beach reads book review — wine, books and wanderlust

Feb 21

Feb 21 beach reads book review

If you read my blog from a few weeks ago, you know that I was heavily invested in getting a lot of reading time in while the Man Friend and I vacationed in Costa Rica. Though I didn't finish all six of the books I posted, I most definitely finished two (and a half!) Kindle books and one audiobook. A lot of our time was spent walking around, which makes it a little hard to read...but it's a great way to walk into something or get run over.

you will know me by megan abbott

I will premise this by stating that I am not a parent. However, I also believe that not being a parent doesn't necessarily preclude a person from having an opinion about parenting. This book was at times infuriating and at times tragically and painfully relevant.

Devon is different...and exceptional. No, I don't mean simply the special snowflake variety. She is a quantifiably gifted gymnast. Her parents, Eric and Katie, are in debt up to their eyeballs to fund her way up the ranks of the elite gymnastics circuit. They're like a lot of American couples: middle class working people with two kids, a mortgage, and a dream. However, their dream is to see Devon make it to the Olympics. Devon is an anomaly, who pushes herself harder than anyone else ever could, including her coaches. However, when a young man who works at the gymnastics facility turns up dead, a series of events surfaces, shedding light on Devon and the inner workings of her family.

This book both intrigued and annoyed me. I am very family-oriented. We're fiercely loyal to each other, but we're also know to hold each other accountable. Perhaps that is simply unusual. My biggest issue with this book is the completely separate universe some of these characters lived in. They chose to believe what they wanted to and had no issue turning a blind eye towards the faults of their loved ones. Instead of allowing mistakes (and their consequences) to occur, the theme of sweeping things under the rug popped up again and again. Moral of the story: go to the mattresses for your family, but remember that the truth always has a way of surfacing.

thief of hearts by l.h. cosway

My irritation knew no bounds last week. I was so irritated with this book. I've loved the Hearts series that L.H. Cosway has put out for several years. However, the storylines have become incredibly convoluted and, frankly, outright effin ridiculous. I was looking for an easy peasy beach read, and boy, did I ever get it. However, the completely laughable storyline insulted my intelligence. A reformed felon with mob-like connections enrolls in an adult education program and meets a beautiful teacher. Attraction blooms. But...said felon has ulterior motives.

***STOP NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS***

He wants her cousin to forge a painting. She, in all her infinite criminal wisdom, decides to help him pull off the heist. No one gets caught. They fall in love and move in together. He even graduates from the education program, because apparently the other students (and her bosses) didn't notice sparks and the sexy time going on at the college. *insert eye roll here*

the invasion the tearling by erika johansen

The second in The Tearling trilogy, this audiobook delves in deeper to the history of the land and its people. It gets a little more sci-fy rather than fantasy novel. Queen Kelsey is changing. Not only is she growing into a woman and ruler, she's learning more about her ancestors and why the sapphires she wears are so powerful. Kelsey is also becoming desensitized to her surroundings. The author's writing style allows for readers (errrr, listeners) to surmise the plot sequence, but...there are definitely so twists. The storyline is brutal and, often, very funny.

I've enjoyed this series so much that I've already started on the final book in the trilogy. I'm already halfway through!.

in progress: caraval by stephanie garber

I'm about 70% finished with this novel. The storyline is interesting, full of richly imaginative characters and vivid descriptions of an alternate world. I have a love of anything steampunk, so this is right along that line. In an attempt to escape their abusive father, two sisters travel to the private island of an elusive magician with the help of a handsome sailor. However, all is not as it seems. Upon arrival, their host abducts one sister, while the other competes with other "players" to find her first...but no one really knows what's going on. It's equal parts danger, magic, secrets, and mystery.

I will admit this: I simply cannot get over the heroine. Scarlett, in an attempt to be independent, comes off as insolent and, at times, whiny. Though fiercely protective of her sister, she is so wishy-washy it's a wonder she's survived the game through this far in the book.