Leigh Talbert Moore

Sometimes all you need is a nice and easy YA book with an interesting protagonist and a thrilling storyline and that was exactly what I hoped for when I picked up Dragonfly. I’m not going as far as saying I was disappointed, but I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I would be. (There is a lot of I’s in that sentence!).

Anna is not my favorite protagonist ever. I found her incredible stupid and I was so embarrassed for her when she chased after Jack - seriously girl, have some self-respect. There are times where she was a normal, sensitive teen, but they were few and far between. I did however love the fact that her parents and her grandmother was an active part of the story and actually helped her in the story. Way to often the parents have gone missing from YA books.

I adored Julian, even though he obviously isn’t flawless. I didn’t get his patience about Anna, but he’s so sweet, talented and amazing. He demanded nothing from her, but gave her everything. Jack, on the other hand, was an ass. He toys with Anna’s emotions - treats her like a woman one minute, then turns around and treats her like a child. I drove me insane! He’s also a very fast mover and takes it too far on his and Anna’s first evening together. Throughout the story he seems interested only in his own feelings and Anna’s body. I really can’t stand him!


I had some pretty big issues with the story and the following may contained small spoilers:

Anna and her friends decide to go drag racing and obviously that calls for alcohol (wait, what?!). Two of the guys crashed and has to go to the hospital and Jack asks Anna to drive one of the girls home because the two of them can’t be there when the police arrives because they had too much to drink. At NO POINT in the story has Anna any remorse about drunk driving! It’s just so wrong and so far off from the Anna I’ve gotten to know.

At some point Anna is at a party at the twins place and she finds Jack all over another girl. They aren’t together at this point, but obviously she gets upset and leaves the part. The next day (or a couple of days later - I don’t remember) he finds her at the beach and explains to her, that he didn’t know she was going to be at the party. That’s all the explanation she gets and apparently it’s enough because moments later she’s all over him. Gawd!!

And my last problem: At some point Anna gets, as Christmas gift from Lucy, a picture of Anna and Jack, despite the fact that Lucy knows Anna isn’t seeing him anymore and the picture really hurts her. What kind of friends does that? So inappropriate!

No more mini spoilers

The mystery part of the story is too easy to figure out, but it really doesn’t matter. It kind of gives the story a TV-show-feel that I really liked. The writing is very enjoyable and it’s easily read - no questions asked; Leigh. T. Moore knows how to write. Dragonfly is an okay read for the beach and I plan on continuing the series, mostly to figure out which of the guys Anna ends up with.
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When I was first approached by Leigh T. Moore to review The Truth about Faking, I have to admit that I fell in love with the premise. What could be more fun than reading about a group of high school kids who just want to figure out love? It sounded sweet, and funny! So I jumped in head first. It took me a little while to fall into step with Harley and her friends, but once I did I was enjoyed myself.

Let's start with what I loved. Jason definitely makes this list! Here is a character that is just impossible not to fall in love with. Adorable, witty, and just all together nice. It was a breath of fresh air to see a guy character who wasn't trying to constantly be a bad-boy type. I also really loved Harley's mom and dad. Her mom especially! A hippie at heart, and an herbalist by profession, she was one of those moms that shines off the page. She cared about Harley, and it showed. I so enjoy families who actually care about one another!

Harley herself took me a bit longer appreciate. I'm not going to deny that I wanted to shake some sense into her more than a few times. She's a sweet girl. Misguided sure, but definitely not evil-minded. All Harley really wants is Trent, and she's willing to do a lot to get what she wants. I did appreciate how Moore gave Harley a conscience though. We've all acted on instinct, and Harley is no exception. However the difference is that Harley actually learns from her mistakes. Refreshing!

Overall my biggest issue with this book was how long it took for me to become invested. I loved Jason, and because of that I wanted to shake Harley for the way she was treating him. I didn't really care for Trent. Or Shelly, who is supposed to be Harley's best friend and yet treats her pretty badly. The pacing in the beginning also felt a little rushed, and it wasn't until midway that I finally began to understand the characters. Trust me though, it's worth reading on! I loved the ending, and no I won't spoil it.

Ultimately The Truth About Faking ended up being a book that I enjoyed, and that I definitely recommend. If you are a reader who loves a good contemporary romance, then this is one for you.
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I must say that I am wholly impressed by Leigh T. Moore's newest book! Rouge is one heck of a read. I came for the story, and fell deeply in love with everything about it. By the end my mouth was gaping open, my eyes were a little teary, and all I wanted was more book. Indie fans rejoice! This is a gem, and I know you're going to want to snag a copy for yourself.

Our narrator, Hale, is portrayed vividly and is easy to fall in step with. Growing up in the back wings of a cabaret, Hale has quickly learned that the only way to survive is to play the game. Her plan is to shine as the star of the show, snag a rich man, and have him take her away forever from her old life. Everything is going perfectly, until Beau comes into the picture. A sweet stagehand with nothing to offer but his love, he throws a gorgeous wrench into Hale's story and it brings everything to life. Truth be told, all of the characters in Rouge are wonderfully rendered. There isn't a single one that I didn't enjoy and think sped the story along.

Reader be warned, this is marked Upper YA and Adult for a reason. There are some steamy scenes and some colorful language. Then again, keep in mind that this is a story about a 1890's cabaret. In my honest opinion there wasn't anything that didn't belong there. Each aspect that Moore writes into Hale's world brings the cabaret to life. The costumes, the crowd, even the seedy goings on backstage, all conspire to draw you in, and keep you hooked until the inevitable end. And what an end it is!

If I'm being honest, there is really nothing that I didn't love about Moore's story! The characters are well written, the setting portrayed with sumptuous perfection, and the plot is compulsively readable. It's the type of read that flies by, and then leaves you wanting so much more. I can promise that is you enjoy historical fiction that is on the lighter side, this is for you! Rouge comes at you highly recommended from this bookworm.
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