17. Beautiful Disaster

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

OK so here is the overview -

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Now here is my review -

Mmmm mmm mmm....what good girl doesn't love a bad boy. Lol. I LOVED this book. Now, I'm DYING to get an autogaphed copy! If you want one too, it can be pre-ordered at Barnes and Noble.

Ok enough promotion lol. There has been a lot of talk about a movie...and I know this isn't exactly a review of the book, BUT - if anyone has seen the Maroon 5 video for One More Night - HE is how I picture Travis Maddox! All tattooed and yummy!

Ok, NOW my true review - I loved it, I didn't like the somewhat dysfunctional relationship Abby and Travis had at first...and it was a little tiresome all the ups and downs...I wanted to scream at them and say, "JUST BE TOGETHER ALREADY! Everyone else knows it's going to happen...so just let it."

However, I did like how complex the characters were. I liked the multiple story lines, I kind of wish we could see more of Travis' roommate and Abby's friend's story...but it looks like there may be a follow up and will be a series - so I can't wait to see what the author brings in next for the crazy lovebirds.

This is the my first read of any of the authors titles and I have to say that I have now founds a new favorite author!

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16. The After Wife

The After Wife by Gigi Levangie Grazer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I held off and held off on reading this book. I wanted to read "The Starter Wife" first - b/c I thought the two were related. They really aren't. I've also never seen the tv show.

I hate that I held off on reading it - b/c once I gave in and read it...I loved it!

It is the story of, Hannah Marsh, a reality television show producer who finds her world altered when her husband dies suddenly. Left to pick up the pieces and raise her daughter, her hilarious friends rally around her for support. While she tries to hold on to her life, her job, and her sanity, she questions (out loud) why this is happening to her. She actually gets an answer and a whole new world and insight into life after death opens up to her.

I was a little wary about this book - I did NOT want a sad read...but I was very supprised at how funny and lighthearted the read was. I LOVE the play on the title with the after life. Pretty clever.

Another intersting point...the husband was a stay at home dad...you don't see too much of that. I realy like that twist...but it's what's became a trial for Hannah. She had never had to stay home with her daughter - she was the one with the career.

This book definetly is on my top reads AND I enjoy books that make me want to go buy more titles from the same author.

Can't wait to read her other novels.





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15. Capital Girls

Capital Girls by Ella Monroe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hi, I'm a 30-something that loves young adult dramas - like Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and whatever other one may be on the market right now!

THIS book was right up my alley! I won it through a Goodreads Giveaway and finished it quickly. I was a little irritated at the ending...only because it left me wanting more!!

It's Gossip Girl with political ties. Yes, the characters are stereotype typical...but I think that's what makes it a good "can't put down" read...I love the catty drama tied in with a little mystery/secret!

It's like reading the game of clue. You are reading about each character and then are constantly trying to figure out what each of them is thinking/feeling...including their loyalty to one another.

The books starts with the death of one of their own "click" and seems like it starts breaking down from there - due to a "new comer".

I can not WAIT to read the second one! Look for my review on that one as well.

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14. 50 Shades of Grey - Book 1

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I have never read "erotica" before this book, so I'm not exactly sure how it rates to other erotica reads. I started reading this because of all the hype....BIG mistake. I really can't see how this has become a bestseller...and not just this one but all three!?

Does it get better?? The storyline seemed a little off. Really, a 26 yr old "perfect" in every way billionaire? This really MUST be someone's fantasy. I can't remember - did they ever mention what Mr. Grey's company was??

I'd say the storyline was intriguing without all the sex...but the story line never got anywhere. Every time some sort of hint of a story came (ex: how Mr Grey became so many shades of *&*#& up) to the surface the author just watered it down with so much sex...the story just seemed to float away.

Not to mention the sex was so repeatitive...I just don't get the appeal of this book or the two that follow. I won't even bother to pick up and read the other two...it took all I had just to make it through the first one. It was just bad all the way the around.

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13. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

So, (why do I always start my reviews with so...) I finished the book in one day. It was a really good short read. I liked the style of how it was written...letters to an unknown person...or a journal type read.

Without giving away too many spoilers...I get it. I get Charlie, Sam, and Patrick. I get the story line. I get Charlie - the way Charlie felt, but can't really relate...not like so many others have.

Here's where my secret comes in....

I grew up attending private school...all the way to college even. I took for granted a lot of sacrifices my parents made for me to be able to have the experiences I did. I never had to endure or even know about the things Charlie did. My highschool experience was completely different.

I can't relate b/c while my life was NOT privledged...I never attended public school and I never had to deal with any of the incidents Charlie, Sam, or Patrick had to. I wouldn't say I was sheltered...just avoided (not sure that's the word I'm looking for) the circumstances.

The book itself is a very dark heavy read - but it keeps you hooked. It is a good "coming of age" highschool novel. There is not a happy ending...but it's real and I am glad that I had the chance to see into an alternate highschool life, the one I didn't get a chance to live - and I'm glad I had the experiences or lack of experiences I did in highschool.

If you get a chance to read it...do it!

12. The Vow

The Vow: The Kim & Krickitt Carpenter Story by Kim Carpenter

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The Vow is based upon a true life story about Krickitt and Kim Carpenter. In 1992, the young couple met, bonded through their Christian faith and fell in love over a long distance phone call.

Shortly after, they unexpectedly survived a terrible car accident, The accident leaves Krickitt in a coma suffering severe head trauma. When Krickitt awakens, she experiences amnesia and has no recollection of meeting, dating or marrying her husband, Kim.

I always LOVE to read books before their movie counterparts come out. So, when I hear they were going to make a movie about this couple's incredible story - I instantly put this book for my eReader and VOWED (yes I meant the pun...yes I am cheesey) to read it BEFORE I caved to watching the movie. My resolve did not last long.

I really tried to push through this books so hard before seeing the movie. I was about 3/4 done when I could hold out no longer.

First of all - I had no idea how this story ended and as I was reading...they put pictures right in the middle of the sotry. This is common for most books - but seeing as how I was reading it on my eReader, I saw the outcome in pictures before I finished reading the books. I think this was a nother deterant keeping me from finishing the book. I now knew how it ended.

So, I watched the movie (yes before finishing the book) and I MUST say that after going back to finish the last 1/4 of the books - the movie was so much better than the book. Yes I realized nothing in the book was followed closely in the movie EXCEPT for the basic story line - couple involved in car crash woman gets amnesia.

However, the book was just so drawn out and at the same time repetitive...and I hated that it was supposed to be "THEIR" story but it seemed like it was more "HIS" story. There were no points of view from Krickitt - the woman who was actually involved in the accident and experienced it first hand.

Was she terrified, scared, fearing for her relationship? What was she feeling!? Not, "I'm her husband let me tell you what I think she felt."

The one thing I did love in the book and wished they had pushed more in the movie was their faith in God. I loved that they showcased how He is present when complete strangers were witness to the accident and just stopped to pray. That was my favorite part in the book.



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Reading reading reading!!!

I've been given a few books to review...so I'm sorry I haven't posted that much. I have been a READING fool! I have a few book reviews to get posted. So never fear I will have more posts!

Also, I was recently given the chance to review The After Wife by Gigi Levangie Grazer. However, I am REALLY wanting to read The Starter Wife before I read The After Wife. So, I was wondering if anyone has a copy I can share - either hard copy or ereader (Nook). Please let me know! I can be reach at email miscmaria@hotmail.com. Thanks!