Kelsey Miller's Blog

Best Kind of Broken
Chelsea Fine


Description (from Goodreads)

Pixie and Levi haven't spoken in nearly a year when they find themselves working―and living―at the same inn in the middle of nowhere. Once upon a time, they were childhood friends. But that was before everything went to hell. And now things are... awkward.

All they want to do is avoid each other, and their past, for as long as possible. But now that they're forced to share a bathroom, and therefore a shower, keeping their distance from one another becomes less difficult than keeping their hands off each other. Welcome to the hallway of awkward tension and sexual frustration, folks. Get comfy. It’s going to be a long summer.




*This book was received from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I devoured this book. I really did. I finished it in about two days, although I had a lot of stuff to do.

Levi and Pixie were great characters. You just instantly were pulling for them. They were so broken and it was so clear that being with each other would help them get through it. I just wanted to smack each other over their heads and be like "Get it together!"

Yeah, I'm a sucker for reunion stories. And these two had history. Delicious history.

I loved Fine's sense of humor, which came out mostly in those scenes with Pixie and Jenna. And I also liked reading about Levi's and Pixie's backstory throughout the novel.

And I also liked that the characters didn't get together right away. It always seems like in this genre they just put aside their problems and proceed to the nearest bedroom. Yeah, we're all waiting for it, but let's not be too hasty. And Fine really took the majority of the book to develop their relationship. I think that was a natural progression, and while I wanted that tension to finally be broken, it would have made the book less if it had.

Of course there was a love triangle. There always is. But for once, the author handled it well. The story began with Pixie in a relationship, and after Levi re-enters her life, she inevitably dumps the other guy. She knows it's just not going to work. I don't mind if love triangles function as a plot device like as in this manner. The end of her relationship signaled her acceptance with the fact that the life she was living wasn't going to work. My only problem was that after Mark (or Matt, one of them's the boyfriend and the other is Levi's dad, which is a bit problematic, if you ask me) bows out, that's it. We literally don't hear anything about him again. What happened to him? Did he ever even confront Pixie?

And I would have liked more character development with Pixie's mom. She didn't have to see the light or anything, but...I don't know. Something was missing. But I loved the scene where Pixie told her off.

Also, Daren? I kept thinking that he would do something. I suppose that manifested in a way, but I kept wondering if he had nefarious plans. But I suspect he's going to be in a later book, so I don't think that was going to happen after all.

I picked this up on NetGalley and didn't go into it expecting much. Perhaps that is why I was so pleasantly surprised. I suspect I will be reading more from this author.

4/5

                                                       
Lingering Echoes Erica Kiefer
Description (from Goodreads)
She's broken with guilt. 
He harbors a chilling past. 
It's safer if they keep their distance... 
But, the echoes that linger connect them. 

Returning to Hidden Pines is the last thing Allie Collins wants to do during her final summer before college. For her, the family cabin she spent her youthful summers in, now holds a dark memory that has haunted her every day for the last year. 

While struggling to forget her past, Allie runs into Damien, a local rebel with secrets of his own. He's dark, dangerous and he keeps showing up when Allie least expects him to. She has every reason not to trust him. So why does she find herself opening up to him in a way she hasn't been able to with anyone? 

As pieces of Damien’s identity emerge, answers to a rumored mystery begin to unfold. By the time Allie unearths the secrets of Damien’s past, she realizes just how intricately they are connected. Now she is caught in a dangerous battle that threatens her life and those she loves.



*This arc was graciously provided by Clean Teen Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review*

Firstly, I think I read somewhere that this is marketed as a New Adult book. I'm not sure that is a correct placement, and it doesn't have to do with the fact that there isn't any sex in this book. It's because of the mindset of the main character. She's graduated high school, yes, but since she hasn't made that step of actually leaving home, she still thinks like a high schooler. If that makes any sense. And I went in expecting a different sort of narrative thought, which was a bit jarring at first.

That being said, Allie's still a mature person. She's been through quite a lot. This book really excelled in showing her and Damien's pain. They're fully developed characters, with worries, doubts, and hopes. Kiefer does an excellent job of writing these characters.

The interesting thing about this book was the personal tragedies of Allie and Damien. I found Allie's to be very moving. And her thoughts and actions accurately reflected that event.

But Damien's was just a tad over-the-top. On the one hand, it seems like a logical escalation of events, but it just fell flat for me. And while the climax certainly had me turning pages, I just felt that it wasn't enough. While the bad people had been removed from the picture, I didn't think that was enough for Damien to be safe. If his enemies as a group had been so powerful, it seems to me that they would keep sending people to finish the job.

But the real problem I had with this book was Damien. Kiefer spent so much time setting up Damien as this bad boy character, that I was actually turned off by him. I got creeped out by the guy, especially when he kept following her around and essentially stalking her. I was practically convinced that he was going to do something to her, and while I empathized with him when I finally got the full story, by then it was too little too late. I just didn't like or trust him. I actually wanted Allie to end up with Aaron, who was clearly the better choice.

But all in all, it's a good read, and well written. It just wasn't for me. I really couldn't get past my feelings for Damien.

2/5

Addicted to You

Krista and Becca Ritchie





Summary (from Goodreads)



She’s addicted to sex. He’s addicted to booze…the only way out is rock bottom.

No one would suspect shy Lily Calloway’s biggest secret. While everyone is dancing at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. Her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own.

Loren Hale’s best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they’ve pretended to be in a real relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They’ve mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment.

But as they sink beneath the weight of their addictions, they cling harder to their destructive relationship and wonder if a life together, for real, is better than a lie. Strangers and family begin to infiltrate their guarded lives, and with new challenges, they realize they may not just be addicted to alcohol and sex.

Their real vice may be each other. 

New Adult Romance recommended for readers 18+ for mature content
I decided to give this books 4 stars, not necessarily because I liked it (the subject matter isn't something I usually go for, but since I got it from NetGalley I decided I would use it as an opportunity to try something new), but because I believe it accurately depicted life with an addiction.Many readers are going to get frustrated by this novel. They won't understand why the characters acted a certain way, or how they could think/believe such things. They'll want to slap them, I'm sure. And many times, I wanted to do that as well.

But while I WAS very frustrated with the characters almost constantly, I cannot for one second say it was because of poor writing or character development. At all. Both authors have perfectly described how an addiction affects a person's mind and actions. I found Lily's narration and Lo's actions very believable, and heartbreakingly so.

I don't have any experience with addiction, but it seemed as if I was really inside the mind of someone struggling to overcome--or even just cope with--a very serious addiction. While the character's actions may have seemed over-the-top or unbelievable to some readers, to me, I knew that it was sadly very realistic. As someone who's never struggled with an addiction, I know that I cannot imagine what it would be like to put myself in such dangerous situations just to fulfill such a need.

And the authors really depicted the feelings of shame and desire that I suspect often come with an addiction. Lily seemed entirely real in her actions (and unfortunately, so did Lo). I commend the authors for that.

I also found their enabling of each other's habits very realistic, as well as the fact that neither of their families had any clue about their addictions. Many addicts will go to great lengths to hide their addictions, whether out of shame, or a fear of being forced into treatment, or both.

On the other hand, I cannot adequately describe my hatred of the phrase "his cheekbones sharpened". No. Just no. That is a phrase that can maybe be written once, if at all, because it doesn't make much sense. To repeat it over and over again? Stop.

Also, if you go to Penn, and you're an undergraduate business major, then you're already in Wharton. Their B.S. of economics is the only option for undergrad business students. So when Connor kept trying to get into Wharton, I had to suspend my disbelief a bit, unless he was talking about the MBA program.

And another thing, Princeton is in New Jersey, and Penn is obviously in Philadelphia. They're close, but not that close. Certainly not close enough for Rose to come flitting in and out of Lily's and Lo's apartment.

I also found the fact that Lily was disease-free very unbelievable. Yes, she may have taken precautions, but it's highly unlikely that engaging in so much sex with so many different partners wouldn't result in a disease.

But all of the characters were very well-written and fully developed. I really liked to read that.

I wouldn't buy this book, either for myself or for a friend (and the same goes for the sequels). It's not because it wasn't a good book; it is. I just don't like reading about addiction; I have only so much time to read, and I would prefer to read other material. This in no way reflects the book's quality.

Thank you very much, Krista and Becca, for putting this on NetGalley. Great job on the novel, and I wish you and Lily and Lo the best of luck in the future (I know they'll be okay).4/5

Defy Sara Larson
Description (from Goodreads)
A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and a thrilling love triangle.
Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.
The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?



*This book was received for an honest review from NetGalley*

I read Defy in the middle of a reading slump. For some reason, nothing I read I've been able to enjoy. Nothing has come close to four stars (and five stars might as well be a holy grail). And frankly, most times I've uncertain about giving books three stars. To be honest, it's kind of freaking me out a little, because I've never experienced anything like this before.

So I’m a little wary of discussing how I felt about this book. I’ll be honest; I devoured it. Practically read it in one sitting. I actually made myself put it down so that I could stretch it out, since it was the first time I had really enjoyed reading a book in a while (which, as you can imagine, depressed me a bit).
Yet, despite these things, despite the fact that I enjoyed it and gave it a rating of four stars, my confidence was a little shaken. Did I really enjoy it as much as I thought I did? Did my experience accurately reflect the merit of this book? I’m pretty sure if I had read this novel at a different time, I would be fanatical about it. And I really did enjoy it.
But I’m just in this weird place with books right now. I can’t describe it. I think the fact that Defylifted me out of my apathy a bit is telling enough, so let’s just say that YES, this book is awesome.
Whew, glad to spew that out of my mind.
Anyway, this book is a solid debut. I can tell that Larson has talent, and I’ll bet she will go on to have a great career. And let me just say, Ms. Larson, that I have been wanting to read a gender-bender fantasy novel for a while now. Call it an itch that needed to be scratched, if you will.
The thing about gender-bender stories is that they need to have a strong heroine. That’s the only way that she’ll survive in the masculine environment. And Alex/Alexa was certainly a strong character. I loved that. She was quite the badass, frankly, running around killing people with blades and stuff. What a cool fighter. And I lovedhow devoted she was to her duty. Nothing was going to keep her from protecting the prince. Although, I would wager that part of her devotion came from the desperation of her situation.
I also loved the setting. More jungle stories, please! I love fantasy, but the medieval Europe setting can get a bit dry, as much as I adore it. The jungle kingdoms were such a refreshing change of pace. And just think of all the different creatures one can run into in the jungle (read: a LOT)!
Prince Damian was also great. Not in a swoon-worthy, he’s so attractive sort of way (although there was plentyof that), but in an I-can’t-figure-him-out sort of way. I really didn’t know if he was good or bad for much of the story. He was deliciously complex. I enjoyed that he wasn’t some one-dimensional character. And I also liked that Alex was aware of the dangers of being involved with him. She wasn’t that naïve about it.
Larson also wrote a compelling first few pages. The story opens with a literal bang, and a few pages later she gives quite the surprise. I was not expecting that. But it did serve to flesh out Alex’s character well. I admire the fact that she didn’t mind stirring up the status quo when it comes to the beginning of a story. Sometimes they can be formulaic.
But there were things I didn’t like. Firstly, the love triangle. I am SO. SICK. of love triangles. Truly. Please create actual conflict between the two characters, not just artificially manufacture some by adding a third person. I hate it. And there are definitely two suitors for Alex.
If a love triangle is done well, I can usually stomach it. But I don’t feel like this one was written well. The one character just seemed like a cardboard cutout propped up to add some conflict. I literally had zero interest in him. Boring. He was just there, floating around, moaning that he would always wait for Alex.
I’m sorry. No. This is not a healthy message, and it’s constantly shoved down our throats. If someone realizes that his love is unrequited, he should not profess his intention to wait around indefinitely until the other person “sees the light”! He should state that he is going to move on, that he hasto, that it is only fair for him to try to move on and grow, survive, as an individual. Not just stew there, hoping for what might be.
By constantly having this happen in love triangles (and come on, this is ALWAYS. GOING. TO. HAPPEN. because it’s the only way to keep the debacle going), it sends the message to young girls that it’s okay to waver back and forth between two people, to keep them hanging in uncertainty simply because it’s safer for you emotionally. It’s selfish. And wrong. Be a good person and cut one of them loose, even if it’s hard. Even if you see him grow up and happily be with someone else. You’re just spreading more pain around otherwise.
I also think the pacing was a bit off with this book. The beginning was kind of slow, and the ending a tad rushed. I know this is Larson’s first novel, so I’m willing to cut her some slack. But perhaps the sequel could be a bit longer, in order to better develop the ending. Things just fell in place too quickly and neatly. Some of them should have taken more trouble/time.
And all of these characters had huge hero complexes. All of them. All of them were willing to just die. Literally. And many of them did. Where is their fear? Where is their desire to keep living? I can understand and get behind sacrificing yourself, but show some terror as you do it, not just calm acceptance. That’s not realistic. So many of these characters just were like “Yep, I’m off to die now, tell so-and-so I love them”. And that was that.


And wow, looking back on this review I’m tempted to change the rating to three stars, but I’m keeping it at four, because I’m pretty sure this reading funk has me being hypercritical.

Defy is a good book. If you like fantasy, exotic settings, girls masquerading as guys, or all of the above, you’ll enjoy this one. I look forward to reading more by Larson.
4/5

Did you enjoy this review? There are more here.

The Assassin’s CurseCassandra Rose Clarke
Description (from Goodreads)
Ananna of the Tanarau abandons ship when her parents try to marry her off to another pirate clan. But that only prompts the scorned clan to send an assassin after her. When Ananna faces him down one night, armed with magic she doesn't really know how to use, she accidentally activates a curse binding them together.

To break the spell, Ananna and the assassin must complete three impossible tasks--all while grappling with evil wizards, floating islands, haughty manticores, runaway nobility, strange magic...and the growing romantic tension between them.


My Review
Um. This book. I am seriously fangirling right now. I pick this book up on a whim at the bookstore because I’ve been obsessed with fantasy right now and the cover was just so pretty(I judge sometimes, sue me). And then I read the blurb and it seemed kind of interesting, but I ended up putting it down.
I snagged it on my way out, though. I swear to God it was that cover.
I have to say right now that this book made quite an impression right from the beginning. The heroine, Ananna, is the daughter of a pirate lord, and the story opens with her being sold off married to another pirate lord’s son.
You can imagine that Ananna isn’t too happy about it. I’m pretty sure I’d be right there with her if I were in a situation like that. But what really surprised me was Ananna’s speech. It’s actually—wait for it—that of a pirate! Shocking, I know!

It was a little jarring at first, I’ll admit, but hello, she’s a pirate. She shouldn’t speak like a courtier. And believe me, her dialect in NO way reflects her intelligence. So I rolled with it.
Another thing I liked about Ananna was that she made decisions and was fully aware and accepting of the consequences. I feel like I don’t see a lot of that these days. For instance, she ran away from the marriage, knowing fully well that it would cause the husband’s family to set an assassin after her. Ananna knew this, but did it anyway because she believed being married to the pirate was worse than, well, death.
But in all seriousness, I’m totally glad she ran away because it introduced Naji, the assassin, who, as you might guess WAS SENT TO KILL HER. Of course, this being the beginning of the story Ananna can’t actually die, because she’s the narrator.
Instead, she ends up saving Naji’s life from a SNAKE—nonononono I hate snakes—which, since he was meant to assassinate her, is mega-awkward. And it creates a curse that forces Naji to protect Ananna. Otherwise he experiences grievous pain.


This. I like this.
Naji’s a weird one, though. He’s got that whole silent and mysterious thing going on, which is usually pretty hot, but in this book it’s even better because Clarke doesn’t even really let the reader figure out what he’s up to. You know what I mean? Usually by the writing you can tell what the character is like, but Clarke really doesn’t do that. This is SO refreshing. All I know is that Naji isn’t cruel, so that’s enough for me. I like him.
Ohhhhh and the setting. I liked that as well. It had a definite Middle Eastern flare to it, like the book came out of Arabian Nights. I’d like to read more books with these settings. European ones are always cool, but I do like variety.
And pirates. More pirates, please.

I suppose the story did lag in some places. There were times when I was like, “Please get on with it.” But you see, it’s hard to know if that actually is a weakness of this book or the result of us expecting non-stop action in today’s society of violent videogames and mega-blockbusters. It’s hard to tell. Shouldn’t a book have some downtime?
And it was waaaaay too short. Seriously. More pages.
This book is kind of odd, genre-wise. I’m not sure it’s for everyone, but if you like it I suspect you’ll really like it. I would suggest reading a couple chapters on the kindle sample or something.
5/5

This is Thoughts on Thursday, where I talk about a review I found hilarious/wonderful/insightful/AWESOME.

Today I'm featuring of review of Defy, a YA fantasy dropping around the new year. My review of it will be posted on December 23rd, but today I'm talking about Kimmy's review of the novel over on Belle of the Bookstore. Kimmy has mastered the art of GIF-using. They really do add to the review.

And while I agree with her on some things and disagree on others, I enjoyed reading her review. Here are some excerpts:

So, lately, I’ve been having problems believing the worlds that authors create in their novels, but the world that is created in Defy is actually pretty good. I didn’t even question the validity of it; I was too disgusted with what was actually happening. Larson made me care about the word and the people of Antion.

This is a complete exaggeration, but it felt like Alex liked every guy that we were introduced to as readers. This sorta annoyed me at first, but then it clicked. If I was 17, and I was surrounded by attractive, muscular, soldier guys, I would fall in love with all of them too. So, touché, Alex, you win, you’re surrounded by attractive men.

Here is a link to the review.

And a link to the book.


Happy reading!
Kelsey


You can find more Thoughts on Thursday posts here.

Hey all,
You may have noticed a bunch of posts from this week about deals for Cyber Monday. I know, I know, you're probably pretty confused. And, yeah, they technically don't have any place here.
But I took a digital marketing class this semester, and we had to design a viral marketing campaign for a brand. My group decided to use my novel so that we could apply the concepts to real life. 
A large part of our project consisted of our Twitter campaign, where I posted the Cyber Monday deals on my blog and then tweeted about them. This drove a good amount of traffic to this blog, and resulted in around 300 page views in 16 hours. Sure, 300 views isn't very much, but compared to the average amount of traffic I get, it was actually pretty significant. 
So that's the reason for all those weird posts--so sorry if they inundated your feed! And in case you're wondering, the professor was impressed with our project. :)
Feel free to ask me about it, if you're interested!
Happy reading,Kelsey

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