Welcome back to Show Us Your Books, with Jana and Steph!
If you’ve read my blog for awhile now, you know that I regularly share book reviews on the blog so if you want to know what else I’ve been enjoying, just look at my previous posts for 2018. For now, I’m going to share some quick thoughts on books I read and never reviewed!
The Break Down by B.A. Paris
source: e-library; all opinions are my own
Official Summary (add to Goodreads):Β Cass is having a hard time since the night she saw the car in the woods, on the winding rural road, in the middle of a downpour, with the woman sitting insideβthe woman who was killed. Sheβs been trying to put the crime out of her mind; what could she have done, really? Itβs a dangerous road to be on in the middle of a storm. Her husband would be furious if he knew sheβd broken her promise not to take that shortcut home. And she probably would only have been hurt herself if sheβd stopped.
But since then, sheβs been forgetting every little thing: where she left the car, if she took her pills, the alarm code, why she ordered a pram when she doesnβt have a baby.
The only thing she canβt forget is that woman, the woman she might have saved, and the terrible nagging guilt.
Or the silent calls sheβs receiving, or the feeling that someoneβs watching herβ¦
Review: I really liked the premise of this one, and I’d heard good things, but honestly, this was only a solid 3 stars for me. I didn’t guess everything until it was revealed, but I still felt like a lot of the “twists” were a bit obvious and not all that exciting. I’d still be curious to read something else by the author!
Bad Company by K.A. Mitchell
source: copy from publisher; all opinions are my own
Official Summary (add to Goodreads):Β Some things are sweeter than revenge.Β
βI need a boyfriend.βΒ
Hearing those words from his very straight, very ex-best friend doesnβt put Nate in a helpful mood. Not only did Kellan Brooksβs father destroy Nateβs family in his quest for power, but Kellan broke Nateβs heart back in high school. Nate thought he could trust his best friend with the revelation that he might be gay, only to find out he was horribly wrong and become the laughingstock of the whole school. Kellan must be truly desperate if heβs turning to Nate now.Β
Kellanβs through letting his father run his life, and he wants to make the man pay for cutting him off. What better way to stick it to the bigot than to come out as gay himselfβespecially with the son of the very man his father crushed on his quest for money and power. Kellan canβt blame Nate for wanting nothing to do with him, though. Kellan will have to convince him to play along, but itβs even harder to convince himself that the heat between them is only an act….
Review: Okay, so this is one that I didn’t even rate. I’m not sure what it would be – I don’t always rate books. I liked aspects of the book, and I do love a friends to lovers romance. I think, however, that the romance happened a bit too quick for my liking. Plus, there are a couple things mentioned in the book that were never properly addressed, or at least I didn’t think so, and I think that hurt how I saw the characters and overall story line. Regardless, I’d still read more by the author – they are a good writer all around.
The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich
source: e-library; all opinions are my own
Official Summary (add to Goodreads):Β There is a secret organization that cultivates teenage spies. The agents are called Love Interests because getting close to people destined for great power means getting valuable secrets.
Caden is a Nice: the boy next door, sculpted to physical perfection. Dylan is a Bad: the brooding, dark-souled guy who is dangerously handsome. The girl they are competing for is important to the organization, and each boy will pursue her. Will she choose the Nice or the Bad?
Both Caden and Dylan are living in the outside world for the first time. They are well-trained and at the top of their games. They have to beβwhoever the girl doesnβt choose will die.
What the boys donβt expect are feelings that are outside of their training. Feelings that could kill them both.Β
Review: I can see why people might find fault with aspects of this book, but overall, I really loved this one. I think the premise is so fascinating – and original (which can be hard to pull off these days!) The biggest complaint I had throughout the book is that Juliet, the girl both Caden and Dylan are “vying” always sounded a bit stilted and off. I didn’t have this problem with the other characters, so I don’t know why it was that way for Juliet. At any rate, this was a quick, enjoyable read and I really liked some of the side characters – especially Natalie!
At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson
source: e-library; all opinions are my own
Official Summary (add to Goodreads):Β Tommy and Ozzie have been best friends since second grade, and boyfriends since eighth. They spent countless days dreaming of escaping their small townβand then Tommy vanished.
More accurately, he ceased to exist, erased from the minds and memories of everyone who knew him. Everyone except Ozzie.
Ozzie doesnβt know how to navigate life without Tommy, and soon suspects that something else is going on: that the universe is shrinking.
When Ozzie is paired up with new student Calvin on a physics project, he begins to wonder if Calvin could somehow be involved. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is for him to deny the feelings developing between them, even if he still loves Tommy.
But Ozzie knows there isnβt much time left to find Tommyβthat once the door closes, it canβt be opened again. And heβs determined to keep it open as long as possible.
Review: I think it’s safe to say that Shaun David Hutchinson is one of my favorite authors; now I just need to read the rest of his catalog (I’ve read three books so far). As for At the Edge of the Universe, definitely a five star read. I actually finished the book and wrote on Twitter that this book HURT to read, but that I’d recommend it. I still agree – and you should definitely read it. I’m not sure anything else I could do to describe this book would do it justice so read the official summary and then grab a copy!
Show Us Your Books: Just some other books I've read lately...#ontheblog #bookreview Click To TweetI also want to end this post by inviting you to join my Book Blog Group on Facebook. If you review books at all on your blog, you count! You can post links to your blog posts every day and hopefully find some new ones to visit (comments are great, but views/clicks are awesome too!) You can link up non-book related posts too! I’m not picky.
Your facebook group sounds really interesting – I’m going to check it out tonight!! I share most of your thoughts on The Breakdown. I’m curious to see how her newest book is.
I’ve been looking for some books for my vacation and some of these sound really great!
That last one sounds interesting for sure!
I am amazed at how many books you read girl! I really am! You’re my goals!
The Edge of The Universe sounds intense!
I’ve been considering The Breakdown, but I might just skip it!
I am on the wait list at the library for The Breakdown. I just finished Behind Closed Doors and LOVED it. I hope that this one isn’t a let down for me. I hate when a romance is too rushed.
I ended up DNFing The Breakdown. For whatever reason, the main character really rubbed the wrong way and was like nails on a chalkboard to me. And for the life of me, I have no idea why. Oh well.
The breakdown sounds great, j love a good suspense novel.
The love interest sounds so good!
I keep hearing about The Love Interest, i’ll have to check it out. I love the cover.
These all look so interesting! It’s amazing how many books I read and never review on my blog. Probably shameful but oh well LOL!
The last book sounds really interesting. I have got to start reading more.
The Breakdown has been on my list – I need to start reading what’s on there … but I just keep adding more. π
I have The Breakdown but haven’t gotten to it because of mixed reviews. I want to read a Shaun David Hutchinson – I think I own one or two.
I love that you share these! Iβm always looking for good suggestions! I get so overwhelmed at the library sometimes, so I love having at least a few ideas in mind. π
These are all new to me. Thanks for sharing.
I love the that The Edge of the Universe was an emotional read. I love the v=cover too and the premise is so intriguing! People TOTALLY vanishing even from the memory of those who knew them is a great suspense topic! Glad it was a 5-star for you!
So fun! I’ve been trying to read more this past week. I am reading the Harry Potter series, but I always come up with other things to do besides reading (even though I enjoy it).
These all sound like interesting and riveting reads! Edge of the Universe sounds like a tough but good read and one I’d actually be interested in.
I like the premise of the last two, and YAY for some originality! I had the one you read and Behind Closed Doors by BA Paris on my TBR, but I’ll probably read the latter first based on the description. And I agree with you- I’m always up for giving an author a second chance!
Do you ever read manga?? Would love to see you review some! – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
I have, but it’s been awhile! I’ll have to try and get back into it.
The Breakdown sounds really good! If I read more than one book a month I would totally join your FB group! I used to read a lot while running on the treadmill and since I’ve slowed that down a bit, I haven’t been getting through as many books!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I love reading other people’s book reviews! Your facebook group sounds like a great idea.
I always love your reviews because you always make me want to read outside my comfort zone and wheelhouse–some of these sound really fascinating!
I joined your FB group, but fair warning I am terrible at FB group participation. I will try to check in there though!
I liked The Breakdown much more than Behind Closed Doors. I’m going to look for her newest on Netgalley to see if I can snag a copy.
I have The Break Down by B.A. Paris, been looking forward to it but the mixed reviews.. I don’t know.
The Love Interest was a popular concept when it came out, I was shocked by the reviews tho it didn’t seem favored. Glad you have found a way to enjoy it despite everyones negative opinions of it.
The Love Interest sounds like an interesting concept. It sucks that the heroine wasn’t more lively though.
Violent Ends is an incredible book but Iβve yet to read another book with Shaunβs name on it. No real reason.
I had to skip your review of The Breakdown as I am currently in the middle of it
I was in the minority who hated Behind Closed Doors, so I don’t think I can read another book by B.A. Paris…and your review of the Breakdown is making me feel better about that choice!
Ooh, I’m so joining your Facebook group! I don’t post reviews nearly as often as you do, but I enjoy writing them and need to get back into it!
I haven’t read The Breakdown yet, but I have read a few mixed reviews about it from others who seem to share your thoughts on it. The other books sound fantastic.
The Love Interest sounds intriguing π
A bit disappointing when one doesn’t quite live up to the good things you’ve heard. It did sound good.
I will have to check some of these out. I mainly read for business and have gotten away from reading for enjoyment. I think these will be some good books to start with. Great review of each.
Yeah, these are all going on my list to read soon. Iβm always looking for great reads to keep on my bedside table or in my bag.
I haven’t read any of these but I have a copy of The Breakdown and The Love Interest on my shelf just waiting for me.
The Breakdown looks intriguing. May have to check it out.
I read The Breakdown last year, and I liked it much more than Behind Closed Doors. I agree, though, that some of the twists were kind of obvious. I must have read it at just the right time because I wound up giving it a 4 star rating … I think a big part of that was the fact that it was engrossing enough that I didn’t want to put it down. I’m on the waiting list at the library for her newest book.
I added At the Edge of the Universe to my list. It sounds really interesting, and I absolutely love books that provoke a really emotional response.
Your Facebook group sounds awesome, but I never use Facebook. π If you ever start a similar group on Goodreads, I’d definitely join!
I’ve heard The Breakdown was a bit predictible, but the premise does seem to grab you, right? I might have to listen to it on audio someday. Glad to hear you enjoyed a few of these. I’ll check out your new Facebook page! π
The breakdown sounds like a page turner! I’m going to look out for it π
Have you ever read anything by Sophie Hannah? This book reminded me of her books.
I have not read anything by her -do you recommend anything?
I highly recommend “Point of Rescue” and “Kind of cruel” – her older books which I read a few years ago. It kept me guessing the whole time!
I really love the sound of At the Edge of the Universe. Such an interesting concept – plus it sounds so emotional (which I love).
The Break Down is on my list to read, but I’m not in too much of a rush. It’s always a bummer when the twists in thrillers are super obvious or overdone.
At the Edge of the Universe sounds really good!
These look really interesting, especially At the Edge of the Universe! Right now I’m reading Between the World and Me, and it’s also one of those “hurts to read it” kind of books.
The Breakdown does have an interesting premise. Hmmmm…maybe I’ll check it out! π
Love Interest is one I haven’t read yet. Thanks for the review. Pam π
Yeah I definitely didn’t think that The Breakdown was as good as Behind Closed Doors. I kind of sort of guessed the end, but not the whole story. I heard that she has a new book out though, and I’ll definitely want to read it!
These books all sound so interesting. All very different, too. I will definitely check out the last author, Hutchinson. I’ve never heard of him and since you highly recommend…I’ll try one of his books. Thanks for the reviews. It’s always interesting to hear what others are reading!
I read 2 books this month! I know it’s nothing really, but I read them and didn’t fall asleep on page 10 over and over again like I did most of last year.
Glad you had so many great reads last month! π Joining your book group now! π XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Lots of great reads this month for you! I’m so bad at FB and group participation. I don’t think I could take on another group. If I could, though, it’d be yours. I’ll keep it on the short list π
You’re welcome anytime!
Ooh, I really need to read a Shaun David Hutchison book. I’m glad you loved At The Edge of the Universe, that makes me super excited to read it π
Megan @ http://wanderingsofabookbird.blogspot.co.uk/