Book Review: Crown of Death (Crown of Death #1; Blood Descendants Universe #9) by Keary Taylor

Title: Crown of Death
Author: Keary Taylor
Series: Crown of Death #1; Blood Descendants Universe #9
Pages: 266
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Years of bad luck have made Logan Pierce a little bitter, but it all goes from bad to worse the night she witnesses two immortal beings rip a man’s head off with their bare hands.

Her life is wrecked overnight by a single man—Cyrus, who seems to think she’s someone important in his bloody world. But they won’t know the truth until she’s dead, and he’s very anxious to help her get there.

But Logan isn’t going down without a fight. She makes him a deal. She will die, but first he must spend a month getting to know her, a month to change his mind. What she doesn’t expect is a month filled with displays of incredible wealth, spontaneous trips across the country, and unbelievable acts of immortal power. And as Logan spends her last days with Cyrus, she stops seeing the monster and begins to see a lonely, broken man she can’t walk away from. If she isn’t careful, it won’t just be her life she loses at the end of the month, but her heart as well...

Going into Crown of Death I didn't know what to really expect. I did not realize that this book was part of a bigger universe; however, I don't think you really need to read the other Blood Descendant installments to understand this story. I may be wrong, cause obviously I haven't read them, but I never felt lost or not in the loop while reading this installment.

I actually have other books on my kindle from Keary Taylor, however, this is the first one I have actually sat down to read...and, I am in no way disappointed! I loved the way she built the story and that she was able to create such a snarky fun character that you can't help but root for. She was absolutely great! Cyrus wasn't so bad either. He was extremely complex and I really enjoyed him and Logan's interactions, as she wasn't always so polite to him as he was used to.

I really enjoyed the overall storyline of the book, and in the end there was a twist that I hadn't really been expecting. Typically, I am just not interested in stories that tend to go in that specific direction (I'm trying to be vague here so I don't spoil anything!). It's nothing against the writing or storyline, because up until that point I had really enjoyed the story as a whole. Just because I did enjoy Taylor's writing, I may have to pick up the second installment later on. But, as a whole, I really did enjoy the story as a whole, hence the 4 star rating; however, I just don't particularly know if I will pick up the next installment based upon the direction the story was heading.

   

Book Review: Forged in Fire (The Vessel Trilogy Book 1) by Juliette Cross

Title: Forged in Fire
Author: Juliette Cross
Series: The Vessel Trilogy #1
Pages: 314
My Rating: ❤❤❤

Genevieve Drake has never been the helpless kind of girl, has never needed to be rescued. That is, not until her twentieth birthday when some dude nearly chokes her to death in an alley and a hot stranger splits the guy in half, rips a monster from inside, and incinerates it into ash.

The hot guy? Jude Delacroix—Dominus Daemonum, Master of Demons. Now her guardian, whether she likes it or not.

But she’s seriously beginning to like it.

The dude choking her? One of many demons from the underworld trying to abduct or kill Genevieve. As the prime target of the demon prince, Danté, she has no problem accepting Jude’s protection.

Why Genevieve? She’s a Vessel, one born to serve the Light but can be corrupted and used as a weapon for darkness. She had no idea this world even existed. Now, she just wants to survive it.

I found the world and characters created by Ms. Cross to be intriguing...so intriguing, that I wanted more. The characters created by Cross were fantastic, like Genevieve can be pretty snarky and bold and utterly fantastic, yet we as readers were privy to her vulnerabilities and insecurities. I appreciated how real of a character she was in a fantastical world. She has problems just like the rest of us...awkward dates, jerk professors, and all the expectations and ups and downs that come with living. She has experienced much in her twenty years and I know what she has been through would be extremely hard to overcome. One of my favorite parts of the book was where she talked about returning to school after her mother's death. Others at school were talking about her, saying that she would turn out crazy just like her mom did, however, she explained that she could let her words beat her down, or overcome them...and she did. She learned to be her confident snarky self and kick ass. There is so much more to her than being a girl attracted to this otherworldly guy. Seriously so much more. And thus, I'm left wanting more. I want to hear more about Genevieve's ability to overcome her obstacles and face the "monsters" that are waiting for her. I just want more!

Not only did I feel sort of let-down on seeing Genevieve's character fully develop, but I also felt a little lacking in the development of other characters as well. We all know that Jude has a long history and obviously has some dark seductive secrets, but being as I'm sure he's to remain a mystery until the appropriate time in the series, I'm not as upset about seeing more into his character. Instead, I do want to know more about Genevieve's dad and his other employee, Erik. There is a lot more to the two of them and I really feel a little left out not knowing their full stories. 

I see a lot of potential with this series, and I'm going to continue on and see if I can get everything I want in terms of character development. I just want to know so much more! The world Cross built and the story are super intriguing and I want to see how it all ultimately unfolds. I have high hopes for the rest of this series, and it's times like these I wish I had a rating scale with more options, but ultimately I'm going with a 3, in hopes that the rest of the series will blow this one out of the water!

"Steven grinned like an idiot, and I don't know why. It's not like one beer would suddenly make him attractive."

"Yeah," agreed my study partner Malcom, "just like Uncle Ben said, 'With great power comes great responsibility."

"I realized that we are the choices we make, not just what the world chooses to make us."

   

Book Review: Half Wolf by Aimee Easterling

Title: Half Wolf
Author: Aimee Easterling
Series: Alpha Underground #1
Pages: 226
My Rating: ❤❤❤

Every werewolf knows the meek don't inherit the earth. Fen Young is a half-shifter whose inner beast is more mouse than wolf. Home is her castle, the only place she's ever felt safe. Enter Hunter Green, an uber-alpha strong enough to stop traffic with a single look. He's handsome and enticing and seems like just the ticket to broaden Fen's horizons...until the uber-alpha brushes off his admirer and summarily rejects her from her home pack. Now treading water in the no-man's land of outpack territory, Fen must confront a missing pack mate, a tantalizing stranger, and a serial killer targeting half-werewolves. Will she be able to shore up her waning power in time to save her friend...and half-breeds everywhere...before it's too late?

I found the first installment in the Alpha Underground series to be entertaining, however, I found myself wanting something more. Although the characters were interesting, I wanted more depth to them and to their interactions. I believe they all had the potential to be complex characters, but instead fell flat to me. I wanted to know more about Fen's pack mates and why they would want to leave the safety of an established pack to follow Fen into outpack territory.

Additionally, I was seriously rooting for Fen. I believed that she would come into her own and find her strength as a leader. Instead I was disappointed in her development. I know that she is young and cannot possibly know everything about leading a pack, but I at least expected more from her. I did not really feel like she ever took the time to get to know her pack members and form connections with them. She had zero idea that Ginger even had a crush on her. Not only did she not form connections with her pack mates, but she never formed a connection with her actual legitimate mate, Hunter.

The interactions between Fen and Hunter were few and far between, yet she would drool over him and throw herself at him as soon as he would decide to come into the picture. I needed a lot more to that little relationship. It just seemed extremely rushed and a bit lacking to me. Overall, Fenn's decisions always seemed somewhat rushed to me, and I greatly questioned her decision making skills. She trusted the first person that seemed to help her, and allowed him into the pack despite Lia having apprehensions about him. This was just shady to me. I know you need help, but you don't want to compromise any of your pack mates feelings of safety. Even knowing how Lia felt about him, she wouldn't limit their interactions together. This was very odd to me.

Although I did have quite a few hangups with certain parts of the story and the characters, I did find the book to be entertaining. I believe that the book did have a lot of potential, and I only hope that as the series continues, more growth and depth is instilled in the characters.

Top Ten Tuesday #1

Ten Hidden Gem New Adult Fiction Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful people at the broke and the bookish. This weeks topic involves books that are hidden gems in the genre of your choice. I chose to do New Adult fiction books.

At this point, just about any New Adult book is a hidden gem. Bookstores don't even have a New Adult section, which is a bummer since it's becoming one of my favorite genres! 

For this list, I've rounded up a few new adult books that I absolutely love! 

1) Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Not only is Flight an awesome paranormal romance, but you can often score it for free on Amazon! That is exactly how I first discovered this series that takes place in the big easy! The world created by Ivy is engaging and the characters are hilarious. 

Check out my review of Flight here!

2) Shadows of the Ancients by Christine M. Butler

This werewolf story is truly entertaining! The main characters best friend manages to make me laugh practically every time she opens her mouth! Be warned however, the second book in this series is even better than the first!

Check out my review of Shadows of the Ancients here!

3) Bloodfire by Helen Harper

I wouldn't classify this as being a werewolf story, but instead a shifter story. I love how this book introduces all kinds of different shifters, from your typical wolf to a honey badger. It would be super wild to see some of the scenes that involve all the different animals.

You can see my review of Bloodfire here! 

4) Hope(less) and Clay's Hope by Melissa Haag

Melissa Haag allows us to see a story unfold in both the female's and male's pov. Both books are great in their own way. If you get the chance, I would say to read both, because it's pretty great to see the story from someone else's perspective. Not to mention, we got to see what was going on in Clay's head!

You can check out my reviews of Hope(less) and Clay's Hope!

5) Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

McGuire's Beautiful Disaster is one of the novels that first introduced me to the wonderful world of new adult books! Full of romance, action, and suspense, this story kept me turning pages. I had to know what was going to happen next! Far warning however, this isn't rainbows and unicorns love, this is messy...super messy love.

See my review of Beautiful Disaster here!

6) Deep Blue by Jules Barnard

Deep Blue is similar to Beautiful Disaster, however, it isn't quite as messy. It too kept me on the edge of my seat! The characters are great...especially Jaeger! 

Check out the review of Deep Blue here!

7) My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White

This nod to Pride and Prejudice is, dare I say, one of the most adorable books I have ever read! It is a super cute romance that is sure to make you grin from ear to ear! 

Find my review of My Own Mr. Darcy here!

8) Accepting Fate by Deanna Chase

Although Accepting Fate is technically the second book in the series, you can definitely pick it up without reading the first. I did just that, and didn't feel as though I had missed a beat! I absolutely loved the light fantasy element Chase wove into the story! This is soulmates as you have never seen them before!!

Look for my review of Accepting Fate here!

*Not quite ten books, but I'm still working my way through this new genre! Hopefully I'll find some more hidden gems 😊

Have you read any great New Adult books? Comment Below!!

Book Review: Bloodrage (Blood Destiny Book 3) by Helen Harper

Title: Bloodrage
Author: Helen Harper
Series: Blood Destiny #3
Pages: 237
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Mack begins her training at the mages' academy in the hope that, by complying, the stasis spell will be lifted from her old friend, Mrs. Alcoon. However, once there, she finds herself surrounded by unfriendly adults and petulant teenagers, the majority of whom seem determined to see her fail.

Feeling attacked on all fronts, Mack finds it harder and harder to keep a rein on her temper. Forced to attend anger management classes and deal with the predatory attentions of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the shapeshifter world, her emotions start to unravel. But when she comes across a familiar text within the walls of the mages' library, which might just provide the clues she needs to unlock the secrets of her background and her dragon blood, she realises that her problems are only just beginning...

Mack seems to have an incredible talent of getting into trouble literally everywhere she goes. Bloodrage is definitely no different. Due to the events in both Bloodfire and Bloodmagic, Mack finds herself to be the newest initiate at the mages' prestigious academy, much to both the students and the teachers dismay.

She knows that if she doesn't succeed in passing all of her lessons at the academy, that poor Mrs. Alcoon will never be released from stasis. She also knows that to actually succeed, she will need to keep that little temper of hers in check, which is way easier said than done. Despite her predicament, Mack does try her hardest and even makes some actual friends!

Just as with the previous books, Bloodrage is full of action and there is a little bit of Corrigan thrown in there too (wink, wink). The suspense is killing me! We all know that Corrigan keeps popping up in Mack's life for a reason, but of course, Mack is emotional, temperamental, and stubborn. However, those same qualities, the temper, emotions, and stubbornness is also why we love her.

Sigh, we will just have to wait, because i am one hundred percent sure that Corrigan and Mack will happen. Hopefully, the next book in line, Blood Politics will not disappoint. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

"His back was ramrod straight, exactly as if the metaphorical poker up his arse reached through his spine and into his skull. That probably accounted for the lack of brain cells, I figured sardonically."

"Wonders would never cease. It would appear that I may have made another, if perhaps rather taciturn, new friend."

"Good teachers don't seek to train their students to be as good as they are, they seek to make them better." 

Book Review: Off Limits (Men of Lake Tahoe Book 1) by Jules Barnard

Title: Off Limits
Author: Jules Barnard
Series: Men of Lake Tahoe #1
Pages: 320
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

When Cali Morgan kicks off her perfect post-college summer in Lake Tahoe, she has everything she ever wanted: acceptance into a top law program, a gorgeous boyfriend, and an incredible summer planned with her best friend.

Confident about her place in the world, Cali makes it her mission to be her friend’s wingwoman and help her meet guys. What Cali doesn’t count on is running into Jaeger Lang, one of her older brother’s high school friends, or the sparks that fly when she’s around him.

Jaeger has changed, and it’s not just the added height and muscle. There’s something about him that’s deep and a little scarred. In spite of the changes, Jaeger becomes a top pick for her friend—if Cali can keep her hands off him.

But when Cali’s boyfriend dumps her and her carefully laid plans begin to unravel, she finds herself questioning what it is she truly desires. In the midst of doubts about her future, one thing is very clear: she wants Jaeger for her own. The question is, has her friend already fallen for him? And will Jaeger’s past come back to haunt them both?

Cali thinks she has her entire future mapped out. She recently graduated college and has been accepted into a top law program. She believes everything is great, except her friend Gen. Gen has recently broken up with her boyfriend, so to help cheer her up, Cali gets them jobs at a casino in Lake Tahoe.

However, things do not go as planned, and Cali finds herself lost and totally confused. Everything she thought she wanted, may not be even remotely close to what she really needs. Luckily for her, she has some help along the way, including Gen, and Jaeger, who looks a lot different than he did in high school...

I absolutely loved Barnard's writing! She was able to weave a great story that included a shock or two (or three or four). And the scenery sounds AMAZING! Her descriptions make me want to grab my camera, head on over there, and just enjoy the view. Speaking of view, her descriptions weren't just about the scenery, quite a few adjectives were about a certain scarred someone with some pretty green eyes. Just Sayin'. Deep Blue is fun summer read that will definitely, without a doubt have you swooning. 

"If one wishes to elicit a reaction from the elusive species known as 'reservus quietgirlius,' one must poke."

"Mom discovered too late that sometimes a hardworking man is more successful than a brilliant one."

"You're not a loser. You're almost as smart as me, which makes you one of the smartest people on the planet."

"Is he crazy? No one has ever told me my doodles are good, not that I flash them around or anything. Gen likes them, but she also thinks vampire romances are literature and sings along to 'Islands in the Stream.' Her tastes are dubious. She's not a reliable source."

"What better time to try something new than when you have nothing to lose."

"...maybe that's art. Seeing beauty others miss and capturing it." 


****Off Limits was previously named Deep Blue, and looked a little something like this: ****

Book Review: Something (Wisteria Book 1) by Shelby Lamb

Title: Something
Author: Shelby Lamb
Series: Wisteria #1
Pages: 304
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

“I will find true love, and everything will be okay. I will find true love, and everything will be okay…” she chanted.

They say be careful what you read. Something is wrong. Something is very wrong. It can happen to anyone. This is just four teenagers’ story.

Aubrey Golding hates her face, her body, and is devastated after Nathan Silva leaves her. Alone, suicidal, and desperate for love, she discovers a book called Something and unknowingly links others to a dark and terrifying curse that is beginning to consume her.

Nathan is glad to be moving on with someone new and can hardly believe what is happening now. Wild child and amateur porn star, Bella Broadhurst, loves bullying that “emo whore” Aubrey with the other girls, but mostly she loves partying, hookups, and plain ol’ drama when terror arises. And Kendra Coke is just a new teen mother working on a delicate relationship when things start becoming utterly bizarre.

Chilling sleep disturbances and figures hiding in the corners of their rooms are just warnings of what is to come. Be careful what you read, they say. Tread carefully.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

If you don't like deeply flawed characters or things that go bump in the night, then Something is not for you. However, if you do, then for you, Something, may just be perfect! It is chalked full of flawed characters making questionable decisions, suspense, and creepiness.

When reading this story, you just have to go along with what the characters are doing. It's sort of like watching a scary movie and the main character goes into a creepy house and doesn't turn on any lights. The whole time you are yelling at the screen going "what are you thinking!" Something is no different. If I hadn't been reading the book in public, then I most likely would have had a running commentary that mostly consisted of the following: Why are you doing this? Are you stupid? Do you just want something bad to happen? 

After resigning myself to just go along with the story, I found that I actually kind of liked it. The characters aren't perfect, not even close, however, they aren't supposed to be. I don't really know if you are even supposed to really like the characters. What was happening around them was what I found really intriguing, and it's what kept me reading. I just had to know what was going to happen next, and how everything was going to play out. The details that Miss Lamb included throughout the story were amazing and I think she described things perfectly. Every time she mentioned those delectable truffles, my mouth would water! Seriously the descriptions were that good!!

Book Review: Accepting Fate (Destiny Book 2) by Deanna Chase

Title: Accepting Fate
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Destiny #2
Pages: 240
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

From New York Times bestselling author, Deanna Chase comes the second book in the Destiny series.

When two souls are fated...

A year ago, Jax Russo left school to escape to her safe haven, her hometown of Mendocino, CA. After overcoming depression and healing old wounds, she’s finally ready to move on. But when her brother’s arrested for a shocking crime, she finds herself caught between her family and her brother’s accuser—the man she’s been in love with since she was fifteen years old.

Firefighter Derek Alexander never wanted to be a hero. He does his job for one reason and one reason only—to make up for that terrible night nine years ago. His demons haunt him, but so do dreams of Jax, the girl he knows he’s fated to be with. But in a world of magical soul mates, sometimes even love and forgiveness isn’t enough.

I didn't have very high hopes for Accepting Fate. I figured it would just be the usual hum-drum romance, but I am glad to be wrong! It is your typical romance, but it is extremely cute! I really enjoyed the characters, and absolutely loved how Chase switched back and forth between Jax and Derek. Not to mention, Chase can write one gorgeous character...Derek (sigh).

Both Jax and Derek have been through a lot in their lives. They still have nightmares and it is a constant struggle for them to try to be upbeat and get through their lives. This struggle is something that they bond over, and they come to realize that the other is the only person that truly understands them and what they are going through. It is extremely sweet to see how much they support for and care for each other.

Not only is this a book about sweet romance, but there is a bit of a paranormal twist. In this world, soul mates truly do exist, which was interesting. The one thing that I truly liked was that a soul mate does exist, but that does not mean they are the best person for you. I really liked the idea that you had the ability to choose, and it wasn't like some ingrained connection (insta-love). It was truly a great book, and I hope that Chase continues on with the series!

"As he pulls away from her, his gaze meets mine, and we stare at each other for one long moment before I slowly raise my left hand and give him the middle finger."

"The look she gives me is priceless - shock mixed with pure pleasure. I make a note to put that look on her face as often as possible."

Book Review: Fall From Grace (Mad World Book 1) by Christine Zolendz

Title: Fall From Grace
Author: Christine Zolendz
Series: Mad World #1
Pages: 317
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

I'm finally home after struggling through my brother's illness and death. But, home is definitely a bit different. My best friend (the only person alive now that knows my secret) has a new boyfriend; and he has a friend. Shane Maxton: bad boy, tattooed rock god, eye candy extraordinaire. He is also New York City's most arrogant, self-serving, son of a, well, a definite one-night stand kind of a guy.

But, it doesn't matter to me because I've spent my existence looking for the love of my life, my angel. And, there is nothing that Shane Maxton can do to change that.

A paranormal romance.

Fall From Grace was a nice super fast read! Grace has spent her time looking for "the one" and so far, has been unable to find him. However, she does know that there is absolutely no way that Shane, in all his bad boy glory, could be "the one."

But, no matter how hard you try not to like him, Shane manages to get under your skin. You just cannot help but love him! Despite this, Grace goes out of her way to not like Shane or give into him. Which, is pretty entertaining and makes for some great dialogue.

The story includes some paranormal elements, and I am all for some supernatural stuff, but I think the story would have been great without this. I would have preferred the story without the Heaven and Angels plot. Take that out, and you get something similar to Jamie McGuire's Beautiful Disaster, but more mellowed out.

One thing that I really did not like was the ending. I was just in the middle of a scene, reading along, then turned to the next page only to find "the end." In the middle of a scene. What the heck? This wasn't a cliffhanger, but instead almost just like a page break. You know, but without the click here to read more link. Also, practically every guy that Grace came across threw themselves at her. I get it, she's pretty, but literally every guy did this.

Other than that, however, it was a nice read and I enjoyed the back and forth between Shane and Grace!

"Lea, you know you should never have a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent."

"You know, if you're going to be a smart ass you should start with being smart, otherwise, you're really just an ass."

"No. I want you to tell me why you have a pair of broken angel wings on your shoulder. I want you to tell me why you cut your wrists and I want to know why and how you play and sing the way you do, but most of all I want you to tell me what I need to do to be a good enough man for you."

Book Review: Hope(less) (Judgement of the Six Book 1) by Melissa Haag

Title: Hope(less)
Author: Melissa Haag
Series: Judgement of the Six #1
Pages: 352
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Gabby's brain is like a human fish finder. It comes in handy when she wants to avoid people. Mostly men. They seem to like her a bit too much. It's lonely being different, but she's adapted to it. Really. She just wishes she knew why she is different, though.

In her search for answers, she discovers a hidden community of werewolves. She immerses herself in their culture, learning about their world until she meets Clay. He's unkempt, prone to mood swings, intense without saying a word, and he thinks Gabby is his.

It's going to take every trick she knows to convince Clay to go away, and every bit of willpower not to fall for him when she discovers the man beneath the rough exterior.

Judgement has begun...

I needed a break from Helen Harper's Blood Destiny series and decided to pick up Hope(less), thinking it would be a nice change. Who knew that once I started it, that I wouldn't be able to put it down until 3:16 in the morning! The entire night I just kept telling myself that after one more chapter I would go to bed. That went on for several hours. I just couldn't put the book down!

Hope(less) has intrigue and humor! I expected it to be similar to all the other werewolf books that I have read, but was pleasantly surprised to find out how different it actually was. In most werewolf books, there is this immediate instant-love connection. Don't get me wrong, Hope(less) does have an instant connection thing going on, but it is pretty different from the norm.

We actually got to see the main characters getting to know about each other at a more gradual pace. And believe me, that was a welcome change from characters proclaiming their love for one another within 15 minutes upon meeting. I know I'm probably going to get sappy here, but I do love the whole idea of finding your soul mate and sometimes the insta-love tactic works, but it was nice to see Melissa Haag put a different spin on it.

For Clay, it was super easy to get to know Gabby, because you guessed it, she can be super Gabby! Okay I know that was super cheesy, but I'm full of cheesy jokes. On the other hand, Gabby struggled to get answers out of Clay, because as Gabby elegantly stated, he is not a chatterbox. She is not exaggerating. Clay takes the strong silent type to a whole new level (you'll see what I mean...).

Clay's actions speak much louder than words. He cooks, he cleans, and he manages to slip his way into your heart without you even knowing it! Despite her many protests, he is exactly what Gabby needed!

"I know I'm asking a lot. You'd need to start talking, stop growling, and bathe. No offense meant, but you look like a crazy man the way you are."

"If a guy doesn't trip over himself to get to me, I'm not interested. I don't want to waste my time chasing what doesn't want to be caught."

"If Sam told him, I'd have to kill Sam. Since I didn't have the stomach for outright murder, I'd break his coffee maker."

"I could tell he was concerned, but trust, once lost, took longer to earn back."

"You don't need to talk to get to know someone. You just need to listen."

"Actions speak louder than words...He's there when I need him, he's kind and caring, he keeps me safe, and as you've seen, he cooks and cleans. What's not to like, Rachel?"

"If I'd spoken, even just one word, I would have never been able to hold back what I feel for you. You would have run." 

Book Review: Blood Politics (Blood Destiny Book 4) by Helen Harper

Title: Blood Politics
Author: Helen Harper
Series: Blood Destiny #4
Pages: 220
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

You'd think that life would finally be dealing Mack Smith a kind hand. Living in London, and with the opening of the new improved city version of Clava Books mere days away, things appear to be settling down. Other than the terrible nightmares about dragons, that is. Or the fact that she's being constantly tailed by a string of mages, shifters and faeries, all of whom are constantly demanding her attention. And that's without even bringing the temptation of Corrigan, Lord Alpha of the Brethren, into the equation.

Then, when a local dryad asks her for some help, things really start to fire up. There are some long hot summer days ahead...

All I could think about while reading Blood Politics was just how perfect the title was for the book. It is extremely political, and no, there is no campaigning, but the rest is still there. Power struggles. Lies. Deceit. Manipulation. Greater Good. You know, the messy part of politics. Even though in school I have always hated politics (and preferred to happily daydream during those particular lectures...), I found myself extremely invested in the politics of the Otherworld. By far, this is one of my favorite books in the Blood Destiny Series!

I cannot help it, I love books that are filled with action and Harper does not disappoint! There were just so many twists in this one and I happily just read along, sometimes I sported a big goofy grin, while others I had my lips squished together trying not to cry (what can I say, I am an extremely expressive reader). Harper just has me way to invested in Mack's life, and at this point I don't think I can go back. I have definitely already committed. My favorite little dragon better have a happy ending.

Also, for those of you that have already become just as invested in Mack's life as I have, I will go ahead and tell you that the moment happened. It actually happened! This is one of those times I referred to earlier, you know where I had a cheesy grin on my face. However, I will warn you, Harper just absolutely loves twists and turns...

"Great, now he'd woken up the neighbours. I'd only moved in four days ago; it was hardly time to start pissing them off just yet."

"Another car drove past, horn blaring as its occupants caught sight of me. Some guy leaned out and wolf-whistled. Solus didn't look at them, but he jerked his wrist and there was a loud bang as the rear tyre burst and the car skidded off to the side, slamming into the side of a nearby building. I smirked"

Book Review: Walking Disaster (Beautiful Book 2) by Jamie McGuire

Title: Walking Disaster
Author: Jamie McGuire
Series: Beautiful #2
Pages: 433
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Finally, the highly anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster.

Can you love someone too much?

Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster; the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. But just when he thinks he is invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.

 

Going into Walking Disaster I expected to see Abby and Travis' story from a different point of view. In other words, I expected to see mostly all the same scenes from Beautiful Disaster, just from Travis' perspective, not Abby's. I wasn't wrong. Some scenes are indeed repeats from the first book, however, McGuire expands upon some scenes and manages to weave in a few new scenes.

I loved Travis "mad dog" Maddox in the first book, and felt the absolute same in this book. He is extremely rough around the edges, and we saw how much he changed when he was around Abby. This book gives you so much more than that. We are able to witness first hand the transformation he went through and how deep his feelings really are. It is absolutely fantastic!

The back cover explains that there are two sides to every story. It's not often that an author gives you both sides either. This seems to be happening more and more, and I am so grateful for it! Don't get me wrong, not all books and series need to do this. Even when an author switches between points of views in the book is enough.

McGuire was able to add a little something extra to Walking Disaster also...an epilogue! It was absolutely perfect and I wouldn't change it, not one bit! Although it's not necessary to read both books, I highly recommend to! Do not read them back to back though, take a break in-between...trust me.

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful Book 1) by Jamie McGuire

Title: Beautiful Disaster
Author: Jamie McGuire
Series: Beautiful Book 1
Pages: 416
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Beautiful Disaster has been on my radar for a while, and I was finally able to get my hands on it! I absolutely LOVE Abby and Travis!! Even though they drive each other insane, there is no denying that they are absolutely perfect for each other.

I could personally go on and on about Travis Maddox for hours. He is just as the synopsis says, everything Abby wants and needs to avoid, yet she cannot stay away from him. I don't blame her one bit! There is so much more to the Travis "Mad Dog" Maddox than everyone else sees, and Abby finds herself to be one of the few that he will truly let in. He still is not perfect, by hey, who is?

Throughout the book both Abby and Travis find themselves struggling with their feelings for one another, and this is one emotional roller coaster ride. I never knew how I was going to feel! One moment I loved Travis, then the next he would just piss me off! However, Abby would then turn around and do the same thing! In the end though, you cannot help but root for these characters and hope that they find their idea of happiness!

I cannot wait to crack open the next installment, which is completely from the point of view of Travis himself!

Book Review: Falling into the White (The Ancients Book 2) by Christine M. Butler

Title: Falling into the White
Author: Christine M. Butler
Series: The Ancients Book 2
Pages: 264
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Jessica St. Marks has come to grips with being the stuff of legends. She is destined to be the leader of her kind, the werewolves.

While she dreams of uniting the two breeds of werewolves, the Ancients and the Lesser, she must first put a stop to the tyrannical rule of the current werewolf king, Antoine De’Lune.

Jessica must come into her full power in order to take her rightful place as the white wolf ruler. She cannot do that without first accepting a mate.

A choice must be made between Evan, the wolf whose claim she has already accepted once; and his brother, Mikael, whom she was forced to get to know. One will help her embrace her destiny, while the other is fated to destroy her.

I could not help myself when I finished the first book in this series and automatically had to purchase the second one. Butler did not let me down! This book was to me even better than the first!

Falling into the White picks up right where the first book left off. Jess has been left with a choice that she has to make thanks to Antoine, the king. This whole thing that is going on brings out a whole different side to some of the characters. I personally went from rooting for Evan to almost becoming the president of Mikael's campaign to win Jess' heart!

Butler does include some twists and turns that threw me for a loop. Once we got to know Mikael a little bit better, I couldn't help but want to already re-read the first one to meet Mikael once again. So far I have restrained myself, because I have so many books I want to read. Before starting this series I had never heard of Butler, but now, I am looking forward to more of her books!

Book Review: Shadows of the Ancients (The Ancients Book 1) by Christine M. Butler

Title: Shadows of the Ancients
Author: Christine M. Butler
Series: The Ancients Book 1
Pages: 225
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

No one ever questions the pairings their pack-master chooses for them. No one, except Jessica St. Marks, who can't stand the thought of being bonded for life to Zach Brighton, douchebag extraordinaire.

Jessica plans a night out with her human friend, Ashley, to have a little fun before she's forced to settle for the loser her pack has chosen to be her mate. Little does she know, her fate is about to change when she runs into a mystery wolf who takes her breath away, and marks her as his own.

Evan De'Lune may be new and exciting, but he has secrets that threaten to not only put Jessica's life in danger, but his ability to keep his claim on her as well!

You never know what you are going to get into with a free book, but this one in particular had a 4 1/2 star rating and an interesting little synopsis. It also had werewolves, which is something I am totally loving at the moment! I thought hey I'll give it a shot...

I was definitely not disappointed!! Jess is a great strong female character, and I absolutely love her best friend Ashley!! Whenever Ashley opens her mouth, or even sends a text to Jess, it is almost 100% guaranteed to make you smile or even laugh out loud! So, not only does the book have that going for it, but it also has some pretty great eye candy, which is always a plus in my book!

I thought that the overall story was very entertaining. The book follows Jessica, a wolf shifter that has been promised to a complete douche named Zach. She goes out one night to a club with her friend Ashley to get her mind off her predicament. She probably did not expect to just get herself in an even deeper pile of crap though. She inadvertently gets herself marked by strong powerful wolf, that she does not even know the name of. She just knows that there is this intense attraction that she cannot deny and is just drawn to him. She does find out the name of the one who has staked a claim on her, and **spoiler** it's Evan.

Evan seems like the perfect guy for her. Jess has never been attracted to anyone or even shown an interest in anyone before now. He seems to do everything right, the problem is he comes with a lot of problems...and danger.

Butler does a FANTASTIC job of throwing in surprises and keeping lots of humor in a story filled with looming danger and consequences. Right after I finished this book, I immediately went to the kindle store and bought the second installment. Now be aware I never do this unless I absolutely love a book and just feel compelled and excited to keep reading! I am not kidding around, I am serious, this book was fantastic and had me staying up all night, and buying and starting the second book at three in the morning! I just couldn't help myself!!

Book Review: Found (The Crescent Chronicles Book 3) by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Title: Found
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Series: Crescent Chronicles #3
Pages: 234
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Levi might be hot, strong, and have a cool set of wings, but it's not enough to make up for keeping Allie in the dark.

Allie's tired of being left with more questions than answers. She's tired of loving a guy who refuses to level with her. Most of all, she's tired of her life spinning out of control.

Desperate to save Jess no matter the personal cost, Allie has to face the possibility that the only one she can trust is herself.

Allie's story continues and is filled with just as many twists as ever. Not only does Ivy have the awesome dialogue down, but she is also good with creating some shock factors. There were places that the plot went that I would not have ever expected. Ivy has created a very interesting world, and she must have thought so to, because she is not stopping here! Although Found is the last book in the Crescent Chronicles, she has actually used that same world, and some of the same characters in two new book series. Both the Empire Chronicles and the Allure Chronicles take place in a world with the underground society. I also think that the society will actually be expanded upon and hopefully more shifters will be introduced in the two newer series.

Yes, here I am talking about the new series, so I'll go ahead and get back to the book that I actually just finished. So, Found takes place where Focus left off. I actually pictured the story unfolding one way, but I was very surprised to actually see the story go in a different direction. This was not a bad thing, the little twists the story had were pretty entertaining. Despite writing more books in the same world, the actual Crescent Chronicles was wrapped up very nicely. Ivy did a great job on this series and I am so glad she decided to write more books involving some of the characters I came to know and love!

"You are a very threatening princess."

"Be careful or I'll beat you up with my tiara."

Book Review: Focus (The Crescent Chronicles Book 2) by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Title: Focus
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Series: Crescent Chronicles #2
Pages: 387
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Freshman year of college is hard even when you're not tied to the future king of a supernatural society.

Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she's with Levi or not, she's in far too deep to turn back.

 

After what happened towards the end of the first book, Flight, Allie has found herself in way over her head. She is angry and Levi has a lot to make up for. It is actually entertaining to watch his various attempts in achieving her forgiveness. Don't worry though, the book is still full of great sarcasm and one-liners! Also, interestingly enough, we get to know Jared a little better. In addition to that, the crazy girl that Hailey was scared to room with makes an appearance!

I really enjoyed Focus and Ivy didn't let me down, I was still laughing just as much as I did when I read the first book in the series. Just like what I said when I reviewed Flight, I'm almost 100% positive that Ivy loves writing this crazy fun dialogue. There is no way she does not laugh while writing some of these things!!

 "This was one of those non-glamorous parts about college that people never tell you about - worrying that the dilapidated apartment hosting a party would fall apart with you in it."