Monday, October 28, 2013

ARC Review: Notable by Marnie Bates

Hi Everyone!

Today I am reviewing:


Notable by Marni Bates
Publication Date: October 29th, 2013
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Source: Netgalley
3/5 ENTERTAINING STARS

My review:

I know I care about a book when I think about it. A lot. Notable by Marni Bates, sadly, has not thrown itself in my mind till I started writing this review. I just wanted to start with that statement to make sure you know that this is a good book, but if your in a new books-to-obsessively-recommend slump, like I am, it will not alleviate the empty pain.

That being said, Notable by Marni Bates is a fun-filled story of excitement and transfers from scene to scene in a nice steady flow. I sped through this story in pretty much one read-through.

I love Marni’s idea to set this story in Cambodia. I am thrilled that Chelsea and her group of college students and one teacher in actual danger with a drug lord. Yep, I enjoyed their struggle. I was completely scared for Neal, the trapped sweet and talkative teacher. The plot, in short, was terrific, a bit of romance, a bit of thrills, and heroine with initiative. The only segment I found unlikeable was a confusing piece near the end. The climax was not clearly written. 

Chelsea is an excellent combination of naivety, when it comes to dealing with criminals, and stubbornness to stay true to her bluntness; I could relate to both. She is he opposite of the stereotypical popular girl. She is understanding, reasonably judges a bit, and never allows others to influence her to change her personality. I am a bit sad, though, that her two best friends fit the popular stereotype.

The banter between Chelsea and Hudson was the typical entertaining interactions I expect in an initially infuriating romance and opinionated duo. On paper, I would have loved Hudson, the tough, thoughtful guy, but I really never found myself attracted to him. I preferred when Chelsea was flirting with Wesley, a lawyer with connection to finding the enemy who kidnapped Neal. Her fake name was terrific! I love how it connects to Scott, Chelsea’s true friend Jane’s boyfriend who dislikes Chelsea.

Notable by Marni Bates is a good book. It is perfectly fine to read it separate from the rest of the Smith High series.

I leave with saying, “Chelsea rules!” 

Thanks for reading!

5 comments:

  1. This book does sound like a lot of fun Rachel, I like how the author decided to mix it up well with so much going on. Also the characters seem like they bring a lot of fun to the story too! Great review! :)

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  2. Aw, I'm glad you enjoyed, Rachel! I got this for review too, but I had more mixed feelings towards the first book so I'm not sure I'll get to it.

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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  3. Yes, I agree. It even happens that I finish a book impressed, but realize a day later that I haven't thought about it since putting it down. That's never a good sign.
    I'm not sure this is the right read for me, but I'm glad there were some things you liked.
    Fabulous review, Rachel.

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  4. I'm glad you still enjoyed the whole book despite the slight flaws though it still sounds like a really fun read. I haven't read any of this series but I'm planning on picking them up someday. Haha! Brilliant review, Rachel! :)

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  5. I can relate to liking people on books but not so much if they're a real person. This sounds really entertaining; like something I can read in one seat. Thanks for the review, Rachel!

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