Thursday, January 31, 2019

Come Fine Me by Megan Miranda


4 Stars!!


This was crazy different and a lot of fun to read. 


In Come Find Me, we follow MC's Kennedy and Nolan. Two teenagers-both whom which have experienced great tragedy, find themselves drawn together by a strange signal. Together, they try to find the source of the mysterious signal. 


The more they try to find it, the more clues they find things that seem to connect their pasts. The signal seems to be for them alone, something only they both can understand. Who is out there? Is something coming for them? Or is the frequency warning them about something that's already here? 


I was totally not expecting something with a Stranger things vibe to it, but it has that vibe- in a small way which added so much more to the story. 


I really liked Kennedy, she was brave and strong willed. She has dealt with a lot of pain in her life but that wont stop her from getting answers. Nolan is dealing with the same thing. Both characters, as they work together- experience a good bit of growth. Each one was there for one another and only made the other stronger. 

I had no idea where this book was headed and I spent half the book scratching my head. I like when a mystery/thriller ends up stumping me. I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome and totally recommend it!



Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater


4 Stars!! 


“It was the first time I'd really realized I'd lost my soul and that the beauty of not having a soul was that you couldn't seem to care that you no longer had one.” 

Another series in the books! I love Maggie Stiefvater :P Her writing is so simple, yet complex and the depth expressed in this book was excellent!!

Sinner, is the last book in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series. Its all about my two favorite characters- Isabel and Cole. I could relate to them so much more than Grace and Sam. They are just more my cup of tea. You know, the dark characters with hella messed up past, YEAH- I feel that! This one was not really like the rest of the series. Its not a stand alone but its just different and I loved it. 

I like that we get to really see into what makes these characters tick and what they are really struggling with. I really appreciate the way the author wrote about addiction and how it really can grip a person and the struggles that they face- even when sober. It was done extremely well, especially for it being a YA book. I recommend this series as a whole- mainly for these two characters. They brought a realness to the series. Something raw and not fairy-tale perfect. This was an excellent ending!!
 

Monday, January 28, 2019

Remember me Forever (Lovely Vicious 3) by Sara Wolf



4 Stars!! 


“Sometimes when life kicks you in the ass, you have to kick it back. In the nuts. With steel-toed boots. Essentially, if someone, anyone, kicks you, it is very mature to take the high-road and not kick them back. But it’s not fun. And I’m all about fun. One hundred percent fun. One fundred percent.” 

What a fantastic ending to this SUPER FUN series! As a whole I absolutely loved each book. They are witty, yet pack a punch to your heart. I loved all the characters, but my favorite would be Isis. She would totally be someone I would want to call my friend. The dialogue in these books is fabulous. Along with the plot and pacing- I can not recommend them enough!! I was so happy to see things come together in this last one! All my questions were answered and I got my HEA- so my heart is back on track!!

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Forget me Always (Lovely Vicious 2) by Sara Wolf



5 Stars! 



“The sadness will last forever. And I think he was right, but I also think he was very, very wrong. It doesn’t last forever. Because we don’t last forever.” 

Ooof- 

This series is hitting me hard. The struggles and heart-wrenching-ness of it all.. I FEEL IT. And it hurts a bit. These books are SO MUCH FUN but also, sad and pack a punch. There is so much wisdom flying around in the pages, its almost therapeutic, in a crazy way. 

In this book we get to know Jack a little more. Book 1 was mainly about Isis. We dive deeper into his realm and get to know why hes the way he is, and what makes him tick. I loved the interactions between him and Isis. I have zero clue what is in store for them, and I am on pins and needles waiting to find out. 

The cliffhanger was predictable, but still a shock if that makes sense- I could feel it coming but was yelling at the book trying to get the words to disappear from the page.. so that it would not happen. But obviously that was a waste of breath because, said cliffhanger, happens anyway... I'm sad there is only one book left I'm going to miss all these characters so much!! Except Nameless- I think everyone who reads this will agree.. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE! I need him to burn!! 
 

Love me Never (Lovely Vicious 1) by, Sara Wolf



5 Stars!! 



“Sometimes, we can’t do the things we want to do for ourselves. Sometimes we wait for someone else to do them. You can’t always wait like that. You have to seek out change on your own.” 

Isis hasn't fell in love in over 3 years. Because of what happened last time, she has no plan to ever do it again. Since then, she has lost weight, changed her hair, and moved to Ohio to help her mom with a bad relationship.

Enter Jack Hunter. AKA the Ice Prince. Everyone at school wants him but he doesn't give anyone the time of day. Hes been spotted downtown with older women. He never gives high school girls a second glance- that is until Isis punches him in the face. GAME ON. 

I was not expecting to like this as much as I did!! This is just the book I needed to get out of a bit of a book slump. I had a huge book hangover and this pulled me right out of it. 

Isis is sooo annoying but hilarious at the same time. She is clever and calculated but she also has some really deep hurts she needs to deal with. Jack has a HUGE secret too and Isis is determined to find out what it is and win this war between them. I loved their banter and the sarcasm in this book is over the top, but oh so glorious. 

“Come! Come sit by me. It’s a nice bench. Nice and lovely on the butt.” “You’re drunk.” “Yeah, and you’re ugly, but do I complain about it? No! Because I don’t complain about things that I can’t change. That’s called intelligence.” 

The plot was well thought out and the dialogue is probably one of the best I have ever read. Its so unique and different. There is no insta-love.

Isis and Jacks relationship builds over many obstacles. And Jack is an ass throughout the whole book, and pretty much stays that way.. but it works. It also deals with a lot of dark and heavy issues and really draws you in. I could not put this book down. 

That ending though-

The cliffhanger was freaking devastating yet at the same time, EPIC. I just love Sara Wolf and her ability to plug me into her worlds. I immediately had to pick up book 2 and I'm almost done with it as well! RTC for that soon! Totally recommend !!!



Book Review I The Quiet You Carry by, Nikki Barthelmess




4 Binge Worthy Stars!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟

“None of us can understand what’s going on in another person’s life from the outside looking in. No one can really see the quiet you carry, unless you let them.”

**Thank you to NetGalley for providing this arc for preview!! **

Everyone has that something that they deal with, that they carry alone.... unless they choose to let others in. This book was not easy to read, but one that NEEDS- to be read. It was hauntingly beautiful and heartbreaking. Its one of those books that may not be for you but you can tell, its written in a way, that it was meant for someone.

In the Quiet you Carry, we follow main character Victoria, who goes through something awful and gets put into Foster Care. She suffers from PTSD and has to learn how to grow, move on and deal with what has happened to her. As her life is thrown into chaos- we get to see how she manages the changes. Victoria's character growth, throughout the book was amazing to read. The author did a fabulous job telling this very empowering story of life in the foster care system. If you're looking for a book that takes all your emotions and throws them into a tailspin- one that grips you and your heartstrings...from the very first chapter- I totally recommend this one!!!

Friday, January 25, 2019

Nice Dragons Finish Last by, Rachel Aaron



3 stars !!

“Why are mortals always so eager to declare things impossible, anyway? It’s not like things do or don’t exist just because you say so.” 

Julius likes to sit in his room and play video games. His mother thinks that his a failure at being a dragon, so she puts a curse on him that keeps him in his human form. She has also banished him to the DFZ- a place where dragons are killed on the spot. His mother wants him to prove himself as a dragon, or else she will kill him. He is swept away on an assignment, which includes some very hot headed, and colorful siblings. Before he goes on his little quest, he meets Marcy who is a powerful Mage. She thinks Julius just has a curse and no clue that he is a dragon. Somehow, she gets drawn into this adventure along side Julius. 

I picked this up because - DUH DRAGONS


This book was FUN! It was like a tiny little geek fest too - full of gamer references and tech talk. I don't usually enjoy urban fantasy, but this one, I must admit -was so much fun. The characters were so different with distinct personalities. Julius has some brothers who are involved in his quest- and they are absolutely hilarious. I loved the family aspect and their banter with one another. 

Nice Dragons Finish Last was action packed from the start. The pace was perfect and there weren't really any dull moments. It moves fast, and goes by pretty quickly at right under 300 pages. If you're looking for an urban fantasy that is silly and fun a little different from the norm- Id totally recommend this one! 

Saga Volume 7 by, Brian K Vaughan



3.5 stars!! 

WHAT WAS THAT ENDING???? This volume wasn't as good as the others to me for some reason. I still enjoyed it though, for the most part. This series is so weirdly addicting. I cant believe I have held on for this long because it really is low key disturbing. LOL- I'm so glad the Robot dude is changing because I was SOOO done with him.. Hopefully he will continue to do so. But volume 7 almost made me cry and I don't like all these feels. Everything is about to come to an end! Only a few left...

Thursday, January 24, 2019

The Lost Sisters by, Holly Black



3 Stars!! 

So... this is not really what I was expecting.. This only showed me how Boldness is not viewed the same by everyone.. CLEARLY- Taryn has ISSUES. This was just full of excuses and showed what kind of a person she really is. Maybe its a little nugget for The Wicked King- I don't know but this was just kind of a pointless read to me. I mean we already knew she was heartless. It did make me THAT MUCH MORE ready for The Wicked King though!! So there is that :P 

Book Review I The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air) by, Holly Black

5 WICKED Stars!!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

“Pain makes you strong, Madoc once told me, making me lift a sword again and again. Get used to the weight.”

DUDE!! Let me just take a minute to give a bow to Holly Black the QUEEN of my life right now...


OH MY GOSH!! I feel like a teenager about to explode. This book was everything I needed and much- MUCH more.


Nothing is ever what it seems... or is it? These books are TOTAL book crack!!



Can someone make a GIF of Book Crack please?? K Thanks. Moving on... I have no idea how I am supposed to wait for book 3- its insanity.

I would just like to start off by saying that... Cardan is SAVAGE and WICKED and I am 100% head over heels in LOVE with his character.


The playing field for this game has just gone up about a gazillion notches and its a BEAUTIFUL thing.

I love how this book is not focused on the romance. BUT- the romance in this book is my absolute favorite type. The enemy- behind closed doors type of trope. The kind where there is so much happening that the times the romance comes into play - I turn into a teenage fangirl.



I was on the edge of my seat for most of this book. The scheming and manipulation was so brilliant- I am left feeling slightly manipulated myself. The plot is so good and the world building continues to grow, the pace obviously is at rapid speed and I could hardly believe it was over when it ended.

Jude- Dude, Boo Boo... its time to level up in the next book. I am here for you. We are in this together.


I need my ship to set sail though, I will go down with it.. PLEASE Black- do not let us down. Please forgive me- This review was mainly my 15 year old self resurfacing, to FREAK OUT. Its all I've got at this point. That cliffhanger- OMG someone please slap me, I need to shut up and go to sleep- BUT I also need book 3 in my hands like yesterday. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Only a Breath Apart by, Katie McGarry


4 Stars!! 


“Pain is what makes you grow, it’s what makes you mature, it’s what helps lead you to the path you are meant to be on. If everything is good all the time, there would never be change.” 

It wouldn't be a Katie McGarry book, if at some point, my heart didn't explode all over the floor! Mission accomplished Dear McGarry! 


Only a Breath Apart was a beautiful, emotional rollercoaster. This book was jammed packed with hard topics and it was done brilliantly. The topic of abuse was handled with such care, and consideration of the reader. The author understands her characters, and writes them so raw and full of flaws- which makes them real and honest. It also had an undercurrent of magical realism which was unique and different for this author. 

We follow Jesse- who thinks, and has been told all his life that he is cursed. (he has red hair and I couldn't help but think of KJ) 

If he leaves his family land, something bad will happen, because of the generations of his past. He is no stranger to tragedy. And Scarlett- on the outside she looks like she has everything together... but what is going on in the inside is a dark mystery to everyone around her. Both are dealing with hard issues with major consequences. 

I loved everything about this book. It made me feel all the feelings in the emotion rainbow. I wanted to jump into the book a few times and knock some sense into certain people. I like when books make me feel along with the characters. 

Only a Breath Apart, to me- was full of depth. A story about forgiveness and overcoming tragedy. As well as love and hope. I for one, could not put it down. I think this is some of McGarrys best writing yet. If you're looking for a deep emotional connection with characters and a HAE-I totally recommend this one!
 

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

The Last Time I Lied by, Riley Sager


4 Stars!! 

“Everything is a game, Em. Whether you know it or not. Which means that sometimes a lie is more than just a lie. Sometimes it's the only way to win.” 

What a thrilling little ride this was, suspenseful until the very last word. In, The Last Time I Lied, we follow MC Emma, who went to summer camp when she was 13- and 3 girls go missing while she is there. The case was never solved. 

Fast Forward 15 years, and Emma is an artist who just cant seem to shake her past. The owner of the camp comes to personally invite her back for the reopening of the camp. She asks Emma to teach art. Emma hesitantly decides to go, hoping to find some closure. 

The story alternates from Present and Past POV. I was absolutely consumed by this book. It took up my whole day- every time I had a chance I was floating right back into the story. The setting of the book was creepy and the atmosphere was perfectly drawn. 



The plot was fantastic - pacing, down right addicting. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, I would get thrown into a totally different direction. 



The author did an excellent job of throwing me off my "who done it" trail. The back story was just as enthralling as the main plot. None of my theories came to pass and that my friends - makes for a good mystery! The Last Time I Lied, was a gripping and intoxicating story. I totally recommend!

Monday, January 21, 2019

Let the Sky Fall by, Shannon Messenger


3 Stars!! 


“The wind is a part of who I am, and when I expose my heart to it, I feel it calling me home” 

This is a classic Ya read - filled with lots of action, angst, romance and charm. Audra is a slythe/wind walker/elemental. Ever since Vanes parents died in a storm when he was little, she has been in charge of looking after him. The catch is, he doesn't know she's been watching over him all this time. All he can remember from that dreadful day, is a girl with long dark hair, the one who keeps showing up in his dreams. 

Audra was a strong character, who is willing to do anything to protect Vane. Vane is such a fun character. He's super funny and charming and has no clue about the supernatural things going on around him or the war that is brewing. Though I liked the characters, I didn't really connect with them fully. They were just ok. The story, writing, plot was also decent just nothing GREAT about it. It was an enjoyable read and it had its moments where it reminded me a little bit of Avatar- the last air bender. If you're looking for a fun YA fantasy without a ton of depth, and a quick read - I would recommend it!

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Here There are Monsters by, Amelinda Berube




3 stars! 


"What is it with you guys and the end of the world?" I asked. "Its just interesting," William said. "Like, everyone has to show their true colors. Everyone knows who they really are at the end of the world. No more bullshit." 

Here There Are Monsters was gripping from the very start. This was a story about how easy it can be to get wrapped up in your own fantasy, and have trouble deciphering what's real and what's not. How nightmares can become reality if you allow yourself to go there. 

Skye is the older sister to Deirdre who likes to make everything a fantasy land. As Skye gets older, she realizes she doesn't want to play the games Deirdre plays anymore. One day something happens to Deirdre and Skyes race to find her begins. 

This book reminded me a lot of a messed up version of Bridge to Terabithia. That's the best way I can sort of describe it. The story was creepy and dark. We follow MC Skye as she tests her limits of reality. The plot was a little confusing especially towards the end. The pacing was good, but the climax failed to deliver fully for me. It was still decent and I enjoyed the read, I guess for as engaged as I was- when the time came for a reveal - I was scratching my head a little. With that being said, I was still impressed by the authors ability to hold my attention and her writing was simple and smooth. Overall I think people will enjoy this if they are looking for something fast paced with a Creepy Atmosphere. 

**Special thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review** 

Saga Volume 6 by, Brian K Vaughan



4 Stars!!! 


“I mean I know diversity is an overused word these days, but without it, what would we be?” 

Another one in the books! Still highly addictive and amazing. It’s so good even the details of the characters over the course of the books, and timeline- you can notice their older features and weight difference. It’s bloody brilliant! It wouldn’t matter if you followed the story.. the illustrations are so unique and detailed enough that it holds its own in this series. Few more to go! Not looking forward to this wild ride ending :(

Book Review I Kill the Queen(Crown of Shards #1) by, Jennifer Estep



5 Stars!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


“Summer queens are fine and fair, with pretty ribbons and flowers in their hair. Winter queens are cold and hard, with frosted crowns made of icy shards.”

This was my very first Jennifer Estep book- But it will not be my last! I'm a FAN! I don't know what I was expecting with this book. I knew the Game of Thrones Comparison was a reach...and other than that, I had no idea what this book was about other than seeing it around on Goodreads. So- if you haven't read it- go into it blind because that made it even better!! PS- Its not really anything like GOT except for maybe one aspect- a fight for a throne.

Let me see if I can peak your interest... There are Women Gladiators



Shapeshifting Ogres



AND Elemental magic


The plot, though not original really, was steady- and always action packed . Esteps storytelling is addictive and unique. The pacing and world building obviously worked, and held my interest. The elemental magic aspects of her characters are unique, fun and engaging. I really liked Everleigh - she was dealt a terrible hand but overcame. I loved seeing her character growth throughout the book. I don't want to say much more because it really was fun reading it without expectations- I never wanted this book to end. I absolutely recommend Kill the Queen if you're looking for an action packed, addictive fantasy read!

Saturday, January 19, 2019

The Hating Game by, Sally Thorne


5 Stars!!! 


“I have a theory. Hating someone feels disturbingly similar to being in love with them. I've had a lot of time to compare love and hate, and these are my observations. Love and hate are visceral. Your stomach twists at the thought of that person. The heart in your chest beats heavy and bright, nearly visible through your flesh and clothes. Your appetite and sleep are schredded. Every interaction spikes your blood with adrenaline, and you're in the brink of fight or flight. Your body is barely under your control. You're consumed, and it scares you. Both love and hate are mirror versions of the same game - and you háve to win. Why? Your heart and your ego. Trust me, I should know.” 

WHY DID YOU WAIT SO LONG TO READ THIS BRITTANY?!?!


Seriously, maybe I was in need of a good rom-com I don't know but yall…. I loved this one!! It was slow burning, savage, angsty, funny and such a fun read!! 



I absolutely adored Lucy. She was such a dork... but in a good way. Josh was a hard nut to crack but a joy to read, because obviously you know where things are headed. The plot was amazing- making all their work days into some type of game just to be able to put up with one another. It made the banter unique and different right from the start. This is definitely a book I could see myself re-reading in the future over and over again. 5 Stars all the way around!! KUDOS to Thorne!

Friday, January 18, 2019

Bring me Back by, B. A. Paris


4 Stars!!

Finn and his girlfriend Layla, are on their way home from a trip in France when he pulls into a secluded, dark area late at night to use the bathroom. When Finn returns to the car Layla is nowhere to be found! 

Fast forward 12 years and Finn has finally decided to move on, now in a relationship with Layla’s sister Ellen, and they’re living happily together in a cute little village. Strange things start to happen, and then Finn gets contacted by someone claiming to be Layla. He and Ellen both start to receive Russian dolls that hold a special significance, but what? 

I waited a while to read this one, because of the low reviews, I was nervous. I have read Behind Closed Doors and everyone seemed to be comparing this one to her previous book. Honestly- I forgot what even happened in that book even though I enjoyed it. Maybe that's why I was able to gobble this one up without judgement. The beginning of the book hooked me and I stayed glued all the way to the end. 

The characters were ok- but the plot, to me was fabulous. I am usually good at guessing the outcome- I was so sure I had it figured out, until I didn't! That made it a wonderful little surprise. It was entertaining and thrilling- I felt like I was going to lose my mind if I didn't figure out what was happening and fast! I totally recommend people read this for themselves and come to their on conclusions!
 

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Sometimes I lie by, Alice Feeney


4 Stars!! 


“Little girls are different from little boys: they’re made of sugar and spice and scar for life. I’ve still got my scars. Just because they’re on the inside doesn’t mean they’re not there.” 

Try to imagine being stuck in a coma and hearing everything going on around you. But you cant move all you can do is lay there, while life moves on around you. Thrilling- and full of suspense- Sometimes I lie, did not disappoint. It scared me, it twisted my brain and gave me all the feels that great psychological thriller should! 

The book alternates between present day, (MC-Amber in a coma) to a week prior, the build up to Amber being in a coma, and 1992, a series of diaries. The twists and turns were raw and so creepy-I couldn't help but turn the pages to see what would happen next. Not to mention the nursery rhymes that are repeated all through out the book- if the story doesn't mess with your brain, the songs will for sure. I totally recommend this one if you like good psychological thrillers that get you thinking with an amazing twist!

Repeat by, Kylie Scott



3 Stars!! 



Mysterious, Second chance romance. This was pretty enjoyable. I liked the characters, and the plot. I will say that it all felt a little rushed, especially the ending. I had a lot of questions while reading it, but I guess they just weren't meant to be answered since the MC does have amnesia after all- and that is what the whole book revolves around. Overall, It was a decent read, but I wish it would have been a little bit more realistic.

Saga Volume 5 by, Brian K Vaughan



4 Stars!!! 


And the “saga”, that is Saga... continues!!! Another great installment to this crazy addictive graphic novel series! Action packed, you have no time to be bored- with twists and turns after every flip of the page. I can’t help but be invested at this point!! Volume 5 is in the books! Bring on # 6.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater



2.5 Stars!!

“Mutual, respectful, enduring love is completely attainable as long as you swear you won't settle for less.” 

Beautiful writing as always!! But I feel like something happened with this book. It ends so abruptly that I am left feeling at a loss. An extreme loss. I am glad that I found out there is one more book in this series- otherwise I would be like WHAT THE HECK?!?! I did not find this one to be as engaging as the first two. With the second one being so action packed, I just knew this one would go out with a bang- sadly it didn't. 

At this point, I find Grace and Sam to be incredibly boring - and I only looked forward to Isabel and Coles POVs. So the one thing I am very excited to know is that the next book is all about Cole and Isabel- or else I would probably be done.