I got The Girls He Adored from my favorite place... the thrift store! It seemed like it was going to be a very engrossing thriller... and it was. However, I can only give it a B.
Back of the book:
Call him Max. But don't shake his hand. Don't get too close at all. Because Max isn't Max. He's a lot of people, a twisted collection of personalities struggling to find a way out. One of those personalitites is vicious. Insatiable. A man with a talent for the blade and a hunger for women with strawberry hair.
Max's latest quarry, Dr. Irene Cogan, is about to learn two things firsthand; what makes Max tick, and what happened to The Girls He Adored.
The book reminded me slightly of The Silence of the Lambs. The psychtitrist who is interviewing the psychopath. And Max is clearly a psycho. He is disgusting and the things he does are quite terrifying. Normally books don't bother me, but there were parts that had me disgusted and I had to take a break from it. There was also a ton of medical terms that weren't clearly explained which frustrated me a bit. Overall, though, the book was pretty engrossing and the suspense was strong. As the book continued, it got much stronger and I was happy I kept reading it.
College football has started, so things are a bit shook up here. We are U of Michigan fans and had quite a few shake ups with the coaching and players so hope is dim here. Oh well, college football is fun to watch and gives me good reading time. I am starting Bad Desire, an old book that I got from the thrift store. I hope it is good! Have a great and safe long weekend and Happy Reading!!!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Party Crashers by Stephanie Bond
I am not sure how long this book has been sitting on my shelves, but I would guess a good couple of years. I decided to grab it because I know I got quite a few laughs out of the previous books I had read by Ms. Bond, but I guess this one wasn't as good. I can only give it a B.
From Amazon:
Jolie Goodman never yearned for a life in Atlanta's fast lane. All she wants is a career in real estate, and she's willing to sell shoes in Neiman Marcus over the holidays to make ends meet. But recently, her boyfriend vanished -- with her car -- and her search for answers leads her to some very exclusive circles. Jolie hooks up with a pair of retail fashionistas who have made crashing society bashes an art form, and soon findsherself rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous ... and rubbing other body parts with one of Atlanta's most eligible bachelors!
But Jolie can't shake the feeling that she's being pursued ... right into a dangerous clique where friends and enemies look the same, and flirtation is the preferred party favor. Jolie and her gal pals become the toast of the town ... until a body turns up at a sexy soiree the women have crashed. The fun and games come to a dead end when the "crashers" are fingered for the murder. The women have to pull all the tricks out of their designer bags to try to trap a stalker before Jolie, once the life of the party, becomes the death of the party.
This was a good book, just really nothing spectacular. Maybe I was ready for the sweet little romance that I know was going to be in the book, and that is what may have dragged me down a bit. I like a good, gentle romance every now and then but just wasn't in the mood right now. I did have a smile in some places and did like all of the characters. This book just wasn't as funny as the others were, so I felt a little let down. Still, I am glad I read this book.
Up next is The Girls He Adorded by Jonathan Nasaw. This is another book that has been downstairs forever, and promises to be a dark, dark thriller. A feel like I haven't read a thriller in awhile, so I hope it is a good one. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Jolie Goodman never yearned for a life in Atlanta's fast lane. All she wants is a career in real estate, and she's willing to sell shoes in Neiman Marcus over the holidays to make ends meet. But recently, her boyfriend vanished -- with her car -- and her search for answers leads her to some very exclusive circles. Jolie hooks up with a pair of retail fashionistas who have made crashing society bashes an art form, and soon findsherself rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous ... and rubbing other body parts with one of Atlanta's most eligible bachelors!
But Jolie can't shake the feeling that she's being pursued ... right into a dangerous clique where friends and enemies look the same, and flirtation is the preferred party favor. Jolie and her gal pals become the toast of the town ... until a body turns up at a sexy soiree the women have crashed. The fun and games come to a dead end when the "crashers" are fingered for the murder. The women have to pull all the tricks out of their designer bags to try to trap a stalker before Jolie, once the life of the party, becomes the death of the party.
This was a good book, just really nothing spectacular. Maybe I was ready for the sweet little romance that I know was going to be in the book, and that is what may have dragged me down a bit. I like a good, gentle romance every now and then but just wasn't in the mood right now. I did have a smile in some places and did like all of the characters. This book just wasn't as funny as the others were, so I felt a little let down. Still, I am glad I read this book.
Up next is The Girls He Adorded by Jonathan Nasaw. This is another book that has been downstairs forever, and promises to be a dark, dark thriller. A feel like I haven't read a thriller in awhile, so I hope it is a good one. Happy Reading!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
L.A. Connections by Jackie Collins
Another Jackie Collins book and I know, I know that I am being repetetive. What can I say... I am trying to stretch out the summer as much as possible. Back to school on Tuesday, though I am sure I will not be called to sub then, but still the days are getting shorter and I am not ready! Anyways, another great read and lots of fun. I give L.A. Connections a B+.
Back of the book:
A killer is playing a deadly game inside the enxlusive mansions of L.A. Drawn into this dangerous world are a high-class call girl looking for a way out... a ruthless agent playing for high stakes... and a beautiful journalist chasing the story of her career. They are about to discover the rules of survival in this city of dreamers and deceivers.
This book was actually a miniseries of four books that was combined into one book. I am very glad that I read the whole book once and didn't want to have find all four of the books. However, because of the books being combined there was some repeating of the information that I just finished reading. I wish an editor could have gone through and deleted some of that, but it was just a little nitpicking. It was another fun read and as I have mentioned several times before I love reading about Hollywood and the way some people behave out there.
Up next is a book off of the tbr stack. I am not sure what one it is going to be but I am going to take a peek and decide. Happy Reading everyone!!!
Back of the book:
A killer is playing a deadly game inside the enxlusive mansions of L.A. Drawn into this dangerous world are a high-class call girl looking for a way out... a ruthless agent playing for high stakes... and a beautiful journalist chasing the story of her career. They are about to discover the rules of survival in this city of dreamers and deceivers.
This book was actually a miniseries of four books that was combined into one book. I am very glad that I read the whole book once and didn't want to have find all four of the books. However, because of the books being combined there was some repeating of the information that I just finished reading. I wish an editor could have gone through and deleted some of that, but it was just a little nitpicking. It was another fun read and as I have mentioned several times before I love reading about Hollywood and the way some people behave out there.
Up next is a book off of the tbr stack. I am not sure what one it is going to be but I am going to take a peek and decide. Happy Reading everyone!!!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Lady Boss by Jackie Collins
Yes, I am still on my Jackie Collins' kick. I love her bookos and all of the juicy characters and Lady Boss was not an exception. I give it a A-.
From Amazon:
The dangerously beautiful Lucky -- star of two of Jackie Collins'previous smash, international number one bestsellers, Chancesand Lucky -- returns in Lady Boss. And thistime the shockingly sensual, ruthlessly clever Lucky is out to conquerHollywood!
In Chances Lucky grew up in a top crime family. InLucky, she was married three times. And now, in LadyBoss, she takes on Hollywood and wins!
Panther Studios is the prize and Lucky wants it... In her quest for power shemeets adversaries and enemies, friends and betrayers. And her relationship withher husband, charismatic comedian and movie star, Lennie Goldenis put to the test.
Lucky's first challenge is to buy the only movie studio still not controlled bya powerful conglomerate -- Panther Studios, owned by the retired, irascible, oldAbe Panther. But Abe won't sell his beloved studio to Luckyuntil she proves she has the guts to make it in Hollywood. It's his idea thatshe disguise herself as a secretary and go in undercover to find out what'sreally going on. It's a challenge that also satisfies Lucky's passionfor adventure -- and her desire to take chances...
In the process, Lucky uncovers a world of financial scheming, big-timebetrayal, and bizarre sex.
Panther Studios and Lucky Santangelo... a dangerous mix...
When Lucky makes her final move, assuming the role of Lady Boss at Panther Studios, she stuns the entire industry and sets offa series of shock waves, not only threatening her marriage to Lennie, butbringing down on her head the hatred of crime boss CarlosBonnatti -- a hatred that goes back generations, putting in peril herlife, and the lives of everyone close to her!
There are so many characters and so many problems and they just continue to add to the usual steamy sex and inside look to Hollywood and how people and celebrities really act. I really like the main character Lucky as she is such a strong-willed woman who works her butt off to get all that she wants. She can be a bitch at times, but she is very likeable. I love connecting with these characters that I have an emotional connection with from the previous books. This book was over 600 pages long, but it is never daunting or seeming to be way too long. I really enjoy her books and loved this one as well.
Up next is another Jackie Collins book I got from the library. After that I will probably take a little break from her and read something different. This weekend I hit up a couple of thrift stores and bought over 20 books and only spent $5.00. Then eharlequin.com is having a wonderful sale where all of the books were buy one get one free. Since I love their Mira line, I ended up buying some. As signing up as a new member (I used my hubbys name), I got $4.00 off and free shipping. Then with their usual discounts and the buy one get one free, I got 10 brand new books for $23.00, including shipping. I needed all of these like I need I a hole in my head, but oh well. This will hold me over until Christmas time and I am sure to get more gift cards. I haven't even stepped foot in a Borders in quite awhile. And the thrift store is like a hobby, searching and looking for books I may not be able to get otherwise. Plus my money goes to a good cause, and then when I am done reading them, I mostly donate them back to Purple Heart or the Salvation Army or my library. I hope everyone had a great weekend, I had a little bit too much fun last night at a BBQ with some of the people on our bowling league and am paying for it now. This is why I never drink... a sniff of wine and I am hungover. So not worth it, but once in awhile it isn't too bad. Happy Reading!!!!
From Amazon:
The dangerously beautiful Lucky -- star of two of Jackie Collins'previous smash, international number one bestsellers, Chancesand Lucky -- returns in Lady Boss. And thistime the shockingly sensual, ruthlessly clever Lucky is out to conquerHollywood!
In Chances Lucky grew up in a top crime family. InLucky, she was married three times. And now, in LadyBoss, she takes on Hollywood and wins!
Panther Studios is the prize and Lucky wants it... In her quest for power shemeets adversaries and enemies, friends and betrayers. And her relationship withher husband, charismatic comedian and movie star, Lennie Goldenis put to the test.
Lucky's first challenge is to buy the only movie studio still not controlled bya powerful conglomerate -- Panther Studios, owned by the retired, irascible, oldAbe Panther. But Abe won't sell his beloved studio to Luckyuntil she proves she has the guts to make it in Hollywood. It's his idea thatshe disguise herself as a secretary and go in undercover to find out what'sreally going on. It's a challenge that also satisfies Lucky's passionfor adventure -- and her desire to take chances...
In the process, Lucky uncovers a world of financial scheming, big-timebetrayal, and bizarre sex.
Panther Studios and Lucky Santangelo... a dangerous mix...
When Lucky makes her final move, assuming the role of Lady Boss at Panther Studios, she stuns the entire industry and sets offa series of shock waves, not only threatening her marriage to Lennie, butbringing down on her head the hatred of crime boss CarlosBonnatti -- a hatred that goes back generations, putting in peril herlife, and the lives of everyone close to her!
There are so many characters and so many problems and they just continue to add to the usual steamy sex and inside look to Hollywood and how people and celebrities really act. I really like the main character Lucky as she is such a strong-willed woman who works her butt off to get all that she wants. She can be a bitch at times, but she is very likeable. I love connecting with these characters that I have an emotional connection with from the previous books. This book was over 600 pages long, but it is never daunting or seeming to be way too long. I really enjoy her books and loved this one as well.
Up next is another Jackie Collins book I got from the library. After that I will probably take a little break from her and read something different. This weekend I hit up a couple of thrift stores and bought over 20 books and only spent $5.00. Then eharlequin.com is having a wonderful sale where all of the books were buy one get one free. Since I love their Mira line, I ended up buying some. As signing up as a new member (I used my hubbys name), I got $4.00 off and free shipping. Then with their usual discounts and the buy one get one free, I got 10 brand new books for $23.00, including shipping. I needed all of these like I need I a hole in my head, but oh well. This will hold me over until Christmas time and I am sure to get more gift cards. I haven't even stepped foot in a Borders in quite awhile. And the thrift store is like a hobby, searching and looking for books I may not be able to get otherwise. Plus my money goes to a good cause, and then when I am done reading them, I mostly donate them back to Purple Heart or the Salvation Army or my library. I hope everyone had a great weekend, I had a little bit too much fun last night at a BBQ with some of the people on our bowling league and am paying for it now. This is why I never drink... a sniff of wine and I am hungover. So not worth it, but once in awhile it isn't too bad. Happy Reading!!!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Prime Time by Joan Collins
I went to the library to get a book by Jackie Collins and found books written by Joan Collins, the actress of an old show I loved. The premise sounded promising, so I decided to pick it up. However, it was a disappointment and I can only give it a C.
From Amazon:
Her milieu is Hollywood in the 1980s, where five actresses are testing for the "greatest goddamn woman's role since Scarlett O'Hara." The coveted part is that of Miranda, the glamorous, voluptuous, bitchy ex-wife of a business tycoon in a TV series resembling Dynasty. Top contender is beautiful Chloe Carriere, a British songstress married (and faithful) to an aging rock star with a penchant for young girls. She harbors a carefully guarded secretan illegitimate love child whom she dotes on, but who knows her as Aunt Chloe. Generating only tepid suspense with this soap-opera staple, Collins is equally inept with a second element of attempted intrigue: a disturbed young man so obsessed by another actress vying for the prized part that he plots to kill the "sluts" who are competing for the role.
This book didn't have a whole lot to offer. There was a ton of name dropping from stars in the past and a lot of technical aspects of the movie business in it. I thought from the description of the book there would be a bit more suspense, but it really kind of fell flat. There were a ton of characters to try and keep straight, and it was not the easiest thing. There was no clear timeline and it was difficult to understand the passage of time and it let me kind of confused. The characters were not really developed so I didn't find an emotional connection to them. I am not sorry I read this book, but was somewhat let down.
Up next is another Jackie Collins book, the next one in the Lucky series. I love series, especially when new characters are introduced and we also get to follow along with the old favorites. I am loving this week off and getting a lot of reading done. I hope everyone is also having a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Her milieu is Hollywood in the 1980s, where five actresses are testing for the "greatest goddamn woman's role since Scarlett O'Hara." The coveted part is that of Miranda, the glamorous, voluptuous, bitchy ex-wife of a business tycoon in a TV series resembling Dynasty. Top contender is beautiful Chloe Carriere, a British songstress married (and faithful) to an aging rock star with a penchant for young girls. She harbors a carefully guarded secretan illegitimate love child whom she dotes on, but who knows her as Aunt Chloe. Generating only tepid suspense with this soap-opera staple, Collins is equally inept with a second element of attempted intrigue: a disturbed young man so obsessed by another actress vying for the prized part that he plots to kill the "sluts" who are competing for the role.
This book didn't have a whole lot to offer. There was a ton of name dropping from stars in the past and a lot of technical aspects of the movie business in it. I thought from the description of the book there would be a bit more suspense, but it really kind of fell flat. There were a ton of characters to try and keep straight, and it was not the easiest thing. There was no clear timeline and it was difficult to understand the passage of time and it let me kind of confused. The characters were not really developed so I didn't find an emotional connection to them. I am not sorry I read this book, but was somewhat let down.
Up next is another Jackie Collins book, the next one in the Lucky series. I love series, especially when new characters are introduced and we also get to follow along with the old favorites. I am loving this week off and getting a lot of reading done. I hope everyone is also having a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster
I absolutely love Ms. Lancaster's snarky attitude and her outlook on life. She says and does a lot of things that I only think about it, and she always makes me laugh. I was stalking my library waiting for this book to be released and it was worth the wait. While I didn't enjoy this book as much as her others, it was still a fun read. I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
"To whom the fat rolls…I'm tired of books where a self-loathing heroine is teased to the point where she starves herself skinny in hopes of a fabulous new life. And I hate the message that women can't possibly be happy until we all fit into our skinny jeans. I don't find these stories uplifting; they make me want to hug these women and take them out for fizzy champagne drinks and cheesecake and explain to them that until they figure out their insides, their outsides don't matter. Unfortunately, being overweight isn't simply a societal issue that can be fixed with a dose healthy of positive self-esteem. It’s a health matter, and here on the eve of my fortieth year, I've learned I have to make changes so I don't, you know, die. Because what good if finally being able to afford a pedicure if I lose a foot to adult onset diabetes?"
This book tracks Jen as she decides to take on her weight issues and get healthy. She discusses her various ways of attempting to lose weight and become healthy, the reader does get a good idea on what the main thing to do is... eat less and move more (also said by one of my favorite radio hosts). As I don't have weight problems some of it I couldn't relate to but it does allow me to see some of the struggles people go through with dieting. There is also some of daily life sprinkled in and the things that happen to her. It is really inspiring to see how well she has done and the struggles that she has overcome, so I would recommend this to anyone who would like to lose weight or just find motivation to do anything.
Up next is a library book. I went today and picked up two and also went the thrift store and bought books. I believe I got 8 books for $5.00, with three of them hardcovers. I successful trip, I believe. Happy Reading everyone!
From Amazon:
"To whom the fat rolls…I'm tired of books where a self-loathing heroine is teased to the point where she starves herself skinny in hopes of a fabulous new life. And I hate the message that women can't possibly be happy until we all fit into our skinny jeans. I don't find these stories uplifting; they make me want to hug these women and take them out for fizzy champagne drinks and cheesecake and explain to them that until they figure out their insides, their outsides don't matter. Unfortunately, being overweight isn't simply a societal issue that can be fixed with a dose healthy of positive self-esteem. It’s a health matter, and here on the eve of my fortieth year, I've learned I have to make changes so I don't, you know, die. Because what good if finally being able to afford a pedicure if I lose a foot to adult onset diabetes?"
This book tracks Jen as she decides to take on her weight issues and get healthy. She discusses her various ways of attempting to lose weight and become healthy, the reader does get a good idea on what the main thing to do is... eat less and move more (also said by one of my favorite radio hosts). As I don't have weight problems some of it I couldn't relate to but it does allow me to see some of the struggles people go through with dieting. There is also some of daily life sprinkled in and the things that happen to her. It is really inspiring to see how well she has done and the struggles that she has overcome, so I would recommend this to anyone who would like to lose weight or just find motivation to do anything.
Up next is a library book. I went today and picked up two and also went the thrift store and bought books. I believe I got 8 books for $5.00, with three of them hardcovers. I successful trip, I believe. Happy Reading everyone!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Lucky by Jackie Collins
Oh, do I love me a Jackie Collins' novel, especially in the summer. To me, her novels are always considered the perfect beach read and Lucky was no different. I started it last night and finished it today, which just goes to show how much I loved this book as it was 600 pages long. I solid A read.
From Amazon:
With the sensual grace of a panther, Lucky Santangelo prowled her Las Vegas casino, restless, ready, eager for action. That night began a dazzling odyssey, filled with dangerous passion and sun-drenched sex, sadistic vengeance and breathless suspense. From the decadent luxury of California, to Paris, New York and a private Greek island, Lucky fought for her father's honor, for ruthless triumph, for the wild card of a fabulous love. Her rivals; an ice-cold Hollywood wife...a much-married heiress strung out on cocaine...a jaded magnate hooked on power...a crazed hoodlum lusting for murder. But Lucky was a gambIer and a lover, a woman who ruled her empire and pursued her man with the potent Santangelo strength ... her way, on her terms, whatever the odds.
I think the thing I love best about Ms. Collins' books are all of the well-written characters. Because her books tend to be so long, we get to really know all of the characters and get an inside view into their minds. She just writes such believable characters, normally those who are rich, and they are all connected in some way and I love to get an inside look. I know a lot of people think her stories are just sex, sex, and more sex, and while there is sex, it is not what the whole book is focused on. This book has it all, murder, kidnapping, love, humor, and friendship. It is truly alarming how though this book was written in 1984, I still see a lot of the current "celebrities" in her characters. The book is not dated much and I just love to soak them up. Another great thrift store find.
Up next is a memoir that I got from the library by one of my favorites, Jen Lancaster. It is her newest book and I feel like I have had it on hold forever. There were a couple of times I almost broke down and bought it, but because I read them so fast and it is a trade paperback, I just didn't feel like spending $15.00. I will probably start it tonight before bed. I started my vacation off with a kick and am enjoying it!!! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
With the sensual grace of a panther, Lucky Santangelo prowled her Las Vegas casino, restless, ready, eager for action. That night began a dazzling odyssey, filled with dangerous passion and sun-drenched sex, sadistic vengeance and breathless suspense. From the decadent luxury of California, to Paris, New York and a private Greek island, Lucky fought for her father's honor, for ruthless triumph, for the wild card of a fabulous love. Her rivals; an ice-cold Hollywood wife...a much-married heiress strung out on cocaine...a jaded magnate hooked on power...a crazed hoodlum lusting for murder. But Lucky was a gambIer and a lover, a woman who ruled her empire and pursued her man with the potent Santangelo strength ... her way, on her terms, whatever the odds.
I think the thing I love best about Ms. Collins' books are all of the well-written characters. Because her books tend to be so long, we get to really know all of the characters and get an inside view into their minds. She just writes such believable characters, normally those who are rich, and they are all connected in some way and I love to get an inside look. I know a lot of people think her stories are just sex, sex, and more sex, and while there is sex, it is not what the whole book is focused on. This book has it all, murder, kidnapping, love, humor, and friendship. It is truly alarming how though this book was written in 1984, I still see a lot of the current "celebrities" in her characters. The book is not dated much and I just love to soak them up. Another great thrift store find.
Up next is a memoir that I got from the library by one of my favorites, Jen Lancaster. It is her newest book and I feel like I have had it on hold forever. There were a couple of times I almost broke down and bought it, but because I read them so fast and it is a trade paperback, I just didn't feel like spending $15.00. I will probably start it tonight before bed. I started my vacation off with a kick and am enjoying it!!! Happy Reading!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
