Review: The Sea of Tranquility

Rating: ★★★★☆(4.5)

Author: Katja Millay

Genre: New Adult Fiction; Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Anitsocialite Press LLC

Publication Date:  September 5, 2012

Pages: 380

Format: E-book

Content Rating: PG-13

“I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.” ~ Katja Millay, The Sea of Tranquility

Overview

Full of rage and without a purpose, former pianist Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone discovering her past and to make the boy who took everything from her pay.

All 17 year-old Josh Bennett wants is to build furniture and be left alone, and everyone allows it because it’s easier to pretend he doesn’t exist. When your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, a hot mess of a girl who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. The more he gets to know her, the more of a mystery she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he may ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a slow-building, character-driven romance about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances. (Goodreads.com)

Review

Katja Millay's debut novel, The Sea of Tranquility,  is a sad, lonely and absolutely beautiful work of fiction.

I always read up about the author before I pick up a book.  Being a writer myself, I guess I am just interested in their motivations and quirks.  Reading up on Millay, I discovered she was once in film school and after reading The Sea of Tranquility I can see it totally fits.  Her prose are so beautifully descriptive and and her characters are so fully fleshed out, it is almost like you are watching a movie in your mind's eye.

Millay, herself, describes her novel as "a slow-building, character-driven romance" and she is right on both accounts.  On first appearance, this novel builds slowly to the point of frustration at times but once you reach the end you realize that the build was actually gaining in intensity all the way to the very last word.

Both the hero (Josh) and the heroine (Nastya) are tragic, broken people.  Honestly, they really depressed me, but damn if I couldn't put their story down!  There were points in their story that I truly felt like I was drop kicked straight in my gut.....hard. There were also points where I wanted to strangle both hero and heroine for putting me through all the angst.  But the moments where these two connect, where they are drawn to each other and to the possibility of a reset of their young lives is worth every second of angst.

I don't do spoilers, but I will say this:  This whole novel is built around the last few sentence and they will take your breath away ( but only if you do the work and follow Nastya and Josh's journey from the first to the last word.) The reward is in finish.

Review: Arranged

Rating: ★★★★★

Author: Catherine McKenzie

Genre: Adult Fiction; Contemporary Romance; Chick-Lit

Publisher: (William Morrow) Harper Collins

Publication Date: January 8, 2011

Pages: 243

Format: E-Book, Trade Fiction Paperback

Content Rating: PG-13

“You just need to be honest with yourself about what kind of life you want.  And once you do that, you'll know what you want and how to get it." ~ Catherine McKenzie, Arranged

Overview

Anne Blythe has a great life: a good job, close friends, and a potential book deal for her first novel. When it comes to finding someone to share her life with, however, she just can't seem to get it right. When her latest relationship implodes, and her best friend announces she's engaged, Anne impulsively calls what she thinks is a dating service—only to discover that it's actually an exclusive, and pricey, arranged marriage service. Anne initially rejects the idea, but the more she learns about the service, the more she thinks: Why not? After all, arranged marriages are the norm for millions of women around the world; maybe it could work for her.

A few months later, Anne is travelling to a Mexican resort, where in one short weekend she will meet and marry Jack. And against all odds, it seems to be working out-until Anne learns that Jack, and the company that arranged their marriage, are not what they seem at all. (Harper Collins /Goodreads)

Review

I love it when I stumble on a book that I was not expecting and it then turns out to be exactly what I need.  Such was my introduction to the beautifully simple writing style of Catherine McKenzie through her second book Arranged.

I came across Arranged while searching through the 'Deals' section on my Nook. It was temporarily marked down to $1.99 (Although, the sale did not last long at all and it is now back to its standard $9.99.) I will confess it was the cover that caught my eye initially.  Then I read the overview and thought to myself, "hmm, this is different.  I need something different. My book rut is quickly becoming a book pothole. "  After reading over some reviews that explained how McKenzie wove in a correlation to the classic serial Anne of Green Gables, I was sold (my sister-in-law and my niece are HUGE Anne fans.)

What I didn't expect was how absorbed I would be after only the first few pages and even more that it would continue to keep me entertained all the way to the end. 

Arranged was first and foremost a strong character-driven self discovery novel.  It had a handful of life themes that really wrapped up Anne's journey in a heart-felt and realistic manner.  'Forgiveness', 'making your own way' and 'love requires hard work' are the most prominent lessons Anne navigates through her relationship with Jack and the trials of their arranged marriage. 

I really can't say enough good things about McKenzie's writing style.  It flows so easily.  The dialogue is crisp and the settings transport you seamlessly.  My mind did not have to work to understand the characters or the plot even though both were complex and three-dimensional.  It just clicked. A writer that can do that is one to add to your favorites list. What impresses me even more is that McKenzie is a  lawyer by day and writes in her spare time!  I'll be picking up McKenzie's first novel Spin next and will follow that up with her new novel Forgotten when it is released on October 16.

Bookshelf Rewind: September 2012

September was a pretty good month book wise.  I had a five-star read that I have been waiting for all year, a good helping of four-star reads and even my three-star reads leaned more towards three and a half-stars!  

Kristin's Bookshelf for September 2012

Seduced in the Dark (★★★★★) By C.J. Roberts

I have been waiting all year for this one and wow did it pay off! I was sorely mistaken in assuming it could not get any darker or more disturbing than its predecessor Captive in the Dark. It was almost too much at times but one of the best story lines I have come across (if you can stomach some of the content.) I will be reviewing this one very soon!

On Dublin Street (★★★★☆ 4.5) By Samantha Young

This indie novel has quickly become a hit since its release at the beginning of the month. It has an original plot and keeps you invested in the story all the way through. I sat on the fence for a while on whether or not it deserved five-stars but after reading Seduced in the Dark, I bumped it down to 4.5 stars. Plus it takes place in Edinburgh, my most favorite city in the world :)

The Book Thief (★★★★☆) By Marcus Zusak

This novel is moving and deserving of its many awards for sure. It does, however, take fortitude to read it. It is set during WWII and is narrated by Death. Enough said.

Down To You (★★★★☆) By M.Leighton

I really enjoyed this indie read even though I could predict the outcome by page 10. It was a fast read and the plot line was unique. It will have a sequel that I will be sure to pick up.

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour(★★★☆☆) By Morgan Matson

This one was a near miss for me. I really liked the story but I felt it got weighed down in the descriptions of settings. It almost felt like a love letter to fast food with all the stops along the way (too many to remember).

Send (★★★★☆) By Patty Blount

Send was not what I expected and that was a good thing! Yeah, it had romance but that was not what held you captive. This one is narrated by 18-year-old Daniel Ellison (Kenny) and it is a serious look at bullying.

Somebody To Love (★★★★☆) By Kristan Higgins

Kristan Higgins writes engaging romance stories but not sex. You will not find descriptive love scenes in her novels. Sometimes that works and sometimes not. This time it worked really well. Her characters in this one are so well written and have such personality that you don't miss the steam.

The Next Always (★★★★☆) By Nora Roberts

This is classic Nora Roberts. I know that for the most part if I pick up a Nora Roberts book I am gonna get a story I will want to finish. That is what makes her one of the most successful romance authors of all times. I am invested and will be reading the next two in this series ASAP!

Unravel Me(★★★☆☆) By Kendall Ryan

This indie had so much potential. I read the overview and was really looking forward to it! Unfortunately it missed more than it hit the mark. The hero and heroine could have connected more, could have worked harder to solve the mystery of his identity. It had a lot of sex and not a lot of chemistry.

On My Bookshelf for October 2012

The Sea of Tranquility By Katja Millay
The Fault in Our Stars By John Green
Futures and Frosting By Tara Sivec
Unbroken By Lauren Hillenbrand
My Favorite Mistake By Chelsea Cameron
Gone Girl By Gillian Flynn
Dead Until Dark By Charlaine Harris
The Last Boyfriend By Nora Roberts

Review: Dream Lake

Rating: ★★★★☆

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Romance; Paranormal

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Publication Date:  August 7, 2012

Pages: 384

Format: E-book; Mass Market Paperback

Series: Friday Harbor #3

Content Rating: R

“A woman could do that to you - reach that place in your soul where the best and worst of you was kept. And once she was there, she owned that place and never left.”  ~ Lisa Kleypas, Dream Lake

Overview

Dream Lake takes readers once again to the exquisite setting of Friday Harbor, and tells the story of Zoe Hoffman, an innkeeper who has all but given up on love. She’s a gentle, romantic soul, but has been so hurt in the past that she dare not trust her heart with anyone. Especially not Alex Nolan. Alex is the most haunted of all the Nolan brothers. He drinks to keep his demons at bay and not only has he given up on love, he has never, ever believed in it. Zoe and Alex are oil and water, fire and ice, sunshine and shadow. But sometimes, it takes only a glimmer of light to chase away the dark. (St.Martins Griffin)

Review

The publisher of Dream Lake claims it " is classic Lisa Kleypas: romantic, powerful, emotional, and magical," and I would have to completely agree. Kleypas is my go to author for a moving and picturesque romance and Dream Lake held true to that legacy.

Throughout her Friday Harbor series, Kleypas has explored subtle paranormal elements and for the most part (Rainshadow Road book #2 in this series excluded) it has been completely plausible and fitting.  Dream Lake is her best so far in weaving in a bit of mystic.  Alex and Zoe's story blends beautifully with that of the "Ghost" that is connected to Alex.  I cannot tell you whose happily-ever-after I wanted more, the "Ghost"or Alex.  

What ranks Kleypas as one of my favorite authors are her heroes.  Women worldwide are dreaming of the angst-ridden and damaged Christian Grey from E.L. James blockbuster Fifty Shades of Grey, but for me Kleypas is the queen of the tortured hero.  Alex Nolan ranks right up there with some of Kleypas' best bad boys.  He is cold, haunted (literally and figuratively) and wrecked.  Those elements pull you in and have you longing for a monumental redemption for his own sake and for Zoe's as well.

The other element Kleypas does exceptionally well is creating heroines that perfectly complement her heroes.  Zoe Hoffman is no exception.  She is sweet, sensitive and almost too kind.  I couldn't help but to be won over by her (and her cooking.)  She is the opposite of Alex in almost every way and it was fascinating to see how they balance each other out so perfectly.

I have enjoyed the Friday Harbor series, but Dream Lake is by far the best of this series thus far.  It is original, moving and captivating.  Another plus for many is that it works well in the series but can also be read as a stand alone.  Most of the main plot points from the previous novels are rehashed in this story so it can work either way.  

The next novel in the Friday Harbor series, Crystal Cove, is Zoe's cousin Justine's story.  It is scheduled to be released February 2013.  Also, the first novel of this series, Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, has been made into a coveted Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas movie set to air this December.  Read more about the movie here.

Five Young Adult Novels With Adult Appeal

A year ago I would have adamantly told you that I do NOT read Young Adult novels.  I was quite certain that I had no wish to relive the "glory" of my high school years. But then one day while browsing through the virtual Overdrive shelves of my local library's website I spotted a Young Adult book that piqued my interest (see If I Stay below) and took a chance.  To my surprise, I discovered that some of the most intense love stories can be found in the Young Adult section.  Now, a year later, a healthy portion of my favorites list is made up of Young Adult Romance.  Here are my picks for top five Young Adult Romances that can easily cross over into the Adult Romance genre.

Slammed / Point of Retreat
By Colleen Hoover
Slammed and its sequel Point of Retreat are not only my top pick for Young Adult Romance selections, they are also in my all time favorite top ten.  In fact, I love this series so much I made my review of Slammed my very first post when I started this blog. This is the story of Layken Cohen and her slam poet soul mate Will Cooper.  This series is about so much more than your typical romance.  It is about all the moments in life that shape you.  Read more about this series here.

If I Stay / Where She Went
By Gayle Forman
This is the series that changed my mind about the Young Adult Romance genre.  These books focus on the heroine, Mia Hall, after a horrific car accident takes her family and leaves her in a coma.  Her boyfriend, Adam Wilde, pours all his soul into willing Mia to live, to fight, to stay with him.  I am not gonna lie, If I Stay, is gut wrenching but wow what a story.  The sequel, Where She Went, is high up on my favorites.  I absolutely love the hero of this series, Adam Wilde.  I love his voice and narration in Where She Went but mostly I loved the promising conclusion of Mia's emotional story.  Check out the awesome book trailer video for Where She Went here.

Going Too Far
By Jennifer Echols
Going Too Far is the story of two very different people who are both trying to compensate for damaged pasts in two very different ways.  It was dark and gritty and somehow that made it all the more appealing.  Echols departs from the stereotypical bad boy/good girl matching and switches it up.  Despite appearances, Meg and John fit together perfectly and complement each other in their differences.

Pushing The Limits
By Katie McGarry
With two main characters named Echo and Noah, I was leery of this high school based romance. But to my surprise, McGarry pulled off a great story that touches on some serious issues. Bi-polar disorder, divorce, the foster care system and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) play out realistically throughout Pushing The Limits. McGarry also does not dumb down the dialogue which, in my book, is a huge point in her favor.

Between the Lines Series
By Tammara Webber
The three books that make up the Between the Lines series were my first exposure to the talent of author Tammara Webber. Webber is one of the up-and-coming indie authors making a name for herself.  Her latest New Adult Romance book, Easy, has made its way to the New York Times Bestseller list. Although the Between the Lines novels walk a fine line between the Young Adult and New Adult genres, they don't pretend to be anything other than highly entertaining Mature Young Adult novels.  Throughout the series you follow the lives of Hollywood's young rising actors as they navigate paparazzi, love triangles and some serious social issues.