Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Haddie's Haven: Mini Book Reviews - Homes Need to be Beautiful Too!


Hey everyone! So, I've been reading a lot of books lately. Majority for blog tours and requests from authors. I haven't been able to sit down and actually write some of these reviews here for you guys (not counting the blog tours), things are just a bit crazy. Also, I am doing NaNoWriMo2016, so I have been making attempts to balance everything so I am not overloaded. I decided to share some quick reviews of the books I haven't shared with you guys. Also, stay tuned to the end of this post for a special announcement.

>> Before I get into the books, I want to ask (mention to) you something: We all love seeing a clean bookshelf, am I write? (See what I did there? *winks*) Well, what about the rest of the place? How are you gonna show off your lovely bookshelves if the rest of your home is a mess? For that matter, how are you going to have guests over if the place is not clean? Nothing wrong there, but we all live and are busy every single day, right? How about getting someone to clean for you! If you're in New York (which I am not sadly, or else I would be calling them myself), check out Handy.com

Handy is a leading provider of New York cleaning services. For the quality maid service New York relies on, book online and one of our experienced, background-checked professionals will have your home clean in no time. Based in NYC, Handy.com apartment cleaning. <<

I will make mention how I came to read these books and the titles will be linked to their Goodreads pages. And these are super short 5*** reviews.

Fifteen Seconds of Normal by Alex Marestaing
The author gifted me a copy for an honest review.

"Love is a cold night warmed by the voice of a friend."
I cannot even begin to say how great this book is. A story that shines a bit of light on so many things that happen in life. I think the characters were great. Kaeya's TS and how she is choosing to deal with it is touching. The dynamics of how the story falls into place is different from what I've read. I love how clean the story is. No vulgar suggestive topics, languages is completely rated-G. This is instantly a favorite for me, because something a character does reminds me of someone I cherish. The author's writing style is definitely a change. I like how the characters share the spotlight. Really so good.

Head in the Game by Lily Cahill
As part of the review team, I received an ARC from the author.

Absolutely loved reading this. The characters were wonderful. I love how Riley wanted to take the art class, was determined to do his best and land the girl along the way. It had a bit of a slow pick up, but once it was rolling, it was great. I say its a win-win.

I am on the author's review team and received an ARC.

I think I just found myself a team to root for. Granted, the Rebels may only exist in this book, but I am totally on board here.
Noah and Mere's second chance at love is so heartfelt. The troubles Mere goes through before realizing she should at least try to go back to Noah. It is pretty obvious that Noah has been waiting for her to come back. He didn't cover up the tattoo of her name across his heart. If that's not true love and patience to wait, I don't know what is.
I think Noah and Mere's story is a great look at people fighting through their fears and opening up about past hurts so they can be healed. I had my suspicions while reading this book, but only 1-2 of them were actually correct.
As always, the author knows how to take a subject and write about it as though she experienced it firsthand. Wonderfully written, and a total winner. Can't wait to find out with Rebel is next to tell his love story. I think I already know. ;)

RUIN by Clarissa Wild
I actually bought this book, but its too good not to share!

When the author was first teased this book, all I could think about was "who did she base this story on?" My first initial thought was herself and her husband, but I wasn't going to let myself jump to conclusions until I read it. This book is heartbreakingly-amazing. Alexander's character is so wonderful that all you want is for him to be real, and he actually is. Maybell is a character I think everyone can relate to, especially when she thinks she can't do anything normal again. Writing is her passion and I love that element. Not to spoil anything, but at about 95% I had a mini heart attack. Buff said.

Oak & Mistletoe by J.Z.N. McCauley
I received an e-ARC from the author for honest review.

Refreshing, original, memorable.
This book is amazing. Not only is the story original, but the writing is so good and the characters memorable. This book follows Catherine, a woman who originally planned on only visiting Ireland with her brother and sister. Evidently, Catherine falls in love with the country and takes up permanent residence. Catherine now runs into a certain man who keeps warning her to leave Ireland. At first, she just thinks he is . . . some crazy dude just trying to freak her out. Things are not always what they appear.

For a fantasy/paranormal read, this was super refreshing. We have boatloads of series out there, and not so much stand-alones. (Trusting my instinct that this is not the debut of a series, but that would be great as well.) I am so glad I had the chance to read this book, and I look forward to more of the author's coming works.This book is amazing. Not only is the story original, but the writing is so good and the characters memorable. This book follows Catherine, a woman who originally planned on only visiting Ireland with her brother and sister. Evidently, Catherine falls in love with the country and takes up permanent residence. Catherine now runs into a certain man who keeps warning her to leave Ireland. At first, she just thinks he is . . . some crazy dude just trying to freak her out. Things are not always what they appear.

For a fantasy/paranormal read, this was super refreshing. We have boatloads of series out there, and not so much "stand-alones". (Trusting my instinct that this is not the debut of a series, but that would be great as well.) I am so glad I had the chance to read this book, and I look forward to more of the author's coming works. (EXTRA: I actually just learned about a sequel, which is fantastic because I actually want more of this book!)


Because Beards (Beard Anthology)
by a WIDE VARIETY of EPIC AUTHORS
Originally, I received perhaps 3 of the short stories as e-ARCS, but I ended up purchasing my own copy on release day.

Eee! To be honest, the title says it all, but this is so good! I got to read a few snippets of a couple stories before the entire anthology was put together and I gotta say that it is just what you need to satisfy those little urges for something quick, but sexy and angsty to read.

Fraulein Frankenstein by Stephen Woodworth
I had nominated this book on Kindle Scout and it got selected for publication, so I got a free copy from it. 
Again, a book I had to share.

I am not one to read anything quite as creepy as Frankenstein, but this was over the top awesome. Fraulein Frankenstein opens a new world to a tale that is already so well known. The beginning had me going. The middle, upon the edge of my seat. The ending, not quite a cliffhanger, but I wanted to know where the characters end up.

So that is all the books I will be sharing in this post. If I share anymore, you will be here until Christmas. Literally, that is how many books I have read. I completed my Goodreads Reading challenge! Anyways, I am going to be sharing a giveaway soon. I have a ton of extra bookmarks (some signed by the authors) that I would love to give to some people. More details for this will be found at my Facebook page in a couple days. You can find the link in my page-tabs, or RIGHT HERE.

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