Bookish Things & More

Review

6:00 pm 3 April 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

Quickie Review

I love these two. Simon and Caroline are hilarious together. But they can also sometimes get on each others' nerves. I love seeing the ups and downs in a relationship after finding the one you're supposed to be with. It makes the characters and events in the book so much more real. We can connect to the story better.

Simon and Caroline go from living in separate places to house sitting for their friends as they take a really long honeymoon vacation. Things seem great, but being around each other non-stop definitely makes things interesting. Add in the fact that Caroline has so much more responsibility and their love life gets stressful. There are also some things going on with their friends, and they seem to always be put in the middle. Some of the antics are pretty hysterical.

And you can't forget Clive. He's the cat that knows how to get his way. And might run into some trouble of his own.

It's a great follow up to the first book and will have you laughing for hours.

Katrina

Review

One Tiny Lie

6:00 pm 1 April 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

7 Things I loved about One Tiny Lie

It's a great book that I didn't want to end. I'm ready to start the next book in this series!

Katrina

Review

Her Forever Hero

6:00 pm 30 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

Quickie Review

I haven't read any of the other books in this series, and it can definitely be read as a stand alone.

Cam and Grace definitely have some chemistry. They dated when they were younger and things pretty much fell apart. But he still wants her, and she doesn't ever want to be controlled by anyone again. The sparks are wild between these two, and they drive each other crazy.

On top of figuring things out with them, there are weird things happening at Grace's apartment, and a lawsuit involving her. None of this seems like anything Grace would do, and the mystery of finding out what happened in the past, and what's happening now is intense. It seems like small little pranks, but it's creepy and would leave me unsettled. I also like when Grace decides to stand up for herself. She doesn't need some of the people in her life, and I enjoyed seeing that fire in her.

There were so many parts where the lengths Cam would go to see, or be around, Grace were hilarious. I mean a gas leak... really!

Her Forever Hero is a quick read, and will leave you happy. That epilogue though... I can't wait to read the next one.

Katrina

Review

The Do-Over

6:00 pm 23 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

Quickie Review

The Do-Over is a fun and quick read. We get to see the quaint town of Biscay Beach. The people in this town are pretty amazing, and open their arms to Melanie. She's trying to get the house she inherited fixed and ready for sale so she can go back to her life in New York. She's very list oriented, and wants things to be perfect. The only downfall is she doesn't know how to do much since she never had to do anything for herself.

Eli is the town hottie. He doesn't take to kindly to Melanie at first, but she grows on him. He has his own reason for not really liking the type of person Melanie is. He lets his past keep his mind closed. But he is a sweetheart, and wants Melanie to succeed in whatever she does or learns.

The chemistry is definitely there with these two, and the sexy times are HOT! The Do-Over makes a perfect read to get ready for summer.

Katrina

Review

Combative (Combative, Book One)

6:00 pm 23 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

Quickie Review

It's no secret that I fell in love with McLean's More Than series. And I'm going to warn you that Combative is nothing like those books. It's dark, edgy, and completely kicks ass.

Kyler is incredibly hot and rough around the edges. He does have a sweet side, though. Madison is a complete mystery. Who the hell is she? What is with her sudden appearance in Kyler's building? And who the fuck is she texting?

The sparks fly between these two, and the questions keep building. You don't know if everything is happening for a reason, or organically. The mystery surround everything is what kept me going. And of course the intensity of Kyler. But still what the hell is Madison hiding. She's a complete enigma. She seems like she's been very sheltered, but can throw back whiskey like a pro.

If you like mystery, suspense, and trying to put the pieces together, this book is definitely one to read. I can't post much because everything I say would be a spoiler. And I just can't do that to you.

Katrina

Review

Untitled 1

6:00 pm 20 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

5 Reasons to Read Wallbanger

Review

Mai Tai'd Up

6:00 pm 20 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

Quickie Review

This one was probably my least favorite in the series. But mostly because of the omission of certain things. The romance was just as great as the previous books.

Chloe ran out on on her fiance on their wedding day. She has this niggling feeling that it's not right, and I like to say that you always trust your gut. She didn't seem happy with him anyway. Her dad tells her to stay at their family vacation home, and she decides to see about working with a pitbull rescue organization. This is when she meets Lucas... Lucas has had his heart broken, and doesn't want the same thing to happen when it comes to Chloe. His ex wrecked him, and it's totally understandable.

What I loved most about this book is the focus on rescuing pitbulls. My fur baby is a pit, and they have such a bad reputation. But they can be the sweetest dogs ever. I loved what the characters in this book were doing for those poor puppies that were raised to fight, or used as bait dogs. It breaks my heart that any dogs go through this. I definitely think Clayton brought some awareness to this subject, and I'm grateful for it.

Katrina

Review

Where Lightning Strikes

6:00 pm 20 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

Review

The sparks definitely fly in this installment of the Bleeding Stars series. Tamar and Lyrik have a chemistry that can't be denied.

Tamar and Lyrik are both running from their past. You know they've both gone through something horrible, but you don't know what it is. We get little pieces of their struggles throughout the story. And I couldn't imagine going through the things they do. It's brutal at times.

I think one of my favorite things about this book, and the characters, is the banter. The push and pull is amazing. They have fun, and sometimes let their emotions run rampant, no matter how much they try to keep them in check. They get each other in a way I don't think anyone can. But they have their struggles as well. Not everything is perfect, and they don't know how to get out of their own way to make things work.

While the occupations, and issues aren't ones that most people will ever have, the emotions and relationships are. The fear of letting your heart free, and needing to protect yourself from being hurt. It's something we can all connect to.

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Review

Entangled (Spellbound #1)

6:00 pm 16 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

Quickie Review

Entangled is a fast, fun read. It will have you questioning who you can really trust, and despising some characters.

Graylee and Charlene have a weird relationship, and I'm not a huge Charlene fan. She's very selfish, and throat-punch worthy. The events that take place while trying to get Graylee's spirit back in her own body are intense at times. I love seeing the things Graylee does to Charlene's body to piss her off. Raj is also a favorite character. He might not be all that he seems, and he does everything he can to help Graylee. And there may indeed be sparks.

The plot seems outlandish at times, but it's what makes this book so interesting. It's not the usual witch book.

If you're looking for something you can get drawn into and have fun with, Entangled is for you. I'm ready to see what happens next.

Katrina

Review

Girl Last Seen

6:00 pm 13 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

Review

This book completely surprised me. At first I was kind of meh about it because I didn't care for any of the characters. They all have an ugliness in them, and it bugged me. But Girl Last Seen also deals with issues I think we should all pay attention to. Bullying is a big thing in this book. Some of these kids had their lives ruined, or even moving, because of the actions that certain people made. And I think it's also safe to say that just because your friend is a complete a-hole doesn't mean you should follow along with them. There's also possible redemption. We all make mistakes, but we shouldn't let them define who we are in the future. Growing up does happen.

The plot kept me hooked. I loved the mystery and intrigue. Kady's disappearance rocks the community in her small town. She's a beloved internet star, and everyone thinks she can do no harm. But Jude and Lauren know better than anyone that isn't true, and both have motive. You don't really know who you can trust throughout the book. Is Mason, Kady's boyfriend, capable of kidnapping her? Or does her friend, and the boy they humiliated, have something to do with her being gone?

I also loved the fact that just because you portray yourself a certain way on the interwebs doesn't mean that's how things really are. We get a big dose of this throughout the book.

All in all it was a 3.5 star book for me. Not because of the story because like I said, it hooked me. But because I didn't like the characters. Kadence is egotistical, Lauren spent her friendship with Kady being a complete pushover and doing whatever Kady wanted, and Jude is just plain creepy a lot of the time. But they had room for growth, and they either did it for the better or the worse. But I won't tell you, because it would ruin the book.

Girl Last Seen is a mystery that will keep you guessing, and wondering what the mess is happening.

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Tour Schedule

March 7th Book Hounds YA REVIEW
March 8th Literary Meanderings REVIEW
March 9th A Leisure Moment 10 RANDOM THINGS
March 10th Dream Within A Dream REVIEW
March 11th Storybook Slayers REVIEW

March 14th Bookish Things And More REVIEW
March 15th In Wonderland REVIEW
March 16th The Hollow Cupboards REVIEW
March 17th The Cover Contessa AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 18th Me, My Shelf and I REVIEW

Katrina

Review

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne (The Steampunk Chronicles)

6:00 pm 12 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More Steampunk Sunday

I figured I'd use Sundays to highlight my steampunk reads, or anything else I find that grabs my attention. This won't be a weekly feature, but it'll happen at least once a month. Maybe more. We shall see.

Quickie Review

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne is the prequel before we meet Finley in this series. I loved getting this little glimpse into her life before. Finley is a character with two different sides. She can be mouthy at times, but she usually has the best intentions. I loved seeing her interact with Phoebe. It shows a softness we don't see that often. But if someone she cares about is in danger, or she's angry, you may want to step back. There's something different about her, and that can both hurt and help her.

If you like steampunk, definitely give this one a try. I loved it. It was fun, fast, and kept me intrigued.

Katrina

Review

Ten Tiny Breaths

6:00 pm 11 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

Review

Kacey is a character you either love or dislike. She’s very snarky, and uses that to protect herself from everyone. She can come off as a bitch a lot of the time, but she does have a sweet side. Even though she rarely shows it.

While this book is a romance, and let me tell you that is a big freaking bumpy ride, it’s also about family and friendships. I love Kacey’s devotion to her sister, and doing whatever she has to in order to provide for her. They have a tight bond, and I love that! They get into their little fights, but you know how much they love each other. Kacey makes some pretty great friends along the way, too. She isn’t looking for them, they just sort of happened. Sometimes the people you need in your life are placed there in the most unexplainable ways.

The story kept me hooked. I may have figured some things out along the way, but for the most part, I was kept on my toes. Kacey makes huge strides in who she is as a person, and overcoming all the hate and anger she has in her heart.
If you like angsty stories, and girls who kick ass, as well as show complete loyalty, this is a book you need to read.

Katrina

Review

Palm South University: Season 1 Box Set

6:00 pm 9 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

5 Reasons to Read Palm South University Season 1

1. College

I didn't get the normal college experience, so it's fun to live through the characters of PSU. And let me tell you, I feel like I'm right there in the thick of it.

2. Friendship

I love the friendship the KKB girls have with each other. Even when secrets are kept, you know they have your back no matter what. They also don't seem like the other sororities on the campus.

3. The Guys

Bear is probably my favorite guy character. He's sweet, and there for his friends no matter what. He doesn't always back off, even when the relationship could hurt him. And I just love his character. Adam.... well, the jury is still out on that one.

4. The Girls

Like I said before these gals aren't at all what you would think. I absolutely adore Cassie, and think I connect with her the most. And Jess is hilarious. I won't say much more except that each gal has their own secrets, and stories to tell. I can't wait to see what shenanigans they get into next.

5. The Steam

I swear, Steiner made me blush a few times. Good gravy!!!! So many smexy parts. Some of them may be bad decisions, and some of them may be great. There is one that is especially hot!

If you like the drama that can happen in college, along with a fun group of friends that will have you laughing and fuming, this is definitely a book you want to pick up. I love it, and can't wait to dive into the rest of the episodes for Season 2!

Katrina

Review

Drive (Hot Rides)

6:00 pm 8 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & MoreDrive is the perfect read to get ready for Summer. It's hot, steamy, and will have you flipping the pages.

Aiden and Madison definitely have chemistry. They can't seem to be around each other without the sparks flying. The story will draw you in, and keep you interested. Between the Aiden, Madison, and the cast of friends they have, there's never a dull moment.

I loved that there is racing and roller derby. I've never been to a derby, but I definitely want to go to one now. It seems intense and fun. The reactions Madison has when in the car with Aiden are hilarious. You can tell she's never been in super fast cars before. Also, I liked the undercover part. You kind of know what's going on from the beginning, but not the whole story.

If you are a fan of racing movies, with intrigue and steamy scenes, definitely pick this one up.

Review

Palm South University: Season 2, Episode 1

6:00 pm 6 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More

I'm going to review the entire season in this one post. It will be broken up by episode so that you know which is which. I love these novellas and the wait for Season Three is going to be long.

Review

Episode 1

I’m going to start this off by saying, that I freaking love this episode!!!! It’s definitely starting off the drama in a super juicy way. I mean, I don’t even know what’s going to happen next, but I do know I can’t wait for the next episode. Want to know what to expect??? Surprises, hot guys, friends, partying, and of course the drama!

The characters are amazing. I adore Bear. He’s probably my favorite out of them all! I still can’t really stand Adam. Ugh, don’t even get me started. I loved seeing Cassie pursued. And I love that she blushes so easily. Jess…. girl, why are you bothering with the party?? And OMG, that ending…..

Episode 2

So much love for this episode. I still have my doubts about Adam, and Erin's story completely breaks my heart. And holy steamy Ashlei!!! I hate the predicament she's in. It's horrible but hopefully she can come out of it.

Episode 3

Holy hell… hot Cassie!!!! And I love how protective Bear is about those he cares about. I hope Adam really listened to him. I’d hate for him to hurt either Cassie or Skyler. Also Grayson is a total gentleman. I love that he cares about Cassie enough to not let other feelings completely take over. And Jess!!!! OMG. I felt all swoony after that last chapter.

Episode 4

Talk about a Spring Break to remember! I swear I don’t think Ashlei can catch a break. And I knew Alex shouldn’t be trusted. Skeezy I tell ya. I hope Erin can find the peace she needs, and that Jess admits that she has real feelings for Jarrett. Any why do you have to make things confusing Adam!!!! Seriously!!!!

Episode 5

This is that episode where I get mad at Jess, and then forgive her a little. I mean dang girl…. Don’t be such a B. And we get to meet Bear’s little brother. He is absolutely hilarious. I can see he takes after his big brother. And I love that Skyler is there for everyone. You kind of see her as selfish in the first season, but she’s really growing and seeing what her sisters need from her. And poor Ashlei. I can’t even imagine being in that predicament. I have a feeling lots of things are going to go down in the final episode.

Episode 6

This episode broke me. I seriously can’t function for the rest of the day. Steiner weaves real issues that happen to people every day into the story, and makes you think. She makes you feel for these characters, and this episode does exactly that. There are happy moments, sad moments, and moments that you wish you could change for the character. Heartbreak that you wish you could keep them from, but topics that should be talked about. Just be prepared to have all kinds of emotions with this last episode of season two. I’m ready for Season Three and I hope some of theses characters find the peace and strength they need.

These are books and characters that will stick with me for a long time. They have become a favorite of mine, and I can’t wait to see what Steiner brings to these characters in the next season.

Katrina

Review

More Than Enough

6:00 pm 4 March 2016

This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & MoreThis book broke me. Luckily I was warned to have all the tissues. I can’t imagine going through anything that these characters have gone through. Things can happen in life that makes existing so much harder than anyone could imagine.

I loved seeing Dylan actually talk. Up until now, he’s been the broody silent one. But he has a sense of humor, and actually talks quite a bit when he has something to say.

I don’t want to say too much or I feel like I would give everything away. But I did enjoy the steady build up of the romance. It may seem fast at times, but it’s weeks and months in the making.

We get more Operation Mayhems in this book than the others combined. And the stunts are hilarious! Glitter definitely makes everything better!

What I took away from this book is that tragedy doesn’t have to define us. Even though it can break us to our worst moments, how we move on from that and make our mark in the world is how we will be remembered.

Bookish Things & More

I'm Katrina, and the main blogger over at Bookish Things & More. I love reading, and find myself trying out more genres.

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Tour Schedule

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5 Reasons to Read Palm South University Season 1

1. College

2. Friendship

3. The Guys

4. The Girls

5. The Steam

Review

Episode 1

Episode 2

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Episode 5

Episode 6

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