Zodiac Academy Book 2: Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Zodiac Academy Book 2

They tried to break us.

They almost did.

But we're not going anywhere.

The Celestial Heirs think the stars are on their side. But they don't know what's coming. Fighting them one on one isn't an option so we have to be stealthy. Remaining under the radar won't be easy, but if we pull it off, they'll never suspect our involvement when their lives start falling apart.

Besides, they've already taken us to the brink of hell, what more can they really do?

**THIS IS NOT REVERSE HAREM**

This is a paranormal academy bully romance and forbidden teacher romance. Suitable for Upper YA/NA readers who are fans of Shunned, Cruel Magic and Supernatural Academy.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51966347-ruthless-fae

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Things are getting a lot more interesting at Zodiac Academy. This story picks up where book 1 left off and it was a super nice surprise to see that we get more points of view in this book than just Darcy and Tory. I think it gives everyone a better idea of exactly what is going on in everyone's head and it makes the characters that much more interesting. So in the beginning of this story Darcy and Tory are on the edge of being broken. They realize just how far the Heirs would go to get them out and for a moment they decide that perhaps it is better to leave. But with the right nudge they realize that running isn't who thy are. They are survivors and they haven't broken just yet. They are stronger than that. So it's time for a little bit of revenge as they prove to those who tried to force them out that they aren't going anywhere. Darius, Caleb, Seth, and Max won't know what hit them now that the Vega twins have decided to play offense. Revenge is in motion but so are the Nymphs as their attacks become more bold. Plus, Orion and Darius learn that Lionel is up to something soon. War is coming on all fronts. I liked this story a lot better than The Awakening and I think it was because Tory and Darcy are starting to understand the Fae better and are getting better at fighting back. The two are finding their way. Also, getting a look into each of the Heirs' heads and Orion's head too explains their motivations a lot better. Now if only they could tell Tory and Darcy and we get some team ups against the true villains. I'm hoping that will come soon but until then I'll take Tory and Darcy fighting back and finding their way into this world.

The League Eve of Destruction Book 2: Born of Rage by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The League Eve of Destruction Book 2

Every Life Has a Price

Dakari Tievel has been marked for death by the infamous League. Staying barely one step ahead of the assassins out to end her life, she must find the legendary Eve of Destruction. But Eve is a lot more than just a bounty hunter who calls the shadows home. She comes with an interesting crew of friends and family who have no problem defying the League that rules their worlds with an iron fist.

Now they must rely on the most unlikely of allies to keep Dakari safe, and themselves alive. Provided he doesn't betray them.

In a universe where the League is law, it's killed or be killed.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51919964-born-of-rage

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I read this story when it first came out and decided to reread it when I received Eve of Destruction because I learn that this book comes after that and I'm glad I did because the story makes way more sense now that Eve of Destruction is coming out. In this follow up short novella we get Dakari, Jinx's sister, running for her life to find this mysterious Eve of Destruction who could help her get away from the contract the League has out on her. What she never expects is to run into the brother she thought died so long ago. Eve and Jinx are there to find Dakari when Jinx learns that their brother has finally crossed the line and broken the promise to protect Dakari and in exchange Jinx won't come after him after what he did to their family. But that truce is off the table the moment he has Dakari in his arms. It's time to do what he should have a long time ago. I'm loving these short stories with Jinx and Eve! And I'm looking forward to more from them.

The League Eve of Destruction Series Book 1: Eve of Destruction by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The League Eve of Destruction Book 1

Eve Erixour is a mercenary with a past no one would envy and more enemies than anyone should have. Death stalks her relentlessly. So when she gains the attention of a League assassin, she considers it par for the course.

But Jinx Shadowbourne isn’t after Eve. Someone has it in for him and his brethren. High-ranking assassins are falling, and Jinx is convinced one of their own is selling them out. He’s on the trail of his key suspect when fate throws him headfirst into Eve’s life.

Now the two of them have to find the League leak and plug it or neither one of them will live to face another enemy, and the ones they love, and the universe at large, will be left alone to face a power-crazed madman. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59525379-eve-of-destruction

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The League world is one of my absolute favorites. It's been so long since I've been back in it, reading this short novella was both super nice and also just not enough. This is the beginning of this new short novella series. We meet Eve (Jayne's sister who we are super familiar with from The League series) and Jinx. Their story takes place way before the first book of The League series. In this novella we meet Eve, a mercenary who comes across a League assassin. Their encounter is brief but memorable as Jinx saves her from someone coming to collect a debt. But when she finds Jinx severely injured, she can't forget his act of kindness or resist the pull she has toward him. She takes him to her place and takes care of him. Jinx hates his life in the League. He was conscripted when he was young and does what he can to survive. We get the beginning of their love story and we see the early stages of those in the League getting fed up with having no control over their lives. We see some familiar faces like Nyk and Syn and a very young Jayne. And plenty of new faces as well. Love this world and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes and how it shapes the future League stories.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Zodiac Academy Book 1.5: The Awakening as Told by the Boys by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Zodiac Academy Book 1.5

**This is a retelling of book 1 of Zodiac Academy from the perspective of Orion, Darius, Caleb, Seth and Max**

The Vega twins are alive.

Those five words circle in my mind like an oncoming storm. They change everything about the future we thought had been set in stone. They challenge everything we were raised to be and the stability of the entire kingdom.

They’re coming to our academy looking for the life that was stolen from them, but we can’t let them take it back.

So much hangs in the balance and we can’t risk the arrival of two naïve princesses destroying everything we worked so hard for.

I have trained in dark magic, overcome all challenges and stood in the shadow of Lionel Acrux for far too long already. I won’t let them come between me and his downfall.

Which means they have to go before they discover how powerful they truly are.

This is a retelling of the first book in the Zodiac Academy series from the point of view of Orion and the Heirs and should be read after you have finished the original story. It includes scenes from alternative points of view as well over 50k words of additional content and scenes which have never before been revealed. So prepare to step into the dark minds of the Zodiac boys and watch out for the heartbreak and carnage that will ensue.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58800799-the-awakening-as-told-by-the-boys

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My Review: 4/5 Stars 

So glad that I discovered this series to the point where this story was already out because after reading this, book 1 told by Tory and Darcy makes a lot more sense. So this book is The Awakening but in the boys'—Orion, Darius, Seth, Caleb, and Max—point of view. And boy do things make a lot more sense. I wanted to know exactly what drove all of them to do what they did in The Awakening. Seeing how cruel they were I knew there had to be a reason. Something that was driving and pushing them to be their worst selves and we get that. We get those answers and realize that these guys will do anything to protect one another and those they love. Even if it means turning into the monsters they hate and never wanted to be. Now going into the rest of this series I will have a better understanding of their actions and see if it is possible for them to change and find a better way. To let Darcy and Tory in and even unite. Because something tells me they will be all stronger and better if they work together. Extra excited now to see where this series goes. Being new to this series I started with The Awakening then back tracked to the Origins novella and then read this one and I appreciate it a lot more because it gave me the bigger picture and I think I will be able to catch a lot more as I continue. I also wouldn't mind more stories in any of their points of view.

Zodiac Academy Book 0.5: Origins of an Academy Bully by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Zodiac Academy Book 0.5

Dark magic is forbidden at Zodiac Academy.

That's why I hide it so well.

But now I'm supposed to mentor Darius Acrux: the son of the most ruthless Dragon Shifter in Solaria.

If he's caught using blood magic, he'll lose his claim to the throne.

The problem is? Our families are up to something, and we're determined to find out what. No matter what dark power we must turn to...

Welcome to Zodiac Academy, where your star sign defines your destiny.

As the Fae of the future, you will soon learn the merciless way to claim your power. Life among the Vampires, Shifters and Sirens is no easy ride, but if you can make it through your exams, you might just be able to harness your inner strength and earn your place among the elite.

This is a prequel novella set four years before Zodiac Academy: The Awakening, Book 1 in the Supernatural Bullies and Beasts series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49646047-zodiac-academy

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My Review: 4/5

So after reading book 1 of Zodiac Academy I decided to jump back to the novella prequel and I am very glad I did. I definitely get a way better understanding of Darius and Orion after that book. We learn a lot about them in that novella. And now I will definitely be reading book 1 in their point of view now. Because though I got a better of understanding at what happened to them to shape who they are in The Awakening, there is still plenty of questions left. So this story takes place four years before The Awakening. Orion and Darius are friends despite their age difference and because their families are close. But when the two of them discover that their parents are planning something bad, they can't sit back and wait for it to come. They need to know what is going to happen and stop them. But they realize there are some things out of their control and their futures are about to change drastically. Like I said this was a great way to understand these two and give me some answers. But there is still so much left of this story and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 9: Shenanigans by Sarina Bowen

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 9

What I meant to do in Vegas: Let my hair down for once and celebrate winning a medal at my first women’s hockey all-stars competition.

What I actually did: Got senior prom drunk and woke up married to Brooklyn’s star winger, the great Neil Drake.

He’s the heir to a billion dollars, and I barely survived my childhood. Our friendship is based strictly only on hockey, takeout food and smack talk.

And now holy matrimony. Although we both know it can’t last, especially once his evil family gets wind of our Vegas shenanigans…

Contains: Meddling teammates, meddling parents, ugly jewelry and a pretend-kiss that nearly sets the world on fire.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59737076-shenanigans

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Shenanigans is such an excellent title for this story because when it comes to Neil and Charli and all their friends there are plenty shenanigans going on! Loved Neil and Charli's story! I was so excited for them to get a book after meeting them in the previous book of this series. The story kicks off in a pretty memorable way or for Neil and Charli, there are some things they don't quite remember. They wake up next to one another in a bed in Vegas, hungover as hell and stumble upon some pretty interesting papers. Specifically marriage papers where they apparently got married the night before. As they nurse a hangover and rush out the door to catch a plane and not miss either of their hockey practices, they are a little late to realize that leaving wasn't the best idea if you are looking for a divorce. Apparently getting married drunk is super easy but getting a sober divorce is not. As the two of them figure out their plan of action and their feelings for one another things get complicated. Like how Neil has always had a thing for Charli and explaining how he feels about her may not come out right after drunk marrying her. And for Charli, she always keeps her distance because trusting others is super hard and Neil tempts her in ways that no one ever has. Plus Charli believes they come from totally two different worlds. Neil and his family are super rich while she barely has money to her name. That and the fact that her family is the worst lot. Though Neil's isn't any better in some ways. And when Neil proposes for them to stay married long enough for him to make a move against his uncle in their company, well Charli finds herself agreeing to help. How can she not get behind Neil when his ideas will help so many others? It also doesn't help when he promises to cook her some amazing steak dinners in exchange for every family encounter. 

This book is just a ton of fun. Neil and Charli have wonderful chemistry and despite their differences are really great together. How can anyone not love the sweetheart that is Neil Drake III? And it will take everything he has to prove to Charli that he is crazy about her and that she can open her heart to him and trust him to have her back no matter comes their way. Just another wonderful addition to this series and I can't wait to find out who's book is next! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Dark Olympus Novella: Stone Heart by Robert Katee

Dark Olympus Novella

In the city of Olympus, people only speak about Medusa in whispers. She’s Athena’s knife hand, the one sent when Athena wants someone to disappear. No one asks Medusa what she wants, but she owes Athena her life, and if staining her hands with blood is the only way to repay the debt, it’s a small price to pay.

Until Athena sends her after Calypso, the mistress of the rich politician Odysseus. As far as Medusa can tell, Calypso hasn’t done anything remotely worthy of a death sentence, and her conflicted feelings only get compounded when she finally sees the woman. Calypso is beautiful and cunning and she’ll do anything to keep her life—including seducing her would-be assassin.

What starts as a ploy to escape quickly spirals into genuine interest. Medusa is hardly the cold killer that rumors suggest, and Calypso is far more complicated than her reputation as a ruthless gold-digger.

But it doesn’t matter that they’ve finally found something special together. Athena will have her blood, and this time not even crossing the River Styx will save them… 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60118116-stone-heart

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Before Neon Gods, there was someone else who ran across the River Styx. Well two someones. Medusa is Athena's assassin. She has owed one of the Thirteen a debt the moment Athena saved her life from Poseidon. In doing so she has stained her hands in blood. But when Athena sends Medusa on her latest mission, she finds herself truly hesitating for the first time. Calypso was the mistress of a rich politician, Odysseus. Now that he has lost control of the situation he hires Athena to get rid of Calypso permanently. Calypso has only ever done what she has had to in order to survive. She never thought Odysseus would go as far to kill her to get rid of her. But when Medusa turns up at her apartment, she realizes that surviving could be a lot tricker this time. Medusa knows killing Calypso isn't fair or right and when Calypso catches her off guard she is almost glad that she escapes. It has nothing to do with her attraction to Calypso, at least that is what she tells herself. But her hunt isn't over yet, Athena tells her to go after Calypso and finish the job. This short novella was pretty great! I hope we see Medusa and Calypso in future books. They were two interesting characters who gave you a nice peek at how corrupt their world is and how those who are on the other side of the River Styx play a way different game. I hope we get some more novellas in this world!