DNF Mini Review: All Fired Up by Vivian Arend & Elle Kennedy

All Fired Up (DreamMakers #1)
Author: Vivian Arend & Elle Kennedy
Release Date: April 22, 2014
Publisher: Vivian Arend & Elle Kennedy
Format: ebook
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Jenn

He’s ready to lead the way

Parker Wilson never thought he’d go from battle-hardened soldier to romance expert, but after his stint in the Rangers, that’s exactly what happened. As the owner of DreamMakers Inc., he helps other men win in the love department, using every resource available to plan the perfect date. When a routine recon turns into an unexpected night of passion, Parker’s mission becomes more personal—and he won’t give up until Lynn Davidson is all his.

She’s more than willing to follow

Lynn is a goner from the moment she lays eyes on the delectable Parker. She’s just ditched her boring almost-boyfriend and is tired of sticking to the straight and narrow. It’s time to walk on the wild side, and what better way than in the arms of the most irresistible man she’s ever met? But when their red-hot affair is threatened, it’ll take a team effort to make their dreams come true.

1 star out of 5 stars

**This is a DID NOT FINISH review. It includes my thought on the book up to 25% of it.**

Initially, I was really excited about reading this book. The first chapter hooked me and I proceeded onwards. However, I quickly realized that what I had liked about the first chapter and what had initially called me from the synopsis, the reality was taking a completely different turn. After the first chapter, I realized that the book was taking a turn I didn't really like. And to be honest, it even seemed weird that our heroine was going down that road. I didn't even know what to think of the hero. Or heroes, in this case, again, I'm not exactly sure. Very quickly, I decided that I didn't want to continue with the book, and gave up on it. I have more books to read anyways. Maybe it's a better book for someone else.

Second Chance Read Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me
(Shatter Me #1)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Release Date: November 15, 20111
Publisher: Harper
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Review by: Jenn

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war– and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: BE A WEAPON. OR BE A WARRIOR.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel with a paranormal twist that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

When I picked out the Shatter Me audiobook, I was super excited. It has been years since I first read the series, let alone the first book. I wanted to go back and fall in love with Tahereh’s words. However, I forgot how much in a bad place Juliette was in the first book. She hadn’t spoken to anyone in almost a year, only stuck in her own head. Unfortunately, I didn’t really get that far into the audiobook, only up to when Adam enter the jail cell she’s in. The narrator did a great job but there were times, I just wanted press the fast forward button. The scene when Juliette just repeats to herself, like a mantra, “I’m not insane,” it made an even bigger impact at how destroyed Juliette was in the beginning. I remembered that when I first read Shatter Me, I really liked but it wasn’t my favorite. The best came afterwards, with the first novella and the second book of the series.

I’m not sure if I’ll listen to the other audiobooks, maybe I’ll reread the books instead but it won’t be the same since rereading as audiobook helps me look at my favorite books in a new light. However, I’m trying to reread some of my favorites so who knows.

Have you listened to Shatter Me on audio?

DNF Mini Review: The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAllister

The Importance of Being Alice
(Ainslie Brothers #1)
Author: Katie MacAlister
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Publisher: Signet
Source: Berkley
Review by: Jenn

First in a new series!

From New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister comes a series about finding your own wonderland—through one roadblock at a time…

Nothing about Alice Wood’s life is normal right now. Her fiance called off their wedding and relationship days before their luxurious tour down Europe’s most romantic rivers. And due to a horrible misunderstanding, now Alice is cooped up in her honeymoon suite with a strange—yet mysteriously handsome—British aristocrat.

All Elliott Ainslie wants is some quiet time to write his latest book. But his stodgy, serious self is about to be sidetracked by a woman who seems to have jumped out of the pages of a fairy tale, one who is determined to shake up his life…and include him in her own happily ever after.

1 star out of 5 stars

*I received a free finished copy of this book from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

**This is a DID NOT FINISH review. I only read up to page 85 so these are my thoughts up to this point.**

I had high hopes for this book. I was looking forward to it but after suffering through a few chapters, I just didn't like it.  I couldn't connect to any of the characters and actually found them to be a bit irritating. Alice is supposed to be a quirky character but, again, it ended up showing up as irritating. Another unfortunate moment right before I called it quits, was when I saw the hint of instalove. Since I didn't read all that much, I can't confirm it, but I did see it happening.

It disappointing that I didn't end up liking the book considering that it supposed to take place as both Alice and Elliot travel Europe in a cruise. Ah such a missed connection.

DNF Review: How to Fall by Jane Casey

How to Fall
(Jess Tennant #1)
Author: Jane Casey
Release Date: August 26, 2014
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source: NetGalley
Review by: Jenn

Sixteen-year-old Jess Tennant has never met any of her relatives, until her mom suddenly drags her out of London to spend the summer in the tiny English town where her family’s from. Her mom’s decision is surprising, but even more surprising is the town’s reaction to Jess. Everywhere she goes, people look at her like they’ve seen a ghost. In a way, they have—she looks just like her cousin Freya, who died shortly before Jess came to town.

Jess immediately feels a strange connection to Freya, whom she never got to meet alive. But the more Jess learns about the secrets Freya was keeping while she was alive, the more suspicious Freya’s death starts to look. One thing is for sure: this will be anything but the safe, boring summer in the country Jess was expecting.

1 stars out of 5 stars

***This is a Did Not Finish review. These are my thoughts of up what I was able to read.***

I was really excited about starting this book. I read the synopsis and I was really happy when I was approved for this title on NetGalley but unfortunately, I just couldn't click with it.

I had a hard time clicking with the main character, Jess, and there were so many occasion where I found myself rolling my eyes at her internal thoughts. I also could not see her fascination with trying to find out whether her cousin's death was accidental or not. I just didn't feel that connection that Jess feels towards Freya and just had to stop. I found myself skimming a lot and I realized early on, that I just couldn't find myself to become invested in story. It was at that point that I decided to just give up on the story.

Maybe it was just me but I was disappointed that this book was a let down. Hopefully there are some other readers out there that enjoys it a lot more than I did.

DNF Review: Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

Seeker
(Seeker #1)
Author: Arwen Elys Dayton
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Source: NetGalley
Review by: Nahomi

Quin Kincaid has been put through years of brutal training for what she thinks is the noble purpose of becoming a revered ‘Seeker’.

Only when it’s too late does she discover she will be using her new-found knowledge and training to become an assassin. Quin's new role will take her around the globe, from a remote estate in Scotland to a bustling, futuristic Hong Kong where the past she thought she had escaped will finally catch up with her.

1 star out of 5 stars
*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher but it did not influenced this review in any way.*
***This is a Did Not Finish review. Therese are my thoughts of what I read.***

I am so disappointed that I wasn't able to get into Seeker, it sounded so good. I was really excited about getting into a new series full of action and mystery, but it just wasn't meant to be. I got 31% in and I couldn't continue reading for a couple of reasons. The concept is good but as I started reading my initial issue was with the narration. I've read books in third person and sometimes I have issues getting into them but if I'm hooked on the story then I can get over the narration issues. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case here. I found the narration to be confusing, making it hard to follow the story.

The main reason I couldn't continue reading is that even at 31% into the book I wasn't invested in the story. I wasn't connecting with any of the characters. Even after the initial revelation of what was actually happening in the story, I lost interest in what was happening. I tried several times to continue reading but I just couldn't get through it.

DNF Review: A Beautiful Thought by Alicia Rae

A Beautiful Thought
Author: Alicia Rae
Release Date: July 14, 2014
Publisher: Alicia Rae
Source: Literati Author Services
Review by: Nahomi

As a physical sports therapist, Gail Bennett is accustomed to working with gorgeous athletes every day, but after falling for a few of these attractive men, she has been left heartbroken one too many times. When Gail’s hours at work are unexpectedly cut, she must find a way to continue helping her parents pay for her sister’s education. Reluctantly following her best friend’s advice, Gail takes on a roommate—with the one man she has been avoiding since the first time she laid eyes on him.

Damon Johnson loves a challenge, and he is not the type of man to back down when he wants something. From the first moment he meets Gail for dinner, he feels an inexplicable pull between the two of them. In his determination to have her, he finds himself helping her in any way he can.

Can Damon break through all the barriers Gail has so carefully placed around her heart and prove that he’s different? Or will Gail’s reservations keep her from falling in love?

One thought could change everything.

1 star out of 5 stars

***This is a Did Not Finish review. These are my thoughts of what I read.***

Initially the concept for this book sounded great, and it's still a great concept but I just couldn't get into how it was executed in this book. This novel has a strong female character which I love but her voice sounded too formal; which made is hard for me to connect with her. The dialogue and Gail's inner monologue annoyed me to the point that I decided to stop reading this novel. There were certain phrases which had me rolling my eyes, or I would have to step away from the story and rant to my friends to see if it was just me. Like I said before I really like the concept and that the protagonist is a strong educated female character but I just couldn't get past the dialogue issue.

DNF Review: Countdown by Michelle Rowen

Countdown
Author: Michelle Rowen
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: NetGalley
Review by: Jenn

3 seconds left to live. Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped.
2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game.
Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.
1 reason Kira will never, ever trust Rogan. Even though both their lives depend on it.
Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove evermore deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape.
GAME OVER

***This is a Did Not Finish review. I did not finish the book and only read up to 19% of the book. These are my thoughts of what I read.***

I've struggled with this book for about 11 months before calling it quits. I tried so many times to get in to the story but I just couldn't keep up with what was happening. I typically love when the reader is thrown in the story and you have no idea what's happening. But in Countdown I found myself so confused and nothing was being explained. The main character, Kira, also drove me nuts by how she would say one thing and in the next sentence she would say the complete opposite.

I finally gave up when I realized that if I continued any further, I was just setting myself up for disappointment. I've decided to focus on reading the books that I want to and that won't have me raging later on. While it may not have been my cup of tea, I hope other readers enjoy the story.

DNF Review: 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil

3:59
Author: Gretchen McNeil
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Source: BEA 2013
Review by: Jenn

Josie Byrne's life is spiraling out of control. Her parents are divorcing, her boyfriend Nick has grown distant, and her physics teacher has it in for her. When she's betrayed by the two people she trusts most, Josie thinks things can't get worse.

Until she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time—3:59 a.m.

Jo's life is everything Josie wants: she's popular, her parents are happily married, and Nick adores her. It all seems real, but they're just dreams, right? Josie thinks so, until she wakes one night to a shadowy image of herself in the bedroom mirror – Jo.

Josie and Jo realize that they are doppelgängers living in parallel universes that overlap every twelve hours at exactly 3:59. Fascinated by Jo's perfect world, Josie jumps at the chance to jump through the portal and switch places for a day.

But Jo’s world is far from perfect. Not only is Nick not Jo's boyfriend, he hates her. Jo's mom is missing, possibly insane. And at night, shadowy creatures feed on human flesh.

By the end of the day, Josie is desperate to return to her own life. But there’s a problem: Jo has sealed the portal, trapping Josie in this dangerous world. Can she figure out a way home before it’s too late?

1.5 stars out of 5 stars

 **This is a Did Not Finish review. I did not read the whole book, only up to page 72 . So this is just my thoughts up to where I read.**

I was super excited when I first started 3:59. I managed to meet Gretchen McNeil at BEA 2013 and I read the first chapter while waiting in line and I was intrigued. Once I finally got home and started reading though, I couldn't fully immersed myself into the story. I found myself easily distracted and not really caring about Josie, our main character.

I struggled to read and finish this book for about 7 to 9 months before finally calling it quits on page 72. At that point and after thinking things through, I'm just giving up on it. It took a lot of back and forth arguing with myself to DNF, especially after seeing a lot of my bookish friends loving it and rating it 4 to 5 stars, but I just couldn't keep doing that to myself. There are plenty of other books I could read so I might as well focus on them.

That's not to say I won't read any more of Gretchen's books, it just mean I get to pick another one. I'm just guessing 3:59 wasn't the book for me or it wasn't the time for me to read it.

DNF Review: Just One Night by Kyra Davis

Just One Night (Just One Night #1-3)
by Kyra Davis
Release Date: December 31, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: ARC provided by publisher
Reviewer: Nahomi
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

*This ARC was provided by the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

My rating: 1 star out of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
Kasie Fitzgerald knows who she's supposed to be. She's a rising-star-workaholic at a global consulting firm. She's the fiancee of a well-connected man who's won the approval of her parents. People know that she's reliable, serious, proper, cautious, pragmatic, and yes a little predictable. She's who Dave and her family want her to be.

But as her thirtieth birthday looms, buried feelings begin to resurrect. Her friend takes her to Vegas for one last wild and crazy night. In a dress much shorter and sexier than anything she has ever dared to wear before, she hits the blackjack tables. And meets him. Under the tailored clothes it's clear that this is a man who is intense, powerful, and maybe even a little dangerous. With a touch of trepidation she accepts his invitation to get a drink, and before long, she's in his hotel room.

She never gets his full name. Perhaps his anonymity is one of the reasons she's able to give herself over to him and to the moment so completely. Perhaps it's why she's just had the most exquisite and passionate sex of her life. Shaken by her own behavior, Kasie tries to chalk it up to one crazy night. But when the mysterious gentleman she's just had a fling with shows up in her office-as the CEO of a firm her company does a billion dollars of business with a year, demanding that she handle his account, and so much more-things will never be the same again. And there's no telling where this will go.

**This is a Did Not Finish review. I didn't read the whole book, I only got until page 100. The following are my thoughts on what I did read.**

       Jenn gave me the opportunity to read this book, and after reading the summary I decided to give it a chance. It sounded really interesting, and at the time I was in much need of a change in genres. I was sorely disappointed with the main character and her internal monologue. There are certain things that I can look over depending on the situation of the main character; But I just couldn't deal with Kasie's inability to grow a pair of balls and end things with her fiancee. 

Some of the descriptions Kasie uses like comparing her boyfriend to a baked potato, (I get it was suppose to be in a good way) because baked potatoes are comfort food. Don't get me wrong I love baked potatoes, but not when used to describe ones "significant" other. I felt the imagery was all off, it was distracting. The final nail in the coffin for me was when her boyfriend proposed officially and she still accepted after everything she'd done. Even knowing that he wasn't right for her, she still said yes! After that I couldn't keep reading I was so upset at Kasie. 

I will however praise the author for writing some of the hottest sexy scenes I have ever read. That first scene when Kasie is in the hotel with the "stranger" is oh so HOTT. I had to think of dirty diapers, and all things sad or gross to get my "need" under control again. This book was definitely not my cup of tea.