All The Stars In The Heavens by Adriana Trigiani

All The Stars In The Heavens by Adriana Trigiani
Release Date - October 14, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 464 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

**SPOILERS BASED ON REAL LIFE EVENTS**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Adriana Trigiani, the New York Times bestselling author of the blockbuster epic The Shoemaker’s Wife, returns with her biggest and boldest novel yet—a hypnotic tale, based on a true story—that dazzles with the signature elements of her previous work—family ties, artistry, romance, adventure—and introduces an unforgettable new heroine: Loretta Young, an ambitious starlet struggling to survive in Hollywood’s dream factory

In this spectacular saga as radiant, thrilling, and beguiling as Hollywood itself, Adriana Trigiani takes us back to Tinsel Town’s golden age—an era as brutal as it was resplendent—and into the complex and glamorous world of a young actress hungry for fame and success. With meticulous, beautiful detail, Trigiani paints a rich, historical landscape of 1930s Los Angeles, where European and American artisans flocked to pursue the ultimate dream: to tell stories on the silver screen.

The movie business is booming in 1935 when twenty-one-year-old Loretta Young meets thirty-four-year-old Clark Gable on the set of The Call of the Wild. Though he’s already married, Gable falls for the stunning and vivacious young actress instantly.

Far from the glittering lights of Hollywood, Sister Alda Ducci has been forced to leave her convent and begin a new journey that leads her to Loretta. Becoming Miss Young’s assistant, the innocent and pious young Alda must navigate the wild terrain of Hollywood with fierce determination and a moral code that derives from her Italian roots. Over the course of decades, she and Loretta encounter scandal and adventure, choose love and passion, and forge an enduring bond of love and loyalty that will be put to the test when they eventually face the greatest obstacle of their lives.

Anchored by Trigiani’s masterful storytelling that takes you on a worldwide ride of adventure from Hollywood to the shores of southern Italy, this mesmerizing epic is, at its heart, a luminous tale of the most cherished ties that bind. Brimming with larger-than-life characters both real and fictional—including stars Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy, David Niven, Hattie McDaniel and more—it is it is the unforgettable story of one of cinema’s greatest love affairs during the golden age of American movie making.

The 'golden age' of Hollywood has always fascinated me. There was something glamorous about this era that sets it on a pedestal all it's own. The gossip that was made all the more scandalous because it was hidden, the larger than life personalities and the understated sophistication all ensured that it's pull on people never really left. Adriana Trigiani weaves a story not only of love, but of life, family, and friendships in this wonderfully crafted story that transports you to classic Hollywood.

This novel reads as incredibly authentic. At times you'll forget you're reading something that is a fictional account of real events. It reads like a long lost diary that lets you get a behind the scenes look at this particular time in Hollywood. The characters, the setting, the emotions all combine to create this feeling of overwhelming truth. It is a testament to the research the author must have done, and her talent to bring it all together in a compelling way. It also ensures that you'll be Googling the characters, events, and details as you read because you'll instantly want to know more about all of them.

Sometimes love stories just are not meant to be, no matter how promising the connection. You can love someone fiercely and the timing can never be right. Loretta and Clark have such a connection. Their whirlwind romance is plagued throughout the years by indecision, fear, and nagging self doubt. Each allows their own issues to prevent them from ever really getting together. Clark's wandering eye concerned Loretta, as did the consequences of what would happen if they went public. Clark didn't feel he was ready to commit, and kept making promises he couldn't keep. They each took their turn at pushing the other away. For all the flaws in the relationship, there is no denying the spark that ignites the pages when they are together. We see the proof of their connection over and over again. Neither of them really gets over the other and that love is there right until the very end, even if they are no longer in love with each other. It's a romance of regrets and wistfulness and one that belongs only on the cold, snowy, mountain top where it began.

This novel offers in depth, but unsurprising, look at the politics in play at this time in Hollywood. The treat of women and how they were viewed. Loretta realizes that she is dispensable compared to Clark Gable for many reasons and that she would be the one judged for the affair and pregnancy. This, unfortunately, still holds truth today. Women are often judged more harshly for their actions than men are.  Adriana Trigiani shows how different, and how much the same, Hollywood is when compared with today and it is entirely fascinating.I found myself getting angry at the characters for their decisions, but realized that they did not have the same choices that would be there today.

There is a bittersweetness to this story, particularly towards the end, as the story spans years and decades. We see how overarching feelings are, and the ache of regret when it's too late. This novel will make you wistful and eager to hold a movie marathon of all the great classics. It reminded me why Hollywood holds such an allure and why it ignites such fascination.

While this perhaps isn't the love story you would expect, there is one here nonetheless. It's the love between friends, between family, and even at times, between lovers. This is the story of those people who come into our lives and make a deep, lasting impression, and how over the years those are the things (and people) that will matter the most. Fans of golden age Hollywood, scandals, and imperfect happily ever afters should not miss this one.

Truly, Madly, Famously by Rebecca Serle

Truly, Madly, Famously by Rebecca Serle
Release Date - October 13, 2015
Publisher Website - Hachette
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 352 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In this romantic sequel to Famous in Love, new Hollywood "It Girl" Paige must navigate love with her co-stars, both on and off screen and all in the public eye.

Lights, camera, love!

After being plucked from obscurity, Hollywood's newest starlet, Paige Townsen, has a hit film to her name and Rainer Devon on her arm. But being half of the world's most famous couple comes with a price, and soon Paige finds herself dodging photographers; hiding her feelings for her other costar, Jordan Wilder; and navigating tabloid scandals that threaten to tear her and Rainer apart-and end her career as quickly as it began.

Rebecca Serle's sequel to Famous in Love is filled with the kind of celebrity drama and swoon-worthy romance fit for the silver screen.   

Imagine every decision you made as a teen dissected and judged. Imagine your every move criticized and commented upon.  Truly, Madly, Famously shows the benefits and drawbacks to fame, and is a reminder that you never really know the true story behind some of your favourite Hollywood gossip.

Paige had grown so much during the course of Famous In Love. We see the impact of those events on her within these pages, even while seeing how much more she has to grow. Paige isn't perfect, and doesn't always make the best decisions, but she learns from them. She comes out stronger, and more sure of who she is. She's doing exactly what everyone her age is doing - finding themselves. She just happens to be doing it under the blinding light of  Hollywood. The mistakes that would be a minor blip to most teens are catastrophic for Paige because she is judged and scrutinized for it on a public scale. The most satisfying part of this journey is seeing her become comfortable in the new world she is part of, and feeling comfortable in the new 'skin', so to speak, that she inhabits. It's a rocky journey but one that makes sure she's capable and confident on the other side.

This felt like more of a behind the scenes look than the previous novel did. Instead of time spent on location the novel introduces the grind of promotion, the worry over new projects, and the uncertainty that comes with new fame. Rebecca backdrops this with fleshed out relationships that felt organic to the story. Her connections between the characters are the heart of this series, and that applies to everything not just the romances. The romance is incredibly steamy, and so well done, but I was glad that equal importance was given to the friendships in this novel.

New characters are introduced and you come to love them all. Alexis is one that jumps off the page, and shines just a little brighter. Her storyline is poignant and fits into the narrative of how much this type of scrutiny warps and distorts things. It shows how much is actually secret behind the scenes. Rebecca's love for Hollywood comes through, and with it a lot of depth. She gives her characters and situations a realistic brushstroke even when portraying the daydreams of anyone who has fantasized about being famous.

My favourite part of this love triangle is that Rainer and Jordan have a connection outside of Paige. They have an entire history that doesn't include her. It's also refreshing that they are both decent people. They treat Paige and each other decently. It made the entire thing just a little more heartbreaking. Paige's ultimate decision is one that will not please everyone (no triangle could, and that is kind of the point of them) but Rebecca has done what I didn't think was possible in a triangle - end it with grace. You understand why Paige chooses who she does, even if he's not your choice. Rebecca ensures that you see why this is the right choice for Paige, and the choice is made because they are who is best for her at this time. This isn't some happily ever after situation as the notion that Paige is young, growing, and changing is always there. Her and her chosen boy could grow and change together, or grow apart. It's realistic, and exactly what this novel needed.

This fun, frothy, and insightful look at behind the scenes Hollywood is a must read for fans of CW shows, huge book series with love triangles, and the movies that come with them. It's an insider peek at what it would be like to have your every move scrutinized while falling in love and one done with a lot of depth. Rebecca has written a love letter to young Hollywood, we're just fortunate enough to get to read it.

A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis

A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis
Release Date - October 6, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Grace Mae knows madness.

She keeps it locked away, along with her voice, trapped deep inside a brilliant mind that cannot forget horrific family secrets. Those secrets, along with the bulge in her belly, land her in a Boston insane asylum.

When her voice returns in a burst of violence, Grace is banished to the dark cellars, where her mind is discovered by a visiting doctor who dabbles in the new study of criminal psychology. With her keen eyes and sharp memory, Grace will make the perfect assistant at crime scenes. Escaping from Boston to the safety of an ethical Ohio asylum, Grace finds friendship and hope, hints of a life she should have had. But gruesome nights bring Grace and the doctor into the circle of a killer who stalks young women. Grace, continuing to operate under the cloak of madness, must hunt a murderer while she confronts the demons in her own past.

In this beautifully twisted historical thriller, Mindy McGinnis, acclaimed author of Not a Drop to Drink and In a Handful of Dust, explores the fine line between sanity and insanity, good and evil—and the madness that exists in all of us. 

The cooler weather of fall always makes me think of warm cups of tea, and chilling books to read. A Madness So Discreet may just be a perfect autumn time read with it's atmospheric setting, and unsettling look at the potential for darkness in everyone.

Mindy McGinnis nails the setting of this novel with prefect precision. She transports you to the gritty, claustrophobic halls of the asylum. The first half, in particular, has a very unsettling, chilling tone that resonates in your bones. That darkness doesn't leave when Grace switches one asylum for another. The startling thing is that this feeling exists not just in the setting, but within the characters. Grace, herself, carries this around with her, ensuring that the reader is always captivated and on edge. She dances on the edge of giving into the darkness, and that means the reader does too. It's fascinating, and terrifying at the same time, as we see how close she comes.

The notion that a woman was able to be committed into an asylum on little more than the word of her father, husband or caregiver is terrifying, and Mindy McGinnis hammers that point home sharply through many of her characters. The stomach turning events that land Grace into the asylum is only one such story to be told. There are the girls who are thrown in for enjoying sex too much, or those who are committed by their husbands for nothing more than being unable to conceive a child. This combined with the inhumane treatment they receive in the first asylum as 'patient' are both unflinching, and unapologetic. This is a book that wants you to be outraged at the injustice. It wants you to experience every brutal detail and it's made all the more unsettling because you know it actually happened.

This is a book with zero romance. Grace and Doctor Thornhallow have a friendship built on mutual understanding, and they are each fascinated by the other's mind. It could have easily turned into a typical romance, but Mindy McGinnis had them be friends and partners in criminology instead. I loved that their is a relationship whose focus is entirely different than what you might expect, as it lends a different tone to the story.

The bonds of female friendship, and the strength that they can give pack a powerful punch as part of this story. The vital importance of supporting each other, and lifting each other up is something that reverberates the most within these friendships. There is more than a touch of feminism to be found in this novel as well, which was a welcome surprise. Mindy McGinnis spins the story in ways I didn't expect and both of these aspects were large parts of that.

The ending to this story is complete and satisfying, but like most murder mystery novels, another case always awaits. I could see this easily becoming a series, with Grace and Dr Thornhallow expanding their scope, and learning more about the science that will eventually become what we consider criminology. It's a fascinating, complex premise with much potential and I do hope she decided to write a follow up at some point, even if this one did provide me with all the closure I needed.

This novel sets itself up as both a creepy asylum set story, and a standard murder mystery. These are both true. However, it is really more of a character study. It's the study of a girl who has the unthinkable happen to her, and her dissent into possible madness. It examines the darkness within us all, and how easily it would be to slip into it if given the right circumstances and that crawling out is the hardest thing to do. This book is not only a murder mystery and is made all the better for it. If you're a fan of Criminal Minds, Sherlock Holmes, and creepy settings you'll undoubtedly love A Madness So Discreet. Mindy McGinnis shines a bright light on the darkest parts of human nature in a fascinating character study. I've been made eager to read anything else she writes.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

First up I have a surprise book that was released this week that has everyone talking...

Life and Death by Stephanie Meyer (goodreads)

Yup, I purchased Life and Death by Stephanie Meyer. GENDER SWAPPED TWILIGHT, OKAY! Not even sorry. I am going to read the heck out of this in November and will maybe do a review if I can fit it into the schedule in early 2016.

Next up is a mug I ordered from the lovely (and OH SO TALENTED) Gillian's Society6 shop.

This mug is perfect and I've already has some delicious Peanut Butter Cup tea from David's Tea in it. It's so perfect. I need this on a t-shirt that I can wear as pajamas. #FireBreathingBitchQueen

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover for Cassandra Clare's Lady Midnight (goodreads)

I love this cover. So incredibly pretty. I love that it goes with the previous covers but stands alone as well (since it is the beginning of a new series within that world). I love the imagery and colour scheme. I cannot wait until March to read this!

TV

American Horror Story: Hotel

The premiere was insane in the best possible way. I loved pretty much EVERYTHING (minus the severe lack of Finn Wittrock) and therefore decided to recap this season on the blog. Be sure to check out episode 1's recap and a new recap will be up each Friday (as I write them on Thursdays).

What are you obsessed with this week?

American Horror Story: Hotel - Checking In

I am a huge American Horror Story fan. I've enjoyed the previous seasons to varying degrees and decided to recap this season because it is rumoured to include vampires which immediately piqued my interest. I am hoping for a sexy, thrilling, bloody season that will remind me of the first season.

If you read my Once Upon A Time recaps you’ll know I am quite wordy (sorry) and that I tend to gush about things and do give very FULL recaps. There will be spoilers, so read at your own risk.

With that… Let’s check into Hotel Cortez!

We begin this season with two girls checking into the Hotel Cortez (both blonde, pretty, possibly Swedish). Ryan Murphy favours these long shots that both distort and lengthen the room and add an ambience and feel to the hotel immediately.

These girls just want to go to Universal Studios and gush over Vin Diesel. I immediately feel sorry for them because they are instead treated to a very creepy Kathy Bates welcoming them to the hotel. The girls want their money back as the hotel immediately unsettles them but Kathy Bates informs them that refunds are not a thing that exists. She promises the hotel will grow on them and leads them to an elevator that manges to seem creepy.

The hotel is certainly beautiful, and immediate bonus points are given for the hotel having similar carpeting as the ones in The Shining!

While they are not an EXACT match, there is enough similarity to be considered an homage. The pattern, and colouring are especially similar.

The girls pass rooms where questionable things are obviously happening and they timidly inquire about WiFi to which they are told that the hotel is a dead spot. No WiFi, no phones, or anything like that. That may just be the most horrific aspect of the entire hotel (okay, obviously not BUT still).

One girl goes to get ice and is greeted by a maid cleaning what looks like blood out of a carpet, then a blonde tyke beaconing her forward and disappearing. She continues ahead (very determined to get ice, apparently) and this vacation is off to the worst possible start.We also get our first glimpse of a silver glove reaching for the blonde as she gets ice out of the machine. From teasers we know this glove belongs to Lady Gaga's character!

Combined with this fantastic start to their vacation, the girls immediately realize something in their room smells awful. They call Iris at the front desk and demand to change rooms. Unfortunately, the hotel is 'sold out' so it is not possible. They instead decide to suss out the source of the smell... because that can only lead to good things right? Great use of music to increase the tension and you want to yell at these two to LEAVE immediately. They realize it's coming from the bed and discover that the bed has been ripped open and stitched back up. The obvious thing to do would be to leave at this point right? Well, the girls decide the best course of action is to CUT OPEN THE SEWN SHUT MATTRESS. Turns out someone was sewn into the mattress and he very creepily crawls out looking malnourished and screaming. This is about when I would be leaving, refund or no refund.

The girls demand to know what the hell is going on. Iris assures them that they will not be charged for the room (such a relief as I would need the money for THERAPY) and shows them to another room while they wait for the police to come. Camera lingers on door 64 as Iris tells them this room is not normally rented out. The girls discuss giving the hotel a bad review on Yelp (which is perhaps my favourite thing ever because THAT is your response to this). We quickly see that this room is not any more comforting than the last as the radio starts playing on it's own. It wakes one of the girls who looks for her friend only to find her in sprawled on the bathroom floor with some of those adorable little blonde children drinking her blood. We can all agree worst vacation ever, yes?

Creepy Blonde Vampire Children

Cut to Wes Bentley walking in with paramedics and police. He's obviously a detective. He's been told that the victims were chloroformed when they walked in the door. It's a hotel, I believe Hotel Cortez but could be a different one. It's styled differently, more modern.

They walk into a room where a dead couple is posed in the midst of sex. Detective Wes is told that the male's eyes are in the ashtray by the bed (along with his tongue.. ewww). The male victim is still alive but the female is definately dead. John (Detective Wes Bentley) determines that the couple were cheating on their respective spouses, and muses that it might be a motive. The male victim seems to be asking to be taken out of the room. John realizes that he means OUT of the female victim as he was given what is basically Viagra.

Back at the office, John listens to notes for another case, one of a guy who had been beaten excessively (with gold paint chips left on his skin). He takes a phone call from his daughter (who could be one of the creepy blonde kids at the Hotel Cortez, they look that similar). John defers work to read his daughter a bed time story which is just adorable. When leaving,  he tells someone that he wants the beating case cross referenced with the new case, as he seems to think they are linked.. As he leaves he receives a phone call from someone who sounds like every single horror movie villain who taunts people over the phone. He tells John that he's not happy John didn't take his call, and that he is the one who nailed the couple to the headboard and that he is going to do it again (also mentioning he can be found at Hotel Cortez in room 64).

Back at Hotel Cortez a very blonde, and skinny Max Greenfield is wanting to check in for one night. He haggles with Iris over the price and she eventually relents to give it to him for cheap. She provides him with the keys to room 64 and off he goes. So room 64 is awful. Never go there. Sarah Paulson tells Iris that she calls dibs on Max Greenfield and follows him up. Please don't go in there. Nothing good happens in room 64.

Unsurprisingly, Max Greenfield's character is a drug addict. He gets high and it's a perfectly shot scene. He starts to hallucinate and Max Greenfield is selling the hell out of this scene. Something grabs him and pushes him onto the bed. I read about the "Addiction Demon" that is part of this storyline and I am guessing it's this monster. It pushes Max Greenfield on to the bed and pulls down his pants and proceeds to rape with him with what is basically a steel strap-on. This show...just when I think it could not get more uncomfortable and strange (in the best way).

John shows up and Iris hits on him, which is hilarious. I love Kathy Bates. He asks about room 64 and is told that it is currently vacant (but it's not, lying liar who lies). We cut to Max Greenfield still being raped and yelling for help. Sarah Paulson walks into the room and sits down and basically watches his torment.

John is being led up to the room by Elizabeth Taylor (Dennis O'Hare who is fantastic in drag) while Sarah Paulson's character (who is named Sally) starts to talk to poor Max Greenfield. She tells Max Greenfield's character to tell her that he loves her. She promises him if he says it all of this will go away. He does (because obviously). This entire scene is basically a metaphor for being an addict. You love the thing that is hurting you. The Addiction Demon is just the addiction given a face, and even though it's brutal, and horrible, the need for the next fix is still there. I have a feeling addiction is going to be a huge part of this season.

John FINALLY arrives at room 64 to find it empty (which is creepy because Sally and Max Greenfield were just there). There is NOTHING in the room from either the girls or the previous occupants. John lays down after securing the room (because that seems like a smart thing to do) and the camera pans down to show an unconscious (perhaps dead) Max Greenfield under the bed ... who then violently shudders awake. So did he overdose, was he just asleep, is he now one of the undead that seem to live at the hotel? Inquiring minds want to know.

John wakes to see one of the vampires tykes in his room and promptly chases the kid out of the room calling out 'Holden' but the kid disappears (maybe put bells on them as this seems to be a thing).

We're treated to the best sign ever (a hot pink "Why Are We Not Having Sex Right Now" neon one) along with Lady Gaga's entrance.

Her entrance also includes a shot of Matt Bomer's butt, so thanks for that Ryan Murphy.  Lady Gaga's Countess seems to enjoy cocaine and her and Matt Bomer are preparing to go out for the evening. Also, we need to take a moment to thank Ryan Murphy for Matt Bomer in guyliner... because dayum!

So Countess and Donovan (Matt Bomer) end their night out by picking up another couple for a foursome back at Hotel Cortez. There is a glam rock feel to both Countess and Donovan. Countess and Donovan are also incredibly in sync with each other. Halfway through the sexytimes they share a look, clasp hands briefly and then each cuts the throats of their sex partners using the little 'finger nail type blade' on their gloves. They feast on the blood and yup, this season is officially about psedo-vampires (only pseudo as there are no fangs to be found). This season is already sexier that previous ones and if it keeps up this fast pace, it may be the bloodiest. The scene ends with Countess and Donovan sharing a bloody kiss over the bodies of their victims. A couple who slays together...

Countess playfully teases a smoking Donovan that he didn't even want to go out and he bemoans the clean up that comes after. Countess quips that he should just call housekeeping (and with this I love her so much).

The pretty (maybe Swedish) blondes from the opening are being held in a room and Iris is obsessed with cleansing their system so that 'she' doesn't complain that they taste like crap. Her proposed diet is extremely disgusting however (oysters, chicken liver, kidneys, and some wine all blended together). She is forcefully feeding them when Sally walks in. We learn that Iris is not a fan of drug addicts and she accuses Sally of not caring about the girls (which, really?!) and Sally counters with a snotty 'We've seen what your caring looks like. We've all seen it' and asks why Iris doesn't just leave (and also mentions Iris has been there for 20 years). She accuses Iris of liking it at the hotel, and Iris assures her that she doesn't and even accuses Sally of being the 'beginning and end of all her suffering' which makes Sally happy. These two obviously HATE each other. Oh, and there is apparently a 'thing' in room 33 that needs to be fed. Um.. so room 64 and room 33 are to be avoided at all costs. Iris leaves Sally to care for the girls while she goes to deal with room 33 and Sally, surprisingly, lets one of them go and screams at her to run. Seriously, WORST VACATION EVER.

The poor girl is caught at the doors by the Countess who quickly cuts her throat with her finger nail blade. The Countess tells Iris that 'this' can never happen again and it seems that Iris is fearful of Countess (with good reason).

John takes his daughter for sushi where we discover that there is someone the daughter is afraid she's forgetting. She sees 'him' in her dreams, but can't remember what he looks like when she's awake. I bet she's talking about a brother who also happens to be blonde and adorable and is most likely at Hotel Cortez (guessing the family thinks he's dead or missing though). John gets a phone call that interrupts dinner, and ends up rushing to a crime scene. He arrives to find police surrounding a house and goes inside (leaving his daughter in the care of a police officer) to investigate. Is this his house? I am not sure. He gets another phone call from his wife's phone but it's the killer on the line! Eeep! The daughter decides to go into the house (where is the cop that is supposed to be watching her!!). This entire scene is tense and really effective. Wes Bentley is selling it extremely well and the backdrop of the police sirens is perfect. The daughter stumbles upon two victims strung up over two different beds with their intestines hanging out of their bodies. Seriously, GROSS.

Flashback to 2010, and we do discover that John and his wife did in fact have a son named Holden and he is a dead ringer for one of those little vampire children. John takes Holden and puts him on a carousel at a carnival and turns his back for one second and Holden disappears. Bets on him being at Hotel Cortez as one of those vampire children? Because I predict the odds are VERY good.

Back in present time we see the strain this has put on his marriage and the new strain this killer is adding to it. John is going to move out to protect his family, and his wife tearfully admits that she isn't sad because he's leaving but rather she secretly wants him to go. This is a heart crushing scene because you see how Holden's disappearance has torn these two people a part.

Our first link to season one is introduced as the real estate agent from season one is showing a new buyer for the hotel around. It's Cheyenne Jackson who is playing a fashion designer looking to move to L.A. Turns out his name is Will Drake and Iris is not too happy to have him there. She tells Elizabeth Taylor that they are going to be kicked out. I predict the Countess may not be too happy, so I wouldn't worry just yet, Iris.

The real estate agent and Will enter one of the rooms, and find a very angry Donovan who demands to know who they hell they are and why they are in his room. Matt Bomer is KILLING this role. You get the sense he is on edge and quick tempered. He storms into the Countess' room who is calm and controlled and not ruffled by Donovan's outburst. She acts happy to see Will and welcomes him with a drink and is entirely charming to him and his son. Donovan in the background rubbing his forehead like he's got a headache may be my favourite thing though. There is some martial strife going on between Donovan and Countess right now as she tells him to show Will around. Countess, in the meantime, takes Will's son and shows him the room where the vampire children spend their time (when they are not out being creepy and feeding on hotel guests that is). It's a kid's dream room filled with everything a kid could want (including a hidden door entrance). She introduces him to one of the little blonde vampires who is.... HOLDEN (as guessed).

Donovan (who seems to have left Will some where) goes to the lobby and Iris immediately pounces complaining about the sale of the hotel. Donovan calls her mother, which is interesting and perhaps explains the reason Iris stays somewhere she hates.

Another flashback to a very human Donovan walking into Hotel Cortez with Sally. Iris is spying on them and rushes in asking Elizabeth Taylor for the room number they just went into. I am betting this explains why Iris and Sally hate each other.  Since this is a 'no tell motel' Iris bribes Elizabeth with money to get up into the room (but she has to leave to get more first).

In the meantime, Donovan and Sally are getting high and when Iris finally gets the room number (room 64 naturally) she finds an unconscious Donovan barely breathing in the room. Sally saunters away nonchalantly after being confronted by Iris, and Iris is so upset that she follows her to an open window that she pushes Sally out of. Sally falls and dies in a bloody mess on the ground. SO WAIT! WHAT?! Is everyone at Hotel Cortez a vampire? Is Sally a ghost that haunts Iris for killing her? What is going on?!

Hotel California starts playing which is not only perfectly timed, but PERFECT for this season. You can basically check into this hotel but you'll never leave, so REALLY, REALLY fitting.

Iris goes back to the room to find a still unconscious Donovan being cradled by Countess who informs Iris that 'your boy has a jawline for days' as she runs her finger nail blade across it. The Countess may just be my favourite. She's fantastic. Also, 'jawline for days' is my new favourite thing. I need to work it into conversation. Rumour is Lady Gaga ad libbed that line.

We end with John moving out of his house and into Hotel Cortez, (because there is no way that decision will not end badly) as Hotel California plays us out with the reminder that you can 'check in any time you like, but you can never leave'.

Officially hooked and left with so many questions. If this is set in present time, why does everyone look like they are in the 80's? What happened to the poor guy in the mattress? Is he another victim of this serial killer who seems to be using the seven deadly sins as a murder blue print (sloth, perhaps)? Is Max Greenfield okay? Where is he? Will Mr Drake buy the hotel? Now that John is at the hotel, I am guessing it won't be long until he stumbles upon his son. A chilling, sexy, blood soaked set up for what seems to be a fantastic season. The themes of addiction seem to be handled right so far, and I am looking forward to seeing more of each of the characters.

Let me know in the comments if you watched the premiere, and if you did are you eager to extend your stay at Hotel Cortez? Were you, like me, saddened by the lack of Finn Wittrock in this episode? Seriously, Ryan Murphy, DO NOT KEEP A WOMAN WAITING! What was your favourite scene, and which character did you most enjoy so far?

Until next week .... enjoy your stay (and do avoid room 64).

Menagerie by Rachel Vincent

Menagerie by Rachel Vincent
Release Date - September 29, 2015
Publisher Website - Harlequin
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 432 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent comes a richly imagined, provocative new series set in the dark mythology of the Menagerie…

When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town.

But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions"—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she'll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.

Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale. 

Menagerie is my introduction to Rachel Vincent novels, and she sure didn't disappoint. A wildly imaginative world, engaging characters, and a timely social structure, all ensure a highly addictive read that will easily have you reading late into the night.

The setting is mesmerizing. It's incredibly vivid and vibrant. It comes to life easily though Rachel Vincent's words, and it captures your imagination. It's easily the strongest aspect of the novel, and one that you can loose yourself in completely. There is a magical, yet sinister quality to the 'carnival'. It's one that makes you think about the animals in these traveling 'circuses' and how it would look if itwere people within those cages instead. It is eye opening right from the second you're immersed into the story and that shows Rachel Vincent's talents.

This novel easily plays out like a television show or movie. You can visualize all the details, and see yourself in the middle of the story with little effort. The author has transported you into this world, and has made these characters feel incredibly real. The entire novel feels real and that adds an extra layer to the experience. The realism ensures that you become invested in the story, and that you care about the characters. It also adds to the sense of unease you feel, because it feels so similar to real events and situations.

Part of this realism is due to the easily imagined oppression and treatment of the cryptids (the magical creatures that are the carnival's exhibits). Stripped of all rights, subjected to horrible conditions in captivity, and forced into a life of confinement and abuse. It is entirely relatable to the fight for rights, animal cruelty, and genocide that we're familiar with. It's not unfathomable, and not unknown to us, so slipping into this world feels effortless as a result. The brutal truth is hard to read sometimes, and there were some unflinching scenes that were uncomfortable to experience. Violence, rape, and derogation are common place in this world, and it is heartbreaking. It's a novel that ignites an anger within you and it's one that doesn't leave when you turn the final page.

Deliah has an inner strength to her that is present through each indignity and each situation that is thrown at her. She uses these atrocities to gain strength and never breaks. She is strong in a different way than perhaps expected, but one that is no less inspiring than the usual. It's not a physical strength that stands out in her, but a mental one. It's what allows her to retain her sense of self and fight back. She refuses to bow and bend to her captors. She refuses to give in. This strength is her most defining trait, and one that serves the story well.

Those who are looking for a novel with little to no romance will be drawn to this story. It appears that this entire series may have little romance in it (or perhaps even none at all), as the focus is elsewhere. The story is stronger without it, as it would only distract from the overall message of the novel. This is a world that doesn't lend itself to romance, and I was especially relieved not to see any romance between captives and captors.

A story that will have huge cross over appeal and is one that keeps you hooked from the very beginning. Rachel Vincent has crafted an unforgettable world, and heroine that will immediately have you wishing you could read the sequel. She blends paranormal and fantasy elements into a brutal, realistic world seamlessly to create a story that will appeal to both older teens and adults in equal measure.