Review: LUCIAN DIVINE by Renee Carlino

LUCIAN DIVINE

by Renee Carlino

Publication Date: January 9, 2017

Pages: 260

Source: InkSlingerPR

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Synopsis

“My guardian angel is a drunk.”

Evelyn Casey's life is at a standstill. She's in her mid-twenties, struggling with the dating scene in San Francisco. Nothing seems to be working out, and she’s starting to think that she’ll live out her days in her crummy apartment with her overbearing roommate, Brooklyn. It's absurd, but sometimes Evey longs for a guardian angel to show up and save the day.

And then he does. Seriously. His name is Lucian and he's a guardian angel, been on the job for two thousand years. His sudden presence in her life is both good—he's brilliant, witty, and warm—and bad—he's brilliant, witty, warm, and hot as ----. But as perfect as Lucian seems, he’s got problems of his own. He’s taken up drinking and he’s brazenly inserted himself into Evey’s life, going against the greatest cosmic law ever created.

For Evey, the rules are simple: You are not allowed to hook up with your guardian angel. But sometimes fulfilling your destiny requires a leap of faith, a confrontation with God.

Yes, God as in God.

My Thoughts

LUCIAN DIVINE is only the second book that I've read by Renee Carlino, SWEAR ON THIS LIFE being the first, but I already know that I will read all of them. I love her style of writing and the wit and humor and enjoy her stories of connection. 

What I liked:

• The interactions between Lucian and the other guardian angels. They had lives of their own.
• The Star Wars bar. It sounded like a fun place to have a drink.
• And this quote: "In the Bay Area, everything is expensive, especially being young." It made me laugh out loud.

There were a few instances when Lucian gave off the creepy vibe for always watching over Evey, but I had to remember that he was her guardian angel, that is exactly what he was supposed to be doing. And some of the ways he helped her were endearing. His love was evident.

It wasn't always fun and games between Evey and Lucian and they were crossing a very distinct line by being together. And even though they weren't always sure of the consequences of their actions, they were willing to take this life-altering chance. Their love was worth the risk.

LUCIAN DIVINE was extremely enjoyable. Sometimes it was a little "out there", but it certainly was a page-turner. I'd never really thought much about guardian angels. But after reading all of the little ways Lucian helped Evey throughout her life, and then thinking of ways things could have gone differently in my own life, it nice to imagine that I could have had someone watching out for me too. 

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC from InkSlingerPR.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of contemporary women's novels and new adult fiction. Her books have been featured in national publications, including USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, and Publisher's Weekly. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she's not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate. Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com

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Review: DEAR LIFE by Meghan Quinn

DEAR LIFE

by Meghan Quinn

Publication Date: January 5, 2017

Pages: 353

Source: Wordsmith Publicity

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Synopsis

Four lives. Four stories. Four sets of letters. Four brave souls in need of guidance while facing life's greatest challenges.

The anonymously published Dear Life program is designed to help them step outside of their comfort zones, face their obstacles, and relinquish their demons...and prove their existence.

With their lives teetering between wanting more and losing it all, all four souls dive into the program as a New Year’s resolution, sending them on a crazy, life-altering journey. 

Dear Life, 

Please be kind. 

Yours truly, Hollyn, Jace, Daisy, and Carter.

My Thoughts

When I read the description of DEAR LIFE, I was instantly intrigued. I'd never read a book by Meghan Quinn, but this seemed like the perfect book to discover this author. Plus I thought the book would be told in a series of letters and that was very appealing to me. While it isn't written only in sets of letters, DEAR LIFE is a wonderfully crafted story that I really enjoyed reading.

Each character is going through their own tough challenges - may it be losing a loved one, letting go of someone they love, learning about the world around them, and deciding to REALLY live in it.

There are things to love about each character, but I was drawn to Carter. It might be because he was the most closed off and I wanted to know how deep he would dive in the Dear Life program - oh, and I have a thing for chefs.

I liked reading each character's perspective, but I especially loved the letters that they wrote to themselves during each phase of the Dear Life process. I was able to see their own understanding of the process (or lack of understanding).

Favorite Quotes:

"Prove your existence. That's your new motto to live by. What did you do today to prove your existence, what are you doing tomorrow to prove your existence in this world?"

And later: "Be kind, be courageous, and keep moving forward. Keep proving your existence, day by day. Prove it."

What I loved most about this book were all of the different emotions felt by the characters and their need to connect with each other and depend on each other, and the desire for honesty and taking chances. DEAR LIFE is such a wonderful book and I'm glad that I was open to reading a new-to-me author. I'm looking forward to reading more of her writing.

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC from WORDSMITH PUBLICITY. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Quotes taken from this e-ARC may differ from the final published version. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if "It's Raining Men" starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing... enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor

Find me on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360513.Meghan_Quinn

Visit my website: http://authormeghanquinn.com/

Blog Tour Review: AFTERMATH by Clara Kensie

AFTERMATH

by Clara Kensie

Publication Date: November 1, 2016

Published by Merit Press

Pages: 282

Source: Irish Banana Tours

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Synopsis

Charlotte survived four long years as a prisoner in the attic of her kidnapper, sustained only by dreams of her loving family. The chance to escape suddenly arrives, and Charlotte fights her way to freedom. But an answered prayer turns into heartbreak. Losing her has torn her family apart. Her parents have divorced: Dad's a glutton for fame, Mom drinks too much, and Charlotte's twin is a zoned-out druggie. Her father wants Charlotte write a book and go on a lecture tour, and her mom wants to keep her safe, a virtual prisoner in her own home. But Charlotte is obsessed with the other girl who was kidnapped, who never got a second chance at life--the girl who nobody but Charlotte believes really existed. Until she can get justice for that girl, even if she has to do it on her own, whatever the danger, Charlotte will never be free.

My Thoughts

My from the gut review: I cried many times while reading AFTERMATH and had to keep reminding myself that this was a fictional abduction. But the reality is this does happen and it happens too often. I was thankful that, as a reader, I was eased into the horrors of Charlotte's time in captivity. I didn't have to make assumptions because the details were there, but they weren't unbearably graphic. I didn't feel like a voyeur of this traumatic event waiting to know all of the shocking details. I have to thank the author for that because, to be honest, this story did haunt my dreams. I had nightmares, and it always amazes me when books make their way into my dreams.

With all that Charlotte had to endure, there is beauty in this story because of Charlotte and her love for her family, her love for her sister, and her need for truth and peace for The One Before and for herself. There is beauty in Alexa's love and protection for Charlotte. Even with the years of separation and heartache and pain, their connection was the strongest after Charlotte returned. 

This story was a difficult read because of the many emotions I felt and I'm okay with that. I think something would be wrong with me if I wasn't affected as deeply as I was. Stories like Charlotte's need to be told and readers need to read them. A friend is already reading it based on my recommendation. I can't wait until I can discuss it with her because it is certainly a book that I will be thinking about for quite a while.

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

ABOUT CLARA KENSIE:

Clara Kensie grew up near Chicago, reading every book she could find and using her diary to write stories about a girl with psychic powers who solved mysteries. She purposely did not hide her diary, hoping someone would read it and assume she was writing about herself. Since then, she’s swapped her diary for a computer and admits her characters are fictional, but otherwise she hasn’t changed one bit.

Today Clara is a RITA^© Award-winning author of dark fiction for young adults. Her super-romantic psychic thriller series, Run To You, was named an RT Magazine Editors Pick for Best Books of 2014, and Run to You Book One: Deception So Deadly, is the winner of the prestigious 2015 RITA^© Award for Best First Book.

Clara’s latest release is Aftermath, a dark, ripped-from-the-headlines YA contemporary in the tradition of Room and The Lovely Bones. Aftermath is on Goodreads’ list of Most Popular Books Published in November 2016, and Young Adult Books Central declared it a Top Ten Book of 2016.

Clara’s favorite foods are guacamole and cookie dough. But not together. That would be gross.

Find Clara online:

Website  Newsletter  Instagram  Twitter   Facebook  Insiders  Goodreads  

Tour Schedule:

1/2: The Irish Banana Review - Review

1/3: Bibliobuli YA - 2 Truths & A Lie Post

1/4: Swoony Boys Podcast - Character Interview

1/5: Novel Ink - Review

1/6: Fiction Fare - Q&A

1/7: Actin' Up With Books - Review

1/8: The Story Sanctuary - Review

1/9: Who R U Blog - Review

1/10: Lisa's Loves - Dream Cast

1/11: Gabriella M Reads - Q&A

1/12: Novelgossip - Review

1/13: Such A Novel Idea - Playlist

Giveaway:

1: A "Do It Double" Aftermath tote bag from Blu Bear Bazaar. Inspired by Aftermath's message to "Do it double, because some can't do it at all," Blu Bear Bazaar designed beautiful artwork for it and printed it on tote bags and throw pillows. Blu Bear Bazaar is generously donating a portion of all Aftermath product proceeds to RAINN and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Click here for more information.

2: Choice of TWO books from Clara's collection of YA novels. Clara will give the winner a list of the YA novels in her collection, and the winner can pick two. Some of the books are signed by the author.

*US/CAN for the above prizes. If the winner is international, the prize will be substituted by a book from Book Depository up to $18.00, winner's choice.

Good luck, and happy reading!!!

ENTER RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

It's Release Day: DEAR LIFE by Meghan Quinn

Join in celebrating the release of DEAR LIFE by Meghan Quinn by picking up a copy today!

Available on Amazon and #Free on Kindle Unlimited!

DEAR LIFE

NA Contemporary Romance
Designed by: Meghan Quinn
Photographer: Lauren Perry

Goodreads
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2iBjcT9

Four lives. Four stories. Four sets of letters. Four brave souls in need of guidance while facing life's greatest challenges.

The anonymously published Dear Life program is designed to help them step outside of their comfort zones, face their obstacles, and relinquish their demons...and prove their existence.

With their lives teetering between wanting more and losing it all, all four souls dive into the program as a New Year’s resolution, sending them on a crazy, life-altering journey. 

Dear Life, 

Please be kind. 

Yours truly, Hollyn, Jace, Daisy, and Carter.

About the Author:

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if "It's Raining Men" starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing... enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor

Find me on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360513.Meghan_Quinn

Visit my website: http://authormeghanquinn.com/

Review: NOVEMBER 9 by Colleen Hoover

NOVEMBER 9

by Colleen Hoover

Publication Date: November 10, 2015

Published by Atria Books

Pages: 310

Source: Gift

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Synopsis

Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

My Thoughts

My experience reading NOVEMBER 9 is proof that I should never start a Colleen Hoover book right at bedtime, especially when my bedtime is around midnight. I started it knowing I wouldn’t be able to stop, but I thought exhaustion would overtake me. Nope, that didn’t happen. Instead I ended up reading through the night. At 6 a.m., I finally forced myself to put it down even though I didn’t really want to. My inability to put this book down and the desire to continue reading says volumes about Colleen’s writing and storytelling.

What I liked:

• Ben The Writer - the nicknames they had for each other
• Fallon The Transient - see above
• The romance book cliche moments and how they point them out while in those moments
• The non-alpha male Ben, who unexpectedly had a totally hot ALPHA moment
• All that there is to love about romance books, and Fallon’s love for them. “I enjoy reading books like that because it’s not at all the life I lead. It’s completely different than any situation I’ll ever be in, thank God.” (loc: 1302). I’m pretty sure I said these exact words about a book that I read recently. I loved it, but THANK GOODNESS it is not my life.

A Favorite Quote:

“. . . comfort can sometimes be a crutch when figuring out your life.” (loc: 948).

I love how the Dylan Thomas quotes are used throughout. I read some of his work in college and held on to his books since then (12+ years) in hopes of reading them again. After finishing NOVEMBER 9, I plan to do just that.

Like all of Colleen’s books, NOVEMBER 9 is filled with love and heartache and lessons, but it’s always the love that is felt the most.

I read NOVEMBER 9 on January 1, and I can’t think of a better way to start the New Year.

Disclaimer:  I received this finished copy from a friend.  I was not compensated in any way for this review. Thoughts and opinions are my own.