Book Review - The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

 

Mariana Andros is certain that Edward Fosca is a murderer but, he is untouchable. He is a devilishly handsome popular Greek tragedy professor at Cambridge.  He is well adored by staff and students especially by the secret society of female students called The Maidens. 

Mariana works as a group therapist and is fixated on Edward Fosca and the Maidens. She believes that they are responsible for the death of Tara, her niece's friend. Mariana was also once a student at the idyllic school but, she suspects something dark is hiding behind the beautiful facade. 

She remains convinced that Edward is guilty despite his alibi.When another body is found, Mariana's obsession with Fosca spirals out of control. As she falls into the rabbit hole, her reputation and credibility is being questioned. However, Mariana is determined to find and stop the killer even if it might cost her life.

I was very excited to read this book because I loved his previous novel. However, I had a hard time falling in love with this book because I didn't care for Mariana. I felt like she was frustrating and annoying at times. I thought the book moved very slowly in the middle and that the story just plodded along. I felt that ending was unsatisfying as it didn't really give any answers.  I would still be open to reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The End of Her by Shari Lapena

 

Stephanie and Patrick are trying adjusting to life with their colicky twin girls. The babies are a handful and Stephanie struggles with sleep deprivation but, she feels that she has everything she ever wanted.

A woman from Patrick's past, Erica, appears and makes a deadly accusation. She claims that Patrick's first wife didn't die by accident but, Patrick murdered her. Patrick insists that he is innocent and that Erica is only after their money.  As Stephanie interacts with Patrick and Erica, Stephanie begins to suspect that her husband might be a murderer. As Stephanie begins to lose her trust in Patrick, she wonders who is telling the truth?

This book was a devious good read that leaves the reader guessing until the end. I was a little disappointed in the ending where many of the characters had their back against the wall but, we never know what became of them. I didn't care of most of the characters but, I still wanted to know their fates. Overall, it was a good book and I look forward to reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The Bloom Girls by A.J. Pine

 

Gabi Bloom only believes in photographic evidence and things she can view from her camera lens. She certain doesn't believe in signs. She went to Europe to kick off her photography career and see the sights. When she is in Ireland, all of that changes when she locks eyes with a blue eyed American bartender, Ethan. She wasn't prepared for how intense her attraction to him would be or that they would be going together engaged. 

Forty year old, Alissa has a lot on her plate and now she has to worry about her daughter's upcoming marriage. She raised her daughter by herself while Gabi's father, Matt, traveled the globe. As she is dealing with her little girl getting married, Alissa finds out that she is pregnant again. Her ex is the father and he wants to be a part of her life for good. However, Alissa decides to keep it a secret so she can help Gabi plan the perfect wedding.

The book started off interesting as we learn how Gabi meets Ethan but, around the halfway mark I lost interest in the book. I felt like we got snippets on Gabi's relationship but, then the story skips their time together and then starts off on them returning home together. I feel like that didn't give us any insight into their relationship.

I had a hard time bonding or liking any of the characters as we barely got to know their backstory. They felt like cardboard cut outs. The book had a few funny moments but, the story barely moved along. Instead there was pages and pages filled with fluff pieces and different random characters finding out Alissa's secret. I felt that too much time was given to the fluffy parts of the story rather than the interesting bits. I felt like that this book was focusing on too many things and should have just focused on one story line. There was so many teases and hints about character's stories that went nowhere. I like romcoms as much as the next person but, this book was a complete miss for me.

Book Review - Kyle's Little Sister by BonHyung Jeong

 

Grace just started middle school and she wants to be known by her name and not just "Kyle's little sister!" Her older brother is good looking and social while, Grace is the total opposite. She prefers to stay at home and play video games. Grace is desperate for a way to get out of Kyle's shadow and live her own life.

The graphic novel was a cute read. It was predictable and I have read similar stories before. I wish there was a bit more humor as the graphic novel was a bit straightforward. I would be interested in reading other graphic novels by the author.

August 2021 Empties!

 

Ah August is here which means summer is almost finished! I can't wait for the cooler weather. I am super proud of myself with all the things I managed to finish this month. I think this is the most I ever finished.

I love using nose strips because its just so satisfying to remove the strip and seeing all the gunk adhere to the strip. The Me Factory 3 step mask I bought was fun to use but some part of the strip didn't stick properly and it didn't work very well. I had bought the strips for $1 and thought that was a fair price. 

Usually, I only take warm baths during the cooler months but I been enjoying a nice warm bath here and there when the weather has been tolerant. I recently re-discovered my love for Burt's Bees Milk baths. They have two - one "herbal" for adults and "buttermilk" for babies. They both have a pleasant scent that disappears quickly but, my skin is left feeling so soft.

I liked the Glo Renew Serum. It had a nice scent and when I applied this after applying a sheet mask, my skin was glowing the next day. I liked the ThisWorks Sleep body lotion. It felt relaxing to put on and made my skin softer when I woke up. However, I am not sure if its worth the $$$ price tag.

Is there anything you finished this month that you adored?

Here is everything I finished this month -

Me Factory 3 Step Pore Cleansing Strips

Burt's Bees Herbal Milk Bath

Midflower Clarifying Black Mask

MediHeal Warming Eye Mask

Honey Jarret Super Beau'Tea Mask Rose

Coscodi Propolis Blanc Cell Mask

Yadah Ba-Fu Facial Mask

Dewytree Skin-Derma Aqua Mask

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Bath

Murad Environmental Shield Essential C Cleanser

Nature Queen Premium Herbal Shampoo

Julep Nail Polish - Quinn

Glo Skin Beauty Solution Clear Renew Serum

Sabon Tropic Sorbet

Erno Laszlo The Famous Black Soap

Clio Gelpresso Eye Liner

Georgette Klinger Collagen & Elastin Mask

Murad Blackhead Remover

Thisworks Deep Sleep Body Cocoon

Coastal Salt + Soul Heavenly Hand Cream Blue Watermint

Yadah Cactus Toner

Neuma reNu Scalp Therapy

Rahua Clasic Conditioner

SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser Gel

h20+ Hydration Oasis Refreshing Gel Moisturizer

It's a 10 Miracle Leave - In Product

Book Review - The Residence by Andrew Pyper

 

In 1853, President Franklin Pierce and his family are traveling to Washington, DC when a tragic accident occurs. Their train runs off the rails and the passengers are violently thrown around in the cabin. When the train finally settles, the only casualty is Bennie, the beloved son of the President. Franklin's presidency is tainted with sorrow and grief.

When Franklin arrives to the White House, he notices weird occurrences. There are strange noises coming from the walls and ceilings along with visions of spirits that perished in the White House. The First Lady Jane Pierce decides to bring in the noted Spiritualists, the Fox Sisters, for a séance. During the séance, the barrier between this world and the next is broken causing something dangerous to come through and take residence in the mansion. Franklin and Jane are overcome with grief but, they know they need to banish the dark presence before it takes over the White House.

The book had an interesting premise but, I think it lacked in execution. The author slowly built up the story but, it went nowhere. I quickly lost interest when I was seventy percent finished because the author was introducing creepy elements that didn't seem to have a purpose. I found the novel to be incredibly boring and couldn't be bothered to finish the rest of it.

Book Review - Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan

 

Jess is a stay-at-home mother of three. Many see her as the perfect mother and a role model. Liz admires the mother Jess has become after being friends for a decade. Then everything Liz knows is shattered when Jess's baby, Betsey, is admitted to the hospital with a head injury. Jess offers vague reasons behind Betsey's accident.

I thought the book was going in a different direction based on the cover of the book. I felt like the book was a bit slow. I didn't think that the book needed to be that long. I am not sure why this was considered a thriller as the only twist was at the very end.

Book Review - Going Wild (The Infamous Frankie Lorde) by Brittany Geragotelis + Giveaway

 

Frankie loved using her unique set of skills against a crooked real estate mogul with her friend, Ollie. However, she is getting restless especially when her dad is still stuck in prison. Frankie struggles to come to terms with her being stuck in Connecticut a lot longer than she expected.

While volunteering at a local animal shelter, Frankie and Ollie learn that there is an exotic animal farm supplying the wealthy with illegal animals such as lions, tigers, and snakes. Frankie wants to do something to protect the endangered animals that are being held captive in horrendous conditions. She decides she will find a way to free the animals while capturing the bad guys in a trap of their own.

I like reading books that are targeted towards young readers as they usually filled with interesting story lines sprinkled with humor. I didn't really care for this book as it boring and completely unrealistic. I know a middle school aged child who is an expert thief is a bit unrealistic and should be taken with a grain of salt but, other things was just completely unbelievable and this didn't strike me as a fantasy novel. I felt it hard that a middle school-er could dress up and fool a bunch of adults that they are adults. I also found Frankie's personality confusing, she was acting like an "adult" but, did seriously childish things. Personally, I like books with a bit of humor and found this book just boring and unappealing. I wouldn't be interested in reading other books in this series.

 **Disclosure - I relieved a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

 

About The Book:

Title: GOING WILD (The Infamous Frankie Lorde #2)

Author: Brittany Geragotelis

Pub. Date: August 3, 2021

Publisher: Pixel + Ink

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 304

Find it:  Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

In this upper middle grade series, a pre-teen international thief turns over a new leaf (sort of) to right societal wrongs in her snooty new town. For Frankie, using her less-than-legal set of skills to pull a heist against a crooked real estate mogul with the help of her new friend Ollie was super gratifying, but she's getting restless now. In the second book in the series, the potentially reformed thief dives into the dangerous and political world of trafficking exotic animals. Frankie and Ollie hear that there's a dangerous exotic animal farm supplying Greenwich's elite with lions and tigers and bears. Feeling an instant kinship with the endangered creatures locked away in their cages, Frankie makes it her mission to find the perpetrators, free the beautiful beasts, and ensnare the bad guys in a trap of her own.

Reviews:

"Fast and cinematic."—School Library Journal

"A thriller for fans of plot-driven stories."—Kirkus Reviews

 

Grab book 1 Stealing Greenwich now!

 

 

About Brittany Geragotelis: 

Brittany Geragotelis, a former Olympic-bound gymnast and magazine editor, is a self-professed pop culture junkie turned author. Her paranormal action book Life’s a Witch received 18 million reads on the writing site Wattpad.com. What the Spell is the first published book in the series, followed by Life’s a Witch and The Witch Is Back. The Infamous Frankie Lorde is her first series with Pixel+Ink. Brittany lives in Los Angeles with her awesome husband, two clever boys, one scaredy-cat, and a crazy dog.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of GOING WILD, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/26/2021	Kait Plus Books	Guest Post
7/26/2021	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Guest Post
7/27/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
7/27/2021	BookHounds	Instagram Post
7/28/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
7/28/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Instagram Post
7/29/2021	More Books Please blog	Review
7/29/2021	More Books Please blog	Instagram Post
7/30/2021	The Phantom Paragrapher	Review
7/30/2021	The Phantom Paragrapher	Instagram Post

Week Two:

8/2/2021	Living in a Bookworld	Excerpt
8/2/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
8/3/2021	Books and Zebras	Review
8/3/2021	Midnightbooklover	Instagram Post
8/4/2021	The Momma Spot	Review
8/4/2021	The Momma Spot	Instagram Post
8/5/2021	Two Chicks on Books	Guest Post
8/5/2021	Jaimerockstarbooktours	Instagram Post
8/6/2021	Fire and Ice	Review
8/6/2021	Two Points of Interest	Review

Book Review - The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell

 

The first Mrs. Ford was a beautiful and accomplished socialite that was married to a younger man. She mysteriously died one day and left her wealth to her husband. The second Mrs. Ford is a waitress from a small town who is struggling to ends meet. They met during a summer fling ten years prior and now she is rich beyond her dreams. Connor Ford is a mysterious man who is beloved by two women. Is he a victim or the mastermind behind his first wife's death?

 The book was interesting a few pages in but, towards the middle it felt like it was dragging. The ending came as a one-two punch with a few twists but, those were seen miles away. I can't say that I cared for the main character of the book as she is one of the dumbest person I ever read. There was one scene someone alluded to a murderer being in the house and she got evidence for her case but, she leaves it barely hidden and goes to confront the person. I am not sure about you but, if there is someone wishing to do me harm I don't go directly to them to make myself and easy target. However, I would still be opened to reading other books by the author.

August 2021 Haul!

 

Yay, it's August that means only a few more months until my beloved Fall arrives. I am 100% done with this hot weather and can't wait for some cool evenings. This month I went completely overboard and bought tons of stuff. And as per usual, I finished 4 things :D

I got some generic looking Korean hand cream that looked fun and they were only $5 a tube. They came in vanilla, shea butter, honey matcha, lavender, and  sweet citrus. They seemed like a cheap way to brighten up a day. I like Margot Elena's products because of their pretty packaging and unique scents. I love their willow & water line and bought another shower gel from them. I love Rituals shower gel and bought their new (to me) Express Your Soul shower gel. I like using shower gels during the warmer months because of their scents and it feels refreshing.

I got a bunch of new MAC lipsticks that I am really excited to use. I got Give Me Fever, Sweetie and E for Effortless. I love Tarte Sugar Rush collection so, I decided to try their Strawberry lip glaze. I love Charlotte Tilbury's packaging and the name of this lipstick - Bond Girl. I am going to save it for most daring and sultry sweat pants wearing days. I heard so many good things about this IG popular brand - Dragun Beauty, that I got two lip products. I got Dragun blood and a really dark red which I can't make out the color name, I got this beautiful Huda Matte lipstick in Bawse. I am not sure why I keep buying so many lip products and I haven't finished a single color lip product other than one lip balm this year. I guess some people go to therapy, I buy lipstick. 

I been reading a lot lately and slouching which has been leading to back pains. I am so excited to try this CBD rub with Kopari. I have tried other CBD rubs and loved them. I got this new facial oil from Farmacy that I am excited to try. I got this weird but cool salmon cream (!!) by Byroe. I got a bunch of things I can't wait to try.

Is there anything you got recently that you love?

Book Review - Cold Hearted (Villains, #8) by Serena Valentino + Giveaway

 

The tale is familiar as time. A young beautiful maiden is grieving for the loss of her mother. Her doting father is desperate to give his daughter a new mother. However, the girl's new stepmother is cold, cruel and selfish and when her husband dies, she makes the girl a servant in her own home.

But who is the stepmother really? What is the true story behind her life and what lead to her being so closed off? Before the glass slipper and the prince, there was another love story being told. There was a widow who thought she lost the love of her life and would never find love again. Then she finds herself falling in love with someone else. Only after she gives her heart and money does she realize that she doesn't get her own happily ever after.

I love books that retell classic story with a twist. However, I was quite disappointed in this novel and found it to be boring. There was no special twist or an interesting moment in the entire story. I am not sure if its because I didn't read the other books in the series but, after reading this novel I don't think I would ever pick up the other books.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion**

 

 

About the Book

Title: COLD HEARTED (Villains #8)

Author: Serena Valentino

Pub. Date: July 6, 2021

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 304

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

This was supposed to be her happily ever after...

It’s a familiar tale: A kind and beautiful young girl, reeling from loss. A doting father, frantic to bring a mother’s love back into his daughter’s life. And the selfish, cruel woman who insinuates herself into that family―a woman so unfeeling, so cold hearted, that when her new husband dies, she makes the girl a servant in her own home.

But who is that evil stepmother, that icy lady of the house? How did she become so closed off that, in the face of a child’s grief, she thought only to seek wealth and power for herself and her abhorrent daughters? Before that fateful ball, before the glass slipper and the prince, there was another story―a story of love and grief, of hope and of dreams dashed. It is the story of Lady Tremaine.

Even the coldest of villains are sometimes wives and mothers, women who loved and lost and hoped for something grander for their lives . . . once upon a dream.

The latest novel in Serena Valentino’s deliciously devious Villains series introduces the most famed and hated wicked stepmother of them all―but turns everything you know about her on its head.

 

GRAB ALL THE VILLAINS BOOKS NOW!

Don’t miss Serena’s live stream on July 6^th on Creepy Kingdom’s YouTube Channel!

 

About Serena:

Serena Valentino has been weaving tales that combine mythos and guile for the past decade. She has earned critical acclaim in both the comic and horror domains, where she is known for her unique style of storytelling, bringing her readers into exquisitely frightening worlds filled with terror, beauty, and extraordinary protagonists. The books in her best-selling Villains series are best enjoyed when read in the following order: Fairest of All, The Beast Within, Poor Unfortunate Soul, Mistress of All Evil, Mother Knows Best, Odd Sisters, Evil Thing, and Cold Hearted.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of COLD HEARTED, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/1/2021	YABooksCentral	Excerpt
7/2/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
7/3/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review

Week Two:

7/4/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
7/5/2021	She Just Loves Books	Review
7/6/2021	@curlygrannylovestoread	Review
7/7/2021	History from a Woman’s Perspective	Review
7/8/2021	@autumn.booked	Review
7/9/2021	@kristens.reading.nook	Review
7/10/2021	Fyrekatz Blog	Review

Week Three:

7/11/2021	The Reading Wordsmith	Review
7/12/2021	Lilly's Book World	Review
7/13/2021	BRITTREADSALATTEBOOKS	Review
7/14/2021	Phannie the ginger bookworm	Review
7/15/2021	@pagesofyellow	Review
7/16/2021	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review
7/17/2021	Don't Judge, Read	Review

Week Four:

7/18/2021	@under_the_aurora.borealis	Review
7/19/2021	A Fictional Bookworm	Review
7/20/2021	@minnesota_mailer	Review
7/21/2021	Books Are Magic Too	Review
7/22/2021	@lostinbookverse	Review
7/23/2021	hauntedbybooks	Review
7/24/2021	The Momma Spot	Review

Week Five:

7/25/2021	Books and Zebras @jypsylynn	Review
7/26/2021	Bookish Rantings	Review
7/27/2021	Book-Keeping	Review
7/28/2021	Popthebutterfly	Review
7/29/2021	Momfluenster	Review
7/30/2021	@fictitious.fox	Review
7/31/2021	two points of interest	Review