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 dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance.
Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again…
Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….
Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she’s ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.
My Thoughts:
I read this book as a part of the #obsessedbuddyreads Book of the Month for March.
I have read some of Ali Hazelwood’s books and have generally enjoyed them. This book was a welcome surprise in terms of the genre and style of writing. Though this is a romance novel, bringing in Vampyres and Werewolves as well as elements of conflict, corruption, sinister plots makes this a very interesting read.
The author has created characters here who are very different from her usual ones. Having stepped out of the usual, the result is indeed worth reading. The reader steps right into a world where Vampyres, Werewolves and Humans co-exist dealing with treaties and agreements to keep the peace. With Werewolves and Vampyres on the verge of war, what happens when a Vampyre Bride marries the Werewolve’s Alpha? This forms the main thread of the plot that unravels slowly as the story progresses.
I loved reading about Misery Lark and her strong personality, her interactions and decisions as well as her determination. It is inevitable that readers will also fall in love with Lowe Moreland and the connection that he has with Misery. Once the barriers of misunderstanding fall away and they all realize that their goals are aligned, an unexpected truce is formed which paves the way for the rest of this story.
I read this book in almost one sitting, devouring each page until the very end. The author seems to have experimented a little more with her style of writing in this book and it truly brings the reader closer to the characters and the world that she has created. This paranormal romance is truly worth the read and I recommend it to all those who enjoy the mix of genres!
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:
When Charlotte escapes her abusive relationship, she flees in the middle of the night with nothing but the cash in her pocket, and the paper map leading her north to Alaska. She sheds her old self along the way―dying her hair, scrubbing off her fake California tan, pawning all the jewelry her ex, Nate, bought her over the years. None of it was worth anything if she couldn’t stay alive.
Alone in the Alaskan forest, Charlotte feels safe at last. Even if she’s lost. Even if she’s only got a burner phone that lost its last bar miles ago, and even if she missed her turn and can’t find the cabin she was promised by a friend. Tucked into a sleeping bag in the backseat of “Ted”―her ancient 4-Runner―she’s finally living life on her own terms.
But that feeling is short-lived. In the middle of the woods, Charlotte’s attacked, brutally, and unforgivingly―and a lone wolf bites her leg. And it’s a bite that will change her life forever.
My Thoughts:
I received an ARC through NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, W by Wattpad Books in exchange for an honest review.
The Bite is an interesting story set in a world that has both humans and the supernatural. Charlotte, the main protagonist is running from an abusive relationship and goes as far as the Alaskan border to get away. Just as she starts to feel safe, she is attacked in the night and thrust into a world that she did not imagine. Enter in some brooding men and a few who bring life to the group.
I enjoy reading books with supernatural elements to it and this is a good werewolf story. The author even includes vampires and some mentions or hints of other supernatural beings. I enjoyed reading about Charlotte and how she grows as a person. Her story is one of strength and findings herself and she does this in the most unusual circumstances but with a lot of unexpected help. She finds her place among a group of people whom she did not expect to know.
Some parts of the story did confuse me and I did not understand all of the character interactions. Some of the characters were not as well developed as I would have liked and their back stories were not as detailed as they could have been. This made it a little difficult for me to fully get into the story and it took some time to connect with the story and the characters.
However, I am glad that I kept reading the book until the end. I enjoyed it overall and was able to appreciate Charlotte’s journey and everyone who supported her to get there. The story is definitely worth reading and I am looking forward to reading then next book in the series. Fans of the fantasy and supernatural genres and those who love adventure will enjoy this read!
About the Book:
“Fire wasn’t exactly the intended outcome of a water spell, but with me, sadly inevitable.”
Phoebe’s new life as a mage hasn’t had an auspicious start. No matter how hard she tries, her spells fail spectacularly. How is she to impress her boss, Archibald Kane, if she keeps setting her hair on fire?
Her problems with magic become trivial when a night out ends with a dead body. The victim has clearly been killed by a vampire, and the evidence points at Phoebe’s housemate Luca.
The leader of London vampires, Morgan Hunt, is convinced Luca is guilty. To prove his innocence, Phoebe and Luca set out to solve the death. Was the victim random, or has an old enemy of Hunt’s returned? And how are they to find the killer when Hunt has done his best to hide his past?
Phoebe is an expert in unearthing old things, but facing a powerful foe would be easier, if she had a hang of her spellcasting too. Luckily she has magical friends she can count on. And maybe the third spell turns out to be the charm after all.
My Thoughts:
Third Spell’s the Charm is the third book in the series which follows Phoebe and her friends on another magic filled adventure. Following the end of the previous book, Phoebe has now discovered her powers and is trying to learn how to perform some basic spells. However her luck is not so great and things go horribly wrong to the extent that a water spell gives out fire instead. This just adds to the hilarity of the situation making it light hearted and fun to read. With a focus on learning to be a spell caster at a much later age than most, Phoebe is having a difficult time keeping up.
As the story progresses, the focus shifts towards the vampires and Phoebe’s attempt to help her friend and housemate Luca who is accused of killing someone. As Phoebe and her friends come together to solve the mystery, they end up in the most unexpected situations. The main recurring theme of the story is on the strength of the friendship the characters share and the faith they have in one another. There is also the element of mystery and anticipation of things to come that are hidden behind the comedy. Since this is a continuation of the series, it was a pleasure to read about the characters and how they grow through each of the books. Though the plot is a predictable in some places, the story overall is well written and makes for a good read!
This is a quick fun filled read which will have the reader in splits half the time even while there is a mystery to solve! This book and the series is definitely worth a try!
About the Book:
Cross your heart and hope to live.
I should leave them alone and be done with vampires. I finally have my mother back, I’m dating the perfect guy, and I’ve parted ways with Adrian Teresi.
But I have an opportunity to help the hunters and hopefully learn something that could save more humans. Not to mention, I need answers about the venom burning through my veins.
So I go back to The Alabaster Heart to strike another deal with the vampire prince. The game of cat and mouse that follows is expected, and maybe even a little fun, but nothing prepares me for the day that our games end—and the consequences begin.
My Thoughts:
Cruel Stakes picks up where Blood Casino ends. Eva is at odds with what is happening and no longer wants to trust the vampires, especially Adrian Teresi. However, having been bitten, she is driven to find out more regarding her newly heightened senses. In the hope that this information will help with her position among the hunters, Eva once again strikes up a deal with none other than Adrian.
This story was a little less exciting than the first, but it drew me in none the less. There was more action and so much more romance in this book. The author focused a lot on the workings of the vampires giving us a glimpse into their minds. Eva is her usual rebellious self, torn between her long time crush on Felix and her growing attraction to Adrian.
This book shows us some rather negative sides of some of the characters and is filled with some unexpected twists. All this in the end ensures that the reader is in for a BIG shock thus justifying the title and everything that happens in Book 2. There are some unlikely friendships and bonds that form that the reader just wont see coming. This is what I liked most about the book, the elements of surprise which were very well executed!
I am truly excited for and looking forward to Book 3 which I am sure will take us on a big roller coaster ride if these two books are anything to go by!
About the Book:
Keep your cards close and your enemies closer.
At least that’s what my mom always told me. Becoming a vampire hunter was never in my cards, but it is now that she needs my help. A decade ago vampires seized control of the bars, casinos, and the dark underbelly of society. Now they deal in addiction and bargain with blood, and humans over twenty-five can’t fight back against their compulsion. It’s made my mother vulnerable––the only family I have left.
To save her, I’m forced to make a deal with the devil––one who lives above a casino, wears a crown, and wants to drink my blood. Andrianos Teresi may be dangerous and alluring but I’ve got a stake hidden up my sleeve. I’ll go all in and play his game, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
What I don’t expect? The heart that needs guarding is my own.
My Thoughts:
Blood Casino is the first book in a new series by Nina Walker. With a focus on vampires and humans alike, this book bring to us a fresh new take on the supernatural. The story focuses on Evangeline, a human who is dealing with her mother’s gambling addiction. In the city of New Orleans, we are introduced to a world where Vampires live in the open and there are rules to ensure harmony. The vampires own businesses, some which deal with gambling and such in the form of Casinos. When Eva’s mother ends up spending more time in the Casino owned by Adrianos Teresi, it is inevitable that Eva has a run-in with one of the most powerful vampires.
While trying to lead a normal life, take care of her mother and protect her, Eva is torn between the world of vampires and her own. Forced to make a deal to save her mother and at the same time trying to work against the vampires is not easy and this puts Eva in a very difficult position. The author also brings to us slowly developing romances which leads to a lot of intrigue. A love triangle is definitely interesting and one where there is the option between a human and a vampire is even more alluring.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and how the characters are developed. The author does a great job in describing the various relationships in the book and giving us the background of each character. This book is worth the read and ends with a twist, giving an opening for the next book! I am totally looking forward to this!
A huge shoutout to all my readers and fellow bloggers.
I was inspired by other bloggers to post a recap of the books that I read or reviewed during November, 2020 and to highlight my favourite ones. I am hoping to continue this trend and post something similar every month.
I managed to read and review a good number of books last month. I usually do not manage to read so many due to time constraints. Nevertheless, some of them were wonderful and I truly enjoyed all the books!
Books read/reviewed in November 2020:
Finale (Caraval #3) by Stephanie Garber
The most awaited conclusion to the Caraval series, Stephanie Garber brings us a well-crafted ending! This is definitely one of the most talked about series in today’s world!
I thoroughly enjoyed this conclusion and loved the way the author has crafted the plot of the entire series. A well-written fantasy fiction, this series will take the reader on an adventure that is amazing, with colorful characters whom we cannot help but fall in love with! This series is indeed a must-read and is well worth the time spent on it.
Dinosaur Adventure: A Field Trip to Remember by Kelly Santana-Banks
This story can be used as a picture book for younger children and as an interactive learning book for older ones. It is truly well-written and interactive making it a wonderful teaching and learning aid.
Prism (The Color Alchemist #1) by Nina Walker
Prism by author Nina Walker introduces the reader to an intriguing concept of magic and magical abilities and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. The story is well-written and fast paced, keeping the reader hooked until the very end.
337 by M. Jonathan Lee
A wonderfully written novel, the story follows Sam as he goes through the motions of living every day. However, not everything is at it seems, and this is a constant theme running in the background of the plot.
This latest book by the author is a pleasure to read and though it raises many questions that ensure the reader is kept engaged long after finishing the book. This book is a must read!
Vampire Royals (Books 1-3) by Leigh Walker
Overall, this series is fun and enjoyable especially for those who love the idea of vampires and human’s together, though there is not a lot of focus on the supernatural aspect of the characters. The books are short and easy to read. They can each be read in one sitting and are a good stress free read!
Ten Days with a Duke by Erica Ridley
This book is a pleasant and quick read set in the time of Christmas in a rather picturesque village! It is indeed the season of love!
The Guardians of the Halahala by Shatrujeet Nath
A truly fascinating story set during the rule of Samrat Vikramaditya, this book is the first in a series of four books. In this book, the author has taken a tiny part of mythology and merged it with a historical setting to bring us this entertaining plot.
The book pulls you in until the very end as each character’s personality unravels and their dynamics together are established and later shift.
This book is truly a wonderful start to a great series and I cannot wait to read further!
About the Books:
Book 1: The Pageant
Who’s the fairest of them all? Young women from every settlement in the land are being handpicked to enter The Pageant, a beauty contest reminiscent of Miss Universe from the old days. Gwyneth West’s social-climbing mother wants her to compete, by Gwyn isn’t so sure…
The Pageant is government-sponsored. If you’re lucky enough to be chosen, participation is mandatory. Aggressive competition is allowed, even encouraged.
And then there’s the prize… The winner of The Pageant gets a marriage proposal from Dallas Black, otherwise known as The Dark Prince. Dallas is the son of King Black, who won the last world war and now governs the new settlements. The Royal Family is mysterious. Rumor has it they don’t sleep. Rumor has it they eschew the sun. Rumor has it they’re immortal. When Gwyn is thrust into The Pageant, she fights to survive the competitive nature of the other contestants.
But even if wins…can she survive a vampire fiancé?
Book 2: The Gala
FOUR WEEKS. TWENTY CONTESTANTS. ONE PRINCE.
The Pageant is almost over, and Gwyneth West knows she can win—except the prince is a vampire, and some of the other contestants are turning out to be quite beastly.
What do you do when the person you love…might want to eat you alive?
Struggling to hold onto her position in the palace, Gwyn knows her vampire prince could slip through her fingers in an instant. And when human rebels threaten to storm the vampire royals once more, Gwyn finds herself caught between two worlds: her people, and the vampire she loves.
Leigh Walker writes action packed futuristic sci-fi, sweet romantic vampire novels, and stories that capture your heart and then make it race.
Book 3: The Finale
A ROYAL WEDDING IS COMING…BUT WHICH CONTESTANT WILL BE THE BRIDE?
Gwyneth West’s a finalist in The Pageant, the dating competition that’s gripping the settlements. Down to the final week, the dashing Prince Dallas Black will choose one young woman as his fiancé.
One small issue: Gwyneth’s a human and the prince is a vampire. What’s worse? Gwyneth’s family are sworn rebels, out to take back the settlements and overthrow the crown. What’s worse than that? Gwyn’s own rebel brother is a prisoner in the castle dungeons, but the king and queen don’t know his true identity. Gwyneth and Dallas want to show the settlements that vampires and humans can live together in peace. But as their differences threaten to tear them apart, Gwyneth discovers her love puts the prince at risk.
How do you choose between love and duty?
My Thoughts:
This series is very similar to ‘The Selection’ series. However, there are some differences including the fact that the Prince and his family are Vampires. The author starts this off as rumors which are later shown as the truth. The concept of vampires and humans living side by side and co-existing is a strong idea that both the Prince and Gwyn, the heroine of the story, share. The story is indeed fun to read, following the very cliched concept of a competition to find the best suitor for the Prince. However, the idea behind this is to find a way to unite all the settlements and to bring peace while trying to keep the rebel groups at bay.
The synopsis of the story promises aggressive competition, but nothing about the story is aggressive. The story centers on the chemistry between the Prince and Gwyn, giving us only minor glimpses of the interactions with the other contestants. To keep in line with the contest, there are some sections of the story devoted to etiquette training and history of the kingdom and the settlements. However, there is not a lot of character development for the other girls in the story and this takes away from the main theme of the contest.
The story then continues into the two other books, focusing on the Prince’s interaction with the girls, bringing it down to the top four contestants and his relationship with his parents. Each girl is unique in her own way and it is wonderful to read about their rivalries but also about how they come together in the end. We are also provided some insight into Gwyn’s background and her family and her relationship with the King and Queen. The love and understanding that develops between her and the prince is beautiful to read about.
Overall, this series is fun and enjoyable especially for those who love the idea of vampires and human’s together, though there is not a lot of focus on the supernatural aspect of the characters. The books are short and easy to read. They can each be read in one sitting and are a good stress free read!
About the Book:
It’s here! Number one bestselling author Stephenie Meyer makes a triumphant return to the world of Twilight with this highly-anticipated companion; the iconic love story of Bella and Edward told from the vampire’s point of view.
When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.
This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?
In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers and brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love.
My Thoughts:
The much awaited Midnight Sun is here! Being a fan of the Twilight book series, I was quite interested in reading this book. The chance to get a glimpse into Edward’s complex mind and learn about his background and life was too good to pass up.
The book was a pleasant surprise. It sticks to the same story line as Twilight, but we get a complete view of the events that happened prior to Bella arriving in Forks, as well as those that happened after. Edward’s story and his thoughts are intriguing, considering that he thinks of so many things at a time. However, at times, his thoughts get repetitive and this gets a little bit annoying. A lot of the story is written in the style of an internal monologue with dialogue’s thrown in where necessary.
Even though we know the story, the different view point adds a lot of value to the original one, giving us insights into what happened in the background and how the characters ended up where they are. We come to know how the Cullen family found each other and their ideas, emotions, thoughts from Edward’s point of view, as he effortlessly uses his gift. As always, Stephanie Meyer brings to us a well-written novel and takes us back to interact with our favorite characters.
Overall, this story is a good read for fans of the series. Those who have not read the series, you can read this as a standalone, but it would be better to read Twilight first.