Reminded me of Raising Arizona because it got so zany and I loved the plot twist
580104
I missed this Cohen brothers film when it came out. It gets a little crazy with the plot in the latter portion of the movie, but thumbs up all the way for this film. Reminded me of Raising Arizona because it got so zany and I loved the plot twist.
1039838
I loved Chandler, she was a very strong female character, she was dealt a truly crappy hand in life but she was making the most of it. With her wacky choices of clothes, and her devotion and faith in her dad, she was strong, smart, and just kickass. I also loved how although she was going against all the rules that she knows she should follow to join cheerleading, her heart was always in the right place, she didn't like doing everything that she was doing, but her slight rebellion made her that much more real as a teenager.
 but well what Chandler went through is definitely not something that you get over regardless of how young he was when it all happened. The fact that he is so protective and suspicious was perfectly normal and I welcomed it because it added to the teenage normalcy that these kids should be experiencing.
This book just sucks you right in, Finn just to name a few) There is also a reappearance of Jaz and Easton (who are as cute as ever) This is totally a YA book, super sweet and cute but there is that mystery hanging over everyones head because you just know there is a twist and you keep trying to figure it out the whole time. Read more
536595
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review.
I signed up to win this novel on a whim because I am trying to branch out and read other things than YA. I found this one particularly interesting because it reminded me of the shows Cold Case and Criminal Minds. And it didn't disappoint, it reminded me exactly of those. I love that it was inspired be real events as well. I really enjoyed that the story was layered with "who done its" and I really had no idea who the real criminal was until the very end. I had been trying to guess the whole time to no avail. I really loved these characters but I want more of the girls stories. I am a sucker for background. I did love that we got Sully's, but I need more.
I'm excited to read more in this series. I would recommend this to crime and mystery lovers.
2687510
In 'The Game Plan' we get to experience yet another Bradford driving his neighbor completely crazy. In this case, Danny has been pushing Jodi's buttons for two months, and if she could afford it, she would have moved yesterday. But a boatload of debt has her locked in her lease, and stuck with Danny. But in true Bradford tradition, odd albeit over-the-top circumstances somehow bring Danny and Jodi together. But is their attraction enough to overcome the dislike, and do they have enough hope and love between them to overcome the damage each has suffered from their pasts?

Danny drove me crazy in the beginning. But when Danny puts his mind to something, whether taunting a girl or wooing her, he gets the job done. As Danny and Jodi walked the frenemy line, I found myself really liking them together. Mathewson took some interesting direction with this story, and while I found some things repetitive, I found other things really creative, keeping me on my toes.  Danny and Jodi were quite adorable, and I loved the changes in Danny. I loved the banter between them. We also get the normal Bradford food issues, but I absolutely loved the twist on how Jodi handles medication. That was a hoot!

I also liked that we got some nice depth and insight into Danny and his family, his relationship with his father in particular. Jodi also developed her character, and though the secret she was keeping drove me bonkers, I genuinely liked her and how things eventually came about. Danny and Jodi's lives kept the book interesting and more than just a funny romance. There were some greats twists toward the end, and I loved what Mathewson did with these characters. Great ending!

'The Game Plan' can be read as a standalone, though you do get to see some characters from the previous books. Though this wasn't my favorite of the series, I still really enjoyed it. I love the Bradfords and always look forward to more from them. This bunch is crazy!
3863664
Wow, what a ride! I loved seeing how Lucy evolved and how Ronan brought out the best in her, and nurtured her.  I laughed really loud at a lot of points and not just about what was happening with the main storyline - the peripheral characters are also so finely drawn and have their funny moments - I particularly loved Joan. What a gal.  Lucy and Ronan have their personal demons and while these move the story on they don't get too annoying or make you want to slap them.  You know how sometimes a hero or heroine does something so completely stupid that you want to flounce on the whole book? Well, that doesn't happen here.  Yes there's some drama and the protagonist makes some decisions coloured by emotional scars but I found I sympathised with her and it made the story more gritty, more real. The writers handled this plot device so well that it didn't feel like a plot device at all.  I liked the POV changes, it was great to be in both if their heads.  I just loved these guys. I hope we get to see more of these characters - maybe a book about Lucy and Tom? I'd take anything. You get the picture? Loved it! Do yourself a favour and read this book! Oh and it's, erm, hot.  These puppies really know how to write a love scene. I'm talk in' H-O-T HOT. And so, so sweet your heart wants so burst with the hotness and the sweetness.
3264455
TEQUILA AND TEA BAGS is a hilarious and heartbreaking tale of one womans journey to maturity. Roses behavior has led her to be sent to live with her cousin Elsie in the country. However, Rose has a planget the heck out of Yorkshire and met up with her best friend in Mexico to be a club rep. Rose learns of an incentive for volunteers at the nursing home, shes the first in line to sign up. Yet things don't always turn out the way Rose plans. TEQUILA AND TEA BAGS is filled with quirky and unique characters who wormed their way into my heart. Each character really stood out and I was definitely emotionally invested. Roses choices kept making me shake my head at her lack of restraint and her unintentional thoughtlessness, but I had to crack up at some of her exploits. TEQUILA AND TEA BAGS made me both laugh and cry with the wit and wisdom of the authors words. I loved the fact there is a happy ending which doesnt feel forced and is totally believable. Kudos!
4468962
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me this book for an honest review. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and twist on the urban fantasy genre. Elia and her adopted mother find themselves owners or a mysterious house in Cape Cod. As she gets used to her new home and school, Elia realizes things aren't what they first seem in this town and neither is she.

I liked Elia from the beginning she is spunky but also kind. Her and the popular girl at school don't like each other but she never gets overly negative about it. I also liked how she developed strong relationships with MJ and Anna and how she really got to know Raef before things started happening. There were times when the relationship between Raef and Elia got a little too sappy but in general It was nice that her friends had their own quirks and were loyal to her through everything.

The first chapter was intriguing and really grabbed me and enticed me to read more. Then the book kind of feels like a traditional YA paranormal with Elia going to school and meeting friends but things swiftly progress and change. The plot itself has good pacing but really picks up at the end. The end left me wanting more. The paranormal aspect is different from any other book I have ever read and this was a nice change. Overall, the story was entertaining and I enjoyed reading it. I will definitely be reading the second book.
1233314
The title of this book caught my interest, but the premise sounded completely absurd. When I read the free sample though, I was hooked. The beginning was laugh out loud funny, but I also got a heroine with backbone. Vicky didn't just have hilarious antics while facing off against Henry, she also had smarts. Henry was such a cold bastard at first, but only because the reader knew that he was wrong about Vicky. She had weathered so much already, and now these powerful people were attempting to steamroll right over her. It was a situation which brought back terrible memories for her, but our girl was resilient. This book had such a perfect balance between serious and fun. I felt outrage over what happened to Vicky in the past, but the story never became melodramatic or maudlin.

I have mostly avoided books that have a wealthy love interest since the whole billionaire craze started, but it seems that I might have been overlooking some gems. It's so great to find one that isn't about a dominating alpha controlling a penniless young woman. Henry truly earned Vicky's love with actions that spoke louder than dollars. His romantic gesture had even me swooning, and I'm not the swooning type. I also cheered when he went to bat for Vicky. I loved that once she gained his trust, it never wavered. He was all in, and he had her back no matter what. He turned out to be very eligible after all.
4729288
I'm always on the hunt for sorbet and I loved the premise for this book.

Kiera and Zach are perfect opposites. They're both really good people, but that's where the similarity ends. She's a bit of a loner who loves to cosplay and he's a bit pushy with a hero complex. Together they have ridiculous amounts of chemistry. I truly enjoyed being in their heads and reading them learn and grow.

This plot line was almost all fluff, which is my favorite. The small amount of angst was dealt with quickly and in the most satisfying way.

Overall, it was a quick and cute read. I would have loved more from the epilogue, but I'll definitely be looking for more in the series.

**Huge thanks to Forever and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**
3879141
I do not think I have ever laughed out loud so often during the reading of a book. I absolutely loved the characters. Poor Hank didn't know what he was getting himself into, going with his soon to be bride's teenaged son and best friend on a survival camping trip, all the while taking care of a class doll from a life skills course. This is bawdy humor at the most primitive level and I loved every minute of it! Teenage boy pranks and manipulative behavior, all with the end goal of getting future step dad Hank, to change his mind about becoming a first time parent. Got a reluctant reader on your hands? Hand him a copy of Dan vs. Nature, this could be the game changer!
3351064
This was a fantasic book to read, it kept me guessing for awhile until hints were dropped as to what the people living across the road could be. Betty insanely reminded me of my close friend and al was simply a crack up, I didn't overally warm to grace not sure why. I also will not be able to read about thanksgiving stuff in the same way again, that hands down was my fav part of the whole book as i could not stop laughing which had my partner asking what's so funny and me just shaking my head. Can't wait for the next book to see where this story will lead us too
4225586
This is a book about Natalie who travels all over Texas searching for Mr Right. I laughed at the hilarious situations she would get herself into and Natalie's thoughts and foul mouth had me gasping for breath at times from laughing so much!
I definately loved the twist at the end!
316243
Molly is a hilarious, mistake-making narrator who I instantly connected with. While not a fan of love triangles, I thought this one was very interesting. I had a pull toward both boys BUT I REALLY wish there were more flashbacks so I could connect to both of them with Molly. I loved the small town atmosphere and how it felt very claustrophobic and I got how Molly wanted to leave it. I really love Katie Cotugno's writing. Her skill is flawless - the way she writes characters you don't always like but root for anyway. I can't WAIT to see what she does next!! :) #TeamPatrickforever
475585
I thought I was reading one type of book, but then twists brought me some surprising gifts. In the first chapter, the author's humor begins and by chapter 14 I laughed out loud at some of the lines. In the first paragraph of that chapter, it discusses a cemetery and to paraphrase, "the residents here don't talk much without ouija boards or psychic mediums." Also, there is an excerpt where guns are compared to muscle cars.. as a car enthusiast I loved it. These are not plot points, just small details in a twisting story that sucks the reader in from the start. The detailed descriptions of Las Vegas and the southwest area are spot on. Having been there many times, I was quick to relate to the setting. Mentions of Sandy Hook and the Boston bombing not only provided this book a contemporary flare, but a credible and realistic story---even when unrealistic things happened.

The story telling is fast paced, action packed, intense and creative. The plot is original. There really isn't anything I would change. However, I would like to post a WARNING:  Strong language. Not that I found it offense, but some may.. I guess I'm off to get book 2 now... and YAY.. there's a book two! Bravo Mr. Lahti, Bravo!
1047692
I'm not exactly a teenager anymore and this is not the kind of book I normally read, so I was delightfully surprised at how quickly I got sucked into the zany story line and attached to the quirky, lovable characters (well, most of them). I like the format of the narrative, which presents events from multiple viewpoints. You get to know the characters through their own voices rather than from a third person perspective or a single character's viewpoint alone. The story moves quickly and it's entertaining - just what I needed - a little escape into someone else's (much more complicated) life.
687346
Estevan Vega caught my attention with a standalone novel of his I read earlier on in 2012.
The story with Arson as the protagonist made me a fan for life.
A story where the protagonist, Arson is something more than human yet less than a man.
Where Emery has been turned into a freak and into a non-person by her own volition by wearing a mask.
A story where the surname of the family next door is Phoenix,
reminiscent of the birds that old and ugly die by fire and gets renewed by this to rise from the ashes.
This and so many more connotative meanings and more words still filled with double entendre and denotations had me hooked.
This is only the obvious ... it is those below the surface that got me hooked.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.  I fell in love with Vega's usage and love of words,
with his descriptive writing ability and his sick and twisted story lines.
I give this an easy 5 * review and am heading off to start on Ashes...
WaAr
1494052
Wow what an awesome book! This was such a different twist on the idea of angels and I loved it!
I really loved the relationship between Alex and Willow. I liked how their relationship progressed throughout the novel and grew.

I also liked how the Angels in this novel were not like your typical Angels in other Angel novels. The Angel myth was really cool and different and I really liked that aspect of the novel.

Overall this was a great summer read and I highly recommend it to anyone whose looking for a good book to read!