Terrific! Not what I was expecting!
580687
This book surprised me. I thought it would be a trashy shades of grey book. Not at all. It is a complicated love story. It is well written, smart, deep.
4744775
This wasn't what I expected. It's not chick lit at all. It is a well told, quirky story with great characters. Several times I stopped to mull over the original plot. I couldn't.put it down until I found out who would live, and who would...well, you know. Definitely worth the read! I'll read more of this author.
4836087
I didn't know what do expect from this book, but I was wonderfully surprised! Loved to see how the relationships took shape!
887234
I got this book as a birthday gift from an awkward acquaintance and I really wasn't expecting to actually read, much less like it. But Magic Words is surprisingly good! Really well-developed characters and a lot more excitement than I bargained for. New twist on the well-know Old West story. I recommend it!
1541353
Sure wasn't expecting this! A great surprise. Could not put the book down. Can't believe that I actually spaced out and forgot to mention this wonderful book to the author when I met him while at a Company Holiday party with my husband Dick. Can't wait for the next books.
951558
I was surprised by this read. It's not in my usual genre. Totally loved it!! The dramatic tension is great, the characters are well-developed. Really impressed. Totally going to pick up the rest in the series!
3896583
This book was not at all what I expected from the title. You will find endearing and surprising twists as you take this journey!
2945342
Delightful surprise!  Not my "usual fare" for reading, but I got lost in this one - a real escape from reality!  I would look forward to more from ths imaginative writer with his crisp, witty prose.
983656
This book was great and had a very different twist I never saw coming! Loved IT!
3808434
This book wasn't what I expected at all - not by a long shot. I had no idea how bizarre and surprisingly unexpected it would be when I downloaded a copy off Kindle. I just wanted something fun and easy to read over the summer, and I liked the fact that it was a zombie book that wasn't really about zombies themselves so much as zombie culture. It's bizarre - arguably - but it's also extremely well written! The author has such a masterful handle on the story that he easily lures you deeper into this emotional work about one woman's revenge on her cheating husband, neatly wrapping in several other character plots at the same time without breaking a sweat. At one point I even felt sorry for the cheater and found myself rooting for him to find real love at last with either his estranged wife or his new transsexual companion. Brooke is an amazing writer with a style all his own!

In addition to countless references to zombie movies, culture, and lore, the story also appeals to me with it's intense character development, foodie references, and the detailed trip to Italy. It's like the book was custom tailored to me! I will definitely read more from this author in the future.
4894902
Great book! Who's the next character?!? not something that I thought I'd like BUT I turned out pleasantly surprised!
1898736
Surprisingly not what I expected! And in a good way! This is a great story about a soldier's view of life, family, and war from a very different perspective than I'm used to. The story put me right in Hare's shoes as he dealt with his day to day thrills and struggles. I had a hard time putting it down as I could not wait to find out what happened next. I am looking forward to the final version and hope to see more from this author!
1113991
I really wasn't sure what to expect......Please
Not another wise-cracking, cynical girl P.I., imagine my joy as I discovered something delightfully fresh!  And enough red herrings, to keep me guessing, right up until the light went on--really rare for this old gal, I usually know "Whodunit" long before the story gets there!  WTG! Ms. Madison--  Thank You!  You really entertained me.
2128341
Fantastic! Don't let the cover fool you, this is not "chick lit."
3284980
Where oh where do I begin! Let me say that based on the description from goodreads I wasn't too excited to read this book. I put it off because I was afraid it was going to be boring and simplistic; boy am I eating my words. This book was completely different than anything I've read and it wasn't just some lame hokey love story. And trust me even though you think you have the story figured out, there's a few plot twists and surprises bound to make you shed a tear or two ;) READ THIS BOOK!
737602
More than what you were expecting! I really wasn't expecting all that much for a 3 buck book. The summary seemed interesting so I bought it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was so hard to put down for any reason.

I was very pleased that the military actions and traditions were not tossed out in favor of some crazy unworkable ideology.

My only question is if there is a state religion. While some people may run away screaming at the mention of God. I don't do that. But I did get to where I was asking myself if everyone went to one church, or what? The closer to the end, the more focused the book got. So even for me it was distracting. Made more so because no one ever seemed to actually go to church. I think because this was not a May the Force Be With You sort of thing, but more an anonymous ecumenical organized modern religion, that it did not come off as well.

That said, I look forward to book #2. I might even pay more if I have to.
751755
Well, this was certainly not what I expected! Although the book was a bit too violent for my taste, I could not stop reading - the plot is so engaging - it's chock-full of action, suspense, twists...By the end, I was starting to think the author was playing with my mind! I would certainly recommend it, however, as it was quite entertaining (I did, in fact, read it in one sitting). I have a sneaking suspicion the end is not what it seems and I can't wait to read the next one!