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: Every Last Breath (The Dark Elements Book 3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Every Last Breath
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: The Dark Elements #3
Pages: 378
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Some loves will last ’til your dying breath

Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.

Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.

Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell…

Ms. Armentrout absolutely blew me away with the last installment of her Dark Elements series!! It was hilarious, beautiful, action-packed, and full of love!!! Seriously, I only thought the second book was my favorite...it's quickly been surpassed by Every Last Breath!

As always, I definitely do not want to give too much away. There is no way I want to ruin the magic for everyone else. I will say however, that this book has hands-down one of the most hilariously amazing scenes I have ever read...and believe me, I have read a ton! I will say that it involves someone partaking a bit too much and several empty beer cans. That's all I'm giving you in that department...you'll just have to find out the rest for yourself!

The story of Layla and crew had me sucked in from the very beginning. I laughed with them, cried with them, and threw my book down thinking "what are you doing?" Armentrout did not let me down as she wrapped up the story. I absolutely loved how everything played out. Yes, there are some things I wish would have happened differently, but if certain events did not happen, then our wonderful story would not have played out the way it did. We would not have been able to see some amazing character development happen, especially with my favorite demon! 

Every Last Breath was one crazy emotional ride and I enjoyed every minute of it! Also, I appreciated how the story delved into how sometimes the "purest" souls are capable of the most evil or that those we may deem "evil" can be capable of some really compassionate actions. Moral of the story, do not judge a book by it's cover! I cannot wait to get my hands on some more books by Ms. Armentrout! 

"You talk a lot," Roth growled, stepping forward. "And I mean a lot. Why is it that the bad guys always have to give disgustingly long and boring monologues? Let's just get to the killing part, all right?"

"When is there ever a right time to fully give your heart to another? There are always going to be obstacles. You just have to decide which ones are worth it."

"I was the corniest cornball in a cornfield of popcorn."

"There is nothing more useful than leather pants. They'll protect your ass while making it look fine."

Book Review: Stone Cold Touch (The Dark Elements Book 2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Stone Cold Touch
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: The Dark Elements #2
Pages: 447
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Every touch has its price

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that 

could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…

Although I really enjoyed reading White Hot Kiss, I was in no way prepared for the awesomeness that is Stone Cold Touch. I absolutely LOVED it!! Seriously, to me it was even better than the first, and how often is that actually true?! I thought the first book was good, but this one had me talking out loud, yelling at some of the characters, and giggling uncontrollably! It was fantastic and everything I didn't know I needed. At times I literally could not put the book down, and that, along with a thunderstorm, is how I found myself staying up until 4 am (yes 4am!) to finish this book!

In this installment, our characters are dealing with the same concepts that they have been, plus a few new ones; however, everything is ramped up even more! The way Armentrout had me feeling all the characters' feelings had me so emotionally invested in what was occurring. Usually, when there is a bit of a love triangle involved, I know exactly who I like best. But, with me feeling all of these feelings I found myself in the same predicament as Layla, not knowing who is the ultimate endgame. At times I'd find myself totally rooting for our resident wickedly terrific demon, while others I'd be swooning over the caring protective warden. Seriously, what's a girl to do?

Not only was I caught up in the little love triangle we had going on, but I was wrapped up in Layla's own conflict about who she is and what she is capable of. The problem is, Layla has no idea what she is capable of...no one really does. She feels so alone and like she doesn't belong anywhere, and it is truly heartbreaking. Her DNA doesn't make her evil, and I refuse to believe that she is evil. 

So, we had all this emotional conflict going on in addition to some craziness and mystery. Strange things were happening in D.C....like demonically strange. Literally, so much was happening, and I was all about it! There were twists, intrigue, and deception! I totally called one of the twists and was still shocked when it happened, it was that crazily good! Holy cow! I absolutely cannot wait to start the next one after all this amazing goodness!

"You think you're cute?" 

"Nah, I think I'm sexy." The smirk spread, but it didn't reach his cool ocher eyes. "And I also think I'm hilarious."

"I busied myself picking out a pen from my horde, settling on a purple one that looked as though it had taken a bath in glitter...or with Ke$ha."

"But how? Have you been wandering around kissing people? Because if so, I'm pretty pissed off that I wasn't included in that."

Book Review: White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements Book 1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: White Hot Kiss
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: The Dark Elements #1
Pages: 388
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Layla just wants to fit in at school and go on a date with Zayne, whom she's crushed on since forever. Trouble is, Zayne treats Layla like a sister—and Layla is a half demon, half gargoyle with abilities no one else possesses. And even though Zayne is a Warden, part of the race of gargoyles tasked with keeping humanity safe, Layla's kiss will kill anything with a soul—including him.

Then she meets Roth—a demon who claims to know her secrets. Though Layla knows she should stay away, it's tough when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue. Trusting Roth could ruin her chances with Zayne, but as Layla discovers she's the reason for a violent demon uprising, kissing the enemy suddenly pales in comparison to the looming end of the world.

Armentrout kicks off her Dark Elements series with a great start! I thoroughly enjoyed her fresh take on the demon and angel trope. She introduces us to a world where wardens, some crazy gargoyle-like creatures serve as the world's protectors, who have actually come out to the world. As with all things that are new, unknown, or different, the existence of wardens is very controversial. Some people love them, while others have banned them from their businesses. Layla, a seventeen year-old is under the guardianship of a clan of wardens. Due to her unique DNA, she doesn't feel as if she fully fits in with the people who have cared for her throughout her whole life. She's trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs. How can she protect others as a warden when part of her is the same as the very creatures wardens must protect people from? 

Now, this is where Roth comes in, the totally delectable demon. Seriously, just one look at him will have you swooning and wanting to move on over to the dark side. He is extremely arrogant and always entertaining. Once he pops up onto Layla's radar, her life will never be the same. He offers her more insight into her own demon side, the same side she's been trying to deny her entire life. One thing is for sure, he knows how to keep things interesting...

I loved seeing Layla become more relaxed when she started to grow and become just slightly more comfortable with herself. For far too long she has been trying to deny the demon side of her life and it makes her feel like she is unwanted and doesn't belong...anywhere. Seeing her being able to truly open up with someone was heartwarming. It's true Roth is totally arrogant and cocky, but he is super sweet and caring in his own way. He really means well. He's not just your average demon...

Also, I can't forget about Zayne, the one person that has always been there for her, who also happens to be a warden. The relationship between them is adorable; however, Layla might just want it to be more. But, can she truly be herself around the guy? 

Anyways, I cannot wait to dive into the second book to see what's in store next for Layla. The ending of this book kind of threw me for a loop, but I know Armentrout will come in clutch with some great twists and action in the next installment! I just really want to see Layla find where she belongs! She is a great snarky character and I can't help but want the best for her!

P.S. this book was full of amazing quotes that I couldn't help but love!!!! Also, there was a The Princess Bride shout-out, so of course I'm in love!

"I don't know what it was with demons and the Golden Arches, but man, they loved the place."

"Biting can be a lot of fun, but only when it's appropriate. And that wasn't appropriate."

"See, I was raised in Hell. You could say I'm socially awkward."

"Roth as in the retirement account?"......."Is that what you're named after?"

"People with the purest souls are capable of the greatest evils. No one is perfect, no matter what they are or what side they fight for."

Book Review: The Whispering (Velesi Trilogy Book 3) by L. Filloon

Title: The Whispering
Author: L. Filloon
Series: The Velesi Trilogy #3
Pages: 330
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Tharin and Lily find themselves back in Pathen in search of Julia and the key to Eirrell, but old foes and new ones are in close pursuit. Adding to their plight, all doorways to Velesi have been closed.

Forced to discover a way back to their realm, the group finds help from new friends and those who once stood against them are now allies. To make matters worse, a betrayal causes the door to the UnderRealm to open, allowing demons and monsters once imprisoned to roam the realm freely.

Time is of the essence as there are only two Ancients left while Ka grows weaker, struggling to hold the realm together. It is up to Tharin and Lily to find the doorway to Eirrell, call the Unnamed Sidhe and save Velesi.

Journey back to Velesi and join Tharin, Lily, Tolan, Julia, Alorn, Mellis, Ziri and Cessa to save the realm and maybe have a wedding...or two, but then again, it is Velesi, so...maybe not.

Being in quarantine and therefore not having to do any of my graduate coursework at the moment has had me on a bit of a reading binge. I desperately needed to take a break from the very long, but good Chicagoland Vampire Series. While looking at my Kindle books I came across the Velesi Trilogy again and perked up when I saw it. I knew then that I had to give that series a re-read!

Wouldn't you know, this would actually be like my third time reading this series!! The books themselves are a breath of fresh air, just like the rain so elegantly described in Velesi. The sass in the books are fantastic and it was truly entertaining to see. I forgot just how much I loved and appreciated each and every character, even the twisted "bad guys" trying to destroy the world. Everyone had their own part to play.

Looking back at my reviews, I realized that the last time I re-read the series, I didn't get to book three and therefore NEVER reviewed it....gasp! I just left people hanging on books one and two. So years later, here I am to pick back up from where I started.

So far, everything that has occurred in books one and two has led up to preparing for the prophecy, the battle of Velesi at the doorway to Eirell. I found Lily to be extremely wishy-washy in this book, but if any one of us were in her position I believe we would all be just a little wishy-washy. Despite her gentleness and vulnerability, Lily is a very strong-willed character and the fact that she has had to learn about a new world, marry a guy she barely knows, and is the center of a prophecy....all without her consent deep down doesn't sit right with her. I definitely know being told what I could and couldn't do would not sit right with me, not by a longshot.

So, with that being said, this book though packed with twists and action, tends to deal with some more angsty feelings, especially between Tharin and Lily. Ultimately, I do enjoy them together, but I do wish we were able to dig a little deeper into their relationship and see some more development; however, the world as they know it may be ending and we don't have time for that.

I have to say, that despite me wanting more Tharin and Lily moments, I did enjoy this conclusion and the series as a whole. The author showed us the world she created and just how lovely it was. It was a great read, and still, my all time favorite line happens in book one, when Lily and Julia see the elves' ears and instantly think they are Vulcan. It's a fantastic line that has me dying every time the elf ears are even mentioned.

"That's right - he makes me feel and sound like a cliché...and I don't care."

Book Review: The Deal (Off-Campus Book 1) by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Deal
Author: Elle Kennedy
Series: Off-Campus #1
Pages: 342
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

She's about to make a deal with the college bad boy...

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she's carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush's attention, she'll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice... even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

...and it's going to be oh so good.

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he's worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he's all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn't going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

I needed a break from my usual action-packed supernatural books and thought I'd switch it up with some entertaining contemporary romance. I definitely was not disappointed when I picked up The Deal by Elle Kennedy!

This was such an entertaining easy read and I devoured it in two days! Don't get me wrong, the characters without a doubt had their flaws, but they were so cheesy and funny that I couldn't help but root for our main two, Hannah and Garrett. I really enjoyed how the perspectives changed between the two also!

Based upon my history of rom-coms and other contemporary romances, I already knew what to expect based upon the synopsis of the book. Despite ultimately knowing what is inevitably bound to happen, I can't help but love books such as this very one! I loved the type of humor and was kept on the edge of my seat whenever I main protagonists would have a crisis or encounter forces that tried to tear them apart.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and how our "broken" characters were able to find one another and help the other heal. It was a great, funny, steamy, and pretty dang cute!

"I’ve never met anyone who sleeps with so many pillows. Maybe he needs them to cradle his massive ego."