Book review of Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Rating: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ stars

I was not expecting the roller coaster of emotions that I experienced in Slammed. When I first started the book I was a bit turned off by the high school setting and ensuing high school drama. I actually thought about not finishing the book a few times. I ended up taking a few weeks off from reading it which was a smart idea. When I picked up the book again only a few days ago I was immediately drawn into the story. The back-and-forth of Layken and Will’s relationship was a bit frustration but ultimately necessary to their growth. As the second half of the book progresses you really see the depth and maturity of both main characters.  Will’s fierce protectiveness of his life with his younger brother is something to be admired. It was great to read a male character who had strong goals for his life at such a young age. Layken’s relationship with her mother and brother are one of my favorite parts of this book.The one part of the book that I didn’t care for was the musical lyrics that were quoted throughout the book. I understand the poetry slam aspect of the novel but the constant musical lyrics made the book almost *too* young adult for me. In the end, though, I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved this novel and can’t wait to read more about Layken and Will’s relationship.

Recommendation: I would highly recommend this novel to fans of YA novels especially ones with strong emotions and tragic situations. This book will make you cry.

Purchase link:  http://amzn.to/1ysDy1u

A Pleasure and a Calling by Phil Hogan

Rating: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ stars

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. There has been a huge saturation of books with unreliable narrators recently. I have read several of these popular books, but none have struck me the way this one did.

Mr. Heming is not your typical real estate agent. After he sells your house he discreetly copies your house key so that he can visit whenever he wants. Of course these visits are rarely happen when you are home. If he decides to visit while you are home you would never know he was there. That creak on the stairs, that shuffle in the attic, a shadow that seems to follow you as you fold laundry. All are because of Mr. Heming. He started his voyeuristic adventures as a youth both at home and also once he was sent to boarding school. At times he uses his special talent to help right an obvious wrong, but more often than not he just wants to have a snoop into your life.

When Mr. Heming finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation, he does everything in his power to steer the police in the direction he desires. This direction absolutely involves not letting the police see his apartment covered in thousands of house keys. With every police inquiry it seems inevitable that Mr. Heming is getting in deeper trouble. Will his snooping be discovered? Can Mr. Heming out maneuver the police and loosen the noose slowing tightening around his neck? All these questions and more are answered in the final chapters of this exhilarating book. I can’t say more without spoiling some major moments in this novel. This was a fantastic story and well worth the read. It was refreshing to read an unreliable narrator that you actually kind of root for throughout the entire book.

Recommendation:  I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has read The Girl on the Train or someone who enjoys a unique and juicy psychological thriller.

Purchase here:  http://amzn.to/1y6GeBL

Recently I was introduced to The Bookworm Box. It is a monthly box that contains 1-2 books from various authors plus book swag. A generous percentage of the cost of each box is donated to charity. I tried to sign up for the March box, but it sold out in a few short minutes. On March 20th the April boxes went on sale. I attentively watched the clock until the purchase link went live. I quickly signed up to receive the featured box and was pleased to see my order was successful. Again, the April boxes sold out within minutes. I chose the featured box because it contains 2 books plus book swag. The indie box (which is a bit cheaper) only contains 1 book. The April boxes ship out around April 15, and I am anxiously awaiting mine. Once I receive it I will share some pictures of the contents of the box as well as a review of the products it contains. Below you can find a link to The Bookworm Box website so you can check it out for yourself.

Happy reading, bookworms!

http://thebookwormbox.com