Intoxicated
What were the main themes of the book? The book was about love, getting promoted at work, moving to a new city and the main character's love life. The plot was good and could have been interesting but the author made it a point to drag some parts of the book so her execution of the stated themes could have been better. Let me stress, the execution wasn't bad, but it wasn't that great either. Describe 2 different settings or locations. I loved Blake's house. It was large beautiful, decorated with impeccable taste. Her master bedroom was called the bubble room and was lavender with silver accents. Everything was round, even the bed. Her deck had a hot tub and a beautiful pool. This was everyone's dream home. Almost like a scene out of Revenge. Lauren's room was my second favorite. It was pastel pink, detailed in charcoal gray. Her furniture was black with crystal accents.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? I was able to connect with Lauren at times. Other times, it felt as if she was all over the place with her thoughts and feelings. Although, she came across as very educated, but appeared kind of dense or naive at times.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Jack Canon's American Destiny
What did you like about the main character - He was charismatic, he had some good ideas, he never slept with all the women her flirted with. He is easy to like and as the story progresses, you find the plot is also believable. Which settings in the book did you like? I liked the Oval office and the car. These seemed to lend a realistic feel to Jack Canon's thoughts and aspirations of who he wanted to become and what he would to get it.
Cover - The cover was okay but I felt the smaller fonts seemed a bit out of place and the picture seemed a bit too stretched. The header font was clearly visible and I loved the shade of blue that reminded me so much of Hilary Clinton's royal blue suits.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
The Titan Drowns
What do you think will be your lasting impression of this book? The characters. I fell in love with every single one of them. Each of them is so quirky and needy for something or someone, it makes them human and not a fictional character. What did you think of the cover? I liked the cover and it fitted the story especially where the two main characters were concerned. I didn't understand the yellowish blob on the left-hand side though. I am assuming this was the iceberg that sank the Titanic?
Would you recommend this book? If you are looking for a good romance read that will set your heart a flutter then I will definitely recommend the book to you. The author has a way with words and once you read this book you will want to read other books by here.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
The Big Book of Dumb White Husband
Was the book different from what you expected? Very different. I was expecting a book a somewhat serious book filled with mistakes or reflections. What I got was side splitting laughter and humility which most authors make it a point to not include in their books. Share a quote or two from the book. "Dammit! He looked at the piece of paper in his hand. The first thing was lemons and specific instructions on how to select them. He grabbed half a dozen and decided that they would be described as “the last six in the store.” - we've all been there before and I laughed out loud at this section.
What are your thoughts on the theme? I think the theme was to share the experiences of a husband and father. While these are roles which are not be laughed at, if we do not take some of our experiences with a pinch of salt, we'll never learn. Very easy to connect with this book and I definitely want to read other books by this author.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Tainted Waters
Do any characters grow or change during the course of the novel? Most of the key characters changed their opinions after learning the truth. What motivates a given character’s actions? Keegan is motivated by questions. Some of his actions were unlawful, but it was the only way he could get answers.
Which characters do you particularly admire or dislike? I admire Sam and Keegan. They were both in search of the truth. I disliked Mr. Ozz, he had blood on his hands.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Straight Dope A 360 degree look into American drug culture
What is the time period in which the book happens? 2009; I liked the fact that the interviews and data was fairly recent although emotionally, I don't think the effects of drug use will ever change. What was the problem in the book, and how was it solved? Drugs, most problems weren't solved and the person ended up in prison.
What kind of book is this? It's nonfiction, and the rea life stories are told via interviews conducted by the author.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Spare Change
Was the time period important to the story? Yes, the time period was very important. Consider the main character: what does he or she believe in? Olivia is fighting for Ethan. She will do anything to keep him even after saying she did not want any children.
In your own words, what was the beginning of the book. This is the early part of Olivia’s life. Readers are offered a glimpse on Olivia’s opinion about marriage, children and life.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Book of Paul
Was it a good book? A great dark read with humor.Top 3 things I liked about the setting in this book. The spookiness of it all. The altars were a great touch. The nut house was a good add, as well.
Was the book different from what you expected? Oh, yes. Reading the title gives readers one impression while reading the description gives readers something different.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
How You Leave Texas
Did this book give you any new ideas about yourself? No new ideas, but I connected with each female. I knew how they felt in wanting to leave.Who do you think the author intended to read this book and why? The book is for anyone. It's an enjoyable read for any age especially for those who feel stuck in their current phase of life.
What I didn't like. There wasn't anything I disliked. The writing was snarky and the stories each reflected different women in real-life situations.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Kings of Charleston (Volume 1)
At the end of the book, do you feel hope for the characters? Yes, I feel hope for Casper and Cal.What do you think is the climax of the book. When Cal finally told Casper about Kythera. It was time she needed the answers. They had already tried to kill her.
List the five major events in the story. The Whitleys won another Kentucky Derby. They moved to Charleston. Casper was almost killed. Casper was told about Kythera and forced to join. Casper and Cal left town after the murder.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Covert Dreams
What were the main themes of the book? Deceit, betrayal, kidnapping, drugs, brain washing, telepathy, dreams. The author did an excellent job executing all themes and this book was the source of many interesting discussions at the book club. Did the book end the way you expected? No, I was shocked, never saw it coming. Another thing I liked about the book.
How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place? The closed doors of another country always have secrets and mystery.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Dissolution of Peace
What did the title have to do with the book? The title was apt for the book as it focused on an impending war.Favourite quote … “This is one guy who couldn’t handle the emotional toll of a military conflict. It happens. No one is hurt.”
Is the story plot or character driven? Plot driven. Despite the numerous main characters, the plot was much stronger than the characters and the setting played a big part in the story as well.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Destination Dealey: Countdown to the Kennedy Conspiracy
Top 3 things I liked about the main character. There were many different characters and it was difficult to pick one. If I had to choose it would be Mrs.Paine, I guess. She was gutsy and seemed to play a significant role in making Marina Oswald see her husband for who he is.Top 3 things I liked about the setting in this book. It offered an entirely new idea about JFK's shooting. The historical facts that were true and weaved into the story. Lastly, the use of Jacqueline Kennedy instead of JFK.
Cover. Not at all my favourite. I'm assuming the fireball in the background signals some kind of nuclear bomb but it just looked tacky to me.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Redwood Violet
Cover. The cover is nice but feel it could be improved upon.How does the setting figure into the book? Everything came to life for me, I felt like I was watching a movie unfold.
If your book was a mystery, tell what the mystery was and how it was solved. That is the messed up part the mystery was NOT solved.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Some Are Sicker Than Others
What did you think of the story structure with the past revealed in short chunks? Did you find it effective?The story structure was delivered in chunks because that is how they remember things in their lives.
What are some of the major themes of this book?
Addiction, lies, denial, pain, suicide.
Did you like the way the story ended? Why or why not?
Guess, it ended as it usually does with addicts.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Refuge
Where did the story take place? PeshawarDid anyone in the book do something you did not like? Tariq, he murdered people. He killed his own father and kidnapped his sister. He, then, Took her to the Prince so the marriage would take place.
Did this book give you any new ideas about yourself? It's just so sad to think of people being treated like this. It breaks my heart.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.