Monday, July 30, 2012

The Chick Lit Book Club

I wanted to fill all my readers in on some fun news! I am part of the Chick Lit Book Club on Goodreads! The ladies over there are always reading some fantastic chick lit novels. A few months back I offered to host the September book of the month and discussion. It's an open book club and I would love it if some of you joined and read along with me in September!



The schedule for the book club is: 
1st of August: Book Suggestions thread will be set up to nominate books for the month of September
10th-20th of August: A poll is set up and members will vote on which book they want to read in September 
21st of August: The winning book is announced so members can start getting their copy! Discussion for the September book opens on September 1st. 

The theme for September is "school". So suggested books need to be focused around school or take place primarily at school. I figured since September is the start of both the fall and school for most places that this would be a good topic! 

I hope some of you come and join me! It will be a great time, and great way to kick off my favorite season! 

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I really enjoyed watching the women's Olympic gymnastics events. It's my favorite summer Olympics sport, even though I'm not an avid follower by any means. Although I was sad to learn Shawn Johnson retired back in June due to knee problems! I always did like her. 

Xo-Laura

Sunday, July 29, 2012

The Sunday Post (1st Edition)

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffinated Book Reviewer ~It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Weekly News:This week on my blog I posted my review of Hollywood Scandals, the first book in the cozy mystery Hollywood Headlines series by Gemma Halliday.  I also shared two "just for fun" posts: 1) Beautiful & Unique Bookshops and 2) Books I Wish I'd Read in High School. I also posted, as I do every Friday for my readers, Free eBook Friday. This week I featured three great and fun titles!

New Books:
I went a little overboard on downloading books this week! The good news is though, that all the books I downloaded were (at one point) free for my Kindle! So I didn't actually spend much money. I love when that happens. New books this past week: Gone to Green, Three Girls and a Baby, Crazy in Paradise, When Girlfriends Break Hearts, Armed and Fabulous, The Big 5-OH!, Double Trouble, and Murder Half Baked. I have lots of reading to. This is nothing compared to what I already have downloaded :)

Currently Reading:
I am currently reading Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin. I am just a little over half way done and will hopefully finish it today! I absolutely love it this far and can't wait to see how it ends. My only question is, why on earth and I hoping for an Ellen/Leo reunion!? Yikes!!

This Week on the Blog:
This week I will be posting book reviews for Love the One You're With and Fifty Shades Darker. I will also be posting my weekly Free eBook Friday post and one or two "just for fun" posts! I will also be hosting the September Book of the Month Discussion at The Chick Lit Book Club on Goodreads and will post some information about that in case anyone is interested in joining me over there!

Happy Sunday!

Xo-Laura

Friday, July 27, 2012

Free eBook Friday

Book One: When Girlfriend's Break Hearts
This novel by Savannah Page promises to be about the bonds of friendship, the power of forgiveness and the lessons you learn when you let go. Sophie, has a perfectly ordered life but then a series of events turn things upside down and some secrets are exposed. This book is currently free on Kindle.







Book Two: Calamity Jayne 
This book is always popping up on my Goodreads feed, so when I saw that it was being offered for free I decided to download it and save it for later. Calamity Jane is a cozy mystery about a girl who has to investigate a murder that no one believes actually happened, and she's out to gain a little bit of respect from herself: no more dumb blonde jokes! This book is free on Kindle and Nook





Book Three: The Big 5-OH! 
Written by Sandra Bicker this book is about a woman named Olivia who believes she has a birthday curse. Every year on (or just before) her birthday something goes wrong. As Olivia's 50th birthday is quickly sneaking up on her she finds herself not wanting to go back to work as an O.R Nurse, now that she's cancer free and life seems to be going better. So her best friend knows just the thing to cure Olivia's winter blues: a trip to Florida!  This book is free on Kindle and Nook




Sorry I only have 3 for you guys this week! If  anyone knows of any others, please feel free to leave a comment on this post with a link! 


Happy Friday and Happy Reading :)


-Laura

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Books I Wish I'd Read in High School

If there is one thing I hate it's required reading. I think it's a pointless assignment and tends to turn students away from reading altogether. Instead, they go out and buy the SparkNotes version of the book, just so they don't have to read that "terrible" novel that a teacher assigned them. If teachers allowed students to choose their own books to read, they would actually read.

Now that I'm past high school I look back on some of the titles that teachers assigned and actually wished that I had read the book. Perhaps it's because I'm older now and have more of an appreciation for these novels. I do remember reading Perks of Being a Wallflower and thinking that was the ONE exception to the "required reading rule". I actually thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to seeing the movie in the Fall. Although, since I read that book during my freshmen year in high school, and that was oh about eight years ago, I might need to brush up on it a bit.

With that being said, here are a list of classic, required reading novels that I wish I'd read back in the day, but am adding them to my "to-read" list now! Better late than never, right?

Pride and Prejudice 
Yikes, I hate to admit it but I have never read Pride and Prejudice. I've read bits and pieces of Jane Austen and I have it downloaded on my Kindle. But, I'm guilty of never having read this book in its entirety.





The Great Gatsby
Have you seen the trailer for the movie? Looks amazing!! I can't wait. But, I must read the book before I see the movie, because if I don't I will never end up reading it. This is one of those classics that winds up being everyone's all-time favorite book. I need to see what the hype is about!




The Beautiful and Damned 
Another F. Scott Fitzgerald that I need to read! So many people are raving fans of his, and this is another one of those books that people swear by. So I'm adding it to my book of classics that I must read (sometime soon!). 










What are some books that you wish you'd read that were required when you were in school? What required books did you read that became your favorite books?

Xo-L

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Beautiful & Unique Bookshops

I am a Kindle owner, and therefore most of the books I read are on my Kindle. But there are few things I love more than spending time in an actual bookstore. And, even better, one-of-a-kind, family owned bookshops. Not the big book conglomerates like Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, and Borders. Those stores are just fine and dandy (I spend lots of time at B&N and Amazon is responsible for my Kindle purchases), but nothing beats the feeling of stumbling upon a quaint bookshop. A store that can't be found anywhere else. A store of it's own genre. 

Shakespeare & Company in Paris, France

Libería El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, Argentina 


Cook & Books in Brussels, Belgium

Corso Como Bookshop in Milan, Italy

What are some of your favorite bookstore's? Have you been to any of these?

Xo-Laura

Monday, July 23, 2012

Book Review: Hollywood Scandals


Hollywood Scandals by Gemma Halliday

If you read my book review on Fearless in High Heels you know that I 1) love cozies and 2) love Gemma Halliday. The two of those things combined is like heaven on paper. I finished the High Heels series, and decided to download the Hollywood Headlines series when I learned that Felix played an important role in these books. I figured it would be the closest thing to the High Heels series. I haven’t ventured much outside of Gemma Halliday when it comes to the cozy genre, so I’m sure there are many other good cozy authors out there, but I really enjoy Gemma’s writing style.

If you read the High Heels books you know that Felix works for the Informer, a trashy tabloid magazine based out of Los Angeles. Meet lead gossip columnist: Tina Bender. Tina is good at digging up dirt on famous Hollywood celebrities and trashing them in her daily column. She also drives a hot pink scooter, has a crush on a mysterious man whom she has only ever chatted with online, and lives in a senior citizen community with her nearly deaf aunt, Sue. What Tina isn’t good at is making friends; in fact she is best at making enemies and that becomes even more clear when a mysterious caller threatens her life.  

The mystery caller leaves messages threatening to kill Tina because of stories that she has recently printed in her gossip column. Felix, not feeling safe about the situation, takes matters into his own hands and hires Cal (“rent-a-goon”) to follow Tina around and keep her safe. Tina is of course outraged by the situation but finds that she has no choice in the matter. Since talking to the police is out of the question, for fear of losing her gossip informants, she puts on a happy face and deals with it. But, she has her own agenda.  

This is when Tina takes on the task of tracking down her mysterious caller.  With Cal by her side, she is led on a wild goose chase that seems to have no answers or end in sight. Along the way she encounters everyone from sobbing wives to teenage celebrities. While she’s on the case she even digs up some Hollywood dirt that no one ever thought imaginable.  It’s like two mysteries in one!

Tina eventually has to deal with feelings she could never have imagined and situations that are so far out of her control that she could wind up dead if she doesn’t alert the police. The tough girl act seems to be coming to a close when things really heat up and someone close to Tina ends up dead.

There were many similarities between Gemma’s High Heels series and this one. If you were a High Heels reader you’ll notice the similarities right from the start. A lot of the same expressions are used and many of the characters share both the same physical and behavioral characteristics. Cal is a less Mexican version of Ramirez, Cam and Dana share many of the same qualities (ie: blonde, gorgeous, big boobs), and both Maddie and Tina have the same love for In-and-Out Burgers. You’ll also run into Marco and Fernando in this book!

This book is sure to keep you laughing (yes there is LOTS of humor in this book) and guessing all at the same time!

Rating: 

Friday, July 20, 2012

Free (and cheap) eBook Friday

Book One: The Rock Star's Daughter
I downloaded this book on my Kindle last week. GoodReads classifies this novel as a young adult book, but also a chick lit book. This book is part of the Treadwell Academy Novels. Written by Caitlyn Duffy this book is a coming of age story. Main character Taylor has met her dad all of 2 times, and he's a rock star. When Taylor's mom dies, she is sent to live with her father. Sounds like a good story, and should be a fast read! It's currently being offered for free on Kindle and Nook




Book Two: Dating Mr. December 
This book is not free!!! However, it is only $1.24, which is quite a steal since when I originally downloaded this novel I paid around $10.00. This is the ultimate chick lit novel. Emma is assigned the task of putting together a classy nude calendar for a mountain rescue team. Not what she was expecting when she moved to a quiet town hoping for a little celibacy. Then, Mr. December catches her eye! Sorry guys, this is only being offered for $1.24 on Kindle. Although, you can still purchase on the Nook for $7.73. Added bonus: There is a Lifetime movie based off of this book. If you've watched and read it, let me know how it compares!




Book Three: She's Gotta Be Mine
I downloaded this one last week for Kindle! Written by Jennifer Skully this cozy mystery/ contemporary romance is about a woman who was dumped by her husband because he has the urge to be with his high school sweet heart, lets keep in mind they haven't seen each other in 20 years. Yikes! That leaves Roberta with only one option: date the town's bad boy and possible serial killer. Seems like a good idea right? Download this title for free on Kindle! Sorry folks, it's $2.99 on Nook. I know, I'm so bad about posting Nook books :( I'll get better. Promise.




Book Four: Stuck in the Middle (Sister to Sister Book 1)
I've seen this book several times being offered for free, but never really read what it was about until now. This chick lit novel is about a middle sister named Joan. Her younger and older sisters have moved on and are doing great things while Joan is stuck at home with her mom. And then the hunky doctor moves in next door and it seems like Joan's life might start coming out of the rut it has been in. Available for free on the Kindle and Nook.




Book Five: Bootscootin' Blahniks 
I'm editing this post to add this book, since I just saw that it was free! Written by D.D Scott this funny romantic comedy is Sex and the City meets Urban Cowboy! This book is the laugh out loud journey of a Manhattan fashion designer who trades it all in for the country. This book is free on Kindle and Nook.







What books have you recently found being offered cheap or free? 


Happy Friday and Happy Reading :)


Laura 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Book Reivew: Baby Proof

Baby Proof by Emily Giffin

I loved Emily Giffin's Something Blue and Something Borrowed. So much so that when I learned her other books had nothing to do with Darcy or Rachel I decided I wasn't going to read them. Then this summer, before heading out to the pool one day, I saw Baby Proof sitting on my shelf and decided I would give it a shot.

I laughed, I cried, I hoped and I wished for things along with the characters in this straight-to-the-heart novel. In Baby Proof Emily Giffin captures the reader, which is one of the most important things to me when reading a book. I want to feel as though I know the characters on a personal level and that I am experiencing the situations with them. When they feel sad I want to be sad with them and hope things turn around, when they are happy I want to be happy for them- as if I were their friend in real life.

Claudia Parr never imagined she could meet the man of her dreams. It wasn't that she wasn't pretty or fun, it wasn't that she didn't have a good job or envisioned herself to be single the rest of her life.  She didn't have a weird quirk or out of the box habit. It's because she didn't want children. You heard the girl, she doesn't want children. She loves traveling and her career in publishing so much so that she would rather be an exceptional aunt to her sisters children instead of being a mother to her own. And just like that she decides she's not going to have kids. After countless dates and failed attempts, she meets the one. His name is Ben.

Ben is dreamy. He loves traveling just as much as Claudia. He loves living in the city of Manhattan. He loves having a carefree lifestyle. On their first date Claudia goes out on a whim and asks Ben if he wants kids or imagines himself with kids in the future. She figures it is better to get an answer now, then wait and find out only to be disappointed in the end. Turns out Ben doesn't want children. And just like that, you have the perfect match.

They get married, have a great place in New York City, are the picture perfect couple people could only dream of being and they travel on the spur of a moment to the most exotic and beautiful locations one could imagine. In any great love story there is always a challenge, so as expected things begin going downhill. One decides they want a child, someone of their own whom they can take care of and nurture. 

This idea of a child stirs the marriage and Claudia and Ben's relationship is put to the test. Struggling with the battles of what each has always wanted, but their deep love for each other, it's a whirlwind of emotion and joy for both the reader and the characters.

If you love Giffin, you'll love Baby Proof. After finishing this book in a total of 4 days, I've decided to give Heart of the Matter and Love the One You're With a try. It seems as though I was wrong, Giffin can in fact touch the reader outside of the Darcy and Rachel story line.

All I can hope for is that Baby Proof will be turned into a movie, because this is one that I am dying to see! Hey, Something Borrowed wasn't SO bad as a movie :)


Rating: 

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Snuggle Up!

My perfect day would be spent lying in a cozy place, reading a good book and enjoying a cup of coffee. Most likely a fall day, reading by the fireplace, while it stormed outside my window. 


I'm thinking that I could get used to the idea of any one of these reading spots though... 










Those all look perfect to me. 

What is your favorite place to read? 

Xo-Laura

All images via Pinterest. 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James

I consider it quite hard for myself to write a review of Fifty Shades of Grey. Why? Because as much as I wanted to hate this book, I loved it. I loved every minute of it and am sad that the series has come to an end (I finished all 3 in about a total of a week and a half).

I saw people posting on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. about Fifty Shades. I wasn't sure what it was about, but I knew there was a lot of "hype" and criticism surrounding the book. So like I did with Hunger Games, and Twilight I decided I wouldn't read it. Not my type of book. I am used to reading light hearted and fun chick lit novels. I figured Fifty Shades didn't quite fit into that genre. Not to mention the "relationship" the book involved. It just wasn't my thing- no way. No way would I ever read it.

Then it seemed as though everyone around me began reading this book and falling in love with Christian Grey. As much as I like to differ from the crowd and do things my way, I can hardly ignore a book being talked about so much by people who don't even typically read books. After much consideration, and persuading from friends who couldn't put it down, I borrowed the book and proceeded to read the entire thing in about three days.

The writing itself was not incredibly amazing. It's typical fan fiction writing, right up there with Twilight. However, E.L James's character development was beyond superb. By the end of the first book I felt like I'd know Ana for years and she confided in me her secrets about Grey. As much as I wanted to dislike Christian Grey, I couldn't help but love him. Even though I'm embarrassed to admit it, I shed a tear or two for the characters in this book. But, then again, that's what you would do if these were your real friends, right? And that is what James makes you feel.

Meet Ana Steele, an innocent college student who works part-time at a local hardware store and lives with Katherine Cavanaugh. It all starts when Ana's roommate is sick and can't make the interview she has lined up with Christian Grey. Ana gets stuck into attending the interview and that's where it starts.

Clumsy and flustered she stumbles into Grey's office mesmerized by his beauty and nervous. So much so that she asks Grey some embarrassing questions. From there it is a wild chase that will keep you flipping the pages.

Ana's life is forever changed when she learns Grey's secret and she must battle with her feelings for him as well as the future she had always imagined for herself.

If you have reservations about reading this book because of the type of relationship Christian and Ana are involved in-- read it! I almost let this book pass me by entirely because of their physical relationship. I told you, I never read books like this one. After book one, things cool off a bit and the story actually becomes more enjoyable. When you get to the parts of book one where you consider putting it down because it's just too much to handle, keep going! I promise, you're going to love it. If you can look past the physical part of their relationship this story is about two people falling in love, one with a troubled past.

Again, I'm writing this review after finishing all three in the series. I will tell you that book one was my least favorite, with the third being my absolute favorite. But, the second one was wonderful too. They all are!

Rating: 

Stay tuned for reviews on Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Currently Reading and Bits From My Weekend

I hope everyone had a terrific weekend! It was mostly sunny here, with a little rain yesterday afternoon and today. No biggie though, I don't mind a rainy day! In fact, I enjoy them.

This weekend was our large annual fishing tournament. We went down there on Friday night to scope it out and enjoy an evening outside on the harbor. The clouds started rolling in while we were out at the marina. I took the picture to the left while at the tournament. They didn't get the best weather this year, but I don't think anyone was complaining.  

I am currently in the process of reading Hollywood Scandals by Gemma Halliday. I should have it finished up within the next few days and then I will post my review here on The Chick Lit Guide.

 Saturday I headed out to the pool and needed a good book to take along for a day in the sun. I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to read this weekend, so I picked up Sullivan's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank. I had rented it from the library a few weeks ago and it's due back soon so I figured I'd give it a shot before returning it. Although it was good and lots of description, great setting, developed characters, intriguing beginning, etc. I just couldn't seem to get into it. I'll try it again in the future! I'm not giving up on Dorothea Benton Frank that easily! I think I was just in the mood for a good cozy mystery! I haven't read a cozy since I finished the "High Heels" series. Needless to say, Hollywood Scandals is a great book so far and has many similarities to the "High Heels" series. 

I also debated reading the 3rd Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I read the first two last year and just loved J.K Rowling's writing. It's so crazy how she can transport you to a whole new world. Harry Potter, being neither cozy or chick lit, is still on my to-read list.

Stay tuned for my review on Hollywood Scandals later this week and I'll also be posting a few more reviews of books I've recently finished. These include: The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, and Baby Proof by Emily Giffin.

What books are you looking forward to reading?

Happy Monday :)

Laura

Friday, July 13, 2012

Free eBook Friday

I follow several authors and book review sites on Facebook and Twitter, but the one feature that always keeps me coming back for more is "Free eBook Friday".

What is it? Every Friday I will post a couple of titles that are free for Kindle and/or Nook. I am a Kindle user, so I'm sorry if the titles I post tend to be for Kindle. Lots of times the same titles are free on Nook though as well!

The titles I post aren't necessarily anything I've read and may be from a variety of different genres. I never know how long a book will be offered for free, so it's best to download them as quick as you can.

So, here we go...

Book One: Invisible (Ivy Malone Mystery #1)
I haven't had a chance to read this book yet- but I do have it downloaded on my Kindle. It's been offered as a free book for quite some time so there should be no problem in getting it. Invisible by Lorena McCourtney is a cozy mystery. I've explained what a cozy mystery is in this book review post. This book has great reviews on GoodReads, and seems to be a favorite among those who enjoy reading mystery novels. If anyone has read it, or ends up reading it, let me know how it is! I have plans to start this one around Halloween. Love a good mystery in October :) This book is available for Kindle and Nook.




Book Two: Bridesmaid Lotto 
I downloaded this book last week when I saw that it was being offered for free. I always try to scoop up as many free books as I can (because who doesn't love a free book?) even if it means leaving them on my Kindle shelf to read later. I haven't gotten a chance to read this one either, but I've seen quite a few good things about this book in the past week. Bridesmaid Lotto by Rachel Astor is a chick lit novel. The book features "McMaster the Disaster", a klutzy mess who gets chosen through a lottery to be a bridesmaid in one of the top weddings of the season. I wouldn't miss out on downloading this one!! This book is available on Kindle and Nook.




Book Three: Hollywood Scandals
Hollywood Scandals is written by Gemma Halliday, one of my all time favorite authors. She wrote the High Heels mystery series that I just can't get enough of. Hollywood Scandals is also a cozy mystery, although many who have read it said they thought it was chick lit based on the cover. I am currently reading this book and like it so far. When I am done I will post a full length review. There are 3 books in the series, as of right now only the first one is free. Get this one while you can! Sorry guys, this one is only being offered for free on Kindle.





Book Four: The Diary of Darcy J. Rhone
I just posted a review on this, which you can read here. If you were a fan of Darcy and Rachel in Something Borrowed and Something Blue you will enjoy reading this quick, short read. This is the diary that Darcy kept during her freshmen through senior years of high school. There is also a preview of Emily Giffin's new book Where We Belong at the end of this. You can download this for free on Kindle and Nook, as well as other eBook stores.





What books will y'all be reading this weekend?

Happy Friday and Happy Reading!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Book Reivew: Southern Charm

Southern Charm by Tinsley Mortimer

I am truly a sucker for a cute book! And this book was no exception to that rule. I'm not sure whether it was because the main character in this book is from Charleston, SC or because the cover was amazing, or perhaps it's because it was written by Tinsley Mortimer, but it was such a great read!

There is a whole sloppy mix of reviews on this book, some bad and some good, but mine is a good one. Promise! I feel as though someone looking for a good, sweet, short summer read would really love this book.

Minty Davenport, main character of Southern Charm and daughter of Scarlet Davenport, is from Charleston, SC. She grew up on a true Southern plantation and like any other southern belle was a debutante. After graduating from a well known university, her long time boyfriend Ryerson breaks her heart and Minty finds herself following her dreams of becoming a fashion designer right up to New York City.

Minty's obsession of the City began as a child when her mother took her on a surprise trip to Manhattan. Minty, like any other eight year old girl, was on the hunt to find Eloise, her favorite fictional character who lived at The Plaza, right where Minty and her mother were staying on their trip.

After being in NYC for only a short amount of time Minty finds herself being photographed and on the pages of Women's Wear Daily. Not long after landing a job for a ruthless PR vixen does Minty find herself face to face with long time ex-lover Tripp.

The relationship isn't easy, especially when Minty becomes an "It Girl" in New York society. Her photos begin frequenting Page Six and it's not much after that that the rumors begin swirling about Minty and her newly rekindled love with Tripp. Minty finds herself fleeing for Charleston when things come to a drastic point in her relationship only to be confronted with what her heart had longed for in the past, before NYC. Minty must make the decision of whether or not a once in a lifetime career opportunity is worth returning for, or whether this southern girl really does belong in the south.

Although many people are giving poor reviews because of the author's socialite status, I think the book was well written and makes for a great read while on vacation or at the beach. The book supposedly is based on the author's life, which makes me like it even more. It's a fun ride and promises to keep you entertained all the way through the last chapter.

Rating: 

Friday, July 6, 2012

Book Review: The Diary of Darcy J. Rhone

Diary of Darcy J. Rhone by Emily Giffin

This was more like a short story, so it will end up being a pretty short review!

When the movie Something Borrowed came out, I knew I had to read the book first. I devoured that book in a matter of days and started Something Blue shortly after. After finishing those two I wasn't quite sure I was going to read any more of Emily Giffin's books when I learned they weren't about Darcy and Rachel.

So, when this little number came out I knew I had to read it! The Diary of Darcy J. Rhone was a free ebook download and was less than 80 page, which meant I could finish it in about an hour.

The diary is written by Darcy, given to her by Rachel, and documents her time spent between freshmen year and senior year of high school. The book doesn't really tell us anything we didn't already know about Darcy or Rachel (if you've read Something Blue and Something Borrowed). We learn some things about Darcy's love life, virginity and plans for the future. We learn the truth behind the Notre Dame scandal and we can see some "lists" that Darcy kept in her diary (hottest guys, clothing lists, etc.).

I think this book was ultimately written and published to create some more hype leading up to the much anticipated release of Where We Belong, Emily Giffin's newest book set to release on July 24, 2012. There was a sneak peak at the end of this into the new book, which I think is why so many people have downloaded it to begin with. At the end of this "book" it says To Be Continued so perhaps there is more coming in the future!

If you like Darcy and Rachel, and wish that Giffin had written more about them, I think you will enjoy this. Any Darcy and Rachel fan is going to love it.

Rating: 

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Book Review: Fearless in High Heels

Fearless in High Heels by Gemma Halliday

Gemma Halliday has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I was able to snag the first book in the High Heels series, Spying in High Heels, for free on my Kindle, and the box set of of the first 5 is only $9.99! The High Heels series has been increasing in popularity and even hit the New York Time's Best Seller List. It is now also being published in print format.

The High Heels series is considered a "cozy mystery". For those who are unfamiliar with cozy mysteries, this genre is basically a combination of mystery and chick lit. The main character is usually female and isn't a detective or anything of that sort. The mystery isn't gruesome and it doesn't go into much detail, most readers can figure out who the culprit is before the book ends. Books in this genre usually have the same elements of a chick lit novel: romance, love, fashion, fun, and spunk!

This is a review of the 6th and newest book in the High Heels series, Fearless in High Heels. If you haven't read books 1-5, and the 2 short stories I would suggest reading those first. At the time I don't have those reviews on the site, but you can find a short review of each on my GoodReads shelf.  Although cozy mysteries are often able to be read out of order, I always recommend starting with book 1. However, if you do decide to start reading the 6th book first you'll be okay. The author gives plenty of background information to catch you up and make sense of the story. The only potential problem with reading this book before the others is you'll know how Maddie and Ramirez's relationship progresses. Which, in my opinion, is half the fun of this series!

This book wasn't my favorite in the High Heels series. My favorites were books 1, 2, and 4, but the book did not disappoint. I found, just like the others, that it was hard to put down once I started reading and I wasn't able to figure out who the criminal was. Halliday's books always leave me guessing. Perhaps I'm just not a good mystery solver!

In this book Maddie, shoe designer and wife of a sexy copy, is pregnant. By page 3 we are already knee deep in a bad situation. After being persuaded by best friend Dana and flamboyant Marco to go out for a night on the town, Maddie finds herself face to face with a dead girl in a bathroom stall none the less. The worst part? Maddie and this girl had just been spotted fighting at the bar. Of course Maddie looks like the bad guy and no sooner do we flip the page does LAPD Homicide Detective (sexy copy and husband) Ramirez comes in to assess the situation.

Ramirez spends more time solving this crime then spending time with his wife. Therefore Maddie decides it's time to take matters into her own hands in order to get her husband back. Crime fighting trio Maddie, Marco and Dana are on the case in no time at all and just happen to be on the right path to finding the killer. Along the way they encounter vampires, crazy relatives, and attorneys.

The elements of the other High Heels books are all in the story. Ramirez getting annoyed with Maddie, Maddie poking her nose where it doesn't long, the trio ending up in a poor situation, and Ramirez saving the day as usual.

I'm sad to see that at the current time there isn't another High Heels story out there. According to Halliday's website the 7th book is due out during late summer of 2012. I can assure you I will be reading the next one, I just can't seem to get enough of this quirky cozy mystery series.

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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Book Review: Bergdorf Blondes

Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Skyes

I came across this title while reading a friend's blog. She said it was her favorite (in fact, her second time reading it), and I was looking for a  new book to read at the time. Something fluffy, girly, full of love, high fashion and a little New York City glitz. I really believe the title and cover caught my attention. What girl doesn't want to read about Bergdorf's? 

The first attempt didn't go so well. I think I made it to about page 3 before I decided to put it down. After weeks of looking at this book sitting on my Kindle shelf I decided I wasn't going to waste the $6.39 I had paid Amazon for the book and began my second attempt.

I picked it up, pushed through the first three or so chapters, and ended up somewhere just short of not being able to put this book down to eat. 

Just a quick piece of advice: when you get to the "lingo guide" at the end of chapter one, make sure you pay attention. Yes, that "lingo" is actually used throughout the book (PJ= private jet, Beyond= way beyond fabulous, etc.) and I promise it gets worse than that. At that point in the book I rolled my eyes and wasn't sure I'd ever actually be successful at finishing it. I was just about ready to forgo my $6 just so I didn't have to read this nonsense.

Bergdorf Blondes was written by Plum Skyes, which I'm assuming contributed to most of the hype surrounding this book. Plum Skyes has worked at and written for Vogue Magazine as well as been considered an "It Girl" by New York City society. When it comes to this type of lifestyle Plum Skyes knows what she's talking about. This was her first novel, and has since published The Debutante Divorcée. 

I'll start off by saying that this book drops label names more than Gossip Girl.

Meet Moi, the main character of the book who drops a little bit of French here and there and refers to sex as "going to Brazil". She's also best friend's with Julie Bergdorf (heiress of Bergdorf's- the department store). If you've ever wondered what it was like to live as a wealthy Upper East Sider, now is your chance. You'll be introduced to Moi's posse: the New York City Upper East Side "Park Avenue Princesses". Their day to day activities consist of being socialites, finding just the right color blonde for their hair, sleeping with random men, and having more money than one could possibly know what to do with. 

The "princesses" are constantly overwhelmed and stressed with the everyday chores of picking out an outfit, hosting a party, and finding a fiancè just because they are the "hottest fashion accessory". The "princesses" are constantly hopping onto the PJ's (I told you to pay attention to the lingo guide!) of wealthy men on a whim of notice who they have known for less than 24 hours. Then again if you didn't have a career or any responsibility, wouldn't you? 

Moi does have a career, although you can hardly call it that. It is generally tossed to the side so she can de-stress from her highly chaotic life by lying on the pool deck of a resort while attending some international film fest in Europe.

The majority of this book is focused on Moi's love life. If you ask me, it seems like she enjoys being treated poorly by men. But, like any other chick lit novel, it'll leave you smiling at the end- no worries! 

Although there is a lot of nonsense, gossip and frivolous concerns, the book does have an overall good plot, and it will keep you turning the pages. You too will want to know if Moi finds true love and whether her friendship with Julie will weather the storm. 

While this book is no where near award winning material, it makes for a great summer read. Those who've enjoyed Gossip Girl and any other book about the glamorous lives of NYC's wealthy and most popular will be sure to enjoy this one as well. 


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