Review: Everyone Worth Knowing

Everyone Worth Knowing
Author: Lauren Weisberger
Characters: 5 out of 5
Plot: 4 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by Myself

Description: (Author Website) When twenty-seven-year-old Bette Robinson quits her Manhattan banking job like the impulsive girl she’s never been, she knows she won’t miss the eighty-hour workweeks, her claustrophobic cubicle or her revolting boss’s Quotes of the Day. But she does miss her best friend, Penelope. And soon the novelty of getting “out and about” by walking her four-pound dog around her unglamorous Murray Hill neighborhood wears as thin as the constant “What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?” phone calls from her parents.

Then Bette meets Kelly, head of Manhattan’s hottest PR and events planning firm, and suddenly she has a brand-new job where the primary requirement is to see and be seen. The work at Kelly & Company takes Bette inside the VIP rooms of the city’s most exclusive nightclubs to parties crowded with celebrities and socialites. Bette learns not to blink at the famous faces, the black Amex cards, the magnums of Cristal, or the ruthless paparazzi. Soon she’s dating an infamous playboy who’s great for her career but bad for her sanity—and scaring off the one decent guy she meets. Still, as her coworkers repeatedly point out, how can you complain about a job that pays you to party? Bette has to agree — until she begins appearing in a vicious new gossip column. That’s when Bette’s life on paper takes on a whole new meaning—and she learns the line between her person and profession lives is… invisible.


From My Point of View: This was actually a re-read for me, but since I've never reviewed it, I figured why not!

Lauren Weisberger is one of my favorite Chick Lit authors.  Her stories are always very real for me.  Her characters are fabulous and relate-able.  Everyone worth knowing is no expection.

As much as I loved this book, I would have liked to have seen more about Bette and Sammy.  I felt it wrapped up a little too quickly for my tastes.  And, in all honesty, Bette's new career she embarks on is really unrealistic for her given her circumstances, so that was fairly disappointing as well.

As far as the rest of the book goes though, LOVED it. =)  Obviously, if I am re-reading it.  The story is fast paced and intriguing.  I love, love, love the craziness of Bette's life working for Kelly and found many of the interactions to be pretty funny.

As I shared on my Beach Reads Bookaholic Picks, this is the perfect summer chick lit novel for lovers of the genre.

Review: A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Her Brother's Shotgun Wedding

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Her Brother's Shotgun Wedding
Author: Noreen Riley
Characters: 4 out of 5
Plot: 4 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5
Format: Paperback
Source: Provided by the Author

Description: (Author's Website) “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Her Brother’s Shotgun Wedding” is the story of Evelyn Dunleavy, her close knit circle of family and city-dwelling friends, and the chaos that ensues when her oldest sibling, Michael, announces that he is getting married. In London, where he now lives, to the girlfriend no one really knows. And by the way...she’s pregnant.

The rest of the story follows Evie over to London for a few months as the official family delegate charged with getting to know her soon to be sister-in-law. It certainly doesn’t hurt that because of his cramped living quarters her brother has lined up a room for her in the apartment of one of his groomsmen, Nate, that Evie feels an instant attraction to...despite his love of the music group ABBA, or the fact that he chooses curries over pizza. It doesn’t help that Michael still considers his sister to be off-limits from the advances of his friends.

She comes to the quick conclusion that wedding planning can be stressful no matter which side of the Pond you hail from, and it’s always more fun to have your best friends around you for a bachelorette party, especially when the bride-to-be is seven months pregnant.


From My Point of View: Once you move past the very long title, you'll find that Noreen Riley's A Funny Thing... is actually a really fantastic novel.  I completely loved her writing style!  Noreen has a very unique and hilarious sense of humor.  I don't think a single chapter went by where I didn't find something that made me laugh out loud.

The storyline to this book was also perfection.  I loved how the events unfolded and the characters interacted.  All of the characters were fantastic!  I think my favorite was Evie's mom and her British accent. =)

The one thing (just the one!) that kept me from falling head-over-heels in love with this book was the lack of editing.  The writing was very unpolished -- typos, incorrect grammar, etc.  Thankfully, I was able to overlook this and enjoy the brilliant story Noreen had written, but it was kind of challenging to do so.  I will note though, that I lent this book to an aunt and she didn't notice this at all!  She thought it was fine and mentioned it didn't hinder her reading or her overall feeling of the book (5 stars on this one for her).  I think it must depend on your personality style?  I am VERY O.C.D., so that is probably why I noticed all the little flaws.

In the end, I HIGHLY recommend this novel if you're a fan of chick lit and up for a good laugh.  I will definitely be looking forward to more of Noreen's work and hopefully a sequel to this gem (I don't even know if that's what she's planning, but I vote yes)!

Teaser Tuesday (6):Bridesmaid Lotto

Teaser Tuesday was created by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Teaser Tuesday Rules:
-- Grab your current read
-- Open to a random page
--Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
--BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
--Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I'm not currently reading a book, so I went with the one I just finished for this week. =)

Today's Teaser:

"...And Miss Josephine McMaster.  My high school yearbook photo plastered the screen.

Not a good moment to have a mouth full of Haagen-Dazs.  It took about half a second for me to spray it all over the TV."

-- at 5% of Bridesmaid Lotto by Rachel Astor. 

Review: Bridesmaid Lotto

Bridesmaid Lotto
Author: Rachel Astor
Characters: 5 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5
Overall: 5 out of 5
Format: e-Book (on my Kindle)
Source: Purchased by Myself

Book 1 in the McMaster the Disaster Series

Description: (Goodreads) Josephine McMaster is pretty and smart, but very much a klutzy mess. Finally, at 26, she may have actually lost the dreaded 'McMaster the Disaster' nickname that has followed her around her whole life.

Josie's quite content to be single, much to her mother's disappointment. So when a bizarre contest is announced where a socialite is holding a lottery to pick her bridesmaids (and rake in a little extra cash), she can't roll her eyes fast enough, even if it does mean meeting Jake Hall, her one and only movie star crush. Obviously, Josie doesn't enter the bridesmaid lottery, so you can imagine her surprise when her picture pops up among the winners, thanks to Mom. With a little prodding -- okay bribing -- Josie agrees to participate.

The wedding turns into the event of the year, and Josie finds herself in the middle of a paparazzi feeding frenzy, which gets even crazier after Jake Hall takes a special interest in her.

Can Josie handle the pressure in the spotlight? Is it possible she might really have a chance with Jake Hall? And if she's busy worrying about all that, how in the heck is she going to keep 'McMaster the Disaster' from showing up in front of the entire world?

From My Point of View: Have you ever finished a book and felt the need to tell absolutely everyone you know to go read it?  This is one of those books.  I literally set my Kindle down and thought, "who can I tell to read this book?"

I cannot think of a single bad thing to say about this book.  The worst I was able to come up with is that I noticed a couple of typos.  I literally loved every word!  Chick lit fans will not be disappointed with this book.  In fact, I actually squealed when Jake Hall asked Josie on a date.  Like it was me being asked on a date by Ryan Reynolds (love him)!  And, of course, when I realized I was squealing at the book, I knew it was a good one.

The plot is fantastic!  Fast paced and interesting, not only will it keep you hooked, but it will also keep you grinning.  There were tons of "face palm" (you know, where you totally want to smack your forehead because the main character did some ridiculous) and laugh out loud moments.  I always scoff when people say, "oh, yeah, I read that book in two hours."  Really?  You did not.  But I can honestly say that I did in fact read this book in just over two hours.  I simply could not put it down!

Don't even get me started on the characters in this book -- it's impossible for me to say who I liked more. Josie, Jake, and Mattie were up there, but I also loved Jennifer and even Josie's mom.  They all had such great personalities and were very real for me.

Typically, I am not the biggest fan of self published works.  In the past, I've found so many that were just not good.  Bridesmaid lotto has completely squashed that notion for me.  Thanks to Astor, I will be picking up MORE self published works hoping for gems like hers.

Now, do this fabulous author justice and go read her book!  Only $0.99 on the Kindle!  I promise you won't regret it!!

US vs UK (19): Night Road

 

It's that time again: another US vs UK challenge! US vs UK was created by Jenny from Wondrous Reads.  Thank you, Jenny for being so brilliant! =)

This month, I thought we'd take a look at Night Road, which I just finished a few days ago (review coming soon)! US is on top this week, UK on bottom because I got tired of fighting with blogger. =)

Both covers are pretty similar for this book.  Same color palette, both feature a girl, etc.  I think, however, that US wins out for me for a few reasons.  First, font choice.  The UK font seems a little to whimsical for me given the serious nature of the book.  Second, the US cover has a road.  Considering the significance Night Road had in the book, I think that's an important element to have on the cover.  Also, I like the girl the US cover used better. =)

Our new total so far is: US 11, UK 8.  Which covers are your winner for this month?!

Do you have a book or series you'd like to see featured on my US vs UK meme?! Click here to tell me about them!  I'd love to hear your ideas!

Follow Friday (25)

This week's question is: In light of the Summer Solstice. Also known as Midsummer...let's talk about fairies. What is your favorite fairy tale or story that revolves around the fae?
I feel like it's been forever since I've done a Follow Friday... I've missed these posts!  Anywho, I loved the Disney fairy tales, of course!  What little girl didn't???  I haven't really read any "fae" themed books, but I do love the fae characters in the Sookie Stackhouse series.  Apparently, I need to work on this genre because that's the only fae I can recall reading about!

Review: Night Road

Night Road
Author: Kristin Hannah
Characters: 4 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5
Overall: 5 out of 5
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrowed from my Library

Description: (Author's Website) For eighteen years, Jude Farraday has put her children’s needs above her own, and it shows—her twins, Mia and Zach—are bright and happy teenagers. When Lexi Baill moves into their small, close knit community, no one is more welcoming than Jude. Lexi, a former foster child with a dark past, quickly becomes Mia’s best friend. Then Zach falls in love with Lexi and the three become inseparable.

Jude does everything to keep her kids on track for college and out of harm’s way. It has always been easy-- until senior year of high school. Suddenly she is at a loss. Nothing feels safe anymore; every time her kids leave the house, she worries about them.

On a hot summer’s night her worst fears come true. One decision will change the course of their lives. In the blink of an eye, the Farraday family will be torn apart and Lexi will lose everything. In the years that follow, each must face the consequences of that single night and find a way to forget…or the courage to forgive.

Vivid, universal, and emotionally complex, Night Road raises profound questions about motherhood, identity, love, and forgiveness. It is a luminous, heartbreaking novel that captures both the exquisite pain of loss and the stunning power of hope. This is Kristin Hannah at her very best, telling an unforgettable story about the longing for family, the resilience of the human heart, and the courage it takes to forgive the people we love.

From My Point of View: It's a rare occasion when I don't know where to begin my review.  Usually there's at least one prominent point I want to hit on, so I start there.  It's not that Night Road has no prominent points, it's more so that I have no idea which one to hit on first.

From pg. 1 Night Road was an emotional roller coaster.  I knew it would be.  Around page 38 I'd nailed down the plot (including who died), which, honestly, was perfectly fine by me.  Of course, then I had to look ahead and confirm my suspicions and wouldn't know you it -- just SCANNING for that information brought me to tears.  Obviously, I backed up again and kept going... proceeding to spend the next few hours crying through the book.  Had I discovered this book on my own, I would have steered clear  because tear-jerkers are not my thing.  Since it was a bookclub book, that really wasn't an option, but I am so glad I read it!

Night Road is just one of those books that will continue to live on once you've snapped the cover closed.  The characters were vivid and real, the storyline as interesting as it was emotional, and the ending a happy one (given the circumstances).  This is one of those books that you never fully forget.  I can count on one hand the number of books that have had this profound of an effect on me (3 including this one and you saw my review on The Girl Death Left Behind).

Though it's emotionally draining, this is definitely a book that everyone should read at least once, ESPECIALLY teenagers.  The lessons in this book are too good to pass up, so if you've got a high school reader in your household -- get your hands on this book!  In all honestly, I'd give anything to see this as a movie...

But I'm rambling, so in conclusion: GO READ IT.  You might not thank me (even after the tears have dried up) but you'll be glad you did!

Bookish Finds (11): Book Necklaces

Once again, Pinterest has provided me with a pretty fantastic bookish find: book necklaces!  These little guys are so cute!

Not only are they adorable necklaces, but you can actually write in the books!  AHHH.  How fun. =)  These necklaces are sold by catbird out of NY, but I'm sure there are all kinds of these types of necklaces on the web.  You can check out catbird's version here.

Please note:  I am not being paid or compensated in any way for this post.  I simply found the items online and thought it fun enough to pass along.

How To Date A Werewolf Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to:

Aimee from Coffee Table Reviews

who won a copy of Rose Pressey's How To Date a Werewolf!

The winner was chosen by Random.org.  I will be contacting her within the hour to let her know she's the big winner! =) 

Teaser Tuesday (5): Everyone Worth Knowing

Teaser Tuesday was created by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Teaser Tuesday Rules:

-- Grab your current read

-- Open to a random page

--Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

--BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

--Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Today's Teaser:

"I placed the phone quietly on the receiver and start at it for nearly five full minutes before I finally started to cry.  He didn't call back."

-- pg. 347 of Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger. 

I'm bacckkk!

I am officially back from my bloggy "vaca."  It might be a while before the reviews become regular again because I haven't read a thing in the last two weeks...

I thought, however, that I'd share with you all where I've been!  I don't usually do this, but what the heck... it's my blog and I feel like sharing!

I had three out of town trips (2 were full weekend trips) for a pre-deployment seminar (way fun, let me tell you) and to celebrate a close friend's 21st birthday (wooottt)!!   During the week(s) I was doing my usual (school, work, etc.) routine and, oh yeah, concocting these two beauties:

(click to make them bigger)

Each cake took roughly 25 hours... with all that I don't even know how I found time to sleep (it was minimal time, I might add), so you can see why I needed a bloggy break!

Annddd I might have found time to sneak in a Tigers game as well...

 ...which was another day trip in and of itself -- but very fun (and expensive!  Hello $8 beer)!


BUT!  I'm back now --- wooo!  Let the reviewing commence.



SIDE NOTE! My giveaway for How To Date a Werewolf ends tonight at 9pm EST.  If you haven't entered yet, get to it!

Bookaholic Picks (3): Beach Reads

I have been in a summery mood as of late and with the official start of summer just two days away, I figured it would make the perfect theme for this month's Bookaholic Picks!  Here are some of my favorite summertime reads:

(Goodreads) High-powered attorney Samantha Sweeting has just made a mistake that could snuff out her career. In total meltdown, she abandons her office and catches the first available train out of London, winding up in the middle of nowhere. Still suffering from brain freeze, she wanders first into a large mansion and then into a job as a housekeeper. Samantha's domestic skills are in severe disarray, but somehow she blunders through sewing, ironing, cleaning, and patching together her life.

(Goodreads) Rachel White is the consummate good girl. A hard-working attorney at a large Manhattan law firm and a diligent maid of honor to her charmed best friend Darcy, Rachel has always played by all the rules. Since grade school, she has watched Darcy shine, quietly accepting the sidekick role in their lopsided friendship. But that suddenly changes the night of her thirtieth birthday when Rachel finally confesses her feelings to Darcy's fiance, and is both horrified and thrilled to discover that he feels the same way. As the wedding date draws near, events spiral out of control, and Rachel knows she must make a choice between her heart and conscience. In so doing, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk everything to be true to yourself.

(Goodreads) What happens when a girl on the fringe enters the realm of New York's chic, party-hopping elite?
Soon after Bette Robinson quits her horrendous Manhattan banking job like the impulsive girl she's never been, the novelty of walking her four-pound dog around the unglamorous Murray Hill neighborhood wears as thin as the "What are you going to do with your life?" phone calls from her parents. Then Bette meets Kelly, head of Manhattan's hottest PR firm, and suddenly she has a brand-new job where the primary requirement is to see and be seen inside the VIP rooms of the city's most exclusive nightclubs. But when Bette begins appearing in a vicious new gossip column, she realizes that the line between her personal life and her professional life is...invisible.

(Goodreads) After years of throwing make-believe weddings in the backyard, flowers, photography, desserts, and details are what these women do best: a guaranteed perfect, beautiful day full of memories to last the rest of your life.

With bridal magazine covers to her credit, Mackensie “Mac” Elliot is most at home behind the camera — ready to capture the happy moments she never experienced while growing up. Her father replaced his first family with a second, and now her mother, moving on to yet another man, begs Mac for attention and money. Mac's foundation is jostled again moments before an important wedding planning meeting when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

Carter Maguire is definitely not her type: he's stable, and he's safe. He's even an English teacher at their high school alma mater. There's something about him that makes Mac think a casual fling is just what she needs to take her mind off dealing with bride-zillas and screening her mother's phone calls. But a casual fling can turn into something more when you least expect it. And with the help of her three best friends — and business partners — Mac must learn how to make her own happy memories…

(Goodreads) Laura Foster is a hopeless romantic. Her friends know it, her parents know it - even Laura acknowledges she lives either with her head in the clouds or buried in a romance novel. It's proved harmless enough, even if it hasn't delivered her a real-life dashing hero yet. But when her latest relationship ends in a disaster that costs her friendships, her job, and nearly her sanity, Laura swears off men and hopeless romantic fantasies for good.

With her life in tatters around her, Laura agrees to go on vacation with her parents. After a few days of visiting craft shops and touring the stately homes of England, Laura is ready to tear her hair out. And then, while visiting grand Chartley Hall, she crosses paths with Nick, the sexy, rugged estate manager. She finds she shares more than a sense of humor with him - in fact, she starts to think she could fall for him. But is Nick all he seems? Or has Laura got it wrong again? Will she open her heart only to have it broken again?