Waiting on Wednesday (5) Of Curses and Kisses

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 New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi comes the first novel in a brand-new series set at an elite international boarding school, that’s a contemporary spin on Beauty and the Beast.

Will the princess save the beast?

For Princess Jaya Rao, nothing is more important than family. When the loathsome Emerson clan steps up their centuries-old feud to target Jaya’s little sister, nothing will keep Jaya from exacting her revenge. Then Jaya finds out she’ll be attending the same elite boarding school as Grey Emerson, and it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. She knows what she must do: Make Grey fall in love with her and break his heart. But much to Jaya’s annoyance, Grey’s brooding demeanor and lupine blue eyes have drawn her in. There’s simply no way she and her sworn enemy could find their fairy-tale ending…right?

His Lordship Grey Emerson is a misanthrope. Thanks to an ancient curse by a Rao matriarch, Grey knows he’s doomed once he turns eighteen. Sequestered away in the mountains at St. Rosetta’s International Academy, he’s lived an isolated existence—until Jaya Rao bursts into his life, but he can't shake the feeling that she’s hiding something. Something that might just have to do with the rose-shaped ruby pendant around her neck…

As the stars conspire to keep them apart, Jaya and Grey grapple with questions of love, loyalty, and whether it’s possible to write your own happy ending. 

Why am I waiting?

A re-telling of Beauty and the Beast...was there any doubt that I would be waiting on this one? Plus, it is an academy book. Yeah it has my name all over it.

Teaser Tuesday (4) Zodiac Academy: Shadow Princess

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

“Because if the things I’ve read about Phoenixes are true - even half true - then the two of you could be more powerful than any Fae who has walked the earth in the last millennia."

Zodiac Academy: Shadow Princess Kindle Location 163

I would listen to Orion if I were you girls.  He knows his stuff.

Teaser Two

“Yes. I’m afraid the scallywag will just have to accept I hit it and quit it. No need to go riding the same horse again, there are plenty more fillies to break in.”

Zodiac Academy: Shadow Princess Kindle Location 953

Geraldine has got to be one of the most delightful characters ever written.  She makes me laugh every time she is on the page.

Teaser Three

“He asked me to get close to you and your sister. He wants information, but I’ve never given him anything of any importance. I didn’t expect to like you both and I…I never thought of you as anything more than a friend."

Zodiac Academy: Shadow Princess Kindle Location 2072

Diego is up to something.  I don't trust him and I wish that the girls didn't either.

Book Trailer Saturday (4) A Crystal of Time

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...

In this fifth instalment in Soman Chainani's New York Times bestselling fantasy series, The School for Good and Evil, Sophie, Agatha, and their friends must find a way to overthrow the sinister evil that twists lies into the truth and seeks to rewrite their story.

A false king has claimed the throne of Camelot, sentenced Tedros to death, and forced Sophie to be his queen. Only Agatha manages to escape.

Now Agatha and the students at the School for Good and Evil must find a way to restore Tedros to his throne and save Camelot . . . before all of their fairy tales come to a lethal end.

Review: The Secret Witch

Author Chandelle LaVaun 

Format e-book 

Print Length 411 pages 

Publisher Wanderlost Publishing 

Published Nov. 21, 2019 

All magic has a price… 

But what it cost me can never be given back. 

So I'll have to settle for vengeance. 

Don’t miss the epic finale for The Coven: Academy Magic in The Secret Witch. The problems for this sharp-witted heroine and swoon-worthy hero are only getting crazier. Fans of The Mortal Instruments, Twilight, or Harry Potter will love Chandelle LaVaun’s brand new urban fantasy series!

My Opinion 

This is the final book in season two, Bettina’s season. As such there may be spoilers from the previous five books. This was my favorite series of 2019- my favorite characters and my favorite OTPing that wasn’t a pair. The Fallen Witch gutted me, The Wild Witch broke my heart, The Frozen Witch destroyed me. Consider yourself warned. 

This one picks up literally right where The Frozen Witch ends. Bettina is fully aware, Jackson knows nothing and Joseph is a pain in the butt. I mean can’t a gal get at least an hour to find her soulmate? Guessing by Joseph attacks the answer is no. 

Jackson’s reaction to his soulmate showing up is priceless. It was all that that I hoped it could be and more. Bettina’s reaction to Tennessee’s inner turmoil is shocking, more to her than the reader. Literally, all is explained on that front and the explanation is going to blow your mind. Bits and pieces from season one and previous books in this season that were left hanging are tied up into a nice little bow. 

The romance portion of this one will leave you swooning with happiness. All couples in this book bring out the feels. Some of them will be feelings of giddiness, others of great sadness. The characters are on an emotional rollercoaster and they bring you along for the ride. Siblings, cousins, soulmates, friends- doesn’t matter- they are dragging your heart through the wringer in a good way most of the time. 

Questions from season one are finally answered- Tennessee’s dreams are finally explained. As are some of the colors of the soulmate glyph. Hope really wasn’t lost. Yet still more questions remain- What is going on with Saffie? Will the new Tower card ever come out of her coma? Who is the girl that Jackson had to find, and why is she important? Was Joseph acting alone or with someone else? Plus, what was his endgame? Thankfully, season three is releasing this year to answer some of those questions. 

The Secret Witch was the perfect ending for Bettina’s story. Yes, you go on an emotional rollercoaster. One that is action packed with little room to catch your breathe. Be prepared to read this one in one sitting- regardless of the time that you start the book. It really was worth the wait. I cannot shout this enough- if you haven’t read this series you need to. Start with season one though and you will become as obsessed as I am. 

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote “I’m sorry I’m late,” she whispered. 

Other People 

Lennox- Bettina’s roomie 

Tegan- The High Priestess, Bettina’s bestie 

Cooper- Tegan’s brother, The Star 

Ellis- shadowboy

Waiting on Wednesday (4) Loud Mouth

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.

I never meant to say a word, not one single word.

But I did.

Now everyone knows that Ice Knights hockey star Ian Petrov’s best friend and fellow player is actually his half brother— hello hockey Hall of Famer dad who couldn’t keep his jeans zipped.

That wouldn’t be such a big deal if Ian had known. He didn’t and boy howdy is he pissed. And who is he most mad at? Oh yeah, sure he’s upset with his dad and former best friend/brother from another mother but most of all he’s irate with me. It’s definitely a case of hating the messenger.

And what could make it worse? How about the two of us being trapped together in a remote cabin after a massive blizzard. Neither of us can leave. Just us, the snow, his resentment, and OMG sexual tension so thick it would take a snowplow to break through it.

Oh God, I’ve got to get out of here before I do something even dumber than I’ve already done and kiss the sexy, snarly grump with his misplaced anger and perfect pecs. That would be the worst, the absolute worst. That’s why I’m not going to do it. Nope. Really. So why can’t I stop imagining what it will be like?

Why am I waiting?

This series is hilarious! Each of these couples go through so much and it is their own fault. Yet, it's cute and fun as well. Plus, hockey.

Tuesday Teaser (3) Valley of Truth and Denial

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

“Remember, Savvy.” He pulls away with a whisper. “I need you to remember.”

Valley of Truth and Denial Kindle Location 13%

What does he need her to remember? Why can't she remember? Do they know each other somehow?

Teaser Two

You remembered everything. A week later, you looked right through me. You had no idea who I was. Someone got to you. Someone . . . messed with your memories of me and of that night.”

Valley of Truth and Denial Kindle Location 32%

For the love of all that is holy what did she remember?

Teaser Three

“It’s you. As long as you continue to place yourself near Savannah, her life will be in danger. You must realize that you are the target. Not her.”

Valley of Truth and Denial Kindle Location 61%

Well, if he is putting her in danger, shouldn't he leave?

Book Trailer Saturday (3) Lady Smoke

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 sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller that was "made for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Sabaa Tahir" ( Bustle ), Lady Smoke is an epic new fantasy about a throne cruelly stolen and a girl who must fight to take it back for her people.

The Kaiser murdered Theodosia's mother, the Fire Queen, when Theo was only six. He took Theo's country and kept her prisoner, crowning her Ash Princess--a pet to toy with and humiliate for ten long years. That era has ended. The Kaiser thought his prisoner weak and defenseless. He didn't realize that a sharp mind is the deadliest weapon.

Theo no longer wears a crown of ashes. She has taken back her rightful title, and a hostage--Prinz Soren. But her people remain enslaved under the Kaiser's rule, and now she is thousands of miles away from them and her throne.

To get them back, she will need an army. Only, securing an army means she must trust her aunt, the dreaded pirate Dragonsbane. And according to Dragonsbane, an army can only be produced if Theo takes a husband. Something an Astrean Queen has never done.

Theo knows that freedom comes at a price, but she is determined to find a way to save her country without losing herself.

Review: Fury Frayed (Of Fates and Furies)

Author Melissa Haag 

Format e-book 

Print Length 308 pages 

Publisher Shattered Glass Publishing LLC 

Published Jan. 23, 2018 

Megan’s temper lands her in Girderon Academy, an exclusive school founded in a town of misfit supernatural creatures. It’s the one place she should be able to fit in, but she can’t. Instead, she itches to punch the smug sheriff in his face, pull the hair from a pack of territorial blondes, and kiss the smile off the shy boy’s face. Unfortunately, she can’t do any of that, either, because humans are dying and all clues point to her.

With Megan’s temper flaring, time to find the real killer and clear her name is running out. As much as she wants to return to her own life, she needs to embrace who and what she is. It’s the only way to find and punish the creature responsible. 

My Opinion 

Every once in a while you come across a new author with a book cover that looks interesting. Then you click on it to read the blurb. Maybe you even read a few reviews just in case you are still interested. Then you click on the look inside button-if you haven’t figured it out yet, I am looking at them on amazon. You start reading and when you get to the end of the sneak peek chapter/chapters you have to one-click to find out what happens next. This is one of those cases. 

Megan grew up in the human world, where she was constantly getting into fights. She gets suspended again and her momma decides that it is time to move. They drive through the night, to Uttira, the town seems normal and the new house needs a little work but she has seen worse. When she wakes up her momma is gone- having down all the responsible parenting stuff that ones does before leaving their only child to fend for themselves. 

Things get weird, her first day of school showing her just how out of her comfort zone she truly is. Megan is a fun character to watch- she never does what is expected. She is okay with being a loner, she is in touch with her inner self and she actually likes herself. Unusual for a YA book, but there you have it. She embraces life and even if she gets suckered punched she still handles it well. 

At the beginning there looks to be two love interest for her, Fenris and Oanen. Both shifters, one a wolf and the other a griffin. Both hot, both alpha males but one gets friend zone fairly early on. One comes with a lot of overbearing protective vibes the other with a harem of gals vying for his attention. 

As this is a new book in a new series, there is a lot of details about the world that we are stepping in. Sometimes those details overshadow the mystery of who the killer is or character development. Regardless, I liked the details and the world came to life for me. 

This one was a fun paranormal romance to read. Megan can hold her own and in the end there was no love triangle “praise the author for this decision.” It does not end in a cliffhanger- which is another fabulous surprise. Overall, I enjoyed reading it and since the next book in the series was already out I could continue with Megan’s journal of paranormal discoveries. 

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote “You’re adorable, and that is my favorite rejection, by far.” 

Other People 

Fenris- shifter 

Oanen- shifter 

Eliana- succubus, Megan’s new bestie 

Aubrey- shifter, mean girl

Waiting on Wednesday (3) Zodiac Academy 5: Cursed 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 Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

After the devastating events at Zodiac Academy, we have to deal with this darker world we're faced with.

Lionel seeks to hurt us, the Nymphs seek to hurt the entire Fae race, and between all of it, we just have to try and survive each day as it comes.

I'm afraid of everything falling apart, but it looks like it already has.

Why am I waiting?

So I realize that book four came out on Monday. That ending though! How does a book end with two cliffhangers? I need answers!

Teaser Tuesday (2) Fury Frayed

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 issues have issues. I’m more likely to spontaneously hit you than kiss you. Hanging out like this, although really awesome for me, is just going to cause you more trouble.”

Fury Frayed page 102

I am not too sure Fenris will care about the trouble. Just saying Megan is pretty awesome.

Teaser Two

“Your ignorance is a gift. By not knowing what you are, you don’t have to conform. You don’t need to be what everyone thinks you should be. You decide for yourself who you want to be. So stop whining about what you don’t know and focus on what you do.”

Fury Frayed page 131

When someone lectures you and all you want to do is throat punch them.

Teaser Three

Oanen’s hands slid up to my shoulders until his fingertips brushed my collarbones, and his thumbs rested on each side of my spine. The heat of his touch bled into my skin, and I shivered subtly.

Fury Frayed page 142

Man that is one way to get outta a fight. Oanen sure does care if Megan gets hurt...wonder why?

Book Trailer Saturday (2) City of Ghost

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...

Cassidy Blake's parents are The Inspecters, a (somewhat inept) ghost-hunting team. But Cass herself can REALLY see ghosts. In fact, her best friend, Jacob, just happens to be one.

When The Inspecters head to ultra-haunted Edinburgh, Scotland, for their new TV show, Cass—and Jacob—come along. In Scotland, Cass is surrounded by ghosts, not all of them friendly. Then she meets Lara, a girl who can also see the dead. But Lara tells Cassidy that as an In-betweener, their job is to send ghosts permanently beyond the Veil. Cass isn't sure about her new mission, but she does know the sinister Red Raven haunting the city doesn't belong in her world. Cassidy's powers will draw her into an epic fight that stretches through the worlds of the living and the dead, in order to save herself.

Waiting on Wednesday (2) The Uptown Witch

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.

Run an entire school for magic. No pressure, right?

Wrong.

It’s all pressure. Nothing but pressure.

The rest of my Coven got to go home and relax. All I want to do after the last few months is to sit on my couch, eat a whole box of cookies, and binge watch mindless feel-good movies. But apparently that is not on my to-do list.

To top it all off…it’s Christmas season. In Manhattan. And I get to host the Yule Ball for all of Eden. Every witch and shifter in the world has been invited...to show off our new School of Magical Arts. Now I just have to make sure we're ready for the world.

But right...no pressure. NBD.

Why am I waiting?

Ummm this is one of my all time favorite series- the fact that it is broken up into sifferent season is amazing and if you read the Christmas Epilogue at the end of The Secret Witch then you know the questions I have....They need answers man, they need answers.