Sunday, September 29, 2013

Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum [4 stars]

Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum
From back cover:
The girl who does it all might miss what's most important.
Everyone knows they can count on Paige Alder. But between volunteering at church, putting in overtime at work, and helping her best friend plan an anniversary party, she's lucky to grab a cheese stick for dinner. She can't even remember the last time she had a few minutes to relax or dig into God's Word. Then she meets laid-back Tyler, an attractive, Jesus-loving guy. Will he be able to help Paige get her priorities on track?

I really liked this book. I have loved all of Erynn Mangum's books since the beginning, and this one did not disappoint! Paige Torn is a cute, fun read. I liked Paige and I felt as though I could relate to her pretty well. Paige deals with the same issues all of us deal with, but with some good natured humor thrown in! Nothing too exciting really happened throughout the book, so it's not a real deep and thoughtful book, but that's ok with me! So, all in all, I really enjoyed this book and am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, Paige Rewritten.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

A Dangerous Stage by Camy Tang [2.5 stars]


A Dangerous Stage by Camy Tang
From back cover:
In A Dangerous Stage, the second book in  Camy Tang's Protection for Hire series, Tessa gets caught up in the web of lies surrounding a shady singing competition. Hired by one of the contestants, who has information that the show is rigged, she forms a prickly alliance with Charles Britton-the lawyer who sent her to prison-to uncover the dark figures manipulating the contest from behind the scenes.

Tessa's abilities are tested like never before as she's forced to balance the safety of her client's family and her confusing relationship with Charles. In the midst of the chaos, she hopes to bring down the shadowy organization all while holding on to her faith.

I really didn't care too much for this book. I liked the first book, Protection for Hire , but this one was a disappointing follow-up. I don't even know exactly what I didn't like. I had a hard time getting through it. The characters weren't as engaging as the previous book; I especially couldn't stand Charles. He comes across as way too much of a mama's boy. To the point where his mother pretty much runs his entire life and it got really irritating.

I thought the plot was lacking. The whole singing show thing was a little lame, it seemed a little far-fetched for some criminals to rig a singing show. 

I think there's a lot more that can be done with Tessa and I hope the third book will be much better!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Shattered by Dani Pettrey [3 stars]

Shattered by Dani Pettrey
From back cover:
When her prodigal brother's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.
Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKenna's like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.
When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself-and from whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

After being dissatisfied with the first book in the Alaskan Courage series, I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I had trouble with all the different points-of-view in the beginning, it was a little confusing, but once I got all the characters straightened out it was ok. I just do not like having more that 2 or 3 different points-of-view throughout a book as it gets very confusing keeping everyone straight.
I also thought Piper was rather annoying with her 'I'm going to do whatever I want' attitude. There is a difference between being independent and being stupid!
I did like the plot line. The story was good and kept me guessing throughout most of the book. About 2/3 of the way through the book I started piecing things together and figured the plot out; but I thought the book was well done in that regard. I did find the romance aspect to be pretty cheesy and juvenile.
Again, I was disappointed in the authors lack of research. There are so many little facts that were wrong and could have been right had the author taken a couple of minutes to run a Google search! I really didn't get how Landon has jurisdiction in Canada and the fact that the ending
*mini spoiler below!*

takes place around this big blizzard in Portland when Portland rarely gets snow, let alone a blizzard!

*end mini spoiler!*

Overall, this was just an ok read for me. Not too exciting, but not a bad read either. I'll pick up the next book in the series and I hope by then the author will learn to do some research!!!