Black Ice Book Review October 13, 2014

Black Ice 

A Book Review by,

Amy Halbern

October 13, 2014

"Danger is hard to resist"

Becca Fitzpatrick really knows how to put the T in Thriller and the C in Crazy. Like her Hush Hush Series, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I fell in love with Black Ice from the first to the last. I could not put this book down! It was like being on the ride wicked at Lagoon, the craziness of the story kept going and there were so many twists and turns. At first Britt and Korbie's friendship kind of reminded me of Vee and Nora, but as the story progressed on they couldn't be more different. I felt like Korbie was selfish and it was always all about her and she wanted Britt to cater to her and her needs and wants and it didn't matter what Britt wanted. However Korbie did agree to go on the back packing trip even though she didn't want to, but as the story progressed and chaos started to wreak havoc on their lives Korbie didn't have a problem letting Britt know how she felt about the situation. Britt went into this back packing trip with a different motive to see her ex Calvin and prove she could back pack through the Tetons. Britt was the kind of character that depended solely on others. At the beginning she was like this but as the story progressed she became strong and independent. Calvin is an interesting character from the start to the finish of the book. I didn't really know how I felt about his character. I liked all the back stories on him so we as the reader could see what he was like as a kid to a grown man. I honestly felt really sorry for him, he had a very tough up bringing. His father made life for Calvin a true nightmare. I was shocked when the truth about him came out I was like what?!!!He never really treated Britt all that well from the start and then she starts to see through all the lies and deception. Mason Aka Jude I didn't know how I felt at first especially the first time we meet him at the 7 eleven, he came across arrogant, and a player. However as the story progressed he was not as selfish as we thought. He really helped Britt become the strong independent person she always was but didn't quite know it. His story was a very interesting one as well.. He ended up being the Hero of the story and I didn't see that one coming as well. I loved all the interactions between he and Britt. whenever you have bantering between characters that develop feelings for each other, that always makes my day! Then there is Shaun he was interesting he didn't stick around long enough to really get to know his character, however his back story is also interesting. I liked him at first then his mean cruel side came out and lets just say he had it coming... I love how Becca Fitzpatrick describes landscapes, what the characters are wearing and comparing their feelings inside to water, sun, smooth surfaces, warmth etc... I loved the ending. I loved how all the mysteries of the missing girls are solved and the map ended up being  the key to the mysteries. I was sad it was over I would love to read more about Britt, Jude and her new friends that she meets and becomes besties with at college. I highly recommend this book!

Diamonds In the Rough Book Review October 5, 2014

Diamonds In the Rough

A Book Review 

By, Amy Halbern

"Sisterhood First Crushes

And Scandalous Secrets 

Explode In Book 2 Of Michelle Madows Riveting 

The Secret Diamond Sisters" 

Michelle Madow, has become on of my favorite Authors. After Reading The Secret Diamond Sisters, I couldn't wait to pick up Diamonds in the Rough. In the first book we get to know the Diamond sisters on the surface which was a great start, however we really get to know Savannah, Peyton and Courtney on such personal level. I felt that this story was for sure an emotional coaster for me to read. I loved how the story evolved so much from the first book. There was so much mystery that unfolds in Diamonds in the Rough. The Diamonds Sister experience so much and grow so much through the heartaches and pains of their past. I felt that we as readers get to know Adrian and Rebecca More and they don't seem so distant anymore. Courtney learns a lot about her past, her kidnapping that she knew so little of from the first story, she also discovers who she can really trust and rely on. I absolutely love she and Brett's "Friendship" I put that in quotes because I don't want to give too many spoilers away lol! I also love how Courtney stayed true to herself and didn't change for anyone but for herself. Peyton who I still feel like is a lost soul but not as much as she was in the beginning of  the story, she doesn't have a huge chip on her shoulder as she once did, I hope she finds someone who will love her for her. I also enjoyed how she also evolved in this story. I feel that she is showing more trust to those who truly care and love her. To be honest her character drove me crazy but I am liked her a lot more in Diamonds in the Rough. Savannah wow that girl has been on a roller coaster of craziness, with her friends, love life, her YouTube channel, and family situations. I feel that she has a lot more of a back bone in Diamonds in the Rough, then she did in The Secret Diamonds Sisters. It was fun to read about her best friendship with Evie and too see how Evie did with her current friends in which are so superficial, it is so ridiculous how superficial her volleyball friends are. Without giving too much away lets just say that Savannah gets some awesome time in the lime light. I hope that she gets some awesome happily ever time with her guy of choice and her blooming singing career. Madison as crazy as it sounds is growing on me. I still am not sure about her but she is not thinking all about herself as much as she did in the beginning, concerning some new information that has come to light that when it is revealed will change everyone's life. I hope that she stays this way and continues to evolve into more and more of a selfless character. Brett is seriously my favorite guy character. I wish I had a guy in my life like him. Brett is the most caring loving selfless person. I loved all the Brett/Courtney moments. I loved how much his character evolved in this story. Damien is turning out to be a way good guy I am really shipping he and Savannah at the moment. Oliver wow not much to say about him!! lol! I just hope the best for him.. I loved how Adrian is finally being more of a father to his daughters. In the first book he seemed so selfish and he didn't care about them. However my opinion of him has changed and I really like him, for now... This story had mystery, romance, scandal, teary-eyed moments, and what matters most, family. I loved this story to start to finish. I loved how I felt that I was right there going to the Halloween Parties, Savannah's birthday party, which was wow I would love to have a party like that, family trips, shopping with the Diamond Sisters, and wanting to hug them when they needed  a shoulder to cry on. I loved it from start to finish.. Lets just say that I had a big smile on my face for many reasons at the end of the story!!! I can't wait to read the next story!! I highly recommend this book!