Blast From Two Pasts by Kristal Villar

Who doesn't wonder about that high school crush they had once in a blue moon? Who hasn't been set-up with someone by a well meaning but slightly misguided friend? And who hasn't had a date go completely horribly? One more...who hasn't been through a heartbreak??? Well, if you can honestly say you haven't been put through any of that you are doing far better than me. And probably thousands of other people that have gone through some of the things on that list. But!!! So has our main character, Cara. She has decidedly shitty love life. First she gets dumped, then she gets set up with the hot guy from high school, then their date takes a nosedive, and when you don't think it can really get much worse...



Well. It's best if you just read the book. There were a few things I really enjoyed about this book. One of them being that it really shows how important closure is when you end a relationship. I do understand that not everyone feels the need for closure but for the rest of us...without it, we're left with a lot of questions. This book really showcases that fact. Another thing that has really made a big impression on me from this book is the way these friends come together when Cara is going through her rough patch. Breaking-up is really hard on a lot of people and it really helps to have friends by your side, pushing you to get back on the horse, bringing you ice-cream, and setting up dates for you with hot guys. Everyone deserves friends like that by their side.
That being said, a few things did bother me. I didn't like how short the book was. The story only being 116 pages made it seem too fast. It didn't have the depth it could have had if it had been a little longer. I feel like it just wasn't lengthy enough to really develop any really connection with the characters. Which is something I really enjoy doing. I like to really feel like I know who a charater is by the time I turn that last page. This book just didn't do that for me. I did notice the writers inexperience as well. It shows in her writing but it's not glaringly obvious. Although is it present throughout the whole book, so if that's a pet-peeve anyone has, this isn't the book for you. The story was also a bit predictable...but overall the story is still super cute and worth the read.

3 Stars.

A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way impacted the way I rate this book. 

Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis

Oh Jill. You really never fail me. This is like a proud momma moment only...not. Sigh* I'm so proud. The thing about some authors is that they can write all their lives and be good at it and stay good. Then there are authors like Jill Shalvis that start out good and only get better. Those are the writers you want to read. My first Jill Shalvis book was Natural Blonde Instincts, a book that was published in 2003. I enjoyed it but it was far from my favorite. The next time I picked up a Jill Shalvis book was to start the Lucky Harbor series years later. I sure am glad I did!! I couldn't put the books down. I've been a fan since.
The thing about all Jill Shalvis books is she finds the perfect balance between seriousness, humor, and romance. Nobody But You is a perfect example of just that. I love that this book addressed what it's like for a soldier after losing a brother in arms. I come from a military family and addressing such a serious issue like that means a lot to me. It is hard on everyone involved for something so devastating to happen. The other thing mentioned here and there is depression. Again, this something my family has had to struggle with. I know what it's like to have learn things on your own because your mom won't get out of bed, much less come out of her room. I promise teaching yourself to cook, drive, and fill out college FASFA forms on your own isn't as easy as it seems for some. The pain that Sophie went through growing up because of her fathers depression really hit home. The other thing we see in this book is dealing with your loved one suffering from dementia. I have never experienced what it is like to go through this but after reading Nobody But You...I can't even imagine. To have your own mother forget all your accomplishments, forget all the things you've done in your life, forget who you are...I don't think I could do it. I know I couldn't do it. It's heartbreaking to even read about. I can't imagine what it's like to actually experience that.
Though we have some very serious undertones to the book, it's balanced out by laughter, fun, and romance making the book actually lighthearted and super fast reading. I loved Sophie and Jacob, I loved their chemistry, and I loved the way they had such playful banter. I do have to say Sophie takes the cake for me on this one though. She is awesome! If she were a real person I would force her to be my friend.



She was just so sassy and prickly! I loved it! She deserves an award for her sarcasm talent alone. I love how she deals with her ex-husband Lucas, I love that she stands up for herself, and I love her dry sense of humor. She's the total package. Jacob is a great character and all with his charm and mysterious ways but Sophie steals the spotlight for sure. Overall I just really loved their story and I would definitely recommend it. Especially if you're a Susan Mallery fan or a Carly Phillips reader.

4.5 Stars.

An advanced readers copy was provided to me by the publishers in exchange for a honest review. This has in no was effected my rating on this book or the overall review.

AA For The Avid Reader

Hi. My name is Page and I am a reading addict. Over time I have found that there are some very real issues that seem to go hand-in-hand with avid reading. Sometimes I feel a little insane but surely I can't be the only one going through some reading struggles! Here are some of the things I'm talking about.

1. When I say I'm going to go to sleep after this chapter what I really mean is the last chapter. I will go to bed after the last chapter. But if there's a cliffhanger I can't promise to go to bed at all...because obviously I need to start the next book ASAP. And I can't start a book and not finish it.

2. Most times I like my book boyfriends more than my real ones. I do a lot of comparing. Sometimes it's negatively affected my relationships. Who gets jealous of fictional characters anyways?!?!?

3. Ummm....actually I just like book characters more than most people in general. But I swear I am not totally insane. And most of my friends totally get it.

4. I feel like I could be best friends with a lot of the authors I read. Only I'm not. And that makes me sad. We could have such great conversations.

5. The best friends I have are the ones I can talk about books with. And I get irrationally mad when they don't read a book or author I tell them is super amazing. Especially when I specifically ask them to.

6. I don't mean to...but I totally judge people that don't read. It also makes you significantly less attractive to me. Example: Once I loaned a book to a friend and she read one chapter. In the whole month and a half she had it. One. Friggen. Chapter. It was prime reading material too. We don't talk very much these days.

7. I have a real cute nickname for the things normal people call "bookmarks". I prefer to call them "quitter strips". Also, I don't own a single one. Because I am no quitter. Perseverance people!!!

8. No...I am not sad, I am not angry, and I am not mute! I am not talking because...BOOK!!! Why people still try talking to me when I have a book in my hand I will never understand.

9. You couldn't pay me to choose a single favorite book or author. But I will gladly give you a list of top favorites of both. I have many favorites!

10. If you damage a book I let you borrow...I will find you. And I will kill you. Books are treasures. Treat them like it.



Do you understand the struggle??? DO YOU????