Live Out Loud by Heather Wardell

Ah, another Heather Wardell book on the blog. I’m happy to announce I have read and reviewed all of her books, and she is at the top of my Favorite Authors list. Live Out Loud captures the story of Amy, hobbyist songwriter with a heavy goal on her mind – honor the memory of her late childhood friend. Amy thinks the way to do this is to start a support center for teenage girls, but when Amy suddenly catapults to fame thanks to a video of her singings blows up the internet, Amy is faced to realize that maybe the center isn’t meant to be. Amy – now posing as Misty Will, hit pop star – has fame at her door and teenage girls following her every move. Can Amy really give up being Misty – or is the call of fame too strong for her to ignore?

Another book I highly enjoyed from Wardell. Amy is such a confused character, so sure that she knows what she wants just unsure how to reach it, but at the same time – she’s hopelessly lost. She knows she wants to honor her friend, but it’s fairly obvious that she has no idea how to go about the center. I loved the pop culture twist in the book – how to become an overnight sensation with just an uploaded video, the pressures celebrities have on them when their considered to be role models, and the great content that gets delivered in each book from Wardell. There are some hard hitting topics discussed – from teen death to abortions – but the story is very touching and I would definitely recommend Live Out Loud.

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The Divorce Club by Jayde Scott

The Divorce Club by Jayde Scott is a book for the women. While the story follows Sarah, a young mother whose husband has just taken off to be with someone even younger, I fell very easily into the story even though I am not married, divorced, or a mom. I think Sarah will be very compatible to many readers, and her journey pulled me in right from the first page. On her own for the first time and having to support herself and her thirteen-year old daughter, Sarah comes up with the idea to start a divorce club – a place where women going through a divorce can come for support, advice, or just bitch about their exes. The club features a slew of different woman, but the most interesting member is Jaime, the only male of the group. Sarah is forced to fight off her attraction to Jaime, and also try to figure out why he joined the group. And contend with a stalker. And deal with ex-husband who has just took up residence at their house again. The chaos is complete is Sarah’s life, and now she just has to figure out how to take control. I really enjoyed The Divorce Club. Like I said earlier, I think this book will strike a chord with all women, whether you can relate to Sarah’s story or not. Scott’s writing is key, humorous yet insightful, witty and distinctive, and the plot twists will keep you frantically reading until the end.

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Until Again by Lou Aronica

When I took a chance on Blue, a fantasy novel by Lou Aronica, I was super pleased I did. I gave the book 4 1/2 stars and fell in love with the story and characters. When Aronica contacted me about reviewing Until Again, the prequel to Blue, I had to say yes. A chance to find out about these amazing characters before all the events in Blue transpired? Yes please! The prequel follows Chris Astor and the divorce that he is going through. While not too sad to be divorcing his wife, he is devastated that he won’t be able to see his daughter, Becky, as much. The father and daughter have a tradition of weaving tales of the fantasy world Tamarisk, with Princess Miea and her mystical land. Until Again shows readers the background of some major events that lead to the plot lines in Blue, and I recommend both of these novels. Even if you don’t normally read fantasy, give Lou Aronica a chance. He spins a masterful story, touching and emotional, that will leave you thinking about these characters far long after you’ve closed the books.

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Blank Slate Kate by Heather Wardell

I have been a fan of Heather Wardell’s since her first book, and have happily read and reviewed each and every one on Chick Lit Plus. When she contacted me about doing a tour for Blank Slate Kate, I was thrilled. Mainly because I got to read another book. I was super curious about this one, where the main character wakes up in her thirties – but her last memories are from when she is seventeen. Kate – or is her real name Kate? – has lost all her memories from the past fifteen years. She has to try to figure out who she really is, and things really get complicated when her husband appears. Kate doesn’t have any recollection of this man, her wedding, her corporate life. How can she piece the puzzle together?

Again, another five star review for a Wardell book. Once I started this book, I just could not put it down. I loved figuring out Kate’s life with the little clues that would come to us throughout the chapters. It was such a mystery, and a very well thought-out and written one at that. Twists and turns surfaced at so many points, but instead of being overwhelming, it just kept making the book better and better. The aspect I think I loved the most was the ending. Wardell gives her books the best endings – they never end the way you think they will or is the “norm.” (Check out Planning to Live and you’ll see what I mean). I really enjoyed the ending to this book as well, and again – if you haven’t checked out Heather Wardell  yet – do it! You’ll thank me!

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Empire of Light by Gregory Earls

Review written by Sara Palacios

Empire of Light by Gregory Earls is an endearing tale of a young, black cinematography student. The story begins with Jason Tisse, taking on the notoriously tough American Film Institute, ruthlessly trying to pave his way through life and closer to his dreams. A chance encounter with the Dean of Cinematography, Howard Edgerton, leads Tisse on a hiatus from the film institute, wondering what to do next. On a whim, he finds himself in Europe, tracking down the infamous works of famed painter Caravaggio for inspiration. Armed with only a vintage Kodak Brownie camera and a limited number of shots, Tisse embarks on a journey, where he finds himself, love, and the opportunity of a lifetime.

This was my first venture into the world of “lad lit” and at first, I struggled to relate to the characters but that quickly passed. Soon enough, I was completely immersed into Tisse’s life and the epic world of cinematography. I found author Gregory Earls storytelling to be intelligent, entertaining and wonderfully authentic and the voice of Jason Tisse to be wildly refreshing and honest. I thoroughly enjoyed turning each page to see which new adventures he would embark on next and to watch him grow into a man, and a talent, to be reckoned with. I was quite pleased with the story overall and look forward to following Gregory Earls career as a writer.

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5 Stages of Grief by Bethany Ramos

Bethany Ramos is on tour with CLP Blog Tours and 5 Stages of Grief. This book really intrigued me. I thought it was different from a lot of books I have read lately, and I thought the timing in the main character’s life was really interesting. Danielle Starkey gets a disturbing phone call regarding a vacation that her husband booked – with his mistress. Danielle is furious that her husband was cheating on her – past tense because her husband died in a tragic car accident. Danielle doesn’t know what to think about Cherry James (such a mistress name) and why her husband was cheating. How do you get resolution when the cheating party is six feet under? Danielle comes up with a scheme to confront Cherry James about the affair, but in the process, manages to almost lose her cushy job as a magazine beauty editor. Will Danielle be able to keep it all together, or will this latest twist be too much to handle?

I thought Ramos gave readers a whole new angle to work with during Danielle’s journey. Her husband is already deceased, she’s already allowed herself to break down about it, and now we watch as this new piece of information gets brought to life. While the story is sad, it’s also humorous, charming and realistic.  Danielle relies on her best friend to help get through, and she also gives her shot at online dating. The beginning went kind of fast for me, I was trying to figure out what the heck was all going on, but once I was a few pages in I started to get a handle on Danielle and her friends and what she was going through. I also loved that Danielle was a beauty editor, and watching her on the job was a lot of fun – something I think chick lit fans will enjoy. Overall, I’m really impressed at the story and characters Ramos created and think this is a book to get on your to-read lists!

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Aftertaste by Meredith Mileti

First off, let me give five stars to the cover alone. I could stare at this beauty all day. I’m a big fan of foodie books, and I just knew this book was going to speak to me. Aftertaste, the debut novel from Meredith Mileti, follows Mira Rinaldi as she tries to pick up the pieces of her life after finding her husband cheating on her. Mira and husband Jake are co-owners to the wildly successful Manhattan Italian restaurant, Grappa, the same location where Mira finds Jake with Grappa’s newest waitress. Mira is shocked at Jake’s infidelity, especially since they welcomed their first baby just two months prior. Mira packs up baby Chloe and flees to Pittsburgh to be near her family. She struggles to fight for Grappa, stay sane for Chloe’s sake, and work through her divorce. Along the way, Mira must find what fulfills her life, what makes her happy and content.

Aftertaste makes it on my Favorites List, as this was such a satisfying novel. I found Mira so easy to relate to. Unlike a lot of novels where the woman finds her man cheating and slinks away to rebuild her life, Mira fought back. She attacked the mistress, got arrested, and was ordered to anger management classes. Those scenes made the story really come to life for me. Is it the best thing to turn to physical violence? Of course not. But it really put a human aspect to Mira’s character, and I was with her from the first page. Aftertaste has a ton of drama – I shed tears, I was furious with Jake, and I was rooting on Mira in every scene – and I didn’t want the story to end. Mira’s journey also gave me a sense of empowerment, and I love books that show a strong heroine never giving up. A must read in my opinion!

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Year of the Chick by Romi Moondi

I have gotten to know Romi Moondi fairly well through email after she signed up with CLP Blog Tours, and might even call her a friend – internet friend, but a friend I enjoy chatting with nonetheless. I could tell from her emails that Year of the Chick was going to be a riot, and I was not wrong. Moondi lets her personality shine through the pages, and I could definitely picture her as the main character. Which, um, she sort of is. Read her blog – no seriously, read her blog, it’s super hysterical. Anyway, the story follows MC Romi Narindra, an Indian living in Canada whose traditional parents try to arrange an, er, arranged marriage for Romi and her older sister. Romi, being the non-traditionalist she is, does not want anything to do with an arranged marriage. Year of the Chick follows Romi as she searches for love her own – including being set up with friends and internet dating. She gives herself twelve months to find a man…or be forced to marry a stranger her parents set her up with.

This is probably the fourth book I have read in two months that features an Indian heroine, so I am slowly getting more accustomed to the traditions – such as the whole family living together under one roof. I loved Romi’s spirit and how she wanted to hold out for true love, but sometimes her insistence on finding love made me want to shake her. At times she could be that clingy girl who wouldn’t realize she was with the wrong guy, but it was fun and interesting to watch how she got into situations and got herself out of them. The relationship between Romi and her sister was hysterical, kind of sad, but still super funny how they addressed each – thinks lots of profanity. The ending is definitely a cliff hanger, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Romi and her love life!

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Jennifer’s Garden by Dianne Venetta

Jennifer’s Garden by Dianne Venetta is a sweet romance story that dives deeper into just the love life of the heroine. Main character Jennifer is struggling in her decision to marry fiancée Aurelio, and to marry him quickly so her mother can see her as a bride. Jennifer’s mother is battling a terminal illness and doesn’t have long to live, and the pressure for Jennifer to marry is on. But Jennifer finds herself unhappy in her relationship – and then she meets Jackson Montgomery. Jax is Jennifer’s landscape architect who is to help transform Jennifer’s property into a magical scene for her wedding. The sparks between Jax and Jennifer fly – but what choice will Jennifer make?

The relationship between Jennifer and her mother was extremely touching. It was heartbreaking to read about Jennifer trying to stay strong as she watches her mother succumb to her illness. I liked that there was more than just romance to this book – there was personal struggles and a fun friendship between Jennifer and pal Sam, and then romance to top it all off. Vennetta’s writing was really beautiful, especially when it came to the descriptions of the garden. It was breathtaking to just imagine what was being created in the story, and I really got caught up in those scenes. My downfall in this story was that I found some parts to be a little cheesy and it seemed to go on for longer than necessary. Other than those critiques, I enjoyed Jennifer’s Garden and think you will too if you like to read light romances with a kick of something extra.

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Princess of Park Avenue by Daniella Brodsky

Daniella Brodsky is on tour with CLP Blog Tours and her re-launch of Princess of Park Avenue. This story follows Brooklyn girl Lorraine Machuchi and her climb to be somebody. As opportunities seem to just fall in her lap, Lorraine suddenly finds herself in Manhattan, staying for free in a posh apartment, coloring hair for the elite, and buying designer clothes. But can you ever really take the Brooklyn out of the girl? The biggest downfall letting Lorraine truly embrace her new life is Tommy. Tommy, the guy that Lorraine can just not get over. Tommy, the guy who can reel Lorraine back in with just a glimpse of his unbuttoned shirt. Can Lorraine really be a Park Avenue Princess if she keeps letting Tommy sneak back into her life?

I kept going back and forth with this story. I loved the idea behind Lorraine and taking a sort of Jenny from the Block type and turning her into a successful woman trolling Park Avenue. Watching Lorraine grow and find her confidence was a lot of fun for me. I also really enjoyed the twists with the Park Avenue Princesses and their devious plans, and the beginning of the chapters was excellent foreshadowing. Some of the characters reminded me of the Jersey Shore cast, but those scenes definitely cracked me up rather than made me want to wash my mouth out like with the TV show. My downfalls came with how long it took Lorraine to break free of Tommy. I was worried right up until the last chapters that she would never figure it out.  My other downfall was that the book seemed very long. There were quite a few scenes that could have been snipped to let the story read a bit quicker. Overall though, a fun chick lit story that I’m sure many readers will be able to identify with.

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**Everyone who leaves a comment on Daniella’s tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! If you purchase your copy of Princess of Park Avenue  before February 6 and send your receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, you will get five bonus entries!

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