L-J's Review of Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich

Explosive Eighteen was entertaining and action-packed like all the other Stephanie Plum novels.  My only complaint is that it seemed shorter than the others.  My e-book version was only 193 pages and I was able to read it extremely quickly.  Thankfully, this one does not leave you hanging and it won't be as hard to wait for the next installment than it was after 17.

XOXO,

L-J's Review of Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

As per usual, the antics of Stephanie Plum and her crazy entourage made me laugh out loud.  I don't want to give anything away but know that at one point Lula has reason to believe she's becoming a vampire.  I'm chuckling just remembering.  Compared to recent publications in the series, Smokin' Seventeen sure is smokin' as there is way more romance than usual and both Ranger and Morelli fans will be equally satisfied.  However, I'm glad I waited until now to read the book, 2 days before the release of Explosive Eighteen (which I've pre-ordered and should show up on my Nook on Tuesday) because this one leaves you hanging!  I hate when Evanovich does that and would be thoroughly annoyed if I had to wait more than a couple of days for satisfaction.

So I'll probably be reading 18 this week...  Thank goodness it's a holiday week and I'll definitely have time!

XOXO,

L-J's Review of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs f yy Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Ransom Riggs' Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is different than any young adult novel I've ever read.  Based on collectors' photos of "peculiar" children, the story is about a Jacob who travels to an island off of England to learn about his grandfather's childhood.  Our hero grew up hearing his grandfather's stories of a girl who could make fire with her hands, an invisible boy, a girl who had to be weighted down so she would not float away, a girl with amazing strength and many many more.  His grandfather even had photos of some of the supposed "peculiar" children.  To teenaged Jacob, the photos appeared over-exposed and doctored, making him think his grandfather created this magical world to entertain him when he was younger.  After his grandfather's unexpected death, Jacob convinces his father to take him to the island where his grandfather grew up in an orphanage, and there he learns so much more than what he could ever have expected.

I could not put the novel down though there definitely were some scary moments (and I'm not a fan of scary).  I particularly appreciated the vintage photos dispersed throughout the book and love the way Riggs was able to create an entire story around them.  It's unique and quick and stays with you even after you finish it.

Here's a book trailer for it that would make me want to read it if I hadn't already done so:

And as I was wondering, there will be a sequel!

XOXO,