About the Book:
The Brothers Finn are back, and this time, they’re going to college.
Someone is turning college coeds into creatures of the night. Even though Gage and Cooper Finn are still on the run—evading both the Roamers and the police—that won’t stop them from going undercover on a college campus to unravel the mystery.
It’s up to the Finn brothers to put an end to this before it’s too late. With their trademark charm and razor-sharp wit, they’ll be sure to make plenty of friends and enemies along the way.
The stakes have never been higher. Get ready for the ultimate college experience—with a supernatural twist.
My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the series and follows the Brothers Finn as they hide from both The Roamers and other supernaturals. The brothers are now dealing with some hard truths and strike out on their own to save others. This leads them to enroll in a college, reaching out to old friends and making new ones.
The showdown from the end of the previous book leads to new enemies and old truths in this new book. We meet a lot of new characters, and the brothers once again face new challenges as they race against the clock to save humans and supernaturals alike.
This book is fast-paced and to the point, a quick read that will ensure the reader is hooked until the very end. This book once again ends on a cliff hanger, setting the context for the next book which I am most definitely looking forward to reading!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
About the Book:
A mysterious murder. A family torn apart. A hunt for answers.
Arrested for their parents’ murder and on the verge of being found guilty, Gage and Cooper Finn, two high school basketball standouts, are aided in a jailbreak. A shadowy organization known as The Roamers recruits the boys to track and hunt down vampires under deep cover so other humans remain as much in the dark about the existence of supernatural beings. Their orders on a new case lead them to an abandoned warehouse and a clue, a young newly-formed female vampire named Jamie, who opens the door to discovering what happened to their parents. It’s a shaky lead, and they don’t know if they should trust the vampire. Things become more dangerous as Gage catches the attention of Sela Winters, the daughter of the leader of The Roamers. Sela’s connections give them access to files that threaten to divide Gage and Cooper as they split up to solve this mystery – if betrayal doesn’t sink its fangs into them first.
Will the brothers find answers before they turn on each other?
My Thoughts:
The Brothers Finn is the first book in the series that follows Gage and Cooper as they navigate being the main suspects in their parents’ murders. Though the story starts abruptly with a sudden shift in timeline after the first chapter, the rest of the story keeps pace and draws the reader right in.
There are hunters on one side, known as The Roamers, who secretly hunt down vampires, thus keeping their existence a secret from the humans. As Gage and Cooper navigate this world, they also try to find out who was responsible for the murder of their parents.
Readers are drawn into a world where the supernatural live among humans but are not known. The relationship between the brothers is strong despite their clear character differences and this makes it all the more interesting to read about their journey. Each one has their own opinion and approaches things differently. The other characters in the story only add to the main plot and thus we have a fast-paced engaging read, with the main characters being forced to re-think all they have known and perhaps even make friends with a vampire.
I really enjoyed reading this book and meeting all the characters and am definitely looking forward to more of their adventures!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
About the Book:
The fourth and final book in the bestselling Blood of a Fae series…
“I see forever with you by my side. Because long after these scars have faded away to nothing, I’ll still be standing beside you. You and I? We’re eternal.”
Beware the dread curse of Three…
In the aftermath of the war between Pendrath and its neighbors, peace has finally come to Camelot. But for Morgan Le Fay and her friends, the calm is short-lived. A storm grows on the horizon. As a terrible evil that has been waiting hundreds of years begins to sweep through the land, Morgan and Draven must race to the aid of their allies, leaving their youngest and most vulnerable new family member in the care of trusted friends.
The sword, the spear, the grail’s mystery…
As the tide of war takes them across kingdoms and into greater peril, Morgan and Draven embark on a quest to destroy the three objects of untold power–the grail, the sword, and the spear. Together, the pair will find answers to questions lost in the mists of time. Answers to questions so terrible, they never even thought to ask.
Blood calls to blood, the dark shall rise,
Forged by the gods under sacred skies.
For the love between these bonded mates is not just an everlasting one forged in blood.
You might even call it divine.
My Thoughts:
This is the final book in the series and honestly, I did not want the story to end. I couldn’t imagine a world without Morgan, Draven, the Exmoors and everyone else in their circle.
“There is darkness in all of our souls. But there is also light. Just because the darkness threatens doesn’t mean the light won’t win out in the end.”
The author makes realistic, though heart-breaking, decisions when it comes to character deaths which play important roles in the plot advancement as well as development of the central characters. Their grief, trauma, heart-break, love for one another all drive their actions as well as the need to save the people of Camelot and it’s neighboring places.
This book sets the stage for Morgan’s final quest to destroy the grail, the sword and the spear through which she discovers truths not only about herself, but her family and her origins. As she moves to confront this truth, it’s a race against time to save the people she loves. The finale though slightly predictable, is very well executed and provides the much needed closure to this beautiful series!
We all need the kind of love Morgan and Draven have. This can be felt from this one quote: “Be everything you truly are. That’s all I’ll ever ask of you, my silver one.”
With this concludes my journey through Blood of a Fae, a series that I highly recommend for fans of retellings of legends with magic, romance and adventure all wrapped up in one!
About the Book:
Sometimes destiny is written. Hers was concealed.
When Cate travels from Oregon to university in England, she expects her gravest dilemma to be finding coffee instead of tea, but she’s got bigger problems—much bigger. At Staton University, nothing is quite what it seems. Even her own identity. Unbeknownst to Cate, a prophecy deems her as destined to defeat a ruthless enemy in a magical land, placing a target squarely on her back. Now, someone on campus is stalking her, and a narrow escape sends her through a mysterious portal, assisted by two irresistible boys. Yet the fantastical new world is even more treacherous with rival kingdoms and imminent war. Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan, but what’s a girl to do? A fresh start was all she wanted—a few new friends in the dorms with a trusty latte in hand—not war, an estranged biological father who is king, or a star-crossed love straight out of Romeo and Juliet (hopefully without the dying part). As the battle looms, Cate must solve the mystery of the prophecy and decide who in her circle is trustworthy before the place she now calls home is destroyed.
Don’t miss this new Young Adult Romantic Fantasy from debut author SK Horton that’s like Alice in Wonderland meets Love and Gelato. Featuring swoon-worthy romance, court intrigue, backstabbing villains and so much mor, it’s perfect for fans of Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood, Lauren Roberts’ Powerless, and lovers of all things romantasy!
My Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A huge thanks to BookSirens and the author for the advance copy!
Book Release Date: June 11, 2024
The story follows Cate as she travels to London to attend university. She hopes to settle down and make friends and have a typical university experience. Little does she know that not everything is as it seems and things are going to change for her, very quickly.
It took me some time to get into the story as it was confusing at the start. It was not very clear what the author wanted to show and how the characters fit into the story. The character development is slow and at times it felt as though they did not have any depth. However, as the story progresses, we come to know more about the characters, how they fit into the story and then it all makes sense.
AS Cate discovers her powers and tries to learn how to use them, she is also in the middle of an unexpected love triangle and hiding from her father (someone she did not know existed until then) for as long as she can manage. At times, her every thought is of her foster family and the love she has for them, which is something I really liked.
The story then progresses well and the plot, though a little predictable, is quite enjoyable to read. I enjoyed reading this book in the end and, though it is a one time read for me, I think it was worth it. I do look forward to reading more books by the author.
About the Book:
What happens when the boy you crushed on in high school—the one who crushed your heart—turns up 6 years later…and he needs your help?
Natalie Henderson was that girl in high school. The invisible one lost in her books; going unnoticed in the hallways. Until he paid her attention. Matthew Barkly was that boy in high school. The star of the soccer team and all-round Mr Popular, and he’d started noticing her. Under the guise of studying together, Natalie was swept into his spotlight and started believing that perhaps she wasn’t invisible after all. But turns out…it was all a lie.
Six years later, Natalie is taking her first steps into adulthood. Leaving behind the shy, awkward girl from high school and embracing her new role as a nurse in a busy hospital, she has everything carefully planned out. Until her one and only crush comes barrelling back into her life, disrupting everything.
Matthew is a national soccer hero and has the world at his feet. He’s also wondering if any of it—fame, attention, money—is worth it. And then he sees her again. The one he always wanted, the one he can’t forget. Grasping at any opportunity to spend time with her; he begs Natalie to pretend to be his girlfriend to help fix his playboy image. Unbelievably, she agrees to play along, and soon the lines between what’s fake and what’s real are blurred and all those long-forgotten feelings are flaring back to life.
But as Natalie navigates the pitfalls of fame and media attention that follow ‘dating’ a celebrity sports star, will the distrust and uncertainty from their past stand in the way of them becoming something more in the present? Or will Natalie have the courage to believe that Matthew could possibly notice her…for real this time?
Find out in this delightful celebrity romantic comedy with a splash of fake dating and no third act breakup. Noticing Natalie is a closed-door romance that will make your heart swoon with steamy kisses and has no explicit content.
My Thoughts:
Happy Publication Day to Noticing Natalie and author Belinda Mary!
I loved this novella! There are no other words for it. It is sweet, funny and full of warmth. The book is a quick read and follows Natalie and Matthew as their story comes to light both in the present and the past. Natalie and Matthew meet in high school, develop a sweet friendship that’s leading to more when a misunderstanding pulls them apart.
Fast forward six years, circumstances bring them back face to face and as they discover that their feelings for each other never changed, perhaps they have a second chance after all. This novella has all the tropes that one could want in a sweet romance right from second chances to fake dating, friends to more and no 3rd act breakup.
Matthew is sweet and patient which I admire and his feelings for Natalie are genuine. Natalie on the other hand is one of those girls who truly doesn’t know how beautiful she is inside and out and is finally discovering her confidence in herself. As the two characters grow together we are in for a swoon-worthy romance.
I was fortunate enough to be a part of the eARC team for the author and I am grateful for the opportunity to read this prequel to the Love Always series, a series whose characters I adore.
Dear readers! If you haven’t read the Love Always series, don’t hesitate to pick up the books or even add them to your TBRs! They are truly worth reading!
About the Book:
Before the men of myth and legend, there was Otrera, first Queen of the Amazons.
It wasn’t until the prince’s blood coated Otrera’s hands that she realized she’d sentenced herself to death. In her darkest hour, Artemis offers her a second chance at life and freedom. But in return the goddess commands unwavering loyalty and sends her on a formidable quest.
Joined by women who swiftly become sisters along the way, Otrera’s journey is tangled by prophecy and unexpected discoveries, and she is faced with a decision that will alter her life forever.
Fleeing from men and monsters alike, Otrera and her companions travel across Ancient Greece in search of what was promised. Each day she learns more about herself and the dangers of her world. Yet the closer she gets to fulfilling her quest, the further Otrera drifts from her pledge to Artemis.
Pursued by a vengeful king and his relentless champion, Otrera discovers how far she’ll go to keep her sisters safe. But nothing, not even a divine weapon, can protect her from the wrath of the gods.
So begins the story of the tribe feared by heroes and kings alike.
My Thoughts:
I generally enjoy mythological retellings and the premise of this story intrigued me. The story follows Otrera, a slave who escapes from unwanted advances by a prince and is forced to go on the run. She is blessed by Artemis with some special powers and we follow her journey as she grows from a demure person into a strong warrior, fiercely protective of her friends and the people she comes to consider her family.
The premise of the story was quite interesting, but I found the plot to be quite slow and at some stages I could not fully understand what was going on. The actions of the characters were not clear and it was hard to connect with them at times.
However, I like the fact that the characters were strong female characters who were there for each other through the ups and downs. There were some meaningful themes touched upon through the story that stood out. The ending was abrupt but will leave the reader wondering what happens next. Overall, this was a good debut attempt by the author and I am grateful for the opportunity to have read the book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
About the Book:
“And so at last, you reveal what it is you want from me. My story. The answer is no.”
“I’ve saved your life twice by now. You owe me, and you can’t run from me here.”
There are some things you can’t escape.
In a first-class aircraft cabin, on a red-eye flight from Singapore to Europe, sit two extraordinary passengers. They’re on the run. And they’re both vampires.
Cheng’s origins reach back to ancient China, while Henry is a vampire who can thrive in the day. For all intents and purposes, they are enemies. Despite the chasm that separates them, they share a tragic connection rooted in the past, a connection which resulted in her becoming his people’s most dreaded adversary.
A chain of events has thrown them together and in return for saving her life, Henry wants her story.
What did Cheng do to make his people hate her so much? How far will she go to redeem herself? How many people will she entangle in the process?
And who is hunting them both?
The is the tale of her origins, told in midflight, vampire to vampire.
I came across the author’s eARC reading campaign on Instagram and was instantly drawn to the book by the premise. I quite enjoy reading about the supernatural and this book teased at something different in the genre. Vampire’s sharing their story during a flight! I was intrigued to say the least and joined the team to read and review this book!
I am grateful to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book blew me away from the start. The narrative is smooth and flows so well that the reader doesn’t pause even when it shifts from person to person, past and present but almost always told in first person. This is a story of origins, friends and enemies, love and honor among other things. Though slow to start, the story picks up pace towards the middle and gets more and more interesting as it unfolds with layers of Chinese history interspersed with the narrative.
There are multiple plot lines in this story and the author weaves them together seamlessly, without giving away anything very easily. It is a slow burn novel that takes time to unravel, drawing the reader in and ensuring that the attention of the reader is on the characters at all times. I was wholly invested in Cheng and curious to know her story. This is also a book that deals with a identity crisis, addressing the questions of ‘Who am I?’; ‘Who do I want to be?’ Cheng goes through so much in her life with friends, love, and makes a whole lot of enemies up until a point where when she does good, it is not always seen in the same light.
Henry was an interesting character to pit against Cheng, striking wits right from the very beginning. His angle and interest were not always clear but as the story progresses, it is easy to see how important he is to this entire story. This story is told as a conversation between Cheng and Henry in the present with narrations of the past from Cheng’s point of view. There are some 3rd person POVs (very limited) to add some more perspective to the story telling.
I truly fell in love with each of the characters as well as their journeys. If this is how the origins are presented, I am truly looking forward to reading more about the characters and the events that unfold.
About the Book:
Mikaela Kadono is bummed when her parents move the family to a creepy, old, fixer-upper house, leaving behind her friends, school and familiar neighborhood. But things quickly look up when she meets her new neighbor, George, who invites her to join a cool club called Drone Legends. Little does Mikaela know that this will be the first step in a life-changing adventure!
On The Drone Legends very first mission, a nearly tragic accident brings a mysterious, talking AI drone into their lives. But was it really an accident? And who created this drone that seems to be far beyond any available technology? As they search for answers, Mikaela discovers that the old house her parents bought holds a secret – a cryptic message from the past, hidden in riddles and codes. With the help of her new friends, they embark on a quest to solve the mystery, which takes them on a perilous journey from adventure on the high seas to secret tunnels deep beneath the ground.
The team applies science, math, cutting-edge technology and old-fashioned gadgets as they solve the clues and battle a mysterious foe who always seems to be one step ahead. The closer they get to solving the mystery, the more it seems that the messages were left specifically for them. But how would someone living a century earlier know that Mikaela and her friends would even exist? And what role is this strange, intelligent drone playing? Is it a friend, or part of a conspiracy to change the course of history?
It’s a nail-biting adventure full of twists and turns, as Mikaela and her friends race against time to stop an evil plot to take over the world. Are they following their destiny, or are they in over their heads? The fate of world and future of humanity hangs in the balance.
My Thoughts:
The Rise of the Legends is a joy to read! Filled with adventure, lots of twists and turns and a world of gadgets Mikaela and her friends will fascinate everyone who reads about them.
The story is well-written and easy to follow. The science behind everything is explained very well making it quite simple and relatable as well as easy to understand and follow. The author focuses on strong friendships, learning to face adverse situations and helping one another. Everything is not black and white in life and thus it is necessary to understand another person’s situation/circumstance before judging them. Mikaela teaches us this through her interactions with the different characters.
All the characters are a pleasure to read about and though at times it feels unbelievable that these children know so much, I think that if we have an interest to learn, age is no barrier. The book is the start to the series and sets the pace and tone for the rest to come! I am looking forward to reading about the Legends and their future adventures!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
About the Book:
Forty-eight hours to find her passion. Seven days to find his way back on stage. One chance to take a risk on love.
If Fran doesn’t nail this audition for a major TV role, she’s officially done as an actress. She just needs to tap into her inner seductress… who doesn’t seem to exist.
Enter stage right: Jae-seung.
To Fran, he’s just her landlord’s ridiculously hot nephew, helping her rehearse. To the rest of the world, Jae-seung is lead singer of global sensation, JYNKS – and he’s missing in action.
Together, they embark on an international journey of discovery: Fran, to track down her estranged mother and unlock her tightly guarded heart; Jae-seung, to continue (reluctantly) with his tour rehearsals. The chemistry between them is off the charts. But Jae-seung’s life is in South Korea, under strict contracts and constant scrutiny. Would a fling unleash Fran’s passion, or break the heart she’s learning to open?
A fast-paced, forbidden romance for fans of Helen Hoang, Lindsey Kelk and Ali Hazelwood.
My Thoughts:
Still Unwritten is indeed a fast-paced romance that follows Fran and Jae-seung’s journey of finding each other, opening up themselves to the possibilities in front of them and just accepting love.
I loved how the story flowed with soft promises of healing and happiness. The author explores the other side of the music industry in South Korea, bringing out the discipline and routine maintained to achieve the perfection that is seen outside. This was quite interesting and at times difficult to read about as we discover Jae-seung’s insecurities, vulnerabilities and what is most beautiful is how he learns to grow from it. In this respect, his connection with Fran and their journey together to find her mother helps him to heal in some ways.
I also enjoyed reading about Fran’s journey and though her story was a sad one, her eventual acceptance of it and healing is wonderful. The author does not gloss over the emotions of the characters. She takes time to explore them and bring them to the forefront, helping the characters to express themselves. Through their journey, she gives insight that might help readers who identify with those emotions.
The story is set across different cities in the world and the reader will feel as if they are in each place with the characters as they explore both the places and their thoughts. This is also a story of healing, finding oneself, as well as what starts out as a forbidden romance and turns into something else entirely. In the end, this is a love story that deserves mention and to be told.
About the Book:
What happens when a handsome but stuffy, old-money bachelor with no people skills spends a night in Las Vegas with a shy marketing exec in the midst of a quarter-life crisis?
A black-eye in the shape of a dildo for starters.
Thomas Moore is known for being a grump with a condescending attitude and no sense of humor. He’s also known for being the golden-boy heir a luxury department store empire and one of the best-looking billionaire bachelors around.
When his family implodes, his top priority becomes reconnecting with his estranged siblings. Which currently entails being best man in his younger brother’s Elvis-themed wedding in Las Vegas, a concept that this modern-day Mr. Darcy loathes.
Recently promoted marketing manager Alice Truman should be celebrating her successful career change. Instead, after a lifetime of foster-care hard knocks, she’s thrust into insta-caregiver mode when her foster sister cuts town, leaving behind her ailing father and five-year-old daughter.
With new bills mounting daily, Alice needs her job more than ever. So when her boss, who’s marrying into the Moore family, invites her to be a bridesmaid in their crazy Sin City wedding, saying no is not an option.
At least everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?
Not exactly.
When Thomas and Alice wake up after a night of drinking their troubles away in the hotel bar, they find they have a whole new set of ball-and-chain consequences to drag home to New York.
My Thoughts:
Anyone But the Boss is a quick romantic comedy read. This is the second book in the series by the author but can be read as a standalone as I have come to understand. However, there are some references to many of the characters who appear in the story as well as context for the main character that would have made better sense if I’d read the first book.
The story follows Thomas and Alice, two people who come from very different worlds but supposedly have very traumatic or unhappy pasts. The first half of the story focuses on how they meet and then becomes a race to showcase each of their lives. This was a little rushed in my opinion and honestly, some of the humor in the first half did not work for me.
The second half of the story was much better and though the story is predictable, I loved reading about Thomas’s interactions with Alice’s six-year-old niece. As the characters further interact and grow, the story becomes rather sweet and ends on a good note. I have to mention the supporting characters who add so much life to this story and provide an interesting perspective to Thomas’s life. Overall, this is a decent one time read.
Note: I was provided with an eARC thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and the author. The above review is my honest opinion of the book.