The Bookish Island: 2018 Book Release

Showing posts with label 2018 Book Release. Show all posts

3/22/2019

Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Ryan | Book Review #151

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Ryan

Are there spoilers?

I may have written down too much but that's how much I liked this book.
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Title: Dirty Little Secret

Author: Jennifer Ryan

Series: Wild Rose Ranch #1

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Pages: 384

Published: 2018

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Western

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Date Read: March 4, 2019

Rating: ★★★★☆

Meet the women from Wild Rose Ranch—and the men who want them—in New York Times Bestselling Author Jennifer Ryan’s breathtaking series of romance and scandal . . .

Noah Cordero is a modern-day cowboy who loves three things: ranching, his younger sister, and his step-father. John Cordero groomed Noah to take over the Montana spread where he learned to ride and work the land. But when John unexpectedly dies, he leaves half the ranch to a woman Noah doesn’t even know.

Roxy shares Noah’s last name, but not his blood. Estranged from her father, haunted by regrets, and eager to escape her notorious mother’s past, she is forced to fulfill her father’s last wishes. Inheriting means sharing a home with infuriating, challenging, and oh-so-tempting Noah. But John didn’t just make her owner of his ranch and guardian to her sister, his hidden sideline is her worst nightmare—she’s the new owner of the notorious Nevada brothel called Wild Rose Ranch where she grew up.

As their strictly business relationship starts to turn to true love, Roxy begins to wonder, what will happen when Noah discovers her dirty little secret?

The Rating:

My Review:

Dirty Little Secret is the first book in Jennifer Ryan's new series, Wild Rose Ranch.

And it follows Roxy, who is just trying to put her past behind her and show everyone that she is more than what they say about her, and Noah, a man trying to make sense of the secrets that are unfolding around him. Together the two work so well. The chemistry between them was intense in all the right ways. Like, fan yourself to cool of kind of intense. They found true love in each other despite all odds. And that's just wonderful.

Roxy was kind of the best female character I have ever read about. Honestly. This woman can do it all. From teaching herself how to ride and train horses to computer science. Which made me love her even more because we have the same degree.

She is confident, strong, smart and looks banging in a dress and heels, AND jeans and cowboy boots.

Which only made me hate how she was treated by everyone in this story. It was so unfair and dumb. She didn't deserve any of it.

The characters were excellent. The good guys were easy to love and the bad guys were horrible and deserve what they got. And the story was just so well done that I was left wanting more from these amazing and lovable characters.

Now I already had a sneak peek of the next book in the series. Since it was at the end of the book. And from the tiny bit that I did read I already know I need the next one. I NEED IT!

I should add that I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway.

I also need to add that at first, I was holding myself back on reading this book. But I did and I'm glad because I thought that the whole step-sibling thing was just too weird. But Roxy and Noah have no blood ties and they didn't grow up together. And the way the author as I thought it was gonna be. It was actually pretty good. Their relationship had its ups and downs but they also knew what they wanted from the other and weren't afraid to convey those feelings. Which was so brave and idyllic. It made me want that kind of relationship.

But ya girl is S.I.N.G.L.E. and doesn't need no boday.

But a good book.

Goodreads

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The Bookish Island
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2/15/2019

The Diver by Veronica Carratello | Book Review #147

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
The Diver by Veronica Carratello

Are there spoilers?

Yes, there are some spoilers.

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Disclaimer:

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

Title: The Diver

Author: Veronica Carratello

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Pages: 32

Published: 2018

Publisher: Flying Eye Books

Genre: Children's Book, Picture Book

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Date Read: I can't remember but it was in 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

A young girl and a penny coin share an unlikely dream to become divers in this enchanting tale from award-winning Italian illustrator Veronica Caratello.

The moment a penny sees a diving competition on television, it is determined to become a diver itself. Discarded by most, the penny is picked up by a girl who just so happens to be a young diver in training. Will both of them be able to achieve their dream with the power of a single wish?

The Rating:

My Review:

The Diver is about a little girl who is scared she won't do the best dive that she can in her next competition and with the help of a penny she wishes and it helps with her dream.

As always I first look at the illustrations that these picture books have. And I notice how vibrant the pastels are and how great the colors pair up with each other. The pallet is perfect for the mood this book gives off. The illustrations of the characters and the backgrounds are clean and kid friendly. By that, I mean that they are easy to distinguish.

The end pages are super bright (almost blindingly) and I love the illustrations there too.
The front cover. For the longest time, I thought that the girl had some sort of headband with cat ears. But it was just a fountain behind her.
The back cover is adorable with the little girl and the coin about to take a dive.

It's not a very diverse book unless you count background characters that don't arent in the story. In fact, the MC and her family are all white, blonde, and have light colored eyes. So that was something that I wish could have been different. Considering that we are in modern times and interracial couples DEFINITELY exist.

I loved the penny and their story. They were a complete character. They had a dream and had some troubles achieving them. They were even going through some bullying. And in the end, got what they wished for the most.

One thing that bothered me was how no one wanted the penny. The dad even said it wasn't worth anything. And it bothered me because all my life my mother has taught me the value of money. Especially of a penny. We would even spot change on the street and pick it up. Because she taught me that even if its one cent of a nickel or a dime in the end when you pick up a bunch of them you are going to have some money you didn't plan for. I've bought books saving up like that now. And when I was a kid I used to save up for toys. And I know that I am definitely going to teach my kids the same lesson.

In the end, this is a children's picture book so I loved the illustrations. The story was motivating and about not giving up on your dreams of doing your best. And It's a good read and easy to read to others. I've already read it more than 4 times since I got it. So I recommend it.

Goodreads

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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.

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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

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Pages: ?

Publisher: Aria

Published: August 7, 2018

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adult Fiction

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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.

Goodreads

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7/01/2018

She Be Damned by M. J. Tjia | Book Review #111

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
She Be Damned by M. J. Tjia

Are there spoilers?

No.

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

Title: She Be Damned

Author: M. J. Tjia

Series: Heloise Chansey Mysteries #1

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Pages: 288

Publisher: Legend Times Group

Published: 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction

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Date Read: June 28, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

London, 1863: prostitutes in the Waterloo area are turning up dead, their sexual organs mutilated and removed. When another girl goes missing, fears grow that the killer may have claimed their latest victim.
The police are at a loss and so it falls to courtesan and professional detective, Heloise Chancey, to investigate.
With the assistance of her trusty Chinese maid, Amah Li Leen, Heloise inches closer to the truth. But when Amah is implicated in the brutal plot, Heloise must reconsider who she can trust, before the killer strikes again.
Tjia brings us a pacey and exciting murder mystery set in Victorian London. This historical crime thriller sees a young female detective work with the police to evade a violent killer.

The Rating:

My Review:

I managed to read this book in one day. And I can say it really took me for a ride.

This book contains a series of very dark and adult themes. Like mutilation and the such (I'm not going to say more since I don't want to spoil it) and racism and sexism. Mostly because it was set in 1863's London.

It opened up with a strong prologue. Immediately telling you what to expect for the rest of the book.

The murders that occurred in this book reminded me of Jack the Ripper.

I have to admit that the mystery was fantastic, gruesome, but good. I didn't know who the suspect was at all.

Heloise is such an interesting character in my opinion. I don't think I've read any other character like her.
She doesn't take no shit from no one. And isn't afraid to use her skills to her advantage.

I was reminded of Phryne from Miss Fisher's Murder Mystery with this book. Not that I have read the books so I don't know if they are similar to the show but Phryne from the show is similar to Heloise.
Not only are Heloise and Phryne similarly strong, independent women who just happen to surround themselves with people who are willing to protect and care deeply for them. They both wanted to escape the evils of their pasts and achieve the slightest slivers of happiness and peace wherever they could find it.

Goodreads | Book Depository

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6/20/2018

Can't Wait Wednesday #9 - The Supervillain and Me by Danielle Banas

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.

I've decided to switch to this since Waiting On Wednesday has been over for a long time now. But its basically the same concept. Books that I can't wait to get my hands on or am really interested in that are to be released soon.

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Why I Can't Wait:
Just because it sounds fun. 😜😄

The Supervillain and Me by Danielle Banas

As witty as it is heartpounding, this fresh take on the beloved superhero genre is all about finding your own way to shine even when it seems everyone else around you is, well... super.

Never trust a guy in spandex.

In Abby Hamilton’s world, superheroes do more than just stop crime and save cats stuck in trees—they also drink milk straight from the carton and hog the television remote. Abby’s older brother moonlights as the famous Red Comet, but without powers of her own, following in his footsteps has never crossed her mind.

That is, until the city’s newest vigilante comes bursting into her life.

After saving Abby from an attempted mugging, Morriston’s fledgling supervillain Iron Phantom convinces her that he’s not as evil as everyone says, and that their city is under a vicious new threat. As Abby follows him deeper into their city’s darkest secrets, she comes to learn that heroes can’t always be trusted, and sometimes it’s the good guys who wear black.

Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan's young adult imprint Swoon Reads, The Supervillain and Me is a hilarious, sweet, and action-packed novel by debut author Danielle Banas that proves no one is perfect, not even superheroes.

Published by: Swoon Reads

The Release Date for the book is:
July 10, 2018

Goodreads || Book Depository

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5/30/2018

Can't Wait Wednesday #8 - The Impossibility of Us by Katy Upperman

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.

I've decided to switch to this since Waiting On Wednesday has been over for a long time now. But its basically the same concept. Books that I cant wait to get my hands on or am really interested in that are to be released soon.

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Why I Can't Wait:
Just because it sounds like its going to be so good. With this being about a girl who lost her brother in Afghanistan. And then finding love in a boy who's Afghan. I just know it's going to be good.
Plus, there's that gorgeous cover.

The Impossibility of Us by Katy Upperman

The last thing Elise wants is to start her senior year in a new town. But after her brother’s death in Afghanistan, she and her mother move from San Francisco to a sleepy coastal village.

When Elise meets Mati, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Mati is new to town too, visiting the U.S. with his family. Over the course of the summer, their relationship begins to blossom, and what starts out as a friendship becomes so much more.

But as Elise and Mati grow closer, her family becomes more and more uncomfortable with their relationship, and their concerns all center on one fact—Mati is Afghan.

Beautifully written, utterly compelling, and ultimately hopeful, THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF US asks—how brave can you be when your relationship is questioned by everyone you love?

Published by: Swoon Reads

The Release Date for the book is:
July 31, 2018

Pre-Order:

Barnes&Noble | Amazon US

Or pre-order it from Book Depository using my Affiliate link:
Book Depository

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Blog Tour Stop & Review for Kissing Games by Tara Eglington

The Bookish Island's Blog Tour Stop for:
Kissing Games by Tara Eglington
With Review

Are there spoilers?

There aren't.

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Thank you so much to Wednesday Books for letting me be a part of this blog tour.

Title: Kissing Games

Author: Tara Eglington

Series: Aurora Skye #2

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Pages: 342

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Published: 20l8

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Source: NetGalley

Date Read: May 12, 2018

Rating: ★★★★☆

For a girl who shares her name with a princess (aka Sleeping Beauty), Aurora Skye’s romantic life seems fathoms away from a fairy tale. Sure, she’s landed her prince charming, Hayden Paris. And she got her wish—one first kiss with all the knee-trembling, butterfly-inducing gloriousness she’d hoped for. But instead of happily ever after, their second kiss landed Hayden in the emergency room. If that’s not mortifying enough, the whole school is now referring to her as "Lethal Lips."

When Aurora's best friend decides to run for class president and offers up Aurora's matchmaking service as one of her campaign initiatives, the kissing games begin. Aurora has to convince everyone that her program works—but that might be hard to do when it seems like her own love life might be falling apart.

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And this is the Australian Edition of Kissing Games and the original.

Title: How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You

Author: Tara Eglington

Series: Aurora Skye #2

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Pages: 446

Publisher: Harper Collins Australia

Published: 2013

Goodreads // Book Depository

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About the Author:

Tara Eglington

TARA EGLINGTON grew up in Byron Bay, Australia. Her hobbies when she’s not writing include watching endless cat videos on YouTube, planning pretend holidays to the Maldives, and day-dreaming about who would play Hayden Paris in a film adaptation of How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You, her first novel. She lives in Australia.

Goodreads // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

The Rating:

My Review:

I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. But I got the opportunity to participate in this blog tour. Which made me happy because I loved reading this book and the first.
How To Keep a Boy From Kissing You

Kissing Games picks up where How To Keep a Boy From Kissing You ends. With a continuation of our main character's new relationship with her prince. And her friends, and the Find a Prince/Princess Program.
In KG (as I will be referring to it from now on) we see how Aurora has grown up and matured. With her new boyfriend, her matchmaking program, and the abandonment issues she developed with her mother leaving her and divorcing her father. We also get to go along with her as she dives into the uncharted waters of kissing and dating Hayden. Hurting him and embarrassing herself in front of her father and his new friends along the way. But also how she struggles to believe just how much Hayden cares about her.

They re too cute in the first book, but in KG their relationship grows and flourishes. There are some definitely swoon-worthy scenes. Abd we see Hayden as a sweet and caring boyfriend. Winning a place on my book boyfriend list.

Get it here using my Book Depository affiliate link.

Book Depository

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5/23/2018

Can't Wait Wednesday #7 - Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.

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Why I Can't Wait:
Another pretty cover. *heart eyes*
Reading the synopsis reminded me of a movie. But I can't remember the name.
Plus, another story with Romeo and Juliet influences. Which makes me read my copy of the book even more.

Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

Megan Harper is the girl before. All her exes find their one true love right after dating her. It’s not a curse or anything, it’s just the way things are, and Megan refuses to waste time feeling sorry for herself. Instead, she focuses on pursuing her next fling, directing theatre, and fulfilling her dream school’s acting requirement in the smallest role possible.

But her plans quickly crumble when she’s cast as none other than Juliet–yes, that Juliet–in her high school’s production. It’s a nightmare. No–a disaster. Megan’s not an actress and she’s certainly not a Juliet. Then she meets Owen Okita, an aspiring playwright who agrees to help Megan catch the eye of a sexy stagehand in exchange for help writing his new script.

Between rehearsals and contending with her divided family, Megan begins to notice Owen–thoughtful, unconventional, and utterly unlike her exes, and wonders: shouldn’t a girl get to play the lead in her own love story?

Published by: Speak

The Release Date for the book is:
May 22, 2018

Pre-Order:

Barnes&Noble | Amazon US

Or pre-order it from Book Depository using my Affiliate link:
Book Depository

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5/16/2018

Can't Wait Wednesday #6 - Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.

Why I Can't Wait:
Because Kasie West.

Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West

Talking to other people isn't Kate Bailey's favorite activity. She'd much rather be out on the lake, soaking up the solitude and sunshine. So when her best friend, Alana, convinces Kate to join their high school's podcast, Kate is not expecting to be chosen as the host. Now she'll have to answer calls and give advice on the air? Impossible.

But to Kate's surprise, she turns out to be pretty good at the hosting gig. Then the podcast gets in a call from an anonymous guy, asking for advice about his unnamed crush. Kate is pretty sure that the caller is gorgeous Diego Martinez, and even surer that the girl in question is Alana. Kate is excited for her friend ... until Kate herself starts to develop feelings for Diego. Suddenly, Kate finds that while doling out wisdom to others may be easy, asking for help is tougher than it looks, and following your own advice is even harder.

Kasie West's adorable story of secrets, love, and friendship is sure to win over hearts everywhere.

Published by: Point

The Release Date for the book is:
May 29, 2018

Pre-Order:

Barnes&Noble | Amazon US

Or pre-order it from Book Depository using my Affiliate link:
Book Depository

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5/09/2018

Can't Wait Wednesday #5 - The Disasters by M.K. England

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.

Why I Can't Wait:
Because its a YA sci-fi and it sounds amazing. I need to get my hands on more sci-fi books.

The Disasters by M.K. England

The Breakfast Club meets Guardians of the Galaxy in this YA sci-fi adventure by debut author M. K. England.

Hotshot pilot Nax Hall has a history of making poor life choices. So it’s not exactly a surprise when he’s kicked out of the elite Ellis Station Academy in less than twenty-four hours.

But Nax’s one-way trip back to Earth is cut short when a terrorist group attacks the Academy. Nax and three other washouts escape—barely—but they’re also the sole witnesses to the biggest crime in the history of space colonization. And the perfect scapegoats.

On the run and framed for atrocities they didn’t commit, Nax and his fellow failures execute a dangerous heist to spread the truth about what happened at the Academy.

They may not be “Academy material,” and they may not get along, but they’re the only ones left to step up and fight.

Full of high-stakes action, subversive humor, and underdogs becoming heroes, this YA sci-fi adventure is a page-turning thrill ride that anyone—not just space nerds—can enjoy.