Review: "Capturing the Devil" (Stalking Jack the Ripper #4) by Kerri Maniscalco

Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

In the shocking finale to the bestselling series that began with Stalking Jack the Ripper, Audrey Rose and Thomas are on the hunt for the depraved, elusive killer known as the White City Devil. A deadly game of cat-and-mouse has them fighting to stay one step ahead of the brilliant serial killer---or see their fateful romance cut short by unspeakable tragedy.

Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell have landed in America, a bold, brash land unlike the genteel streets of London they knew. But like London, the city of Chicago hides its dark secrets well. When the two attend the spectacular World's Fair, they find the once-in-a-lifetime event tainted with reports of missing people and unsolved murders.

Determined to help, Audrey Rose and Thomas begin their investigations, only to find themselves facing a serial killer unlike any they've heard of before. Identifying him is one thing, but capturing him---and getting dangerously lost in the infamous Murder Hotel he constructed as a terrifying torture device---is another.

Will Audrey Rose and Thomas see their last mystery to the end---together and in love---or will their fortunes finally run out when their most depraved adversary makes one final, devastating kill?

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REVIEW

What a ride! What a glorious, filled with emotion book! My cute loves have so much more to face here and not just the new murderer. We have family drama, expectations and...society rules.

Audrey Rose and Thomas have finally reached America. Despite the events of the previous book and the uncertainty of the previous love triangle, they are now together and hoping for the future. That is until the bodies begin piling up.

I knew for a reason that the final book would be different, I felt it even from the beginning. Audrey Rose and Thomas have matured (well Thomas is still a scoundrel and I love him) since every adventure had also been a life lesson.

This book takes us to New York and Chicago, where nothing is as it seems and the murderer is closer than you think. I was actually quite scared towards the ending of the book. Those scenes were taken from a thriller and if this series ever becomes a Netflix series, then we're all going to be in for a scare.

Other than that, there were some amazing chapters filled with romance and swooning and SOME MUCH FEELS. OMG CHAPTER 17-18 KILLED ME!

Ahem.

So yes, this is a great ending for a series that I adored since the beginning! I am in for the long ride with Kerri and her stories! I can't wait for the next series!

About the author:

Kerri Maniscalco grew up in a semi-haunted house outside NYC where her fascination with gothic settings began. In her spare time she reads everything she can get her hands on, cooks all kinds of food with her family and friends, and drinks entirely too much tea while discussing life’s finer points with her cats.

She is the #1 NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the STALKING JACK THE RIPPER quartet. The final installment, CAPTURING THE DEVIL, will be released on 9/10/19. KINGDOM OF THE WICKED, the first in a new YA fantasy series, is slated for fall 2020.

For more information, visit Kerri online:
www.kerrimaniscalco.com
www.facebook.com/KerriManiscalcoAuthor

Follow Kerri on Twitter and Instagram:
twitter.com/KerriManiscalco
instagram.com/kerrimaniscalco

Waiting on Wednesday: "My Calamity Jane (The Lady Janies #3) by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

Summary from GoodReads

Welcome ​to 1876 and a rootin’-tootin’ America bursting with gunslingers, outlaws, and garou.

JANE (a genuine hero-eene)

Calamity’s her name, and garou hunting’s her game—when she’s not starring in Wild Bill’s Traveling Show, that is. She reckons that if a girl wants to be a legend, she should just go ahead and be one.

FRANK (*wolf whistle*)
Frank “the Pistol Prince” Butler is the Wild West’s #1 bachelor. He’s also the best sharpshooter on
both sides of the Mississippi, but he’s about to meet his match. . . .

ANNIE (get your gun!)
Annie Oakley (yep, that Annie) is lookin’ for a job, not a romance, but she can’t deny there’s something about Frank she likes. Really likes. Still, she’s pretty sure that anything he can do,
she can do better.

A HAIRY SITUATION
After a garou hunt goes south and Jane finds a suspicious-like bite on her arm, she turns tail for Deadwood, where there’s been talk of a garou cure. But things ain’t always what they seem—meaning the gang better hightail it after her before they’re a day late and a Jane short. 

Review: "Ninth House" (Alex Stern #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Galaxy “Alex” Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. By age twenty, in fact, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her?

Still searching for answers to this herself, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. These eight windowless “tombs” are well-known to be haunts of the future rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street and Hollywood’s biggest players. But their occult activities are revealed to be more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive.

The mesmerizing adult debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo.

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REVIEW

THIS IS AN ADULT BOOK. TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR DRUG, DRUGS ABUSE, CHILD RAPE, GORE, RAPE DRUG, VIOLENCE, SELF HARM

Having come into this series from Leigh's fantasy ones, I tried to be openminded after having read all the reviews an the trigger warnings that followed. In no means isn't this a book for younger teens, so if you think of buying the book because of the pretty snake, please don't do it if you've read the trigger warnings I have mentioned above if they make you uncomfortable.

Ninth House is set at Yale University where secret societies based on the dorms are using magic in order, essentially, to control the world economy, politics and society. It's every conspiracy theory come to life, but with the key difference that there is an organization, or House, named Lethe, whose job is to ensure that the magic practitioners don't mess up with the dangerous practices.

Alex Stern comes to work for Lethe, having no academic experience to vie for, apart for her ability to see ghosts, or Grays as they are called here. Her power is also far more powerful but this is for you discover. Having a mentor named Daniel Arlington, she slowly learns the secrets of the other Houses, even if she does at first a poor job.

The story is told through seasons; from winter to spring, and through flashbacks, we also learn Alex's story. It is not a good one. There were many times where I wanted to leave the book down and try not to retch from the injustice and the sometimes racistic behavior of some characters. On the other hand, I believe that if Alex's mom had taken far more drastic measures and ACTUALLY HAD LISTENED TO HER CHILD, then half of the things that had happened to Alex would be averted.

The magic of Yale and the Societies are also a nod to behaviors and a micro-universe of what our current society lives in; power, money, corruption, sex, rape, and technology that can make all the above far worse. There is a scene where Alex does something to a rapist and the dark, evil part of me felt satisfaction.

And I am not sorry.

Daniel, on the other hand, was also an interesting character. Virtually the opposite of Alex and at the same time he also shared the same loneliness with her. He hasn't fallen in love with her, yet, but I hope he will in the next book. You see he spends almost all the book absent because for some reason, he has disappeared and Alex id desperately searching for him.

The ending is both final for one part of the book, but also a cliffhanger, which made me both like it and feel disturbed about what might happen in the next one. Because there are far more secrets hiding in the unseen lines of magic around Yale and few who are brave enough to cross them.

This was by far the darkest book I read this year. I liked it since it's something new from Leigh Bardugo, but I also dread the sequel, if Alex goes to the place she plans to.

Again it's not for everyone but it's filled with history, magic, and darkness.

About the author:

Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels and the creator of the Grishaverse. With over three million copies sold, her Grishaverse spans the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, the Six of Crows Duology, The Language of Thorns, and King of Scars—with more to come. (To hear about new releases, tour dates, and giveaways first, sign up for Leigh's newsletter here.) Her short stories can be found in multiple anthologies, including The Best of Tor.com and the Best American Science Fiction & Fantasy. Her other works include Wonder Woman: Warbringer and the forthcoming Ninth House. Leigh was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Southern California, graduated from Yale University, and has worked in advertising, journalism, and even makeup and special effects. These days she lives and writes in Los Angeles.

She would be delighted if you followed her on Twitter, elated if you visited her at web site, and fairly giddy if you liked her selfies on Instagram.

Waiting on Wednesday: "The Midnight Lie" (The Midnight Lie #1) by Marie Rutkoski

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

Summary from GoodReads

Where Nirrim lives, crime abounds, a harsh tribunal rules, and society’s pleasures are reserved for the High Kith. Life in the Ward is grim and punishing. People of her low status are forbidden from sampling sweets or wearing colors. You either follow the rules, or pay a tithe and suffer the consequences.

Nirrim keeps her head down and a dangerous secret close to her chest.

But then she encounters Sid, a rakish traveler from far away who whispers rumors that the High Caste possesses magic. Sid tempts Nirrim to seek that magic for herself. But to do that, Nirrim must surrender her old life. She must place her trust in this sly stranger who asks, above all, not to be trusted.

Set in the world of the New York Times–bestselling Winner’s Trilogy, beloved author Marie Rutkoski returns with an epic LGBTQ romantic fantasy about learning to free ourselves from the lies others tell us—and the lies we tell ourselves.

And it's set in the world of The Winner's Curse! What more can I ask for!?

Release Day Blitz+ARC Review: "Stealing Her" (Covet #1) by Rachel Van Dyken

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes an unexpected love story of family, secrets, and the most intimate of deceptions.

Stealing Her, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author, Rachel Van Dyken, is live!

My estranged twin brother, Julian, was always the wonder boy—and soon-to-be CEO of our ruthless father’s corporation. My mother and me? Left behind. Now, years after tearing our family apart, my father dares to ask me for a favor? Pretend to be Julian while he fights to survive a tragic accident. It can save the company. Nobody will be the wiser. It’ll be our secret.

I can play Dad’s favorite. I’ll do it for Julian. And for my mother, who’ll want for nothing.

But this double life comes with a beauty of a hitch: my very real feelings for Julian’s fiancée, Isobel. Not only am I betraying Julian, I’m deceiving a woman I love. She doesn’t suspect a thing. As lies compound, lines are crossed and loyalties tested, all I can ask myself is…what have I done?

Because sooner or later something’s got to give. There’s no way I’m giving up Isobel. 

But once the truth is exposed, it might not be my choice at all.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2O9xiip

Amazon Worldwide: https://geni.us/StealingHerRVDAW

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/StealingHerRVDGR

REVIEW

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

I knew that I was going to love this. Angst, romance and family drama are the main elements that made me love this new series by Rachel van Dyken. And Bridge, I love that guy! Not to mention that the romance was hot and very well-written!

I have some suspicions for book two but I'll let you for now enjoy this exciting new book!

About Rachel:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com Newsletter: http://bit.ly/RVDNewsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachvd Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachVD Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cNVwL9 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/RVDGR Rachel's Rockin' Readers: http://bit.ly/RachelsRockinReaders

ARC Review: "The Monsters of Music" by Rebecca F. Kenney

The Monsters of Music by Rebecca F. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

A darkly romantic gender-swapped modern retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, with a scarred Muse girl, a rock-star boy, and a singing competition. For fans of The Wicked Deep (Ernshaw), Wintersong (S. Jae-Jones), American Idol, or The Voice.

Mel must share her creative magic or be driven mad by it. But finding her first protégé isn't as easy for her as it is for most Lianhan Sídhe (muses of Celtic myth). Though the women of her race are naturally beautiful, she carries horrifying scars across one side of her face, inflicted by her mother's obsessive boyfriend. And Mel isn't only interested in pouring her creative energy into a man; she wants to use her musical genius herself, too. But the laws of the Lianhan Sídhe, and her own savage appearance, stand in the way of her ever singing onstage.

To relieve the painful pressure of her magic, Mel latches onto Kiyoji, a boy with a beautiful voice, and coaches him through a televised singing competition. But neither of them are prepared for the power of their connection, or for the new kind of magic that happens when the two of them sing together.

Fans of Holly Black's contemporary fantasy books (Tithe, Valiant) or Brigid Kemmerer's A Curse So Dark and Lonely will enjoy this dark, offbeat retelling with a hint of cyberpunk and a dose of Celtic mythology. The novel celebrates a broad range of music from various decades.

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AMAZON

REVIEW

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

The retellings of The Phantom of the Opera are rare and difficult to find. So I was very surprised when Rebecca approached me with the chance of reviewing her book! The Monsters of Music is inspired by the Phantom of the Opera, only that it's gender-swapped, set in a more contemporary time and with a slight touch of Fae myths.

The Phantom is Mel, a muse of the Lianhan Sidhe who needs to share her magic or she’ll become insane and in Christine’s role is Kiyoji who is also hugely talented. As she tries to share her magic with him, a bond will form which will evolve into romance. I loved how the book was set. Every chapter has songs and lyrics and the descriptions of the Fae were amazing as they hide and blend with the humans.

You are going to enjoy this book, especially if you had always supported Erik (like me.)

About the author:

I write YA fantasy, contemporary fantasy, and sci-fi, always with a thread of romance. My most recent novel is The Monsters of Music, a genderbent Phantom of the Opera retelling. My debut novel was Korrigan, about a girl cursed to turn into a monster each day and spend her nights as a human. Korrigan is the first book in my YA contemporary fantasy trilogy, and it's followed by Druid and Samhain.

Release Day Blitz: "Knox" (Chicago Blaze #4) by Brenda Rothert

Today we are celebrating the release of KNOX by Brenda Rothert. This is a contemporary romance, and it is the fourth, standalone title in the Chicago Blaze hockey romance series. Purchase your copy now!

Purchase KNOX Now:

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple Books

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Follow Brenda's newsletter and join her Facebook group for exclusive details!

Knox by Brenda Rothert

Available Now | Chicago Blaze, #4

Purchase KNOX Now:

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple Books

Book Blurb:

Reese

I’m done.

Getting ditched at the altar is nothing compared to being humiliated there in front of three hundred shocked guests. Apparently I’m no good at spotting the signs your man’s a cheating liar. So I set off solo on my honeymoon to Hawaii, where I realize I’ve got this life thing down just fine on my own.

Friendships and laughter? Yes.

Adventures? Absolutely.

But relationships? Hell no. Never again.

Knox

I’m a man of few words. My reputation as a moody prick is deserved, but only the handful of people who really know me see the man beneath the professional mask.

I’m a protector. A warrior. That part is true. But the world doesn’t get to see the rest of me. And women don’t seem to mind my gruff exterior—my bed’s always warm.

I’m content with life—loving it, even—or so I thought. But when I meet a beautiful pastry chef with a broken heart and a smile that softens me down to my soul, I realize I wasn’t really content at all before her.

I only wish I had the words to let her know.

Add the book to Goodreads

EXCERPT:

Mrs. Eric Darnell. I’ve practiced saying it and writing it, but it still doesn’t feel real. There’s a part of me that’s still scared, but this is the right thing. After nine years together, where else can our relationship go?

At the sound of a sniffle, I turn to my maid of honor, my best friend Mandy, who’s already crying. I never knew her to be a softie. The ceremony hasn’t really even started yet. She takes a tissue out from around her bouquet and wipes the corners of her eyes.

“Before we begin the ceremony, let us pray,” the pastor says.

“Hang on,” Eric blurts out.

Did he just say hang on as our wedding ceremony was about to start? My heart skips several beats as I look around to see what’s going on. Is there a medical emergency? Why else would Eric go off script?

The pastor and I both stare at him as he closes his eyes and grimaces.

“I’m sorry,” he says, sighing as he opens his eyes and lets go of my hands.

As my hands drop to my sides, an icy shiver zips down my spine. He let go. I only asked him for one thing when we talked on the phone this morning, honoring the tradition of not seeing each other on our wedding day. Hold onto my hands the entire time.

The church is still, everyone seeming to hold their breath as they wait for Eric to speak. My heart races and my hands start to shake as I realize something’s not right here. There’s no medical emergency.

“Reese.” Eric’s tone is both apologetic and pleading. “I need to tell you something. I want to go into this marriage with a clean conscience.”

I swallow back the bile that rises in my throat. This can’t be happening. In all my worst-case scenarios about what could go wrong on my wedding day, I never imagined this.

I worried I’d be having a heavy period today. That I’d trip on my way down the aisle and face plant in front of everyone. Or that the last week of stress eating would catch up with me and my dress wouldn’t zip up.

But this? Never this.

Eric lets out a shaky breath and says, “Please forgive me. I did something so stupid.”

Mandy’s crying intensifies. I feel like I could pass out at any second.

“Uh…” the pastor looks between me and Eric. “Do you two want to step out for a moment?”

“What did you do?” I ask Eric, my voice nearly a whisper.

The sound and scent of the ocean has vanished. I can only feel my racing heart and a creeping sense of complete dread.

“So now it was stupid?” Mandy demands loudly. “Eight months together and you’re saying it was a mistake?”

The guests collectively gasp.

As it sets in, I’m too stunned to even breathe. Eric. Fucked. Mandy. A lot.

My bouquet falls to the ground, making a whooshing sound as it hits. My breathing is more of a pant now, an angry, breathy pant with a growl now surfacing.

PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Purchase ANTON Now:

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple Books

 

Purchase LUCA Now:

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple Books

 

Purchase VICTOR Now:

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple Books

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Wattpad | Amazon

ARC Review: "Find Me Their Bones" (Bring Me Their Hearts, #2) by Sara Wolf

Find Me Their Bones by Sara Wolf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

No one can save her.

In order to protect Prince Lucien d’Malvane’s heart, Zera had to betray him. Now, he hates the sight of her. Trapped in Cavanos as a prisoner of the king, she awaits the inevitable moment her witch severs their magical connection and finally ends her life.

But fate isn't ready to give her up just yet.

With freedom coming from the most unlikely of sources, Zera is given a second chance at life as a Heartless. But it comes with a terrible price. As the king mobilizes his army to march against the witches, Zera must tame an elusive and deadly valkerax trapped in the tunnels underneath the city if she wants to regain her humanity.

Winning over a bloodthirsty valkerax? Hard. Winning back her friends before war breaks out? A little harder.

But a Heartless winning back Prince Lucien’s heart?

The hardest thing she’s ever done.

PRE-ORDER ON

AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

REVIEW

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

To be honest with the fellow readers and blog followers, I jumped into the sequel without having re-read the first book. I knew that there had been a cliffhanger and that Zera had difficult choices to make.

So I was very surprised when the plot unraveled on a whole different level than the one I had expected. And that's good! Because I thought, mistakenly, that this was going to be a predictable sequel.

But nooooo.

I got political intrigue, magic creatures, lost lore and myth and a new witch hell-bent on 'saving' everyone...at the cost of her own humanity.

Zera in this book is mostly trying to keep her nonheart safe (as the real one is kept in a bag all Davey Jones style) from the emotional turmoil of losing Lucien's trust while also trying to make deals with her new 'allies' as war is on the horizon. Now at some points, the plot felt too slow while in other chapters there was so much action I kept reading quickly, trying to catch up with the plot unraveling before me.

The final revelations are amazing and stunning and left me reeling with the need for the third book! Because you can't just end all this mayhem and emotional rollercoaster with a cliffhanger!

This is a really good sequel to the first book and if you liked Zera then you'll enjoy her in this one too!

And don't miss the first book of the series!

GOODREADS

About the author:

Sara Wolf is a twenty-something author who adores baking, screaming at her cats, and screaming at herself while she types hilarious things. When she was a kid, she was too busy eating dirt to write her first terrible book. Twenty years later, she picked up a keyboard and started mashing her fists on it and created the monster known as the Lovely Vicious series. She lives in San Diego with two cats, a crippling-yet-refreshing sense of self-doubt, and not enough fruit tarts ever.

ARC Review: "Red Hood" by Elana K. Arnold

Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Summary from GoodReads

You are alone in the woods, seen only by the unblinking yellow moon. Your hands are empty. You are nearly naked.

And the wolf is angry.

Since her grandmother became her caretaker when she was four years old, Bisou Martel has lived a quiet life in a little house in Seattle. She’s kept mostly to herself. She’s been good. But then comes the night of homecoming, when she finds herself running for her life over roots and between trees, a fury of claws and teeth behind her. A wolf attacks. Bisou fights back. A new moon rises. And with it, questions. About the blood in Bisou’s past and on her hands as she stumbles home. About broken boys and vicious wolves. About girls lost in the woods—frightened, but not alone.

Elana K. Arnold, National Book Award finalist and author of the Printz Honor book Damsel, returns with a dark, engrossing, blood-drenched tale of the familiar threats to female power—and one girl’s journey to regain it.

PRE-ORDER ON

AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

REVIEW

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

Dear Lord this review is a hard one to write. Not because the book was bad, but because it was SO DAMN GOOD!

I knew after reading "Damsel" that Elana would do the same with Red Hood too: deconstruct the fairytale and give to the readers the spirit of the story set in the real world: that everywhere there are predators and sometimes women have to fight back and become equally as predatory as the ones who hunt them.

Bisou Martel lives with her grandmother in a quiet town. She has a loving boyfriend but when at the party of her high school something goes wrong, Bisou wakes up the next day with the news that a boy from her school was killed in the woods.

But Bisou had only seen a wolf hunting her.

This story is about rights: the right to love your body as it is, the right to defend yourself, the right to have friends despite the different backgrounds. And above all? The right to your body from having your period to deciding when you want to make love with the one you choose to.

Bisou passes through the emotional rollercoaster any teenager has been through but in a toxic environment in school. With boys feeling entitled to anything they want, quiet girls trying to overcome trauma and sweet boyfriends who are supportive.

The grandma was also a surprise as we also get to read her story too. The entire book is written in the second POV and personally, I didn't mind because I felt like I was being the one addressed to.

I loved the symbolism and the slight touch of paranormal in the plot, which made it even more realistic and damn scary. Because all of you know that the world isn't always as safe as we hope it is and that you can never know what can happen to any of us.

Red Hood is a spectacular symbolic story and Elana has again outdone herself in this one!

About the author:

ELANA K. ARNOLD writes books for and about children and teens. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing/Fiction from the University of California, Davis where she has taught Creative Writing and Adolescent Literature. Her most recent YA novel, DAMSEL, is a Printz Honor book, Her 2017 novel, WHAT GIRLS ARE MADE OF, was a finalist for the National Book Award, and her middle grade novel, A BOY CALLED BAT, is a Junior Library Guild Selection. A parent and educator living in Huntington Beach, California, Elana is a frequent speaker at schools, libraries, and writers’ conferences. Currently, Elana is the caretaker of seven pets, only three of which have fur.

Waiting on Wednesday: "Where Dreams Descend" (Kingdom of Cards #1) by Janella Angeles

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

Summary from GoodReads

A debut fantasy duology pitched as The Phantom of the Opera meets Moulin Rouge, the story follows Hellfire House's star showgirl who, haunted by a dark past, must enter a magician's competition in order to secure her freedom from the handsome, enigmatic keeper of the club, even as mysterious accidents seem to plague her every move.

Two of my favorite movies are combined in this! I can't wait to read it!

Release Blitz: "In Luv Duet" series by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

Girl in Luv and Boy in Luv, which make up the Luv Duet by Jay Crownover and Rebecca Yarros, are now available to read for free as part of Kindle Unlimited.

GIRL IN LUV by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

In Luv Duet, #1 | Available Now

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Grab your copy: Amazon (Kindle Unlimited)

 

About GIRL IN LUV:

Langley Vaughn is in desperate need of a date.
 But not just any date. She's looking for a date to the wedding from hell. It isn't every day you're forced to be in the bridal party while your first love marries your archnemesis…otherwise known as the world's worst stepsister. The entire situation is a nightmare, and Langley is sick and tired of taking orders and forcing a fake smile. She's done being the bad guy when she was the one who was wronged. She needs to find a date who's not afraid of her family's money…someone willing to shake things up. She needs someone outside of her normal social circle, someone ready to go to war with the well-to-do. She needs someone who won't back down. Someone willing to play the complicated game of tug-of-war she's been engaged in with her family for years. Never in a million years did she think she was going to stumble across her very own heroic heartthrob when she set her crazy plan in motion. Not only does Iker show up for her time and time again, he also forces her to finally fight for herself. He says he's only there for the money…but his actions speak so much louder than his words.

  Iker Alvarez would do anything and everything to get his hands on some quick cash.
 Not just any cash, but enough to make sure his younger brother gets into the college of his dreams. Thank goodness for a desperate, pretty little rich girl with too much money and her heart set on an outrageous scheme. Being in the right place at the right time might just be the answer to both of their prayers—and this smart soldier has never let a golden opportunity slide by. Iker doesn't mind coming to Langley's rescue and being her plus-one…as long as the price is right. Only, he didn't plan on liking the blonde socialite as much as he does. He is totally unprepared for the pull he feels toward her, coupled with his growing desire to protect her from the vultures and villains living under the same roof. He wants to be the guy who keeps her safe and gives her the courage she obviously needs to fight back… But someone else, someone far more powerful and influential than Langley's wealthy family, has dibs on Iker's time and on his future. He knows he isn't the guy Langley can count on in the long run, but damn, if he doesn't want to do everything in his power to be that man.  

Add GIRL IN LUV to your Goodreads TBR here!

 

BOY IN LUV by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

In Luv Duet, #2 | Available Now

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Grab your copy: Amazon (Kindle Unlimited)

 

About BOY IN LUV:

Distance sure as hell made his heart grow fonder… But it shattered hers into a million pieces.
Langley Vaughn knows she's never going to make the same mistake again.
 Who falls head over heels in love in a week? Langley did, and she's regretted it every day since she handed her heart to a boy with too many secrets and too much baggage. Iker doesn't fit into Langley's world, and he made it clear he doesn't want to. He left before she even got a chance to try and change his mind or to prove to him how good they could be together. Langley's spent the last nine months healing her heart and making big plans for the future. Plans that absolutely don't include Iker… even though he's back, looking better than ever, and saying all the right things.

  Iker Alvarez knows he made the biggest mistake of his life. At first, the pretty blonde in the red dress was nothing more than a means to an end. But, she quickly became so much more. As soon as Iker walked away from Langley, claiming it was for her own good, he knew he screwed up. He left her so she wouldn't worry about him when he deployed, so she wouldn't waste her time waiting around for a guy who was never going to be good enough for her. Only, nine months and a deployment later, Iker still can't get Langley out of his head… and he totally underestimated the hold she has on his hardened heart. He's a guy who's not sure how love should work, or how to go about winning his girl back…he's about to get a crash course in both.  

Add BOY IN LUV to your Goodreads TBR here!

                       

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About JAY CROWNOVER:

Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point Series, Breaking Point Series, and the Getaway Series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.





  Connect with her: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Reader Group  


 

About REBECCA YARROS:

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and a lover of all things coffee, chocolate, and Paleo. She is the author of the Flight & Glory series, including Full Measures, the award-winning Eyes Turned Skyward, Beyond What is Given, and Hallowed Ground. Her new Renegade Series features Wilder and the upcoming Nova, and is sure to keep your heart pounding. She loves military heroes, and has been blissfully married to hers for fourteen years. When she’s not writing, she’s tying hockey skates for her four sons, sneaking in some guitar time, or watching brat-pack movies with her two daughters. She lives in Colorado with the hottest Apache pilot ever, their rambunctious gaggle of kids, an English bulldog who is more stubborn than sweet, and a bunny named General Fluffy Pants who torments the aforementioned bulldog. They recently adopted their youngest daughter from the foster system, and Rebecca is passionate about helping others do the same.


  Connect with her: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Reader Group

                  

Blog Tour+ARC Review+Excerpt: "Reaper" (Demonica Underworld #9) by Larissa Ione

New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione returns to her fan favorite Demonica Series with REAPER, available now!

                      

"Reaper is . . . Epic. Thrilling. Amazing. No one can suck me into a story like Larissa Ione." -- Donna Grant, New York Times bestselling author”

For love, he’ll watch the world burn.

For revenge, he’ll light the match.

THE DEMONICA SERIES RETURNS…

He is the Keeper of Souls. Judge, jury, and executioner. He is death personified.

He is the Grim Reaper.

A fallen angel who commands the respect of both Heaven and Hell, Azagoth has presided over his own underworld realm for thousands of years. As the overlord of evil souls, he maintains balance crucial to the existence of life on Earth and beyond. But as all the realms gear up for the prophesied End of Days, the ties that bind him to Sheoul-gra have begun to chafe.

Now, with his beloved mate and unborn child the target of an ancient enemy, Azagoth will stop at nothing to save them, even if it means breaking blood oaths and shattering age-old alliances.

Even if it means destroying himself and setting the world on fire…

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KWoCY7

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2Z36k0Y

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/ReaperLI

Nook: http://bit.ly/2ZkgV3b

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ZioEOU

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2HfUiXp

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2KUZ51n

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2Zhf4jp

REVIEW

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

If there is one creature with godly powers I loved reading in this universe...it was Azagoth! And hell this was such a great read! Full of action, sarcasm, fighting scenes and a love that can transcend all the realms!
You should better read all the previous books and the novellas before diving into this or else you'll miss some vital points of the characters.

It was very enjoyable and good!

Excerpt

Lilliana woke to someone tap dancing on her bladder. Groaning, she rolled over and bumped into Azagoth. Pleasantly surprised that he was still in bed, she ignored her need to pee and curled up against him. She’d missed this so much while she was gone.
  “Good morning,” he murmured, his husky voice even more gravelly than usual. “Morning.” She snuggled into his shoulder. “I’m surprised you’re not working.” He yawned. “You wore me out last night.” Smiling against his skin, she trailed her fingers along the hard ridges and deep valleys of his abs. 
“I wanted to show you how grateful I was that you threw me a baby shower.” And she’d done it without getting too active. Eidolon couldn’t begrudge her one orgasm, right? “Mmm.” He pressed a kiss into her hair. 
“You must have been very grateful.” She slid her hand under the sheet and meandered her way to the curve of his hip. She might be a million months into her pregnancy, but her sex drive didn’t care in the least. “I’m still grateful.” He hissed as her knuckles brushed his shaft. “Not complaining.” It truly had been sweet of him to gather together the denizens of Sheoul-gra for a big celebration of food, drink, and games in the traditions of people from the human, demon, and angelic cultures. She’d suffered two more bouts of intense nausea and some cramps, but they’d passed quickly. What hadn’t passed was Azagoth’s concern. 
Which was probably why he was still in bed with her. It was cute the way he hovered. Annoying at times, but cute. “I just want you to know that you’re my life,” he said. “Without you, I’m a monster.” “And what are you with me?” He gave her a rare, boyish grin, made even more playful by his mop of bedhead. “A happy monster.” “I’m very happy about the happy.” She rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Things are good, Lil,” he said. “I never thought much about being a partner, let alone a parent, but I want to do these things with you.” He settled his hand on her belly and smiled with wonder. “This will be my first child born without a predetermined future. He or she can be anything. Do anything.”
  “Incredible, isn’t it?”
 She pushed up on one elbow and leaned in to kiss his chest. She’d kissed every inch of him last night. Maybe she’d lick every inch of him this morning. 
“And our baby will be born to parents who love each other.” Determined to show him how much she loved him, she kissed her way lower. Her lips whispered over his nipple, but before she could taste him, a cramp wrenched her insides. She sucked in a harsh breath, her hand going to her belly.
“What is it?” Azagoth jackknifed up, his expression dark with worry. “Is it the baby?” Fierce heat swelled beneath the surface of her skin as her abdomen tightened. 
“I think it might be Braxton Hicks,” she said between panting breaths.
  “What?”
  “Cara had them.” Closing her eyes to stop the room from spinning, she eased back onto her pillow. “They’re like practice contractions.” She didn’t remember Cara complaining about being hot and sweating buckets, though. Another cramp streaked through her, and she moaned. Cara had said they were painful, as if someone were squeezing her intestines. This was more like someone was driving a red-hot blade through them.
  “You’re white as a ghost, Lilli.”
  Something’s wrong. No, nothing was wrong. She was being paranoid. Azagoth rested his palm on her forehead, testing her temperature. 
“Are these Hicks things supposed to be like this?” She heard the panic in his voice but not the words. Her ears were buzzing. Her head was pounding. And, suddenly, a wave of agony wrapped around her and squeezed so hard she screamed. 
Vaguely, she heard Azagoth call out her name as a warm gush spread between her thighs. “Lilliana? Lilliana!” His voice droned in and out as the room began to tilt. There was shouting. More pain. Her thoughts fragmented. And then, finally…nothing.

About Larissa Ione

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.

Connect with Larissa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLarissaIone

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/larissa-ione

Twitter: https://twitter.com/larissaione

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Website: http://www.larissaione.com/