Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 378

Review: THE MAN I LOVE by Suanne Laqueur

Being abandoned by his father at an early age, Erik doesn't strive for the chance at true love. But, if it comes, he will know.

Then came Daisy, "the girl with the wrong name."
The beginning lagged a bit, paving the road for a winded and arid plotline, which revolves around music and dance. Behind the eloquent music notes and graceful dancing, a love story plays out off-stage, behind the curtain, almost hidden in the shadows. The drama that should've riveted the reader with an electrifying mass of deep, passionate notes is nothing more than a subtle, malleable tone. Although it appeared to be a good New Adult/Contemporary Fiction novel, I couldn't really get into the story. Like a symphony orchestra, I felt like I should've been more moved by it. But I wasn't.
My rating: 2 stars

Review: MURPHY'S LUCK by Benjamin Laskin

“In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order.” --Carl Jung (67)
Murphy Drummer seems to be bad luck on sneakers, the black cat that crosses your path, the mirror that shatters at your feet. In general, disaster follows whenever he's around. And it's been that way ever since he was a little kid.
Although you somewhat pity the poor boy, you also can't help but chuckle at all the bumbling catastrophes that happen. Too funny!
In a way and certainly on occasion, we all feel like Murphy--an outcast, a buffoon, a jinx, a pariah on society. But what makes Murphy so exceptional is not the bad luck he draws, but the unique talents he quickly absorbs, like speed-reading. Wow, he was a smart boy! Pretty soon, he becomes an expert linguist, an exceptional speller, a fast typist, a great musician, and a primo craftsman and builder. And that's how, ladies and gentlemen, he becomes the Hobby Guy.
Even though bad luck magically appears with Murphy, some good luck follows. At times, Murphy is able to prevent certain disasters, almost being able to foresee them before they happen like some clairvoyant. He was almost like a superhero. Cool! Of course, to us, it seems cool, but to a hard-headed philosopher like Murphy, it's all about the peace, harmony, and the "vibrations of the universe." Weirdo! I admit, I was a little put off by Murphy's "song" and the whole Xanadu "wax on, wax off" theory. C'mon, anybody would think that's a load of whooey. He was definitely a Forrest Gump--an introverted man-child with exceptional talents and a dry, alien personality.
Somehow Murphy intrigues and captures the attention of Joy, a dedicated journalist, and surrounding the odd, budding friendship between the two is a cast of reclusive characters sharing their sorrows, fears, and ambitions. Superstition and luck play a key role in the story, and readers will certainly enjoy seeing how these characters handle the events foretold by the enchanting tarot cards. You'll want to hang on to your rabbit's foot for this one.
A witty, plucky, and strange novel!

My rating: 3.5 stars

Review: THE TEST by Gregg Bell

Mary is anxious about her bar exam results. Tom will stop at nothing to be a pro golf champion. Yet all they can think of is each other.
Their relationship has been nothing but a series of struggles from an intense obsession to a golf game to a brief affair with a boss. Yet, even though the two seem distant and awkward, Mary and Tom have a certain, unknown connection. Could they get back to the way they were? Could they have their happily ever after? Of course not! Not without going through the test. And what bigger test than another man, like Dr. McDreamy? Or how about an unexpected pregnancy? Really, the whole story is a series of tests.
Eventually though I got kind of tired of hearing Mary whining and crying over Tom—how she still loves him, how he can be so cold to her, how she can make it work with him after all this, yadda-yadda-yadda. I got so tired of it that I didn’t really care if they ended up together.
The beginning was compelling, especially after finding out that Mary got impregnated by her boss (oy,) but then it sort of fades with the characters constantly hanging onto a love that’s ended. It becomes repetitious and a nuisance.
Overall, this was another good work by Gregg Bell, but not as good as the last one, Jamie's Gamble.
My rating: 3.5 stars



      

Review: FLOYD AND MIKKI: ZOMBIE HUNTERS by Joseph Tatner

Can an American-lovin' Texan and a hot, blonde bombshell team up against zombies?
At first, the story reminded me of Tremors, a movie about two hick friends from a nowhere desert of a town fighting against these giant, man-eating worms. It had comedy, gore, and strategic adventure all wrapped into one. This book is kind of like that as you had two unlikely characters (one being a gun-wielding, sharp-shooting Daisy Duke) pairing up and clashing with their fast talk and domineering personalities, which generates a refreshing, temperamental comedic tone.
However, the story didn't quite captivate me from the start and it only slowed my progress as we delved more and more into government conspiracies, bureaucracies, and the zombie apocalypse. For some reason, I thought Floyd and Mikki were teenagers (their names certainly make them sound like that) and perhaps I would've enjoyed it more if they were, especially since zombies are not really my forte.
This is kind of like the zombie version of Independence Day--it's basically a long, raging battle of survival for the human race. It would definitely be good for those who are into horror and adventure.
My rating: 2 stars

Review: SEX, LIES, AND CRUISING by Cathryn Chapman

In an effort to get away from London and a cheating fiancé, Ellie impetuously takes a job on a cruise ship. No place better to find a sexy fling than aboard ship, I say.
Right away, she meets Seth, the "Grecian god."
Unfortunately, life on a boat is not as exciting as one would think, especially if all you do is drink, dance, and sleep with the first guy your finger lands on. "Basically, I’d been on board for about five minutes, downed drinks like a university student, and jumped right into bed with a virtual stranger. The fact that he also happened to be a colleague I’d see daily for the next six months only made things worse." (13)
Mundane and somewhat predictable, this story did not intrigue me as much as I thought. I'm sure this would be considered a fun, flirty, beach read, but it just wasn't quite for me.
My rating: 2 stars   

Review: PERFECT SEX by Robin Storey

Susie is a middle-aged mother seeking companionship--or maybe she was just looking to get laid as the story is called Perfect Sex.
Actually, the story line goes that this woman is going to write a book about her online dating experiences as a guide for women over 40.
The book didn't start off all that great for me as all the character talked about was the unfulfilled marriage, her non-existent sex life, and the weird sex toys she's never tried. It practically played out like an episode of Hot in Cleveland or Sex in the City--two shows I'm not particularly fond of.  The characters didn't appeal to me so much, and I found the subject matter and general execution to be trivial and daunting.
Although the initial premise was alluring, I just couldn't get into this book.

 My rating: 2 stars

Review: MOMS ARE NUTS: A collection of essays & stories by various authors

Emmy winners, magazine editors, comedians, TV personalities, bestselling authors and social media superstars team up to bring you a laugh-out-loud book not about being a mom, but about having a mom, grandmom or mom-figure. And while it's not OK for someone else to make yo-momma jokes about your momma, it is perfectly healthy — even downright hilarious — to find the humor in your own upbringing. In fact, these writers highly recommend it. So if you think your mom is nuts, pull up a chair. You're in good company.




My thoughts: I have a mom, who I love to death, but, let’s face it: she’s also nuts. That’s why I wanted to read this book—to know that others share my pain. (Just kidding, Ma!)


In “The Boots,” Eliza Bayne recalls the time her mother bought her the most embarrassing boots at a flea market. Of course, she was bound to insist she wear them on a snowy day. It was a cute tale.


“Mothers are full of momtradictions—behavior that does not match up with their own philosophies on life (you can call it hypocrisy, but they you had better be ready to send an apology greeting card.)” (Loc 679) This is actually true!


Although relatable in many ways, the stories were not as funny as I expected. I didn’t anticipate laughing so hard that milk would come out of my nose, but I expected to chuckle a few times at least. They were mildly amusing at best. They were just: “Eh.”


My God did these writers like to ramble on and on. I wouldn’t say that these moms are nuts; they’re just boring.  This book was such a disappointment.


I should’ve written for this instead. Being raised by a Mexican mama, I have loads of stories.


My rating: 2 stars

Review: MY FAKE FIANCE by Lisa Scott

 
What I like best about Lisa Scott’s stories is that they are clean romances; her stories concentrate more on the deeper lover rather than the physical lust. And I’m glad to say that this was another good one.
This story was just a repeat of movies like The Wedding Date and, of course, My Fake Fiancé, with the same premise—two people trying to fool family/friends with a sham engagement and, accidentally, falling in love in the process.
For Sam, this all begins when she is invited to her frenemy’s wedding. Eek! How perfect that she happened to hire an actor to play the part of her fiancé. But it turns out that Justin was indeed perfect in far more ways than one, especially when it was indicated that “It’s very important to see how a man treats the other women in his life.” (109) SO TRUE!
Filled with smart and witty commentary within the POV’s of both Sam and Justin, this is a sweet, well-written romance.  My rating: 5 stars

Review: SECOND CHANCE by Lisa Scott

 What’s worse than losing a boyfriend? Losing a rich boyfriend.
Chelsea keeps kicking herself for letting Trip McCall get away in high school. Of course, it wasn’t his millions she was missing—it was him. She basically regrets dumping him for not wanting to make something of himself. Well, I guess he showed her!  
But it seemed that she might have a second chance with Trip as they plan their 10-year high school reunion. Reunions: a chance for looking back and to re-live regret. Since high school, many people ended up in a place they’d never thought they’d be. For Chelsea, working as a receptionist was not in her plans when she obtained that medical degree. But will she jump at her second chance?
Is it normal to pine for someone for 10 years? Isn’t it a little insane? Is it even possible?
The best advice came from Chelsea’s grandfather.

“No regrets—now that’s the secret to a good life.” (371)
“Life’s an exciting gift, and you’re not willing to open it.” (497)
 The story is smart and witty. A nice, quick romantic short.  My rating: 4 stars

Review: FLIRTS by Lisa Scott (5 Romantic Short Stories)

           1.       “The Hot Girl’s Friend” -
Jane has always looked out for her friend, Miranda, by taking on the role of “the hot girl’s friend.” Her job is to weed out the single guys and dismiss all the losers, but she does it in such a smart-ass way. She called it “creative protection.”
Jane claimed that looks are what guys are interested in, until bartender Brady, the Ryan Reynolds look-alike, proves her wrong.
 
2.       “Wrong Place, Right Guy” –
Right away, the story grabs you with a frightful attack on our heroine, then sexy Tony comes to the rescue. But Tony seems to be the real danger as he somehow seeps into Kristen’s heart. Can they overcome the prejudice of their friends and family?
 
3.       “Not You” –
A one-night stand with a professional womanizer may prove to be the best thing our girl needed before her mom’s wedding. Who knew she’d be hitting it off with the groom’s son? Ewe! Scandalous!
 
4.       “Desperately Seeking Cupid” –
Sitting with a bunch of old ladies at a wedding can be depressing and boring. Why was everyone bugging Brianna to meet someone? Why would feng-shui in her apartment bring on a guy? Brianna is so desperate that she’ll try anything.
 
5.       “Never been dumped” –
Rachel wants to go out with a man to get dumped because she has always hated being the dumper. Weird lady.
 

The stories were witty and funny. All these characters had the same generic appearance, however, with their blonde hair. I suspected the author might be blonde, too. Also, since these are romances, they all end the same way. Typical.  My rating: 3 stars