Invisible Ghosts by Robyn Schneider

Rose Asher believes in ghosts. She should, since she has one for a best friend: Logan, her annoying, Netflix-addicted brother, who is forever stuck at fifteen. But Rose is growing up, and when an old friend moves back to Laguna Canyon and appears in her drama class, things get complicated.

Jamie Aldridge is charming, confident, and a painful reminder of the life Rose has been missing out on since her brother's death. She watches as Jamie easily rejoins their former friends--a group of magnificently silly theater nerds--while avoiding her so intensely that it must be deliberate.

Yet when the two of them unexpectedly cross paths, Rose learns that Jamie has a secret of his own, one that changes everything. Rose finds herself drawn back into her old life--and to Jamie. But she quickly starts to suspect that he isn't telling her the whole truth.

All Rose knows is that it's becoming harder to choose between the boy who makes her feel alive and the brother she isn't ready to lose.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35230429-invisible-ghosts 

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My Review 4/5 Stars

Haven't read many books with ghosts, but I have to say this one was pretty good. It's always interesting to see different takes on the supernatural. This book held my attention beginning to end. Especially that I read it in a day. So the main character Rose lost her brother when she was 12. She always felt guilty for his death because she regrets the last thing she said for him and ran from her house. On his way to find her, he got stung by bees, which he is highly allergic to and forgot to grab his Epipen on the way out. Devastated by his death, she closes herself off from her friends. And then not too long after she begins to see Logan's ghost. So for the next four years her brother is still with her and she is desperate to hold onto her brother. Rose thought she liked to be invisible, she may not like her new friends but she always felt it was too late to go back to her friends before Logan's death. But everything changes when Jamie returns. Jamie and Rose were close as children, but he moved away after his parents' divorce. Now he is back and their connection rekindles. Though it is more than just their friendship that connects them. Jamie reveals a secret that changes everything Rose knew. Then Rose learns what it is like to have friends she actually cares for and who like her back again and maybe even what it is like to fall in love. But the more she grows up the more she pulls away from Logan. Rose is torn between moving on and letting go of the person who has always been there for her. A really sweet story with a nice splash of the supernatural and the lesson of moving on even though it is hard. 

Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemend-Broka

Megan Harper is the girl before. All her exes find their one true love right after dating her. It’s not a curse or anything, it’s just the way things are, and Megan refuses to waste time feeling sorry for herself. Instead, she focuses on pursuing her next fling, directing theatre, and fulfilling her dream school’s acting requirement in the smallest role possible. 

But her plans quickly crumble when she’s cast as none other than Juliet–yes, that Juliet–in her high school’s production. It’s a nightmare. No–a disaster. Megan’s not an actress and she’s certainly not a Juliet. Then she meets Owen Okita, an aspiring playwright who agrees to help Megan catch the eye of a sexy stagehand in exchange for help writing his new script. 

Between rehearsals and contending with her divided family, Megan begins to notice Owen–thoughtful, unconventional, and utterly unlike her exes, and wonders: shouldn’t a girl get to play the lead in her own love story?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34092885-always-never-yours

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Megan is the girl before. All her exes find their one true love right after dating here. It's not a curse or anything, it's just the way things are... Those lines are what drew me into the story. I mean, how could they not? How would that feel? To think you find love but you're pushed aside because someone else came along. I knew I needed to read about this character. I needed to hear her story. And it was quite a story. Megan understands that when it comes to love, it may not be for her. No matter how much she may want it. So she pushes that feeling deep inside of her and decides that she'll have fun when she can and not expect it to go farther than that. She's a strong and confident flirt and when she is not looking for a potential new boyfriend, she is directing theater and doing everything she can to get into her dream school. Even if that means that she must have an acting role in the final play of senior year. A director becomes an actor? She isn't so sure. Especially when her teacher casts her as the lead, Juliet from Romeo and Juliet. And then she meets Owen, an aspiring playwright who takes her by surprise and they soon find themselves making a deal. She'll help him with his new script if he can help her connect with the new stagehand. But the more time they spend together, they realize they have connect in a way neither expected. Though Megan finds herself wanting to be with Owen she struggles with believing that he will leave her like others before him. A really fun story to read with witty banter and strong characters.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before Book 3: Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

Book 3

Lara Jean is having the best senior year. And there’s still so much to look forward to: a class trip to New York City, prom with her boyfriend Peter, Beach Week after graduation, and her dad’s wedding to Ms. Rothschild. Then she’ll be off to college with Peter, at a school close enough for her to come home and bake chocolate chip cookies on the weekends.

Life couldn’t be more perfect!

At least, that’s what Lara Jean thinks…until she gets some unexpected news.

Now the girl who dreads change must rethink all her plans—but when your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35247769-always-and-forever-lara-jean

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A great way to end the trilogy! And once again, I read it all in one day. This is just one of those series that you pick up and read quick because it's fun and light and hilarious and adorable. There love and there's heartbreak. It's real and it's sweet. It's one of those series where you get attached to the characters and you root for them to be happy. And for a series that may have you wondering how it turned into three books, well none of them disappoint. It was an optimistic and hopeful ending (and beginning) to a wonderful story. So this one takes place a year later after the second book. Lara Jean is in her senior year and her and Peter are still in love and waiting patiently for all the ups and downs that come with senior year. The worries of college and the adventures that come as graduation comes closer and closer. Lara Jean thinks she has it all planned out but sometimes our plans don't work out. Lara Jean struggles with the "now what do I do?" when she gets some bad news from her top choice at college. Something so relatable I was getting some flashbacks of my own senior year when I wasn't sure what college was right for me. Then Lara Jean and Peter, despite the fact that they are very much in love and have no desire to break up, their worries of what will happen to their relationship forms a cloud over them. I loved reading this story and the adventures Lara Jean has despite her worries for the future. She remembers the advice she was given to live for these moments because you should remember it all and make those memories. 

Loved, loved this story!! If you have stayed with the series so far, this one truly will not disappoint!

To All the Boys I've Loved Before Book 2: P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Book 2

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.

She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.

When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Times bestseller To All the Boys I've Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20698530-p-s-i-still-love-you

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

So I finished To All the Boys I've Loved Before earlier today. Sat down and wrote a review and then hours later,  I finished with the second one. Am I a bit nuts? Yup. Was the book that good? Absolutely. I'm surprised to how much I really am enjoying this series and super happy (and sad) that I have one more to go. So what happens in the sequel? Well, it picks up right after the first one. Lara Jean realizes she really does have strong feelings for Peter and isn't ready to say goodbye. So she does what she does best. She writes him a letter. With her sisters' encouragement she goes to his house and is about to tell him how she feels but...kind of chickens out. Lucky for her Peter knows her a bit better than that and can see past her mask of just wanting to be friends. And it kind of helps that he can hear her crumbling a piece of paper in her pocket. Their reunion is sweet and they are willing to try and be a couple for real this time. But like all relationships, they aren't so easy. And let's face it, there needs to be a bit of drama to keep the story going. With a bit of scandalous level cyber bullying, Jenny Han hits an important issue in high school. The issue threatens Lara Jean and Peter's relationship, but what really puts it in danger is that Lara Jean can't help but feel that Peter could still not be over his horrible ex (and yes, she is pretty horrible. But again, high school. There is always a mean girl, but then again can’t judge too harshly cause everyone has heir baggage and a difference way of reacting when hurt). And then the third layer of drama comes when Lara Jean's final letter comes back with not just a response but the boy himself! Clearly, Laura Jean's high school is a bit more crazy than mine was. But the most important part of these stories is that it teaches the characters to grow and begin to figure out who they are. They experience first loves and first heartbreaks. They gain friendships and lose some. And in the end, when you realize what you want and who you want to me, you truly have grown and go after what you truly want. 

Again another great read and I clearly loved it if I sat down and read it in one sitting. I'm ready to jump into the third one. Highly recommend this fun series and I haven't even started the third one yet! But something tells me it will be just as great as the first two.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Book 1

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them… all at once? 

Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15749186-to-all-the-boys-i-ve-loved-before

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My  Review: 5/5 Stars

Fun, adorable, hilarious, and many other words but in one: GREAT! Absolutely loved this story and I'm so sorry it took me so long to read it! I sped right through, desperate for more and I am so happy that there are indeed two more books in the series! So what is this story about? Well, our main character Lara Jean has a ritual. When she is ready to move on from an intense crush, she writes them a letter. She pours her heart and soul into the letter and then hides them away in her hatbox that her mother gave her. The letters will never be sent, they are for her and her eyes only. Well, until they are not. Her letters mysteriously get sent and that's when the drama begins! One of the letters goes to her neighbor Josh. A friend since forever and who happens to be dating her older sister until recently when her sister leaves for college. Laura Jean had a major crush on him right until her sister and him announce they are a couple. She writes her goodbye crush letter and that is the end of it. Until he brings the letter to her attention. Desperate to assure him that that letter is truly old (though a part of her suddenly wonders if it isn't), she tells Josh that she is dating Peter (another letter worthy crush and who had told her that he had received her letter). This jumpstarts the plan and the famous contract. Peter wants to make his ex-girlfriend jealous and Laura Jean doesn't want Josh to find out she lied and keep their friendship. So they decide to continue their charade of dating. Little do they know, that the more they spend time together their friendship becomes stronger for the first time and years and it is slowly turning into something more real. 

Like I said, this story was such a fun read. I truly loved every moment of it. I was anxious to see the consequences of the letters and I was cheering for Laura Jean and Peter to figure out they were meant to be. Yet love can be complicated. Thank goodness for two more books! 

Rock Solid Series Book 4: Resurrection by Karina Bliss

Rock Solid Series Book 4

No more rock stars. Ever.

Lily Hagen Stuart has done that scene to death. Her new career in early childhood education is way more rewarding and she deals with far fewer tantrums. Then a stolen sex tape is posted online and her future is in jeopardy. She needs to get away from the paparazzi and the only place that offers refuge is the world she swore never to return to: the music world. Fine.

A few months—tops. That’s all she needs to get her life back. And keeping her hands off gorgeous Moss McFadden? Should be easy since they've always avoided each other.

Moss McFadden may be a rising rock star, but he’s quite happy to keep everyone at arm’s length. Until Lily needs help, that is. They strike a deal that puts them in closer proximity than is good for his equilibrium. Still, he can keep his growing fascination with her in check. 

Or can he? 

Because when she lends him a hand in a life-changing situation, all his defenses are shot. And as he goes down in a wave of longing, he wonders if she just might be his salvation.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33815369-resurrection

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I was surprised by how much I ended up loving this story. The other books in the series were good, but this one, to me, blew them out of the water. Lily and Moss turned into two of my favorite characters after not thinking much about them in previous books. Both have these complex and heartbreaking pasts and we are finally shown that in this book. Their romance wasn't rushed, it had them building a friendship that over time had turned slowly to love when they realized how much they meant to one another. And there were lots of surprising twists in this story that made it even more interesting to read and very hard to put the book down! I did not see half of those coming but I loved the direction the story took and how it helped them move past the brutal pasts and heal. Really excellent story and definitely worth checking out! 

House of Night Other World Book 2: Lost by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

House of Night Other World Book 2

Things have settled down at the Tulsa House of Night since Zoey and the gang closed the tear between worlds and sent Other Kevin back to the Other World. Neferet hasn't stirred. Damien and Jack are falling in love all over again. Stevie Rae and Rephaim are back in Tulsa where they belong. The Depot Restaurant is being rebuilt with the enthusiastic involvement of local humans. A new school year has begun, and Zoey's exchange student program with public schools is really taking off. All is well.But if all is well, why is Zoey increasingly withdrawn and moody?Sadly, Stark is sure he knows the answer to that question. Zoey can't stop thinking about following her brother to the Other World, and Stark isn't deluding himself about why. Of course she wants to be sure her brother is okay. Of course she wants to help defeat Neferet in yet another world and be sure the balance between Light and Darkness is restored. But the real reason Z is so drawn to that other House of Night world is because Heath Luck, her childhood sweetheart, is alive in that world-alive and mourning her death.In Lost, we follow Zoey, Stevie Rae, and Rephaim to an alternative version of the House of Night, where dangers take the form of friends and allies are found in the strangest places. Will Z return to our world and leave Heath to his? And if she does, will Stark forgive her for leaving? Find out in the second part of this exciting new House of Night Other World adventure!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36036821-lost

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Book two of this sequel series and I have to admit it was pretty good! I was a little nervous about reading this one especially how the previous book ended, but it turned out to be super interesting and it had some pretty neat twists. I had started this series in high school and with my obsession with vampires (and okay, that it something that is probably still going on a bit), the series was a great one to turn to. Now reading them and I'm older, though I still like the series, the only challenge for me is getting past some of the language. Some of it is a bit over the top and makes me wonder if it was always like this or am I just noticing it more. Most likely, it is just sticking out to me more. If you relate, then know that if you get past that then the storyline is still interesting as it always has been! 

This book explores the Other World, where Other Kevin was sent back home to stop the Neferet of his world. What was pretty sweet about this book was we got a good look at the Other World and the Other characters, as well as their point of views. This book had several different narrators and it made it that much more compelling. Also, even though they had figured out that Kevin needed to fill the role that Zoey had filled when she defeated Neferet, there were several differences that made it his journey and his fight. 

If you enjoy the series, then I can honestly say this one doesn't disappoint! Turns out people can learn their lessons and gain wisdom and not make the same mistakes. Zoey certainly has and it was definitely a good thing to see. Though no word on the date of the next book, it was confirmed that the Casts do have two more books planned, but it will depend on the fans. My vote is for more! I hope you agree!

Stream Raiders Book 1: These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch

Stream Raiders Book 1

Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29422091-these-rebel-waves

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

Thank you Sara Raasch for what was probably the meanest cliffhanger ever!! And I have read my fair share of them. And before that painful cliffhanger you threw in some plot twists that had be literally gasping and shouting "NO FREAKING WAY!" Yeah, I got a bit into it. And yeah, the book was that good. I'll admit, it took me a bit of a way through to truly get into the story and understand all the information that was being thrown at me, but once it clicked, I was all in. And it helped that the characters were pretty awesome. Love Vex!! Could not get enough of him. The legendary pirate who's wit is just hysterical. And then there is kickass Lu. Who is a genius when it comes to plants and magic and could hold her own in a fight. And then our finally main character is Ben. Who it took me a bit to warm up to, but he finds his voice and he becomes someone worth listening to. 

The story is great as it goes jumps from Lu, Vex, and Ben. Each have their own sad and even terrible pasts, but who strive to do good and try to find hope and peace in their home that is broken up and close to war once more. There are so many different types of people in this book and beliefs and it was super interesting to see the different sides and how they collide with one another. Everyone thinks they are right but what happens when reality comes crashing through, it forces you to think from another point of view. Something that Lu, Vex, and Ben learn. An adventurous book with love and hate and pirates and plot twists, and like I said a cliffhanger that makes me wish we could jump to next year for the second book. Definitely check this one out!

I received an ARC for an honest review. 

Ghosts of the Shadow Market Book 4: Learn about Loss by Cassandra Clare & Kelly Link

Ghosts of the Shadow Market Book4

In a small town lost to despair, a dark carnival of a market appears. In the fourth in the USA Today bestselling Ghosts of the Shadow Market, faeries and warlocks we know converge, and the fate that will one day produce Kit Herondale is sealed.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38615841-learn-about-loss

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I believe the shortest story that has been released for the Ghosts of the Shadow Market but still a very good story with an emotional ending, that I'll admit had me tearing up just a bit. In this story we learn how Jem begins his path that will lead him to Kit Herondale. And it's a lot earlier than I imagined it would be. We also meet a soon to be Iron Sister, that has me wondering if she will make an appearance in other books. We meet another Greater Demon, who I wonder, like the Iron Sister, will we see again. A great short story that gave just enough to leave us wondering more. Book 4 of this series and I am still loving every moment. 

The Glittering Court Book 3: The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead

The Glittering Court Book 3

The final installment in Richelle Mead's sweeping, enthralling Glittering Court series answers the trilogy's biggest question: what is the secret that drives Tamsin to win at all costs?

Tamsin Wright is unstoppable. She must become the Glittering Court's diamond: the girl with the highest test scores, the most glamorous wardrobe, and the greatest opportunities to match with an elite suitor in the New World. Training alongside other girls in the Glittering Court, Tamsin immerses herself completely in lessons about etiquette, history, and music--everything a high-society wife would need to know. Once she's married, she'll be able to afford a better life for her family, so the sacrifice is worth it if she can be the best.

When her friendship with Mira and Adelaide, her roommates at the Glittering Court, threatens her status as the top-ranked prospect, she does the only thing she knows will keep her on track: she cuts them out of her life. But when her voyage across the sea goes off course, Tamsin must use her unrelenting grit and determination to survive the harsh winter far north of her intended destination in hopes of making it back to the Glittering Court in time to secure a proposal--and a comfortable future for her family.

Experiencing new cultures and beliefs for the first time, Tamsin realizes that her careful studies haven't prepared her for everything, and with new alliances formed with roguish tradesman Jago Robinson and good-natured minister Gideon Stewart, Tamsin's heart begins to be pulled in different directions. But she can't let her brewing attraction get in the way of her ultimate goal: protecting the secret she holds closest to her heart, the one that would unravel everything she's worked for if it's uncovered.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36390340-the-emerald-sea

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

My favorite of the trilogy and definitely the best one! When I read the first two books of the series, I wasn't crazy about Tamsin. But that's just because I didn't really know her. We finally get her story and it was simply amazing and not at all what I was expecting, in the very best way. The story starts with them still at the Glittering Court and when their families are allowed to visit them. That scene reveals a lot! We finally learn the reasons why Tamsin is so set on being the best and why this deal is so important to her. She needs it for her family and there is one family member who needs it the most. The story continues and we learn what happened to Tamsin when her ship is pulled too far north. We watch as Tamsin becomes the leader she is meant to be and how her determination and bravery keeps everyone together and takes them closer back to Cape Triumph. The journey isn't easy and there is a lot more happening between the different cities and people than anyone realizes. Another surprise and great part of the story is Jago Robinson and the romance that happens between him and Tamsin. Their chemistry and banter is fun to read and has you cheering for them to find a way to have a future. This was definitely the most entertaining and action packed of the series. And I loved reading about Tamsin who is such a strong character. 

The Iron Covenant Book 1: Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews

The Iron Covenant Book 1

No day is ordinary in a world where Technology and Magic compete for supremacy…But no matter which force is winning, in the apocalypse, a sword will always work. 

Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, served only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master has cast him aside. Hugh is a shadow of the warrior he was, but when he learns that the Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh knows he must carve a new place for himself and his people, but they have no money, no shelter, and no food, and the necromancers are coming. Fast. 

Elara Harper is a creature who should not exist. Her enemies call her Abomination; her people call her White Lady. Tasked with their protection, she's trapped between the magical heavyweights about to collide and plunge the state of Kentucky into a war that humans have no power to stop. Desperate to shield her people and their simple way of life, she would accept help from the devil himself—and Hugh d’Ambray might qualify. 

Hugh needs a base, Elara needs soldiers. Both are infamous for betraying their allies, so how can they create a believable alliance to meet the challenge of their enemies? 

As the prophet says: “It is better to marry than to burn.” 

Hugh and Elara may do both. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35126152-iron-and-magic

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It's always super fascinating to read a story where the main character is one you know well but has always been the villain. In the Kate Daniel series Hugh was always shown as one of the big bads. He is the right hand man of the villain trying to take over and he is loyal until the moment that big bad villain decides to cast him aside. If you haven't read the Kate Daniels series, I seriously advise you read this before Iron and Magic. Because you need to know and understand just who Hugh was before Iron and Magic. Lots of things have changed. And what we once knew of this so called villain is revealed that we may have not known him well at all. 

What I love about reading a used to be villain's point of view, is that we get the other side of the story. To paraphrase a quote from one of my favorite books: There are three sides to every story. Their side, your side, and the truth that lies somewhere in the middle. We had always seen Hugh through the eyes of our beloved heroine. Now we get to see it from his own point of view and someone totally new. And it is a game changer. 

I really loved this book. It held my attention right from the beginning. Hugh isn't in the best shape and his loyal Iron Dogs tell him that he needs to cut it out and lead them once more. He is their leader and they are his family. However, it isn't that easy. Finding a home for them requires a bit of a sacrifice. He is going to have to marry the White Lady, Elara Harper. Elara is loved by her people but to the outside world she is an abomination. But like Hugh, she is willing to do whatever it takes for her people. They form an alliance, sealed with their marriage. As they help one another with the threats that surround them, we find them constantly in a verbal match that is equally harsh and hilarious. Their verbal attacks just reinforce the chemistry between them and makes the book that much more entertaining to read. The book is just the beginning of what will be their trilogy and with what was revealed in this book, I think it is safe to say the finale of the Kate Daniels series, is going to be epic and awesome. 

If you loved the Kate Daniels series and simply love Hugh, then you definitely need to check this book out!