Booky Thoughts and Me

Book reviews and pondering thoughts of a down to earth person


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Waiting on Wednesday: Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

New WoWWaiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at  Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Publishing: April 16, 2013

Publisher: Putnam Adult

Summary (Goodreads): For more than three hundred years, Bluff House has sat above Whiskey Beach, guarding its shore—and its secrets. But to Eli Landon, it’s home…

A Boston lawyer, Eli has weathered an intense year of public scrutiny and police investigations after being accused of—but never arrested for—the murder of his soon-to-be-ex wife.

He finds sanctuary at Bluff House, even though his beloved grandmother is in Boston recuperating from a nasty fall. Abra Walsh is always there, though. Whiskey Beach’s resident housekeeper, yoga instructor, jewelry maker, and massage therapist, Abra is a woman of many talents—including helping Eli take control of his life and clear his name. But as they become entangled in each other, they find themselves caught in a net that stretches back for centuries—one that has ensnared a man intent on reaping the rewards of destroying Eli Landon once and for all

Personal Thoughts: This book sounds so intriguing and interesting. There’s hints in the synopsis that there might be flashbacks or ghosts involved and that’s always fascinating to read about. It is another Nora Robert’s book and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. The cover looks awesome and a bit mysterious.  You know what they say about quiet places or islands; they are the ones that have mysteries and secrets just waiting to be uncovered.

 In the mean time I’ll be catching up on some of my TBR titles and delving into non- ficiton a bit.


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Book Review: Delusion in Death

Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb

Published: September 11, 2012

Publisher: Putnam Adult

Source: Library

Summary: ( Source: Goodreads) It was just another after-work happy-hour bar downtown, where business professionals unwound with a few drinks, complained about the boss, maybe hooked up with someone for the night.  Until something went terribly wrong.  At first it was just a friction in the air.  The noise intensified.  The crow seemed oppressive.  some sharp words were exchanged, some pushing and shoving.

Then the madness descended.  And after twelve minutes of chaos and violence, eighty people lay dead.

Eve Dallas is trying to sort out the inexplicable events. Surviving witnesses talk about seeing things—monsters and swarms of bees.  They describe sudden, overwhelming feelings of fear and rage and paranoia.  When forensics makes its report, the mass delusions make more sense: it appears the bar patrons were exposed to a cocktail of chemicals and illegal drugs that could drive people to temporary insanity—if not kill them outright.

But that doesn’t explain who would unleash such horror—or why.  Eve’s husband, Roarke, happens to own the bar, yet he’s convinced the attack wasn’t directed at him.  It’s bigger than that.  And if Eve can’t figure it out fast, it could happen again, anytime, anywhere. Because it’s airborne.

Personal Thoughts:  I loved this book! From page one I was hooked and just wanted to keep on reading. The plot was fast paced and full of action to keep me interested throughout the entire book. I was on the edge of my seat, especially the last few chapters where it was really juicy! 🙂 The writing style and the details for certain parts of the book were short and sweet while in others it was longer. J.D. Robb knows how to pack a punch, make it nice and sweet yet concise for more effect.

It was great to see the whole cast of characters interacting with each other, such as Baxter, McNab, Peabody, Trueheart, etc.  The dynamic between Eve, Roarke and Summerset was tested again  and it was fascinating to be a fly on the wall. It is always entertaining to see Eve and Summerset bicker back and forth.

Every time I read a book in this series, it feels as though these characters are old friends who I haven’t seen in a long time. I know their back stories, how they feel and react to different situations and their day-to-day activities. The best part is that I have one more book to catch up on and when I am done, it will be almost February when the next one comes out.

Rating: 4/5 Stars


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Book Review: The Perfect Hope

The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts

Published: November 6, 2012

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Source: Library

In the conclusion to the fabulous Inn Boonsboro Trilogy, sparks fly when Hope and Ryder attempt to get along and show that there’s nothing going on. Hope is the inn keeper and works for Ryder’s mother. She’s a female version of Owen: meticulously organized, clean, plan/schedule oriented. It’s a bit easier for Ryder because he’s had practice all his life with Owen.

Things really start to heat up when Hope’s ex shows up stirring up trouble. When Ryder sees Hope in a vulnerable position, he starts to see a new side and realizes that she’s not as perfect as he thought, but she just might be perfect for him.

Personal Thoughts: The conclusion to the trilogy was great. It was everything that I expected and more. The sparks and little fights that took place between Ryder and Hope made me turn the pages faster to find out when they would finally give in and realize that there’s something going on.

Ryder’s character and personality as well as Hope’s was a gem and it was enjoyable to read. It was good to see the whole Montgomery clan as well as Clare and Avery interacting with each other.

One of the best things that I finally got a chance to see was who Billy, the ghost, was and his storyline. I loved how the whole story was interconnected with one of the family’s and it brought closure once the final pieces were figured out.

Another great trilogy collection well worth spending the time reading and re-reading. Good job Nora Roberts! Keep up the great work crafting beautiful stories.

Rating: 4/5 Stars


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Book Review: The Last Boyfriend

 The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts

Published: May 1, 2012

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Source: Library

Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, he makes sure everything is scheduled and in its right place. He runs the family’s constructin business with an iron fist and no detail is too small to get misplaced. The construction of the inn( Inn BoonsBoro) is going smoothly and is about to open right on schedule-Owen expects nothing less. Owen plans for everything, however, he didn’t plan on Avery McTavish.

Avery McTavish owns the popular pizza place right across the street from the inn and it gives her a prime spot in seeing all the action that is hapening at the inn and with Owen. Owen was Avery’s first boyfriend and since then, he has never been far from her mind. The last thing that she expected was to feel an attraction that is far from friendly. Taking it slow, Owen and Avery go on a journey to see where their new attraction and relationship will take them.

Getting the inn ready for the grand opening day and letting Avery’s guard down, has Owen busy up to his eye brows. However, he knows that once he is done convincing her, Avery’s first boyfriend will be her last.

Personal Thoughts:

This is the second book in the Inn Boonsboro trilogy. First thing that I am going to say is that I loved the colors of the cover. They were so welcoming and peaceful, perfect for what it is about. I loved the format of the book. It is as though you are opening up the pages of a diary or something of sorts. It is hard to describe so I recommed you look it up at your local book store to see for yourself.

Also, I don’t know about you but I am a big fan of Nora Roberts and although there have been some books that were alright, the majority of hers are great entertainment for me.

Owen and Avery were quite a match of smart wits, humour, and matching stubborness. It didn’t help that they have known each other since they were kids, and that they had a history between them. It was so entertaining to see them try to fight their attraction and fail miserably. Sometimes you just know and can’t stop it. The progress of the inn and the daily going ons of Vespa keep both of them busy constantly but it is interesting to be a fly on the wall and see how they handle the stressful situations that surround them.

It was intriguing to find out more about the inn inhabitant-aka ghost. With some research Owen and Hope slowly reveal to us what could have happened to the ghost and why she is still lingering in this time frame and not going back to her side. She makes a few appearences personally and with her signature scent as well-honeysuckle. There is not as much ghost activity in this one as there was in the previous book, however there is just enough to not forget that she is there.

I loved the descriptive writing. Nora Roberts always manages to be very descriptive but in a way that doesn’t bog down the story line or make you bored because there is too much detail. You get just the right amount that you want to know more, and there is a good picture in your head of what everone looks like and their surroundings.

If you haven’t read any of the books in the trilogy, I would say start with the first one, because it will be a lot easier to follow along. This isn’t one of those books where if you pick up the second or third it is still ok as a stand alone, it is better to read from the first one.