Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
Grand Central Publishing
2010
Format: e-book
First Line(s): As Katie found her way among the tables, a breeze from the Atlantic rippled through her hair. Carrying three plates in her left hand and another in her right, she wore jeans and a T-shirt that read Ivan's: Try Our Fish Just for the Halibut. She brought the plates to four men wearing polo shirts; the one closest to her caught her eye and smiled. Though he tried to act as though he was just a friendly guy, she knew he was watching her as she walked away. Melody had mentioned the men had come from Wilmington and were scouting locations for a movie.
Synopsis from Goodreads: When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.
But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo’s empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.
My Thoughts: I was unsure about reading this book. Nicholas Sparks book inspired movies do not seem like they would be the types of books that would top my "to read" list, but I have a thing about reading books that are turned into movies - not sure why I like them so much - but I thought since most of his books are made into movies, I'd give this one a go. My first impression was not the same as my last impression.
The beginning of this book - like the beginning of most movies based on books by NS - was slow. I had a hard time keeping pace and attention. I felt it was rather predictable - which I predicted correctly all along - but then again, I believe the author intended for you to. Girl runs away from husband. Girl lands in small town. Girl falls in love. Husband comes looking for her. Pretty typical...but then there was a twist that I had not seen coming!
Overall, it actually turned out to be a good book. The ending is what grabbed me the most. At one point, I couldn't put the book down. While most of the book was predictable - and was all the way through - there were some twists at the end that I had not anticipated. Twists that made this book what it was - a NS tear jerker. Although I did not cry while reading the book - I have a feeling that the movie will have a whole other impact - even though I know what is coming.
There was something in this book that just annoyed me to no end. The way the author portrayed the ex-husband, Kevin. I know he was supposed to appear as a drunken lunatic, but that doesn't mean that the book needs to make him speak or think like a caveman. It really irritated me. This man was a professional; obviously he spoke English somewhat well or people would have questioned his mental state.
As I stated, I enjoyed this book. After the first few chapters it kept me engaged and I actually started to fall in love with the characters - and was hopeful for where the storyline would go and a happy ending. The suspense at the end of the book and the "twist" made me need more. Unfortunately, this book was not a series, and the author leaves the book in a final state ending - but I was glad for that. Too many books leave you wanting more!
Safe Haven is an enjoyable read. This book was "fresh air" for me. The storyline/interest captivation really developed at the end of the book. I will be checking out the movie next - I'm excited to see that Josh Duhamel is Alex! He will definitely have my attention!
Safe Haven gets 4.5 stars.
This post is sponsored by:
One More Day by Minx Malone (The Alexanders #1)
CrushStar Romance Publishing
2012
Format: e-book
First Line(s): "You didn't bring your hot-ass sister with you?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Jackson Alexander dodged the punch that came sailing his way. A chorus of laugher rang out around him as he playacted dodging blows while his friend, Matt Simmons, growled at him.
Synopsis from Goodreads: -- Now a National Bestseller --
"You're with the right person when no matter how bad things get, you'd still rather be with them than anywhere else..."
RIDLEY WELLS HAS NO idea what to do with her life now that she's graduated from college. But when a friend is murdered and her apartment is trashed, she runs to the only person she trusts, her twin sister. No one will think to look for her in the rinky dink Virginia town of New Haven.
Of course, her luck lands her passed out in the grass in front of resident badboy, music producer Jackson Alexander. Strike 1!
Then she realizes Raina's out of the country and she has nowhere else to go. Strike 2!
So when the handsome producer with the platinum smile mistakes her for her sister, she gets an idea.
Where better to hide than in plain sight?
My Thoughts: I was skeptical about reading this book. Typically, I follow book recommendations from my friends. This however showed up on a "recommendation" list from my Nook, and it was only 99 cents, so how could I go wrong. Worst case scenario, it was horrible and I wasted 99 cents. Much better than a horrible read that cost $10.
I was intrigued when I read the synopsis. Last year, a new TV show aired on the CW that I really enjoyed called Ringer (starring Sarah Michelle Gellar). This book instantly caught my attention as having a similar plot to the TV show. Girl has rich twin sister. Girl seeks shelter from trouble from rich sister. Rich sister is not around. Girl takes on sisters identity. Girl falls in love under false pretenses.
Overall, it was a fairly good book. The characters are described well, and I liked how the book was not written from just one perspective. It bounced back and forth between Jackson AND Ridley's perspectives. There are even a couple areas when Raina takes charge and the book is written from her view. There is never any guessing on what either of the characters feel.
The book was a fairly quick read. The downfall to this book is it is 37 chapters long. There is a lot of information in this book that was unneeded and just "filler" material in my opinion. This is what kept me from giving the book nearly 4.5 stars. Parts of the book tended to drag on when it could have cut right to the chase. This book is intended to be the first part of a series - although with the way that it ended, I'm not sure what the next book would be about. They will really need to add some pizazz if they intend to captivate the audience again. Since there is a prequel book by Malone, Teasing Trent, I can only suspect that each book in this series might be about a different Alexander family member - but again, just a guess.
As I stated, I enjoyed this books story line. There was plenty of drama, romance, humor, and mystery to keep me intrigued. The relationship between Jackson & Ridley that develop may seem a little far fetched but the whole idea of finding love at first sight keeps the book light and airy. The mystery behind what happened to the P.I. give the book suspense.
One More Day is an easy read. The storyline/interest captivation really developed towards the end of the book. I, however, would enjoy the whole book have been a page-turner rather than the last few chapters.
One More Day gets 4.0 stars.
Reflected in You by Sylvia Day (Crossfire #2)
Penguin Group Publishing
2012
Format: e-book
First Line(s): "I loved New York with the kind of mad passion I reserved for only one other thing in my life. The city was a microcosm of new world opportunities and old world traditions. Conservatives rubbed shoulders with bohemians. Oddities co-existed with priceless rarities. The pulsing energy of the city fueled international business bloodlines and drew people from all over the world."
Synopsis from Goodreads: FROM THE #1 "NEW YORK TIMES" BESTSELLING AUTHOR
The hotly anticipated second book of the Crossfire Trilogy continues the sensual saga of Eva and Gideon that began in "Bared to You."..the "New York Times" bestselling novel of "EROTIC ROMANCE THAT SHOULD NOT BE MISSED" ("Romance Novel News").
Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction... my every desire... "mine.
"
My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We'd never work. It was too hard, too painful... except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity.
We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession...
My Thoughts: I read this immediately following its prequel, Bared to You. I wasn't completely sold on the first book of this series, but its just my personality to read the whole series and not just stop after the first book. Quite honestly, I'm glad I did. This book is still not quite my normal read, a little too porn-like for me, but I did enjoy it. It has a much better story line than the first book, and a dash of mystery.
As a continuation of the first book, Eva and Gideon's relationship is still based on a primal sexual attraction to each other - portrayed like a drug abuse addiction. They crave each other - nothing can hold them apart when they are together. They would lie, cheat, steal, or kill for each other. They constantly need a "fix" when separated for long periods of time (typically longer than 12 hours).
Obviously, there are no issues in the bedroom (or any mode of transportation) for these two, but outside of their sexual relationship, they struggle with the emotional parts of their relationships. Because of their history of both being sexually abused as children, they have a lot of baggage than hangs over both of their heads. It also causes them to have attachment and trust issues with each other.
The 2nd half of this book is where it really starts to get interesting. The author adds a bit of suspense, leading you down a path of Eva and Gideons pasts - some of which make a reappearance in their lives. Gideon also gives Eva some more insight into his childhood towards the end which helps to unravel the web that makes Gideon Cross the man he is today.
As I stated, I enjoyed this book much more than the first one, but there are still some quirks that annoy me. Both characters are annoyingly greedy and needy. They are an emotional roller coaster ; "I love him, I hate him" back and forth gets old - especially when you know already she is going to weaken and run right back. Gideon is portrayed as a headstrong, successful businessman, who is possessive and always in control. While the possessive feature is constant, his other traits are weakened by his lack of obsessiveness over a woman.
Reflected in You is by far a better read than its predecessor. The storyline really developed into more than sexual encounters, it was better written, and much more mature.
Reflected in You gets 4.3 stars.
Bared to You by Sylvia Day (Crossfire #1)
Berkley Publishing
2012
Format: e-book
First Line(s): "We should head to a bar and celebrate." I wasn't surprised by my roommate's emphatic pronouncement. Cary Taylor found excuses to celebrate, no matter how small and inconsequential. I'd alwasy considered it part of his charm. "I'm sure drinking the night before starting a new job is a bad idea."
Synopsis from Goodreads: “If I were to recommend any book today to readers who enjoyed 50 Shades…this would be the first one I would offer….scorching love scenes.”—Dear Author
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness…
He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily…
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds…and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...
My Thoughts: I read this following the 50 Shades of Grey series. These are not typically my "normal" type of read, however I had to see what all the hype was about. This series was recommended to me by a friend after I told her that the 50 Shades of Grey books annoyed me due to the whiny heroine in the books.
The plot of this book is a little too similar to the 50 shades of grey books. But it also had its differences which in my opinion made it a tad better than the 50 shades books.
Similarities:
- The hero (Gideon Cross) is a late 20's, tall, dark and irresistibly handsome billionaire, afraid of commitment, until he meets Eva.
- Gideon needs to be in control and is very obsessive when it comes to the heroine, Eva Tramell. Very jealous personality as the book continues in both the hero and heroine. Gideon maintains friendships with past lovers which Eva cannot tolerate.
- Everything with Gideon is sex...its always the matter of topic and on his mind non-stop.
- Gideon has commitment issues due to being abused as a small child. He is not into relationships, but Eva is different. With her he desires more than just sex, he wants her commitment to him - to give her the title all women dream of....girlfriend.
- TONS of sex...
Differences:
- There are no contracts, BDSM (yet anyway, they reference some remarks about it, but as of the end of this book there is none of that taking place).
- Eva is jealous, but no where near as whiney as Ana was. She is able to communicate and speak her mind. She is way more confident than Ana, but with anyone who dates a young, handsome, billionaire, she is constantly wondering why he is so into her when he can have anyone he desires.
- Both Gideon and Eva were abused sexually as children (at least I assume Gideon was based on my interpretation of what I read). This shapes the characters into the people that they are and how they handle their relationship and take it to new levels.
- TONS of sex...only more graphic and more of it than 50 Shades. Christian Grey doesn't hold a candle to Gideon in my opinion.
This book is primarily porn, but it does have a story and plot. Gideon and Eva provide a wild ride and a compelling story about obsession, lust, and heavy burdens from their troubled pasts. I hope Book 2 of the series, Reflected in You, will give some more insight on Gideon's past and solve the mystery of what causes his horrific nightmares and hidden secrets.
Bared to You gets 3.8 stars.
.jpg)
