K.L. Speer: Bones

 

In the first in a series, K.L. Speer shows the strength of a woman who is just trying to survive and maybe just maybe heal:

I read this book a few months ago and I am still thinking about it. I think that tells you how much I enjoyed this book. I did not know what to expect when I picked up this book, I was craving a dystopian book. This book deserves so much more hype that it has gotten, it had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish and going through all the feelings within this book. This book is also Dark, with little signs of hope along the way but mainly a dark. If you ever thought that healing powers could not be used for darkness, this book is going to change that perspective. 

Bones is such a strong character, where there are times you love her, hate her and just feel horrible for her and what she has experienced in her life starting as a child. You can understand why her mental health is not good and how she is just trying to protect herself, she is broken for most of the book. She does have a heart though when it comes to trying to protect children. In all, all Bones wants to do is survive and she does whatever she can to do that.

My one criticism is that there is a lack on world building, so if you need a book with strong world building you will want to skip this one. I am hoping more of the world is explained in book 2. I mean we don't even get an explanation as to why or how Bones has received the powers. This makes the book much more character driven.

I think this will be one of my top reads for this year. I love the Bones as a character and the darkness that Speer has throughout this book. I cant wait to read the second book in the series.

Enjoy!!!!

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Elise Kova: Prince of Swords

In the second book in her Arcana Academy series, Elise Kova show what it takes and the sacrifices that need to be made when you want to remake the world:

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, it was probably one of my favourite reads last year with the extremely unique magic system set around the tarot cards and how they are wielded. That said I felt like this book fell short for me. The beginning and the last 25% were very strong but the middle aspect is where Kova lost me.

This book lacked the political intrigue that i really enjoyed in the first book as well as the suspense with Clara not wanting to be found. Is there some of these aspects in this book yes, but they are very much at the beginning and end of the book and they fall to the background in the middle. The main aspect of this book is the relationship between Clara and Kaelis and while this is important, especially with the ending, I found it cause the book to drag a bit for me.

Clara’s resilience is tested multiple times within this book and her ability to adapt is her new reality and situations is astounding. As much as this book was about Clara’s and Kaelis' relationship. I still feel like I don’t know him as a characters I do wish we had some  POV from him.

I honestly adore the magic system in this book and I love that Kova has a glossary in the back of the book that explains which each card can do and what each set has an affinity for. I loved that we get even more cards in this book.

While this book did not meet my expectations, I will for sure be reading the next book in the series. I can’t wait to see how Kova will have the ending of this trilogy play out. I think there are some interesting aspect coming and I for one cannot wait to read them.

Enjoy!!!!

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Ana Huang: The Striker

 

The first in a series Ana Huang shows that the one you're not supposed to want may just be the best person for you:

This is the first book that I have read by Huang and I really enjoyed this story, and to make it better I read it during the World Cup, so it was just a fitting time to dive into it. This is a fun easy read, that had just the right amount of spice and while this book is on the longer side for a sports romance book (it's just shy of 600 pages), I did not really notice it's length until the very end.

For some reason I keep finding romance books where the FMC is a ballerina and for me other than Scarlet's injury, a lot of the women in this industry are portrayed the same and have very similar storylines. So while I enjoyed Scarlet as a character and her perseverance through all that has gone through, I felt like I had read her character before.

Asher was a surprise, I loved him as a character and he is so much more than the playboy that he is portrayed as. He is totally a golden retriever of a man and I loved every second of him. To top it off, he has such a huge personal journey in this book and you cant help but love him more. My one thing that I could deal without is the amount he calls Scarlet Darling, but that is just a me thing.

This book has some great tropes in it; Rival's sister, forced proximity, trainer and trainee, he falls first.

If you are looking for a sports romance, that is not hockey but still has similar flare of sports and MMC attitude then I recommend this book. I really enjoyed it and looking forward reading the next book in the series featuring Scarlet's brother.

Enjoy!!!

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Elliot Ray: Heist in Paradise

 

In the first in a new series Elliot Ray some thieves get more than the bargained for on an Island Heist:

The Premise of this book got me. I mean who wouldn't want to read a book about an unhinged merry Band of thieves, that are okay with doing some bad things but at the same time end up having some heart as well. I enjoyed how Ray brought Jax's team and Olivia together on the island, as i didn't expect that to be the set up that Ray went with. I also appreciated that Ray went for a darker subject manner a few times in the book which I was not expecting. I was also not expecting how Ray had the plot unfold there are a few surprises along the way.

This book is very much insta-lust between Jax and Olivia so if that is not your thing you will want to avoid this book. I will say that while you feel the tension between Jax and Olivia and at a later point Olivia and Madoc, the true tension is between Jax and Madoc. I personally wish that this was more of a Jax and Madoc story and just left Olivia out of it. Does she add to the story, yes her reasons for being there are solid, but I think that Ray could have had a similar plot without her. Now this book does end on cliffhanger, so I feel like the next book will explore this relationship more.

Madoc is by far my favourite character. He is the unhinged secondary MMC in the book, who has the darker side and knows how to get things done. Also to me it seemed like most of the banter in the book is associated with him or about him. Other than Madoc, I you don't really get to know the secondary characters, even though we get Jax's POV, the side characters are just there. I wish we got more information about who they are and how they ended up being in Jax's crew.

Overall, this was a fun quick read, that is fairly spicy and a bit of mystery throughout with a cliffhanger ending that will want you to pick up the next book.

Enjoy!!!!

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Stephen King: Mr. Mercedes

 

In the first in a series, Stephen King puts solving a mass murderer in the hands of a retired Detective:

This is the first book that I have read by King (shocking I know) so I had some expectations but more about the content than the actual writing. I thought that this book would be darker and more scary that it was but this was much more a police procedural/PI book than anything else. I appreciate the cat and mouse aspect of this book but it is underplayed at times as we get POV from Hodges and Brady.

I enjoyed that King decided to have the two main characters have the POV in this book. Through Hodges we get to see how even retired a police officer never really gives up the hunt for those who got away and the need to have a puzzle in their life. Through Brady we get an a look into the mind and life of the killer and the Why and High that he wants to get through the mass murder. We also get to see the depraved life that Brady had growing up (very much a nature vs nurture aspect). You can also tell that Brady needs to have someone know what he did and needs to have some attention on him. I also enjoyed the two side character of Jerome and Holly as they add more 21 century to the book, I think that Hodges would have been lost without them, especially Jerome.

I appreciate that King did not feel the need to keep adding up the bodies in the book. The first mass murder at the beginning is enough to set up the book and the motive for why Hodges wants to find Mr. Mercedes.

My one problem with the book is with Janey. Before we know Janey's age, I thought she was closer in age to Hodges and she is written as such from how she acts and the language that she uses.

For my first book by King I would say that it was a success. Though it was not dark or scary like it thought it would be, I enjoyed Hodges hunt for Brady and I look forward to continuing on with this series.

Enjoy!!!!

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Kate Alice Marshall: The Girls Before

 

Kate Alice Marshall shows how far a woman will go to find those who have been lost.

This is the fourth book that I have read by Marshall and once again she was very quicky able to draw me into the story that I did not want to put this book down. Even though this is the fourth book I have read by her, the books have not felt like they follow the same formula with the mystery. Yes, there are  similar aspects within them, but nothing that makes the plots/story feel the same.

I loved how Marshall decided to tell the plot in this book, with two POV and we are not really sure what the time frame is for the second POV. You don't know if the timelines are ever going to meet, and i appreciated the unpredictable nature of this. It really became a question of who Audrey is trying to save.

I have not read a book in a long time where the main character has a search and rescue background and I really enjoyed that aspect. I loved that Audrey was willing to shirk the law and go where she was not allowed because of where she thought a lost child may be. Does this make her Audrey reckless at times throughout the book, totally, but it makes her more interesting and serves her well throughout the book.

I think that would be my one complaint as I never felt any danger or suspense in the events surrounding Audrey. She is mainly left to her own devises in the investigations she decides to partake in, you'd think there would be someone who would do more to try and stop her (permanently), as she does not hide her intent at all.

Barry is the best and I will not hear otherwise.

Marshall was able to keep me on the edge of my seat with this one. I really enjoyed Stranger's POV, Stranger really is the highlight of this book and how Marshall had the story unfold. I look forward to reading more by Marshall.

Enjoy!!!!

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Antonia Hodgson: The Raven Scholar

 

In the first in a series, Antonia Hodgson brings a story where one woman fights to discover the truth of herself, murder and the empire:

I don't think there are enough words to express how much I enjoyed The Raven Scholar. and right now it is going to be one of my favourite reads for the past year. I was lucky to have a physical copy and get access to the audiobook via my library that I never had to put this book down.

When the book starts, I totally had an idea of where Hodgson was going to take the story and man was i completely wrong. Hodgson has created a fantasy world that is easy to understand (there is not too much info dumping). The empire is divided between different groups that worship a different animal god, each of which has it's own strengths and weaknesses. Whichever animal sits on the throne dictates how the empire will be won. When it is time for a new leader to steps down (24 year cycle) a tournament is held to determine who the next successor will be (there is no birth right succession in this empire). The top candidate from each animal house will compete. Cue in not only a tournament with trial but also so much political intrigue that I was kicking my feet throughout (I love political intrigue books). The mystery and intrigue are so well done, that you will be questioning everything and everyone till the very end and what an ending it is.

I loved Neema as a character and the amazing mind that she has. The Raven's don't understand what they have with her. As with many court, she is looked down upon as she is not from the high class but she takes this to be the best Raven that she can be. When she is thrust into the tournament to be the neI will say that Neema did seem younger than the 30 years that she is supposed to be, especially in social interactions, she is all book smart and full of facts. I think this immaturity is due to that fact that she is the loner, she has no friend and the one she did have was gone near the beginning of the book..

This book does have multiple POV throughout but Neema is the main POV and the main character. I also adored the loan crow. And that we do get it's POV from time to time in short bursts, which is the perfect amount.

My main quip is I now have to wait till October 2027 to get my hands on the next book, so I would personally wait if i were you till closer to that date, as you are going to want to jump in from this book till the next. Great Fantasy read and I cannot wait for more.

Enjoy!!!

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Bal Khabra: Spiral

 

In the second book in a series, Bal Khabra show's how a fake date may just lead to something real:

This may be the second book in a series but I found that I was still able to follow the relationships and story. You do have a bit of intersection with the first couple in this series but not enough that you need to read the first book before this one.

I'm not sure if it is just me, but I seem to keep finding sports romances where the FMC is a ballerina and I don’t mind it. I love the juxtaposition of ballet to more “traditional” sports and for the MMC to acknowledge how hard ballet actually is.

I enjoyed  Khabra did not just have them jumping into a relationship and bed together right after they meet each other and Khabra takes the time for the relationship between Sage and Elias to grow.

Sage is such a determined character to the point that she will not accept any help for herself from her wealthy uncle, but if it something for her brother she has no problem. You can tell that Sage does not want to be in anyone's debt or have to rely on anyone else because of her past and it is a tragic one. This is a big thing that she needs to work on in this story and you get to watch her grow albeit slowly. I really loved that Sage would just speak what was on her mind, even when it was something dirty to try and set Elias off.

Elias was a good character but really not a memorable as Sage and really his backstory was not as interesting and I find it hard to believe his choices after one incident plus his inability to score goals should not be made into a big of a deal as it is. I mean he leads with assists and that is just as important. I do love how much Elias put Sage first and that it was okay for someone to take care of her for once. He really is a golden retriever. 

This book is very much about the characters and their relationship, but I wish there would have been more to the ballet drama as well as Elias' past as well. They are big parts of both of them and it felt like the surface is barely scratched with them especially with the ballet drama

Overall this is a cute and spicy (at times) read and I enjoyed it. I would read another one by Khabra and would continue on with the characters in this series.

Enjoy!!!!

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Kelley Armstrong: An Ordinary Sort of Evil

 

In the Fifth book in Kelley Armstrong's A Rip Through Time series, things are are getting ghostly:

This series has gotten the better and better with each book. I have loved the overall arc of the story and the relationship between the characters. You can tell that Armstrong has done some research of what was hot and popular with the wealthier class at that time and I always find it interesting when she incorporates them into her story. From the Mummy unwrapping a few books back to now the introduction of seances. It is also fun when she has actual historical figures making their appearance known and maybe that is why she chose this point in time.

I think the aspect of the seance was done really well. Mallory knows that they are fake, but even with them just starting to happen, it is not entirely clear how they are making all the noises or maybe there truly is a spirit contacting them from the other side. The introduction of this spirit and the way the plot unfolds is done really well. There are a few suspects along the way and Armstrong does a great job of keeping you guessing of who the murder is.

Now normally I am not the biggest fan of the miscommunication trope, though in this setting (and that of the previous book) it is fitting. Since Gray and Mallory are from different times, how things are interpreted are going to be different as well as you have Mallory trying to adapt to how things are done in the 1800 there is going to be some confusion and miscommunication along the way. I think it is cute as they bumble around their feelings for each other and very mush everyone else can see it but them. 

Am I the only one who thinks that Jack needs her own spin off novella or something like that? 

Once again Armstrong has written an interesting story by showing that one can weave together character development, atmosphere and an engaging plot. It are these aspects that have me coming back not only to this series but the other books and series that she writes.

Enjoy!!!

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Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti: Savage Fae

 

In the second book of the Ruthless Boy series, Elise needs to guard her heart as she maybe falling for a killer;

I really appreciated that Peckham and Valenti did not waste any time between book one and book two. I enjoy that we jump right back into the story, world and relationship and we don't need figure out if anything has happened between the books.

I appreciate that Elise knows what she wants out of her relationship life and she does not make it a secret to the men in this book. It is them that have more of a problem with it than her and you can't fault the way that she thinks based upon her past and what happened with her mom. I will say that it does seem that Elise, seems to forget why she is at the school for quite a bit of the book and honestly I do too sometimes, as that plot seems secondary until we get Gareth's POV. I love the glimpses of the school and people that Gareth interacts with and now Elise does too. I really want to know what changed in his and Cindy Lou’s relationship.

Ryder is still my favourite and I love his secret love of the Lion King and every time he brings it up around Leon, I found myself at least smiling if not laughing as well. And also who does not love the Lion King and the trauma it caused all of us as kids. 

Where this book struggles is really Elise trying to find out who murdered her brother and why. While we get a bit of insight, the majority of the book is about Elise getting closer to the guys around her and really treading the line with them, especially Ryder and Dante. I hope the next book in the series has more of the mystery aspect to it, as that plot point only seems like a tease right now.

I’m enjoying this series so far. I know when I am reading the books I’m Turing the pages as fast as I can to see where Peckham and Valenti are going to take the relationships, I just want a bit more from to murder plot.

Enjoy!!!!!

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Katherine Center: How to Walk Away

 

Katherine Center shows the resilience of one woman when the life as she knows it goes up in flames.

I have read almost all of Center's books and this one would be near the top of my list (my favourite is still Things You Save in a Fire). This book is not a romance book, yes it has a romance subplot but the main plot of this book is rediscovering yourself and healing from a tragedy. It is about finding a new strength and the will to carry on or how to walk away if you will.

You will like Maggie right from the first moment that you meet her. She is bubbly, happy and wanting to please everyone around her. Her strength is remarkable when everything happens to her from the accident itself and everything that follow after is truly amazing. Does she struggle? Yes, any person would, but I think it is a testament to Center that she does not shy away from the harder aspects.

I can’t help but love Ian more for the decisions that he makes in this book. You can tell how much he loves and wants to be with Maggie but he know he has to do it right.

Now was this book predictable, totally, but it is a testament to Center's ability to write a story and compelling characters that had me engrossed in the book and turning the pages. I also think that Center portrayed pretty accurate of how people react in the face of tragedy. People really show who they are and you really discover quickly who you want in your life.

Anyone else find the title ironic? If you have read the book you get it.

I really enjoyed this book and her showing how resilient a woman can be. Center is one of the authors that if she writes it I will read it.

Enjoy!!!!

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Ellis Hunter: Blood Bound

 

In the first in a new series and their debut novel Hunter has the ultimate clash of Witches vs Dragon Riders, to the death:

I won't lie I struggled with the first 50% of the book. I found it to be slow and I wasn't fully invested in the characters or story. However, after certain events that happen at that point I became fully invested in the characters and story. When I first started reading the book, I made three predictions around the 12% mark about where the story was going to go and what reveals Hunter was going to make along the way and I was right of two out of the three predictions. So there wasn't as many surprises along the way as I would have liked. This very much follows some of the typical Romantasy tropes out there (insta-love, fated mates, rivals to lovers, rebellion and more). Though I will say I did not expect where Hunter too the book at the end.

I appreciated the Dual POVs and loved the two magic systems that has been presented. The difference from the Dragon riders and the Witches is quite pronounced in the book, with the Dragon riders being on top. I loved that although Astrid is unable to wield magic she has found other ways to use it through her potions. I also loved the familiars (and that not all of them were cats) and Dragons and that Hunter allows the reader to know what is being communicated between them. I especially loved Bastet and his dry sense of humour.

One thing I wasn't the greatest fan of was everyone wanting to protect Astrid, like she was some delicate flower that need protection Constantly. No, she is actually a badass witch in her own right and I think people should have respected that more. Especially as she has basically been preparing to die her entire life, and the strength and pose she shows with that aspect is commendable. This also made me feel bad for Skylar as it always appears that she has no one in her corner.

Also it seemed like we were waiting for the dual FOREVER. Like Hunter found every possible thing to do before the actual dual and then we the dual gets here, well, it was a little lack luster in my opinion.

This was a good start to the series, but the more I think about it, the more I think that Hunter tried to do too much in the first book, that it came off at slow at the start and then had a complete 180 by the end of where they were going to take the story. I think the overall flow of the book was off. Now would i continue the series, yes. I did like where they eventually took the book and was able to get invested by the character and I want to see where they take it next.

Enjoy!!!

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H. M. Wolfe: Daggermouth

H. M. Wolfe show the lengths a rebellion will go in order to right the wrong that Society has become:

As soon as I found out about this book, I knew I needed to get my hands on it to read it. And wow what a book it is. This book had me hooked from the beginning and a choke hold for most of the book. Now does this book really add anything new to the dystopian genre? No, it is very much men are in control women must be subservient to them and there is always those on the outside that want to rebel against them all. This does not mean that I did not enjoy the book, but I have read quite a few Dystopian books and the themes are the same so this made the book predictable at times.

Wolfe had me caring about each of the characters in a different way in this book and if you like Multiple POV’s this book will be one you’ll enjoy. Shadera and Greyson get the most POV in the book which makes sense as they are very much the focus of this book. Shadera is such a badass in this book, she is full of some many crazy skills that make her a great assassin but holding her tongue is not one of them, which gets her in to trouble quite a bit. Greyson was who I actually thought he would be before reading the book, so his character was not a surprise to me as it may have been to other

I didn't feel the relationship between Shadera and Grey. She was too much woman for him. I mean I feel the hate that they for each other and what they think the other has cost them I just didn’t feel the attraction they are supposed to feel. This also has an alternative for Shadea and that is Jamison Vine and for me I’m Team Jamison Fucking Vine all day. Jamison knows who he is and is not ashamed of it, plus he is willing to do anything for Shadera.

I was thinking this book was a solid 4 star read till the end and that totally bumped it up to 4.5 with where Wolfe takes the story as well as leaving so many huge cliffhangers at the end. 

I think that this book lived up to the hype that it has been receiving. It is a true dystopia book, that is dark gritty and really grabs hold of you right at the beginning and not just the characters but the story and plot as well. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

Enjoy!!!!

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