Being Alpha (Alpha Girl #7)

                Hello happy readers!  Another weekend is here and I can’t believe July is almost over.  This is seriously insane.  Still that being said I have a review of a new book in a series I adore today, Being Alpha (Alpha Girl #7) by Aileen Erin.  I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review but as with the other books in this series I already had that baby on pre-order, that arrived this Tuesday, I just get it a bit early this way ;)  This is the 7^th book in the series which might be intimidating but they are so good and super-fast reads.  I have reviewed all the books in the series if you’re interested or need a refresher:  Becoming Alpha, Avoiding Alpha, Alpha Divided, Bruja, Alpha Unleashed, and Shattered Pack.

Rating:  5 Stars

               

                In the last book we stepped away from Tessa for a bit and got to follow what was happening with Meredith and Donovan in Ireland.  After defeating the evil witch Luciana, Tessa and Dastien were able to go on vacation / honeymoon after seeing their friends’ full moon ceremony and it is glorious and much deserved.  But Tessa hasn’t been able to have a vision and there is a nagging feeling that something is amiss….oh and a magical attack that nearly kills her might have been a sign something is up.  Now they have to end their vacation and go back into the thick of things, because even with Luciana dead her mess isn’t over. 

                It is so nice to dive back in with Tessa and the gang well minus Mer in person as she’s back in Ireland but she was just a call away.  More it was nice to see Tessa and Dastien get some much needed time together.  They have been from one disaster to the next and this was no exception but at least they got a break in there for a little bit.  They are so cute and I love how they are adapting to the bond.  They have a real healthy relationship and I adore how they work together and balancing one another out.  It was fun to see how the different pairs worked together as well.  I like the unity they all show.  Many are Were and loyal by nature but even the others there is this great loyalty between them tried and true forged in battle.  Even when they don’t see eye to eye on things they still hear one another out.  This is friendship goals!

                Tessa has grown so much since we got to know her in the first book.  She continues to grow as she comes to terms with what she has become.  She is powerful in both respects plus she was raised a human so she can see things from different angles.  She is ready to jump in and help anyone and takes on more than her fair share of responsibility but still she doubts herself as ever being a true alpha.  I love the character development for her and others as they grow from being teens to something more with what they have been forced to endure and adapt too. 

                In books past, and this one as well we always have lots of evils to fight with but in this we had another different battle to win as well.  A super powerful demon is trying to take Tessa and she has to battle not just physically but with her mind and soul which was different and fun.  I loved seeing the different tethers between the characters was cool.  We also got to see how a new generation may be young have a different set of priorities and willingness to work together and break down walls and bound together.  Unity is a real theme and I really enjoyed that and of course the combination of Weres’, witches, and fey.  The different levels of power between the factions and inside them was present.  This book sent shivers down my arms in many moments and had me laughing so hard it hurt at others.  Tessa is for sure one of a kind and I love her inner thoughts because I was right there with her.

“I didn’t look to see who followed me as I raced out the door.  The ones that trusted me would come.  The rest could f&@k themselves, because I wasn’t waiting.”

                The story in here is intriguing mixing all the different supernaturals and we even got introduced to some new ones I can’t wait to learn more about.  Samantha and Eli both seem like huge stories for the telling and oh yeah the whole quick pop over to the Lunar Court….yeah totally have to explore that more in time because that looks amazing!  I love that this is seven books deep and we still have so much we can explore and do.  Each chapter as you read pulls you in and flies by, the pacing is really on point, add that with amazing characters and fun story and it is gone in a blink leaving you needing more.  I’m excited for the next book in the series, and like in books past we are jumping to different characters.  I like that the series does that as well as it gives the reader a deeper insight into characters we already know and love and it also provides a break and a way to explore new worlds!

                Bottom line = I LOVE this installment and this series is an autobuy for me.  I already have book 8 on preorder!  Come on 2019!

                Until next time…

Moonlight and Midtown (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1.5)

                Hello happy readers!  So today I have a quick review for you of a novella that falls between the first book I reviewed last year and the sequel set to come out later in 2018 and my Monthly Wrap-Up to follow.  Lots happening.  I had some type of bug at the start of the week and it got me way off track but again just going to work hard to get back on top of things.  That said lots of listening and reading happening and right now my thoughts on Moonlight and Midtown (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1.5) by Christina Bauer.  I previously reviewed book one in this new series Wolves and Roses and there will be spoilers for it to follow as that is how series work!

Rating:  5 Stars

                This is a quick novella read that follows the events of Wolves and Roses and how things were left off.  Bryar Rose is ready to enjoy her new life away from her evil aunties and her curse.  She has a new man, who is literally her dream guy, and about to attend a regular school with her bestie.  Sounds great.  Accept her wolf side takes some effort to get used to and it has ruined her wardrobe.  Oh and there are some sketchy things happening in the city and with magic as a whole.  Her life is far from boring.

                I liked the little insight to follow up with these characters.  Bryar, Knox, Elle, and Alec are great fun.  I liked that Bry wasn’t instantly okay with and good at all this power that she uncovered.  She has to learn to handle it and that also means ruining some clothing along the way.  But hey perfect reason for a shopping trip with the bestie.  We get to see some more bonding with Bry and Knox which is always fun because Knox is pretty awesome with her and he tough exterior and soft center only for her.  This really was a novella so not a ton to say just that it gives some depth to the characters in the aftermath both fun and not so fun moments as well as building up more of the world and the issues they face.  I can’t wait for the next full book set to come out later this year, Shifters and Glyphs. 

                Until next time…

Shadow Falls Books 1-5 Series Review

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you are all doing well, I'm not feeling so hot myself think I have a bit of a sinus infection (yuck) and plan to spend most of today and tomorrow sleeping to try and head it off.  That said I won't be posting tomorrow given I hope to be sleeping all day.  But today I wanted to take a moment an do a series review.  As you may know one of my goals this year is to finish off some of the series I have or have started but haven't finished.  Now while the whole series is out some I will review individually but others I may do one big series wrap up.  This is a bit of a longer series of five books and I thought a brief review of each book and a overall series thought would work best. Today that series is the Shadow Falls series by C.C. Hunter.

Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls #1) Rating:  4 Stars

                Good solid start to the series.  The first book drew you into the world and gave lots of back story and understanding of the different supernaturals without making it sound like an info dump.  It flowed naturally and Kylie is really likeable.  She is going through some major changes in her normal life and then to find out on top of breaking up with her boyfriend, her best friend pulling away, and her parents divorce, surprise you're also an unknown supernatural!  I didn't really ship either Derek or Lucas in this book, they both were not on good terms but of the two I liked Lucas more and yeah maybe Socks has something to do with that ;) but  finding Derek a bit creepy from the start factored in too.  But where there is some boy drama for sure what really shined for me was the cabin mates.  Della and Miranda are the best.  So much fun!  And Holiday was pretty amazing. 

Awake at Dawn (Shadow Falls #2)  Rating: 4.5 Stars

                Picking up where we left off.  Still don't know what Kylie is but I had it figured out here just saying.  It's all good though and the story itself is fun and keeps you moving right along.  Still the great things I loved in the first one Socks, Della, and Miranda and their fights and banter is on point.  Holiday is still a favorite and I grew to really like Burnett in this one and the dynamic between the two of them as well.  We went to the falls and find out more about the  lesser known and outcast type ability to see ghosts.  The ghosts are still vague and such but it's kind of like a mystery each time, a horrible and terrifying one but still interesting.  I like how it continues to have everyone dealing with their own things.  Perry was cute in the first book but he kind of grew on me a bit more in this one.  I really grew to dislike Derek in this one around the time I was growing to like Lucas more and he seems more accepting of her wishes at least in respect for boundaries which Derek claimed book one but never managed.  Also I like how one of the bad guys from the first one blends into this one and a larger plot.

Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls #3)  Rating:  4.5 Stars

                So Derek was my least favorite character in this one I think.  I even enjoyed Frederka a bit more in this one than him and that's saying something.  Though while I was solidly on team Lucas I didn't like that he kept things from her, the packs disapproval and such but it kind of fits his protective instinct to keep her from the harm.  Plus he owns up to his issues and even admits it's part of his wolf nature and one thing I love about Kylie is that she always sees peoples sides of things and never holds something against them they can't control (their powers).  If I didn't already really love Burnett before…Miranda and a certain book dropping scene…yeah great stuff.  Both for the Burnett moment and for the moment I'd been waiting for since the previous book!  I liked that we find out more about the FRU and about Burnett and how he is a good guy.  Plus he is more chill about her ghosts and need to help than so many others (aside from Holiday who doesn't count since she sees them too) Burnett and Holiday have some of the most amusing lines ever and I love how Kylie is in the middle of it trying to help play matchmaker.  Plus learning more about her family, her blood family and what it means.  Also that was a horrible ending!

Whispers at Moonrise (Shadow Falls #4)  Rating: 4.5 Stars

                I start out freaking out worried about Holiday because she is one of my favorite characters.  A ghost that might be here is scary!  Okay this series made so many favorite characters it's insane.  I just kind of really grew to know all of them so well and being able to marathon the series made my feels stronger.  Having learned what the FRU of the past did I am so against them in this one you have no idea.  But I love Burnett's reaction to them, steadily showing which side he is on and still persisting to try and get through to Holiday despite all her protests.  Though some moments are pure perfection.  Della grew on me more if that was possible, she is always there and ready to help.  She doesn't like the ghosts but if it comes down to it she's there.  I did like how Derek seemed to be moving into more of the real friend type role, there to talk and listen but being pretty good about his distance (finally) but his constant declarations are not cool.  Though the end of this had me torn up.  I was so emotional.  So many things happening and so many feels!  Also finally understand Holiday's vampire issues I've been wondering on for the last few books.  Plus this ending while one aspect had me shaking with rage another had me grinning like an idiot so my emotions were a bit confused there which was great.  Even better that I didn't have to wait.

Chosen at Nightfall (Shadow Falls #5)  Rating:  5 Stars

                A great conclusion.  So many things wrapping up but first and foremost I need to know what happened because she left Shadow Falls to live with others like her.  While I understood needing to go learn about herself and all I hated that she left her friends and the place she knew as home.  Plus getting distance from Lucas…oh did I want to throttle him for how the last one ended.  Not cool.  I was firmly on Team Kylie and no boys at this point.  Getting to know more about who she is and finding herself more both in terms of as a supernatural and as a person was great.  There was so much happening and all the underlying threats and threads that weaved throughout the books so far came to a head and some things I expected others I didn't so that was great.  I really enjoyed Kylies journey and how she came into her own.  And became the apparent relationship advise go to person which was hilarious. 

Shadow Falls overall *spoilers* for the series as a whole!!!

                You've been warned.  Okay so I was super thrilled about the wedding!  I had been shipping them since the second book so to have them finally go for it after all that build up and wow the pregnancy test….I couldn't see for a bit I was cry laughing too much.  Holiday was one of my favorites from the start and her and Burnett were so much fun but even with all the romances both them and others my favorite aspect of this was still the friendship between Kylie, Miranda, and Della.  They were just meant to be friends even through the threats and the moments of misunderstanding.  They always had one another's backs.  Girl power at it's best.  I also was on Team Lucas most of the series but I was seriously questioning if I could finish the series if they got back together after what he did but the way it was all written out was so perfect for me.  He didn't get off easy and he had to really prove himself after that.  Also she had to make it more than about her, and I respect that.  I'm happy with everything overall and her mom knowing the truth makes things so much easier.  I did want more of Della and Steve but she is apparently the subject of the spin-off series so I look forward to more of the crew in that one and hopefully finding out more of the secrets that she has been holding onto this whole time and maybe even letting herself open up. 

                That's all I have to share on the series as a whole.  I'd love to know your thoughts on this series and if you've already read the spin-off what did you think?  I'm dying to get to it.  Also the wrap up of the whole series was kind of fun and I'm planning to finally read Percy Jackson this year and was thinking of doing them the same way.  Let me know what you prefer to see.  Have a great weekend.

                Until next time…

Willowgrove (Hemlock #3)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you’re having a great day, I’m so ready for the weekend myself.  Random facts, my vehicle accident from back mid-January that totaled my vehicle, still dealing with finger issues from the break but I’ve gotten good at adapting and most exciting…I finally got my replacement vehicle!  It’s a pre-owed vehicle and I got it within the replacement money the insurance gave and frankly I have my own vehicle again so I’m thrilled! Plus it’s pretty awesome, not super new but newer than what I had so moved up!  So personal news aside I wanted to share my thoughts on the final book in the Hemlock trilogy by Kathleen Peacock, Willowgrove.  I previously review Hemlock and Thornhill.  As this is the final book there will be spoilers for the first two books, duh.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                The last book left off with our gang having escaped from the rehabilitation camp of Thornhill where horrible experimentations were being run.  But thankfully the crew along with Mac’s long lost dad and his were wolf pack managed to storm the compound and set everyone free.  This however has caused some serious panic around the nation and everyone is freaking out over the fear of infection.  Anyone with any type of scar is suspected.  Trackers and their fanatic followers are out in droves and Hemlock, their home town, is one major point of convergence.  Trying to stay safe while working to uncover how Thornhill was able to operate their experiments for so long trying to put an end to it and ensure no one is put through them again.  Down the rabbit hole.

                This was a fantastic conclusion and a great series.  This last book really had it all.  I was emotional and attached.  Our core group of Mac, Kyle, and Jason easily includes Serena, Trey, and Eve without question.  They are the ones you are rooting for and most concerned about and considering all but two of them are werewolves in this nightmare of a time that’s a full time job.  Things start crazy and just keep going and going.  The escalation of the public tension is insane and if you take out the whole werewolf aspect and make it any number of highly volatile social issues we are dealing with today and you could see it really happening.  That made this book real in a way I never expected, to read these events and think to myself this could easily happen is rather frightening but also made the book that much better.

                Willowgrove also delivers on characters as well.  Mac has been growing and adjusting as the series progressed but she is such a strong character.  She is determined to find answers and protect those she cares about even if what is best for them will hurt her.  You know who else grows, Kyle and Jason.  Kyle still isn’t thrilled about what he is but he does come to accept it a bit more throughout which is huge progress.  Jason finally realizes that he can’t keep hating all things wolves and assuming his friends are the exception but they are all people too, some good and some bad like normal humans.  He makes large strides there.  Serena also got more time in the story and watching her struggle with what was done to her and what she has done even if in self-defense was beautiful. 

                There is already enough going on in the story with the “infection” and the public outcry and uprising of sorts but they added in even more to make sure the story was amped up.  As Mac is determined to figure out who is behind the experimentations and hold them accountable she dives deeper into a family she that seems at the center of their group, Amy’s family.  As with anything when you start digging for one thing everything around you that you know starts to unravel.  The mystery within the story was rather great and weaved together nicely.  I was all sorts of emotions at the end of this series and that made it.  It makes you think of a larger picture and contemplate moral ambiguity and what’s acceptable loss of life to save others? 

                I would recommend this series to fellow readers and say to drive into a unique story that blends the werewolf into a tale of social injustice and human rights with just enough mystery and lots of action to keep it rolling smoothly.  Please share your thoughts below on Willowgrove and the whole series in the comments below. 

                Until next time…

Thornhill (Hemlock #2)

                Hello happy readers!  As I post this there are only a few hours left in my giveaway and I will announce the winner tomorrow at the top of my top ten post.  Good luck!  Now last week I reviewed the first book in the Hemlock trilogy here and today I want to continue on and get my thoughts and feels down for book two, Thornhill by Kathleen Peacock.  Now as this is the second book in the series this review will contain spoilers for the first book so read on at your own risk. 

Rating: 4 Stars

                So when we left off in Hemlock I was a bit peeved at Kyle.  After everything that happened and with how freaked out his girl is and knowing she has some abandonment issues due to her dad he decides to just high tale it in the middle of the night without a word.  Not pleased.  Mac has chosen to not be angry about this but determined to find him and get him back with the help of her dead best friends former boyfriend who she found out has feelings for her and was almost initiated as a full Tracker before he realized just how far they would go, oh and his best friend turned out to be a werewolf so that makes it hard to hate them all.  With only some vague ideas they set off to find him and end up in a werewolf den.  As luck would have it as soon as they find Kyle things take a turn for the worse as huge raiding parties hit all over targeting wolves.  Not about to abandon her friends, despite being human, Mac goes into the newest rehabilitation camps hoping to figure out a way to get those she cares about out and maybe discover some secrets that will help shut down the camps as a whole. 

                I really enjoyed the first book and the sequel didn't let me down.  It was just as fast paced and action packed as the first one.  We follow our core three of Mac, Kyle, and Jason but in this one we get so much more Serena which I adore.  Oh and lets not forget Amy still hanging around in dreams.  I went in thinking there was going to be a long search for Kyle but that was wrong we found him rather quickly which I think helped the book and the pacing, more for me as I was not a fan of his having left like he did.  Thornhill was more centered on the larger agenda.  Where we focused on what was happening in one small town last time and figuring out who murdered her friend, Thornhill focuses on the larger issue of the werewolves and how they are treated and what the world has turned into as a whole by taking us into the new rehab camp aptly titled Thornhill. 

                Mac is still a loveable character to follow.  She is upset at Kyle but she is trying to see things from his perspective and as she thinks she can be mad after she finds him.  She isn't trying to save all the wolves she just wants to keep her little group safe.  She has accepted her boyfriend and friend are werewolves and doesn't agree with how wolves in general are treated but she still struggles with seeing wolves and being afraid of them.  She has had a mixed variety of wolves around her from friendly, dangerous, to downright crazy making her feelings all the more real.  She has a real range of emotions and things to work through but she keeps moving.  Kyle as well has to come to terms with his own issues, he wanted to save those he loved by leaving because he has not yet come to terms with himself.  He has a monster complex. Jason is still a work in progress and at times seems more like a car crash.  Still his charm squeezes through and I still see him a bit as Logan.  While I never saw his connection with Mac as anything but friendship I could feel the tension between them, him caring more for her and her not wanting to hurt him. 

                We also get tons of new characters in this one from the staff at the camp to the huge population of wolves we grow to know.  My favorite is Eve, and not just because we share a name.  She is a no nonsense kind of gal!  She has her own opinions and views on things but she can also smell some BS and she is able to take in new information and admit when she is wrong and readjust.  Also Sinclair….she is so beyond twisted.  There are so many people in this series so far who are just straight up manic.  They are so sure they are right and nothing can stop them and anything is worth their end.  This also relates to the real world in many ways, the prejudices of people to others based on 'X' instead of being a werewolf.  Maybe the majority are not this extreme but it does make you think. 

                Anywho the action was really rolling from secret missions to keep cover inside while trying to stay alive to chases and gun fights, to the obvious wolf fights there was never a dull moment.  Between action and thinking and plotting it's an easy book to fly through.  This series also happily surprised me with the sequel book being a solid story and not just a book that got you to book three but a solid story that not only stands on its own but also contributes to the series as a whole moving into book three.  That's all for now, I'd love to hear your thoughts below in the comments.  Plan to post my review of the last book next week. 

                Until next time…

Hemlock

                Hello happy readers.  It has been an interested few days.  Real quick reminder my giveaway for a SIGNED copy of Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman is still open with 4 days left (3/7/16) so don’t forget to enter here.  Many of you may have noticed I’m trying to put a huge dent in some of the books/series I have that have been sitting around for a while waiting to be read by me I find it refreshing I mean I clearly bought them for a reason, I wanted to read them.  Last month I read through the Hemlock trilogy by Kathleen Peacock which I rather enjoyed and plan to review them all for you guys.  But today we'll just review book one, Hemlock.

Rating:  4 Stars

                I admit I’d forgotten what this series was about prior to picking it back up.  Basically it’s about werewolves.  Lupine syndrome (LS) is a known thing in the world and werewolves are not looked upon happily but treated as a biohazard basically, something most fear.  Mac’s world has been screwed up since her best friend Amy was murdered by a white werewolf.  Since her death she’s been haunted by dreams of her dead friend.  When an extremist group known as Trackers come into her town of Hemlock, it’s to combat their werewolf problem.  While some might try to hide their symptoms and stay out of the camps others develop bloodlust, what they say killed Amy.  Unable to think of anything else Mac decides to investigate her best friends murder herself and is thrown into the danger of it all.

                The story moves along pretty easily and kept me interested and I learned what was happening in this world.  A small town with its social class divide and a string of attacks that were never solved and pretty interesting characters.  Mac lives with her cousin Tess, who is pretty much a punky awesome guardian, after her criminal father abandons her at a motel.  She has a crush on her best friend, Kyle, and is also looking after Amy's boyfriend, Jason, who has taken to making some rather questionable decisions since her death.  When we meet her Mac has already been through some stuff.  She has some issues of her own but she is strong and determined.  She was relatable. 

                Parts of the plot, a murdered best friend and trying to uncover what happened in a town with a strong economical divide, made me think of one of my favorite TV shows of times past, Veronica Mars.  Jason at times reminded me of Logan, Amy to Lily, and of course Mac to Veronica!  That only made me fly through the story more, and of course there was much more to the death than meets the eye.  But watching as they uncovered it was rather fun and some of the things that happen along the way were definitely something to keep your heart pumping.   

                More than a who done it, we have the moral implications of the LS being out there.  How it and anyone infected or sympathizers with infected are viewed in the new world.  Does being infected with LS make you less human?  What is the right way to handle the infection?  So many different questions, I loved how the story played on that throughout the whole series.  What makes one human?  That's all for book one I look forward to reviewing the next two books as well in the coming weeks so keep an eye on that.  I'd love to know what you think down below in the comments. 

                Until next time…

Fateful by Claudia Gray

                It's Friday, you survived another week.  Can we take a moment to discuss where did 2015 go?  I swear it was just starting and now it's only 21 days until Christmas and almost 2016.  Time does fly.  I've almost reached my 100 book goal for the year, seriously I'm at 99 books now and I have 5 I'm currently reading so something will finish soon.  Now back to what you're really looking for, the review of course.  Today I'm going to discuss my thoughts on one of the Goodreads group read-along, Fateful by Claudia Gray.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                Fateful simply is Titanic meets werewolves secret society.  We follow Tess, a maid for a family she has served for years and has left some painful memories, as they set off for the RMS Titanic the height of luxury travel.  She has big plans when she reaches America, all she has to do is survive the trip.  Soon she meets Alec, the handsome upper class passenger whom she falls for rather quickly.  Alec, while not caught in the status war has his own secrets and soon they pull Tess into the dangerous world.  She becomes a pawn for the brotherhood, the brotherhood that will do anything to make Alec a member before the ship reaches its destination.  Their budding romance is full of trials and dark forces pulling them apart and that isn't all as the fate of the Titanic is well known.  Can they make it through?

                I really liked this story.  I admit to having watched most of Titanic on TV not to long ago as it was on and I got sucked in only meaning to watch one little part and then a few hours later, because yeah it's long…So seeing some similarities to that was nice.  I could picture every opulence described, the details of the grand rooms and the ship specifics of course.  I was right back in the movie.  There were other details as well that added even more depth to it and was clearly well researched.  There were references to real passengers on the ship in passing and even a brief cameo by the designer himself.  It was beautifully done.  I was there. 

                 Tess was easy to relate to.  Such a horrid employer, sure there was one decent family member but still I still don't know if I could have managed to not strangler her in her sleep.  A royal witch for sure.  Her past with them and her pans to escape, you want to join with her and wish her well.  Still she has been marked and accosted by some strange first class gentleman in the time where his word would always be taken over hers, the idea is so baffling it's scary.  Still she strides to keep her head up and do her job.  She has a strength of character I enjoyed.  Alec was very similar.  He was on my good side from the start, handsome and upper class but not pretentious.  He got huge points there.  He is forced to come clean to Tess about himself but never once does he try to threaten her or bribe her, simply speaks to her like a person.  He's haunted and who doesn't love a handsome stranger with a haunted past?

                The relationship between them happened fast yes but good fast.  She was attracted to him from the start which is expected but she doesn't instantly fall in love with him, just like.  Their feelings build as they are forced into this dangerous trip full of secrets, stealth, and several near death experiences.  Lots of things are happening and I was never bored.  Aside from the romance aspect there was several other things going on and the side characters each had their own personalities and I became invested in their lives as well.  The brotherhood was also interesting to learn about and the count.  So many different sides to characters! 

                 The ship sinks.  Spoiler!  Seriously though if you don't know the Titanic sinks where have you been?  That only leads to more chaos as one would imagine.  Reading how the ship sank how our characters struggle with everything and trying to stay alive and get off the ship in the midst of it all.  I really enjoyed the story and even knowing the ship would sink I was still shocked up until the moment it happened because well one I didn't know the date it sank or how far into the journey and two there was just so much other things happening I almost forgot about that little tidbit.  Clearly I was enthralled in the story.  

                I highly recommend this book.  I'd love to hear your thoughts about the book below.  What did you think of the book?  Would you have joined the brotherhood?  Did everyone you liked survive?  I would love to discuss this one so leave me a comment below.  Stay tuned for my monthly book haul tomorrow.

                Until next time…

Bruja: An Alpha Girls Novel with a new POV to fall for!

Amazon / B&N / BAM

                Hello happy readers!  Today is a wonderful day in the book world.  End of Days by Susan Ee is now officially out.  If you haven't entered my giveaway yet, I suggest you head on over for a chance to win a free paperback and some awesome temporary tattoos.  That's not all.  Today many more books came out, two of which I'm beyond excited about.  Both are forth books in their respective series, Maxon by Christina Bauer and the one I'll be discussing today, Bruja by Aileen Erin.  I received and ARC from the publisher, Ink Monster, and NetGalley for my thoughts.  Mostly just advance copies because they’ve been pre-ordered on my Amazon account since October 2014.  

                Jumping right in, Bruja is the fourth book in the Alpha Girl series, my review of the previous book Alpha Divided can be seen here.  As such there are spoilers for the first three books ahead, it’s unavoidable, so be warned.  If you haven’t read these books yet, what is wrong with you?  You should totally go right now and marathon these books.  Just saying I adore them!  Now if you are caught up, or like to be spoiled, let’s discuss Bruja. 

                We pick up pretty much where Alpha Divided left off.  Unlike the previous books we don’t follow Tessa’s POV, but instead her cousin Claudia De Santos.  She did some not so good things previously with the best of intentions and now she has some making up to do for herself and others.  Her old cover has splintered between those still with Luciana and her dark magic ways and the few like herself who have chosen to fight with the wolves.  War is coming either way but the wolves need help to counter Luciana’s dark magic.  The best theory thus far lies in ancient magic.  Magic Claudia must go on a journey to find what has been lost for ages.  She must travel to Peru and search for what the Inca mages left behind.  Of course she’ll need a guide there to help her and keep her safe, Lucas, a wolf who gets under her skin.  Top it all off with your former arranged fiancé to be us still lingering around wanting what he was promised and you have a whole lot of interesting and amazing story.

                So I admit not being in Tessa’s head was a bit weird for me at first.  Seeing how someone outside the wolf community sees and interprets Tessa and Dastien together was interesting.  Claudia has a lot going on both around her and inside.  She is torn up with the feels for her past decisions and all that hangs on her in the future.  She has a lot to process.  She’s only ever known coven life and now she’s thrust into a new world.  I liked being there for the ride.  The way she reacted to things around her, the wolves, the bond between mates, and her own feelings of jealousy and such about that.  I liked her moments of weakness and uncertainty, but even more I liked that she mostly made rational decisions based on thinking things out.  That’s hard to find sometimes with the right emotional connection.

So so beautiful.

                Let’s not neglect to mention the new wolf in the story, a whole pack really, but one in particular.  Lucas.  He and Claudia have a connection of sorts from the start and it’s so cute the way they play off one another.  He is sweet and gentle with her not pushing her to talk more than she is willing.  It seems to be a trait of many wolves.  Where can I find one?  Even with everything going on and staying focused on task, romance and attraction can still find you when you least expect it.

                I liked the journey the story takes you on.  We are sent to a new country to follow Claudia as she searches for a way to save so many.  She has a lot on her plate but she is also traveling for the first time and seeing a new location, somewhere exotic like Peru, through the eyes of someone like that makes me want to pack my bags and book a trip.  Especially if there will be a pack of hunky wolves there to protect and guide me.  Just saying HUGE perk.  With the quest, the adventure, the peril, the action, I got a total Indiana Jones vibe going from this.  I don’t want to give away too much and ruin the story. 

                In case it's unclear I give Bruja, like the other books in the series, 5 Stars!  I implore you all to check out this series if you haven't done so already.  I am stoked for the next installment and want it to be October so I can have it.  Ink Monster has also released the cover to the next book for us to salivate over.  Check it out, Alpha Unleashed.  So again Bruja and Maxon came out today May 12th and are available now, I'll have my full Maxon review up soon.  As always share your thoughts in the comments.  What did you think of seeing the story through a new POV?  What was your favorite part of the quest?  Click follow and stay tuned for more fun reviews, giveaways, and the like. 

Rating:  5 Stars

A little chill in the heat of summer: Frostbitten by Heather Beck

                Happy Friday everyone!  I was contacted a few weeks back about a new series, one I had not heard of at the time, and provided a copy for an honest review.  Frostbitten by Heather Beck is this book.  I was able to dive right into it and really enjoyed it, and planned to get this up a bit sooner but had baby showers and cakes to do and got a bit off track.  See they are not the best but I’m only just starting to work on decorating skills, not a fan of fondant (at this moment it’s almost as evil as chickens towards me).  But now that things have calmed down and I can collect my thoughts I am so happy to share my thoughts of this book with you all.

                The story of Frostbitten is one of great beauty hiding dark secrets.  Our main character, Anastasia Lockhart, is a 17 year old who has been sent to live with her grandparents in a small town of Cedar Falls where her mother grew up and has never returned to.  Not much has changed over the years accept she meets a mysterious, and of course handsome boy named Frost.  She’s warned away from him by everyone including her family but she can’t deny the attraction and the way she feels around him.  She is trying to start over and not be the disorderly girl who was getting into trouble and spiraling downward.  That alone sounded like good meat for a story, boy and girl told to stay away, but Frost also has a secret and one that is far past all of her wildest imaginations.  She finds herself in the middle of a supernatural legend and one that has been part of the towns’ history for years. 

Amazon

                Let me first say the cover itself drew me in.  A beautiful girl in a pretty flowy dress in a snow covered forest with a beautiful white wolf.  Keep in mind I’m in South Georgia and it’s in the high 90’s to the low 100’s here this time of year before humidity and I haven’t seen snow in about 18 years.  I live vicariously through my characters that get to experience not just the story and feels but cooler climates.  Plus I love wolves, so majestic, graceful, and simply beautiful; so points for that.  It is one that gives you enough hints and ideas about the story to be useful but not give anything away.

                I was pretty quick to get into the story and become invested in the characters.  Anastasia is a girl who is deal with some issues and trying to fit in and start over but is having trouble letting go and it is made harder by her peers. It's easy to see the conundrum she's in and you want to know what's happening to her during it.  Frost, yes his name is a bit different but I dig it and after I learned how he got his name, yes there's a reason other than being memorable, it made it even better.  He is both shy and confident and he has his own secrets he's dealing with but also trying to make the most of what he’s been dealt. 

Not related but I mentioned
my baking/decorating attempts
so these were the results.

                One thing with many books in this genre that seems to put some people off is the romance or connection between characters coming too quickly and seeming unfounded or rushed.  While Anastasia and Frost have a connection it was built up more solidly than many I see.  Who isn't going to be interested in a handsome boy who she's told to stay away from?  They meet quickly and have a connection but builds easily from there at a pace I found enjoyable.  There are more relationships in the series as well with family, friends, and members of the small town.  There is a small town vibe where everyone knows everything about you and your family and pretty much have their mind made up about you before they meet you.  Been there, done that, so it rang true.  Oh and I have to mention Chloe, a childhood friend, who picks up like old times.  People change over time and sometimes we lose our friendships but sometimes, those ones we forge live on forever even through time and distance and Chloe could easily be one of my close friends. 

                Well if it hasn’t been clear I really enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read the next one.  Yes more waiting, but it leaves you at a point where there is clearly more story to tell and I can’t wait.  So tell me what you think?  Have you read it?  Do you want to read it?  Share your thoughts below please I want to know what you have to say.  Also, a big thank you again to this sweet and funny author, Heather Beck, who brought this book to my attention.

Becoming Alpha by Aileen Erin

                Becoming Alpha by Aileen Erin is a different side to the werewolf genre.  It's a story about love and finding a place you can belong.  When you already consider yourself a freak what's being turned into a werewolf really going to do for your status?  And who knew one kiss could change your lift, literally.  This book is an ARC from NetGalley and Ink Monster LLC and came out on December 17th.    

                Tessa is a not so normal high school girl with this uncanny ability to get visions from touching people or stuff.  She can get the story behind things, so vintage shopping is a horrible idea.  Gloves will only get you so far.  Then when her father accepts a new position at a school, St. Ailbe's Academy, and they move their life from California to Texas she has the chance to start over.  When Tessa meets Dastien, a hot teachers aid who used to attend the school everyone in town seems to know something about but won't share, she starts to have feelings like she never did before.  The universe pulls them together and you'd think the worst that could happen from a kiss would be a vision, wrong.  One kiss and she ends up a new student at St. Ailbe's Academy, a school for werewolves.  Now she must sort out her new life, knowledge, and feelings for the guy she liked who also is sending mixed messages.  Her life went to a whole new level of complicated.  Throw in attacks on the school and you have a whole slew of problems. 

                For me, Becoming Alpha was a quick read.  There were different things going on all at once.  This wasn't just a werewolf book, it had a good range of characters and subplots that all worked together to meld into an intriguing story that fulfills that fantasy inside you and leave you wanting more.  I wanted to know what was going to happen next.  How would she handle what was thrown at her.  I liked being inside her head and seeing how Tessa dealt with everything that popped up.   You also get to learn about other wolves at the school and the hierarchy system there.  Throwing a new girl in who only just found out, verses who was raised on the information.   You also have family, both natural and pack, what it means.  And again, if I didn't mention it, boy trouble.  Because come on that is already a lot to process. 

                I wouldn’t want to give too much away, so I will leave you there.  I hope my readers will check out this book, it came out yesterday, December 17th, when it comes out.  Please, share your comments below!