~Can't Wait Wednesday: The Darkest Star (Origin #1)~

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

The Darkest Star (Origin #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Out:  10/30

From Goodreads:

                When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she mees Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen…but he is in fact something much more powerful.  Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she’d only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head…

                #1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the universe of the Lux in this brand new series, featuring beloved characters both old and new. 

Why I’m Waiting:

                So I love this author!  JLA is a fav of mine and I am so very far behind in her books.  Seriously she puts out so many it’s hard to keep up lol.  But that is a goal!  The Lux series was the first I finished by her and I LOVED it so of course I am thrilled to check out that world again.  Though I do have some slight cringe issues at Evie…My name is Eve and I hate when people try to cute it up with Evie but for JLA I will overlook this!       

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your CWW as well so I can check it out.

Obsession

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a good weekend.  I worked and thus I'm off today facing the daunting task of having to mow which is a very long and tiring process for numerous reasons.  But before I even think about going out there, I wanted to share with you my thoughts on a stand-alone spin-off novel of a series I read a couple years back and LOVED.  The novel in question, Obsession by Jennifer L. Armentrout.  It is an adult novel in the same Lux universe but you don't have to read the series to enjoy this it can stand on its own, though it does have a link to the series.  I have been thrilled to know a new book/series is coming out in this world and this was perfect to get me back in the zone/world as it has been a bit.  So thoughts ahead but remember this is an adult book.

Rating:  4 Stars

                Hunter is an Arum.  He isn't what you would call a good guy or hero.  He works for the DoD I that they leave him be and he gets to kill bad Luxen for them.  Not the worst job.  Until they saddle him with babysitting a human who has Luxen trying to kill her.  Serena thought her best friend was having a mental breakdown talking about aliens but now she's stuck with a man who is most definitely not human and other not human things trying to kill her, so maybe she's the one having the breakdown.  Mutual attraction is instant for the duo but tempers flare as they are forced into a life and death situation.  She stirs something new inside of him, breaking his rules, and he may be an alien but he is to die for.  Can he keep her safe and at what cost?

                I was a bit sketchy on some of the finer points in the Luxen world when I dove in and was a bit nervous but that was not at all important.  It tells you everything you need to know in the story.  It was different getting to know things from an Arum side though which was cool.  But as a whole the story is easy to follow in the universe and if anything just made me want to re-read the Lux series lol. 

“But when friendships begin with cupcakes, chocolate at that, no truer bond develops.”

                That said this books had me confused on how to rate it for a while.  Hunter is not the guy you root for the happily ever after.  He is not just a "bad boy" but he has moments of being so much worse.  In the end I ended up enjoying the story and characters as a whole understanding the way things came about and such.  Being in both of their heads for the alternating POV's was key I think.  I loved the story in the end I was so excited but there were moments in the story that held me in pause and made me rethink Hunter towards the start.  He has some serious moments doing things that are NOT okay in any way of thinking and normally I'd condemn a character for that but in this, knowing what both were thinking at the time it kind of smoothed it over.  Still part of my brain is thinking that is not cool dude like ever.  So I went back and forth and is ultimately why I didn't rate it a 5 stars because right after finishing it I LOVED it and I still really enjoyed it but there was some things that were played as sexy, and hindsight for them could be, but are not okay.  Still given my slight concerns there, again the dual POV really saved this for me because it's kind of hard to call someone out for doing something when the other character is really into it, I had to factor that in.

                Other than that which I feel had to be addressed, I still really ended up loving this book.  The chemistry between Serena and Hunter was there.  A bit of insta-lust which I think most people can relate to.  I also loved that she questioned her sanity on numerous occasion from aliens to her desire for one given her precarious situation.  It grounded it.  I wanted more for each of them as the story progressed.  Seeing from an Arums perspective on the Luxen both current and their history I really can see the war between them in a new light.  The way Serena is slowly let into the world and what he tells her not just about the whole alien thing but about him was sweet.  Then you of course have some seriously sexy times.  Again this is an adult story so there is lots of swearing and sexy times.  I enjoyed them for sure but more I liked the progression and how each builds and expands not only the sexy time itself but the connection between them. 

                The story and action were so much fun and despite some flaws in the beginning with Hunter and consent I love his "I will kick you a$$" attitude because more than anything he has what it takes to back it up.  I even like his cocky sexy attitude because yeah he kind of is.  Serena has been through a lot and she managed to roll with everything pretty well, probably in a constant state of shock given everything, and she has a good head on her shoulders.  She is also strong in that she will go after what she believes or wants and even if it isn't the safe option or the option.  I like that she isn't afraid to disagree or argue with Hunter even at the start when she is afraid of him.  There is plenty of sexy times, action, suspense and some good laughs in there as well!  It was dark and dangerous.  Overall I enjoyed the book and kind of wish it wasn't a stand alone because there is more story that can be told to be sure.    

                Until next time…

~Can't Wait Wednesday~ Meet Cute

                Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Waiting on Wednesday has been don for some time so I am switching it up for now!  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet (Anthology by Jennifer L. Armentrout)

Out:  1/2

From Goodreads:

                Whether or not you believe in fate, or luck, or love at first sight, every romance has to start somewhere.  MEET CUTE is an anthology of original short stories featuring tales of “how they first met” from some of today’s most popular YA authors.

                Readers will experience Nina LaCour’s beautifully written piece about two Bay Area irls meeting via a cranky customer service Tweet, Sara Shepard’s glossy tale about a magazine intern and a young rock star, Nicola Yoon’s imaginative take on break-ups and make-ups, Katie Cotugno’s story of two teens hiding out from the police at a house party, and Huntley Fitzpatrick’s charming love story that begins over iced teas at a diner.    There’s futuristic flirting from Kass Morgan and Katharine McGee, a riveting transgender heroine from Meredith Russo, a subway missed connection moment from Jocelyn Davies, and a girl determined to get out of her small town from Ibi Zoboi.  Jennifer Armentrout writes a sweet story about finding love from a missing library book, Emery Lord has a heartwarming and funny tale of two girls stuck in an airport, Dhonielle Clayton takes a thoughtful, speculate approach to pre-destined love, and Julie Murphy dreams up a fun twist on reality dating show contestants.

                This incredibly talented group of authors brings us a collection of stories that are at turns romantic and witty, epic and everyday, heartbreaking and real.

Why I’m Waiting:

                 Well many of these authors are on my LOVE and AUTO BUY list and they are all together doing a book about how people meet….oh yeah I’m in!

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.

Sentinel (Covenant #5)

                 Hello happy readers!  So first things first don’t forget I still have a giveaway up and running for a SIGNED copy of A Crown of Wishes here.  Today I'm going to be discussing my thoughts on the final book in the Covenant series, Sentinel, by Jennifer L. Armentrout and my overall thoughts on the series.  Spoilers through the series, duh.

Rating:  5 Stars

                So when we left off in the last book stuff had gotten real.  Our group was taking hit after hit and it ended with Alex being broken by Ares but being spirited away and healed by Apollo.  Like I said series.  We finally know which god is behind things pulling all the strings and bent on war.  Makes sense really.  But as the mortal world starts to slip into chaos Alex has to reconcile what happened and shake herself doubt away and dive back into the fray.  She will do anything necessary even work with a known enemy of the past to face the enemy of the present. All while trying to figure out a way out of this mess that lets her have her happily ever after in the end.

                 The options don't look good.  Alex has been this strong force of nature through the books so far.  She has had her moments of weakness and doubt sure but never like this.  She actually wanted to die.  Ares broke her.  This is a hard hit to suffer.  Aiden as always is there by her side willing to do anything to help.  I love how supportive he is with her.  Their connection from the start has always been off the charts but in this one it just really hits you in the core.  There are so many moments where they just know the other and what they need on instinct or a single look.  They are equals and always have been despite the breed order or her Apollyon powers they have always treated each other as equals.  Both knowing the other is in danger and not trying to shut them away but instead trusting them and their ability to make it through.  This really touches the heart.

                 Then we have Seth.  I hated him.  I didn't like him from the start but then I grew to hate his character and the evil he was a part of in his power hungry daze.  I equated him with a rapist drugging her with the bond and then leeching her power even when she tried to say no.  At the end of the last book with the showdown with Ares, all the pain, misery, and despair she felt as he broke her body and spirit I hoped he would feel every ounce through the bond.  Let him take on the horror he brought on.  He did.  He is suddenly seeing through the haze of his power madness and wants to help, suddenly seeing the error of his ways.  There was nothing he could do to redeem himself in my eyes.  Though watching as he tried and meet skepticism and resistance from everyone else I enjoyed that.  He got back on charm for so long seeing it not work, that everyone held him accountable for his evil deeds was refreshing.  I liked that they never tried to belittle those deeds.

                 Now adding this into the story was huge story points but we still have a war to finish.  This is the final book and there was a lot of ground to cover.  We have to save the world and nothing is ever easy or without cost.  This doesn't change here.  There is a price to be demanded and no matter how hard or gut wrenching for the good of all our heroes will face it.  I was constantly on the edge of my seat finishing this book trying to think of any twists or loop holes to make everything I wanted to happen to happen.  There was a lot to cover and it wasn't smooth sailing and in war people die.  This book actually had me getting teary and/or crying in different parts just thinking about certain characters futures (yes I know vague me) and this got more intense the closer we got to the end.

                 I was so nervous as I got closer that it might not end in a way that satisfied me.  I should not have worried though because JLA knows what she's doing and this series was amazing.  It hits you with all the feels and then some but you end feeling complete.  Like how it ends you can instantly see it from the start looking back on the whole journey.  It also did something that I wasn't sure was possible given how I felt about Seth pre this book and that's make me want to read his spin-off/sequel series.  I think I'm going to hold off a few months before I start these but I have the first three ready to go.  While there is the spin-off/sequel series I think the Covenant series wraps up nicely in Sentinel and I highly recommend it. 

                Until next time…

ApollyCon 2017

                Hello happy readers!  Okay so I’ve been mentioning ApollyCon since I got my Titan Pass last year.  Well it happened.  Last weekend I went down to Orlando Florida and took part in the amazing event.  I had tons of fun meeting authors I already adore and finding new to me authors as well to check out.  Not only were the authors amazing but the event also had several cover models attending, mostly for Jennifer L. Armentrouts books as she was the one hosting the event with help from Steph and Hannah over at No BS Book Reviews.  And of course all the readers and fangirls like myself. 

                Basically lots of fun and tons of fun, new friends, and pictures!  Now as I’m not the best at selfies like most we just handed the phone to someone else to take photos so some of them are better than others but let’s be honest excitement can make anyone a bit shaky ;)  Thursday I got to the hotel and got checked in and got my pass and wristbands and such and meet my roomie.  That’s pretty much it for Thursday as I was near crashing I had been up transitioning from night shift and I was passed out by 8:30pm. 

                Friday though was the Titan signing and I got almost all of my books signed which is impressive given my suitcase full of goodies.  I made lots of new friends in lines outside and in the different author lines.  I jabbered and discussed books and stories and it was beautiful!  As the Titan signing Friday was winding down I ended up chatting with the talented and awesome Nicole Castroman, Kasie West, and Kimberly Derting as I hijacked one of the extra chairs to rest my knee for the last 15 minutes or so and just talked.  Then as I was trying to figure out my plans for food, real food given I hadn’t had anything real since Wednesday night, these lovelies asked me to join them and some others for dinner.  I was thrilled and we walked (well I more limped) over to a Japanese Steakhouse Kobe which was delicious and had a great evening.  Not many pictures from that given the lighting and it was more all about the company, conversation, and food.  So many amazing ladies and I think them again for inviting me to join.  Then back to the room to crash way early for me but my body was sore but totally in a wonderful way that happens after a great day.

                Saturday as I had all but a couple books signed and those two authors were ticketed and by number group (and I had first call numbers having been there Thursday to get my numbers) I wasn’t concerned with standing in line waiting to go in.  I took my time getting ready and just enjoying the need not to rush.  I only had a stack of books for Jennifer L. Armentrout (5 books limit and having so many books out takes more than one trip I had 9) and given I’d have to see her Saturday to get my copy of The Dead List signed from the Q&A panel the night before.  I also had one last trip to see the lovely Sarah J. Maas as she had an injured hand and was only personalizing/signing one item per trip in line and I needed 3 things overall signed I had one last item on Saturday (Empire of Storms).  Random story while she was signing I told her I was listening to it as an audiobook currently and on the way down I hit one part and ended up honking the horn when I hit the wheel in an “OMG OMG” moment and had been thankful I was on cruise control.  She asked if it was an action scene or a sexy scene, I advised action and she knew instantly which scene.  How awesome as an author when someone says they got super excited about a scene and to know just that scene.  I loved it!  Side note having finished the book now that is an even more impressive feat since there are a lot of scenes that had that reaction for me.  Anywho the line outside to get into the signing was HUGE!  I was so glad to have my tickets and got them signed and finished up first thing.  Then as it was crazy inside I decided to step out for a bit and had a drink at the bar with some new friends (also drinks at the hotel bar are hella expensive fyi) then went back into wander.  I had a T-shirt in my bag and had been working on getting everyone to sign it.  It was a great way to get to meet everyone and say hi and get to know some of the authors works as there were several I had never heard of.  So I got my shirt signed and pictures and just took random breaks when my knee was starting to hurt (I pulled it when I moved back in November and it acts up when on it excessively, I need a brace but didn’t think to get one before the event) then go back at it again.

                When the event died down I made my way up to the room to freshen up and figure out my dinner plans.  Again having spent the day on snacks I brought like crackers and pretzels and such.  There was a TGI Fridays across the street so I walked over and since I was alone I sat at the bar and made more friends.  Ended up next to a new to me author (I’m horrible and forgot so many names during this) and we discussed some items while getting food and drinks (much more budget friendly) and then some other guests of the hotel (for a business conference) joined and were asking about what had been happening in the courtyard.  Apparently the cover models were making an impact and making lots of girls squeal.  They were friendly and had lots of questions and it was a nice dinner.  Then back to the room to change for the after party.  The party was simple and fun lots of good music, some awesome costumes, and surprises…like the proposal.  YES someone proposed in the center of it and it was so so adorable!  So many were all teary after!  Then dancing while the models and Jen took pictures in the corner as they couldn’t at the table Saturday due to the sheer volume of people.  Giveaways and more dancing.  We eventually closed the room down and not everyone wanted to go to bed so we moved the after party to the hotel lobby.  Someone even brought down some wireless speakers and gave us some tunes.  More talking and fun, including some extra photo time with the models who hung out to chat.  I honestly wasn’t as excited about cover models and authors to begin with but they were so fun and easy to chat with (and smelt amazing just saying) that as everyone squealed and such you get caught up in it for sure.  Plus some of the accents….just listening to them talk was amazing. 

And this happens when you as a photographer to take the simple photo and he starts directing the shot :)

                I stayed in the lobby/bar area for a while until my feet and knees were killing me beyond belief and the random wet spots on the tile floor (dripped drinks and people walking through from the pool) that almost had me on my behind a couple times it was time for bed.  Also it had been a long day and as much as I didn’t want it to end I was drained.  So I said my goodbyes and exchanged some information and went up to my room.  That was it, next morning I just got the rest of my stuff packed up and headed out for my drive home.  It was so much fun and I hope to get to go next year as well but as it will be further from me I’ll have to keep my budget in mind but it was so worth it!  I had a blast meeting each and every person!  

Apollyon (Covenant #4)

                Hello happy readers!  So I had a bit of a crazy weekend happening here getting things finalized for my trip this week.  I leave in a few days and there is still so much that needs to be done.  I should also note I'm a monstrous over-packer.  Seriously I feel like I have to be prepared for everything.  I just hate needing to buy something when I know I already have it at home.  I also had a girls night and went o see the new Beauty and the Beast which was my all time favorite movie growing up.  I am working on my full review for that well so stay tuned.  Hoping for later today if not tomorrow for that.  In the mean time I finished the fourth audiobook in the Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Apollyon.  I have a couple days for finish the last book in the series to have it at least caught up before the event!  I reviewed the previous stories here (Half-Blood, Pure, & Deity) and as this book takes place after the short novella Elixir I will share my thoughts on it as well. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                So at the end of Deity we left off in a seriously bad place.  Things had been going to crud for a while but there was some good moments as well as some hope and sweet moments….then it hit fan as Alex came into her power and her connection to Seth took over.  Elixir is the short novella that happens between Deity and Apollyon and while I normally don't think novellas are necessary to the story I feel that this one might be.  Everything that happens is kind of touched on briefly in the story so if you miss it you won't be lost but having read it first, I felt I had a better understanding of where our characters are.  Alex has always feared two things above all else losing herself first to the Elixir and then to the Awakening process.  But through it all there is something stronger, love.  Aiden is willing to do anything, take on any God, to save his Alex.  He is determined to break the connection between Alex and Seth.  Aside from the connection making her all murdery there is still the whole problem of how to keep either of them from becoming the God Killer.  With both Gods and other half's and pure's fighting against you it is not an easy task.

                So first I have to say again how anti-Seth I am.  I mean I didn't like him from the start but yeah he just keeps getting deeper and deeper down this road I don't know how he can ever pull himself back up.  Still even with how much hate he brings up in the story the love between Alex and Aiden outshines it.  I love them!  I love how they are with one another and the understanding of each other.  I also adore that they see something is up with the other and instead of letting it fester up or cause a rift they talk it out.  That and they live in the moment because lets face it when most of the world is out to get you there is no guarantee on tomorrow.  Them together just steams up the pages be it making out or kicking butt.  Seeing the connection grow and even more seeing it out and not hidden because well with everything happening the breed order rule isn't really a huge concern at the present.  Still the scenes when Alex isn't herself, the strong and wild girl we've grown to love over the series but this shell of who she was while on the Elixir or all violent and all "my Seth" it was surreal.  Still even knowing what must happen and what he has done to her, made her into the fact that she still feels for him and the guy he used to be really speaks for her character. 

   

               There is so many things happening in this story and it is all leading up to a head.  The Gods are coming into play more and more and we see just how the Gods react to the threat.  There is a lot that needs fixing in this series and only one book left I have so many expectations.  One thing I can say is it's never a dull moment.  The action is constantly there but there are also quite moments taken when they can to calm us down and despite the life or death nature of it all find some levity.  So many of the characters in our little trusted group are important, some continue to be so even from the Underworld.  It's always hard to know who to trust in this world but watching everyone fight together really gives you a sense of hope. 

                I'm ready to move onto the last book and see how it ends.  I'm anxious and nervous about this ending.  There is so much ridding on it.  I have some theories and on how things can play out but who knows at this point I may be way off base.  I am hoping things work out but as she has continued to kill off characters it's never a safe bet anyone is safe. 

                Until next time…

The Problem with Forever

                Hello happy readers!  I’ve been discussing my plans for ApollyCon next month for some time.  I’m thrilled.  It will be my first year attending this one but the other events I’ve been to in the past have been so much fun I am thrilled by the prospect.  There are several authors attending several whom I have read, others I own but haven’t picked up yet, and others I have never heard of but the covers/titles on their pages look amazing.  I’d love to know which authors you are most familiar with or recommend, a list of attending can be found here.  Jennifer L. Armentrout is actually the host, which is epic since she has so many books.  Seriously she puts out so many each year and I need to catch up.  I am working on one of her series but I also had to check out this stand-alone contemporary novel The Problem with Forever and that is what I want to review today.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                The Problem with Forever follows Mallory “Mouse” as she tries to re-acclimate to everyday life in school after years of homeschooling from her adoptive parents after a traumatizing past that has kept her mostly silent.  Four years out of her nightmares in the best life she never could have imagined she is diving into public high school for senior year.  Already a terrifying experience being new in a huge unknown place for most of us, Mallory has much more pressure on herself to make it work.  Never did she expect to run into Rider Stark, her childhood protector she hadn’t seen for four years, on her first day.  They have a connection, share a past most could never fully understand, and have their own scars to deal with.  Mallory has always been silent but will she stay silent or speak out about what she sees and what she wants. 

                This books was a pretty quick contemporary and while it had some predictable moments for sure it was still a sweet journey.  I enjoyed watching Mallory go from being Mouse, quiet and shy to more confident with herself.  I also enjoyed how the story showed several people who have handled difficult situations in different ways.  Not everyone handles trauma the same and seeing how different people cope with it was nice. 

                I liked seeing through Mallory’s eyes and how there was the struggle between what she wanted to say/do and what actually happened.  She may have the best intentions and even mean to say things but fear is a legitimate and powerful thing that can freeze you in place in any type of spot.  Seeing it from her POV gave a real understanding to it.  How even simple conversations with people you do trust and know won’t hurt you are hard.  I also liked the dynamic of her adoptive parents and how it seemed perfect and that while grateful it put added stress on her to live up to expectations.

                Overall I really enjoyed this journey.  I did predict the majority of it but how the characters developed and got to where they were going was the real part of the story.  I enjoyed it and loved it was a single and complete story all in one.  I also liked how the title really played in.  The idea of making a promise as a child you know is impossible to keep because you have no concept of the idea of forever.

                Until next time.

Deity (Covenant #3)

                Hello happy readers!  So diving right into this last week I reviewed the second book in the Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout Pure, and I loved it but was anxious to continue.  Well I had been into the next book before the post went up and after it did I was even more determined to finish it.  Hence why this is up so quick!  So without much more my thoughts on Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout.  Spoilers for the first two books, duh. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                So wow.  So much is happening in this.  Alex is reeling from what happened in the last book.  She is used to breaking rules but she killed a Pure and more, Aiden broke even more laws risking himself to cover it up for her.  She is getting closer to her birthday but everyone seems ready to kill or use her, neither of which are cool.  It’s hard to know whom to trust.

                This book was all about some characters for me.  I of course loved Alex even though I had some issues with her here and there like her inability to see things for what they are and to ignore signs.  I understood why and it made sense to her which I appreciate.  Aiden.  OMG he is my favorite!  He is awesome!  He covered for her and then everything in this book, all the tension and feelings.  He is just…wow do I love him.  There are some things I totally called and others I figured in a wide view but the final result was intense. 

                Now I mentioned in the last book I didn’t like Seth.  I didn’t like him for so many reasons but just from the first quarter of this book, probably like 50 pages really I actually hated him.  I felt like he was like a rapist.  That might seem harsh I know but that's what it felt like to me.  I don't blame him for what happened in the last book with the brew I get that.  I mean when he keeps pushing her into things.  Alex says she wants space and breathing room and he just forces himself on her until the cord comes out and calms her down and basically roofies her.  He keeps pushing until that takes hold.  She was hardly conscious at one point trying to make more marks appear even though she is scared and not ready for it.  But he's riding high and she's hardly able to breath and he's trying to get her naked.  I fear what would have happened had someone not intervened.  That is not cool.  And even if she is not complaining or seeing how wrong it is, because she’s basically drugged, she is confused by this connection she says she is and how it clouds her head but nope listening to her would deny him what he wants.  That is just from like 50 pages and not even counting the other BS that happens in the book.  Just saying I didn’t like him from the start.

                Some seriously awesome things happened in this as well.  Swoon worthy things.  And some horrible things.  This book was a roller coaster.  I think each book keeps picking up the pace and the thrills.  There are so many revelations about so many characters.  I am both anxious and scared to start the next book because who knows what could happen.  Deity did focus more on Alex and the conspiracy she is unknowingly/unwillingly at the center of, being the second Apollyon is not stress free that's for sure.  Aside from some swoon stuff that had me jumping for joy my favorite part was that we did get to know more about the Gods and even meet some of them.  I can even explain but to say there is awesome suspense and tons of action happening along with all the other drama that we love so much.  Highly recommend this series.  Also loving that I'm reading them late so I can go straight through them without having to wait, definitely the way to go.  That's all for now.

                Until next time…

Pure (Covenant #2)

                Hello happy readers!  Another joyous Monday, I admit my weekend felt much too short.  But I did get a couple of things done so cheers to that.  I didn't have any new books last week so I had nothing to share on Stacking the Shelves but I already have things for next week ;) One thing I worked on my review for today which I'm excited for as I work my way through the series.  Last month I review Half-Blood (Covenant #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout (review)and now I have my thoughts and feels for book two, Pure.  Spoilers for book one of course.

Rating:  5 Stars

                We pick up where we left off.  Shit got real in the last book.  I had expected things to happen but if I'm honest I never expected her to get that marked up by things so when it happened I was shocked.  So now she's back in school and training with dreamy Aiden but wait she now has to train with her "other half" Seth the first Apollyon whom she is supposed to belong with.  Still daimons are infiltrating Covenants all over and now we know Half's can be turned it is an uncertain world.  Still it's not just the daimons after her but all those who aren't fond of her being the second coming of the Apollyon and what that will mean. 

                This story really hit me in the feels.  First being in her head as she deals with everything that happened with her mom.  That was just hard she was struggling so much but trying to stay strong because that is what is expected of her.  If she shows weakness there is the chance she could end up in servitude.  Then there is the dreamy man you're in love with who is totally off limits because of ancient laws from the Gods that are punishable by servitude or death.  Really tries to kill the romance but still the heart never is a logical thing.  And then you have Seth who is suddenly everywhere and this weird connection with him, this cord you don't understand and that's not even counting the whole Apollyon to be thing or the furies that have been planted in the lobby of all Covenants. 

                We get to see more on her training which is fun.  I love that she isn't just magically good at things and while she is tough and good she is also working her ass off to make it that way.  I love the dedication.  I also loved that we got to see more of the class differences here.  It was much stronger especially when they go to the council to answer for what happened with her mother.  Dealing with so much and already vulnerable she has to face off with people who know just how to play her and will stop at nothing to put an end to her.  Seriously this was insane. Plus all the dialogue, the witty banter and back and forth between all the characters just made it flow!

                 Between the emotional and all the espionage and such it was a packed read.  I still adore Alex because well she's everything we can relate to even when she does stupid things and I yell at her like she were real and could hear me.  Aiden is amazing and I still want one of him, but without all the danger and complications because it just rips on my heart!  Then we have Seth…okay I don't like him.  There I said it.  I didn't care for him tons in the first book but then this one my feelings just solidified.  I mean boundaries hello.  And I don't like that he's trying to get between my ship.  Now I admit he has his moments where I kind of like him but then he usually ruins it.  Plus I have a feeling he knows way more than he's telling.  I also hold to my feelings about Lucien and Marcus.  Marcus I think is okay just not warm and fuzzy but I don't trust Lucien at all. 

                I did like getting to know some more of the students and class mates.  The divide between Half's and Pure's being drawn about more now that they can be turned.  The sudden shift in treatment and how everyone reacts to it.  I'm really hoping one of the end game plays is going to be abolish this whole class difference between them and also allow relationships.  Just saying I'm hopeful for the future.  More so after seeing much more of the servants and how they are and are treated.  It got under my skin so badly.  I was all into this book.  But yes we got to meet new people at the Council like Laaden who I enjoyed getting to know she added a bit of femininity to the mix as Alex is generally surrounded by men. 

                Anyways lots of things are happening and while I don't like some of them they are winding up my feelings and making me anxious to continue on.  More loses that feel like a knife to the heart, seriously though I was hoping it wouldn't happen but I was so wrong.  And then some of the discoveries and things happening….oh yeah it's on.  I can't wait to read the next book and continue on.    

                Until next time…

Half-Blood (Covenant #1)

                So I’ve had these books for a while, 2014 actually but like a good portion of my library I had not yet read them.  I got them back before YALLfest when I was determined to read all of them and more, seriously my amazon bill around then was insane!  I didn’t make my goal and they have been waiting to be picked up for some time.  So now as I am attending ApollyCon2017 in March and the third book in the spin off Titan series is going to be released I figure I should catch up so I don’t get spoiled.  Side note, anyone attending ApollyCon let me know I’d love to make sure we met up!  So here are my thoughts on book one in the Covenant series, Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Rating: 5 Stars

                Basically this is a world of Pures’ who have a type of elemental magic thanks to their originating from Gods and mortals making babies; and Half-Bloods, the product of a Pure and a mortal, who have no elemental control but they have the added benefit of being able to see through daimon covers.  This along with their strength to fight make them valuable, but not equal.  Oh yeah daimons are evil ones who search out Pure and Half-Blood to suck out and feed on their either in a very painful way.  Pure’s rule things and Half’s either train to be guards or sentinels or becoming doped up servants.  Our MC Alexandria, Alex, wants to fight daimons not waste away as a servant but that is always a possibility if you break the rules.  Several rule their lives but the most important rule of all is to know your place below all Pures’ no relationships between the groups what so ever among other things.  So that makes things difficult when Alex has to train with her long time crush, super-hot Pure Aiden.  She has to catch up and stay alive while avoiding breaking too many rules.   

                So I’ll go ahead and say first thing I did see a lot of similarities in some parts with another book/series I LOVE, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.  And you know what?  I didn’t mind.  I loved Vampire Academy and while some things seemed somewhat similar they were different and unique to this story.  Plus come on it’s very rare to find a book/series that doesn’t in some way remind you of something else if you read the same genre a lot.  It’s about making your book/series stand out and Half-Blood did that for me.

                Alex is a strong force of nature whom we meet in a pickle.  We learn about the world rather quickly and it develops overtime and I love how we were taught about the world in a way of others reminding Alex the way of things.  The world isn’t fair.  Half’s are royally screwed.  Become a fighter to risk your life daily or become a slave.  What are those options?  That is something that really drew me in.  Then adding in another, Seth the Apollyon, a Half with power over all elements making him more powerful than a Pure.  Still because he is a Half he is treated like one.  This whole Half/Pure dynamic is really intriguing to me.  I don't agree with it and some of the "rules" really hit some buttons for me but that is what brought it world to life and differentiated it. 

                I love Alex's strong willed and stubborn nature even when at times I feel she is a bit to stubborn about the wrong things.  She  is wild and over the course of the story and working with Aiden who is much more by the book.  He has his own dark past and his own issues but it's fun getting to know him as Alex does, as more than the obscenely hot Pure training her.  He has depth.  I like the combination of them together.

                 Another character I just adored is Caleb.  OMG he is so much fun.  He is the best friend who is strong and solid and down for anything and will stand by you.  But best of all is that is all there was.  Friendship.  No undertones of romance between them on either side.  I liked that they were straight up friends only, brother and sister vibes going on.  And then we have Seth.  He is not my favorite.  Maybe because he just knows how to push Alex's buttons and as we see from her perspective if feels like our buttons as well.  Maybe I was just on edge the whole time because of the rules, I would be royally screwed let me just tell you.

                The overall story, I feel like we covered so much.  There are some developments and things that happened I did not see coming.  And some things I saw I didn't see happening in that way which shocked my socks off.  I loved the action and pacing of the book.  There is always something keeping you going and unable to stop from the character conflicts, romance, tension, action, and intrigue you stay keyed up.  Just when you think you get a moment of rest it knocks you with something else to keep you going in a different way.  I loved it.  I literally dove into book two as soon as this ended.  I only took long enough to make a note where it ended and my final thoughts so I would know where I ended and where to begin my next review which I should have up before long.   Highly recommend.

                Until next time…

Don't Look Back

                Hello happy readers.  Another week survived on to the weekend.  Reminder my giveaway for a SIGNED copy of Blackhearts is still open until the 7th here.  Also I'll be posting my month book haul AKA Stacking the Shelves post tomorrow so stay tuned for that as well.  But for today I am reviewing Don't Look Back by the wonderful Jennifer L. Armentrout.  One more down as I slowly work my way through her titles, seriously though she has a ton on books and so far I've loved all I've read.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Don't Look Back is a bit of a contemporary suspense YA thriller following Samantha.  Sam seemed to have it all, the perfect life of popularity, wealth, friends/boyfriend, everything a high school girl could ask for.  Until she disappears with her best friend Cassie and resurfaces with no memory of who she is or what happened.  As she tries to piece together her old life and figure out what happened to her and Cassie she realizes her life wasn't as perfect as it seemed. 

                I really enjoyed this story.  Everything from how the story was written, the flow, the character growth as she comes to learn who she was and is.  There is something both horrifying and freeing about the idea of not remembering who you are.  On one hand you are lost, disconnected, and afraid.  On the other hand you have a fresh start.  Sam realizes pretty quick her "mean girl" personality is not who she wants to be.  She can do things better, including not treating Carson, her former childhood friend and her brothers best friend, like trash because his father works for hers.  She also has the chance to do better in everything, but not everyone is going to make that easy.  And she still may know what happened to Cassie. 

                The dynamic there was wanting to remember to know what happened and piece together the mystery is strong but when you're being left messages that make you question your sanity you have to wonder if you should even try.  I wasn't really expecting to be as caught up in the heart pounding suspense of it all but I was.  I was listening to this on an audiobook in the car and I remember gripping the steering wheel constantly wishing I could make it go into my brain faster.  I was constantly running through theories and scenarios in my head trying to figure it out as Sam worked to uncover the clues.  I figured out some aspects and others I never saw coming.  It kept me on the edge of my seat, and made me thankful yet again for cruise control, and when it was over I just needed to take a moment to contemplate everything. 

                I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good suspense thriller or just a good stand alone.  Sometimes with suspense type books/movies they are hard to re-read/watch after knowing the ending, but I don't think I would have any trouble re-reading Don't Look Back.  While I might know some things there was so many little tidbits throughout that I would love to rediscover and give more attention to in a re-read in the future.  So that's my thoughts on this hit, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.  If you lost all your memories and came back into your life would you be happy with the person you discovered you had been?  It's something to think on.

                Until next time…

~Top Ten Tuesday~ Auto-buy Authors!

               Hello everyone!  It’s Top Ten Tuesday time.  If you don’t know Top Ten Tuesday is just how it sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share and check out everyone’s answers.  Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke andthe Bookish.

The top today is a Freebie:  Top Ten Auto-buy Authors!

Richelle Mead - So many amazing series and one of the few on this list I haven't yet had the pleasure to me (hoping to change it at YALLfest this year!) I just love the different worlds she creates and brings to life.

P.C. Cast - I got into the HoN series when I got back into reading again and just couldn't stop the humor she weaves through her story where I just suddenly snort with laughter or have to put it down because wow that was just wow I need a tissue I'm cry laughing. I also adore the way she mixes the different gods and goddesses in her series.

Maggie Stiefvater - Can we just say cover love.  I fell in love with Shiver by the cover and then knew with the way she writes that I would read anything she put out.  She is also a fascinating person who wears so many different hats but is still totally down to earth and hilarious.  

Jennifer L. Armentrout (J Lynn) - I fell in love with the Lux series and just knew I had to read more by her.  I own several of her books, though I am still making my way through them because, seriously, this woman can put out some books.  Between two names I'm constantly buying a new book of hers and trying to catch up.  But they are all so different and fun I like the game!  

Sarah J. Maas - Do I really need to explain.  I jumped on the Throne of Glass bandwagon last year and OMG is all I can say.  It's amazing and then she came out with another series and it also blew me away so whatever she does I'll read. 

Cassandra Clare - The Shadowhunter world is amazing.  I'm so glad when she started this that she knew she had many different series to tell in the same world.  Each one is fun and I just love how some of the characters overlap.   

Ink Monster - Technically it's a publisher but the authors work together and have several series that are just amazing so anything they put out I buy!  Christina Bauer & Aileen Erin They are amazing.  I am so glad I found them on NetGalley because this series I have re-read a few times.  Just the best.  

Rainbow Rowell - I own all of her books, though I've only read two thus far but they were amazing and I've heard just as many good things about the others and I'm dying to see for myself.  

Marie Lu - I marathoned the Legend series after it took me a while to start them and I just loved the whole set up and world.  They were also rather short and quick reads.  Then when she had a new series coming out I knew I had to try it as well.  Now The Rose Society is one of my most anticipated books!

Krystal Wade - I discovered her on NetGalley with her first series and I was just in love.  Cover love.  Story love.  OMG the Wilde's Fire series is just...amazing!  She's also an amazing person as well and I finally got to meet her in person at UtopYA this year, kind of the reason I found out and went lol.  She also has other books along with a creepy take on a fairy-tale retelling and another in the works!