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7/30/2018

Dear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland | Book Review #121





The Bookish Island's Book Review:

Dear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland




Are there spoilers?

Yes!
There are spoilers. You have been warned.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Title: Dear Bridget, I Want You 

Author: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

.........................................................

Pages: 400

Publisher: Ever After Romance

Published: 2017

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult

.........................................................

Date Read: July 9 > July 10, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★



From the New York Times Bestselling authors of Stuck-Up Suit and Mister Moneybags, comes a new, sexy standalone novel.

Dear Bridget,
I'm writing this letter because it's highly doubtful I'll ever garner the courage to say this to your face.
So, here goes.
We're totally wrong for each other. You're the proper single mum with a good head on your shoulders. I'm just the carefree British doctor passing through town and temporarily living in your converted garage until I head back to England.
But here's the thing... for some bloody reason, I can't stop thinking about you in very inappropriate ways.
I want you.
The only reason I'm even admitting all of this to you right now is because I don't believe it's one-sided. I notice your eyes when you look at me, too. And as crass as I appear when we're joking around about sex, my attraction to you is not a joke.
So, what's the purpose of this note? I guess it's a reminder that we're adults, that sex is healthy and natural, and that you can find me just through the door past the kitchen. More specifically, it's to let you know that I'm leaving said door cracked open from now on in case you'd like to visit me in the middle of the night sometime.
No questions asked.
Think about it.
Or don't.
Whatever you choose.
It's doubtful I'll even end up sliding this letter under your door anyway.
--Simon




The Rating:







My Review:

I couldn't find a single thing I hated about this book. But some things did bother me.

I loved that Simon ( out male love interest/lead) was never a shit to Bridget (our female lead).
It was one of the reasons I loved this book. To me, it's so important that a male love interest/ the guy who gets the girl is not a super jealous or controlling asshole. I just don't think that's romantic.

So when we get Simon, this tall, British, blonde hottie who just so happens to be a doctor. A guy who does get jealous but also trusts his girl fully. A guy who wasn't looking for a real girlfriend or wife or a kid (spoilers!) and ended up easily finding himself finding those things without totally rejecting the idea of a family and love. He was perfect with his quirks and ended up being an amazing male love interest and main character.

I felt that Bridget, a widow, a single mother, and a full-time nurse should have had more. I don't know what but just more. She felt like a boring character compared to Simon, at times. Especially since Simon had such a full character arc. He was one person at the beginning and then grew by the end. I didn't think Bridget grew up when I finished reading the book. I would have wished for more for her.

Still, even though I wanted more from Bridget I loved her. She was an amazing mother who was going through so much with the death of her husband even after years because she felt that she wasn't enough of a parent to be both mom and dad to her son.

Now that I wrote that, I'm reminded that I know eveyone is different but she should have been cofident as a mother. Because she would often say that her son wasn't complete because he didn't have a father and I don't believe in that. Most peole are fully funtioning humans with one parent in their lives or none. Yeah, it's harder growing up but it doesn't mean they aren't whole. I just wish she was more confident in her parenting skills.

The romance between Simon and Bridget was great. we get to see them as strangers havig an interesting and embarazing meet cute, to later on finding out he is the same guy and is moving in to her sare bedroom. Something that bothered me as I read it cause she has a kid. Who doesnt meet the guy who's moving in with her and only sees him when his stuff is already there and he is there in his room.  Still, this isn't a thriller and he wasn't a murderer, or worse. He's great, a little, too forwards but great. Not only was he great with Bridget's son but he ended up being amazing with him.

And can we talk about the scandalous plot twist around the end? How Bridget's dead husband was actually cheating on her because she wanted kids and would only have scheduled sex with her. What an ass. Then he has an American Gods death scene (watch American Gods if you are curious). Death by blowjob from the mistress.

What!!
Love it tho. Mostly cause it reminded me of that. And the nerve of the mistress trying to take Simon too. Seriously!

*rolls eyes and flashes her my well manicured middle finger as I drive off in my convertible, big sunglasses on*

In total, I am happy with this book and would totally recommend it. And I would so read it again, not anytime soon but after a couple of months when I have forgotten what has happened.

You can also tell how much I liked this book from how long the review is. Sometimes I just don't know what to say but for some reason, this review is good and long. Figures.




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The Bookish Island
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7/29/2018

Wait With Me by Amy Daws | Book Review #120







The Bookish Island's Book Review:

Wait With Me by Amy Daws 





Are there spoilers?
A few ones may have escaped me.

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Title: Wait With Me

Author: Amy Daws 

.........................................................

Pages: 302

Publisher: Stars Hollow Publishing 

Published: 2018

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult

.........................................................

Date Read: May 28, 2018

Rating: ★★★✩✩



When romance novelist Kate Smith suddenly gets writer's block as she's beginning the final installment of her international bestselling erotic Bed 'n Breakfast series, she'll do pretty much anything to get her groove back.
Like sneak into a Tire Depot waiting room because her words flow there just like complimentary coffee-smooth, sweet, and scorchingly hot.
She manages to fly under the radar until the rugged and charming mechanic, Miles Hudson, notices the quirky redhead slinking in and out of the employees only entrance.
But she's way too intriguing to blow the whistle on.
Doing a test-drive of her new book idea sounds like a much better option.




The Rating:



My Review:

Wait With Me was so good.  Not great but good.

I loved the main character in this book, Kate. She is a writer having some trouble getting inspiration. Wheather it was because of the little fact that she still lived with her ex and he's not the best guy ever to her, or that she just isn't getting inspired. At the same time her car breaks down (I actually don't remember if that's what happened) and she meets the waiting room and finds inspiration at Tire Depot. (was it a tire store??)

Then she finds ways of constantly going there without being found out just to use that room and write her novel and that's how she meets Miles. Miles is one of the mechanics there. And the two instantly connect.

I don't like Miles 100%. It's more like 25%. Maybe more, maybe less.  His character and personality just didn't seem right to me. He was too controlling and jealous for my taste.

*shrugs and mouths idk*

Besides Miles, there were also other parts that I didn't like. For me, at times it just sounded a bit boring and at others, it felt like too much was happening. 
😕



Goodreads    

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The Bookish Island
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7/26/2018

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare | Book Review #119





The Bookish Island's Book Review:

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare





Are there spoilers?
No.

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Title: Romeo and Juliet  

Author: William Shakespeare 

.........................................................

Pages: 304

Publisher: SparkNotes

Published: 2003  

Genre: Fiction, Classic

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Date Read: July 6, 2018

Rating: ★★★☆☆



No Fear Shakespeare gives you the complete text of Romeo and Juliet on the left-hand page, side-by-side with an easy-to-understand translation on the right.




The Rating:







My Review:

Much like my feelings for Much Ado About Nothing, I think that this is a story I've known before. Not only have I seen the movies, and the other movie adaptations, but I have also seen the live play, back when I was in high school. And it was the same story. So I already knew what was going to happen. Not surprised at all.

And like MAAN, I have a few favorite versions of this old story.

Romeo + Juliet
Warm Bodies

I also like Romeo Must Die. Since its a Jet Li movie. And we used to watch all his movies then. But I don't like it as much as the other two.



Goodreads    |    Book Depository

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The Bookish Island
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7/24/2018

Top Ten Tuesday #9 | Books with Sensory Reading Memories


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Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.


July 24: 
Books with Sensory Reading Memories

I dont have that sort of thing  that  I attatch with my reading experiences. I read and then thats it. But there were some books that I remember.
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When I was a kid I went to Wendy's and I saw a book that had been left behind on one of the tables. I was scared and didn't do anything but I did tell my mom and I don't remember if it was me or her but one of us got it and took it back home with us. That book was a Winnie the Pooh piano book. And I loved it. 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 



Then there was The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester. A book that got me away from the mental mess that was caused by Hurricane Maria last year. And even now I'm thankful for that book.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 



The other book that I can remember being a big part of my life was Horns by Joe Hill. Mostly because Horns was the first book that I read that wasn't a kiddie book and that was the first one in my reading journey. In fact, it inspired me to make this blog and here I am so it's still in my memory. I remember just being taken away and seeing the scenes unfold in my imagination as I did.






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The Bookish Island
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7/22/2018

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell | Book Review #118





The Bookish Island's Book Review:

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell





Are there spoilers?
No.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Title: Fangirl 

Author: Rainbow Rowell

.........................................................

Pages: 438

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Published: 2013

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

.........................................................

Date Read: July 8, 2018

Rating: ★★★★☆





A coming-of-age tale of fanfiction, family and first love
CATH IS A SIMON SNOW FAN. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan... But for Cath, being a fan is her life--and she's really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving.
Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fanfiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.
Cath's sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can't let go. She doesn't want to.
Now that they're going to college, Wren has told Cath that she doesn't want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She's got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend; a fiction-writing professor who thinks fanfiction is the end of the civilized world; a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words...and she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone
For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind? 




The Rating:






My Review:

I enjoyed reading Landlines by Rainbow Rowell and since a lot of people talk such good things about Fangirl I knew I would like that too. And now that I have read it I am happy to report I that I do like Fangirl. Not as much as thought I would but still.

I can't remember much about the book because a lot of things have been going on in my personal life lately but I do remember liking the part where Cath describes how she feels her heartstrings tugging in her stomach. I appreciated that because I feel it in my gut too. Especially when I watch a romantic movie or a sad scene or when I read a good book and the main couple isn't doing so well.

I didn't think much about Cath and Levis relationship. Except that they were realistic and sweet together. I couldn't help but root for them. I liked that Cath read to him and he would believe everything she told him. That he wasn't bothered by Cath fanfictions and actually liked listening to her stories.

Now I can happily read Carry On.


Goodreads    |    Book Depository

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The Bookish Island
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7/20/2018

Broken Dolls by Sarah Flint | Book Review #117





The Bookish Island's Book Review:

Broken Dolls by Sarah Flint





Are there spoilers?
No.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me from the publishing company through NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review. 


Title: Broken Dolls 

Author: Sarah Flint

Series: DC Charlotte Stafford #4

.........................................................

Pages: ?

Publisher: Aria

Published: August 7, 2018

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adult Fiction

.........................................................

Date Read: June 28, 2018

Rating: ★★★



The all NEW heart-stopping, un-put-downable serial killer thriller from the bestselling author of Mummy's Favourite. Perfect for the fans of Angela Marsons.

A baby lies abandoned amongst the rubbish; her tiny face as white as alabaster, her body as stiff as a miniature doll. A young prostitute lies beaten, her figure lying like a mannequin on the frozen concrete, her blood spilt, her life ebbing away. 
As DC 'Charlie' Stafford and her boss DI Hunter struggle to identify the victim from the violator their hunt brings them to the crack houses of Lambeth, littered with damaged people, their lives scarred by tragedy and violence, most broken beyond repair. As further lives hang in the balance Charlie must empower the weak to speak out against those who seek to cause harm. 
But can a broken doll ever truly be mended; or will the wounds of the past, fashion the events of the future?








The Rating:







My Review:

While I haven't read the other books in this series I can honestly say that this book was something else. It started strong which is always a good sign for what's ahead. And the ending really made me question what I thought was happening in the story. I thought I understood what was happening but when I read the ending I had to rethink everything. 

So Broken Dolls is an exciting thriller with good twists and turns. That left me in deep thought about what just happened at the end of the book. 




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The Bookish Island
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7/17/2018

Top Ten Tuesday #8 | Favorite Novellas/Short Stories



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Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.


July 17
Favorite Novellas/Short Stories

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My True Love Gave To Me edited by Stephanie Perkins


In this case I've only read two short story collections and this is my fvorite one. As for
Novellas. I've read The Little Prince and A Chrismas Carol which I liked but wouldn't say they were my favorites. 
So for this Top Ten Tuesday it's just one.








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The Bookish Island
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7/15/2018

Stacking the Shelves #15




Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where bloggers share what books they got throughout the week!




Update:

Since the last Stacking The Shelves I've read a few books. 
In June I read the following books: 




Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

Tagged for Death by Sherry Harris



She Be Damned by M.J. Tjia

Broken Dolls by Sarah Flint



Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Hamlet by William Shakespeare



Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
(the Through the Looking-Glass part)

Shug by Jenny Han



Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 

Dear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland



Out, Out, Away From Here by Rachel Woodworth & Sang Miao

The Secret of Black Rock by Joe Todd-Stanton



Sister Eve, Private Eye by Lynne Hinton

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Book Mail:


Since last time I got one of the books I had won on Goodreads. And I found The Shinning.







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The Bookish Island
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7/13/2018

Shug by Jenny Han | Book Review #116





The Bookish Island's Book Review:

Shug by Jenny Han





Are there spoilers?
No.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Title: Shug

Author: Jenny Han 

.........................................................

Pages: 248

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2006

Genre: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Contemporary

.........................................................

Date Read: July 6, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★




SHUG is clever and brave and true (on the inside, anyway). And she's about to become your new best friend.
Annemarie Wilcox, or Shug as her family calls her, is beginning to think there's nothing worse than being twelve. She's too tall, too freckled, and way too flat-chested. Shug is sure that there's not one good or amazing thing about her. And now she has to start junior high, where the friends she counts most dear aren't acting so dear anymore -- especially Mark, the boy she's known her whole life through. Life is growing up all around her, and all Shug wants is for things to be like they used to be. How is a person supposed to prepare for what happens tomorrow when there's just no figuring out today?







The Rating:







My Review:

This story had everything. From problems at home to boy problems to school problems.
And right in the middle was Annemarie. A 12-year-old who had just begun junior high. She came across puberty, and first crushes, and the knowledge that her parents might not be as close as they once were. And with her big sister not being around as much, and her two close friends both having their own stuff to deal with, she gets to go through most of that on her own.

Annemarie was brilliant in every way. Smart, sassy, and didn't let the boys mess with her. Which only made me wish I had a friend like her when I was that age.

I cried. Like I cried, cried. It wasn't pretty either. But I also fell in love with this book.

It was such a sweet and easy to read book that was a perfect in-between to read after having been reading a few strong Mystery/Thrillers. I loved that it was a quick read and that it had such a good story. Making me think about another book that made me feel that way. Flipped. And like Flipped, This has to be a movie. Because that would be so cooooool!




Also, this book and Flipped should totally be BFFs.
See my review of
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen









Goodreads    |    Book Depository

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7/12/2018

The Secret of the Black Rock by Joe Todd-Stanton | Book Review #115





The Bookish Island's Book Review:

The Secret of the Black Rock by Joe Todd-Stanton




Are there spoilers?
No.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer:
This book was sent to me by the publishing company (Nobrow) in exchange for an honest review.


Title: The Secret of the Black Rock

Author: Joe Todd-Stanton

.........................................................

Pages: 40

Publisher: Flying Eye Books

Published: 2017

Genre: Picture Books, Children's, Fantasy
.........................................................

Date Read: July 5, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★




This surreal modern folk-tale tells the story of an adventurous young girl who must protect a peaceful living creature.
Erin is fascinated by the stories of Black Rock: a huge, dark and spiky mass that is said to destroy any boats that come near it! But are the tales really true? One day Erin sneaks on board her mother’s fishing boat to find out…





The Rating:









My Review:

The Secret of the Black Rock is a beautiful story that grabbed my attention and took my heart for a ride.

I was truly taken by this book and its magnificent illustrations. I cried and smiled and felt I had -no! I must read this book again sometime soon.




Goodreads    |    Get it

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The Bookish Island
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