Book Review: Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Title: Not a Drop to Drink

Author: Mindy McGinnis
Series: Not a Drop to Drink #1

ISBN: 978-0062198518

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books 

Pub. Date: 2013

Source: Library

Genre: Young Adult / Dystopia / Romance

Pages: 309
Rating: 4 Kisses
Author's Website

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water.
Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all.
Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.
But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it….
With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own.

My Reveries and Ramblings: First, I’d like to thank Epic Reads for introducing me to this book.
Secondly, wow….just wow. This book is gritty, realistic, tragic, horrible, bloody, depressing, heart-wrenching, and sad. I loved it!
      Hooked from the first sentence.
      The story follows the protagonist, 16-yr old Lynn. Who has only ever spoken to her mother. The only men she’s ever had contact with is her neighbor (very very very rarely and usually from afar) and the looters that she shoots. They are the ones who try and kill and steal from her and her mother. Lynn and her mother are constantly on guard against all outsiders and wolves. After Lynn loses her mother, she is left alone to defend their house and their pond - their means of survival. Sanitizing water, defending the property, and just basically surviving is a lot to handle for just one person, let alone a teenager. Finding an unlikely ally in her neighbor, Lynn is able to balance her workload and she begins to learn what it means to be human. Not a Drop to Drink is a fantastic example of character arc done right. Lynn changes so much. Every single thing that happens to her in this book affects her and her future self. She’s constantly changing and growing. By the end of the book, she’s very different to who she was in the beginning. Although, it didn’t come without a lot of pain and suffering. This book is heart-breaking. But so well done that I absolutely must recommend it!

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Book Review: Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Title: Secrets of a Summer Night

Author: Lisa Kleypas
Series: Wallflowers #1

ISBN: 978-0060091293

Publisher: Avon

Pub. Date: 2004

Source: Kindle

Genre: Romance/ Historical Fiction

Pages: 384
Rating: 4 Kisses
Author's Website

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Four young ladies enter London society with one common goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband. So a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.  Annabelle Peyton, determined to save her family from disaster, decides to use her beauty and wit to tempt a suitable nobleman into making an offer of marriage. But Annabelle's most intriguing--and persistent--admirer, wealthy, powerful Simon Hunt, has made it clear that while he will introduce her to irresistible pleasure he will not offer marriage. Annabelle is determined to resist his unthinkable proposition . . . but it is impossible in the face of such skillful seduction.  Her friends, looking to help, conspire to entice a more suitable gentleman to offer for Annabelle, for only then will she be safe from Simon--and her own longings. But on one summer night, Annabelle succumbs to Simon's passionate embrace and tempting kisses . . . and she discovers that love is the most dangerous game of all.

My Reveries and Ramblings: Secrets of a Summer Night is the first book in Lisa Kleypas’s Wallflowers series. It centers around Annabelle, the oldest member of a group of friends who have made it their mission to find suitable husbands after years of being wallflowers. Annabelle, who is very beautiful, has been unable to catch a husband since she’s poor and has no dowry. In a last ditch effort to save her widowed mother and brother from being completely destitute, she makes one last great effort to catch a husband (with the help of the other wallflowers). However, in trying to snag a titled husband, she slowly starts falling for Simon Hunt, an affluent yet rough-around-the-edges businessman.
      This review comes years after reading the series many many times. To be completely honest, I didn’t like Annabelle the first time I read her story. However, I grew to like her. She’s got so many admirable qualities. She’s brave and stubborn. Yeah, she is very materialistic, but her loved ones ALWAYS come first.
      Simon Hunt is a very hardy outspoken man. Most people find him to be a bit much. But he has such a big heart. Ah, Simon. Definitely one of my book boyfriends. (Pretty much all the guys in Lisa Kleypas books are on that list). I just loved the way that Simon was always happened to be around to help her. Even though she pretty much rejects his help for most of the book, at least he’s there. Cue sigh.
      Secrets of a Summer Night is a great quick read. You’ll be smiling, gushing, and sighing the entire time. Being a huge fan of Lisa Kleypas, I can always count on a great romance read. Seriously, I reread her books at least twice a year. She has a knack for putting just enough of all the elements: romance, action, drama, humor, etc. You want it, it’s got it! Even though it’s not a Regency-era novel, it does make you feel like you are in a Jane Austenesque world. The story is engrossing and very romantic. I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend not only Secrets of a Summer Night, but the entire Wallflower series.

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(pssst...It's $2.99 on kindle right now)

Playlist:

(Click Here if you want to listen to it on Grooveshark--if you don't have spotify)

Book Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Daughter

Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey #2

ISBN: 978-0373210138

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pub. Date: 2010

Source: Library

Genre: Romance/Paranormal/ Young Adult/ Fantasy

Pages: 304
Rating: 4 Kisses
Author's Website


Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.  Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

My Reveries and Ramblings: The Iron Daughter was a reread for me. I wanted to finish the series but couldn’t remember what happened after The Iron King (Book 1). If I’m being completely honest, I did not like this book the first time I read it. I remember it felt like a filler in the series. But after reading it again, I have to say that I really really liked it! It had all the elements I crave most in a book: romance, adventure, action, suspense, magic, death, fantasy, etc. 

      In The Iron Daughter, Meghan, Ash, and Puck end up searching for The Scepter, which has been stolen by the false Iron King.
      So, I am completely 100% all about Ash. I like Puck, but Ash! Tall, dark and handsome Ash. There’s just no competition. Meghan and Ash have to overcome so many obstacles. Aside from the fact that their love is forbidden, to keep them alive Ash has to convince the Winter court that he could care less whether she lives or dies. (OF COURSE Megan doesn’t realize this, even though he warned her -___-, and she takes it seriously!) I mean, it was hard reading those parts, but still, she needs to realize he was trying to protect them both. There’s also being chased by Iron Fey and Winter Fey who want them dead. Then there’s one part in the book where it gets really dramatic. Like tears-dramatic. Like remember that scene in Sailor Moon?
      It’s dramatic/sad/horrifying like that(click at your own risk. It’s spoilery): https://33.media.tumblr.com/fe6722801a04c1707e7cbf1618384ef1/tumblr_min6hnbo3o1s3p5vao5_250.gif

      At one point, Ash leaves to go on his own mini-adventure, leaving Meghan and Puck to fend for themselves. I felt bad for Puck. Unrequited love sucks. BUT I will give him props. He made sure he was a friend first. I want him to find love so bad. Maybe in book 4?
      Anyway, poor Meghan is spread pretty thin in this book. She barely has time to process one thing, when BAM another curveball that has her running or fighting for her life. By the end of the book, where there’s a few big climactic scenes, you truly feel for Meghan. It’s like ENOUGH!
      The books ends on a bittersweet note. I’ve read the 3rd book already (will be rereading though) so I know there’s more. But MAN, if this book just came out, I would’ve been like “WHAT?! That’s it?!” Basically I love this series. If you haven’t read The Iron King, then I highly HIGHLY recommend you do. Then go and read the rest of the series!

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Playlist:

(Click Here if you want to listen to it on Grooveshark--if you don't have spotify)

Book Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Title: The Host

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Series: The Host #1

ISBN: 978-0316218504

Publisher: Little Brown and Company

Pub. Date: 2008

Source: Purchased

Genre: Romance/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction/Paranormal Romance

Pages: 619
Rating: 4 Kisses

Synopsis (from Goodreads):  Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.  As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love. Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

My Reveries and Ramblings: 
• What I really loved about this book was how Stephenie Meyer dove into human nature and really explored it.  When one small mistake can mean life, death, or even worse, capture, people turn to their most fundamental survival instincts (eat, sleep, kill, run, etc.)  That’s the world that Wanda gets sucked into by Melanie.  Desperate times call for desperate measures.  

• Wanda was a really interesting character.  She was just as “human” as the real humans.  However, each side thought of the other as the monster. 

• Wanda has such an awesome outlook on life.  She saw so much beauty in Earth.  

• The Love Story:  There’s a love square going on.  It’s awesome and very complicated.  Love is very prominent in the book, but it’s every type of love: family, romantic, etc. 

• Stephenie Meyer was not afraid of killing characters, or having her characters experience real pain.  Which made this book so much better.  There was a threat to the happy ending which I so desperately wanted (both when watching the movie and reading the book).  

• Epic read!  It is definitely a long book, but not one scene was wasted.  Everything was put there for a reason.  Not much plot, but the characters were very strong (all character driven).  I felt like Wanda most of the time, torn between Ian and Jared.  One moment I was all TEAM IAN…and the next totally TEAM JARED. :P 

• Saw the movie first, because I was a bit skeptical about reading a book about aliens (which are slowly growing on me).  AND FELL IN LOVE WITH IT!!!! Ummm, Hello Ian <3 so I HAD to read the book afterwards.  


If you liked Twilight, you’ll enjoy this book.  If you didn’t like Twilight, I still recommend you try this book…It’s nothing like Stephenie Meyer’s previous series, The Twilight Saga.  Also, this is an adult science fiction book…not YA.  So pick it up and enjoy ☺ 

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Playlist:

(Click Here to see Stephenie Meyer's Official Playlist for The Host)

(Click here to listen on Spotify)

Film Trailer: (SUPER EPIC!)

Book Review: Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

Title: Beyond the Highland Mist

Author: Karen Marie Moning

Series: Highlander #1

ISBN: 9780440234807

Publisher: Dell

Pub. Date: March 1999

Source: Purchased

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Historical Romance/ Fantasy/Adult

Pages: 375

Rating: 4 Kisses

Author’s Website

Synopsis (from Goodreads):  He would sell his warrior soul to possess her. . . .
An alluring laird...
He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart--until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length--but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.
A prisoner in time...
She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side. . . .

My Reveries and Ramblings:  I bought this book while I was reading Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series.  I was waiting for Shadowfever and needed something to help me get through the waiting period.  So I turned to her Highlander series…

Beyond the Highland Mist begins with Adrienne getting transported back in time to Scotland in the early 1500s by some faeries that want to see a certain man in misery.  Hawk is that man.  He is perfect in every way.  Women would literally kill to be with him.  Even the faerie queen likes him.  This enrages both the faerie king and Adam Black, also known as Puck or Robin Goodfellow.  The plan: find a beautiful woman that hates beautiful men and place her in  Hawk’s path.  What follows is pages and pages of pure enjoyment.  Yes, this is a romance novel, but Moning makes it so much more.  She constantly pushes the Adrienne and Hawk together and just when you start to think “YES! FINALLY!” she pulls them apart.  I raced through this book.  I kept me on edge and wanting more.  I think I’ve reread it several times since I finished it the first time.  Each time I’m just as on edge as I was the first time. 

            Some of the best moments in the book was when Hawk was trying to get Adrienne to sleep with him and she would go to great lengths to get away from him, only to end up in Adam Black’s arms and want to run right back to Hawk.  I would HIGHLY recommend this amazing time travel romance.  You seriously won’t regret it!   I am definitely going to finish reading the series. 

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