Melting the Ice Princess: A Review of Sonali Dev's "The Bollywood Bride"

   I’m a total sucker for second chance at love story-lines, and Sonali Dev executes this setup flawlessly in her newest book The Bollywood Bride.

   When Bollywood actress and “Ice Princess” Ria Parkar returns home to Chicago for her cousin’s wedding she is reunited with her childhood friend and former flame, Vikram. Sparks fly between the two as the wedding preparations progress, and Ria is forced to confront the issues of her past as she contemplates walking away from Vikram yet again.

   Sonali Dev is a ridiculously talented writer, and she infuses her characters with such vibrant complexities that I truly felt like I knew them. While the romance is wonderful, (Vikram is a total stud) Dev really excels in portraying Ria’s family, whom she depicts with warmth and tenderness.

   With a passionate, steamy, and sentimental love story, and a look inside Indian-American culture, The Bollywood Bride is a must read for any romance reader. I absolutely loved it, and I cannot wait to read Dev’s next book.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"I'm a Shark!": A Review of Noelle Stevenson's "Nimona"

    Quirky, wonderful, whimsical, weird, but most of all very, very entertaining. "Nimona" by Noelle Stevenson was a short and delightfully fun read. 
    "Nimona" is the story of a girl/shark/cat/dinosaur/mysterious creature that becomes the assistant of notorious villain Lord Ballister Blackheart. Together they take on the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics and Blackheart's former friend and current nemesis Sir Ambrosious Goldenloin. Explosions, science, and adventure ensue.
    "Nimona" is oodles of fun. Now I can't wait to read Stevenson's Lumberjanes.

Duchess of Flawless: A Review of "The Summer Queen" by Elizabeth Chadwick

     I love Eleanor of Aquitaine. Like a lot. It is my personal opinion that she's one of the coolest women in history. (Duchess in her own right, married to two kings, went on crusade all while lookin' flawless.)

I woke up like this

    Needless to say, that I have read A LOT about Eleanor or, as Elizabeth Chadwick refers to her in her book "The Summer Queen," Alienor. However, Chadwick manages to tell the story of Eleanor's early life and marriage to Louis in a fresh and interesting way. Because "The Summer Queen" is the first in a planned trilogy of Eleanor's life, Chadwick is able to take her time telling the story of Eleanor's early life and marriage to Louis VII. Chadwick does an excellent job illustrating the souring of Eleanor and Louis' marriage, and depicting Eleanor's relationship with her volatile sister Petronella.  (Two things other books I've read on Eleanor's life have glossed over.)
    Eleanor is such a captivating figure in history, partly because of her ability to maintain her own power in her marriages to two very powerful men. Chadwick's Alienor is fierce and brave, willing to sacrifice personal happiness for the benefit of her beloved Aquitaine.
    This is my first Elizabeth Chadwick book, but it certainly won't be my last. I can't wait to read "The Winter Crown," the next book in Chadwick's Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy.

Which I just got an ARC of, so yay!

Food for Thought: A Review of "Kitchens of the Great Midwest" by J. Ryan Stradal

    What an incredibly interesting book. After finishing the book, I had to sit and let the whole story process in my brain. "Kitchens of the Great Midwest" is definitely one of the most though provoking books I've read this year. The book tells the story of Eva Thorvland, who has a "once-in-a-generation palate." Eva's story is told through the perspective of those around her, including her father, her cousin, and her teenage boyfriend.
    I decided to read this book after reading Stradal's article "I Was a Midwestern Teenage Foodie," (http://www.buzzfeed.com/jryanstradal/culinary-cosmonauts#.ikA33Ypw3p) which describes Stradal's experience as a "Culinary Cosmonaut." Stradal is an immensely talented writer, and after reading the article, I knew I'd have to read his book.

From "I Was a Midwestern Teenage Foodie"

    "Kitchens of the Great Midwest" is an interesting portrait of cooking, food, and foodie culture.  It is captivatingly readable, and I read it in (almost) one sitting. Stradal has an incredibly evocative way of writing about food. Reading this book was worse than watching the food network on an empty stomach, and I was practically salivating at every culinary creation he described.

Hunky Highlanders and Scary Fairies: A Review of "Beyond the Highland Mist"

    Please excuse me while I go read everything ever written by Karen Marie Moning. I have no idea why I haven't read anything by her before.

Ehhh, maybe I do

    I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to. Reading the synopsis it sounded like an Outlander ripoff, and lots of reviews suggest skipping this book in favor of the later books in the series. Being the completionist that I am, I ignored the reviews and prepared to trudge my way through this book in anticipation of relishing the later books. To my surprise I found myself enjoying this book quite a lot. It was the perfect beach read. Hawk and Adrienne are funny, heartwarming and ~steamy~. Perfect escapism. 
    I can't wait to read the next book, and now I'm dying to read Moning's Fever series, which everyone raves about.

No Guts, No Glory: A Review of "The Last Kingdom" by Bernard Cornwell

    "The Last Kingdom" by Bernard Cornwell is truly exemplary historical fiction. In Uhtred Cornwell has created a compelling protagonist, who lives through some of the most turbulent times in English history. This book has all the blood and guts you'd expect from a book about vikings. (WARNING: this book is definitely not for the faint of heart.)

Also, I've just read that this book is being to be made into a show, so that's pretty cool.

That look is the definition of smolder

    I'm pretty excited to watch the new show based on this book (which seems to be going for a sort of Game of Thrones vibe), and I definitely intend to read the next book in the series "The Pale Horseman."
    "The Last Kingdom" is filled with adventure, and is an example of historical fiction at its finest. Plus, you know Vikings.

Revenge Among The Bright Young Things: Lauren Willig's "The Other Daughter"

How great is this cover?!?!?

    Lauren Willig is probably my favorite author. I reread the first few Pink Carnation books every year, and they always take me to my happy place. Willig's books are always delightful, and her latest book,"The Other Daughter," is her most compelling stand alone to date.
    Set in the 1920's, governess Rachel Woodley discovers her deceased father is not only alive but also an earl. Rachel decides to infiltrate the world of the Bright Young Things, with the help of Simon Montfort, a gossip columnist with his own questionable motives. "The Other Daughter" is wonderfully atmospherice, and easily transports you to the world of the 1920's filled with nightclubs, cocktails, and cigarettes or "gaspers." 
    Since I am such a massive fan of Willig's Pink Carnation series, I was desperately excited to read this book. I brought it on vacation with me, and happily devoured it on the beach with the sound of waves in the background. found it to be the perfect beach read. 
It's a completely charming read. Rachel, the heroine, is likable and relatable, and Simon is certainly swoon worthy. Willig has written that Simon was influenced by Benedict Cumberbatch. 

It's become a bit of a thing among her fans.   

    My only (small) complaint is that I wish the book was a little longer, I think it would have helped some plots (especially the romance) develop more. But overall it's a winsome and wonderful read, prefect for curling up and reading with a cup of tea. Lauren Willig never lets me down.

A Love Letter to Bibliophiles: A Review of Nina George's "The Little Paris Bookshop"

   Nina George’s newest novel, “The Little Paris Bookshop,” is an ode to the healing power of books.

   Jean Perdu has a way of finding the perfect book for every person. (Pippi Longstockings for pessimism and fear of miracles, 1984 to reduce apathy and gullibility.)

“Books are more than doctors, of course. Some novels are loving, lifelong companions; some give you a clip around the ear; others are friends who wrap you in warm towels when you've got those autumn blues. And some...well, some are pink candy floss that tingles in your brain for three seconds and leaves a blissful voice. Like a short, torrid love affair.”

    However Monsieur Perdu has never found the book to cure himself. Perdu has closed himself off after a failed love affair twenty years before. When an old letter reignites long forgotten emotions, Perdu takes his Literary Apothecary, a book barge, on a trip down the rivers of France in an effort to find forgiveness and move on from grief. Along the way he meets a ragtag group of friends, and begins to learn to live again.

   This book was absolutely charming, and I fell in love with is instantly. I definitely recommend it to any book lover.

Paula Brackston's "Lamp Black, Wolf Grey"

    Is there anyone who describes Wales better than Paula Brackston? Brackston excels in describing the wild Welsh setting, and infuses her home with a sense of rugged beauty and hidden magic.
 

Take me there please!

    “Lamb Black, Wolf Grey” tells dual stories in different times, both featuring the Legendary Merlin. Laura, a painter, and her husband Dan move to the Welsh countryside to make a fresh start after years of infertility. Interspersed throughout Laura’s story is the story of Megan, a servant in the house of a wicked lord, and her romance with the magician Merlin. Laura is a complex and likable heroine, with very relatable weaknesses. While the mythical Merlin remains enigmatic and mysterious. I adore historical fiction, so it surprised me that I found myself rushing through the historical parts to return to the compelling contemporary plot line.
    Overall, I found the book to be an enjoyable, magical read. Though you should be warned, it might make you want to take a trip to the Welsh countryside.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Grown Up, Gothic Fairy Tale: A Review of Naomi Novik's "Uprooted"

    This book is enchanting, and you should absolutely read it. I can not emphasize that enough. Novik has created an incredible world, that she easily pulls you into. “Uprooted” reads like a grown up fairy tale, with all the charm and magic you remember of books from your childhood. Captivating from the first page, I was completely unable to put it down. Our hero, Agnieszka, has what the Dragon calls “an unequaled gift for disaster.” Always dirty, often clumsy, she worms her way into your heart with her stubborn determination and awkward charm. Aside from the adventure, there's a simple and endearing love story at the heart of the story.
    Although this novel is a complete story, I find myself longing to revisit the world of Polnya again. I cannot wait to reread this book, and slip into this world all over again!

"Overseas" by Beatriz Williams

3.5/5 Stars

Having loved William's A Hundred Summers and The Secret Life of Violet Grant, I started Overseas with an extreme level of excitement, to be left slightly underwhelmed. While I would strongly recommend William's other books I would give this book a solid "meh." (Although I will say that Julian has moments of intense yummyness.)

There’s Nothing Better Than Fantasy for Escapism.

For the first 100 pages I thought there was no way I’d ever finish this book. (And I HATE not finishing books.) The Eye of the World falls victim to the “introduce main character in peaceful village, spend wayyyyyy too long in said peaceful village before main character is forced to flee and the the story actually begins” trope that plagues fantasy novels. But yesterday I rushed to the store, bought a copy, shoved it in my younger brother’s hands and practically begged him to read it. So clearly I had a change of heart. At around the 200th page I was sucked in, unable to put the book down, and constantly wondering what was going to happen next to Rand, Moraine and crew. At this point I realized what countless people have realized before me: There’s Nothing Better Than Fantasy for Escapism.

Fantasy is a genre I've always flirted with from a distance, reading books by authors that claimed Tolkien as a muse but whose works didn't clock in as 800 page behemoths. I've read “The Hobbit,” but sadly never managed to work my way through “The Lord of the Rings” despite my undying love for the movies and fondness for anything with elves in it. With the exception of the A Song of Ice and Fire books, I would classify “The Eye of the World” as the first hardcore epic fantasy I've ever read. And I loved it.

My life is not filled with terrifying Myrddraals and beautiful Aes Sedai, but in getting to step into a completely new world, it’s easier to leave the problems in mine behind. And sometimes, when work is crazy, and school is hard, and my romantic life seems non-existent, that’s exactly what I want. So I’m breathless with excitement at diving right back into Robert Jordan’s amazing world in book two The Great Hunt.

P.S. I have to confess that I find Rand slightly boring. #TeamPerrin