"Devil's Kiss" (a sinister Lexi review)

Dear Lovely Readers,

This book today was one I bought because it contained the Knights Templar. A girl joining the Knights Templar!!! Now, if you've never heard of that, look it up. There are so many legends and such connected to them, and it's all just really awesome.

So back to the book. It's Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda.

Summary (<3 b="" goodreads="">):
"As the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar, Bilquis SanGreal grew up knowing she wasn't normal. Instead of hanging out at the mall or going on dates, she spends her time training as a soldier in her order's ancient battle against the Unholy. One of the order's ancient enemies has resurfaced, searching for a treasure that the Templars have protected for hundreds of years -- a cursed mirror powerful enough to kill all of London's firstborn. To save her city from catastrophe, Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than any of the Templars could have imagined."

This novel is very girl power. This chica has been trained by the best in order to fight against the worst, most evil of entities. So even though she is a girl, trying to live her teen life, she has given up a lot for this lifestyle she has. And so when a guy turns up who's cute and interested, she can't just turn him away.

I had super high expectations for a novel about the Knights Templar, and I wasn't a fan of the ending, honestly. However, the sequel is out, and it sounds awesome, so I'm sure what went down was important. Plus, the novel was still pretty awesome.


In Conclusion: Go for it! It's interesting and fun!


Rating: 

3.5/5 kisses

R.I.P. Kidd Kraddick

Readers,

Ash and I got the news today that Kidd Kraddick (a radio personality/DJ) has passed away, and at age 53.

Since we were younger, we've listened to his show with Kelly and Big Al. I remember moving here and listening to them every morning on the way to school. This continued from 7th grade till last year. Ash was even listening to him on Friday. It just upsets us and hurts our hearts, so we can't even imagine how much his family and friends are missing him.

He was a good man, and helped a lot of people, including sick kiddos every year. It's insane that he's gone, but we do hope that he is in peace now.

His family and friends are in our hearts, minds, and prayers.

R.I.P. Kidd. You taught us a lot, made us laugh, and reminded us all to be good to others, and to keep your head up. Thanks.

Love,

Lexi and Ash

"Brooklyn Girls" (an urban review by Lexi)

Readers,

Any of you in your 20s? Confused on what path to take, or wondering if life is ever going to go right? How about a job? Does it suck, or do you feel like you'll never find one? Well, this book is for us Quarter Life Crisis chicas!

It's Brooklyn Girls by Gemma Burgess!

Summary (thanks, Goodreads!): "Fantastically funny, fresh and utterly relatable, Brooklyn Girls by Gemma Burgess is the first novel in her brand new series about five twenty-something friends—Pia, Angie, Julia, Coco and Madeleine—sharing a brownstone in hip, downtown Brooklyn, and discovering the ups and downs and ins and outs of  their “semi-adult” lives. The first story belongs to sophisticated, spoiled, and stylish Pia, who finds herself completely unemployed, unemployable, and broke. So what is a recent grad with an art history degree and an unfortunate history of Facebook topless photos to do? Start a food truck business of course! Pia takes on the surprisingly cutthroat Brooklyn world of hybrid lettuce growers, artisanal yogurt makers and homemade butter producers to start SkinnyWheels—all while dealing with hipster bees, one-night-stands, heartbreak, parental fury, wild parties, revenge, jail, loan sharks, playboys, karaoke, true love, and one adorable pink food truck. And that's without counting her roommates' problems, too. Gemma Burgess has captured the confusion, hilarity and excitement of the post-graduate years against a backdrop of the pressures and chaos of New York City life, with heartfelt empathy, fast humor and sharp honesty.

A charming debut series about five twenty-something girls and the humor, heartbreak, and drama that bring them together."

This book makes you feel like everything you're feeling and doing in your 20s is okay and normal, no matter where you are in life at this point. If you're feeling lost, have a bad relationship with your parents, can't find a job, looking for a place to call "home," or feel like you suck or are failing at life? Well, this novel is just perfect for all of us chicas.

Not only are the characters well-formed, as is each of their lives and stories, but the plot is relatable and feels true. This whole story resonated with me, and I'm so glad I went with it! It made me feel like I'm not the only one having troubles in my 20s, nor am the only grad trying to find my true calling and path. This book was like free therapy. I loooooove it!

In Conclusion: I believe every 20-something year old.


Rating:

a definite 5/5 food trucks

"Eyre House" (a creepy Lexi review)

Readers,

This is a warning that the following review is for a book that contains sex scenes. So, if not of appropriate age, don't read. Easy-peasy.

The book is Eyre House by Caitlyn Greer.

Summary (Yay, Goodreads!): "When eighteen-year-old orphan Evan Richardson signed up to work at Eyre House, on the sleepy tourist getaway of Edisto Island, SC, he never expected to find himself dodging ghosts. But Eyre House seems to have more than its fair share of things that go bump in the night, and most of them seem to surround his employer’s daughter.

Back from her freshman year of college, Ginny Eyre is dangerous from word one. She’s a bad girl with ghosts of her own, and trouble seems to follow her everywhere she goes. But living or dead, trouble isn’t just stalking Ginny. When her ex-boyfriend is found murdered in the pool, Evan knows he’s got two choices – figure out what’s going on, or become the next ghost to haunt Ginny Eyre."

I got into this because it was a retelling of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, but in a whole new way. For awhile, I thought it was going to be bad, but it wasn't at all. The sex scenes took me by surprise though, since it was under "YA/NA" and not under "Romance," lol. But the novel needed some steamy scenes. The author caught every feeling that one would in every situation there was. I am a big fan of this novel. If you want a twist or few, you've got it made with this novel. It'll keep you guessing throughout the novel!


In Conclusion: Read it! The author did a superb job in retelling this classic!


Rating:

5/5 motorcycles

Sweet Tea & Music (A Southern Girl Post by Lexi)

Readers,

As you can probably guess, I have been drinking sweet tea today, which I usually skip. It's sinfully good, and healthier than my love of Diet Coke because it's flavored sugar water... right? lol.

Anywho, I had to do a "test" for D Magazine, as I have sent in a resume to be a blogger for them. It was long and tedious, and I am literally all written out. I was given 48 hours to do it, and it was sent to me at 4 p.m. yesterday. So, me being me, I rushed myself and did over half the work yesterday, then the rest today (after making a playlist to listen to as I did the work). This is never a good decision, cuz I'm all stressed out, but thankfully I have this blog to write about it and just say that I am feeling much better. lol. I just over-analyzed a question or so to death, which is always my little downfall. Otherwise, I'm good, and happy, and no longer stressed out.

Whew!

But I am all written out for today. Expect a better post tomorrow, lol.


Hugs,

Lexi

"I Now Pronounce You Someone Else" (A Loving Lexi Review)

Readers,

Please note that I am not a wedding-planning girl. I've always focused on what marriage I've wanted, never any details about a future wedding. I also know that 85% of marriages under the age of 25 will be divorced. 56% is the overall divorce rate. So, even though these are all facts, I have to say that I rooted for the couple in the book... mainly because the guy seems so perfect. What book? I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan.

Summary (thanks, Goodreads): "Here Comes the Bride — If She Can Pass Chemistry.

Eighteen-year-old Bronwen Oliver has a secret: She's really Phoebe, the lost daughter of the loving Lilywhite family. That's the only way to explain her image-obsessed mother; a kind but distant stepfather; and a brother with a small personality complex. Bronwen knows she must have been switched at birth, and she can't wait to get away from her "family" for good.

Then she meets Jared Sondervan. He's sweet, funny, everything she wants — and he has the family Bronwen has always wanted too. She falls head over heels in love, and when he proposes marriage, she joyfully accepts. But is Jared truly what she needs? And if he's not, she has to ask: What would Phoebe Lilywhite do?"

Bronwen's enthusiasm and background make you just love her, and you want to fight for and with her in this novel. You do with every single character in the novel. Every feels familiar, but they also have depths and secrets, so character development (and world development, for that matter) is just great. The lessons you learn about love and marriage are even more so.

In Conclusion: Teens should read this, for sure. Every chica should, really.


Rating:

4/5 wedding cakes because sometimes the novel dragged

"Chasing the Skip" (A Criminal Lexi Review)

Hey, readers,

It's a bit late thanks to an impromptu girls' night, lol. But I need to post this, so here we go!

Summary (Thank you, Goodreads!): "Ricki’s dad has never been there for her. He’s a bounty hunter who spends his time chasing parole evaders—also known as “skips”—all over the country. But now since Ricki’s mom ran off, Ricki finds herself an unwilling passenger in a front-row seat to her father’s dangerous lifestyle.

            Ricki’s feelings get even more confused when her dad starts chasing seventeen-year-old Ian Burnham. She finds herself unavoidably attracted to the dark-eyed felon who seems eager to get acquainted. But Ricki thinks she’s ever in control—the perfect manipulator. Little does she know that Ian isn’t playing their game by her rules."

So the mood for this novel is very good. From the beginning, we know that Ricki isn't impartial, so she is unexpected. I love this small novel where she has a father who cares (but is a little to late) even though her mother is neglectful.

The characters are whole and understandable, as well as relatable. The events are quite believable, and you're on a wild ride with this novel!

In Conclusion: Read it! It's a good little novel for a light reading, rainy day.


Rating:

5/5 handcuffs

Books to Read on Rainy Days (a happy post by Lexi)

Favorite books.

Everybody has them. You protect them like your children, and we all know they look worn out only because they're so very loved. The corners may be folded down, the pages may be yellowing around the edges, and they may be somewhat ripped, chewed on (by our canine loves), and/or just completely falling apart.

Here are eight books that are wearing down, even on my tablet, lol.



The China Garden by Liz Berry

So very worn out. And it's my third one.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

To be fair, I read it first cuz it was my James Dean phase and it was his favorite book. And mine luckily had a letter and a photo inside from the 1980s.

Flawless Ruins by Kieryn Nicolas

A teen actually wrote this, and she is amazing. This was my first favorite dystopian novel as a teen. The story is rich, and it's just brilliant.

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

I've had it since childhood, and parts have fallen out, lol. But reading it as an adult is so enlightening. His words and wisdom are worth rereading this.

Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet

I've reviewed this already, but I have to say that it's just still so close to my heart. I love it.

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Such a new look at my childhood favorite. It just is amazing. No words.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

In a younger age, this novel shocked me to the core, but I loved it. It felt so true and real. Now, years later, I still am in love with this book, and with L.H. Anderson to share this story and rock the YA world.

Kiss My Tiara: How to Rule the World as a SmartMouth Goddess by Susan Jane Gilman

This novel made me laugh and finally feel good to be myself and a woman all at once. Each chapter is a new lesson for you in adulthood, and in teenage-dom, growing into your own person.

Now back to this rainy day, and my reading!

Look for future reviews I do on the books on this list that I haven't reviewed yet!

Love,

Lexi

"Girl Parts" (An Innocent Review by Lexi, lol)

Hey, Readers!!!

I was going to post earlier, but I had an impromptu girls' night when my friend needed to get out of her house, lol. So I've been a bit busy talking and such, and eating donut holes, you know, like all girls do! lol

Okay, so tonight's review is of Girl Parts by John M. Cusick.

Summary: "David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot designed to encourage healthy bonds and treat his “dissociative disorder,” he can’t get enough of luscious redheaded Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Parted from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal “companion” is about to become her own best friend. In a stunning and hilarious debut, John Cusick takes rollicking aim at internet culture and our craving for meaningful connection in an uberconnected world."


I read this awhile ago, and it's stuck with me because it truly is a very unique story. Rose is a very interesting character, where she realizes how much she does or doesn't know about being real. I felt bad for her, being meant to feel love towards one person, but not know why. I could just envision both guys and their so different lives. I didn't enjoy the amount of sex, and how meaningless it could be. However, it's still a unique book.


In Conclusion: Read it, but keep in mind that it's a light read, so do it fast if you do. Then go read my 5 star books.



Rating:

3.5 or 4/5 

"The Registry" (An As-Is Review by Lexi)

Readers,

This novel truly had me thinking of how close we could be to this dystopian world becoming reality. Sure, I doubt it will happen, but still creepy to think about... This novel is The Registry by Shannon Stoker.

Summary: (Thank you, Amazon) "Welcome to a safe and secure new world, where beauty is bought and sold, and freedom is the ultimate crime

The Registry saved the country from collapse, but stability has come at a price. In this patriotic new America, girls are raised to be brides, sold at auction to the highest bidder. Boys are raised to be soldiers, trained to fight and never question orders.

Nearly eighteen, beautiful Mia Morrissey excitedly awaits the beginning of her auction year. But a warning from her married older sister raises dangerous questions. Now, instead of going up on the block, Mia is going to escape to Mexico—and the promise of freedom.

All Mia wants is to control her own destiny—a brave and daring choice that will transform her into an enemy of the state, pursued by powerful government agents, ruthless bounty hunters, and a cunning man determined to own her . . . a man who will stop at nothing to get her back."

In today's world, we value looks, and teens are more than willing to wear makeup and seem sexy at young ages. We all watch "Toddlers & Tiaras" where little girls are made up, barely clothed, and dancing in inappropriate clothing. We're taught that intelligence is important, but if you want a man, put on that LBD, heels, and makeup. So how far are we from being put up as a figure for auction? This novel's society feels too close for comfort.

This novel is really fun, and you're wanting to scream and help the characters out, lol. The story is compelling, realistic, and shows what true bravery, friendship, and sacrifice are.

The characters are properly whole, including backgrounds and pasts. They all are realistic, and you can see them in the world today, honestly. The whole world-building was superb and complete. This whole story is just realistic, and the fact that the author shows so much as well as describes, it's not hard to picture this novel as a movie in your head.

The only issue I had was that some true imagination had to be used for Mia's maturity and transformation, and her indifference and apathy when it came to others' feelings or emotions made her seem more sociopathic than a normal and sheltered girl that she was supposed to be. It could get really annoying, and kinda seemed like some of the scenes weren't truly developed as they should have been, and neither was Mia. Maybe the author was in a rush?

In Conclusion: You can read it, but it may frustrate you at some technicalities that I just mentioned above. If you want a better, new dystopian novel, check out previous posts by me, including Stung and Crewel.


Rating:

3/5 auction gavels

"Stupid Perfect World" (A Stupidly Perfect Lexi Review)

My Darling Readers,

Oh my goodness, I hate this whole recovery thing! I can barely even pick up my Yorkie cuz he's seven pounds. How stupid is that!?! But no second surgery, so all the prayers and good wishes and thoughts worked, so thank you to all! I can truthfully say that I missed blogging, and keep looking forward and reading, so y'all helped a lot.

Okay, so today's review is over a novella, and it's actually really good, so I had to share. It's called Stupid Perfect World, and the author is Scott Westerfield (yeah, the Uglies guy). It is only 39 pages long (50 after a preview of his new book), and that's why I usually don't review novellas, but it's worth reviewing.

Summary: The only summaries I can find are as long as the novella itself, lol. So I'm going to write this one.

Kieran Black and Maria Borsotti both live in a "perfect" world where there's no hunger, no wars, no diseases, and sleep isn't needed. They take classes in all different parts of the world, getting to each place within seconds.

In their class called "Scarcity," they learn all about the sad way people used to live, and have a project where they take on a "disease" or way of life. Keiran chooses sleep; Maria chooses for her hormones to no longer be controlled. They question their perfect world, and wonder if the bad old days were really that bad.


This was an interesting take on dystopian stories. See, instead of just leaving their world behind on this daring adventure where it's life or death, they are doing a class assignment.  Their world is stupid perfect, and if I lived in that way, I'd feel lazier than I do now, lol. Everything is just so easy, and I like that they are taught to explore the yesteryear.

In Conclusion: Read it. It's a light novella that you can read on the beach. Just relax and get taken in to this new world Westerfield has created.


Rating: 

4.5/5 moons, because it does lag in some areas.

An Upbeat Sunday Afternoon Requiem (Chanted by Lexi)

So, readers,

Thanks for the prayers and cares, cuz I may have only needed this one surgery, and not one in a few days! YAY!

To celebrate, I decided that you guys need some humor, also known as skits from Catherine Tate's comedy skit show...

The Offensive Translator

Lauren Cooper and the Periodic Table

Lauren Cooper's Wedding

Hugs to all!!!!!



XOXO,

Lexi

"Confessions of a Backup Dancer" (A Hip-Shaking, Guilty Pleasure Lexi Review)

Oh, Readers,

I have loved this book for over a decade. It's one of those "guilty pleasure" books, like if you're addicted to watching "The Bachelor" for some reason. This novel is just a train wreck ready to happen, and you know it. And it can be cringing sometimes. But the best part is that it's a mixture of rumors and happenings that weren't necessarily well-known to the fans of Christina Aguilara, Jessica Simpson, and Britney Spears in their early years. The names, personalities, and happenings just have been jumbled up. The novel is called Confessions of a Back-Up Dancer by Anonymous (not that Anonymous, but Tucker Shaw), and I've loved it since I was a young teen. Get ready, y'all.

Summary (from the always good Goodreads): "glamour. access. scandal.

Ever wonder what your favorite pop divas are like AFTER the cameras stop rolling? What do they do behind closed doors? What are their parties like? What do they think about? What do they fight about? What do they really want? And who do they REALLY hook up with?

Kelly Kimball spent a summer as a backup dancer for Darcy Barnes, the biggest pop star in the world. Kelly's got the real story on Darcy, her life, her family, and her entourage -- and she's spilling it here for the first time. If you think the life of a superstar can't possibly be all it's cracked up to be, you're wrong. It's all that and more. And it's all inside Kelly's tell-all diary: Confessions of a Backup Dancer."

Now, this is supposed to be an anonymous, but real, backup dancer who told Tucker Shaw all of this, but it's not. However, it reads like it's a true backup dancing world though, and like the whole thing truly happened. All the events and personalities that you didn't know until years after this book are certainly convincing of the book's authenticity though. It's all jumbled and kinda confusing if you over-analyze if it's true or not. So, you know, don't over-analyze this book -- it's too fun!

So not only are you getting a look behind the scenes, but you're getting it from the point-of-view of a teen girl who has a true passion for dance, and realistic home life. It's hard at home, where her stepfather and step-sisters drive her insane, and she's protective of her younger brother in all ways. I really understood both sides of that, especially being protective of one's brother, so this book and Kelly in general, really stuck with me. She worked hard to get where she was at, and she also was strong when I know I would have broken. When she becomes a backup dancer, she grows up even faster, and the life seems more glamorous than it truly is. Thankfully, her bff at home is there for her when there are times that she doesn't know what to do or who to trust. The novel portrays both superficial and true friendships, and just how close those two truly are.

This novel reads as a blog, and just as a personal narrative as well. It's very well-written, with just enough "teen" to be convincing of her age. I love the settings, the rushes you feel with Kelly as she gets into "the zone" in her dancing, and how she truly tells it like it is. My favorite is that this novel contains just the gossip that we all want to hear. The costumes described are cool as well. There is just a lot to like about this novel, no matter what age you are.


In Conclusion: Read it, Baby!


Rating:

5/5 Odd-Looking Male Backup Dancers (+1 Janet Jackson)



Wishing you all happy reads!

XOXO,

Lexi

"Stung" (A Bee-autiful Review by Lexi) (Bad pun, I know, lol)

Our lovely readers,

I'm doing this and perhaps next weeks' reviews early. So let us begin, shall we?

Stung by Bethany Wiggins!

Summary (Yay, Goodreads!): "There is no cure for being stung.

Fiona doesn’t remember going to sleep. But when she opens her eyes, she discovers her entire world has been altered—her house is abandoned and broken, and the entire neighborhood is barren and dead. Even stranger is the tattoo on her right hand—a black oval with five marks on either side—that she doesn’t remember getting but somehow knows she must cover at any cost. She’s right.

Those bearing the tattoo have turned into mindless, violent beasts that roam the streets and sewers, preying upon the unbranded while a select few live protected inside a fortress-like wall, their lives devoted to rebuilding society and killing all who bear the mark.
Now Fiona has awakened branded, alone—and on the wrong side of the wall."

Can ya tell I've been on a dystopian kick as of late? I've loved the genre since I was ten and reader The Giver (by Louis Lowry), and as soon as I get into it again, it was the beginning of this genre blowing up (lucky me!). Now, I know some feel like they're almost identical, or facing the same crap, but I will never lead you astray to a crappy book, my lovely readers, so no worries with this one!

Imagine waking up at thirteen to an abandoned household; one that's been abandoned for a very long time. Then, you look in the mirror and see that your reflection isn't that of a thirteen-year-old, instead having a woman's curves. And the last memories you have is chocked full of your vanished family, but nothing since you turned thirteen. How bizarre would that be??? Then you notice a tattoo on your hand that you don't remember getting. The next thing you know, you're running and protecting yourself and you don't know what from or why or what the heck happened. Think you could go through all of that emotional turmoil? I know I'd be a bit crazy after that. But our lucky Fiona only knows to cover her tattoo on her hand, and that's it. She sets off on her own, and then gets rallied into the biggest, most dangerous game of cat-and-mouse where there are dozens of cats, and she's the only mouse.

You'll love the quips, the way things are shown and not told, and how vividly you can see this story unfolding in a crumbling town. The story takes all these twists and turns, and you cannot believe any of what happens or why!!! I love surprising books, ones that capture your imagination and lets it run as freely as possible. This book is actually genius, and comes from a whole new perspective of a decaying world that's suffering not because of a shortage of water, or a war. It's awesome and unique!


In Conclusion: Read away, my friends! If you want a fresh dystopian novel that involves a strong female lead, a handsome helper, and a tale that seems so close, so far, and so imaginative all at once, read Stung. You won't be sorry!


Rating:

5/5 lavender bunches (plus 1 bee)!



Alrighty! More is coming this week, y'all, and Ash has a surprise for you guys!!!



XOXO,

Lexi