Review: The Darkest Star

Author Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Format e-book 

Print Length 368 pages 

Publisher Tor Teen 

Published Oct. 30, 2018 

When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen...but he is in fact something much more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she'd only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head...

#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the universe of the Lux in this brand new series, featuring beloved characters both new and old. 

My Opinion 

The Darkest Star was one of those books that I have been waiting on for a while. Pretty much since right after Opposition ended in 2014 I wanted a spin-off. Specifically, one staring Luc. Luc has always been a favorite side character of mine in the Lux world. So when the announcement was made I was super excited that he was getting his own book. 

Luc is a hybrid- Luxen/human mix. He is powerful, arrogant, and well kinda a jerk. To those who know him though he is different. He is protective, loyal and determined. So when Evie meets Luc for the first time let’s just say he comes off like a total donkey. Because I had knowledge of him in the previous series, I totally loved his snarky, attitude, and well everything. Evie is interesting in that she is new. Or is she? There is something about her that is familiar and yet not at the same time. She takes finding out some secrets about her life pretty well. Yeah she has her moments of what the what, but she rolls with the punches. 

The big baddie in this one is…just wait. The whole thing could have been totally avoided but Luc kinda drops the ball on something. Yeah, totally blaming him as I should. Although, I understand why he did what he did- the scare that Evie goes through and how she finds out things are all on him. 

It was nice being back in the Lux world. Yeah this series has a new name Origin yet it still is in the Lux world. Post-Opposition. Seeing how humanity and the Lux are doing now was complete awesomesauce on this spin-off. While you can read this stand-alone, I wouldn’t. The Lux series is so good that I would read it first before starting with the spin-off. It was nice seeing some old people, although others were missed. 

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote “Sometimes the truth is worse than the lie.” 

Other People 

Heidi- Evie’s bestie 

Zoe- Evie’s bestie 

Grayson- Luc’s friend 

Emery- Luc’s friend

Preview Review: In A Badger Way

Net Galley had a preview of this one and I knew it was a bad idea to request it. Since reading it, I keep checking the release date hoping that it has moved up. It hasn't-still releasing in March. Which if you read the preview- you would know was torture.

As with most previews though, this one ended way too soon and now I just want/need the book. I have to know what goes on with Stevie and her sisters, especially since the psychotic Kyle is actually worried about Stevie. When has he ever been concerned about anyone but himself?

Shen is of course on security duty for Kyle and when he stops by to see Stevie- let just say she is in the middle of a panic attack. Watching him try to calm her down is hilarious. 

I absolutely am dying for the finished product.

Review: Hot and Badgered

Author Shelly Laurenston 

Format e-book 

Print Length 433 pages

Publisher Kensington 

Published March 27, 2018 

It’s not every day that a beautiful naked woman falls out of the sky and lands face-first on grizzly shifter Berg Dunn’s hotel balcony. Definitely they don’t usually hop up and demand his best gun. Berg gives the lady a grizzly-sized t-shirt and his cell phone, too, just on style points. And then she’s gone, taking his XXXL heart with her. By the time he figures out she’s a honey badger shifter, it’s too late.

Honey badgers are survivors. Brutal, vicious, ill-tempered survivors. Or maybe Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan is just pissed that her useless father is trying to get them all killed again, and won’t even tell her how. Protecting her little sisters has always been her job, and she’s not about to let some pesky giant grizzly protection specialist with a network of every shifter in Manhattan get in her way. Wait. He’s trying to help? Why would he want to do that? He’s cute enough that she just might let him tag along—that is, if he can keep up . . . 

My Opinion 

Set in the Pride world, Hot and Badgered is a new series that features three mixed breed ladies who happen to be half sisters. You see, daddy dearest, Freddy MacKilligan, got a round and leaving children here and there. Charlie’s momma took her half-sisters in and raised them until she passed. Then they went to Charlie’s grandpa. Please don’t call them half-sisters to their faces though; you may be missing a few teeth afterwards. But truth be told, it has been the sisters against the world as well as anything else their daddy threw at them. He is a real piece of work- I am not a violent person but even I wanted Max to kill him. Giving any hints would be a spoiler but seriously this is one horrible parent. 

Charlie is a honey badger/wolf hybrid which allows her to be calmer than her sisters. She is also the oldest and does suffer from old child syndrome. It is her job to protect her sisters and to make sure that everything is going to be okay. It is because of this she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She handles it well and when it gets to be too much she bakes. Since that is one of the ways, I handle stress I can totally relate. Her daddy has pissed off the wrong people this time and some folks are after the girls. So Charlie gathers them up, and hides until she can sort out her daddy’s mess again. 

Berg is on security detail (Cooper from the Pride series) when Charlie literally falls into his arms. Stunned and a little shocked when she jumps right up and keeps on shooting- he can’t help but find that well a little bit sexy. She doesn’t stick around but he can’t stop thinking about her. Imagine his surprise when he runs into her in New York. From there you got one smitten grizzly bear. Who happens to be a triplet which means that his siblings of course are going to come along for the ride. He wants to help Charlie and will do what needs to be done. Security is his thing. 

While there is some romance in this one, it is overshadowed by the girl’s relationship and all of the action. Berg tends to sit back and allow Charlie to do her thing until she asks for help. Which is nice-he doesn’t see her as a damsel in distress. He also takes things slow because he knows that it is what Charlie needs. 

This world is a whole lot of fun. I love that it took me away from reality for a little bit and allowed me to just laugh at life. Granted it was Charlie and her sisters’ lives I was laughing at but still. If you are looking for a book that has a lot of humor mixed, where the characters are snarky, some action and a whole of family love than this is the book for you. While you can read it stand alone, I do recommend that you read the Pride series first, some old characters show up. 

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars 

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

Other People 

Max- Charlie’s middle sister 

Stevie- Charlie’s little sister 

Dag- Berg’s brother 

Britta- Berg’s sister

Book Trailer Saturday (52) Nightchaser

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...

A delicious new heart-pounding romantic adventure from USA Today bestseller Amanda Bouchet!

Captain Tess Bailey and her crew of Robin Hood-like thieves are desperate and on the run. Pursued by a vicious military general who wants them dead or alive, Tess has to decide if she can trust Shade Ganavan, a tall, dark and arrogant stranger with ambiguous motivations.

Shade Ganavan had oodles of arrogance, oodles of charm, and oodles of something that made me want to kick him in the nuts.

What Tess and Shade don’t know about each other might get them killed…unless they can set aside their differences and learn to trust each other—while ignoring their off-the-charts chemistry.

Review: Diamond Fire

Author Ilona Andrews 

Format e-book 

Print Length 160 pages 

Publisher Avon Impulse 

Published Nov. 6, 2018 

Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done. 

My Opinion 

Once you read this novella, you are going to believe one of two things- that Nevada was a bridezilla or that she was incredible naïve when it comes to planning a wedding for two Primes from two different houses. I am going with the second option here. I did not feel that she was a bridezilla more like a bride who wanted a wedding of her dreams not one of everyone else’s dreams. This is why in the end she went with her sisters Catalina (18) and Arabella (16) to plan the wedding. Everyone else was lying to her and lets be real if you knew when someone was lying to you every time they spoke would you really want them to help you plan your wedding? 

Mad Rogan’s momma (Aarosa) is from Spain and has a large Spanish family. Who are all invited to the wedding, of course. When a family heirloom goes missing it is up to Catalina to solve the mystery regardless of who gets hurt in the process. The only suspects are the family members staying at his momma’s house. Her family is already divided into two groups- those from her dad’s first marriage and those from his second.

This novella is suppose to serve as the ending of Nevada’s chapter and the beginning of Catalina’s. The loose ends of the first three Hidden Legacy books are all tied up nicely here and it does allow for the reader to get a feel of Catalina’s voice. Granted this is a voice that has yet to be trained on how to be a Prime of a House as well as a voice that has a little experience instead of Nevada who was strong and confident. I am pretty sure that when Sapphire Flames comes out we will see a stronger more confident main character. 

Catalina does grow and learn more about herself in this novella than most would. Her magic is way more than she thought and she will have to get a handle on it. Since she has always been the one to shy away from the limelight (for good reason) this does put her front and center. Her relationship with Leon and Arabella are also front and center. This allows us to see them interact on a different level than how Nevada viewed them. Their motivation for their actions make more sense now. 

This was a bridge novella. Where the fans get to say goodbye to a beloved voice and ship. It also serves to introduce us to a new refreshing voice which isn’t as hardened yet by life as the previous narrator. I can only hope that the next three years do not turn her too cynical. 

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote “Family members don’t owe favors to each other.” 

Other People 

Arabella- Catalina and Nevada’s little sister 

Leon- cousin 

Runa Etterson- Prime Venenata (my secret hope is that she will become Catalina’s bff 

Arrosa Rogan- Mad Rogan’s momma 

Xavier- a distant cousin of Mad Rogan

Waiting on Wednesday (52) Bloodwitch

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. 

Fans of Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling Witchlands series have fallen in love with the Bloodwitch Aeduan. And now, finally, comes his story.

High in a snowy mountain range, a monastery that holds more than just faith clings to the side of a cliff. Below, thwarted by a lake, a bloodthirsty horde of raiders await the coming of winter and the frozen path to destroy the sanctuary and its secrets.

The Bloodwitch Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop the destruction. But to do so, he must confront his own father, and his past. 

Why am I waiting? 

I feel like I have been waiting for this one forever. I need to know what happens to Iseult, Safi, Merik, Aeduan, and Ryber. Where will their adventure take them? Will they ever see each other again? Will the couples that I am shipping so very hard actually exist?

Teaser Tuesday (52) Dragon Bound

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

“I have a lot of questions. Just tell me what I want to know, and I’ll let you go.” 

“You mean that?” She searched his face. 

He laughed, a husky, wicked chuckle. “No.”

Page 64 Dragon Bound

And so the thief is caught...Wonder what Dragos is going to do with her?

Teaser Two

“There is nothing you could steal that I couldn’t get in any number of other ways. I will not put you in harm’s way.” He kept her head cradled in one hand and put an arm around her. 

He murmured, “I do not endanger my treasures.”

Page 75 Dragon Bound

A treasure, huh?  Does that mean what I think it means?

                                         Teaser Three

“Let’s be clear on something,” he said. “I don’t know what the hell you are. We’re adding that to a growing list of things for that conversation we’re going have when we get out of here. But one thing you’re not is a problem. Let’s say you are a tactical consideration.”

Page 108 Dragon Bound

Tactical consideration?  While it is cute that he  does not view her as a problem I know of no gal who wants to be a tactical consideration.

Review: Onyx and Ivory

Author Mindee Arnett 

Format e-book 

Print Length 512 pages 

Publisher Blazer + Bray 

Published May 15, 2018 

They call her Traitor Kate. It’s a title Kate Brighton inherited from her father after he tried to assassinate the high king years ago. Now Kate lives as an outcast, clinging to the fringes of society as a member of the Relay, the imperial courier service. Only those most skilled in riding and bow hunting ride for the Relay; and only the fastest survive, for when dark falls, the nightdrakes—deadly flightless dragons—come out to hunt. Fortunately, Kate has a secret edge: she is a wilder, born with magic that allows her to influence the minds of animals. But it’s this magic that she needs to keep hidden, as being a wilder is forbidden, punishable by death or exile. And it’s this magic that leads her to a caravan massacred by nightdrakes in broad daylight—the only survivor her childhood friend, her first love, the boy she swore to forget, the boy who broke her heart.

The high king’s second son, Corwin Tormane, never asked to lead. Even as he waits for the uror—the once-in-a-generation ritual to decide which of the king’s children will succeed him—he knows it’s always been his brother who will assume the throne. And that’s fine by him. He’d rather spend his days away from the palace, away from the sight of his father, broken with sickness from the attempt on his life. But the peacekeeping tour Corwin is on has given him too much time to reflect upon the night he saved his father’s life—the night he condemned the would-be killer to death and lost the girl he loved. Which is why he takes it on himself to investigate rumors of unrest in one of the remote city-states, only for his caravan to be attacked—and for him to be saved by Kate.

With their paths once more entangled, Kate and Corwin have to put the past behind them. The threat of drakes who attack in the daylight is only the beginning of a darker menace stirring in the kingdom—one whose origins have dire implications for Kate’s father’s attack upon the king and will thrust them into the middle of a brewing civil war in the kingdom of Rime. 

My Opinion 

Kate’s daddy was once a well-respected man in the kingdom, she lived at the castle and grew up with Corwin. They had a friendship that was more. That is until her daddy tried to kill Corwin’s dad, the king. Her father captured and executed, Kate labeled a Traitor and kicked out. Corwin disappears for years and is labeled the Errant Prince of Rime. On top of Kate being a traitor, she is also a wilder- one who wields forbidden magic. 

In Rime, you do not go out at night, for at night the drakes come out. The drakes who hunt the humans. No one knows where they came from, or how they got to Rime all they do know is that the sunlight is safe. Until now that is- what has changed? Can Corwin and Kate stop their kingdom from falling. 

Kate is confident, capable and independent. This alone makes her different than a lot of other characters out there. She has fought for her place in the world and continues to fight to keep it. There is no giving up on her future for the guy, or pushing herself into the background because of him. Instead she stands tall beside him. Corwin is a flawed prince. Kate’s betrayal or what he believes is her betrayal broke him. He has been trying to find himself ever since. Maybe even redeem himself. He is confident that his older brother will get the uror and so he does not see himself as worthy to rule. Both of them grow throughout the book and begin to accept that things are not as they seemed. That they have a history-of first love lost due to the actions of others, helps move the story line along. Plus, it moves us away from insta-love. 

The world building is very detailed yet not tediously so. The reader at times does not even realize they are reading the history of Rime and the rise of the drakes. The cause of the schism between wilders and the magist is also interesting. How the heir to the throne is chosen was unique enough for me to buy in and the trials were pretty emotionally driven. There is a lot of politics woven in the story that you can’t help but guess at everyone’s motives. 

Onyx and Ivory is a remarkable tale that captures the imagination and brings the reader to a whole new world. The pacing starts off slow, which could turn some readers off but once it starts to pick up it continues nicely. The ending is abrupt which can be annoying but good news there is a sequel coming out in June 4, 2019. 

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote “There is no greater weapon than knowledge.” 

Other People 

Dal- Corwin’s bestie 

Signe- Kate’s bestie 

Bonner- Kate’s boy bestie 

Edwin- Corwin’s brother

Book Trailer Saturday (51) Fugitive Six

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...

This sequel to Pittacus Lore’s Generation One is the second book in an epic new series set in the world of the #1 New York Times bestselling I Am Number Four series.

Newcomers as well as fans of the original series will devour this fast-paced, action-packed sci-fi adventurethat’s perfect for fans of Marvel’s X-Men, Alexandra Bracken’s Darkest Minds trilogy, and Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me series.

The Human Garde Academy was created in the aftermath of an alien invasion of Earth. It was meant to provide a safe haven for teens across the globe who were suddenly developing incredible powers known as Legacies.

Taylor Cook was one of the newest students and had no idea if she’d ever fit in. But when she was mysteriously abducted, her friends broke every rule in the book to save her. In the process, they uncovered a secret organization that was not only behind Taylor’s kidnapping but also the disappearance of numerous teens with abilities. An organization that has dark roots in the Loric’s past, untold resources, and potentially even a mole at their own school.

Now these friends, who have become known to other students as the “Fugitive Six,” must work together to bring this mysterious group to an end before they can hurt anyone else.

Review: Wolf With Benefits

Author Shelly Laurenston 

Format e-book 

Print Length 421 pages 

Publisher Brava 

Published March 26, 2016 

Ricky Lee has no plans of getting serious about anyone, but he will protect Toni Jean-Louis Parker. Not just because he’s been hired to do so, but because it’s the right thing to do. And if that means traveling around the country with one complicated She-jackal, dealing with chocolate-eating wild dogs, instigating trouble between his brothers, and having the most amazing sex he’s ever had…well, who said his job didn’t have perks?

Toni doesn’t know how she keeps getting herself into these situations. But even she has to admit there’s something about Ricky Lee Reed that she finds kind of interesting…and downright sexy. Now they just have to survive long enough to figure out if what they have is worth fighting for… 

My Opinion 

When you are born normal to a mother who is a prodigy and all of your youngest siblings are prodigies, you have to find your own way in life. Toni did so by making herself irreplaceable to her family. She is the one who runs the day to day schedule, traveling mishaps, break-downs and attitudes that comes with being surrounded by those that know they are better than others. When she helps Ric out by dealing with a traveling mishap due to his incompetent secretary get gets offered a job managing team travel and promotions. 

Toni really is the only normal sane one in her family. Sure, her daddy tries but he gets railroaded by his wife and kids more often than not. She is the family’s rock and that makes sense that going out into the world will leave both her and them uneasy. Given that they have a crazy schedule Bo shows up because he needs Toni to go to Siberia something about a hockey game of course. 

I am not going to lie Toni is a hoot! I love her interaction with her siblings, all but Delilah (something is wrong with her). We get to see her spread her wings and get out from being a glorified nanny for her mom and dad which is fun. 

Ricky Lee is suppose to be Toni’s bodyguard. He turns into way more. This is one shifter who is confident, supportive, and well just goes with the flow. He spends a lot of time avoiding an ex-girlfriend that is making trouble back home. So much so that at one point Toni’s bestie decks her. Ricky tends to follow Toni around, making sure that everything is okay. He is highly amused by all the chaos of her family. 

I laughed a ton with this one. I think this book and the one with Bo/Blayne are my all-time favorites so far. From the antics of the siblings to Toni branching out on her own you could not ask for a better mix of laughter, fun and just life. The romance is slow in this one, more of friends then friends with benefits and finally a relationship. 

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote “I’m glad to know she’s single,” the wolf said, “but she’s playing hard to get while stalking me all at the same time.” 

Other People 

Coop- pianist, little brother needs a book of his own 

Kyle- artist, little brother, annoying 

Livy- Toni’s bestie, Honey Badger shifter 

Aunt Irene- science mentor to Freddy 

Miki- science mentor to Freddy 

Laura Jean- Ricky’s ex

Waiting on Wednesday (51) Circle of Shadows

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. 

Sora can move as silently as a ghost and hurl throwing stars with lethal accuracy. Her gemina, Daemon, can win any physical fight blindfolded and with an arm tied behind his back. They are apprentice warriors of the Society of Taigas—marked by the gods to be trained in magic and the fighting arts to protect the kingdom of Kichona.

As their graduation approaches, Sora and Daemon look forward to proving themselves worthy of belonging to the elite group—but in a kingdom free of violence since the Blood Rift Rebellion many years ago, it’s been difficult to make their mark. So when Sora and Daemon encounter a strange camp of mysterious soldiers while on a standard scouting mission, they decide the only thing to do to help their kingdom is to infiltrate the group.Taking this risk will change Sora’s life forever—and lead her on a mission of deception that may fool everyone she’s ever loved. 

Why am I waiting? 

I have been in the mood for an epic fantasy for a while now. This one looks like it may deliver. There is magic, fighting, and a kingdom to save.

Teaser Tuesday (51) Hot and Badgered

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

“I know you’re working hard to be a sociopath, but stop it.” 

“Sociopath is in the eye of the—” “—forensic psychologist working for the prosecution?”

page 29 Hot and Badgered

Charlie sure does have a way to keep Max out of trouble. I absolutely love their relationship.

Teaser Two

“She’s completely sober right now, which tells me one thing.”

 

Vic gazed down at her. “Which is?” 

“She’s a serial killer.” 

“Because she . . . smiles?” 

“Yes.”

page 68 Hot and Badgered

Oh Livy, you still make me laugh. I adore your observations about your cousins. More so because you actually like them.

Teaser Three

"Oh, God no. We thank every deity that exists for each other. Charlie’s the reason I’m not doing hard time in a federal prison.”

 “And I’m not making meth because of her.”

page 101 Hot and Badgered

Max and Stevie love their sister Charlie a lot. They realize all that she has done for them, that kinda loyalty will move mountains.

Okay so this is way more than one teaser- but this book has a lot going on and I am dying to get my hands on the next one.

Review: Three Weeks to Wed

Author Ella Quinn 

Format e-book 

Print Length 338 pages 

Publisher Zebra Shout 

Published March 29, 2016 

In the first book of her dazzling new series, bestselling author Ella Quinn introduces the soon-to-be Earl and Countess of Worthington—lovers who have more in common than they yet know. The future promises to be far from boring…

Lady Grace Carpenter is ready to seize the day—or rather, the night—with the most compelling man she's ever known. Marriage would mean losing guardianship of her beloved siblings, and surely no sane gentleman will take on seven children not his own. But if she can have one anonymous tryst with Mattheus, Earl of Worthington, Grace will be content to live out the rest of her life as a spinster. 

Matt had almost given up hope of finding a wife who could engage his mind as well as his body. And now this sensual, intelligent woman is offering herself to him. What could be more perfect? Except that after one wanton night, the mysterious Grace refuses to have anything to do with him. Amid the distractions of the Season he must convince her, one delicious encounter at a time, that no obstacle—or family—is too much for a man who's discovered his heart's desire… 

My Opinion 

I read this series out of order, having been send the third book via NetGalley. I liked it so much as that soon as I finished it I one-clicked this one. Historical romances were the first genre that I fall completely in love with and they always hold a special place in my heart. 

After her parents died, Lady Grace Carpenter fought tooth and nail to keep her siblings with her. A long court battle ensued and she won guardianship of all seven of her siblings. With the help of her grandfather, who then put the responsibility of raising them all on Grace’s shoulders. Having decided that raising them is more important than a second season to find a husband of her own. She is settled into the belief that she shall remain a spinster. She is headed home when a terrible storm hit forcing her, along with her servants to spend the night at an inn. The same inn that Mattheus, Earl of Worthington happens to be staying at. As the fates allowed they spent time together with Lady Grace disappearing in the morning. After all what man wants to be attached to a woman with seven kids? Maybe one who supports his step-mom and his four sisters? 

Grace is a woman who has a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. She does not want to stifle her sibling’s creativity or intelligence. She knows what is expected of a woman her age and realizes that the dream will not happen for her. When she discovers that Matt is looking for he she does try to hide from him. After all this is her little sister’s coming out season and a scandal will ruin her chances of marriage. So when Mattheus does find her (yes, he searched) and proposes marriage she runs from the offer. This tilts her world upside down. Some will probably see this as weak, yet she has her siblings to worry about which I understand. 

Mattheus is a stand-up guy. I really liked him. His family comes first and that allows him a special place in my heart. He also knows what he wants and is willing to do what is necessary to get it. I like that he searches for her and tries to woo her while accepting full heartedly her family. 

A sweet adorable tale of a love that is thought to be hopeless and a guy who is determined to make sure that it isn’t. The siblings and the puppies in this story make for chaotic fun. A good start to a series that has already captured my interest. 

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote “You had better be prepared to explain to him that you do not intend to give up guardianship of the children. The law is very unfair to women in many respects and this is probably the worst example.” 

Other People 

Phoebe- Grace’s friend 

Edgar Molton- Grace’s evil uncle 

Charlotte- Grace’s sister 

Louisa- Matt’s sister 

Jane- Grace’s cousin 

Patience- Matt’s step mom

Waiting on Wednesday (50) A Curse So Dark and Lonely

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. 

Fall in love, break the curse.

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she’s instead somehow sucked into Rhen’s cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn’t know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what’s at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin. 

Why am I waiting? 

It is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast!!!!!! I am so there with bells on!  Besides if you have read Brigid Kemmerer before than you know that you are in for a good story.

Teaser Tuesday (50) The Negotiator

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 am not a thing for you two dogs to fight over. I am a woman with my own brain, my own will, and my own determination. Sawyer Carlyle, you might be giving me a paycheck, but you sure as hell didn’t buy me and you definitely don’t have the right to tell me who I can and cannot dance with—especially not when you are obviously more interested in your phone than the rest of the world around you.”

The Negotiator page 35

You gotta hand it to Clover- she knows how to put people in their place. Wonder what Sawyer is thinking about now...

Waiting on Wednesday (49) Moonlight Scandals

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. 

It takes a fearless woman to love the most scandalous man alive in New York Times Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s breathtaking novel 

Even a ghost hunter like Rosie Herpin couldn’t have foreseen the fateful meeting between two mourners that has brought her so intimately close to the notorious and seductive Devlin de Vincent. Everyone in New Orleans knows he’s heir to a dark family curse that both frightens and enthralls. To the locals, Devlin is the devil. To Rosie, he’s a man who’s stoking her wildest fantasies. When a brutal attack on her friend is linked to the de Vincents, he becomes a mystery she may be risking her life to solve. 

Devlin knows what he wants from this sexy and adventurous woman. But what does Rosie want from him? It’s a question that becomes more pressing—and more dangerous—when he suspects her of prying into the shadows of his past. 

Now, the legends surrounding the de Vincents may not be myths at all. But if she’s to discover the truth, she must follow them straight into the arms of the man she can’t resist—the handsome devil himself. 

Why am I waiting? 

Ummm…Have you read this series yet? If you haven’t than you need to. I have been dying to read Devlin’s story especially after what happened in the last book. I know no spoilers but dang I love Rosie and Devlin needs her in his life. Just like she needs him as a stabilizing factor in her life.

Teaser Tuesday (49) Muffin Top

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.

"Lucy Kavanagh, you're the kind of woman who makes m man so desperate he'll happily lose his ever-loving mind for the chance to touch you."

Muffin Top Kindle Location 2208

Frankie had me at "Lucy". While others wouldn't take him home to meet the parents I would jump up and down with joy. He is just that awesome.

Waiting on Wednesday (48) Fire and Heist

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

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

In Sky Hawkins's family, leading your first heist is a major milestone--even more so than learning to talk, walk, or do long division. It's a chance to gain power and acceptance within your family, and within society. But stealing your first treasure can be complicated, especially when you're a wyvern--a human capable of turning into a dragon.

Embarking on a life of crime is never easy, and Sky discovers secrets about her mother, who recently went missing, the real reason her boyfriend broke up with her, and a valuable jewel that could restore her family's wealth and rank in their community. 

With a handpicked crew by her side, Sky knows she has everything she needs to complete her first heist, and get her boyfriend and mother back in the process. But then she uncovers a dark truth about were-dragon society--a truth more valuable and dangerous than gold or jewels could ever be.

Why am I waiting? 

It is about dragon shifters. Of course I am waiting on it, biting nails waiting. The cover is amazing and really what could be more precious than gold.

Teaser Tuesday (48) The Darkest Star

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.

His stare met and latched on to mine. His pupils were black against the purple, the irises fuzzy. “I could do a lot of things. I have done a lot of things, and sometimes, I do hurt people,” he said quietly, softly. “But I could never hurt you.”

The Darkest Star Kindle Location 1063

If I didn't already adore Luc this scene would have done it for me. Dang...can he do intense.

"I like long walks in dark cemeteries and I want a pet llama before I die."

A llama?” 

“He’s a bit obsessed with llamas,” Luc chimed in. 

“Hell yeah. Who wouldn’t be? I mean, they’re like God got confused, you know? He already made horses and sheep, and decided, let’s mix that together, and voilà—you get a llama,” Kent explained. 

“Freaking ah-mazing. Have you ever met a llama?”

The Darkest Star Kindle Location 2712

Umm...yeah, this scene makes me want a Kent book.  Not sure if I still will at the end of the book but right now, yeah I really want one.  Oh and a Grayson book as well as a Zoe book.  I want all the books.

Book Trailer Saturday (47) Aimless 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 sigh...

From the world of Rylee Adamson and the Elemental Seriescomes a heroine with nothing to lose and everything to prove….

My name is Pamela, and I am a witch who has no equal. 

Or so I thought. 

It has been three years since the Destroyer sundered our world. The land is longer whole, but broken into pieces, most technology gone, and the continents shattered into an unrecognizable place. 

New monsters have risen from the depths, adding danger on top of danger. Through it all the humans fight to survive as they compete not only with the supernaturals for food and resources, but their own kind as well. 

And me? The caravans of humans I pass, they look to me to save them. 

Only I am not the witch I once was. Bound by those who fear my power and my bloodline, I’m lucky if I can light a match with my magic, never mind protect anyone but myself. 

Now, the darkness in me rises, offering me all that I want. Freedom from the chains I wear, and the power to make everything right. But if I embrace the darkness I will face a cost I could never have imagined…

Waiting on Wednesday (47) Queen of Air and Darkness

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. 

Dark secrets and forbidden love threaten the very survival of the Shadowhunters in Cassandra Clare’s Queen of Air and Darkness, the final novel in the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling The Dark Artifices trilogy.

What if damnation is the price of true love?

Innocent blood has been spilled on the steps of the Council Hall, the sacred stronghold of the Shadowhunters. In the wake of the tragic death of Livia Blackthorn, the Clave teeters on the brink of civil war. One fragment of the Blackthorn family flees to Los Angeles, seeking to discover the source of the blight that is destroying the race of warlocks. 

Meanwhile, Julian and Emma take desperate measures to put their forbidden love aside and undertake a perilous mission to Faerie to retrieve the Black Volume of the Dead. What they find in the Courts is a secret that may tear the Shadow World asunder and open a dark path into a future they could never have imagined. Caught in a race against time, Emma and Julian must save the world of Shadowhunters before the deadly power of the parabatai curse destroys them and everyone they love. 

Why am I waiting? 

That ending of Lord of Shadows…What is going to happen to Julian? Emma? And with Livia gone could the Blackthorns come back from this? Can I?

Teaser Tuesday (47) Diamond Fire

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. 

“That it wouldn’t be real.” The words dropped like bricks. “Nobody ever likes me for me, Arabella.” And I had really wanted him to.

Kindle Location 558 Diamond Fire

I am so excited about the next three books in this series.  I loved Nevada and Mad Rogan and grateful for their story by there is so much more to tell.  Love Catalina's voice and can't wait to find out what happens next.

Waiting on Wednesday (46) Echoes of Fire

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. 

They may not be made for each other, but animal instincts are impossible to ignore.

Madisyn Drake is a rare breed of cat shifter…a loner, unpredictably wild, and emotionally distant. A recent betrayal has left her ready to sharpen her claws on the next man she sees…until a prowling wolf with steel-gray eyes and a brooding dark edge challenges her distrust. No matter how fully he satisfies her touch-hunger, Madisyn’s not ready to open up again, even if it is oh so gratifying.

Bracken Slater has earned his reputation as an indomitable predator. Once broken by grief and guilt, Brack is feeling alive again, thanks to the heady scent of this independent feline. Convincing her that they’re meant for each other is going to take more than branding Madisyn’s beautiful neck. She’s not interested in joining an unfamiliar pack, much less answering to an alpha. But when threats from both their pasts take shape, their unexpected destiny may be the only thing that can save them. 

Why am I waiting? 

I love this series and it is time for Bracken to find his mate. I hope she is as awesome as I imagine her to be.

Teaser Tuesday (46) Onyx and Ivory

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

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

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

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

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

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

Onyx and Ivory Kindle Location 411

Corwin has no clue how telling these questions are. 

“We need to talk more, once you’ve rested. I can help you, Kate. And more important, you can help me.” “With what?” She narrowed her eyes, a warning sounding in her head. “To save Rime from its own destruction and finish the task your father started.”

Onyx and Ivory Kindle Location 3672

What game is Raith playing? and what role is Kate cast in? Where is Corwin? I don't trust Raith.