Longwood U Book 5: Graduation No Face by Crea Reitan

 

Longwood U Book 5

Graduation implies a new beginning…

Jude

It’s unusual that I meet someone who becomes more than a fleeting acquaintance. Of all the places to meet such a person, at my cousin’s graduation party is my last guess. I’m so intrigued with him that I invite him with me to the boat club on Dark Island in Alexandra Bay for the summer.

Conner

I planned my entire future around getting drafted to the NHL but come graduation, no one wants me. Through a series of fortunate events, a frat brother brings me home and his hot cousin - professional hockey player - somehow takes an interest in me and while I’m still floundering for a future, I’m not upset to live in the present for a while.

Joining him at his boat club and staying in the castle is far too good to be true.

Because it is too good. One man takes an instant dislike of me and somehow, I end up inside the wall and before a group of masked people with knives in their hands as they discuss whether I get to live or die.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244504074-graduation-no-face

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Conner thought he had his future figured out. But when his plan to play pro hockey fails, he has no idea what to do. His parents religious beliefs makes it so he has no where to go. But lucky for Conner, he isn’t alone. Not when his friend, Nolan, takes him under his wing. And under the protection of his very big family. But what surprises Conner more is the intense connection he feels when he meets Jude. How can he not know Jude Vincent? The hockey player not that much older than himself and his father who was a great hockey player. But what really gets to Conner is this connection he feels with Jude that has nothing to do with hockey. And he isn’t the only one. Jude is even more surprised by what he feels for Conner. He’s never connected with someone like that before and so quickly. And he isn’t ready to let go. So when he whisks Conner away to spend the summer with him and his friends at a boat club, he knows the risks. Like what would happen if Conner discovers what else the boat club is part of… Let’s just say it’s more than Conner can handle. This was a fun one! Since Longwood U is set with future generations of characters we know and love, it’s so fun to piece together who is connected to who. We get a lot of new and familiar names. I loved Jude and Conner and getting to know them as they fall harder for one another each day. And of course, I was super intrigued by this secret society and definitely wouldn’t mind learning about that one day! Great and fun story all around. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Siren’s Point Book 1: Finest Kind of Fate by JJ Mulder

 

Siren’s Point Book 1

Ewan Fate left home seven years ago never intending to stay gone. Now, he’s wondering how he’ll ever manage to go back. When an extended creative block and an inability to paint puts his career in jeopardy, he packs his bags, ignores his doubts, and travels home to the east coast.

The sleepy little fishing town of Siren’s Point isn’t so sleepy when Ewan comes back to town. Nothing much has changed since he’s been away— the locals still gossip, the lobstermen still haul traps, and Shiloh Lepage is still the love of his life.

Shiloh spends his days on the ocean, and his nights alone. He feels stuck in a relationship that has gone stagnant. He misses a childhood friend he hasn’t spoken to in seven years, and should have long given up on. He doesn’t know what else to do, and so he simply goes on.

Ewan is supposed to be on vacation. He’s supposed to be relaxing, and, if he’s lucky, finding himself again. But all he’s found is a rekindling of desire that never quite went away, no matter how many miles he put between himself and Shiloh. Now back in Siren’s Point, he finds himself confronted with old fears, new choices, and the realization that some things will never change.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245924653-finest-kind-of-fate

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Seven years ago, Ewan left his home and is heart behind in Siren’s Point. The loss of his mother, the feelings he was having for his best friend, and the need to try and make his artistic dreams come true were the drive. But though he was successful in his career, it wasn’t an easy seven years. Not when his heart was with his best friend, Shiloh. And who he hasn’t spoken to since. But now, he needs a break. His art suffering and he suddenly has this idea to go home. He knows it won’t be easy. Not how he left and how he hasn’t reached out. He has amends to make and maybe it’s time to face his feelings. Shiloh knew Ewan had to leave. He understood. He just hoped Ewan wouldn’t completely shut him out when he did. He never got over it. And he never tried reaching out even when he was met back with silence. But perhaps he does need to move on this time? But just as the thought crosses his mind, Ewan returns home. A long conversation is well overdue and perhaps it is time to come clean about his own feelings for his best friend. A sweet and beautiful second chance for these two. It is clear to anyone that these two were always meant to be together. They just took their sweet time getting there! I loved watching Ewan and Shiloh reconnect and reaffirm the love they have for one another. We have a brand new town with a lot of interesting character. I can’t wait to see who’s story is next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

SIlvercrest U Book 4: X Marks the Spot by Willow Dixon

 

Silvercrest U Book 4

Getting kidnapped while at a rave wasn’t on my list of things to do. Neither was finding out that the guy I was abducted with isn’t just a rival frat member, we also hooked up that night, and I had no idea who he was.

Now we’re back at school, and instead of moving on and forgetting what happened, I can’t stop thinking about it.

Or about him.

Then I’m tasked with looking into Damon to see if he’s involved in a plot to take down my frat, and the more I watch him, the more obsessed I become.

I don’t just want Damon; I want things I’ve spent years denying myself. Things no one is supposed to want. And it doesn’t take long to realize that we’re not so different after all.

I don’t understand this pull between us, but everything changes when I find out that someone is trying to kill him.

Damon is mine, and I will burn the world down to protect him.

You want him? Come and try to get him.

I f*cking dare you.

X Marks the Spot is the fourth book in a new dark romance series set at an elite, invite-only college, and is a strangers to lovers story between a man who feels like an outsider in his own life, and a rival frat member who awakens his darker side. You can expect strangers to lovers, opposites attract, a bi-awakening, stalking, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, mild CNC, primal play, dirty talk, “touch him and die” vibes, sensualism and sensory play, outdoor fun, a protective MC, morally ambiguous heroes, not-so-secret societies, and lots of spicy times that will steam up your kindle screen as these two men realize that sometimes what you need is the one thing you tell yourself you shouldn’t want.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245063365-x-marks-the-spot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Xavier never imagined that going to a rave would lead not only to being kidnapped but hooking up with a guy who happens to go to his school and be in a rival frat is kidnapped with him. Hooking up with Damon is probably the crazier part than the kidnapping. But even more so? The fact that Xave wants to hook up again. And when Xave learns that Damon is still a target? All bets are off. Because Xave protects what is his. And Damon? Most definitely his. Damon can’t believe there is someone out there who wants to kill him. Because why? What enemy could he possibly have? But even more crazy is what is happening between him and Xave. Damon knew he was attracted to guys but he never hooked up with one before. And after Xave? There is no one else for him. And after seeing the darker side of Xave and his family, Damon knows that maybe he should be scared, but he is anything but. Because Xave makes him feel safe. Seen. And cared for in a way he never has been before. He trusts Xave to help him figure out what is going on. And hopefully they can find the culprit before they try to come after Damon again. Another great book in this series! Loved that we finally got Xave’s story! We knew something has been going on with him and I’m glad we finally got the details. And I loved getting to know Damon and the dynamic between him and Xave. These two were such a great pair. It’s an interesting world and while the Hawthorne cousins’ stories may be done, there are plenty of others’ stories to tell and I can’t wait! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Forging Silver Into Stars Book 3: Sparking Fire Out of Fate by Brigid Kemmerer

 

Forging Silver Into Stars Book 3

Broken loyalties. Uncertain fates. Two kingdoms hanging in the balance. . . The exhilarating finale in bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer's Forging Silver series will leave readers breathless!

Callyn has grown closer to Queen Lia Mara in Syhl Shallow, bonded by the secret magic they share. But their magic can stay hidden only so long, especially when a dangerous plot on the Queen's life forces Callyn to work with the man who betrayed her.

In Emberfall, Tycho and Jax are struggling to rebuild their connection after months apart, complicated when they learn of Truthbringers causing trouble at the borders. Sent to investigate together, Jax and Tycho soon discover that the rebellious faction has formed a devil's bargain with the magical scravers to destroy human magic once and for all.

When their missions bring them together, Tycho, Jax, and Callyn find themselves facing threats from all sides. With one last chance to save their magic and their kingdoms, they must work together, or lose everything.

War has erupted. Love is tested. And without sacrifice, magic could destroy everyone . . .

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228539437-sparking-fire-out-of-fate

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It feels like I have been waiting forever for this book and it has finally arrived! The conclusion to Tycho, Jax, and Callyn’s story is here and it was a great way to end this trilogy. Tycho and Jax are reunited but things are strained between them after being apart for so long. As they find their way back to one another, they are sent on a mission together to learn what the Truthbringers are currently doing. Turns out, nothing good. They’ll have to find a way to alert the king and queen, and stop these rebels for good before they cause more harm. Meanwhile, Callyn has her own problems with Alek but they are aligned when it comes to protecting Queen Lia Mara. They don’t know who to trust but they realize despite the hurt between them, deep down they trust one another. And it is just what they need to fix what happened between them as well. Everyone will be reunited and it’s a final battle to save their kingdoms. A great way to end the series! It’s been a fun world to be in and I loved getting to know all these new characters in this series as well as seeing so many familiar faces. It’s a great world and I’m sad to see we have reached the end. Great series!

Hidden Legacy Book 6.5: Beast Business by Ilona Andrews

 

Hidden Legacy Book 6.5

Augustine Montgomery is an Illusion Prime who owns a premier PI corporation and alters his appearance with magic. The people who have seen Augustine’s real face can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The people who witnessed the full extent of his power are dead. The illusion isn’t just the brand of his magic. It’s become his lifestyle.

Show as little as possible. Make them think that illusion is all you have. Your life depends on it.

Augustine lives by this creed. He’s cold, rational, and calculating. He doesn’t get emotionally involved. Then one day Diana Harrison walks into his office and asks for his help. Diana is a Prime, an animal mage who bonds with animals through her magic and prefers their company to humans. Something precious has been stolen from House Harrison. Something Diana must recover at all costs.

The two Houses are allied through a friendship pact. Assisting Diana is simply good business. And yet, there is something about her that disturbs the careful balance of Augustine’s inner world.

Neither of them is who they appear to be. Both would die to keep their secrets. But the enemy they face is more powerful than either had imagined, and saving the life that hangs in the balance will demand the ultimate price neither Augustine nor Diana ever anticipated to pay – complete honesty.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247307972-beast-business

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The Hidden Legacy series is my favorite from this author. I love being back in this world and am constantly wishing for more stories. This novella about Augustine was not enough! I wish it was longer, though it was perfect for a novella. I wish it was getting a sequel though it seems the authors won’t be doing so. And I am still team Arabella needs a series but alas, still another thing not happening. But I’ll hold out hope! This story was a great way to come back into the world even for a brief time. Cameos from a few friendly faces but mostly we finally get a story about Augustine. And we get an even better look at Diana. Diana comes to Augustine for help. Their Houses are allies and what she asks has to stay between them for a number of reasons. But they are in the search for a very precious something that was stolen from Diana. We get a way better look at their abilities and who they are. And the chemistry between these two are wild. Like I said, definitely needed more after that ending. It’s such an interesting world and gets more so with every new book. Overall, great story! I’m definitely itching for a reread and just more in general.

Deaf Hearts Book 3: Pah! by EM Lindsey & Cora Rose

 

Deaf Hearts Book 3

Whoever convinced me that sleeping with the hot co-owner of PUMPT Gym was a good idea should be tied to a tree and left in the woods to rot.

Too bad I'm the only one to blame.

There’s something about Dex that captured my attention the moment I first saw him, and no matter what I do, I can’t get him out of my head.

But there’s one tiny problem.

He's hearing.

And he doesn’t sign.

Oh, and he’s also the brother of the guy my ex is in love with.

But while three years working in another country with an ocean between us should have cured my addiction, the second I see Dex again, he’s all I want. And this time, it’s worse. This time, he’s learned my language, and he uses his hands to tell me exactly what he thinks of me.

And exactly what he wants to do when he gets his hands on me.

And his lips.

And his tongue.

In spite of my own rules against dating men like him, I find myself wanting to break down all the walls I’ve built up. But will giving in to Dex make me the world’s biggest hypocrite?

Or will I be making the best decision of my life?

PAH! is the third book in the Deaf Hearts series and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. It’s a spicy, MM, enemies to lovers rom-com featuring a burnt out, Deaf corporate cog with a country-sized chip on his shoulder, a hearing, sexy-sweet, gym owning himbo who is learning to take what he wants, especially when it’s offered, bad dates, better dates, A+ dates, light stalking, and a happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243053831-pah

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ve been looking forward to this story! Robbie definitely didn’t come off as super likable in previous books. So I’ve been excited to finally get in his head and learn more about him. Especially when we learn that he gets with Dex! After a relationship that ended badly, Robbie swore to not dating hearing people. The language barrier is too much and he has been burned before. But then there is Dex. Something about him grabs Robbie’s attention and it just makes him angry to feel this pull toward someone he swore he wouldn’t date. Dex may be trying to learn ASL but it’s not enough. At least, Robbie doesn’t think so. Not at this moment. Doesn’t stop them from some very angry hook ups that leave them burning for more. But one problem. The last time it happens, Dex may make Robbie promise to stay, but in the morning, he’s gone. Worse? He left for France and is supposed to be gone for three years. Talk about ouch! Now, the years have passed and Robbie returns home. And neither have moved past the feelings they have for one another. But Dex won’t let Robbie get away with walking away this time. And Robbie isn’t strong enough to stay away. Especially when Dex is way more fluent and has shown Robbie just how much has changed and yet he still wants Robbie. Adored these two! I loved that Dex didn’t let Robbie just get away with how much he hurt him when he left. And that he really made Robbie try harder when it came to the two of them. Dex deserves someone who is willing to try. And for Robbie, he needed that push. He needed to see that Dex was different than his past and that he wanted to be different with Dex too. I loved watching these two open up to one another and finally get together after all that time! We also get introduced to some pretty interesting new characters in what appears to be a new series connected to this one. Can’t wait to see what comes next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Contractually Yours by Crea Reitan

 

Sign your love away…

Enfield

I never wanted an arranged marriage but to continue the spoiled lifestyle I live and support my three children, I sign on the dotted line with a plan to get what I want and ditch the wife. My parents have other plans and the woman I’m contracted to turns out to be a man. I’m livid.

Xavi

I’ve been looking forward to this day for years. After watching six older brothers get their happy endings, all I want is mine. But the man who walks through my door is angry, mean, and not interested. My happy ending is heartbreak instead.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244503071-contractually-yours

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We’ve been teased about Xavi and Enfield’s story before, but now we get to see it for ourselves at last! In Xavi and Enfield’s worlds, marriage contracts are a thing. Something families have down for generations. Something they both knew they would have to do one day. But the two of them have had very different expectations and experiences with the traditions. For Xavi, he has watched it work on his many siblings and they all are living their happily ever afters. He just wants his own. Does he agree with everything in the contract? No, but he doesn’t have much of a choice and he’ll make the sacrifice. But for Enfield, he has spent the last thirteen years fighting the contracts. He wants his inheritance, he wants his birthright. Being forced to marry with some pretty insane rules is the last thing he wants. So he has spent his time finding every loophole he can and acting out in the hope his parents will finally stop and listen. And it isn’t working. He is tired. When his friend/lawyer finds a possible solution, Enfield decides to try. Even if that means signing a contract even temporarily. But what he doesn’t realize is that his parents have set him up with a man. And he’s straight. Enfield has been pushed just a bit too much this time. But this may end up being the best thing that has happened to him in a while. Because even though Enfield and Xavi start off rocky, there is something stirring between them and they just may find that their futures could be their own if they want it to. This ended up being so great! I was so curious about these two and how they got to where we see them in other books. And just in general how they could fall for one another considering what was going on in their lives. I loved seeing cameos from other characters we know and love. And I love that these two get what they both always wanted in the end and more. Great story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

New York Legends Book 2: Big Stick Energy by Sarina Bowen

 

New York Legends Book 2

A hockey team captain and a bubbly staffer mix business with pleasure when they start fake dating through the wedding season in this hot sports romance perfect for fans of Mariana Zapata​ and Elle Kennedy. 

Darcy Kendrick is used to putting out fires. As an overworked admin to a hockey team, she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for accidentally DMing her very private, very NSFW fantasy to the subject of this fantasy: team captain Eric Tremaine. Nobody actually dies of embarrassment. Right?

But when a wedding invite puts them on a collision course with her chaotic family and his emotionally fraught past, Eric suggests a plan: they fake-date their way through the “Wedding Experience.” It’s mutually beneficial. Totally strategic. And definitely not real. Except between mini tacos, slow dances and lingering glances, Eric starts to wonder if the sharp-tongued assistant with a bottomless to-do list might be the one person who truly sees him. And for Darcy? The fire in her heart might be the only one she can’t put out.

It’s supposed to be fake. It’s supposed to be temporary. So why is it so hard to walk away?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242445304-big-stick-energy

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ve been so excited to read Darcy and Eric’s story, and it did not disappoint! It was clear from the previous book that Darcy had some feelings for Eric. And when she sends a message to her best friend about her fantasy about Eric she soon realizes that she didn’t actually send the message to Zoe but to Eric himself. Though she is most definitely mortified, it may end up being the best thing she has ever done. Turns out Eric needed a bit of a wake up call when it came to Darcy. Eric and Darcy have worked together for years and it’s very clear that Eric has paid attention to Darcy. But Eric is anything but selfish. He puts others before him all the time and spends so much of his energy being the best captain he can be. Doing things from himself? Not really a thing. But the message is the start of something. Especially when he realizes that the two of them will be going to the same wedding this summer. Cue the family drama for them both. What starts as being one another’s date to fake dating, is just the beginning glimpse of what they could be together if they give themselves the chance. For Eric, he has never really dated. Never found someone who made him want to ask for more. And for Darcy, growing up she has seen what it looks like when things go bad. Can they be brave enough to take the risk? I loved these two! They were so much fun and had amazing chemistry. I loved that they were friends and how this one trip really gave them a chance to realize how much they knew one another and how much more there was to learn. They just worked together so well. And these two were clearly falling hard for one another from the start, yet neither would admit it. Another great book in this series! We have some great characters and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sins of the Father Book 3: Sweet Obsession by Riley Hart

Sins of the Father Book 3

Rory

I’m beginning to unravel.

When I meet Shai Burrows, he intrigues me enough that he has me stalking him, following him, watching him.

And when I find out he’s the one who robbed me, instead of handling business, it only makes me obsess over him even more.

But I can’t just let him get away with that, so we cut a deal. Shai will work off what he owes me, with his body, something he’s as eager about as I am. Because after that first touch, our worlds collide.

We get off on danger and seek trouble we’re not supposed to find. He craves my body, and though I don’t understand it, I know I want him by my side.

He’s my obsession, and I can’t help but want more.

In fact, I want it all.

And I’ll take it.

Our world is violent and chaotic. I’ve always reveled in that, but I’m risking it all now. I need to learn control because if I lose him, no one will be able to pull me back from the edge.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240502498-sweet-obsession

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s Rory’s turn! He has finally met his perfect match and who would have thought it was the guy that robbed him? Rory is chaotic and wild and sometimes he can lose himself in the darkness but the right person, like his best friend, can bring him back. There are just a lot of layers to Rory. And finding someone who gets that, gets him, is hard to find. They need to care for him but also understand his relationship with his best friend and his best friend’s boyfriend too. Rory and his made family have deep bonds. Ones that will never break. They have one another’s back for anything. And when Rory meets Shai, he is surprised by the obsession he immediately feels toward him. Especially when Rory lets Shai close to his family. But the thing is, Shai understands Rory. And while Rory may think he doesn’t understand love, being with Shai? He begins to figure it out. Shai is used to having no one. His mom may be the only person in his life that he cares about, but the way she acts is anything like a mom should be. And Shai turns into the adult in their relationship. But he’ll do anything to protect his mom. Even if it means doing something he probably shouldn’t be doing. But it leads him to Rory. And the more he gets to know Rory, the more they just get one another and just can’t stay away from each other. I loved their chaotic dynamic, yet they ground one another at the same time too. I love their relationship with each other and the one they had will Cillian and Ollie too. These two deserve someone who will always be in their corner and never ask the other to change. It was fun to see Shai match Rory’s chaos but at the same time knowing when to reel him in. Action, violence, humor, and lots of romance, this was everything I could have hoped for in Rory’s story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Crown of Hearts & Chaos Book 1: Hollow by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

 

Crown of Hearts & Chaos Book 1

Don’t listen to the whispers of the woods.

Don’t trust the man cloaked in shadow.

Don’t earn the wrath of the scattered spirits.

Don’t go out after dark.

The Great Hunt begins once every fifty years and only the Champions willing to face death to shatter the curse dare to enter.

The Champions…and me.

I’m no warrior, no swordsmith, and certainly no Fae, but the forest is my only hope. To enter those trees is to walk willingly to my demise. But I need the boon the forest will grant the winner and I’m willing to risk it all for a chance at claiming it.

I just never expected to face him beneath those trees. The beast who strikes fear into the desperate people of all lands. The monster who commands the legion of Hollows and makes our plight a thousand times worse.

The Hollows are empty of all things but none are so heartless as him.

Prince Bane intends to be the death of me. But I have an oath to fulfil before I’ll let him have me. And I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve it.

I am Ferris Creed and I’m going to unite the lost spirits who once bound the wandering trees in place, return the scattered amulets to the core of its corruption, and use the winner’s boon to change my fate. Come wretchedness or torment, through trickery and deception, I will get what I came here for. And no one will stand in my way. Not even Prince Bane.

*** Hollow is a dark Romantasy from the bestselling authors of Zodiac Academy, Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. It is a heady cocktail of Summoners, seduction and spirits, set to get your heart racing and feet kicking. There will be a ruinous, black hearted love interest, a rebellious, ruthless FMC, plot twists, cliff hangers, dark humour and a healthy seasoning of make-you-blush spice. It is not for the faint of heart. All those who enter the forest are bound by its terms – will you walk willingly into the dark? ***

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222472678-hollow

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A new world of magic written by the Twisted Sisters and it’s another I’m going to really enjoy exploring! There is a curse is desperate need of breaking. Every fifty years the Great Hunt occurs. Champions go into the cursed woods with the goal to collect the thirteen spirits and bring them to the Great Elm. Whoever brings the most will not only break the curse but receive a boon. And that is something Ferris needs desperately. She has secretly prepared to go into the woods to begin the quest but never expects to be literally dragged into it. Death and danger surround her at every turn. With a limited amount of time, Ferris will have to find a way to survive. And meeting a Fae by the name of Hendrix is the last thing she wants. Enemies to reluctant allies, together they hunt for the spirits. But there is more to Hendrix than meets the eye and in the end only one can claim victory. This was a fun and dark new world to explore. The magic is very different than what I’ve read from these authors so far and I’ve really enjoyed getting to see their new take on magic and Fae. Ferris was a fierce and clever woman who has a way with the forest and spirits. And Hendrix while we can guess who he is and what he does, there is still a lot more to him than we know. This is just the beginning of what I think is going to be a really interesting series. And I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Heart by Jesse H. Reign

 

The first time I laid eyes on him my heart skipped a beat. 

My obsession began the way all obsessions do…with a spark. A small, seemingly insignificant flicker that quickly took root.

He was pure, liquid light. A sunshine boy with a heart of gold.

He turned my world up-side-down. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t let him out of my sight.

Ever wondered what happens when red flags and green flags collide? If so, you’re about to find out.

Heart is an obsessive, swoony, stalker-y MM romance featuring the biggest green flag in existence, and a broken boy you can’t help falling in love with.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244019552-heart

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This was so good! Could not put it down. Get ready for a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Lennon is drowning. And he has no idea how to pull himself out of it. Not sure how to move on, if he even can. Then he sees him. Connor. It’s like a spark lights back up in him. This sunshine of a boy with a heart of gold. And Lennon has no idea how to stay away. Literally. Lennon knows that the bit of light stalking he is doing isn’t a good idea. He is super self aware of it and yet can’t really stop. And then an opportunity comes up when he sees Connor post a notice looking for a roommate. Lennon won’t do it. He tells himself he can’t. Even waits two weeks before calling the number because he is sure by then Connor would have filled the spot. But he doesn’t. And Lennon finds himself finally meeting Connor and it’s electric. And turns out? Not just for Lennon either. Connor sees more of Lennon than anyone and can see the guy is hurting in more ways than one. They go from roommates to friends and to so much more. Something Lennon never actually imagined for themselves. It takes him quite a while to realize that these things he is feeling toward Connor is really a crush. And from there… well, watching these two fall hard for one another was so sweet. And there is a lot more going on than you think. We had some pretty neat twists by the end. Which I’ll admit there was one thing I figured out early on and then another by three quarters in and even with that guess in my head, I still loved the story. I wasn’t disappointed at all. I had to see if I was right and how it actually played out. Just really, really good! And one you do not want to miss!

Guild Hunters Book 18: Archangel’s Eternity by Nalini Singh

 

Guild Hunters Book 18

Elena and Raphael return for the hauntingly poignant conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s genre-defining Guild Hunter series.

A thousand years.

It’s been a millennium since Elena’s fateful first meeting with Archangel Raphael. She has survived war and loss, experienced beauty and cruelty. But no matter what, she has always held on to her mortal heart, as she and Raphael have held on to each other. Passionate and vibrant, they’ve built a life that has stood the test of time, growing ever stronger with each turn of the sun.

But change is coming—of a magnitude they could have never imagined—and it will forever alter the trajectory of their existence.

Even as they grapple with the cataclysmic shift in their personal lives, the Cadre of Ten, which has maintained a hard-won peace for centuries, begins to simmer with dangerous fault lines. The specter of madness looms in one archangel, the promise of war burns between two others, and in darkness far from mortal and immortal eyes stirs an ancient, slumbering power.

Suddenly, the future is terrifyingly uncertain . . . at the very moment that Elena and her archangel need to protect a treasure infinitely more precious than eternity.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239779041-archangel-s-eternity

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Amazing. Brilliant. 10/10. No notes. THIS is how you end a series. A series that was already amazing book after book. But wow! Absolutely beautifully done. Easily one of, if not, the best of the series. I was so happy to get an early copy of this book and I literally spent the day reading it, I couldn’t put it down! The conclusion to Elena and Raphael’s story has arrived. And it’s everything you could want in a final story for them. If you can guess what this story is about based on the hints of the blurb, then know it’s so much more and even better. We truly follow their happy ending for a while and I loved seeing how so much played out. Elena and Raphael are on a whole new journey a thousand years after their story began. We see it all. We see everyone. You’ll laugh and cry and simply be unable to stop smiling. I loved this world from day one and as sad as I am to see it end. I will be thinking about this one for a while and will have to do a reread of the entire series in the near future. It was such a bittersweet read to know we were at the end yet so much happens in this story and I loved every moment of it. We catch up with all those we love and see countless happy endings while Elena and Raphael enter this new chapter in their lives. I think anyone who has loved this series from the beginning will be satisfied with its conclusion!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Chronicles of the Avatar Book 6: The Awakening of Roku by Randy Ribay

 

Chronicles of the Avatar Book 6

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Reckoning of Roku comes the page-turning conclusion to the third duology in the Chronicles of the Avatar series, starring Avatar Roku and set in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.

There are as many paths to full Avatarhood as there are Avatars…

This suspenseful follow-up to The Reckoning of Roku delves into the Avatar’s continued efforts to trust himself and restore peace to a world hovering on the brink of catastrophe

Three years after the mess on Lambak Island, Roku has finally mastered airbending and is on track to become the Avatar the world needs. But when he encounters a mysterious illness on his way to Agna Qel’a, he delays his journey and the next phase of his training to prevent the situation from worsening.

As Roku ventures deeper into the North and nearer to danger, he soon realizes there’s more to the malady than meets the eye. With the assistance of his good friend Gyatso, a gifted Waterbender named Makittuq, and others near and far―including from his past―Roku races to contain the crisis before the disease can ravage the North . . . and beyond.

Don't miss this stunning conclusion of the story of Avatar Roku from New York Times bestselling and National Book Award nominated author Randy Ribay!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216847477-the-awakening-of-roku

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s been three years since Lambak Island and Roku has now finished his Avatar training with the Air Nomads. Water is next and that means another round of change. Roku has come to love his time with the Air Nomads and specifically his closest friend, Gyatso. But he must complete his changing. Luckily for Roku it seems that Gyatso isn’t ready either to say goodbye and offers to travel with him to the Northern Water Tribe before Gyatso starts his emissary mission with the Fire Nation. But when they arrive in the North they realize danger is in the air with a mysterious illness. And they cannot sit back and do nothing. So they team up with a waterbender named Makittuq to discover the origin of the poison and if they can find a cure before others get hurt. Meanwhile, Sozin is showing more and more of signs of meeting the future we all know is coming for him as he tries to prove his place as the heir. And then there is Tam Min! Who is currently an emissary of the Fire Nation staying in Omashu where she uncovers something big and that may connect to what Roku is dealing with. I really liked this story! As obviously a big fan of the Avatar the Last Airbender and the Legend of Korra, there were so many things we get to see here that actually will come into play in the future. So it was interesting to see a previous Avatar deal with similar issues. I also loved how seeing this younger version of Gyatso is basically Aang. The man raised a mini him and it’s hilarious to see. I also just enjoyed really getting to know Roku more and how his journey shapes him more and more into the Avatar we see in the future. Great story all around!