Friday, December 30

Book Review: Unexpected Gifts by Bronwyn Green

Author: Bronwyn Green
Title: Unexpected Gifts
Genre: Romance & Short Story
Pages: ebook
First Published: November 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon Freebie)

Feeling sorry for herself, Cassie Williams plays sick to skip out of her family’s Christmas Eve gathering. She loves her family, but on the heels of a divorce and her ex’s new engagement, an evening of togetherness is the last thing she wants. 

Long-time friend, Sam MacLane has been in love with Cassie for years, and he isn’t about to let her have her pity party. There’s a blizzard on the way, and Sam shows up on her doorstep—bearing gifts.... 


I love Sam and Cass! I think they are my favorite couple of the year. I wish this was not a short story, I want more backstory and I want to see what happens next.

Okay…let me back-up.

Cass just got a divorce and is all alone this Christmas, so Sam decides to pay her a visit to make sure she is okay. Now, Sam is her brother’s longtime childhood friend. Cass has always loved him and Sam has always loved her. However, they were never together for many different reasons, but sometimes Christmas miracles exist. They realize this is their last shot since they are both single and there is a horrid blizzard going on and Sam can’t leave. They give in and you know the rest.

I liked this story a lot even though it was kinda creepy! Sam is like a carbon copy of an old crush of mine. 0_0 Also, this is set in Michigan (which is the state I live in)! WEIRD! All weird, but still a fun read even though it reminded me of said person. But of course I liked him xD 

I liked Cass even though it was annoying how she thought Sam was just pitying her. Girl...there are levels of pity out there and him making out with you and visiting you during a blizzard is not pity at all! If he wanted to pity you he would've sent some flowers saying, "Sorry your ex was a big butt. Better luck next time." SMH. But I get it...if my crush suddenly was all over me randomly I would've been not believing it either. I liked her overall though.

Overall, this was a cute short story about two people who have finally found each other after years of denying their love for each other. The characters were fun. A cute romance set during xmas time. In the end, I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 









Wednesday, December 28

Movie Review: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)


Film Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Length: 2 hr & 13 min
Released: 2016
Genre: Action/Adventure & Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Seen at theaters

SUMMARY:

The year is 1926, and Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident, were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt's fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.



TRAILER:



REVIEW:
Oh the wizarding world of Harry Potter! Such a place! Now, this movie does not fall Harry. This takes place early on and follows Newt and all his little beasties. He is studying them and trying to preserve them from the nasty wizards and witches who do not understand them. Sighs…even though they think they are better than humans they most certainly are not. People suck. 

Newt has gone to America at the worst time imaginable. There has been such nonsense and destruction happening around New Year. The wizards are blaming creatures because why not? Easy targets. Maybe a little bit of investigation would show that these things are happening from a wizard and/or witch. SMH. 

I feel with each story JK’s world is getting darker and darker and darker. Even though this takes place WAY before Harry, the world is VERY dark. There was a scene that made me really wonder if this is truly meant for kids. I, personally, adore the darkness…but I feel this is a little too dark for the wee ones. 

The effects were great. I lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvved the creatures. They were done well. I also loved Newt. The actor is a hit-or-miss for me, but I feel he did well. It is the perfect role for him. Slightly awkward and nerdy. I do wish he would branch out a bit more. 

The other characters were interesting and they all did well. My only issue was the main baddie. They showcased him a bit in the beginning and they never mentioned him again until the end. I forgot he was even a main player in the story. With the reveal at the end (no spoiler there folks), I had to explain to BF who that person was and whatnot. I wish they would have brought the main baddie’s name up and showed the face once or twice throughout the film to remind the viewer that the baddie is a thing. However, the ending was fantastic. Super good and had me on the edge of my seat. 

I am curious what is up next for Newt and his beasts. 

I had a love-hate relationship with the love interests in the movie. I wasn’t a super fan of Newt-Tina. It might have been because I didn’t feel any of the chemistry between the actress and actor. However, I did love Queenie and Jacob. They were cute. Queenie was a bit annoying at times, but I liked her. I am glad that the romances and love interests didn’t take away from the story. There was a good balance there. However, I do wish that there was more chemistry between Newt and Tina. 

Overall, this was pretty good. It was a nice beginning and I am excited to see what they have in store for us next. There were a few things that bugged me especially the whole baddie thing. They really needed to remind the viewers of the baddie’s presence. Even I forgot about the baddie’s role until the end. The effects and costumes were lovely.  The beasts were my favorite. I wanted to see more of them. Out of five stars, I’ll give this a 3. It would’ve been higher, but I think the script needs some fine-tuning. 




Re-watch?: Sure!






Tuesday, December 27

Book Review: Prodigal Son by Debra Mullins

Author: Debra Mullins
Title: Prodigal Son (Truth Seers #1)
Genre: Paranormal Romance & Fantasy
Pages: 368
First Published: October 1st 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (B&N)

Bounty hunter Rafe Montana is a Seer, descended from the fabled Atlanteans. He uses his inherited power to “see” criminals across the globe and track them down, and he’s just started on a new case. Danny Cangialosi is accused of disappearing with a stolen car…but for the first time in his life, when Rafe goes looking, he is unable to “see” him. Instead, his search leads him to Danny’s stubborn, meddling, and very cute stepsister, Cara McGaffigan.

Cara is looking for Danny, too, but not to turn him in. He is her brother, after all, and she’s convinced he has a good heart. If she can just find him before the cops do, she’ll figure out a way to get him out of this. But Cara didn’t count on a scorching-hot bounty hunter getting in her way. 

Despite instant chemistry, Rafe and Cara know they’re never going to see eye-to-eye when it comes to Danny. What they don’t know is that Danny didn’t just steal a car—he stole a precious stone, a stone right out of the legends of Atlantis. It holds powers they can only dream of…and its owner wants it back.


This blew past my expectations! I thought I was going to mildly like this book, but it turns out I actually loved it. What? Yes. 

Now, this story follows Rafe who has some powers that he uses for his bounty hunter gig. Cara is a smart business owner who is looking for her stepbrother who skipped bail. Rafe, oddly enough, is assigned this case and is hunting down Cara’s brother. They meet up and decide to team up to find him. There is more at play that they both don’t understand. The brother stole a magical stone and is now being hunted down. 

The plot seems simple on the surface, but after reading it the plot is a lot deeper than I imagined. And that made me happy! Rafe is not the only one with powers. His family has powers too and so do some others. Their powers stem from the lost city of Atlantis. His family and a few others are descendants of the few survivors. This was a cool concept and I’m excited to learn more about Rafe, his family, and the others. I am especially interested in Gray. He seemed to be a baddie, but he isn’t. He is just a guy with his own agenda. I like characters like that. He seems complex and I am curious. He does have a book in the future, so I want to read that. The next book is about Rafe’s brother, Darius, and that seems like it will be interesting too because Darius has some issues. 

There was insta-lust in this, but it took FOREVER for any sort of love to happen. I’m cool with that. They have a lot of things to sort out, so lust first is totally fine. I would have lust if I stumbled into Rafe. Big ol’ bounty hunter who is hot? Who wouldn’t!?

You can tell I like Rafe. However, he was an asshat when things got too real/feely and he had an issue trusting himself and his powers, so he likes to push people away. Which you can’t blame him for his feelings…he did hurt people he cared about when he was younger and didn’t have full control of his powers. 

Cara has some issues since her parents died and all she has is a deadbeat stepbrother who she can’t help but love. She also had a failed engagement to super jerk who used her to only get some shares and partial ownership of her company. However, a part of her is still in love with him. Without these two things she would pretty much be a perfect character. She’s smart and pretty and understanding and not too slutty, but good in bed. Thank goodness she has some flaws or I would’ve been annoyed at her. *wipes sweat from brow* 

But yes, these two have issues. 

My only issue with the story was the main baddie. I don’t understand him or his powers. Maybe it’ll be better explained in the next one. One can always hope.

In the end, this was really good. I loved the world and I am curious to learn more! The concept is super interesting and unique. Yes, there is romance, but it doesn’t take over the plot. Super insta-lust, but better than insta-love. There are some external issues happening and some internal with all the characters. I want to read the next one. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 5. 
















Monday, December 26

B's Monday Review: Wicked As They Come by Deliah S Dawson

When nurse Tish Everett forced open the pesky but lovely locket she found at an estate sale, she had no idea she was answering the call of Criminy Stain, from the far off land of Sang. He’d cast a spell for her, but when she’s transported right to him, she’s not so sure she’s ready to be under the spell of another man. (It didn’t go so well last time with controlling, abusive, domineering Jeff.) If only Criminy wasn’t so deliciously rakish….

Half the inhabitants of Sang are Pinkies—human—and the other half are Bludmen, who in Tish’s world would be called vampires. But they don’t mess with any of the bat/coffin/no sunlight nonsense. They’re rather like you and me, just more fabulous, long living, and mostly indestructible. (They're also very good kissers.) But when the evil Mayor of Manchester (formerly Bludchester) redoubles his efforts to rid Sang of the Bludmen once and for all, stealing Tish’s locket in hopes of traveling back to her world himself for reinforcements, Criminy and Tish must battle ghosts, sea monsters, wayward submarines, a secret cabal, and thundering Bludmares to get the locket back and allow Tish to return home…but has she found love with Criminy? Could she stay in Sang forever? 

My thoughts:
I have let this review wait way too long, I always forget my feelings then...

I am not entirely sure I get the whole Sang world. So it is a parallel universe...BUT when you are there your body is still in this world. So that was a bit, whaat? It's not like only your mind traveled, your body is in two places. That makes no sense. I read a short story from the story, and felt the same. Like was she crazy? And here, well the same feeling, she could just be insane, dreaming this and then dying.

Anyway. She comes to this crazy victorian world where instead of just us humans there are bludmen too. And it seems to have spread and most animals are vicious fangmonsters too. But she meets a hot guy who runs a Carnival. He is all, this is meant to be. She is all, what is going on? And she keeps going back and forth.

There are evil things going on. The vamps are good people. She falls in love and they live happily ever after...or her body slowly decays as she lies in a crazy coma.

Cover
Hmmm, it works

Mass Market Paperback, 395 pages
Published March 27th 2012 by Pocket Books
Blud #1
Paranormal fantasy romance
Own

Sunday, December 25

Merry Holidays and Happy Christmas!

Merry Holidays everyone from here in Michigan! Rei, Toki, and Mamyia have had a long day of being spoiled! Bloody hard to get decent photos of them. But they finally submitted to my will. LOL! Also, scroll down for some excellent news in the life of Carole Rae! Yes, nothing crazy and I normally avoid personal posts, but its been an exciting month or so!




And yes! I do have exciting news as well. First, I have finally graduated from college!! It took 6 damn years to get this degree. I am besides myself with joy! My diploma for my bachelor's will be here sometime in January! Pictures will for sure pop up! I'm still waiting on details of me walking in a gap and gown. 

Also, my longtime boyfriend nearly popped the question...he gave me a promise ring. Yes, yes, not as exciting, but alas it is a promise that once things settle down for us and we are ready we will get engaged and then someday married. So exciting!!! Yes, yes I am hearing the eye-rolling about how lame Promise Rings are. However, it is a huge step for us! Especially for him since he was so anti-marriage for the longest time. Plus its jewelry and what girl doesn't love a physical reminder of their love with someone? hehe. Oh and yes, my nails are totally awesome. ;) Thanks in advance! #inthechristmasspiritthisyear It is hard to tell in the photo, but the ring is a lily (my second favorite flower) with a pearl on the inside. My mom helped boyfriend pick it out. LOL!





Happy Holidays everyone! Much love from here in the States. <3 

Friday, December 23

Book Review: Clan of the Dragon by Sky Winters

Author: Sky Winters
Title: Clan of the Dragon
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Historical Fiction, & Fantasy
Pages: ebook
First Published: November 26th 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

Lady Davina is far from home—bound to marry the cruel Lord Edmond to save her aunt and uncle—her guardians after the unexplained deaths of her mother and father. 

Realizing the forthcoming marriage is a huge mistake, and haunted by dreams of her past, she eventually manages to escape the clutches of her would be husband, but an accident deep in the forest leaves her vulnerable, and once again in the evil clutches of the vile Lord Edmond. Yet the forest holds secrets—as old as time—as old as the myths and legends that were born out of the hills and mountains. When James McCraig appears out of nowhere with his men, Lady Davina's life is set to change forever.


Oooh short stories...there is no in-between with you. Sighs. 

The beginning was decent, but it would spiral out of control with terrible plot holes scattered everywhere. 

Evil, lustful, and cruel Edmond has pretty much dangled salvation for Davina and her family IF they agree for her to marry Edmond. For some reason, they allow Davina to head to Edmond's place with no escorts and no ring on her finger yet. Dumb idiots! Grrr. SO not what would happen. 

After almost being raped a couple of times, Davina decides its best to run away. However, where is she going? What is her plan? She steals a horse and just goes. Is she heading towards her old home? I have no idea. On her way outta town, Edmond catches her., because the idiot gets hurt. Duh...when you have no plan you are bound to get yourself hurt and get caught. Plus the fool got the horse hurt. Poor baby! 

Now, in the midst of Edmond telling her she needs to be like his dogs a hot guy named James comes to her rescue and pretty much kidnaps her. But she is willing because he's hot and she feels a "connection". What? You spoke two words to him...no sense in that. Well...as all romances go they lust, love, do the deed, and HEA. Mind you...the falling in love and all their dark secrets came pouring out in like two pages. What? Gah. Then it ended. No resolution to anything except that good ol' James can now change into a dragon because he had sex with his mate. That is it. I'm not kidding. What about Edmond? What about your family, Davina? Oh my goodness...so many loose ends...

OH! And what time period is this suppose to be? I'm so lost! And because of the names of the characters and the summary I am going to guess this is set in Scotland, but gods when are we? Sighs. I can't really fathom a guess. 

Okay - okay. Maybe I am being unfair since this IS a short story and it was short indeed. However, get some tar and fill in those plot holes. 

This had a lot of potential! Lots of good story plots that would have been awesome, but all that good material was for naught. Super bummer and super meh. I am curious to see what else the author has to share. Maybe something better and makes sense. I'll stamp this with 1 star. 













Thursday, December 22

Book Review: The Unbroken Line of the Moon by Johanne Hildebrandt

Author: Johanne Hildebrandt (Translated by: Tara F. Chace)
Title: The Unbroken Line of the Moon (Sagan om Valhalla #4)
Genre: Historical Fiction & Fantasy
Pages: ebook
First Published: October 1st 2016
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

In this grand saga of love, war, and magic set in the tenth century, young Sigrid is destined to be the mother of the king of the Nordic lands that would become Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and England.

A devout believer in the old Nordic gods, Sigrid is visited regularly in her dreams by the goddess Freya, who whispers to her of the future. Though Sigrid is beautiful, rich, arrogant, and matchlessly clever, her uncanny ability to foresee the future and manipulate the present guides her through dangerous politics as a bloody war between Vikings and Christians rages on.

Sigrid’s father wants her to marry Erik, a local king, to secure the peace between the Goths and the Swedes. Thinking she is doing Freya’s will, she accepts the marriage offer, only to find that her destiny lies not with Erik but with Sweyn, a warrior who dreams of dethroning Harald Bluetooth, the legendary ruler of Denmark. Will Sigrid sacrifice her will for the greatest Viking kingdom of all time, or will she follow her heart at the risk of losing everything?

This was shockingly good. I didn’t expect to love this book. Why you may ask? Well…this was an Amazon freebie. It is for sure a hit or miss with anything that is free and especially Amazon book freebies. I except to either hate them or mildly enjoy them. This was one of those rare gems. I actually loved this. 

This book follows a few characters, but the main character is Sigrid who is a devout believer in the old Nordic gods. The goddess Freya gives her little hints and guides her to her intended destiny. She agrees to marry Erik to secure peace between her land and his lands. However, this was kinda an oopsie, because that was not who Freya meant. She was actually supposed to marry Sweyn whose plans are to dethrone Harald and unite all the lands as one. A huge mess of course.

At first, I didn’t really care for some of the POVs, but once all their roads finally met it all made sense and I liked them. I really loved Emma. Sure, she was an insane little thing, but she was the most interesting character in the story! The author actually did a good job with the switch between POVS, I was never confused. So huzzah on that. 

Oooooh religion…you nasty thing you. You truly know how to bring the worst out of everyone. So much blood…so much hatred. So sad. I loved how the author seemed to accurately bring this to light and wasn’t shy around the brutality of the time and of the hatred.

This is a translation from the original Swedish language and I felt the translator did an excellent job from my point of view. Like anything, I’m sure some things were lost in translation or not correct. I’m sure the original is WAY better, but since I do not speak Swedish….I do not have a point in reference. However, this flowed well and the story didn’t seem at all choppy or confusing. Yayy. 

My only complaint is that there are 3 books before this one, but they have not been translated yet, so I won’t be able to read them or anything after this book until they are. 
However, I do not feel that I missed anything, so this does well as a standalone. 

I am really wanting to read the next one! Gah!!!!! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! I know some but she is such an aloof historical figure…some historians even doubt her existence. Sighs. Women from that time are always forgotten because they were not worth writing down. So sad. :/

Anyways….this was a good book. The writing was good, the action had me on the edge of my seat, the characters were interesting, and the ending left me wanting more. I might have to learn Swedish now…GAH! Add that my list of languages I need to learn. LOL! I highly recommend this to those that like historical fiction that is a wee bit dark and has fantasy elements involved. Out of five stars, I’ll give this 5.












Monday, December 19

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: A Winter Wonderland Anthology

“A Winter Wonderland” by Fern Michaels
Angelica Shepard left New York for Christmas in Colorado to relax and unwind—but an out-of-control snowboarder almost had her laid to rest. When she wakes up in the hospital, all she remembers is the handsome angel who saved her…

“The Joy of Christmas” by Holly Chamberlin
Not all happiness is good for you—or that’s what Iris Karr thinks when she decides to move away instead of marrying her sweetheart Ben. Even years later, living with that decision isn’t easy—until a familiar face comes to call her home for the holidays…

“The Christmas Thief” by Leslie Meier
Elizabeth Stone is ready for a white Christmas in Tinker’s Cove, Maine—until a fancy Yule ball at the Florida hotel where she works dumps snow on her plans. The sponsor’s jewels have gone missing and the police are asking about her ties to a cute mystery guest. Good thing Elizabeth’s mother, Lucy Stone, flew down to surprise her. ‘Tis the season for a little investigating…

“The Christmas Collector” by Kristina McMorris
Estate liquidator Jenna Matthews isn’t one for Christmas nostalgia. But when one grandmother’s keepsakes suggest a secret life, unwrapping the mystery leads Jenna—and her client's handsome grandson—to the true heart of the holiday spirit… 

My thoughts:
“A Winter Wonderland” by Fern Michaels
Wow, talk about instalove! I know it's a novella, but wait..they met...they talked for a few secs the next day...then they were in love?
Omg so insta.
This one had a case of needed to be longer. Needed some meat on the bones. It could have made a cheesy hallmark movie for sure.

“The Joy of Christmas” by Holly Chamberlin
Sad fact, but it was so boring, snooze alert.

“The Christmas Thief” by Leslie Meier
She should change jobs and make new friends...just saying.
A theft at the hotel!....at the end, so before that the book is about man meeting woman.

“The Christmas Collector” by Kristina McMorris
I finished this one yesterday...and I have forgotten what it was about. It must have been really bad

ConclusioN:
All in all a meh anthology

Paperback, 471 pages
Published October 30th 2012 by Zebra
Contemporary romance
Own

Sunday, December 18

Joint Review: Bound by a Dragon by Linda K Hopkins






Happy Holidays everyone!  Thank you for participating in voting last month for a book for us to read this month. It was a close vote, but ultimately the book that was chosen was "Bound by a Dragon" by Linda K Hopkins. 
Author: Linda K Hopkins
Title: Bound by a Dragon (The Dragon Archives #1)
Genre: Fantasy and Romance
Pages: ebook
First Published: May 2014
Where I Got It: On my Shelf (Amazon)

At twenty-two, Keira Carver needs to find a husband, and quickly, but the prospects in her small medieval village are not looking too good. So when Aaron Drake, a handsome stranger, takes up residence at Storbrook Castle, set deep in the surrounding mountains, Keira takes notice. Just as interesting is the fact that a fire-breathing dragon has also moved into the neighborhood, and is rumored to live in caves beneath the mountain fortress. What exactly is the connection between Aaron Drake and the dragon? And when the dragon rescues her from the unwanted attentions of some village boys, who will set out to rescue her from the huge, scaly, fire-breathing monster?

C: So dear readers we are discussing the book that voted for! I will say that this was better than I expected. So yayy voters!

B: I am glad it was fantasy romance, cos had this been pnr I promise you I would have hated it ;)

C: LOL I agree. It was cute and cheesy. 

B: Omg, soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cheesy. It was light, a fast read and the cheesiness was just, LOL

C: It did get a little sad when Aaron was talking about the history of the dragons and how they came into being. Poor minors!! So sad!!! But I really liked the backstory it was super original. 

B: I could not take anything seriously, not even evil stalker guy, and that was weird. Cos that guy should have been shot. Effing asshole. But the cheesiness and how everything was so perfect between these two took away the evilness. It was not the whole totes meant to be, cos that was not really there. They just met, loved and we all knew they would live happily ever after. And no one questioned why they could marry at the end, I mean she was no one after all.

C: Yes, very cheesy, but I oddly liked it! LOL. But yes I hated that creepy guy….I just don’t get how he blinded everyone even when MULTIPLE PEOPLE were witness to his assholeness. That didn’t make sense to me at all. And I do think there should have more conflict in them being together. BUT I totally get why Kiera didn’t question because why would you mess that up ;) Take the ring and run girl! LOL Get him to the altar ASAP!!! 

B: It was a bit too much, I am sure every women in that village would have seen through that guy. He was such a creep. But nope, everyone thought he was perfect...and not even her mum listened to her? Wtf. Not cool mum. That I did not get. If your daughter says he is a creep, he is a creep. Also the other guy owns a castle, I am sure every mother would want that instead.

C: RIGHT!? I hated the mom. She was terrible. Her reasonings were stupid. She needed a kick in the face. Now...I am curious about the sister, Anna, I read a snipbit of her book and I feel that her story is going to be less “cheesy” and have more conflicts. I really want to read that one. 

B: Yes, I saw that it will take two books for her to get her man. I can see it being less cheesy by a mile. But who knows. Maybe it is just as cheesy, and that is not bad. It was a cute book that I could enjoy even if I could not take the conflicts seriously.

C: Maybe Anna is the true main character. This was just a prologue of sorts? I want to read forward with the next one! Lol

B: I did see that Kiera will be in some action in another book too, so, eh who knows.

C: Mhmmm I’m not sure. But yes, this was cute and I liked how the author included a lot of dragon scenes. It made me happy. It was cool that the person is forced to change and be all dragony once in awhile or they will get weak and die. 

 B: Speaking of dragons, she totally had the hots for the dragon before the man, freaky ;)

C: I noticed that too! What a weirdo! ;)

B: Ugh, not thinking of that anymore now. LOL I really do not know what else to say, it was cheesy, good, but oh so cheesy. Two people meet, fall in love, one is a dragon who eats people, one is a nice spinster. End of story.

C: It was a good light read to read by the fire with all this snow. Brr! But yes. It was good. Best one in a while from my memory! Good job votes. We may need your assistance next month too ;)

B: By Loki, this is horrible. We have picked SOOO many bad books, so this cheesy one is actually one of the better ones this year *headdesk* We really are cursed.

C: Maybe we are actually cursed dragons who pick bad books! Maybe we should eat humans too! D: 

B:Ha, might be true.

C: The only logical explanation!

B: The end

 C: Yes, the end. :) 

**CAROLE'S CONCLUSION**
What a fun, cute, and cheesy book. The romance was quick and conflicts not overly dramatic. I do wish there were more conflict to make me worry more. This was a light book and I defiantly recommend this if you need something cute and cheesy. I loved the dragons and I'm glad there was original backstory. There were some parts and some characters that bugged me. Out of five stars, I'll give this...mhmmm....4. 






Saturday, December 17

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Author: Jamie McGuire
Title: Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful #1)
Genre: YA & Romance
Pages: 319
First Published: May 2011
Where I Got It: Borrowed from friend

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand. 

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match. 


This love story truly made me appreciate my own love life. Oh my goodness. This not a beautiful disaster....this was a hot, crazy, insane mess. I figured there would be some drama and craziness, but I was really in for it. 

Abby is a complex character (which I liked a lot). She came from a crappy home and she decided to travel with her friend to a faraway college. She just wants to get her degree and make something of herself, but Travis stumbles onto her path. 

Then there is Travis...On the outside he is a major hottie and loves one night stands with the girls. However, on the inside he is a walking time bomb. And that is being nice. Sure he had some bad stuff happen to him in his youth, but....yeah....not cool. He was an idiot, overly protective, overly jealous, major anger issues, selfish, and sometimes creepy. OKAY I will admit I like alpha males myself. A little protectiveness is always nice BUT he was on whole different level. He did get better near the end, so I'm glad the author gave him some sort of character development. Huzzah. 

The back and forth was annoying. They loved breaking each other's hearts....Travis was an idiot and Abby was rude and confusing in her decisions. Honestly, they should have just stayed friends. It reminds me of a quote, "Even if you love each other, sometimes you shouldn't be together." I think this was from a show? mhm. But yes. They are disasters and their journey is not going to be an easy one...which DID make it interesting to read for sure. 

There is a second book? I hope its a book about Finch. Finch deserves to find the man of his dreams. Finch had to deal with so much crap in this book. Same with America and Shep. Poor side characters getting caught up in the hurricane that is known as Trabby. *looks on Goodreads* Ugh all of the books except one of the short stories is about Trabby. Bummer. I wouldn't mind reading the short story about American and Shep. 

I did really love the side characters...I was more interested in their stories. I especially loved Travis' dad and his brothers. 

HOWEVER, I will say that I could not put this down. I read this in a couple sittings. It was like a tornado I couldn't stop watching. The author's writing style is good and I do want to read something else from her. I needed to know what was going to happen next. 

In the end, this was pretty addicting. I couldn't put the book down to save my life even though the Travis and Abby drama killed me. I loved the side characters and I want to learn more about them. I'm looking forward to the other books by the author. Out of five stars, I'll give this 3. It would've been two, but I really do feel the secondary characters helped keep the book together so they deserve a star themselves. I recommend this for those looking something dramatic.