Book Review - The Center of the Universe by Ria Voros + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

GG Carter is a beautiful famous celebrity news anchor. GG is everything her daughter, Grace is not. GG is flawless, beautiful, and has impeccable taste. While Grace is an aspiring astrophysicist. GG and Grace have never quite understood each other.

Then one day GG just disappears. Reporters and camera descend on their house to report on the story. Grace and her family are struggling for answers over GG's disappearance. While the authorities are looking into GG disappearance, Grace grows closer to her high school's popular boy, Mylo. Grace realizes she doesn't know her mother as well as she thought. She is left wondering did her mother leave on purpose or was she abducted?

When I first read the premise of the book, I thought it would be an interesting read. However, roughly one-third of the book, I lost interest in the novel. I felt it like it was very slow and boring. There were almost zero buildups on why GG disappeared. During, the GG's disappearance I felt like the disappearance was a side story compared to Grace and Mylo's budding friendship. The book didn't have enough material to keep me interested in the characters.

 **Disclosure - I received a free uneditted copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Title: THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE

Author: Ria Voros

Pub. Date: April 2, 2018

Publisher: KCP Loft

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 512

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD

Grace Carter's mother --- the celebrity news anchor GG Carter --- is everything Grace is not. GG is a star, with a flawless wardrobe and a following of thousands, while Grace --- an aspiring astrophysicist --- is into stars of another kind. She and her mother have always been in different orbits.

Then one day GG is just ... gone. Cameras descend on their house, news shows speculate about what might have happened and Grace's family struggles to find a new rhythm as they wait for answers.

While the authorities unravel the mystery behind GG's disappearance, Grace grows closer to her high school's golden boy, Mylo, who has faced a black hole of his own. She also uncovers some secrets from her mother's long-lost past. The more Grace learns, the more she wonders. Did she ever really know her mother? Was GG abducted ... or did she leave? And if she left, why?

Author Ria Voros (Nobody's Dog, The Opposite of Geek) reaches for the stars here, deftly combining mystery with a passion for science and themes of mother-daughter bonds, celebrity, first love and best friendship.

Facts about astronomy and astrophysics are seamlessly woven into the story and are supplemented by an interview with real-life astrophysicist Elizabeth Tasker, making this the perfect book for readers who love STEM. And even readers who don't have stars in their eyes will love this smart, suspenseful, relatable and literary novel.

About Ria:

Ria Voros is a YA and children’s author, teacher, presenter and obsessive reader. Her children’s and young adult novels have been finalists for the White Pine Award, the Rocky Mountain Book Award, and been a Best Books for Kids and Teens selection. She has an MFA in creative writing from the University of British Columbia. When she’s not writing, teaching or eating sweet things, Ria can be found hiking to the tops of mountains or buying too many books at any bookstore she enters. She lives in Victoria, BC, Canada with her husband, daughter and son.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 lucky winners will win a finished copy of THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE, US Only.

Giveaway Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2907/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Two:

4/1/2019- Moonlight Rendezvous- Review

4/2/2019- PopTheButterfly Reads- Review

4/3/2019- A Gingerly Review- Review

4/4/2019- Here's to Happy Endings- Review

4/5/2019- two points of interest- Review

Book Review - Redemption Point (Crimson Lake #2) by Candice Fox

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ted Conkaffey has been falsely accused of abducting Claire Bingley. He moves to Crimson Lake to disappear and rebuild his life. He works with private detective Amanda Pharrell to help solves cases. However, Ted starts to realize that no matter where he goes, he can never escape his past.

Clarie's father, Dale has an act of revenge on his mind. He wants Ted to help him find the true culprit of the violent act against his daughter. He is willing to stop at nothing to get his revenge. If Ted doesn't get on board with his plan, he will be the first casualty.

Meanwhile, Amanda is investigating a homicide involving two young bartenders at a dive bar called Barking Frog Inn. It is also Detective Inspector Pip Sweeney's first homicide investigation. The duo finds themselves oddly comfortable in each other's presence.  However, as they continue to work the case, they realize there a special bond between them.

The book was an interesting read and a good ending for the series. I liked seeing Amanda and Ted being accepted by other characters for people beyond their past. I wished that Ted came out of his shell a bit more and defend himself. I think for a guy who knows that he is innocent but leaves his battles for other people to fight, shouldn't mourn things he lost in his life and especially if he doesn't anything about it. While this novel could be read as a standalone, I found the novel to be more enjoyable when it was read together.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Friendroid by M.M. Vaughan + Giveaway

Photo Source - Amazon

Eric Young is a popular well-liked kid. Eric just moved to Ashland and he needs to make friends with the right kind of people. The kind of people who are interested in skateboarding and new Slick sneakers his Uncle Martin sends to him. However, Eric has a deep dark secret; he doesn't know that he is an android.

Danny Lazio is the opposite of Eric Young. He doesn't have any friends and his classmates don't accept him. Danny has Land X though, an online role-playing game that he excels in. When Danny finds out that Eric is also a fan of the game, he thinks finally found a friend. 

However, Danny realizes there is something odd behind Eric's sudden disappearances, his parents, and lifestyle. Danny and Eric try to investigate the weird events that seem to occur only when Eric is around. As the dig deeper into Eric's life, they realize there is a powerful force that will stop at nothing to keep Eric's secret quiet.

The novel was a heartfelt read about friendship and finding the one person who understands you. While it was an enjoyable and relatable read, I found the book to be very predictable.  Overall, a fun read for people of any age as it teaches readers the quality of friends is better than quantity.

 **Disclosure - I received a free uneditted copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (March 26, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1481490656
ISBN-13: 978-1481490658

Praise for FRIENDROID

"A timely parable for this generation of digital natives." ―Kirkus

"Vaughan presents another noteworthy sf middle-grade offering peppered with mystery." ―Booklist

"For middle-grade readers who are ready to fight the power." ―Publishers Weekly

Stranger Things meets robots in this sweet story about an unlikely friendship between two boys—one human, one android.

Eric Young is an android, but he doesn’t know. He does know that he’s just moved to Ashland, so it’s important to make the right kind of friends—the kind that would be interested in skateboarding and the new Slick sneakers his Uncle Martin sends him.

Danny Lazio doesn’t have any friends, but he doesn’t care. Even if his classmates don’t accept him, he still has Land X, the online role play game that he’s actually really good at. But then Eric takes an interest in Land X, and suddenly Danny thinks he might have found a real friend…if he can figure out the mystery behind Eric’s sudden disappearances and strange lifestyle.

It becomes harder to ignore the weird events that happen only around Eric. But uncovering the secret behind Eric’s identity is an act that might cost them both as powerful forces soon move in around them.

This heartfelt story about friendship and what it means to be human is sure to tug at your soul—or your soul-chip if you’re like Eric.

You can purchase Friendroid at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from M.M. Vaughan

The daughter of South American parents, Monica Meira Vaughan grew up in Spain before moving to London at the age of five where she learnt English by watching Sesame Street and reading every Roald Dahl book she could get her hands on. On leaving school, and after a brief stint in public relations, Monica decided to train as a primary school teacher. She spent over ten years working in special needs, mostly with children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, before becoming a full time writer.

Monica loves writing after midnight, building cardboard cities and playing Lego with her daughter. She lives in London, UK.

        

WEEK THREE

APRIL 1st MONDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW 

APRIL 2nd TUESDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

APRIL 3rd WEDNESDAY The Avid Reader REVIEW 

APRIL 3rd WEDNESDAY Stephanie's Life of Determination REVIEW

APRIL 4th THURSDAY Port Jericho REVIEW & TENS LIST 

APRIL 5th FRIDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW & INTERVIEW 

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Book Review - Crimson Lake (Crimson Lake, #1) by Candice Fox

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ted Conkaffey was a prominent detective on the Sydney drug task force, a beloved husband and a soon to be a father. All it took was six minutes in the wrong place at the wrong time to ruin everything Ted holds dear to him.  Ted is accused but, not convicted of a brutal abduction of a young child. He is a free man but, he becomes public enemy number one when he is released. However, he staunchly maintains his innocence and goes up north to lie low.

Upon his arrival to Crimson Lake, Ted's lawyer introduces him to a private investigator Amanda Pharrell. Amanda is an eccentric convicted murderer. However, Ted has a hard time believing that Amanda is a cold-blooded killer. He agrees to help with her investigation of a missing author. While digging into the case, he secretly digs into Amanda's past.

I am torn after reading this book. After reading the positive reviews online and on the book cover, I was actually expecting a bit more from this book. I found Ted to be very "weak" of a character and relies on Amanda for support but, then he questions her innocence. Amanda's character seemed a bit weird that she is oddly outspoken but, refused to talk about her trial or defend herself. I felt if the story wasn't as slow, I would have enjoyed it better.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

Photo Credit - Amazon

Cassie Hanwell strives under pressure, especially during emergencies. As she is one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she has dealt with a fair share of them. She can handle other people's tragedies but, any of her own. When Cassie's ailing and estranged mother asks her to move to Boston to help take care of her, Cassie is suddenly thrown into an emergency of her own. 

Cassie finds a new job at an old-school Boston firehouse that is completely different from her old job. The new firehouse lacks proper facilities, equipment, funding, and the crew regularly hazes each other. None of the firemen on staff is happy that their captain hired a lady to be on their shift, even if Cassie comes highly recommended.  

The only person that doesn't mind having Cassie around is the handsome rookie, Owen. Cassie feels drawn to him but, she knows firemen can't date each other and she doesn't believe love is her thing.  However, the more Cassie learns about the rookie, the more she feels her resolve to stay away from him slipping away. Will Cassie open up herself to love even if it means losing the only job she ever loved?

I have read the author's other book, How to Walk Away and enjoyed it. I was excited to read this book as the previous novel was an emotionally captivating book. While, this book delivers a powerful message about forgiveness, love, courage, and vulnerability, I didn't find myself feeling much for the characters. I didn't feel invested in Cassie and had a hard time relating to her. I felt like the story was missing an emotional connection for me like the previous book had. It is a good book if you are a fan of the author but, to me it felt like a giant fluff piece.

 **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel

Photo Credit - Amazon

Sophia Barrett is a trained counselor who helps patients deal with their burdens. After taking time off because of a tragic accident, Sophia returns to work. However, when she meets a patient who has similar troubles as her, Sophia realizes she hasn't dealt with her loss. Deciding she needs some space and time to heal, she heads to Cornwall, England to heal. She moves into an apartment above a charming bookstore where is she surrounded by her favorite thing: books.  Will Sophia be able to heal from her past trauma? 

Ginny Rose is the bookstore owner and she is desperate to save her husband's dream business. She can't even ask her husband for help as he decided to take a break from their marriage. She is trying to keep her husband's dream alive but, she feels that she is missing something in her life. But, with an unexpected friendship emerges between her and Sophia; Ginny is hopeful that together with her brother-in-law, William,  they can save her bookstore. Will Sophia be able to save her bookstore and find herself in the process?

While organizing the bookstore's rare book inventory, Sophia finds a notebook containing journal entry from Emily Fairfax. Emily was a governess who lives in Cornwall more than 150 years ago.  Emily has a secret dream of being an author and she writes about her secret crush on her childhood friend, Edward. However, Edward is above her class and their union would be frowned upon.

Sophia is drawn and feels connected to Emily's story. Curious to learn more about Emily, Sophia enlists William and Ginny to research Emily's past. Together, Ginny realizes that she wants to save the bookstore on her accord and not because she thinks it would save her marriage. Sophia finds a new purpose and a way to heal during her journey with Ginny and William.

I thought the novel had an enjoyable but, predictable story. The author's idea of combining three different points of views of the women added an extra dimension to the story. It allowed the readers to understand and feel for each character. I enjoyed seeing two strong females helping each other heal and move on. However, if you are expecting a novel with secrets, suspense, and thrills, you would be better off reading another book.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

Photo Credit - Amazon

Annika Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. She becomes anxious in social situations and she finds it hard to decipher people's behaviors. She finds comfort in books and playing chess.

When newcomer Jonathan Hoffman joins the chess club, he plays his first match against Annika. After he loses his first match, he finds himself drawn to the beautiful but, shy Annika. Jonathan admires that Annika is able to be true to herself. They are both drawn to each other as they balance each other out. Together, they embark in tender love affair when a tragic accident tears them apart causing them to live separate lives.

A decade has passed and Annika and Jonathan has a fate encounter in Chicago. Annika is living the life as she wanted as a librarian. Jonathan is a recovering from a divorce and is a financial expert. The attraction between the pair is still strong. Together, they decide to rekindle their relationship. However, they quickly realize that their fears, quirks, and anxieties that first drove them apart, is threatening their relationship once again. Will Annika and Jonathan be able to work through their differences.

I found myself torn between thinking this book was "meh" to "I liked it". At first, I didn't quite like Annika because I was reminded of some uneventful childhood experiences. But, after learning more about her, I was able to understand her better. I thought Jonathan loved Annika but, sometimes I feel like he "tolerating" or with her because of how pretty she was. I felt like there was a lot of focus on how beautiful she was or that her beauty was "wasted" because of how she was. I didn't like how people were sometimes unnecessarily cruel to Annika because she couldn't understand the world around her. I think the novel was a tad boring, I wish it had more going on.

 **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Beast Rider by Tony Johnston and Marí de Rhoads

Photo Credit - Amazon

 Manuel is just twelve years old when he leaves his small town in Mexico. He travels across the US border, on a train to join his older brother in Los Angeles. Becoming a "beast rider" is dangerous but, Manuel faces other perils even if he manages to survive the jump on the train. 

The first time he is on the train, he is robbed then beaten and arrested by the Mexican police. Manuel doesn't allow his first defeat to deter him. He is attacked by an infamous Mexican gang and they leave him for dead. When he was about to lose hope, the villagers help restore his spirits and health. He leaves again for his journey and finally arrives in LA to be with his brother. He is excited that he is back but, then realizes he feels something is missing.

I thought the novel was an interesting read. However, I have conflicting feelings about this novel. While I thought it was brave that  Manuel risked everything to be with his brother. But, when he finally is reunited to his brother, he realizes that isn't what the heart wants. It's an interesting premise about what the heart and the mind wants. Although, I feel like Manuel risked and lost a lot before he learned what he really wants. I personally hoped Manuel would have found out what defined him before he lost his innocence.

 **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis

Photo Credit - Amazon

In 1952, Darby McLaughlin decides to leave her home to enroll in secretary school in New York City. She arrives at the Barbizon Hotel and realizes that she is surrounded by beautiful women. While she considers herself to be very plain looking.  Darby becomes homesick and falls prey into her roommates' cruelty. When she befriends Esme, a maid at the hotel, she is exposed to a different side of New York City. Esme takes Darby to downtown jazz clubs, where the music causes Darby to feel things she keeps bottled up.

Half a century later, the Barbizon hotel is converted into condos. However, the infamous incident involving a hotel maid falling to her death still taints the hotel's history. When Darby crosses path with journalist Rose Lewin, Rose becomes obsessed with finding out about Darby's past. Rose welcomes this distraction as her personal life starts to fall apart. As Rose digs deeper into Darby's past her true motives become muddle with her search of the truth. 

I have read "The Address" and enjoyed it. The book was well written and the premise was interesting. However, I thought the plot was a bit dull and found that some of the characters to be very basic.  As a person who went through a recent heartbreak, I couldn't picture myself simply falling for a new person in less than a week. It took time to mourn and even understand what exactly went wrong. While this book was disappointing, I am looking forward to reading other books by the author.

 **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Lauren B. Beauty Nail Polish - Love

Apologies, but my camera apparently didn't save the swatch photo. The Love nail polish is part of the Lauren B. Bridal Collection. It is a sheer petal pink that is buildable to give full coverage. The nail polish went on smooth but, a bit streaky. The final result was professional polished looking nails even when doing it yourself. Plus, the generous size bottle will last for several uses.

Covergirl Colorlicious Lipstick - 372 Divine Wine

The creamy shea butter infused lipstick goes on smoothly. It imparts a soft purple almost lilac color. The description notes that the lipstick imparts a rich color but, I feel like it soft color wash instead. I had to put 2-3 coats before I get the results above. Overall, a good lipstick for warmer weather when you don't want anything thick or tacky.

Julep Nail Polish - Julianne

Ah, I am so sad that Julep is closing down their Maven program. I used to be a member for a few years and liked that they offer an affordable option to get two nail polish and a skincare/makeup item for around $25 a month. I liked that you were able to customize and skip a month. If I had known they were going to discontinue the program, I would have definitely stocked up during their sales. Although the store is still open, I feel like the inventory won't last or they won't add new products. Granted I feel $14 normal price is a bit expensive for this nail polish as it has less than a product than it's competitors. I am usually able to get three uses of two coats before the nail polish becomes goopy. And maybe another two uses before the bottle is done while other brands I get at least 10 or more uses. Well enough of my diatribe and on to my review!

The smokey grey creme nail polish goes on smoothly. However, it goes on a bit thick than other colors. One coat does give semi-full coverage with a few opaque spots but, two coats provide full coverage. However, any more than two coats cause the nail polish to become very thick and takes forever to dry. I consider this a neutral (compared to my bright neons and colorful glitter nail polishes) that perfect to wear for work.