Friday, August 23, 2013

Review: Running to You

Running to You

by: DeLaine Roberts


Should you read this book? 

Answer: No!

 

Here's why:

I was not able to finish this book. It is extremely rare that I will put a book down, but I am actively avoiding reading this novel. So, it seems high time that I do not continue.
I was able to read 36% of this novel before deciding that I just cannot take the story. The main character, Alex, is not likable. At first, she is fine but she progressively becomes more and more whiny as her romance with Grayson progresses. Grayson is a poor depiction of a male. He seems more like Robert's depiction of an ideal man than what an actual man is like. Grayson is emotionally dependent, overly affectionate, and in no way manly.
I can read books about characters I don't particularly like but the real reason this book was un-finish-able is that the story went it all sorts of directions in the first 36%. First, Alex wants to keep their forbidden relationship a secret which angers Grayson. Then, she faints at a dinner meeting (where an element of family secrets is shoddily thrown in) which leads to her having a stroke. After the stroke Grayson can't leave her side. On top of all this, Robert's adds due to an adolescent rape Alex has never had an adult relationship. This is just way to many plot twists and lends little credibility to the novel. Not only that there are large gaps in the story that destroy its continuity.
I just couldn't take anymore!



Next up on my reading list: Awaken by Meg Cabot

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Review: Secret Bond

Secret Bond

by: Gemma Halliday and Jennifer Fischetto


Should you read this book? 

Answer: YES! 

 

Here's why:

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. Gemma Halliday is an excellent writer who breathes life into the characters she creates. Her main character, Jamie Bond, is witty and relate-able. Jamie Bond is instantly likable as an ex-model turned private investigator. Jamie goes after scum-bag cheating husbands in L.A. in hopes of breaking pre-nups. This story takes a more personal twist as Jamie investigates her father's shooter much to the dismay of her father. Derek Bond just wants Jamie to leave the matter alone but Jamie pushes ahead getting pulled deeper into the mystery and risking her life.

Gemma Halliday weaves mystery with laughs (an a few tears). She writes real characters. Jamie Bond does not have a perfect life (as you find with many novels), she does not always know how she feels about the men in her life. Jamie struggles to ask her friends/coworkers for help. For me, this was what added true depth to her character as this is a conundrum we all struggle with. When is it time to ask for help? Halliday's Jamie deals with real problems in a fictional setting making the novel's story more real. Jamie Bond seems like she could be your best friend.

Gemma Halliday's delightful tale is a definite read! After picking up this novel, I now want to read the rest of Halliday's work.


Overall, it was entertaining but for me the true judge of a book is if I would read it again. In the case of Secret Bond I would read it again as well as the rest of the series. 


Next up on my reading list: Running to You by DeLaine Roberts

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Review: Anybody But Him

Anybody But Him

Should you read this book? 

Answer: YES 

(if you want an entertaining read)

 

Here's why:

This novella was very entertaining. It is a sweet, honest romance that will make you fall in love. Personally, it took me awhile to get used to the Australian English, but after I got over that it was an enjoyable read. It made me laugh and cry, which in my opinion is the mark of a good book with a dynamic story. The main character Nicola Doyle was likable, I found her instantly relate-able with her terrible dating history and dislike of her hometown. When she is forced to move home to take car of her ageing parents Nicola must reconcile the awkward teenager she was with the elegant woman she has become. She reconnects with her childhood best friend and faces her former nemesis/childhood crush.

Claire Baxter does a great job of developing Nicola but all the auxiliary characters fall flat. This may be because it is only a novella and Claire did not have the time to develop the rest of the characters or it could be here style. I really enjoyed the sub-plots, so it would have been nice if they had been further developed. As this is the first book I have read by Claire Baxter, I am not sure. There were also several times in the novella when it jumps over a few weeks in Nicola's life, but it is not clear at first that a large chunk of time has passed.

That being said, I completely enjoyed this novella. I look forward to reading more by Claire Baxter and I suggest you do the same.


Overall, it was entertaining but for me the true judge of a book is if I would read it again. In the case of Anybody But Him, I would happily read it again in the future, which is why it has received a YES rating.


Next up on my reading list: Secret Bond by Gemma Halliday and Jennifer Fischetto

P.S. Please post your thoughts about this book in the comments below! I would love to know what you thought.