Book Lovers is a book about book lovers having book related jobs and falling in love while editing books and it's literary bookish heaven.
[image]
PardoBook Lovers is a book about book lovers having book related jobs and falling in love while editing books and it's literary bookish heaven.
[image]
Pardon my lacking bookish vocabulary, I haven't written coherent reviews in a while, and I doubt it will happen again on a regular basis. However, Book Lovers begged me to talk about it. Nora and Charlie stripped my soul bare, and while the latter is more flayed than House Bolton's sigil, it basked in Sunshine Falls' light and warmth like a starving man. Because that's what Book Lovers is: love and light and warmth I wish I could store in a bottle and carry them with me and inhale them and find comfort on rainy days, when life gets messier than usual.
Emily Henry created two heroes that feel eerily familiar; through banters and capital S Snark and laughter and sisterhood and romance and books, she crafted a story that unhinged me. I don't know whether she has gone through the loss of a parent like Nora, but the depiction of grief, of the devastating truth that it does not go away over time but instead dictates the rest of your life, even subconsiously, was lovingly raw and powerful, desperate and hopeful, because crushing grief means all-encompassing love, and she didn't fail to convey this message again and again. But there is more than grief; she also exposed the fear of losing another loved one, the pressing notion that you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders when you abruptly become the caregiver of your family and amidst your struggles to be the person they need you shut yourself down. It was personal and unsettling.
In addition to Emily Henry's fascinating insight, this loving book filled me with longing for midnight strolls, dusty bookstores, dreamy sunsets and camping under the stars. The small-town setting was endearing, and through Nora and Charlie I was able to grasp a tidbit of the magic that Nora thought was unattainable. Their relationship was so easy; they were enemies that became friends that became lovers, two souls who understood each other, who didn't pressure, didn't demand constant explanations, who talked about their problems, even when their love was presumably doomed. As for their chemistry? I shall keep this PG-rated and won't talk about the massive heat wave and the delicious tension.
Book Lovers is a rainbow of feelings, tears, laugher and sighs meant to caress the hearstrings of book lovers.
A dare that results in a fake relationship? ✔ Briar U hockey team? ✔ SProbably my favorite Briar U installment!
“I dare you to seduce Conor Edwards.”
A dare that results in a fake relationship? ✔ Briar U hockey team? ✔ Sorority drama? ✔ Briar U hockey team? ✔ A surfer-boy who looks like a sexy Viking conqueror but has a heart of gold? ✔ Briar U hockey team? ✔ Otherworldly chemistry? ✔ Briar U hockey team? ✔ Laugh-out-loud moments? ✔ Do I even have to say it?
[image]
I’ll never get tired of Elle Kennedy’s hockey romances *insert heart-eyes*. While she stays true to her recipe for success (hotness overload, angst, humor) she always spices up her dish, making her relationships unique and so, so enjoyable. The Dare is the ideal combination of heart-warming, scorching and funny; one moment you’re cackling like a hen, then you proceed with the necessary damage control related to explosions that occur in the ovaries area and then boom! your insides are twisted in knots and you can’t handle the tension and the conflicts that crush your soul. But you’re also thankful because of those fuzzy things called feelings which are all over Conor and Taylor’s story.
There are many reasons to love The Dare, but the main one is that the world doesn’t deserve Conor Edwards. Conor’s easygoing and charming manner, his flirtatiousness but also the hurt and shame he tries to hide behind his carefree demeanor and the string of conquests add up to a fascinating, utterly endearing male lead who is dirty and at the same time considerate and kind. His relationship with Taylor, despite the occasional bumps (I’ll come back to this later) is genuine, infused with mirth, scorching times and butterfly dances.
However, there is one thing that prevented me from rating it with 5 stars: there were two events falling under the llama drama category, and while the drama per se didn’t bother me, Conor and Taylor’s reactions did. I won’t elaborate further in order to avoid spoilers, but I’ll just say that they could be resolved without inflicting so much pain.
Now, let’s address one of the basic themes of this novel: body issues. When I finished the book, I felt Taylor’s fixation on her body and what she considered her flaws were over the top, and I was mentally prepared to embark on a rant about how much space her insecurities took up.
And then I went shopping for a swimsuit.
All those insecurities that haunted Taylor almost drowned me. Having a tiny waist and disproportionate hips has always been the bane of my existence, but there came a point when I accepted, albeit reluctantly, that I was not willing to starve in order to be skinny because I’ll never get skinny. That’s my body. I was okay with that. But when you go shopping, when you find yourself struggling to get in those gorgeous pants or that cute bikini bottom, every speech about accepting and embracing your body, your cellulite etc. flies out of the window. And I am mad at the world for what it does to women. I am mad that people who are beautiful inside and outside constantly question themselves and judge their worth by the size of their clothes. Taylor was over the top, but I empathized with her. She was me. She was you. She was every girl throughout the centuries, the one who wore horrible corsets or the one who suffers from anorexia, who has felt inadequate and not comfortable in her own skin, who thinks she’s too thin, too fat, too ugly, too tall, too short, too real. And I am happy that Elle Kennedy decided to acknowledge and tackle this problem, that she voiced the body issues and insecurities that always plague us and make us undermine our value.
The Dare was the perfect conclusion to Briar U (unless Elle Kennedy plans to bestow more hockey hotness on us thirsty fangirls *wiggles eyebrows*), and the definition to one-sitting-read. So, as a wise man once said, read it people.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review*
Maren Mitchell – less than. The world was never kind to Maren Mitchell. For years she’s been strugglingAngst, longing and HEART (and a couple of tears)
Maren Mitchell – less than. The world was never kind to Maren Mitchell. For years she’s been struggling to curve her place in a society that rejects her, and she’s come to anticipate one setback after the next. What she never anticipated was to be offered the chance to work at Rosethorn, a lush, Gilded Age mansion, owned by the powerful and disgustingly rich Cromwell family. Her employment, the time she spends with Cornelia Cromwell and the stuff, they are a dream coming true, an oasis in a life full of hardships. But there is someone threatening to shatter her glass castle, and turn her carriage to a pumpkin.
Nicholas Hunt. Cornelia’s grandson is always suspicious when it comes to new people entering Rosethorn. But after a scandal that rattled their peace, his hackles are raised and he will not allow anyone to upset his grandmother again. Maren Mitchell reeks of danger. Of schemes. He has investigated her past, and he is sure she cannot be trusted. He will do anything to remove her from his family's estate. He will not be fooled by her luscious curves, her innocent smile, the way she’s hurt when he’s cruel. Or will he?
R.S. Grey is the source of constant surprise. She has always been my solace when I’m in need of romance to sweep me off my feet, and Love the One You Hate was no exception. It was an exception, though, to her funny – sexy – sweet golden rule, and in all honesty, that was a good thing. Because Love the One You Hate was an emotional roller-coaster. It was different from her previous books, more focused on wrecking hearts rather than showering with chuckles. Maren’s life, the way she was treated, constantly faced with extreme prejudice because she was a foster kid, it was a punch to the gut. Always condemned at first sight, losing opportunities for trusting the wrong people, for having the misfortune of being orphaned; she was a resilient character, practical, not eager to believe in fairytales. However, she found her fairy godmother in the face of an elderly woman who was tired of feeling lonely. She was dressed with fine clothes and glass slippers, she was the protégé of the queen of the realm, and even though she knew the dream was bound to end, she was for once content. Only Prince Charming was not so charming at first. He hated her, hated what he thought she represented. And overcome by fear, he hurt her. But something changed. His heart of ice melted and showed the kindness and the fire that burned brightly. And this passion, it consumed them.
Decadent, luscious and spicy, Love the One You Hate is a modern fairytale, a whirlwind of anger, tenderness and passion. A story of many types of love, of family ties, of acceptance, set in a luxurious society, with lavish descriptions of fancy dresses, balls and charity events, of a life that seems far away yet so close thanks to the amount of soul R.S. Grey pours into her words, to the chemistry between Maren and Nicholas, to the slow-burning romance, to the scorching encounters and the small and big heartbreaks. You will read and read until your eyes sting. You will burn and bask in the glorious tension. You will finish it with tear stained cheeks.
And your heart will be full in an exhilarating way.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Heists, scorching romance and space rebels, oh my!
The escape to a galaxy far, far away was never more tempting, since the world seems intent on destroHeists, scorching romance and space rebels, oh my!
The escape to a galaxy far, far away was never more tempting, since the world seems intent on destroying itself nowadays. And Amanda Bouchet gives you exactly what you need: adventure, high-stakes missions, strong friendships and a couple to set the universe on fire (I just hope that her story is not prophetic, and that the colonization of other planets and moons is not the only way to get rid of the pandemic).
❝Break into Starbase 12. Bring Reena back to me. She’ll save Demeter Terre, and the Outer Zones will be free again.❞
After the crew of the Endeavor delivered to the rebel ranks the material to create super soldiers, their next quest is not what they expected. A suicide mission to free a brilliant scientist that could tip the scales in favor of the resistance right under the nose of the Overseer? That seems far-fetched, even for them. But Captain Tess Bailey, Galaxy’s Most Wanted, Rebel and Nightchaser, is always up for a challenge. With her faithful crew by her side, her ex-bounty-hunter and space rogue extraordinaire boyfriend supporting her every step, the ever-growing need to dethrone a terrible despot and the help of unexpected allies, she will set on (another) perilous journey, to free, to uncover secrets, to make up for the wrongs committed in the name of peace. And to face the bane of her existence; the man who was supposed to protect her.
The love child of Robin Hood and Star Wars, the sequel to Nightchaser is equally explosive and heart-pounding. Tess and her crew keep you on the edge of your seat, taking risk after risk, scheming, stealing, fighting, trying to heal the wounds, create a future free of oppression and overcome their personal demons. The action is not-stop. The fast pace won’t let you breathe. And the otherworldly chemistry, the crackling tension between Tess and Shade will incinerate what’s left of your brain cells and enhance the consumption of chocolate (as if we needed another reason to devour the contents of our fridges).
❝Quarks latch on to one another. And the harder you try to separate them, the harder they hold on to each other.❞ ❝Are you asking me to be your quark, Shade Ganavan?❞ ❝Baby, you’re my quark and then some.❞
I had a blast reading Starbreaker. You know why? Because it succeeded in the most challenging aspect of storytelling. It didn’t just distract me from reality. It wiped it out. I was so lost in this all-consuming story, in the little heartbreaks and big revelations, the perfect blend of emotion and adrenaline, the dynamics of the crew of the Endeavor, that I ceased to be. I wasn’t Katerina any more. I wasn’t this person that hasn’t left her home for four weeks, that is constantly worried about her family, her relatives, her friends. For these precious moments, I was Tess. Shade. Jax. Fiona. Merrick. Sanaa. I shuddered and shivered, invested in their fates, trying to overcome the anxiety for what their future might bring, that I forgot the anxiety for the glooming situation of my country and the world in general. I just grabbed a Grayhawk and shot my problems to oblivion. It was invigorating.
❝Faith – throughout the eons – is believing without proof. I’d rather have certain beliefs to comfort me when things seem too dark than nothing at all to brighten the horizon.❞
I’m closing with a personal favorite quote that resonated with me, in view of the extraordinary situation we’re living. Despair, terror and panic, they do not help you through the day. But faith, in the doctors, in science, in humanity, in God, is a balm to the soul, and as long as we don’t lose it, all will be good in the end. And I pray and hope that soon we’ll fill the streets, hug our loved ones and appreciate the things we took for granted.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Note: The quotes used in this review are from an uncorrected text and subject to changes....more
A thousand stars (and a desperate plea for the second book)
❝ You know the funny thing about fairy tales? You never see what happens to the pre
A thousand stars (and a desperate plea for the second book)
❝ You know the funny thing about fairy tales? You never see what happens to the pretty scullery maid after she rides off into the sunset with a dashing prince in a gold-plated carriage and shacks up in his castle. Fade to black. Roll credits. And they lived happily ever after.
You know the story. There's a plain, ordinary girl with a dangerous secret. A royal father that abandoned her and deprived her of the life she deserved. A tragedy of epic proportions that exposes the girl to the spotlight, and suddenly turns her into the crown princess of a crumbling nation. By all means, she should be happy. Ecstatic even.
Or...did they? ❞
But Emilia Victoria Lancaster is not. She is angry and terrified, thrown into a pit of snakes that seek an opportunity to bite her, to smother her, to crush her under expensive shoes, thinly-veiled threats and disdain. Between an aloof father, an evil step-mother and a certain lord she shouldn't want this bad but gods above she does, between a past that was safe, that was planned and hers and an uncertain future burdened with responsibilities and sacrifices, Emilia nearly crumbles. She must find her strength, her resolve and beat her opponents, before they break her, bit by bit, once and for all.
❝ The fairy tale ending? I'm living it. And I'm here to tell you... It fucking sucks.❞
I've said before that Julie Johnson is my bookish fairy godmother. That her powerful words, her poignant stories laced with emotion and a unique kind of magic only she can cast are my refuge from daily disappointments and exhaustion, from bitterness and the hopeless feeling of falling so deep inside yourself that it seems nearly impossible to reach the surface. I didn't know that my godmother had it in her to weave a slightly twisted, deliciously sinister modern fairy-tale full of depraved nobles, sizzling forbidden romance and broken, messed-up characters that constantly battled the sharp-clawed demons and the suffocating darkness that threatened to devour them. In the past, I've loved Julie's stories for multiple reasons. Dirty Halo, though, is the most addictive. I craved each page and chapter and heartbreak and treason like a drowning man gasping for air. My fingers itched to touch the silk fabrics, my feet to wander the corridors of Waterford Palace, my eyes to feast on beauty and plastic smiles that hid cold calculation and malice and my heart knew, in its darkest corners and rugged edges that every kiss, every breakdown and tear would pervade my senses and imbue my atoms. Dirty Halo had soul, tattered soul, beaten soul, and I relished every single moment.
❝ Life is a chess game, E. Welcome to the board. I suggest you play your moves carefully.❞
Dirty Halo is a story brimming with searing passion, longing and despair, a lush tale of court intrigue, schemes, political maneuvers and dirty secrets set in the kingdom of Germania, a monarchy that faces its greatest challenge when a tragedy that could hide something fouler befalls the ruling family. Emilia's journey is a perilous one and finds her unwilling to give up on her previous life, when she tried so hard to fight and quench the dreams of royalty and finally being accepted by her father. But the greatest danger of them all is none other than Lord Carter Thorne. His armor is tarnished, and so is his reputation. He is wicked, cruel and secretive, but his chemistry with Emilia is OFF.THE.FREAKING.CHARTS. Or more likely, it turns poor charts to ashes. Carter and Emilia are a bomb waiting to explode, but I am all too eager to burn in the inferno they create.
❝ Non sibi sed patriae. Not for self, but country. ❞
Julie Johnson constantly evolves as an author. She doesn't rest on her laurels, she tries for more, and she achieves it. With Dirty Halo, this sensuous, dark fairytale that set my world ablaze, she justified once more my trust and unwavering faith in her stories.
P.S. Luckily for me I read the Preface before I embarked on a futile journey to Germania in order to track down and kidnap a certain smirking Lord. You should as well.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
It is not every day that you come across a debut that would put to shame works of seasoSomething dark and holy indeed.
❝ Some gods require blood. ❞
It is not every day that you come across a debut that would put to shame works of seasoned authors. Emily A. Duncan’s talent is otherworldly; through a blood-drenched combination of the sacred and the profane, through snowy landscapes painted with red and desecrated worship grounds, through cut-throat courts and ungodly romances, she weaves a sinister, haunting, deeply mesmerizing tale walking the line between damnation and salvation. It is unsettling in its most addictive form.
❝ Blood and blood and bone. Magic and monsters and tragic power. ❞
A girl. A monster. A prince. A triangle of distrust, fascination, confusion and temptation, a web of lies, deceit and manipulation. Three young people that can either stop the Holy War that ravages their kingdoms or doom the world in eternal, devouring darkness. Nadezhda “Nadya” Lapteva is the first cleric, the first Kalyazin that can communicate with the gods and wield their divine powers in decades. She holds her country’s survival in her pale hands, but fate is cruel and leaves her in a precarious situation, having as her ally a monstrous boy whose intentions and objectives are always hidden. On the other hand there is Serefin Meleski, High Prince and Heir of Tranavia, the land of heretics that reaps the benefits of unholy blood magic, who sees his realm falling apart but can do nothing to stop it. The paths of the girl, the monster and the prince will cross when they decide that the king of Tranavia must be assassinated. But what if his death unleashes greater darkness that will destroy everything they hold dear?
[image]
❝ We’re all monsters, Nadya. Some of us hide it better than others. ❞
What makes you a monster? What is the cost of power? How can someone guided and protected by the gods her entire life make decisions that will endanger such relationship and the very existence of her powers? Emily A. Duncan does not give a straight answer. She simply creates multi-dimensional characters who experience inner conflict, who, with blood-stained hands and pointed teeth and sharp claws carve their place, betray, scheme, destroy and create in a Russian-inspired fantasy set in an intricate world tainted by the miasma of blood magic and war. The religious aspect is heavy and controversial. Reverence clashes with impiety. Emotions clash with reason. And a girl raised in a monastery in the doctrines of her religion will become something to fear.
[image]
It is true that Wicked Saints emits Grisha vibes, but Emily A. Duncan chooses a different path from Leigh Bardugo. She dives into the wicked, she basks in the unholy, thus creating an eerie ambience that crackles with tension, that smothers in black tendrils characters and reader alike. Narrated in dual perspective, the two sides of the war, Wicked Saints offers insight to the struggles of both Nadya and Serefin, the heroes of their respective nations, who must answer their existential questions and sacrifice their morals if it means peace. And then there is Malachiasz, the enigma, the parameter that will alter the course of mankind, the one who stirs forbidden thoughts. I must admit that in this wild ride I developed a soft spot for Serefin, the blood mage that’s torn and occasionally helpless against his demons and his enemies.
With Wicked Saints, Emily A. Duncanearned her righteous place among the authors who don’t hesitate to delve into darkness, blood and sacrilege, and I’m officially ensnared in her web.
*ARC generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Do you seek escapeBINGE READ ALERT, I REPEAT BINGE READ ALERT!!
Are you fed up with your reality problems?
Do you wish for a balm to your battered soul?
Do you seek escape in the form of paper and words?
If the answer is yes, then Hotshot Doc is perfect for you!
You don’t need to know much in order to dive in R.S. Grey’s latest rom-com. Only that there is a medical clinic. A pediatric spinal surgeon who is supposed to be the devil incarnate. A surgical assistant searching for a new boss. And a toe-curling, heartwarming and slow-burning romance laced with delicious tension and palpable chemistry.
[image]
Now let's talk about it, shall we?
Part 1, aka the sappy, you-can-hear-the-violins-playing-in-the-background part.
The past months have been a whirlwind workwise. I was (and still am) barely able to breathe, let alone read, so every time I returned home, I would put on my PJs, watch trashy TV shows and stay in the couch until I’d move to bed. Lather, rinse, repeat. I was so emotionally spent, tired to my very bones, that my brain refused to focus on anything. My soul ached for books to uplift me, to speak to me, to mend my wings that were in tatters, a product of anxiety and exhaustion. There were only a handful of authors who could startle me out of my stupor, and R.S. Grey is one of them. When Hotshot Doc hit my Kindle, however, it was met with trepidation. What if I was broken beyond repair? What if the hard slap of reality inflicted permanent damage to my love for reading? I should have known better than to question R.S. Grey’s healing abilities. Her words were like water to parched land. I inhaled them, I devoured them and I realized that after a very long time, I was content. And I can’t thank Rachel enough for that.
Part 2, aka the SOMEBODY CALL A DOCTOR, MATT GAVE ME HEART PALPITATIONS part.
The Queen of Rom-Coms strikes again, and it’s a lethal blow to the possibilities of ever finding someone who can be compared to her male characters. Dr. Matt Cooper is a soft teddy-bear hidden behind a cold, aloof fortress, but once you crack his walls, you’re irrevocably in love. Was he a jerk on numerous occasions? Sure. Was he unfair to Bailey? Yes. But the way he opened up, the way he fell head over heels that led to sweet gestures and SCORCHING encounters charred what was once my heart.
[image]
From the anticipation built for the first kiss to the explosion of glorious feelings when they were finally together, R.S. Grey, with her refined writing skills, crafted a romance that became one of my favorites. Bailey was a really endearing heroine, her devotion to her little sister was touching, and so was the way she crept in Matt’s cold heart. With the perfect blend of laughter, steam and all-encompassing feelings, she proved once more that rom-coms is her domain, and she rules it with an iron grip!
If you’re up for a romance reminding you of Grey’s Anatomy, with a surgeon that is the love child of McDreamy and McSteamy and a variety of fireworks that warm your insides, please don’t hesitate and grab a copy of Hotshot Doc!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I've come to believe that Julie Johnson can write a good, give-you-all-the-feels romance with her eyes closed. She haO how I love thee, Julie Johnson.
I've come to believe that Julie Johnson can write a good, give-you-all-the-feels romance with her eyes closed. She has yet to disprove my theory, or shake my conviction that she is, and will always be, the Queen of Hearts, Lady of Binge-Reading, Protector of Real Love and Warden of Dreams. Long may she reign!
❝I am Shelby Hunt. The perfect woman. The perfect ghost.❞
Shelby Hunt has been trapped in an unhappy marriage for ten years. Ten years of stifling herself, trying to fit in the box of the perfect wife her abusive husband wanted. And when she finally decides to do the unthinkable, to leave him and move on, she realizes that she never really knew him. Enter Conor Asshole Gallagher, her knight in a not-so-shinny armor, the FBI agent who saves her from the Bratva thanks to her dear ex-husband's dealings with the infamous crime syndicate, and his not-so-clever decision to steal something extremely valuable from them. Between gunfights, interrogations, safe houses and explosions, Shelby finally feels that she is not alone, that there is someone she can trust, someone who sees all the things she tries to hide and embraces them. If only their lives were not hanging by a thread...
❝I saw you, Shelby. I still see you. I think, if I ever go blind, I'll see you in my dreams for the rest of my life.❞
So Wrong It's Right is the perfect blend of suspense and sweep-you-off-your-feet, set-your-cheeks-ablaze romance laced with danger and oh-so-powerful feelings. Julie Johnson's unique writing consists of a heavy dose of reality, dry humor and beautiful metaphors that make your chest clench and your heart ache with yearning. She pours her soul in every word and page, in every kiss and touch, giving them breath, turning them into whirlwinds that devour you while you devour them.
❝What are you more afraid of - abandonment or committment? Loneliness or love? Never putting yourself out there? Or potentially being blown off when you actually do?❞
It is refreshing to feel that you are not alone in your fears, that someone, even a fictional character, dreads the same monsters. It gives you the power to face them. Shelby was a heroine that managed to appear as well-composed, in control even when everything was breaking apart. The hurt she hid, the insecurity, the knowledge that she was invinsible and alone sent a mournful melody straight to my core. Conor was the bandage to her wounds, despite his tough exterior and his bossy ways. I've wanted him to be happy for so long, that seeing him fall head over heels for feisty Shelby seemed surreal. They were equally stubborn and controlling, but their fights were fogged up with steam. Conor gives the definition to alpha male, and let's just say that I wouldn't mind being locked up in a cell with him...
[image]
There is one thing, though, that didn't sit right with me, that seemed far-fetched, even in a book dealing with the freaking Bratva (yes I knew all about Bratva because I am a well-educated woman who watches Arrow); while my heart was busy doing her drum thing and my stomach cartwheeling, a tiny voice belonging to the stiff, cynical old lady known as reason kept repeating that everything happened way too fast. This never bothered me before, since (with the exception of Phoebe and Nate) the previous Boston Love stories also unfold in a short time-period. However, in this instance, I couldn't ignore the voice, and the nagging feeling of insta-love that was a cloud to the perfect sunny day of So Wrong It's Right. I know things like that happen in real life; according to my intel, my own parents got engaged after dating for two weeks (Mother claims it was love at first sight, Father that is was a case of dark sorcery or voodoo). I fear, though, that this connection and committment is difficult to establish this soon. This issue, in conjuntion with the occasions where Shelby was a little over the top with her reactions and refusal to listen to Conor, led me to rate it with 4 stars.
❝I'm learning the hard way that real life is nothing like the movies. ❞
So Wrong It's Right is a sweet, emotional and intense story about finding home, that will speak to every romantic soul out there!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
There was an odd mix of trepidation, hope, hesitation and eagerness that enveloped me ever since I learned of VorO how I’ve missed thee, Elise Kova!
There was an odd mix of trepidation, hope, hesitation and eagerness that enveloped me ever since I learned of Vortex Visions. For me, Air Awakens is a truly special series; the sorrows, the tragedies, the raw pain and the whirlwind of love and devastation that swept and defined the lives of Vhalla Yarl and Aldrik Solaris have left a permanent mark, and returning to the world they shaped could either lead to deep contentment or utter disappointment. I should have known better, though. I should have known not to question her.
A desperate princess. A magical traveler. And a watch that binds them together with the fate of a dying world.
Vi Solaris has never met her home. Due to a necessary political maneuver of her parents, she is forced to live as a warden of the Solaris Empire’s latest conquest; the North. As a result of her situation, she never fully belonged neither to the North nor to the South. With expectations heavy upon her, and her magic almost non-existent, with the Senate seeking political advantage and enemies at every corner, Vi’s position as the Crown Princess is precarious. When a deadly plague spreads, when dark gods appear and terrible secrets come to light, Vi finds an unexpected ally in the face of Taavin, a young man who shows her a world that she never imagined. Now equipped with mysterious powers and terrifying visions, Vi will fight, bleed, despair, try to save Solarin and the rest of her world, with the burden of its survival on her shoulders. For Fate is waiting for Vi Solaris.
Halleth. She whispered. Heal. And she did heal. She healed the void Air Awakens left when it ended, she healed the ache of goodbye and replaced the bittersweet taste of loss with skillet cake and cookies and the tang of magic.
Juth. She continued. Destruction. She wreaked havoc on tender hearts, shattered your fragile resolve and made pieces of you fall apart.
Narro Samasha. She uttered with intent. Awaken the Words. Make distant continents come alive, bestow feelings and blessings and curses on readers, invoke churning powers and stir deadly creatures from their sleep. Awaken long forgotten memories and blend them with the excitement of new adventures, new loves, new horizons. New pain.
❝ Isn’t that part of the enjoyment, though? Getting lost in something that seems as if it should be impossible?❞
Vortex Visions was both familiar and fresh; Elise Kovaexpanded the world of Air Awakens, rattled the very foundations of magic, added new elements, legends, sacred places and ungodly foes to a story of stardust and moss covered trees. Mixing politics, mystery and magic, infusing with breath a cast of diverse and multi-layered characters of intriguing backstories, she painted a gripping first instalment in green and brown shades. And since Vortex Visions is the introduction to the series, I am certain the next books will be mind-blowingly epic (and I withhold the 5th star until then).
Vi. Taavin. Andru. Ellene. Jayme. Jax. A web of friendship, secrets and loyalty interlaced with different types of love that fueled the plot. Everyone served a purpose, everyone was strategically placed in order to shape Vi’s character, and I cared about them all. Vi’s need to lead a normal life with but at the same time the desire to simply be herself defined her personality, and made her a heroine I wanted to follow. I loved her relationships, her nightly escapades, and all those times she thought of her family. Because once upon a time, her family was also my family. That’s a heavy legacy, but I am positive she’ll be able to bear it.
Vortex Visions was an encompassing journey, and I’m looking forward to the next part!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Narrator: Katerina finished Royally Yours within hours. She sighed, tucked her Kindle close to her heart, founded a se4.5 “Royalty is Forever” stars
Narrator: Katerina finished Royally Yours within hours. She sighed, tucked her Kindle close to her heart, founded a sect dedicated to the worship of Edward and then...things got slightly out of hand.
Prosecutor: YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. Me: This can't be happening. This can't be happening. This can't be happening. Prosecutor: How on Earth - Me: Excuse me for a moment, I think I'm having a panic attack. Prosecutor: *mumbles* She is detained, handcuffed, facing serious charges, of course she's having a panic attack. But then, she could be thinking of a book. An Emma Chase book, if I had to bet. Me: Did I hear Emma Chase? Prosecutor: *reluctantly* Yes, I was wondering if she forced you to commit another felony. Me: As a matter of fact she did. Prosecutor: Of course she did. I know I'm going to regret this, but please, tell me what happened. Me: I read Royally Yours - Prosecutor: Which one is it? Me: It's the story of the first queen of Wesco, Lenora, and her sweeping love story with Edward Langton Richard Dorian Rourke. Also known as Dirty Edward. Prosecutor: And? Me: And it was freaking amazing. My chest swelled with all the glorious feelings; there were moments I couldn't fight the tears, and moments my entire body was burning thanks to the delicious chemistry and Edward's wicked ways. This man was a masterpiece, all masculine and sexy and - Prosecutor: Yes yes I'm well aware of the male characters created by Emma Chase. I fail to see the problem, though. Me: Well, Emma Chase has proved that she can write the most sensational, sweet, and all-encompassing modern fairytales, and I wanted to feel like a part of her stories, to get a glimpse of Lenora's world, so - Prosecutor: THAT'S WHY YOU ATTEMPTED TO STEAL THE CROWN JEWELS? Me: I was going to borrow them. Prosecutor: Borrow them. Me: Yes, for a day or two, only to get into Lenora's mind, to grasp her responsibilities and sacrifices, her determination to stand up in a world dominated by men and make a change for those who can't! She is such a strong and empowering figure, compassionate yet firm. She is incredible! Prosecutor: So let me get it straight, if Emma Chase wrote a book about a bank robbery, or hired killers, would you consider stealing or, I don't know, KILLING SOMEONE in order to feel closer to her characters? Are you serious? Me: *gulps* I didn't say that. Of course, if the hypothetical killer had even half of Edward's sexuality and tenderness I would- Prosecutor: For your own sake please stop talking! What am I going to do with you? Me: May I suggest something? It is clear that this was not my brightest idea, and in view of the steam and the feelings that clouded my judgement, you could rule that I am incapable of criminal liability because, you know, fangirl and stuff. Prosecutor: It has come to my attention that criminal law is not your forte, judging by your bar results... Me: *shrugs* At least I passed. And how do you know that? Does the term personal data ring a bell? Prosecutor: That's irrelevant. Let's make a deal. I'll read Royally Yours and see for myself whether it constitutes solid ground for your behaviour, and you'll stop breaking the law because of Emma Chase! It's the third time in a row! Me: I can't make any promises. Prosecutor: *glares* Me: But I will try.
Narrator: Reader, if the uptight, fun-police Prosecutor sat down and read it (and - spoiler- he loved it), so should you.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review*
If you want to learn of my history with the Prosecutor, you can read these: Sustained Sidebarred
Favorite Quotes
❝Every dynasty has a beginning. Every legend starts with a story. This is ours.❞
❝No woman is born a queen, no matter the title attached to her name at birth. Kings are crowned. But queens . . . queens rise.❞
❝Making a life with you will be my greatest adventure, Lenora.❞
Listen up, folks. Seventh Born is definitely neither a miracle nor a flawless piece of art. One of mI enjoyed it so much more than I expected!
[image]
Listen up, folks. Seventh Born is definitely neither a miracle nor a flawless piece of art. One of my biggest pet peeves (aside from love triangles, instalovetriangles, love squares and every other variation of love geometry) is the lack of solid worldbuilding, and in this case there was zero. Zilch. Nada. Rien. There were also some things about seventhborns, their power and the hatred towards them that were fuzzy to say the least, and Sera was your typical act first-think of consequences later YA heroine. I am sure you're perplexed by now, but there are some serious reasons to grab Seventh Born, since it was an utterly fun and addictive ride.
✔️ Professor Nikolai Barrington ✔️ Witchling Academy ✔️ Mystery ✔️ Magic ✔️ Barrington ✔️ Gruesome murders ✔️ Necromancy ✔️ Slow burn romance ✔️ Dangerous cult ✔️ Cute supernatural pet ✔️ BARRINGTON
“Safety, companionship, and adventure with the possibility of blood, murder, and death, all the while investigating love.”
Monica Sanz inadvertently (or not so much?) described her novel in the above sentence. Seventh Born emanates a sinister vibe, coated in mist, smoke, and scars, smelling of burning flesh and sulfur, touching forbidden aspects of magic. It's the story of a seventhborn, a pariah constantly bullied because of her birth order and things out of her control; about a girl who wishes nothing but to become an investigator and find her family, and is brought one step closer to her goal when her moody and brooding professor asks her help in order to solve some mysterious deaths. Their research will bring them to dangerous paths that will uncover secrets that may shake their beliefs to the core, but they cannot stop, or else more bodies will pile up. And Sera might be one of them.
“There would always be monsters to find.”
And oh my, this novel was full of monsters of all kinds. Most of them were human, embracing cruelty over compassion, power over gentleness, prejudice over justice. And you simply wanted to wear a cape, shed your glasses and defend Sera and all those unfortunate souls like her. But enough with the somber tone, let's focus on other aspects of the story. Namely, Barrington.
[image]
The boorish professor clad in black is definitely made of book boyfriend material. That is if you like your book boyfriends shady, mysterious and dangerous but also big softies when it comes to all the things that matter. I loved how he respected Sera, gave her space and time and treated her like a partner (most of the times). There was swooning involved, which arised out of simple gestures and light touches.
Setting Barrington aside, the writing flow was fluid, and the combination of crime, suspense and magic made it difficult to put it down. Mind, though, that there are aspects of the lore that will left you confused, and questions about the world outside the Academy that will not be answered, cue minor frustration. In my case, though, these deficiencies, albeit important, did not deter me from savoring all the things that were done right. Seventh Born is a delicious lil' candy waiting to be relished, and I had a great time doing so!
*ARC generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Note: The quotes used in this review are from an uncorrected text and subject to changes.
Best friends to lovers? ✔️ Naughty teachers? ✔️ Sizzling chemistry? ✔️ Belly-shaking laughter? ✔️ Delectable, I-wanna-have-your-babies male lead? ✔️ PermanBest friends to lovers? ✔️ Naughty teachers? ✔️ Sizzling chemistry? ✔️ Belly-shaking laughter? ✔️ Delectable, I-wanna-have-your-babies male lead? ✔️ Permanent residence in pink clouds decorated with candy bars with unicorns and lovebears as neighbours? ✔️✔️
[image]
I THINK R.S. Grey HAS RUINED ME FOR LIFE. Please send help in the form of liquid courage, sugar and/or carbs.
Not So Nice Guy is the recipe for disaster. It will make you antisocial (I-will-rip-your-heart-out-if-you-interrupt-me antisocial), it will eradicate your ability to conduct basic human functions such as talk (your throat will be parched) or walk (your knees will wobble), and your brain will be able to formulate two words: IAN.FLETCHER. Unless, of course, you consider such symptoms a blessing, and in this case Not So Nice Guy is the recipe for bliss. It's a matter of perspective, really.
“For 1300 days, I've been best friends with Ian Fletcher, and for 1300 days, I've convinced myself I'm not in love with him. I just really, really like pennies.”
Sam and Ian. Ian and Sam. They've been tiptoeing aroung each other for years, trying to smother their feelings, pretending that friendship is all that bounds them. Until Sam publically admits that they're not dating, and then the race to Ian's pants begins, and it's ruthless and bloody. But something happened between them, the air has shifted and the tables have turned, and Ian realizes that it's now or never, that he has to pursue Sam and confess his love, or he'll lose her to someone else.
Like everything else that emerges from R.S. Grey's soul and transforms into words, Not So Nice Guy is the epitome of fun; low on angst but heavy on tension, humor, witty banters and swoon sessions, Not So Nice Guy is the uplifting novel you craved after every breakup, every crappy day, every time someone told you to come down to earth and stop believing in fairytales, to lower your expectations and compromise; it's here to eradicate your concerns and burdens, to give you wings and courage and hope and faith in all that's fluffy and dreamy. And you know what, R.S. Grey?
[image]
R.S. Grey gives the definition to rom-com. Even after 16 publications, she keeps her novels fresh, infused with feelings that make your chest explode, with inner monologues and incidents to crack you up, heated scenes to fog your brain and sweet moments to bring tears to your eyes (if you're a cry baby, like me, happy tears are guaranteed). Sam and Ian were two characters that complemented each other, two co-dependent friends that felt so much more but were too scared to admit it and endanger their friendship. They were funny, snarky and hawt, and the friends-to-lovers trope was masterfully handled by experienced hands that wove their magic until your heart was ensnared. (spoiler alert - it didn't take that long). Plus, I would never predict the turn their story took after an accident involving whipped cream, proving that R.S. Grey will never run out of ideas. She will keep blessing us mortals with lighthearted and scalding novels until my future 72 cats eat my dead body.
Contentment: (n.) A feeling of quiet happiness and satisfaction.
The key word is quiet. It’s not the happiness that makes you scream until your lungs cContentment: (n.) A feeling of quiet happiness and satisfaction.
The key word is quiet. It’s not the happiness that makes you scream until your lungs combust or tremble with the pent-up energy that has to be diffused by running and sharing this joy with the world. It’s the type of happiness that resembles those moments when you bask in the sun; listen to the melody of a violin; feel the wind rustle your hair. That’s the warm feeling that blossomed in my chest while I was reading The Accidentals.
“Every fairy tale has a righteous ending, Rachel. It's guaranteed.”
There are two things you need to know about Rachel: she has never met her father, a famous and extremely talented musician, and her mother just died. Being at the mercy of social services, Rachel has to endure a few months of humiliation and solitude until she can move to her dream prep- school, and fulfill her deepest desire: to discover what happened between her parents. Was she an accidental, the product of a one-night-stand? Or did her parents love each other, but a mysterious force tore them apart? Rachel always hoped, but never expected, that her father would show up. But he did. And he took her in, and cared for her when no one did. Between the fear of him leaving her again, the joy of joining a choir and the butterflies that seem to fly whenever Jake appears, Rachel struggles to find the truth about her past, overcome the obstacles of the present and plan a future that includes all those she loves but dares not say it.
This book was so lovely that I wish I could climb inside it and live there forever. It was the first time I came across Sarina Bowen's work, and she already earned a fan; her words are like a warm blanket I clutch in my hands, its warmth sipped by my pores and reaching my very core. It’s been so long since I read a contemporary YA book laden with rich emotions, with the perfect balance between humor and heartache. There weren’t unnecessary dialogues or drama for the sake of drama; every sad event that made Rachel’s heart (and mine) splinter, every moment of camaraderie and love, every smile of a boy that gazed at the stars waiting for their explosion, they were all stops of a route that led Rachel to finding peace.
Every sentence had a purpose, and shed fluorescent light on these wonderful, three-dimensional characters. The writing was so fluid and soulful that made me sigh with satisfaction. The way Rachel’s was I not enough to make you stay insecurities and fear of losing her father again were utterly realistic, and painful, and so was her inner battle between good Rachel and angry Rachel, that tangled, livid version of herself that wanted answers to the questions she didn't have the courage to ask. Rachel's relationships with her late mother, her absent father, Aurora, Haze and, of course, Jake were depicted with masteful brushstrokes. The dynamic between Rachel and Frederik was fragile, delicate, a flower that took its time to bloom, but when it did, it was simply beautiful.
The romance was not the main aspect of the novel, but it was radiant, and Jake's support and devotion was a fundamental factor for the development of Rachel's character. I could hear the butterflies flap their wings in every scene they had together, they were sweet and heated, and I must admit that I had a crush on Jake since he confessed that his sheets have snowmen on them. He was nerdy and adorable, and I may or may not have swooned a couple of times.
Set in a school reminding of medieval castles, with music pouring from its pages, The Accidentals is a book that lulls you into blissful silence, a deafening silence that holds the power of thousands of perfect words and feelings. I can't recommend it highly enough!
*ARC generously provided by the author via Nina Bocci in exchange for an honest review*
Not Erin Watt’s best work, but still an addictive read!
In their second YA novel, Erin Watt narrates the story of Lizzie Beth, a seventeen year old girNot Erin Watt’s best work, but still an addictive read!
In their second YA novel, Erin Watt narrates the story of Lizzie Beth, a seventeen year old girl who lost her sister to a car accident three years ago. Beth wants to party, have fun and make stupid decisions during her last school year, but her parents are constantly trying to smother her with their unreasonable rules and extreme reactions. In a desperate act of rebellion, Beth ends up in a party full of strangers and meets the most gorgeous guy she’s ever seen. There’s just one small problem, one she didn’t realize back then; he’s the reckless driver who took her sister from her. Her family, her friends, the entire town, wants to burn him at the stake. Beth? She can’t kill the butterflies in her stomach, nor deny the strong connection they share. Torn between the loyalty to her dead sister and her traitorous heart, between what everyone expects from her and what she truly wants, Beth will have to face her grief, deal with her loss and find her path in life, a path made of her own desires and dreams.
Erin Watt has proven thus far that they can write intense and highly addictive novels, and One Small Thing is not an exception. It’s a novel heavily focused on family issues, romantic relationships, the aftermath of a terrible loss, friendship, hatred and forgiveness. Forgiveness towards the one who hurt you, and atonement for your own fatal mistakes.
“Everywhere I look, I see a closed door. A dark passage. Locked windows. If there’s a way out, I can’t visualize it.”
It was also a novel laced with angst; there was a rush of multiple emotions wreaking havoc to my very core. And amongst the suffocation, the bitterness, the anger, and the despair, the most dominant was the anger. So much anger. While the authors managed to capture a side of humanity that is unfortunately real – the bloodlust that makes good people do bad things and call them justice - sometimes I felt like they overdid it. There was simply too much drama. There was not a single decent character in the entire book, with the exception of Chase, the love interest. I suppose what the authors wanted to show was that one action, no matter how devastating it is, cannot dictate a person’s life, that there is one point where punishment is enough, that not everything is painted in black and white and I get it, I admire it even. But that absence of even one person who was sympathetic to Chase or supportive to Beth, who was not judgmental and thirsty for retribution felt way too manipulative, a means to bring them together and justify why Beth ended up falling for the guy responsible for her sister’s death.
And that brings us to Beth’s character. She was extremely juvenile about everything: the way she handled her grief, her reckless decisions, even the way she stalked Chase was nerve-wracking. As the story progressed I wished she would cut everyone off her life, I cannot fathom how she forgave her friends for the things they said and did (or didn’t do). She was throwing tantrums instead of growing a backbone, she was a hypocrite when it came to the way she treated Chase, and even though towards the end she did the right thing, it was not enough to make me forget all those times I wanted to yell at her (to be honest, though, I wanted to yell at everyone).
All those points I raised above do not mean that One Small Thing was a bad book. On the contrary, I finished it in two days, I wanted to spend more time with this story, witness more sweet moments between Beth and Chase, revel in their healing process, first and foremost as individuals and then as a couple. Chase was the one small thing that lightened my reading experience, my heart ached for him, I felt his remorse every time he spoke or allowed bullies to mistreat him because he thought he deserved it.
“What’s your small thing for today?” I ask as I cross the neighbor’s lawn to my own. “You.”
Even though I prefer the lighthearted and adorable When It's Real, I swallowed Erin Watt’s second YA novel as well; One Small Thing is a bittersweet, intense and meaningful story that deserves 3.5 big stars for all the small things.
*ARC generously provided by the authors via Nina Bocci in exchange for an honest review*