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Blame It On The Hop!

This week's question:


Q: Best cover? What is the best cover of a book that you've read and loved?.


The is a book from my brother's collection. I absolutely love this cover, there's so much action in this scene. 






Some Like The Hop!




The Week's Question: 

What is the worst book cover for a book you love?

A good cover will make me pick up a book, but it's not a deal breaker for me, and a good story and what moves the book for the store ( or amazon) to my collection. Every now and then I see a cover change I don't care for. Here's some from two of my favorite authors. 


Michelle Moran: Nefertiti 

This book has more cover changes than I can count.The first one on the left is the one I have and my favorite. The last on the right is my least favorite. 






Tess Gerritsen:  The Sinner

Tess is one my favorite author's and I'd followed her series for years. The book covers started getting revamps after t.v. series launch. The original on the left is fantastic. The last one is lackluster.

 

Let's Read It: Confessions Fact or Fiction


It’s a cliché to say that the truth is stranger than fiction, the truth has to work within the bonds to reality, but fiction can be anything we wish…

Teaser/Why you’ll love it: This book is an anthology of wonderfully talented writers.  Each story could easily work as a standalone. You’ll find yourself wanting to know more, as each tale varies in length and some end abruptly. Many of the accounts are personal tales, and the authors do an excellent job walking the line between fantasy and reality. Even though you’re aware that not all of the stories in the anthology are real, you’ll find yourself wondering about is each one. Considering that the stories are short, this anthology that can be enjoyed over a period of weeks. It’s an excellent choice someone that likes reading a little at time but also being thoroughly entertained.

One important thing to consider when reading this book: “Does your perception of the stories and the authors vary based upon which ones seem real and which seem contrived?” Stories like the ones presented in this anthology are sent to publishers every day, most are rejected as novels. However, it is often true that same story would be accepted is submitted as memoir or true story. Consider that when reading this book.

Did I like it?: Overall yes, I found each story engaging, some of them blended together seamlessly, others ended abruptly when I was looking for more. When I was reading, it was easy to forget that many of the accounts were not all real. In fact I had a difficult time discerning which of the authors wrote factual story and which were simply spinning a tale. The use of person narration works well in this anthology, and adds to the illusion of realism. After finishing the entire collection I still have no idea which stories were true, however that is part of the fun. I would both recommend and read this book again.

Caveats: None

Who’s it for:

·         Casual readers
·         Advent readers
·         All ages
·         Anthology/short story lovers

Overall Rating:  5/5

Hip Hop!

Another Hop Carry On!

Today's Question: What blogger inspires you?

Answer: I don't have a favorite blogger or one that inspires me particularly, but I love to see a blog that's work of progress. That looks as though the owner put a lot of time into building and perfecting their craft.


Let's Read It= Let's Get It

Did you know that my review are not only posted on this blog, but also on amazon and goodreads? Request a review today ( review swaps for Lucidity are appreciated but not required)


Let's Read It: "Hell To Pay"


In this riveting suspense thriller, the next corner you turn might just lead straight to hell…

Teaser: Detective Michael Bailey is a man haunted by the past and tormented by the present. As an officer of the law it’s his job to protect those in his city. Then why have things gone array? Failures tend to find Bailey at every turn and each crime he cannot bring to justice, each life he is unable to save, becomes another nail in his coffin. The only thing that seems to be left is the bottle, but even alcohol has long become something Bailey can’t handle. As the murders continue to pile up one man, George Graham, keeps ending up on the short list of suspects. Is he really just a middle aged shop owner living out his days in solitude after the death of his mother? Or is it more likely that George simply can’t control himself, can’t take the agony of his rejections and shortcomings? Something is lurking beneath his exterior and it’s more sinister than anyone can imagine…

Why you’ll Love it: Hell to Pay” is a story that skips the flowery lead in and dives right in. It’s a lengthier read and well worth spending a few afternoons with. A suspense thriller intricately weaved with supernatural; the novel will have you questioning everything you think you know about reality.  “Hell to Pay” is frightening, with demons, and ghosts and shadows lurking around each corner. It is heavy on all of its aspects, drama, tension, and action, which truly make this into a memorable tale.

Did I like it? : I found the novel particularly enjoyable as a suspense, thriller buff myself, “Hell to Pay” makes an excellent addition to my book collection. I felt like the author really knew where he was going with the story from beginning to end and each part left me wanting for the next. The stranger the story became the more I found myself wanting to know more. Bailey is a fantastic lead, and I felt that author made good use of the supporting characters. Antagonist, George, was perhaps my favorite; I could figure him out in the beginning, and I was completely enthralled with what he developed into.

Favorite Quotes:

“Yes. That God is dead and this is it. I‘ve heard junkies talking about how this is really Hell and that straight people are too stupid to realize it.”

“Be good boy, the devil‘s looking for you . . . and sent his hound to find you.”

Caveats: This book is for adults, contains adult situations, and violence.

Overall Rating: 5/5


Let's Read it: Deconstructing Infatuation


Deconstructing Infatuation” will have one rethinking the old phase, “love will make you do crazy things”. It is infatuation that leads us spiraling downward into the unknown, running face first with our eyes closed.

Teaser: Helene is a woman not terribly different from any other. She has a career, as a literary agent, an annoying roommate, and a steady boyfriend; her life is coming along as planned. However, when her roommate, Marleen, sublets a room in their apartment to an attractive man, Tiziano, Helene faces the ultimate test of her fidelity.  Charming, good looking, and new, Tiziano quickly captures Helene’s attention. His presence further highlights the shortcomings of her with relationship with boyfriend Mark. Helene is torn between the man she has a long standing bond with, and the fiery connection that could be with Tiziano.  Can Helene remain faithful? Or will she succumb to intriguing allure of the sultry stranger.

Why you’ll love it: “Deconstructing Infatuation” is a short, lightening fast read, but it gets the job done. Despite its description, the story is not too heavily bogged down in drama, and the author makes excellent use of humor. The lighthearted parts make a fantastic contrast to the main character’s trials. The story isn’t merely a tale of adultery, it examines the rush of emotion and perhaps irrationality that comes with infatuation.  


Did I like it? : The short answer is yes. As a rational creature I found myself angry with Helene’s character. How could someone be so instantly fascinated with a stranger, that they are willing to sacrifice a relationship they’ve put time and effort into? Perhaps this question arose because I’ve never been infatuated in such a manner. I think other readers will be asking themselves the same thing. I found myself loathing the way, the protagonist, Helene, behaves in the story mainly because her change is so sudden. However, life is something that changes suddenly and upon further evaluation, I feel that the character’s and situation are fairly realistic. A book which forces you to ask questions or evokes feelings for a character is one certainly worth reading. 

Caveats:  The book is for adults, due to adult situations I would not necessarily recommend this for young teens.

Overall Rating: 3.9/5