The Portrait of a Mirror - A Novel by A. Natasha Joukovsky
Rated: 5 stars Notes: I love the no quote quotations. To explain further, the author does not "use these" rather, --- this, to identify speaking. It's rather refreshing. I am loving the entire chapters devoted to office document passing, texting, or various media outlets. Makes for a bit of a brain break from heavy reading. I freaking love Julian. The way he is over the top and extra makes me smile in ways that are so profound. He. Loves. Life. and I love him for it. Review: This is the story of two marriages, set in the backdrop of high level art. Both relationships pushed up against and come face to face with themselves as they battle, against Narcissus and all the many famous paintings rendered after him. In this story we follow the lives of Diana, Wes, Vivian, and Dale. Diana and Wes are married, but admittedly live in that apathetic stage where they are bored with the current situation. Vivan and Dale are engaged and by all rights should be at the height of their love and devotion, but something holds both of them back from that joy. When Diana begins to work with Dale and Vivian and Wes meet for the second time the attraction between opposite couples is strong. The only question is, will it be enough to alter the status quo they live in for good or for bad? Wildly addictive, shockingly honest. This book takes you deep behind the screen of marriage. Bravo - Great read.
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Rated: 4 Stars
Notes: Oh my gosh, seriously I am reading my sons life. Legit this is his swan song in all its glory. Gamers! Friends of gamers, lovers of gamers, or anyone who knows the term Discord Chat, this book is for you. Teenagers, playing online gaming and competing. Headsets, yelling, fist pounding, mouse slamming, games. (If you have a gamer in your household you know what I am talking about.) Review: Em and Jake's first meeting positions them in competition for the top score on a video game in an arcade. Fast forward five years, and a move later they find themselves in a competition against each other. The only problem is, no one knows Em is a gamer and Jake is the only one who could blow her cover. Have You Seen Me by Alexandrea Weis
Rated - 4 Stars Notes: I find myself shouting, "Just leave!" to the characters in the book. LOL They don't listen. Review: I loved this story - sort of a new take on a whodunit/I know what you did last summer. A group of misfit kids, an idealistic teacher and a murderer on the loose. What could possibly go wrong? When Audrey takes a teaching job at her old preparatory high school she doesn't expect the past to follow her. But, despite that expectation - It does. Exactly ten years after a classmate of hers went missing another teen disappears. Is it coincidence, or something sinister at play? This book will keep you on your toes! FOR THE LOVE OF FRIENDS by Sara Goodman Confing
Rated: 4 Stars Notes: OMG I have wanted/tried to start a blog so many times about my life but I was too afraid to write the truth. Lily is fearless. Ah the bridesmaid stories never get old, because they see everything! Summary: So weddings, gorgeous displays of love but always riddled with drama. I went into this read thinking it would be like your atypical bridesmaid story, but boy was I wrong. From the opening lines I knew this book would work its way into my heart. Lily has done it again, followed a bottle of wine to the bottom and ended up with a one nightstand. To make matters worse, it's with one of the groomsmen from her best friends upcoming wedding. This is an epic walk of shame. Five bridesmaid requests later she feels as if she is losing her mind and draining her wallet. Thus her blog is born, an anonymous place for her to vent and speak the truth. It's a neccessary outlet with some definite risks. Review: This book was funny, Bridget Jones style humor mixed with a true representation of one human being pulled on from various directions. We all reach our breaking point eventually. I can't wait to read more from this author. These Feahtered Flames by Alexandra Overy
Rated: 5 Stars Notes: Um, Okay a character that uses sign language to communicate... YES PLEASE. Star one achieved based on that beauty alone. Accurately portray a love interest between two women? Yes, yes, yes! This in particular was brilliantly done, like 110% accurate. And just in case the before mentioned accolades don't accurately relay this truth about myself, I'll spell it out plainly. I find nothing more frustrating than when an author forces any form of diversity into their story when they simply cannot relate, understand, or portray it properly. This was not the case in this book, Ms. Overy nailed it. Review: My first fantasy read in over a month and it did not dissappoint. From the world building to the story I was captivated and couldn't put it down. Izaveta and Asya are twin heirs to the throne of Tourin, and as such one will become Queen and the other the Firebird. This division of power and magic ensures balance. For every time a spell is used without a price paid, the Firebird comes to collect what is due. When the Queen's sudden death moves the sisters into power before they are ready, will they be able to perform their duty one as ruler and the other as judge without losing their humanity? Will their relationship as sisters survive? I highly recommend, enjoy book lovers. Rated: 2 Stars
Notes: Abrupt sentences without much place or content descriptors. Review: 12 Minutes to Die by Amy Cecil follows the story of a young girl named Jayden and a boy named Jake. It basically chronicles their life and how their relationship came to be. I'm sorry to say I was not a huge fan. This book jumped across too large a span of time with multiple gaps leaving us lacking where the story picks back up. I found myself reading the story almost like a police report, or a narrator. Subsequently, I didn't feel anything along with the characters because there was no emotional investment. A Night Twice as Long by Andrew Simonet
Rated: 4 Stars Notes: I am blown away by the description in this book. I can envision this world and its characters in an almost 3D form because of the author's ability to paint a picture with words. In a pivitol moment, when Alex shaves her head, Simonet doesn't just stop with the act. He brilliantly carries it throughout the novel as a connecting thread from start to finish. Review: This story opens through the eyes of Alex, a teenage girl living a world where the power has been out for three weeks. When her best friend shows up on her porch asking her to walk to the nearest town she wants to say no. In fact she she'd like to stay holed up with her mom just as they have been since her autistic brother, Georgie, was taken from them. Instead, she pushes herself to live, after all, what could happen? This is where the descriptions set this book apart from the rest. Not only do we journey with Alex and Anthony, we see and experience it all with them. From the first nude couple sitting on their lawn in recliners, to the "outside" school where adults and students pretend there are walls. And especially, especially in the authors description of Georgie and his behaviors, it took my breath away. Brilliant choices of words and a journey that will pull at your heartstrings. I truly enjoyed this and would recommend it to others and read more from this author! |
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