~Can't Wait Wednesday: Wildcard (Warcross #2)~

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

Wildcard (Warcross #2) by Marie Lu

Out:  9/18

From Goodreads:

                Emika Chen barely made it out of the Warcross Championships alive.  Now that she knows the truth behind Hideo’s new NeuroLink algorithm, she can no longer trust the one person she’s always looked up to, who she once thought was on her side.

                Determined to put a stop to Hideo’s grim plans, Emika and the Phoenix Riders band together, only to find a new threat lurking on the neon-lit streets of Tokyo.  Someone’s put a bounty on Emika’s head, and her sole chance for survival lies with Zero and the Blackcoats, his ruthless crew.  But Emika soon learns that Zero isn’t all that he seems—and his protection comes at a price.

                Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far will Emika go to take down the man she loves?

Why I’m Waiting:

                 So I really loved Warcross (review).  The way it ended….I just need to know more.  I need to know what will happen next.  I have some theories but mostly just some wild hopes.  I honestly don’t know what to expect and that has me both anxious, nervous and excited! 

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

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Books so far in 2018!

                Hello everyone!  Top Ten Tuesday is just how it sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share and check out everyone’s answers.  Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl. 

The top ten today is:  Best Books I’ve read in 2018…so far!

This is hard as I've read so many amazing books so far this year.  But here goes and in no particular order…and no novellas were considered to make it easier on me, sorry ACOFAS!

Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #2) by Tricia Levenseller (review)

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor (review)

The Queen's Rising (The Queen's Rising #1) by Rebecca Ross (review)

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli (review)

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (review)

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

Witch's Pyre (Worldwalker #3) by Josephine Angelini (review)

Succubus Revealed (Georgina Kincaid #6) by Richelle Mead (review)

Hero at the Fall (Rebel of the Sands #3) by Alwyn Hamilton (review)

Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber (review)

               

                So what do you think?  Tell me what you think of my list in the comments below.  Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your list and see what I missed!

Obsession

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

Rating:  4 Stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

                Until next time…

Movie Corner #12

                Hello happy movie fans!    These last two weeks haven't held many movies.  Mostly because the only one I was super excited for the theatre had issues and I only got the see the first half of it and had to rain check it to see the whole thing.  Which was a bit annoying but worked out in the end.  Then I must be old or something because my back started to hurt something serious and the idea of sitting in those seats just wasn't something I was excited for and with movies I wasn't dying to see it was just let go.  But my back is better now and my one good friend is officially off in her new home far far away and I managed to squeeze in a few more hours hanging out each day than I thought so I say a win!  So what one movie did I see…

Jurassic World:  Fallen Kingdom - Rating:  5 Stars

                I really enjoy the Jurassic Park movies.  The originals are great fun, more 1 and 3 I honestly don't remember 2 that well.  That said I loved the reboot how it was years later and of course people wouldn't let that idea go but this time it was successful and working…until they go and do something stupid like make a new dinosaur with all these deadly things in one.  I was excited to see where it would go from there.  So seeing a sequel was coming I was stoked and the concept behind it was fun.  I really enjoyed this one.  I liked the idea that people were fighting to save the dinosaurs.   In this world an entire generation have grown up with living dinosaurs so the idea that they could be gone is pretty unique.  The story is fast moving and has lots happening in it and it even includes a few hilarious moments that are more inside jokes which I loved.  The dinosaurs are beautifully done and the combination of real effects and CGI blend together in ways they could be real and that is what make them amazing.  The production value on this is amazing.  I really enjoyed the story and the subplots going on in the story including the connections between the characters both human and dinosaurs.  It had the humor mixed in with all the action that keeps it moving quickly along.  I mean Chris Pratt is hilarious in this roll but the others have their moments for sure to lighten the mood in between the danger keeping you on the edge of your seat.  Plus they brought back Jeff Goldblum which was pretty freaking amazing if you ask me.  All in all it was an enjoyable ride and I look forward to seeing it again. 

*****

                What movies have you seen recently?  What should I see?  Right now the most anticipated releases are looking like Antman and the Wasp, The First Purge, Hotel Transylvania 3 (though I need to see #2) and Skyscraper.  I would also like to see a couple that are already out but ones like Sicario 2 I need to get to watching the first one before I can watch it.  All these sequels I wasn't prepared for.  Have to step up! 

~Can't Wait Wednesday~ The Dark Lands (Angelbound Origins #5)

                Happy 4th of July!  Everyone enjoy and be safe!  Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Waiting on Wednesday has been don for some time so I am switching it up for now!  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

The Dark Lands (Angelbound Origins #5) by Christina Bauer

Out:  September 

From Goodreads:

                Nineteen-year-old Myla Lewis is loving life—she’s now a wife, mother, and Queen of the Thrax.  Oh yeah, and being a super-powerful demigoddess who moves souls into Heaven or Hell doesn’t suck, either.  In fact, everything is pretty much awesome.  Until something craptastic happens.

                Her honorary older brother Walker enters the Dark Lands, home to the rule-loving ghouls, and vanishes without a trace.

                Now it’s up to Myla to solve the mystery of Walker’s disappearance.  Of course, Myla likes interacting with ghouls about as much as elective dental surgery.  To make matters harder, everyone thinks that Walker is simply taking a well-deserved vacation.  Buy Myla and her Angelbound love, Lincoln, both suspect that the ghoul Oligarchy took Walker in order to somehow release Lucifer, the ex-King of the Angels and an all around nut job who really needs to stay locked up.

                Long story short, Myla and Lincoln have just two days to rescue their good friend and stop Lucifer from taking over the after-realms.  Even for them, this may be a too-tall order, especially when Myla’s own father allows his past friendship with Lucifer to threaten Walker’s future.

Why I’m Waiting:

                One of my favorite authors and series.  They are all super fun fast reads that really draw you in and keep you engaged until the very end.  Also I love Walker so I need to know what is going on with him!

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

Top Ten Tuesday: Red, White, & Blue

                Hello everyone!  Top Ten Tuesday is just how it sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share and check out everyone’s answers.  Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl. 

The top ten today is:  Red, White, & Blue Books-books (or series) with all 3 to make it more interesting.

Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #2) by Tricia Levenseller

Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda  by Becky Albertalli

Dorothy Must Die (Dorothy Must Die #1) by Danielle Paige

Siege and Storm (The Grisha Trilogy #2)

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater

Carry On (Simon Snow #1) by Rainbow Rowell

Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha #1) by Tomi Adeyemi

Monsters of Verity duology by Victoria Schwab

The Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Selection trilogy by Kiera Cass

               So what do you think?  Tell me what you think of my list in the comments below.  Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your list and see what I missed!

Legendary (Caraval #2)

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you had a great weekend.  I’m a day late, sorry, but I spent most of yesterday running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to sort out some phone issues and jazz but they are resolved for now at least.  My weekend wasn’t as reading productive as I would have liked but I did get to spend more time with a good friend who is moving several states away tomorrow so that is even better!  Still today I am sharing my thoughts on a very highly anticipated sequel for me, Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber.  I loved Caraval (review) and was thrilled there was going to be more in the world.  I went in thinking this was a duology but then happily after finishing and being very upset thinking this was the end, I found out it is really a trilogy so I have one more book to look forward to!  So yay!

Rating: 5 Stars

                Tella made a bargain with a mysterious criminal that lead to freedom form her father for both her and her sister.  She even got Scarlett out from an arranged marriage.  Still the game is over and she got her part of the bargain now she has to deliver what was promised:  Caraval Master Legend’s true name.  She has one chance to uncover the identity, win the next special Caraval.  Tella throws herself into the game and her mission even as it puts her on a very dangerous path, because this Caraval is different from the rest where you lose yourself to what is only a game, this year is real!  Secrets, doomed love, heirs to the throne, fates, and more press Tella to be as cunning and brave as ever, risking everything she cares about including her life.  Winning Caraval will change the world forever.

                A Caraval doesn’t typically happen this close to end of the last but with Empress Elantine’s 75^th birthday she gets what she wants.  Now we follow Tella as she and her sister are free of their father.  Tella though has a different mission, to gain Legends true name and gain the information she has been searching for.  Tella has been on this path for some time and there is a method to the way she acts, where as I found her a bit harder to love in the last book her were see her side of things and see the reasons behind her antics.  She has a good heart though she feels she is never meant for love, based on a drawing of the cards of destiny in her childhood.  This has lead her every step and it all comes down to playing another game of Caraval.

“If you can convince yourself it’s true you can convince anyone.”

                The way this world has expanded from not just the magic of Caraval which is amazing, but the way the mythology of fates was weaved in from the start.  They were mentioned in the past but as a fairytale sort, now it seems they may be very real….or is that the magic of Caraval?  The back and forth of what is real and can it be believed was captivating.  Winding in all the different elements expanding this world was amazing and seamless.  I was rooting for Tella but I wavered in what I wanted her to accomplish as many times she is at cross purposes.

                While this time we do focus on Tella rather than Scarlett we do get to see so many of our returning characters.  I enjoyed seeing Scarlett and Julian again though things aren’t perfect they are fun and many more including Dante.  The story is still that of the game and a large mystery there did feel there was a more romantic feeling in this sequel.  I was totally on board for it because it was so beautifully done and fit with what we know of the characters, unraveling new layers of them as we go.  Tella is not set for romance or love, something most assured the opposite of what she wants and some of the scenes she is in just makes me so happy. 

“Every story has four parts – the beginning, the middle, the almost ending, and the true ending.”

                Now when I first finished this book thinking it was a duology I was a bit upset.  There was so much more I needed.  So much left way way too open for me.  I mean we just found out who Legend was!!!  FYI I totally had it pegged for a long time, even had my suspicions in book one but confirmation is always appreciated.  Satisfaction after an adventure filled journey.  But upon finding out it was a trilogy and I had one more book to look forward to I was in love.  I can see how all of my questions and open things will lead into a thrilling final book in the trilogy.  I can’t wait to find out more! 

                Until next time…