Book Trailer Saturday (34) These Rebel Waves

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...

Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.

Review: The Beast in Him

Author Shelly Laurenston 

Format e-book 

Print Length 325 pages 

Publisher Brava 

Published April 1, 2008 

Some things are so worth waiting for. Like the moment when Jessica Ward "accidentally" bumps into Bobby Ray Smith and shows him just how far she's come since high school. Back then, Jess's gangly limbs and bruised heart turn to jelly any time Smitty's "all the better to ravish you with" body came near her. So, some things haven't changed. Except now Jess is a success on her own terms. And she can enjoy a romp-or twenty-with a big, bad wolf and walk away. Easy.

The sexy, polished CEO who hires Smitty's security firm might be a million miles from the loveable geek he knew, but her kiss, her touch, is every bit as hot as he imagined. Jess was never the kind to ask for help, and she doesn't want it now, not even with someone targeting her Pack. But Smitty's not going to turn tail and run. Not before proving that their sheet-scorching animal lust is only the start of something even wilder… 

My Opinion 

Jessie Ann, a wild dog shifter, was a complete geek in high school, so far from a nerd that it was unreal. Smitty tried to protect her from his sister, Sissy and her little pack of wolf shifting bullies but at times it was hard. Jessie Ann did not make it easy on herself either. Which Smitty, of course, told her time and time again. Jessie Ann had a crush on Smitty but did not let him know, then right before he goes into the Navy they almost have a romantic moment. At the last minute, he pulls back and this embarrasses Jessie Ann to no end. Fast forward about fifteen years later (give or take) and Jessie Anne is a CEO of a multimillion dollar company and an alpha female of her own wild dog pack. Smitty runs into and is thrown when she doesn’t remember him, since he has never and could never for her. 

This book had me laughing from the get go. Jessica is just too funny and Smitty is just too alpha male to know what to do with her. He is a southern gentleman to a T and on top of that a guy who wants to protect what is his. To be clear, he has always seen Jessie Ann as his even if she hasn’t known it. I love how she gives him the run around every single time. She knows just what she is doing to rope him in and make his world crazy. I love that she pushes his buttons just to get his goat. She does not want him treating her with white gloves but with her raise in power and money that what he does. 

There is conflict in this book and I love how it is handled. The reason for the conflict, is a bit heartbreaking. The wild dogs are extremely protective of their young and I can see why Jessie Ann and her pack go on the defense. I was surprised to see Smitty’s folks come up to New York. Nothing like a bunch of hicks to smooth out those rough northern ways of doing things. 

I really enjoyed this book way more than the first. It had me instantly one-clicking the next in the series, even though I was furious at Sissy Mae. My only complaint about the series is that not every southern has double names. I grew up in Georgia and only two girls in my graduating class had a double name. I currently teach in Georgia, in the fifteen years that I have been teaching I only had one student with a double name. For those of you who don’t know that is where a person is called by their first and middle name. If you are in need a shifter book that can be serious and still make you laugh out loud this is the one for you. 

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote "She-wolves were real simple to understand if you followed three simple rules: Don’t irritate them, don’t stare them down unless you’ve got a death wish or you’re sure you can take them, and don’t irritate them." 

Other People 

Phil- Beta to Jessie Ann’s alpha 

Sissy Mae- Smitty’s sister 

Mace- Smitty’s bestie

Waiting on Wednesday (34) The Darkest Star

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

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. 

Why am I waiting?

OMG! It is Luc’s story! I have been waiting for JLA to write more in this world and my wish has come true! Super excited about this one!

Review: The Shifter Romances The Writer

Author Kristen Painter 

Format e-book 

Print Length 364 pages 

Publisher self 

Published May 24, 2016 

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year. 

The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better. 

Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all. 

For romance writer Roxy St. James, living in Nocturne Falls also means a fresh start. And as soon as her unbearable ex signs the divorce papers, that new beginning will be a reality. Unfortunately, her ex doesn’t seem ready to let her go and the subtle threats he’s been making leave her no choice but to confide in her oh-so-handsome neighbor, who just happens to be a deputy with the sheriff’s department.

But Officer Alex Cruz isn’t just the law. He’s also a panther shifter, a secret he’s sworn to keep (along with the truth about Nocturne Falls) from the very foxy Roxy. Humans aren’t supposed to know the town is filled with supernaturals. Then she starts seeing things she shouldn’t and thinks she’s losing her mind. His attraction—and concern—for her wars with the promise he’s made.

Will his truth be more than she can handle? Or will it cause her to write him out of her life? 

My Opinion 

This is the sixth book in the series, and I skipped book five to read this one because it is about a romance writer. How could I wait? Yes, I do go back to book five and it was entertaining but about that later. Roxy just moves to Nocturne Falls, coming out of a horrible marriage where she was underappreciated. She moves into a cute little home next to Alex Cruz, yepper the same cop who gave her a ticket for speeding. What a jerk…Or is her? Roxy starts to have a problem with a mysterious stalker and Alex has to step in to protect her. Who is going to protect them from their feelings though? 

Roxy is a strong woman who is starting over. She has left her unsupportive and at times verbally and emotionally abusive husband. She is ready to focus on herself for a while. I liked how realistic this one is in regards the ramifications of abuse even after you leave the abuser behind. How it still affects your everyday life and decisions that you make. 

Alex takes his responsibilities to heart. He is a cop to his bones and a big brother to boot. This means that he is letting his little brother live at his house. He corrects his brother when he is being a jerk to woman and he tries to help him get back on his own two feet. Alex is enduring in regards to his family and how close he is to them. 

These two try to fight their attraction mainly due to the threat to Roxy and her coming off of a horrible relationship. But the fight does not last very long. The chemistry between these two is very believable. 

Being back in Nocturne Falls was just what I needed. It really does feel like home, and the books are extremely entertaining. The characters almost seem like that could be your friends or family members in real life. 

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote Fiction was fiction for a reason. 

Other People 

Carmen- Alex’s mom 

Delaney- Roxy’s friend 

Diego- Alex’s brother

Review: Onyx and Ivory

Author Mindee Arnett

Format e-book

Print Length 512 pages

Publisher Balzer +Bray

Published May 15, 2018

They call her Traitor Kate. It’s a title Kate Brighton inherited from her father after he tried to assassinate the high king of Rime.

Cast out of the nobility, Kate now works for the royal courier service. Only the most skilled ride for the Relay and only the fastest survive, for when night falls, the drakes—deadly flightless dragons—come out to hunt. Fortunately, Kate has a secret edge: She is a wilder, born with forbidden magic that allows her to influence the minds of animals.

And it’s this magic that leads her to a caravan massacred by drakes in broad daylight—the only survivor Corwin Tormaine, the son of the king. Her first love, the boy she swore to forget after he condemned her father to death.

With their paths once more entangled, Kate and Corwin must put the past behind them to face this new threat and an even darker menace stirring in the kingdom.

My Opinion

WOW! What a way to start off a new series! Dual perspectives, a traitor, a prince and a fight for the kingdom. Throw in some magic and the drakes (dragon like animals) to make the story more captivating. You got the beginnings of an epic tale.

Growing up in the castle with Corwin was not hard for Kate. She and him knew that they would be together, that is until that night three years ago. Now she works as a Relay Rider, and Prince Corwin, is still a prince. One who has no hope of getting the crown, believing that it would go to his brother, Edwin. While on a royal trip, Corwin is rescued by none other than Kate.

There is a lot of anguish in the beginning of the story. Kate’s struggles with what her father attempted and was later murdered for. Her fall from grace, and ability to pick herself back up. The heartache of Corwin’s actions and his role in what happened. Corwin’s despair of his and Kate’s relationship. His nickname among the royals, and the truth about him. As well the contest for the kingdom that he now must go through. Even with the anguish none of it was woo is me. Every single time, it was this stinks or sucks how am I going to deal with it.

Both characters grow in the book, visibly growing. Corwin’s may have been a little bit slower than Kate’s but it is there. Their's is an established relationship so there is not a lot of tension between the two. This does take away from some of the chemistry but not from their familiarity.  I really wish the next book in the series, gives them more chemistry together.

This is a good fantasy novel and I cannot wait for the next one in the series. The world building took away from the story, which sometimes is to be expected with the first book in a fantasy series. The pacing was a little on the slow side, when there was action is was full throttle. Just took a while to get there.  After that ending, I am looking forward to the next book in the series.  How could I not, while not a cliffhanger, it does end with a where do they go from here stance.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “We are all human, your highness, whether we’re possessed of magic or not. And any human is capable of treachery.”

Other People

Kiran- a child

Signe-Kate’s bestie

Booner- Kate’s friend

Dal- Corwin’s bestie

Edwin- Corwin’s brother

Review: Pride Mates

Author Jennifer Ashley 

Format e-book 

Print Length 304 pages 

Publisher Leisure Books 

Published Jan. 26, 2010 

Collared and controlled, Shifters are outcast from humanity, forced to live in Shiftertowns. But waiting within are passions that no Collar can contain.

Like most Shifters, Liam Morrissey has learned that trusting humans leads to no good. But when a beautiful attorney enters Shiftertown alone, Liam's alpha nature leaves him no choice but to offer his protection.

Tasked with defending a Shifter accused of murder, attorney Kim Fraser is completely out of her depth in the mysterious world of Shifters. To prove her client's innocence, Kim will need the help of someone on the inside, even though relying on Liam goes against everything society says about Shifters.

And when an un-Collared Shifter threatens both Kim and Liam, the young attorney will have to learn to trust her unlikely protector and face the passion she feels for a man who can't be tamed. 

My Opinion 

Kim is a defense attorney who must defend a shifter, Brian, who is accused of murdering a human woman. One who he happened to date, secretly. See shifters and humans do not typically hang out in this society. Shifters since they came out twenty years ago are labeled dangerous and have been collared, segregated from regular society. The collars protecting the humans from the shifters basic aggressions. Her only hope to getting answers is from Liam, the beta in the local shifter town. 

This is the first book in the series and because of that there is a lot of world building. You should read this one before reading any of the others. There are a lot of rules for the shifters to follow- where to eat, how to travel, where to travel, which jobs they can hold, where to live. There is a lot of time spent on the world building, which I liked. 

Kim starts out afraid of shifters, yet determined to defend her client. This means that she has to become familiar with shifter/human politics. She adapts really quickly with all the things shifter- maybe a little too quickly. Her attraction to Liam is instantly as his with her. Liam is a great character with a lot of personality and presences in the book. While I connected with Liam, Kim was well pretty basic for me. The author could have replaced her with another gal half way through and I would not have cared. There was chemistry on Liam’s part, but Kim felt more like a cold fish. 

The secondary characters sometimes stole the spotlight from the two main characters. Sean’s difficulties with the role he plays. Dylan and his relationship or lack thereof with Glory. Conner having to deal with having just transformed. All of this held my interest and made me want to read more. 

Overall, the book made me want to read more. If only to find out what happens with the secondary characters. 

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote “Touching is reassurance, keeping the bonds between family intact. It’s more than love; it’s necessary.” 

Other People 

Dylan- alpha shifter, Liam’s father 

Sean- shifter guardian, Liam’s brother 

Conner- shifter, Liam’s nephew 

Fergas- shifter, didn’t like him

Waiting on Wednesday (33) Nightblood

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Ruby's world has changed more than she ever could have imagined. She's in love with a powerful Frost King. She's the heir to the Fire Throne. And she may be a Nightblood--the spawn of a vengeful deity hellbent on releasing his wraithlike Minax from their prison. Once freed, these beasts will roam the earth, devouring every last person until he or she is nothing but an empty husk. But Ruby is able to control the Minax to a degree, and now she, her beloved Arcus, and her friend Kai must find a way to bring Frostbloods and Firebloods--sworn enemies--together to make a stand against a foe more deadly than any they've faced.

In this heart-pounding finale of Elly Blake's gorgeously written and action-packed Frostblood Saga, the fate of Frostbloods, Firebloods, and all of humanity is at stake. 

Why am I waiting?

It took me a while to become invested in Ruby’s story but now I have to know how is Minax controlling her? Will Arcus be able to save her? And what is up with Kai?

Teaser Tuesday (33) Onyx and Ivory

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

He’d never dreamed he would see her again, no matter how many times his thoughts had turned to her over the past three years—questions of where she was, how she was faring. Does she ever think of me?

Onyx and Ivory Kindle Location 411

Sometimes a prince doesn't always get what he wants.

For a little while, with the scenery blurring by, she was no longer Traitor Kate. No longer the girl despised by a kingdom. No longer the girl cast aside by the friend and prince she had once loved.


Onyx and Ivory Kindle Location 830


Poor Kate, the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Waiting on Wednesday (32) Wild Hunger

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

In the first thrilling installment of Chloe Neill's spinoff to the New York Times bestselling Chicagoland Vampires series, a new vampire will find out just how deep blood ties run.

As the only vampire child ever born, some believed Elisa Sullivan had all the luck. But the magic that helped bring her into the world left her with a dark secret. Shifter Connor Keene, the only son of North American Central Pack Apex Gabriel Keene, is the only one she trusts with it. But she's a vampire and the daughter of a Master and a Sentinel, and he's prince of the Pack and its future king.

When the assassination of a diplomat brings old feuds to the fore again, Elisa and Connor must choose between love and family, between honor and obligation, before Chicago disappears forever.

Why am I waiting?

I cannot wait for this spin-off series to kick off. Can you imagine Elisa and Conner together? A vamp and a shifter?

Teaser Tuesday (32) The Mane Squeeze

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“Make a break for it! Before the hounds of darkness come for you and destroy our plans to release our people from their enslavement! Go, Lachlan MacRyrie of the Clan MacRyrie. Go! And don’t look back, my friend!” It would seem strange to those who didn’t know her, but Lock knew it was simply Jessica Ward’s way of saying, “Could you look more miserable? Just go already!”

Jessie warning Lock is just too funny! I can't help but giggle as I read this.  Really enjoying this series.

Lazy Day of Summer Giveaway Hop

Sometimes you just want be lazy, sit on the couch and read a book with a cup of hot tea.  Some of my go to authors are Jaymin Eve, Cecy Robson, Ilona Andrews, and Jennifer L. Armentrout. 

For this giveaway I am giving a $15 amazon giftcard. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

August 1, 2018 Waiting on Wednesday (31) Seafire

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

After her family is killed by corrupt warlord Aric Athair and his bloodthirsty army of Bullets, Caledonia Styx is left to chart her own course on the dangerous and deadly seas. She captains her ship, the Mors Navis, with a crew of girls and women just like her, whose lives have been turned upside down by Aric and his men. The crew has one misson: stay alive, and take down Aric's armed and armored fleet.

But when Caledonia's best friend and second-in-command just barely survives an attack thanks to help from a Bullet looking to defect, Caledonia finds herself questioning whether or not to let him join their crew. Is this boy the key to taking down Aric Athair once and for all...or will he threaten everything the women of the Mors Navis have worked for?

Why am I waiting?

Does she let him join? Will he betray her? This blurb has me feeling all the feels without even reading the book yet.