She tells all - Judah Lee Davis

Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Title - She tells all
Author - Judah Lee Davis
Genre -Chick lit
Date published - July 9th 2010
Publisher - Createspace
Format - Paperback
Pages - 230
Rating - 4 out of 5

Madison's life is just a series of failures! She's 29, soon to be 30 and a single mother to a three year old, but her life is a total mess! All she does is constantly changing partners (wonder if she ever heard of AIDS??) and seems she's always attracted to the wrong ones, guys that will just use her and dump her.

Madison is probably the craziest book character I've read about ever! What you're about to read in this book are not just her confessions and mistakes (and boy, she makes many mistakes in life), but her battle to finally overcome some things that keep bringing her at the very bottom. Life was definitely not easy for her, and though you will probably be amazed (or disgusted) by her slutty behavior in the beginning, she will grow on you, if you just give her a chance (at least that happened to me while reading the book).

By leading you in her past, the author will reveal the reasons for Madison's behavior and all the nasty things that damaged her personalty.
All Madison really wants is to be loved, simple as that. She needs attention and affection, don't we all? And though I really didn't approve her behavior and choices throughout the book, I must say I was cheering for her and hoping she will really make something out of her life.

This is a story of a girl who's in desperate need to reinvent herself, story about all the crazy stuff she did, all the pain she's to overcome. I did have few laughs and must say this is really an entertaining read, but though the primary intention of it may be to entertain us, maybe we should look for the message behind it. It's been few weeks now that I read the book, and I really needed to "digest" everything, however I will never forget Madison.
She's one of these book characters you either love or hate. Ok, if love and hate are strong words for you, better to say Madison is someone you will either like or dislike. In my case, it turned out I really like her, but not cause of her wild spirit, or the fact she seems she doesn't care what everyone thinks of her. No, I liked her because I felt the fragile, caring Madison who will unselfishly give everything to those she loves.

I know I'm not supposed to reveal a lot about the plot, especially the ending, but I will just say..GOD, the ending brought tears to my eyes! This is really an entertaining read, but also an emotional one (at least it was for me). I read it in just couple of hours, cover to cover, and definitely recommend it to all chick lit fans. However, there are some phrases and mentions of the "F bomb", so I wouldn't recommend it to readers under the age of 18. 

My rating

Winner of Pyxis swag giveaway

Before announcing the winner of my giveaway, I would like to thank K.C. Neal, Estevan Vega, Aaron Patterson and Chris White for this chance to be part of their HUGE AND AWESOME Pyxis/ Airel/ Arson Blog Tour. This is truly one of my best blogging experiences ever:)

And now, announcing the winner... The winner of the canvas Pyxis tote, signed Pyxis bookmark, and signed Pyxis magnet  is Alexandra Lanc!

Congrats Alexandra, you will be also notified by e-mail and contacted by one of the authors.

I would also like to thank everyone that entered. Cheers and till the next giveaway, enjoy reading some of my reviews:) 



Kill me Now! - Lawrence Fisher

Monday, January 30, 2012
Title - Kill Me Now!: A Middle Aged Man's Maneuvers 
through the Frontline of the Dating Battlefield
Author - Lawrence Fisher
Genre - Humor
Date published - October 17th 2011
Publisher -  iUniverse, Incorporated
Format - Paperback
Pages -168
Author's website - http://killmenow.org/
Rating - 4 out of 5

It is more 3.5 stars, but will round it and just rate it 4 stars.

"My name is Lawrence, I'm in my late forties and I am single! It sounds like an introduction line from an AA meeting, but it's true!
How did I manage to stay single until such a late age without getting married, you ask? Well, some friends tell me I'm the luckiest dude living on this planet, but some say I am missing something. "


Ok, what is this book about? It's about Lawrence, a man in his late 40s and his quest for the one. After breaking up with the love of his life, Lawrence is trying to get back into "the dating game". While this game may be fun, it also has lots of rules and signals one has to decode. So, Lawrence is on a quest, trying out different dating sites and social medias to approach a normal, caring, loving woman..THE ONE! Is he going to find her?

It was such a fun reading about Lawrence and the many humorous situations in which he finds himself in. First off, so far in my history of reading I don't recall reading a book like this. A book which offers a man's perspective on dating. I never really thought men analyze us women so much.:) Lawrence is comparing dating to battlefield, which is also a comparison I couldn't exactly relate to, but then again, it could be the fact it's been long time since I've dated.

However, I found this book very original, funny and entertaining. I read it in just few hours and really liked Lawrence. He might seem a bit bitter at times (at least that's my opinion), but you can feel he DOES care about love and women. I sometimes thought he cares even too much, trying to decode everything a woman does, or tells him, each message or e-mail he gets.

Overall, reading this book was quite an experience. I was literally cheering for Lawrence and hoped he will find the ONE. Will he? Oh that's something you have to find out for yourself:) I sure hope I will read more from Mr Fisher soon.  

My rating
 


Touched by the Light - Linn B. Halton

Sunday, January 29, 2012
 Title - Touched by the Light
Author - Linn B. Halton
Genre - Paranormal
Date published - February 24th 2011
Publisher - Book Guild Publishing
Format -Hardcover
Pages - 238
Author's website - http://linnbhalton.co.uk/
Rating - 5 out of 5

Wow, what a fantastic book! I'm thinking about the genre...it's really hard for me to classify this book. WHY? Well the story involves mediums and ghosts, and a part of me says this could be a romance with paranormal twist, but then again... The story just seems too real and there's a lovely message hidden, so another part of me would classify it as a spiritual read, book about life and hope.
Hmmm, but the point is, no matter which genre I classify it in, it's an amazing book, which without any doubt I will re-read again and probably, again enjoy the story.

I so wish I had read up on the subject of the afterlife. Is this the way it's supposed to be, or am I doing something wrong? Whatever happened to angels and clouds? I ask myself. Wasn't I supposed to have a helper to greet me and show me the ropes?

Her name is Mya, and she just discovered she is no longer alive! Well, she did see the light and the tunnel, so she assumes she entered the other dimension. Afterlife? She never really thought of that, and sure wasn't prepared for this. Is she a spirit, a ghost, can someone see her, hear her, tell her family what happened to her? That's when Laurel enters the picture, she's a medium, though she really hates the fact she has this weird "gift" of talking to dead people. She starts communicating with Mya, though she can't see her, but can always feel her presence and lead long conversations inside her head. Spooky! But why is Mya communicating with Laurel? Is there a reason why this spirit is attached to her?
At first, Mya is very confused, she has no clue how she ended up in this new dimension, she seems to remember her family and bits of her life, but really has no idea what happened to her that brought her to this "state". Is Laurel supposed to help her "cross over" in peace, or is Mya there to change Laurel's world?

Dan is Laurel boyfriend, he's sweet, protective, absolutely lovely. But lately he and Laurel seems to grow apart, until the inevitable happens - they break up. But Mya feels she can't allow this to happen, she believes these two are meant to be together. Will she be capable of bringing them back together?

What an amazing story! Each of the characters in the book is telling a bit of the story, revealing things about their lives, relationships and feelings. As you approach the end of the book you will understand what were the reasons that brought Mya to that "state" and what was her "mission". There were few plot twists that absolutely took me by surprise, I really had no idea the story would go that direction. The characters are so vivid, you will feel like being in the same room with them (or talking to them in your head - Spooky again!:))
This is the first book by Linn B. Halton I've read, but it's definitely not going to be the last one. Actually I'm really really looking forward to reading more from this author. Will talented Linn B Halton surprise me with another interesting story about Afterlife? Oh I sure hope so! Excellent book that will warm your hearts, and make you wonder.. Are things happening to us fate, coincidence or part of a greater plan?

"You can play, you can make your choices, you can think you have total control. But who controls the paths that converge and who decides which moment in life is a truly defining one?"

Just think about it and enjoy this mesmerizing story.:)  

My rating
 



Polls Apart - Clare Stephen - Johnston

Wednesday, January 25, 2012
 Title - Polls Apart
Author - Clare Stephen - Johnston
Genre - Thriller
Date published -   September 1st 2011
Publisher -  Thames River Press
Format - Paperback
Pages - 200
Rating - 5 out of 5

Is this book really a debut? *goes to get the book from the shelf. Checks the cover. Doesn't believe her eyes!*
OH-MY-GOD! this is really a debut! Clare Stephen-Johnston began writing fiction in 2008, and Polls Apart is her first novel - says the cover. But trust me, when you read it you gonna be as surprised as I am, because you will have the feeling this is the 10th book the author has written!

World of show business and politics... within these worlds there is no reality, only illusions.

Politics, affairs, sex scandals, intrigue... this book has it all! Anna Lloyd is a 37 year old actress married to Richard Williams, the leader of Social Democratic Party (SDP). Richard is running for a Prime Minister, but things gonna get really nasty as newspapers start revealing some very unpleasant news about his wife's life. Anna really had a tough childhood, growing up with a mother who was alcoholic and being left by her dad when she was only 8. As if this isn't already a tragedy, her stepfather is staring to sexually abuse her and her sister Libby. Life seems a real hell for Anna and her sister, abused everyday and no sign of their mother to help. What a B**** their mother! The girls are forced to defend themselves and one day they kill their stepfather. They spend 2 years in Juvenile Center, but this is actually first time in many years they finally feel free. Now, many years later, all of this is back to haunt her because of her husband's elections and the political enemies who are trying to make him resign and quit the elections.

Is power more important than love? Is politics gonna end up a happy marriage and destroy two people that love each other and share the same dream?

This is a fantastic political thriller, fast paced and absolutely intriguing. I thoroughly enjoyed it and think Clare Stephen-Johnston is amazingly talented author with a unique writing style. I never liked politics, and this book just prove to me what I already knew - There's nothing more important in life than love and family. What I admired the most is the fact the author puts so much life into her characters (especially in Anna's character). It's really easy to relate to her, to feel her pain, and I have to admit, while reading the parts about the abuse, I had tears in my eyes. It's just so so sad and frustrating to think there are many women out there who experience the hell she's going through. In the beginning, Anna seemed wild, rebellious, free , but as you get to know her history you will start seeing her in a completely new light. She's not a survivor you want to pity, she's a FIGHTER!

This book is a real page turner and without any doubt I recommend it to everyone! I really hope Clare will surprise us soon with another fantastic, gripping book.  I sure can't wait!

My rating


Pyxis/Airel/Arson Blog Tour! Review + Giveaway!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hey guys, today I have awesome news! My blog is a part of a HUGE Giveaway Blog Tour and today is my stop - and time to present 3 FABULOUS BOOKS, 4 AMAZING AUTHORS AND...AND... Awesome GIVEAWAY! YAY! What is there to win? A canvas Pyxis tote, signed Pyxis bookmark, and signed Pyxis magnet  (US ONLY).

But first let me introduce you to these great books and authors (also feel free to read my review of Pyxis by K.C. Neal). 




 PYXIS by K.C. Neal
 
Buy on AMAZON.COM | Buy on AMAZON.CO.UK


Corinne lives an average teenage life working at her dad’s cafe, hanging out with her best friend, and trying to forget a falling-out with her almost-boyfriend Mason. Things take a strange turn when she uses her late grandmother’s food dyes for a bake sale, and her customers suddenly find her irresistibly alluring. Then she discovers she and Mason are haunted by the same dreams of a dark force that consumes everything in its path. Pursued by shadowy figures and a crazy woman with secrets from the past, Corinne must find out who her grandmother really was. In her quest to unravel her family’s history, she learns she is destined to protect this world--and the dark world of her dreams. She races to find the answers she seeks before her nightmares break free.


 Read MY REVIEW of Pyxis



 ARSON by Estevan Vega
  
Buy on AMAZON.COM | Buy on AMAZON.CO.UK

Arson Gable feels like a freak. He can create fire. He never asked for it. He never wanted it. But he can't shut it off. Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl--who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin--moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. Using what he fears most about himself, Arson must face his consuming past and confront the nightmare that is his present as he walks the fine line between boy and monster.




 AIREL by Aaron Patterson & Chris White

Buy on AMAZON.COM | Buy on AMAZON.CO.UK

Airel is a story about an angel who falls so deeply in love with a woman that he chooses to fall from heaven to be with her. She gives birth to a daughter in Arabia, 1250BC. The girl is pursued ferociously, relentlessly by an enemy in the deepest darkness. In present day Boise, Idaho is just a girl: Airel. She's just your average high school student...who turns out to be anything but average. It's because of who she is, because of her ancestry, because of her lineage. Past and present crash in on each other in the final pages as what has been twisted comes dangerously unraveled.



GIVEAWAY OF A canvas Pyxis tote, signed Pyxis bookmark, and signed Pyxis magnet  (US ONLY).

Open to US residents
Ends - January 31st 2012

TO ENTER:
Leave your comment and your e-mail address in the comment section of this post. (Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam).


There will be ONE winner picked by Random.org, which will be contacted by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond. If not responding, new winner will be picked.

ALSO DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE KINDLE GIVEAWAY ON K.C. NEAL'S BLOG !

Good luck all!:)


Pyxis: The Discovery (Pyxis #1) - K. C. Neal

Title - Pyxis: The Discovery (Pyxis #1)
Author - K. C. Neal
Genre - Young Adult
Date published -   October 15th 2011
Publisher -  StoneHouse Ink
Format - ebook
Pages -
Author's website - http://kcneal.blogspot.com/
Rating - 4 out of 5

Seems EVERYONE has been talking about this book lately! SERIOUSLY! I really HAD to check it out and see WHY everyone seems to like it! Boy... all these bloggers that absolutely loved it ARE RIGHT! Pyxis is freakin' incredible book!
The story is very original and I found the characters pretty much realistic, normal, average teenagers any person could relate to. The story is centered around Corinne Finley, who discovers one day she has a strange family history. Under very strange circumstances she discovers her grandmother's little treasure, a wooden box with PYXIS engraved in old fashioned capital letters containing strange bottles of liquids. Are they food dyes? Because after all, her grandmother did like to bake. Now we come to the mystery part!
She starts having strange visions of her grandmother Doris telling her to use these liquids to cure her twin sister Dorothy, who had a stroke same day Doris died. Hmmm, are these weird stories about twins' connections real?
The story gets more complex as Corinne, Angeline and Mason (oh the cutest little thing ever) discover PYXIS is not just a wooden box!
Pyxis, Guardians and Shields...This story will blow your mind and make you read this book in one sitting!

I really loved this book! The story is very original, well written and the characters are well developed. The mystery/paranormal element just adds to the story and will keep you wanting to know what will happen at the end! Corinne is an amazing girl, a girl you would like to be your friend (or daughter), she's intelligent, brave and has a big heart. Her friend Ang is fantastic! She's her Guardian! As for Mason, he's simply adorable..very mature and uber cute! Now that I mention Guardians and Shields..what a fantastic symbolism!!! Our friends are really our Guardians and people we love (our partners) are really our Shields, protecting us form everyone and everything! ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC BOOK you won't be able to put down! I highly recommend this to everyone that enjoys young adult! I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment! 

My rating