Monday Reviews: What to Say Next

What to Say Next
Written by Julie Buxbaum
Published July 11th 2017 by Delacorte Press
Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Page: 292
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

A sweet and unlikely friendship sparked between popular Kit Lowell and socially isolated David Drucker. Kit is emotionally vulnerable and David is inquisitive and bluntly honest. When she asks for his help figuring out the how and why of her dad’s tragic car accident, David is all in. But neither of them can predict what they’ll find.


Comment

It's been a while since I've last posted. I felt I needed to take a break and return to reading with fresh eyes. But getting back into reading took some effort. Nothing peaked my interest. So I decided to look into a contemporary novel. Boy were there plenty to choose from.

Review

The story of Kit and David all began when Kit sat down at David's lunch table one day. She wanted some peace and quiet from everyday chaos and loner David saw this random occurrence as his chance to make a friend. Kit recently lost her father to a car accident and feeling emotionally frail and vulnerable, she couldn't face her peers and sought friendship from an unlikely loner. David, who turns out to be an Asperger, used this chance to find other interactions with Kit. Together they found comfort and joy in each other's company.

I felt this novel is such a cute and sweet contemporary. I really felt for David Drucker. His insecurities, his misunderstandings are so genuine. And the things that he say are witty and intellectual. He has great family support and his interactions with Kit are funny and joyful. Really enjoyed this story.

Book Review on "The Lucky Ones" by Mark Edwards

Goodreads:

The Lucky Ones by Mark Edwards

It was the happiest day of her life. Little did she know it was also the last.

When a woman’s body is found in the grounds of a ruined priory, Detective Imogen Evans realizes she is dealing with a serial killer—a killer whose victims appear to die in a state of bliss, eyes open, smiles forever frozen on their faces.


A few miles away, single dad Ben Hofland believes his fortunes are changing at last. Forced to move back to the sleepy village where he grew up following the breakdown of his marriage, Ben finally finds work. What’s more, the bullies who have been terrorizing his son, Ollie, disappear. For the first time in months, Ben feels lucky.

But he is unaware that someone is watching him and Ollie. Someone who wants nothing but happiness for Ben.

Happiness…and death.

The Lucky Ones is the terrifying new thriller from the #1 bestselling author of Follow You Home.

My Review

I would definitely recommend this book if you are into shows like Dexter and a little mix of CSI. Mark Edwards is a great psychological thrill writer. In this book he gives you the point of view of two people who play a major role in the story. The plot had many twist and turns and there was no way I could have predicted that ending! This book kept me on the edge of my seat and did not disappoint. I also liked that he was very detailed and that made me feel like part of the story. I enjoyed this thrill thriller :) Thanks for the awesome read!

XO,

Wendy

"Waiting On" Wednesday / Can't-Wait Wednesday #43: Royally Endowed

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Title: Royally Endowed
Author:  Emma Chase
Expected publication: August 14, 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Logan St. James is a smoldering, sexy beast. Sure, he can be a little broody at times—but Ellie Hammond’s willing to overlook that. Because, have you seen him??

Sexy. As. Hell.

And Ellie’s perky enough for both of them.

For years, she’s had a crush on the intense, gorgeous royal security guard—but she doesn’t think he ever saw her, not really.

To Logan, Ellie was just part of the job—a relative of the royal family he’d sworn to protect. Now, at 22 years old and fresh out of college, she’s determined to put aside her X-rated dreams of pat-downs and pillow talk, and find a real life happily ever after.

The Queen of Wessco encourages Ellie to follow in her sister’s footsteps and settle down with a prince of her own. Or a duke, a marquis…a viscount would also do nicely.

But in the pursuit of a fairy tale ending, Ellie learns that the sweetest crushes can be the hardest to let go.
***
Logan St. James grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, in a family on the wrong side of the law. But these days, he covers his tattoos and scars with a respectable suit. He’s handsome, loyal, brave, skilled with his hands and…other body parts.

Any woman would be proud to call him hers.

But there’s only one woman he wants.

For years he’s watched over her, protected her, held her hair back when she was sick, taught her how to throw a punch, and spot a liar.

He dreams of her. Would lay down his life for her.

But beautiful Ellie Hammond’s off-limits.

Everybody knows the bodyguard rules: Never lose focus, never let them out of your sight, and never, ever fall in love.

What are you waiting for this Wednesday?  Let us know in the comment section below.

-Shon

Friday 56! August 4, 2017

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. Post it.

" The day's heat had left the black, shingled roof sticky and hot. But the night was a cool one-desert nights always were, the temperature dropping like a rock as soon as the sun set-and the breeze off the ocean ruffled Emma's damp hair."

From: Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2)

by Cassandra Clare

Happy Reading

Xo,

Wendy

"Waiting On" Wednesday / Can't-Wait Wednesday #42: Miles Morales

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Title: Miles Morales
Author: Jason Reynolds
Expected publication: August 1, 2017
Genres: Young Adult, Comics, Fantasy

"Everyone gets mad at hustlers, especially if you're on the victim side of the hustle. And Miles knew hustling was in his veins."

Miles Morales is just your average teenager. Dinner every Sunday with his parents, chilling out playing old-school video games with his best friend, Ganke, crushing on brainy, beautiful poet Alicia. He's even got a scholarship spot at the prestigious Brooklyn Visions Academy. Oh yeah, and he's Spider Man.

But lately, Miles's spidey-sense has been on the fritz. When a misunderstanding leads to his suspension from school, Miles begins to question his abilities. After all, his dad and uncle were Brooklyn jack-boys with criminal records. Maybe kids like Miles aren't meant to be superheroes. Maybe Miles should take his dad's advice and focus on saving himself.

As Miles tries to get his school life back on track, he can't shake the vivid nightmares that continue to haunt him. Nor can he avoid the relentless buzz of his spidey-sense every day in history class, amidst his teacher's lectures on the historical "benefits" of slavery and the importance of the modern-day prison system. But after his scholarship is threatened, Miles uncovers a chilling plot, one that puts his friends, his neighborhood, and himself at risk.

It's time for Miles to suit up.



What are you waiting for this Wednesday?  Let us know in the comment section below.

-Shon

Shon's August TBR & Most Anticipated Releases!!

Helloooooooo, August!!  I read nine books last month. Here's are the books I'm *hoping* to read this month.

~ August TBR ~

The Lightning Thief: The Graphic Novel (Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Graphic Novels #1) by Rick Riordan

The Sea of Monsters: The Graphic Novel (Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Graphic Novels #2) by Rick Riordan

The Titan's Curse: The Graphic Novel (Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Graphic Novels #3) by Rick Riordan

Sherlock: A Study in Pink (Sherlock #1) by Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss, Jay (Illustrator)

I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons by Kevin Hart

Around the Way Girl by Taraji P. Henson 

Trust by Kylie Scott

The Iron Trial (Magisterium #1) by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (Guide #1) by Mackenzi Lee

Most Anticipated Releases for August!!!

Wonder Woman: Warbringer (DC Icons #1) by Leigh Bardugo 

The Dazzling Heights (The Thousandth Floor #2) by Katharine McGee

The Silver Mask (Magisterium #4) by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare 

The Dire King (Jackaby #4) by William Ritter

Miles Morales by Jason Reynolds

Royally Endowed (Royally #3) by Emma Chase 

The Soul Mate (Roommates #4) by Kendall Ryan

Shimmer and Burn by Mary Taranta

Tell me, what's on your August TBR??
What are you Most excited to read in August??

Happy Reading!!

Shon's July Reading Wrap Up & Book Haul

~ July Book Haul ~

The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3) by Rick Riordan

Like a River Glorious (The Gold Seer Trilogy #2) by Rae Carson

Frost Like Night (Snow Like Ashes #3) by Sara Raasch

Flamecaster (Shattered Realms #1) by Cinda Williams Chima

A Million Worlds with You (Firebird #3) by Claudia Gray

The Lightning Thief: The Graphic Novel (Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Graphic Novels #1) by Rick Riordan

The Sea of Monsters: The Graphic Novel (Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Graphic Novels #2) by Rick Riordan

The Titan's Curse: The Graphic Novel (Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Graphic Novels #3) by Rick Riordan

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #1-10) by Cassandra Clare

Windwitch (The Witchlands #2) by Susan Dennard

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore Presents #1) by J.K. Rowling*

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists (Pottermore Presents #2) by J.K. Rowling*

Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide (Pottermore Presents #3) by J.K. Rowling*

* ebook/audiobook, not pictured

~ July Wrap Up ~

The reading slump is over, I read 9 books and DNF 1 book this month.

Empty Net (Scoring Chances #4) by Avon Gale
3/5 stars - The story started off okay, but then turn into an after school special and I lost interest.

Coach's Challenge (Scoring Chances #5) by Avon Gale
4/5 stars - I really like this one. Book two still always my favorite out of the series. But this one who was such a cute and enjoyable read. I found myself laughing out loud for most of the book.

Him (Him #1) by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
5/5 stars - Even though my TBR is 200+ book long. I had to go back and reread this book. I really enjoy this book, is so cute. I'm a sucker for a good romance novels and adding elements of hockey in it just a cherry on top.

Us (Him #2) by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
5/5 stars

Good Boy (WAGs #1) by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
DNF at 22%. I just couldn't go on. At least I made it to the wedding reception.

Regret (Under My Skin #1) by Christina Lee
3.75 / 5 stars - I think I would have given this book a higher rating if it wasn't for the ending. This story would not end. It just kept going and going and going. I feel like it should have ended five chapters ago.

Goodbye Paradise (Hello Goodbye #1) by Sarina Bowen
4/5 stars - Think was the first book I read that was set in a cult

Hello Forever (Hello Goodbye #2) by Sarina Bowen 
4/5 stars

Heart of the Steal by Avon Gale & Roan Parrish
4/5 stars - Me likey.

Been Here All Along by Sandy Hall
4/5 stars - This was such a cute and fun book to read. Little disappointed that it was so short. I was turning the page like where is the rest of the story? I want more!!! More I say!

How was your month?? What books did you add to your collection??

Happy Reading!