From the New York Times-bestselling author of The Atlas Six (under the penname Olivie Blake) comes Twelfth Knight, a grumpy/sunshine YA romantic comedy and coming of age story about taking up space in the world and learning what it means to let others in.
Viola Reyes is annoyed.
Her painstakingly crafted tabletop game campaign was shot down, her best friend is suggesting she try being more “likable,” and school running back Jack Orsino is the most lackadaisical Student Body President she’s ever seen, which makes her job as VP that much harder. Vi’s favorite escape from the world is the MMORPG Twelfth Knight, but online spaces aren’t exactly kind to girls like her―girls who are extremely competent and have the swagger to prove it. So Vi creates a masculine alter ego, choosing to play as a knight named Cesario to create a safe haven for herself.
But when a football injury leads Jack Orsino to the world of Twelfth Knight, Vi is alarmed to discover their online alter egos―Cesario and Duke Orsino―are surprisingly well-matched.
As the long nights of game-play turn into discussions about life and love, Vi and Jack soon realise they’ve become more than just weapon-wielding characters in an online game. But Vi has been concealing her true identity from Jack, and Jack might just be falling for her offline…
Viola knows what everyone thinks of her. But backing down on her beliefs and shoving down who she is just to be more “likable” is something she can’t do. She loves being her nerdy self. She loves her d&d games, cosplay, her online games, and so much more. And the truth of the matter is, she cares so much and when those around her let her down and don’t accept her, she’ll hide behind her mask and armor all in the hope of protecting herself. But things are about to change with Viola and that starts with Jack Orsino. Jack who always gotten on her nerves with his good looks, friendly personality, and being the football king at their school. That is util he get hurt on the football field that takes him out of the game for a long time. What Viola never expects is for Jack in his new free time to pick up Twelfth Knight. An online game where not only does he come across Viola, well he doesn’t know it’s her. Especially when she plays as a male character and ends up telling him she is her brother Bash so she doesn’t have to tell him. Online, they become friends who play the game together. Offline, well their social lives are starting to mix when Jack asks Viola for help with his on-a-break-girlfriend. But the more time they spend together and actually get to know another, and leave that enemy territory to actual possible friends? Well things get complicated for sure for Viola. And it is only a matter of time until the truth comes out. I really loved this story! I couldn’t put it down. It took me by surprise in a lot of places which I loved. And I loved the character development with Viola and Jack. Not only as they evolved from enemies to friends to more than, but just them individually. They were both going through a lot of difficult things but together they were teaching one another to open up and view everything differently. They were changing for the better. A really fun and quirky story! I definitely recommend.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA.
A competitive figure skater since she was five years old, a full college scholarship thanks to her place on the Maple Hills skating team, and a schedule that would make even the most driven person weep, Stassie comes to win.
No exceptions.
Nathan Hawkins has never had a problem he couldn’t solve. As captain of the Maple Hills Titans, he knows the responsibility of keeping the hockey team on the ice rests on his shoulders.
When a misunderstanding results in the two teams sharing a rink, and Anastasia’s partner gets hurt in the aftermath, Nate finds himself swapping his stick for tights, and one scary coach for an even scarier one.
The pair find themselves stuck together in more ways than one, but it’s fine, because Anastasia doesn’t even like hockey players…right?
I’ve seen so many good things about this book and had a feeling I would enjoy it. But I didn’t expect to love it just as much as I did! It was so good! And so different from what I expected this story to be about and just how everything played out. And I love that. Anastasia has one goal: make it to the Olympics. To do that she and her skating partner, Aaron, need to be the best and she needs to follow her schedule and plans if she wants any chance of that. But things get turned sideways when one of the two ice rinks is damaged by a prank and now the skating team and the hockey team need to share the space. This puts her in the path of Nathan. Captain of the hockey team who will do whatever he can to make things right and have an easy transition for both teams. But things start off a bit rocky between him and Anastasia. But he won’t give up. Especially when he senses this connection with her. The two of them slowly try to work on the trust between them and even maybe let it shift to something more. But there are always issues and complications arising. A lot goes down in this story and I definitely don’t want to spoil it. I loved that there were so many things going on in the plot, I love all the side characters who shine in their own way and make the story ten times more interesting, and I really loved Anastasia and Nathan’s connection. These two have so much chemistry and watching their relationship slowly shift as the story goes on was just done so, so well. They balance one another out so well and they help one another become better people in general. Loved their dynamic. I got sucked into this story so quickly and just couldn’t put it down! And I’m definitely excited to read the next book in the series!
Persephone, Goddess of Spring, never guessed a chance encounter with Hades, God of the Underworld, would change her life forever—but he did.
A fight for humanity and battles between gods, it's a world Persephone never thought she would see. To end the chaos, she must draw upon her darkness and embrace who she's become—Goddess, Wife, Queen of the Underworld.
Once, Persephone made bargains to save those she loves, now she will go to war for them.
A really great and satisfying conclusion to this series. Or really to Hades and Persephone’s story since we know we have a few more books left in this world. Everything that has been building since book 1 has finally come to an end. The book starts exactly where the last book left off. Hades is trapped in the labyrinth by Theseus and it will be up to Persephone to save him. But there is so much chaos around them. Their enemy Theseus has caused so much destruction including releasing some Titans including Cronos himself. There is a war and not everyone will survive it. All Hades and Persephone can do is do their best to unite their allies and find a way to defeat Theseus once and for all. While also making sure New Athens isn’t wiped out completely in Theseus’s insane plans. This book was probably my favorite of the series. They’ve all come so far. Persephone has changed a lot since book one to which I’m glad. Even Hades as he has learned what it means to have someone you love by your side. We get plenty of action and romance in this final book. There is never a dull moment. And don’t forget people like Hermes who are there to make you laugh. I really loved this series and I am so glad we still have some other books with other characters still to come so we don’t leave this world just yet!
An imprisoned prince. A vengeful queen. And a battle that will determine the future of Elfhame.
Prince Oak is paying for his betrayal. Imprisoned in the icy north and bound to the will of a monstrous new queen, he must rely on charm and calculation to survive. With High King Cardan and High Queen Jude willing to use any means necessary to retrieve their stolen heir, Oak will have to decide whether to attempt regaining the trust of the girl he’s always loved or to remain loyal to Elfhame and hand over the means to end her reign—even if it means ending Wren, too.
With a new war looming on the horizon and treachery lurking in every corner, neither Oak’s guile nor his wit will be enough to keep everyone he loves alive. It’s just a question of whom he will doom.
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black comes the stunning blood-soaked conclusion to the Stolen Heir duology.
Back in Elfhame after the cliffhanger that was the last book, it is now Oak’s turn to tell the story. Oak is paying for his betrayal against Wren. Knowing that keeping a secret from her was wrong, he only wishes to make things right. And stop the war that is brewing between her court and his. He thought he was a step ahead and doing right, but now he has to reach down deep and figure out how to find the peace that he so desperately seeks while also showing Wren his feelings for her. But something is wrong with Wren. Every use of her powers, hurts her more. And the way she is speaking and acting… he can’t help but feel there is something she isn’t saying. There is a lot for Oak to do to keep everyone he loves safe. I really loved getting Oak’s point of view! We’ve seen him as a kid and then through Wren’s eyes in the last book when he was older. But now we really get to see who he is and what he believes in and who he loves. Oak has so many layers to him. It was great getting to know him. This story had plenty of twists and turns you can expect when it comes to the fae, and a bit of a hint that there is more in store for this world and I can’t wait!
All new sports romance stories from six bestselling authors!
They may be players on the field and rule over a million hearts. But watch them lose theirs in the all-new angsty and steamy stories by six of your favorite sports romance authors.
A LSU story you don’t wanna miss! Loved Niccolo and Bennett’s story! These two were so cute. And after getting more of Niccolo in Ignited and hearing about the footballer player he was very into, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their story. Niccolo isn’t afraid to go after what he wants and when he sets his sight on Bennett he is determined to make him his. When they meet at the club, he feels that connection to Bennett but immediately realizes that Bennett isn’t ready yet to accept his sexuality. Lucky for Niccolo, he is exactly what Bennett needs. Bennett has always been bi-curious but hasn’t made much of a move to learn about that side of himself. Until Niccolo. One kiss he can’t forget even a few months later. And now he is determined to find him and see if they could be something more. These two were just so sweet!
Love Made Me Do It by Saffron A. Kent - 3/5 Stars
47 minutes. That’s how long it took Meadow to fall in love with Riot after seeing him with his three year old daughter as she interviewed with his sister to be Riot’s daughter’s nanny. And for the past six months she has tried to ignore her feelings for him. He hasn’t given her any reason to think he could feel the same for her. And worse, she learns he is going on a second date which means things are different. So she takes in the pressure from her mother to go on a date herself. Little did she know how things would change. Because turns out Riot has noticed her. And for him to fall for her? Even quicker than her. But he doesn’t do relationships for a reason. One kiss turns into one night neither can forget. So what does that mean for their future? It’s only a matter of time before they give in to their hearts.
Sidelined by Ki Stephens - 4/5 Stars
Two former friends meet again and fall right back in love. Lila and Callum have been friends since they were kids. As they grew up the love between them changed into something more but neither told the other. They drifted apart in fear of sharing their feelings. But when they reconnect again, neither are willing to let go of their former friendship again. And this time, with a bit of courage, they’ll finally admit just how much the other means to them.
In the Company of Darkness by Jay McLean - 3/5 Stars
This is just the beginning of Harlow and Jace’s story. Girl moves to new town with her parents and they all carry some heavy baggage. These few chapters set up what looks to be a bit of a fake dating scenario so the two of them can gain something but with the ending maybe a promise that it won’t be so fake after all.
Onside Recovery by Maggie Rawson - 3.5/5
A runaway bride…who ends up at her best friend and his daughter’s home. Because that is where Aurora always finds herself. It’s her safe place. Gabe is her safe place. And perhaps it is finally time she realizes just exactly what that means. Gabe has always loved Aurora but has never been able to risk their friendship. And he is always secretly pleased when she runs out of a relationship, she turns to him. But will she ever turn to him and love him the way he does her? Well, looks like things are about to change for the two of them in only the best way.
Call Me Teach by SJ Sylvus - 5/5 Stars
After a breakup Hannah finds herself moving into her brother’s apartment with his two friends from the hockey team. Which leads to a conversation with her best friend being overheard by one of those friends where Hannah admits to having some trouble in the bedroom with all the guys she dated. And of course Nolan can’t resist offering his help in that area. One that Hannah ends up agreeing to in exchange for owing Nolan a favor. What starts off as just some hook-ups turns into a lot more when feelings get involved. Nolan never thought that would happen but he admits that Hannah is different. And what he wants is Hannah to be his. I really liked this story! And would definitely be interested in seeing the rest of the series when it comes out.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I can’t bring myself to look him in the eye. Someone like him won’t care about my problems. I doubt he’s ever had money issues. He was probably born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
“It’s just life.” I shrug when he doesn’t walk away.
“You’re a student here. A freshman, if I’m assessing the situation right.” He pauses, and I can feel his gaze scanning over me. “So what could it be . . .” His words aren’t unkind, but they are probing. “Family issues or money issues.”
Ding ding ding.
How did he know? Is it written on my face? A stamp on my forehead?
“I must be easy to read.” I suck in a shaky breath to collect myself and keep my voice steady. “Both.”
“Ah, yes, I can see how one would easily follow the other.” He takes a seat on the bench next to me. “Want to talk about it?”
“Not really.” I laugh without humor. “It’s not going to help.”
“You never know. Sometimes discussing things with a stranger can give you a perspective you might not have seen yourself. What do you have to lose? I don’t know you, and you don’t know me. Even if you told me the innermost details in your heart, I don’t know your name.”
“You know where I live, and we go to the same school.” I assume anyway.
“You live in a building with hundreds of other kids, and we go to a school that’s attendance is in the tens of thousands. It’s nearly the same as being anonymous. You don’t seem like you have anyone else to talk to. I’m a good listener, I promise.”
I exhale a weary breath I feel in my bones, knowing he’s right. I don’t have anyone else. “My parents cut me off because they think I slept with my high school boyfriend.” I sneak a half glance at him to gauge how he’ll react to my statement.
Stone face. Not even a single twitch of his mouth.
“And I thought I had it all figured out,” I continue, just to fill the awkward silence. “I had my loans lined up and a job. I knew it wouldn’t be easy to juggle all the work and studying, but I really thought I could do it.” I swallow back a sob, refusing to let anymore weakness show. But my chest is tight, and my stupid lip trembles.
“What happened?”
“I got fired, and my first loan payment hasn’t processed yet, and while the school will wait, nothing else will.” I pull my knees into my chest and drop my head to hide the fresh wave of tears threatening to fall down my face.
“The school will wait. Is there a textbook you need or a computer? Usually you can sit in the library and use theirs. They don’t let anyone check them out for this exact circumstance.”
Well, that solved one problem. “I didn’t know that. Thank you, but textbooks were the lowest on my list of emergencies.”
“What am I missing? What is higher?” He gives me another once-over, finally settling on my face with his deep probing blue eyes.
“I had to skip a meal plan because I couldn’t afford it. I only got so much aid and scholarships, and because they take into account my parents’ income, they wouldn’t loan me anymore, and my parents won’t help, so I had to remove something. I thought if I worked I could at least buy textbooks and food if I’m really careful, but then I got fired, and I’ve put in dozens and dozens of applications, but no one has called me back, and my phone will be shut off if I don’t pay in a few days, so they won’t even be able to call me. I have six dollars to my name, and I’ve been over and over it, and I can’t make it work. I’m down to my last ramen.” I’m barely breathing at the end of my rant. My face flushes with frustration and embarrassment. I should be able to figure this out, to take care of myself, but I can’t. I can’t get a break, and I’m tired of trying.
He doesn’t say anything for a long time. I’m pretty sure he’s attempting to come up with an exit strategy.
“You don’t have to stay and keep listening to me. I know it’s a lot of word vomit from a stranger. No need to say anything. I know you want to find a nice way to leave,” I mumble as I pick at a string on my pants.
“You’re quite wrong on the direction you think my mind went.”
I meet his eyes for the first time. He’s younger than his style suggests, or maybe he has a young face, but where at first I’d thought he was a doctoral or master’s student, he’s probably not more than a few years older than me. “What were you thinking?”
His expression strains between amusement and a deeper ruefulness, but that doesn’t give me any clues to what he’s thinking. “I shouldn’t say. My mind goes a lot of places better left off public consumption.”
“Can it be worse than the direction my life is already going?”
“That entirely depends on your definition of bad and proclivity to solve your problems with out-of-the-box thinking.” He shrugs, smile not wavering.
“I’m willing to try almost anything at this point.” My voice has a breathy quality I’ve never heard from myself before.
“Have you tried the food pantries?”
I scoff. “Don’t tell me that’s what you had in mind? And yes, one. I’m only allowed to get one box a month, and the other is run by my parents and their church. I know the second I show my face in there, they’d know about it.” I realize after I said it how easily I can be found with that information, but what did it really matter?
“Zealots for relatives. Delightful.”
“Hardly.” I let out another shuttering breath. “Thanks for listening. I should pull myself together and go hand out resumes.”
“But of course, I won’t keep you.” He stands but lingers. “Would you like a different way to earn a few thousand dollars?”
I cough as my eyes bug out of my head. “A few thousand dollars? I’m not selling drugs.”
“It’s not selling drugs, and I can assure you it’s legal.” He’s almost amused by my response.
I narrow my eyes, not believing him. “If there was a way to make thousands in a night without selling drugs, wouldn’t everyone be doing it?”
“No, because I wouldn’t pay just anyone.” He’s not amused now but watching me with a heat in his gaze that I’ve never felt before.
My heart skips a beat or two, and my breath catches in my throat. “Wh-what do you mean?”
“Give me twenty-four hours of your time, and I’ll give you, say, a thousand dollars.” There’s no hesitation. He offered the amount like it’s pocket change. That much money might get me through the whole semester if I’m careful.
“Twenty-four hours of my time to do what?” My voice cracks. Deep down in my gut, I know.
“Anything I want.” The seductive lilt to his voice has my stomach fluttering.
I gasp, despite knowing what he’d meant. “I couldn’t.” But I want to.
“No? Not even to not starve?” I shake my head. “Thanks for the offer, but I really can’t. I’ve-I’ve never slept with anyone.”
He cocks his head to the side. “But you said . . .”
“I said my parents thought. I didn’t say it was true.” My voice quivers, betraying me even more.
He blinks, but his smile returns with vigor. “You’re kidding.”
“No,” I whisper.
“Why didn’t you tell the zealots as much? Surely, they would have accepted you back into the fold.”
“Because they wouldn’t believe me, and they wanted me to put off going to college until I’m more mature.” I jut out my chin out, not ashamed I’ve chosen myself.
“A bit of spirit then. I like it.” He lingers for another moment before reaching into his inner jacket pocket and pulling out a metal case. He takes a card from it and holds it out. “Three thousand dollars for twenty-four hours. You don’t have to answer now. Think it over.”
I take the heavy black card from him expecting to find a name, but there is only a number, and when I look up, he’s gone.
I know I can’t do it, but three thousand dollars . . .
For more information about Andi Jaxon and her books, visit her website:
https://www.andijaxon.com
For more information about J.R. Gray and his books, visit his website:
After constantly looking over my shoulder as I run for my life, I’m on the brink of giving up.
On happiness.
On love.
On life.
Which is why, when a familiar face shows up where I’m hiding, I shock myself by running again. Though, probably not as shocked as Zeus is when I run him off the road with my car.
For some reason, my survival instinct is stronger than my mind is, and I find myself fighting for the life I’m not even sure I want.
On the run and nowhere to turn, I flee into the arms of the last person I should. Suddenly, I find myself involved in one of the worst crime syndicates in Las Vegas, and no way to get out.
ZEUS
Why would Callie run away from me? I’m delightful, damn it. I mean, sure, he probably thinks I’m trying to kill him, but I’m not. I’ve been hired to make sure he’s okay and that he’s surviving after escaping an abusive relationship, making mistakes, and putting multiple people’s lives in danger.
He screwed up, but he doesn’t deserve to die for it. And now, because of me, his life is at risk yet again.
Technically, my job is done. Callie is still breathing. That’s all I was supposed to find out. But I can’t sit by knowing he’s selling his soul. His body. I need to get him out, and I’ll go to any lengths to do it.
*Mike Bravo Ops Zeus deals with some sensitive topics. Please check the Look Inside feature for trigger warnings*
I’ve been so excited to read Zeus’s story! He is absolutely hilarious and our Marine who is afraid of love and relationships has finally met his match and I loved every moment of it. When Atlas asks Zeus for a favor, he doesn’t hesitate to help. Even if it is as simple as tracking someone down. That someone? Callie. Atlas’s husband’s friend who has gotten into a bit of trouble. Callie has made mistakes. He was in an abusive relationship and the fear that came with it resulted in Callie making some bad choices. Ones that almost cost his friend and others their lives. On the run, he has lived with the guilt and shame and has been in survivor mode. He’s barely getting by. And when Zeus appears at his job, well he assumes the worse and makes a run for it. And in doing so, it leads to another awful mistake. One he won’t get out of alone. When Zeus sees the trouble Callie gets in, he knows he can’t sit back and watch. He has to help. What Callie has been through is bringing up a lot from his past and he won’t let it go. What he never expects is that getting to know Callie and being with him… well that leads to feelings. Feelings he didn’t know he could have or ever even want. But Callie changes everything for him. But he knows he can’t be selfish. He has to save Callie from this latest threat and give him the chance to be free of all the bad things that have happened. To build the life he wants. Will they both be able to ignore what their hearts truly want though? I loved this book! Zeus is just a delight. I love being in his pov. And just the whole Mike Bravo group are hilarious and always entertaining. We also get a new character and I see a new book heading our way and it is going to be quite interesting! And as for Callie, I loved getting a bit of redemption story from him. He’s been through a lot and getting his side and seeing just how bad things were, I’m glad to see him get a happy ending. Love this series and as always can’t wait for more!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
