The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

 

 The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses.

The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England.

Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty. 

Why  Read: I was blown away of how amazing the first book was (The White Queen), that I ended up being interested to be on the shoes of the red queen. Its good to know the opposing side's plans, treachery and information's that was hidden from the first book.

What I Liked: I love how the author writes her novel. There is something magical on how she writes that really sucked me into the story even though this was the antagonist's side. I think this should be considered as a compliment when I say that I hated Margaret Beaufort which everyone I knew that read this felt the same way and its a good thing. Philippa did a great job showing the character's history, personality and character development as well. Usually reading these types of characters makes me want to burn the book but luckily  this is didn't. The transitioning of the story was okay and I admit there was a part where I felt bad for Margaret's character because the struggles that she has to go through to get her self in a certain position she needs to. I also have some laughable moments with her character because of her self absorbed and self vindictive personality which I understand is pretty normal for villains but reading her is FUN! 

What Disappointed Me: I have to say, though this was the antagonist's side this somehow didn't affect the way I felt for the story in general. I didn't see that much flaws but if there was I might see it just minor set back.  

I LOVE IT!!!!

AMAZING.

  I like how it somehow matched or stayed in the same theme with the first book.

If your a fan of historical fiction especially British history this will definitely spark an interest in you, Well in my case it did. aha

CHEERS EVERYONE!!!

 

Remember Me? By Sophie Kinsella

When twenty-eight-year-old Lexi Smart wakes up in a London hospital, she’s in for a big surprise. Her teeth are perfect. Her body is toned. Her handbag is Vuitton. Having survived a car accident—in a Mercedes no less—Lexi has lost a big chunk of her memory, three years to be exact, and she’s about to find out just how much things have changed.

Somehow Lexi went from a twenty-five-year-old working girl to a corporate big shot with a sleek new loft, a personal assistant, a carb-free diet, and a set of glamorous new friends. And who is this gorgeous husband—who also happens to be a multimillionaire? With her mind still stuck three years in reverse, Lexi greets this brave new world determined to be the person she…well, seems to be. That is, until an adorably disheveled architect drops the biggest bombshell of all.

Suddenly Lexi is scrambling to catch her balance. Her new life, it turns out, comes complete with secrets, schemes, and intrigue. How on earth did all this happen? Will she ever remember? And what will happen when she does?

With the same wicked humor and delicious charm that have won her millions of devoted fans, Sophie Kinsella, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Shopaholic & Baby, returns with an irresistible new novel and a fresh new heroine who finds herself in a life-changing and utterly hilarious predicament.

Why Read: I love Sophie Kinsella, I was planning to read ALL her works that's why I must read her novels.

What I Liked: Sophie Kinsella does a lot of good chic-lit novels. All of her stand alone books are light, funny and fast reads which I find it very comforting especially when I just read a complicated book and usually I always go for her works after just to keep me grounded and sane at the same time. The main protagonist is quite easy to relate with especially in this novel the situation that she's in to has somehow catches my attention to get me to read more and quick. Simple and straight to point plot no complicated lovey dovey bullshits and relatable.

What Disappointed Me: This disappointments is somehow in general of the authors works.

 Okay, one of the flaws for reading too much books from the same author is somehow you'll notice some repetitions in her writing style when it comes to building a plot line. As much as possible I don't like spoiling the stories but it has a cycle that is already predictable. The main characters of her works, I find very similar in personalities and traits that they all mix up in my head and forget who is who in each of the novels.

I find Sophie's book covers fun. Their very girly cute way that makes you want to read in public and be proud of the book your carrying ahaha  

 

 

Confessions Of An Alli Cat by Courtney Cole

Thirty-five year-old Allison “Alli” Lancaster has it all—a fabulous job, a beautiful 15 year-old daughter, a hilarious BFF and a gorgeous house with a pool and Jacuzzi in an exclusive Las Vegas neighborhood. What she doesn’t have is a husband, because she kicked her lousy, cheating ex to the curb nine months ago. Since then, Alli has paid her dues with seemingly endless self-improvement and seemingly endless mourning. Now she’s ready to move on and try new things.

Alli’s idea of “trying new things” is nothing like that devil-of-a-best-friend of hers. Somehow, Sara, the devil of a best friend, talks Alli into trying out a sex toy, sleeping with a younger man and letting a stranger in a lab jacket put hot wax on a place that should never, ever, ever see wax. And that’s only the beginning. 
Alli never saw her life going quite like this. She also never thought she’d meet someone else who had the very real potential to change her life forever. 
But she did.
Enter the new guy. He’s gorgeous, refined and mature. He’s also marriage material. But that poses a problem for Alli, who renounced the institution of marriage when she renounced her ex. What’s a girl to do?
They say that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But what the heck happens when you can’t leave Vegas? Well, you spin the wheel, of course. You play the game and let the chips fall where they may. 
Alli just hopes she can find them all.
*******
Caution! Only read this book if you want to laugh and are not offended at adult themes and language. This is not a Young Adult book

Why Read: I saw some pretty good reviews on Goodreads and on Amazon and that my friends convinced me to read it.

What I Liked: This novel is easy, light and fun read in a adult kind of way (If you know what I mean). I had some good laughs with this one, I admit that. Embarrassing and funny main character. The other characters were amazing. I love reading every character this novel has. Seriously. Every single one of them has a unique funny personalities that will not kill you of boredom and more realistic. Writing style is okay. It was easy to get through what the author delivers to its readers. Entertainment value was great, This somehow is a page turner. I was able to finish this quick than I expected.

What Disappointed Me: Most situations that the main character gets herself into were quite predictable. I wasn't that satisfied with the plot. The twist however is okay, I just wish the author would have put more realistic conflicts in the novel even though its supposed to be a light read maybe that would be more relatable to its readers somehow if it were. And the ending was so easy. I felt that it was just wrapped out too fast for the sake of ending the story.

 I'm not entirely crazy for it but its simple and elegant. Its okay.

 

(Photo was from Tumblr.)

CHEERS!!!

Halfway To The Grave By Jeaniene Frost

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat. 

Why Read: First of all I didn't even remember that I had this book in my kindle. I just remembered it because I saw the second book on book sale for a cheap price and read the synopsis and find the book intriguing. So I was force to read the first one which is this and read it for only 2 days! That's how I enjoyed it.

What I Like: I'm a fan of hard core, kick ass women as a protagonist. I don't know why but it always, ALWAYS sucks me in immediately and there is no stopping. It kinda reminds me of Buffy The Vampire Slayer actually.  This novel is a dark and fast paced read, A lot are going on to the story. The steamy romance, urgh! Its so good! Kiddos be warned for explicit scenes. I love how this ended that it kept me wanting for more.

What Disappointed Me: One down fall of this is the main climax! Its was too bland and fast. I wasn't satisfied with how they ended the antagonist like it was just to get it over with. Like, they have gone a lot of trouble for that kind of climax. Its just not fair for a reader.

 NOPE! Its just all wrong for me. SORRY! :/

It was ok. I did enjoy the story and plot line and especially the characters.

Would still recommend it.

Cheers guys!

Cassie Scott Paranormal Detective by Christine Amsden

Cassie Scot is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers, born between worlds but belonging to neither. At 21, all she wants is to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator in the shadow of her family’s reputation isn’t easy. When she is pulled into a paranormal investigation, and tempted by a powerful and handsome sorcerer, she will have to decide where she truly belongs.

 Why Read: I signed up for Audibles.com and got a free book which is this one. I don't know why  or maybe I forgot the reason that I gave myself why I got this instead of new released books. But I do know that this has a good reviews.

What I Like: There are some point of uniqueness from the plot that I enjoyed, One is that wizards and witches are being accepted or known in their society and vampires as well or werewolves too, I guess. 
Likable female protagonist which is rare these days with all the new books that are coming out that has shallow characters that is very hard to connect to sometimes. But for this one, traits that I look for female protagonist are smart, witty and independent kick ass. On the love story, its quite weird but exciting as well.

What Disappointed Me: The resolution of this novel was too easy for me, If you know what I mean. I wasn't that impressed with how they found out and killed the antagonist in the book. It was all too fast and not that surprising.

Sad to say, again I don't like the book cover. If I were to see this on book stores. I might not be able to even glance on it because its too bland for my taste and the illustration doesn't give that much excitement for my eyes. Just my opinion. :) Sorry!



CHEERS!