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!

 

Zodiac Academy Book 1: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Zodiac Academy Book 1

You have been selected to attend Zodiac Academy, where your star sign defines your destiny.

If you're one of the Fae, elemental magic is in your blood. And apparently it's in ours. As twins born in the month of Gemini, we're a rare breed even in this academy of supernatural a-holes.

Changelings were outlawed hundreds of years ago but I guess our birth parents didn't get the memo. Which means we're totally unprepared for the ruthless world of Fae.

Air. Fire. Water. Earth.

No one has ever harnessed all four of them, until we arrived. And it hasn't made us any friends so far.

As the rarest Elementals ever known, we're already a threat to the four celestial heirs; the popular, vindictive bullies who happen to be some of the hottest guys we've ever seen. It doesn't help that they're the most dangerous beasts in the Academy. And probably on earth too.

Our fates are intertwined, but they want us gone. They've only got until the lunar eclipse to force us out and they'll stop at nothing to succeed.

We never knew we had a birthright to live up to but now that we do, we intend to claim our throne.

We can't expect any help from the faculty when it comes to defending ourselves. So if the dragon shifters want some target practice, the werewolves want someone to hunt or the vampires fancy a snack then we have to be ready. But we've been looking after each other for a long time and fighting back is in our blood.

Today's horoscope: totally screwed.

This is a full-length medium burn novel that is the first in a university-age academy series. Expect forbidden love and bully romance with mature content suitable for upper YA readers and onwards.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46261182-the-awakening

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

I've seen a lot of talk of this series. From good things to bad things to just about everything in between. I decided to check it out for myself. It has a lot of things I'm into, every supernatural creature you can name, the fae, elementals, horoscopes. I can't deny that the world created has to be one of the most interesting ones I have ever read. The one thing I was worried about was the bully romance. Never a huge fan of those but this world was too interesting to pass up. So to start off, yeah it is definitely a bully romance. The guys, basically every single one of them, are assholes. The girls too. The amount of nice characters are pretty limited. But our main heroines, Darcy and Tory, are no pushovers. They have spirit and fight back at every turn the best they can. I'm hoping that we'll reach a point eventually where there is understanding and we can see what lies beneath the surface of all these characters you just want to punch in the face. 

So Darcy and Tory are twins. They have been in foster care since they were babies and just never seem to find a home. At 18 they are on their own and struggling to survive. Then they learn that they aren't normal. They're fae. Not just any fae. Fae royalty. The lost and rightful heirs to the throne. Taken Solaria they are enrolled in a supernatural school to discover their own power. They have no desire for the throne though. They just want to master their new powers and get their inheritance. But telling that to the Heirs isn't exactly easy. There are four Heirs. After Darcy and Tory's parents died, four powerful families stepped in to rule. Their sons are the future, but with Darcy and Tory there, they lose that future. So they will do anything to make them leave. But this isn't the only thing going on. There are other enemies out there wishing to destroy them all. 

Definitely an interesting story and world. Despite being wary about a couple of things, I'm too intrigued to stop. And also despite the warnings of the emotional rollercoaster these books seem to have in later books, I'm looking forward to seeing where this story goes!

 

Cloverleigh Farms Book 7: Taste by Melanie Harlow

Cloverleigh Farms Book 7

The last person on earth I want to be stranded with is Gianni Lupo.

But thanks to the blizzard of the century, I’m trapped in a roadside motel room with that cocky bastard for two straight days.

With one small bed.

Some women might thank Mother Nature for delivering a polar vortex that maroons them with six feet of solid muscle, those deep blue eyes, that sexy grin--but not me. I’ve known Gianni Lupo all my life, and he’s never brought me anything but bad luck and trouble.

So when the tension between us explodes with enough fiery heat to melt my icy defenses, I should have known what the disastrous end result would be--

A big fat plus sign.

After the snow melts, I’m left with more than just memories of the night we spent keeping each other warm. And he might be a rising star on the culinary scene, but he’s got no idea how to handle this bun in the oven.

He says he wants to do the right thing, but I’m not about to spend the rest of my life feeling like someone settled for me.

But just when I think I’ve got Gianni Lupo all figured out, he gives me a taste of the man he could be, of the family we could become, of the way he could love me if I let him.

I’m terrified of falling for him.

But one taste might be all it takes.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59684983-taste

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The next generation of the Cloverleigh kids continues. Except this time we get the grown up kids from the books Frenched series. A series I admit I haven't had a chance to read yet! But will definitely be reading soon. These kids, specifically Ellie, are friends with some of the Cloverleigh Farm kids. Ellie is best friends with Winnie, who was the heroine in the previous book. We saw a sneak peek of Ellie and Gianni's love hate relationship in Winnie's story, but now we get to see what happens when the two of them stop fighting and bickering and let the chemistry between the two of them spark. 

Ellie and Gianni have grown up together. Their mothers are best friends and their childhoods were spent never far apart. But now they are 23 and have some pretty successful careers and ones they hope to build up more. Their childhood banter turned into confusing feelings of wondering what it would be like if they got together but knowing that it may not be a good idea. But one weekend changes it all. The two of them get snowed in. Stranding them at a motel. And of course there is only one bed. Truths will be spilled, sparks will fly, and that weekend will change everything between them. 

I loved their story! There was no rush in their feelings between them. There were always lingering feelings but never acted on. They both knew one another yet didn't. The weekend gave them a chance to and in doing so they realize that their goals were different, but the pull between them could mean something. If they were brave enough to let it. But neither know how to let themselves be vulnerable enough to try. They had to really build their relationship and trust one another in order to have a chance at a future. You can't help but love the two of them. Their banter was hilarious and at times they could be such total polar opposites but in their case, opposites truly attract. I couldn't put their story down! And I cannot wait for more books. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Blood and Ash Book 4: The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Blood and Ash Book 4

From the desperation of golden crowns…

Casteel Da’Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could’ve prepared for the staggering revelations. The magnitude of what the Blood Queen has done is almost unthinkable.

And born of mortal flesh…

Nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King and destroying everything the Blood Crown stands for. With the strength of the Primal of Life’s guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her way—because there can be no retreat this time. Not if she has any hope of building a future where both kingdoms can reside in peace.

A great primal power rises…

Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dear—to protect those who cannot defend themselves. But war is only the beginning. Ancient primal powers have already stirred, revealing the horror of what began eons ago. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to be—what she fears the most.

As the Harbinger of Death and Destruction.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57815107-the-war-of-two-queens

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Brilliant. Amazing. Insane. So. Many. Feelings. This book blew me away. From the first page to the last. Another epic journey with the promise of more to come. WOW! So much happened in this book and I will not be spoiling ANYTHING because trust me you do not want to be spoiled for this story. Not for all the revelations, the twists and turns, the epicness that was this book. Seriously. One thing I have to say if you haven't read A Shadow in the Ember yet you better. You absolutely need that storyline if you want to truly appreciate and understand all that goes on in this book. So what can I say? Well war has truly begun. The story picks up not too long after the previous book and Poppy is doing whatever she needs to in order to get ready and bring Casteel home. One of the best parts of this book is that we get both Poppy's and Casteel's point of view. We don't miss a thing. The journey back to one is long and rough but what they discover along the way... well secrets and truths are revealed and they change the game entirely. Questions we have been wondering will finally be answered and just wow. We have our brilliant characters who get impossibly better. You will laugh and cry and go through a rollercoaster of every emotion possible. And by the end you mind will be spinning and demanding for more. Just a beautiful and amazing job. I cannot wait for the next book in this world and the many others that need to come. I'm blown away and this has to be one of my absolute favorite worlds. You won't want to miss this intense book in Poppy and Casteel's journey!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Shadow City Royal Vampire Book 2: Shadow Bitten by Jen L. Grey

 

Royal Vampire Book 2

Death lurks in the shadows.

Finding my sister changed my entire life. A secret that haunted my past resurfaces and hides in the shadows, taunting me. Not only that, but I learned that the world is full of supernaturals, and even more surprising, my fated mate is a vampire.

Threats surround me with more obstacles surfacing at every corner, and what’s worse is they don’t soley affect me anymore. My mate’s foundation is rocked, and even the silver wolf and her friends who protect me have become targets.

Our enemies are closer than we realize, and they are desperate for me to leave Shadow Terrace and my mate behind by any means possible; nothing is off the table, including death.

No one is safe.

Especially me.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60072791-shadow-bitten

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’m loving this series! I have to say this may be my favorite from Jen so far! Shadow City world is a fantastic one and I don’t know what it is about Alex and Veronica but they are becoming my favorite characters. So this story picks up immediately where the last one left off. We find out what happens to Veronica’s sister and while that part wraps up there is still so much left. Veronica staying with Alex becomes a problem his brother Matthew and many others on the council. Humans aren’t allowed in Shadow City and part of the supernatural world, but with Ronnie being Alex’s mate there has to be some sort of exception. For Matthew and some of the others on the council that means she either turns to a vampire or leaves with her memory gone. While her friends search for another way and Alex fights for Ronnie’s choice, there is more going on. Attacks from vampires and shifters are still occurring. Someone is causing problems. But who? Another killer cliffhanger!! Ah! Need the next one asap! 

Crescent City Book 2: House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas

Crescent City Book 2

Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.

In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40132775-house-of-sky-and-breath

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I don't know how Sarah J. Maas does it. Every book she writes, no matter what series, gets better and better. My head is still spinning from that one. Not just from the major reveals and moments from our favorite characters. But that ending. Insane. And let me be even more specific. The final chapter before epilogue chapter. I can't wrap my brain around it and what that means for future books. Things are about to get even more interesting. So backing up this story takes place a few months after the previous book. Everyone is finding a rhythm as they deal with the aftermath that was saving Crescent City. For Bryce and Hunt, that's taking things slow between them now that death isn't chasing them to make sure they are still want the other wants. But both know that after everything they've been through together and how they feel toward one another, their future together is what they want. If they can survive. Bryce, Hunt, Ruhn, and all their friends find themselves pulled into the circles of the rebels. They know what that could mean if just a whisper of them being involved happens. The line of doing what is right is a hard line to stay on when blows come from all different directions. New faces, new problems, and so many new revelations. This is a book you don't want spoiled and even saying too much could be a potential spoiler. But I loved this book even more than the first one. It just gets better and better. And like I said, with that ending... you don't want to miss this one or what is coming next. Things are about to get epic. 

Scars is Out Today!

Blackwater Pack Book 4

THE SCARS OF THE PAST

Addie Markham escaped her brutal past but is struggling to find her place now that she's free. With her daughter finally safe, she has the chance to find her own love. But the horrors she endured are anything but forgotten. Maybe she's simply too damaged for love.

BROKEN MATES

Nikolai Dashkov is the Alpha of the first pack. He was given a second chance with his mate, and he intends to keep her by his side. He failed to protect her once. He won't fail again.

FIGHTING FOR LOVE

Addie and Nik will have to navigate eighteen years of betrayal and heartache before they can reclaim what was stolen.

SCARS is the fourth full-length book in the Blackwater Pack series. It can be read as a standalone. The book deals with surviving sexual assault and domestic abuse, which may be upsetting to some readers. 

Check out my review here:

 https://myfuture-mybooks-mylife.blogspot.com/2022/02/blackwater-pack-book-4-scars-by-hannah.html