Teaser Tuesday (9) Soulless

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!

“How ghastly for her," said Alexia, driven beyond endurance into comment. "People actually thinking, with their brains, and right next door. Oh, the travesty of it all.”

Soulless page 28 

I love that Alexia has a sense of humor even in front of her momma and sisters. I just like Alexia she pretty much makes this book, and Lord Macon. I like him too. I even like the titles of the chapters such as Revelations Over Chopped Liver.

Book Trailer Saturday (8) Into Fire

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...

In the explosive finale to New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Night Prince series, Vlad is in danger of losing his bride to an enemy whose powers might prove greater than the Prince of Vampire’s…. 

In the wrong hands, love can be a deadly weapon.

For nearly six hundred years, Vlad Tepesh cared for nothing, so he had nothing to lose. His brutal reputation ensured that all but the most foolhardy stayed away. Now falling in love with Leila has put him at the mercy of his passions. And one adversary has found a devastating way to use Vlad’s new bride against him.

A powerful spell links Leila to the necromancer Mircea. If he suffers or dies, so does she. Magic is forbidden to vampires, so Vlad and Leila enlist an unlikely guide as they search for a way to break the spell. But an ancient enemy lies in wait, capable of turning Vlad and Leila’s closest friends against them…and finally tearing the lovers apart forever.

Review: Any Boy But You

Author Julie Hammerle

Format e-ARC

Print Length 201 pages

Publisher Entangled: Crush

Published Feb. 13, 2017

Elena Chestnut has been chatting with an anonymous boy late into the night. It’s a very You’ve Got Mail situation, and she has no idea who he is. He can’t be Oliv

er Prince, hot-and-bashful son of the family running the rival sporting goods store. Their fancy sales strategies are driving Elena’s family out of business. Elena’s mystery boy has teamed up with her in their latest sales strategy, an augmented reality game, to help her win the grand-prize plane tickets. Money’s so tight Elena’s going to miss senior year spring break with her friends if she can’t win this game.

The girl Oliver's fallen head-over-heels for online had better not be Elena Chestnut. She's his angry, vindictive Latin tutor, the daughter of his dad’s business rival, and the one girl he’d never even think of kissing. She’s definitely not his online crush, because that girl is funny, sweet, and perfect.

When Oliver asks to reveal their names at the Valentine’s Day dance, their IRL relationship will either ruin what they have online, or they’ll discover just how thin the line between love and hate really is.

My Opinion

The perfect Valentine’s Day read. 

Elena and Oliver’s family have been fueding since before they were born. Their granparents use to be bffs who did everything together-even going into business together. As the old saying goes money and friends don’t mix. So Elena and Oliver hate each other because they are suppose to, not because they want to. To make matter’s worse, Elena’s family business is going struggling. Oliver’s family business on the other hand is flourishing largely due to an app that he wrote, Stash Grab.

I instantly connected with Oliver. He is the mastermind behind Stash Grab and yet his mom sweeps in and takes his computer away because he is not as social as his sister. Yes, they are twins but come on lady they are not suppose to be the same individual. As a parent this annoyed me to no end- I think I got more annoyed with his mom than even Oliver did. So his escape is taken away, just as he and the family business is gaining success. Oliver is cute and tries, but he is shy. There is nothing wrong with this and for his mom to advocate that there is- yeah woman got on my nerves.

Elena was harder to connect to as she was a bit of a witch to Oliver. As in always short and snappy with him, she was madder than a wet hen and taking it out on him. I couldn’t connect with that although I did try to understand where she was coming from as her family business was going under and so she blamed the Price family- which mean Oliver.

Any Boy But You has the delightfulness of Gilmore Girls and the feels f You’ve Got Mail all wrapped up nicely in a contemporary young adult novel. I could totally see this one being played out on the big screen as a rom-com. An adorable read, fair warning though Elena may just get on your nerves

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Reports of her evilness have been greatly exaggerated.”

Other People

Harper- Elena’s bestie

Regina- Oliver’s twin

Craig- no clue but he shows up a lot sort of like Kirk on Gilmore Girls

Swoon Thursday (8) By Your Side

The fabulous girls over at 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.A Bound created this super HOT meme.

"I'm still cold," I said, hoping he accept my closeness if it were me suffering and not the other way around. He did give up food for me, after all (or so I suspected). I was glad he couldn't see my face because he'd be able to read the truth.

He rubbed my upper arm without a word, as if that action alone would warm me.

By Your Side Kindle Location 1573

I am loving Dax, he is so cute, considerate and troubled.  Really hoping that Autumn falls for him as much as I am.

Waiting on Wednesday (8) Hunted

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.

Beauty knows the Beast’s forest in her bones—and in her blood. Though she grew up with the city’s highest aristocrats, far from her father’s old lodge, she knows that the forest holds secrets and that her father is the only hunter who’s ever come close to discovering them.

So when her father loses his fortune and moves Yeva and her sisters back to the outskirts of town, Yeva is secretly relieved. Out in the wilderness, there’s no pressure to make idle chatter with vapid baronessas…or to submit to marrying a wealthy gentleman. But Yeva’s father’s misfortune may have cost him his mind, and when he goes missing in the woods, Yeva sets her sights on one prey: the creature he’d been obsessively tracking just before his disappearance. 

Deaf to her sisters’ protests, Yeva hunts this strange Beast back into his own territory—a cursed valley, a ruined castle, and a world of creatures that Yeva’s only heard about in fairy tales. A world that can bring her ruin or salvation. Who will survive: the Beauty, or the Beast?

Why am I waiting?

A Beauty and the Beast re-telling. My favorite fairytale of all time. A new spin on things. Wooowhoo

Teaser Tuesday (8) Blind Tiger

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 thought about that for a second, and the tension building inside me began to ease. This is what Jace and Abby were trying to tell me.

"So, Titus doesn't need to claim me for his Pride?"

Naveen shook his head. "Nope. Out here, you are worth no more than any of the rest of us. Except perhaps as an initial curiosity."

I should have been relieved. So why did that thought suddenly feel like a same in the face?

Blind Tiger Kindle Location 1831

Loved reading another Wildcats book! Robyn and Titus are perfect for each other. It was nice to see what was up with Abby and Jace as well.

Book Trailer Saturday (7) Dragonwatch: A Fablehaven Adventure

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...

In the long-awaited sequel to Fablehaven, the dragons who have been kept at the dragon sanctuaries no longer consider them safe havens, but prisons and they want their freedom. The dragons are no longer our allies....

In the hidden dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, King of the Dragons, plots his revenge. He has long seen the sanctuaries as prisons, and he wants nothing more than to overthrow his captors and return the world to the Age of Dragons, when he and his kind ruled and reigned without borders. The time has come to break free and reclaim his power.

No one person is capable of stopping Celebrant and his dragon horde. It will take the ancient order of Dragonwatch to gather again if there is any chance of saving the world from destruction. In ancient times, Dragonwatch was a group of wizards, enchantresses, dragon slayers, and others who originally confined the majority of dragons into sanctuaries. But nearly all of the original Dragonwatch members are gone, and so the wizard Agad reaches out to Grandpa Sorenson for help.

As Kendra and Seth confront this new danger, they must draw upon all their skills, talents, and knowledge as only they have the ability to function together as a powerful dragon tamer. Together they must battle against forces with superior supernatural powers and breathtaking magical abilities.

How will the epic dragon showdown end? Will dragons overthrow humans and change the world as we know it?

Review: Wedding, Crushes, and Other Dramas

Author Emily McKay

Format e-ARC

Print Length 185 pages

Publisher Entangled: Crush

Published Feb. 13, 2017

Falling in love with the best man wasn’t on the program.

Willa is happy to be the maid of honor in her dad’s upcoming wedding to uber-celeb Mia McCain. Not as happy about the best man being her soon-to-be stepbrother, the infuriating—and infuriatingly gorgeous—Finn McCain. Every time their paths cross, the attraction simmering between them grows a little harder to ignore. Willa knows all about guys like Finn—they only want what they can’t have. What’s between them isn’t real.

Finn has never felt anything more real than what’s developing between him and Willa. Sure, her dad warned him to steer clear, but it’s not just about forbidden temptation. He’s determined to prove to Willa he’s not going anywhere—and that happily-ever-after will always be worth the risk. 

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains a wedding so crazy it’ll make you laugh, a stepbrother so hot he’ll make you swoon, and a heroine so real she’ll make you cry

My Opinion

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

When Willa’s daddy falls in love with Mia McCain, her life gets turned upside down. She gains an insanely hot step-brother, her boyfriend turns into a name dropping fame hunter and the paparazzi is following her around like it is their business (it kinda is). What happens when you put two unrelated teenagers in the same house and warn them against any funny business? You are about to find out.

Willa is the nerdy gal, who finally got her guy. For some reason though, I kept thinking it was the wrong guy. Her boyfriend sucked royally. Just wait to the wedding scene. Willa is a bit naïve on what the marriage between her daddy and America’s Sweetheart movie star really means. She also stays with her boyfriend a lot longer than I would have. I liked that she fought the attraction between her and Finn with all of her might.

Finn is adorable. He tries to protect Willa at all cost. From dancing, to shoe shopping, to putting up with her fame seeking gold digging boyfriend. He tries so hard not to develop feeling for Willa, and even tries to be the mean guy. Yet, it is so hard for him to avoid coming to her rescue time and time again. 

My biggest issue with the book was that it was told in two points of view, Willa’s and Finn’s. Normally, this doesn’t bother me. I actually love a book told in multiple points of view.  Yet here, Willa is in first person and Finn is in third person. It was hard for me to wrap my head around. Ultimately, this is the reason that it was 3 stars instead of 5.  

The story is a cute, fast read. If you are looking for a forbidden love, with a side of fangirling you will not go wrong with this book.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “That seems like a Darcy-inspired pickup line if I’ve ever heard one.”

Other People

Mariely- Willa’s bestie

Damien- Willa’s boyfriend

Swoon Thursday (7) The Girlfriend Request

The fabulous girls over at 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.A Bound created this super HOT meme.

Even so, he didn't take his paws off Emma's face, or even look away from her. Instead, he actually brushed his thumb against her cheek while giving her this smarmy seductive half-smile. It spoke of possession.

I wanted to knock the smug smle off his face and tell him to get my girl.

The Girlfriend Request Kindle Location 1439

Sometimes you don't realize what you had until you lost it.  Looks like that is what happened with Eli and Emma.  Eli going all alpha male in his head at this moment though, yeah swoony.

Waiting on Wednesday (7) The Great Pursuit

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.

Lochlanach has traded the great beast for something far more terrible, a Lashed enemy veiled in beauty, deception, and a vengeance passed down through generations: Rozaria Rocato. And she’s offering the hunter Paxton Seabolt power and acceptance he could never receive in his homeland. Pax must decide how far he’s willing to go under her tutelage, knowing she is the opponent of Princess Aerity Lochson.

In a land where traditionalists dread change, the Lochlan throne must contend with mysterious foes and traitors, while attempting to keep revolt at bay. As dire circumstances strike the royal family, matters of the castle are left in Aerity’s hands. It's time to put aside her fears and grasp the reign, taking actions that have the potential to save or destroy her people.

One hunt has ended, but the pursuit for love and justice continue. In this sequel to The Great Hunt from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins, political intrigue and romance intensify in another thrilling fantasy. Princess Aerity embraces a quest for identity and passion before making the ultimate sacrifice for her kingdom.

Why am I waiting?

Finally, I have been waiting for this one to release so I can binge read the series. Love that it is a duology as many no longer do those.

Teaser Tuesdays (7) Any Boy But You

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!

"She's pretty special, from what I've been lead to believe."

"I don't know," said Elena. "I bet she's the evilest witch in all the land."

Oliver frowned. "Reports of her evilness have been greatly exaggerated."

Any Boy But You Kindle Location 2174

I like Oliver, he reminds me of my hubby. Elena was a harder sale for me, she grew on me but I hate how she treats Oliver.

Review: Queen Alpha

Author Jaymin Eve, Leia Stone

Format e-book

Print Length 188 pages

Publisher Self

Published Jan. 30, 2017

Arianna might have won the Summit and taken the crown of wolf shifters, but there is no time for her to settle into the royal life. 

Something is off with the mecca and if she doesn’t fix it the fae might just make another earth side appearance. 

Now she must work with the king of the bears to save both of their people. Which is easier said than done when he tempts her in every way and a relationship between them is forbidden. One slip up could cost her everything and in the NYC mecca someone is always watching. 

My Opinion

Sophmore curse does not hit Queen Alpha! The book starts with and ends with a bang. The pages inbetween were enough to make you want to beg the authors for a faster release date of the next book in the series. The progress that the characters make and the growth that they have will leave you satisfied that the authors know what they are doing and trusting them to figure things out.

The Mecca is getting out of control, Ari and Kade have to do something about the threat to their people. This puts them in close proximity to each other and the tension between these two is enough to make you take a cold shower. They don’t act on it as it is forbidden but doesn’t that just make the love sweeter? 

I absolutely love these two together. When they are in the room sparks or Mecca fly, even if they are talking about something mundane. I love how even in doubt, she turns to him when there is trouble and he rises up to every challenge. After what happens, when she turns to him, and he responds in the manner in which he does there is no doubt that he wants her as his mate. More importantly I love how he cares for her loved ones: her sister, her dominates and Calista. Kade thinks of everything, he is the planner while Ari is the pantser. They suit each other well and seeing them together makes those butterflies in my tummy fly around.

The ending… holy cowzers talk about a cliffhanger (can it be a cliffhanger if it last several chapters?) Will they get Violet back? Will they get the crown back? Do they even want it- I mean, I am not so sure I would want it if my people did to me what her people did to her. April, April is a long time to wait for the next installment after these cliffhangers.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote He was channeling woodcutter and cave bear tonight.

Other People

Calista- mentor

Violet- Ari’s bestie

Selena- mean gal

Review: Operation Prom Date

Author Cindi Madsen

Format e-ARC

Print Length

Publisher Entangled: Crush

Published: March 13, 2017

Kate ships tons of fictional couples, but IRL her OTP is her and Mick, the hot quarterback she’s crushed on since, like, forever. With only one semester left of senior year, it’s now or never if she wants to land him in time for prom. Since she’s flirtationally challenged, she enlists Cooper Callihan, the guy who turned popular seemingly overnight but who used to be a good friend. 

Cooper lives and breathes rowing, but his partner just broke his wrist. When he remembers Kate’s good with a set of oars, he strikes a deal: help him train, and he’ll make sure her crush notices her. Only he didn’t know how addicting spending time with her would be. Or how the more successful the Operation is, the more jealousy he experiences. 

The mission has been set. The troops have their marching orders. But what if the target is the wrong guy all along?

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains stargazing, accidental swimming, and poker swindling. This kissing practice will melt your ereader…and give you a new couple to ship.

My Opinion

Operation Prom date is an adorable read that will make you want to fall in love all over again. A sweet escape with a couple that is meant to be together. The blurb isn’t lying, you will want to ship this couple.

Cooper runs into Kate after finding out that his rowing partner is out of commission for a couple of weeks. A broken wrist will do that to you. Kate is moaning over Mick, everyone’s favorite jock. They struck a deal~ Kate will replace Cooper’s rowing partner, Cooper will help Kate get Mick to notice her enough to ask her to prom. She names their deal Operation Prom Date thus the title of the book.

Kate is adorable, a closet math nerd. She uses her skills later on in the book to help pay for her prom dress. Can you blame her, those things are hello kitty expensive. She has been abandoned by a friend in the past and so she has some of those issues to deal with. She embraces this “Operation” with all that she has.

Cooper’s life is about to change dramatically- his dad has it all planned out for him. With his partner out of commission he is desperate. He doesn’t see what Kate sees in Mick but he is confident that he “gots” this because Kate is cute. He just has to make Mick think he is missing something. 

Kate and Cooper together is just yeah they bring the sighs. They are extremely supportive of each other goals. They are just cuteness in a boat. This is one of those reads that you go in knowing that you will get the happy feels, the sighing feels and end up reading it in one sitting.

Teenagers all across America are shopping for the perfect prom dress, promposals are everywhere right now. Operation Prom Date is the perfect read if you want a light romance, with a side of comedy and a dash of teen angst. Only a dash though, you blink and you will miss it.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Hey, I didn’t choose the math thug life, it chose me.”

Other People

Jaden- Cooper’s best friend

Paris- mean gal

Book Trailer Saturday (6) Tales of the Peculiar

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...

Before Miss Peregrine gave them a home, the story of peculiars was written in the Tales. 

Wealthy cannibals who dine on the discarded limbs of peculiars. A fork-tongued princess. The origins of the first ymbryne. These are but a few of the truly brilliant stories in Tales of the Peculiar—known to hide information about the peculiar world—first introduced by Ransom Riggs in his Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.

Riggs now invites you to share his secrets of peculiar history, with a collection of original stories, as collected and annotated by Millard Nullings, ward of Miss Peregrine and scholar of all things peculiar.

Swoon Thursday (6) Operation Prom Date

The fabulous girls over at 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.A Bound created this super HOT meme.

"You said something about forcing two people who are meant to be into a ship- obviously I took that very literally. You and me are my OTP, and if you don't believe me, I am going to spend the next several weeks trying to prove it, until you ship us as much as I do."

Operation Prom Date Kindle Location 2663

This scene made my fangirl heart skip a beat. Of course I am going to ship this pairing.

Waiting on Wednesday (6) Gilded Cage

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.

Not all are free. Not all are equal. Not all will be saved.

Our world belongs to the Equals — aristocrats with magical gifts — and all commoners must serve them for ten years. But behind the gates of England's grandest estate lies a power that could break the world. 

A girl thirsts for love and knowledge.

Abi is a servant to England's most powerful family, but her spirit is free. So when she falls for one of the noble-born sons, Abi faces a terrible choice. Uncovering the family's secrets might win her liberty, but will her heart pay the price? 

A boy dreams of revolution.

Abi's brother, Luke, is enslaved in a brutal factory town. Far from his family and cruelly oppressed, he makes friends whose ideals could cost him everything. Now Luke has discovered there may be a power even greater than magic: revolution. 

And an aristocrat will remake the world with his dark gifts.

He is a shadow in the glittering world of the Equals, with mysterious powers no one else understands. But will he liberate—or destroy

Why am I waiting?

Rebellion, magic, love yeah all the makings of a great book.

Teaser Tuesday (6) Wedding, Crushes, and Other Dramas

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 wasn't hitting on you," he tried to explain. "I told you I was falling for you. You see the difference, right?"

"You said you could think of a dozen reasons not to be with me, but that you couldn't resist me. That seems like a Darcy-inspired pickup line if I've ever heard one."

"A what?"

"Besides which, I don't see how you think this could possible seem like a good idea. What were you thinking?"

Wedding, Crushes, and Other Dramas Kindle Location 2426

Willa is having a bad day, a really bad day and when Finn drops this bomb on her she doesn't handle it very where. In her defense, Finn knows she is having a bad day he however does not know who Darcy is. You really should read how he investigates reference.

Review: Heartstone

Author Elle Katharine White

Format e-book

Print Length 352 pages

Publisher Harper Voyager

Published Jan. 17, 2017

A debut historical fantasy that recasts Jane Austen’s beloved Pride & Prejudice in an imaginative world of wyverns, dragons, and the warriors who fight alongside them against the monsters that threaten the kingdom: gryphons, direwolves, lamias, banshees, and lindworms.

They say a Rider in possession of a good blade must be in want of a monster to slay—and Merybourne Manor has plenty of monsters.

Passionate, headstrong Aliza Bentaine knows this all too well; she’s already lost one sister to the invading gryphons. So when Lord Merybourne hires a band of Riders to hunt down the horde, Aliza is relieved her home will soon be safe again.

Her relief is short-lived. With the arrival of the haughty and handsome dragonrider, Alastair Daired, Aliza expects a battle; what she doesn’t expect is a romantic clash of wills, pitting words and wit against the pride of an ancient house. Nor does she anticipate the mystery that follows them from Merybourne Manor, its roots running deep as the foundations of the kingdom itself, where something old and dreadful slumbers . . . something far more sinister than gryphons.

It’s a war Aliza is ill-prepared to wage, on a battlefield she’s never known before: one spanning kingdoms, class lines, and the curious nature of her own heart.

Elle Katharine White infuses elements of Austen’s beloved novel with her own brand of magic, crafting a modern epic fantasy that conjures a familiar yet wondrously unique new world.

My Opinion

There are an abundant of Pride and Prejudice retellings out there. Some better than others, some should not have been printed and others that should be praised for their creativity. Heartstone falls into this group. This is literary the best re-telling of Pride and Prejudice I have read. So much so that it kick started a two week long Pride and Prejudice binge watching marathon, starting with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, followed by the BBC Pride and Prejudice and ending with watching the Kiera Knightley Pride and Prejudice (twice).

The Riders have arrived to Hart’s End, where Aliza and her sisters live. Riders are warriors that take commission to ensure the safety of a community, which of course means that they are ripped and fierce. Their purpose to rid the place of the gryphons who are killing their cattle and their children. Mr. Bentaine, Aliza’s daddy, talked the Lord of the Manor into contracting them after his youngest daughter Rina was killed by a gryphon attack. Aliza’s momma of course sees this as a way to secure her daughters’ future through marriage. Thus the retelling of Pride and Prejudice with dragons, talking dragons did I mention that yet. The book follows the original fairly well, until you get into the battle scenes that of course were not in Jane Austen’s tale. The battle scenes were violent, adrenaline pumping roller coaster rides where you worried for the Bentaine sisters and the Riders even as you were cheering them on.

The world building is seductive, very little is left to chance. From the opening scene with Tobble the hobgoblin, to major battle the details are crisp and vivid. The intimate relationship between the dragons and the Riders serves to buffer the high society distain for those of lower ranking the nakla. Castle Pendragon is described in such detail that I wish to vocation there just so I can view the dragons flying overhead. The meaning behind the title of the book is beautiful and made me want my very own heartstone, atlas I do not live in this world though so that is impossible.

Alistair Daired is the leader of his group of Riders. He is every bit of Darcy with his intense attitude, his warrior strength and his backhanded compliments. His fierce loyalty to his friends and his protective nature of them made me love him almost as much as I love Mr. Darcy. His straightforward, no nonsense mannerisms with Aliza will get him in trouble and yet it pairs perfectly with his personality. His dragon, Akarra, gives him a more gentler side. Her intervention on his behalf with Aliza is adorable.

Aliza Bentaine is every bit as obstinate and headstrong as Elizabeth Bennett was. Her love for her sisters shines through in all that she does. Her defense of the little people such as the hobgoblins, shows her caring side. Her acceptance of both Akarra, and her ability to stand up for what is right make her the perfect “Lizzie”.

As this is a re-telling of Pride and Prejudice, you can expect some romance. Which there is, but do not expect too much swoon. Alistair does bring it when he needs too (marriage proposal, rescuing) but like with the original Mr. Darcy there just isn’t that type of romance in his world. This may bother some readers but it fits with it being a re-telling and so I was perfectly content.

Heartstone is a fabulous re-telling of Pride and Prejudice. Alistair and Aliza are beautifully casted as the new Lizzie and Darcy. The added addition of the dragons and the threat of the Tekari, made this paranormal loving reader all too happy.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “You’ve defeated me.”

Other People

Anjey- Aliza’s older sister

Leyda- Aliza’s silly sister

Mari- Aliza’s serious sister

Akarra- Daired’s dragon

Julienna- Daired’s sister

Mr. Brysney- Daired’s best friend

Lady Catriona- head of the Daired Family

Book Trailer Saturday (5) King's Cage

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...

In this breathless third installment to Victoria Aveyard’s bestselling Red Queen series, allegiances are tested on every side. And when the Lightning Girl's spark is gone, who will light the way for the rebellion?

Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother's web in an attempt to maintain control over his country—and his prisoner.

As Mare bears the weight of Silent Stone in the palace, her once-ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training, and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare's heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back.

When blood turns on blood, and ability on ability, there may be no one left to put out the fire—leaving Norta as Mare knows it to burn all the way down.

Review: The List

Author Tawna Fenske

Format e-ARC

Print Length 178 pages

Publisher Entangled Publishing LLC

Published Jan. 30, 2017

As the millionaire owner of a chain of computer shops, Simon Traxel isn’t normally hands-on with mundane repairs. But when a fretful brunette shows up with her fried laptop and killer green eyes, he makes an exception. And as it turns out, she needs more hands-on help than Simon imagined.

Brainy soil scientist Cassie Michaels has spent her whole life feeling like a grungy tree trunk beside her delicate flower sisters. To make herself more interesting, Cassie invented stories about her wild sex life—stories she’s expected to retell in vivid detail at a bachelorette party. Cassie’s attempt to catalog her biggest whoppers goes awry when she spills wine on her laptop and lands in Simon’s shop with her sexy list frozen on the screen.

But Simon’s interest is piqued, and the two strike a deal to make Cassie’s make-believe sexploits a reality. From steamy public romps gone hilariously awry, to sexy antics with kitchen utensils, their quest to conquer The List is equal parts scorching hot and adorably awkward. 

As they near the end of The List though, Cassie and Simon second guess their pledge to shake hands and say goodbye when they cross off the last item. But will Simon’s big secret make that the one fantasy that can never come true? 

My Opinion

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

Cassie Michaels is vastly different form her sisters. The debutants of suburban life worry so about her that she made-up an vividly active night life to get them off of her back. Since her lies made her seem more adventurous than she really was, she did what any scientist would do- create a list to keep them straight. Only one glass of wine later the list is frozen on her computer. So she takes it into the computer repair shop where a cute guy works, one who is going to see the list. Cassie, embarrassed, hands over the computer. Simon, a complete computer geek and a millionaire, took one look at Cassie and knows she is outta her element. It is so refreshing that she didn’t seem to recognize her, so he may have conveniently not mentioned who he is when he volunteers to help her make the list a reality.

Cassie is adorable. She understands why her sisters are concerned with her and wishes that they weren’t. She knows that their concern comes from love though and tries to easy their worries. She decides to tackle the list, so that she isn’t lying to her sisters any more. Plus, there is a hot guy volunteering. She tries to maintain her distance and not get attached to Simon as they are just doing the “benefits” but it is hard. 

Simon has a good reason for keeping who he is hidden from Cassie. I ain’t saying she is a gold digger but he had dated a few that ended up being one. He has a sister whom he loves dearly that has been hurt by the break-ups of the past and so it makes sense to keep his “friends” hidden from her. Simon is close to his sister and he doesn’t want her world rocked anymore than it already is. Yet, with each interaction with Cassie you can tell he is falling head over heels. What a wonderful fall it was. Simon is yeah, I totally dug the geeky computer guy.

This book is sizzling hott (yeah with two tts), the chemistry between these two is explosive. They end up supporting each other and falling into an almost relationship even though they made a deal of no feelings. I loved how they came up with solutions to the very vivid fantasy list.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “You turn me on when you were wearing sweatpants…”

Other People

Missy- Cassie’s sister

Lisa- Cassie’s sister

Junie- Simon’s sister

Swoon Thursday (5) Queen Alpha

The fabulous girls over at 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.A Bound created this super HOT meme.

"I've been waiting for you for five years. Ever since that kiss you've dominated my thoughts. My world. My bear was determined to find you. Your fire, loyalty and passion called to us both. Your wolf has always been a den mate to my bear. He caressed my face with his hand."

Queen Alpha Kindle location 2503

You got to hand it to Kade when he declares his intentions he goes all out. This is one of my favorite scenes in the book.

Waiting on Wednesday (5) The Valiant

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 youngest daughter of a proud Celtic king, Fallon has always lived in the shadow of her older sister Sorcha's legendary reputation as a warrior. But when Fallon was a young child, the armies of Julius Caesar invaded the island of Britain and her beloved older sister was killed in battle.

On the eve of her seventeenth birthday, Fallon is excited to follow in her sister's footsteps and earn her rightful place in her father's royal war band. But she never gets the chance. Instead, Fallon is captured by a band of ruthless brigands who sell her to an exclusive training school for female gladiators—and its most influential patron is none other than Julius Caesar himself. In a cruel twist of fate, Fallon's worst enemy, the man who destroyed her family, might be her only hope of survival.

Now, Fallon must overcome vicious rivalries, chilling threats and the dangerous attention of Caesar himself to survive the deadly fights that take place both in and out of the arena—and claim her place in history among the Valiant. 

Why am I waiting? 

Female gladiators, Celtic royalty, Julius Caesar- the real question is why are you not waiting on it.