Spell the Month in Books [4]

 

Spell the Month in Books is a monthly meme hosted by Reviews from the Stacks. Each month, you select books that correspond with the letters in that month’s name (for example, December) and create a list. You can also link your post on Jana’s site each month.

The Mountains Wild by Sarah Stewart Taylor

Review Snippet: I don't read a lot of mysteries, but I am so happy I took a chance on The Mountains Wild. I never wanted to put it down! Once I reached a certain point, I wasn't capable of stopping. I stayed up until nearly 4 AM, BECAUSE I HAD TO KNOW. It was crazy! I was second-guessing myself, the characters, and trying to read between the lines. My brain felt overworked, like I was actually there and someone's life depended on me personally (sooo stressful, but also weirdly invigorating). I wasn't able to figure it out, but I really enjoyed the journey! Regardless, the story was fantastic, the characters relatable and authentic, and the Ireland setting was lovely. I could clearly picture the breathtaking views.

I've always wanted to go to Ireland, and this book only solidified those feelings. The pubs! The accents! The views! I have no idea if it's all in my head or not (books tend to impact expectations), but I still want to go one day. I thought the author did a wonderful job of describing where the characters were within the story (what streets they were on, which buildings they passed). I felt like I was there with Maggie, walking down an alley, turning corners, feeling the wind in my hair and on my face. It was so vivid and detailed, but without feeling overdone. Amazing. *click here for the original post and full review

All Our Broken Pieces by L.D. Crichton

Review Snippet: I loved this. 

I loved this.
I loved this.
I loved this.
I loved this.

I am overflowing with love for this book! L.D. Crichton has created something beautiful and memorable, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. The writing was lovely and flowed from one page to the next. Kyler and Lennon were two very distinct characters that I could relate to and enjoyed reading about. Everything about this book was perfection, and that's not something I say lightly. I honestly have nothing negative to say about All Our Broken Pieces. Whether you purchase a copy for yourself or borrow one from the library, this is a book you need in your life.

First of all, I want to say how much I enjoyed the family dynamics. Lennon has to move in with her father and stepmother after an accident, and it's an adjustment for everyone. Her OCD is new to them, and they have to learn how the condition impacts Lennon, and also what it means to have her in their lives. They are more than willing to help and really try to understand. It's super obvious they love and care about her. Her father shares memories of her mother and how they met, and Claire (Lennon's stepmother) laughs along with everyone else. There is no jealousy or hatred, just happiness and acceptance. *click here for the original post and full review

The Raging Ones (The Raging Ones, #1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Review Snippet: First of all, the quote on the cover is inaccurate. It says, "ONE predetermined day to DIE. THREE who choose to DEFY." Franny, Court, and Mykal didn't choose to defy anything. They expected to die like everyone else on their predetermined day, but for reasons unknown to them, they did not. It wasn't like they'd found some way around their deathday. Second, and this one is completely personal, I'm not a huge fan of the cover. I don't feel like it represents the story at all. I've read the book and I'm still not sure why the R looks like a sunbeam.

Initially, The Raging Ones made me think of They Both Die at the End. However, people knowing when they die was the only similarity. In They Both Die at the End, people get a phone call on the day they're going to die. The people in The Raging Ones are tested at birth and placed into one of three categories based on how long they'll live. *click here for the original post and full review

Cold-Hearted Rake (The Ravenels, #1) by Lisa Kleypas

Review Snippet: The synopsis is a bit misleading, because Devon is nothing like the cold-hearted rake it promises. I never thought of Devon as cold-hearted or rakish. He may have pretended to be in the beginning, but it quickly becomes clear that’s not who he truly is. Devon is compassionate and consistently puts the well-being of others before his own. He didn’t want the responsibility that fell to him, but he handled it well and made improvements that benefited everyone, not just himself.

Despite his past exploits, Devon claims he hasn’t lived that way for quite some time and that those activities have lost their appeal. He was mostly bored with the life he’d been living, and I think he (subconsciously) saw this new responsibility as a challenge—something meaningful and exciting. While he sometimes vocalized thoughts that came across as insensitive, his actions almost always contradicted his unkind words. *click here for the original post and full review

The Hollow Inside by Brooke Lauren Davis

Review Snippet: I read The Hollow Inside in just two days! Do you know how long it’s been since I binged a book? AGES. The twists! The turns! It was a masterfully crafted debut, and I’m already looking forward to more from this author. If you enjoy puzzles, definitely add this one to your TBR—I promise you’ll be piecing it together long after you’ve finished the story.

Phoenix is a wonderfully complex character that I enjoyed reading about. She loves her mom, but she’s conflicted about some of their choices and the lengths they go to in order to survive. Her mother doesn’t seem as fazed by the brutality or uncertainty of their lives, though she’s haunted by a past that continues to affect her. Phoenix often finds her mom silent and trapped within her own mind, which leaves Phoenix feeling alone and unsure of herself. For so long, the only other person in her world was her mother, so it makes sense that she would do anything for her. However, the head games Nina played—using affection like a reward—made their relationship extremely toxic. *click here for the original post and full review

Happy March, lovelies!

Cold-Hearted Rake (The Ravenels, #1) by Lisa Kleypas 🎧 Mary Jane Wells

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A twist of fate . . .

Devon Ravenel, London's most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities . . . and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl's three innocent sisters are still occupying the house . . . along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon's own.

A clash of wills . . .

Kathleen knows better than to trust a ruthless scoundrel like Devon. But the fiery attraction between them is impossible to deny—and from the first moment Devon holds her in his arms, he vows to do whatever it takes to possess her. As Kathleen finds herself yielding to his skillfully erotic seduction, only one question remains:

Can she keep from surrendering her heart to the most dangerous man she's ever known? 

1) “The right words can bind someone more effectively than chains." 2) "Just because you don't understand or agree with something doesn't mean that it lacks merit."

The synopsis is a bit misleading, because Devon is nothing like the cold-hearted rake it promises. I never thought of Devon as cold-hearted or rakish. He may have pretended to be in the beginning, but it quickly becomes clear that’s not who he truly is. Devon is compassionate and consistently puts the well-being of others before his own. He didn’t want the responsibility that fell to him, but he handled it well and made improvements that benefited everyone, not just himself.

Despite his past exploits, Devon claims he hasn’t lived that way for quite some time and that those activities have lost their appeal. He was mostly bored with the life he’d been living, and I think he (subconsciously) saw this new responsibility as a challenge—something meaningful and exciting. While he sometimes vocalized thoughts that came across as insensitive, his actions almost always contradicted his unkind words.

The other characters were very well written, and I especially enjoyed reading about the twins. I think the other sister, Helen, will be the focus of the next book, but I’d really love to learn more about the twins and what their future holds. West (Devon’s brother) was definitely a scoundrel in the beginning, but he was also really funny. Over time, he fell in love with the people in the community and tried to better their lives however he could. He wasn’t the kind of man in a suit who was afraid to get his hands dirty, but the kind who rolls up his sleeves and offers to help. Everyone in this book was a joy to read about, and the story beautifully shows how a community working together can benefit everyone.

Kathleen is a strong female character who doesn’t clutch her pearls when a handsome man is nearby. She’s able to stand toe-to-toe with Devon even when he’s being impossible. I’m certain she influenced some of his decisions and pushed him to view the world differently. There are some shocking revelations about her, and I’m glad she was able to find her own happiness. No matter what her circumstances were, her heart always bled for others.

Cold-Hearted Rake was an enjoyable read. The writing is absolutely beautiful, and many of the phrases have stuck with me. I ended up buying the book just to justify the ridiculous number of sticky notes and tiny stars I used to mark my favorite passages. I’ve heard amazing things about Lisa Kleypas, and this was my first book by her. I definitely plan to read more of her work in the future, so if you have any recommendations, let me know!

Side note: I don’t know how people—especially children—survived mourning periods back then. It seems miserable and unhealthy. I doubt the deceased cared whether their loved ones covered the windows in black, wore veils, or secluded themselves from the world. I would want my family to keep living and enjoying life, because death only reminds us how short that life actually is. I can’t imagine trying to keep my three children indoors for a year because their father died and it would be considered “inappropriate” for them to play or enjoy themselves.