Cece In The City

Tag: book review

  • The Dead Romantics Book

    Book: The Dead Romantics

    Author: Ashley Poston

    By: Cece Hymes

     

    Got a chance to read this book. It was pretty good. It was about a lady named Florence Day who is a ghostwriter for a lady that does romance. In the last year Florence goes through a bad breakup and no longer believes in love.  She has to finish the ending and just can’t figure out how to end it now that she no longer believes in love.

    Her new editor will not give her extension and demands the book to be completed. Florence lives with her best friend and her best friend wants to get her to go out from a bad week. They get out and she runs into her ex and her new editor and also gets a call that something bad happened to her dad.

    When Florence was young her and her dad could talk to spirits. They were the only ones that were gifted with this in their family. When she was in school she solved a murder case in which the spirit helped her. Everyone in the town thought she was crazy and talked about her. She left that town and never went back. 10 years later she came back because of her dad.

    Florence starts to see her new editor as a spirit and as he comes along, they get to know each other more. He helps her get through the hard times. He tells her all the positive things she needs to hear. She opens up little by little.

    Florence has low self-esteem, I believe that she just took in what people say and tried to run from getting hurt. Sometimes it’s good to have a friend. That will push you in the right way, to give you motivation, to talk to you and let you know what you are worth.

    I don’t want to give the book away, but it is a twist to it. The book was good. I can’t even imagine myself being able to talk to spirits. I wouldn’t mind if it was for a good cause. This was something different to read. Just thinking of funerals and dead people makes me sad.

    If you read the book, what did you think about it? If not, check it out. Also make sure to join Cece Book Cub.

  • The Simple Wild Book

    Book: The Simple Wild

    Author: K.A. Tucker

    By: Cece Hymes

    Got a chance to read this book. This was definitely a page turner. I enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next one, it is a series. The Simple Wild is a powerful love story, and it had its funny parts. It was about a girl named Calla who is from Alaska. Her mom moved her from there to Toronto when she was 2. She would talk to her dad on the phone a lot but never see him. After her 8th grade graduation her dad disappointed her again and didn’t show up, so she decided to distance herself and her dad did also.

    Calla is 26 now and still lives with her mom and stepdad. She gets  this estranged call that her father is dying of lung cancer. She had mixed feelings about going there to see him because she barely knew him and also he wasn’t the one to call. She flies back to Alaska to see how her father is and to get to know him. Calla and the pilot seem to not get along. It seems he thinks she is an uptight kind of girl.

    Calla and the pilot have to spend more time together since it’s a small town and he is the neighbor. In the process of staying there she learns more about the town and her father. Toronto where she lives is so much different than Alaska. It takes time to get used to it but she sees new things every day she is there.

    The more time she spends with the pilot the more they seem to bring the best out of each other. However, this is a story about transformation, both personal and intellectual. I like that Jonah (the pilot) put his guard down for Calla. I also liked that Calla was time enough for Jonah. It’s like they are the complete opposite, but their chemistry is scorching. It’s always two sides of the story. I am glad that Calla went to Alaska to see what her dad is like before it’s too late.

    The way the story is told made me feel like I could picture everything, the scenery and how things look. I also love a good love story. I love it when you can talk trash to each other and still smile and have fun with it. If you haven’t read it, I would recommend it.

    I loved this book and again can’t wait to read the series. If you read, let me know your thoughts.

    Make sure to follow me @Cece.Atl 

  • Book Lovers book by Emily Henry

    Book: Book Lovers

    Author:  Emily Henry

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was about a lady named Nora who is complex, deep, funny and more. She is a literary agent who identifies more with the villains in romance movies than the heroines. She has a sister named Libby who swayed her to go on vacation to a small town. They make a to-do list to do before their trip ends. Her sister Libby is married with 2 kids and one on the way. Nora missed hanging out with her sister and thinks this trip is going to bring them closer together.

    When they arrive in this small town she didn’t expect to run into Charlie, the surly editor she’s avoided ever since their disastrous meeting. They email each other about books. Being in this small town they have gotten to get to know each other and see that they are alike in so many ways. They turn each other on in their own way.

    Charlie and Nora have been through a lot growing up in their lives. They seem to always put everyone first before their own happiness. They always want to make sure that everyone else is good even if they have to give up their own dreams and happiness. It’s a lot that Nora still deals with from the passing of her mom but doesn’t share with anyone until she meets Charlie.

    I like how Nora has standards and that when she sees what she wants she opens up and tells Charlie instead of playing the little game of keeping it to herself. It can be scary taking chances, but the saying goes, closed mouths don’t get fed. Libby, who is Nora’s sister, has her own agenda that Nora does not know about. Nora just thinks Libby is going through problems in her relationship. What her sister is really doing will shock you. Sometimes a small town has hidden places that can make you fall in love with it.

    I love that Nora and Charlie can talk about any and everything and feel like they can be themselves with each other. Charlie sees that Nora is everything he ever wanted and more. They have to make a decision once her vacation is over and she has to go back home to New York. Can you really have everything you really wanted? The job, the man, the city life and more. It all goes back to taking chances and not settling. You have to read the book to see what happens. I love “Love” I believe when you find it don’t let it go. True love is hard to find these days. I love to read books and I hope to find a partner that is into books like I am. It would be awesome to chat about books and other things.

    Make sure to Join Cece Book Club and if you read this book let me know your thoughts.

     

  • When You Look Like Us (Book)

    Book: When You Look Like Us

    By: Pamela N Harris

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was about a girl named Nikki who goes missing and her brother Jay tries to find her. Nikki and Jay grew up together, their Dad passed away and Mom went to prison so their grandmother had to raise them. They stayed in the projects and tried to make sure they survived.

    Jay is a smart kid who got great grades and was trying to make extra money to save up for his grandmother. He would do people’s homework for them and get a job to make extra money. He went to church and one of the girls there always tried talking to him, but he never really looked at her, just seemed annoyed. Nikki was a good kid that started hanging with the wrong crowd. She ended up getting a boyfriend who hustled. Then they get into it at a party, and she goes missing. Nikki also has a friend named Kenny who goes missing the same day.

    Nikki called her brother one night and he thought she was drunk and calling. Next thing you know she is missing and Jay and the girl from church try to find clues to find Nikki and hope that she is not dead. They know the type of boyfriend she has and think of the worst. As they put clues together they go through a lot of hurdles and every clue seems to end up with nothing. Jay is at the point of giving up and just really thinking she is dead and starts to push away the friend that really wants the best for him.

    In today’s world kids go missing every day and it seems like the cops are no help. Like they do the bare minimum. Jay could get stubborn at times, not letting anyone help him in finding his sister and take matters in his own hands. It’s like he is the one that takes care of everyone and makes sure they are good.

    Now Riley was the girl from church that I told you about earlier, now I loved her in this book. It was like she was a good girl but wanted to really be there for Jay. She saw him for who he was and wanted to help his family. She did things just to try to save them. She was very selfless, caring, and funny. Good people like that are hard to find these days.

    I don’t want to give up the ending, you have to read it and see. If you have already read the book let me know your thoughts. Also make sure to follow Cece Book Club on IG and Facebook.

  • The Emperor of Sound

    Book: The Emperor of Sound

    Author: Timbaland with Veronica Chambers

    By: Cece Hymes

    Got a chance to read this book about Timbaland and his journey and life. I enjoyed learning more about his journey and how he and Missy got together to make music. He talks about growing up and how he got into the industry. I love that he stayed consistent. I had heard years ago how one of the members of the group Jodeci was evil and made them do all kinds of crazy things. I hate that they had to go through this trying to make it. So I definitely would like to give Timbaland and Missy their flowers. No matter what you went through you made it work and got through tough times. I appreciate you for telling this side of the story. It’s not easy being in this industry. Glad that Timbaland’s parents stored God and prayer in him.

    I knew Pharrell and Timbaland were great producers, but this showed how they got into the business. They found their way and had a plan. That pushes me to not give up on my business and to keep being consistent and moving in the right direction. After I read about the girl Dana and Aaliyah I wanted to give Timbaland a hug and tell him everything would be ok. I know it was hard and having that on your conscience I would not have known what to do or how to feel in a situation like that.

    When Timbaland and his wife got together I was glad she was different. I always say that your best friend is your soulmate. To have someone that loves you for you and wants better for you is hard to find these days. When Timbaland finally got it together glad she was still around and took a chance. When you can talk for hours and communicate about everything it’s a great feeling.

    This book was a good read, not too big and if you are a fan I would definitely read it. He tells a lot about how he hooked up with a lot of artists to make beats for them. He worked with a lot of people. I got a chance to interview V. Bozeman before and do an article on her in my magazine (Where It Begins) and I think she is a talented artist. I love her voice. Timbaland took a chance on a lot of people. You can tell he has a big heart. I love the relationship that he and Missy had. It was like they were brother and sister and didn’t leave each other behind. They helped one another get to the top.

    I hope he has another book and talks about Verzuz and how it got started and why they sold it. I would also like to know what’s next in the making. Let me reach out to see if I can get an interview. I love learning about people’s journeys and how they got to where they are today. Timbaland has put in the work he and Missy deserve nothing but great things.

    This was a great book, make sure to check it out. If you have already read it let me know how you liked it. Make sure to Follow me at Cece.Atl and Cece Book Club.

  • From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home

    Book: From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home

    Author: Tembi Locke

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was our January Book read. I watched the series on Netflix so I couldn’t wait to read the book.  The book was also good and had some things that were different from the series but still worth the read. It was about a lady named Tembi who goes to Italy. She wants to do something different with her life. Instead of her parents taking care of her she wants to support herself. She meets this Guy named Sato who is a chef. It was like love at first sight with them. Saro’s family is Sicilian. They have certain traditions and him being with a black American woman is one that they disapprove of.

    Sato and Tembi fall deep for one another and no matter what they have to go through they face it together. They enjoy their time that is spent together and then she has to go back to the U.S. and they do the long distance thing for a little. Then Saro goes to the U.S. to start his new life with Tembi. They go through things like every couple. Sato misses his family a lot but tries to stay positive. Sato and Tembi get married and he invites his family which still disowns him. He really wants his family to be there but it’s not going to stop him from marrying Tembi. His parents did not make it but someone in his family did, and others sent congratulations by fax. Sato gets sick and Tembi sticks by him. They decide to adopt a little girl from birth and raise her.

    Later in the years Sato gets Sick again and his family comes around to at least talk to him and be a part of his daughter’s life. It’s so sad. One thing I can say is that I love it when two people become friends first and then lovers. I always say your best friend is your soulmate. Especially when you can communicate and talk about everything. You go through the highs and lows and still put each other first. That’s the love I respect and love. Tembi learned how to deal with life day by day and to keep her daughter knowing both sides of the family. It takes a village to raise a child and takes family and friends to help when a person is grieving.

    I loved the book and the series, both were great. Make sure to check both out and tell me what you think. There’s a lot more to the story but I don’t want to give it away and tell too much of the book. If you have read the book and would like to join our Virtual discussion the first week of February comment below and I will reach out to you.  You can follow Cece Book Club or follow me @Cece.Atl 

  • The Cassanova:The Miles High Club book by T L Swan

    Book: The Casanova: The Miles High Club

    Author: T L Swan

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was a good book, as you know I love stories. Elliott is a handsome, rich man that owns a couple of businesses and homes. All the ladies think of him as Mr. Casanova. He usually dates models and women of that caliber. Kate works for Elliot. She dresses casually to not be seen just plain. Kate’s parents had passed away and when they passed away, she kind of just stopped dressing up and dating. She just grieved differently. She had been working for Elliott for 7 years now and the two just didn’t get along. She spoke to him in a different way than the other employees, but she was good at her work. They both didn’t really look into each other like that.

    Kate has a sister and brother. Her brother is cool and down the earth while the sister is mean and beautiful. Her sister usually gets any man she wants because of her beauty. Kate has a roommate Rebecca, and they just got this new roommate Daniel. When Daniel moves in, he goes out with the roommates to get to know them better and a friendship starts. He sees that Kate is beautiful and just needs a makeover. So, he decides to shop for Kate and get her back to how she used to be. Kate goes to work in her new outfit, and she is working and dancing as Elliott is looking at the screen, he sees her from behind and gets this attraction to the person dancing. When she finally turns around, he sees it is Kate. He starts looking at her in a different way from that day. Daniel gets Kate out of the house and everywhere they go Elliott is in the same place looking at Kate.

    Elliott and Kate both get on this Dating app and have alias names. They become friends with each other but at first don’t know that they are actually talking to each other. Then they both find out the truth but never let each other know that they are talking to each other. So, they build a friendship there also. Elliott believes in Fate. He is into this one lady painting and has been searching for this one lady for years because the painting touches him in a way. Before Elliott started to like Kate, he would see this lady at auctions but could never catch her. He was very interested in her, but she always left so fast he never really met her.

    Elliott and Kate ended up getting to know each other and basically were just going out and having fun with no string attached. It was like Elliott had two sides of himself, the one that likes to be in control, have things to himself and then the side of being sweet and having fun. His sex drive was very high, but Kate could keep up. She was different and special to him. They both were falling for each other but scared at the same time. Elliott showed Kate a good time and brought happiness to her. Kate showed that she was different, didn’t care for his money and that lifestyle but liked him for him.

    Elliot believes in Fate. Do you believe in fate? Do you believe that people come to you for a reason? Do you believe in fairytales? These two were brought together by fate and it’s so much more that happens but I don’t want to give the good part away. Check out the book and tell me what you think.  It’s very interesting. I loved the book and can’t wait to read more books by this author. If you like a good romance, juicy, with laughter, and drama in it this book is for you.  One other thing that I loved about the book. I love it when you start off friends first. My saying is always your soulmate is your best friend. I believe in that. Is it good to mix business and pleasure together? It could be hard that your boss is your mate. Check it out.

    Also make sure to Follow Cece Book Club 

  • Girl Forgotten By Karin Slaughter

    Book: Girl Forgotten

    Author: Karin Slaughter

    By: Cece Hymes

    This is the first book I have read by this author. I saw a lot of people were talking about this book, so I had to read. It was a good book. It took me a while to figure out who had killed the girl. When you think about high schoolers it’s always a clique. Everyone has their own clique in school.

    This book was about a group of so-called friends hanging together until one day something happened to Emily who is in that clique. She doesn’t remember what happened she just know that whatever happened she was raped, and it was by one of her so-called friends. She doesn’t understand how one day her whole world can turn upside down because of her friends and no one seems to want to tell the truth.

    Andrea’s father was part of the clique and is in prison. Andrea knows he is a bad man, but she is a cop well a US Marshal and she has been put on a case to help protect Emily’s mother who is a judge. While protecting her she is also secretly investigating what really happened to Emily 40 years ago. There Are other things going on in the same town that Emily was killed in. Andrea doesn’t live there but she goes there to help with the case. She was sent there because she is needed. New clues pop out each time she tries to solve another case but the old one keeps coming up.

    It’s sad what happened to Emily and on prom night how someone could kill her like that while she is pregnant. The baby survived and is all grown with her own child. She always wanted to know who killed her mother. Even though Emily was killed so long ago it still haunts everyone in that town. Seems like they all are psychopaths that love to be in control of people and everything.

    Reading this book, I really wanted Ricky, Nardo and Wexler to get dealt with. Those 3 made me so angry. How these 3 just had no conscience whatsoever. The way they treat women and young women at that made me angry. That’s why I always think us women need to stay strong and protect one another. We are so vulnerable and so attachable to things that are wrong. Love can make you go crazy and make you look over a lot of things. Jealousy is evil also. Just be aware of your friends and always keep your eyes open. You can see who is against you and who is with you. Time will tell.

    Check out the book and let me know your thoughts. Also join Cece Book Club.

  • Sweeter than honey by Joy Avery

    Book: Sweeter Than Honey

    Author: Joy Avery

    By: Cece Hymes

     

    You know I love a good love book. This book was very interesting to me and seems like a lot of books that I have read always start off with pretending to be in a relationship and then really fall in love with the person. I just love books like this. They all just have a different way and story that each one falls in love with the other person.

    This book was about Rylee and Canten. Rylee owned her own shop and she loved to cook. Canten, he was the sheriff of the town that everyone loved. He really did a lot for his community. Canten’s wife had passed away and so did Rylee; they both just been living life not really trying to date anyone. They have both been friends for a long time and have attraction for one another. They just don’t want to react to it.

    When they faked their relationship, I think they both really wanted to be with each other anyway but didn’t want to let the other one know. I am glad that they were friends first. My motto is always your soulmate is your best friend. They both needed to get things off their chest and out in the open. It was secrets that they never shared with anyone that they found sharing with each other. There were also times when others tried to come and win the other person’s interest, but they didn’t let it happen.

    They both actually know a lot about each other, and they are neighbors, so they watch out for each other already. One thing I love about this book is Rylee’s parents now that love is the kind of love I want. Growing older together and years later and still having that spark for each other is definitely what I want.  I loved their characters in this book.

    Everyone wants love but when you have someone that makes you happy that’s a different kind of love. When you have not just a lover but a best friend that you can communicate with about anything and they don’t judge you but push you to be stronger than those types of people you don’t want to let go.

    Rylee and Canten grew together as a fake couple but were there each step of the way. They included each other in events and couple things. They both felt a love they had never felt before. When you know what you want you go after it. They made each other feel like a queen and king.

     

    Make sure to check out the book and let me know what you think. Also join Cece Book Club

  • The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann

    Book: The Romantic Agenda

    Author: Claire Kann

    By: Cece Hymes

    I always say I love romance stories. This book was good. It was about a lady named Joy who had been best friends with a guy named Malcolm for years and years. Joy loves Malcolm but she never told him that she was in love with him. Malcolm loves Joy also and all the women he ever dated feel like he puts Joy as number one, and they leave.

    Malcolm lets Joy know that he is into this lady named Summer and that they have been chatting for over 2 months. Joy is used to knowing everything about Malcolm and gets jealous. He invites her on this getaway trip with him and Summer. They decide to bring Summer’s best friend Fox. He wants Fox and Joy to hang out so he can get closer to Summer and to see if Summer and Joy can get along.

    I like that Joy is straightforward and speaks her mind. She may not say that one thing about love to Malcolm but everything else she speaks freely and openly. Fox comes on the trip and he kind of observes. Joy and Fox spend time together. They decide to fake like they like each other to see how Malcolm would react. Fox and Joy actually end up liking each other. They brought out something different in one another.

    They thing I love about the characters is that they all are open to trying to get better and they open up to one another. The romantic getaway showed everyone what they really wanted and what they were willing to try out. I always say your best friend is your soulmate. I do think that Joy and Malcolm would have worked out, but I feel like Joy will have more fun with Fox. I also think that Fox will be more gentle with her.

    I would love to read a part 2 of this book to see how it would go with everyone. To see if Joy can handle moving on from Malcolm or if they realize that they are soul mates.

    If you read this book let me know your thoughts. Also join Cece Book Club