Review: Bright Side

Bright Side by Kim Holden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Background story: I've never heard of this book or this author. I went to an author event in Chicago, November 2015 and the fans of this author/book was astronomical! I mean, they had t-shirts, backpacks, and TATTOOS!!! of this book. I was instantly intrigued, but the fans wouldn't tell me what it was about. Just that I had to read it.

When we got to the author's booth, we told her about this and Kim Holden was so touched. She wanted to give US a hug! That was amazing to me, seeing a big time author being touched by hearing about her book from two people who have never heard of her before this event. I got home from that weekend, went onto Amazon, and bought the kindle book without blinking an eye, because I needed to know why this book was so amazing.

I am so glad I did.

Book thoughts: Knowing that this book changed readers lives, touched them in a way that nothing else could, I had high expectations going into this novel. So the beginning was a bit slow for me, but I trucked along and slowly found myself in awe with Kate.

Kate is a fantastic, brilliant, loving, kind-hearted, fantastic character - no scratch that - person!

You read about people who are put on this earth to motivate and encourage others to be the best person they can be. These people say nothing can stop anyone from doing what they want or need to do. In fact, I know a person like this in my life - for real - and I'm so blessed to have her in my life every day. And Kate is also this person.

She is always helping people around her. Kate gets annoyed with her roommate? Sure, she's human. Her roommate is in a situation that she can't comprehend or know how to fix? Kate is there to help her through this crisis, no questions asked, no criticisms thrown at her roommate, her annoyance is now officially gone.

I mean, she is the best thing out there. She is pushing, no SHOVING people to do what they need to do. She is there to help everyone in their time of need and to be the person that will listen to others's problems and help them find a solution that betters the other person.

A lot of reviews gush about Keller and Gus. Yes, they are hot men who go alpha over Kate and love her with both of their hearts. But Kate is the best thing about this book by far. Kate makes me want to be a better person. Kate is the star of this book and I would love this book if Keller and Gus never existed.

Because Kate has been through shit and back and she has the best attitude about life I've ever seen. I want to be Kate. I want to be the person that inspires others to achieve their goals and become a better person by just meeting Kate for a few minutes.

This book had me sobbing by the end of the novel. The fans at the author event were completely, 100% correct when they said this is the must gut-wrenching, life changing book they have read. I completely called the twist in the book and mentally prepared myself for how it would end. That did nothing because this book ripped me to pieces and slowly put me back together.

I am so glad that I read this novel. That I own this novel. And I'm so, so grateful that I waited forever in line to meet Kim Holden - even before I read her novel of amazingness - because I now know what this woman is capable of and can say that I saw her humbleness and got to hug her and see her so grateful for complete strangers. It doesn't surprise me that Kate is like Kim - I would guess that she based Kate off of herself and that makes me warm inside just thinking about another real life Kate out in the world.

I'm not going to talk about any of the other characters (though Stella ripped me apart from the moment I met her to the last scene she was in the novel). This review is completely, 100% about Kate, because without Kate, none of these other characters would have been half the person they ended up being without Kate.

So if you want a gushy review about the men, go find another review. Because I'm totally crushing on Kate and Kate alone :)

Such a great book. I definitely recommend it to everyone I know, plus the bazillions of people I don't know.

Pick this up. You are brave. Do epic.

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Review: Forget Me Not: Charity Anthology Supporting Alzheimers and Brain Health

Forget Me Not: Charity Anthology Supporting Alzheimers and Brain Health by Tammy Falkner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I initially got this book because it's by Tammy Falkner and I love her stuff. Then I found out the money I spent on it goes for a great cause, which I was totally game for. In fact, this was available on NetGalley, but I didn't even try to request it because I wanted to help this charity.

So I'm going to break this down into each story with the star value that I would give them individually. I don't know if they average out to 4 stars total, but I really liked this compilation of books and have decided 4 stars is a great star value to give :)

Always April by Tammy Falkner 5 stars
This was a great novel. Falkner once again took something that happens in every day life and makes the reader see it in a different life. April needed to get forgiveness for her past sins with Matt, especially when she seems Kenneth in a whole new light. But Matt didn't have to give her forgiveness because she needed to give it to herself. I loved the tattoo that she got with her new story of her love-ever-after. Of course I loved it - Tammy Falkner wrote it :)

Rattled by Jane Charles 4.5 stars
This story was about foster care - Kelsey and Alex both went through the system and have different viewpoints on a subject matter that Kelsey decided to do when they were in college. Now, years later, Kelsey wants a tattoo of it and is stuck with Alex to create what she needs to help her through the process. And Alex needs to get over his personal issues in order to help Kelsey and understand where she is coming from in her choices. Really enjoyed this and how each character realized their mistakes but also saw the light from each other's background.

Inked by Andris Bean 2 stars
Honor is trying to get a spot at Reed's Tattoo Shop, but when her client walks in, she wants nothing to do with Police Officer Brent who arrested her wrongly. But she needs to figure out exactly how the night went for both parties to understand the mistake, and also find a creative way to make Brent's tattoo. Not as good as the other stories - short - didn't really think the tattoo she created was that creative or unique. Abrupt ending.

Burned by L.J. Charles 4 stars
This was a unique story that I think could have great potential to continue on. Fred/Andrew walks in and needs a tattoo of his late wife's necklace. He was an undercover agent and needed to keep his story on the down low since people were still looking for him from past missions. Sadie, the tattoo artist, was one of the people Fred/Andrew helped on a mission and knew more of his story than he realized. Very intriguing - really enjoyed it.

Coldwater Blues by Lexi Eddings 2 stars
This was very odd. Michael is homeless, gets dragged out of a line he thinks is for a homeless shelter only to realize it's to get a tattoo at Reed's Tattoo Shop. Jadis is his tattoo artist and she is very stilted, tense, and "helps" Michael but really I think it was just a weird situation from start to finish. This was short, no romance, not really a story. I did like the story about Michael's grandmother, but that was about it.

Lakewood Confidential by Caren Crane 3 stars
Sam (or better known as Lakewood) wants a tattoo and wants Tondra to do it because she can keep a secret. Because the hip-hop artist has a story to tell about his past that is not know to the public eye and would ruin his image to his fans. And by the end of the story, Tondra realizes that the key to happiness doesn't mean she has to give up everything. Cute novel. If I read more of the series it might make more sense, but it was enough for a short story.

The Knot by Jerrica Knight Catania 3 stars
Madison wanted a tattoo of a necklace her mother gave her that was stolen in foster care. She meets Ethan and Evie, rich kids from a wealthy family and assumes the worst about them. There was an instant connection between the two characters - Madison and Ethan - and I loved Madison sticking to herself and not letting anyone take care of her. I also was excited to read this because the author's name is Jerrica - the only author with a version of my name who is very popular. While this was just a 3 star, I won't let that deter me from reading more of her novels!

Hold Me Tight by Ava Stone 4 stars
Molly and Seth bump into each other in New York, even though they grew up with each other in Coralville, IA. Both are in college pursuing their dreams, but Molly needs to get a tattoo that will remind her of her brother, who just died in the war. Seth decides to get a tattoo as well, but really he wants a second chance with Molly, no matter what the obstacles may bring. This was a really cute story that had some meat into the short story and I think it could continue into a series :)

Skin Deep by Marquita Valentine 5 stars
Maddox is working at Reed's Tattoo Shop, but gets wrangled into the contest of other aspiring tattoo artists and needs to do a tattoo for a client. What he doesn't realize was that Cadence needed him to do the tattoo, and to bring him back home where their familes are in Scotland. But Maddox is dealing with guilt over an accident and needs to face his demons. Cadence is by far my favorite character. She has spunk and class and she is going after what she wants. And I loved the ending of this novel. I may have to see if more is written about these characters :)

The Test of Time by Diane Franks 5 stars
AnnMarie comes into the tattoo shop and talks about her life with her husband, Ken, who know has Alzheimer's Disease. Reading about their life together is so inspiring knowing that people will go to the ends of the earth for the one they love. And Ken did that for AnnMarie. She when he is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, AnnMarie decides she needs to figure out a way to help Ken find his way back to her. This was the sweetest story and I loved how the tattoo worked for AnnMarie. I also love Friday in this story - it's so Friday!

This was a great compilation of stories that were uplifting and talk about diseases that people go through everyday. So glad I bought it to help the cause and look forward to more by Tammy Falkner :)

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Review: November 9

November 9 by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not surprised one bit that I loved this novel. Colleen Hoover has jumped her way to one of my favorite authors and I am now always looking forward to reading her upcoming novels when they are finally released.

This was such a great book. The chapters are one 1 day of the year for 6 years: November 9th. We don't get any chapters about the other 364 days of the year, just this day and what happens between the characters on this day.

Ben and Fallon have a very complicated relationship...err...friendship? It's hard to say since they literally only meet one day of the year for Ben's book he is writing - and other reasons of course.

Fallon is one tough chick. She went through a horrible ordeal that she remembers every day when she looks in the mirror. But she didn't become a badass chick until she met Ben. In just one day, he made her feel confident and strong and like she can defeat anything if she has the chance.

And that is why I love Ben. Even with the horrible thing that happened in the past, even with the connection between the two characters, he does right by Fallon and makes her realize that she is just as beautiful and smart and confident as any woman in the world. He puts her back together again. Just by telling the truth about what he thinks when he is around her.

Ben has no filter and says what he means. He may have a crappy personal life, but when it comes to Fallon he knows just the right thing to say to make her do better in her life.

Well, for the first couple of days anyway. Then miscommunication, lack of information, and the past start to complicate how things go between Ben and Fallon.

And sure, a lot of people might be upset at how juvenile the characters acted when certain information was figured out, but you have to remember... They met a total of 6 days... in 6 years... Not a lot of time to get to know each other without having a blow up every now and then. And going a whole year without seeing each other and stewing on an angry topic is a bit much, but what else were they to do? That was their thing.

So yes, this is a very complicated book, but it is so good. It's not my all time favorite book (that is still "Maybe Someday") but it is right at the top of my favorite Colleen Hoover books. Can't wait for more!

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Review: Carry On

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I finally got my hands on this book! I re-read "Fangirl" before this. I know, I know, they are different stories, but it was an excuse to read my favorite book by Rainbow Rowell and I also wanted to see what Cath's perspective of Simon Snow and his crew were all about again.

So when I started this book, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. There are different books in here, and Book One is by far the worst. Rowell is trying to cram 7 previous years of Simon's life at Watford into one novel, which isn't the best idea to be honest. And all I kept thinking about was "HARRY POTTER!!!!!" No, seriously, I was about done with this book. But I wanted to reach page 200 to really give it a fair shot.

I'm so glad I did too, because the second Book Two started and Baz showed up, things got IMMENSELY better! It was almost like a whole new story.

So I definitely recommend you try to get to the second book and if you still don't like it, then you can give up.

I liked the story line and thought it was a typical but unique take on the "Chosen One". Yeah, that didn't make much sense, but once you read how it ended you will figure out what that sentence means.

"Fangirl" is still my favorite, but I now understand why Rowell had to write about Simon and his crew because it was such a compelling story to read about. Can't wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve!

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Review: Fangirl

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just re-read this because I finally have my hands on "Carry On". I know I didn't have to re-read it since it is technically not related or will give me anything new before reading this other novel. But...this is also an amazing novel so I was okay with reading it again :D

If any of my friends haven't read it, I highly recommend it! Loved it for the second time!


My 1st review from Sept. 15, 2013:
I'm making my way through Rainbow Rowell's novels and I LOVED this one! Adored it! I'm not sure why I loved it more than the first one I read (Eleanor and Park) but I did and I am still reeling from the amazing story (stories?) that Rowell created.

First, everything I thought was very realistic. Going to college changes people and Cath learned that when Wren decided she wanted to go off on her own and meet new people, so she wouldn't be rooming with her twin sister.

Then, the roommate debacle. Reagan is an upper classman and doesn't have time for a newbie freshman roommate, so Cath was always in her room by herself.

Also, even though I'm a reader and not a writer, I felt like I connected well with Cath when she was fanfiction writing her stories. She was attached to her characters and the situations she placed them in - kinda like the same way I get attached to the characters I read and think that I'm secretly their best friends.

I also adored Levi. He was hilarious, sweet, and even though he talked about everything and anything, he was sincere and always wanting to be around Cath when Reagan was around.

So, yes, I LOVED this book. I can now see why all of my friends are fans of Rowell's. I will be reading her third (but debut novel) next to see if this is my favorite novel overall!

So read this! Now!

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Review: The Murder of an Angel

The Murder of an Angel by James Patterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This series could have had so much potential and could have gone in a number of directions. I was hoping for a bit more suspense and twists in this novel before the big reveal of who the culprit was. I was actually very impressed with some of the different scenarios I came up with in my head. Maybe I should have co-wrote this... haha.

Anywho, this was a solid 3 star series for me. I wanted more for some reason. I think because I'm a fan of Patterson's Maximum Ride series and that definitely has a lot of suspense and twists and action. And this does too. Just not as good as his other series.

This specific novel felt a bit rushed the entire time. I was like Patterson and Paetro decided they were done after 4 books, but had to find a compelling story to wrap up, all within 275 pages because they didn't want to write anymore. At least with the 2nd and 3rd novel we had a lot of meat to ingest before the book was over.

I enjoyed the fact that Tandy was over James (sorry spoiler alert....oops..) But seriously, she was so much better than him and he was a coward and a swarmy jerk. I know Tandy will move on to better after this small bump.

So yeah, this series kept you entertained. It had it's ups and downs, but I'm glad I got around to reading it. I am glad I waited to read the whole series at once rather than waiting forever to find the ending, cause I'm pretty sure I would have been majorly disappointed with this final book if I had.

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Review: The Paris Mysteries

The Paris Mysteries by James Patterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I actually would have rated this book more stars if I didn't get so annoyed and frustrated with Tandy about her relationship with James at the beginning of this book. I wanted to slap her.

But besides that factor, I actually really liked this story line. I would even say that this was by far the best in the series.

I would suggest to readers coming into to this book that it would be best to start with the first books and work your way through them. Each book has their own story, but there is enough information from the previous books to confuse readers if they haven't read the first two.

So there are a lot of twists and turns in this novel. A lot of, "what?"s and "how?"s that happen, keeping the readers guessing with each turn. I'm excited to get into the fourth and final book to see how things are going to end for the Angel family!

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