Thursday, December 29, 2016

Book of the Month: [December 2016] - STALKING JACK THE RIPPER By Kerri Maniscalco





The book of the month selection for December is titled Stalking Jack the Ripper  by Kerri Maniscalco. I was instantly interested in choosing this novel as my next read simply by the title as well as the lure of the infamous murderer Jack the Ripper. It doesn't hurt that the book is presented by James Patterson who happens to be one of my favorite authors. I was also intrigued to pick up a debut novel. Debut reads are important to the writers as well. It is always interesting to see what is put forth in a writer's first effort.

This month's book pick, Stalking Jack the Ripper, sounds like one hell of a read. The story centers around a young woman who's interested in murders that are happening quite frequently. She begins to investigate and pours over the forensic evidence. Jeopardizing her safety and her life, she becomes involved in trying to solve the murders being committed by a serial killer. But will she get too close to the truth?

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Book of the Month: (November 2016) - THE HEIRESSES By Sara Shepard


 photo 266BE121-58EE-4D15-8248-4CA0D6BC648F_zpsaka9yfar.jpg




I have been crazy busy, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I usually strive to post my book of the month selections during the first week of each month. But recently this has not been the case due to time restraints. Anywho...

Regardless of a hectic schedule, I make sure to find the time to relax with a good book. I've also had the pleasure of reading a couple of fab reads in the last month or two but haven't found the time to post about them. However I will do so at some point.

The book pick for the month of November is a suspense thriller that I have been dying to read.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Book of the Month: [October 2016] - THE WRATH AND THE DAWN [Bk 1] By Renee Ahdieh


 photo F478B60A-5CAD-460E-96DA-6F692C4FB955_zpslz3974b9.jpg




*This BOTM post was originally posted on my main blog on 10.15.16. I have been crazy busy and literally forgot to post the entry on the book blog.

Fall is here and I have to say I'm very giddy about that. This is my favorite time of the year. It is the beginning of the build up to the holiday season. The fact that Halloween is almost here is a thrill as well. I associate Halloween with all things scary. So this gives me yet another reason to watch horror movies, which leads to Halloween night...a tradition of watching iconic horror movies. But of course...I simply cannot forget to mention the joy of curling up with a good book or a kindle, grabbing a comfy throw and a huge mug of hot chocolate with extra marshmallows during the Fall/Winter seasons.


The October book selection is a book that captures a reader's interest with just the intricate plot dynamic. A young girl sets out to get revenge on the person she feels is responsible for her friend's death and the deaths of others. But is all what it seems? I cannot wait to find out.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Movie Trailer: FIFTY SHADES DARKER Releases 2.10.17



 photo d99cbcb0-aeee-404d-b281-60f7cc8e3234_zpsvqerllri.jpg


Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson are back as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele for the highly anticipated Fifty Shades of Grey sequel, titled Fifty Shades Darker.


Book of the Month:[September 2016] FLAWED (Book One) by Cecelia Ahern


 photo ce44d6d0-f82c-494f-ae34-3a1c7b7a814f_zpsdkvoctd5.jpg





It is so crazy when it's time to choose a book of the month selection. I literally have to stop from listing at least three books to the mix. Specifically for the 'book of the month' picks. This is of course a direct result of my very lengthy TBR book list. The smorgasbord of anticipated reads that I want to devour continues to grow.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Book of the Month: [August 2016] - I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT YOU By Terry McMillian


 photo c54d22b6-b754-4c77-93f6-7e3f6e40253a_zpsoi594vhc.jpg





The book of the month selection for August is Terry McMillan's newest novel, I Almost Forgot About You. I'm a fan of Terry McMillan's novels, yet  realized I hadn't read her recent work. I Almost Forgot About You was also one of the books I wanted to read this summer. Terry McMillan's writing style flows with such a matter of fact, in your face narrative that you can appreciate as a reader.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Book of the Month: [July 2016] - THE MURDER HOUSE By James Patterson / David Ellis


 photo bdf79fc6-c8ac-4e0c-b97d-7851e3df6137_zpsrfa5u5vt.jpg



As we begin to really get into summer, the anticipation of delving into new reads and uncovering gems along the way is still there. While I don't post every book I read, I like to at least post a book of the month and highlight additional books of various genres periodically. For the month of July, comes a thrilling page turner from bestselling suspense author James Patterson w/ David Ellis. The July 2016 book of the month selection is The Murder House.

I wanted my next read to be a mystery thriller and The Murder House seems like it might fit the bill.

Shocking Must Reads: TWIST ME Trilogy By Anna Zaires

 photo twistmebook1_zpskfwj6haz.jpg




If you're looking for something new to read that is a dark romance laced with edgy and shocking  plot twists; The Twist Me Trilogy by Anna Zaires is a blazing series you must pick as one of your summer reads. This is the first series I've read by Anna Zaires, but it won't be the last.

Need more convincing?

My quick summary of the series:

It's graduation time...Nora is hyped. She's about to turn 18, the guy she crushed on in high school finally shows interest and come fall...she will start college. All is well..until she meets Julian. Julian is older, sinfully stunning and extremely dangerous. Julian becomes disturbingly obsessed with Nora. Leading him to do the unthinkable. The real "twist" is hella crazy. Julian's past unfolds and Nora can't help but be drawn to the man she despises...a man that kills. But, sometimes...all is not what it seems.

You will quickly get caught up in this astonishing series that is filled with shock, intrigue, suspense and a dark romance that will leave you baffled...but, perhaps not in the way you think it will.

Monday, June 13, 2016

Book of the Month: [June 2016] - BEAUTIFUL DISASTER [Book One] By Jamie McGuire

 photo mcguire_zpsjrfb6ut3.jpg





With summer comes a little more time available to enjoy even more great reads. In my case, I'm also giddy at the prospect of finally being able to dive in on my TBR pile and unearthing the stories that I simply could not wait to read any longer.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Book of the Month: [May 2016] - DAUGHTER OF DEEP SILENCE By Carrie Ryan

 photo daughterofdeepsilence_zpsqzacixpc.jpg




The book of the month pick this month is from bestselling author Carrie Ryan. I have to say, you will instantly be pulled into this story after reading the first chapter. The synthesis of the writing flow and embodiment of this engrossing suspense thriller will take readers on a ride that propels you to anxiously wonder...what will happen next?

Children's Corner: TWINTUITION: Double Trouble [Twintuition Series #2] by Tia and Tamera Mowry



 photo 7e12835f-022b-4031-b516-3fec5a026ff1_zpsbklzwdrr.png


The second installment in the popular Twintuition children's series titled Double Trouble by celebrity sisters Tamera and Tia Mowry released on May 10.

This series is a fun read for children and young teens. The premise and uniqueness is a recipe that would make a great television show.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Book of the Month: [April 2016] - ONE WITH YOU [Crossfire #5] By Sylvia Day



 photo 9CFAB45D-1239-48F3-AA29-B6311A876AD3.png_zpsuw29aoop.jpeg






Sylvia Day's final Crossfire novel released Tuesday of this week on April 5, 2016.

The wait is over!

It was inevitable what I was going to choose as the book of the month selection for April 2016. Several months ago, bestselling author Sylvia Day announced the highly anticipated release date for the final novel in the crazy popular Crossfire Series.

The fifth installment titled, One With You, will be the finale in one of the most intense, beloved, deep, complex and powerful stories about the relationship between deeply scarred individuals and the darkness they've had to face both together and individually.

A couple that had to find peace with not only their relationship issues, but with their own baggage and the demons they battled daily.

Through the highs and lows; the storms, the trials and tribulations of Eva Tramell and Gideon Cross' tumultuous relationship, one thing has always remained constant...

Movie Trailer: MISS PEREGRINES'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN in Theaters 9.30.16


Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Book of the Month: [March 2016] - MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN [Book One] By Ransom Riggs

 photo 56706cbe-9b7d-475e-b133-2fd7e82c5ef2_zpsgcccihad.jpg



This month's book of the month selection is the first book from a unique book series that I've heard nothing but good things about. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Book One) by Ransom Riggs is the March 2016 pick.

The distinctive story that is engulfed within a world of mystery, fantasy and supernatural intrigue is sure to be an interesting read. The haunting and creative photos add a creepy realness to the story as it unfolds.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Book of the Month: [February 2016] - THE COLDEST WINTER EVER By Sister Souljah


photo F70266E3-8AA1-48D6-8A93-D003D69D8788.png_zpsruwlwqkh.jpeg


Years ago I read The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah and was instantly pulled into the gritty and powerfully written urban saga. In 2014, Deeper Love Inside: The Porsche Santiaga Story was released. It's a saga focused on Winter's sister Porsche. However, I wanted to revisit The Coldest Winter Ever.

Interestingly enough, I had to purchase a new copy because I loaned my initial book to a friend. The book was never returned. To this day, I never loan any books out. I have loaned numerous books to folks, which have never made it back to me. Now I just suggest folks download the digital versions of books they seem so eager to read. I mean really...if you borrow a book, please return it to the owner when you've finished it or at least within thirty days.

This goes for movies as well. But that's an entirely different matter, so let me get back to the subject at hand.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Bookvison: SHADOWHUNTERS [The Mortal Instruments] Premieres Tonight at 9PM on Freeform

 photo 1A760132-13AA-4B3E-B75F-3C99BF35F597.png_zps8wndqk1y.jpeg



The uber popular Mortal Instruments book series, which was also adapted into a film, is now about to debut as a new television show on Freeform. Formerly known as ABC Family.

Shadowhunters has been highly anticipated by fans of the Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare.

Well, the wait is almost over.

Tonight of course is also the State of the Union address, so be sure to set your DVRs for the premiere of Shadowhunters



Synopsis information for S1/E1: The Mortal Cup



In the series premiere, a woman discovers on her 18th birthday that she comes from a long line of Shadowhunters, human-angel hybrids who hunt demons.





Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Book of the Month:[January 2016] - LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE By Jessica Knoll


 photo adfa7b2f-467d-47fd-a9c6-6372707454d9_zpsaq9wv60o.jpg






The new year is here...another year has flown by.  The new year has been ushered in rather smoothly with an inner reset button pressed for all to begin a new year with a fresh start. As 2015 made its departure, the time for reflection and a moment to revisit the happenings of the passing year presented itself.

The one constant thought that should always be remembered and embraced are blessings. Be thankful for the blessings that continue to be bestowed.

Wishing all a happy, healthy, prosperous and of course a new year full of good reads.

The first book of the month selection of the year is a book that I've anticipated reading since its release last summer. The best-selling thriller promises and hopefully will deliver a taut and riveting tale that leads up to a shocking plot twist that will leave readers reveling in the aftermath long after the book ends.

The January 2016 book pick is Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll.

So, start off the new year right and pick up a copy.

As always...happy reading!

Synopsis:

***AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER***

Fans of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train will thrill at “the perfect page-turner to start your summer” (People, Book of the Week): Luckiest Girl Alive—described by Reese Witherspoon as “one of those reads you just can’t put down!”

“Loved Gone Girl? We promise [Luckiest Girl Alive is] just as addictive.” —Good Housekeeping

“Jessica Knoll introduces you to your new best frenemy, and you’re going to love it. . . .Destined to become one of the summer’s most gripping reads.” —Bustle.com

“With the cunning and verve of Gillian Flynn but an intensity all its own, Luckiest Girl Alive is a debut you won’t want to miss.” —Megan Abbott, author of Dare Me and The Fever

“Luckiest Girl Alive is Gone Girl meets Cosmo meets Sex and the City. . . . Knoll hits it out of the park.” —Fort Worth Star-Telegram

HER PERFECT LIFE IS A PERFECT LIE.

As a teenager at the prestigious Bradley School, Ani FaNelli endured a shocking, public humiliation that left her desperate to reinvent herself. Now, with a glamorous job, expensive wardrobe, and handsome blue blood fiancé, she’s this close to living the perfect life she’s worked so hard to achieve.

But Ani has a secret.

There’s something else buried in her past that still haunts her, something private and painful that threatens to bubble to the surface and destroy everything.

With a singular voice and twists you won’t see coming, Luckiest Girl Alive explores the unbearable pressure that so many women feel to “have it all” and introduces a heroine whose sharp edges and cutthroat ambition have been protecting a scandalous truth, and a heart that's bigger than it first appears.

The question remains: will breaking her silence destroy all that she has worked for—or, will it at long last, set Ani free?