Tag: Five Star Book

adult, Five Star Book, mystery, thriller

Final Girls Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: Final Girls
  • Author: Riley Sager
  • Publisher: Dutton
  • Publish Date: July 11, 2017
  • Book Form: Audio
  • Pages: 342
  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Rating: ★★★★★

Ten years ago, college student Quincy Carpenter went on vacation with five friends and came back alone, the only survivor of a horror movie–scale massacre. In an instant, she became a member of a club no one wants to belong to—a group of similar survivors known in the press as the Final Girls. Lisa, who lost nine sorority sisters to a college dropout’s knife; Sam, who went up against the Sack Man during her shift at the Nightlight Inn; and now Quincy, who ran bleeding through the woods to escape Pine Cottage and the man she refers to only as Him. The three girls are all attempting to put their nightmares behind them, and, with that, one another. Despite the media’s attempts, they never meet.

 

Now, Quincy is doing well—maybe even great, thanks to her Xanax prescription. She has a caring almost-fiancé, Jeff; a popular baking blog; a beautiful apartment; and a therapeutic presence in Coop, the police officer who saved her life all those years ago. Her memory won’t even allow her to recall the events of that night; the past is in the past. 

 

That is, until Lisa, the first Final Girl, is found dead in her bathtub, wrists slit, and Sam, the second, appears on Quincy’s doorstep. Blowing through Quincy’s life like a whirlwind, Sam seems intent on making Quincy relive the past, with increasingly dire consequences, all of which makes Quincy question why Sam is really seeking her out. And when new details about Lisa’s death come to light, Quincy’s life becomes a race against time as she tries to unravel Sam’s truths from her lies, evade the police and hungry reporters, and, most crucially, remember what really happened at Pine Cottage, before what was started ten years ago is finished.

– Goodreads

My friend and fellow Words & Whimsy and Book Battle mod Erin is OBSESSED with Riley Sager. We had the privilege to talk to him earlier this month! We loved hearing how he got his pen name, his inspirations, and all about his books! The chat is still up over at Words & Whimsy. Go check it out!

So all month Erin has been pestering – I mean, gently pushing – us to read a Riley book. Final Girls was a club read in Book Battle, so I gave in. Boy, am I glad I did! Thanks, Erin!

Final Girls was a twisty thriller with an end I NEVER saw coming! This is the gif I sent to literally everyone when I was finished:

Thanks, giphy!

What I liked:

Final Girls alternates between present and past – specifically what happened that fateful night at the cabin. At parts I was like, ok let’s get back to the cabin. I’m intrigued. Then sometimes it would switch to the cabin and I’d be like, no! There was so much action in the present! I love how Riley twisted the two together. You learn little bits of info about both timelines and it leaves you wanting everything, like, yesterday. I had to know what was going on. I was listening at work and would get SO aggravated when people would interrupt me! Like, yo, I’m tryin’ to find a killer here!
Spoiler alert – I did not find the killer.

What I didn’t like – which wasn’t much!

To me, the beginning somewhat drug on. There seemed to be a lot of info – which I ended up needing. However, at the time I was like, get on with it! I want action! I ended up getting plenty of action – yes, even that kind! – and was thoroughly satisfied. That’s really it. The beginning could have been faster, but it didn’t really take away from the book at all. I still gave 5 stars.

Would I recommend?

Yes yes yes yes yes! 100 times yes! Please read this if you like mystery, thrillers, red herrings, and your mind being blow in general. This is a MUST READ for any mystery or thriller fans. Or if you like horror movies – which is where is inspo came from!

Find this book here:

| Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble |
| iBooks | Kobo |

Until next time…

fantasy, Five Star Book, Sci-Fi, ya

Memento Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: Memento
  • Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
  • Book Form: Physical
  • Pages: 82
  • Publisher: Knoph Books for Young Readers
  • Genre: YA, Fantasy
  • Rating: ★★★★★

December, 2574. Forty-three days before the BeiTech attack on Kerenza IV.

This is the story of my first friendship.

This is the tale of my first murder?

Some monsters are born.

But I?

< ERROR >

I was made.

– Goodreads

Wow. I mean. How can a book wreck me in 82 pages?

Amie and Jay have done it again. I was instantly sucked in by the format, as it’s been with this whole series. I was so quickly engrossed and just cared about these people. I loved learning more about AIDAN and his backstory. Yes, the AI has a backstory and it’s insane. 

What struck me most was the letter that was sent at the very end by AIDAN. I. Was. SHOOK. I think I just stared at the last page with my mouth open for five minutes. 

Did I laugh? Yep. Did I cry? Yes. This book makes you care so much you cry in 82 pages. I’m still kind of in awe of that. 

If you didn’t pre-order Aurora Rising to get this, I’m so sorry. It might be a decision you will regret forever. Sorry!

Until next time…

adult, Five Star Book, LGBT, Memoir

Naturally Tan Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • ★★★★ Title: Naturally Tan
  • Author: Tan France
  • Book Form: Audio
  • Pages: 304
  • Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
  • Genre: Memoir, LGBT
  • Rating: ★★★★★

In this heartfelt, funny, touching memoir, Tan France, star of Netflix’s smash-hit QUEER EYE, tells his origin story for the first time. With his trademark wit, humor, and radical compassion, Tan reveals what it was like to grow up gay in a traditional Muslim family, as one of the few people of color in Doncaster, England. He illuminates his winding journey of coming of age, finding his voice (and style!), and how he finally came out to his family at the age of 34, revealing that he was happily married to the love of his life–a Mormon cowboy from Salt Lake City.

In Tan’s own words, “The book is meant to spread joy, personal acceptance, and most of all understanding. Each of us is living our own private journey, and the more we know about each other, the healthier and happier the world will be.”

– Goodreads

I loved this memoir. I love Tan France. I love Queer Eye. SO MUCH LOVE. 

I really liked hearing about Tan’s life when he was growing up. It showed a great perspective. I loved hearing how he built himself from the ground up and how his business and brand evolved. 

I especially liked the parts about Queer Eye. The hiring process, behind the scenes, the Emmys, everything. It was great. 

There’s also life lessons and notes on style and how to style yourself. Which I may or may not need. 

Also as a plus – Antoni appears in the audio!

Pick this book up if you love queer eye, style, memoirs, or just need a pick me up. Listening to this book made me so happy!

Until next time…

adult, Five Star Book, Humor, Memoir

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told
  • Author: Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman
  • Book Form: Audio
  • Pages: 269
  • Publisher: Dutton
  • Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Memoir
  • Rating: ★★★★★


At last, the full story behind Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman’s epic romance, including stories, portraits, and the occasional puzzle, all telling the smoldering tale that has fascinated Hollywood for over a decade. 

The year: 2000. The setting: Los Angeles. A gorgeous virtuoso of an actress had agreed to star in a random play, and a basement-dwelling scenic carpenter had said he would assay a supporting role in the selfsame pageant. At the first rehearsal, she surveyed her fellow cast members, as one does, determining if any of the men might qualify to provide her with a satisfying fling. Her gaze fell upon the carpenter, and like a bolt of lightning, the thought struck her: No dice. Moving on.

Yet, unbeknownst to our protagonists, Cupid had merely set down his bow and picked up a rocket launcher. Then fired a love rocket (not a euphemism). The players were Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman, and the resulting romance, once it ignited, was . . . epic. Beyond epic. It resulted in a coupling that has endured to this day; a sizzling, perpetual tryst that has captivated the world with its kindness, athleticism, astonishingly low-brow humor, and true (fire emoji) passion.

How did they do it? They came from completely different families, endured a significant age difference, and were separated by the gulf of several social strata. Megan loved books and art history; Nick loved hammers. But much more than these seemingly unsurpassable obstacles were the values they held in common: respect, decency, the ability to mention genitalia in almost any context, and an abiding obsession with the songs of Tom Waits.

Eighteen years later, they’re still very much in love, and have finally decided to reveal the philosophical mountains they have conquered, the lessons they’ve learned, and the myriad jigsaw puzzles they’ve completed, in a book. Featuring anecdotes, hijinks, interviews, photos, and a veritable grab bag of tomfoolery, this is not only the intoxicating book that Mullally’s and Offerman’s fans have been waiting for, it might just hold the solution to the greatest threat facing our modern world: the single life

– Goodreads

Okay guys. This book!!! I was so in love. I’ve been a huge Nick Offerman fan for a while now so I loved learning about his real life. I’ve never seen Will and Grace (I know, shame) but Megan was so funny and instantly pulled me in. I listened to the audio, which I fully recommend. It’s so funny to hear their back and forth banter and plethora of sex jokes.

This is a book about, well, the greatest love story ever told. It takes you from when Nick met Megan, their dating, their wedding, and how they manage to stay in love when other Hollywood couples fail.

I love learning the things they do to stay connected with one another. They take you through this journey in such a funny way. I just loved learning about them.

One downside to the audio was you couldn’t see the section of pictures that comes with the print book. Obviously. But never fear! Nick and Meagan hilariously describe the pictures to you. Sure, it’s not the same as looking at them, but it gave me a good laugh.

If you are a fan of Parks and Rec or Will and Grace, you should read this book. Or listen, that’s probably even better. It shows the love these two still have for one another. They are great #relationshipgoals

Until next time…

adult, Five Star Book, Historical Fiction

Daisy Jones and the Six Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: Daisy Jones and the Six
  • Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • Book Form: Audio
  • Pages: 368
  • Publisher: Ballentine Books
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Rating: ★★★★★


Everyone knows Daisy Jones & The Six, but nobody knows the reason behind their split at the absolute height of their popularity . . . until now.

Daisy is a girl coming of age in L.A. in the late sixties, sneaking into clubs on the Sunset Strip, sleeping with rock stars, and dreaming of singing at the Whisky a Go Go. The sex and drugs are thrilling, but it’s the rock and roll she loves most. By the time she’s twenty, her voice is getting noticed, and she has the kind of heedless beauty that makes people do crazy things.

Also getting noticed is The Six, a band led by the brooding Billy Dunne. On the eve of their first tour, his girlfriend Camila finds out she’s pregnant, and with the pressure of impending fatherhood and fame, Billy goes a little wild on the road.

Daisy and Billy cross paths when a producer realizes that the key to supercharged success is to put the two together. What happens next will become the stuff of legend.

The making of that legend is chronicled in this riveting and unforgettable novel, written as an oral history of one of the biggest bands of the seventies. Taylor Jenkins Reid is a talented writer who takes her work to a new level with Daisy Jones & The Six, brilliantly capturing a place and time in an utterly distinctive voice.

– Goodreads

Daisy Jones and the Six was a club read in Book Battle for April. I feel like almost everyone read it, including me. I’m so glad I did.

I actually did the audio, which holy crap. One of the best I’ve ever listened too. It’s full cast, so you feel like you’re getting every character’s unique perspective.

This follows a band who has just come together, rises to fame, then suddenly breaks up while they’re at the top. No one has known the full story until now, and what a story it was. There was a nice twist at the end I didn’t see coming, so that was nice.

Daisy Jones and the Six was definitely a page turner. It’s listed as historical fiction – I guess because it takes place in the 70s. The audio really gave you a 70s vibe and made you feel like you were there in the action. I had investments in almost all of the characters. I cheered for them, hated them at times, and just wanted them to end up happy. There was a lot of character growth and discovery. Some took longer to grow, while others figured their life out pretty quickly. Honestly, there was nothing I didn’t like about this audio. It was pretty perfect. It might have been the first ensemble cast I’ve listened too.

On another note – this book has been picked up by amazon to be turned into a miniseries! I can’t wait. I am so excited to hear the music and lyrics come to life – which is something the audio didn’t do, unfortunately.

I have recommended this book to both Book Battle players and members of Words & Whimsy. I do fully recommend the audio. Amazing is the only word I can think to use for it.

Until next time…

adult, ARC, contemporary, fantasy, Five Star Book, Four Star Book, graphic novel, three star book, ya

April Wrap Up

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Wow! How is April already gone? Mylzs second birthday is early next month and I am not at all prepared!

I totaled 17 books this month, which is pretty good for a hard month in book battle. I try to read at least 15 a month, so I’m glad I hit my goal. Nine were audios, which I think is a record. Three were graphic novels, which may also be a record. Then five physicals.

Here’s what I read:

AUDIOS

  • True West by Sam Shepard – Two stars. I bought solely because Kit Harington was narrating it. I couldn’t even tell it was him and the story was hard to follow.
  • Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes – Five stars. Another creepy, enthralling read. Can’t wait for book 3.
  • What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Brundell – Four stars. Great mystery set right after WW2. Very emerging.
  • Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Five Star. Full review to come. Ensemble cast and one of the best audio’s I’ve ever heard.
  • The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally – Five stars. Full review to come. Super funny.
  • One of the Guys by Delaney Diamond – Three star. Nothing wrong with it, but typical romance. Full review to come.
  • Picture Perfect love by Melissa McClone – Three stars. Another typical romance. Full review to come.
  • Yield by Lilia Moon – Three and a half stars. Super spicy read! Full Review to come.
  • Recalculating by Jennifer Weiner – Three and a half stars. Original mystery/thriller. Full review to come.

GRAPHIC NOVELS

  • A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold – Four stars. Great introduction to kids who have autism.
  • The Dreadful Fate of Jonathan York by Kory Merritt – Four stars. Super creepy art.
  • Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson – Four stars. Great friendship and girl power. Full Review to come.

PHYSICAL BOOKS

  • An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley – Four Stars. Love a book set in old Paris. Full review to come.
  • Little Darlings by Melanie Golding – Four and a half stars. Arc. Super creepy. Super amazing. Great look at PPD/PPA
  • Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce – Great beginning to one of the OGs of YA. This was recommended to me by another Words and Whimsy modmin and I loved it! Can’t wait to continue the series.
  • White Rose by Kip Wilson – Four stars. ARC. Written in verse. German resistance in WW2. Amazing read.
  • Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller – Five stars. My second Tricia book and I fell even more in love with her.

As you can see, I never stick to my TBRs. Ever. BUT I will have my May TBR up tomorrow!

Until next time..

adult, Five Star Book, mystery, thriller

Hidden Bodies Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: Hidden Bodies
  • Author: Caroline Kepnes
  • Book Form: Audiobook
  • Pages: 442
  • Publisher: Atria/ Emily Bestler Books
  • Genre: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery
  • Rating: ★★★★★


In the compulsively readable sequel to her widely acclaimed debut novel, You, Caroline Kepnes weaves a tale that Booklistcalls “the love child of Holden Caulfield and Patrick Bateman.”

Joe Goldberg is no stranger to hiding bodies. In the past ten years, this thirty-something has buried four of them, collateral damage in his quest for love. Now he’s heading west to Los Angeles, the city of second chances, determined to put his past behind him.

In Hollywood, Joe blends in effortlessly with the other young upstarts. He eats guac, works in a bookstore, and flirts with a journalist neighbor. But while others seem fixated on their own reflections, Joe can’t stop looking over his shoulder. The problem with hidden bodies is that they don’t always stay that way. They re-emerge, like dark thoughts, multiplying and threatening to destroy what Joe wants most: true love. And when he finds it in a darkened room in Soho House, he’s more desperate than ever to keep his secrets buried. He doesn’t want to hurt his new girlfriend—he wants to be with her forever. But if she ever finds out what he’s done, he may not have a choice…

– Goodreads

MAN OH MAN. This series.

I fully recommend the audios. I don’t usually do that. Santino Fontana does such a good job embodying Joe and just his… creepiness. The audios of both You and Hidden Bodies gave me chills.

This is a continuation of You. Joe has found someone he believes he is in love with. They are going to spend their lives together. Of course, things go wrong.

The majority of the book takes place in LA instead of New York. It was a nice change of scenery. The story was just as creepy, if not creepier, than You.

I remember about 5 chapters in texting my friend about the first twist. It took me by complete surprise. The rest of the book just kept me guessing.

There will be a book three. The release date hasn’t been announced. The title hasn’t been announced. But I NEED IT NOW.

Until next time…

fantasy, Five Star Book, Romance, ya

Daughter of the Pirate King Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: Daughter of the Pirate King
  • Author: Tricia Levenseller
  • Book Form: E-Book
  • Pages: 311
  • Publisher: Feiwel Friends
  • Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance
  • Rating: ★★★★★


There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I’ve gotten what I came for.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

– Goodreads

So this is the second Tricia Levenseller book I’ve read. The first was Warrior of the Wild at the end of last month. You can see that review here.

Daughter of the Pirate King was just as good as Warrior of the Wild. Instead of being loosely based of Vikings, this adventure takes us into the life of pirates.

Tricia’s books are so easy to read. They are quick novels, but I feel so immersed in the story. I was so interested in Alosa’s life and backstory. And the interactions between her and Ridan had me DYING.

I loved that Alosa was the captain of her own ship and her first mate and main crew were all females. As my friend Kahla pointed out, Tricia does great at showcasing not only strong female leads, but physically powerful. I really love that. Being a strong female lead is usually about decision making, personality, those kinds of things. But I love that Tricia’s leading ladies can kick some serious ass.

I love all the sneaking around and hijinks Alosa gets herself into. The twist totally caught me by surprise. I was so invested in this story and cannot wait to get my hands on the next one!

Until next time..