I Picked Up This Book Because: Celeb memoirs are my jam.

The Story:

So much to unpack here. There is no way to sum it up that will do this book justice. My biggest impressions are “Wow, how is this woman still alive” and “Damn, she was really open about her marriages.” No, she didn’t give every minute detail but I think she satisfied the curious.

The Random Thoughts:

#PopSugarReadingChallenge

The Score Card:



3.5 Stars

Virgin River, Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: My cousin raved about the show on Netflix but I had to read the book before watching.

The Characters:

Jake Sheridan:
Malinda “Mel” Monroe:
Joey (Mel’s sister), Doc, Preacher, Ricky, pretty much all the residents of Virgin River

The Story:

Seeking solace after losing her husband to a violent crime Mel sells everything and leaves the fast pace life in L.A. for small town Virgin River where she will put her nurse/midwife skills to use helping out the local doctor. Mel has a super rough start but her wounds are slowly tended to and healed by Jack’s easy going, confident presence. With the help of Jack and the rest of Virgin River Mel learns that can and does appreciate small town life. .

This story was cute and the characters were lovable. I enjoyed it a lot. I can’t wait to go back.

The Random Thoughts:

Now I can run right over and watch the series on Netflix. Thank goodness it’s a holiday weekend.

#LibraryLoveChallenge #2020PopSugarReadingChallenge

The Score Card:



4 Stars

Stephanie Plum, Book 12.5

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series

The Characters:

Stephanie Plum:
Diesel:
Grandma Mazur, Lula, Connie, Tank,

The Story:

I’m not sure how I feel about these between the number books. Barely and Joe or Ranger, Diesel is questionable, little action and Stephanie didn’t even blow up a car. She did have a minor crash so I suppose that’s something.

Overall this left me pretty lukewarm. I’ll continue the series because I love the characters.

The Random Thoughts:

#2020PopSugarChallenge #2020BookBingo #2020LibraryLoveChallenge

The Score Card:



3.5 Stars

Cinder & Ella, Book 2

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.

The Characters:

Ellamara Rodriguez:
Brian Oliver:
Juliette, Ana, Mr Coleman (Ella’s Dad), Vivian

The Story:

This book picks up a week after the first book ends. Now that Brian and Ella have found each other they have to learn to navigate the world of fame together with Ella being wildly unprepared. It’s super cute, very thoughtful and ends with the all important Happily Ever After.

This seems to be written to be a duet however I’d love to see some spinoff stories about other characters. The twins or Vivian’s parents in particular and of course with cameos from Brian and Ella.

The Random Thoughts:

I love how the narrator effortlessly snuck in Ella’s Boston accent.

#2020PopSugarReadingChallenge #2020ReadHarder

The Score Card:



4 Stars

I Picked Up This Book Because: Seeing if it was worth the hype.

The Characters:

Morgan Grant :
Clara Grant:
Miller Adams, Jonah Sullivan, Lexie, Jennie Davidson, Chris Grant

The Story:

I don’t even know how to begin describing this one. A) Because a lot happened and 2) I don’t want to give away anything so rather than describing the plot I’ll stick to the scorecard. The writing was good. I enjoyed the plot twist. I do think a lot could have been avoided if Morgan and Clara just talked to each other but then there wouldn’t be much of a book would there. The pacing moved along well. The only scene that dragged for me is the mockumentary. I really don’t card to watch them, let alone read a description of one the characters are watching. (view spoiler)

Although this book was good it wasn’t the smash I felt like the hype built it up to be. Beyond the plot twist I felt like it was mostly misunderstanding/miscommunication.

The Random Thoughts:

#2020BookBingo #2020PopSugarReadingChallenge

The Score Card:



3.5 Stars