"Awaken" (A Lexi Review)

Hey, loves!!!

Okay, so have you ever been somewhere where everything is tech? Are you addicted to the phone, tv, Bluerays, and ebooks all at once, swiping a basic card to take care of everything you need? Tech is all around us, all the time, and it's difficult to escape it, or escape the need for it. For today's blog, I'm doing Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky.

This is a book where tech has replaced the need for bus passes, school, meeting people, etc. in this dystopian novel. What happens when a the teen daughter of the man who made this so meets a guy that denies tech? One that knows how to do things old style? One that actually wants to meet face-to-face, not via avatars?

The characters and story are well-written. The world creation is very far developed, and it's extremely realistic. I love the imagination that it took to come up with not only this story, but the entire background behind it that comes in increments throughout the novel.

That's all I'm giving you. It's an awesome book that makes you look at technology differently, and I say to read it. :)

Rating: 

5/5 computer screens

"Strangely Normal" by Tess Oliver Cover Reveal!!!!! (Peek-a-Boo Post by Lexi)

OOOOOH, Readers, guess what!!!



We were invited to do the cover reveal for a brand-spankin' new novel by the wonderful Tess Oliver!!! So, since Ashley has Mondays, this is Alexis just dropping by with this great news!!! We have a book description, info on the author, and even a teaser as well!!!

If you have never read anything else by Tess Oliver, please go do so! You'll be doing a favor for yourself. She is a great writer, and her novels are fun to read, and very enjoyable! Her novellas are fun as well, and I know that a few more of her books are coming up in my "books to read" pile that I have going, and now I'm going to be adding this one!!!

The cover is gorgeous, and the novel seems like it's going to be awwwwwwesome!!! Cannot wait to share more about it, y'all!!!!!



Title: Strangely Normal
Author: Tess Oliver

Book Description:
A unique summer job lands eighteen-year-old Eden Saxon into a lifestyle completely different than her own. She becomes a companion for nineteen-year-old Finley King, the daughter of a rock legend. Finley suffers from severe anxiety, and her father fears her being alone. Eden leaves her loving, but wildly dysfunctional, parents and dreary apartment and enters a world where no luxury is overlooked. She instantly adores Finley and her charming, quirky personality. The whole situation has only one flaw– Finley’s older brother, Jude. Jude King is cocky, arrogant and irritating. Unfortunately, he’s also completely irresistible. 


Eden realizes she’s underestimated the depth of Finley’s problems, and suddenly her dream job turns out to be a lot more than she’d expected. Eden soon finds herself in over her head . . . and her heart.

LOOK HOW PRETTY THIS IS!!!

Book Teaser:

He placed down his pencil and walked across the floor toward me. The crackling energy I’d felt between us the night before when he’d stood over my bed returned now and grew with hot intensity as the space between us disappeared. I was not the only one noticing the sudden charge in the atmosphere between us. He stopped directly in front of me, and even with loud music bouncing off the walls, I could hear the unnaturally fast rhythm of his breathing.

He hesitated a moment and then his hand came up slowly and brushed the hair off my face. His fingertips had only grazed my cheek, but I felt the sensation of his touch through my entire body. He looked back at me as if he’d smoothed his hands over every inch of my skin. The air between us heated and what had started out as a casual session between an artist and his subject had somehow erupted into something completely different.

About the Author:

Tess Oliver is a teacher and writer who lives in California with her husband, kids, a small pack of pampered dogs, and the recent addition of three ridiculously cute pygmy goats. She loves horses, chocolate and Jane Austen books. She has a BS of Nutrition Science, and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction. She is also an author published by Barron's Educational Publisher.

Website: http://www.tessoliver.com/
Blog: http://tessoliverauthor.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tessoliverauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4178161.Tess_Oliver
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Tess_Oliver




Till tomorrow, loves,

Alexis

"The Friday Society" (A "HIIIIYA!" Review by Lexi)

Hey!

I know that one should never judge a book by its cover, but I have to admit that the cover is what drew me to this book in the first place. Three girls that look like they're ready to kill you, with a steampunk look, and awesome outfits. I had to read it! "It" being The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress.

"An action-packed tale of gowns, guys, guns –and the heroines who use them all 

Set in turn of the century London, The Friday Society follows the stories of three very intelligent and talented young women, all of whom are assistants to powerful men: Cora, lab assistant; Michiko, Japanese fight assistant; and Nellie, magician's assistant. The three young women's lives become inexorably intertwined after a chance meeting at a ball that ends with the discovery of a murdered mystery man.

It's up to these three, in their own charming but bold way, to solve the murder–and the crimes they believe may be connected to it–without calling too much attention to themselves.
Set in the past but with a modern irreverent flare, this Steampunk whodunit introduces three unforgettable and very ladylike–well, relatively ladylike–heroines poised for more dangerous adventures." (Again, credit goes to Goodreads)

So three girls who meet in an unfortunate way team up to kick butt. On accident, these three young women meet. Then they each have their own reason to be up in arms, and they all feel responsible to help find the guy who committed the crimes.

I do want to say that this novel is very action-packed and quick-paced, which is perfect for this novel and this story. The characters all were developed very nicely, and the story was interesting. It just yanks you in from the first lines, and keeps you in its grasp for the rest of the book. The twists and turns that happen are well-thought out, and so is the plot.

I just love these three girls' strength, and their determination. They seem like the kind of people that Ash and I would hang out with. On top of this, you can relate to one of these girls, if not all three in some way or another.

If you've ever wondered what it'd be like to act as a real-life superhero, you'll love this novel. Read it!


Rating:

5/5 katanas

"The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox" (A Book Review by Lexi)

Hello, lovely loves!

Check out this next book:

Review: "In the middle of tending to the everyday business at her vintage-clothing shop and sidestepping her married boyfriend’s attempts at commitment, Iris Lockhart receives a stunning phone call: Her great-aunt Esme, whom she never knew existed, is being released from Cauldstone Hospital—where she has been locked away for more than sixty-one years.

Iris’s grandmother Kitty always claimed to be an only child. But Esme’s papers prove she is Kitty’s sister, and Iris can see the shadow of her dead father in Esme’s face. 

Esme has been labeled harmless—sane enough to coexist with the rest of the world. But she's still basically a stranger, a family member never mentioned by the family, and one who is sure to bring life-altering secrets with her when she leaves the ward. If Iris takes her in, what dangerous truths might she inherit?
A gothic, intricate tale of family secrets, lost lives, and the freedom brought by truth, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox will haunt you long past its final page." (Thank you, Goodreads! I <3 font="" you="">


So imagine this being real. You get this call that this aunt, who's lived in a psych hospital all her life is coming home -- your home. The secrets interwoven in your family's past come out to the light, and everything you thought was true? Yeah, it's not.

So who is Esme? Is she truly insane, or was she imaginative and just didn't fit in? It all depends on who you ask. Her sister has rambling Alzheimer's memories that truly make you understand the disease and what it does for the person. Then Esme herself has different memories. Tie it in with Iris's life, and you have a novel with multi-generational secrets that will make you wonder what secrets are in your family's past...

Rating:

4/5 because of heavy themes.

Suggestions: Read when you can handle something more on the serious side. The theme seems to be that verse in the Bible where the children will inherit their father's sins.

"Out of the Easy" (Lexi's feelings about the novel)

Hello, my loves!

Okay, so I, Lexi/Alexis, have another confession to make. I love the south. I love reading women's fiction set in the old south. If it's good, it has hilarious and sassy characters facing a time where it seems they don't necessarily fit in. The best part are the strong women who ran things and got their way. I admire strong women and so this fiction is best for me. That's why I gave Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys. All I needed was to see the setting was NOLA and I was hooked.

Summary: "It's 1950 and the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie Moraine wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street.

Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.

With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny." (Thanks again, Amazon.com!)

I have never read Ms. Sepetys's other novel, and didn't even realize she wrote that novel until the summary above just now. Thus, however her other book is, this review has not been affected by that in any way, shape, or form.

This novel... What can I say?... It was wonderful.

This novel is a great novel about family and life choices. Josie's family was completely unconventional. My personal philosophy is that you choose your family, and blood can have nothing to do with it at all. So as unconventional as Josie's life and family is, you can feel the immense love from beginning to end.

Sepety is so descriptive and nonchalant about Josie's life that you feel like growing up around prostitutes is no big deal. Living where mobsters dwell, and knowing which guys are faithful to their wives or not and everything is completely normal. You feel as if it's just another day in the world.

You learn that choices and decisions in life can make or break a person, and that it's up to you to find the good in your life. If Josie could be as strong and as loving as she was even though her biological mother was so horrid, you can, too. Just by that alone, this novel shows that you choose who to be and how to be, that certain events and circumstances can happen, but it truly is you who decides how that event is going to affect you and shape your personality and heart. This is just one facet of this novel.

Structurally, this novel makes it easy to follow who each of the characters are. You'll wish you were there to see Willie grumpy in the morning, or Jesse as a whole. You'll want to live in a bookstore as well, and have people around you that are unsavory characters, but with hearts. The sentences and grammar are perfectly fine, my fellow grammar soldiers. My favorite are the turns of phrases and how Septey described things. A couple are these:

"I'll be back in a sneeze to pick you up." -pg. 175

"...the girl carrying a bucket of lies and throwing them like confetti..." pg. 187

Also, there was a metaphor of a moth in one's throat that was perfect.

This novel was just all-around awesome. I truly hope you guys read this. My rating?

6/5

Now, I know that there is a number system for a reason, but this novel is one I will be going back to read for sure. It's exciting and unpredictable! You get so wrapped up that it'll take a minute or two to answer if a person interrupts.

Suggestions? Not really any for this one. Just let yourself be immersed in the NOLA culture of the time, and enjoy.

Have an amazing Easter!!!!!

Until next time, loves!

Hugs,

Lexi

"The Jane Austen Marriage Manual" (A Lexi Review)

So, readers, there have been lots of you that visited, and we both hope that you'll really start subscribing and messaging us! We adore y'all and just wish that you'd wanna keep comin' back. Any requests and comments are always welcome, loves!

Okay, on to the review. Today's is on The Jane Austen Marriage Manual by Kim Izzo. Look at this gorgeous cover!!!

Book Summary

"Katherine Shaw—Kate— is happy with her life. She has supportive friends, a glamorous magazine career, and a love of all things Jane Austen. But when she loses her job, her beloved grandmother falls ill and a financial disaster forces a sale on the family home, Kate finds herself facing a crisis that would test even the most stalwart of Austen heroines.

Friends rally round, connecting her to freelance gigs, and presenting her with a birthday gift— title to land in Scotland—that’s about to come in very handy. Turns out that Kate’s first freelance assignment is to test an Austen-inspired theory: in the toughest economic times is a wealthy man the only must-have accessory? What begins as an article turns into an opportunity as Kate—now Lady Kate—jet-sets to Palm Beach, St Moritz and London where, in keeping company with the elite, she meets prospects who make Mr. Darcy look like an amateur. But will rubbing shoulders with men of good fortune ever actually lead her to love? And will Kate be able to choose between Mr. Rich and Mr. Right?"

My Review

Since I never read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (*flinches and whispers "don't hurt me!"*), I decided that this would grab me a bit more, as I had just watched the miniseries (thank you, AT&T DVR!) of it, that this was going to be me making up for that fact. The fact that I received the gift of the title "Lady" as well grabbed me as well; it seemed like an awesome idea for this plot! It didn't let me down. At all. This book was so much fun! Some places, you wonder what exactly the author is setting up with a certain character or two, but it's all wonderful and makes sense quickly.
I do have to say that this is definitely the modern-day fairy tale that girls want to be in. The best part? How realistic it is. It gives me hope of my own Darcy to run into one of these days. And in joining in on high society events and the rich-beyond-rich lifestyle. Pretty much everything that happens in this book.

The men are also realistic, as is Kate. As a journalist, I can say that her situation is very realistic. As for the men, you'll be drooling; trust me. I'd want to meet these guys; every single one that appears in this novel. But going on the adventure to meet them seems even more worth it than the end result of meeting a guy, at least in this book. Seeing as I loved the characters, that's saying something for the novel itself. Usually, characters become very predictable, as does a storyline, in every book I read. This one, the adventure was much to fun to rush to the ending and seeing which male Kate ends up with, if any.

Kate proves in this book that life can improve, and to hold out and never settle. :)

See the rest in "Suggestion."


In Conclusion

See "Suggestion."


Rating

I'm giving you a gorgeous display of five Darcys. Just for y'all.


Suggestion

This book is great if you're facing a new event or part of your life. This book will remind you that any end is a new beginning, and that you should seriously see every change as an adventure. Whenever you're doubting yourself or your future, this is the perfect book to read. Take a day to relax, and read this.

"Blaze (or Love in the Time of Supervillains)" (A Review by Lexi)

Hello, readers!

I am trying to catch up by posting a few this week, as much as I can. I hope this is okay. Then Ash and I are starting a schedule. She wonderfully took care of this blog whilst I was away, and how sweet is was to do so! She's such an awesome person!

Anywho, here's a book that presents itself in a certain way, but really is in disguise.

Look at this cover and title! You'd think it's a superhero book, right? I mean, that's what it alludes to. But is it? Um. No. Not at all.

Barnes & Noble summary: "Blaze is tired of spending her life on the sidelines.

All she wants is for Mark the Soccer Stud to notice her. Not as Josh's weird sister who drives a turd-brown minivan. And not as that nerdy girl who draws comics.

What she gets is her very own arch-nemesis.

Name: Mark Deninger, aka Mark the Shark Occupation: Soccer star and all-around lady killer Relationship Status: Serial dater Group Affiliation: No loyalty Known Superpowers: Anti-girlfriend force field, breaking hearts

Mark may have humiliated Blaze supervillian-style, but what he doesn't know is how geek girls always get revenge.

#GeekGrlzRevenge"

This is the most confusing book ever. You have no clue what she's going to end up doing. One moment, she's her little brother's role model, and then she doesn't take care of a big situation right away like a mature girl would. (I'm close to my little brother, and am a mom figure to him, so I know.) The ending does work as a resolution to part of the book, but you'd never get the main idea of the book. The main idea truly is Blaze finding her own voice. However, you don't get this until the end, and you're wondering what the hell you just read.

It has a good premise, and it's interesting, especially if you relate to being an adult early in life. I like that she was a girl into comic books. That was a great idea for a character, because us nerds needed a character to relate to. However, this book was so odd that I couldn't enjoy it much. Too many characters that came and went, too many things that weren't handled as they should have been (at least in my opinion). So, while I wanted this book to be awesome, and I wanted to see more of the comics and the one she was writing. There were too many things that just had no conclusion to them, and it's sad.

Rating: Two Superheroes...

Suggestion: Skip this one. If you want to buy it, please don't. Library is recommended. Don't spend too much time on it, okay?

Cruises and a review of "World of Shell and Bone"!!! (A Lexi Review)

Oh, readers, Ash and I haven't posted in awhile because we went on a Disney cruise together (AMAZING!!!), and then life took over once we got back. I'm actually leaving on Tuesday for another one, this one on Carnival, but this time as a mother-daughter trip.

Okay, so let's get on to my review!!!

World of Shell and Bone by Adriana Ryan

First off, look at the stunning cover!

Totally gorgeous, right?

Summary: In a world ravaged by a nuclear holocaust, Vika Cannon knows there are no guarantees: no guarantees of safety, no guarantees that your neighbor is not actually a spy for the government, and no guarantees you'll be allowed to emigrate to a new life in China.

New Amana is dying. Food and water are scarce, and people suffering from radiation-caused mutations--the Nukeheads--are the new class of homeless.

Vika has just one purpose: to produce healthy progeny using a Husband assigned by the Match Clinic. Unhealthy children are carted away to Asylums to be experimented on, just as Vika's little sister Ceres was, eight years ago. Parents incapable of producing healthy progeny are put to death in gas chambers.


When she's assigned a Husband shortly after her twentieth birthday, Vika expects him to be complacent and obedient. But Shale Underwood has a secret. He is a member of the Radicals, the terrorist group intent on overthrowing the government. And Shale has information about Ceres.

As she learns more about the Rads's plan, Vika finds herself drawn to Shale in ways she'd never imagined. When freedom calls in the way of a healthy pregnancy, will she betray her government and risk death for Shale and Ceres? (from Amazon)


Okay, so if you've read Flawless Ruins by Kiera Nicolas, you'll think that this book is like it by the summary, but it's definitely not. This is a wonderful book that stands on it's own uniqueness. (I'm not saying that Flawless is a bad one; it's actually amazing as well.)

This novel is a great one for the "New Adult" section, which means you're an older "Young Adult." The characters are very believable, and you start to wonder whether this could happen.

Amana is an overcrowded place that was destroyed in a nuclear war. It's an unsettling place where the air is so filled with chemicals that it burns to breathe. It's where you have to watch what you say and do, because you have to treat everybody like they're going to turn you in for one reason or another, and nobody will believe that you're innocent. As a woman, you better be able to pass a ridiculous fitness or be extremely fertile, or you're "discarded." Any unhealthy or physically impaired children will be taken away, so you must also hope that that doesn't happen. But, then again, the citizens say "it's for the best." Oh, and love? Well, that's not what marriages are based upon. Men are solely called "Husbands," and are assigned to you. They should be obedient, cook, and clean. (That doesn't sound too bad, actually... loljk.) If you were lucky, you got to go to China, where there was plenty of room.

Vika never really questioned these things. And, looking from her point of view, it's understandable. Each new surprise in the novel will make sense to you. Also, the novel will explain everything, answering any questions you have while reading it, so no worries there. The characters are whole and convincing. The storyline and secrets will have you in their grasps for the entire novel. I honestly experienced no slow parts, and couldn't guess what was going to happen in the novel by the first few chapters. It was like an adventure; one that I am more than happy to have gotten to go on. This book had me emotionally involved and invested, wondering how everything was going to turn out.

In all honesty, what Vika is facing seems like what women our age (twenties) are facing: too many decisions and expectations to have everything together, your life all planned out. Everything seems fine until you hit that point, and wonder why you never thought to question your future or why nothing is going as planned anymore. (This is now coined as a "quarter-life crisis.") The novel will have you relating to Vika and the world around her, including her mother.

In Conclusion: In the end, I honestly am trying to review without giving any other little surprises away (like the names... you'll get it...), so I'm just going to say that this  novel is wonderfully written, and it had me reading it nonstop. You'll realize how far one can go to right some wrongs, no matter how long it's been, and that maybe following everybody else's schedule and expectations aren't what is right for you.

I hope that you guys enjoy this novel even just a quarter of how much I did!


Rating:

5/5 quasars

Recommendation: Just read it. Wherever and whenever. But, like, RIGHT NOW.