The Origin Series Book 2: The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Origin Series Book 2

When Evelyn Dasher crossed paths with Luc, she was thrown headfirst into the world of the Lux—only to discover that she was already far more involved in their world than she ever suspected.

Because the Luxen aren’t the only ones with a hidden past. There’s a gap in Evie’s memory, lost months of her life and a lingering sense that something happened, something she can’t remember and nobody is willing to tell her. She needs to find out the truth about who she is—and who she was. But every answer she finds only brings up more questions.

Her search for the truth brings her ever closer to Luc, the Origin at the center of it all. He’s powerful, arrogant, inhumanly beautiful, extremely dangerous…and possibly in love with her. But even as Evie falls for him, she can’t help but wonder if his attraction is to her, or to the memory of a girl who no longer exists.

And all the while, a new threat looms: reports of a flu-like, fatal virus that the government insists is being spread by Luxen. A horrifying illness that changes whoever it touches, spreading panic across a country already at its breaking point.

#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the world of the Lux with this steamy, shocking second installment of the Origin series that will leave readers reeling.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43263224-the-burning-shadow

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Never been so happy to receive an advanced reader copy. Because damn, was this book good. Picking up exactly where The Darkest Star left off, things have gotten a bit complicated in the world of the Lux. This book had plot twists on plot twists. Just when you think you may have figured something out, there is a new surprise waiting for you. Evie is still struggling to figure out who she is, but there is one thing she is sure of and that is her feelings for Luc. No matter who she used to be and who she is now, both times she knows that her love for Luc was constant. And Luc is the same. But even their epic love story has its complications. Trouble is stirring again with Luxens and humans. Humans are once more blaming the Luxen for the new issues that are arising, a horrifying virus that is killing man. And if that wasn't bad enough there is something out there that is neither, human, Luxen, or even Arum. Great, great read. Just when some questions are answered, new questions emerge. But at least we got to see a lot of familiar faces! I really loved this story and after the cliffhanger ending, I cannot wait for the next one!

I received an ARC for an honest review. 

Ryker Falls Series Book 4: Only Just Begun by Wendy Vella

Ryker Fall Book 4

An innocent hiding in the shadows

Living on the sidelines has always suited Mandy Robbins but all that changes when Ted Hosking challenges her to step into the light. For some reason the dangerously sexy Falls Lodge owner has decided to personally play a part in her metamorphosis. She is determined not to fall for the taciturn man who has “commitment phobic” written on his forehead, but Ted is the only man who has ever seen the real her beneath the quietness. As her past comes calling, she realizes that with Ted it’s not just her heart that’s at risk … it’s her life.

Her big, bad protector

Ted Hosking has no problem with hard work or living in the spotlight; it’s what he knows and how he’s built his business. He’s a take-charge kind of guy, so how is it possible he has no clue how to handle Mandy Robbins? She scares him. There’s no getting around that. Gentle, sweet, and shy, she’s Ted’s opposite in every way. There shouldn’t be any surprises in life, not for a man as jaded as he. But when he leaves her bed after their first night together, everything changes. What he feels for her has the power to change the very foundation he’s built his life on, and that shocks him to the core. When danger looms and threatens Mandy, he knows that staying away for her protection is no longer an option. Their love has only just begun and he’ll fight with everything he has for her, no matter the cost.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46406348-only-just-begun

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I love Wendy Vella's contemporary series. First Lake Howling and now Ryker Falls. And I love it even more when they have a mini-crossover! Book 4 of the Ryker Falls series and now we get Mandy and Ted's story and man was it a good one! When Mandy and Ted have a conversation that is brutally honest and real, it sparks change. Mandy is tired of being shy and timid and Ted is ready to show her how to break out of her shell and be the strong woman he knows she is. She may have trouble showing it, but he knows there is a strength in Mandy. While Mandy finds her wings, Ted realizes that the spark between them is getting harder to ignore. Their pasts are mysteries to everyone and especially to one another, but for good reason. I really loved reading their story, especially with their intriguing pasts that don't come to light until late in the book. You can't help but root for them to get together! Another great book in this series and I cannot wait for the next! We still have some main characters whose stories haven't been told and I for one am looking forward to them!

Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia and Illustrated by Gabriel Picolo

When a tragic accident takes the life of seventeen-year-old Raven Roth's foster mom--and Raven's memory--she moves to New Orleans to live with her foster mother's family and finish her senior year of high school.

Starting over isn't easy. Raven remembers how to solve math equations and make pasta, but she can't remember her favorite song or who she was before the accident. When strange things start happening--impossible things--Raven starts to think it might be better not to know who she was in her previous life.

But as she grows closer to her foster sister, Max, her new friends, and Tommy Torres, a guy who accepts her for who she is now, Raven has to decide if she's ready to face what's buried in the past...and the darkness building inside her. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38452813-teen-titans

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A fun and beautifully illustrated graphic novel, Teen Titans: Raven explores a new approach of Raven's origin story, while tying in the important bits of who she is. This was definitely a fun and interesting approach to the story. A very enjoyable read. Raven is one of my favorite Teen Titans, so I was immediately interested in reading a graphic novel about her! 

Through the White Wood by Jessica Leake

The Bear and the Nightingale meets Frostblood in this romantic historical fantasy from the author of Beyond a Darkened Shore.

When Katya loses control of her power to freeze, her villagers banish her to the palace of the terrifying Prince Sasha in Kiev.

Expecting punishment, she is surprised to find instead that Sasha is just like her—with the ability to summon fire. Sasha offers Katya friendship and the chance to embrace her power rather than fear it.

But outside the walls of Kiev, Sasha’s enemies are organizing an army of people bent on taking over the entire world.

Together, Katya’s and Sasha’s powers are a fearsome weapon. But as their enemies draw nearer, will fire and frost be enough to save the world? Or will Katya and Sasha lose everything they hold dear?

Inspired by Russian mythology, this lushly romantic, intensely imaginative, and fiercely dramatic story is about learning to fight for yourself, even when the world is falling down around you.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40647067-through-the-white-wood

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

I'm a fan of all mythologies. My expertise may fall in with Greek and Roman. But my knowledge of others like, Egyptian, Norse, Celtic, and others isn't too bad. My Russian, is little but enough for me to really appreciate this story and what it had to offer. This story very much reminded me of the Snow Queen (and I guess even Frozen), in the sense that our main character Katya has the gift of ice but has trouble controlling it. I really enjoyed this story. When Katya's village banishes her to the prince in Kiev, she is sure she is going to be punished for her actions, despite them being an accident. Instead, she finds herself asked to help save Kiev from those who wish to harm the people. Reluctant, because not only does she not have control of her powers, she fears the prince only wants her as a weapon. However, that is far from the truth. As the story goes, she learns more about herself, the people who are loyal to the prince, and the prince himself. Beneath the doubt, she finds a place to belong. And she learns the truth about who she is really is. Action, romance, and adventure, Through the White Wood was an overall great story to read. And I realized at the introduction of some characters, that there was another book set in this world. Which of course now, I must read!

Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 5: The Hidden by Jessie Donovan

Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 5

**This isn't a standalone story. Please read at least The Barren (Kelderan Runic Warriors #2) first.**

Just as Thorin and Vala begin their project to find the other partially Brevkan individuals inside the colony on Jasvar, the red band on Vala's leg begins to fade. As they find out what that means, it throws their entire world into turmoil. Will Thorin and Vala be able to survive the change? Or, will it rip them apart?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44793997-the-hidden

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The Hidden is the newest addition to the Kelderan Runic Warrior series and it is more novella size than anything. It follows up with Thorin and Vala as they continue to find other partially Brevkan individuals on the Jasvar colony. As they continue to learn more about one another and fall more in love each day, a discovery makes them realize that they have the power to change their future. Is it too good to be true or even something they want? That's what we learn in The Hidden. I really enjoyed this short novella! It was nice diving back into this series and all the interesting characters. If you've enjoyed this series by Jessie Donovan and love Thorin and Vala, then this one won't disappoint!

I received an ARC for an honest review. 

An Illuminae Files Novella Book 0.5: Memento by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

An Illuminae Files Novella Book 0.5

December, 2574. Forty-three days before the BeiTech attack on Kerenza IV. 

This is the story of my first friendship. 

This is the tale of my first murder? 

Some monsters are born. 

But I? 

< ERROR > 

I was made.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46300488-memento

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The answer to the beginning of the madness that is AIDAN. Loved this little novella from the Illuminae Files trilogy. This small prequel gave insight to how AIDAN ends up the way it is and the events that lead to the Illuminae trilogy. It may have only been 82 pages, but it was still great! If you loved the trilogy, then you will love this short novella. 

Psy-Changeling Trinity Series Book 3: Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh

Psy-Changeling Trinity Series Book 3

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh takes us on a new adventure in this next novel of the Psy-Changeling Trinity series…

The end of Silence was supposed to create a better world for future generations. But trust is broken, and the alliance between Psy, Changeling, and human is thin. The problems that led to Silence are back in full force. Because Silence fixed nothing, just hid the problems.

This time, the Psy have to find a real answer to their problems–if one exists. Or their race will soon go extinct in a cascade of violence. The answer begins with an empath who is attuned to monsters–and who is going to charm a wolf into loving her despite his own demons.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42373042-wolf-rain

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Loved Wolf Rain!! Oh my god, so good! Alexei and Memory are fantastic characters and I enjoyed their story so much. Not only did Alexei and Memory have a beautiful and heart-tugging love story, but this book had so much twists and turns along the way. We explored some characters that we have briefly met in previous books and got a closer look at them. Hopefully, we can still explore these interesting characters and maybe some will even get their own books. Plus the development in the Psy-Net got even more interesting. Wolf Rain had plenty of new reveals while also touching base with characters we have come to know and love. I love having that balance in these books. Really, really great addition to the Trinity series. Nalini Singh never lets me down with her books. I demand the next one already! Or at least a title and who will be our hero and heroine. If you love these books, Wolf Rain will not let you down!