Waiting on Wednesday (35) A Shadow Bright & Burning

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.






Henrietta Howel can burst into flames.

Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she's shocked when
instead of being executed, she's invited to train as one of Her Majesty's royal sorcerers.

Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the chosen one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, handsome young men eager to test her power and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her.

But Henrietta Howel is not the chosen one.
As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, what does it mean to not be the one? And how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?

Exhilarating and gripping, Jessica Cluess's spellbinding fantasy introduces Henrietta Howel, a powerful, unforgettable heroine, and an entertaining world filled with magic, monsters, and mayhem.

Why I am Waiting?

A royal sorcerer, a school, magic. Sounds like my kinda book.

Teaser Tuesday (35) Eternal Sacrifice

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!

I pulled her closer, curling my fingers around the belt loops of her jeans. For a minute, I was lost in the kiss. Lost in the sensation of her. I loved her. More than anything.

Kindle Location 247

I love being inside Rowan's head, Kalin's too. Better yet, Marcus! That's right- three points of view- I am doing the happy dance.

Review: Broken Compass

Author Jaymin Eve

Format e-book

Print Length 122 pages

Publisher self

Published August 21, 2016

Broken Compass is a spinoff within the Supernatural Prison World. Told in dual POVs from Maximus Compass and Mischa Lebron. This is full length and standalone. You do not need to read the Supernatural Prison trilogy first.

Maximus Compass is a vampire without direction. Without heart. And without soul. He lost his true mate in the great battle against the dragon king, and now must face life alone.

And yet … something is happening to his agony. It’s fading away, leaving him with barely a memory of the female he believed to be his one and only.

As his mind clears he starts to wonder if the mate bond had been nothing more than a manufactured ploy? This suspicion explodes within him right around the time he runs back into a certain wolf shifter.

Mischa Lebron is a complication he doesn’t need in his life. He can’t erase her from his mind though, and while memories of his supposed true mate continue to fade into mere shadows, his one night with Mischa is blazingly strong. But they’re not of the same supernatural race, so there’s no way for a a true bond to exist between them.

Right?

When an old threat rips apart their pack, Maximus will come to realize that he would do anything to save Mischa. That the mate he thought was perfect and precious was nothing on the shifter he walked away from. Now Maximus truly has everything to lose.

My Opinion

The ending of the Supernatural Prison series was bittersweet. Yeah, our main characters got their happily ever after but a lot of our side characters did not. One such character was Max. Maximus Compass, one of the Quads lost his true mate in that series. Losing your mate is hard on a supernatural, most do not survive the lost for long. Max thinks that he is broken, as he is not reacting to her death like he should. Like others who have lost their true mate have. The Quads know that something is wrong, and they will find out what it is. With two members of their pack weeks away from giving birth a old threat comes back to bite them. Can the Compass brother save their woman?

I puff heart adored Max in the Supernatural Prison series. Always there for Jessa, always willing to have her back. I didn’t like his mate Cardia, too much. She grated on my nerves with her coldness. I kinda hoped that their mateship was a spell or something. My dislike of her had nothing on my pure hatred of Mishca. Jessa’s twin was weak, too weak the entire series. So when her reveal came at the end of the series I was like darn it Maximus how could you. She is so freaking whiney- the complete opposite of Jessa. Needless to say I was not happy.

Max is still Max- protective, caring, and of course arrogant. He knows is he all that and some cracker jacks. The reveal in the beginning throws him for a loop. How? Huh? What? He vampires up and attempts to be there for Mischa. I kinda adore how he goes all vampy in the beginning and then realizes that he is making her ill. The flip-flopping of his moods works for me. I hate his confusion concerning his true mate and was glad when the light shines down on that issue.

Mishca, I know I am suppose to fall madly in love with her in this book. I don’t. I still found her as wow is me…… my life is so hard……. my momma was an empty shell, I grew up human, life is soooo hard routine eye-rolling. It was still a great story. They fit together somehow. In the grand scheme of things, they work. Everyone excusing her behavior didn’t fly with me either. Ummm..no you put your sister in danger chica over a guy. This is unacceptable behavior regardless of which side of the Mason- Dixon line.

Kristoff is a son of a vamp. He seriously needs to die like yesterday. Where is his missing daughter and please oh please don’t make her one of the Compass’ true mate. That would make me want to puke. Speaking of missing- where the heck is Grace? Why the heck hasn’t Tyson lost his mind yet and gone after her? Please let their story be next.

A lot happens in Broken Compass, which made it a wonderful rollercoaster ride of emotions. The ending was oh my goodness surreal. What happens to that critical character that won’t wake up? What happens to the human they find? Will Tyson finally go after Grace? Yeah, a lot of questions. At least the reader is satisfied knowing that Braxton and Maximus are where they need to be. If you haven’t read the first series do so now, before you start the spin-offs. 

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “I had already chosen you.”

Other People

Louis- warlock, there is something about him

Tyson- mage brother

Jacob- fey brother

Review: Rival Magic

Author Ella Summers

Format e-book

Print Length 295 pages

Publisher self

Published July 11, 2016

After twenty-four years of pretending to be human, Sera is adjusting to her new life with magic and a deepening relationship with dragon shifter Kai. But her magic is put to the test when the Grim Reaper, an immortal mage with godlike powers, begins to weave his sinister enchantments over the supernatural community. To defeat him, she has to ally with the very people who condemned her kind to death—and if they discover what she is, they will turn on her instead.

Rival Magic is the fourth book in the Dragon Born Serafina urban fantasy series.

My Opinion

The Dragon Born Serafina series comes to a close. Alden is still gathering followers, for what means we have no clue. He is still mentally attacking Sera as well. We finally find that he wants to end humanity and of course take over the world. Well buster not with Sera and Kai in the way.

A lot of this book focuses on their relationship. How letting go of insecurities will allow them to more forward. I had a hard time buying that after three book, Kai Drachenburg would be as insecure as he is made out to be. I mean, he is Kai Drachenburg, the dragon mage that everyone fears. Why he would doubt Sera’s feelings for him was a hard pill to swallow.

After all these monsters, and mages after Sera- she hasn’t changed. Still the fierce mercenary with a smart mouth. Still the protector of the innocent, regardless of how little she is paid. Her ability to resist Alden’s relentless pursuit is admirable. She doesn’t turn even with other mages had.

The Council- what a load of idiots- from their reaction to Alden, the issues in Europe to their utter hatred of Dragon Born mages. They never once redeem themselves. How did these people get their position? It must have been hereditary, with their inner breeding causing stupidity into their bloodlines. I was in complete dismay with their reaction to Sera being a Dragon Born mage.

Logan and Alex are in this one a fair bit. Naomi, not so much although our favorite hybrid does pull through in the end.

These books are always a fast light read. That each of these woman have their own series that intertwines with each other is pretty neat. Even though this is the last in Sera’s series, the author notes that they will be back in a brand new one. Which kinda makes me smile.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Do you think you could pull up our Wonder Woman?”

Other People

Alex- Sera’s twin sister

Riley- Sera’s brother

Naomi- Sera’s partner, and half fairy

Book Trailer Saturday (35) Three Dark Crowns

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...

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the 

crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest.

Review: The Boyfriend Bet

Author Chris Cannon

Format e- ARC

Print Length 240 pages

Publisher Entangled: Crush

Published August 22, 2016

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains multiple PDAs, after-school detentions, and gambling on the side. Warning: betting on a boyfriend is bad for your health.

Zoe Cain knows that Grant Evertide is way out of her league. So naturally, she kisses him. Out of spite. Not only is Grant her brother’s number-one nemesis, but he has zero interest in being tied down to one girl. She’s shocked—and secretly thrilled—when they start spending more time together. 

Zoe’s brother claims Grant is trying to make her his “Ringer,” an oh-so-charming tradition where a popular guy dates a non-popular girl until he hooks up with her, then dumps her. Zoe threatens to neuter Grant with hedge clippers if he's lying but Grant swears he isn’t trying to trick her. Still, that doesn’t mean Grant is the commitment type—even if winning a bet is on the line. 

My Opinion

Thank you to Entangled and Netgalley for allowing me to review this novel. This in no way influenced my review.

Zoe is a “hick” who transfers into Wilton, a nearby private school, there she mets Grant a “snob”. Grant has an ex who wants him back and an archenemy at the school who happens to be Zoe’s brother, Jack. When Grant and Zoe meet she mistakenly gets labeled a “ringer” local girl falls for a snob only to have them break her heart. This is the story about how a label can sometimes turn into so much more.

If being unique, feisty and bold were an Olympic sport than Zoe would have a gold medal or at least a silver. This girl had spunk, likes to prove that she is independent and had no problem telling it like it is. She has no desire to fall for a snob, or be a doormat to one. She is a tad bit interested in how Grant thinks though. I wish though that she was a bit tougher on Grant when he would screw up, I felt that he got away with some stuff a little bit too easily.

Grant is an entitled and affluent rich kid. His parents are his example of how love looks at right now it looks frigid. That coupled with a clingy ex, who can’t seem to understand go away it is no surprise that he wants to play the field. He just can’t seem to forget about Zoe, the hick girl with a kicking personality. There were times I wanted to Gibbs slap him (Gibbs from NCIS). Most of those times had to do with when other girls were around. Boy has got some major swag going on. Can he truly give up the game, for a hick?

The secondary characters help bring this story full circle. Zoe’s grandma is a Betty for sure. Delia is about as intriguing as they come. Aiden the intelligent yet socially awkward guy who wants to figure Delia out. Jack the protective brother who has no idea how to protect. This fabulous cast makes the story of The Boyfriend Bet.

The Boyfriend Bet is a book that brings all the feels. Not only does it center around budding love, it also deals with how life can interfere with life. Both teens have emotional family stuff that they are going through. How they deal with has a direct relationship with how they deal with each other. Navigating love can be difficult, The Boyfriend Bet embraces those difficulties.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “If you’re still here when I look out that window again, I will shoot your sorry ass and bury your body behind the barn where no one will ever find you.”

Other People

Delia- Zoe’s bestie

Aiden- Grant’s bestie

Amber- girl who wants Grant
Lena- Grant's ex

Jack- Zoe’s big brother

Swoon Thursday (34) Broken Compass

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON.

What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.

What is Mischa to you, brother?

Tyson was uncharacteristically serious. I realized that the bond I'd witness between them was stronger than I'd thought. Clearly it had developed in the time I'd been gone from here, in the time I'd cut her out of my life with ferocious and cruel intent. I was too messed up to give Tyson any other answer than the one which was thrumming through me.

She's mine. She's everything.

Kindle Location 1590

About time Max figures that part out Now how to prove it to her?

Waiting on Wednesday (34) Stealing Snow

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.

Seventeen-year-old Snow has spent the majority of her life within the walls of the Whittaker Institute, a high security mental hospital
in upstate New York. Deep down, she knows she's not crazy and doesn't belong there. When she meets a mysterious, handsome new orderly and dreams about a strange twisted tree she realizes she must escape and figure out who she really is.

Using her trusting friend Bale as a distraction, Snow breaks free and races into the nearby woods. Suddenly, everything isn't what it seems, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur, and she finds herself in icy Algid--her true home--with witches, thieves, and a strangely alluring boy named Kai, none of whom she's sure she can trust. As secret after secret is revealed, Snow discovers that she is on the run from a royal lineage she's destined to inherit, a father more powerful and ruthless than she could have imagined, and choices of the heart that could change the fate of everything...including Snow's return to the world she once knew.

This breathtaking first volume begins the story of how Snow becomes a villain, a queen, and ultimately a hero.

Why I am Waiting?

A book based of Snow White but not Snow White. Hope this one is as good as it sounds. 

Teaser Tuesday (34) The Boyfriend Bet

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!

"Whatever is going on between us is because we're attracted to each other, not because of some stupid contest."

Oh, how I wanted to believe him.  Though the set of his moth and the intensity of his fabulous blue eyes did make him seem sincere.

"Would you swear on a pair of hedge clippers that you aren't trying to make me the ringer?"

Kindle Location 607

Grant has a way with words.  Hopefully he doesn't break Zoe's heart.

Review: Nevernight

Author Jay Kristoff

Format e-book

Print Length 448 pages

Publisher Thomas Dunne Books

Published August 9, 2016

The first in a new fantasy series from the New York Times bestselling author.

In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. If she bests her fellow students in contests of steel, poison and the subtle arts, she’ll be inducted among the Blades of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the vengeance she desires. But a killer is loose within the Church’s halls, the bloody secrets of Mia’s past return to haunt her, and a plot to bring down the entire congregation is unfolding in the shadows she so loves.

Will she even survive to initiation, let alone have her revenge?

My Opinion

Thank you to Thomas Dunne Books and Netgalley for allowing me to review this novel. This in no way influenced my review.

Nevernight was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I was counting down the months, then weeks then days to release. I excitedly open the book and began to read. Within ten minutes my eyes began to hurt, that is when I realized I was getting old. The font was tiny, tiny compared to other books. Wordy too oh so wordy, as in the author went above and beyond describing things to the reader. The world building was incredible, although I had to stop reading the footnotes. Yepper, footnotes on the world we have entered. They were a bit much, and I felt a distractor from the story. The story is told through a narrator who has a bit of a personality. His sarcasm and humor shining through at all the right moments.

Mia witnessed her father be hung for crimes against the state, her mother and brother taken away as she is captured. She manages to escape is falls in with Mercurio, a former assassin for the Red Church. He becomes her mentor, and sets her on the path of the church. As she makes her journey to the Church she connects with another named Tric who seeks entry in to the elite guards, Blades. Together we watch as they go down the path to becoming assassins. At the Red Church, they along with others are taught the skills of weaponry, poison, thieving and seduction (some call it subtle arts). Mia is different from the other students in that she can call the shadows to help her. Only a few can become blades, the rest have two options become a Hand or die.

Mia is almost a fish out of water, only there due to the events that occurred in her life. She has a concern for others that is lacking in those around her. She is becoming an assassin due to revenge yet will that be reason enough? She has a sense of herself that others her age are missing. She knows she has faults but at the end of the day if she can rest easy she did good. Her being never alone thanks to the not-cat Mister Knightly is kinda well creepy. Several people question if this is the place for her, yet she remains steadfast on the quest to become an assassin.

Mia’s love life is interestingly lacking. She has a relationship of a sorts with Tric but does it include real emotions on both of their parts? I don’t really know. How emotional can you really get with someone who is training to be an assassin?

The pacing of this one was just off- it took a long time for things to pick up and once they did they slowed down again. It was as if you were on a jerky roller coaster ride. The descriptive nature of the narrator was a bit much to handle. I wanted to puffy heart love this book and instead got hype-burn.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “You've got words in your soul.” 

Other People

Mercurio- mentor

Naev- Hand, friend of Mia

Ashlinn- Mia’s bestie in assassin school

Review: Magic Steals

Author Ilona Andrews

Format e-book

Print Length 83 pages

Publisher InterMix

Published August 16, 2016

Shapeshifting tigress Dali Harimau may be a powerful healer and magic user, but she’s far from what might be called “normal”. She dislikes the violence and bloodshed that are a way of life for most of her kind, even going so far as to become a vegetarian. The last thing she wants is trouble...

Jim Shrapshire is an original, hardcore badass. A jaguar shifter, he’s been tasked with keeping Atlanta’s Cat Clan in line, which he does with swift and lethal force when necessary. His only soft spot is for the petite Dali, whose kindness he calls upon when he is injured.

When Dali is approached by a desperate woman whose grandmother has vanished, Jim is concerned enough to help investigate. But what they find may just be the end of them—an enemy whose skill in the dark arts is matched only by their willingness to kill anyone in their way...

My Opinion

Dali has always been one of my favorite characters in this series. I love seeing her get to be center stage. She is awkward, different and yet powerful in her own way. Her family sees this, her mother especially. She grew up respecting the Indonesian culture, and her Indonesian magic is unparalleled. No one can match it, her other magic though is often hit or miss. More miss than hit. She is secretly seeing Jim, Curran’s head of security.

Jim is well Jim. He is an alpha male with a capital A. Yet, he lets little Dali boss him around. That is until his patience gets too thin. He believes in her enough to want help her on this case. Yet trust her enough to know that there really isn’t anything he can do to help. Since he wants to spend time with her, he is along for the ride.

The best thing about Dali and Jim is their communication. He notices she gets to be closed off and just asks her about it. She tells him the answer. Rarely have we seen that as a reader. It is refreshing. I like how she is worried about the relationship and he is confident about it. Sounds about right in real life too.

If you want to visit the Kate Daniels’ world, this is the perfect novella to do that with. Any written about Dali and Jim are one clicks for me. Action-packed fast reads that are sprinkled throughout with sweetness just how I love my books to be.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote He was a badass who wrote a book for badasses on how to be a badder badass.

Other People

Mother- Dali’s momma

Book Trailer Saturday (34) How to Hang A Witch

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...

It's the Salem Witch Hunt meets Mean Girls in this deliciously suspenseful novel by an author who is a descendant of one the real trial's most infamous accusers.

Samantha Mather has just moved to Salem, Massachusetts from New York City in the wake of her father's mysterious illness. But Mathers have lived in Salem for centuries and Sam is the ancestor of Cotton Mather—one of the architects of the Salem Witch Trials. Her name precedes her, and comes with too many stigmas. Before long, Sam finds herself at odds with The Descendants, a powerful group of girls who also have ties to the trials; only their ancestors were on the other end of the noose. 

Before long, Sam realizes she is at the center of a centuries old curse that is tying her fate, as well as her father's, to her new enemies. Can she overcome her family's past and break the cycle of unexplained deaths or will she discover just how easy it can be to hang a witch?

Review: The Legend of The Blue Eyes

Author B. Kristin McMichael

Format e-book

Print Length 252 pages

Publisher Lexia Press

Published March 15, 2013

Arianna Grace liked her boring, Midwestern, teenage life where she ignored the many

unanswered questions of her childhood. Why were her parents dead? Why did she not have family? Where was she raised until she was five? When someone offers to explain it all, Arianna thinks she’s just getting answers. Instead, she is thrown into a world of night humans who drink blood.

On Arianna's sixteenth birthday, her world is thrown upside down when she changes into a vampire. Night humans, or demons, as some call them, live in normal society. Learning all of the new rules of a world she didn’t know existed might be hard enough, but it's further complicated by two former-friends that now want to help her take her role as the successor to her grandfather. 

There is a war going on between the night humans. Sides have been taken and lines are not crossed. Four main clans of night humans are struggling for control of the night. Divided into two sides, clans Baku and Tengu have been at war for centuries with the clans Dearg-dul and Lycan. That is, until Arianna Grace finds out the truth; she’s the bridge of peace between the two sides. But not everyone wants peace. With the night humans divided, Arianna is now a pawn in the war between them. She must choose a side—her mother’s family or her father’s—and for once in her life, decide her own fate. 

My Opinion

Arianna doesn’t know it yet, but she is the product of a real life Romeo and Juliet story. She is also someone that was foretold in a legend. A legend that she knows nothing about, in a war that she doesn’t want. To make matters worse, once the world is introduced to her no one will tell her the legend.

I wanted to like this book, I really did. The world building was pretty rock on. Ari’s story not so much. Ari seemed really naive. I enjoyed that she hated romantic movies as much as I did. Yet the enjoyment stops there. With every guy falling in love with her, my eyes began to roll. The best part of this book was Devin, and even he got on my nerves. 

Overall, the book dragged for me, there was little plot development. Arianna has way too many boys in her life. With the war going on in the night human world, she really shouldn't be so focused on them anyway.

There are a few who liked this book a lot more than I did:

Ren gave it five stars

Teresa gave it five stars

My Rating 2 out of 5 stars.

Favorite Quote You are not an object I can own and do with as I please.

Other People

Devin- body guard

Turner- rebel who is attracted to her

Gabriel- uncle

Swoon Thursday (33) Magic Steals

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON.

What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.

"I watch everyone, but when I watch you, all I feel is... that I want to be with you. You will never lie to me. And if I need help, you will be here. With you, I breathe."

Kindle Location 1281

Oh Jim..... How can she doubt you after that? Dali honey....he is a keeper.

Waiting on Wednesday (33) The Forgetting

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.

What isn't written, isn't remembered. Even your crimes.

Nadia lives in the city of Canaan, where life is safe and structured, hemmed in by white stone walls and no memory of what came before. But every twelve years the city descends into the bloody chaos of the Forgetting, a day of no remorse, when each person's memories – of parents, children, love, life, and self – are lost. Unless they have been written.

In Canaan, your book is your truth and your identity, and Nadia knows exactly who hasn't written the truth. Because Nadia is the only person in Canaan who has never forgotten.

But when Nadia begins to use her memories to solve the mysteries of Canaan, she discovers truths about herself and Gray, the handsome glassblower, that will change her world forever. As the anarchy of the Forgetting approaches, Nadia and Gray must stop an unseen enemy that threatens both their city and their own existence – before the people can forget the truth. And before Gray can forget her.

 

Why I am Waiting?

Can you imagine? Forgetting everyone/thing that isn’t written down? Holy smokes! Even your children. Oh my! Yeah I want this one bad.

Teaser Tuesday (33) The Legend of The Blue Eyes

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!

"Then, shouldn't it bother you?" she pondered, sitting up to finally judge his reaction. "Did I misunderstand?"

"You are not an object I can own and do with as I please. I have no right to decide your life for you," he explained. "And I promise, I'll never ask to be your boyfriend. So you may kiss anyone you please."

page 110

Hmmm.... someone needs to let Devin know that this in not the way to get the girl. Talk about sending mixed signals.

Review: Earth’s End

Author Elise Kova

Format e-book

Print Length 350 pages

Publisher Silver Wing Pres

Published Feb. 11, 2016

A woman awoken in air, a soldier forged by fire, a weapon risen from blood.

Vhalla Yarl has made it to the warfront in the North. Forged by blood and fire, she has steeled her heart for the final battle of the Solaris Empire’s conquest. The choices before Vhalla are no longer servitude or freedom, they are servitude or death. The stakes have never been higher as the Emperor maintains his iron grip on her fate, holding everything Vhalla still has left to lose in the balance.

My Opinion

Earth’s End is a difficult book to review without giving spoilers. As you know Vhalla and Aldrik are together, but not together. At first they are cute together, okay so yeah, I liked them together. I like how Aldrik is pushing that Vhalla and him can be together regardless of her birth. I like how he keeps her and her value close when it comes to the other nobles. I enjoyed watching him stand up to his daddy where Vhalla was concerned, each and every time.

Aldrik and the Emperor go toe to toe more times than I want to count in this one. It was pretty awesome to see Aldrik try to outmaneuver his father. The Emperor has been at the game longer though. The Emperor in regards to Vhalla is just pure evil. A painful death would not be too much to ask for the Emperor.

The realities of war is beautifully shown in this book. How both sides just want to survive. How those trusted can be those who turn against you. Vhalla’s friends play a smaller, yet important role in this edition as well. Fritz and Elecia are adorable together, but not together. I decided I hate Daniel and want him to go away. Others will love him and think he is the best thing since sliced bread. I don’t feel that way- he is a distraction and dangerous. I bet he turns out evil.

Earth’s End is my least favorite book in the series so far. The book was really lovely dovey, both Vhalla and Aldrik being way too sugary for my taste buds. Then the ending hit, almost like biting into a key lime pie without sweetened condense milk- trust me it leaves a horrible taste in your mouth. Kinda like the ending did here for me. Will I read the next book in the series- umm yeah… I have already invested enough time in the series to want to continue. Do I think that both parties have a heck of a lot to make up for yeah. Am I worried about those caught in the crossfire, oh yeah. Regardless, I want to know what happens to Vhalla and Aldrik.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote "Home had become where he was."

Other People

Emperor- evil, needs to die

Baldair- Aldrik’s brother, the spare

Review: In A House Made of Bones and Teeth (The Lovegrove Legacy #3)

Author Alyxandder Harvey
Format e-book
Print Length 30 pages
Publisher Self
Published May 13, 2016

The novella conclusion to the Lovegrove Legacy!

London is under attack.
Can Emma, Gretchen, Penelope find their way back to each other in order to defeat

the Seven Sisters once and for all?

My Opinion

Originally the Lovegrove Legacy was a three book deal. It was supposed to be Penelope’s HEA. Unfortunately, as has been known to happen after the publication of the first two books it was decided that the third book would not be published. So what does the amazingly talented Ms. Harvey do? Why she self-publishes a novella to help with all of those pesky questions that her readers have.

The novella starts off about two hours after Whisper the Dead ends. Gretchen, Tobias and Moira are fighting off the sisters and the Greybreads. Penelope and Cedric are trapped in the sisters’ house with evil Sophie and Lucius. The Greymalkin sisters using Penelope as a beacon for finding their bones. Emma and Cormac are fighting their way back from the Underworld. Will they be able to get together in time to stop the Greymalkin sisters from causing chaos even from the grave?

In a House Made of Bone and Teeth offered closure when there was none before. It was a nice treat that Ms. Harvey gave her readers who were left hanging when the third book fell through. It is short, a novella usually is. Due to its size it is action-packed and fast paced. In the end though, we know what happen to the Lovegrove cousins and really that is all that matters.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “I’m not going to die without being properly kissed."

Other People

Mrs. Sparrow- Head of Rowanstone
Ky- Tobias’ brother
Theodora- Emma’s momma

Book Trailer Saturday (33) Dragonmark

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..

Centuries ago, Illarion was betrayed– a dragon made human against his will, then forced to serve humanity as a dragonmount in their army, and to fight for them in barbaric wars, even while he hated everything about 

them. Enslaved and separated from everyone he knew and from his own dragon brothers, he was forced into exile in a fey realm where he lost the only thing he ever really loved.

Now he has a chance to regain what’s been lost— to have the one thing he covets most. But only if he gives up his brothers and forsakes the oaths he holds most dear. Yet what terrifies him most isn’t the cost his happiness might incur, it’s the fact that there is just enough human in his dragon’s heart that he might actually be willing to pay it and betray everything and everyone– to see the entire world burn...

Review: Forevermore

Author Kristen Callihan

Format e-book

Print Length 336 pages

Publisher Piatkus Books

Published June 28, 2016

Miss Layla Starling, the young, beautiful, and extremely wealthy heiress, is the talk of London. Until now, she's managed to evade the marriage noose. Despite the fact that she is unfortunately American, she's received a staggering number of offers. And turned down every one. St. John Evernight does not want to admit the relief he feels every time he hears that she has rejected one of her suitors. Which is unfair of him. Layla deserves to be happy. But he can not offer her happiness. He will never be normal, never be anything but a freak in her world. So St. John resolves to keep his distance, until he is recruited by the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals to guard Layla. For she is in grave danger, and he is about to learn the full extent of his powers.

My Opinion

Forevermore is the seventh and final book in the Darkest London series. You do need to read it in order, otherwise you will be confused.

Sin grew up away from his sisters- Miranda, Daisy and Poppy. Learning about them well after puberty, has made trusting each other rather difficult. Coupled with the fact that Sin had a hidden connection to Mab, it is safe to say that the sibling’s relationship is strained. While growing up with his cousins his closest friend was Layla. One night her guardian, Augustus comes home and tells her they must leave. Years pass, Sin had given up hope of seeing her again. At his darkest moment, Augustus steps in and shows him light. Augustus then goes on the hunt for Layla’s mother, Lena to figure out what is hunting Layla and why. While away St. John must protect her from eligible bachelors and demons all bent on owning her.

I know I should feel bad for Sin but I don’t. He made his choices long ago, now he must suffer the consequences. He doesn’t want me to feel bad for him, he knows that he was in the wrong. If you read the last book, you know what I am talking about. If not, please this is a series that is best read in order. I like that he takes responsibility for his actions, he tries to distance himself from those he hurt at their request. His protectiveness of Layla even from himself is well admirable. He does not keep who he is from Layla or what he has done. While ashamed of his past, he does own it fairly well.

Layla on the other hand was a little bit difficult for me. I didn’t really connect with her too much. I get that she is going through some um…changes. The whine though every word that came out of her moth sounded like a whine to me. That is until this scene where Sin and his sisters are all in the same room. The Ellis gals needed to be brought down a peg or two and Sin wouldn’t do it. She steps up to the plate and swings it straight outta the park. After that she had a small place in my heart. 

This book was like a two for one novel. Not only did we get Sin and Layla’s story, the author through in Augustus and Lena’s as well. Theirs’s is an epic love, one that is tragically beautiful. Both so strong, and yet so stupid. Communication even among supernaturals is the key to a healthy and long relationship.

Forevermore ends the series on a high note. All of the side stories are tidied up and no more questions need to be asked. This series was just what I needed at a time when I was snubbing historical paranormal romances, especially those with a touch of steampunk in them.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “In every situation. Do not ignore your heart. It is the very best part of you.”

Other People

Augustus- Final Judgement, Layla’s guardian, father of the S.O.S.

Lena- demon, Layla’s mother

Swoon Thursday (32) Dearly Departed

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON.

What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.

“I broke away from Samedi and sprinted down the gangplank, screaming out Bram's name. His head turned, and he started limping toward me.

"Nora!" I heard someone yell.

Bram met me halfway. He scooped me up with one arm and pulled my head toward his. I didn't fight it in the least. He kissed me harshly, and I returned it, leaping up on my toes, seeking out his chapped, broken lips with my own, inexpertly, needfully. And then he just held me as I cried, soaking his dirty T-shirt with my tears, his cheek on my head. 

"I thought you were gone," I managed to get out. "I thought you were really gone..."

"I thought I was, too," he said, laughing weakly. "But I'd never leave you if I had the choice. I was going to get back to you, or grind to dust trying.” 

 Dearly Departed

Sometimes you just need a good human/zombie love story. Nora and Bram's is one of the best.

Waiting on Wednesday (32) The Sight

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.


The paranormal war that engulfed New Orleans seven years ago is
over. But the battle for the city is just beginning . . .

Claire Connolly is a Sensitive, infected with magic when the Veil that divides humanity from the world beyond fell. Magic can easily consume and destroy a Sensitive, and if Claire’s secret is discovered she’ll be locked into the walled district of Devil’s Isle along with every other Paranormal left in the city.

Bounty hunter Liam Quinn discovered Claire’s secret, but refused to turn her in. Together they saved New Orleans from the resurgence of magic that nearly destroyed it. But now a dangerous cult is on the rise, and it will take both Claire and Liam—and magical allies within Devil’s Isle’s towering walls—to defeat the occult threat before magic corrupts them both...

 

Why I am Waiting?

The first book was okay, I am hoping now that everything is established this one will be better.

Teaser Tuesday (32) In A House Made of Bones and Teeth

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!

Cedric's gaze was an arrow, but he smiled a sad, brief smile.

"What is it?" she asked.  "There can't be anything else that could possibly go wrong.  We're already in a dungeon made of dead people."

His voice was soft.  "I never thought I'd die without kissing you once."

"You're not going to die!" She snapped, paused.

Kindle Location 927

That is one way to stop Penelope...  Well done Cedric!  Well done!

Review: The Best Friend Bargain

Author Robin Bielman
Format e-ARC
Print Length 204
Publisher Entangled, LLC Lovestruck
Published Aug. 8, 2016

Olivia Lincoln has a plan guaranteed to get her life back on track. A plan that involves 

her best friend, Danny. And he’s on board, too…until she blurts out that they’re engaged and expecting a baby, and the news spreads like wildfire.

The problem? Danny doesn’t do marriage. Or family. And everyone knows it, including Olivia.

As irritated as he might be, protecting Olivia is what Danny does. But put best friends under one roof, add house rules begging to be broken, accidental nakedness, and pancakes in bed, and what started as a marriage between friends threatens to turn into the real deal…which would ruin everything. 

My Opinion

Six months ago Olivia walked out of Danny’s life, well she pretty much walked out of everyone’s life. Uprooted to England and has been doing great. That is until she took a test and her English boyfriend says byebye when it goes to positive. Yepper, it was a pregnancy test. So what is a gal to do? Run home to her guy bestie, only he is about to lose his home- the owner wants a family not a bachelor to buy it. Olivia tries to do the right thing, save Danny by being his family.

I enjoyed their friendship, the transition to lovers had a bit of turbulence to it. Fifteen years of friendship is not something you throw away overnight. So, when Olivia left it really hurt Danny. No contact, it wasn’t his fault she left. His early acceptance of her back into her life seems a bit on the unrealistic side.

The book is cute, a friends to lovers tale is always delightful. The sudden attraction that Danny and Olivia are facing is appealing. Danny trying to keep his distance and at the same time protect Olivia is charming. Yes, he did charm me with his witty emails, his worry and concern for her. Danny has a real reason for pushing Olivia away and it annoyed me that she didn’t attempt to respect it. His rational was sound to him, I know that it didn’t bother her. Still, I felt liked she bulldozed right over his argument, instead of acknowledging his fear.

Olivia has a horrible relationship with her mother- nothing she does is ever good enough. Why she thinks this time will be different is well beyond me. I hate that she felt that she needed someone in her life, to justify the changes that were occurring. I do understand why she is seeking her mother’s approval, just felt that it was pointless. She needed to focus on being a strong independent woman for her baby. She annoyed me a little and I kinda felt like Danny was too good for her. She also needed to punch her ex in the face.

Overall, The Best Friend Bargain was a good book. The story moved along at a good pace and I was able to finish it in one sitting. I enjoyed the story but nothing really wowed me.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “You’re having a tough time staying in the friend zone.”

Other People

Bryce- Danny’s best friend
Zane- Danny’s other best friend
Will- ex-boyfriend

Book Trailer Saturday (32) This Savage Song

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..

There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives.