Book Sojourner: August 2016

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Back to School

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
For more information and a list of past and future topics, go here.

Top Ten British Literature Books I'll Be Reading This School Year

I moderate a literature co-op with my high school kids and some other families. This year we are covering British Literature, so this is our book list for the year. Fun!

Beowulf

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Sunday Post: Weekly Wrap-Up (08.28)

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It's a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, showcase books, share upcoming news, etc. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

What I Read Last Week:

The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey
Close to You by Kristen Proby
Rock Chick Redemption by Kristen Ashley

Top Ten Tuesday:
Pre-Blogging TBR Shelf
Top Ten (or so) books that have been on my TBR shelf since before I started blogging that I still haven't read

My Reviews Last Week:

Close to You by Kristen Proby (my 3 star review)
Mercury Striking by Rebecca Zanetti (my 4.5 star review)

What I Re-Listened To:

Shattered by Kevin Hearne
All caught up! Now I can start the newest book. Yay!

What I'm Currently Reading:

Rock Chick Renegade by Kristen Ashley

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Stacking The Shelves (174)

Stacking The Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

*Signed* Book WIN:
A Big Thank You to Jessica at A Great Read

The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E Pearson

Kindle Fun:

Rock Chick Renegade by Kristen Ashley

Used Book Score:

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith

Friday, August 26, 2016

Review: Mercury Striking by Rebecca Zanetti

Mercury Striking by Rebecca Zanetti

(The Scorpious Syndrome #1)

January 26, 2016

384 pages

Genre: Dystopia, Romantic Suspense, 18+

Contains: explicit sex, violence, language

With nothing but rumors to lead her, Lynn Harmony has trekked across a nightmare landscape to find one man—a mysterious, damaged legend who protects the weak and leads the strong. He’s more than muscle and firepower—and in post-plague L.A., he’s her only hope. As the one woman who could cure the disease, Lynn is the single most volatile—and vulnerable—creature in this new and ruthless world. But face to face with Jax Mercury…

Danger has never looked quite so delicious…

'Mercury Striking' is an exciting start to this dystopian series. We are thrust right into the heart of this world. Lynn Harmony is on the run, seeking refuge and help from Jax Mercury, the leader of a group of survivors in post-plague Los Angeles. But Lynn is no ordinary woman on the run. She represents hope for a cure and fear of the plague itself. And the dangers Lynn and Jax face go beyond the plague.

This was my first Rebecca Zanetti read, and I loved it. I was completely pulled into this world. Being from Los Angeles, I was really into the setting. But I also liked how she built the world around the "plague." Not only was the plague fascinating, but there is tons of action throughout the book. Because the plague is only one of their worries. There are a whole load of bad guys causing danger and violence, and their terror kept me on my toes throughout the read.

What also really grabbed me was the characters. I love a story with strong characters, and I got really wrapped up in Jax and Lynn's story. I loved getting to know them. I also bought into their romance. A very sexy romance, I might add. I know it was quick, but considering the situation, I completely bought it. And enjoyed it. They were a great couple. I also especially liked the side characters. The supporting cast was fantastic, and I look forward to more of them in future books. All in all, a great read!

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Review: Close to You by Kristen Proby

Close to You by Kristen Proby

(Fusion #2)

August 9, 2016

320 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance, 18+

Contains: mature language, explicit sex

Camilla, “Cami,” LaRue was five years old when she first fell in love with Landon Palazzo. Everyone told her the puppy love would fade—they clearly never met Landon. When he left after graduation without a backward glance, she was heartbroken. But Cami grew up, moved on, and became part-owner of wildly popular restaurant Seduction. She has everything she could want...or so she thinks.

After spending the last 12 years as a Navy fighter pilot, Landon returns to Portland to take over the family construction business. When he catches a glimpse of little Cami LaRue, he realizes she’s not so little any more. He always had a soft spot for his little sister’s best friend, but nothing is soft now when he’s around the gorgeous restauranteur.

Landon isn’t going to pass up the chance to make the girl-next-door his. She’s never been one for romance, but he’s just the one to change her mind. Will seduction be just the name of her restaurant or will Cami let him get close enough to fulfill all her fantasies?

'Close to You' was my first Kristen Proby book. It's part of a companion series, about five friends who start a restaurant together, but I had no trouble reading it as a standalone. Cami is the accountant of the group, and her forever crush is Landon, a wounded Navy pilot, who also happens to be her best friend and co-restaurant-owner's brother.

This is essentially a light, sweet romance of friends who grew up together, liked each other from afar, but not until they were adults and had gone through some things on their own, did they finally get together. The characters are all likable for the most part. They go through things we can all relate to in one way or another. And the love story between Cami and Landon is sweet and something I easily cheered for. But if you're looking for angst, this one is way low on the angst scale. These are adults who know how to handle their problems for the most part, so when you have characters who are mature and know what they want in life and a relationship, you get a sweet read low on major conflict, and conflict that is easily resolved. And you know what? That's okay. Not every romance needs the hero and heroine acting like idiots. But just be warned, there isn't a lot of drama, though a few twists and turns were thrown in there for good measure.

Overall, I did enjoy this one. If you're looking for a light afternoon read, a sexy romance, and a sweet couple who can handle their drama, this one's for you.