![]()
Review of In Seconds by Brenda Novak
To Be Released: August 30, 2011
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “Laurel Hodges has changed her identity twice. She’s been on the run for the past four years, trying to outdistance the gang members who blame her for the death of one of their own. She’s finally found peace and stability in the small town of Pineview, Montana. But just when Laurel thinks she and her children are safe…the nightmare starts all over again.
The Crew, a ruthless prison gang with ties to Laurel’s brother, will never forget and they’ll never forgive. And now that they’ve finally tracked her down, they’ll stop at nothing.
Sheriff Myles King, who happens to live next door with his thirteen-year-old daughter, appoints himself Laurel’s personal guardian. His growing attraction to her could change his life—Myles is beginning to picture marriage and family. But it could also end his life. If he can’t save her, everything he’s built, everything he wants, could be destroyed. In seconds…”
In Seconds by Brenda Novak is a bittersweet story about surviving the worst when you didn’t think you would. In Seconds by Brenda Novak is the second book in this new, hot series. In this book readers get to see a new side of Laurel, a character who has survived so much, and yet still has the strength of will to fight for what she has achieved. Along with Laurel we as readers also get to see other familiar characters and their points of views. But the most intriguing part of Laurel’s story has to be the handsome, sexy Sherriff Myles King. With chemistry that sparks with every glance, readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering if, when, and how Laurel and Myles will be able to love again in spite of the circumstances which brought them together. I give In Seconds by Brenda Novak 5 smirks. There are different points of view, which I think gives readers, a well-rounded knowledge of the story itself. The main characters, Laurel and Myles, have this incredibly relatable essence which not only distinguishes them as individuals but as a couple as well. Their chemistry is tangible and the loneliness they both have had to deal with makes readers who have felt this emotion, less lonely in the process. The town of Pineview is charming and gossipy, in all the ways a small town should be. In Seconds by Brenda Novak is an honest, emotion breaching story that will leave readers wanting to know the characters are going to have a happily ever after.
Review of Morning Glory
Released: March 8, 2011
6 out of 5 smirks
Notable Actors: Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton
Synopsis:“For Becky (Rachel McAdams, "The Notebook"), running a TV show in New York City was the big break she dreamed of…until star co-anchors Mike (Harrison Ford, Indiana Jones) and Colleen (Diane Keaton, "Something’s Gotta Give") declare an all-out, on-air war. Making the show work with its cast of eccentric characters and outrageous story angles will take a major miracle, but Becky is ready to rise and outshine. From the writer of "The Devil Wears Prada" and "27 Dresses", "Morning Glory" is a “Tart, terrific comedy*” that critics rave is, “Smart! Fresh! Brilliant! Heartwarming! Morning Glory has it all!*” *Peter Travers , Rolling Stone **Neil Rosen, NY1”
Morning Glory is perhaps an underrated movie that the masses did not accept because it wasn’t at their intensity for comedy, romance, drama, etc. I found Morning Glory to be a light at the end of a tunnel beckoning me to watch it. I watch it and fell in love. I fell in love with dreams and hope. I fell in love with finding a way in life. And I fell in love with finding a home away from home. Morning Glory made me feel better, almost relieved, about where my life is headed and I know that every time I watch this movie, I will be able to feel this intense emotion of wanting what I want and going for it (even if it means moving away from those I care about). The great thing for me about movies is their ability to make me feel a part of something bigger than myself, to motivate me to do what I can for my life, and to make these unbelievable characters that I would so have drinks with. Morning Glory is a movie like this, I highly recommend owning it because it will show you that not all movies have to be funny or drama filled the entire time to hold your interest. Some movies are just there to open your eyes and make you smile. I give Morning Glory 6 smirks because this movie made me fall in love with movies all over again and not many movies out there can do that.On July 17, 2011 I fell in love. I fell in love with movies all over again. Normally, this blog is not so focused on movie reviews as it is on books. That being said however, things from now on might change because there are many movies, TV shows, and music I would love to talk about with those who are willing to read. My point is I fell in love with movies again today. I watched a truly spectacular movie about growing up and finding a family in the most unlikely place, in a job. I felt my hope soar as I watched this woman do her job in her own nutty way which was actually somewhat awkward and graceful at the same time. I watched actors I have admired for the longest time become more to me in this movie than they have in any other. And most importantly, this movie gave me faith in myself as I am soon approaching a crossroads in my life where I have to decide what I want and how I want to get there.
Review of Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
Released: June 28, 2011 (paperback edition)
5 out 5 smirks
Synopsis: “Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but for Lily Sanderson, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.
Lily has a secret, and it’s not her huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart, beat flipper-fast. Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid—she’s a Thalassinian princess. When she discovered three years ago that her mother was actually a human, Lily finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been going to Seaview High ever since. Living on land has its problems—like her obnoxious biker-boy neighbor, Quince Fletcher—but it has that one major perk: Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type—when they bond, it’s for life.
When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily ever after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.”
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs is quite a remarkable story. I haven’t read a good YA book in a long while and find I can’t help, but wanting to read the next book in this story, Fins Are Forever. I found myself helplessly devoted to this story, wanting to know how it ended, why for the love of fish didn’t Lily see what was right in front of her, and wanting to read more about Quince’s charming wit. I found myself totally caught up with Lily’s emotions that I was almost in sync with her throughout most of the book. It was when I got up to get a drink and came back to the story I felt like Spike in Buffy The Vampire Slayer show, looking at Lily and thinking to myself “Lily, you blind idiot can’t you see he doesn’t love you?” I was captivated by Lily’s journeys of the heart and found eventually I had nothing left to read because the book was OVER. OVER, I TELL YOU. That was almost as heart-wrenching as when Lily told Quince…oh well never mind, I don’t want to spoil the book for you. I give Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs 5 smirks because it is a tantalizing book you will not want to put down, it will make you wish you were a mermaid princess, swimming around the ocean, and you will most definitely want a handsome prince along your side. Must read, must own, it is just too precious not to.
Review of Only Mine by Susan Mallery
To Be Released: July 26, 2011
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “Her town’s lack of men may make headlines, but it isn’t news to Dakota Hendrix. The beautiful blonde has bigger problems to deal with, such as overseeing the romance reality competition filming in Fool’s Gold. Screening eligible bachelors is a difficult enough task, but Dakota hits an unexpected snag when a sexy stranger comes to town.
Finn Anderssen will do anything to keep his twin brothers—the perfect contestants—off the show. Despite Dakota’s better judgment, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious outsider. Like her, Finn knows about heartbreak and how a family can fall apart, so she doesn’t dare to hope for anything more than a fling. After all, even in the Land of Happy Endings, finding true love is never as easy as it looks on TV.”
Only Mine by Susan Mallery is a wonderful story about finding identity and a place to call home in the one you were meant to be with. As readers we get to see more Fool’s Gold characters shine through in this series and become more invested in their lives as this story focuses on Dakota Hendrix (one of the triplets) and how she finds her path in life. We also get to meet a newcomer in town named Finn and let me just say he is very much one of those fictional guy characters every girl wishes she could marry in real life. As has become customary I will tell you all the things I loved about this book so I don’t give anything away.
Things I Love About Only Mine by Susan Mallery
Getting to see Dakota not as a triplet, but an individual
Finn and Dakota’s first meeting
Finn’s passion for being responsible to his family
The twins and how different they are
The Hendrix family dynamic
Fool’s Gold
Denise going on a date then talking about it with her daughters
Hannah (so adorable)
Dakota’s miracle
Finn’s stubbornness
Dakota and Finn’s sense of humor
Finn being cornered at the market
Dakota finally putting herself in the game and fighting
And of course the ending because that was just heart stopping
As most of you know, I am a huge Susan Mallery fan and I just adore her Fool’s Gold Series. I gave Only Mine by Susan Mallery 5 smirks because I was invested in the outcome for all the characters. Only Mine draws readers in with true emotion and tons of heart that it is hard not to be affected by this story. In my opinion it is a must read and a must own.
Review of Inside by Brenda Novak
Released: May 31, 2011
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “Dangerous to know...
Virgil Skinner served fourteen years for a murder he didn’t commit. He’s finally been exonerated, but he can’t escape the gang he joined in order to survive. They’ll do anything to keep him from telling what he knows. And if they can’t get to Virgil they’ll go after his sister and her kids.
The California Department of Corrections needs someone to infiltrate another gang, one that’s taking control of the state’s most notorious supermax. Virgil agrees to do it under an alias—in exchange for his sister’s protection.
Chief Deputy Warden Peyton Adams is opposed to having Virgil in her prison. How will she protect him if things go bad? Besides, she’s far too attracted to him; she might even be falling in love with him. That makes her all the more desperate to keep him safe—and it gives him someone else to lose.”
Inside by Brenda Novak is an exhilarating story about making a difference and finding love in the most unusual circumstances. Brenda Novak (love all her books) has an uncanny ability to provide just the right amount of suspense, drama, action, adventure, and romance to Inside that will leave readers feeling like they ran a 6 minute mile. I give Inside by Brenda Novak 5 smirks because the story has a certain appeal of criminal justice, searching for the truth, and romance springing in the unlikeliest of places.
Review of Midnight Fear by Leslie Tentler
To Be Released: July 26, 2011
4.5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “The still of the night is once again shattered by Caitlyn Cahill’s recurring nightmare—her brother standing before her, gripping a butcher knife, his eyes black with hatred. Two years ago, the former Washington, D.C., socialite defied her powerful senator father and risked the ruin of her family by helping the FBI link her troubled brother to a string of horrific murders. “The Capital Killer” was sent to prison for life…and Caitlyn’s entire world fell apart.
Now, FBI agent Reid Novak is forced to rend the peace Caitlyn has found on a rural Virginia horse farm. A copycat killer is on the loose and slowly toying with Caitlyn—his ultimate target—in a terrorizing cat and- mouse game. Almost destroyed two years ago by Caitlyn’s family, not to mention the Capital Killer’s haunting final murder, Reid vows to save the woman he’s never forgotten…or die trying.”
Midnight Fear by Leslie Tentler is an action-packed mysterious story about trying to find the good in one’s life after going through hell. Agent Reid and Caitlyn’s chemistry throughout the entire story is palpable and real as the words fly off the pages. Crime and romance go hand in hand with Midnight Fear touching more on the mystery and a number of suspects who may or may not be after Caitlyn. The killer however, is one no one will suspect. I give Midnight Fear by Leslie Tentler 4.5 smirks because I couldn’t stop reading and I find the mix of crime, suspense, mystery, and romance to work amazingly well together in this installment of Leslie Tentler’s series.
Review of In Seconds by Brenda Novak
