"One Cursed Rose" is the start of a new series by Rebecca Zanetti. This first book is a twist on Beauty and the Beast featuring Alana and Thorn.
Okay,"One Cursed Rose" is the start of a new series by Rebecca Zanetti. This first book is a twist on Beauty and the Beast featuring Alana and Thorn.
Okay, so here's what I enjoyed about the book. Alana & Thorn; I'm not the biggest fan of dark romances but I really liked the relationship between these characters. They're both interesting and I loved their banter. I also really loved the side characters and how the story unfolded (for the most part). I'll explain more about the storyline issue I had below but I absolutely loved the mystery surrounding something that happened to Alana in her past and the way the details emerged.
Here's where I struggled with this book: The premise of the story is that four families run social media empires. The platforms are powered by crystals and enhanced by the interactions of people using the social media sites. Okay, cool concept, but I was so confused during the scenes and it took until the end of the book before I figured out what I just stated before in two sentences. Another area I struggled was the three separate storylines. We get a bit of a story of Thorn rescuing children from trafficking (nothing wrong with this but what does it actually mean for the story as a whole?) then there's the mystery surrounding something that happened in Alana's childhood, and finally the social media/crystal issue. While I loved most of the book I found myself skimming the scenes talking about Thorn rescuing kids and the scenes talking about coding and saving social media platforms.
I've been reading Rebecca Zanetti for years. While this isn't my favorite book of hers, I've read enough of her books in the past to know that I'm not going to give up on this series. I had some confusion with the storyline but she has me invested in the other characters to want to see where this series goes.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Merged review:
"One Cursed Rose" is the start of a new series by Rebecca Zanetti. This first book is a twist on Beauty and the Beast featuring Alana and Thorn.
Okay, so here's what I enjoyed about the book. Alana & Thorn; I'm not the biggest fan of dark romances but I really liked the relationship between these characters. They're both interesting and I loved their banter. I also really loved the side characters and how the story unfolded (for the most part). I'll explain more about the storyline issue I had below but I absolutely loved the mystery surrounding something that happened to Alana in her past and the way the details emerged.
Here's where I struggled with this book: The premise of the story is that four families run social media empires. The platforms are powered by crystals and enhanced by the interactions of people using the social media sites. Okay, cool concept, but I was so confused during the scenes and it took until the end of the book before I figured out what I just stated before in two sentences. Another area I struggled was the three separate storylines. We get a bit of a story of Thorn rescuing children from trafficking (nothing wrong with this but what does it actually mean for the story as a whole?) then there's the mystery surrounding something that happened in Alana's childhood, and finally the social media/crystal issue. While I loved most of the book I found myself skimming the scenes talking about Thorn rescuing kids and the scenes talking about coding and saving social media platforms.
I've been reading Rebecca Zanetti for years. While this isn't my favorite book of hers, I've read enough of her books in the past to know that I'm not going to give up on this series. I had some confusion with the storyline but she has me invested in the other characters to want to see where this series goes.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
"Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" is another delightful adventure for Emily, Wendell, and Shadow. The story picks up in 1910, with the characters "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" is another delightful adventure for Emily, Wendell, and Shadow. The story picks up in 1910, with the characters back at their university until an attack by assassins sent by Wendell's stepmother forces them to act. After the attack, the trio sets off for Austria to work on Emily's map and to look for a doorway into Wendell's fairy kingdom. They're joined by Emily's niece Ariadne and Dr. Farris Rose, the dryadology department head.
Once again I enjoyed the adventure that Emily found herself on. As I'm reading I can hear her voice in my head and I just love it; it's so proper and lilting. Throughout the story she's still considering Wendell's marriage proposal and learning how to handle personal relationships. There's a lot of growth in Emily's character that really adds to the story and makes me excited for the next adventure!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Merged review:
"Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" is another delightful adventure for Emily, Wendell, and Shadow. The story picks up in 1910, with the characters back at their university until an attack by assassins sent by Wendell's stepmother forces them to act. After the attack, the trio sets off for Austria to work on Emily's map and to look for a doorway into Wendell's fairy kingdom. They're joined by Emily's niece Ariadne and Dr. Farris Rose, the dryadology department head.
Once again I enjoyed the adventure that Emily found herself on. As I'm reading I can hear her voice in my head and I just love it; it's so proper and lilting. Throughout the story she's still considering Wendell's marriage proposal and learning how to handle personal relationships. There's a lot of growth in Emily's character that really adds to the story and makes me excited for the next adventure!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
"Bad Luck Charm" is a sweet and spicy, slow-burn romantic suspense that I absolutely loved! Gwendolyn Goode inherits a house and witchy store in Salem"Bad Luck Charm" is a sweet and spicy, slow-burn romantic suspense that I absolutely loved! Gwendolyn Goode inherits a house and witchy store in Salem, MA from her aunt who raised her during her childhood summers. She has a best friend/hilarious sidekick, Florence, and Flo's boyfriend Desmond, who's best friend is a hunky, alpha male, Graham Graves, that Gwen would rather avoid at all possibilities. When animal sacrifices and kidnappings start happening Gwen realizes Graham is the only person who can keep her safe.
This book is filled with small-town charm, amazing banter, and a feeling of absolute certainty that I need to visit Salem soon! I've read plenty of Julie Johnson's other books but this one has taken the favorite slot! You could read this book anytime of the year but I highly recommend reading it during the spooky season.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
“The Love Plot” by Samantha Young is a grumpy-meets-sunshine fun story! I was a little hesitant because of the fake girlfriend trope but of course the “The Love Plot” by Samantha Young is a grumpy-meets-sunshine fun story! I was a little hesitant because of the fake girlfriend trope but of course the author didn’t let me down.
The main character, Star, was so much fun! She’s a free-spirited, fun, happy person that I would love to know in real life. Rafe is just the opposite; he starts out so moody, but ends up being so supportive of Star that I just loved their story!
I’ve been reading Samantha Young for years and she’s never let me down. She’s such a great writer and her characters are so relatable!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I thought “The Stranded” byThank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I thought “The Stranded” by Sarah Daniels was an interesting book but overall it was just an okay read for me. I didn’t have any expectations going into the story other than knowing it’s dystopian and intrigued by the idea of being quarantined on a cruise ship.
The story picks up in the year 2094 off the coast of the Federated States (a split of the US) with the survival of inhabitants and their descendants who were on a cruise ship 40 years ago when war broke out in Europe. The ship fled to the States where they hoped to find refuge but instead were forced into a martial law quarantine for 40 years. The story revolves around the rebellions attempt to free the people of the ship.
What I really did like about the story was the author’s use of multiple POVs (which I’m not usually a fan of). We get to see a naïve teenager learn the truth of her life, a young rebel, and the commander of the ship’s security forces (also known as the bad guy). I like that we get to see the development and frustration of each of the characters and I think the author did a fantastic job moving seamlessly from character to character to portray the events happening.
There’s plenty of young love, heartbreak, and betrayal in the story and that definitely kept my interest, but overall there was nothing super exciting about the story. I noticed the author mentioned this is a duology so I’d probably read the next one since the ending left me with so many questions. ...more
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Fantastic; that’s pretty mThank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Fantastic; that’s pretty much all I can say about this book! It was exactly what I hoped it would be! I feel like I’ve waited forever for Garrett’s story and this book did not disappoint.
Garrett has known for a while what his mate is supposed to be like: she’s going to ride on the back of his bike, be dangerous, and… probably try to kill him. When we’re first introduced to Destiny, or Dessie as she’s called, she is the complete opposite of the prophecy. She’s a soft, timid character with a shroud of mystery surrounding her (seriously, my favorite type of heroine!!). She is not at all what Garrett expects but of course he can’t resist her!
There’s a constant torn allegiance theme throughout the book. Garrett is a member of the Grizzlies, member of the Seven, nephew to the King of the Realm, and a future King of the Realm. All of these factions expect so much of him when it comes to dealing with Ulric and the repercussions of his return. Garrett’s also torn between his feelings for Dessie and the fact that he doesn’t think she’s his mate since she doesn’t represent the prophecy of a dangerous mate.
I loved Dessie! Even with her timidity she’s truly a strong female character. Like I mentioned above, there’s a lot of mystery surrounding her and I loved that we learn about her past at the same time she does. I don’t want to give away too much but I will say that so much happens in this book to really move the plot along quickly. Of course that means my favorite cast of characters are dragged in. We get to see a more grown up triangle of Hope, Pax, and Drake (really hope that book is next!).
This is not a standalone book but I highly recommend this entire series which starts with Garrett’s parent’s book....more
“Much Ado About You” by Samantha Young was fabulous! Seriously, the whole story is like a book lovers dream! I fell in love with not only the main cha“Much Ado About You” by Samantha Young was fabulous! Seriously, the whole story is like a book lovers dream! I fell in love with not only the main characters, but the side characters, the bookstore, the Northumberland village setting, the townsfolk, and the dog!
Evie is such a relatable character. She has self doubts and insecurities, but she’s also a strong female lead who I just loved. I think Roane might be the sweetest male character I’ve ever met from Samantha Young! He’s just fantastic and so much more than what he seems and I was just desperate for Evie to give him a chance. Everything about their story was so well done. I was just in love with this book the entire time I was reading and didn’t want it to end. I really hope we get more from this world because I NEED to know what happens with Caro!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ...more
“Blacklisted” by Jay Crownover was a quick, easy read. I wanted to read about Presley and Shot since reading the previous book in the series, “Unforgi“Blacklisted” by Jay Crownover was a quick, easy read. I wanted to read about Presley and Shot since reading the previous book in the series, “Unforgiven.” We get a little background from events that happened in the previous books, and you can read this as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading the first two books.
I wasn’t a big fan of the POV style in this book; it made it really hard for me to connect with the characters. There was too much internal dialogue and recapping of events instead of showing what’s happening in the story. I’ve loved Jay Crownover’s books for years so I’m not sure why I had such a tough time with this one. Overall, I enjoyed the story but I found myself skimming more than anything.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ...more
Why did it have to end!?! I don’t want to give anything away in my review because you really need to experience “Namesake” as you read it but I just hWhy did it have to end!?! I don’t want to give anything away in my review because you really need to experience “Namesake” as you read it but I just have to say that Fable is FIERCE! I absolutely love her! She really can’t catch a break; she’s always having to try and out-strategize everyone and it’s really starting to take its toll. There’s some tension between the crew of the Marigold but everyone’s still along for the ride. We finally get to learn more about Auster and Paj, Willa, and Hamish too!
Lots of questions are answered and the story wraps up perfectly! But seriously, I was actually a little sad when I finished reading because I wasn’t ready to let the characters go!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ...more
This book has EVERYTHING I love in a good story: romance, adventure, and excitement! Oh, and it takes place on the high seas! As soon as I started reaThis book has EVERYTHING I love in a good story: romance, adventure, and excitement! Oh, and it takes place on the high seas! As soon as I started reading I was sucked into the story. Ms. Young is a fantastic storyteller and knows how to bring out the feelings! Fable is a survivor and I could just feel her anxiety and fear in some situations. I love her! She is such a strong female character and I just couldn’t get enough. She has a complicated relationship with her father and West but I can’t help but root for the best with both! I’m so ready for the next book in this duology!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ...more
“King of Knights” is the second novella in the Mythos Chronicles, and it starts one year after the first story ends. Similar to the first novella, we’“King of Knights” is the second novella in the Mythos Chronicles, and it starts one year after the first story ends. Similar to the first novella, we’re getting alternating POVs from Ivy, Ryker, and Owen. In this story, however, there seems to be a lot of inner turmoil developing in each character, especially Ryker. Obviously, based on the title, this story focuses on Ryker’s transition to the King of Knights now that he has Excalibur. He’s dealing with old powerful knights who have no interest in letting him lead, and his own self-worth about where exactly he fits in.
Ivy and Owen are still very much in the center of the story as well. Owen is getting hints about his magic potential, which seems to be a lead in to the next novella, and Ivy is as feisty and ready-for-anything as usual. One thing I absolutely loved in this book is that we get to see more of Natalie. She was introduced as the first female knight in “Legacies,” but she makes much bigger appearances in this second installment. I’m really hoping to read more about her in the next book as it focuses on Owen!
I mentioned in my review of the first novella, “Legacies,” that Bebe Lightsmith is an amazing storyteller and that holds true here as well. The story flows fast and is easy and exciting to read!
Thank you to the author and editor for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
Legacies is a fantastic debut novella by Bebe Lightsmith where we are introduced to the Mythos community; the descendants of all the greatest mythLegacies is a fantastic debut novella by Bebe Lightsmith where we are introduced to the Mythos community; the descendants of all the greatest mythical and folklore characters. This first novella centers around students at the Mythos Bureau of Investigation Prep-Academy (MBIHS), specifically Ivy La Fray, the granddaughter of Morgana La Fray, and her Arthurian counterparts Owen Emrys, descendant of Merlin, and Ryker Pendragon, descendant of Arthur. Ivy, Owen, and Ryker are grouped together as they learn what it takes, not only to become Field Agents (which is their ultimate goal), but to live out the expectations of their famous forbearers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story! When I finished reading I thought there was no way it was only 184 pages because there was so much story packed into this first novella. Ms. Lightsmith truly has a gift for storytelling!
I loved the idea of ‘legacies’ as the descendants of famous legends. Plus, I am a huge fan of ancient Camelot so that was a bonus. Ivy is a great debut character because she wasn’t raised in the Mythos community. When she leaves home to attend MBIHS she really begins to understand what it means to be a legacy, and the reader gets the pleasure of discovering right along with her. We also get alternating viewpoints between Ivy, Owen, and Ryker which really sets readers up for a great continuing story! I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series and highly recommend this book!
Thank you to the author and editor for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
"Storm and Fury" is the story of Trinity, a 'supposed' human who is raised in a community of gargoyle shifters. I say 'supposed' because even though g"Storm and Fury" is the story of Trinity, a 'supposed' human who is raised in a community of gargoyle shifters. I say 'supposed' because even though gargoyles are protectors against demons most of the community do not know what Trinity really is, although she is trained as a warrior.
For most of the book we are kept in the dark about Trinity's origins. With leaders and warriors from another gargoyle community visiting its super important for her to kept her true self hidden. Speaking of the visitors, that's where Zayne comes in. He is a main character in the author's other gargoyle shifter series, but you do not have to read that one to understand this story. I love Zayne! He has that mysterious, broody demeanor but he is also really interested in Trinity. The two of them are a fantastic pair!
Without giving too much of the story line away, Zayne and Trinity are paired up on a mission and that's when the story really gets good! Plus, Trinity is loosing her sight which adds an interesting, and realistic, twist to the tale.
This is classic writing for Ms. Armentrout. We get fantastic main characters, a cool supernatural aspect, and intriguing happenings throughout the book.
My one complaint is that the author tends to use too many pop culture references which can really take the reader outside the story if they are not familiar with what she is referencing.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
“Song of the Abyss” by Makiia Lucier has traits of a classic YA story that’s heavy on adventure and mystery and light on the romance. I loved it! The “Song of the Abyss” by Makiia Lucier has traits of a classic YA story that’s heavy on adventure and mystery and light on the romance. I loved it! The story is fast-based with a great cast of characters. Reyna is a seventeen-year-old explorer who has to flee her ship for safety. Her adventure includes mythical creatures like sea monsters and harpies, a foreign prince who captains his own ships, mischievous best friends, and a conclusion that I did not see coming! This was a fantastic book that can be read as a stand-alone. If you have read the first book in the series, you’ll get to hear from some favorite characters from the first book.
I would recommend this book to readers of sea-faring adventure, young adult books, and anyone who enjoys a fun story!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ...more
"Romanov" was heart-pounding, heartbreaking, and completely addictive. Nadine Brandes knows how to write a fantastic tale. I think most of us know the"Romanov" was heart-pounding, heartbreaking, and completely addictive. Nadine Brandes knows how to write a fantastic tale. I think most of us know the story of Anastasia and her family. I definitely had a basic level of understanding of what happened to the Romanovs when I started reading, but the way this story is told through Anastasia's voice, or Nastya as she is nicknamed, made me feel like I was living their exile with them. I felt how she agonized over her family and their predicament, how much she loved her family, and how strong their faith in forgiveness actually was. I don't want to stay too much because this is a story you just have to read to truly enjoy. There is obviously some fiction woven into the story but it only enhances the tale and makes the book that much better.
Seriously, my next book needs to be a non-fiction book about the Romanov family because Ms. Brandes has left me absolutely intrigued (thanks for adding what was historically accurate at the end of the book because I was dying to know). Well done!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, young adult fiction, or anyone who just loves a great story telling.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I have been a huge fan of Samantha Young for years. Her books are always well-written with a great story and characters, and "Fight or Flight" is no dI have been a huge fan of Samantha Young for years. Her books are always well-written with a great story and characters, and "Fight or Flight" is no different. I loved Ava and Caleb! Their story was both fun and heartwarming. We were introduced to a lot of new faces in the book and I really hope we hear more from them! I definitely recommend this book to lovers of contemporary romance!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
The cover and the description of the story really intrigued me when I first heard about "Bloodleaf" but I tried three separate times to get into the sThe cover and the description of the story really intrigued me when I first heard about "Bloodleaf" but I tried three separate times to get into the story and I just couldn't. I re-read the first part of the book thinking maybe I just wasn't feeling it that day but the characters and the writing style just didn't do anything for me. I congratulate the author on publishing a book, which that alone is a huge achievement, but unfortunately it just wasn't working for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
Robin LaFevers is a masterful storyteller! This book is full of court intrigue and non-stop action! In "Courting Darkness" we meet Genevieve, an assasRobin LaFevers is a masterful storyteller! This book is full of court intrigue and non-stop action! In "Courting Darkness" we meet Genevieve, an assassin who has been embedded with French nobility for 5 years. She's had zero contact with the convent and is starting to question whether she will ever be called into service. Her wanderings fueled by feelings of betrayal, loneliness, and frustration bring her into contact with a prisoner who is more than he seems.
The story is told in alternating viewpoints between Genevieve and Sybella. Sybella travels to France to protect the duchess and to find Genevieve. Sybella knows there is an assassin in France but she has no clue where or how to find her. There is so much happening in this book and the stories of Sybella and Genevieve are weaved together so flawlessly that I could not stop reading! My only complaint is that I have to wait until 2020 for the next books, but seriously, that's no reason to not read this book as soon as possible. If you love the "His Fair Assassin" series then you need to read this NOW!!!
Bonus we get lots of Beast in this book! Plus, we hear from Ismae & Duval and Annith & Balthazar!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
"From Here to You" is supposed to be the start to a new series by Jamie McGuire. It's about Darby, who escapes an abusive fiancé on her wedding day. S"From Here to You" is supposed to be the start to a new series by Jamie McGuire. It's about Darby, who escapes an abusive fiancé on her wedding day. She ends up in a hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado where she works the front desk and meets Scott 'Trex' Trexler. This had the potential to be a great story but unfortunately it fell short.
Even though this book is the start of a new series I kept feeling like I was missing something. Characters were popping up with no introduction, backstory, or development and they are all immediate best friends with Darby even though as far as I can tell this was the first time they met.
The very beginning of the book, and the last 10-15% is the only true story we get about Darby and Trex. The middle section/majority of the book there's no development, just a reunion of people from previous books with no lead in to who those people are.
Fans of the author are probably going to love seeing characters who I assume are from previous books, while those new to the author are going to be left confused, shaking their head, and wondering who the story was actually supposed to be about.
I don't recommend this book unless you've read enough of Jamie McGuire's previous books to make sense of the confusing character parade.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
"The Witch of Willow Hall" was a satisfying tale of mystery, witchcraft, romance, and creepiness! This historical fiction book centers on Lydia, a wit"The Witch of Willow Hall" was a satisfying tale of mystery, witchcraft, romance, and creepiness! This historical fiction book centers on Lydia, a witch through her mother's ancestry, and her desire to keep her family together regardless of her own happiness. Her family frustrated me to no end but it just make the story that much better. Enter Mr. Barrett, the handsome business partner and neighbor, and the story had everything I love about a good book! Recommended for historical fiction, Salem witch, romance, and mystery enthusiasts.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
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