Lifeguard by James Patterson

Synopsis:

Working as a lifeguard at a luxurious Florida resort, Ned Kelly meets the woman of his dreams. It feels perfect in every way-except that she's used to caviar and Manolo Blahniks, and he's used to burgers and flip-flops. So when Ned's cousin offers to cut him in on a fast break-and-enter job, Ned can't turn it down. The risk is high, and the reward is even greater-$5 million. But the robbery goes devastatingly wrong. Forced to run away from his town and the woman he's fallen in love with, Ned knows that only distance and secrecy can save his life. But who is pursuing him? The FBI? Whoever sabotaged the heist? Or is it all somehow tied in to his new love-and his oldest enemies?

Lifeguard fits into multiple categories. It is a romance novel, a crime novel, a suspense novel and no much more.

For being a fugitive, Ned was an extremely likable character. I wouldn’t mind a series made about him alone. But, the series would have to be prequels to this book, as I believe this novel had a satisfying ending to his story.

Ellie was also a fun character.

This book was more character driven than story driven, and that is what made it fun to read. All of the character had very different personalities and it was fun getting to know them.

That doesn’t mean that the story was lacking at all, it just wasn’t exceptionally unique. A mediocre story line was made up for by the fun and interesting characters.

Lifeguard reminded me a little of the TV show White Collar which made it even better as I enjoy that show a lot.

4/5 Stars I really enjoyed it, but those who aren’t fans of Patterson may not.

I would call it a nice summer thriller. 

 Click To Purchase!

SLACKER!! / Update

Hey guys!
I know I have been slacking on the reviews lately. But, don't worry. I have a ton coming. I have been super busy these past few months finishing up my undergrad degree and I just graduated last weekend!

Now that I don't have school to worry about, I can focus more on reading and getting out reviews to you. 
Thank you for staying patient!


Courtney

What Hides Within by Jason Parent

Synopsis:

Inside all of us, there is darkness. Inside Clive, it's tangible, and it's aching to get out.

What Hides Within tells the story of a man held captive by an unknown evil. Clive Menard is a spineless slacker leading an ordinary existence. But when Chester enters his life, it becomes far from ordinary.

A disheveled Clive stands alone in a hospital waiting room. A series of incidences have led him to undergo unnecessary neurosurgery. A voice inside Clive’s head nags him to kill the doctor.

Weeks prior, a murder investigation and an unrelated kayaking excursion set the story’s interlocking events in motion. When a remorseful killer, a bomb-happy psychopath and a mysterious widow spider converge upon Clive, they bring with them destruction and death. Clive must discover who or what is steering his very existence before he, too, is consumed by the carnage around him.

With a driven detective following his every step and a vicious killer hiding within his circle of friends, Clive must walk a narrow and dangerous path, teetering between salvation and damnation. He must confront Chester and his own demons. But is he powerless to overcome them?

By the cover of this book, I should have known what to expect. But, I did not, and there were quite a few scenes where I was cringing.

Reading a book with the main character of a spider is not a good thing for someone who is very afraid of spiders…

That said, it was definitely a unique story. Having something inside of your head talking to you seems terrifying in itself, but that thing can also control your actions. That is even more terrifying.

I enjoyed the story for the most part… despite the spider thing…

There were parts that dragged on a bit, I felt that the story of Clive’s roommate didn’t really get the full attention that it deserved. Detective Rielly was an important character, but she also just seemed like a small character and we never learn much about her.

So, while some of it dragged on, I also feel that it should have been longer to explore the characters more.

For a horror story, it was interesting and unique. If you are looking for something different, go ahead and pick it up.

3/5 stars.

 Click To Purchase!

She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb

Synopsis:

Meet Dolores Price. She's 13, wise-mouthed but wounded, having bid her childhood goodbye. Stranded in front of her bedroom TV, she spends the next few years nourishing herself with the Mallomars, potato chips, and Pepsi her anxious mother supplies. When she finally orbits into young womanhood at 257 pounds, Dolores is no stronger and life is no kinder. But this time she's determined to rise to the occasion and give herself one more chance before she really goes under.

Don’t be turned off by the length of this novel. It is long for a reason. It takes us through the hectic journey of Dolores Price’s life starting as a child and leaving off in her thirties.

Nothing seems to ever go right for Dolores. She has been through hell and back. Though broken, there is still a source of strength within her that keeps her pushing even when she wants to just give up.

This book can be taken two ways. It can bee seen as a really sad story of a girl that had too much on her plate and learned to never trust people. Or, it can be seen as a story that reminds you that true love and passion can conquer all. Sometimes forgiveness needs to be given, and sometimes you must just let time heal some deep wounds.

There is never a perfect answer for difficult situations, and for most of Dolores’s life, she probably made all of the wrong decisions, but she was able to come of it kicking and screaming in the end.

I really enjoyed this book. It was deep at times, and it was shallow at times. Dolores’s wit and sarcasm made her an interesting character to read, but also allows the reader to form a connection with her right away. It tells a complete story, but it also leaves Dolores’s ending up to the reader.

I would highly recommend this book.

5/5 stars

Click To Purchase!