Brave Enough

                Hello happy readers!  So a little bit of an apology.  So I have been struggling with some time management and ability to focus the last couple of weeks.  Which makes it really hard to keep on track/schedule.  Part of that is my party planning, see I was wanting to do a birthday party for myself this year but it's hard with so many of my friends having kids birthdays the same week, and it sucked and I do get a bit depressed on my birthday every year.  But this year I decided screw it I'd rather have a Halloween party anyways so yeah I decided I am going to have one of these instead and wow the amount of time spent on Pintrest looking at stuff is insane and makes you lose track of time.  But now that I have a better grip on the party and what needs to happen I am getting back to myself and I hope to get things on here back to normal too!  Anywho sorry but thanks for sticking with me! 

                Now today I am so excited to share my thoughts on not only a new release last month but a debut author as well.  Brave Enough by Kati Gardner.  The cover was so beautiful it made me click and then the summary just touched my heart and that was it for me I knew I had to get my hands on it.  I was lucky enough to snag myself an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review so here goes. 

Rating:  4 Stars

                Cason Martin is a prima ballerina at the Atlanta Ballet Conservatory.  The best.  She has spent her life at dancing t was never a choice with her mother being the artistic director making all of her decisions.  Cason is dedicated and willing to do whatever it takes….even pushing past pain and injury.  Though it is much worse than she imagined.  On the flip side Davis Channing is struggling in his own way, having beat cancer and living with his drug addiction that nearly killed him.  Staying clean isn't always easy when your past is always there in front of you.  Cason and Davis hardly know of the other but their worlds collide that all changes.

                I really enjoyed this book.  It wasn't super plot / action driven but more a journey story and I can enjoy those.  I could tell as I read, even before reading the authors note, that this is a very personal story for the author wanting to see people like herself represented in books.  They way she writes it shows this depth of understanding and authenticity which is pretty great.  There were some things happening which I thought were awesome as the story moved along quickly for me but it felt more like a misplaced.  Not bad just felt a bit odd story wise after, like a too soon climax.  This also happened a few times when a chapter would end and we'd time jump.  Sometimes we didn't immediately know and it was from things mentioned or things happening around them that made you think you missed something then "it's been "x" amount of weeks since my audition" so you realize they jumped.  This was okay and again the story went by quickly just at times it was a smidge jarring.  It also took away some of the moments between Cason and Davis and while I totally loved them together it was a bit sudden.

                Cason and Davis are both struggling with major things.  Things I don't see as much in my YA reading and I was happen to have it front and center.  I loved the idea that just because of cancer or drug addiction the struggle of being more than that label.  How you might have described yourself one way, now the first thing someone sees is something else, something you can't control.  Understanding from both of their heads what it is like in their struggles from small things that are their new every day to the larger more complex issues really came through.  However, while I enjoyed them as characters I thought they could have been a bit more developed.  Like they did that to themselves as well, confining themselves to one thing.  With Cason it makes sense before she was a dancer, that was her sole focus in life, making things that much more real for her.  But with Davis we don't learn much about him aside from cancer and drugs.  I would have liked to know more about him as a whole before the drugs.  I got enough of him and his character to adore him and want things to be better for him but still a bit more would have rounded him out more. 

                I found the story pretty uplifting overall and again I really flew through it.  I enjoyed it and was smiling for a vast majority of the time reading it and yes I admit to tearing up as well at times.  Things can get dark but that is the nature of life.  I really enjoyed this story and while there were a couple small things I think could have made it even better nothing I "disliked" as it were turned me away from the story just made me want more and that is a huge yay because who doesn't want more of what they like!  I would recommend this for sure!  This journey was one I am glad I was along for the ride. 

                Until next time…

~Stacking the Shelves #55~

                Welcome to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found on her page.  Basically you showcase the books you bought or received each week.  Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls.  So I went the last few weeks with nothing new, I've been trying to be good.  But this week I went to NetGalley when I got the e-mail that the new book in a series I auto-buy has the ARC ready I had to go snag it and for another. 

E-Book (Review):

Being Alpha (Alpha Girl #7) by Aileen Erin

A Study in Shifters (The Adventures of Marisol Holmes #1) by Majanka Verstraete

Audiobooks:

Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber

                Another good small week but better than the last few of nothing!  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week. 

~Stacking the Shelves #50~

                Welcome to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found on her page.  Basically you showcase the books you bought or received each week.  Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls. 

E-Book (Review):

Mirage (Mirage #1) by Somaiya Daud

Juniper Skies (The Juniper Series #3) by Lora Richardson 

Audiobooks:

Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian

                Another good small week.  Ash Princess was a pre-order that I forgot about coming out this week so cheers!  I also can't wait for a specific pre-order to come out next week....I think it will be on several lists ;)  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week. 

Deadly Sweet (The Spellwork Syndicate #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all are feeling better than me, my sinuses have been making breathing a difficult thing the last few days and I am starting to think I should buy stock in tissues from how many I've gone through.  That said the positive side is I've been getting some reading done so that is always a plus.  Before I dive into that reminder that I have a giveaway going for a SIGNED Copy of Warcross (Warcross #1) by Marie Lu open until 2/2 here.  That said I am excited to review today's title as it was one I was anticipating given the author and the subject matter.  Deadly Sweet (The Spellwork Syndicate #1) by Lola Dodge which I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

Rating:  5 Cherry Pies

                Deadly Sweet is about baking, witches, and everything in between.  Anise loves to bake and using her magic in it but being a witch is a bit hard outside of certain areas where you have to hide what you are.  So when Anise ends up with a chance to study under a long-lost relative who owns the only magic bakery in the US, she is more than excited for the chance.  Upon arriving for her dream apprenticeship she learns that it won't be as simple as she thought.  She has lots to learn from pastry school and oh yeah the last apprentice went missing under mysterious circumstances and there may or may not be a reason for her to have a full time security detail. But for a dream job what's a little danger?

                This book appealed to me on so many levels.  First witches and intrigue are always fun but when you add in baking….magical baking.  I'm all for it.  I love to bake and as I read I may or may not have wrote down some new treats I want to try in the near future.  Also the kitchens described may or may not have stirred up a lot of kitchen envy as well.  There is a clear love for baking in the writing which comes through vividly and made me connect to Anise.  She wants this with all that she is and is willing to go through hell to make it happen. 

My own creation!

                Aside from making me hungry and itch to bake (and seriously step up  my decorating game) I enjoyed the way magic was woven in.  There are different types and levels to work with.  I loved how the little things could impact the overall product.  There are still many questions to uncover in this world for sure but it is so full and vibrant.  I love the contrast from growing up moving around to keep their secret and the open town that everyone human and witch are out and about normal as breathing.  I loved seeing Anise adjust from one norm to another and what being open meant for her not only as a witch but as a teenager.  To be yourself and be able to make friends, honest friends, was amazing.  A little assassination attempt here or there is hardly worth giving that up.

                The characters really lit up the page.  I could see Wynn scowling even before I read it after a few encounters.  He is very…mysterious.  There is a lot more I want to know about Wynn and what drives him; more about Shields in general as the series continues but still as little as he said I totally feel I know him.  Same could be said for her new friends and the other ladies of the Syndicate.  It is a small town vibe to it and I enjoyed the way Anise was both welcomed in and accepted while on the same side thinking they know you based on the family name.  I found that very true of a small town.

                Overall this is a great start to a new series and I will be adding it to my auto-buy list for sure because I need to know what happens next.  So much has happened in one book but there are so many characters and stories to explore yet.  Power to be learned and many many more goodies to be baked!  I highly recommend this book…and maybe something for the sweet tooth this will activate!

                Until next time…

Girls Made of Snow and Glass

                Hello happy readers.  Don’t forget to check out my giveaway it is open until Saturday night.  I hope you all have fantastic plans this weekend.  I’m working so there is that, I’m also working day shift for the weekend which basically means I’ll be functioning on 99% caffeine and no sleep.  That said I hope to get some reading/reviewing done.  Today I’m excited to talk about a new release that I received an ARC of thanks to NetGalley, Girls Made of Snowand Glass by Melissa Bashardoust.  Originally I had planned to finish and review the week of Irma but it got pushed back but I am so happy to get to it now.  This is a stand-alone fantasy/retelling.

Rating:  5 Stars

                This is a story of two girls and how their lives are entwined.  Mina the beautiful daughter of the feared magician and a heart made of glass.  When she is moved to Whitespring Castle she meets the king and is eager to win his broken heart and finally know love from the king and the people as their queen.  This would also make her a step-mother to little Lynet the kings’ pride and joy and spitting image of the late queen.  That is by design as she was made by Mina’s father by order of the king.  Though she is supposed to be just like her dead mother she finds herself wanting to be more like Mina and when her father decides it is time for Lynet to take her place as queen.  They are destined to be rivals for the throne and as power starts to sway and secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested.  Who will rule and at what cost? 

                This was a version of Snow White that I had never thought of before.  It gave me some Once Upon A Time feels which I adored.  I loved that while there is a small amount of romantic love in the story the real focus is on the two leads and who they are and develop into through their journey.  Mina is told with her glass heart she is incapable of giving or receiving love, that’s a hard thing to grow up with.  With Mina seeing both her past and her present really showed depth into who she was and how she came to be.  I love a well-developed character, especially a flawed one.  Lynet is treated as such a fragile thing, always expected to be the perfect copy of a mother she never knew and never really allowed to experience life.  I loved seeing her grow up, as like Mina it gave the reader insight into who they became and the choices they will have to make.  I really understood them and their motives.

                This story takes on many different aspects but I really enjoyed the magic.  The magic is there and ever present in the story, a driving force really, and it’s done beautifully.  Still it all comes down to the characters and their motives and emotions.  I enjoyed how the magic was there to enhance the story and give it a unique flare but it wasn’t the main element.  I loved how Mina struggled with herself and her actions.  She didn’t want to be evil or do harm she was just a girl who wanted nothing more than to be loved and when that is denied to you it takes a toll on the soul.  Lynet is naïve and unsure but she grows to have faith in herself by making her own mistakes. 

                Bashardoust managed to create an entire world for the reader to fall into that felt both familiar and completely new.  I love the turn on the characters and how each character had depth and not intrinsically evil.  You want Mina and Lynet to each have their own happy ending even if you know that would be at odds with one another.  I enjoyed the dual POV and getting to know them both so well the good and the bad.  The only tiny thing I could think to mention is the magic and how I wish I knew more about how it worked and what the limits were.  Nothing negative I really grasped the world and it didn’t hinder my reading experience just that it was fascinating and I would love to learn more.  While this functions perfectly as a stand-alone I would be open to reading more in the world and what other magic is there.  I really enjoyed the story and look forward to more by the author.

                Until next time.

The Wood

                Hello happy readers!  Internet issues aside, seriously I’m about ready to just cancel my service since I spend more time on hold with customer service and trying to fix it than I do being able to use it, I had a great weekend.  While I didn’t get to post my Friday review as planned or share my one new book I did a pirate themed escape room with some friends and we rocked it and escaped with time to spare!  Plus I can do my review today so it works out.  But before I get to my review I have a small bit of news.  I am going out of town for a family reunion and won’t have my computer since I’ll be spending 36 hours in a vehicle and the rest with family who don’t believe in having wifi. So I will be taking off tomorrow until next Wednesday.  Bright side is car time should be read/listen time!  Now for todays review I received a copy of The Wood by Chelsea Bobulski in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                The Wood is a suspenseful supernatural debut book.  Winter is a guardian redirecting any travelers back to their portal when they accidentally step from their time and place into the wood.  She is the only one after her father went missing.  He stepped off the path.  That is impossible for a guardian leading Winter to suspect there is something off about his disappearance than she is told.  One day she comes across a boy in the wood who is not there by accident and is determined to pass through.  It’s her job to keep him in his time.  But when he believes his mission may be connected to her father’s disappearance and why the wood has started to change, Winter determines it may be worth the risk to work with him.

                Going into this book I was intrigued by the cover and the summary but I didn’t know fully what to expect.  It had so many elements woven together into this story with the Old Ones, guardians, the wood and all that fill it, time travel, and more.  The wood managed to play both an eerie and dangerous backdrop to the story but also a character itself.  Always changing and evolving almost as if it has its own personality.  I enjoyed the way we learned about the wood and this world.  Everything seems normal on the outside but inside the wood things are very different.  I understood it and it made perfect sense to me.

                Winter is easy to relate with.  She has this huge responsibility on her shoulders.  She didn’t choose this life but was born into it.  She is just trying to make the most of her life as she tries to balance normal things like school and friends with running off to take care of travelers.  She has a complicated relationship with her mother that has ups and downs.  Henry is likable from the start.  He’s cute and sweet trying to find those he loves.  He is a man out of time (and I admit to having some Kate & Leopold flash backs) and has the childlike amazement of seeing the world and things we take for granted as the miracles they are (showers and electricity).  He was determined on his journey but he is also very protective. 

“What is this infernal contraption?”

“It’s an alarm clock,” I say, my voice deep and sleep-scratchy.  “It wakes you up.”

“Evidently not.”

                This is one complete story that manages to bring an entire little world to life and wrap things up in the end.  It was a neat standalone that I could easily see having more books with different parts of the world. While most things did wrap up nicely there was one specific part I had been hoping for a bit more on, though I have since come up with my own little epilogue in my head to resolve that.  Aside from that little thing, that may be in part to my selfishness I loved this book.  I loved all the different layers wrapped inside this one story of the wood. 

                That’s all for me for the next week.  I’m going home after work to pack (yes I waited until less than 12 hours) and have some wine because packing deserves it and get ready to head out.  When I come back I have an author interview with Hannah Bucchin and more.  Wish me luck. 

               

                Until next time…

Paintbrush

                Hello happy readers!  So on a Tuesday normally I participate in the weekly Top Ten Tuesday posts, however, they are taking a break for a few weeks so but I will resume when they do.  Today though it worked out beautifully because with my internet at the house acting up last week I had to push my Friday review to Monday and so on.  So that means instead of posting my review Friday I can post it today, on release day!  The book in question is Paintbrush by debut author Hannah Bucchin.  I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

Rating:  4 Stars

                We follow Josie and Mitchell seniors a few weeks from graduating.  They have spent their whole lives together and used to be the best of friends which is easy to see being the only kids at the time at Indian Paintbrush Community Village-AKA Paintbrush.  Josie loves Paintbrush and is content to spend her time there while Mitchell is ready to get as far away as possible.  The live separate lives in school but as Mitchell’s mother makes a huge announcement it rocks everything he knows while Josie’s younger sister is acting out in dangerous ways.  Both of them need support and find it in one another, having shared so much.  They see one another in a new light and something more than old friendship starts up, just as they are about to go down separate paths for the future. 

                I read through this in one day.  It was such a quick and sweet read.  I was so caught up in the story and the idea of this community.  I like how they both saw different sides of Paintbrush.  I’m not even an outdoorsy type of person, okay honestly I avoid it like the plague, but this made me wish I was.  It made me want to go out and just enjoy nature.  I loved the whole concept of the place as a whole and how it played its own character in the story.  The concept and idea of the place was explained simply as it was and that was that. A place that takes in all sorts and creates a diverse and colorful community that works together.  I could see the positives that Josie loved and the negatives that Mitchell was ready to escape. 

                Paintbrush is all about the characters and relationships.  Between Josie and Mitchell.  Between families. Between friends.  Between the community.  I like that while Mitchell and Josie had been best friends for most of their life and were still friendly as they grew apart they found their own grove and new friends.  Mostly because I loved Leah and Cord.  Leah though, she had some of the best moments for sure.  She is a great friend and so many of the things I love about her are things I see in my own friend!  Cord and Mitchell, they are so different but they just have this type of acceptance that is so nice.

                This story takes place in such a short time frame when compared to many other books but it manages to pack so much feeling into that time.  It tackles so many issues that I think anyone can relate to and this makes the story that much more real.  I am so pleased by this debut book!

                Until next time…

Cherished (Beholder #3)

                Hello happy readers!  So today I'm pleased to be reviewing a new Ink Monster release, the latest in the Beholder series by Christina Bauer, Cherished (Beholder #3).  I have reviewed the previous books Cursed and Concealed and of course have loved them so I was eagerly looking forward to this one.  I always look forward to new books by the author.  Cherished is out Tuesday May 30th so make sure to check out your copy!  I received an early ARC from NetGalley and the publishers for an honest review.  Spoilers for the first two books, duh.

Rating: 5 Loaded Totem Rings

                When we left off in Concealed I was a bit heartbroken.  I didn't see how it was possible that Rowan had betrayed Elea like that.  That he could be so sweet and amazing to her but really be engaged to her friend Amelia.  Our Elea already has trust issues given what her former best friend, Tristan did to her.  Still they defeated the Tsar and the Vicomte and she is back home on her farm where she wanted to be.  Running Braddock Farm is supposed to be her life but after the past few years it's a bit less than she's used to, even with her flirty friend Philippe there to keep her company.  So when someone comes calling trying to kill her it gives her a bit of the excitement she has grown used to.  Shujaa is a Changed One who has hybrid magic and promises he will ruin her and kill Rowan.  While seeing him is the last thing she wants to do, if hybrid magic is involved she knows he is her best chance of defeating this new evil.  That's all, not that she still has feelings for him or anything.

                I admit when the last one ended, while I loved the book and series I was a bit heartbroken and didn't understand how Rowan could have done what he did.  I had no idea how things could be fixed, how he would be able to redeem himself in my eyes after that.  I was well and truly worried I wouldn’t be able to enjoy Rowan again.  I clearly didn't have enough faith in the author because the way this story plays out I totally love Rowan still.  So yes Elea and Rowan, I still ship them and love them so hard.  Elea is still strong as ever and no matter how much her training tells her to not show emotions or be ruled by hear heart she isn't very good at that.  I love that she is one to think with her head but she also lets her emotions show unlike a good little Necromancer.  She has an entire army she brought back from the dead that want to follow her and she wants nothing to do with that.  She isn't power hungry like so many other leaders she just wants to find her own slice of happiness.  While Rowan is the leader of his people who are fickle to say the least and still even when they doubt him and cheer for another to rule he is strong and continues to fight for his people. 

                The chemistry is there from the start.  Even before they see one another again you can feel it in the air and while you hate that he is engaged to Amelia I kept hoping he was right and there was an explanation that would make it better.  I just love the magic these two create and not just the hybrid magic.  One thing I love about them together is that they are equals, they may want to protect one another but they are equals.  I really enjoy a romance that has each on equal footing and where the man accepts his partner is kick butt and doesn't need to sit the fighting out.

                We also get to see more into Caster life.  Some of the traditions and prophecies they live by.  It becomes clear that some things have different meanings and rules.  We also get to meet more of the Casters including Rowans brothers and even his mother.  Some we clearly like more than others.  For instance I just adore little Jicho.  Zoriah not so much.  Anywho this is all because of Viktor, yes even banishing him for a second time hasn't stopped his destruction as he left behind totems to continue his work.  This man is seriously one bad dude. 

                There is plenty of character moments for sure as Elea fights to figure out what life she really wants but this is a battle story and there is lots of action and fighting happening.  These characters we love so much never get a break because they are always needed to face some big bad.  I love this story so much and while there is still so much that has me concerned from the ending I can't wait to see what happens.  I also have a few questions left unanswered.  So I'm ready for book four, Crowned. 

                Until next time…

The Love Interest

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all have a good weekend planned.  I hope to finish Everything, Everything today and hopefully see the movie this week so I can share all my thought about it with you.  So far I'm loving the book.  But today I'm going to discuss my thoughts and feels on a new release, The LoveInterest by Cale Dietrich, a new kind of story that I had been anticipating.  The Love Interest came out this week May 16th.  I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review. 

Rating: 4 Stars

                There is a secret organization that creates spies, Love Interests, that get close to people who are important or have power so they can get all their secrets.  They typically come in two forms:  Nice, boy next door type, or Bad, dark and brooding, giving the target options to ensure they pick one.  Nice Caden and Bad Dylan are picked for Juliet and after some modifications are ready to try and win her heart and their lives.  Because this is the first time they get to go out into the world but though they are well trained and motivated, the one not chosen dies, being in the world they find unexpected complications, feelings that could jeopardize their lives. 

                So this book was really interesting.  It takes some of the things in other books or even shows that make us swoon over the romance/characters and turns them around.  Lots of cultural references and the like as well as fun times about set pieces and scripted lines and the like.  It had a really great story happening through it.  I liked the idea of seeing a romance, one I admit I would have been rooting for had the story been from say Juliet's POV, and seeing the base logistics of it as a job rather than a romance.  Seriously this is interesting and something I've never read before so high cheers for that.  We follow Caden who has been raised in this life, training for this chance to make his chosen fall for him and live his life as a spy.  He doesn't really consider himself Nice, he just knew that was what he'd be picked as and learned to play into it and struggles with how he has “not nice” thoughts and reactions at times.  He also realizes he is gay.  Not super ideal when you’re trying to win the girl.

                The whole concept of a basically raising spies is always appealing but to raise them to be turned into the perfect match for someone is just insane. Pitting a Nice and a Bad against one another gives new depth to a “love triangle” for sure.  I really liked the double life he was living and how it had different concepts of things and the book really intrigued me and flew by as I read it.  It was so different but at the same time familiar and I loved how it balanced those lines and made me think about so many other books all at once.

                Overall I really liked this book and would highly recommend it and the only drawback for me was the ending.  It wasn’t a bad ending by any means I enjoyed how things happened and the like it was more that the first part of the book was a quick read but it wasn’t rushed and the end felt a bit rushed.  Like once you hit around 80% it just hits warp speed.  Again it’s not bad just I kind of wish things had been taken a bit slower and given the same care and depth as the rest of the book.  Like there is a lot of action happening and part of me appreciates the book keeping up the adrenaline and it matching the mood of the scene I also want more.  It’s the end and I don’t want it to feel rushed, especially with some of the revelations that happen.  I’m just needy like that.

                I enjoyed the book and I’m glad I read it.  It is a stand-alone which is also nice.  I would recommend it to anyone as there is something that pretty much anyone can get behind and enjoy. 

                Until next time…

Quanta Rewind (The Shadow Ravens #4)

                Hey happy readers!  So I have been having a bit of formatting issues with Blogger this week but I'm hoping I've resolved it all because OMG the stress it caused.  Anywho today the important thing I want to discuss is the latest installment in the Shadow Raven series, Quanta Rewind (The Shadow Ravens #4) by Lola Dodge that came out this Tuesday.    I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and I have since received my pre-ordered copy as well!

Rating:  5 Stars

                We left off with our rebels having to disband camp and separate putting a damper on their goals to fight Doctor Nagi and the whole Helix system.  They are back on defensive as more Reds end up dead or go missing.  Cipher, Devan, and Quanta are making the most of their hiding out trying to train to use their abilities as a team.  It's not easy.  Even with her ability to see into the future or rewind time things are as dangerous as ever.  Even working as a team with all the power between them Seligo have established power and masses on their side.  The must work to save their friends and put an end to Doctor Nagi once and for all or never find a moment of peace.

                You probably know if you've read my other reviews for this series I adore these couples and I ship them hard.  Quanta and Tair are adorable and I love seeing Cipher and Knight through the eyes of my other favorites because I get a win / win in seeing them both!   Quanta continues to astound me with her strength.  If you think about her powers she seems all powerful but this series does a great job of showing not just the benefits but well thought out flaws/troubles with the power.  More importantly is shows her mental strength to be able to push past all the negative images she sees and look for the good.  Tair is more physically powerful but he's also all about using his brain to solve problems and is one of the things that connects them.  In the last book we lost the mental connection between the two, so no more internal conversations which just like for the characters it took a moment to adjust too.  I found myself thinking just tell him/her in your mind…and then Quanta/Tair would think how she missed being able to do just that.  I was there with them. 

                They were kind of made for one another sure but their connection has always felt so well thought out and natural.  Plus even if it hasn't been that long they have probably rewound time enough to give them several months of extra time together just saying.  They get one another and I love when characters have that.  The ability to look at the other and know something is off or know what they are thinking and lets be honest in a story when you are constantly in a fight for your life that's a huge quality.  But more so than just my couples, and I even feel like we might have the beginning of another couple in the future happening, just an inkling I had while reading, we have the team.  All of these different personalities working together and trying to adapt to one another.  Two guys are all about their ladies and then you have Dex who's just there to say the most colorful things. 

                There is lots of action happening as well I mean they are fighting a war.  I really enjoy how the story is written in the way of the rewinds.  We don't see every aspect the same with a slight variation it's more we see some trips and others we just hear about which helps keep the pacing up but also really focuses more on Quanta and Tair and their reactions to the rewind.  They have to readjust plans based on what happened (aka what went wrong) but that usually comes with the pain of the rewind and seeing someone (if not all) you care for die.  Emotionally draining.  Even though you know the ability to rewind is there every time something happened to one of my crew I got super nervous because who knows what could happen. 

                In Quanta Rewind we also dive a bit more into the world as a whole.  We've been inside the Citadel, the Voids, and with the Ravens.  We see there is more to the world.  I'm excited to see what the next book will focus on as there are so many items that could take the lead and make an interesting story.  I highly recommend this series as always they are super fast and fly right by in one sitting! 

                Until next time…

These Ruthless Deeds (These Vicious Masks #2)

                Hello happy readers!  Its drawing ever closer to ApollyCon and I am beyond stoked!  I have my books stacked and waiting to be sticky-noted and packed.  I’m not going to be able to read as many books by authors attending as I had hoped but I have done pretty well.  Today I’m going to share my thoughts and feels on a new release that comes out tomorrow and an ARC I was thrilled to get approved for on NetGalley, These Ruthless Deeds (These Vicious Masks #2) by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                I have been waiting for this book since the end of These Vicious Masks (review) last year.  It had been a while for me and many books in between so I went back and read my old review and skimmed the end again to make sure I had all my facts straight.  It was so easy to dive back into this world of powers and upper England society.  We start out running, Evelyn still in pain over losing her sister Rose, is working to find other gifted people like herself and keep them safe starting with a telekinetic her old tutor knows.  Things don’t go smoothly and they come face to face with the Society of Aberrations, the same society that the evil doctor worked for.  Not a great first impression.  They try to convince Evelyn and her friends that the doctor was rogue and they were really all about what she is, finding and helping those like them and making the world better.  They offer much from repairing her reputation, restoring her family’s fortunes, and the like she wants to believe them.  To be part of something so good, but she is still leery that it is too good to be true and there must be something more sinister beneath the surface.

                Evelyn has really embraced her abilities and the whole new world of powers as a whole.  She is trying to be the best that she can be, what she things Rose would have wanted her to do.  She is still grieving but still things around her keep moving.  She is unable to tell everyone about her ability or what really happened to Rose or risk being thrown in the asylum.  She is a strong character who really moves forward with gusto.  She doesn’t always make the smartest choices, there is one in particular that has serious consequences I still haven’t recovered from I don’t approve of but she is true to who she is at each step.  She grows throughout the series thus far but doesn’t magically change into a different person it’s a development that I like.  Mr. Kent, the good friend who has feelings for her is so much fun to read.  I love when they are together their banter is just so on point.  He has some of the best lines and moments throughout the book and constantly had me laughing.  On the flip side of the romantic feelings we have dark and moody Mr. Braddock who has a horrible ability in making those he is near or touch ill or die.  Yep not a winner on powers.  He is such a good guy with a good heart who is plagued by this power and the devastation it causes.  I like him well enough but I do prefer Mr. Kent.  We also get to meet several others with different powers which was pretty fun seeing how they came into play.  Some we love others we don’t care so much for. 

                Book two is by far set at a faster pace and it really drives you through your reading in the best way.  They are constantly on the move between secret missions, training, snooping, and even the society obligations.  There is never a dull moment and the dialogue is on point.  The constant game of who can you trust really keeps the suspense high.  At one point I stopped and made a note to myself where I was at and my prediction about it being important and this whole theory from one little part so I could see if I was right.  I was in part but I went deep in my own thought process there and I look back and love that it made me so curious.  I’m still holding out that part of it will play in later. 

                I really enjoyed this installment and all the action packed feels.  I can’t wait for the next book in the series because the ending...well it left me with those feels.  Like TONS of them.  Like I re-read the ending several times hoping to see something that could fix what broke my heart but so far not looking good.  But we shall see. 

                Until next time…

Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  I did some baking and house stuff, nothing glamorous but I am starting to get my books together for ApollyCon!  I've just checked a few of the titles really but I'm near giving up my dining room table to start stacking and such.  So excited.  Back to the post at hand, Friday I finished an ARC from NetGalley of Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1) by debut author Tricia Levenseller.  This book comes out February 28th and I highly recommend picking it up.

Rating:  5 Stars

                I was first drawn to this cover with the beautiful font and the red headed armed female at the bottom who looked ready to do some pirating.  Then once I learned more about the premises I was hooked and even more thrilled when my request to review it was answered!  Basically we follow 17 year-old pirate captain Alosa, daughter to the Pirate King, as she is captured by enemy pirates.  Though this was all part of the plan, see she isn't some captured victim but really using her "capture" to search the enemies ship undercover.  However, as with any well thought out plan there are bound to be some snags along the way like underestimating the first mate, Riden, who keeps her on her toes. 

                Doesn't that just scream interesting.  Let me say it is!  I was enthralled from the start and loved Alosa.  While I didn't always like how she did some things or her reasoning for others I understood her and her motives.  She is cruel when she has to be, this is a man's world after all, but she isn't cruel for the sake of enjoyment as others may be.  She has her own code.  I do enjoy people with codes (Dexter had a code, yes he was a serial killer but he had a code) and morals.  Plus what girl wouldn’t cheer for the daughter trying to make her way in this world of men and best them.  Alosa is able to get down and dirty when necessary though she is much more civilized and cultured.  She has to walk a fine balance and keep her real and full self and abilities from the crew while she plays the victim.  Though given her abilities and, yes pride, playing weak is a bit harder than she thought. 

                We get to know the crew that's taken her.  Like one would expect it's a miss-mash of personalities.  Some with honor and others more brutal.  Balancing between them while giving just enough away is a fine game and watching Alosa go toe to toe with Riden was amazing.  Riden from the start seems like an interesting character with a very complex personality.  He has so many conflicting opinions and actions it's impossible to nail him down.  The back and forth between them building as they try to figure one another out was enthralling.  Enemies who get closer are something I enjoy for sure but the best ones have to be able to go back and forth verbally at one another with witty zingers and Alosa and Riden have that in spades.  Sometimes more than verbal volleys because well they know how to keep it interesting. 

                 The overall plot of trying to find this hidden item and bring her captors to him was fascinating but also not even the half of it.  There is so much more happening that is just evolves so nicely into something much larger and expansive.  This book ties up in a way that you feel like you've reached a certain point but also where there is a ton more to learn in this world.  There were a few things that I saw coming and others that completely blew me away but when thinking back I could totally see the breadcrumbs.  It was beautifully written and an amazing debut for the author as well as for a series.  I can't wait to get a physical copy when it comes out next week!  I highly recommend this one.  It has something for everyone to enjoy and so many reveals and things that will just knock your socks off! 

                Until next time…

Acca (Angelbound Origins #3)

                Hello happy readers!  So normally on Tuesday I’d be posting a Top Ten Tuesday but today I wanted to share my review on release day of a new book in a series I completely adore.  The book in question is Acca (Angelbound Origins #3) by Christina Bauer.  I love this series!  To see all my love check out the past reviews for Angelbound, Scala, and Armageddon and the Angelbound Offspring books Maxon and Portia.  I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review and I’m trilled to share it with you on release day.  Acca contains spoilers for Angelbound and Scala but not for the other books in the series so you don’t have much to catch up on!

Rating: 5 Stars

                So Acca takes us back to the beginning. After book two, Scala, we jump forward several years but we know where Myla and Lincoln are concerned they had plenty of adventures and stories from that time.  We go back and see more from that time, when Myla and Lincoln work towards dismantling the House of Acca and sending their evil leader to prison…or they will end up in jail themselves and that would put a real damper on their impending wedding.  To stop him they must present their proof to the courts but it is never that simple, not when the man you’re trying to take down is as slimy as an eel and has most everyone under their control.  Myla and Lincoln go undercover on Earth to get what they need but time is of the essence.

                As much as I loved seeing Maxon and Portia I still have to say Myla and Lincoln are still my favorites!  Having them front and center again was right on point.  Myla was her usual self, tough as nails and hot tempered and ready to kick some ass, or ogle a nice one.  She is part wrath and lust demon after all.  She is trying to find a balance though and put on the appearance of being stately being that she’s about to become Queen and all but that never stops her from being true to herself.  Lincoln is just as bad ass and fierce but he is also much calmer that Myla and together they balance one another out so beautifully.  They both know how to calm, or goad, the other up and the understanding between them just makes your heart melt.   They are by far the best thing ever and I could read a hundred books about them easy.

I mean look at them!

                The story is also packed full of goodies.  First the plot to take down the evil and corrupt house.  Aldred is a real piece of work.  As I was reading I just wanted to reach through my kindle and strangle him at ever mention of his name.  He is just so devious and conniving it makes your skin crawl, more when you see the influence he has.  So rooting for our couple to find what they need to finally end him is natural.  Still as evil as he is there is something fascinating about him, in a you’re interesting but I still want you dead kind of way.  Because then you have to think about everyone who supports him and their reasons and if you can really trust them as well, very complex.

                Through in an undercover mission to gather evidence and you have a winning combo.  Seriously the idea of making Myla go undercover back in school, a school on Earth no less, and even with the urgency of everything I was laughing.  Okay no matter how serious things got and how on edge I was worrying about certain characters Myla and her outbursts or antics could make me laugh for a moment.  Oh and her tail I can’t leave him our or he’d get mad. 

 

                This book was amazing as were the others and I’m so excited to see that Thrax is coming out soon-ish and we will get to continue learning more of the adventures of Myla and Lincoln!  I’ve already pre-ordered my copy because auto-buy series/author here.  Highly recommend!

                Until next time…

My Kind of Crazy

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you all had a great weekend, I know mine was a little busy.  Today I have a review of a debut novel that I was highly anticipating this year, My Kind of Crazy by Robin Reul.  I received an eARC of this title from No BS Reviews and the original review is posted here.  I also had my wish granted at NetGalley at the same time so double score. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                So adorable! 

                I went into this now knowing much but the mishap with the prom invite kind of made me laugh and think it would be pretty fun.  It was a fun ride and one I completed easily in one sitting but it was also kind of dark at times.  Reul nicely balance the line of humorous and serious well.  I mean trying to ask out a girl you like in sparklers and then setting things on fire is kind of a great epic fail but to then meet a strange loaner who thinks you are a pyromaniac is a pretty interesting turn of events.  While his crush begins a search for the one who started the fire we see the quirky friendship that develops between these characters. 

                Hank was a pretty typical and average teen guy going through some things not so typical but having a rather hilarious outlook on life despite it.  Still he was captured in a very real way and I felt like he could have been any number of the guys I went to school with.  Authentic.  Peyton on the other hand is an enigma and we keep trying to peel back the layers and get to the real and solid her.  She has her secrets and her life is pretty messed up, that much is clear, and watching as her and Hank connect and bond is fun.  What starts out as fear of being turned in, turns into a unique type of friendship that was fun to watch develop.

                My Kind of Crazy manages to be so many things and while being humorous to the point of almost dropping ones kindle unable to hold it in a fit of giggles, it has a much deeper subject matter from alcoholism, self-harm, neglect, and grief without being bogged down.  It was fast paced and as the title states a bit crazy.  But then who isn’t a little crazy these days! 

                That’s all I can say.  Discovering who these characters are and their mishaps and adventures is the fun part.  Start it and you won’t be able to put it down.  

Cursed (Beholder #1)

                Hello happy readers!  So today I have exciting news a new book for Christina Bauer starting a new series put out by InkMonster.  I’m so excited to share the news with you on this one as you may know with how much I mention it, I LOVE her other books in the Angelbound series.  That being said the new book is called Cursed and is book one in the new Beholder series that deals in magic.  I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Ink Monster.

               

Rating: 5 Stars

                There hasn’t been a book by Ink Monster that I haven’t completely loved and Cursed is no exception.  We follow Elea, a girl with necromancer magic, who doesn’t see the need to use it for much but helping in chores around the farm.  No formal training or anything.  Then one day her best friend returns to town with the news that the new Tsar has placed a curse and she will burn and burn as a ghost tortured for all eternity in five years to the day.  Elea knows the chances of her changing the curse are slim but she is determined.  Embracing her powers she goes to be trained, made into a Grand Mistress able to kill the Tsar and void his curse.  Five years of training and planning and then everything goes wonky when she runs into a handsome mage in Caster magic, Rowan.  He has new information that makes her rethink her entire strategy and consider a partnership with this man who brings her a lot of confusing feelings.

                Our MC Elea is a bit older, 18 when the curse is placed and then 5 years of training, so this story does contain a bit of adult material in way or violence and some language.  Nothing extreme just a friendly notice that the characters are a bit older.  Elea is a strong character who has had to fight for everything she holds dear and then when she is cursed she continues to fight, determined to fight the odds against her.  She is fiery and I liked her instantly.  She has magic but she isn’t controlled by it or reliant on it, just using it to help her with her normal life chores still doing work herself.  Sometimes we find people with magic become lazy, let’s be honest I would, but not Elea.  As she is trained they are taught to not show emotion, complete control of your emotions is a key to controlling the magic, but she’s a bit quick tempered and more in the speak/act then think part of the population; so 90% of us.  Then she is pushed back out into a world in which she has to interact with vast amounts of people that is so different from her life thus far it’s a challenge.  Rowan, our handsome Caster is guarded sure when he needs to be but he is also open and warm in ways that Elea isn’t used to.  Their dynamic is rather fun.  His type of magic is both similar and different and seeing them together was interesting for sure.  Plus, he’s a sexy and powerful mage who wants to help so even someone trying to keep emotions cut off is going to notice.

              There is a lot going on from planning and improvising to accomplish their goal.  Nothing is ever as easy as it seems.  There is always bumps along the way.  I really enjoyed getting to know some of the secondary characters as well like Nan, Ada, Sophie, Laurel, Orion, Jakob, even Marlene and Viktor were very interesting.  Plus we learn about the different types of magic and what they mean to Changed ones, cloisters, familiars and more.  Bauer was able to create a unique little world that was easy enough to pick up and understand and want to know more about.  There is action and suspense moving things along with just a touch of romance sprinkled in as we uncover the mysteries that are laid out before us. 

                I highly recommend this book for anyone enjoying a bit of magical adventure.  I mean there are some brutal moments that hit you square in the feels but that makes it better.  You connect with them and fall easily into the story.  I flew through it and am already look forward to the sequel and seeing if some of my pending theories are true.  Cursed is out now and I hope you will check it out because I need to discuss in spoiler-y detail with someone ASAP!  Only half kidding ;) Tell me your thoughts and feels in the comments below. 

                 Until next time…