Cindy's Love Of Books

Review/ The Couple Next Door

Posted on November 12, 2017November 30, 2017 by Cindy

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
Format: Paperback
Published by Doubleday Canada on August 23rd 2016
Pages: 308
Goodreads

An instant New York Times and Globe and Mail bestseller. Look out for Shari Lapena's next thriller, A Stranger in the House, coming August 2017.
"Meticulously crafted and razor-sharp. The Couple Next Door lingers long after you turn the final page." --Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fool Me Once
A domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbors--a twisty, rollercoaster ride of lies, betrayal and the secrets between husbands and wives. . . .
How well do you know the couple next door? Or your husband? Or even--yourself? Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all--a loving relationship, a wonderful home and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately focuses on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story. Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they've kept for years. What follows is the nerve-racking unraveling of a family--a chilling tale of deception, duplicityand unfaithfulness that will keep you breathless until the final shocking twist.

The Couple Next Door is a debut novel by a Canadian author. This was one book I was super excited to pick up and read and I have to say it did not disappoint.

This was a super quick read for me and one that I enjoyed reading. I had a hard time putting the book down. It felt like I was riding a roller coaster. Just when you think you have one thing figured out something comes up to cause you to rethink it and I was like this the whole way through the book. One minute I was like I got this and then the next I am like okay maybe not. Those are my favorite kind of books to read. Expect the unexpected.

Anne and Marco are brand new parents, who live next door to neighbors/friends Cynthia and Graham. Cynthia invites the couple over for a dinner party. When their babysitter bails at the last minute they decide to go anyways with the strict rules of having the baby monitor on them at all times and doing check ups every 30 minutes and I had really strong feelings about this and I feel babies or young child should never be left alone for any amount of time without an adult in the house. So much can happen in a blink of a eye and this is exactly what happens.

Anne and Marco’s sweet baby girl, Cora goes missing after the last check in Marco did. They come home to find the front door open and Cora gone. My heart broke for Anne and Marco because who wants this to happen but at the same time I wanted to punch them both because they were the ones who caused all this to happen. Who leaves a 6 month old baby alone in a empty house with only a baby monitor on? Plus they were drinking so anything could have happened when they weren’t paying attention.

The whole time as I was reading this I kept looking for clues as to what happened and who did this? Could it have been Anne? She was a little drunk and we all know that our reflexes are common sense aren’t there? Was it Marco? As the book progresses we do get insight as to what really happened and by who.

As the story plays out you are reminded about how well do you know your neighbors, your spouse, or even yourself? So much goes on behind close doors that no one really knows about.

If your looking for your next psychological thriller then I highly recommend this one. It will not disappoint.

Review/ The Disclaimer by Renee Knight

Posted on November 10, 2017November 30, 2017 by Cindy

Disclaimer by Renée Knight
Format: Paperback
Published by Harper Perennial on April 12th 2016
Pages: 352
Goodreads

What if you realized the terrifying book you were reading was all about you?

A brilliantly conceived, deeply disturbing psychological thriller about a woman haunted by secrets--and the price she will pay for concealing the truth
When a mysterious novel appears at Catherine Ravenscroft’s bedside, she is curious. She has no idea who might have sent her The Perfect Stranger--or how it ended up on her nightstand. At first, she is intrigued by the suspenseful story that unfolds.
And then she realizes.
This isn’t fiction.
The Perfect Stranger recreates in vivid, unmistakable detail the day Catherine became hostage to a dark secret, a secret that only one other person knew--and that person is dead.
Now that the past Catherine so desperately wants to forget is catching up with her, her world is falling apart. Plunged into a living nightmare, she knows that her only hope is to confront what really happened on that terrible day . . . even if the shocking truth might destroy her.

Disclaimer by Renee Knight is her debut novel that came out in 2015 and this was a book I spotted and bought because of the cover. I mean look at it a woman holding a book in her hand why wouldn’t I buy it and find out what its about. I actually love that the cover goes with the book,

Plus the tag line on the book says “Imagine if the next thriller you read was all about you.” What would you do if you happen to pick up a book that was based on your and your secrets? I know i would be completely freaked out.

Sadly I bought this book last year and only picked it up to read recently and I am so happy that I finally decided to take it off the shelf to read. I need to do that more often.

Our main character is Catherine. She is married with an adult child and is a successful documentary film maker. Looking at Catherine you think she has it all but dig deeper into the book and you realize she is just like everyone else with a deep dark secret that no one knows about or at least that is what she thinks. Who could possibly know what it is?

Catherine decides to pick up a book that has been sitting on her bed side table. She isn’t sure how it got them but as she starts reading she realizes that this book is about her and her secret. The main character is based on Catherine and it takes places years ago. How could someone have found out about this secret?

This is told in alternating points of view. That of Catherine and that of the writer of the book that Catherine is reading. Catherine will do anything to protect her secret that she has kept buried for so long meanwhile the author of the book doesn’t care and feels like everyone should know what she has done and will do anything to get the book out. Catherine soon realizes that the author of the book is sending it out to people who are near and dear to her. If they read it will the know its about her?

I want to go on and on about it but I am afraid if I write anymore I will give the book out and spoil it.

If your looking for something that will keep you on the edge of your seat this is for you. I really enjoyed this because this was another book that just when you think you have it figured out you don’t and things don’t appear like they seem.

Review/ I Never

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Cindy

About The Book:

Title: I NEVER
Author: Laura Hopper
Pub. Date: November 7, 2017
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 288

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD, Goodreads

Janey King’s priorities used to be clear: track, school, friends, and family. But when seventeen-year-old Janey learns that her seemingly happy parents are getting divorced, her world starts to shift. Back at school, Luke Hallstrom, an adorable senior, pursues Janey, and she realizes that she has two new priorities to consider: love and sex.

Inspired by Judy Blume’s classic Forever, I Never features a perfect, delicious, almost-to-good-to-be-true high school relationship . . . and it doesn’t shy away from the details. Destined to be passed from teen to teen, this is a young adult debut that will get readers talking.

I realized that since spraining my ankle that I am in dire need of a laptop so that I can keep up with my blog perhaps if I ask Santa nicely he will finally give me one. Fingers crossed.

Before beginning my review I just quickly want to thank Jaime at Rockstar Book Tours for allowing me to be a part of the book tour and for graciously providing me with a copy of the book to read for my review and for also being so understanding during the past week or two with my situation.

I Never was the perfect book to read while I was on the couch resting my sprained ankle because this was fast paced and kept me hooked until the very end. I was so happy to read this straight through with no interruptions.

I love going into a book not really knowing what the book is about and this was certainly one I was happy no knowing. This was eye opening and I admit at certain parts I was thinking about how things have changed in YA books from the time I use to read them a long time ago and its nice because so many authors make it see taboo or skirt around it. We need to realize that things aren’t like they use to be and to have a author talk about it head on was really nice. Its realistic and relatable.

This is definitely a mix kind of book where is light and funny but serious at the same time if all that makes sense?

Our main character is Janey and she is a high school junior. She is smart when it comes to school but she is really naive socially when it comes to boys. I think most girls could relate to Janey in that situation because girls always wonder if the boy they truly likes suddenly starts showing an interest in us that we wonder what their true intentions really are. More so when your crush just happens to be one of the most popular boys in school. Why would the most popular kid be interested in you?

Luke is that boy. He has it all the looks, the confidence and the popularity. I loved that Luke wasn’t who he appeared to be on the outside. There was more to Luke and I loved finding that out about him. He does come off as the jerk joke and at first I thought his intentions weren’t true and he was up to something. I loved that Luke was honest with Janey and laid it all on the line. We all want our first high school love to be that happy fairy tale ending and sadly it doesn’t always go as planned.

The only negative thing I have to comment on is I wouldn’t share this book with the younger young adult because it does get a little explicit and at times.

Over all I am happy I got to read this and looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Book Blitz/ Forsaken Prince

Posted on November 9, 2017November 10, 2017 by Cindy

This is my stop during the book blitz for Forsaken Prince by Andrea Pearson. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 8 till 10 November. See the tour schedule here

Forsaken Prince (Kilenya Chronicles #1)
By Andrea Pearson
Genre: Fantasy
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: 1 November, 2017

Blurb:
Jacob refuses the role of Forsaken Prince. Until his father and little sister are kidnapped…

When an attractive girl tells Jacob he’s the Forsaken Prince and that an entirely different planet needs his help, he calls her crazy and sends her on her way. But then he discovers dead demons in his house, his mother beaten, and his father and sister kidnapped, and he’s forced to begin a dangerous journey.

Now Jacob must team up with Aloren to find a magical key and stage a rescue with a tight deadline, all while making decisions that affect not only himself but hundreds of thousands of his subjects in this new world. Can he figure out his new magical powers fast enough and will he and Aloren reach Jacob’s father and sister before time runs out?

Forsaken Prince, Kilenya Chronicles Book One is an edge-of-your-seat story of fantasy, adventure, and exciting twists and turns. Grab your copy now to begin the magical journey!

You can find Forsaken Prince on Goodreads

You can buy Forsaken Prince here on Amazon

All books in the Kilenya Chronicles series:

About the Author:
Andrea Pearson is an avid reader and outdoor enthusiast who plays several instruments, not including the banjo, and loves putting together musical arrangements. Her favorite sports are basketball and football, though several knee surgeries and incurably awful coordination prevent her from playing them.

Andrea graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor of science degree in Communications Disorders. She is the author of many full-length novels (the Kilenya Series and Mosaic Chronicles) and several novellas. Writing is the chocolate of her life – it is, in fact, the only thing she ever craves. Being with her family and close friends is where she’s happiest, and she loves thunderstorms, the ocean, hiking, public speaking, painting, and traveling.

You can find and contact Andrea here:
– Website
– Blog
– Facebook page
– Facebook profile
– Twitter
– Goodreads
– Amazon
– Pinterest
– Newsletter

Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Forsaken Prince. One winner will win a $50 Amazon Gift card. US Only.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Spotlight/ I Never

Posted on November 9, 2017November 9, 2017 by Cindy

About The Book:

Title: I NEVER
Author: Laura Hopper
Pub. Date: November 7, 2017
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 288

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD, Goodreads

About Laura:

Laura Hopper has worked in the film industry and is currently a book editor. I Never is her first novel. She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her family.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of I NEVER. US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/30/2017- Kati’s Bookaholic Rambling Reviews– Excerpt

10/31/2017- The Clever Reader– Review

11/1/2017- Brooke- Reports– Excerpt

11/2/2017- Texan Girl Reads– Review

11/3/2017- YA Books Central– Interview

Week Two:

11/6/2017- Here’s to Happy Endings– Review

11/7/2017- BookHounds YA– Guest Post

11/8/2017- Cindy’s Love of Books– Review

11/9/2017- Literary Meanderings– Interview

11/10/2017- Owl Always Be Reading– Review

Review/ Paper Hearts by Ali Novak

Posted on November 8, 2017November 30, 2017 by Cindy

Paper Hearts (The Heartbreakers Chronicles, #2) by Ali Novak
Format: Paperback
Published by Sourcebooks Fire on July 4th 2017
Pages: 384
Goodreads

“I’m sorry,” he said, slowly untying the ribbon that held his mask in place. “It’s just…I didn’t want you to think of me any differently.”
Somehow I kept my mouth from falling open. I knew his face, but my mind couldn’t accept that he was the person looking down at me.
“My real name is Alec.”
Felicity has her entire future planned. Ever since her older sister ran away, she’s had the full weight of her mother’s expectations on her shoulders. So she works hard to get straight As and save for college.
Except sometimes the best things in life are unplanned—like when Felicity meets a handsome, masked stranger while she is volunteering at a charity masquerade ball. She never thought he’d flirt with her. And she certainly never thought he’d turn out to be a member of the world-famous band the Heartbreakers.
Then Felicity uncovers a shocking family secret. Suddenly, she, Alec, and her two best friends are off on a road trip to find Felicity’s missing sister. And she’s about to discover that unexpected turns have a peculiar way of landing her right where she needs to be…

This is the second book in The Heartbreaker Chronicles. The third book called Heartstrings is currently in the works and no release date has been said yet.

Paper Hearts can be read as a stand alone since its not a continuous story line. I did read this right after I read The Heartbreakers.

If you read my previous review then you know that The Heartbreakers are a band and each book focuses on a different band member/couple. Stella and Oliver do make appearances in the book but if you were to read it as a stand alone it would be fine. They don’t play a major role in the story line.

Paper Hearts focuses on Alec and Felicity. I have to say that right now Alec is one of my favorite band member, he is quiet and private. I think Felicity compliments him well even though she has gone through more then any person should. Her life is like a soap opera with all the drama but through it all she sticks with it and plows ahead.

Felicity uncovers a secret that has been hidden and the truth wasn’t told so she is determined to find her sister and Alec is there every step of the way to help her find her even if it means a road trip. She even brings along her BFF’s Aisha and Boomer. She soon realizes that this trip is more then she bargained for with all the hidden secrets coming out. Can she handle the truth or will it be too much?

This was another super quick read and I can’t wait to continue this series.

Review/ The Heartbreakers by Ali Novak

Posted on November 7, 2017November 30, 2017 by Cindy

The Heartbreakers (The Heartbreakers Chronicles, #1) by Ali Novak
Published by Sourcebooks on August 4th 2015
Pages: 336
Goodreads

When I met Oliver Perry, I had no clue he was the lead singer for the Heartbreakers.
And he had no idea that I was the only girl in the world who hated his music.
Stella will do anything for her sister—even stand in line for an autographed Heartbreakers CD…for three hours. At least she met a cute boy at the Starbucks beforehand. A blue-eyed boy who looks an awful lot like…
Oliver Perry. Of course Starbucks guy is the lead singer for her least favorite band. Thanks, universe. But there may be more to Oliver than his world-famous charm, because even after she insults his music—to his face—he still gives her his number. Seriously, what is her life?
But how can Stella even think about being with Oliver—dating and laughing and pulling pranks with the band—when her sister could be dying of cancer?

This past summer I was cleaning up my book shelves to get ready for summer, so that I could figure out what I wanted to read and I stumbled up The Heartbreakers by Ali Novak and I am embarrassed to say that this has been sitting in my TBR since I picked it up at BEA in 2015. Yes I do still have a few books sitting on my shelf that I picked up at BEA.

This is the first book in The Heartbreakers Chronicles and it was a fairly quick read,

Our main character is Stella Samuel, who is a high school graduate with a passion for photography. Stella is also a triplet. She has a sister Cara who has cancer and is a cheerleader and a brother, Drew who is the joke of the family.

When Cara has diagnosed with cancer, Stella puts her life on hold and stops pursuing her passion of going to college in NYC. Cara is obsessed with a boy band called The Heartbreakers, a band that neither Stella or Drew share the same passion for. Cara basically lives and breathes this band and fears that she will never get to see them perform live.

Stella and Drew come up with an idea of traveling from Minnesota to Chicago to obtain the bands autograph as a surprise gift to Cara. You can tell how much the siblings love each other and what they are willing to do to make their sister happy.

Finally arriving in Chicago. Stella makes a pit stop into Starbucks for her morning coffee, she bumps into a cute guy, Oliver, who buys her coffee, thinking nothing of it she goes about her way because she has no clue what the boys in the band look like until she bumps into them at the hotel. Stella makes it well known that she doesn’t like the band or their music but still Oliver gives her his number and he slowly picks away at her until she starts to like the music and the boy.

Little did Stella realize but this trip was so much more then just getting an autograph for her sister its also making her realize that she needs to move on with her life and do things she wants to do but will she do it or will she remain behind to take care of Cara?

I loved how Oliver was able to get through to Stella and watching their relationship develop was cute. This was a fun read to break up the normal reading routine.

So after attempting to write my review I discovered that this is suppose to be a four book series and each boy in the band will have his own book and encounters with love. I have to say that as cheesy as these books are i want to read them and live my teenage life over again when I used to crush of a boy band and wish I was dating one of the members. Didn’t we all do that?