ARC Review: "Among the Beasts & Briars" by Ashley Poston

Among the Beasts & Briars by Ashley Poston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Cerys is safe in the kingdom of Aloriya.

Here there are no droughts, disease, or famine, and peace is everlasting. It has been this way for hundreds of years, since the first king made a bargain with the Lady who ruled the forest that borders the kingdom. But as Aloriya prospered, the woods grew dark, cursed, and forbidden. Cerys knows this all too well: when she was young, she barely escaped as the woods killed her friends and her mother. Now Cerys carries a small bit of the curse—the magic—in her blood, a reminder of the day she lost everything. The most danger she faces now, as a gardener’s daughter, is the annoying fox who stalks the royal gardens and won’t leave her alone.

As a new queen is crowned, however, things long hidden in the woods descend on the kingdom itself. Cerys is forced on the run, her only companions the small fox from the garden, a strange and powerful bear, and the magic in her veins. It’s up to her to find the legendary Lady of the Wilds and beg for a way to save her home. But the road is darker and more dangerous than she knows, and as secrets from the past are uncovered amid the teeth and roots of the forest, it’s going to take everything she has just to survive. 

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REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 

Ah, the joy of finally reading about this character that Ashley mentioned as "the fox boy"! Truly this book was a fun and scary ride and I didn't realize how fast I had read it until after three hours. 
There is action, adventure, romance, and a great hint of more books coming after this one.

I enjoyed Cerys, her magic, and her willingness to carry maybe one of the hardest missions into the scariest woods. I seriously got vibes of the Forbidden Forest from Harry Potter, mixed with the spirit forest from Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke.

And the fox? Well, let's say that you don't expect that to be the animal's only charm. Witty beyond measure and also filled with the idea of transformation, both spiritually and physically, this new up-coming book by Ashley Poston is definitely one you have to read! 

About the author:

Ashley Poston’s is a part-time author and full-time fangirl. She was born in rural South Carolina, where you can see the stars impossibly well...

Tweet her at @ashposton and read her inner-most rambles at www.ashposton.com.

Review: "Aurora Burning" (The Aurora Cycle #2) by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Our heroes are back… kind of. From the bestselling co-authors of the Illuminae Files comes the second book in the epic series about a squad of misfits, losers, and discipline cases who just might be the galaxy’s best hope for survival.

First, the bad news: an ancient evil—you know, your standard consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal—is about to be unleashed. The good news? Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They’ve just got to take care of a few small distractions first.

Like the clan of gremps who’d like to rearrange their favorite faces.

And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be, who’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri.

Then there’s Kal’s long-lost sister, who’s not exactly happy to see her baby brother, and has a Syldrathi army at her back. With half the known galaxy on their tails, Squad 312 has never felt so wanted.

When they learn the Hadfield has been found, it’s time to come out of hiding. Two centuries ago, the colony ship vanished, leaving Auri as its sole survivor. Now, its black box might be what saves them. But time is short, and if Auri can’t learn to master her powers as a Trigger, the squad and all their admirers are going to be deader than the Great Ultrasaur of Abraaxis IV.

Shocking revelations, bank heists, mysterious gifts, inappropriately tight bodysuits, and an epic firefight will determine the fate of the Aurora Legion’s most unforgettable heroes—and maybe the rest of the galaxy as well

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How am I supposed to write this review? Every book this duo of authors write leads me either to screaming or laughing, or crying and the strange mix of all the above.
Our gang is trying...well to save the universe from both the strange creepy-plant-like aliens and also the trigger happy genocide maniac.

Not only that but Aurora has also to learn to control her powers and all the rest of of the squad, Kal, Scarlett, Finnian, Zila and Tyler also have to deal with the surrounding chaos and their own backstories. I seriously want Finnian to finally KIS Scarlett! My boy needs love and hugs! My heart also ached for Tyler and I did spy some developments in this book with a certain hot space Elf (not Kal lol)

The ending was yet another cliffhanger that let me sobbing as now I have to wait for 2021. And I did realize now what the small wound in Kal's cheek means. It's a clue for all the TERROR that happens in this book! Never let the cover steer you otherwise!

If you haven't trad the series yet do so! 

About the authors:

Jay Kristoff is the #1 international, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of THE NEVERNIGHT CHRONICLE, THE ILLUMINAE FILES and THE LOTUS WAR. He is the winner of six Aurealis Awards, an ABIA, has over half a million books in print and is published in over thirty five countries, most of which he has never visited. He is as surprised about all of this as you are. He is 6’7 and has approximately 12,000 days to live.

He does not believe in happy endings.

Amie Kaufman is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author of young adult fiction. Her multi-award winning work is slated for publication in over 30 countries, and is in development for film and TV. Raised in Australia and occasionally Ireland, Amie has degrees in history, literature, law and conflict resolution. She lives in Melbourne with her husband, their rescue dog, and an extremely large personal library.

You can sign up for her newsletter to see what she's working on, hear when she releases a new book, and be automatically entered for giveaways: www.eepurl.com/6Ya8j

ARC Review: "The Player Next Door" by K.A. Tucker

The Player Next Door by K.A. Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Scarlet Reed has returned to Polson Falls, convinced that twelve years away is long enough to shed her humiliating childhood identity as the town harlot's daughter. With a teaching job secured and an adorable fixer-upper to call home, things in her life are finally looking up.

That is, until she finds out that Shane Beckett lives next door.

Shane Beckett, the handsome and charismatic high school star quarterback who smashed her heart. The lying, cheating player who was supposed to be long gone, living the pro football dream and fooling women into thinking he's Prince Charming. Shane Beckett, who is as attractive as ever and flashing his dimples at her as if he has done no wrong.

Scarlet makes it abundantly clear that old wounds have not been forgotten. Neighbors they may be, but friends they most certainly are not. She won't allow herself to fall for the single father and firefighter again, no matter how many apologies he offers, how many times he rushes to her aid, or how hard he makes her heart pound.

But as she spends more time with him, she begins to fear that maybe she's wrong. Maybe Shane has changed.

And maybe this time she's the one playing herself—out of a chance at true happiness. 

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I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

I seriously missed the light, sweet writing of K.A Tucker! I also missed a good contemporary that was both funny and messy but also emotional and removed from the madness around us.

The story takes place in a town where Scarlet moves back as a school teacher. What she doesn't realize is that her old crush lives next door and he is both a player and also a reformed person. This was a great read. I liked Shane and his funny moments and while at the beginning Scarlet kind of annoyed me I really understood that most of her mistrust actually came from the hardships she had as a young girl.

The plot felt smooth with equal parts of swoon, humor and romance along with the prejudices that come from high school.

If you wish for something light and great then this like gem is for you! 

About the author:

K.A. Tucker writes captivating stories with an edge.

She is the internationally bestselling author of the Ten Tiny Breaths and Burying Water series, He Will Be My Ruin, Until It Fades, Keep Her Safe, The Simple Wild, Be the Girl, and Say You Still Love Me. Her books have been featured in national publications including USA Today, Globe & Mail, Suspense Magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Oprah Mag, and First for Women. She has been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance 2013 for TEN TINY BREATHS and Best Romance 2018 for THE SIMPLE WILD. KEEP HER SAFE made Suspense Magazine's Best of 2018 list for Romantic Suspense.

K.A. Tucker currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto.

Join Tucker's Troop on Facebook! >>

https://www.facebook.com/groups/14685...

Signup for her newsletter >> https://www.katuckerbooks.com/newslet...

ARC Review: "The Princess Will Save You" (The Princess Will Save You #1) by Sarah Henning

The Princess Will Save You by Sarah Henning
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

A PRINCESS
A STABLE BOY
A QUEST

When her father dies, Princess Amarande is given an ultimatum: Marry the leader of one of the four neighboring kingdoms, or lose her crown—and possibly her life. And to force her hand, her beloved, the stable boy Luca, is kidnapped.

But Amarande was raised to be a warrior, not a sacrifice.

And nothing will stop her from saving her true love and rescuing her kingdom.

The acclaimed author of Sea Witch turns the classic damsel-in-distress tale on its head with this story of adventure, identity, and love. 

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REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 

HOLY WOW! Hit me with everything you have but I really loved this book! It's THE PRINCESS BRIDE but gender-swapped set in a world where politics can shatter kingdoms and secrets can also destroy lives.

Princess Amarande is ready to rule. She is a trained warrior and has the wit and the strength to do so. When her father dies suddenly nd the Council vies to marry her off as fast as possible, Amarande will try to set her own rules for the best of her kingdom but also for the best of her own heart and the boy she loves, Luca.

Holy s*t I never thought that a story and movie I already love could become even better. Luca MUST BE PROTECTED because that boy deserves all the love in the world! And Amarande? If she could become Wonder Woman damn she would make a great one! Her courage, kindness, and fierceness were amazing to read as also the setting of the world she dove into as she tries to save Luca.

While I did see some amazing elements from the original Princess Bride, I really liked how Sara Henning made this book unique...and threw a cliffhanger in the end. I have no idea how Amarande and Luca will face the new dangers that will surely find them in the next book. I want the sequel now!

This book is spectacular and the cover is made by the equally awesome Charlie Bowater, so yes you need this book ASAP!

About the author:

Sarah Henning is a recovering journalist who has worked for the Palm Beach Post, Kansas City Star and Associated Press, among others. While in South Florida, Sarah lived and worked through five hurricanes, which gave her an extreme respect for the ocean. When not writing, she runs ultramarathons, hits the playground with her two kids and hangs out with her husband Justin, who doubles as her long-suffering IT department. Sarah lives in Lawrence, Kansas, which, despite being extremely far from the beach, happens to be pretty cool.

ARC Review: "Season of the Wolf" (The Legend of All Wolves #4) by Maria Vale

Season of the Wolf by Maria Vale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

In a world of danger and uncertainty, the Alpha has enough to worry about without him...

For Alpha Evie Kitwanasdottir, things are never easy. The Great North Pack has just survived a deadly attack. Evie is determined to do whatever is necessary to keep her Pack safe, especially from the four Shifters who are their prisoners.

Constantine lost his parents and his humanity on the same devastating day. He has been a thoughtless killer ever since. When Constantine is moved to live under Evie's watchful eye, he discovers that taking directions and having a purpose are not the same thing.

Each moment spent together brings new revelations to Constantine, who begins to understand the loneliness of being Alpha. He finds strength and direction in helping Evie, but there is no room for a small love in the Pack, so Constantine must work harder than ever to prove to Evie he is capable of a love big enough for the Great North Pack itself.

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REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 

I felt blessed by the wolf goddesses when this ARC landed on my kindle. There's nothing I don't love more than wolves who try to be human, balance the wild and the human nature in a heartbreaking and sometimes funny way. 

The fourth book of the series, takes place in the aftermath of the third book. Now if you are not familiar with the series I do recommend you go and read the other books first before reading this review.

Three Shifters, mortal enemies of the Great North Pack, live among them as prisoners equally mistrusted, yet equally with the chance of becoming more. Constantine whose loneliness is a gap in his heart, falls in love with the Alpha of the Pack, Evie, who is equally lonely among the responsibilities of being an Alpha after the events of the previous books.

I loved the way Maria Vale made these characters feel so real and so...gentle in their wilderness. Also, the hidden message of the danger wolves face in the forests of both the USA and Canada couldn't be more clear in this book.

The descriptions, the rest of the characters, and both the POVs of the main characters made me wish the book was bigger so I can enjoy it even more.

I don't know if Maria Vale will continue writing more books in the series, but personally I would love to read about Arthur and Julia. 

And don't miss the rest books of this amazing series!

About the author:

Maria Vale is a journalist who has worked for Publishers Weekly, Glamour, Redbook and the Philadelphia Inquirer. She's a double-Rita finalist whose books have been listed by Amazon, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, ALA Booklist & Kirkus among their Best Books of the Year. Trained as a medievalist, she persists in trying to shoehorn the language of Beowulf into things that don't really need it.

ARC Review: "Live Like Legends" by Kate Cornell

Live Like Legends by Kate Cornell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Princess Kalista has known her role from birth. She's spent her entire life preparing to be the socialite wife of a prince from a peaceful kingdom. But on her big day, she is shocked when she is instead forced to marry the warrior prince of a cursed land, who is as cold as the wintry kingdom he'll one day rule.

Carson has a throne no princess wants to share with him. An immortal beast ravages their land, and he’ll do anything to stop it, even marry a complete stranger on the day she was supposed to wed her betrothed. Let her hate him for it, but Kalista is his only hope for peace.

Kalista knows she’s just a pawn on the chessboard of politics, but now she’s expected to kill an unstoppable creature because of some legend about her bloodline that Carson believes as truth. He trains her how to fight, and when lessons in swordplay lead to lessons in love, her destiny puts more than just her life at risk.

How far is she willing to go to save the prince she never wanted…but can’t imagine living without?

 

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I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Finally a book in which the characters not only have to learn each other but also actually try to communicate with each other! Live like legends takes place in a fantasy kingdom in which Kalista has to marry prince Carson as there is a prophecy in which both play a role.

But they don't speak the same language at all and at the same time, there are cultural differences too that they have to overcome. I enjoyed this book very much as it introduced plot details that not many YA have and I wish I could see more.

It kind of reminded me of one of my most favorite mangas ever "From Far Away" where also the main heroine, Noriko, has a language barrier to overcome.

The missing star for me goes to the book being a YA. I would also be thrilled to read this as a standalone NA or even Adult book.

Overall this was very enjoying and I wish this little gem to get more recognition it deserves.





About the author:

ARC Review: "Rage and Ruin" (The Harbinger #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Dangerous secrets and forbidden desires lead to shocking consequences… Don’t miss book two of the fantastical Harbinger trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout.

“Jennifer L. Armentrout’s intoxicating new fantasy is her best yet!” — New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter on Storm and Fury

A half human, half angel and her bonded gargoyle protector must work with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

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I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I know that Jennifer will always fo me a solid and write a book that will pull on my heartstrings and also make me laugh and cry. This is what happened with Rage and Ruin. To be honest, the feeling of anticipation I had for this sequel made me remember when I was anxiously waiting for the next release of the Titan series (that's Seth for you!) where I wanted to spot the next greek myth or Greek word!

Zayne and Trinity are bonded as Protector and Trueborn while the mystery behind the Harbinger thickens. Having also to deal with their growing emotions, Trinity's fear of losing everything she loves and on the other hand, having to deal with her powers and her role in the Warden community, both she and Zayne are in for lots and LOTS of conflicting emotions!

Honestly, at some scenes, I wanted to bash their heads together...and then make them kiss.

Zayne is a sweetheart. While not one of my top favorite male characters (#sorrynotsorry), he is a strong and loyal person, caring and loving and the way he supported Trinity and tried to empower her even more (Trinity has Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetic disorder of the eyes that causes loss of vision), despite the growing mayhem heading their way.

The final pages of the book, gutted me. No words, I hadn't felt like that since I had read Opal (from the Lux Series) and that says a lots on how Jennifer is a master on writing books that hook you from the heart and then make you beg and want them more!

Finally, the aspect of ghosts and spirits was also something quite deep and spiritual. We do have Layla and Roth helping in this book and of course Bambi, but there was a scene with a certain spirit that made me cry.

This is an amazing book! If you are new to Jennifer's books, read the Dark Elements series first and then begin with this series! You will not be disappointed! 




About the author:

# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.

ARC Review: "Daring and the Duke" (The Bareknuckle Bastards #3) by Sarah MacLean

Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean returns with the much-anticipated final book in her Bareknuckle Bastards series, featuring a scoundrel duke and the powerful woman who brings him to his knees.

Grace Condry has spent a lifetime running from her past. Betrayed as a child by her only love and raised on the streets, she now hides in plain sight as queen of London’s darkest corners. Grace has a sharp mind and a powerful right hook and has never met an enemy she could not best...until the man she once loved returns.

Single-minded and ruthless, Ewan, Duke of Marwick, has spent a decade searching for the woman he never stopped loving. A long-ago gamble may have lost her forever, but Ewan will go to any lengths to win Grace back…and make her his duchess.

Reconciliation is the last thing Grace desires. Unable to forgive the past, she vows to take her revenge. But revenge requires keeping Ewan close, and soon her enemy seems to be something else altogether—something she can’t resist, even as he threatens the world she's built, the life she's claimed…and the heart she swore he'd never steal again. 

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REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 

There is nothing more beautiful than reading the final book of a beloved series. Sure you are filled with the sadness of the ending, but the ending is worth it.

"Daring and the Duke" tells the story of Grace and Ewan, a pair that I had so many expectations of especially after reading the previous books and getting glimpses of them. A story of redemption, forgiveness and love worth dying for, both Grace and Ewan had to fight their own pasts in order to claim their future.

I enjoyed reading about Grace, a liberated woman in a world that became even stricter after Queen Victoria's coronation and where women had even less rights than men. The mystery of her club, her gang of amazing women, and the sensuality of Sarah's writing encaptured me as I read this book in a day.

This is one of the best books (as of now) by Sarah MacLean and I am anxiously waiting for the next one! Totally recommended! 



About the author:

New York Times, Washington Post & USA Today bestseller Sarah MacLean is the author of historical romance novels that have been translated into more than twenty languages.

Sarah is a leading advocate for the romance genre, speaking widely on its place at the nexus of gender and cultural studies. A romance columnist and co-host of the weekly romance novel podcast, Fated Mates, her work in support of romance and the women who read it earned her a place on Jezebel.com's Sheroes list and led Entertainment Weekly to call her "the elegantly fuming, utterly intoxicating queen of historical romance." Sarah is a graduate of Smith College & Harvard University. She lives in New York City.

ARC Review: "The Boundless" (The Beholder #2) by Anna Bright

The Boundless by Anna Bright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads

This breathtaking sequel to The Beholder will take you on a journey into a darkly sparkling fairy tale, perfect for fans of The Selection and Caraval.

When Selah found true love with Prince Torden of Norway, she never imagined she’d have to leave him behind. All because the Beholder’s true mission was a secret Selah’s crew didn’t trust her to keep: transporting weapons to the rebels fighting against the brutal tsarytsya, whose shadow looms over their next port of Shvartsval’d. A place Selah hoped she’d never go.

But gone is the girl who departed Potomac filled with fear. With a stockpile of weapons belowdecks and her heart hanging in the balance, Selah is determined to see the Beholder’s quest to its end. 

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REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

The second book of the Beholder series was definitely a step up from the previous one. Instead of only having the main character on a quest to find her groom, now we had intensity, action and even some very interesting surprises.

The strange mix of fairy tale characters and fantasy elements in these kingdoms was unique and Anna Bright's writing was amazing! My only (personal) complaint was that Selah once again felt like she was falling in and out of love easily over the course of the book and that she also led on a specific character who deserved all the hugs and the love in the world.

Recommended its amazing worldbuilding and action! 

About the author:

 I believe in woods, mountains, highways, cobblestones, roller coasters, dancing, concerts, cherry Pop Tarts, books, and magic.

When I'm not reading or writing on my couch, I'm dragging my husband off on an adventure, communing with Salem (my kitten/spiritual familiar), or causing trouble at One More Page Books, where I work.

Review: "House of Earth and Blood" (Crescent City #1) by Sarah J. Maas

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Bound by blood.
Tempted by desire.
Unleashed by destiny.

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—working hard all day and partying all night—until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose—to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion—one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.

With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom—and the power of love.

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*trigger warnings for drug use, animal death, suicide thoughts, gore and blood*

Ahh the glory of reading a huge book in three days and loving every part of it! Sarah J. Maas took a dive into urban fantasy with strong elements of supernatural and delivered an amazing book with unforgettable scenes, amazing characters and a plot that has endless possibilities!

Bryce Quinlan is the soul of the party, along with her best friend Danika. Despite her status as half-fae, she has friends and almost steady work in a witch's antique shop. When a brutal attack strips Bryce from everything she'd ever known, she will become a shell of herself both emotionally and physically.

Enter Hunter Athalar, the angel warrior of the ruling class of this world and the slave of the governor of Crescent City. When an investigation brings Hunter and Bryce together a tentative alliance will be formed.

I have to admit that I am in LOVE with every winged male Sarah has ever written. And this book was no different! Despite the mass of names and locations which I took some time to understand and connect the dots to see what was happening, I was pretty much sold on the idea of the book and the series. I enjoyed everything I loved, laughed, and cried with everything.

While in the beginning I had to admit that Bryce was kind of annoying to me, she grew up as a character and I discovered that this red-haired gal packed a lot of power in her!

Not to mention the epilogue! That was one hell of a bomb and an amazing way to open the gates of PLANNING, SCHEMING and wondering where the story will go.

Needless to say that I'd so dig a tv series about this book! And now I have to console myself that maybe we will get another book by the end of the year or until the beginning of 2021. 




About the author:

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series (Queen of Shadows, Book 4, will be out in September 2015), as well as the A Court of Thorns and Roses series (out 5/5/15).

Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.

Review: "Chain of Gold" (The Last Hours #1) by Cassandra Clare

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Chain of Gold is the first novel in a new trilogy that stars the Shadowhunters of Edwardian London.

Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London…and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.

James Herondale longs for a great love, and thinks he has found it in the beautiful, mysterious Grace Blackthorn. Cordelia Carstairs is desperate to become a hero, save her family from ruin, and keep her secret love for James hidden. When disaster strikes the Shadowhunters, James, Cordelia and their friends are plunged into a wild adventure which will reveal dark and incredible powers, and the true cruel price of being a hero…and falling in love.

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REVIEW

I was very, very excited about returning this amazing marvelous world of Shadowhunters, especially in the time period where Jem, Will, and Tessa were all together. And this time the story follows their children as they all try to fight a new unpredictable enemy along with their growing feelings and treachery.

With a strong sense of Great Expectations and the growing mystery of who Grace Blackthorn really is, James, Lucie, Matthew, and the rest of their friends all will have to work together in order to solve the new sickness that can overtake Shadowhunters and also with their own feelings. I have to say that Cordelia is one of my top favorite characters along with Lucie. James despite his strengths has a long way to go in order to discover what is actually happening with him. And Grace? I still haven't warmed up to her, despite her reasons.

I enjoyed the banter and the fight scenes, I loved the descriptions and the heartache which followed me after finishing the book.

Because it was that good! Cassandra Clare may be only one of the few authors who can pull my heartstrings like this and enjoy it all the way until the end. I know for sure that there are even more mysteries lying ahead for all these new characters and I had to admit that the ending was a cliffhanger I didn't anticipate.

Not to mention that a book where I get to see both Will, Tessa, and Jem together was a happy moment WHICH I DO NOT REGRET DESPITE THE FEELS!

Totally recommended! 

About the author:

"Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts."

ARC Review: "Dragon Unleashed" (Fallen Empire #2) by Grace Draven

Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads

A dragon shapeshifter and a healer with power over the earth fight a corrupt empire in this thrilling and deeply emotional romantic fantasy from the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance.

Magic is outlawed in the Krael Empire and punishable by death. Born with the gift of earth magic, the free trader Halani keeps her dangerous secret closely guarded. When her uncle buys a mysterious artifact, a piece of bone belonging to a long-dead draga, Halani knows it's far more than what it seems.

Dragas haven't been seen for more than a century, and most believe them extinct. They're wrong. Dragas still walk among the denizens of the Empire, disguised as humans. Malachus is a draga living on borrowed time. The magic that has protected him will soon turn on him--unless he finds a key part of his heritage. He has tracked it to a group of free traders, among them a grave-robbing earth witch who fascinates him as much as she frustrates him with her many secrets.

Unbeknownst to both, the Empire's twisted empress searches for a draga of her own, to capture and kill as a trophy. As Malachus the hunter becomes the hunted, Halani must risk herself and all she loves to save him from the Empire's machinations and his own lethal birthright. 

 

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REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 

I seriously, SERIOUSLY, devoured this book in one sitting! I knew that this had to do with draga and Halani and I couldn't be more excited! While the first book dealt with enemies to lovers this one was a slow burn of friends turned to lovers. Filled with lush descriptions, amazing world-building, and the Empress lurking in every corner searching for Malachus, I felt like I had been transported into the book.

Halani was also a great heroine filled with duty and power, despite the psychological bullying of her uncle. She has a lovely mother and a trusty crew too.

My only comfort is that I have already pre-ordered this book so I am going to enjoy the final copy too!

Can someone pick this up for a TV series adaptation please!?

About the author:    

I'm an author and Louisiana native living in Texas with my husband, three smalls and a big doofus dog. I have lived in Spain, hiked the Teton Mountains, honeymooned in Scotland, ridden in competition rodeo and am the great great granddaughter of a Nicaraguan president. I also hate doing laundry and refuse to iron anything.

I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.

Release Day Blitz+ARC Review+Excerpt+Giveaway: "Trust In Love" (Love Mark, #2) by Linda Kage

Trust In Love
Linda Kage
(Love Mark, #2)
Publication date: May 4th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

The kingdom of Far Shore still resents Donnelly, its neighboring land, for forming an alliance with those filthy High Clifters and then defeating them in war. Twice! They really must pay for such an insult. And what better way to prick their pride than to steal their lovely, revered princess, mutilate her a little, and then ransom her back to them for a hefty sum.

So, the king blackmails stable hand, Farrow, into accepting the mission of kidnapping Princess Nicolette and bringing her back to Far Shore to meet her gruesome fate.

With his sister’s life on the line, Farrow reluctantly accepts the quest and travels through sand and forest, only to find Nicolette eagerly awaiting his arrival with her bags already packed and good to go, spouting off insane nonsense about being his destiny and one true love.

What follows is a crazy, eclectic adventure that brings two lost souls together and helps them learn who they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to do in this ever-changing journey called life.

 

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

“Given the proper incentive, Farrow here might be more reliable to fulfill this quest than anyone in all of Far Shore.”

I narrowed my eyes. The douche might’ve just complimented me, but I’d never trusted him. Whatever Greggor was thinking, I already knew I wouldn’t like it.

“What do you mean?” The king asked curiously, and I shook my head, wishing he’d just disregard the damn advisor’s suggestion already. Find someone else for his stupid mission.

But he didn’t.

“The boy’s quite fond of that middle girl of yours, isn’t he?” Greggor’s top lip curled into a wicked snarl as he watched my face drain of color. Then he rasped one word.

“Sable.”

And just like that; my entire world shifted on its axis.

Cold, slippery dread slithered through my system.

I immediately waved both my hands, disagreeing. Whatever he wanted to do that involved Sable, I was out. She was an innocent twelve-year-old child. Why should she be brought into any plans that involved kidnapping another kingdom’s princess? This already sounded disastrous.

Turning to my father—my eyes pleading—I said, “No.”

But the panic on my face only caused the king to blink in surprise before he motioned to his advisor. “Keep talking.”

“No,” I growled more vehemently as Greggor said, “We could hold the child in the dungeon until Farrow returns with the Donnelly bitch. And if he fails his mission…” He glanced at me and smiled. “Sable dies.”

“What?!” I shouted. “The hell you say.” Turning to my father, I was even more horrified because I could tell the ignorant ass was actually considering this madness. “Have you lost your damn mind?” I boomed “How could you even ponder such a ridiculous notion? Sable is your daughter.”

King Torrance shrugged. “And you’re my—” He cut himself off before finishing the sentiment.

I held my breath, wondering if this was going to be the moment of truth, when he finally called me son. My heart beat hard in my chest, yearning for that one word, while my stomach churned, also dreading it. Being his would mean I actually belonged somewhere; I was someone. But did I really want to be the heir of this brute?

He snickered and waved a hand. “Well, whatever you are. You’re both equally useless to me, so…” He motioned toward a pair of guards by the entrance of the room. “Fetch the girl.”

“No. Stop!” I stepped toward the guards to waylay them, but the king waved his hand again, and four more knights stepped into my path, blocking my way.

I snarled at them before whirling back to the king. Shit had just gotten real. With Sable involved, my will collapsed like a poorly-dug well.

“You don’t have to involve her,” I told him. “I’ll do it!”

REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

It has been a while since I had enjoyed a good reading by Linda Kage! I loved how she dove back into this parallel world of magic, soul mates, and political intrigue. Nicolette and Farrow were two characters I really wanted to read about even after the first book and this sequel took me to a trip across the map with mysteries, misspelling scorpions, and cute moments.

There are prophecies to sort out too which also paved the road for the next sequel. And I am sure it will not disappoint especially after learning who Indy is and the mysterious Mater! If you want a light read with fantasy adventure and quite the swoon then I totally recommend it!

Author Bio:

Linda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy. Most Kage stories lean more toward the lighter, sillier side with a couple meaningful moments thrown in. Focuses more on entertainment value and emotional impact.
Published since 2010. Went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children's literature from The Institute of Children's Literature. Then graduated with a Bachelors in Arts, English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.

Now she lives with hubby, two daughters, cat Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas, USA. Farm girl. Parents were dairy farmers. Was youngest of eight. Big family. Day job as a cataloging library assistant.

Harry Potter House Gryffindor, Patronus White Stallion, character match Hagrid. Supernatural Team Dean. Game of Thrones Team Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister. The Walking Dead Team Daryl. Outlander Team Jamie Fraser. Teen Wolf Team Stiles. Avenger Team Thor...or Hulk (can't decide). Justice League Team Flash. Arrow Team Stephen Amell. Stranger Things obsessed. Heard Laurel, not Yanny.

Started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club. Then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now all over the place with her romance reading tastes.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Readers Group

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ARC Review: "Starbreaker" (Endeavor #2) by Amanda Bouchet

Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

THEY NEVER WANTED TO BE HEROES

Captain Tess Bailey and Shade Ganavan are still the galaxy's Most Wanted, and with revolution in the wind and the universe on the brink of catastrophic war, the situation couldn't be more desperate. Despite the Dark Watch scouring the known sectors for them, rebel leaders have handed the crew of the Endeavor a delicate and dangerous mission: break into Starbase 12 and free renowned scientist Reena Ahern. She's the only one who stands a chance of tipping the odds in their favor for the first time in decades.

BUT PULLING OFF THE IMPOSSIBLE IS WHAT THEY DO BEST

The clock is ticking. But as their attraction builds and secrets are revealed, Tess and Shade must decide if they trust each other enough to execute this impossible prison break. They could change the course of history, but they'll be risking everything... They'll just have to tackle one crisis at a time.

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REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

There is nothing that I don't love in Amanda Bouchet's stories! Rich worldbuilding, amazing character development and romance! I enjoyed coming back to her sci-fi series and especially I enjoyed Tess and Shade. They are a couple I could root for, despite the oddities and the danger and I enjoyed reading every single part of the ARC! 



About the author:

Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.

Amanda is a French master's graduate and former English teacher. She lives in Paris, France with her two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaBouche...
Twitter: @AuthorABouchet
http://www.amandabouchet.com/