Emily Giffin (recommended by Kate)

4.  A book that's been on my TBR list for more than a year -  I am Malala by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai

5. A kickass Female lead - Seamless by RL Griffin

6. A book that is or will be a movie - Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

7. A book written by a comedian or celebrity - Kris Jenner or Giuliana Rancic's books (I haven't decided yet)

8. A book with one word in it - Divergent by Veronica Roth (This may also change) 

9. A suspenseful book - Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

10. A book with the word Summer in it - The Boys of Summer by C.J Duggan

So there it is, what do you think? I'm only 100% sure of books 3,6,9 and 10 otherwise based on feedback I could change things up.. 

x Nats x

A Child Called It - Book Review

This is an old book and I can't believe it's taken me this long to finally sit down and get to it. If you've read it you'll understand how critical it is to be aware of what happens to the children around you.

It's not that I'm giving away some big secret plot this is a book about one child's abuse which is so inhumane that it leaves you feeling absolutely gutted about situations similar to this that go unnoticed.

For most of this book I felt confused as to how David's father and teachers and neighbours let the situation get so out of hand. I was the most angry with David's father which is funny because David's mother is the abuser I just felt that there is obviously more to the story probably more than David ever knew or would know so the story seems incomplete but the idea that a somewhat normal family switches to a disgusting lowlife alcoholic dictator run household.

I must say that this book made me reflect on the kids that I may have judged growing up because perhaps they weren't the cleanest or they were some shade of "abnormal" and the fact that I just judged them instead of seeking help or extending a helping hand...

There's so much to say about this book but I'd prefer for you to read it and then we discuss it ...

Here is my Goodreads review:

A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heartbreaking to read and yet I found myself filled with hope that despite what people throw at you, with faith you can push through.

I can't even explain how many times I felt physically sick reading about David's experiences and yet all I can say is that I'm inspired by him.

View all my reviews

This book just made me feel like I wasn't doing enough. Like, what was I doing that could make someone else's life better?

 

My Other Ex { Book Review }

I'm a girl who has had A LOT of friends come and go in my life sometimes with an event which escalates into the break up and sometimes... there's no warning signs. This book helped me feel as if I wasn't the only one who has had these experiences. I know I have been completely blessed to have had such an incredible amount of friends in my life and again, this collection of other woman's stories' reminded me that it's perfectly okay to feel as if when I lose a friend I've lost a love. Not all breakups are due to a lack of romance. 

I must be honest I would have never read this book if I hadn't read Kate's review and turns out she was spot on! I loved this book so much. While reading this book I was/am also reading two others and this one kept pulling me in especially because the chapters are so quick to read so I could fit in a chapter quickly while waiting at the petrol station or waiting for a friend before our coffee date. 


Okay, so the Goodreads description of this book is:

Have you ever lost a friend? Was that loss in some ways more painful than the end of a love affair?

Women’s friendships so often come to a crossroads at which time two women can try to hold on to the friendship, staying connected, or the friends can take two completely separate paths without each other.

Many of the essays in this book are about this moment in time, when both rupture and new beginnings are possible.

There are so many ways that friendships can end, and this book describes 35 of them, from talented and accomplished contributors. At the heart of each essay is the recognition from each writer that she has lost something very real and very personal, a connection that will never be forgotten.

I've picked a few moments or quotes from the book that truly resonated with me and I thought I'd share them with you.

" Women are frustratingly and magnificently wired for intimacy" - Nicole Knepper
My View: This is so relevant in my life because I crave the intimacy of a friendship which is probably the reason why when I'm friends with you, I'm all in"

"She hasn't died, but my best friend is gone." - Cheryl Suchors

My View: I've had this feeling and while your best friend still lives, the emptiness felt of her lost presence feels like death, sometimes wore than death because she's alive and well.. just living without you. 

" The number one reason people leave a relationship is called diminished returns: you don't get back what you put it." - Alexandra Rosas

My View: I would be guilty of this reason for a break up. I think like that this author noted that it's people who feel this way and not just women. 

Below is my Goodreads rating:

My Other Ex: Women's True Stories of Losing and Leaving Friends by Jessica Smock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I never read short stories but after reading a blog review of this book I was definitely interested and I was not disappointed.

This nook has many short stories of different female friendships developing and ending and sometimes reconciling. Some of the stories truly touched my heart and helped me understand some of my own friendships which ended hastily or without a "show down". I think this is a book every woman should read to help them understand their past and possible future friendships.

Love Love Love!

View all my reviews

I truly believe that friendships are "...mutual platonic love affairs..." that's the reason it hurts so damn much when it end but even more so I agree with this " friendship is a verb" . I honestly wish every woman would read this book. It helped me understand my lost loves...

Have you ever lost a friendship without knowing what was the cause?

PS: Have a great week!

I Heart Hollywood by Lindsey Kelk - Review

I'm not going to lie to any of you, I don't remember buying this book and I don't remember who gave it to me but can I say THANKS if it was you?!  I'm a little bit late to post today but I've been spending time with my niece and well, she trumps you.. #SorryNotSorry

"I heart Hollywood" is the second in the I Heart series and by my previous paragraph, you'll realise I didn't buy this book so I didn't read the first one however the author, Lindsey Kelk, manages to keep you in the loop by referring to the previous novel and it sounds like it was hilarious. 

Here is Amazon's synopsis:

Celebs, sunshine and beautiful boys…enough to lead a girl astray?

Angela Clark can’t believe her luck… she’s an English girl living in New York with a dream job at hip magazine The Look and a sexy boyfriend.

Her latest assignment takes her to Hollywood to interview hot actor and fellow Brit James Jacobs.Thrown in at the deep end she heads west with best friend Jenny dreaming of Rodeo Drive and Malibu beach.

Soon Angela discovers that celebrity life in Hollywood is not all glamour, gloss and sunshine. Despite his lady-killer reputation, the only person who seems genuine is James.

Then a paparazzi snaps them in an uncompromising position and suddenly Angela is thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons…

Can she convince all those close to her – especially her boss and her boyfriend – not to believe everything they read? And will Hollywood ever win Angela’s heart? 

I gave a quick review on goodreads which can be seen below but I wanted to add to it by saying I really enjoyed this book. While I liked Angela, I can't say I identified with her from my point of view although, she definitely reminded of my bff, A. As Angela made one decision after the next I could see A doing the same thing which is hilarious because none of the things Angela did was totally out there... 

This was an easy book once you got into the first 30 or 40 pages. I often thought Angela was a typical female in doubting herself and the ones around her. 

I Heart Hollywood by Lindsey Kelk
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Good chick-lit. Some surprising twists with a dash of "OMG" moments. Angela pulls you in and you can't help but root for her to succeed.

View all my reviews


What are you reading this week?

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Bloglovin ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

Book Review: By A Thread - R.L. Griffin

I get ridiculously lazy when I have to actually do the reviews of books if too much time has passed after I'm finished reading a book but seriously, I think I should do my reviews as soon as I have read them so I can remember how I feel about the book

The Goodreads description:

Stella's future was set, and it was a bright one. She was engaged to a man she adored, and was headed to law school in the fall. Tragically, her perfectly planned future ends just as it was beginning.

With no ties to family or friends, Stella finds herself alone in a new city, spiraling out of control. Her typical day comes to a close with her passed out on the floor; sometimes clothed.

Luckily, her new roommate, essentially a stranger, is dead set on getting Stella past her grief and back to functioning within society. Putting one foot in front of the other, she climbs up from the bottom of a bottle. Even with all her progress, Stella walks through life unfeeling, numb. Defiant, she sends out warning signals for the world to keep away. But, is that what she really wants?

With the steadfast help of a few tight knit friends, she gradually begins to feel again. She starts to savor the flavor of food again; lets herself notice how the handsome bartender glances at her. Still, after allowing herself a fling, she wonders if she will ever be able to let go of her shattered past, fully enjoy the present, or get over what she thought would be her perfect future and with the man who destroyed her heart

Here's my goodreads review:

By a Thread by R.L. Griffin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stella, the main character is not an easy person to understand because she has been given circumstances that are unimaginable.
It became clear that had the novel started too far in advance of the incident which shapes the book I may not have liked her too much.
I enjoyed this novel more than I thought I would and found myself thoroughly invested in the story and the characters. I didn't realise there was a follow up to the book and now I can't wait to read it.
Great writing by R.L. Griffin

View all my reviews

Can I just say this book seriously surprised me. While at times I thought it's predictable there were still so many twists and turns. The Prologue will get you hooked and believe me all the chapters in between are worth it..
I wasn't sure how I would feel about the short chapters but it actually didn't bother me while I was reading the novel.

I think El would have been your pretty girl with the perfect life, save for the incident forcing a change which made her stronger than she would have ever guessed. 

The last couple of chapters will literally have you guessing because as you think you know what's going to happen you are caught off-guard.

What are you currently reading?

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Bloglovin ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

PS: I realise I just posted book reviews last week but as I said in the beginning of this post, I'm going to try and review the books as soon as I'm done reading them

What I've Been Reading May/ June 2014

I've been procrastinating about getting these reviews out for a while but I finally gave in and cheated by sharing my goodreads reviews. Also, I just realised that I am an extremely harsh reviewer therefore when I like a book you know it has got to be good!

In the Mirror - Kaira Rouda

Goodreads describes it as:

If you knew you may die soon, what choices would you make?

Jennifer Benson has it all: a successful career, a perfect husband, two kids and abundant friendships. The only problem is she may be dying. IN THE MIRROR is the realistic love story about a woman facing a deadly illness, and her loves past and present. It's a story that unfolds with a delightful blend of humor and poignancy, ringing true in the heart of anyone who has ignored a warning of her own

In the Mirror by Kaira Rouda
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The characters were not developed enough and those that were were too shallow for me to feel enough for them. However once I got into the book it definitely improved. Not a great read, but I found that it wasn't honest enough about the content.

View all my reviews

The Break-Up Doctor - Phoebe Fox

Goodreads description:

Call Brook Ogden a matchmaker-in-reverse. Let others bring people together; Brook, licensed mental health counselor, picks up the pieces after things come apart. When her own therapy practice collapses, she maintains perfect control: landing on her feet with a weekly advice-to-the-lovelorn column and a successful consulting service as the Breakup Doctor: on call to help you shape up after you breakup.

But when her own relationship suddenly crumbles, Brook finds herself engaging in almost every bad-breakup behavior she preaches against. And worse, she starts a rebound relationship with the most inappropriate of men: a dangerously sexy bartender with anger-management issues—who also happens to be a former patient.

As her increasingly out-of-control behavior lands her at rock-bottom, Brook realizes you can’t always handle a messy breakup neatly—and that sometimes you can’t pull yourself together until you let yourself fall apart.

The Breakup Doctor by Phoebe Fox
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I'm a bit undecided about this book, it wasn't terrible but it wasn't great. It was so mediocre. I was disappointed because the story line of a woman who can help others through break-ups but the story had the potential to be so good.
The characters are reasonably developed but that doesn't mean they are reasonably likable or realistic.
The book is over and I won't miss the characters but it's an easy read and it contains a few (albeit scary) tips on how to handle break-ups...

View all my reviews

Take My Breath Away - Christie Ridgway

Goodreads description:

From USA TODAY bestselling author Christie Ridgway comes a sparkling new series set in the California mountains, where Hollywood glamour meets rustic charm, and the sparks fly among the unlikeliest of couples… 

Poppy Walker has a plan to restore the family resort, and she's sticking to it. So when a good-looking guy with plenty of cash rents one of her half-repaired vacation cabins, she figures he's just what the handyman ordered. But when a late-winter storm blows through, it takes down some trees, her roof and then…her self-control. Even though she's been burned before by a wealthy passer-through, she can't stay away from the brooding but gorgeous stranger in the bungalow next door. 

Former teen idol turned Hollywood exec Ryan Hamilton wants a private place in which to endure his very personal heartbreak. Finally, at this rustic mountain cabin, he has all the seclusion one man could want—until sparks begin to fly with his sexy, formerly chilly landlady. By the time the weather dies down, they're both hot, bothered and certain they're still wrong for each other. But there's no telling how they'll face the new storm brewing on the horizon…

Take My Breath Away by Christie Ridgway
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Good read, safe, predictable but enjoyable

View all my reviews

I will add to my review that once I got into this book I was engrossed and read it within hours and it was perfect for the cold weather.

Just You - Jane Lark

Goodreads description:

The morning after the New Year’s Eve before...

Waking up to a new year with a killer hangover and hazy memories of a seriously hot hook-up the night before leaves Portia in an awkward situation... Did I, or didn’t I? The only way she’s going to find out is by standing up to the guy in question.

With no regrets, Justin is willing to play the gentleman and save Portia her embarrassment. Only then he gets a text saying, come over… and he’s not gonna lie – this is friends with a lot of benefits!

But no matter how good the sex is, there’s one thing Justin’s not down with: being this shallow rich girl’s dirty little secret..

Just You by Jane Lark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What appeared to be a basic boy from the wrong tracks with the girl from the "right" one love sotry and added an intriguing twist. While the story line could have progressed a little slower, it was preferable that it went quicker rather than 300 ages of nothing.

Easy and enjoyable read. Another good love story.

View all my reviews

The Harrowing - Alexandra Sokoloff

Goodreads descriptions:

Baird College's Mendenhall echoes with the footsteps of the last home-bound students heading off for Thanksgiving break, and Robin Stone swears she can feel the creepy, hundred-year-old residence hall breathe a sigh of relief for its long-awaited solitude. Or perhaps it's only gathering itself for the coming weekend.

As a massive storm dumps rain on the isolated campus, four other lonely students reveal themselves: Patrick, a handsome jock; Lisa, a manipulative tease; Cain, a brooding musician; and finally Martin, a scholarly eccentric. Each has forsaken a long weekend at home for their own secret reasons.

The five unlikely companions establish a tentative rapport, but they soon become aware of a sixth presence disturbing the ominous silence that pervades the building. Are they the victims of a simple college prank taken way too far, or is the unusual energy evidence of something genuine---and intent on using the five students for its own terrifying ends? It's only Thursday afternoon, and they have three long days and dark nights before the rest of the world returns to find out what's become of them. But for now it's just the darkness keeping company with five students nobody wants and no one will miss

The Harrowing by Alexandra Sokoloff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a reccomendation from a friend who read it in just over a day. It took me a few days but I really enjoyed the book. It is a mix of the movies Scream and Exorcist. It was haunting and captive. Not my usual genre but I enjoyed it.

View all my reviews

What have you read recently??? I'm always looking for good book recommendations!

Have a great weekend all!