Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 3: The Heir by Jessie Donovan

Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 3

Twenty-three years ago, Azalyn Rippak Sulani had the misfortune of falling in love with a prince. It wasn’t long before she was chased away and forced to live a quiet life, working for a merchant family and trying her best to start over. However, after a group of aliens kidnap her and knock her unconscious, Azalyn wakes up in the Kelderan palace and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart. Because of certain circumstances, she has no choice but to stay in the palace. But to protect her heart and those she loves, she’s determined to find ways to resist the powerful prince and his secrets. 

Prince Keltor tro el Vallen is heir to the Kelderan throne and must put duty above all else. Social connections, especially those with love involved, are dangerous. So when the only female who ever treated him as a man instead of a prince comes storming back into his life, it takes everything Keltor has to keep his distance and resist the lively, straightforward woman. Otherwise, he might start to wish for what he can’t have. 

As Keltor and Azalyn start to realize that they fit better together now than in the past, they face a bigger problem. Namely, if a prince marries a commoner, there could be war. Can they find a way to recapture their love and start over? Or, will Keltor’s duty to Keldera trump all?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36424415-the-heir

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Book 3 of the Kelderan Runic Warriors series and this one is probably the best one so far! Just when you thought secrets were revealed in the last book, even more secrets are revealed. The truth of what happened between Keltor and Azalyn is revealed and though both try hard to keep their feelings in check, neither can resist the pull, despite it being over twenty years since they last saw one another. The book takes placed on Kelderan as opposed to being in space like the previous two books. You get a better look of the planet and the inside workings of the monarchy and those who are opposed to it. We also get to see Keltor and Azalyn find their way back to one another. Despite the complications that arise. A great story and an interesting plot line filled with twists and turns. Can't wait for the next one, especially when it features Kalahn and Ryven! 

Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 2: The Barren by Jessie Donovan

Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 2

Vala Yarlen is one of the Barren—an infertile female ostracized from the rest of Kelderan society with others of her kind. So when she’s given the opportunity to join the new colony on a human-occupied planet, she jumps at the chance for a fresh start. The only downside is that she has to serve General Thorin Jarrell for the duration of the journey. The cool, distant male goes out of his way to show his disdain of her. But for the chance at freedom, Vala endeavors to endure.

Thorin Jarrell is the general in command of the Kelderan colony transport ship. After years of concealing his true parentage and working his way through the ranks of the army, Thorin will do anything to make his mission a success. What he didn’t count on was to find the female assigned to clean his quarters unconscious on the floor. The reason why throws his life into disarray.

Yet as Thorin tries to help Vala recover, the ship encounters trouble. Will they ever reach Jasvar alive? And if so, will Thorin and Vala find a way to be together despite the mountain of obstacles standing in their way?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33825793-the-barren

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Great story! I loved it a lot more than the first one. When we are first introduced to Vala and Thorin, there was no way I could picture them ending up together. But in this story, we learn more about them and who they are. Then we see their character development, which was phenomenal. Now they are probably two of my favorite characters. Thrown together in a way neither expected, they soon learn to work together and push pass the judgments that both are used to when it comes to how they are born. The story focuses on how others judge one another and that you must look past status and looks and birth to really know a person. This is a lesson Vala and Thorin both learn and it is what makes them perfect for one another. Both judged constantly, they learn more about themselves and grow closer together. While on their journey to the new colony, danger arises in an unexpected enemy. We also discover more about Prince Keltor and his long lost love. Overall, a great second book and I am excited for the next one! 

Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 1: The Conquest by Jessie Donovan

Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 1

Leader of a human colony planet, Taryn Demara has much more on her plate than maintaining peace or ensuring her people have enough to eat. Due to a virus that affects male embryos in the womb, there is a shortage of men. For decades, her people have enticed ships to their planet and tricked the men into staying. However, a ship hasn’t been spotted in eight years. So when the blip finally shows on the radar, Taryn is determined to conquer the newcomers at any cost to ensure her people’s survival. 

Prince Kason tro de Vallen needs to find a suitable planet for his people to colonize. The Kelderans are running out of options despite the fact one is staring them in the face—Planet Jasvar. Because a group of Kelderan scientists disappeared there a decade ago never to return, his people dismiss the planet as cursed. But Kason doesn’t believe in curses and takes on the mission to explore the planet to prove it. As his ship approaches Jasvar, a distress signal chimes in and Kason takes a group down to the planet’s surface to explore. What he didn’t expect was for a band of females to try and capture him. 

As Taryn and Kason measure up and try to outsmart each other, they soon realize they’ve found their match. The only question is whether they ignore the spark between them and focus on their respective people’s survival or can they find a path where they both succeed?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32727928-the-conquest

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A bit of a rough start getting into this book I will admit but by the middle and end of it I was hooked. If you liked other books by Jessie Donovan then I believe you will enjoy the first book of this series as well. I've read her dragon books and thought I would try her science fiction and alien romance next. Donovan creates a science fiction setting that is easy to follow and opens up to a whole new way to view the universe. 

Taryn is determined to help her people on their dying population no matter the cost. While Prince Kason is determined to find a place for his people to colonize. Both will do whatever for their people and though they are the most stubborn life forms, they couldn't be more perfect for one another. After proving her strength and intelligence Taryn finds herself on Kason's ship with a way to negotiate with the Kelderans. Though their relationship starts off shaky and is filled with bargains to get what they want for others, they soon realize that the spark between them goes farther than just bargains. With introductions of interesting characters, fights, adventure, and conflict that will open up the storyline for the rest of the series, I believe this is a story worth reading and I look forward for the next book! 

A de Vincent Novel Book 1: Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A de Vincent Novel Book 1

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout delivers the unforgettable story of a woman whose new life has just begun—but may end in murder...  

Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she learned a very painful lesson. Now Julia’s starting over with a job in the Louisiana bayou—and a scorching encounter with a stranger, only to discover he’s Lucian de Vincent... her new employer. The de Vincent brothers share a massive fortune and a dark reputation. Julia cares for their troubled sister, but a menacing presence in the mansion—and the ever-present temptation of Lucian—prove dangerously distracting.

Lucian’s grandmother claimed de Vincent men fall in love once—and hard. Apparently, it’s Lucian’s turn. Julia’s compassionate care of his twin makes Lucian want to lay himself bare. But some secrets are better for Julia not to know.

The recent “suicide” of Lucian’s father is the latest in a string of deaths on the estate. Someone is eliminating the de Vincents. And the best way to get to Lucian may be through Julia...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35068738-moonlight-sins 

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of my favorite authors and she has yet to truly disappoint me. Her last thriller mystery romance book, Till Death, was good but it wasn't like Moonlight Sins. This new novel had the mystery, suspense, romance, and even a little paranormal that brought the book to the next level. And of course when you have a setting like New Orleans, anything can happen in the city of ghosts and mystery. A definite new favorite of mine and I can't wait for the next one! 

This story focuses on Lucian de Vincent and Julia Hughes. The book begins with Lucian and his brothers finding their father dead in his study. Though it appears he has hung himself, none of them believe that is true, especially when there is evidence proving otherwise. However, with the life they live they can't have the truth of that coming out. Especially when the real reason and complication appears in the form of Lucian's fraternal twin sister, Madeline, who has returned from the dead but appears to be emotionally scarred. 

Enter Julia. Hired by the de Vincents, though she doesn't know at the time, she comes to help Maddie. Determined to help the girl and her traumatic passed, Julia is unprepared for the danger waiting for her. Then there is the complication that is Lucian. Lucian and Julia meet before her new job begins. What starts out as Lucian wanting a little more information about this nurse, he is surprised to find that she isn't what he expected and that his attraction to her is deeper than anything he could have imagined.

Awkward moments, heated glances, and a romance that common sense screaming no, but your heart screaming yes, is the rollercoaster that begins Lucian and Julia's relationship. Oh, and it doesn't help that the house they live in haunted, their family as a whole is cursed, and that any woman who is related or close to the de Vincents end up dead or mentally unstable. The book is as interesting and enticing as it sounds and worth every moment. 

Falling Kingdoms Book 6: Immortal Reign by Morgan Rhodes

Falling Kingdoms Book 6

 

As two lethal elemental gods set out to destroy Mytica, sworn enemies must become allies in the final fight to save the kingdoms.

Jonas continues to willfully defy his destiny, but the consequences of plotting his own course are drastic. As the fight for Mytica rages on, he must decide just how much more he's willing to sacrifice.

Lucia knows there's something special about her daughter and she'll do anything to protect her, even if that means facing Kyan alone.

Amara is called back home to Kraeshia. Grandma Cortas has her own plans for Mytica's future. She promises Amara power, revenge, and dominance if she agrees to be part of her scheme.

Magnus and Cleo's love will be put to the ultimate test. Dark magic is causing widespread destruction throughout the kingdom. Enemies across the sea are advancing. And unrest is stirring throughout the land. Is their love strong enough to withstand the outside forces tearing them apart?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23367265-immortal-reign

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A satisfying ending to a really great series! I had my ups and downs with this series and the way it finally came together in this final book, was worth the roller coaster that was the Falling Kingdoms series. I remember reading book one and some of the risks being taken when it came to characters and plot twits and so much other stuff, and my mouth would drop at every surprise that each book gave me. And I would think, wow did Morgan Rhodes really just do that?! And though it was hard to watch some characters' get through their journey, there is no argument to how incredible their character development was. 

I had read book 5, the day it came out. And I hadn't had a chance to re-read the series before this final book. I will admit that it was a struggle in the beginning to remember what had happened before in when it came to the smaller details. I wished I re-read the series before this last book so I would be refreshed and could appreciate some small details that I may have forgotten. So I suggest re-reading before you start the last book if you haven't already! Though I did make it through and I recalled more and more as I kept reading. 

I was happy with so many things in this book. To start I loved that everyone was finally reunited. There are so many points of view and in this final book we have everyone working together one way or another. We also had a Magnus and Cleo reunion early, so all you Magneo fans, don't worry! We are not tortured to wait until the book is almost done for them to be reunited. It is a reunion worth waiting for. 

Their journeys finally come to an end and everyone has an important role. Their fight against Kyan was quite the battle of wills and the adventures they go through are crazy and exciting. If you loved the other books in the series you will not be disappointed. And if you were like me and it took a while to warm up to the series, keep going. It is worth it. Great books. Great series. I'm sad it's over. But definitely worth the read. 

The Folk of Air Book 1: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Folk of Air Book 1

Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26032825-the-cruel-prince

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

This was my first book that I have read that was written by Holly Black and I must say it was different than I expected. I haven't read much books that deal with the Fae and Faeries. I have read Cassandra Clare, Thea Harrison, and Patricia Briggs, who all have written this form of mythology into their stories. And form of myth I love and this reminded me how much I need to dig deeper. 

Lot of great things about this book! The storyline and characters for one were very interesting and nothing really predictable. One thing I will say is that I guessed a key part of the ending, which may sound like a bad thing, but this is the beginning of a trilogy and when it comes to Faeries there are always tricks and plots that will keep you on your toes. And trust me, so much other craziness went down if you one detail like that was not a big deal. The story is told through Jude's point of view and she is a strong female character who belief is that as long as she pretends she isn't afraid the fear will never consume her. She longs to fit into the place that she was kidnapped to and believes that being a knight will do just that. Looked down upon everyone there, she enters a political game throughout the story, though you don't even realize what she has been placed into until it is too late. 

What surprised me the most was Cardan. Right from the beginning he is exactly as the title of the books says, a cruel prince. Though we learned a little bit of what is behind that mask of cruelty, we didn't learn as much as I would have liked. I was expecting something of Cardan and didn't really get it. However! This is only book one and something tells me book 2, will give us a better look at who Cardan really is. 

The book had a lot of twists and turns that you truly don't see coming. Holly Black takes risks with her story and they do pay off. And though I was doubtful that the book would hold my attention in the beginning it did build up and next thing I knew I was at the end. It's a great beginning to a trilogy I believe will have great potential. I look forward to the next two books!

Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

When Drix was convicted of a crime--one he didn't commit--he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the new Second Chance Program, the governor's newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while.

Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor's daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn't may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means.

When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle's parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix's messy life.

But sometimes love can breach all barriers.

Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves--Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence--and each other to finally get what they deserve.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35133826-say-you-ll-remember-me 

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Katie McGarry has a talent when writing young adult novels. She knows how to push the limits (yes that was a pun seeing as she has a series called that and if you haven't read that series or the Thunder Road series you are seriously missing out!!) and break the barriers of hard to talk about subjects. She writes about real issues teens face. She writes about real issues in the world. And she turns it into a beautiful story that is raw and real and powerful and that makes you think. That inspires you to change something in your life or get involved with things you never really thought about before. She doesn't do fluff stories. They are emotional and real and though the journey is tough she gives you hope for a happily ever after that is quite possible no matter the issues. And hope is better than nothing and is absolutely everything. 

Her main characters Drix and Elle are some of my favorite that she has written. Drix has returned from the Second Chance Program that was created by Elle's dad for teens who had been in trouble with the law, rehabilitated, and sent back into the society for a chance to get to their life back on track. Drix is innocent of the crime he committed but circumstances of the legal system not able to handle his case and fear that the person who really did the crime was someone he loved, he takes the blame. However, though he was innocent of this crime, his life was anything but innocent. Drix recognizes that his life was spiraling out of control and though he was pushed into spending almost a year of it in juvie, he is grateful for the program because believe it or not, it worked. He comes out a different person and it is someone he wants to remain as and not go back to his old life. However, he also knows that he still needs to figure out who he is. He came out a better person but the road to keeping the change and finding the balance of who he is, is something to continue to work on. 

While Drix is on the road to find himself once more, Elle is losing herself bit by bit every day. Her goal to be perfect at every moment for her parents is slowly killing her. Every disappointing thing she does in her parents' eyes, is a slash to her mind and self-esteem. She knows they love her and that everything they do is to better her future, but in reality it's a way of controlling her and it takes her a bit to realize that. When she meets Drix, she realizes that she gets to be herself around him. She never has to put on the mask her parents forced her to make. It takes a while for Elle to break from the chains that her parents have placed on her, but the explosion is one that has you cheering for her. She is a strong character that in the end will always follow her heart no matter the consequences, because she knows what is right. 

A relationship between them is impossible thanks to society and politics but the connection between them is real and raw and emotional. They make one another better and they show each other that they can be who they are without the masks. Their story isn't just about them falling in love, it's about how important it is to be who you are and fight for what you want. The story shows that society can be corrupt and that the pressures of teens is real. 

Action and plot twists. Love and heartbreak. This story has your emotions going up and down, relating to so many different characters that are introduced. I absolutely loved reading it and was hooked. Katie McGarry doesn't shy away from the real issues and the stories she tells are important. I've never been disappointed in a story written by her before and after this one it is I'm still not. If you loved her Pushing the Limits series and Thunder Road series, then you will love Say You'll Remember Me. And crossing my fingers that there will be more stories to follow! We are introduced to such a cast of characters that I strongly believe they all need to have their stories told.