Review: After the Kiss (Sex, Love & Stiletto #1) by Lauren Layne

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In the past, I have heard excellent things about this book series, but I never go around to reading. It’s safe to say, I regret that majorly now.

After the Kiss centers on Julia Greene and Mitchell Forbes. Julia works as a writer at a major women’s magazine. Her specialty is writing stories that involve flings, first dates, and first kisses. Not what happens after. Well, that was until her boss assigned her a story that requires her to give a first-person account of what happens next.

Mitchell Forbes is a workaholic who has a habit of staying in relationships far too long. Which would be good for Julia, but unbeknownst to her, Mitchell makes a bet with a friend to find a woman and end it before getting too close.

After the Kiss was a delightful, superb read. Perfect for the big screen. It’s sort of like How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days. It’s funny, smart, and romantic. And the characters have off-chart chemistry. It was such a shame that the book was so short. It’s an overall great time, with great characters (including supporting) and an overall great story.

I loved both Julia and Mitchell. There was such great banter and wit with them. The miscommunication was not annoying or overplayed. It’s truly a swoon-worthy relationship with them. And I loved watching them realize that their relationship was much more to them than a story or a bet.

I’m looking forward to continuing their story as I continue with the story. I can’t get enough of them. I also loved the friendship between Julia, Grace, and Riley. And it’s so exciting that the next books in the series are toward within their POVs.

Final Analysis

After the Kiss is an entertaining and great start to the Sex, Love & Stiletto series. 

Review: Don't Lose Your Head: Life Lessons from the Six Ex-Wives of Henry VIII by Harriet Marsden

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Summary

Survive alongside Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and the rest of King Henry VIII’s ill-fated wives with this witty book of essential life advice, history, and trivia—the perfect handbook for fans of the hit musical Six.

Get the inside scoop from some of the toughest women in English history, as ex-wives, mothers, and daughters of King Henry VIII dish out all their survival secrets in this humorous guide to life. With a bit of sarcasm and friendly charm, each of these legendary ladies explains how their 16th-century hard-earned lessons (from living with unstable men to stifling Tudor traditions) apply to 21st-century dating, marriage, and feminism.

Written from the perspectives of each of the different women around Henry VIII, you’ll get the facts from the Queen Mother and the less-remembered but no less important Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and more.

With must-know historical trivia alongside wise life advice, Don’t Lose Your Head is the perfect survival guide for fans obsessed with Broadway’s latest historical pop musical Six, as well as anyone fascinated by British royalty and culture.

Review

If you are a fan of the musical, Six or just fascinated with the wives of King Henry VIII, this is a must read. As someone who is obsessed with this time period and of Henry VIII and his wives, I couldn't put this book down. Told from a modern perspective, interpreting what these women might have said, we are presented with their side if history had their voice been heard.

The author makes a good point. Why do we remember these women only as Henry's wives? There was more to them including their roles in history. Each given dedication and a perspective, since their stories were kicked to the curb. This is what they would say if they could be here. Filled with sarcasm that will have you laughing out loud, each wife brings something unique with their life lessons, advice and commentary of their experience with Henry. We also get his mother and daughters thrown into the mix. My favorite parts of the book were the conversations between the women. I found that one of the best parts of the book.

Also to note, the tidbits of information and the profiles of each women in every chapter give you some details that help you learn about them. The author did a great job researching and incorporating a huge chuck of historical detail personalize the book. You can tell her love of Tudor history is evident throughout their perspectives and giving them a story to tell. Despite their lives blending with one another, she was able to isolate them and give us a glimpse into their lives. There was a lot to cover and she made it look effortless. Keep in mind, this is not dwelling on the historically literal but rather inspired from what she researched and read through the lens of modern interpretation.

Overall, this was so much fun to read. I can't wait to read what she has in the future. If you are a big fan like me of this part of history, make sure you add it to your tbr list.You won't be disappointed.

Review: Checking In by Michelle Williams

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Checking In, reflects upon the professional and personal life of the beautiful and talented artist, Michelle Williams. After checking into a facility to deal with her anxiety and depression, a renewed strength was gain to finally begin the life she was able to live. The book is an honest, vulnerable account of her life that bring moments of clarity, wisdom and humor. She shares some insightful lessons gained on journey that others who feel similar will not feel alone.

I didn't know too much about her other than from her experience in Destiny's Child. From what I did know, I really liked her. She appeared warm and kind and throughout reading this book affirmed her genuine nature which makes you want to like her even more. It's not easy when it comes to subjects such as this, so sharing her experience through her journey I think will help others feel more comfortable know that you are not alone and will be ok. This wasn't a book about a celebrity. It was about a woman, just like you and I, who shared her truth and experience to show how important it is to check in.

Overall, I thought the book was uplifting and honest. The healing process of her journey was something that others can relate to who might be going though a similar experience. I enjoyed reading the book and if you are a fan of hers, definitely check it out.

Review: His Sister's Best Friend by Shyla Colt

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His Sister’s Best Friend was sweet; however, I have a few conflicting thoughts regarding it.

Since he was sixteen and his father died, Solomon has been the man of the house and has always known he would have to take care of his younger sister, who has down syndrome. He thought that would happen later, but after his mother has a mini-stroke and life happens, he’s faced to take on that role earlier. To help get Susan adjusted, he creates a care plan and introduces her to a specialized school. Enter Ezra. Like Solomon, she has a sibling with down syndrome. Because of that, she founded Expanding Hope- a school to help those like her brother grow to their full potential. On Susan’s first day, she realizes that her exceedingly good-looking brother is someone she knew many moons ago.

Like mentioned before, I thought this story was sweet. Both Ezra and Solomon had a caring and loving nature about them. and I enjoyed their relationships with their respective siblings. I thought that stood out the most for me. And they both were likable characters.

The issue I have with the book is that it was extremely rushed. The story is kicked into motion in the first couple of pages, and there isn’t enough time to adjust. It starts with Solomon on a date. His date refuses a call from his mother, and everything escalates from there. And then when Solomon and Susan meet everything is pushed into hyper-speed again.

Final Thoughts

Although sweet and romantic in some parts, His Sister's Best Friend suffers from a severe pacing problem. 

Review: Into the Deep by Robert D. Ballard

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There hasn't been a memoir I've read that has truly inspired every ounce of my being than reading this one. Into the Deep, is a life affirmation for anyone that has ever felt they couldn't measure up to their peers to become one of the most renowned pioneers in ocean exploration.

Inspired by the sea at an early age, Robert Ballard's hard work and determination has paid off over and again. Never a dull moment in the book, our curiosity piqued from the first chapter, he chronicles his life and experiences through his engaging storytelling, recounting some of his most exciting explorations uncovered. Reliving these moments as he shares in the book becomes more exciting, especially his experience with finding Titanic. A trailblazer, revolutionizing and using innovative technology into the depths of the sea, he explored and uncovered some of history's most fascinating mysteries.

The most inspiring thing in the book for me was his discovery of what he thought early on was a defect but instead was dyslexia. The life he carved for himself by never giving up and fighting for his true passion is such an inspiration for people similar to him. You can feel his passion and love for the ocean and he makes you want to go on an adventure with him.

Overall, this was insightful and engaging. Blending his personal and professional life, you really get some amazing stories and an insider perspective that is truly invaluable. If you love ocean exploration and their mysteries, especially like those of the interest of Titanic, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. I recommend add this one to your list.

Review: Hillbilly Drug Baby: The Poems Kindle Edition by Jesse-Ray Lewis

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I’m not sure how I stumbled upon this book, but here we are. Hillbilly Drug Baby is a collection of poems of someone who is a product of an absent mother and addict father, who enters the foster care system at a young age and tries to create some form of stability.

It’s deeply personal. And deeply raw and unfiltered. And the author doesn’t shy away from talking about the harsh realities of his life. It's hard and certainly heartbreaking to read at times. Because it's truly tragedy after tragedy it seems while this man is continuously failed by the system.  

However, some poems tended to blend together and sounded the same. I found myself wondering if I had accidentally gone back a few pages. And there was no rhythm or flow to them.  

But nevertheless, it’s an eye opening emotional read.