Shadow City Silver Wolf Book 1: Broken Mate by Jen L. Grey

Shadow City Silver Wolf Book 1

Some things are inevitable, even with a fated mate.

As the future alpha of the Silver Wolves, my life was carefully planned: stay hidden and learn to fight. But that didn't happen. My pack was slaughtered and now I’m running for my life.

In my search for safety, I discover something else.

My fated mate.

The handsome jerk alpha can offer me something that no one else can--protection.

The more I try to fight our mate bond, the more fate pushes us together, but I fear the price may be too much for both of us.

As a hidden enemy hunts me, difficult decisions must be made. Choices that will alter my life forever or end it completely.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59360636-broken-mate

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My Review: 4/5 Stars 

Sterlyn is part of secret race of wolves. The Silver Wolves. They withdrew from the paranormal world centuries ago when others used them to do bad things. Silver Wolves are very different from normal wolf shifters. They gain their strength from the moon and were always meant to be strong. They were also meant to be protectors. They train every day to be strong until the day comes where they can reveal themselves once more. Sterlyn is the daughter of the Alpha and with her silver hair, it is a sign that she is the next Alpha of their pack. But one day Sterlyn slips away from her pack for a few hours and soon realizes that her pack is under attack. She races back but she is too late. Everyone was slaughtered. Her dying father makes it to her to warn her to run and to head to Shadow City and find the wolf alpha, Atticus. She can trust him. She runs and is chased. Eventually she makes a desperate attempt to escape and almost dies. She is rescued later by a wold shifter Killian. She admits to him that bad shifters are after her. He reveals that he lost his own family a few years ago and he'll help her. He also asks if she could pretend to date him to avoid the pressures of being a young unattached alpha. But this isn't some fake dating turned real story. Her bond with Killian is one of sibling nature. Especially when Killian's best friend Griffin enters the picture. Immediately, Sterlyn feels a tug toward him. And that can only mean one thing. And if that wasn't complicated enough, there are still others after Sterlyn. She can only hide for so long before someone comes looking. I really enjoyed this latest shifter world from Jen. And of course like all her series, there is a cliffhanger ending which means I need the next book asap! I'm excited to see where this series takes us and the different supernaturals that come along the way. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Well Met Series Book 3: Well Matched by Jen DeLuca

Well Met Series Book 3

Single mother April Parker has lived in Willow Creek for twelve years with a wall around her heart. On the verge of being an empty nester, she's decided to move on from her quaint little town, and asks her friend Mitch for his help with some home improvement projects to get her house ready to sell.

Mitch Malone is known for being the life of every party, but mostly for the attire he wears to the local Renaissance Faire -- a kilt (and not much else) that shows off his muscled form to perfection. While he agrees to help April, he needs a favor too: she'll pretend to be his girlfriend at an upcoming family dinner, so that he can avoid the lectures about settling down and having a more "serious" career than high school coach and gym teacher. April reluctantly agrees, but when dinner turns into a weekend trip, it becomes hard to tell what's real and what's been just for show. But when the weekend ends, so must their fake relationship.

As summer begins, Faire returns to Willow Creek, and April volunteers for the first time. When Mitch's family shows up unexpectedly, April pretends to be Mitch's girlfriend again... something that doesn't feel so fake anymore. Despite their obvious connection, April insists they've just been putting on an act. But when there's the chance for something real, she has to decide whether to change her plans -- and open her heart -- for the kilt-wearing hunk who might just be the love of her life.

An accidentally in-love rom-com filled with Renaissance Faire flower crowns, kilts, corsets, and sword fights.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56845755-well-matched

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

Mitch and April's book! Finally! This is such a fun series and I love that we keep getting more and more from it. April and Mitch's story was just another great one in this series. Fun, hilarious, romantic, and the joy that comes from the Ren Faires. So it's been a few years since book one. April is getting ready to watch her now eighteen-year-old daughter, Caitlin, graduate high school and go to college. April has waited a long time for this moment, not being she doesn't love her kid, but because it means those long ago plans she made can finally happen. She never planned to stay in Willow Creek forever. It was just the perfect place to raise her daughter. But now she can move to the city and find a smaller place. It's what she always wanted, right? As she gets her house ready to sell, she finds herself in need of some help. Good thing someone owes her a favor or two. Mitch is in need of a little help. The survive a weekend with all of his family, he asks April to be his fake girlfriend. Surely then his parents and family will get off his back about being single. As April and Mitch fall into their roles, April can't help but realize that there is something so comfortable and natural about being with Mitch. And the lines of real and pretend start to blur. Even when they survive the weekend, Mitch helps April with her house and everything gets complicated for April. Can she let herself fall for Mitch? Is it real or pretend? Things are changing for April. And she is looking at Willow Creek in a new way. She even volunteers at the Ren Faire for the first time. But April hasn't felt loved by anyone but her daughter in almost two decades. Can she open her heart to Mitch? Loved their story! It was nice to get to know April a lot better. And even Mitch. We see sides of them we haven't seen before and really start to understand more about them. Their story was so fun and cute. I couldn't put it down! And we meet the heroine for the next book and I can't wait to see more of her and her story!

A Flesh and Fire Novel Book 1: A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A Flesh and Fire Novel Book 1

The Flesh and Fire series is set in the beloved Blood and Ash world.

Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.

However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot.

Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57446424-a-shadow-in-the-ember

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I'm blown away by this book. Absolutely amazing and I demand to have the next one immediately. WOW! After learning that we were getting a bit of prequel series to From Blood and Ash series, I was beyond excited. There is so much history to that world that was yet to be revealed. So much that we didn't know and that our characters didn't know. So to take it back to the beginning, to see how things were and what had occurred to lead to the changes and the current situations that are going on in From Blood and Ash, I couldn't wait to find out and I was not let down. So since I mentioned history, let me start there. The world building has only gotten richer and the world before the Atlantians, where the Primals and gods were awake was incredible and incredibly different. You learn A LOT of important information in this book. Information that made things in all of the From Blood and Ash books that are out so far make a lot more sense and I'm sure will continue to shape the books to come. I loved learning and meeting all these characters. 

Sera and Nyktos. OMG I love them. When you are reading you see exactly where Poppy gets everything from. It was absolutely hilarious to see the parallels. And I loved every moment of them. So let's start with Sera. Sera was born to do one thing. To end the Rot that has plagued her land and fulfill the deal her ancestor made to be the Consort to the Primal of Death. But her ancestors want her to do more than just become his Consort. They told her she must make him love her. To become his weakness. Then end him. That is the true way to end the Rot. Yet when the day comes, Nyktos arrives and tells her he has no need of her. Everything spirals from there. She has failed her duty and has to pay the price. Three years pass and Sera has been pushed to be more of an assassin when her mother, the Queen, needs her to be. And to be shoved aside and forgotten the rest of the time. Everything changes when she meets Ash, a god she meets when she comes across a few gods killing mortals. Their connection is instant. But both know that being near one another is a bad idea. Until the day comes where everything changes and Ash reveals himself to be Nyktos and claims her at last. Truths are revealed about the deal that sealed Sera's fate. And not only that but there is much more going on in their world than Sera originally knew. Nyktos. Wow. I don't even think I can put into words how much I love Nyktos. His power and fierce devotion to those who he considers his is stronger than anything that Sera believed possible. And though she knows her duty is to end him, she is in consistent conflict with herself because he is nothing like he was said to be. Their story is so much more than just Sera fighting to figure out what to do when it comes to her duty. There is so much more going on that is constantly changing the story and issues. I can't even say it because it would be quite the amount of spoilers. But basically the theme is not everything is as it seems and not even a Primal as powerful as Nyktos knows all when it comes to their future. 

If you have loved the From Blood and Ash series so far, there is no doubt you will love this one. Sera and Nyktos are kick ass characters who are similar yet so different to Poppy and Casteel. Then we have side characters like the gods and of course the draken. Wait until you read about them!!! The enemies are stirring in this story. We see and get glimpses and the beginnings of fights and possibly even a war of Primals that is yet to come. The action and world building are incredible. And the romance... WOW! You won't be disappointed. And the story isn't even over yet. That cliffhanger is a game changer. We may know bits of the future from reading the From Blood and Ash series so far but there are so many pieces we don't know yet. Things we don't even truly understand because a lot has been so vague and unknown to our characters. Absolutely amazing. Definitely a favorite of mine from this world so far. And I cannot wait for the next one. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Guild Hunter Book 14: Archangel's Light by Nalini Singh

Guild Hunter Book 14

Nalini Singh returns to the world of the Guild Hunters for the most highly anticipated novel of the beloved series—a love story so epic it’s been half a millennia in the making…

Illium and Aodhan. Aodhan and Illium. For centuries they’ve been inseparable: the best of friends, closer than brothers, companions of the heart. But that was before—before darkness befell Aodhan and shattered him, body, mind, and soul. Now, at long last, Aodhan is healing, but his new-found strength and independence may come at a devastating cost—his relationship with Illium.

As they serve side by side in China, a territory yet marked by the evil of its former archangel, the secret it holds nightmarish beyond imagining, things come to an explosive decision point. Illium and Aodhan must either walk away from the relationship that has defined them—or step forward into a future that promises a bond infinitely precious in the life of an immortal…but that demands a terrifying vulnerability from two badly bruised hearts.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57414576-archangel-s-light

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

FINALLY! We finally get Illium and Aodhan's story and it was amazing. I was beyond lucky to get my hands on an ARC and have never been so happy to do so. Illium and Aodhan are probably my favorite characters from this series, despite there being so many others that I truly love. But there is something about these two that have drawn me the moment they entered the page. And after much waiting, their time has finally come. Illium and Aodhan have in a difficult spot the last year. Their dynamics have changed and it is time for them to finally face it. They are both stubborn and letting their stubbornness get in the way of reason and rational thought. But enough is enough. Illium flies to Aodhan to help him with the situation in China. But neither are prepared for what was left secretly behind. While they deal with present day, we get flashbacks of their friendship. Starting all the way to the day they met as babies. We see them grow together. We see them at their best and at their worst. One of my favorite things about this story is the truths that are revealed. Specifically with Aodhan. We finally get answers. We get answers to his past and we see exactly how these moments shaped Illium and Aodhan, and of course Raphel and the rest of the Seven. The other thing I loved is the progression of Aodhan and Illium's friendship shifting to the possibility of more. This book covers so much of their lives. These important bits that again shaped them but also showed how deep their love for one another went. How despite the horrors, it still existed. And now they have reached a time, where Aodhan has finally healed and Illium can acknowledge that his friend is growing, they can fully recognize exactly what they are to one another. Absolutely beautiful. And it felt like a beginning. Their love story is just starting. And I would love to see another book with them as they continue to explore this new thing between them. I loved their history and growth. It shines in this book. Also this present day story line had quite the amount of twists and turns and I wonder how else it will shape the future. This was definitely a favorite of mine from the series and no surprise because again, they are my favorite characters. Beautifully done!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

 

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding...six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

This book was so fun! Olive has to be one of the quirkiest characters I have ever read. She is just so fun and hilarious. Her mind moves a mile a minute and you just never know what is going to come out of her mouth. This romantic comedy was hilarious. In a desperate attempt to convince her best friend that she was dating someone so that her friend would know it is okay to date a guy that Olive once went out with, she comes up with a pretty sloppy plan. In a panic she kisses the first man she sees. Adam Carlsen. The young hotshot professor…who, if you ask the grad students, is the absolute worst. His reputation for being a mean and hard professor is well known. Now, to keep up the charade, Adam and Olive decide to have a fake relationship. Turns out, he needs something too. He needs to show the university that he isn’t planning to leave so he can acquire the funds he needs for his research. No one wants to invest in his work if he plans to take it elsewhere. This scheme leads to them having to get to know one another and Olive sees a side to Adam no one really sees. What is especially great about this story is that Olive constantly compares their scheme to a romance novel. She sees the signs of it all blowing up in her face or her falling for Adam. But there are plenty of twists to the stories that make the book not so predictable. Such a fun read and the writing was fantastic. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books from this author!

Skyhunter Book 2: Steelstriker by Marie Lu

Skyhunter Book 2

As a Striker, Talin was taught loyalty is life. 

Loyalty to the Shield who watches your back, to the Strikers who risk their lives on the battlefield, and most of all to Mara, which was once the last nation free from the Karensa Federation’s tyranny.

But Mara has fallen. And its destruction has unleashed Talin’s worst nightmare.

With her friends scattered by combat and her mother held captive by the Premier, Talin is forced to betray her fellow Strikers and her adopted homeland. She has no choice but to become the Federation’s most deadly war machine—a Skyhunter.

Red is no stranger to the cruelty of the Federation or the torture within its Skyhunter labs, but he knows this isn’t the end for Mara—or Talin. The link between them may be weak, but it could be their only hope to salvage their past and safeguard their future.

While the fate of a broken world hangs in the balance, Talin and Red must reunite the Strikers and find their way back to each other in this smoldering sequel to Marie Lu’s Skyhunter. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55780550-steelstriker

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Marie Lu never disappoints. I will admit I wished I re-read Skyhunter before starting Steelstriker to refresh my memory, but as I began reading the details from the previous book slowly came back to me. This book takes place six months where the last one left off. Talin is now turned full Skyhunter and has no choice but to serve Constantine since he holds her mother’s life in his hands. It’s made her do awful things but until her mother is safe, her hands are tied. Meanwhile, Red has been working with Talin’s friends to save those they can and find a way to save Talin. After such time apart they finally will be close to one another and plans can finally be made to save their futures. It will take everything they all have to defeat those who are corrupt. Loved diving back into this world. And I loved getting both Talin’s and Red’s point of view. It added a lot more to the story knowing what was going on with the two of them until they could be reunited once more. They both have important roles to play in order to save everyone and everything they love. This book does not disappoint! The story sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down until it was done. Just another great series by this amazing author!

Lake Howling Book 8: Faith and the Rock Star by Lani Blake

Lake Howling Book 8

Childhood Sweethearts, a Rock Star, and a parrot called Syd!

Ryan Lawrence wasn’t on Faith Harris’s list of favorite people. He’d broken her heart after one magic night together, then walked away to find fame. Forgive and forget wasn’t her motto, so when his handsome face appears back in Lake Howling, it’s fair to say she’s not happy. She’s stronger now, a businesswoman who doesn’t take any crap from anyone. Especially not a rock superstar with an over-inflated ego. He may be a man loved by thousands, just not her!

So why did she kiss him?

He’s back in Lake Howling to see his sister and instead finds something Ryan hadn’t known he was missing. Friends and Faith. Friends he understood, Faith he didn’t. She refused to acknowledge his success, and her cool attitude gets under his skin. But he’s never walked away from a challenge, especially one that stirs him up like Faith.

When his life follows him from L.A. and threatens Faith, he knows that leaving is no longer an option, because if he did, he’d be leaving more than his home. He’d be leaving his heart behind too. Ryan will do everything he can to protect the woman he now loves and make her understand he’s sticking. He’ll fight for a life together, no matter what it costs him.

If you enjoy your small town romance sizzling with a side of crazy, then Lake Howling is for you. Meet the real authority in town - the local book club - and Mrs. C., the interfering ex-owner of the Cakery who has no idea of personal boundaries, and a parrot named Syd who swears like a drunken sailor! Swim (or skinny dip!) in the ice cold lake, then warm up with coffee and a mystery muffin at The Hoot Café. Plenty of feels and LOLS, all wrapped up in a town that will have you packing your bags to head there, from the very first page.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58778622-faith-and-the-rock-star

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Back in the Lake Howling world and I've missed it so much! We finally get Faith's story. Noah's twin sister and fellow Lake Howling resident who much deserves her happily ever after. Faith's world is rocked when her friend's brother, Ryan, returns to Lake Howling. What no one seems to know is that Faith and Ryan had a moment before he left without saying goodbye to start his music career. Heartbroken that he left, she never mentioned what happened between them to anyway. Even her twin brother who she is super close to. But Ryan returns after Faith chews him out for not coming home to see his very pregnant sister. And Ryan is glad he comes back. It's been 11 years and not only has he realized how much he has missed his family and friends but he realizes just how much he has missed Faith. He knows what he did was wrong, leaving without goodbye. But he knew if that he stayed, he would have never been able to leave her. And they were young and just starting their lives. He wanted to go out and find himself. But now that he is back, he is finding it harder and harder every day to leave again. And when he sees and interacts with Faith again, he is a goner. Faith doesn't want to give in to the attraction and connection she has with Ryan. Because he'll be gone again and she won't be able to watch him walkaway a second time. Ryan wants to convince her to give them a chance. Can they make it happen? While they figure it out something else is stirring in Lake Howling. Starts with an anonymous gift and soon leads to some threatening acts. 

Overall, another great addition to this series! I loved getting to know Faith more and meeting Ryan was such a treat. Their chemistry was great. And it is so nice to see so many beloved characters make an appearance and catch us up on their lives. Such a fun and sweet series to read. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Dragon Clan Gatherings Book 1: Summer at Lochguard by Jessie Donovan

Dragon Clan Gatherings Book 1

Join Finn and Arabella as they host the clan leaders, their mates, and their children from Stonefire, Skyhunter, Snowridge, Northcastle, and Glenlough. Not only will Finn and Arabella deal with a surprise of their own, readers will enjoy updates from some of their favorite past couples. Also, the clan leader mates have some mischief up their sleeves, Asher King watches as Connor MacAllister talks with his sister Aimee, and other little tidbits happen over the course of the gathering.

NOTE: This is not a standalone story. It features characters from Seducing the Dragon, Healed by the Dragon, Aiding the Dragon, Craved by the Dragon, Winning Skyhunter, and Transforming Snowridge.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58967978-summer-at-lochguard

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

I love the start of this new series set in the dragon-shifter world! It's a great way to catch up with some of our favorite characters and see them together one the same page. This series will finally allow the leaders of the clans we have come to love be in the same place at the same time and interact. To kick off the series we are at Lochguard, which I will say may be my favorite. It's hard not to love Finn and Arabella, so getting a little bit extra from them is a treat. They are hosting this first gathering and we get updates on so many wonderful characters. Finn and Ara have some news but their feelings are a bit more complicated. The one main thing all of these characters share is that their mates want the clan leaders to take it easy for once and learn to delegate. So while the clan leaders talk business between the clans, their mates stage a plan to figure out how the get their mates to stop working so hard. Because even clan leaders need to learn to step back and enjoy their time with their families. The story did a wonderful job of updating everyone on where they are and hinting at some future stories to come. Can't wait for not only the next dragon-shifter book in this world but another one from this particular series! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

All for the Game Book 3: The King's Men by Nora Sakavic

All for the Game Book 3

Neil Josten is out of time. He knew when he came to PSU he wouldn't survive the year, but with his death right around the corner he's got more reasons than ever to live.

Befriending the Foxes was inadvisable. Kissing one is unthinkable. Neil should know better than to get involved with anyone this close to the end, but Andrew's never been the easiest person to walk away from. If they both say it doesn't mean anything, maybe Neil won't regret losing it, but the one person Neil can't lie to is himself.

He's got promises to keep and a team to get to championships if he can just outrun Riko a little longer, but Riko's not the only monster in Neil's life. The truth might get them all killed—or be Neil's one shot at getting out of this alive.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23594461-the-king-s-men

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

I love when a book or series surprises you when you realize how much you like it. I wasn't sure how I would feel about this series when I started. A little out of my normal go tos, but it came up on my radar because of books I've read and loved. And it was a delightful surprise to be sucked into the story and watch it get better and better with each page, with each book. This final book in the series was incredible. So much happened. There were so many highs and lows. Twists and turns. And I was helpless. I couldn't put it down until I finished. This third book picks up a few days after the last one. And if you read book 2 you know that Neil wasn't in the best place. He survived winter break but at a deep physical and emotional cost. Every day he is getting closer to when he is either taken out for good because he knows he can no longer run without being found. And the truth of the matter is, he doesn't want to run. Not from this family he built with the Foxes. He may have run from attachments, but he can't help it with his team. And not only that but something is starting between Neil and Andrew. Something Neil never expected but is starting to realize he isn't willing to let go. He wants to find a way to have it all. The championships, his family, his future. But it won't be easy. The horror from winter break was just beginning. Not when there is another monster after Neil as well. The past will claim him and it will take everything he has to survive. And if he does, maybe he'll still have a family to turn to. The secrets and lies are running out and are about to be exposed. Loved this one. Like I said, I couldn't put it down. I had to know what would happen to Neil, Andrew, and the rest of the Foxes. I wanted to know if everyone would survive, would Neil be able to get past the horrors, and if they would win the championship. This final book in the series does not disappoint! 

All for the Game Book 2: The Raven King by Nora Sakavic

All for the Game Book 2

The Foxes are a fractured mess, but their latest disaster might be the miracle they've always needed to come together as a team. The one person standing in their way is Andrew, and the only one who can break through his personal barriers is Neil.

Except Andrew doesn't give up anything for free and Neil is terrible at trusting anyone but himself. The two don't have much time to come to terms with their situation before outside forces start tearing them apart. Riko is intent on destroying Neil's fragile new life, and the Foxes have just become collateral damage.

Neil's days are numbered, but he's learning the hard way to go down fighting for what he believes in, and Neil believes in Andrew even if Andrew won't believe in himself. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18187013-the-raven-king

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My Review: 4/5 Stars 

There was something about book 1 that caught my attention and when I finished I decided I definitely needed to read book 2. And I'm so glad I did because it was pretty crazy. So of course, I have to finish the series now. So book 2 picks up shortly after book 1. The team is reeling from losing their teammate and Neil is realizing that there is no going back from the choices he made. He decided to stay with the Foxes but now he knows that his life is on a deadline. He may not make it through the year. But until then, he'll stick with this team who has made the risk worth it. While the team focuses on their games and trying to survive the Ravens' psychotic team and their leader, Riko, Neil is starting to get a picture of who his teammates are. Specifically, Andrew. Andrew who is described as this psychotic monster that no one truly knows how to handle. But the more Neil spends time with him, the more he realizes that there are plenty of things Andrew is hiding from everyone. And those things make all the difference. Andrew may push and push but in the end it is fueled by one thing: protectiveness. This book was pretty insane. So much went down. Good and bad and horrifying. And that last few chapters. Neil has been through a lot and sacrificed so much. The question going into this final book is whether or not the sacrifices were worth it and has he broke? I wouldn't bet against his will. Can't wait to dive into the final book!

All for the Game Book 1: The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic

All for the Game Book 1

Neil Josten is the newest addition to the Palmetto State University Exy team. He's short, he's fast, he's got a ton of potential—and he's the runaway son of the murderous crime lord known as The Butcher.

Signing a contract with the PSU Foxes is the last thing a guy like Neil should do. The team is high profile and he doesn't need sports crews broadcasting pictures of his face around the nation. His lies will hold up only so long under this kind of scrutiny and the truth will get him killed.

But Neil's not the only one with secrets on the team. One of Neil's new teammates is a friend from his old life, and Neil can't walk away from him a second time. Neil has survived the last eight years by running. Maybe he's finally found someone and something worth fighting for.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17259690-the-foxhole-court

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My Review: 4/5

Neil has been running for a very long time. His mom and him ran from Neil's father and when his mother died, Neil was left on his own to keep running. His past is one that he never wishes to revisit. His father is a murderous crime lord and if he ever finds Neil, he's dead. So Neil has kept his head down, changed his name and appearance many times. But things change when he takes his first risk. He decides to play the famous sport Exy at the school he had currently landed in. His obsession with the sport and love of the game was a risk he was willing to take. Especially at such a small school. What he never expected was for someone to be watching him. And not just anyone. Someone from his past. Kevin Day is a famous Exy player who was injured several months earlier. He became the assistant coach at PSU Foxes and brings Neil to the head coach's attention. Lucky for Neil he realizes that Kevin doesn't remember Neil from when they were kids. But Neil can't say the same. Not when Kevin's family is just as bad as his father. They recruit Neil to play, though it is more like a threat. But Neil's love of the game makes him take a risk. He knows he isn't good enough to play D1, but the chance to play with Kevin and just in general is enough to make him go. But the Foxes have a rep. And it's not a great one. Everyone on the team has issues for the most part and not the best kind. Neil will have to keep his secrets and navigate his way through this odd team. Especially through Kevin's group, who has Andrew as their guard dog. Andrew who is a little psychotic with and without his meds, who is definitely more bite than bark but once he claims you, that's it. And not only will Neil have to survive the team, but his past connection with Kevin could put him in the spotlight to his past. Is the risk to play and want to stay worth his life? I was super intrigued by this story. There was something about it that caught my attention and kept me reading when I would have probably passed. The characters are interesting and dark and violent at times. And despite some of these things, I just wanted to know what would happen. What would happen to Neil and Andrew and Kevin and just the team in general. I'm going to have to pick up the next one to find out!