Mini-Reviews- In where I get out a few thoughts on a bundle of books I have read.....
{CFBA-Spotlight}
Out of Control by Mary Connealy
August 1, 2011 by Bethany House
Paperback, 331 Pages
Review Copy
Julia Gilliland has always been interested in the natural world around her. She particularly enjoys her outings to the cavern near her father's homestead, where she explores for fossils and formations, and plans to write a book about her discoveries. The cave seems plenty safe--until the day a mysterious intruder steals the rope she uses to find her way out. Rafe Kincaid has spent years keeping his family's cattle ranch going, all without help from his two younger brothers, who fled the ranch--and Rafe's controlling ways--as soon as they were able. He's haunted by one terrible day at the cave on a far-flung corner of the Kincaid property, a day that changed his life forever. Ready to put the past behind him, he plans to visit the cave one final time. He sure doesn't expect to find a young woman trapped in one of the tunnels--or to be forced to kiss her! Rafe is more intrigued by Julia than any woman he's ever known, but how can he overlook her fascination with the cave he despises? And when his developing relationship with Julia threatens his chance at reconciliation with his brothers, will he be forced to choose between the family bonds that could restore his trust and the love that could heal his heart?
Thoughts
Awww, can you say sweet and everything neat?
Well not for this one!! Connealy not only mixes the sweat and neat but adds an edge of creepy and suspense to a genre that I normally do not visit. What I found about Out of Control so unique was its actual plot line, when things are intense, edgy and suspenseful, out comes a hysterical moment to ease things out, I laughed out loud plenty with Rafe's and Julia's banter.....This was a fast, fun read and to anyone looking for a cute cowboy meets damsel in distress but winds up being a kick-butt lady only succumbing to her girly weaknesses when Rafe plants a kiss on her that makes her knees melt.....well then this one is for you!!
3/5- Inspy-Historical Romance
Thanks to the Cfba and Bethany House for Copy
Tris and Izzy by Mette Ivie Harrison
October 11th 2011 by EgmontUSA
Hardcover, 272 Pages
Review Galley
Oh Goodness- I really hate giving bad reviews, especially on books that have drop dead gorgeous covers!!
I was really disappointed with this one and highly because this was marketed as a modern day retelling of Tristan and Isolde. This was a very contrived and off the mark version of an epic love story that failed to capture anything that even resembled the original.
Overall the book lacked polish and just wasn't for me.
1/5- YA- Contemporary
Review -Netgalley
Steel by Carrie Vaughn
Hardcover, 304 pages
March 1st 2011 by HarperTeen
Swashbuckling pirates, epic romance? Well I didn't find that in this novel but for what Steel delivered in the aspect of time traveling, I did enjoy. The main female MC was a bit to bratty for my liking, I think this novel has more of a middle grade feel which would make it perfect for younger readers, for me however it hit at crossroads...one of those take it or leave it.
2.5/5- YA- Fantasy
Review Copy From HarperTeen
Thats what I have been hearing about tris and izzie. :( thanks for the honest reviews
ReplyDeleteMary is so good with banter. I bet I would dig this one.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear Tris and Izzy was lame and Steel is bratty.
Great reviews!
I don't think I've read a single positive review for Tris and Izzie which is super disappointing because I'm such a huge fan of the Tristan and Isolde story too! And you're right, that cover is stunning and I had such high hopes for the book behind it. Oh well, I think I'll wait a while on this one!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've pretty much decided that I wasn't going to be reading T&I despite the gorgeous cover because of more that a few reviews that mentioned how bratty Isolde is.
ReplyDeleteBum deal.
I am a bit nervous about reading Tris and Izzy its coming up on my list and i havent heard anything good about it yet. I will just have to give it a try and see what happens. I do love the cover though.
ReplyDeleteThanks girl for your reviews. O and i got my copy of Dracula in love.
Out of Control sounds like something I would enjoy. Tris and Izzie I was never going to read because I don't like the original Tristan and Isolde [I don't do sad stories well]. And Steele, while it's been on my TBR, it's never been anywhere near the top. I'm glad I read your review of Tris & Izzie, Tina, it makes me feel even better about NOT reading it. :D
ReplyDeleteJen
In the Closet With a Bibliophile
When I had per-ordered Steel way back when, I was hoping it was going to be AWESOME! Then the reviews started rolling in and no one was saying it was awesome :(
ReplyDeleteI got Tris & Izzie throught Netgalley, but I've yet to read it. Everyone's saying it was lackluster and disappointing. :(
ReplyDelete