Gail Chianese's Blog
July 12, 2020
Just Another Silly Love Song by Rich Amooi
I picked up my first Rich Amooi book and honestly, I’m not sure why it took me so long. I’ve heard nothing but praise for this author and it was all true.
JASLS was cute, funny, a little silly at times, but made me smile from start to finish. The banter between these two was fantastic. I loved the progression of their dislike for each other to learning there was more beneath the surface, to their friendship and falling in love. The grand gesture was adorable and so perfect for the heroine, and for the hero - Dr. Tough Love - to prove himself.
The angst was low (which was nice, as there’s too much of that in the world right now and I really needed an escape), and the “dark moment” was believable. (Spoiler…I know it was something a simple conversation could fix..but that happens in real life more than we think.) Overall, I give this book two thumbs up and definitely 5 stars for the hours of pure enjoyment it brought.
JASLS was cute, funny, a little silly at times, but made me smile from start to finish. The banter between these two was fantastic. I loved the progression of their dislike for each other to learning there was more beneath the surface, to their friendship and falling in love. The grand gesture was adorable and so perfect for the heroine, and for the hero - Dr. Tough Love - to prove himself.
The angst was low (which was nice, as there’s too much of that in the world right now and I really needed an escape), and the “dark moment” was believable. (Spoiler…I know it was something a simple conversation could fix..but that happens in real life more than we think.) Overall, I give this book two thumbs up and definitely 5 stars for the hours of pure enjoyment it brought.
March 17, 2020
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
I finally got to read the full story of THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT and I LOVED IT.
If you read my “extended preview review” you’ll know that I was captivated right from the start by this book. I love strong, smart heroines and female characters and Farrah Rochon totally delivered. But for a romance to work, it has to have great chemistry between the two main characters, in this case, Samiah and Daniel, and those two burned up the pages from the start.
Samiah, is wicked smart, strong, sexy, sassy and successful, as are her two friends and sister. Yet, they are not perfect. They are driven, yet just like most of us they listen to their hearts and sometimes that gets them hurt, which makes them totally relatable. Otherwise, they would have been somewhat intimidating. But what I loved the most about these women (and the sister) is the instant bond they formed, the support they gave each other, and the strength they lent to each other when needed. So while this is a romance, it was also a friendship story and how important those people are in our lives when it’s time to focus on us. The story also had great family dynamics with a super supportive sister and the perfect husband who is everything you want in a brother-in-law. I mean, the man brought carbs when needed! Enough said about him.
As to the romance, it was sweet, funny, touching, and smoking hot. There’s something about the forbidden fruit here. Daniel had totally had my interest piqued from the start. He had me asking, “What was his game?” And wondering, “Could I trust him or was he going to be another dirtbag?” I’m happy to say, Definitely not a dirtbag. Try totally swoonworthy. Daniel was such a great match for Samiah. Smart (you’d have to be to keep up with her), but compassionate. The kind of guy who asks how you’re doing and genuinely wants to know. Such a rare quality. He was also funny, insightful, and sexy (guys with glasses…sigh).
Together these two are a powerhouse. I loved their wit and banter, but also how Samiah was open to trusting again and how Daniel respected her. The plot was great and not filled with too much tech speak that I felt lost, but enough that it read like the character really knew her job. I hate when characters get cool job titles and you never get to see them at work, but that wasn’t the case here. And there’s a tiny mystery to solve, which was another fun aspect of this story.
Overall, I thought THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT was well written, witty, funny, sexy and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I’m completely looking forward to the next in the series.
If you read my “extended preview review” you’ll know that I was captivated right from the start by this book. I love strong, smart heroines and female characters and Farrah Rochon totally delivered. But for a romance to work, it has to have great chemistry between the two main characters, in this case, Samiah and Daniel, and those two burned up the pages from the start.
Samiah, is wicked smart, strong, sexy, sassy and successful, as are her two friends and sister. Yet, they are not perfect. They are driven, yet just like most of us they listen to their hearts and sometimes that gets them hurt, which makes them totally relatable. Otherwise, they would have been somewhat intimidating. But what I loved the most about these women (and the sister) is the instant bond they formed, the support they gave each other, and the strength they lent to each other when needed. So while this is a romance, it was also a friendship story and how important those people are in our lives when it’s time to focus on us. The story also had great family dynamics with a super supportive sister and the perfect husband who is everything you want in a brother-in-law. I mean, the man brought carbs when needed! Enough said about him.
As to the romance, it was sweet, funny, touching, and smoking hot. There’s something about the forbidden fruit here. Daniel had totally had my interest piqued from the start. He had me asking, “What was his game?” And wondering, “Could I trust him or was he going to be another dirtbag?” I’m happy to say, Definitely not a dirtbag. Try totally swoonworthy. Daniel was such a great match for Samiah. Smart (you’d have to be to keep up with her), but compassionate. The kind of guy who asks how you’re doing and genuinely wants to know. Such a rare quality. He was also funny, insightful, and sexy (guys with glasses…sigh).
Together these two are a powerhouse. I loved their wit and banter, but also how Samiah was open to trusting again and how Daniel respected her. The plot was great and not filled with too much tech speak that I felt lost, but enough that it read like the character really knew her job. I hate when characters get cool job titles and you never get to see them at work, but that wasn’t the case here. And there’s a tiny mystery to solve, which was another fun aspect of this story.
Overall, I thought THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT was well written, witty, funny, sexy and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I’m completely looking forward to the next in the series.
March 1, 2018
Three in One- Review of Joanna Fluke's Hannah Swensen
I just binge read the last three Hannah Swensen books from Joanne Fluke.
Wedding Cake Murder
Banana Cream Pie Murder
Raspberry Danish Murder
I'd give them all 4* and 5 for the recipes!
For the full review see my blog: http://bit.ly/2CSsK5k
Wedding Cake Murder
Banana Cream Pie Murder
Raspberry Danish Murder
I'd give them all 4* and 5 for the recipes!
For the full review see my blog: http://bit.ly/2CSsK5k
February 19, 2018
Review: Not Perfect by Elizabeth LeBan
This is my first read by Elizabeth LeBan and I suspect it won’t be my last. Overall, this was a really good book, with some interesting characters.
If you’re looking for a good women’s fiction book, with a cute romance and quirky, yet believable characters this is a good book for you.
See full review at: http://www.gailchianese.com/blog/not-...
If you’re looking for a good women’s fiction book, with a cute romance and quirky, yet believable characters this is a good book for you.
See full review at: http://www.gailchianese.com/blog/not-...
December 27, 2017
Good Luck With That - A must read!
This book is so much more than just the back cover copy. It’s a book about family, friendship, and discovering your true worth. It’s about standing up for yourself, accepting your flaws (and no, I’m not talking about the weight issue…more about the lack of self-confidence) and loving yourself for who you are or who someone else is, it’s about seeing past the exterior and to the good stuff underneath…the heart and soul. It’s also about letting the past go and embracing the future.
It’s a story that will stay in my heart, and will remind me that I am more than what I see in the mirror, that I am smart, caring, funny (at times), intelligent and worth it.
For the full review: http://www.gailchianese.com/blog
It’s a story that will stay in my heart, and will remind me that I am more than what I see in the mirror, that I am smart, caring, funny (at times), intelligent and worth it.
For the full review: http://www.gailchianese.com/blog
December 24, 2017
All We Knew
Once again, Jamie Beck has delivered a well-written, emotional, heartbreaking and beautiful story of love, life and loss.
Full review at http://www.gailchianese.com/blog
Full review at http://www.gailchianese.com/blog
December 12, 2017
The Great Alone, a must read
I’ve been meaning to read Kristan Hannah for some time. She’s been highly recommended to me by several friends. I can see why after reading THE GREAT ALONE.
This book hit all the feels for me. And how could it not? A veteran, broken, struggling, suffering from PTSD and the darkness that lurks deep in his soul, threatening to take over. A woman who loves him too much to leave, who lives on hope and faith and in fear. A young girl caught in the middle, struggling to make sense of it all, while falling in love for the first time.
You can see my full review here:
http://www.gailchianese.com/blog
This book hit all the feels for me. And how could it not? A veteran, broken, struggling, suffering from PTSD and the darkness that lurks deep in his soul, threatening to take over. A woman who loves him too much to leave, who lives on hope and faith and in fear. A young girl caught in the middle, struggling to make sense of it all, while falling in love for the first time.
You can see my full review here:
http://www.gailchianese.com/blog
April 4, 2017
Necessary Evil is a Necessary Read
To see my full review and why I gave two thumbs up and five stars on NECESSARY EVIL, check out my blog at: http://www.gailchianese.com/blog
March 19, 2017
Impressions of DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR by Nancy Bush
Today I’m sharing my thoughts on DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR by Nancy Bush
Truly a page turning, thrill a minute story that keeps you guessing until the end.
For the full post and to see why I gave it 5 stars, check out: http://www.gailchianese.com/blog
Truly a page turning, thrill a minute story that keeps you guessing until the end.
For the full post and to see why I gave it 5 stars, check out: http://www.gailchianese.com/blog
March 13, 2017
My Impressions-WILD CARD UNDERCOVER
I'm blogging on my website about a debut book I recently read. For the full post pop on over to: http://www.gailchianese.com/blog
I’ve been a reader since I was three years old. Books are my happy place. Seriously. I could be anywhere and if you stick a book in my hands, I’m a happy girl. A world without books, without stories, is a scary place to me…my post-apocalyptic nightmare.
Some of my writer pals have confessed that they rarely have the time to read and they miss the joy reading brings. Not me, I make time every night, even if it’s only thirty minutes to read. And there’s nothing as exciting as a finding a new, favorite author.
But, it’s hard in the digital era.
Man, I miss the days of going to the bookstore, strolling down aisle after aisle, letting my fingers glide over the spines until I hit “that title.” The one that makes me go, hmm.
Nowadays I rely mostly on friends for recommendations. Rarely do they steer me wrong. So, I thought I’d share my impressions of books I’ve read here. I’ve no idea if anyone will read this or not—and that’s okay, too. But maybe someone will and they’ll find a new, favorite author.
Also, I’m going to be totally upfront and say, if I don’t like a book, I’m not going to share. Reading is subjective. There are lots of reasons why I might not connect with a story, but it might be exactly why someone else does. Also, I was taught a long time ago, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
I’ve been a reader since I was three years old. Books are my happy place. Seriously. I could be anywhere and if you stick a book in my hands, I’m a happy girl. A world without books, without stories, is a scary place to me…my post-apocalyptic nightmare.
Some of my writer pals have confessed that they rarely have the time to read and they miss the joy reading brings. Not me, I make time every night, even if it’s only thirty minutes to read. And there’s nothing as exciting as a finding a new, favorite author.
But, it’s hard in the digital era.
Man, I miss the days of going to the bookstore, strolling down aisle after aisle, letting my fingers glide over the spines until I hit “that title.” The one that makes me go, hmm.
Nowadays I rely mostly on friends for recommendations. Rarely do they steer me wrong. So, I thought I’d share my impressions of books I’ve read here. I’ve no idea if anyone will read this or not—and that’s okay, too. But maybe someone will and they’ll find a new, favorite author.
Also, I’m going to be totally upfront and say, if I don’t like a book, I’m not going to share. Reading is subjective. There are lots of reasons why I might not connect with a story, but it might be exactly why someone else does. Also, I was taught a long time ago, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
