ARC Review: Spin the Dawn ~ Elizabeth Lim

Format: E-book 

Pages: 400

My Rating: 5 Stars

Expected publication: July 9th 2019

Summary From Goodreads:

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There's just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia's task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.

And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor's reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.

Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this young adult fantasy is pitch-perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Renée Ahdieh.

My Review:

First off, the cover of this book is absolutely, positively stunning. One of the most beautiful covers I've seen so far this year.

This was such a fun and enchanting book, and I can't wait for everyone to be able to read this book when it comes out.  It's definitely made the list of 2019 favorites.

It is touted as being a cross between Mulan (which is one of my favorite Disney movies) and Project Runway, which, I've never seen and episode of in my entire life *GASPS* shocking, I know. but I would definitely agree with the Mulan aspect, to an extent. It also had themes from Aladdin, too. Plus there were Zombies and Demons, and twists and turns.

It's also recommended for fans of Renee Ahdieh, and Sarah J. Maas. I would agree 100% on Renee Ahdieh, but only partially on Sarah J. Maas. It shared some themes, but Sarah's writing has a lot more action happening. This book is a little slower paced, which isn't a bad thing. But just don't go into it, expecting lots of action to be happening all at once.

I'm not particularly familiar with Chinese Mythology as I am with others so I don't know if any of it was based on real myths or if it was all made up, but  I was fascinated by it, nonetheless

I was excited to hear that this book was going to have a Gender Bending theme Mulan, Ouran High school Host Club, Hana-Kimi are all some of my favorite books/movies. I don't know why I like the Gender Bending theme, but I do.

I love how determined Maia was, even though she was scared out of her wits at times. She knew she wanted to protect her remaining family, and she'd do whatever it took to make sure that they were taken care of, no matter what it cost her.

I do think that the rivalry between *spoiler redacted* and Maia ended up being kind of...anticlimactic. It was built up throughout the first section of the book, only for it to fizzle out. I was thinking there would be more of a confrontation, but maybe that's something that's going to happen in book 2?

Edan. Oh Edan. He's my Smol Little Bean (I use that word a lot) He is so amazing and beautiful, and absolutely insufferable at times... And I loved him SO much for it. I would compare him to Rhysand (my other favorite Smol Bean) except it's easier to make Edan blush. (which made him even more charming, in my opinion) I loved getting to hear more about his history and what made him tick. I like how enamored he was with Maia from the start, and how hard he had to work to earn her affection.

The end of the book had me all sorts of worked up. The plot twist at the end that I did NOT see coming. I cannot wait to see what's going to happen next.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an ARC of this title.

Splash into Summer Giveaway Hop

Hello my lovely readers!

I am participating in the Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop hosted by Bookhounds

You can enter to win a copy of Campaign Widows by Aimee Agresti (This is an ARC copy of the book, to learn more about the book, click HERE)

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Review: Drop Dead Demons by A & E Kirk

Drop Dead Demons

By A & E Kirk

My Rating: 5 Stars

Paperback, 598 pages

Published May 27th 2014

Summary From Goodreads:

GOING ON A TREASURE HUNT...
Aurora Lahey finally knows why supernatural slayers salivate to slaughter her, but how to stop them? Not so much. Sure, she's discovered her own lethal powers, and has six sexy, super-charged, demon hunting Hex Boys watching her back--the hottest one watching every part of her. But when a seductive stranger delivers a deadly ultimatum, Aurora and the Hex Boys plunge into a do-or-die hunt for a legendary Mandatum treasure, which will finally shift power in their favor. Or unleash hell on earth.

NEX MARKS THE SPOT...
Pursued by demons of mythical proportions, Aurora and the Hex Boys race deeper into the shadowy world of a centuries-old mystery and brutal conspiracy, where no one and nothing is what it seems. Where love and betrayal go hand-in-hand, and trusting the wrong person not only breaks your heart, but gets you killed.

DEMONS ON YOUR TAIL...
Uncovering shocking secrets from the Hex Boys' past, hiding her Divinicus Nex identity, lying to her pretend-wish-he-were-real boyfriend, dodging demons, breaking into ancient tombs, taking the unexpected side trip to the dark depths of the Waiting World, tracking a traitor, and passing Physics...Aurora could do that in her sleep. Or more likely, die trying.

My Review:
Oh my.... I just, I don't even know how to properly explain just how much I adore this series. AND I'M ONLY ON BOOK 2! It was funny and swoon-worthy, and I just... I don't know, but it makes my heart super happy. I'm obsessed. And I'm still kicking myself in the butt for not reading this series long ago. I't had been popping up in my feeds for awhile,but it wasn't until recently that I decided to give it a go.

I love Aurora and Ayden together, and I love her attitude and humor and the family dynamic. Such a great continuation of the series!

 

 

Review: The Geography of Lost Things By Jessica Brody

The Geography of Lost Things

By Jessica Brody

My Rating: 3 Stars

Hardcover, 458 pages

Published October 2nd 2018

Summary From Goodreads:

In this romantic road trip story perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Morgan Matson, a teen girl discovers the value of ordinary objects while learning to forgive her absent father.

After Ali’s father passes away, he leaves his one and only prized possession—a 1968 Firebird convertible—to his daughter. But Ali doesn’t plan on keeping it. Not when it reminds her too much of all her father’s unfulfilled promises. So when she finds a buyer three hundred miles up the Pacific coast willing to pay enough money for the car to save her childhood home, Ali can’t wait to get going. Except Ali has no idea how to drive a stick shift. But guess who does?

Ali’s ex-boyfriend, Nico. And Nico has other plans.

He persuades Ali that instead of selling the car, they should “trade up” the items they collect on their trip to eventually reach the monetary amount Ali needs. Agreeing with Nico’s crazy plan, Ali sets off on a unique adventure that is unlike anything she ever could have expected.

And it’s through Ali’s travels, through the strangers she meets and the things that they value—and why they value them—that Ali eventually comes to understand her father and how his life may not have been as easy and carefree as she previously thought. Because just like the seemingly insignificant objects Ali collects, not everything is exactly as it appears.

My Review:

I think a lot of Ali and Nico's problems could have been solved if they had take the time to sit down and talk about what was happening instead of assuming and making a mountain out of a mole hill.

 There was a lot of overreacting, and miscommunication, and sometimes that was a little bit much for me. But I guess it works because they're teenagers and that's what's expected from that age group?

Overall, this was a pretty decent book, if you can get past the teenage angst. And I liked that there was a slight mystery aspect to it as well. 

And that cover is absolutely gorgeous.

Review: Claimed by the Assassins by Stacey Brutger

Claimed by the Assassins

By Stacey Brutger

My Rating: 5 Stars

Paperback, 296 pages

Published February 7th 2019

Summary From Goodreads:

The assassins have their hands full chasing down the creatures who've fled to the human world. Too bad Morgan has been consigned to the schoolroom, too valuable as the future heir to the crown to be risked. Not one to kick up her heels and do nothing, Morgan is determined to find out how to control her powers so she can protect what is hers...even if she has to sneak behind her team's backs to do so.

But what should've been a time to settle down with her mates turns deadly when secrets are exposed. Morgan is furious, but determined to fight for the chance to have a future with her men...even if she must challenge the sea queen to prove her claim on Draven.

The sea queen is vicious and will do whatever is necessary to get what she wants...and she wants Draven. There is always a price to pay for defying the queen, but her mates refuse to let Morgan pay the price alone.

When a deal is struck, Morgan and her team must survive the next three days of being hunted by the queen's mightiest champions. If she fails, she and her mates will die, and Draven will be forced into a life of slavery for all eternity.

My Review:

I am SO glad that there is going to be one more book in this series. There are so many things that I still need answers to! 

The character and world-building in this series never fails to amaze me, and this one gave me just as many feels as the other two.

If you're looking for a hot and fast romance book, then this one isn't what you should be reading. The Academy of Assassins books are very much a slow burn series. And I love them all the more for it. Instead of hopping right into, well, you know... Character development happens, and we get to see the friendships build among the characters. 

Review: Evermore by Sara Holland

Evermore

By Sarah Holland

My Rating: 3 Stars

Hardcover, 229 pages

Published May 1st 2018

Summary From Goodreads:

 

The New York Times bestselling series!

Jules Ember confronts the girl who is both her oldest friend and greatest enemy in the highly anticipated sequel to Everless, praised by New York Times bestelling author Stephanie Garber as “an intoxicating blend of blood, secrets, and haunting mythology.”

Jules Ember was raised hearing legends of the ancient magic of the wicked Alchemist and the good Sorceress. But she has just learned the truth: She is the Alchemist, and Caro—a woman who single-handedly murdered the Queen and Jules’s first love, Roan, in cold blood—is the Sorceress.

The whole kingdom believes that Jules is responsible for the murders, and a hefty bounty has been placed on her head. And Caro is intent on destroying Jules, who stole her heart twelve lifetimes ago. Now Jules must piece together the stories of her past lives to save the person who has captured her heart in this one.

Perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard, Kiera Cass, and Kendare Blake, Evermore is the high-stakes, star-crossed follow up to the New York Times bestselling Everless that fans have been waiting for.

My Review:

Is there going to be a third book? I feel like it ended pretty solidly, but at the same time, it's left a few things open for another book.

I thought the whole premise of this series was pretty interesting, and I loved that whole enemies to lovers element in the first book.

The second book in the series focuses more on Jules growing as a character and learning how to handle the power that she has, and more of the history/background of her and Caro. 

In my opinion, this was a lot slower going, and it took a lot longer for things to happen. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I like when things are happening a little bit faster, because it keeps my attention longer. 

Review: Mystery Train by Carolyn Keene

Mystery Train

By Carolyn Keene

My Rating: 4 Stars

Mass Market Paperback, 220 pages

Published November 1st 1990

Summary From Goodreads:

NANCY DREW joins some of the best minds in the mystery field to help crack a famous unsolved case: the theft of the Comstock diamond. A private train will take the elite group from Chicago to San Francisco, the same route taken by the jewel thief fifteen years before. But someone is out to derail the search for clues and send Nancy on a chilling cross-country ride to terror. 

 
Meanwhile... 

 
FRANK AND JOE HARDY climb on board, lured by the promise of a $25,000 reward for whoever finds the diamond. Instead they find trouble: an open-air fist fight atop the speeding train, a runaway locomotive, and a beautiful gem of a different kind -- actress Kate Harkins. Joe is dazzled by her entrance -- and stunned by her exit. 

 
The teen detectives suspect she's been kidnapped, and it soon becomes clear they've all been ticketed for disaster... on the
"Mystery Train"

My Review:

So, it's been a hot minute since the last time I read a Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew book. And I picked this one up because we're doing a reading challenge at work and this one fit all the qualifications of the category.

I forgot how much I enjoyed reading Nancy Drew. The very first "big girl" book I remember reading was The Ice Scream Scoop, which was part of the Nancy Drew Notebooks series, and after that I was obsessed. With that series, and with reading in general. It's one of those random "fun facts" that I can tell people. But I'm getting off topic, so lets rewind and redirect my thoughts.

I thought this was a fun book. It reminded me why I liked reading these mysteries when I was younger. I especially liked the interaction they had with the Hardy Boys. It made me happy and nostalgic and everything in between.

I wish there had been some romance in it, but that's because I'm a YA/NA romance reader. But it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.

It was fun getting to "look" for clues and see if I could figure out whodunnit before the rest of the gang.

Review: Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Uprooted

By Naomi Novik

My Rating: 2 Stars

Hardcover, 435 pages

Published May 19th

 

      Summary From Goodreads:

“Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley. We hear them sometimes, from travelers passing through. They talk as though we were doing human sacrifice, and he were a real dragon. Of course that’s not true: he may be a wizard and immortal, but he’s still a man, and our fathers would band together and kill him if he wanted to eat one of us every ten years. He protects us against the Wood, and we’re grateful, but not that grateful.”

Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life.

Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.

But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.

 

 

My Review:

 

I read this whole entire book for a reading challenge at my workplace, but I honestly couldn't tell you any IMPORTANT details about it. It's not that it was a bad book, because it had a lot of interesting plot points and potential.

It just wasn't my favorite. 

I felt like when I started reading it, I was dumped into the middle and I should have had all this background information from a previous book, and it was a very slow moving story.

  

 Don't let my opinions stop you from reading it though, give it a read!

 

Review: When Lightning Strikes by Meg Cabot

 

 

 

When Lightning Strikes

By Meg Cabot

My Rating: 5 Stars

Paperback, 266 pages

Published January 1st 2007

Summary From Goodreads

 Jess Mastriani has never been what you'd call a typical Midwestern teenager—her extracurricular activities, instead of cheerleading or 4-H, include fist-fights with the football team and month-long stints in detention. A part of Jess would like to be the prom queen her mother has always envisioned her being, but another part is secretly counting the days until she's saved up enough money to buy her own Harley.

Then something happens that guarantees Jess will be one of the in-crowd...at least until her newfound talent ends up getting her dead.

My Review:

Let's have a little back story about the first time I read this book, shall we? I bought this book Once Upon A Time Forever Ago (circa early 2005) at the Half Price Bookstore... I think it was like, 50 cents or something like that. But once I got it home, it sat on my bookshelf f o r e v e r... But finally, one night when I knew I was going to be in the car for a pretty good amount of time, I tossed it into my backpack on a whim, just in case I got bored and needed something to read. (Of course I got bored and needed something to read) and you know what? I absolutely DEVOURED it once I started reading. I read the WHOLE thing in one car ride and I was absolutely in love. I loved Jess, and how snarky she was, and how she would punch a dude in the face because he insulted her best friend. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. And I loved Rob. HOLY MOLY I loved Rob. He was the second Book Boyfriend I had (the first was Ned Nickerson). I went to the library the very next day and got the rest of the books, and read them all several times.

Flash forward to 2019:

I needed to re-read a favorite book for a reading challenge I'm doing at my job, and I planned on re-reading A Court of Mist and Fury, but then someone mentioned Meg Cabot and I started thinking about this series again and it made me real... nostalgic. So I picked it up and started reading again. And I still love it just as much.

I still admire Jess and how fiercely she stands up for the people she loves (and even people she doesn't know, if they're being treated poorly.) and how she fights for what's right and how she manages to get out of some pretty hairy situations.

I still L O V E Rob, he's moody and perfect just the way he is *Insert heart emoji eyes*

This is such a quick read, even though it's close to 300 pages. I'm so glad that I decided to give this another read through after all this time 

Review: My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life

My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life

By Rachel Cohn

My Rating: 2 Stars

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published December 18th 2018

Summary From Goodreads:

"I'm here to take you to live with your father. In Tokyo, Japan! Happy birthday!"

In the Land of the Rising Sun, where high culture meets high kitsch, and fashion and technology are at the forefront of the First World's future, the foreign-born teen elite attend ICS-the International Collegiate School of Tokyo. Their accents are fluid. Their homes are ridiculously posh. Their sports games often involve a (private) plane trip to another country. They miss school because of jet lag and visa issues. When they get in trouble, they seek diplomatic immunity.

Enter foster-kid-out-of-water Elle Zoellner, who, on her sixteenth birthday discovers that her long-lost father, Kenji Takahari, is actually a Japanese hotel mogul and wants her to come live with him. Um, yes, please! Elle jets off first class from Washington D.C. to Tokyo, which seems like a dream come true. Until she meets her enigmatic father, her way-too-fab aunt, and her hyper-critical grandmother, who seems to wish Elle didn't exist. In an effort to please her new family, Elle falls in with the Ex-Brats, a troupe of uber-cool international kids who spend money like it's air. But when she starts to crush on a boy named Ryuu, who's frozen out by the Brats and despised by her new family, her already tenuous living situation just might implode.

My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life is about learning what it is to be a family, and finding the inner strength to be yourself, even in the most extreme circumstances.

My Review:


  This was okay.  I wish there had been more sightseeing and descriptions about Tokyo. I loved all the food references (because I love food) I H A T E D the way Elle was treated by her father, and grandmother, and all of her "friends"and I felt like sometimes she acted way younger than a 16 year old. But she did grow up a little as the book went on. 

ARC Review Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford

 




                    Crown of Coral and Pearl

By Mara Rutherford

My Rating: 4 Stars
Kindle Edition, 384 pages

Expected publication: August 27th 2019

Summary From Goodreads:

For generations, the princes of Ilara have married the most beautiful maidens from the ocean village of Varenia. But though every girl longs to be chosen as the next princess, the cost of becoming royalty is higher than any of them could ever imagine…

Nor once dreamed of seeing the wondrous wealth and beauty of Ilara, the kingdom that’s ruled her village for as long as anyone can remember. But when a childhood accident left her with a permanent scar, it became clear that her identical twin sister, Zadie, would likely be chosen to marry the Crown Prince—while Nor remained behind, unable to ever set foot on land.

Then Zadie is gravely injured, and Nor is sent to Ilara in her place. To Nor’s dismay, her future husband, Prince Ceren, is as forbidding and cold as his home—a castle carved into a mountain and devoid of sunlight. And as she grows closer to Ceren’s brother, the charming Prince Talin, Nor uncovers startling truths about a failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen… and a plot to destroy the home she was once so eager to leave.

In order to save her people, Nor must learn to negotiate the treacherous protocols of a court where lies reign and obsession rules. But discovering her own formidable strength may be the one move that costs her everything: the crown, Varenia and Zadie.

My Review: 

Possible mini spoilers, so read with caution

 I was a little hesitant when I first started reading this book. Because it starts out pretty slow. There's a lot of setting up and back story that happens.

But a few chapters in, all the action and intrigue really start to pick up. I adored the world building that happened in this story and how descriptive each place was. I really felt like I was out at sea, and then in the mountain/castle

I enjoyed the concept of the story. I haven't read a lot of books that are set at sea (to begin with, at least)

 I loved the relationship that Zadie and Nor had. And the relationship that they both had with Sami.

Honestly, I thought Zadie was a little selfish at first. I felt like she only thought about herself and what she would be losing. And then to ask her sister to help her do something so.. terrible! But she did eventually apologize, and it did seem that she grew up a little at the end.

Nor was great. I love how she was able to handle herself even though she was basically a fish out of water (lol) She was pretty scared about things, but she was still able to defend herself and hold her own when she had no idea what she was doing.

 Talin. Oh Talin, my sweet Little Bean. He was the most amazing part of the story, and I only wish that he had been a more prominent piece. I kind of had my suspicions about who he was, and I was right. He loved his brother, but at the same time, he hated what Ceren was doing and he didn't support it.

I also liked the fact that, even though Nor and Talin were enamored with each other, it didn't turn Nor into a brainless jellybean. She was able to think for herself, and not be so obsessed with Talin that she was thinking of him 24-7-365.

I couldn't stand the twins' mother. She was absolutely horrid! But their father was great, and he tried to do right by them.

I couldn't decide what I thought of Ceren for a long time. At times he was absolutely horrible, but then he had moments that he was kind of decent. I finally decided that I felt sorry for him. He was so messed up in the head, and he didn't stop to take the time to realize that he had people who would care about him and help him, if only he would pull his head out of his... um..well, you know.

I know the author said this book sold as a standalone, but she also said it has an option for a sequel, and I really hope that sequel happens, because there was so much left undone at the end of this book.

Is Sami okay? He's stranded out in the middle of nowhere! Do they ever find him?

What happens with the Twins and their family?

What about my Little Bean, Talin? Do he and Nor ever get to see each other again? Do they get their HEA?? I need them to get their HEA!

And what about Ceren? I'm still not convinced he's 100% dead. *Squints suspiciously*

And what does Queen Talia do once she's back on the throne? How does that go for her?

All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait for it to be available to purchase.

*Thank You to the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC through Net Galley

Review: Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

Love and Luck

By Jenna Evans Welch

My Rating: 3 Stars

Hardcover, 303 pages

Published May 8th 2018

Summary From Goodreads:

Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding, and hoping she can stop thinking about the one horrible thing she did that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget, and his constant needling leads to arguments and even a fistfight between the two once inseparable siblings. Miserable, Addie can’t wait to visit her friend in Italy and leave her brother—and her problems—behind.

So when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s able to finally escape her anxious mind and Ian’s criticism.

And then their travel plans change. Suddenly Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with Ian and his admittedly cute, Irish-accented friend Rowan. As the trio journeys over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairy-tale forests, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.

That is if they don’t get completely lost along the way.

My Review:


I enjoyed this book, but not quite as much as I  enjoyed Love and Gelato. 

I liked Addie's relationship with her brothers, because it was very relatable. They supported each other, but also completely drove each other nuts.

I wish there had been a little bit more romance between Rowan and Addie (because I like my YA romance, but the non-romance romance didn't bother me as much as I thought it would have (Question: How many times can Kait say romance in her review? Answer: Lots.) 

It was a very slow burn romance, and it went right along with the summery, molasses feel of the story (This is not a bad thing, btw.) It was just a very relaxed feeling book, and I loved the places and things they got to experience. I would love to visit Ireland some day. 
 
 

Review: A Court Of Frost And Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

A Court Of Frost And Starlight

By Sarah J. Maas

My Rating: 4 Stars

Hardcover, 229 pages

Published May 1st 2018

Summary From Goodreads:

Hope warms the coldest night.

Feyre, Rhys, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve.

Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated--scars that will have far-reaching impact on the future of their Court.

My Review:

I finally got around to finishing this book, and it was nice.

 It was great to finally have a chance for everyone finally get a moment of quasi-calm where they're not constantly worried about someone stabbing them in the back. It's a nice little lead in for the next arc in the series, although I still CANNOT stand Nesta. She's an awful, hateful person, and I really hope that she redeems herself because I just want to slap her.

And the cover is absolutely GORGEOUS, as per usual.

Sidenote: This novella has only served to cement my support of #Elriel. Really though. I love Lucien, and I want him to be happy, but I think that Azriel and Elain are more suited to be together. Don't hate on me, it probably isn't going to happen... But I can hope, right? 

 

Review: Kill The Queen by Jennifer Estep

Kill The Queen

By Jennifer Estep

My Rating: 5 Stars

Paperback, 416 pages

Published October 2nd 2018

Summary From Goodreads:

Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.

My Review:

It took me a little bit to get into this series, but once it hits its groove, there's no putting it down. I loved the relationship between the characters and how tough and resilient Everleigh is.

I liked the whole idea of the gladiator troupe. Because even though it can be pretty cutthroat at times, they're still a family and they take care of their own. 

It reminded me slightly of The Poison Taster Series by Maria V. Snyder, which is great, because I simply ADORE that series.

 I do wish the romance had been a little more prominent, but I think it'll get there eventually.

And I LOVE the cover! It's so beautiful and fierce. It would make a great #BookFace picture. 
 

Review: The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Darkest Star

By Jennifer L. Armentrout

My Rating: 5 Stars

Hardcover, 368 pages

Published October 30th

Summary From Goodreads:

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

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

My Review:

I'll be honest, I was hesitant when I first started reading this book. I was so excited for it when I first heard about it, but once I had it in my hands, I was nervous. Would I like it? Had I built it up too much in my mind? But once I started reading it, all my worries were washed away.

I was in  L O V E. I forgot just how much I adored the Luxen books. But oh boy, the feels came back full force the moment I turned the page.

 I loved Luc and Evie, and I love how the title actually makes sense because it's mentioned at one point during the story.

 I love how feisty and strong Evie is, even when she gets thrown for a loop. I loved how sarcastic Luc was. I also loved the fact that we got to see some of my favorite characters from the Lux series (read: Daemon. We get to see DAEMON). I'm so excited that this series is a thing, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.

 

Review: Arranged by Catherine McKenzie

Arranged
By Catherine McKenzie
My Rating: 3 Stars

Paperback, 416 pages

Published May 15th 2012

 

      Summary From Goodreads:

Anne Blythe has a great life: a good job, good friends, and a potential book deal for her first novel. When it comes to finding someone to share it with, however, she just can't seem to get it right.

After yet another relationship ends, Anne comes across a business card for what she thinks is a dating service, and she pockets it just in case. When her best friend, Sarah, announces she's engaged, Anne can't help feeling envious. On an impulse, she decides to give the service a try because maybe she could use a little assistance in finding the right man. But Anne soon discovers the company isn't a dating service; it's an exclusive, and pricey, arranged marriage service. She initially rejects the idea, but the more she thinks about it -- and the company's success rate -- the more it appeals to her. After all, arranged marriages are the norm for millions of women around the world, so why wouldn't it work for her?

A few months later, Anne is travelling to a Mexican resort, where in one short weekend she will meet and marry Jack. And against all odds, it seems to be working out -- until Anne learns that Jack, and the company that arranged their marriage, are not what they seem at all.

My Review: 

  This book was okay, but not nearly as good as I was hoping it would be.

 I liked the fact that the main character and the love interest were both writers, but I had a hard time connecting to them. I like the premise of the book, because I haven't read any books where the MC signs up for an arranged marriage service.But it took a lot for me to stay concentrated on the story, and what was happening.

There was a good bit of character development, which is good, because I like to see when t he characters grow and learn more about themselves. 

Review: Even If I Fall by Abigail Johnson

Even If I Fall

By Abigail Johnson

My Rating: 3 Stars

Hardcover, 346 pages

Published January 8th 2019

      Summary From Goodreads:

A year ago, Brooke Covington lost everything when her beloved older brother, Jason, confessed to the murder of his best friend, Calvin. Brooke and her family became social pariahs, broken and unable to console one another. Brooke’s only solace remains the ice-skating rink, where she works but no longer lets herself dream about a future skating professionally.

When Brooke encounters Calvin’s younger brother, Heath, on the side of the road and offers him a ride, everything changes. She needs someone to talk to…and so does Heath. No one else understands what it’s like. Her brother, alive but gone; his brother, dead but everywhere. Soon, they’re meeting in secret, despite knowing that both families would be horrified if they found out. In the place of his anger and her guilt, something frighteningly tender begins to develop, drawing them ever closer together.

But when a new secret comes out about the murder, Brooke has to choose whose pain she’s willing to live with—her family’s or Heath’s. Because she can’t heal one without hurting the other

My Review:

I don't know, I have conflicting emotions about this book. On one hand I liked how this story was about healing, and growing, and loving someone even if you also kind of hate them because they've done something terrible.

But also, this book hurt my soul. I felt so terrible for Laura and Brooke and her whole family because they're being treated terribly because of something Jason did. It was so unfair that they were treated the way they were, because they didn't do anything wrong. I get that those things happen in real life, but dude. I hurt so bad for them.

I'm not sold on the relationship between Heath and Brooke, to be honest. Yes, they can talk about everything and understand (kind of) what the other one is going through. But Heath was still kind of a jerk to Brooke. She has to be careful what she says and does because it will set him off and he'll get angry at her, so she's always walking on egg shells and trying not to say anything that will upset him... I just... I don't know if I support their relationship yet. Right now, it seems more destructive than constructive. Maybe the longer they're together, the better it will get?

I think that everyone involved on both sides should have gone to counseling, they could have driven somewhere far enough away from their awful judge-y little small town to talk to someone, because I think that would have helped with a lot of the issues that were happening.

I have torn feeling about this book you guys, and I don't know what to do about it. 

Review: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me

By Mariana Zapata

My Rating: 5 Stars

Kindle Edition, 673 pages

Published February 28th 2016

 

      Summary From Goodreads:

Vanessa Mazur knows she's doing the right thing. She shouldn't feel bad for quitting. Being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization was always supposed to be temporary. She has plans and none of them include washing extra-large underwear longer than necessary.

But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she's beyond shocked.

For two years, the man known as The Wall of Winnipeg couldn't find it in him to tell her good morning or congratulate her on her birthday. Now? He's asking for the unthinkable.

What do you say to the man who is used to getting everything he wants?

My Review:

AHHHHHHH!

 All the love for this book.

 It was exactly what I needed. It was a nice contemporary romance book with no big drama twist at the end. 

  

I loved the characters, and the story, and the only thing I would have changed, was the fact that I wanted to see MORE of Aiden and Vanessa bonding and getting closer together. Especially since Aiden is such a closed off character who is "big and brooding" I wanted more of those tender moments, where he slowly opens up to her about stuff. BUT that didn't detract my overall love for the book 

Vanessa was such an understanding character. She put up with a lot of crap from Aiden. More than I would have. Even if he was actually a nice guy, he came off as being the world's douchiest douche bag. It was nice to read on and see that he was actually thoughtful and caring.

 

Review: Mammoth by Jill Baguchinsky

Mammoth
By Jill Baguchinsky
My Rating:  Stars

Hardcover, 304 pages

Published November 6th 2018

Summary From Goodreads:

The summer before her junior year, paleontology geek Natalie Page lands a coveted internship at an Ice Age dig site near Austin. Natalie, who’s also a plus-size fashion blogger, depends on the retro style she developed to shield herself from her former bullies, but vintage dresses and perfect lipstick aren’t compatible with prospecting for fossils in the Texas heat. But nothing is going to dampen Natalie’s spirit — she’s exactly where she wants to be, and she gets to work with her hero, a rock-star paleontologist who hosts the most popular paleo podcast in the world. And then there’s Chase the intern, who’s seriously cute, and Cody, a local boy who’d be even cuter if he were less of a grouch.

It’s a summer that promises to be about more than just mammoths.

Until it isn’t.

When Natalie’s hero turns out to be anything but, and steals the credit for one of her accomplishments, Nat has to unearth the confidence she needs to stand out in a field dominated by dudes. To do this, she’ll have to let her true self shine, even if that means defying all the rules for the sake of a major discovery.

My Review:

This was a pretty solid novel. I usually like a little more romance in my books, and this had a little, but it mostly focused on Natalie staying true to herself, learning that she's perfect just the way she is, doing what she loves, and standing up for herself even when it's scary af.

I loved how passionate Natalie was about paleontology and her fashion blog, and just her personality in general. I liked her relationship with *spoiler redacted* and thought they were perfect together, and I was so glad when she finally stopped obsessing over whatshisface.

I liked the fashion blog aspect
 I liked the character development that happened in this book as well. Natalie was dealt a pretty unfair hand at times, but she kept fighting, and in the end, it worked out for her.