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I'm A Book Shark
Freelance copyeditor to all amazing self-published and independent authors. Check out my editing page for more information. <3
Mickey is the blogger behind I’m A Book Shark. She really wishes there was a better explanation for why she’s a book shark. A new twitter name was needed, and it had to be about her favorite hobby: reading! For whatever reason, sharks also came to mind, and a book shark was born. Besides reading, Mickey is a natural reddish-headed, late-twenties, tattooed, entertainment-of-all-kinds lover, wife of husband, mother of reptiles (and a cat and two puppies, all spoiled), student, employee, boss, and (mostly) raw vegan. Oh yeah, and she likes to blog.
www.imabookshark.com
Currently reading
The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World
Dear Teen Me: Authors Write Letters to Their Teen Selves
Missed Periods and Other Grammar Scares: How to Avoid Unplanned and Unwanted Grammar Errors
Budget Savvy Diva's Guide to Slashing Your Grocery Bill by 50% or More
The Edge of Never
Camouflaged
This book is sexy and fun, but it's totally like another book I just read. I'd have to do some research to see which came out first, but honestly.. they're way too similar. A bunch of the details are different, but it's the same concept. So at first I was pretty worried about liking this one. But like I said, it was sexy and fun so I enjoyed it. The narrator sounds similar to Lorelei King, so I kind of wished she'd narrated it herself since she's the best. Overall, this is a predictable but entertaining book. I listened to the whole thing in one day at work.
See full review here!I received this from S&S Audio for review.
Sooo.. I put this on my "will never read" list a while back, but when it showed up on the list of audio books available for review from S&S, I took the chance on it. Honestly, I don't regret it, and at the beginning I actually kind of liked it a lot. But there were SO many problems! Let's take a look, shall we?
1. I could HEAR the grammatical errors in this novel. Seriously.. that's ridiculous. A misplaced comma is one thing. But knowing when to use "I" or "me" is really NOT that hard and definitely something an editor should catch. Come on, now.
2. Travis. What to say about Travis?! He's a possessive, egotistical, selfish a-hole. Travis is NOT boyfriend material. He shouldn't have been regarded as highly as he was by all the random chicks, either. Does this stuff happen in real life? Are guys like this sought out like that? He's a total jerk, and the way he gets as the book progresses feels SO unrealistic and overdone. I don't think he'd change that much in that short of a time period. What a prick.
3. Abby. Wowee wow wow. This chick has some issues, let alone the worst friend EVER (see America below). How is it that she can remind herself that a life with Travis is the same as a life with her father but then completely forget in the next breath?! She's pathetic. It's a little ridiculous. I got so tired of her changing her mind and being so sad and sappy. She did this to herself, really.
4. America. This girl needs to learn what it means to be a friend! She pushes Abby into this "relationship" with Travis only to rip her apart for it later. Then she's back on board. Then she's wishy-washy again and breaking up with her own boyfriend a million times. Get it together already!
UGH. So yeah. Like I said.. at the beginning this book kind of had me hooked. Then it took off and went all nutso on me. It's not a very good book, and the cover has little to do with the story because Abby is no butterfly trapped in the jar. No sir! She's not. I could hardly feel bad for her, and I really wish Trav would have gone all real-life on her. That's all I'm saying. Not a fan of this one.
Eh. These are just getting drawn out, really. She needs to hit the Long Game stuff and finish this already. The audio version seemed like it had different voices from the past, but it could just be that it's been a long time since I've listened. I was more irritated with the narrator's voice this time around for some reason. Hopefully the final books rolls around soon!
See full review here!2.5 stars
The writing was pretty great, but the story just did not connect with me! I don't really like mermaid stories. I prefer present tense and first-person writing, and this was the opposite of both. So right off the bat I kind of didn't want to continue reading this. Then I started to get into the mystery because this is mermaids AND ghosts, but then I got bored. And the final page just irked me! That didn't wrap much up.. and I don't think this is a series, is it? I just did not care for this book. Plus, the author made some disastrous remarks about what to do with her ARC including not even giving it to kids in desperate need of reading material. Not cool, Fama. I'm over this.
See full review here!Wow. This book is terribly sad and really addicting. I had zero clue what this one was about because (like I always mention) I rarely read the descriptions of books, and this was no exception to that. It's an incredibly awful topic to cover, but Lane Davis does a fabulous job getting right to the point, weaving and spinning this tale into reality. This could be any of the children in our high schools. Bullying can happen to anyone at any time. A-holes like Macie need to somehow be brought to justice. Thank you to Lane Davis for writing a book that teens can really learn from and see the mistakes in the ways of bullies and just plain hurtful people.
High school is tough. Kids and teens are ruthless and mean. It can be hard if you don't fit it. I went to a fairly small high school, graduating with a class of 160 people. We all knew each other, but we had our share of drama. I can't even imagine being a part of it, but I'm sure it's scary to want to be on the inside even if you have to do horrible things. Somehow we all need to find the strength to not feed into bullying. I don't know how it happens, but it's awful and life-ruining as this book illustrates.
I had no idea that Lane Davis was a man. Now, maybe that's not significant to you, but only one of the many POVs is a male. Davis really nails down the female POV. I loved the multiple, alternating view points in this novel. Each person was different with a clear voice. And I loved how this story isn't really linear. They all have flashbacks, and each POV switch picks up somewhere where the other one left off, but we go back in time with them as well. It's deep and powerful, making this book stand out among the others out there.
I did read the ARC, and there were editing issues that need to be resolved. But other than that, I don't have many complaints. I read this book in two sittings in one day. It's quick and you don't want to put it down anyway. I wanted to see how all the depositions went and who came out on top. It's so easy to dislike everything about Macie, but I kind of wanted to see some redeeming quality. Definitely read this one if you want a realistic cyber-bullying example of a book.
Loved the narrator, loved the dialogue, loved that I was laughing, OUT LOUD, half the time. :o) Even with the subject matter and the irritation you feel with Lennie sometimes, it's still a great YA novel. I didn't really love Big. He was kind of weird. And I almost wanted certain things to work out because I'm a weirdo and I love the twist technique. Oh well! I wasn't a huge Joe fan, but he did make Lennie happy. The whole love thing got to me though. I think it's weird that teens in YA novels toss around the word 'love' like it's no big deal. Whatever, people.
Anyway, hopefully this will make you laugh and cry and all that jazz. The audio book version is fantastic, so if you like audio books, do check this one out!
This was cute, but the narrator's voice is so childish that it's hardly believable. I kind of wanted to choke Eliza sometimes, but then I also kind of wanted to choke everyone else in the story, too. It was kind of neat to see her complete the tasks from Tyler since they were things she never wanted to do or didn't have the guts to try. It's a good lesson to learn, even if the way it happens is pretty bogus. Decent story.
Wow. I was NOT a fan of this book. The writing was weird and forced. I didn't like any of the characters, except for maybe the dog, and his name was Jack so half the time I thought he was a person. I hated the cheap shots the men took in regards to Katie being a lesbian, and I hated that she hid behind it when really she liked both. And the zombies. I really should have known. I mean, I knew this was about zombies, and I thought I liked them, but apparently I don't like her zombies. I don't much like The Walking Dead, either.. and this is like reading one of the seasons of TWD. Not for me, sorry.
See full review here!Laura Lippman's Tess series is one I've read in the past. I've never tried her stand-alone work, and I'm always game for a good stand-alone. Especially an adult one. I read a lot of YA fiction, but this is a GREAT adult novel to pick up! I might say that this would make a great book club novel. It has great themes and discussion elements. It's addicting and curious. It wasn't predictable in the way that I knew how it would all play out, though I did guess at a couple things and get them right. Overall I really enjoyed this book.
What I really liked about this book was that it is so different than anything I've read recently. Who has read a novel recently about prostitutes?? I started reading Nancy Grace's book, but it didn't keep my attention. And I think maybe one of the James Patterson's WMC books might be about hookers. But this is a sex-worker book I will never forget. Heloise's story is interesting, creative, and surprising. She's a fascinating character, and I loved reading about the intricacies of her life and work. I'd definitely recommend this one to a friend. I'd love to try the audio book, too!
See full review here!3.5 stars
This one was pretty good. It's a bit different. I liked the premise. It's a bit dark and gritty, and I enjoyed that too. My only real complaint was that it got a bit draggy at the end there. They're always being followed and tracked, and I got tired of hearing about when Logan knew it was safe because of the birds and stuff. I also didn't really care about the love story part of this one. Rachel is so tough and independent. I didn't really feel anything about whether or not they got together. Oh well.
Either way, I did like reading this one. It took a while, and there were a couple times where I got a few good chunks read. It's more about finding time right now than being bored with the books, so there's that. If you like some fantasy that reads a bit like a dystopia, try this one out.
This is one of the better David Levithan co-written books. Every time I read something by him, I feel more and more angry about how existential and pretentious his teens try to be. They listen to these indie, unknown bands because it's cool. They read poetry and use big words. They don't wear clothes that match because that's too mainstream. Etc etc. You get my point. This book was a little different. I liked it. Until Dash bashed Nicholas Sparks. Low blow, authors. Low, mean blow.
Wow. Weirdest sequel ever. I really liked the first novel. But this one didn't have the same feel to it whatsoever. Rhine meets some really strange people in this world, and I didn't feel like much was really addressed in this one. Plus I couldn't really stand the narrator. I was so looking forward to this book, too. The third one will be read, though. I'm still excited to see how this pans out.
2.5 starsUnfortunately I was not pleased with this book very much. I didn't care for the characters, I didn't feel the suspense, and I didn't really like the world. I feel ridiculous that I didn't even put together what the creatures were in this world *EFFING DUH!* but paranormal books that don't stand up for humans irritate me. And it's also really annoying when I have to hear the same strange word over and over again. Blah.
Parts were pretty predictable. Also, Gene was kind of boring. I get that he had a hard life trying to hide his true nature, and it had to be severely difficult. But I just kept feeling like he was making the wrong choices over and over again. I didn't feel like it was written very well (there was something about his voice being hoarse while he was screaming for a horse.. come on now). The most exciting part was literally the last few words for me. That's ridiculous, so I probably won't continue. Oh well.
See full review here!Nicola Marsh has done it again - with less food this time, thankfully. It was all I could do not to gnaw my arm off with hunger while reading her previous novel, Busted in Bollywood. This novel is charming, sexy, and just plain HOT. I enjoyed every page of this romantic story! It wasn't on the schedule yet, but I'm so glad I pushed it up. :o)
So Poppy needs to help her sister's business, and Beck needs to help his own. They meet for what ends up being mutual benefit and enter a marriage for their respective businesses. Makes sense, right? HA! Anyway, it's pretty predictable but totally enjoyable nonetheless. I liked the tension and the game they played going back and forth with their feelings. I would hope that nothing like this happens in real life even though it's totally romantic in a completely unromantic way. I'm looking forward to whatever Nicola Marsh writes next!
See full review here!Yep. 5 stars, guys. This book was AWESOME and AMAZING! I had NO idea what it was about; I'd just heard a lot of really great things. So I thought I'd try it out and DUDE, I was seriously sucked in by the end of the first paragraph! It made me laugh hysterically, and the rest of the book made me FEEL so much. I was up and down, happy and sad, freaking out and just at peace with Travis. Oh yeah, I loved that this was male POV. Trish Doller does an amazing job at that! And Harper. I think even I would date that girl! LOL She is just.. cool. She's just what Travis needs when he's at home on leave from the war. Gahh!
So I could basically go on all day long about how awesome I thought this book was. It's a very quick read, and there's a LOT going on. I was worried for Travis almost the whole time because I have friends who've gone overseas for the war, and it's hard stuff! That's obviously an understatement because I've never been there or dealt with it, but Doller does a seriously FAB job showing PTSD from a male war vet POV. Just amazing stuff.
Goodness. I can't put it into words. I cried a little a couple different times because of all the stuff going on in Travis's life. He's back from the war, his family is a bit of a mess (and that's not even considering the fact that his girlfriend sent him a small note while he was overseas saying that she's with his brother now.. yeah, joy), and his head just isn't with it yet. This is such a meaningful, powerful story! I want every book to affect me the way this one has.
That's all I can say. A 5-star rating should speak for itself, but I always want to try. I just effing loved this book. I can't wait for more from Doller!!
See full review here!I'm not sure about the title, but I really enjoyed this one! She isn't as angry as I thought she'd be. That's okay because the story works anyway. Rose is a good, well-developed MC in this novel. She has a LOT of drama going on, that's for sure!
So, I was a tad creeped out by the middle of this one that Rose is only 14 and Jamie is "supposed to be a senior" or something. Rose seemed older sometimes, and at others it was pretty obvious that she was young. I also didn't care for all the "Is he my boyfriend?" crap. I don't like it when people are so clueless and don't find things out for themselves. Again, I know she's young, but it's still irritating.. oh well.
Lots of rage and high school drama in here. Regina makes me want to punch things. I hate bullies! And.. I almost hated Jamie when he couldn't grow a fucking backbone and break the fuck up with Regina! What was wrong with him?! I get that she's practically family, but who doesn't stick up for the people they care about?? GUH, jerk. Yeah. Grrr.
Okay, so I sound like I hated this book right now.. but honestly, if I didn't have strong feelings about it, then I wouldn't have liked it as much, right? I read the whole thing in two sittings, so I was pretty into it. I felt for Rose. A LOT. I am patiently waiting for the sequel! Sounds interesting :o)