ARC Review: "The Second Blind Son" (The Chronicles of Saylok #2) by Amy Harmon

The Second Blind Son by Amy Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

A lost girl and a blind boy discover their greatest strength is their bond with each other in a beguiling fantasy by the New York Times bestselling author of The First Girl Child.

An insidious curse is weakening the Norse kingdom of Saylok, where no daughters have been born in years. Washing up on these plagued shores is Ghisla, an orphaned stowaway nursed back to health by a blind cave dweller. Named for a mysterious god, the boy, Hod, is surrounded by prophecy. To Ghisla, he’s a cherished new friend. To Hod, the girl is even more so. For when Ghisla sings, Hod can see.

Unable to offer safe shelter, Hod urges Ghisla onward to become a daughter of the temple, where all the kingdom’s girl children have been gathered. But because of a magical rune, the two cannot be separated, no matter the time or the distance.

Now, subject to a ruthless king, Ghisla enters a desperate world of warring clan chieftains and catastrophic power struggles. Who among them can be trusted is unknowable. So are the sacrifices Ghisla and Hod must make to defeat the cursed forces that could destroy a kingdom and the fated bond between two souls. 

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REVIEW

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

The first book of Amy Harmon's "The First Girl Child", introduced us to a Nordic-inspired world where runes are real and a curse that makes the island kingdom of Saylok suffer from the decrease in births of children. That story was focused on Alba and Bayr and it has its own trials and emotional moments so before continuing to this review as this is a book set to the same world but follows another couple I would recommend reading the first book, before reading this one.

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Nothing prepared me for the excitement I had when I was pre-approved for the ARC. I thank 47North for this and NetGalley. The first book had gutted it me with its emotions the messages it passed and the agony the characters felt. This book was also amazing.

The story is set closely in the same timeline of The First Girl Child and it follows Ghisla, a young child whose songs bring also a taste of magic in them. Running away from her destroyed village in the Northlands she becomes a stowaway in a ship which brings her to Saylok and she is saved by Hod, a young blind boy who has the name of the same blind God in Norse mythology too. As they bond together they both realize that her songs can make Hod actually see and her powers of singing bring her attention to the guardian of Hod who tries to get rid of her...by sending her to the clans, posing as a 'daughter of Saylok', changing Ghisla's name to that of Liis of Saylok.

The story and the plot overlap some events from the first book too and as Liis grows up so does her love for Hod who also experiences his won journey through a world torn by war and politics.

I enjoyed seeing characters I loved again like Dragmar and Ghost the rest of the Daughters and Alba along with Bayr and at least for me what I would love to have would be a series of books about all the daughters. There was a scene with Elayne and Aidan which I would like to experience more.

Again I was torn by Dragmar's love for Ghost and her own torn feelings and I cried over the deeply emotional way Amy Harmon fleshed out these characters so masterfully. Words can not describe how beautifully written this book was.

I can not wait hopefully for another sequel in this series and I would love to see one!
Definitely recommended as Amy Harmon is a masterful writer of making us live through her characters.

And don't miss the first book of the series

About the author:

Amy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in two dozen languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl.

Amy Harmon has written eighteen novels including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her fantasy novel, The Bird and the Sword, was a Goodreads Book of the Year finalist. Her newest release, What the Wind Knows, is an Amazon charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com.

ARC Review: "Wait for Love" (Love Mark Fantasy #4) by Linda Kage

Wait for Love by Linda Kage
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

When‌ ‌a‌ ‌mysterious‌ ‌woman‌ ‌appears‌ ‌in‌ ‌Prince‌ ‌Olivander’s‌ ‌life‌ ‌and‌ ‌gives‌ ‌him‌ ‌a‌ ‌taste‌ ‌of‌ ‌ forbidden‌ ‌temptation,‌ ‌he’s...well...

He’s‌ ‌confused.‌ ‌

You see, he’s been mated to his true love, Unity, since he was thirteen. The love mark tattooed to the side of his face has told him Unity will be his future, his soul mate, and partner in all things, but he questions how he’ll ever experience passion with her after they’ve been separated for years and he’s waited for her to come of age, especially when this intriguing newcomer right in front of him keeps causing him to forget Unity completely. ‌

So‌ ‌just‌ ‌how‌ ‌accurate‌ ‌are‌ ‌these‌ ‌hallowed‌ ‌love‌ ‌marks,‌ ‌anyway?‌ ‌

Amid‌ ‌broiling‌ ‌scandals‌ ‌and‌ ‌palace‌ ‌intrigue,‌ ‌otherworldly‌ ‌visitors‌, ‌and‌ ‌magical‌ ‌ruses,‌ ‌ Olivander‌ ‌and‌ ‌his‌ ‌new‌ ‌assistant‌ ‌must‌ ‌discover‌ ‌the‌ ‌truth‌ ‌behind‌ ‌a‌ ‌dangerous‌ ‌curse‌ ‌plaguing‌ ‌the‌ ‌ Outer‌ ‌Realms,‌ ‌or‌ ‌else‌ ‌the‌ ‌Outer‌ ‌Realms‌ ‌may‌ ‌cease‌ ‌to‌ ‌exist‌ ‌entirely.‌ ‌

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REVIEW

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

Linda Kage always surprises me with the books she writes and the worlds she creates. There is nothing I do not love in a good fantasy book. Her Wait for Love series is a testament to that/ Olivander and Unity were amazing together! I loved their banter their connection and the trials they went through both with the dangers and the witty moments.

I did cry in this book. It was filled with grief and sadness but life can not be that easy even in a fantasy book. Overall this is a great sequel to this series and I enjoyed it very much!

About the author:

Linda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy. Most Kage stories lean more toward the lighter, funner side with a couple meaningful moments thrown in that center around love and hope. Focuses more on entertainment value and emotional impact than realism. She likes the drama and crazy, over-the-top plots that make you cry then laugh, get mad then sigh happily.

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 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.

ARC Review: "A Fate of Wrath & Flame" (Fate & Flame #1) by K.A. Tucker

A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Gifted thief Romeria has flourished from her days as a street kid pilfering wallets to survive. Now she thrives, stealing jewels from the rich under the involuntary employ of New York City’s most notorious crime boss. But when an enigmatic woman secures her services at swordpoint, Romeria is plunged into a startling realm of opposing thrones, warring elven, and elemental magic she cannot begin to fathom.

Her quest is straightforward: Steal a stone from Islor’s sacred garden without anyone discovering her true identity, which would earn her certain death. But the identity she has inexplicably assumed is that of the captured Ybarisan princess—an enemy to Islor after she poisoned their beloved king and queen on the day she was to marry the prince.

Her betrothed, the newly crowned King Zander, detests her with every grain of his handsome being. Fortunately for Romeria, she is more valuable to him alive than dead. Zander gives her a choice: life in a cell, or an acquittal of all charges in exchange for her help in exposing the growing plot against him.

Romeria sees no other option and embraces the tricky role of smitten queen-to-be until she can escape, a ruse that brings her far closer to the king than she anticipated and threatens more than her safety. As she digs deeper into this sacred garden and the ancient feud between Ybaris and Islor, she discovers monstrous truths that could spell ruin for all.

She would know the world of vengeful gods and monsters, and the lengths one would go for love. And nothing would ever be the same for her again. 

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REVIEW

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

This book was a huge step for K.A. Tucker whom I had mostly connected with contemporary books. Needless to say that I enjoyed reading about her new world filled with magic and these strange gods/fates which I didn't like at all.

I loved the characters. I really liked Romeria/Romy. She was fierce and amazing. And I loved how she acted towards the people of this strange and fantasy world she finds herself in. I loved Corrin (a lady's maid), Wendeline (a healer), Elisaf (a guard), Dagny (seamstress), and Zander (the king). These characters were all so unique and added so much to the story, which may have been long, and for me it may have dragged a little but that didn't stop me from wanting to see how the plot would move.

And the ending while not exactly a cliffhanger it left me in a place where I want to see what will happen next.

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! >>
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Milky Way of Books. Quarantine Time Reads (Part 1)

 

Hello, dears! Coming back from this hibernation feels good! I had some very good books which I enjoyed during the little free time I had during quarantine (working from home is hell), so I finally found the chance to share them with you! Some span months back but with some recent amazing developments (especially in the Grishaverse), I felt like it was finally time! 

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

The Grishaverse will be coming to Netflix soon with Shadow and Bone, an original series!

The wolves are circling and a young king will face his greatest challenge in the explosive finale of the instant #1 New York Times-bestselling King of Scars Duology.

The Demon King. As Fjerda's massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king's gift for the impossible.

The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.

The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.

King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall. 

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REVIEW

Fun fact: I had finished this book before the Shadow and Bone release on Netflix. The book was a rollercoaster of emotional action and everything I love in Leigh's writing. Knowing that this was also Nikolai's book along with the cameos of many characters AND that ending that followed when I finally got to the Netflix series I was a giddy mess of feels...especially for Ben Barnes.

The book continues from where we were left off. Nikolai and Zoya have many open war fronts, alliances are tested and among others, there is a blight that destroys everything and no one knows its origins...or is there someone who does?

While I didn't mind the plot lines that in the end became connected, I did want more cameos of the other characters. I know it is kind of selfish of me but I really wanted a meeting between Kaz and YOU KNOW WHO. That happened in the Netflix series so my wish did come true? :P

Additionally, I really liked how the story moved from Nikolai to Zoya making her the strongest character; not that Nikolai wasn't, God knows I will die if I even see the actor who will play this role. But I loved how Leigh explored the power in a woman and to the lengths, she would go to protect those she loves.

Nina and Hanne on the other hand seemed they had the worst 'heist' to pull off. Being in Fjerda with spies and danger felt more...stressful. I liked how Hanne explored her powers and the romance with Nina...but it felt a little rushed and while I wanted her to have a HEA...I still mourn Mattias.

The final part of the book with that trip and how the events unfolded felt a little off? Does that...tree have a specific role? Could it be that 'HE' wants something more? Also the ending and final words of Zoya? HOLY WOW THAT WAS A CLIFFHANGER FOR THE NEXT SERIES!

In the end, I do understand that in my mind I have connected the books with the Netflix series and seriously want like 8 seasons? But in the end, what matters is the book in your hands and the story that you immerse yourself in and fall in love with the characters.

Definitely one amazing book by Leight Bardugo and I can not wait for fo the next series in the Six of Crows world!

About the author:

Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels and the creator of the Grishaverse (now a Netflix original series) which spans the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, the Six of Crows Duology, the King of Scars Duology, and The Language of Thorns—with more to come. Her short stories can be found in multiple anthologies, including the Best American Science Fiction & Fantasy. Her other works include Wonder Woman: Warbringer and Ninth House (Goodreads Choice Winner for Best Fantasy 2019) which is being developed for television by Amazon Studios. Leigh grew up in Southern California and graduated from Yale University. These days she lives and writes in Los Angeles. For information on new releases and appearances, sign up for her newsletter.

She would be delighted if you visited her at LeighBardugo.com and fairly giddy if you liked her selfies on Instagram.

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel.

Cordelia Carstairs seems to have everything she ever wanted. She’s engaged to marry James Herondale, the boy she has loved since childhood. She has a new life in London with her best friend Lucie Herondale and James’s charming companions, the Merry Thieves. She is about to be reunited with her beloved father. And she bears the sword Cortana, a legendary hero’s blade.

But the truth is far grimmer. James and Cordelia’s marriage is a lie, arranged to save Cordelia’s reputation. James is in love with the mysterious Grace Blackthorn whose brother, Jesse, died years ago in a terrible accident. Cortana burns Cordelia’s hand when she touches it, while her father has grown bitter and angry. And a serial murderer is targeting the Shadowhunters of London, killing under cover of darkness, then vanishing without a trace.

Together with the Merry Thieves, Cordelia, James, and Lucie must follow the trail of the knife-wielding killer through the city’s most dangerous streets. All the while, each is keeping a shocking secret: Lucie, that she plans to raise Jesse from the dead; Cordelia, that she has sworn a dangerous oath of loyalty to a mysterious power; and James, that he is being drawn further each night into the dark web of his grandfather, the arch-demon Belial. And that he himself may be the killer they seek.

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REVIEW

Ah, my lovely Shadowhunters...children with all the emotions and secrets and obligations.

Chain of Iron is the second book of the series which continues after the events of the first book. Cordelia and James are to be married, Grace is still a b*ch and the rest of the cast have all to deal with their own stories and insecurities.

I loved Cassandra's writing she has a way of pulling my heartstrings...but also wanting me to throttle her characters as they all just needed to TALK things! And while there were more sinister plots at work especially from the Demons, I gained the feeling that all of them fell victims to the events; Matthew and Cordelia, James and that damn bracelet, Anna and her feelings, Lucie and her powers who really should have just asked for help, all of them gave to the plot the power to move on, especially as we see here some of the events that set forth Malcolm Fade's actions in The Dark Artifices series.

Despite some issues I had with the plot that didn't stop me from enjoying the world, the historical setting at the beginning of the 20th century, seeing William and Tessa again as also the cliffhanger. Seriously Cassandra Clare knows how to keep me on my toes till the next book!

Recommended if you are a long-standing fan of the fandom!

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."

You can find me online at

www.cassandraclare.com

I have a blog:

http://cassandraclare.livejournal.com/

and a Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/Cassandraclare

and a Twitter:

www.twitter.com/cassieclare

ARC Review: "Grace and Glory" (The Harbinger #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Grace and Glory by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Danger, betrayal, and enticing forbidden love clash in book three of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Harbinger trilogy!

When Angels Fall

Trinity Marrow has lost the battle and her beloved Protector. Even with both demons and Wardens on her side, Trin may not win the war against the Harbinger.

Bringing Lucifer back to the world to fight the Harbinger is probably a really, really bad idea, but they’re out of options—and the world’s ultimate fallen angel is the only being powerful enough to impact the outcome.

As Trin and Zayne form a new and more dangerous bond and Lucifer unleashes Hell on earth, the apocalypse looms and the world teeters on the end of forever. Win or lose, one thing is certain—nothing will ever be the same.

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REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from the author and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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CONTAINS SPOILERS OF THE PREVIOUS BOOK PROCEED WITH CAUTION

What can I say? It's been almost 2 weeks and still, I don't know what more to think of how masterfully this series ended. Should I mention the action? The smoldering romance of Trinity and Zayne as also their deep connection? Or should I maybe comment on the other characters that completed this group of awesomeness and hilarious moments?

Grace and Glory pick up right after from where the previous book left us. Trinity wants to find a way to save the world from a genocide bent Archangel, even if it means summoning Lucifer (not the bar owner sorry). With Zayne on the loose as a Fallen Angel with his powers intact, Trinit will need something more than her Grace to help her defeat Gabriel.

I loved how beautifully Jennifer explored the dynamic of Zayne and Trinity in this book; she took her time to layout their emotions, fears, and love. I enjoyed Cayman's banter and funny moments and I certainly laughed out with some very...disturbing yet funny scenes making me even more needy to finally marathon Supernatural.

The surprises at the end of the book were something I did not expect though in my opinion, Jennifer did a much better job on Michael's actions and kind of redemption, in comparison at least with another father figure (yes I am looking at you Apollo).


By this point, I can not distinguish anymore which book by Jennifer Armentrout is the best. All are and I certainly will continue to recommend them. If you are as excited as I was about the release, brace yourselves for when this lovely releases!

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: "The Songbook of Benny Lament" by Amy Harmon

The Songbook of Benny Lament by Amy Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

From the bestselling author of What the Wind Knows and From Sand and Ash comes a powerful love story about a musical duo who put everything on the line to be together.

New York, 1960: For Benny Lament, music is his entire life. With his father’s deep ties to the mob, the Bronx piano man has learned that love and family can get you in trouble. So he keeps to himself, writing songs for other musicians, avoiding the spotlight…until the night his father brings him to see Esther Mine sing.

Esther is a petite powerhouse with a gorgeous voice. And when Benny writes a hit song and performs it with her, their collaboration thrusts the duo onto the national stage…and stirs up old issues and new scrutiny that the mob—and Benny—would rather avoid.

It would be easier to walk away. But the music and the woman are too hard for the piano man to resist. Benny’s songs and Esther’s vocals are an explosive combination, a sound that fans can’t get enough of. But though America might love the music they make together, some people aren’t ready for Benny Lament and Esther Mine on—or off—the stage.

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REVIEW

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

Every Amy Harmon book is shot to my heart. Not only because of her poetic writing style and prose but also because it touches subjects that few authors have dealt with especially in historical-contemporary-based books. Some of her previous books dealt with WW II and the Jews, the Native American history, and also one had dealt with Ireland and its history via a theme similar to "Outlander". All loved, al amazing.

Now this beauty of a book takes place in America of the 60's with the segregation between 'white' and 'black' (other terms are also used in the book based on the society of that time, which I will not mention out of respect for the people and the history) and Benny Lament is a song-writter whose family is...the Italian Mafia.

Another aspect of life during that time was also connected t some famous gangsters of that period. In these times Benny meets Esther, a gorgeous woman with an even more amazing voice, one that makes Benny want to collaborate with her, despite what others say and what society also demands of them. As their songs become even stronger and more powerful they stir trouble from all sides, and the secrets Benny and Esther have may come to the surface.

I loved this book; it was of a steady pace with beautiful prose and through Benny's POV, I saw how he fell in love with Esther and how she rose above her skin color and what society wanted of her. Hearteningly beautiful and with a great message that surpasses the century this book is more contemporary than any other before.


Definitely recommended.



About the author:

Amy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in two dozen languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl.

Amy Harmon has written eighteen novels including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her fantasy novel, The Bird and the Sword, was a Goodreads Book of the Year finalist. Her newest release, What the Wind Knows, is an Amazon charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com.

ARC Review: "The ​Crown of Gilded Bones" (Blood and Ash #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The ​Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

She's been the victim and the survivor…

Poppy never dreamed she would find the love she’s found with Prince Casteel. She wants to revel in her happiness but first they must free his brother and find hers. It’s a dangerous mission and one with far-reaching consequences neither dreamed of. Because Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her. By right the crown and the kingdom are hers.

The enemy and the warrior…

Poppy has only ever wanted to control her own life, not the lives of others, but now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire. But as the kingdoms’ dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long-forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat. And they will stop at nothing to ensure that the crown never sits upon Poppy’s head.

A lover and heartmate…

But the greatest threat to them and to Atlantia is what awaits in the far west, where the Queen of Blood and Ash has her own plans, ones she has waited hundreds of years to carry out. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossible—travel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself. And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their people—and each other.

And now she will become Queen…

I received an e-ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. Review can also be found on *Milky Way of Books*

Holy.Wow. So we have a lot to unpack here so brace yourselves, as this is a wild ride!

The third book of the series does not leave us to feel not even in the slightest sense as...safe. Poppy and Casteel have a lot to deal with, from the enemies of the Queen to the inner workings of the Atlantian court where both characters need to deal with. Magic, mystery, lost myths, the freaking powers Poppy is slowly discovering and lots and lots of...swoony-sweaty scenes never left me bored or led me to stop reading. (despite my reading schedule which became a mess due to job).

I loved how Jennifer gave time to map out and explore, even more, all of her characters. This is not a small book per se as it expands over the mythology of this world, the feelings of Poppy and how she describes everything on her side of view, even the action scenes it is filled with.

I enjoyed this book, usually, I need to have something to keep me hooked in a long series, and the ending of this particular book? Boy, it brought me some major GoT memories...the good ones not the final season.

Also, the fact that we are getting an extra series that explores Nyktos, the god in this world who was also responsible for many aspects in this series is very exciting. I got some serious Hades vibes as also his Consort is mentioned and I am very eager to discover who she is.

Overall, this was signature writing my Jennifer whom I love and I am overly excited to get a book by her. Lots of actions, funny moments, sad and sexy moments as also with her gorgeous way to make us love her characters...and tear our hearts in two by the end of each book. I can not wait for the next one!

View all my reviews

 

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REVIEW

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

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. 

Release Day & ARC Review: "Taken to Kor" (Xiveri Mates #5) by Elizabeth Stephens

Taken to Kor by Elizabeth Stephens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Deena
Rhork. He's a space pirate. The bad kind. But he's also been my only source of company for the past rotation that I've been held captive.

Halfway across the galaxy, I'm happy to have finally escaped and found more humans...well, I was.

But now, I'm not so sure that people are so much better than pirates. And I'm very sure that I'll need Rhork's help to get out of this. But Rhork thinks I'm a defective female because of my twisted leg. What if he's not willing to give it?

Rhork
Communicating with the human female for almost a rotation was, in retrospect, a poor choice. Now, she seems to be the ever-present voice in my head, distracting me, making me want things I shouldn't.

To make her a pirate.

To show her the universe.

And most of all, to keep her for myself.

BUY ON 

AMAZON 

REVIEW

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

This series still continues to amaze me. I loved that every new couple is not just that. It's a whole new world with its own mysteries, adventures, and rules, of aliens of all shapes and sizes and of course of romance and the way to overcome trauma and find acceptance in a family of your own making.

That is what Deena does; despite her captivity, she learns how to fight, she braves to help her friends, and in the process Rhork, the space pirate we had first met in the first book, he also realizes that there are more ways to save his people than outdated practices.

The fact that more humans were introduced and also the hopes this filled with the intergalactic alliance against a common enemy drove this book to heights. I loved Elizabeth's descriptions of the planets, of the systems they had, and how different and imaginative the alien species she included looked like.

Overall this is a great sequel to the series and I seriously want more!

About the author:

Tough heroines & possessive Alphas solve mysteries, fight epic battles, and fall in love in Elizabeth's diverse romance & SciFi novels.

Elizabeth Stephens has been living in a fantasy world since she was 11, and in 2015 finally translated her imagination to print! An author of romantic suspense and science fiction, she is a big fan of inclusion and her books always include kick ass ladies of color.

When she isn't found writing, you'll also see her getting her hands dirty by throwing pottery, or working as a communications consultant for privacy and human rights organizations. With origins in Seattle, Atlanta, and Bamako, she currently lives in Berlin with her loving husband and doggo, King Louis.

​To find out more about her projects and upcoming releases visit her website at www.booksbyelizabeth.com. 

Review: "A ​Court of Silver Flames" (A Court of Thorns and Roses #4) by Sarah J. Maas

A ​Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms. 

BUY ON 

AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

REVIEW

Three years....I feel like I never left this world, this wild, magical, scary as hell, amazing world where Fae and humans and all in between coming together in this explosive world-building. And not to mention that finally, FINALLY we got Nesta's story! After that ending in ACOFAS with Cassian heart-broken and Nesta spiraling down towards the emotional bottom of the well, well it was high time we got their story!

(also this is me trying not to spoiler anything, so you are safe in this review...mostly :P)

And so we begin with Nesta, brimming with self0hate and loathing, guilt and depression being called upon by Feyre and Rhysand. She is to be put into...a kind of training program so they can pull her out from the mess she has put herself to. With Cassian to training her and Azriel being their chaperone

*insert manic laughing or Azriel being a chaperone*

They move to the House of Wind which also houses in the underground the huge library which rivals only Belle's and where also it's a safe haven for women abused and scarred. And as we move through Nesta and her attempts to overcome her depression major PTSD and how to become stronger and come to terms with her powers, I have to say that I never expected to like her as a character.

I was shocked by her strength, I applauded her as Nesta became stronger, found her footing, and also matched Cassian as they were made for each other. And Cassian? Boy, I loved him; he outshone any other character from the Inner Circle even those idiots who called him 'brute'. He is by far the most worthy, honorable, witty, funny male I have ever read.

Yes he had his issues, his fears, his tragic past, but he became stronger and his patience with Nesta and how he also helped her as she planned to also guide the priestesses too to become stronger made me tear up.

On the other hand, as part of the plot, I liked how Sarah expanded her world. We learned of gods older than time, of the Dead Trove, Kochei, the Fae sorcerer who has Vassa under his spell, and how the Queens come to this, as war is brewing. I never felt disconnected with both the character development, the plot, and the pacing, despite the book's size.

I waited 3 years. I damn well deserved this mammoth of a book.

The smut? FILTHY HOT. This is NOT A YOUNG ADULT. IT'S AN ADULT BOOK. Get it in your head. And it is a far evolution since Throne of Glass series which also shows how much Sarah's writing has evolved and I loved it very much.

Some may have expressed bad opinions about Feysand. Well I didn't like how Rhys was rude to Nesta as he never liked her to start with and even Feyre may have seemed a little too harsh, but for me the one character I found myself disliking was Elain. She was always in the background, content to fix gardens and pretend that everything is alright, while she didn't support Nesta, at least as much as Feyre tried to do, even with sending her to the House.

I have no idea how she will be redeemed because it seems that Elain simply tags along with Lucien, who is her mate, and also Azriel. And personally, Azriel deserves much better.

What I really loved though was the power of friendship Nesta develops with Gwyn and Emerie. Those three with their stories and experiences and strength are the true examples of love between friends. Especially with what happens towards the end of the book, which was glorious.

Also about what happens with Nesta and her powers, some may disagree and say that Nesta shouldn't have done what she did. For me, that was the best way to show that she truly loved her sister, and also having so many powers would put a target in her back, far deadly than any Fae or sorcerer. She still has powers I believe at least not to the extent of what she was capable of.

For me the true sneaky one is Elain; she hides her powers far better and I think that she will play a vital role in the next books...I sincerely hope she gets also a nice slap by someone.

Overall, this book was glorious. I don't know how much we'll wait for the next book, hopefully not 3 years, though there are rumors in the blogsphere about a novella coming out this year. I definitely going to re-read this and listen to the audiobook. And if you haven't read ACOTAR in general yet, please do.

And don't miss the rest of the series.

About the author:

Sarah J. Maas is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Crescent City, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the Throne of Glass series. Her books have sold more than twelve million copies and are published in thirty-seven languages. 

A New York native, Sarah lives in Philadelphia with her husband, son, and dog. 

To find out more, visit sarahjmaas.com or follow @therealsjmaas on Instagram.

ARC Review: "Black Sunshine" by Karina Halle

Black Sunshine by Karina Halle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary from GoodReads

All Lenore Warwick wants for her 21st birthday is to hang out with her friends, finish her second year at Berkeley with flying colors, and maybe catch the eye of a hot musician playing a show at a club that she can now (legally) get into.

Unfortunately, fate has other plans for her.

A week before her birthday, she’s kidnapped by the brooding and dangerous stranger with cold eyes and a lethal touch, who has been stalking her on San Francisco’s fog-shrouded streets. Absolon Stavig isn’t your average criminal though. He’s a centuries-old vampire who’s caught between wanting to kill Lenore and wanting to save her.

You see Lenore, too, is a vampire.

She just doesn’t know it yet.

Taken by a pair of vampire slayers when she was just an infant, Lenore was raised never knowing her true nature. All Lenore knows is that she has (normal) parents who love her, that she’s exceptionally smart, and she’s squeamish around blood. But once she turns twenty-one, she’ll fully turn into a vampire, and Solon hopes he’ll be there to guide her, opening her eyes to her deepest hunger...both sexual and otherwise.

But this turning can’t be kept a secret. Soon both slayers and vampires are hunting Lenore, with only Solon and his unpredictable motley crew of vampires to save her.

If they don’t kill her first.

Black Sunshine is a dark adult standalone romance with a paranormal twist, about sex, love, secrets, and revenge, set in contemporary San Francisco.

BUY ON 

AMAZON 

REVIEW

I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. 
*trigger warning: blood, death*

It's been a while since I read a nice vampire book. Bloody, equal parts sexy and dark with a dose of realism and the mystery that surrounds the genre and the specific creature.

Karina Halle's Black Sunshine is a mysterious amazing book which deals with both secrets in the vampire world as Lenore, our heroine, unwittingly becomes the center of it. And her guide through this? Absolon, or Solon an old, powerful vampire with secrets of his own.

I enjoyed this book: it was fast-paced but it didn't deviate from the character development, the swoony and steamy parts as also the enemy behind Lenore's true powers.

And while the author mentions that this was a stand-alone I would like to see more from this world as there is room for more characters, like Wolf and Amethyst.

If you carve a vampire adult book then this is for you.




About the author:

Karina Halle is a screenwriter, a former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of The Pact, A Nordic King, and Sins & Needles, as well as sixty other wild and romantic reads.

She, her musician husband, and their adopted pit bull, Bruce, live in a rainforest on an island off the coast of British Columbia, where they operate Raven Ridge, a B&B that’s perfect for writers’ retreats and romantic getaways.

In the winter, you can often find them in California or on their beloved island of Kauai, soaking up as much sun (and getting as much inspiration) as possible. For more information, visit www.authorkarinahalle.com/books.

Halle is represented by Root Literary and is both self-published, and published by Simon & Schuster, Hachette, Penguin, and Montlake. Her books have been published in numerous languages around the world.

Blog Tour+Excerpt: "Wilde Type" by H.K. Jacobs

 

WE ARE EXCITED TO BE SHARING HK JACOBS CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE, WILDE TYPE WITH YOU TODAY.

WILDE TYPE IS THE FIRST BOOK IN THE ALEX WILDE SERIES AND IS OUT NOW!

                                                    

GoodReads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes&Noble ~ The Ripped Bodice ~ The Twig

   Book Description:

"He had awoken something in her the first night they met--a rebirth of hope for irrevocable love, a love so powerful that it canceled out the burden of her pain."

  Dr. Alexandra Wilde is brilliant, driven, and wholly dedicated to her profession. Caring for critically ill children has taken her across the globe from Mongolia to Haiti to her current assignment in Gaborone, Botswana. Her life is full of excitement, tragedy, and personal sacrifice with little room for anything or anyone else. She has always welcomed any adventure…except for the one wearing the face of billionaire mining heir and international playboy, Ian Devall. He is arrogant, charming, and utterly disenchanted. However, when circumstances thrust him into her life, she is captivated by a glimpse of his deeper character and drawn into a blazing romance. An ensuing path of self-discovery leads her to reopen the wounds of her past, and she must choose between the life she always imagined…or one she never dreamed was possible.  

Excerpt‌ ‌#1‌ ‌(first‌ ‌meeting)‌ ‌

 ‌

“Well,‌ ‌you‌ ‌aren’t‌ ‌looking‌ ‌for‌ ‌sex,”‌ ‌he‌ ‌said‌ ‌with‌ ‌a‌ ‌raise‌ ‌of‌ ‌one‌ ‌eyebrow‌ ‌as‌ ‌he‌ ‌nearly‌ ‌emptied‌ ‌his‌ ‌bourbon‌ ‌glass.‌ ‌

 ‌Alex‌ ‌sputtered‌ ‌into‌ ‌her‌ ‌drink,‌ ‌which‌ ‌thankfully‌ ‌broke‌ ‌the‌ ‌half-trance‌ ‌she‌ ‌had‌ ‌been‌ ‌entertaining,‌ ‌and‌ ‌she‌ ‌

turned‌ ‌in‌ ‌her‌ ‌chair‌ ‌to‌ ‌face‌ ‌him.‌ ‌Although‌ ‌her‌ ‌heart‌ ‌thundered‌ ‌and‌ ‌her‌ ‌insides‌ ‌felt‌ ‌like‌ ‌they‌ ‌had‌ ‌been‌ ‌

scrambled,‌ ‌she‌ ‌donned‌ ‌her‌ ‌calmest,‌ ‌most‌ ‌in-control‌ ‌façade.‌           ‌“How‌ ‌do‌ ‌you‌ ‌know‌ ‌I’m‌ ‌not?”‌ ‌

 ‌“Because,‌ ‌Alexandra,‌ ‌a‌ ‌lot‌ ‌of‌ ‌women‌ ‌want‌ ‌me,‌ ‌and‌ ‌I‌ ‌can‌ ‌always‌ ‌tell‌ ‌when‌ ‌they‌ ‌do,”‌ ‌he‌ ‌answered‌ ‌

matter-of-factly‌ ‌with‌ ‌a‌ ‌wry‌ ‌smirk‌ ‌briefly‌ ‌contrasting‌ ‌his‌ ‌beautiful‌ ‌face.‌ ‌

 ‌She‌ ‌answered‌ ‌with‌ ‌a‌ ‌raise‌ ‌of‌ ‌her‌ ‌eyebrows‌ ‌and‌ ‌a‌ ‌mild‌ ‌glare‌ ‌that‌ ‌gave‌ ‌off‌ ‌her‌ ‌unspoken‌ ‌disdain.‌ ‌He‌ ‌wasn’t‌ ‌

exactly‌ ‌wrong.‌ ‌She‌ ‌was‌ ‌not‌ ‌here‌ ‌looking‌ ‌for‌ ‌Friday‌ ‌night‌ ‌post-debauchery‌ ‌sex.‌ ‌However,‌ ‌despite‌ ‌her‌ ‌

preference‌ ‌living‌ ‌within‌ ‌a‌ ‌formidable‌ ‌ice‌ ‌fortress,‌ ‌her‌ ‌body‌ ‌felt‌ ‌anxious‌ ‌to‌ ‌betray‌ ‌her.‌ ‌Her‌ ‌mouth‌ ‌felt‌ ‌

paper-dry,‌ ‌and‌ ‌a‌ ‌slight‌ ‌sheen‌ ‌of‌ ‌sweat‌ ‌was‌ ‌rapidly‌ ‌accumulating‌ ‌on‌ ‌her‌ ‌palms.‌ ‌She‌ ‌wiped‌ ‌her‌ ‌hands‌ ‌over‌ ‌her‌ ‌

jean-clad‌ ‌thighs,‌ ‌a‌ ‌movement‌ ‌that‌ ‌caught‌ ‌Ian’s‌ ‌eye.‌ ‌

 ‌Looking‌ ‌up‌ ‌at‌ ‌him,‌ ‌she‌ ‌startled‌ ‌a‌ ‌bit‌ ‌at‌ ‌his‌ ‌expression‌ ‌which‌ ‌was‌ ‌curious‌ ‌and‌ ‌sincere‌ ‌with‌ ‌interest,‌ ‌quite‌ ‌

different‌ ‌from‌ ‌a‌ ‌moment‌ ‌ago.‌ ‌ ‌

 ‌“You’re‌ ‌right,”‌ ‌started‌ ‌Alex.‌ ‌“I‌ ‌am‌ ‌definitely‌ ‌not‌ ‌looking‌ ‌for‌ ‌sex.”‌ ‌She‌ ‌flicked‌ ‌her‌ ‌eyes‌ ‌down‌ ‌to‌ ‌the‌ ‌

bourbon‌ ‌for‌ ‌comfort‌ ‌rather‌ ‌than‌ ‌continuing‌ ‌to‌ ‌let‌ ‌herself‌ ‌be‌ ‌enraptured‌ ‌by‌ ‌his‌ ‌face.‌ ‌

 ‌“Let‌ ‌me‌ ‌tell‌ ‌you‌ ‌what‌ ‌you‌ ‌are‌ ‌looking‌ ‌for,”‌ ‌he‌ ‌said‌ ‌in‌ ‌a‌ ‌husky,‌ ‌bourbon-soaked‌ ‌voice.‌ ‌He‌ ‌leaned‌ ‌over‌ ‌

now‌ ‌so‌ ‌close‌ ‌that‌ ‌Alex‌ ‌could‌ ‌feel‌ ‌his‌ ‌breath‌ ‌on‌ ‌her‌ ‌cheek.‌ ‌She‌ ‌didn’t‌ ‌dare‌ ‌meet‌ ‌the‌ ‌eyes‌ ‌that‌ ‌looked‌ ‌down‌ ‌at‌ ‌

her‌ ‌through‌ ‌half-closed‌ ‌lids.‌ ‌‌Was‌ ‌he‌ ‌going‌ ‌to‌ ‌kiss‌ ‌her?‌ ‌She‌ ‌held‌ ‌her‌ ‌breath‌ ‌and‌ ‌felt‌ ‌everything‌ ‌stop‌ ‌for‌ ‌a‌ ‌

moment,‌ ‌including‌ ‌her‌ ‌heart.‌ ‌In‌ ‌fact,‌ ‌it‌ ‌seemed‌ ‌to‌ ‌take‌ ‌forever‌ ‌for‌ ‌it‌ ‌to‌ ‌squeeze‌ ‌another‌ ‌aliquot‌ ‌of‌ ‌blood‌ ‌into‌ ‌

her‌ ‌arteries.‌ ‌

 ‌“You‌ ‌want‌ ‌an‌ ‌epic‌ ‌love‌ ‌story…a‌ ‌love‌ ‌that‌ ‌is‌ ‌timeless…immortal.‌ ‌You‌ ‌want‌ ‌a‌ ‌love‌ ‌that‌ ‌frightens‌ ‌you‌ ‌and‌ ‌

inspires‌ ‌you,”‌ ‌he‌ ‌whispered‌ ‌into‌ ‌her‌ ‌ear.‌ ‌His‌ ‌face‌ ‌retreated‌ ‌from‌ ‌hers‌ ‌then,‌ ‌and‌ ‌his‌ ‌nose‌ ‌barely‌ ‌skimmed‌ ‌her‌ ‌

cheek‌ ‌as‌ ‌he‌ ‌did‌ ‌so.‌ ‌“And‌ ‌I‌ ‌hope‌ ‌you‌ ‌find‌ ‌it,”‌ ‌he‌ ‌finished,‌ ‌genuinely‌ ‌smiling‌ ‌at‌ ‌her,‌ ‌without‌ ‌a‌ ‌trace‌ ‌of‌ ‌his‌ ‌

previous‌ ‌bravado.‌ 

     

 

  

ABOUT HK JACOBS:  

 HK Jacobs graduated from Baylor College of Medicine and has spent her life as a physician traveling the globe caring for children. She also has a Master of Public Health from the University of Texas with a concentration in global health and completed her thesis in Port au Prince, Haiti. She currently resides in Texas, where she practices pediatric critical care medicine and strives to live the life she imagined. Wilde Type is her debut novel.   

  CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

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