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!

The Impersonator by Mary Miley Review

Hi Everyone!

How is your life going? 

I am in the mist of many essays and have my first college mid-term tomorrow. Today I am seeing a performance of the Picture of Dorian Gray for my theater class!!!

The Impersonator by Mary Miley

Publication Date: September 17th, 2013

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 4/5 VALIANT STARS! 

Ode de joy! The Impersonator by Mary Miley is such a fun book. Excitement, trickery, sizzling close calls, unpleasant yet intriguing truths and danger fill its pages.

The most fascinating storyline for me is when a character has to expertly pretend to be another person. The Impersonator has a vaudeville actress named Leah faced with the performance of long-missing heiress Jessie. I found the reason that Leah appearance was similar to Jessie’s completely surprising.

So often, every other character absent of the direct knowing party, in this storyline, misses noting the inconsistencies of the fraud or mentions discrepancies without looking deeper. In this story, not all, but many realize the truth. This attribute shares that the author understand how unrealistic that even an actress can fool everyone.

All the characters brought something new to the story. I love how Jessie’s cousin Ross may have been unlikeable to Jessie, but was more than arrogant. Ross is a very sincere and intelligent fellow, along with being scary. Henry, Jessie’s other male cousin, is frightening and gave this story so many exciting moments. His selfishness may have been unlikeable but is relatable. Though he wanders too far in his race to fill his desires. Jessie’s naive female cousins were cute and humorous. Ah, I love every moment with them watching Leah involve them in her acting culture. Leah was the best, sincere, hopeful, independent and snarky. She valiantly jumped into torchy territory. Even when she was scared, Leah still believed in her capability to withstand the danger on her search for Jessie’s story.

I love the authentic outlook of the 1920s. I never knew that liquor was poured into teacups. 

One of my few negative feelings for the book was the beginning. I wish I could have felt Leah’s pain while she lost her job and her search for a new legit one. The deep connection on that section was bypassed mostly because I felt it was a list of loss jobs without me feeling Leah’s profound angst that I know she felt. Thankfully, I was able to relate to Leah and her story the rest of the story.

I may have figured out the culprit and Jessie’s state of life, but I had a delightful time exploring with Leah how it happened and why. The way Miley portrayed the whereabouts of Jessie’s state was amazing.

Anyone looking for a fun book that you will want to finish and a valiant protagonist should explore The Impersonator. 

Thanks for reading!