Saturday, June 30, 2018

From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon

From Twinkle, with Love

Aspiring filmmaker and wallflower Twinkle Mehra has stories she wants to tell and universes she wants to explore, if only the world would listen. So when fellow film geek Sahil Roy approaches her to direct a movie for the upcoming Summer Festival, Twinkle is all over it. The chance to publicly showcase her voice as a director? Dream come true. The fact that it gets her closer to her longtime crush, Neil Roy—a.k.a. Sahil’s twin brother? Dream come true x 2.

When mystery man “N” begins emailing her, Twinkle is sure it’s Neil, finally ready to begin their happily-ever-after. The only slightly inconvenient problem is that, in the course of movie-making, she’s fallen madly in love with the irresistibly adorkable Sahil.

Twinkle soon realizes that resistance is futile: The romance she’s got is not the one she’s scripted. But will it be enough?

Told through the letters Twinkle writes to her favorite female filmmakers, From Twinkle, with Love navigates big truths about friendship, family, and the unexpected places love can find you.


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Adorkable. Perfect word to describe this book. Adorable. Dorky. Cute. Smiles the whole way through. From Twinkle, With Love was such a fun book to read! And for a book that was told through letters, which I will admit when hearing that I hesitated to read it, it was done beautifully and I loved it even more for being written in letters and the occasional email or text. One of the most fun parts? Watching Twinkle and Sahil fall for one another while being their totally awkward, nerdy, occasionally clumsy, and adorable selves. Love them! This book was such a great read and it was more than just the romance that occurred. Twinkle is an aspiring filmmaker and thanks to Sahil, she finally gets to direct a movie for the upcoming festival. It's her chance to show everyone what she is made of and set herself up for the future. But it also shows the insecurities that comes with being a high schooler. Like losing your friends, finding new ones, falling in love for the first time, being a wallflower, and finding the confidence in yourself. I loved reading Twinkle's journey. Great book! 

Friday, June 29, 2018

Warcross Book 2: Wildcard by Marie Lu

Wildcard (Warcross, #2)
Sequel to Warcross
Emika Chen barely made it out of the Warcross Championships alive. Now that she knows the truth behind Hideo's new NeuroLink algorithm, she can no longer trust the one person she's always looked up to, who she once thought was on her side.

Determined to put a stop to Hideo's grim plans, Emika and the Phoenix Riders band together, only to find a new threat lurking on the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Someone's put a bounty on Emika's head, and her sole chance for survival lies with Zero and the Blackcoats, his ruthless crew. But Emika soon learns that Zero isn't all that he seems--and his protection comes at a price.

Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far will Emika go to take down the man she loves?


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A stunning and brilliant sequel to Warcross. Wilcard is everything you could hope for in a sequel and finale and more. Seriously! Picking up a few days after the first one left off, Emika is determined to figure out a way to stop Hideo's plan and save him at the same time. Because she knows that he can still be saved.  As Emika begins to think of a way to save everyone, she finds herself thrust into Zero's world. And what a world that is. So many secrets. So many truths revealed. Just when you think you understand what is happening Lu reveals something major! So many plot twists! The world she built just gets more and more interesting. Pasts are revealed. The character development also is brilliant. I love every single one of her characters and their journeys. If you loved the first book, this finale truly does not disappoint! I feel so lucky to get my hands on an advanced reader copy!!

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Release Blitz: Moonlight Seduction by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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Moonlight Seduction: A de Vincent Novel, from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout is LIVE!
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The de Vincent brothers are back—and so is the intrigue that surrounds them—in New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s sizzling new novel . . .

Nicolette Bresson never thought she’d return to the de Vincents’ bayou compound. It’s where her parents work, where Nikki grew up . . . and where she got her heart broken by Gabriel de Vincent himself. Yet here she is, filling in for her sick mother. Avoiding Gabe should be easy, especially when so much of Nikki’s time is spent trying not to be stabbed in the back by the malicious hangers-on who frequent the mansion. But escaping memories of Gabe, much less his smoking-hot presence, is harder than expected—especially since he seems determined to be in Nikki’s space as much as possible.

Gabriel spent years beating himself up over his last encounter with Nikki. He’d wanted her then, but for reasons that were bad for both of them. Things have now changed. Gabe sees more than a girl he’s known forever; he sees a smart, talented, and heartbreakingly beautiful woman . . . one who’s being stalked from the shadows.

Now, Gabe will do anything to keep Nikki safe—and to stop the de Vincent curse from striking again.

Watch the Trailer:

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Available Now! 
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2FBrHIW
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Start the Series Today! Moonlight Sins (de Vincent series, book 1) 

About Jennifer L. Armentrout

# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become a passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was an Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins. She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that feature over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more. She is also the creator and sole financier of the annual Write Your Way To RT Book Convention, a contest that gives aspiring authors a chance to win a fully paid trip to RT Book Reviews.
JLA- Credit Franggy Yanez Photography
Jennifer L. Armentrout
 
Connect with Jennifer L. Armentrout: 
Stay up to date with Jennifer by joining her mailing list today: https://bit.ly/2qBce5m

A de Vincent Novel Book 2: Moonlight Seduction by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Moonlight Seduction (de Vincent, #2)
A de Vincent Novel Book 2
The de Vincent brothers are back—and so is the intrigue that surrounds them—in New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s sizzling new novel...

Nicolette Bresson never thought she’d return to the de Vincents’ bayou compound. It’s where her parents work, where Nikki grew up... and where she got her heart broken by Gabriel de Vincent himself. Yet here she is, filling in for her sick mother. Avoiding Gabe should be easy, especially when so much of Nikki’s time is spent trying not to be stabbed in the back by the malicious hangers-on who frequent the mansion. But escaping memories of Gabe, much less his smoking-hot presence, is harder than expected—especially since he seems determined to be in Nikki’s space as much as possible.

Gabriel spent years beating himself up over his last encounter with Nikki. He’d wanted her then, but for reasons that were bad for both of them. Things have now changed. Gabe sees more than a girl he’s known forever; he sees a smart, talented, and heartbreakingly beautiful woman... one who’s being stalked from the shadows. Now, Gabe will do anything to keep Nikki safe—and to stop the de Vincent curse from striking again.


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Book 2 and it was crazy!! We return to he de Vincent home to read the story of Gabe and Nikki. Their romance began way earlier than expected but didn't turn out the way either wanted. Nikki grew up in the de Vincent home since her parents have worked for the family for a very long time. When she left for college, she left with her heart broken by the second eldest de Vincent Gabe. Now she returns home to help out her parents and she tries her best to avoid Gabe, but like all plans then never go according to plan. Gabe now sees that Nikki is grown up and not the teenager who left them. Their last encounter may have not been great and though they try to avoid one another, it becomes impossible for either one to truly stay away. While they try to navigate their feelings, trouble is following them. Could it be the ghosts that are supposed to haunt their home? Or is it something much worse? 

The story between Gabe and Nikki was really great to read. It answers the questions of how two people could still find a way to one another despite their messy start and complicated history. And even if you let go of the past, the present and future still has its challenges. For Gabe, it's preparing to be the father to a son he never knew he had. And for Nikki, it's risking an already bleeding heart for someone who has the potential to destroy it for good. 

Secrets revealed and some still remain, it's another fantastic thriller, mystery, romance, and paranormal from Armentrout. And I couldn't put the book down! And when all is said and done, I am more than ready to see what is in store for the last de Vincent brother. Lucian and Gabe found their happy ending, but what about Dev?

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Cover Reveal! Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry



Would you dare to defy destiny? Are our destinies written in stone? Do we become nothing more than the self-fulfilling prophesies of other people's opinions? Or can we dare to become who we believe we were born to be?

“A gorgeous, heartfelt journey of redemption and love” (Wendy Higgins), ONLY A BREATH APART is a young adult contemporary novel from critically acclaimed Katie McGarry. “Haunting, authentic, and ultimately hopeful” (Tammara Webber), ONLY A BREATH APART will be available on all retailers on January 22, 2019!





About ONLY A BREATH APART:

Jesse dreams of working the land that’s been in his family forever. But he’s cursed to lose everything he loves most.

Scarlett is desperate to escape her “charmed” life. But leaving a small town is easier said than done.
Despite their history of heartbreak, when Jesse sees a way they can work together to each get what they want, Scarlett can’t say no.Each midnight meeting between Jesse and Scarlett will push them to confront their secrets and their feelings for each other.

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2M6S24K
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2tnkyXZ

Gritty and real, Only a Breath Apart is a story of hope conjured from pain, strength drawn from innocence, and love earned from self-respect. Beautiful, poignant, and fierce.”
―Kristen Simmons, critically acclaimed author of the Article 5 series

Add it to your Goodreads today!



Katie McGarry

Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.
Katie is the author of full length YA novels, PUSHING THE LIMITS, DARE YOU TO, CRASH INTO YOU, TAKE ME ON,  BREAKING THE RULES, and NOWHERE BUT HERE and the e-novellas, CROSSING THE LINE and RED AT NIGHT. Her debut YA novel, PUSHING THE LIMITS was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction, a RT Magazine's 2012 Reviewer's Choice Awards Nominee for Young Adult Contemporary Novel, a double Rita Finalist, and a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick. DARE YOU TO was also a Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction and won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Award for Young Adult Contemporary fiction in 2013.
Links:
Twitter: @katiemcgarry

Monday, June 18, 2018

An Ember in the Ashes Book 3: A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

A Reaper at the Gates (An Ember in the Ashes, #3)
An Ember in the Ashes Book 3
Beyond the Empire and within it, the threat of war looms ever larger.

The Blood Shrike, Helene Aquilla, is assailed on all sides. Emperor Marcus, haunted by his past, grows increasingly unstable, while the Commandant capitalizes on his madness to bolster her own power. As Helene searches for a way to hold back the approaching darkness, her sister's life and the lives of all those in the Empire hang in the balance.

Far to the east, Laia of Serra knows the fate of the world lies not in the machinations of the Martial court, but in stopping the Nightbringer. But while hunting for a way to bring him down, Laia faces unexpected threats from those she hoped would aid her, and is drawn into a battle she never thought she'd have to fight.

And in the land between the living and the dead, Elias Veturius has given up his freedom to serve as Soul Catcher. But in doing so, he has vowed himself to an ancient power that will stop at nothing to ensure Elias's devotion–even at the cost of his humanity. 


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I'll admit going into this book I kind of forgot what had happened in the previous ones. And hey, can you blame me? It's been at least a year. So I was a bit wary and unsure how I would feel about this one. Because of what I did remember, I wasn't overly thrilled. But man, was I proven wrong with how I feel about this series thanks to this one!! So good. Sure, it had the normal want to cry, break your heart, and oh my god did that really just happen moments. But I was hooked all the way through. The alternating point of views between Laia, Elias, and Helene was fantastic and each kept you on your toes. And I'll admit I was never overly fond of Helene's chapters in previous books, but for this one all I wanted to do was skip to hers! (And okay, I also wanted her stop denying her feelings for Harper, because come on, those two need to get together!) But each of their journeys was crazy to read and when the three of them crossed paths, even better. Laia continues her fight to bring down the Nightbringer, Elias is learning exactly what needs to be sacrificed in order to serve as the Soul Catcher, and Helene is trying to keep her sister alive and the Empire from falling from those who wish to destroy it from within. I think this was my favorite from the series so far and I am super excited for the fourth one to come out next year to find out how it all goes down!

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 2: Ocean Light by Nalini Singh

Ocean Light (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #2; Psy-Changeling, #17)
Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 2
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh dives beneath the surface of her Psy-Changeling world into a story of passionate devotion and selfless love...

Security specialist Bowen Knight has come back from the dead. But there's a ticking time bomb in his head: a chip implanted to block telepathic interference that could fail at any moment--taking his brain along with it. With no time to waste, he should be back on land helping the Human Alliance. Instead, he's at the bottom of the ocean, consumed with an enigmatic changeling...

Kaia Luna may have traded in science for being a chef, but she won't hide the facts of Bo's condition from him or herself. She's suffered too much loss in her life to fall prey to the dangerous charm of a human who is a dead man walking. And she carries a devastating secret Bo could never imagine...

But when Kaia is taken by those who mean her deadly harm, all bets are off. Bo will do anything to get her back--even if it means striking a devil's bargain and giving up his mind to the enemy...


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Back into the Psy-Changeling world and it was amazing as usual! We are back and now we finally get to dive into the BlackSea clan. Well, more like a small glimpse. Because unlike the changelings on land, these guys are very secretive when it comes to revealing their animal forms. And as frustrating as that is, it's also neat way to keep you engaged and trying to figure out who is what. So our story here starts with Bowen waking up and realizing that he is not dead...yet. Though Bowen was saved from his very, very near fatal attack, he is not out of the woods yet. Bowen still has the deadly chip in his head that was placed there to protect him from Psy attacks, but is slowly killing him because it is degrading. However, there is hope! A BlackSea healer and scientist believes she may have a way of saving Bo, but the chance of success is very slim. Like super duper slim. And in a twist of fate or very bad luck, Bo finally meets a woman who is his equal, Kaia Luna. The moment they meet there is a strong connection between the two. And though Kaia wants to deny it, she is helpless against Bo. And though Bo knows he may not make it, his heart has other ideas. 

Bo and Kaia's story was beautiful and touching and you can't help but root for the two of them. Both carry secrets from their pasts that have shaped them to who they are today. And though the scars are there, they fight against the pain because they know that what they have is so much stronger. While they fall in love and hope that Bo survives, there is another issue going on. There is trouble stirring between BlackSea and the Alliance. As tempting as it is to blame the other, Bo and Malachi, BlackSea's second to their alpha, both are too smart to let the issues crumbled the beginning of their alliance. Together they work to find the traitors in both their midsts and hope that they can repair the damage between humans and water changelings. Second book of this second season in the Psy-Changeling universe and it is just as kick ass and amazing as the rest of them, and I cannot wait for the next one! If you love the series this one won't disappoint! 

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 1: Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

Silver Silence (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #1; Psy-Changeling, #16)
Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 1
Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that's exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater bears, brings with him.

Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence--her mind clear of all emotion--Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That's what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious...and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan.

Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed...


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Silver Fucking Mercant and Mr. I.M.A. Medvezhonok. Amazing. I decided to re-read Silver Silence in preparation for Ocean Light and man, did I forget some pretty awesome things. Like one, Bears. How could I forget that bear changelings are freaking hilarious? Denhome and every bear that lived in it at Stonewater are absolutely hilarious and I need a book for each and every single one of them. Love, love Alpha Valentin Nikolaev. How can anyone not love Mr. I'm a Teddy Bear? From his big heart to his Alpha kick ass self? And then there is Silver Fucking Mercant. Valentin's Starlight or Starlichka. A queen in her own right. Ice queen and the perfect leader for EmNet. We get a closer look at her badass self and we see a softer side to her brought out by Valentin. Their story was a tearjerker that took you on a rollercoaster of emotions as you try and figure out a way of how they could possibly get their happy ending, especially with Silver's secret Psy related ability. I loved every minute of their story and it opened up this second half of the series with cliffhangers and unanswered questions. And like I mentioned before, the absolute need of more bear stories. Especially between one handsome bear and Silver's brother. (Everyone who read the book, has to agree with me that a story between those two would be awesome!) Singh has set up Trinity with a lot and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. 

Ghosts of the Shadow Market Book 3: Every Exquisite Thing by Cassandra Clare & Maureen Johnson

Every Exquisite Thing (Ghosts of the Shadow Market, #3)
Ghosts of the Shadow Market Book 3

Anna Lightwood, eldest child of Gabriel and Cecily, is mad, bad and dangerously dapper. Every rake has an origin story, though: now under Brother Zachariah’s eye we see Anna’s doomed love story unfold.



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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Loved this story about Anna Lightwood!! A story of first love and learning how to be yourself. Though Anna learns the lessons of having a first love, in the end she realizes that she can be exactly who she wants to be. And Gabriel and Cecily Lightwood are kick ass parents for supporting their child in all ways. We also get a piece of Brother Zachariah's (aka Jem's, and let's be honest he will always be Jem to me) story and what he has been searching for. Definitely got my attention and I can't wait to find out more. And once again, I am super excited for the Last Hours series! 

Friday, June 8, 2018

Ryker Falls Book 2: From This Moment by Wendy Vella

From This Moment (Ryker Falls, #2)
Ryker Falls Book 2
Sixteen years after leaving, FBI Profiler Dylan Howard is returning to Ryker Falls to see his sick father. He doesn’t do emotion or friendship, this is about duty and nothing more. He didn’t need to connect with the two sisters who were strangers to him, or catch up with his old school buddy. The only problem with that is one sexy brunette called Piper Trainer. From the start, she’s determined to make him feel, determined to make him see how empty his life is. He can feel himself changing, but then someone from his past surfaces and suddenly those he cares for are in danger. He has to keep them safe, but to do that he needs to push them away and Dylan fears he’s not strong enough to do that again.


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We are back in Ryker Falls and like the last one, this small town  has quite the mystery and action going on. This book focuses on Piper Trainer, who had appeared in the first book and Dylan Howard, the son of the famous and very mean Mary Howard. Dylan has returned after 16 years and he isn't prepared for the affect Ryker Falls will have on him. For someone who keeps his emotions intact (a survival skill when living as Mary Howard's son), he slowly but surely learns to let go and get to know his sisters and those who call him friend in Ryker Falls. Then there is Piper, who does something to his heart and though the tries to stay away from one another, their connection is much too strong. While Dylan and Piper try to avoid their connection, there is a lot more going on. Dylan's family is having a lot of problems and accidents, and it is one to many to be a coincidence. Meanwhile, Piper learns that her friend has died and that she is now the guardian of a one year old. And with the chaos going on, Dylan and Piper find it hard to truly fight one another. But how can they have a future, if Dylan plans to leave and Piper is going to be a mother? 

A beautiful love story between Dylan and Piper. We watch as they find themselves and fall in love. Action and a bit of mystery that keeps you on your toes as you read. AND! If you are a fan of the Lake Howling series, we get a special visitor, that has me hoping more than ever that a crossover will occur!! This was a nice start, but hey how about the two gangs come together for one big story? That would be awesome! :D 


I received an ARC for an honest review.

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Flame in the Mist Book 2: Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh

Smoke in the Sun (Flame in the Mist, #2)
Sequel to Flame in the Mist

The highly anticipated sequel to Flame in the Mist—an addictive, sumptuous finale that will leave readers breathless from the bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn.



After Okami is captured in the Jukai forest, Mariko has no choice—to rescue him, she must return to Inako and face the dangers that have been waiting for her in the Heian Castle. She tricks her brother, Kenshin, and betrothed, Raiden, into thinking she was being held by the Black Clan against her will, playing the part of the dutiful bride-to-be to infiltrate the emperor's ranks and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that almost left her dead. 



With the wedding plans already underway, Mariko pretends to be consumed with her upcoming nuptials, all the while using her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception surrounding the imperial court. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honor, their love and very the safety of the empire.



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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The sequel to Flame in the Mist and it was everything I wanted and more! Beautifully written, the book takes place shortly where the last one left off. Mariko decides the best way to save her love, Okami, is from the inside. So she plays a very dangerous game as Raiden's bride-to-be to find a way to free him and help restore the empire to it's rightful glory. A lot of surprises in this book and it had a lot of points of views. It was nice to get the range of everyone. I thought going into this book I had a good read of the characters, but it turns out I was pretty wrong about some. The books had a lot of plot twists and though the ending left me happy, there was still some things I wish were included. Though I won't say what! I don't want to give any spoilers. What I will say is that if you liked the first one, you will definitely like this one as well. I'm sad to see the end of these books. I really wish there was more. But I loved the books all the same. 

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child--not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power--the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Another great Greek mythology related book by Madeline Miller. I absolutely loved The Song of Achilles and I was super excited to read this one. Though I will admit I loved The Song of Achilles more, Circe was still such an amazing book. Though I knew Circe from Greek mythology, I realized there was a lot about her I didn't know. Miller is a fantastic author when it comes to giving these legends a voice. Circe is a strong female voice and her story demands to be told. If you like Greek mythology, definitely check out her story! Beautiful and beautifully written, tragic and hopeful, it has it all. And it was such a pleasure to read. 

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Lost Boys Book 1: Mr. Imperfect by Karina Bliss

Mr. Imperfect (Lost Boys #1)
Lost Boys Book 1
She broke his heart...
It takes a funeral to drag bad-boy billionaire Christian Kelly back to his rural New Zealand hometown. Now thanks to an ancient IOU, he's stuck there trying to save the inheritance of the only woman who ever dumped him. His first love, Kezia Rose.

He never said goodbye...
These days she might be a respected pillar of the community, but Kezia will dance with the devil if it will keep a 100-year-old hotel in her family—except this time she’s calling the tune. 

What if all you ever wanted were the things you left behind?... 
As old secrets are revealed, they're faced with the same dilemma. Can a loner find the courage to be vulnerable? Should a nurturer settle for a man who refuses to need her? 
Trusting love is still their greatest challenge.


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My Review: 3.5/5 Stars

I have read another series by Karina Bliss before and enjoyed it enough that when the opportunity to read an ARC came up for another series of hers, I decided to do it. Though the story had a lot of great elements that pulled me into reading it, I will admit getting through the beginning was a bit tough. I was tempted to put it down, but something drove me to keep going. In the end, I was glad to stick with it, but for the majority of the story I wanted to shake the characters and tell them both to stop being so stubborn! There was definitely a bit of a slow burn between the main characters, Christian and Kezia. However, with their complicated pasts, it made total sense why it was so hard for them to make up and get back together again. This story dealt with what happens when hearts are broken, and that when trust is shattered. But there is hope as well. Hope that one can let go of the past and let yourself be vulnerable to someone else. Hope that love will triumph the bad and that you take a chance and fight for it when it is real. And it wasn't just their story but  for them but some side characters as well. Despite wanting to shake Christian and Kezia and tell them to let go of their pride, their banter and chemistry was entertaining and the introduction of Christian's friends, definitely tempts me to read their stories (seeing as the next two books follows them). If you like her work, then I believe giving this story a chance is worth it.

I received an ARC for an honest review. 


Friday, June 1, 2018

Caraval Book 2: Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Legendary (Caraval, #2)
Caraval Series Book 2

Stephanie Garber’s limitless imagination takes flight once more in the colorful, mesmerizing, and immersive sequel to the bestselling breakout debut Caraval



A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.



After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.



The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice. But now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever.



Welcome, welcome to Caraval...the games have only just begun.



The sequel to Caraval and it had just as many twists and turns as the first one. Welcome back to Caraval! Just when you think you know the rules of the game, everything changes in a heartbeat. Tella is now in charge of the story and there is a lot more going on than I ever imagined. Turns out Tell made a deal in order to escape her father and save her sister Scarlett and now it is time for her to pay up. The problem? Well that mystery person wants the impossible" Legend's true name. How does she plan to get that when the players are all magically forbidden to tell her and most, if not all, don't know his true face and name? And impossible task, but when the world has magic in it and Tella's attitude nothing is truly impossible. 

Another Caraval game, but with a lot more at stake and mysteries to solve. The story becomes bigger than just Caraval and the game. This book had a lot of great elements that kept me on my toes as I kept reading. I was determined to solve the big riddle, but I was also determined to learn about more of these new characters that were introduced. Which I cannot say! Since seriously, SPOILERS! And this is one of those books that you can't have spoiled. Overall, if you liked the first one, you will definitely like this one as well. And though some riddles are solves, there are still a lot of questions unanswered and stories to wrap up. I cannot wait for Finale and to see how Scarlett and Tella find their happy endings once and for all.