You (You, #1)

You by Caroline Kepnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I confess that it first, I found this book a bit tedious, but then it really started getting into the inner-workings of the characters and it became much more compelling as the story progressed.

I listened to this on audiobook and really enjoyed the narration.

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Tied Down by Chelle Bliss

Tied Down by Chelle Bliss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a calm mafia book, and I normally don’t like those books. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one in the series. A lot of it just seemed over the top and not realistic.

Kiel ~ I couldn’t wait to hear his story because he was so fun in the first book. He was very rude to Cara at times that made me not like him as much as I did in the first book.

Cara ~ she comes across as a selfish person. I’m sure she isn’t that way but just didn’t know how to really speak about how she felt because her family.

Narrators are Stalla Bloom and Cary Hite… Cary voice matched what I expected Kiel to sound like and also Stella did a good job as well.


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The Outpost by Devney Perry

The Outpost by Devney Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sabrina - First appeared in "The Lucky Heart" and you could tell that it was setting her up to be the next character in the series. You also learned that she had found her self in some trouble after investing a story.

Beau - I have been waiting for his book, he is in the background in the first books. So I was hoping that he would be just as great as the other male leads... and he didn't disappoint.

This is the fourth book in the series, it wasn't my favorite but I still enjoyed it very much!

Loved the audio version, Ave Erickson is the female narrator for all the past books and this was Aiden Snow's first book in the series. I enjoy when they have different voices for the books in the series, helps to pull you into the different book.

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The Martian by Andy Weir

The Martian by Andy Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't expect this book to be so funny, and I especially loved how analytical Mark is in some moments, while in others he just throws caution to the wind and hopes for the best. It's like he can only take so much of the procedures and rules before he goes with his gut, which is a compelling contrast.

The audiobook for this is A+. I was stressed out the whole time I read this, but in the best sort of way.

I also really enjoyed how technical this sci-fi novel is, while still being charming and emotional. Honestly, I felt like I was right there with Mark, while he sorted through issues and made all his calculations. I even caught myself nodding along a few times like-- you're right, Mark. You've got this, Mark. But the reality is I was no better than a cheerleader.

The book made me feel like I understood his predicaments and how to resolve them, but on a highly technical level, I didn't. I can step back now and admit that, but in the moment, I was with Mark through all of his logic and math sessions to sort out his solutions. I think that is the true power of this book. It made me feel like I could be a botanical, engineering, martian, wizard, when the reality is that I absolutely cannot. However, during the 369 pages of this book, I absolutely could.

I think that's why people love this book.

Hunting Annabelle by Wendy Heard

Hunting Annabelle by Wendy Heard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a delicious and mysterious psychological thriller by a debut author, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

This story will have you second-guessing every character and every event that occurs from start to finish. There’s so much suspense that it deserves all 5 of the dark, twisty, and murderous stars that I awarded it.

Here are my 10 favorite things about it, with no spoilers:

1. This is Dexter level on the murderously creepy scale.

2. I love a potentially unreliable narrator, especially when I desperately want him to be somewhat reliable but can’t be sure if he actually ever is or not.

3. It’s so layered and nuanced. I feel like I need to go back and read it again right now, so I probably will. I want to take everything in again, since so much happened so fast.

4. Heard does some amazing things with description. I feel like I’m right there seeing, feeling, tasting, smelling, and hearing it all.

5. The characterization is so complicated and fascinating.

6. The mom. Wow. She’s something else. Talk about an intense side character.

7. The audiobook is also amazing, and I love the narrator, Tim Chiou. I wish he would narrate more books.

8. Talk about kicking a character when he is down…repeatedly. There are no easy fixes or lazy solutions in this story. Sean just has to cross all of the muck to get to the other side, and it just keeps getting deeper.

9. Here’s what it felt like to read this one: “Okay, I know exactly what is happening now”. . . twist. . . “So I was wrong before but now I’ve got it”. . . Twist. . .” I’m pretty sure”. . . twist. . . “It just has to be”. . . twist. . .”Oh, my God! It’s totally”. . . twist. WTF???

10. The cover is perfection. I adore it. I have some bookmarks, and I really want to cut one of them apart to highlight book quotes from this novel between the title, kind of like the cover. That may happen.

As far as I’m concerned, this book is A+ from start to finish, and you should all go out and snatch it up for some murdery holiday reading (come on, we all know how you really feel about those in-laws).

It would also make a great present for your favorite book nerd friends, your least favorite family members, and all frenemies. Books like this can be a great way to say, “Hey, everything is fine. I just might want to murder you today,” or even, “I swear, I’m not trying to frame you. Mostly.”