Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson

 

GoodReads Synopsis: Jessie Taylor is furious when her roommate secretly posts her picture on the dating website LDS Lookup -- furious, that is, until she spends all night instant messaging Ben Bratton, a man whose wit and warmth just might make Jessie forget the train wreck of her last romantic relationship. Their first date is a smashing success (literally), but Ben's overall awesomeness can't save Jessie from having to deal with Craig, her competitive coworker whose baiting behavior sets new standards for obnoxiousness. Determined to beat Craig at his own game, Jessie spends long office hours finishing projects and putting out fires, but while her performance wows her boss, it only makes Ben skittish -- after a failed engagement to an up-and-coming lawyer, he's not about to pair up with someone who's married to her job. Will Jessie figure out how to be true to herself and take her big chance at love before it's gone with a click of the mouse?

My Review:I admit, when I first saw this book pop up I thought it was about Twitter. Since I’ve never used Twitter I wasn’t that interested. Then I noticed it was by Melanie Jacobsen and since I enjoyed her first two books I thought I’d give this a try. Luckily, it wasn’t at all about Twitter.

If you’ve read and enjoyed Melanie’s first two books then I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one as well. I thought it was a fun lighthearted read; it was a nice break from all the Regencies I’ve been reading lately. I thought our main character Jessie was pretty likable. She has some relationship baggage that she hasn’t wanted to let go of. She’s a big workaholic. But, she’s fun, loyal and easy to like. Ben was also very likable. With all the Regencies I’ve been reading I guess I’ve gotten used to the “brooding hero” and Ben was a nice lighthearted change from all that. I thought they had good chemistry and it was fun to see them together. Jessie’s roommate Sandy was also a fun addition to the story. Maybe they’ll be a future book about her so she can have her HEA too. At times I thought Jessie, Ben and Sandy’s personalities were a bit to similar, or it was more that their voices at times sounded too much the same. Some of the conversations could be interchangeable and you wouldn’t really notice any difference, if that makes sense. I also thought the end all wrapped up a little quickly and considering the book takes place over a three-ish week period, I thought it was all a little too fast. Overall, I really enjoyed it, it’s a nice break. I look forward to reading more of Jacobson’s books.

Content: Clean.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T Bergren


Release Date: June 1, 2012

GoodReads Synopsis: When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.

Review: I’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time and was really excited to see it available on NetGalley. I just have to say, I love the cover. It’s just so pretty and inviting.

Anyway, I thought this was enjoyable. I admit, I think the last 30% was probably the best part of the whole story. The story almost has a Cinderella feel to it. Cora’s life is turned upside down early in the story. She goes from living a poor life with her parents, to that of an heiress with an unwelcoming family she never knew. The book focuses on her adjustments and also a focus on their travels through England and France. There is of course a love-triangle. It’s pretty subtle for now, but I’m sure it will play a much larger part in future books. I already know who I’m rooting for, although both are charming. I’m not a super big fan of love-triangles and I hope Cora doesn’t become wishy-washy. It’s annoying when they expect two guys to pursue them and not realize that by spending so much time with one suitor it might just turn the other away. I would have liked a little more between Cora and one of the guys, but I also appreciate a slow buildup which allows a strong foundation for something more. Again, I think the last part of the book was the best and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

This would probably fall into the Christian Historical Fiction genre. The history part is written well and woven into the story nicely. The same goes for the Christian elements, although it’s still a little much for my personal taste. Not over the top though.

Content: Clean.

Reading Order:
Glamorous Illusions
Grave Consequences
Glittering Promises