Exes and Ohs by Beth Kendrick

Hello Dolls!! 

       I just finished reading this book on Tuesday and I must say I was not impressed. The book has a good start and the potential for upcoming funniness is great but once I finished the book I was doing a mental re-write. I would have changed a number of things to make the story more..."captivating". I'm actually glad I didn't spend money on it (was a gift of sorts).

       This book is about the hardships of break-ups and psychotic ex-girlfriends. And when you really think about it, the chance of you dating a patient's mom's ex is slim to none. But of course, that is exactly what happens in the book. Gwen Traynor, a child psychologist, was dumped by her fiancé the night before the wedding; he just happened to fall into the arms of one of the bridesmaids (can't recall if it was the obvious first choice: the maid of honor). Six months later she still has the wedding dress in her closet but agrees to go on a date with Alex Coughlin, a hunk she meets on campus (of the college or university she works at). 

       This relationship is of course cut short by (SPOILER ALERT) the arrival of this ex-girlfriend and his never-before-seen son. They think they can still make it work but the ex, Harmony, "threatens" to move to NYC with the boy if Alex doesn't give reconciliation a try. He reluctantly dumps Gwen, which triggers her rage and a makeover. More exes are introduced: Harmony's ex and Gwen's ex-fiancé. In the end the story turns out the way you'd want it too, it was just a grueling journey.

I didn't like:

- Gwen's interrupting Alex (twice) when he uttered a shocked "you look so..." when he saw her blond hair. The author made that makeover too big of an issue to then not let Alex give his opinion.

- Gwen's roommate's obnoxious boyfriend and her whirlwind marriage to a NBA Star. Super unrealistic.

- Alex's failure to see that to raise a child together two people aren't obligated to live under one roof let alone be married.

And lastly

- The story spans over 303 pages. The story suddenly turns for the better around page 289. Too late in the game, if you ask me.

Well Dolls, read at your own risk and good luck!

^_~

Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise

Hello follow Romancers! I have a book to share with you all. As the picture above shows, it's Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise. I bought it to read on my Kindle after seeing so many women recommend it on SmartBitchesTrashyBooks.com.

If I had to grade this book I'd give it a "B". I really enjoyed reading it. It's the story of an ugly duckling named Min (of sorts) who reluctantly starts an entertaining romance with a gorgeous man (Calvin) who is just as reluctant. As the title of the book implies, there is a bet involved. The reason they go out at first is because someone bet him to ask her out; she eavesdropped (accidentally) and accepted his offer for dinner just so she can give him a hard time . He thinks she's a man hater, she has a controlling (and highly annoying) mother, and they each have a couple friends who add humor to their lives. This book doesn't disappoint in the drama department. We have "villains" and secrets lurking in the background waiting to tear our couple apart. Forgive my dramatic language; I do get carried away sometimes! 

Let me wrap this up by stating what I like the most. I had never read a book with the amount of dialog this book had and I like it even more because of that. When reading I sometimes skip ahead to the dialog so I liked that I didn't have to do that when reading this book. (Sorry to all you Shopaholic lovers. I skipped so much of that book I can't say I actually read the thing!) Anyway, I also like that the relationship Min and Calvin develop is easy going and very realistic. She isn't afraid to speak her mind - he isn't either. OK, OK! I don't want to give more of the book away so you'll just have to read it for yourself Lovelies!

Happy Reading!!

The Virgin and Erotica....

Greatings Loved Ones!

Does the title of this post come as a shocker? I have a confession to make...*hushed voice* I blushed just writing it. I decided to write this because I've recently dipped my toes into the "erotica" genre and I must say it was...eye opening. When I first started reading romance novels I was always a little apprehensive about whipping out my paperbacks in public; some of those covers were just too embarrassing. Thank God for unfriendly New Yorkers who'd rather stare at the ceiling of a subway car than risk aggravating their neighbor! My recently acquired Amazon Kindle has also helped me keep my books anonymous. *wipes sweaty brow*

What has my experience with erotica taught me? Well, that's a loaded question. Since I'm a virgin it's not as if I can read a book and go test it out on my husband or anything like that (yes, I am saving it for marriage). I guess I've learned a few things from my reading experience. I've learned that this genre is VAST. I had no idea erotica touched on so many different sub-categories and topics. It explores an infinite amount of scenarios and stories. I have to touch a little on how erotica may come across in general. After reading a couple erotica novels I can honestly say that it's not at all degrading or raunchy. And, I wasn't uncomfortable or embarrassed by what the authors had written (if I would have been, I definitely would have put the book down). I've also learned that erotica is an outlet for people to explore and become comfortable (or more comfortable) with their sexuality. I may be a virgin but I'm no prude. I've learned that being sexual doesn't have to be embarrassing or "taboo". And last but not least I've gotten a few ideas I've hidden away in my "Just Married" vault.

All in all, erotica is just like romance, just a little more....steamy. Loosen up and have a little romance. Erotic romance.

Book Expo America!!

Hey fellow Romancers!!!!!! I hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to having a great weekend. I just wanted to update you on what I've been doing. I'm finally done with this semester of classes. AND this week was the annual Book Expo America here in New York City. IT WAS AWESOME (even though I was only able to go one day). I got some free books, some autographs, and was able to see a few Celebs.

More specifically I'm VERY happy I was able to get an ARC of my blog idol Sarah Wendell's up coming book "Everything I Know About Love I Learned from Romance Novels". I was actually volunteering at the autographing section but promptly abandoned my post at 10:30 on Tuesday to make sure I got to meet and shake hands with Sarah AND get my signed copy of her book. She's great and her book promises to be great.

Can't wait to read it and tell you all about it.

Visit Sarah Wendell's blog and let me know how you like it...www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com

Book Swap or Giveaway

I have some books I want to get rid of. As a true book lover I can not for the life of me bring myself to throw them away. I was wondering if you'd be interested in swapping books or just taking some off my hands. I was thinking of selling them for a few bucks (just for shipping charges) but I don't know.

Some feedback would be appreciated ^_~

"There are two motives for reading a book; one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it." — Bertrand Russell

If You Read 'Em...SWAP 'EM!

I found this site: www.goodreads.com It's basically an online bookcase or library (whatever you prefer to call it). Here you can keep track of all the books you read and write reviews on them. You can also see what other people are reading AND read their reviews.

About the swapping thing. On the site you can do that too. Just add the books you physically own and want to swap to a list and VOILA! I'm not sure what you do after that but I'll keep you posted. I haven't gotten any requests for the books I put up.

- Janelba

Let Them Have Romance...Books that is!

Hi Everyone,

I decided to start this second blog so that I can have a more centralized theme. Since I read sooooooo many romance books and novels, I thought it only logical to share my opinions on what I read and as a result I hope to  help others find good books like I have.

Now, I mostly read romance novels but I will throw in the occasional classic or a from another genre all together. I'm trying to expand my reading horizons little by little (and I encourage you all to do the same).

Well, here's to romance novels and the adventures they take us on. HAPPY READING!

- Janelba