Let's Discuss: Unpopular Opinions

Unpopular Opinion: 

I don't get the hype of RH books. 

For those of you who are wondering what a RH book is RH stands for Reverse Harem.  So instead of there being a soulmate, true mate, mate, one love, forever love there area a bunch of loves.  All of which are completely madly in love with the one girl.  Hence the reverse part of the harem.

I understand to some extent that this is a great way to get rid of the stereotyping of a gal with multiple boyfriends being well labeled something unsavory.  Labeling shouldn't happen unless it is from Tiffany's and even then the Blue box gives it away.

It is also a good way to get rid of the LOVE TRIANGLE that people have been back lashing against since TEAM EDWARD vs. TEAM JACOB.  Although, I don't really mind a love triangle as long as it is written in such a way that I also go back and forth. 

Academy books or boarding school books have been a love of mine for years.  There is currently a plethora of them being published right now in the fantasy/sci-fi realm, which would normally make my book dragon's heart leap for joy.  I look it up on Goodreads or Amazon about to one click and there it is blurb slow burn, mild burn RH. Or even worse it's not in the blurb and as I am about to one-click a review pops up with this is RH.  I mean seriously thanks for saving my kindle. 

Why don't I like it?

No clue, other than the two that I tried by different trusted author was a no go for me.  I think it boils down to I would not be okay with my loving having a harem so why should my partner be okay with me having one. So there you have it, my unpopular opinion, I have no interest in reading Reverse Harem books or series.  Again fated mates, soul mates, true love sign me up!

Waiting on Wednesday (25) Maybe This Time

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. 

One year. Nine events. Nine chances to . . . fall in love? 

Weddings. Funerals. Barbecues. New Year's Eve parties. Name the occasion, and Sophie Evans will be there. Well, she has to be there. Sophie works for the local florist, so she can be found at every big event in her small hometown, arranging bouquets and managing family dramas.

Enter Andrew Hart. The son of the fancy new chef in town, Andrew is suddenly required to attend all the same events as Sophie. Entitled, arrogant, preppy Andrew. Sophie just wants to get her job done and finish up her sketches so she can apply to design school. But every time she turns around, there is Andrew, getting in her way and making her life more complicated. Until one day she wonders if maybe complicated isn't so bad after all . . .

Told over the course of one year and following Sophie from event to event, this delightful novel from master of romantic comedy Kasie West shows how love can blossom in unexpected places. 

Why am I waiting?

Kasie West is one of the few contemporary authors that I read. Her stories always bring on the feelings and leave me with a smile on my face. 

Joining the 2019 Book Blog Discussion Challenge

Many of  y'all know that Jess at a Great Read and I follow each other.  For as long as I can remember she has always done reading challenges. She has been doing this Book Blog Discussion Challenge since January.  Some of the post I join in on but never once declared my intent to do the actual challenge cause well that means a commitment.  It is now June though, and I can't help but think that my previous post don't count to the challenge cause I never formally announced my intent nor did I actually link my blog to the challenge (again commitment).  So it is time for me to take the plunge and commitment to doing the challenge for the rest of the year.

Teaser Tuesday (25) Just One of the Groomsmen

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.

Teaser One

"You know, sometimes I think it's sad that no matter how much makeup people put on, it doesn't make their soul any prettier. Then again, it'a always nice to spot those people right away."

Just One of the Groomsmen Kindle Location 836

I was on the fence about Lexi, Shep's fiance until she responded to a mean gal taking a cheap shot at Addie. Then I began to like her a little more.

Teaser Two

More and more it felt like he was seeing her for the first time, yet he still ad all the good memories attached, too, which made it hard to feel neutral or suppress feelings he shouldn't be having. Couldn't be having.

Just One of the Groomsmen Kindle Location 1013

Changing from friends to more is scary.  Not really sure that Tucker can stop how he is feeling.

Teaser Three

He renewed the drag of his fingers on her arm, and her chin lifted another inch or so, some of the sorrow fading from her features. He tried not to think about how close her lips were to his, how he felt each of his heartbeats, and how having her tucked against him made his entire body hum.

Just One of the Groomsmen Kindle Location 1371

Goodness gracious man! KISS HER already! The tension is too much!

Book Trailer Saturday (24) Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun

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 sigh...

Oscar winning writer-director Guillermo del Toro and New York Times bestselling author Cornelia Funke come together to transform del Toro’s hit movie Pan’s Labyrinth into an epic and dark fantasy novel for readers of all ages, complete with gorgeous and haunting illustrations.

This book is not for the faint of heart or weak in spirit. It’s not for skeptics who don’t believe in fairy tales and the powerful forces of good. It’s only for brave and intrepid souls like you, who will stare down evil in all its forms.

Inspired by the critically acclaimed film written and directed by Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro and reimagined by New York Times bestselling author Cornelia Funke, this haunting tale takes readers to a darkly magical and war-torn world filled with richly drawn characters like trickster fauns, murderous men, child-eating monsters, courageous rebels, and a long-lost princess hoping to be reunited with her family.

Perfect for fans of the movie and readers who are new to del Toro’s visionary work, this atmospheric and absorbing novel is a portal to another universe where there is no wall between the real and the imagined. A daring, unforgettable collaboration between two brilliant storytellers.

The Pancake Book Tag

Sometimes it is just fun to tag a book, let folks get a snippet of what you love to read and maybe even check out a book or two that they didn't realize was out. I of course got this one from Jessica's blog a GREAT read, who saw it at at Paper Fury and couldn't pass it up because I love a good book tag! Lol! It was originally created by Becky at Blogs of a Bookaholic! Using all the images from Becky because they were cute and absolutely perfect!

There are hidden gems throughout this book!

“May the joy of the future sustain you through the trails of the present.”

The wit and sass is strong in Tess aka 'Red" in the Transplanted tales series. 

“Dear God, it was a morning person conspiracy.”

I have read this one three times already. Sometimes you just need a book with characters you can relate to- real life problems and real life consequences.

“I don’t like the words ‘I’m fine.’ My mom tells me those two words are the most-frequently-told lie in the English language."

The romance, the angst, the cliffhanger! I need to know what happens to Bettina, Jackson and the gang! How will they get out of this? Is hope lost? Is Jackson destined for another?

"Maybe there was hope for me after all."

Blood Lust was a thrilling ride from the first page to the last.

“Emotions are the enemy.”

I am sure that people will compare Lord Carlston to Mr. Darcy. Let me just say that Lord Carlston is NO Mr. Darcy. He may share some characteristics but he seemed more like a Dr. Frankenstein with two different sides that a Mr. Darcy. Dark, angry with a lot more guilt as well.

“Sometimes there is no good choice.”

The big baddie is…. well they cause you to do a double take. Makes sense, they are playing both sides. They make you suspicious though of everyone in the Dark Alliance. Who else has also turned? Who else is a traitor? Not only that but what a great actor they must have been to never once give away their true emotions. 

“I like the way you see me- even if it’s untrue.”

There were typically two team here- those that were Team Derek and those that were Team Lucas. I wasn't sure which team I was on while reading the series. I know for a long time I was on Team Lucas is a jerk, don't fall for him. Yet in the end, they made sense.

"Life’s hard. Love’s harder.”

Remember that this tag was made by someone else. A strawberry uncrustable is pretty yummy!

Freddy MacKilligan has got to be the worse father on the face of this planet. How he uses his daughters for the betterment of himself just makes me want to go all "Max or Charlie" on him!

“If you do it yourself, you get it done the way you want without having to constantly explain or give direction.” 

Flame In The Mist brings feudal japan to life in the most dramatic of ways.

"Always. In all ways."

There you have it! If you feel like joining it, consider yourself tagged!!

Review: Broken Trust

Author Jaymin Eve, Tate James 

Format e-book 

Print Length 278 pages 

Publisher self 

Published May 16, 2019 

They think they own me now. They think they’ve won, and that I’ll be their good little soldier. 

Four dangerous, damaged, messed up boys. There used to be five, but one of them died, and I’m starting to suspect he was murdered.

I didn't ask for this. No one would ask to be played, manipulated, seduced and betrayed. But that’s what happened, anyway. 

It wasn’t enough for them to break me. Sebastian Beckett has decided that he can’t let me go, but I refuse to forgive and forget his betrayal so easily. His fixation is bordering on obsession, but when we begin to suspect a spy within Delta, there’s no time to deal with his feelings. 

Someone is selling us out, and it’s having a dire impact. 

It’s life and death hiding behind corporate greed.

Let the battle begin. 

My Opinion 

***This series is a bully romance- there maybe triggers in the book. No, I won’t be posting spoilers but if you are against toxic relationships move on to a fluffy book.*** 

Literally starting where the last book ends, things get moving fast. Riley is notably angry at the perceived betrayal of the other four. Mostly though, of Beck’s betrayal. She feels that everything was and currently is a lie. Now she is willing to fight back. 

WOW! Riley can hold grudge like it is nobody’s business. Granted she has every right to be angry. The guys did try to cryptically warn her about the game. She goes into hiding for a few days with Dante and then Catherine calls her back. Guess what a new gal arrived at school, one who happens to be a Huntley heir- Catherine. Girl has gots to go in my opinion, hopefully by Riley’s hand. She does bring a certain new element to things, especially since she wants Riley’s man. 

The guys try to show Riley how much she needs them. While she may in fact need them, they found out how much they need her as well. Some of the chapters are from Beck’s point of view and well dang this guy has more depth that I thought he did. The other heirs open up to Riley more and she learns things that she needed to learn. 

The war between Delta and Huntley is picking up speed. The heirs are only as good as their weakest link-here is looking at you Riley. Hopefully they get things aired out before the war comes closer to home. There is a spy in Delta, and folks can’t figure out who it is. I still want to know what Dante’s story is. What is his relationship with Catherine? Who the heck is he really? 

Broken Trust is a good second book in a series. It pushes the story along and allows for character development of all of the characters. A major bomb was dropped at the end and I cannot wait to see how it resolves, if it resolves and if daddy dearest knew… 

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote “Some messes can’t be cleaned, no matter how much scrubbing you do.” 

Other People 

Dante- Riley’s guy bestie 

Catherine- Riley’s birth mother 

Jasper- Beck’s bestie 

Dylan- Beck’s other bestie

Waiting on Wednesday (24) Protect the Prince

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. 

Magic, murder, adventure, and romance combine in this second novel in the exciting Crown of Shards saga from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Estep. 

Everleigh Blair might be the new gladiator queen of Bellona, but her problems are far from over.

First, Evie has to deal with a court full of arrogant, demanding nobles, all of whom want to get their greedy hands on her crown. As if that wasn’t bad enough, an assassin tries to kill Evie in her own throne room.

Despite the dangers, Evie goes ahead with a scheduled trip to the neighboring kingdom of Andvari in order to secure a desperately needed alliance. But complicating matters is the stubborn Andvarian king, who wants to punish Evie for the deaths of his countrymen during the Seven Spire massacre.

But dark forces are at work inside the Andvarian palace, and Evie soon realizes that no one is safe. Worse, Evie’s immunity to magic starts acting in strange, unexpected ways, which makes her wonder whether she is truly strong enough to be a Winter Queen.

But Evie’s magic, life, and crown aren’t the only things in danger—so is her heart, thanks to Lucas Sullivan, the Andvarian king’s bastard son and Evie’s . . . well, Evie isn’t quite sure what Sullivan is to her.

Only one thing is certain—protecting a prince might be even harder than killing a queen… 

Why am I waiting?

Kill the Queen was one of my favorite reads of 2018, so it makes sense that I would want to read the sequel.  I love the slow burn relationship that Evie and Lucas have going on- really want to see the chemistry between them grow into an everlasting kinda love.

Teaser Tuesday (24) Sapphire Flames

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.

Teaser One

"You're having me tracked. I understand that I'm irresistible. It is a cross I bear. But do try to have some self-control, Catalina. I'm embarrassed for you."

Sapphire Flames Kindle Location 948

Alessandro is completely full of himself and I cannot wait until Catalina unleashes on him. How she kept from laughing at him is beyond me.

Teaser Two

"Wait, I know. Since you insist on doing the opposite of what I tell you, let's try this. Don't stay home, Catalina. Don't drop this case. Don't stay safe."

Sapphire Flames Kindle Location 2125

I wonder why he cares so much? Does he even realize he cares this much?

Teaser Three

He smiled at me. It wasn't his dazzling bachelor-of-the-year grin, it was a simple quick smile. "I never pretend with you. Tease you, maybe. Flirt, yes. But never that."

Sapphire Flames Kindle Location 2882

I really hope he is telling the truth. I just feel like he is hiding something. What is it?

Book Trailer Saturday (23) The Tiger at Midnight

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 sigh...

Esha is a legend, but no one knows. It’s only in the shadows that she moonlights as the Viper, the rebels’ highly skilled assassin. She’s devoted her life to avenging what she lost in the royal coup, and now she’s been tasked with her most important mission to date: taking down the ruthless General Hotha.

Kunal has been a soldier since childhood, training morning and night to uphold the power of King Vardaan. His uncle, the general, has ensured that Kunal never strays from the path—even as a part of Kunal longs to join the outside world, which has been growing only more volatile.

Then Esha’s and Kunal’s paths cross—and an unimaginable chain of events unfolds. Both the Viper and the soldier think they’re calling the shots, but they’re not the only players moving the pieces. As the bonds that hold their land in order break down and the sins of the past meet the promise of a new future, both rebel and soldier must make unforgivable choices.

Inspired by ancient Indian history and Hindu mythology.

Aladdin Book Tag

Sometimes it is just fun to tag a book, let folks get a snippet of what you love to read and maybe even check out a book or two that they didn't realize was out. I of course got this one from Jessica's blog a GREAT read, who saw it at Cornerfolds and one of her friends Amber at Du Livre created it !The images were all borrowed at Amber's post because like Jessica said they are perfect for this book tag.

Cat keeps her magic hidden and yet Griffin recognizes her as the Kingmaker anyway. Throw in interference by gods and goddesses, and you got a great fantasy realm to get lost in.

What is up with the feathers, why do they look like she just destroyed a pillow? This is about a feud between two shifting families but you only have a singe gal on the cover. I loved the story, just the cover yeah it threw me for a loop.

Redemption arcs are difficult for me. If the author writes a character good enough purposefully for me to hate. How then can I learn to love them? I just at times its hard. Throughout the O'Malley's series,Dmitri Romanov has been a threat up until the very last book. Then he became an in-law. Go figure, this is his story and the redemption arc is pretty solid you do have to read all of the books in the series though.

Bettina from The Coven: Academy Magic is making the most of everything that gets thrown at her. New world, new rules, new role, magic, swords, the dungeon a Kraken for crying out loud. She rolls with the punches and comes back swinging.

Lucy is Abby's bestie in the Walker Saga- the sass is strong with this one as well as the jokes. She would have me rolling for days.