The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – Review

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

My Review

I recently listened to the audio version of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.  Honestly, I didn’t really know what the book was about until I received the audio gift. I just knew that it was being turned into a movie and I was familiar with the author.  Let me just say, I really loved this book.  Audio books offer that extra sensory experience, the voice of the character or narrator, and I instantly loved this one. Listening to Hazel and her story was awesome.

This story follows the life of Hazel, a teenage cancer patient and her friends, also cancer patients.  I wasn’t too sure I wanted to continue listening to it because from the onset, learning that Hazel was a cancer patient made me sad and made me think of the worst.  I knew tears would be unavoidable. I continued listening and just couldn’t put my headphones away.  I spent my day, yes all day, listening to this story.  As I cleaned, did my groceries and even cooked dinner, I was totally into this audio book. I had to finish it in one day.

“Amazing” is the word I use to describe this book.  It is definitely a story that makes you look at your life through a brand new set of eyes.  I am a parent and I am blessed to have healthy children.  I don’t usually relate to how a parent with a sick child might feel or live their life.  This story opened my eyes to my own life.  It is a must read.

I actually recommend this book to teenagers/young adults because they often only focus on their own lives and their own problems which they think are too much to handle.  This fantastic story will also make young adults think and appreciate life.  Young adults will be able to relate with Hazel and Augustus perfectly.

Let me warn you, you will laugh and cry and along the way meet two of the most amazing brave teenagers I have ever met/read about.  You will learn about the importance of living your life to the fullest and enjoying every single moment.

There are so many things I would love to share but then I would be giving the story away.  I won’t do that.  You need to read this book!

If you haven’t read this book, or listened to it like I did, I highly recommend it.  The movie is set to release this summer.  I know I am looking forward to meeting Hazel and Augustus on the big screen.

I gave this book 5 stars!

 

Some of My Favorite Quotes

“Okay.”

“What a slut time is. She screws everybody.”

“The marks humans leave are too often scars.”

“That’s what love is. Love is keeping the promise anyway.”

“The world in not a wish granting factory.”

“Maybe ‘okay’ will be our ‘always.”

“You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I’m grateful.”

 

Here’s the movie trailer.  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2582846/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

About the Author

John Green

John Green’s first novel, Looking for Alaska, won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award presented by the American Library Association. His second novel, An Abundance of Katherines, was a 2007 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His next novel, Paper Towns, is a New York Times bestseller and won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best YA Mystery. In January 2012, his most recent novel, The Fault in Our Stars, was met with wide critical acclaim, unprecedented in Green’s career. The praise included rave reviews in Time Magazine and The New York Times, on NPR, and from award-winning author Markus Zusak. The book also topped the New York Times Children’s Paperback Bestseller list for several weeks. Green has also coauthored a book with David Levithan called Will Grayson, Will Grayson, published in 2010. The film rights for all his books, with the exception of Will Grayson Will Grayson, have been optioned to major Hollywood Studios.

In 2007, John and his brother Hank were the hosts of a popular internet blog, “Brotherhood 2.0,” where they discussed their lives, books and current events every day for a year except for weekends and holidays. They still keep a video blog, now called “The Vlog Brothers,” which can be found on theNerdfighters website.

Website: http://johngreenbooks.com/

Twitter:  @realjohngreen

Susi Reviews – An Acute Attraction by @AJWaltersAuthor

Meet… …Working single mother Isabel Chambers. She’s not a size 12 or as you’ve probably guessed, a virgin either. …Marc Sanders an attractive, successful Harvard Professor of Medicine visiting Cambridge. He has a secret past that has been well hidden until now. An Acute Attraction is a heart warming, exciting and compelling story of love and romance, full of seductive, sensual and tantalizing emotions and images, sexual exploration and passion. Isabel Chambers is an ordinary, working, single mother of two, who needs some “me” time, so, kids sorted, she books herself into a hotel for a week of rest and relaxation. Marc Sanders is an American professor at Harvard University and is in England to present research results to Cambridge University. Two people, out for adventure and excitement, meet and begin a journey of fun, thrills, lust and desire. But, is Marc all he seems to be? What is he hiding?

 

My Review

It’s not often that I come across a book that I instantly connect with, especially on a personal level. But, those are the books I enjoy the most.  I guess I love this book so much because the main character and I have so much in common.  An Acute Attraction by A.J. Walters is that book.

First of all, I was immediately drawn to Isabel, the female protagonist in the story because there is so much of me in her.  I too once was the single mother of two boys who would do anything just for them.  And, just like Isabel, I am an educator.  Having gone through a similar experience in my life made this a book I thoroughly enjoyed.

A.J. Walter’s debut is about a “real” woman.  Isabel is not the perfect size 0 female.  She is the real, I have lived and I know what I want out of life woman.  I don’t always read about this strong type of character so this is another reason this was so appealing to read.  The story is well written and flows perfectly.  The characters in the story are well developed and extremely likable.

Isabel is off on a weekend getaway without her boys.  (Don’t we all dream about this?)  She is ready to come out of her shell and out of her to day to day lifestyle when she meets Marc.  Ok, let me tell you about Marc.  He is a professor. Yes, thanks to Sylvain Reynard, I have a thing for professors.  (A.J. Walters, you too?)  He is handsome, successful, rich and oh so sexy.  Marc is the total package! Their meeting results in instantly chemistry.  Adding Marc to her plans makes this weekend even better.

The story is told from Isabel’s point of view so it is humorous.  There were many laughable moments throughout the book.  There are intimate moments too.  These moments of intimacy were well written leaving enough for the imagination of the reader.

This book does end with a cliffhanger.  I can’t wait to read the continuation of Isabel and Marc’s story.

Congrats to A.J. Walters on her debut!

I gave this book 5 stars!

I searched for my Marc and found this oh so sexy and handsome gentleman.  Here’s my perfect Marc.  And here is my Isabel, the “real” woman in this story.  🙂

Hello there Marc!

Isabel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buy Links:

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble

About the Author: A.J. Walters

A J Walters is a new contemporary romance author who has just made her first appearance on to the indie circuit. Having interests in history, romance and elements of erotica, she has brought all of these together in her debut publication; An Acute Attraction.

Wanting to break the trend of size 12 virgins in books, A J Walters has introduced a new real woman in Isabel Chambers. She’s a size 18-20, working single mother who now feels is it her time to start living her life again. At the ripe young age of 39, A J Walters also wanted to show that you can experience everything that a twenty-something would.

“I saw that a 39 year old isn’t quite at retirement age for fun, sex and finding love again. There are so many women out there that can be represented in books as well as the slim, innocent and beautiful types. Don’t get me wrong I love reading books with them in, but there is so many of them around now I felt it is time for something different. I’d like to think I brought my sense of humour across in it as well. I am ditsy, I suffer from ‘foot in mouth’ syndrome, but I can also be serious and sentimental. From the feedback I’ve had, apparently it makes for a great writing voice.”

A J Walters currently lives in North Staffordshire, UK with her 2 children.

Connect with A.J. Walters

website

http://www.ajwalters74.blogspot.co.uk/

 

twitter @AJWaltersAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7359445.A_J_Walters

Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran Promo and Fun Quiz

FOOL ME TWICE by Meredith Duran comes out next week.

Don’t miss this Special promotional eBook price of $1.99 until March 25^th. 

Order yours today, buy link Amazon

Here is a fun quiz to get you ready for this book.

What Kind of Romance Novel Heroine are You?  http://snack.to/qtp3ejmh

I took the quiz and got “The Beauty Next Door.”  🙂

Fool Me Twice is on my TBR list.  Full review coming soon!

Synopsis:

Sensible and lonely, Olivia Mather survives by her wits—and her strict policy of avoiding trouble. But when she realizes that the Duke of Marwick might hold the secrets of her family’s past, she does the unthinkable, infiltrating his household as a maid. She’ll clean his study and rifle through his papers looking for information.
Alastair de Grey has a single reason to live: vengeance. More beautiful than Lucifer, twice as feared, and thrice as cunning, he’ll use any weapon to punish those who fooled and betrayed him—even an impertinent maid who doesn’t know her place. But the more fascinated he becomes with the uppity redhead, the more dangerous his carefully designed plot becomes. For the one contingency he forgot to plan for was falling in love…and he cannot survive being fooled again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meredith Duran blames Anne Boleyn for sparking her lifelong obsession with British history (and for convincing her that princely love is no prize if it doesn’t come with a happily-ever-after). She spends her free time collecting old etiquette manuals, guidebooks to nineteenth century London, and travelogues by intrepid Victorian women.

Visit her website at MeredithDuran.com.

Follow her on Twitter too.  https://twitter.com/meredithduran

Review: In Pursuit by Olivia Luck

Happy Release Day!

In Pursuit

by

Olivia Luck

Synopsis

Eddie Neff needs space. Not the type that country stars croon about, but physical distance from her emotionally distant father and the tatters of a broken relationship. So when the opportunity to relocate her life and interior design business arises, the answer comes easily.

Adjusting to life with Claire, her gregarious new roommate, is more than simply testing comfort limits. With just one meeting, Eddie finds herself unable to resist the draw of Harris Grant, Claire’s brooding and overprotective older brother.

Harris doesn’t fit her idea of a safe relationship. He pushes Eddie to face her deepest insecurities and fears of abandonment. And Harris holds on to his own painful loss, unable to overcome personal demons.

Eddie and Harris must learn to conquer their internal struggles. But as they navigate their new love, outside forces fight to drive them apart.

Author note: In Pursuit is the first book in a two book series. Intended for 18+ readers.

My Review

I love books where the story and characters seem real.  You know the kind,  like you can see yourself as friends with the characters because they are so well written, you can relate with them.   In Pursuit is one of the those books.  From the moment that I started the book, I immediately connected with the characters.  Eddie (Edith) is a very likable, real young woman.  She is starting her life and career in a new city.  Her new life comes with a roommate, Claire,  your typical spoiled little rich girl. Then there is Harris, Claire’s brother which will take your breath away and finally, my favorite supporting characters, Sean and Luke.

In Pursuit is a witty romantic story.  Eddie, is starting a new life in Chicago where her decorating business takes off. When she meets Harris, sparks fly.  The interest in this delicious male is definitely there.  As she gets to know him better, she learns that the interest is mutual.  Everything is going well for her.  Her professional life is thriving.  She meets new clients and makes friends.  Everything seems perfect. Harris is perfect.  Their chemistry takes over and there is your hot and steamy love story.

Of course, all love stories have their obstacles.  Eddie’s past and her present post hurdles in this story. Claire, the roommate, seems to have a problem with Harris and Eddie among other problems of her own.  (no spoilers)

Cleverly written, In Pursuit will keep you hooked to the Kindle (in my case).  The right amount of suspense and angst make this a great read.

The story ends with a cliffhanger.  I can’t wait to see what happens to one of my favorite new couples, Eddie and Harris.

I gave Olivia’s debut book 5 shinning stars!

Eddie Neff and Harris Grant

You can get your copy today!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=In+Pursuit+Olivia+Luck&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AIn+Pursuit+Olivia+Luck

AUTHOR BIO

Olivia Luck lives in the middle of America with her loving husband and her obsession with writing. She wrote her first romance novel at age eight. When she’s not reading, editing, or writing, you can find her in the kitchen learning to cook. Olivia loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Author links:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7359664.Olivia_Luck

http://olivialuckauthor.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/OliviaLuckAuthor

https://twitter.com/AuthorLuck

*I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Susi Reviews – Cupcakes and Ink by Helena Hunting

Happy Release Day!

Cupcakes and Ink by Helena Hunting

Tenley Page is looking for a new start: a new city, a new apartment, a new life. Her plan is to keep to herself and stay focused. But leaving her past behind and starting over isn’t as easy as she thought. And neither is maintaining her solitude. As Tenley settles into her new surroundings, she finds herself drawn to Inked Armor, the tattoo studio across the street. But it’s the gorgeous, dark-haired tattoo artist who captures her interest. There’s something about his severe beauty that captivates her—and not just in her waking hours.
Covered in the ink he inscribes on other people’s skin, Hayden Stryker has made a career out of being a tattooist. He’s got his own business and a tight circle of friends. As far as he’s concerned, that’s all he needs. At least until his aunt, who owns the antiques and used book store across from his tattoo studio, hires a new employee. At first his intrigue is based on physical appeal; hot chick equals something nice to look at. But as he begins to catch glimpses of the fiery personality under the fragile, feminine exterior, his fascination with Tenley grows. Annoyed by his inability to control his fixation, Hayden decides the best way to cure him of the new obsession is to get to know the girl under her skittish façade.

But like the ink he wears as armor, Tenley has the ability to get under his skin and stay there.

My Review

As a baker, I love all things related to baking and desserts.  When I first saw this cover and title, I knew this was a book for me. What I did not know was that I would become so consumed by this story of Tenley and Hayden.  Cupcakes and Ink is a prequel. It introduces the reader to the characters in Clipped Wings.  This prequel may be short but I felt that it was essential to really understanding the characters.  Written in both Tenley and Hayden’s point of view, the reader is able to get into the mind of both of the characters and truly understand their feelings and insecurities.  You also meet the secondary characters which each play a significant role in Clipped Wings.

I immediately fell for Hayden and I am pretty sure, just like Tenley,  you will be dreaming about him too. He is quite a complex character. He is gorgeous and covered in tattoos.   I also loved Tenley, a young girl starting her life over in a new city, who bakes, like me.  🙂

I have to say, Helena, did an amazing job of keeping me hooked to her story. Her writing is exquisite and memorable.  I read Cupcakes and Ink and immediately read Clipped Wings.  Yes, I am now a huge Helena Hunting fan.  I have been raving about her books for the past couple of weeks.

I’d love to say more about this prequel, but do not want to give too much away.  I highly recommend this read as well as Clipped Wings which you can pre-order and get next month.

I gave this book 5 brilliant stars.

Now, go get this book.  It is available on Amazon today!

My vision of Hayden…

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

About The Author – Helena Hunting

Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s putting her degree in English Lit to good use by writing contemporary erotic romance. She is the author of Clipped Wings, her debut novel, and Inked Armor.

You can follow Helena Hunting on Twitter or her website http://www.helenahunting.com.

Stay tuned for my review of Clipped Wings.  This book releases in March.

Why do you read? What are you reading?

Reading begins at a young age.  We learn to read, then we read to learn.

As adults, reading for pleasure is a hobby for many.

Why do you read?

Do you read to escape from reality?  A wonderfully written book can be quite powerful.  Books have the power to paint pictures, arouse our senses and take us away from the day to day.

Books also open discussions.  What books have you read that have lead to an interesting discussion among friends or colleagues? Share your thoughts.

What genres to you prefer? Do you prefer romance, suspense, erotica, mysteries, young adult, new adult, historical fiction, or paranormal? Cookbooks or How-to-books?

I happen to love magazines, especially when they are filled with recipes.  In fact,  I am currently reading, Cooking Light.  Even as adults, we still read to learn. Learning to cook counts right?

Next on my TBR list is The Scarpetta Cookbook by Scott Conant. I’m a sucker for Italian food.  (I have a crush on this chef too)

There are so many talented authors out there that I don’t have a favorite genre anymore.

Share your thoughts.

What are some of the best books you have read?

What are you reading?

Happy Sunday!

~Susi