90's Movies Book Tag

Sometimes it is just fun to tag a book, let folks get a snippet of what you love to read and maybe even check out a book or two that they didn't realize was out. I of course got this one from Jessica's blog a GREAT read, she got it from JennReneeRead that she saw over at The Butterfly Reader. Since I grew up with these movies it was pretty much a given that I would do this hop.

SHE'S ALL THAT: name a book couple that are an odd pairing, but they still fit perfectly together

Sydney (the Alchemist) and Adrian (the Morio) are the oddest couple. They are fundamentally enemies and yet the sparks fly right from the start. How anyone could oppose this pairing is beyond my comprehension.

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU: a book/series you have a love/hate relationship with

I loved the first two books in The Lovegrove Legacy, A Breath of Frost and Whisper the Dead were really captivating. Since this is a trilogy, I was dying for the release of the last one. Sometimes though in the world of publishing the next book in a series does not get contracted. So, the author released The Bone Witch as a novella. While it answered lingering questions I hated that it Penelope and Cedric did not get as much attention as the other two cousins.

CLUELESS: a character that it totally clueless, but you love them anyway

Kami and Jared have a connection. One that they are clueless about until well, until it almost becomes too late. This story is still one of my favorites, Jared one of my favorite heroes.

TITANIC: a book that made you cry

Scorched is a book that tackles hard issues. Real issues- it is the type of book that I normally avoid. Scorched made me cry. I am not talking about a pretty cry either instead that ugly red face snotty cry. In the end though, I feel like a better person for having read it. 

AMERICAN PIE: a book that made you laugh

I loved the Drake Chronicles by Alyxandra Harvey. Lucy's commentary in this book is spot on and had me giggling at all of her observations. My secret hope is that one day Lucy gets her own series.

CAN'T HARDLY WAIT: a book with a crazy party

This entire series centers around one night, one party. Oh what a night it is! Each couple comes full circle, secrets are reveled, some dreams crushed and others realized. My favorite was Love Beyond Opposites, which is the third one in the series.

CRUEL INTENTIONS: name a character you can never fully trust

Seth in this series! Disclaimer, I was and still am solidly on Team Aiden for this series. Seth just rubbed me the wrong way the entire time. I like him in his spin-off series but in the original for get it. Alex totally needed to Friendzone him right away.

DRIVE ME CRAZY: name your favorite "boy next door" or "girl next door" couple

P.S. I Like You is one of those books that captivates you. It pulls you back to high school where everything is major and every slight side eye dramatic. With every turn of the page, you feel the emotions of Lily and the pen pal.

SCREAM: a book with a memorable villain

Lord Voldermort has gotta be one of the most recognizable villains of our times. 

THE CRAFT: a book with witches

This is the second book in Season Two of the Coven: Academy Magic. I binge read the first season (reviewed it on Monday) and the two released books of the second season. I am currently re-reading the entire series. Oh, and I may have gifted the box set to my best friend so that I would have someone to talk about it to. The last time I feel for a book series this fast was Jaymin Eve's Supernatural Prison series. I cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out. 

Review: The Werewolf Queen (Wheel of Crowns #1)

Author Brandi Elledge 

Format e-book 

Print Length 246 pages 

Publisher Aelurus Publishing 

Published Feb. 26, 2019 

I always wished I had supernatural powers. Now I wish I didn’t.

Sadie’s a dud, a failure–the only one in high school who doesn’thave any kind of supernatural powers. Her psychic bff, Jo, knows something about Sadie’s future, but just won’t tell. And what the heck is going on when one of her teachers starts looking at her while he’s going on about powerful lost keys, portals of madness, and destinies?

Then it all starts.

On her 18th birthday, Sadie starts to feel weird. And when werewolves, vampires, and demons all turn up to spoil her party, the weirdness really ramps up.

Leaving her best friend, her family, and the only town she’s ever known, Sadie must find safety. But while the king of the werewolves can offer her somewhere to hide while she’s learning about her new powers, he can’t stop his psycho witch fiancée from finding new ways to try and kill her. Of course, the murderous tendencies of this psycho witch only get worse when she realises the Werewolf King is, um… attracted to Sadie.

And all that’s before Sadie sets off to try and find one of the lost keys. Before she visits hell. Before she picks up a pet ogre.

And before she realizes just how powerful she can become.

But if it really is her destiny to collect one of the lost keys, will she be able control her newfound power and help save the world and all the people in it she loves? Or will she buckle under the pressure?

She’s about to find out. A mansion surrounded by demons and full of vampires and witches intent on her destruction awaits. Oh, and that psycho-witch fiancée of the Werewolf King. What could possibly go wrong? 

My Opinion 

Sadie grew up in a supernatural community without any powers, sure others around her have great powers like her bestie Jo (seer). She knew that Jo was hiding something from her, she just wasn’t sure what it was. Until her birthday when she went from having no powers to being powerful enough to attract attention from some heavy hitters. Hunted by the Demon king, she is on the run with Camden (werewolf king) and Stephen (vampire prince). They are tasked with finding one of the lost seven keys. As currently there are two supernatural factions hunting them Lux) the good guys and (Degenerates) the bad guys. What comes next is an interesting story that will capture your imagination from the first page until the last. 

Sadie grew up in the supernatural world. Although on the outskirts as she had no power. She still is not new to this world. That being said, once she gets powers, she tries to control them. She doesn’t fight her connection with Camden, she also doesn’t fight for it. Which was kinda disappointing. She just kinda accepts everything as it comes. She has such a blasé disposition that at times you want to shake her and ask if she is human. 

Camden has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. Having to take over and rule the werewolf kingdom after the death of his parents has been had. It has made him fear having a mate, so much so that he has agreed to a loveless marriage for the good of all mankind. His attraction to Sadie is something that he does not want or need. So of course he is going to fight it tooth and nail. Thanks to Camden’s seer Ariana he and eventually his mate will be blessed with special powers. Finally a guy who is the special snowflake. 

There is chemistry there but it does not run super hot or icy cold. It is what it is. They have fated mates that they don’t have to mate with? I wish the tension between these two was more. 

It looks like each book in this series will focus on a different couple, which is a lot fun. I am also kinda glad as this one ended with complete resolution for the couple. I wonder how the next one will find their key, and who they are. I pretty much just want to know how the endgame ends- do the Lu win or the Degenerates? 

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote In the meantime, I’ll be in the library killing time by laughing at all the numerous history mistakes. 

Other People 

Jo- Sadie’s bestie and a seer 

Lilly-Ann- fairie 

Stephen- vampire 

Jameson- Camden’s brother 

Celia- Camden’s finance 

Ariana- Camden’s seer,mentor

Waiting on Wednesday (22) Storm and Fury

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. 

From the #1 New York Times, USA TODAY and internationally bestselling author of the fantastical Dark Elements and the Lux series comes a new novel set in a world of gargoyle protectors, rising demons and one girl with an explosive secret. 

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

Why am I waiting?

This is Zayne's story! He gets his own one! How can I not be waiting for it? I adore him. Hopefully he gets his happily ever after.

Teaser Tuesday (22) The Hidden Witch

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

He thought I was a waste of time. He thought I was useless, a damsel in distress. He thought I’d never become a soldier. Well, challenge accepted.

The Hidden Witch Kindle page 166

I am not so sure that Jackson realized he just challenged Bettina. Boy, am I waiting to see how she responds, because the chemistry between these two is off the charts.

Teaser Two

I just didn’t understand why she had to be so damn cute all the time. Didn’t I get some kind of reprieve? Even when she was sweaty and her hair was sticking out in a million directions, she still looked beautiful.

"You're doing it again, bro," Trey said with a laugh and smacked my arm.

The Hidden Witch Kindle page 206

I knew it! He does like her. So then what is he afraid of? I hope his besties ask him, cause I do not get why he is being such a jerk.

Teaser Three

“Are you and Dean together?” 

I jumped at the sudden sound of his voice. My heart did that weird thing it always did when Jackson Lancaster was around.

The Hidden Witch Kindle page 216

Now he wants to know? I wouldn't answer him Tina, instead I would walk away. Nah, walking away would not happen either it is Jackson darn it.

Review: The Coven: Elemental Magic

Author Chandelle Lavaun

Format e-book 

Print Length 1547 pages 

Publisher Wanderlost Publishing 

Published April 1, 2019 

I thought magic was make believe...but I was way wrong. 

I was nobody. No matter how hard I tried, I never fit in with anyone at my high school. Now I know why. 

Turns out I'm a witch. A scary powerful one, too. Except The Coven that claimed me won't teach me how to use my magic. 

Suddenly, I'm selected by the Goddess to hunt down a mythical locket needed to save the world from destruction. The only person who actually tries to help me is the alarmingly attractive Tennessee. He has immeasurable power and breathtaking mismatched eyes. I'm drawn to him on a level I can't explain...and he's forbidden from getting too close to me. 

When the quest takes an unexpected dangerous turn, I have to improvise. This supernatural world is unraveling at my fingertips and I need to master my magic fast. If I don't, I could get everyone I care about killed... 

My Opinion 

I have found a new favorite series! This box set is the surprise find of the year as well. It contains books 1-5 of the series which is a lot of pages and a lot of reading. Yet, it goes by so fast that you will literally look to see if the next book is already out. Good news~ it is! As well as a great spin-off that I am liking as much if not more than the original series. The series is told by multiple points of view mostly though from Tegan and Tennessee’s, the main female and male lead. The chapters are labeled with the name of the point of view if switching back and forth gets confusing. 

Tegan is moving from her hometown to FL so that her dad and step-mom can finally merger their families. She will gain a step-sister and of course be one of the two new girls in school. All is not what it seems though, as this summer she accidently met her step-sister at The Gathering as well as a mystery man. Mystery man happens to be a student at her new school as well. Turns out, he is the reluctant leader of the Coven is are the leaders of the magical witching community. She and her step-sister happen to be leaders of this community too, only they don’t know how to use their magic. What comes next is a series of quests, each more dangerous than the last to help them finish their ultimate goal. When one of the leaders of the Coven leaves, usually by death a new one is discovered. The leaders are all assigned roles based off of tarot card which is an interesting element. Forbidden love, brought together as soulmates. That is right fated soulmates, with insta-attraction/love but since it is about magic why would that stop you from reading it? 

Tegan is a girl who is thrown into a lot right off the bat. The discoveries that she makes and the danger that she is placed in is enough to make anyone want to throw their hands up and say I give. A lot rest on her shoulders and the pressure is building, yet she does not crumble. She has a strong spirit and a confidence that others seem to lack. There are things she doesn’t know and at times she has to wing it but she does fabulous when under stress and pressure. I especially like how she handles all the Coven secrets. 

Tennessee is a reluctant leader who has a hard time accepting his role, even though everyone else in the Coven already has. He is use to making decisions on the spot and being in charge, it is nice when someone else steps up to plate. He struggles with being a soulmate to someone who is forbidden. Forbidden with good reason, and the consequences are dire. While an alpha male, I enjoyed that he lets his soulmate figure things out on her own and supports her more than fixing things. Rare I know! 

The world building is pretty lengthy but does not take away from the story. There are more paranormal characters than just witches/mages. Each new book introduces a new quest for the dynamic duo to overcome. Some of the conflict is of their own making, while others are independent issues that are woven within the overarching theme. 

Fast paced, fun filled action adventure with magic to boot! I binge read this entire series over one weekend and then started the spin-off. The growth of the characters is seen with each new book, ultimately both of them coming into their own. For soulmates, their relationship runs extremely hot, as is their nature. So if you are looking for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, some fighting and some kissing this is the series for you. I liked it so much I got a second copy for my best friend to read so I had someone who knew what I meant when I was talking about the books/characters. 

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Hope is not lost.”

Other People 

Betinna- Tegan’s bestie 

Emersyn- Tegan’s step-sister, The Empress 

Cooper- Tennessee’s adoptive brother, The Star 

Royce- Tennessee’s best friend, Wheel of Fortune 

Henley- Royce’s sister, The Moon

Book Trailer Saturday (21) Tempests and Slaughter (The Numair Chronicles #1)

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...

Arram. Varice. Ozorne. In the first book in the Numair Chronicles, three student mages are bound by fate . . . fated for trouble.

Arram Draper is a boy on the path to becoming one of the realm’s most powerful mages. The youngest student in his class at the Imperial University of Carthak, he has a Gift with unlimited potential for greatness–and for attracting danger. At his side are his two best friends: Varice, a clever girl with an often-overlooked talent, and Ozorne, the “leftover prince” with secret ambitions. Together, these three friends forge a bond that will one day shape kingdoms. And as Ozorne gets closer to the throne and Varice gets closer to Arram’s heart, Arram begins to realize that one day soon he will have to decide where his loyalties truly lie. 

In the Numair Chronicles, readers will be rewarded with the never-before-told story of how Numair Salmalín came to Tortall. Newcomers will discover an unforgettable fantasy adventure where a kingdom’s future rests on the shoulders of a talented young man with a knack for making vicious enemies.

The Seven Deadly Sins Book Tag

Sometimes it is just fun to tag a book, let folks get a snippet of what you love to read and maybe even check out a book or two that they didn't realize was out. I of course got this one from Jessica's blog a GREAT read, who saw this tag over at Fiction No Chaser who saw it over at Romance Book Binge.

GREED: what is your most inexpensive book? expensive book?

Cheapest would be $0.99 which is what I try to keep my books at. It helps that I buy most via Kindle.

This one was $19.99 and my nine year old wanted it something fierce. I bought it, she finished it in a day. She does re-read but man did I want to roll my eyes at the cost.

WRATH: what author do you have a love/hate relationship with?

I loved this series until the end. I felt betrayed, and ever since then every time I pick up Crave the Mark, I have to put it back down. I want to read it but I don't think I can.

GLUTTONY: what book have you devoured over and over again with no shame?

This really is my go to book for when I am in a horrible mood. Jessa is a strong female character and Braxton is just the right kinda alpha male.

SLOTH: what book have you neglected to read due to laziness?

Lord of Shadows brought with it all the feels, and I so looked forward to reading this when it was released. Releasing during and end of the semester, then the holidays made it difficult to sit down and read it. More books got released and I was too lazy to scroll back to it.

PRIDE: what book do you talk about most in order to sound like an intellectual reader?

Most people know I read fiction and supernatural/paranormal romance/urban fantasy is my jam. I have no shame about the fact that I don't like to read serious books or books that will make me cry.  Adulting is hard enough.  I take pride in the fact that my book choice tends to be very diverse- shifters, witches, vampires, fae. Hopefully you get the picture.

I do love Pride and Prejudice and most people think that it is for intellectual readers. They don't realize that it is a romance novel. They also don't realize I like the movie just as much as the book. I even liked Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

LUST: what attributes do you find attractive in male or female characters?

Protective, Snarky, Moody Alpha Male- think Mr. Darcy (I married my own Mr. Darcy).

Strong, Sassy Female who don't spend too much time crying.

ENVY:what book would you most like to receive as a gift?

Hardback copy of this one would rock my world. I loved reading it on my kindle but I honestly think it would be just that much better when I can see and feel the pages.

If you're feeling the urge to talk 7 deadly sins with books, consider yourself tagged!

Review: Supernatural Academy

Author Jaymin Eve 

Format e-book 

Print Length 363 pages 

Publisher self 

Published May 7, 2019 

Maddison James is about to discover some truths about the world. 

Firstly … supernaturals exist. 

WTF? 

Secondly … she is one, even though no one seems to know exactly what kind. 

Double WTF. 

Thirdly … she’s about to go back to school. 

Well, things just got a little more interesting. 

The Supernatural Academy is where shifters, vampires, magic users, and fey are educated. Where they are taught about their abilities, and how to function in the human world. Maddison already has the human part down, but this supernatural thing is an entirely new dangerous game. 

Example one: mean girls who can actually turn you into a frog. 

Example two: Asher Locke, a god at the Academy. Not literally … well, who knows for sure. He certainly acts the part, as do all of his minions who worship him. 

Asher drives her crazy, because apparently gorgeous and arrogant is her thing. Sparks fly between them, and the more they’re thrown together, the more Asher is determined to figure out what’s been blocking her abilities. 

Until the moment the truth is revealed, and they find out nothing in this supernatural world is what they thought. 

Including each other. 

My Opinion 

Haters are going to hate, and right now there is some hate out there for this book. My response is this: read the blurb! If you did you would realize that this is about a normal girl find out that she is not so normal, and being introduced to the supernatural world. You would also know that even if it has a RV vibe, it was not RV. The author clearly spells it out. It is stinking hard to find an academy book these days that is not reverse harem. I get that there is a huge demand for them right now but some of us just don’t like them. I happen to be one of them and so I got super excited that not only was Jaymin Eve writing an academy book, but that it was set in the Supernatural Prison world where there were true mates. I knew that the guys were going to be close, pack mates were in this world. I also knew that since this was a spin-off of an original series, the author didn’t need to take as much time world building as she did in the original series. 

Maddi takes to finding out about the supernatural world pretty well. She is not a girl who is going to crying in her tea over something like this. She is more of a roll with the punches kinda girl. She does get frustrated when she at times with her lack of power (hers is blocked) in this whole new world. She adapts and is able to develop some strong girl power relationships with Ilia, the mage that is a tracker, and Larissa a vampire- whose daddy runs the academy. Their friendship builds naturally and soon becomes like sisters. She is excited to learn all that she can about the supernatural world she is now a part of. I love how her friends support her at every turn-which is at times is hard to find in books and in real life. 

The Atlantean race is dwindling in numbers, their blood weakening. Asher is one intense Atlantean, he has to be as there is a lot of responsibility that falls on his shoulders. He keeps it together with his “brothers”, the other Atlanteans that are at the academy. He knows his strengths and allows his brothers to help when it is needed. Asher’s knowledge of the water element is pretty darn sexy as well. The chemistry between these two is boiling hot, when they aren’t avoiding each other. It is obvious that there is something there even if they ignore it for a while. 

The mystery of Maddi’s blocked powers, who is after her and why they need her causes this one to be faster paced than I thought it would be going in. I should have known better though, instead of taking a couple of days to read- I looked up and it was 3 in the morning. I could not put it down. Asher reminds me a lot of Brace from the Walker Saga. The secondary characters make it all the better and I cannot wait to find out what happens with Larissa and a certain Atlantean. The year of purple is going to rock our socks off. 

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote “I can’t resist you any longer.” 

Other People 

Ilia- mage, tracker 

Larissa- vampire 

Jesse- Atlantean, lion shifter 

Axl- Atlantean, mage 

Rone- Atlantean, vampire 

Calen- Atlantean, mage

Waiting on Wednesday (21) Parental Guidance

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

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spinewhich spotlights upcoming releases that I'm eagerly anticipating

All I want is to play hockey on the Ice Knights, instead, I’m in a viral video for all the wrong reasons and my mom—yes, my mom—has taken over my dating apps. Then, when I think it can’t get any worse, the fates deliver Zara Ambrose, a five-feet-nothing redhead with more freckles than inches and who’d rather be anywhere other than on a date with me. 

Now a bet with her friends and my PR nightmare have us both stuck in this go-on-five-dates-with-the-same-person hell situation. But if we band together, we can get the whole thing over with and go on with our lives. It’s perfect! No feelings. No future. No fuc— *ahem* fun. No naked fun.

What could go wrong? Nothing—as long as I remember the rules. Don’t notice the way she looks in a dress. Don’t react when she does that little shivery sigh thing whenever we touch. Don’t think about the fact that she’s never had a toe-curling orgasm that wasn’t self-delivered and just how badly I want to change that.

Five dates—that’s it—and then we go our separate ways. At least, that was the plan..

Why am I waiting?

There was a preview chapter of this in Tomboy, which had me go pre-order it. I am very excited about this one.

Teaser Tuesday (21) The Coven: Box Set

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 understand your family had a different plan on how to bring your nieces into our world, and I respect that. But we no longer have that freedom. By the time the twins get here, we’ll have lost a week. We have to bring them in as soon as possible.”

The Coven: The Lost Witch Kindle Location 582

Tennessee telling Cooper that his sisters need to be brought into the mix sooner rather than later is heartbreaking. I wonder why they need the twins so badly.

Teaser Two

"I'm telling you this because I don't want you to be scared about what's happening to you. You can't be with him right now, and I know firsthand how hard it is to be separated from your soulmate. It’s absolute hell. I wanted you to know that he feels the same way you do. He is yours, even if you can’t have him yet.”

The Coven: The Brave Witch Kindle Location 5903

When your momma has to give you some hard truths, sometimes all you can do is cry. Devon handled it well, but I am sure Tegan is still going to hold on to some hurt feelings.

Teaser Three

“I was as shocked as you are, trust me. But when it showed, I knew I had to come here, to take my place in The Coven. I imagine this will be hard for you guys, and I really am sorry. about _________. I didn't choose to replace_____."

The Devil in white.

Interesting. That wildness in his smile made so much more sense now.

The Coven: The Rebel Witch Kindle Location 6441

I have a feeling that Deacon is going to shake things up a little bit. More so than the twins did, if that is possible.