It’s not you – It’s me Mini’s…Fringe Benefits, Signal Boost

There were several books that I was really looking forward to but then didn’t quite work out for me. Bummer…

All of them are getting rave reviews on both Goodreads and Twitter so I’ll just do a quick run down of what I liked and didn’t like then you can decide.

***

Source: The following books were provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review

Fringe Benefits (The Ladies Who Lunch #4) by Sandy James~ Goodreads

When life gets tough and love is hard to find, four friends take their troubles to lunch. High school teacher Danielle Bradshaw deserves a happily ever after, and the Ladies Who Lunch are determined to deliver Mr. Right.

HOT FOR TEACHER

As the new head of the English department, Dani doesn’t have much time for anything but lesson planning and literature. Romance—or even sex? Forget about it. But then the principal introduces her to last-minute hire Nate Ryan. Finding time to mentor a new teacher won’t be easy, especially when his incredible body and equally disarming charisma are enough to make her heart skip a beat . . .
Nate may be fresh out of school, but he’s confident in his teaching skills—and in his feelings for Dani. But while she’s everything he’s ever wanted, he knows his place on her staff—and his age—may be problematic for his sexy boss. How can he convince her to ignore the gossip mill currently in full swing in the teacher’s lounge and surrender to what’s meant to be?

Quick thoughts: I loved the idea of this one but the execution let me down. Dani and Nate are adorable together but the story ends up relying on several tropes (like forced roomies, an evil ex)  that throw them together, break them apart and the age difference (the reason why I picked it up) is never truly that much of an issue. Add in really nosy friends – which I hate! this didn’t work for me.

If you like the older woman/younger guy dynamic (both were really sweet characters), a little light family melodrama and a close knit group of friends then this is for you.

***

Signal Boost (Off the Grid #2) by Alyssa Cole
Release Date: May 4. 2015
~ Goodreads


When technology stopped working, the world as they knew it ended.

In a secluded cabin, John and his loved ones have survived. He should feel grateful. But his family is in his face 24/7, he has to watch his best friend, Arden, and brother, Gabriel, flaunt their love, and as a techie in a Luddite world he’s pretty much useless. The cabin is brimming with people, but he feels utterly alone.

Until he catches Mr. Tall, Blond and Gorgeous raiding their garden. Mykhail is an astrophysics student, he makes John’s gaydar ping like crazy and he thinks he knows what caused the devastation. He’s on a journey to his university to find answers, and John invites himself along. Partly to get out of the house, and partly because he can’t let Mykhail go without acting on the mutual attraction that’s so obvious even John’s mom is playing matchmaker.

The closer they get to campus, the more Mykhail lets down his walls. But with answers come secrets both devastating and deadly, and before they can save the world, they’ll have to save themselves.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one a lot. The romance just didn't totally click.

I loved the diversity, world building and science more than the romance (which is really rare for me). It was fine but didn't wow me I guess. The story (especially the second half) would have benefited from a few chapters of Mykhail’s pov to flesh out the romance more. The story is told entirely from John’s pov. John is awesome but there were a lot of things that could have been explained better from Mykhail's perspective.

Signal Boost has great writing, humor, world building and characters. I especially loved the detailed science about the Pulse. The romance was fine but not as interesting to the apocalyptic backdrop and considering the romance overshadowed everything, that knocked things down some for me.

I really want to go back and read the first book in the series, Radio Silence. It sounds action packed and maybe darker.

Review: Getting Lucky Number Seven by CIndi Madsen

 What's your lucky number?

Lyla Wilder is done being the shy, chemistry nerd extraordinaire. While every other college student is out having fun, Lyla is studying. With her cat. Well, she's played it "safe" quite enough, thank you. So she creates a "College Bucket List"―with item #7 being a night of uninhibited, mind-blowing sex...
But she needs some help from her man-whore best friend.

Hockey player Beck Davenport thought Lyla's transformation would be subtle. Man, was he wrong. With every item she ticks off, Beck finds himself growing seriously hot for his sweet, brainiac best friend. And if he's not careful, he'll end up risking their friendship in order to convince Lyla that he might just be her lucky #7.

Goodreads | Source: e-ARC provided by Entangled publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Review:

Getting Lucky Number Seven is Madsen's first foray into the NA genre so it's a bit sexier than her previous books that I’ve read (no fade to black sex scenes but not overly explicit either) and I hope it's not her last.

I’m always excited to discover a New Adult novel that's emotional but low in angst and FUN.

I gotta be honest and say that you can guess where everything is going pretty much from the start but that doesn’t lessen the enjoyment of the journey one bit.

Lyla's bucket list isn’t ONLY about sex and that helps this story stand out. For example a few other items on that list are to sing karaoke and get a tattoo. She's a fantastic character who is funny, feisty and smart. She wants more (to be daring and sexy with guys) but doesn't accept less from anyone - if that make sense.

I love a good friends to lovers story but while things heat up and Lyla explores her wilder side – she doesn’t lose herself or values and Beck is more than just the cocky, typical hot hockey player. He really is a good friend to Lyla with great advice and has Lyla’s back every step of the way.

It's nice to see a genuine friendship between a guy and a girl. Sure it turns to more - but you can feel the mutual respect between the two that has nothing to do with sex. Which makes the sexy times hotter IMO.

Finishing a book by Cindi Madsen always leaves me happy. She keeps managing to write engaging characters and stories that are both fun yet relatable and tug at your heartstrings.

Blog Tour Review: Sweet (Contours of the Heart #3) by Tammara Webber

He’s the love of her life, but he doesn’t know it.
She’s his one moment of sacrifice in a lifetime of survival.

He was damaged and wild, but resilient.
She’s always been obedient. Now she’s restless.

Home for the summer between college and med school, Pearl Torres Frank knows two things: Boyce Wynn is the embodiment of everything she should run from, and everything she wants to run to. Rebellious and loud. Unconcerned with society’s opinion of him. Passionate. Strong. Dangerous.

And one more trait he hides from everyone but her:
Sweet.

Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon Kindle | Amazon paperback | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Amazon UK 

Review:

SWEET is so aptly titled. The characters, the story, the romance, while bumpy, was sweet.

Slowly unraveling Pearl and Boyce's history together, the way their lives keep intersecting, under the backdrop of their small coastal Texas town, felt like having a beachside reunion and pouring over a scrapbook of the past with old friends.

Sweet is told in alternating pov's in the present but while both characters reminisce about the events that will always tie them together and draw them back to each other again and again. This is more than a friends to lovers story. It’s more about luck, fate and the choices we make to be with the ones we love. 

Both Pearl and Boyce are hit with big life changes but handle it with maturity and conviction in their decisions. They stumble at times but they both make the most of the opportunities offered to them.

Pearl makes a life altering choice and is finally standing up for herself and her future but comes up against  both resistance and acceptance from unlikely sources. I loved how she had a lot of self doubt after people's reactions but didn't change course even when it would have been easier to do what everyone expects of her instead of following her dreams.

While Boyce has led a very difficult life he isn't one of those heroes that throws himself a pity party or is ashamed of where he came from or the trailer park he lives in. He's a proud man (with one sexy drawl *fans self*) but he isn't too stubborn to accept a helping hand or work hard for the things he wants.

There are so many things that Webber explored, and got right, IMO, in Sweet. From the push and pull of living in a small town, economic advantages/disadvantages, abuse, addiction, friendships, culture, family - all while managing to keep the tone authentic but light.

Boyce and Pearl come from very different economic and educational backgrounds and I loved how it was really a non issue. There was a little awkwardness but no judgment. These two like and know each other on a level that transcends all of that.

To be honest this is a quiet kind of book. It's low angst but one of those stories that pulls you in and makes you feel like you're living there rooting for your best friends to catch a break, and you cheer them on when they do.

The setting is just lovely and evocative. I could almost feel the sand between my toes, smell the ocean air and felt like I was there collecting shells with Boyce and Pearl on their sandbar.

Sweet was everything I hope for when I pick up a NA book. An exploration of that time in life that often rocks you to your core with BIG life changes. Some good -some not - but the events change and shape you into the adult that you will become.

This is a verra sexy book but it's the friendship and respect between Pearl and Boyce that had me swooning.

 
(Also - great cameos of Lucas/Landon! & a fun epilogue)

***

Thank you to both Tammara Webber and Wordsmith Publicity for having me on the Sweet Blog Tour!

Teaser: SWEET by Tammara Webber...

He’s the love of her life, but he doesn’t know it.

She’s his one moment of sacrifice in a lifetime of survival.

He was damaged and wild, but resilient.
She’s always been obedient. Now she’s restless.

Home for the summer between college and med school, Pearl Torres Frank knows two things: Boyce Wynn is the embodiment of everything she should run from, and everything she wants to run to. Rebellious and loud. Unconcerned with society’s opinion of him. Passionate. Strong. Dangerous.

And one more trait he hides from everyone but her:
Sweet.

 Amazon Kindle | Amazon paperback
iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Amazon UK 

* I really loved this one. I have a review posting for Sweet on Thursday!

***

***

About the Author:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of EASY and BREAKABLE (Contours of the Heart series - NA), as well BETWEEN THE LINES, WHERE YOU ARE, GOOD FOR YOU and HERE WITHOUT YOU (Between the Lines series - YA/NA).

I'm a hopeful romantic who adores novels with happy endings, because there are enough sad endings in real life. Before writing full-time, I was an undergraduate academic advisor, economics tutor, planetarium office manager, radiology call center rep, and the palest person to ever work at a tanning salon. I married my high school sweetheart, and I'm Mom to three adult kids and four very immature cats.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Mini's: A Rogue by Any Other Name, Hard to Be Good, Brokedown Cowboy

Goodreads links:

A Rogue By Any Other Name (Rules of Scoundrels #1) by Sarah MacLean

Hard to Be Good (Hard Ink #3.5) by Laura Kaye

Brokedown Cowboy (Copper Ridge #2) by Maisey Yates

I’m watching…Younger, The Royals, The Fall, A Young Doctors Notebook

Younger – TV Land


Written, executive produced and directed by Darren Star ("Sex and the City"), is based on the novel "Younger" by Pamela Redmond Satran.

"Younger" follows 40-year-old Liza (Sutton Foster), a suddenly single mother who tries to get back into the working world, only to find out it's nearly impossible to start at the bottom at her age. When a chance encounter with a 20-something guy at a bar convinces her she looks younger than she is, Liza tries to pass herself off as 26 -- with the help of a makeover, courtesy of her best friend Maggie (Debi Mazar). Armed with new confidence, she lands a job as an assistant to the temperamental Diana (Miriam Shor) and teams up with her new co-worker and fellow 20-something Kelsey (Hillary Duff) to make it in the career of her dreams.” Source: TV Land

~ I’m really enjoying this show!

I love how Younger portrays the highs, lows and differences of both generations without disrespecting either of them.

It’s a sweet show and I’m totally shipping the older women/younger guy romance between Liza and Josh – although I think cutie pie Josh is going to break Liza’s (& my) heart.

I do wish that they put Liza in better clothes though. I’m don’t know why she is dressed in such big/baggy clothes to look younger. I think she looks older than her actual 40 years old in them.

***


Drama about a fictional British Royal family set in modern day London, who inhabit a world of opulence and regal tradition that caters to any and every desire, but one that also comes with a price tag of duty, destiny and intense public scrutiny. Source: E!

~ This show is super cheesy and has a very low budget feel and The Prince Liam love triangle is blah but I’m obsessed with the budding romance between bad girl Princess Eleanor and her bodyguard Jasper.

***


When the Belfast police hit nothing but dead ends in their investigation of a series of murders, London-based Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson is sent to take over the case in this suspenseful and unsettling crime series. As she navigates her way through bureaucratic and personal entanglements, Gibson soon discovers that her serial killer prey is a far more complicated foe than she ever imagined -- and he’s not about to give up easily. Source: Netflix

~ I haven’t made it through the first season yet but Jamie Dornan is an excellent at playing a serial killer. Is that a compliment? lol I’m not sure if I’ll continue for a few reasons 1) I’m getting tired of all the women rape/murder plots. 2) There’s a thing developing with Jamie’s character and the 15 year old baby sitter that is skeeving me out but it is a well acted/scripted show.

Personally, I would recommend Happy Valley over this. Similar premise delivered in a unique way.

***


Set during the Russian Revolution, this comic miniseries is based on a doctor's memories of his early career working in an out-of-the-way village. Source: Netflix

~ This is a quirky little series - kind of uneven at times - but worth watching. Very dark humor – only 4 episodes. I would also highly recommend The Knick if you like this kind of dark humor/medical history.




***

BONUS pick!

If you're looking for pure SyFy cheesy goodness perfection then I reccomend Big Ass Spider. (IMDB)

Review: Baked Fresh (Portland Heat #2) by Annabeth Albert

From its famous coffee to the mouthwatering fare at its cafés, restaurants, and bakeries, Portland, Oregon, has a lot to whet the appetite, including the hard-working men who serve it all up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…

Vic Degrassi is a baker on the rise, and it’s all thanks to his rare ability to make—and keep—his New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s losing weight, giving up smoking, or graduating from culinary school, Vic goes after what he wants—and gets it. This year? He wants Robin Dawson, the sweet-hearted hottie who volunteers with him at the local homeless shelter. When he learns that Robin is suddenly single after being unceremoniously dumped, Vic is more than happy to offer a shoulder to cry on—or at least a fresh-baked pastry to bite into. But it’s been a long time since Vic’s gone on a date, and he’s nervous about risking his friendship with Robin. So when their flirtation turns into a steamy night together, Vic and Robin have to figure out if they’re friends with benefits or lovers in the making, and if Robin is ready for something more than just a rebound. There’s only one way to find out: turn up the heat.

Goodreads | Source: e-ARC provided by Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Review:

Albert’s Served Hot (Portland Heat #1) was one of my favorite romances I've read this year so I was quick to request book #2 in the series, Baked Fresh, when it popped up on Netgalley. Unfortunately I didn’t love it as much.

I loved how Vic lost over a 100 pounds but still has confidence and body issues, especially around the hot volunteer, Robin.

I wish this had been more of the focus but instead it was more about Robin and a former bad relationship that has left him wary.

Vic and Robin are both kind and have amazing chemistry but it went down a fairly predictable path, no surprises. Robin is ok with sex but nothing serious yada yada. Add a bit of a weird dom/sub dynamic in the bedroom and meh…this book just didn’t captivate me in the same way and the relationship dynamics just didn’t ring true to the characters IMO.

The good stuff: Vic - he's just adorable and self deprecating (out of the bedroom - in the bedroom - is this the same person? It didn't make sense to me to all of a sudden be dominate and call Robin boy).
The setting of the homeless shelter. I love how this author always touches on important issues with respect and without lecturing. Baking! I love reading about food and Vic's a pastry chef. Yum.

Welp – this one wasn’t for me but I will continue with the series because I love how Albert incorporates the Seattle setting, social causes and romance. Maybe the next book will be a better fit.

Earworm: Elle King & James Bay

My current earworms are…

Elle King – Ex’s & Oh’s

James Bay - Hold Back the River

I first featured James Bay back in 2013 after I saw him as an opening act. He was amazing and is finally hitting the airwaves and selling out on tour everywhere. Go see him if you get a chance!

*You can also follow me on tumblr where I post music videos more often.

Blogger ramblings…The power of the negative review–to SELL books

There’s a trend to try to minimize negative reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. I’m not going to get into author responses to negative reviews here. I just want to explain why, as a reader, I find negative (or a variety of) reviews helpful and why I think they actually HELP - not hurt book sales.

It usually starts with a blog review (good or bad) or a twitter flurry for a book that piques my interest. The book is now on my radar and I want more information.

When I‘m deciding if I should purchase a book or not, like most people, I head over to Goodreads. I don't even bother with Amazon anymore where you can buy positive reviews.

There are the all 5 star reviews:

I don’t find only 5 star reviews helpful at all. It’s not that I don’t trust 5 star reviews. Although that is sometimes the case. If a majority of 5 star reviews for a book come from reviewers who don’t review on a regular basis, or just joined to review this one book, I find that suspect. Also, I don’t have context for the rating. I like to get to know a reviewer and their tastes. I can only do that if they have a collection of reviews to go through.

The other reason I find most 5 star reviews unhelpful is because they are usually incoherent flails (mine included). The more I love something – the more it comes out as OMGSQUEE. I have a hard time making relevant points about 5 star reads. I don’t want to spoil anything in my review and I also don’t want to start dissecting the book and find flaws. I am definitely being honest about my love but as far as a thoughtful review that would help others decide if the book is right for them? Not so much.

All that 5 star flailing & hype will get me to check out a book – that’s true – but it won’t get me to buy it.

My 5 star read could be someone else's 1 star. And vice versa.

There are the 1 star reviews:

Often not especially helpful either but can be very informative if done right. Most reviewers leave a quick one or two sentence saying this book sucked on 1 star reviews. That doesn’t help me. Many go on a long rant (I have done this myself many times because 1 star books often leave me stabby) but it’s often super spoilery so I try to avoid that unless they hit on a topic that would help me decide either way – like cheating, love triangles, cliffhangers, no HEA etc.

But for me – a well written 1 star review – even a scathing one - will get me to buy a book faster than a squeeing 5 star review.

It’s not cynicism or a love of negativity – I just find those reviews more informative. I can imagine how a review dissecting a book down to typos and each character flaw can be annoying and hurtful but that’s exactly what I’m looking for in a review. It helps me. It makes me more comfortable with my choice to purchase the book.

In the middle – 3 star reviews:

When I check out a book to read on Goodreads my process is:

~ find trusted friend reviews first

~ check out a few random 5 star and 1 star reviews to compare what most people loved/had problems with

~ read mostly the 3 star reviews – I usually don’t know the reviewers in this case

Here’s the thing – there could hundreds of 5 star reviews for a book but if they don’t say why it’s 5 stars (see incoherent squeeing above) or if they say something like - there’s not one but THREE hot boys for the girl to choose from – I’m running away. A lot of the 5 star sexy BDSM books out right now are not my cup of tea but explaining the type of BDSM portrayed might make me give it a shot. A 2 star “I hated this book! It was BDSM light – I wanted hardcore” review will make me give the book a chance. I don't like hardcore BDSM. I'll pass on a 5 star “Super alpha dirty talking hero” book because I don’t like dirty talking alpha dudes. The more detail the better IMO – even if it’s negative because it might be what I love to read.

I love really sweet, simple romances that are low on angst. That book will get a 5 star from me! But someone reading my review will say BORING. Not gonna read it.

I think (I may be wrong – feel free to tell me in the comments) that most readers like to go through several reviews both pro and con, and then make a call. One review – doesn’t make or break a book sale.

Writing is art but it is also a financial decision on the part of the reader. I read almost 200 books a year.
That gets expensive. I read reviews to help narrow down my choices. Yeah I take chances on books/authors - but mostly I go by reviews.

I have bought literally dozens and dozens of books based on negative reviews. I even have certain reviewers that I trust and buy every book that they negatively review. I know their tastes and what doesn’t work for them WILL work for me.

The star rating is probably the least important thing to me in a review.

***

When there is only one type of review – all positive  - then blogs/Goodreads/Amazon cease to become a place to help the reader make an informed decision. They become fan sites. Those are fine. If I chose my books just based on hype and excitement then I would read only books on best seller lists or what publishers tell me is a must read. Buying books based on all 5 star reviews & hype in the past has only brought me disappointment so now I’m more selective with the reviews I trust and the books I read.

I like to sift through different thoughts on a book. I enjoy the energy of discussing the good and the bad. I know people get upset when reviewers mention typos or other things deemed *small issues* but when I see a 5 star rating, buy the book, and find errors that weren’t mentioned it bothers me. Will I buy a book with editing issues? Sure, it’s not a deal breaker, but I’d like to know first so I can decide what’s important to me.

I also want to point out that I don’t think there is a problem with reviewers who only write positive reviews. That’s your space – your choice. I know several people that only rate a book if they can give 5 stars. That’s fine because I understand that when they do it means they really love that book.

But requiring or trying to squash negative reviews isn’t going to be helpful for selling books IMO. It may make everyone feel better but I for one wouldn’t spend my money if I can’t find out what the heck a book is really about past the cover copy and publisher spun hype. And I would cease to trust reviews in general. Because I know that not everyone can universally love every book. It would make Goodreads irrelevant to me other than to track my reading.

If I couldn’t trust reviews or have a variety of ratings I would buy fewer books, not more, because I would be less willing to take a chance.

I don’t want to be fooled by release day frenzy and then find out everyone didn’t like the book. It was just positive review front loaded by the authors/publishers/tour groups to trick readers into buying the book. That’s a bait and switch and would turn me off to author/publisher completely. Forever.

It’s like being lured to a movie and finding out they used the only two good scenes from the movie in the trailer. The rest of the movie sucks and they withheld it from critics to get that first weekend box office $$’s before we all discover the truth.

I guess the point (long winded as it is) is that the more information the better. Negative reviews are still helpful in selling books. A well written negative review can highlight all the things that make it the perfect book – just for a different reader.

~ What are your thoughts? Do you find negative reviews helpful? Have you read a book based on negative reviews?

Earworm: Florence + the Machine, Mumford & Sons, Hozier

Today I’m sharing new songs from a few of my favorite artists…

Florence + the Machine – St. Jude

So pretty!

Mumford & Sons – Believe

This is a new sound for M&S. What do you guys think? I like it a lot except that it’s already playing on repeat on the radio so I’m getting sick of it.

Hozier – Work Song

I actually had this song on my blog in June of 2014, way before anyone new who Hozier was. I’m ahead of my time! lol

Anyway – it’s his new single release and worth repeating. Plus it has a new awesome video.

P.S. I've been wanting to post about music more often (like - daily lol) but haven't really found the right place to do that so I'm trying out my long abandoned tumblr. Check it out if you're so inclined :-)