♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: Once in a Lifetime by Ariel Tachna

Once in a Lifetime
Ariel Tachna

Release Date: July 8th, 2011

Publisher: Dreamspinner

Page Count: 182

Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)

Offered a yearlong medical research fellowship in France, Shane Johnson has many hopes for the experience: a chance to improve his French, an opportunity to hone his research skills before starting his PhD at Baylor, and the freedom to live life as an openly gay man for the first time. He'll chronicle his year abroad with its challenges, victories, and setbacks as he struggles to balance his faith with his sexuality.

As he navigates the shoals of a first kiss, a first relationship, and perhaps even lasting love, Shane will have to balance his newfound emotions with his long-term plans, and he'll face the decision of how his once-in-a-lifetime experience will fit into the life he wants to lead.

What Stephanie Thinks: This gay romance is unlike anything I've read before. I could almost classify it as Young Adult because it is a coming-of-age story that introduces heart-pounding firsts and nostalgic lasts. It's an extremely intimate journal that accounts Shane's overseas life—one that is an unpredictable adventure, always.

Shane, even in his private journal, sounds insecure; there are lots of "I guess"es and "I think"s in his writing that, while I personally find annoying, actually serve as powerful characterization, showing how unsure of his sexuality and how socially vulnerable he is. His innocence makes me feel really protective him, like I want to shield him from the inevitable heartbreak he will experience. But I'm also very proud of him by the end of the story, of how cooperatively he learns his life's lessons and how he accepts who he truly is and what his heart truly wants.

Tachna details the beauty and breathtakingness of France well. A lot can happen in a year—so much, that one's entire life can change—and this warm novel, told by the young, inexperienced voice of an uncertain gay student, speaks loudly about the journey of self-discovery. Sometimes, new environments are just what we need to really feel that sort of realization, and this is demonstrated by the lovable Shane as he describes his gay lifestyle and longing, making the book much more than a romance.

Stephanie Loves: "He didn't answer me then because he was afraid it was the wine talking, not my heart, and that I didn't know what I was saying or that I'd regret saying it in the morning.
The only thing I regret is being blind for so long."

Radical Rating: 8 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

♥♥♥♥♥♥: Stories from a Lifetime by Hugh Aaron

Stories from a Lifetime by Hugh Aaron

Release Date: September 27th, 2010

Publisher: Stones Point

Page Count: 288

Source: From publisher, via Romancing the Book, for review

Stories from a Lifetime carries readers through a widely diverse series of life's peaks and valleys with poignant, clear-eyed vision and understanding that is only gradually gained across the course of a lifetime through endurance and honest appraisal of the emotional rollercoaster that we all ride.

These stories form a welcome, and increasingly rare, honest, grounded, and beautifully written collection that will touch nerves while sympathizing with what it means to be human.

What Stephanie Thinks: As a fan of memoirs, I enjoyed reading Aaron's short story collection that spans the soaring highs and times of his eight decades. Each of the stories are captivating and nostalgic in their own familiar way, and each of them has something to say about the human life.

I had trouble getting into it (and finishing it) because the style of writing, while flowy in almost a poetic way, is often redundant and confusing. I love the idea of how life is described via short stories, but the narrative voice just isn't for me. Aaron has a detailed knack of explaining occurrences, but nothing is particularly gripping or profound.

The book as a whole, is an interesting concept, so I am not completely disappointed by this one. Aaron is profound with memories and spins a lifetime of stories that captures his wise, loved voice.

Radical Rating: 6 hearts- Satisfying for a first read, but I'm not going back ♥♥♥♥♥♥

♥♥♥♥: The Memoir of Marilyn Monroe by Sandi Gelles-Cole

The Memoir of Marilyn Monroe
Sandi Gelles-Cole

Release Date: April 22nd, 2011

Publisher: Gelles-Cole Literary Enterprises

Page Count: 178

Source: Complimentary copy provided by author, via Pump Up Your Book Promotions, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)

Marilyn Monroe is 85, the victim of a fire set purposefully to destroy her. This is the memoir she writes of what really happened from the night she was rescued in August, ‘62 until June 1st, 2011 when the book starts, her 85th birthday.

Told in her own voice and propelled by the various lifestyles she tries on in her search to dig beneath the character that she created for the movies to the real woman inside, the book is two stories. While we read to learn what caused the horrible accident that ruined her face, she writes of her recovery from the addictions that subsumed her in Hollywood, her life as an average woman traveling with a young lover in Europe; her final goodbye to DiMaggio. As a senior citizen, Marilyn’s face is recreated she tells what happened to her fortune and then how she supported herself, how it felt when her face and body aged, how lust continued into her late years and how she fell in love when she thought all of that was behind her.

The Memoir of Marilyn Monroe is a mix of fiction, myth, and Marilyn history.

What Stephanie Thinks: The concept of a fictionalized memoir is interesting and intriguing. It's like fan fiction, only it's based off reality, and it's fueled by the mystery and sketchy details surrounding a tragic event that our country has suspected multiple conspiracies about.

I wanted to enjoy this book so much. Marilyn Monroe is personally one of my favorite actresses of all time. Aside from the scandals and success that followed her around, she was beautiful in the most genuine, remarkable way. She wasn't a perfect size 00 and had acknowledged body image issues; yet she still managed to retain her image as America's sweetheart and most famous sex symbol. She died a legend, and with The Memoir of Marilyn Monroe, this legend is inverted. Because Marilyn didn't actually die. Marilyn actually faked her death, with the help of her ex, the infamous Joe DiMaggio, and spent the rest of her life regretting it. She became a normal person, a nobody, and is finally able to tell her story—the real story.

Unfortunately, this book is everything but the initial "interesting and intriguing" I hoped it to be. The writing is very bland and ill-structured; I wonder if Gelles-Cole had an editor. Most of the book seems to focus on Marilyn's alcoholism and recovery (or lack thereof), as well as the various romps and roadtrips she had as she aged, but I can't find an actual aim to this book. It's entirely pointless, and I still can't figure out why the author chose to ramble on and on about Marilyn's supposed life after death, because it ends abruptly and without a climax. Heck, there isn't even any rising action at all. Things happen, people speak, but nothing really crafts together to make a good novel.

I finished the book because the vocabulary is easy and font is large. At less than 200 pages, I read this in a few sittings. However, the writing is difficult to follow, and I found myself skimming a lot, because most of the text doesn't contribute to the main issue (not that there really is any main issue, in the first place). I really had to trudge through this one, and can't say I recommend it.

Stephanie Loves: "I started to understand that a person could be happy for herself, that you did not need an audience to smile. It was awakening."

Radical Rating: 4 hearts: So-so; reading this book may cause wrinkles (from frowning so much). ♥♥♥♥

calling, calling

Who wants to be my pen pal?!! I'm talking about serious, old-fashioned, pen-and-paper, let's-do-lunch-via-post pen pals. You get cool postcards from Korea, and I get to keep in touch with American friends! Yes yes yes! Email me (thestephanieloves at gmail dot com) so we can exchange addresses if you're interested.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: Thin Ice by Liana Laverentz

Thin Ice
Liana Laverentz

Release Date: April 5th, 2007

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Page Count: 373

Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)

The last thing ER doctor Emily Jordan needs in her life is another man to let her down, and certainly not one who uses his fists in his work. She's seen enough of the results of violence in the world, and has no use for anyone who contributes to it.

Professional hockey player Eric Cameron has never met a woman who intrigued him so much. Emily Jordan has it all, brains and beauty, a home of her own, a career she excels at, a son who adores her, and loving friends and family to help her bring it all together in way Eric has longed to be a part of his entire life. The problem is this feisty, independent woman wants nothing to do with him and has no problem letting him know it.

The memory of Emily's healing hands despite her clear-cut opinion of him when she treats him after a post-game barroom brawl drives Eric to find the key to her wounded heart, but success would mean that Emily would have to give up all that she has and depend on a man who's life is anything but settled. Will Eric be able to win her heart despite her opposition to the only life he's ever known? Or when the season ends will he move on again—alone?

What Stephanie Thinks: This book is just fabulous—it portrays contemporary romance at its finest! Emily's dark past and her struggle to see through to Eric's affections are emotional in both a joyful and saddening way. Her journey of love and discovery both wrenches at my heart and lifts it up at the same time.

The hero and heroine are so realistic and more importantly, so lovable. Even with their individual flaws—Emily's, being paranoia, and Eric's, being desperation—I can't help but adore them. Not to mention Eric is an amazing alpha male. I swooned and fantasized and pretty much fell in love with him! The secondary characters, such as Emily's ex-husband and son, are incredibly fleshed out as well; I loved Robbie (son) despised Ryan (ex). I want to pluck Robbie out of the book and adopt him! This just strengthens Laverentz's complete and well-developed characters—personalities she creates that I am able to both love and hate. After all, characterization is key in fiction.

And the chemistry. Hoo boy! Maybe it's just me sweating bullets here, but it's hot hot hot! There's so much tension between them, both physically and emotionally, that it is often frustrating at times, but it all plays out A-okay in the end. Might I mention the sex is superhot too? I love how intimately sex is portrayed, but without getting too nitty-gritty (read: pornographic), which is ultimately the factor that separates romance from erotica. Somehow, less explicit love scenes make them hotter, and Thin Ice is proof of that.

Laverentz has a skilled voice that I'm now keen on getting to know better. Her dialogue is witty and entertaining, and it includes cunning twists and shocking revelations in a contemporary setting. Familial misunderstandings and secrets impede the delusion of the "perfect" life, in a way we all will be able to relate to and take home and to heart, as well. Overall, Thin Ice is a story about the power of love and family, and the best part, is that the characters come to life.

Stephanie Loves: "He didn't answer me then because he was afraid it was the wine talking, not my heart, and that I didn't know what I was saying or that I'd regret saying it in the morning.
The only thing I regret is being blind for so long."

Radical Rating: 9 hearts: Loved it! This book has a spot on my favorites shelf. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: Baron's Last Hunt by S.A. Garcia

Baron's Last Hunt
S.A. Garcia

Release Date: July 27th, 2011

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Page Count: 15

Source: Directly from publisher for review

Since his lover Samuel’s death, Baron can only keep his spirit alive by trying to recreate their first meeting at the Stockholm train station. Picking up a lively young stranger may ease his aching sorrow for a few stolen moments, but nothing can heal the emptiness in his soul—until a smiling young man calling himself Rogue steps into Baron’s Rolls. For the first time, Baron finds himself thinking beyond a brief release… but Rogue may be more than he seems.

What Stephanie Thinks: Baron's Last Hunt is a Bittersweet Dreams short story from Dreamspinner Press, which is an m/m romance publisher. I, being a tragic romance whore, love the concept of the Bittersweet Dreams line; essentially, all of its titles include the same romantic elements that most m/m novels do, but have heartwrenching, untraditional endings. These stories are not for those who root for Happily Ever Afters... these stories are for people who want a story to end in a painful, abrupt way, people who thrive off woes. Otherwise known as: me.

Garcia's voice is sardonic and playful; even throughout the rough romance and emotion, the tone remains light. The content itself contains hot 'n' heavy (le swoon) and the characters, even within a short fifteen pages, are well-developed.

The story itself is too short for me to become attached, yet I still feel the ending is weep-worthy. Both the plot and relationship between Baron and Rogue are deliciously twisted, with lots of surprises and a short-lived sense of satisfaction, until of course, tragedy strikes. I recommend this to anyone who wants a read that is both melancholy and inspiring at the same time—one that is over too soon, and lingers once it is gone.

Stephanie Loves: "His ripe mouth slowly relaxed into a fresh smile. His luxuriant lashes met in three rapid blinks before he stared at Baron in subtle challenge. A small smile offered vague confrontation."

Radical Rating: 7 hearts: Not without flaws, but overall enjoyable. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: The Trust by Sean Keefer

The Trust
Sean Keefer

Release Date: January 21st, 2011

Publisher: Old Line

Page Count: 349

Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher, via Novel Publicity in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you both!), as part of the Sean Keefer virtual blog tour

To attorney Noah Parks, the probate of a will should be a simple task. But the Last Will and Testament of Leonardo Xavier Cross is anything but simple. Though Parks has never heard of Cross, he learns that the Will directs that he provide the legal representation for the estate and as part of his fee he receive the contents of a safety deposit box – a safety deposit box no one knew existed. Intrigued, Parks undertakes the task but after the body count begins to rise the otherwise basic task of probating the will becomes more complicated as each day passes. Despite all of Parks’ skills, the answers he seeks remain elusive and force him to delve deeper into the shocking and deceptive Cross’ family history which sets the stage for an explosive finale that Parks can only hope to survive.

Set in Charleston, South Carolina, The Trust is the debut novel from Sean Keefer. Blending elements of traditional southern literary fiction, suspense, and mystery, you won't be satisfied until the final page is turned.

What Stephanie Thinks: With interest in both law (did I mention I was once an attorney for our school's mock trial team?) and mysteries, I really enjoyed Sean Keefer's legal thriller. The first half, to tell you the truth, is frustratingly slow-moving. There seems to be no point to the story, and a fear bubbled up from deep within me early on, suspecting it might have turned out to be one of those mystery novels where all the action happens in the last chapter. Fortunately, that isn't the case.

In the second half, once the pace of the book is finally set, there are so many twists and turns—deceit and revelation—that are masterfully timed, that I found myself constantly surprised. Rather than the heinous crime committed or the seemingly unsolvable question about what Noah has to do with Cross's will, it's the human betrayal, and what sick, distorted lengths it can stretch to, that had me on the tip of my toes. At first, everything doesn't fit together. I sat there with the book in hand, thinking, Oh, just give us some action already!, but in the final half of the novel, everything comes together beautifully, perfectly, and it all makes sense.

Keefer's writing style is plain. It's not simple in an elegant way, or aloofly guarded; it's just plain, nothing extraordinary. It's definitely not his writing technique that makes The Trust suspenseful. In fact, his tone is rather awkward; he doesn't particularly have a way with words. This detracts from the novel. Usually, suspense or mystery novels are carefully crafted and deceptively woven to trick the reader. With Keefer, there is no trickery going on, and his writing doesn't flow smoothly or appropriately. I can tell he is extremely observant and has creative intentions with his writing; he just has trouble penning them.

The rigidity of the author's style does make Noah, the main character, unlikable—his logic is forced and he doesn't seem genuine—but it doesn't take away from the surprise factor of the mystery. The last thing The Trust is is predictable. I literally felt my spine tingle while he and his love interest (yes, there is some romance!) discovered, to uncomfortable depths, more about the Cross dilemma.

The ending is totally unexpected; I did not see coming at all. With a riveting, complicated storyline, unanswered and recurring perplexities, and heavy, yet not unnecessary explanations of South Carolinian tradition and basic legal boundaries, The Trust is a dramatic, eye-widening read I overall am pleased with.

Stephanie Loves: "You're going to give me a complex if you're not careful." 

Radical Rating: 8 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

In celebration of the author's birthday today, the lovely Terri Giuliano Long had him over at her blog for an awesome interview. I find it fascinating—her unique questions and Sean's informative answers make it a great engagement. Go check it out!