Isabelle Joshua's Blog, page 7

Review: Marry Me for Money

Marry Me for Money by Mia Kayla
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I slowly fell in love with Beth and Kent

I got this book free, and I wasn't expecting much, but then Kent and Beth started spending time together, and I couldn't get enough of it. She writes the heat between the character so well and talk about a slow burn. The book is written well, and I cried so much at the end. I loved it and can't wait to read the next book! And despite things working out, it felt natural and although not unexpected; it was a great ending!

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Review: The Offering by Jessika Fleck

This book was written by a friend of mine, Jessika Fleck. She has it on Swoon Reads, and if she gets enough hearts (rating system), then it will be reviewed for publishing.

I read it in the last two days and wanted to share it with all of you.  Please check it out for free and rate it:  The Offering

My Review:

Love the characters. The inner conflict about her love for Nico and the struggle with her place in their society and the forbidden nature of the friendship. Then the introduction of Dorian and The Night. The Offering and depiction of the brutality and merciless nature of the society were thrilling and heartwrenching. I can't wait to read book two. I loved it, and I want to know what happens next. I didn't want it to end!!!
For readers that love Fantasy, this is a great YA Fantasy book, for those that aren't big fantasy fans (like me) it is such a great story and gripped me from the beginning. Similar Stories: It isn't exactly like Shatter Me series, but it definitely had moments when it reminded me of it. Exceptional!
The description from Swoon Reads:
In Veda's world, they worship the Sun and kill the weak. Her life is a daily struggle of survival, but the one saving grace is her forbidden friendship with Nico. The laws are clear: Nico's blood is gold, hers is mud. The two don't mix.
But when Nico enlists in the crusade against her kind, his betrayal forces her to act. She joins a group determined to fight the unjust persecution of her people, and Veda soon learns, in a place where blood is dirty or clean, her blood is neither: a detail that changes everything.

Auto-correct

Case in point.Now I admit that I am not always diligent about editing and reading over my posts on here or FB before submitting them.  Usually, it is after I hit submit that I read it.  But this happens to me all the time on my phone when I text or submit posts or reviews, the DAMN auto-correct.
I just caught one that I wrote:  all tied up  =  amputated when auto-corrected
And I have a decent sized phone screen, but if I am typing a long message, which I tend to do, it is a b*tch to scroll up and reread it.  Only when it is posted will it show up in one box that fills the screen. I know auto-correct can lead to funny texts as demonstrated by the many memes dedicated to it, but I hate it. I like the auto-suggest feature so if I am starting to type "fri"  the option Friday friend  fries pop up, and I can quickly choose.  But if I have typed my damn word out already why in the hell is the auto-correct changing it.
I've looked through my phone settings, and there isn't a way to change it.  Well, no way I can tell that it can be changed. So I must remind myself to double check everything I type and send so I don't mess up.  Yeah right, like that's gonna happen.  So please forgive if you've ever come across a weird word that is so out of place in one of my posts, I blame auto-correct. But please feel free to comment with the offending word if you like.
Is there a technology that you hate?
No matter how much I hate auto-correct there is one I hate even more: Group Text

Review: SEAL It With A Kiss

SEAL It With A Kiss by Rogenna Brewer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaging story

I really liked the story and personalities of the characters. The only problem I have with it is the ending. Talk amputated up with a pretty bow, and don't in about two paragraphs. I like a happy ending, but this one was so unbelievable because any real emotions or real grief are pushed aside for the happily ever after. Otherwise, I think it was a great book, and I'd like to read more from her.

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Review: Every Little Kiss

Every Little Kiss by Susan Hatler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fast cute read

It was a very typical romance novel where everything worked out in the last ten pages. There was growth in the character but these type of books are just too feel good and not my favorite. Most people will like this and it is a good book. So if you like romantic sappy love stories then this is your book. Otherwise if you don't then steer clear. They fall in love too quickly and too sappy.

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Review: Clarity

Clarity by Loretta Lost
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Rushed and superficial story,
The many references to the immaturity of the characters could not account for the juvenile writing style. It kept my interests, and I think if I were a teenager I would have loved it. But I couldn't get over my impression that the characters were young teenagers play acting like young adults. It is a short read but the story continues, and I don't care to know the end. I got the book on a free promotion, so it was an okay read considering. The good thing about her writing is her vocabulary and word usage; that was great. Otherwise, the dialog was weak as were the characters.

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Review: After You

After You by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Growth and love

I thought this was a very beautiful ending. Louisa had so much growing and grief to go through. It was very nice to see all the characters find some level of happiness and closure. Very nicely done.

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Review: Me Before You

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am still in mourning...
I was still crying hours later when I thought about the book. So incredible. The question from the description: "What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?" just makes me tear up again thinking about it. I really liked Louisa's character but felt sorry for her because she had a real shitty dad. That was one part I just couldn't understand why the dad was such an "arse" and demeaning to her. This story broke my heart in so many pieces and Will's character was great. Highly recommend.

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Review: The Nightingale

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such an engaging and sweeping story. It told of the day to day struggles that the southern French citizens endured during the occupation of France by the Nazis. And it told of the resistance and how just a few individuals can make an impact on others by their sacrifices. It was so heartbreaking at the time (towards the end) and kept a steady pace throughout. I listened to the audio, so I am not sure about the chapter and transitions. I would just find myself realizing that oh we are back with Vivian or oh this is about Isabelle. I thought the story was very good.

I only have a few issues with the writing. First, I felt like the dialog was very stilted. The narrative portions are great and descriptive as well as moving, but then almost all the dialog felt off to me. Possible the author tried to use speech in the South of France (I think that's where they were most of the time, at least the small village) during the 1940s, but I didn't feel like it was authentic and natural. I've been a huge 1940 era movie fan, and while the dialog is different because I'm more accustom to American English, the main dialog felt forced. The other thing that didn't work was the frequent repetition of how dangerous Isabelle's work is or what she's facing if this was supposed to build suspense, it didn't. I also didn't understand how/why Vivian would go with the various people when they were being taken away by the Nazis and leave Sophie home with Ari (Daniel), but then I realized Sophie was older than I expected her to be. But more importantly Vivian was just stupid and naive at times, I know that is so much a part of her character, but sometimes it just was too much. I mean she goes with the butcher's wife I think when they are trying to take her away, and Vivian could have easily gotten swept up in it and carried off. So Vivian's character bothered me the most, I don't have a lot of sympathy for those that are blind and naive to what is around them. She was like a fricking ostrich with her head in the sand. And Vivian's character didn't seem to match the modern day older lady, the feistiness and attitude didn't fit with who the author showed Vivian's character as even with the growth towards the end of the war.

I most identified with Isabelle's character most, her impetuous nature, brazen anger, and independence. She was a sad character that never knew love until after so much hurt. I also think it is so interesting to see the contrast of personality in the sisters. It was a beautiful and moving story that I would recommend. The historical nature of the book was incredible as well.

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Review: Night Owl (Night Owl Series Book 1)

Night Owl by M. Pierce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Disclaimer: I began reading this book for the simple fact that it was mentioned as having dealt with alternating voices for each chapter well and I began reading it for research purposes. Also, I don't usually prefer erotic novels. I like romance and I enjoy the hot scenes, but when the erotic novels use BDSM or other types of sex play, it isn't usually my cup of tea.

This book started out fast with the erotic scenes. I was disappointed that it lacked a substantial plot or character development, the sex is rough and male dominated. Hannah's decisions and position in the relationship is weaker, and it isn't explained why except for his good looks, and she can't talk when he's near. So many times, Matt is an asshole, and she doesn't allow him to apologize (if he thought he should even) or expect him too. I didn't understand the need for a writing partner because it didn't go anywhere except for being the catalyst that brought them together. There were many things in the story that reminded me of Fifty Shades, but this is definitely written better although you could say not as original. The alternating voices was effective and seamless.

Despite all this, I read it very quickly, and I was pulled into the story, and the plot and character development came later. After a few chapters, I wondered if I would continue with the series, but towards the end, I did want to know what happened to Matt and Hannah.

So this is not one I would recommend to anyone unless you did like an erotic novel that was similar to Fifty Shades of Grey. I don't tend to read erotic novels and this series besides Fifty Shades is probably only the second or third erotic book I've read. Cara McKenna comes to mind as the other author I've read that writes erotica.

In the end, I did like the characters and the story, but I most likely wouldn't read it again.

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