Don't miss out on this amazing 'A Heart So Fierce and Broken' Preorder Promotion!
#Cursebreakers
Monday, July 22, 2019
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
‘The Last Hope’ (The Raging Ones #2) by Krista Ritchie and Becca Ritchie
4.5
stars - Futuristic, sci-fi YA novel with amazing friendships/relationships.
Book
Blurb:
“A
stunning conclusion to the sci-fi romance duology by writing duo Krista &
Becca Ritchie, The Last Hope is filled with twists and turns you'll
never see coming.
Sacrifice
all you have to survive.
Imprisoned
for weeks on an enemy starcraft, Franny, Court, and Mykal have sat with an
unfathomable revelation. But as they fight to stay alive, escaping prison means
trusting a young mysterious stranger. He knows everything about their lost
histories, and when answers aren’t given freely, the bonded trio are forced to
join a mission. One that will determine the fate of humanity.
Legend
says, a baby—the first of her species—has the power to cloak and teleport
planets. Tasked with retrieving the infant, Court fears the baby is just a
myth, and if they fail, they’ll never find the truth about their origins.
As
Court and Mykal grow closer, their linked bond becomes harder to hide, and
dynamics change when Franny begins to fall for someone new. Vulnerable and with
no choice, the hunt for the baby sends the trio on a dangerous path to
Saltare-1: a water world where their enemies can’t die and survival comes at a
high cost.”
Review:
‘The
Last Hope’ is the brilliant conclusion to Franny, Court, and Mykal’s story, started in ‘The
Raging Ones.’ A proper, full review
would include spoiling plot points, so if you generally trust and agree with my
taste in books, please run – don’t walk – towards this duology and enjoy! ‘The Last Hope’ releases on August 13, 2019.
#TheRagingOnes #NetGalley
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
‘Crown of Coral and Pearl’ by Mara Rutherford
4
stars
Book
Blurb:
“For
generations, the princes of Ilara have married the most beautiful maidens from
the ocean village of Varenia. But though every girl longs to be chosen as the
next princess, the cost of becoming royalty is higher than any of them could
ever imagine…
Nor once dreamed of seeing the wondrous wealth and beauty of Ilara, the kingdom that’s ruled her village for as long as anyone can remember. But when a childhood accident left her with a permanent scar, it became clear that her identical twin sister, Zadie, would likely be chosen to marry the Crown Prince—while Nor remained behind, unable to ever set foot on land.
Then Zadie is gravely injured, and Nor is sent to Ilara in her place. To Nor’s dismay, her future husband, Prince Ceren, is as forbidding and cold as his home—a castle carved into a mountain and devoid of sunlight. And as she grows closer to Ceren’s brother, the charming Prince Talin, Nor uncovers startling truths about a failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen… and a plot to destroy the home she was once so eager to leave.
In order to save her people, Nor must learn to negotiate the treacherous protocols of a court where lies reign and obsession rules. But discovering her own formidable strength may be the one move that costs her everything: the crown, Varenia and Zadie.”
Nor once dreamed of seeing the wondrous wealth and beauty of Ilara, the kingdom that’s ruled her village for as long as anyone can remember. But when a childhood accident left her with a permanent scar, it became clear that her identical twin sister, Zadie, would likely be chosen to marry the Crown Prince—while Nor remained behind, unable to ever set foot on land.
Then Zadie is gravely injured, and Nor is sent to Ilara in her place. To Nor’s dismay, her future husband, Prince Ceren, is as forbidding and cold as his home—a castle carved into a mountain and devoid of sunlight. And as she grows closer to Ceren’s brother, the charming Prince Talin, Nor uncovers startling truths about a failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen… and a plot to destroy the home she was once so eager to leave.
In order to save her people, Nor must learn to negotiate the treacherous protocols of a court where lies reign and obsession rules. But discovering her own formidable strength may be the one move that costs her everything: the crown, Varenia and Zadie.”
Review:
Enjoyable
fantasy stand-alone about a village at sea and the nearby kingdom with a castle
literally carved into a mountain. Though the twin sisters at the center of this
book have a healthy and loving relationship, the two half-brother princes are
as different as night and day.
‘Crown
of Coral and Pearl’ will be available on August 27th.
Friday, April 26, 2019
‘Mimic’ (The Prodigy Chronicles #2) by C.L. Denault
4.5
stars
Book
Blurb:
“In
2012, one cycle of an ancient calendar system came to a close. Humanity
predicted its downfall, but it wasn't the end of their evolutionary climb. It
was the beginning.
Willow Kent is discovering that life as a second-phase prodigy comes at a price. Trapped in the London Core, her choices are limited, made difficult by her forbidden romance with Reece and the presence of a new commanding officer who establishes harsh rules. With unpredictable skills and a growing distrust in her birth parents, she is struggling to play the Core's game. But when opportunity arises in the form of a mysterious shapeshifter, Willow realizes there's more to her own evolution than meets the eye. She soon learns that keeping secrets is a key move, and the more dangerous they are, the greater her need to evolve into the powerful prodigy nature intended her to become.
But those closest to her have their own secrets, and her status has made her an easy target for betrayal. Who will she turn to, when nothing is as it seems?”
Willow Kent is discovering that life as a second-phase prodigy comes at a price. Trapped in the London Core, her choices are limited, made difficult by her forbidden romance with Reece and the presence of a new commanding officer who establishes harsh rules. With unpredictable skills and a growing distrust in her birth parents, she is struggling to play the Core's game. But when opportunity arises in the form of a mysterious shapeshifter, Willow realizes there's more to her own evolution than meets the eye. She soon learns that keeping secrets is a key move, and the more dangerous they are, the greater her need to evolve into the powerful prodigy nature intended her to become.
But those closest to her have their own secrets, and her status has made her an easy target for betrayal. Who will she turn to, when nothing is as it seems?”
Review:
Wonderful
follow-up to 'Gambit.' Just as with the
series opener, the complex and developed characters were the best part of this
book; their motives, their secrets, their interactions. Author C.L. Denault’s characters kept me
guessing right until the new cliff-hanger ending; not a bit was predictable.
The plot moved forward at a comfortably steady pace, never a dull moment, and
nothing felt rushed or forced.
‘Mimic’
is available now; a must-read for fans of well-written YA romance, adventure, or
dystopia with developed characters and settings.
I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no
one else’s.
Monday, April 15, 2019
‘Striking Midnight: A Reimagining of Cinderella as an Assassin’ by Jennifer Ellision
‘Striking
Midnight: A Reimagining of Cinderella as an Assassin’ by Jennifer Ellision
(Fairy
Tale Lies, Spies, and Assassins Book 1)
5
stars!
Book
Blurb:
“Dawn
will break. And she will rise...
When the Noctisian King passed, the Daylight Accord crumbled. Now, the Kingdom of Noctis exists in darkness and unending night, while their neighbors slowly roast.
The sun never sets on Sol.
The former prince of Noctis refuses to honor the bargain his father made with the Solian rulers and both kingdoms suffer without the balance the other brings. But when the time comes for King Knox to choose a bride, Sol sends forth their best contender: Princess Cyndria.
Cyn is beautiful. Poised. Demure… and deadly. Trained by Solian assassins since she was old enough to grasp a knife, she knows exactly how she’ll enchant the King.
And, once she’s queen… How she’ll end him.”
When the Noctisian King passed, the Daylight Accord crumbled. Now, the Kingdom of Noctis exists in darkness and unending night, while their neighbors slowly roast.
The sun never sets on Sol.
The former prince of Noctis refuses to honor the bargain his father made with the Solian rulers and both kingdoms suffer without the balance the other brings. But when the time comes for King Knox to choose a bride, Sol sends forth their best contender: Princess Cyndria.
Cyn is beautiful. Poised. Demure… and deadly. Trained by Solian assassins since she was old enough to grasp a knife, she knows exactly how she’ll enchant the King.
And, once she’s queen… How she’ll end him.”
Review:
Brilliant
writing, wonderful twist on Cinderella! I’m
very excited for Cyn and Knox’s story to continue later this year in ‘Slipping
Glass.’ Author Jennifer Ellision has
created a unique and magical tale of her own.
This
is a skillfully written YA fantasy / fairy tale re-imagining that I highly recommend,
especially for fans of Brigid Kemmerer’s ‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely,’ A.G. Howard’s
‘Splintered’ series, and Marissa Meyer’s ‘The Lunar Chronicles.’
‘Striking
Midnight’ is available now!
I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no
one else’s.
Friday, March 29, 2019
‘The Beast and the Beauty’ (Reversed Retellings Book 2) by Aya Ling
3.5
stars
Book
Blurb:
“How
can a woman cursed to look like a beast make a handsome prince propose
marriage?
Sybil de la Roche was once the belle of the court. Now she is more hideous than any woman in the kingdom. To restore her beauty, she must receive a marriage proposal. Forty years and twenty-eight rejections later, she decides to break the curse on her own. But when a personable young man arrives, she is torn between hope and dread.
Prince Gerald is widely renowned as the best-looking man in Savony. On a quest to find a mage who has disappeared for years, he is stranded at a remote manor in a snowstorm. His interest is piqued by the mysterious woman in the manor, but his desire to get to know her is foiled by her determination to avoid him.
For maximum enjoyment, it is recommended that you read Book 1, Till Midnight, prior to The Beast and the Beauty.”
Sybil de la Roche was once the belle of the court. Now she is more hideous than any woman in the kingdom. To restore her beauty, she must receive a marriage proposal. Forty years and twenty-eight rejections later, she decides to break the curse on her own. But when a personable young man arrives, she is torn between hope and dread.
Prince Gerald is widely renowned as the best-looking man in Savony. On a quest to find a mage who has disappeared for years, he is stranded at a remote manor in a snowstorm. His interest is piqued by the mysterious woman in the manor, but his desire to get to know her is foiled by her determination to avoid him.
For maximum enjoyment, it is recommended that you read Book 1, Till Midnight, prior to The Beast and the Beauty.”
Review:
Clever
gender-swapped re-telling of 'Beauty and the Beast' where Gerald, the best
looking of the 12 princes from 'Till Midnight' (gender-swapped '12 Dancing
Princesses') becomes trapped at a large manner in the middle of a snow storm. Lady Sybil was so beautiful before her curse,
that her picture hangs on a wall in Gerald's castle because his grandfather
fell in love with her beauty. Cursed to
appear as a beast, she has searched for someone to propose for the last 42
years.
We
see a few characters from 'Till Midnight' but 'The Beast and the Beauty' offers
mostly its own cast, drawing readers further into the connected stories of this
series and setting up the next book, which I look forward to reading.
‘The
Beast and the Beauty’ will be available on March 30, 2019.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely’ (A Curse So Dark and Lonely #1) by Brigid Kemmerer
5
stars!
Book
Blurb:
“Fall
in love, break the curse.
It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.
Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she's instead somehow sucked into Rhen's cursed world.
Break the curse, save the kingdom.
A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.”
It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.
Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she's instead somehow sucked into Rhen's cursed world.
Break the curse, save the kingdom.
A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.”
Review:
Excellent
re-imagining of Beauty and the Beast with original content and characters. I’m very excited for the sequel to release
next year: ‘A Heart So Fierce and Broken’ though I do not know if this series
will be a duology, I hope it continues on past book two!
This
is a skillfully written YA fantasy / fairy tale re-telling that I highly recommend,
especially for fans of A.G. Howard’s ‘Splintered’ series.
Borrow
‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely’ from your local library or purchase from your preferred book
seller, you won’t be disappointed!
Friday, February 22, 2019
Cover Reveal: ‘Mimic’ by C.L. Denault
‘Mimic’
by C.L. Denault
Writing and working out are her biggest passions, along with drinking coffee and watching sci-fi. When she’s not hanging out with her husband and kids, she can usually be found at a library or tucked away in the shadowy corner of a hip coffeehouse. She’s also been glimpsed sneaking into her garage, late at night, to work on her time machine.
She enjoys connecting with people—especially those from other planets, nearby dimensions, and the future. To find her, just visit her website or social media pages. Or use a Stargate. Whichever is easiest.
(The
Prodigy Chronicles #2)
Publication date: March 22nd 2019
Genres: Dystopian, Romance, Science Fiction,Young Adult
Publication date: March 22nd 2019
Genres: Dystopian, Romance, Science Fiction,Young Adult
Synopsis:
In 2012, one cycle of an ancient
calendar system came to a close. Humanity predicted its downfall, but it wasn’t
the end of their evolutionary climb. It was the beginning.
Willow Kent is discovering that life as a second-phase prodigy comes at a price. Trapped in the London Core, her choices are limited, made difficult by her forbidden romance with Reece and the presence of a new commanding officer who establishes harsh rules. With unpredictable skills and a growing distrust in her birth parents, she is struggling to play the Core’s game. But when opportunity arises in the form of a mysterious shapeshifter, Willow realizes there’s more to her own evolution than meets the eye. She soon learns that keeping secrets is a key move, and the more dangerous they are, the greater her need to evolve into the powerful prodigy nature intended her to become.
But those closest to her have their own secrets, and her status has made her an easy target for betrayal. Who will she turn to, when nothing is as it seems?
Willow Kent is discovering that life as a second-phase prodigy comes at a price. Trapped in the London Core, her choices are limited, made difficult by her forbidden romance with Reece and the presence of a new commanding officer who establishes harsh rules. With unpredictable skills and a growing distrust in her birth parents, she is struggling to play the Core’s game. But when opportunity arises in the form of a mysterious shapeshifter, Willow realizes there’s more to her own evolution than meets the eye. She soon learns that keeping secrets is a key move, and the more dangerous they are, the greater her need to evolve into the powerful prodigy nature intended her to become.
But those closest to her have their own secrets, and her status has made her an easy target for betrayal. Who will she turn to, when nothing is as it seems?
Purchase Book 1 - 'Gambit'
About the Author:
C.L.
Denault is a speculative fiction writer who loves dreaming up tales of
adventure and intrigue. A former systems analyst, she gave up her nerdy
code-writing skills to care for her family (including a son with special
needs), and currently lives among the vast stretches of cornfields in Illinois.
Writing and working out are her biggest passions, along with drinking coffee and watching sci-fi. When she’s not hanging out with her husband and kids, she can usually be found at a library or tucked away in the shadowy corner of a hip coffeehouse. She’s also been glimpsed sneaking into her garage, late at night, to work on her time machine.
She enjoys connecting with people—especially those from other planets, nearby dimensions, and the future. To find her, just visit her website or social media pages. Or use a Stargate. Whichever is easiest.
Author Links:
Monday, February 4, 2019
‘House of Salt and Sorrows’ by Erin A. Craig
5
stars!
Book
Blurb:
“In
a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.
Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last—the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge—and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.
Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who—or what—are they really dancing with?
When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family—before it claims her next.”
Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last—the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge—and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.
Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who—or what—are they really dancing with?
When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family—before it claims her next.”
Review:
A
lovely and original take of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” though beware;
this is a dark fairy tale retelling.
While not quite ‘horror,’ there are more than a few moments which may
lead to using a nightlight.
Author
Erin A. Craig has accomplished the most challenging part aspect of re-telling
this particular fairy tale; readers learn something unique and memorable about
all twelve sisters. Though four are
departed before we begin to follow Annaleigh’s narration, they are mentioned just
enough to provide us with a window into their personalities. Even more detail is given to the eight living
sisters; their hobbies, personalities, and their place within the family dynamics.
Craig
created her own mythology and lore of deities for this tale; Gods of the Sea,
the Night, Tricks, Nightmares, and others.
Though this is a complete story with an ending, I hope Craig continues
to write of characters in this world, as there are several other kingdoms. Perhaps one day we’ll read other fairy tale
re-tellings set in this magical place.
This
is a skillfully written YA fantasy / fairy tale re-telling that I highly recommend,
especially for fans of A.G. Howard’s ‘Splintered’ series.
‘House
of Salt and Sorrows’ will be available on August 6, 2019.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Cover Reveal: 'Book of the Dead' by Nadine Nightingale
‘Book
of the Dead’ by Nadine Nightingale
Synopsis:
Author links:
(Gods
of Egypt, #2)
Publication date: February 7th 2019
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult
Publication date: February 7th 2019
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult
Synopsis:
Nisha
They called me Angel of Death, but I am something else. Someone else. That is, if you believe the Egyptian desert god, Seth, who haunted my dreams since I can think. Sounds crazy, huh?
I, too, thought I was insane.
Broken beyond repair.
But—
When Seth’s followers—the Black Flags—invaded our annual Halloween ball and slaughtered half the town, my nightmares became reality. Those crazy bastards think I’m the reincarnation of Nebt-Het, the Egyptian goddess of protection, that I can help Seth get his immortality back. It’s why they pushed my cousin, Izzy, through a portal to the Underworld, knowing I had no choice but to follow her.
Now, I’m trapped in this godforsaken place, forced to conquer all twelve caverns, with Seth by my side.
Blaze
I was born into a Traveler clan. Grew up with tales of warriors and magic. I thought it was all bullshit. Fairytales. Until—
Nisha Blake, the girl of my dreams, caused an earth quake.
And an Egyptian God sent his crazy disciples to kill half the town.
I failed to protect Nisha. Couldn’t stop her from going after her cousin, from walking right into hell. Now, she’s in Seth’s world, bound to do what he wishes.
Our only chance, to get the girls back, is to find The Book of the Dead—some long lost magic tome, no one has seen or heard of in ages.
Wish us luck.
We’ll need it.
They called me Angel of Death, but I am something else. Someone else. That is, if you believe the Egyptian desert god, Seth, who haunted my dreams since I can think. Sounds crazy, huh?
I, too, thought I was insane.
Broken beyond repair.
But—
When Seth’s followers—the Black Flags—invaded our annual Halloween ball and slaughtered half the town, my nightmares became reality. Those crazy bastards think I’m the reincarnation of Nebt-Het, the Egyptian goddess of protection, that I can help Seth get his immortality back. It’s why they pushed my cousin, Izzy, through a portal to the Underworld, knowing I had no choice but to follow her.
Now, I’m trapped in this godforsaken place, forced to conquer all twelve caverns, with Seth by my side.
Blaze
I was born into a Traveler clan. Grew up with tales of warriors and magic. I thought it was all bullshit. Fairytales. Until—
Nisha Blake, the girl of my dreams, caused an earth quake.
And an Egyptian God sent his crazy disciples to kill half the town.
I failed to protect Nisha. Couldn’t stop her from going after her cousin, from walking right into hell. Now, she’s in Seth’s world, bound to do what he wishes.
Our only chance, to get the girls back, is to find The Book of the Dead—some long lost magic tome, no one has seen or heard of in ages.
Wish us luck.
We’ll need it.
About the Author:
Nadine
aka Dini is a traveler at heart. She considers the world her home and
practically lives out of her suitcases. When she's not glaring at a blank page
or abusing her poor keyboard, she spends her time reading, watching movies
(preferably horror), pretends to work out, and hangs out with friends and
family. Poor girl also suffers from a serious Marvel superhero addiction.
So, if you run into her at night, wearing black, know she's secretly dreaming
of being the infamous Black Widow.
Her love for writing started in the sixth grade where she annoyed her classmates with a short story featuring Sailor Moon characters, a cemetery, and creepy ghosts. Yes, she's always been addicted to the dark side. Nadine writes paranormal romance. Her debut novel "Karma" the first book in her paranormal romance series Drag.Me.To.Hell. is published by the Wild Rose Press.
Her love for writing started in the sixth grade where she annoyed her classmates with a short story featuring Sailor Moon characters, a cemetery, and creepy ghosts. Yes, she's always been addicted to the dark side. Nadine writes paranormal romance. Her debut novel "Karma" the first book in her paranormal romance series Drag.Me.To.Hell. is published by the Wild Rose Press.
Author links:
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