Crystal Bell

Crystal BellMore like 2.5 stars to 3<br/><br/>Here goes my unpopular opinion. Remember, books are subjective to the reader. It may be your five stars but not someone else’s. I never bash the author’s hard work; I just give constructive criticism. <br/><br/> Colleen Hoover has been under my radar for a while now. I am equally a horror and romance reader. So when I was told this book was a thriller and disturbing and her first intake on horror, I was more than excited. <br/><br/> I am sure she is a phenomenal author in romance; I mean, look at all her reviews and progress. It speaks for herself. When I went into this book, I went in as a horror reader, and sadly I am disappointed. It’s hard to go from writing romance to horror. I feel like it’s a different outline. Maybe my expectations were too high. I was hoping for more of Stephen King or John Saul level of a thriller. <br/><br/>I found most of the book to be predictable and felt there wasn’t enough research. The ending was supposed to be a twist and mind trickery. My concern to me is more of a letdown. I couldn’t connect with the female protagonist. When Jeremy talked about the most painful parts of his life, I never felt it was authentic and couldn’t feel his loss. Hence more research and detail in that subject. Maybe it’s too heavy of a topic for some people. To be honest, it seemed she was holding back. <br/><br/>The book has some great potential, and I like the concept of the story. I didn’t find the book that disturbing or dark. Don’t get me wrong; it has some disturbing parts. On my dark scale, it’s gray. The book was written over three years ago. I am sure her writing has matured, and she no longer holds back.

Harper BrownI've been thinking of adding this to my reading list!

Ella AndersonGreat book! Did you have a favorite part?

Crystal Bell<br/><br/>I first fell in love with Wicked in Sicko. Then when the author announced Wicked was having his book, I was equally excited and nervous. Nervous because of the hype and my expectations. Like always ways, with the author’s books, I trusted the process and am happy to say I’m ecstatic with the outcome. <br/><br/>Here is what to expect <br/><br/>Mayhem and chaos <br/>Several twists <br/>Darkness<br/>Secrets <br/>Badass heroine <br/>Wicked (need I say more ) <br/>Mindfuckery <br/>Addicting( be prepared to abandon all adult responsibilities while reading ) <br/><br/><br/>The book's first part is about how Wicked and Ruby met and their downfall. Part Two is four years later. Ruby is not the same woman Wicked left behind. She is now the Princess of death and leaves a blood trail behind her. With one big secret. <br/><br/>Wicked at seventeen was hard to believe he wasn't a mature man. However, if you had his life, you would probably be the same. As horrific as it was, it molded him as he was in the present, which we all love. <br/><br/>Wicked is just that, wicked good. (Yes, I used wicked as an adjective, it's our new England slang.) I’m now on high and don’t want to come down. Go in with an open mind. Read the trigger warnings. The book is not for the faint of heart.

Crystal Bell<br/><br/>How My Neighbor Stole Christmas is my top read of the year. It’s a book I didn’t even know I needed. I have never laughed so hard. Especially if you have the paperback, the illustrations added that extra panache. ( I have the B&N exclusive edition, not sure if the illustrations are in regular paperback.) <br/><br/>Storee and Cole were good friends when they were younger until they weren’t. Storee gone for ten years is now back. Storee enters the Christmas competition on behalf of her aunt. Once Cole, catches wind of this he decides with his sidekick Max to enter and win. <br/><br/>The book is a spicy enemies to lovers loosely based on How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Storee is one of my favorite FMCs from the author. Her quick wit is spot on and is a relatable character. You cant help falling in love with Cole. Grumpy but really has a heart of gold. Let’s not forget sexy as sin.<br/><br/>I also loved the narrator throughout the book. There is banter and antics throughout the book , along side a more in-depth storyline. Words alone can’t articulate how much I loved this book and all the characters. Bonus that it put me in the Christmas spirit. <br/><br/>A must-read for the Holiday season. <br/><br/><br/>