Book Trailer Saturday (35) There Will Come a Darkness

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...

The Age of Darkness approaches.

Five lives stand in its way.

Who will stop it... or unleash it? 

For generations, the Seven Prophets guided humanity. Using their visions of the future, they ended wars and united nations―until the day, one hundred years ago, when the Prophets disappeared.

All they left behind was one final, secret prophecy, foretelling an Age of Darkness and the birth of a new Prophet who could be the world’s salvation . . . or the cause of its destruction. As chaos takes hold, five souls are set on a collision course:

A prince exiled from his kingdom.

A ruthless killer known as the Pale Hand.

A once-faithful leader torn between his duty and his heart. 

A reckless gambler with the power to find anything or anyone.

And a dying girl on the verge of giving up.

One of them―or all of them―could break the world. Will they be savior or destroyer? Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Children of Blood and Bone, and An Ember in the Ashes.

Teaser Tuesday (35) Wolf Born (Lunar Academy, Year One)

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

My wolf growled. “But nothing happened.” 

“Would it matter if it did? You don’t seem to understand that what I do, say, or feel is none of your business.”

Wolf Born Kindle Location 791

Dang Nadia just went all macho gal on the alpha male in the house. Her standing up to him is pretty awesome. Wonder how Ryan is going to react....

Teaser Two

"She thinks she can use your supposed interest in me to help recruit you.” 

“My supposed interest in you?” 

“Yes. I know how ridiculous that is.” 

“What’s ridiculous? Me being into you, or her using it to recruit me?”

“Both.”

“Well, the first part is't ridiculous. The second part is."

Wolf Born Kindle Location 1121

Look are Ryan laying all his cards out on the table for Nadia to see. Wonder if she is picking up what he is point down.

Teaser Three

“Well, my family has always been one step behind, you know?” He swirled the ice in his glass. 

“Yes, I know.” The one step behind description was pretty darn accurate. 

“Well, being Ryan’s best friend gives me a chance to change that.” 

Wolf Born Kindle Location 1606

Kinda sounds like Finn is Ryan's bestie for all the wrong reasons. Does he even really like his best friend? Poor Ryan!

Review: Sapphire Flames

Author Ilona Andrews 

Format e-ARC 

Print Length 352 

Publisher Avon 

Published August 27, 2019 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrew comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart. 

My Opinion 

I received a free copy of Sapphire Flames from Avon through Net Galley. This in no way influenced my review which is honest and unbiased. 

If I were you, and I had this one on pre-order- I would take tomorrow off from work. It is that good! A whole day spent with Catalina and Alessandro is well worth it. This is the fourth book in the Hidden Legacy fantasy series, although some are calling it a spin-off since Nevada is not the main character. There was a novella, Diamond Fire, that helped to bridge the way of switching the focus from Nevada. It is now Catalina’s turn and girl does she do it right. Gone is the meek teenager and in its place is a young lady who is well aware of her power. 

It has been three years since she has been under the tutelage Mrs. Rogan. Her mannerisms are sharper, with more intent. She is more calculated in all that she does as she should be. Now the head of House Baylor, she also runs the family business. The House of Baylor’s grace period is about to be up and the stakes are high. Will the established Houses leave them alone or come guns a blazing? 

Catalina’s growth from the beginning of the series as a secondary character to know has been entertaining to say the least. The innocent, naive teenager is no more. She goes head to head with more than one person of power. Handling them like a pro. She has always been careful but girl can make the tough decisions when she has to. One of those decisions was heartbreaking, and I wonder how it will manifest when the time comes. She has always protected the world from her magic, being a Siren cannot be easy. I just wonder who is going to protect her when the time comes. 

We kinda meet Alessandro when Catalina was tested as a Prime. I hope you didn’t blink because he was in and out so fast that you may have missed him. He was portrayed as a bit of playboy yet I am guessing that he is hiding a lot. I think he is going to get along great with Leon for obvious reasons. He has hidden talents, and a revenge arch that needs to be watched closely. Instead of a playboy I feel like we got a new James Bond. Mostly, his feelings as he keeps showing up to protect Catallina- even though they aren’t dating. Although their banter almost seems like they are a married couple. 

All the secondary characters are there what we know and love. Speaking of love what is up with Momma Baylor and a certain military man? Augustine is hanging around.  Arabella is as feisty as ever and Leon gots jokes for days. You will laugh with them and be astonished with them. It is almost like their family is our family. Linus is so secreative that it is a wonder that he even let's Alessandro near any of the the Baylor.  Evil granny makes an appearance.

Which I guess is why I felt so at home with this world, the new focus made the series exciting again. The different threads that were spun trapped me in my favorite reading chair until I was done. I am currently biting at the bit to see what happens next. What caused Alessandro to do what he did in the end? Does someone else come after House of Baylor? More importantly though, what is Linus up too?  I am a little worried about Bern staying in the Hut of Evil for so long but hey I get it, everyone wants to escape reality every once and a while.

This one is high stakes action from the start. That coupled with the tension between Alessandro and Catalina and you got the makings of a great story. This couple is so vastly different from Nevada and Rogan that I couldn't help but be amazed that I liked them just as much as I did the previous couple. I cannot get enough of this series and I am so looking forward to the next book. 

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote Failure is the best teacher, and fear is the best motivator. 

Other People 

Grandma Frida- Catalina’s granny 

Arabella- Catalina’s sister 

Linus Duncan- House of Baylor sponsor 

Bug- wizard at technology, works for Rogan 

Runa- Catalina’s friend

Book Trailer Saturday (34) The Merciful Crow

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 future chieftain

Fie abides by one rule: look after your own. Her Crow caste of undertakers and mercy-killers takes more abuse than coin, but when they’re called to collect royal dead, she’s hoping they’ll find the payout of a lifetime.

A fugitive prince

When Crown Prince Jasimir turns out to have faked his death, Fie’s ready to cut her losses—and perhaps his throat. But he offers a wager that she can’t refuse: protect him from a ruthless queen, and he’ll protect the Crows when he reigns.

A too-cunning bodyguard

Hawk warrior Tavin has always put Jas’s life before his, magically assuming the prince’s appearance and shadowing his every step. But what happens when Tavin begins to want something to call his own?

Waiting on Wednesday (34) Five Dark Fates

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 we're eagerly anticipating.

After the battle with Katharine, the rebellion lies in tatters. Jules’s legion curse has been unbound, leaving her out of her mind and unfit to rule. Arsinoe must find a cure, even as the responsibility of stopping the ravaging mist rests heavy on her shoulders, and her shoulders alone. Mirabella has disappeared. 

Queen Katharine’s rule over Fennbirn remains intact—for now. But her attack on the rebellion exacted a high price: her beloved Pietyr. Without him, who can she rely upon when Mirabella arrives, seemingly under a banner of truce? As oldest and youngest circle each other, and Katharine begins to yearn for the closeness that Mirabella and Arsinoe share, the dead queens hiss caution—Mirabella is not to be trusted. 

In this conclusion to the Three Dark Crowns series, three dark sisters will rise to fight as the secrets of Fennbirn’s history are laid bare. Allegiances will shift. Bonds will be tested, and some broken forever.

The fate of the island lies in the hands of its queens.

Why I am waiting?

I really liked the Anna series by this author. I have been wanting to try this series, yet something held me back. I think it was fear that it would get canceled like other in the same genre. This is the last book in the series. Once it is published this blogger will binge read it. So excited.

Teaser Tuesday (34) A Pack of Vows and Tears

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

“Gift?” I yelped, cutting off Frank. “The theft of our freewill isn’t a gift. If anything, it’s a curse! Clearly, neither August or I want this.” 

August’s gaze zipped off the fridge and landed on me.

 My pulse throbbed everywhere. “Right, August?”

 After a beat, he said, “Right.”

 A Pack of Vows and Tears Kindle Location 184

I wonder if August really thinks it's a curse?  I am guessing he sees it more as a blessing.

Teaser Two

“And I know I’ve probably overstayed my welcome and doled out too much unwanted advice, but I know August. He’s like a brother to me too, and even though he’s quiet ’bout his feelings, he broke up with Sienna the minute you walked back into his life. And if I’m not mistaken, you guys weren’t linked yet.”

 “Their breakup had nothing to do with me.” 

“If it makes you sleep better at night.”

 A Pack of Vows and Tears Kindle Location 2644

Matt (August's best friend) telling it like it is.  Ness just isn't willing to listen, yes I want to shake her.  At least Matt is strong enough to resist the urge.

Teaser Three

“And just so we’re clear, I don’t find you inferior. You’re too smart, persistent, and distractingly beautiful to be inferior. But that’s how you’d win a battle. You might punch hard and at the right place, but your fists have nothing on”—his gaze fused to mine—“you.”

 A Pack of Vows and Tears Kindle Location 3085

I promise if she falls for this-I will throw my kindle.  Yes, my beloved kindle.  Come on, Ness, he is playing you.

Book Trailer Saturday (33) Serpent & Dove

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...

Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.

Let's Discuss.... When everyone else is on a Team and you are alone.

Sometimes in a book readers world there is a pairing that you can completely understand. Other times there is a pairing where you are like.... uummm.... huh? Sometimes you don't like either choice. 

Couple that I adored: Aiden and Alex

He is a rule follower, she kinda breaks them.

“Ever since I’ve met you, I’ve wanted to break every rule.” Aiden turned away, the muscles in his neck tensing. He sighed. “You’ll become the centre of someone’s world one day. And he’ll be the luckiest son of a bitch on this earth.” 

~Pure

Aiden protected her even when it was the last thing he wanted to do.

“I'd never hated myself more than at that moment. But it was for the best, because a love between us would only end in tragedy and she already had her fair share of that.”

~ Pure

Even the god of war Apollo is rooting for him.

Aiden is a good guy. He will always put you first, above all else. But I am pretty sure he will get overprotective at some point.” Apollo shrugged while I stared, open-mouthed, at him. “You will just have to set him straight.”

~Diety

He supported her and gave her the space she needed to be her.

“He was there. Like always, holding me up when I couldn’t’ stand and letting me go when he knew I needed him to. He was more than just a shelter. Aiden was my other half, my equal.” 

~Apollyon

Aiden never once held Alex back. He was always there for her, pushing her, cheering her one and loving her. This next couple is really a love triangle of epic portions for some. For me it fell way short of love or romance.

Couple that I didn't care for: Katniss/ Peeta/Gale

Peeta is accepting of her confusing act.

"Then how much? No, forget that. I guess the real question is what's going to be left when we get home?" he says.

"I don't know. The closer we get to District Twelve, the more confused I get," I say. He waits, for further explanation, but none's forthcoming.

"Well, let me know when you work it out," he says, and the pain in his voice is palpable.”

~The Hunger Games

Katniss' confusion is real.

“I can’t help comparing what I have with Gale to what I’m pretending to have with Peeta. How I never question Gale’s motives while I do nothing but doubt the latter’s. It’s not a fair comparison really. Gale and I were thrown together by a mutual need to survive. Peeta and I know the other’s survival means our own death. How do you sidestep that? 

~The Hunger Games

Gale always thinking of himself.

“I'd begun to think that he'd given up on me in the weeks that had passed. Or that he no longer cared about me. Hated me even. And the idea of losing him forever, my best friend, the only person I'd ever trusted with my secrets, was so painful I couldn't stand it.” 

~Catching Fire

What is worse is that Peeta knows.

“My family. My mother. My sister. And my pretend cousin Gale. But Peeta’s intention is clear. That Gale really is my family, or will be one day, if I live. That I’ll marry him.” 

~ Catching Fire

Then Peeta wasn't Peeta.

“What about Gale?"

"He's not a bad kisser either," I say shortly. 

"And it was okay with both of us? You kissing the other?" He asks. 

"No. It wasn't okay with either of you. But I wasn't asking your permission," I tell him. 

Peeta laughs again, coldly, dismissively. "Well, you're a piece of work, aren't you?”

~Mockingjay

Both guys just wait for her to decide.

"I wonder how she'll make up her mind."

"Oh, that I do know." I can just catch Gale's last words through the layer of fur. "Katniss will pick whoever she thinks she can't survive without.”

~Mockingjay

A lot of people fell into one of two teams: Team Peeta or Team Gale I was not one of them. I just don't get how she can choose either of them. Which one fought for her? Which one said honey, you are stringing us along and you just need to decide? Which one they were worthy of her? After all she went through, she needed therapy way more than a boyfriend.

So is there a team or couple that you know people are rooting for but you are standing around thinking for real? Why? 

Waiting on Wednesday (33) Serpent & Dove

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.

Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.

Why I am waiting?

I love stories about deal with witches and for a long time the publishing world has kinda turned a blind eye to them. So I am excited that there are more coming out this year from major publishing houses. This one sees right up my alley.

Teaser Tuesday (33) Broken Legacy

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

“There are two things I need you to remember, Butterfly,” he said softly. “One: Catherine is going to pay for what she has done. In every way possible, she will regret the day she hurt you.”

Broken Legacy Kindle Location 399

Bet you are wondering what the second thing he wanted her to remember is. I like Beck, can't help it. Even when he is a jerk, I like him.

Teaser Two

“Catherine needs the vote to go her way,” he said. “Check your board members. She thinks she has the votes to get Huntley in, and if that happens, they’re going to kill you all.”

Broken Legacy Kindle Location 440

What does Catherine have one the elders? Why is she after the heirs? What is her end game?

Teaser Three

“You’re nothing but a loose-legged homewrecking murderer. Beck will use you up and throw you aside and the rest of us will be there to laugh when it happens.”

Broken Legacy Kindle Location 1642

Ummm... who's home is she wrecking? Why do girls always try to tear down other girls?

Book Trailer Saturday (32) Dark Illusion

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 mage and a warrior must see beyond their facades and embrace the bond that links their souls in this powerful Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

At any other time, Julija Brennan would find solace in the quiet of the Sierra Mountains, but now the mage is in the race of her life. Having broken free from her controlling family, Julija's attempts to warn the Carpathians of the coming threat has failed and put a target on her back—and those who hunt her are close behind... 

After centuries locked away in a monastery in the Carpathian Mountains, Isai Florea can't believe he's finally found his lifemate—the missing half of his soul. The second he sees Julija his world blazes with color. But despite their explosive connection Julija rebels against what she sees as Isai's intent to control her and rejects the bond that would prevent him from becoming a monster. 

As their unfulfilled bond continues to call to them both, Julija and Isai aim to complete the task that brought them together. They are used to facing danger alone, but now the mage and the ancient warrior must learn how to rely on each other in order to stop a plot that threatens all Carpathians...

My Blog Name in Books 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. Of course, I saw this one over on Jessica's blog a GREAT read and had to try it. She got it from Captivated Reader, who found it on The Butterfly Reader blog. 

The Rules

Spell out your blog’s name. Find a book from your TBR that begins with each letter. 

You cannot add to your TBR to complete this challenge – the books must already be on your Goodreads TBR... 

I tried to avoid using books that started with The or A, and of course no repeat authors.

T- Trust in Me by J. Lynn

H- Hunting Season by Shelly Laurenston

E- Eyes on Me by Rachel Harris

R- Remember Yesterday by Pintip Dunn

E- Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger

A- Announcing Trouble by Amy Fellner Dominy

D- Descent by Tara Fuller

I- I'll Always Love You by Ella Quinn

N- Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet

G- Grimm Consequences by Kate SeRine

C- Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep

A- Almost Midnight by C.C. Hunter

V- Violet Grenade by Victoria Scott

E- Enigma by Tonya Kuper

Waiting on Wednesday (32) Wicked Omen

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.

There’s no such thing as magic

Most orphans grow up in foster homes not penthouse suites on the Upper East Side. Everyone always tells me how lucky I am. I know they’re right, and I am grateful…but I don’t belong here. It all feels so…empty.

In the pit of my stomach I know there has to be more to the world than this. The money, the spoiled rich life doesn’t feel like my own. Darkness lingers all around me and I feel it’s draw. It sings to me like a siren’s song and I’ve lost the willpower to ignore it.

And then he shows up. His name is Beckett Dust, and he’s infuriating. Drop dead gorgeous, but he makes my blood boil. He tells me of a secret world hiding in plain sight, one of magic and power. He paints a pretty picture of a life I’d always dreamed of then takes me to a magical academy to train for a war I have to fight. I’m surrounded by people who want me to fail and he is nowhere to be found.

I’m in over my head and now… they want to use me as a weapon.

Why am I waiting?

I read her Royals series, binge read it really and liked it a lot.  Of course, it does help that it is an academy book with Warlocks.

Teaser Tuesday (32) A Witch In Time

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

“My father insisted that coffee was the first thing I learn to make, after water.” 

“Oh. My. God.” Julianna’s eyes widened as she took in a whiff of the rich aroma. “You can make coffee?” She took a sip of the liquid and let out a sigh. “Marry me, Cross. Right now.”

A Witch In Time Kindle Location 730

All I got to say is back off Julianna- Cross belongs with DeeDee. I will go down with this ship!

Teaser Two

While the thought of Elise surrounded by a gaggle of beaux vying for attention made him feel like he’d been punched in the gut, the distaste in her voice made Reed’s anger lessen.

A Witch In Time Kindle Location 1076

Why does Reed care? Does he have feelings for her that he doesn't want to admit to?

Teaser Three

“Elise, I didn’t mean it that way.” He raked his fingers through his damp hair. “And I doubt you’ll be able to keep out of my way.”

A Witch In Time Kindle Location 2008

I doubt he truly wants her to stay away.

Where have I been?

So so sorry y'all!  A weird storm took out our internet for a few days!  I am back and will be posting regularly again tomorrow.