Book Review: The Panther's Lost Princess (Redclaw Security Book 1) by McKenna Dean

Title: The Panther's Lost Princess
Author: McKenna Dean
Series: Redclaw Security #1
Pages: 267
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Ellie West has always known there was more to her story than being abandoned at birth. A child of the foster-care system, she didn’t get many breaks, but the one thing she can do is sing. It’s her only ticket out of poverty and obscurity. Nothing else matters, not even the nagging sense that she’s different. She's headed for great things. She only needs a chance.

Jack Ferris couldn’t agree more. His firm, the elite paranormal agency Redclaw Security, has been hired to find a missing princess and return her to her family. Discovering that Ellie, a waitress in a hole-in-the-wall diner, is both the princess and his fated mate is like being hit with a sledgehammer. Ellie West can't be his mate. She's the mission.

The sooner Jack completes this job, the better, only Ellie has no intention of throwing her dreams away for a kingdom she's never known. With hired assassins on their trail, Ellie might not have a choice. They must do whatever it takes to stay alive.

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

There are books that upon finishing them leave you completely satisfied; they contain no huge cliffhanger or questions unanswered. For me, The Panther's Lost Princess is one of those very books! It had one of those endings that just leave with a huge grin and a deep feeling of satisfaction. Not only was the story interesting, but I was able to truly connect with the main character, Ellie West.

Ellie has never felt confident about herself. Despite getting support and words of encouragement from her friends, she is still scared to put herself out there and take charge. I definitely don't blame her for this. It is hard to put yourself out there after you have been looked down upon. She does however gain the courage to audition for a singing competition, which in itself is an amazing feat!

As the story continues, we get to see that deciding to audition isn't the only bit of braveness that Ellie possesses. Instead, she evolves and discovers a confidence in herself that wasn't there before. She does have a little help with this amazing awakening through the support of a handsome panther shifter. 😉

Yes, it is true that this book does involve the whole fated mates trope, but it does have a slightly different spin on the cliche. Instead of being super possessive and domineering of Ellie, Jack supports her and ultimately wants to do what's best for her. Their relationship truly is pretty stinkin' cute!

Overall, The Panther's Lost Princess is a satisfying romance that not only has a shifter spin, but also allows the reader to see a character come into her own.

Jack looked so agonized, and he was being so self-sacrificing that she wanted to brush hair off his brow and kiss his cheek,promising him it would all be better soon. Or punch him. She couldn't decide which. 

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: Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy Book 1) by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White
Series: Paranormalcy #1
Pages: 335
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal. 

I have wanted to read Paranormalcy for a while. The book first came out in 2010, and I think I've wanted to get my hands on it ever since. Well, I finally did!

White creates a pretty impressive underground world that involves trolls, faeries, werewolves, vampires, and so much more! It reminds me of the military that got involved in supernatural affairs on Buffy, except with less kevlar and more sass. I don't mean just a little sass either, but instead a whole lot of sass.

The main character, Evie, is a sixteen year old operative in a paranormal agency. With a little help from her pink sparkly tazer she is able to bag and tag all things supernatural. She is absolutely one of my favorite characters! She is full of curiosity, spunk, and of course sassiness. Oh, and she absolutely loves the color pink, so naturally she is pretty amazing!

In addition to the awesome character White created, I also love the world that she created. I loved the idea of a secret agency battling the things that go bump in the night! However, don't think that this book is all work and no play though, because there is some romance involved. The way it all unfolds is super sweet and the flirty dialogue is fantastic!

I am so glad that I finally picked up Paranormalcy, and I highly suggest it for people who love shows like Buffy or even Marvel: Agents of Shield and Men in Black. Seriously, it is that good!

"Tasers are a one-size-fits-all paranormal butt-kicking option. Mine's pink with rhinestones."

Book Review: Potential (The Potential Series Book 1) by M.L. Ridener

Title: Potential
Author: M.L. Ridener
Series: Potential #1
Pages: 169
My Rating: ❤❤

"It's been three hundred years, now is the time..."

Eighteen year old Aribelle Weever has been on the run for the past two years. She and her cousin are being hunted by a group of crazed panther shifters. Ari is a Potential. It is said that Potentials unlock a great power from within their fated mates. The panthers don't care about fate though, only power. She will not give up her freedom without a fight, but she can't shake her fear. Everything changes when she moves to the little town of Winago Heights...

"...when the time is right, you will find the one that fate has chosen for you."

Connell O'Reilly has been plagued by the death of his parents for the past eight years. The attack was meant to destroy his brothers, but he was able to save them. Because of the total destruction of the pack that night, he was thrown into the roles of father, provider, and Alpha. It wasn't easy for a boy at fifteen, but you play the hand you're dealt. Life has been quiet, that is until his brothers meet the new girl in town...

When I read the description for Potential, I knew that I would like the story. The plot involved shifters, prophecies, and some hot guys, what's not to love? So, of course I had high expectations for this story, and maybe they were a bit too high. The story was a fun, fast read, but I found myself wanting so much more!

I wanted details! The characters had the potential to be great, but I wasn't really able to get to know them very well. Specifically, I wanted to know more about their past and their feelings. I firmly believe that there is so much more to the characters than what this book offered. I would have loved to meet Chloe's mom. She was hardly mentioned, and when she finally appeared in the book she only said a few words, and that was it. In addition, when the characters would mention the terrible things they had went through, it was at random times. The story would be moving along happily, and then all of a sudden someone would hit the brakes and start getting serious. Then, someone would hit the gas and we would be all hunky dory again. This part just needed to flow a lot better for me.

Despite the technical problems with the book (such as grammar), I still thought it was a nice fast read. For the two hours it took for me to read it, it did keep me entertained. My only hope is that the series gets more detailed as it goes on.

Book Review: Burden (Bayou Bear Chronicles Book 1) by Lila Felix

Title: Burden
Author: Lila Felix
Series: Bayou Bear Chronicles #1
Pages: 296
My Rating: ❤❤❤

In the depths of the Louisiana swamps, clans of bear shifters roam freely. Hawke Turnclaw, the Alpha over all of his kind, is drowning in the legacy left to him by the Alpha before him, his own father. When he goes on a rescue mission to save a rogue Black bear from the clutches of a Grizzly clan, he finds more than just a Black bear, he finds his mate.

Echo has always been told she's an anomaly, a fluke. She's the only bear of her kind and that makes her a hindrance to her clan. She's tried to run away, but they keep her tethered through guilt and a shock collar around her neck.

And then someone shows up claiming he's her mate. Now belonging to a new clan, will she ever be able to understand that she's so much more than just a burden?

Hawke is in way over his head. After his father's death, he is forced to become alpha of his black bear shifter clan. His dad wasn't the best of alphas and, needless to say, the clan was left in financial turmoil. Also, kids are skipping school and a lone black bear has been spotted in grizzly shifter territory. Hawke just can't seem to catch a break.

The lone black bear turns out to be his one and only true mate, Echo. She however, doesn't really know about the whole mate thing, actually she doesn't know about any black bear traditions or history. The Grizzly clan she has been living with since she was a baby constantly berates her and treats her as an outsider. That doesn't stop them from making her cook, clean, keep inventory, do laundry, deal with finances, and guard the perimeter. Her life is miserable, but she can't escape due to the large metal shock collar around her neck, that is until she meets Hawke.

Echo is so thankful that Hawke rescued her, but she starts to feel like a burden. That's all she has ever been told that she was. A burden. Their actual relationship (I mean they are mates...) develops rather slowly. It is pretty adorable, yet awkward at the same time. You have to remember, Echo is completely unfamiliar with black bear customs and is learning about all of their mating rituals for the first time. As you can guess, there is a whole lot of blushing!

My only real problem with Burden was how things were worded. Some of the dialogue just didn't seem all that natural. I just wanted a bit more, especially some lingo from the bayou! That would have been REALLY fun to read! But, other than that, Burden was a cute story. I really loved the plot and thought that Echo and Hawke were really great for each other. Both of them were extremely thoughtful and caring.

Also, I absolutely loved the character of Martha. She was completely relatable and super sweet!

"It wasn't like there was a dating and mating website for bear shifters. If there had been, its mascot would have been that yellow Care Bear with the heart on its stomach."

"This was more than the mate-claim. It was more than love. More than a fluttering of our hearts, or a tingle when she entered a room."

"She paced back and forth while I rinsed and decided to face the music - or the Echo." 

Book Review: The Phoenix (Daughters of Destiny Book 4) by K.R. Grace

Title: The Phoenix
Author: K.R. Grace
Series: Daughters of Destiny #4
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Star Allistar:

I always felt out of step with everyone else. I never dreamt it was because I was some sort of mythological freak.

My whole world has been flipped around with Drake’s return, Brighton’s aloofness, and my Phoenix-thing going on, but instead of having time to adjust to the latest developments in what has become the saga that is my life…I have to save the world once again.

Only this time, I have to save it from me.

K.R. Grace, you are an absolute rockstar! I am so glad I came across The Loner, because it introduced me to a world I absolutely love. The entire concept behind Star's story was amazing, I mean coming up with the idea of having a book dedicated to each suitor was pure genius! This series is definitely in my top ten!

The Phoenix was so much more than I hoped it would be, and that's saying a lot, because I had super high expectations. The pace of the story was absolutely perfect! Things were happening quickly, yet slowly at the same time, which made for some extreme anticipation building. At one point I just decided I couldn't stop until I finished the book, I was that into it!

The built up anticipation and suspense really got to me. There were so many twists that I think my face may have froze in a position of shock for a while. Don't worry, it wasn't permanent. Eventually my expression changed from one of shock to one of pure happiness.

Even with all the shock-worthy moments and constant action, the story did manage to wrap itself up in a perfect package, complete with the perky bow and all. The ending had me grinning from ear to ear. I probably looked like the cheshire cat, but who cares! The story was just perfect. It's as simple as that. Perfect.

If you haven't read this series yet, do yourself a favor...READ IT!

"...and yes that was meant to be interpreted in a sarcastic bubblegum tone complete with clapping and jazz hands."

"Babe, I hate to break it to you, but you're one messed up mess."
"I know!" I exclaimed before breaking off into a fit of laughter. "I ought to be admitted or put on some serious medication or something."

"I invited Onyx to be my plus one. Of course she was all in when I added that Grandma A had a massive swimming pool and was within a short driving distance to a two-story bookstore."

"Seriously, why was it tradition to stand when the bride came in? It blocked her from seeing her groom, who was the only reason she was there in the first place."

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: BloodMagic (Blood Destiny Series Book 2) by Helen Harper

Title: Bloodmagic
Author: Helen Harper
Series: Blood Destiny #2
Pages: 228
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

After escaping the claws of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the Brethren, Mack is trying to lead a quiet lonely life in Inverness in rural Scotland, away from anyone who might happen to be a shapeshifter. However, when she lands a job at an old bookstore owned by a mysterious elderly woman who not only has a familiar passion for herbal lore but also seems to know more than she should, Mack ends up caught in a maelstrom between the Ministry of Mages, the Fae and the Brethren.

Now she has to decide between staying hidden and facing the music, as well as confronting her real feelings for the green eyed power of Corrigan himself.

BloodMagic picks up a few months after the events that took place in Bloodfire. Mackenzie/Mack/Kitten/Red (for someone that doesn't like nick names she sure has a lot of them!) essentially left her family. Now she is on the run, just picking up odd jobs and making enough cash to stay alive. Eventually, she thinks she has found the solace she is looking for in a little town in Scotland. However, her past, and what she is has a way of catching up with her.

During this whole being on the run ordeal, she is starting to learn more about herself and her mysterious dragon blood (well 1/8 to be exact). But, as it would go, the more she learns about herself and her "powers," the more questions pop up that just need to be answered.

As with the first installment, Mackenzie has some major character development. She is actually somewhat complex. She has dimension! Her emotions and thoughts are often conflicting and she tries her best to do what is right by those that she cares about. Including those who, somewhere along the way have managed to wiggle their way into her heart without her consent...

Book Review: Bloodfire (Blood Destiny Book 1) by Helen Harper

Title: Bloodfire
Author: Helen Harper
Series: Blood Destiny #1
Pages: 246
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Mack might be, to all intents and purposes, a normal looking human, but she lives with a pack of shapeshifters in Cornwall in rural England after being dumped there by her mother when she was just a young child. She desperately wants to be accepted by her surrogate family, not least because a lot of them hate her for merely being human, but for some reason her blood just won't allow the transformation to occur.

With a terrible temper to match her fiery red hair, Mack is extraordinarily useful in a fight, and when her pack alpha is brutally and abruptly murdered, she swears vengeance. Unfortunately, his murder also draws in the Brethren - the leaders of the shapeshifter world - who will slaughter everyone in Mack's small rural pack if they discover her true identity. Unfortunately Corrigan, the green-eyed muscle-bound Lord Alpha of the Brethren, doesn't let much slip by him...

Bloodfire isn't just another shifter book. It actually has everything! Vampires, gods, demi-gods, werepanthers, werewolves, and even werehamsters. Oh, and that's definitely not all, Harper manages to come up with all kinds of different creatures. Her imagination is just out of this world, and the descriptions are absolutely amazing!

There were definitely some crazy parts in Bloodfire, but the way Harper described things and the imagery developed actually made it believable (crazy, I know)! Her character Mackenzie is extremely developed. She is a fiery hot-head with a temper, but is also extremely loyal and caring. She will risk anything and everything to protect those that she loves. I dare you to read this book and not root for her!

I wish that I had gotten to know the other characters in the book better, but I guess I'll just have to read the next book to find out more. I mean it is a series, everything can't just be revealed in book 1. You need to be kept on your toes, and Harper does just that! I can't wait for more!

"I silently apologised to John for the lie but kind of also applauded myself for my genius."

"There were nineteen of us in total...It felt like a goddamn school outing. I wouldn't have been surprised if Staines had pulled out a little flag and started waving it around for us all to follow." 

Book Review: The Chief (Daughters of Destiny Book 3) by K.R. Grace

Title: The Chief
Author: K.R. Grace
Series: Daughters of Destiny #3
Pages: 212
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Star Allistar:

It appears I’ve waded into dangerous waters. Go figure. I can’t say much right now, but what I will tell you is that if it weren’t for a tribe of persistent, loveable Black Bears and their reluctant Chief, I would be so screwed right now.

Oh yeah, and now my heart feels like it’s in a taffy pull. If you’ve never seen one in person, look it up. It’s intense.

Raeb Clawson:

Star’s one of the few people who treats me like I’m just a regular seventeen-year-old guy…not the new Chief of a dying tribe. With Brighton out of the way doing only Creator knows what, now’s my chance to win her over.

The tribe was trusted with a great secret. A secret that could either protect or kill Star. It’s our job to make sure nothing happens to her, and I’ll die upholding my end of the bargain if I have to.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to see clearly when the heart gets in the way.

Let me first just say "Oh My Gosh!!" By far, The Chief is my favorite book in this series! I didn't want the book to end, but sadly I was shocked when I got to 92% on my kindle and the book was over. I thought I still had 8%!!!! Right now, I'm a little distraught... I REALLY did not want the book to end! However, the fourth book, The Phoenix is scheduled to come out in April!! Whew, that's a relief, I though that I was just going to be waiting around (extremely impatiently) until fall. If you can't tell, I didn't just like this book, I LOVED it!! Okay, now that that's out of my system, I can get on with the rest of the review!

In The Loner, we had Drake Knight, and in The Brother we had Brighton Sterling. The Chief introduces us to the third contestant in this twisted game, Raeb Clawson. Star initially wants absolutely nothing to do with the guy. He is able to get under her skin and annoys her like no other. But, for some reason she finds herself smiling, laughing, and having fun. With Raeb, she is able to forget her destiny for a little while. He also is able to forget his position as Chief and all the decisions he must make for his tribe. Star just treats him like a normal guy.

With all that is going on, things are getting stranger (if that is even possible). Star starts leaning more about who she really is, and it scares the hell out of her. If I had it my way though, she would just be able to lean on Raeb. If you haven't already figured it out, Raeb is my favorite!

The Chief is an amazing book, however, there was a few flaws. There are some grammatical errors (don't get me wrong, there are probably even some in this review), but if you get sucked into the story like I did, then they are easily overlooked. Something else I found a bit strange was that Raeb has an aunt Tonya, or is it Tanya (I'm pretty sure they were the same person, but I don't really know, anyhow, I really like her). Oh, and beware, this book does end with the drop of a bombshell. Overall though, this is an amazing book, and by far my favorite in the series!! Keep up the good work Ms. Grace, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in The Phoenix!!!

"If you couldn't laugh at yourself, what was the point?"

"Gotta be more specific sunshine." He winked at me before starting another. 
"You might want to get that eye problem checked out. One might mistaken it for flirting."

"Love isn't a feeling. It's much deeper than that. Yes, it's a choice, but there's also a necessity to be with that person that makes you depend on that person for survival. That feeling can't be fabricated."

  

Book Review: The Brother (Daughters of Destiny Book 2) by K.R. Grace

Title: The Brother
Author: K.R. Grace
Series: Daughters of Destiny #2
Pages: 328
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Star Allistar: So, boyfriend #1 dies in a tragic car accident and boyfriend #2 mysteriously vanishes without a trace. One would think I would get a clue and lay off the boyfriends at least until I graduated high school. To say I didn’t expect Brighton Sterling to come into my life and make things difficult is a stretch. What I didn’t expect was for him to lie to me about who he is and why he and his family moved to my small neck of the woods. I should stay away from him. Unfortunately, I have a habit of doing things I shouldn’t do.

Meliena and the Wolves are out for blood. They want to find Drake’s captors and destroy them. They seem to be under the impression all the blame can be placed on the Falcons…Brighton’s family specifically. Now I’m stuck in a losing battle. If I side with the Wolves, I am accusing Brighton of being a monster. If I side with Brighton, I betray Drake. Either way, I lose someone.

With Drake gone, communication between the heavens and the Guardians has stopped. Someone must find out who is really behind his disappearance and restore the order, and judging by the insanity surrounding me, I am the only person sane enough for the job…or maybe I am the crazy one.

Brighton Sterling: Drake Knight killed my brother.

The mission is simple: move into town, make the mutt pay, and then leave before anyone suspects anything. Falling in love is unacceptable…

Raphael was my twin. That type of bond doesn’t go away with death. Yet, rather than staying on course in administering justice on his behalf, I’m wavering because of a broken girl who never asked to be brought into our messed-up world. I can’t fight the attraction, and I’m not sure I want to. Unfortunately, the plan is already in motion, and I left no room for error. Star will suffer…unless I can find a way to stop it.

But who do I give up: my brother…or a girl whose heart could already belong to another man?

After finishing The Loner, I quickly picked up the second installment, The Brother. Just like with the previous book, this was a good read! The story is extremely interesting and had a few little twists that I wasn't expecting...at all.

In The Loner, we found out that Star is the center of a well, let's just call it a prophecy. She must choose between three very different guys. In The Loner, we get to meet the first contestant, Drake. Now, in The Brother we get to meet Brighton. This is an extremely interesting concept. Not only do we get to see the guys from Star's point of view, but we also get a few glimpses inside their own heads. I feel like this just connects the reader to what Star is feeling even more!

Oh, and in case you don't know, Star is feeling...A LOT. She has really been through the ringer, and it's not done with her just yet. She is going to have a really tough decision to make in the end. So far we have only seen the wolf and the falcon, but we still have the bear. Drake (the wolf) and Brighton (the falcon) both have their flaws. As of right now though, I am still waiting to find out more about the bear. He may just come along and blow them both right out of the water!

I can't wait for the third installment, The Chief, to come out next month. I am eager to meet the next, and final contestant (I know I have already said this, but I'm excited. Can you blame me?). This is just a really great quick-read series!!

Book Review: The Loner (Daughters of Destiny Book 1) by K.R. Grace

Title: The Loner
Author: K.R. Grace
Series: Daughters of Destiny #1
Pages: 412
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Star Allistar: Life is divided into two stages for me: before and after. Unfortunately, I'm not coping so well in the "after" stage. My parents decide transferring me to a new school for my last semester of high school will knock me out of my funk. As if a new location is the cure for your boyfriend dying in a terrible car accident. I go along with it, though, I mean, what other choice do I have?

I only have one goal at the new school: be invisible. Turns out, small towns have nothing better to do than gawk at the new girl. Great. I instantly despise everyone...except him. Drake Knight. Town bad boy, walks in a cloud of mystery, and turns girls into goo. Not usually my type. Yet, for some reason, I'm drawn to him like a diabetic in a candy store.

But there's just one teeny, tiny problem: he turns into a wolf. And not just that, but he's an important wolf-boy whose boss is a powerful angel and has some intense enemies of the demonic persuasion. I mean, we're talking psycho fallen angels who want to take over the world type of intense. How do I explain that one to the parents?

Anyway, I once thought my heart belonged to the one I lost, but now...now I'm not so sure.

Drake Knight: I don't do love. I tried it once, and she ended up dead in a ravine. So, I tend to keep my distance from people. It's better that way. safer. Yet, when Star Allistar walks into the band room and flashes those big, solemn green eyes at me, I'm a goner.

There's just one problem: she's human, and humans don't survive in my world. But I won't let that stop me. She's my purpose, my hope, my mate, and I'm prepared to kill anyone who tries to jeopardize her happiness.

In a twist of Fate, two other shifters also believe Star is their mate. There can only be one. I've never had to fight for love. Didn't even know my heart still worked. But now? Now all bets are off. Star is mine. I just have to make her see it, before it's too late.

Three male shifters, an angry fallen angel, and a depressed high school. What could possibly go wrong?

 When I started The Loner, I was only able to read about four pages before I was forced to put it down. Even after only reading those few pages, I knew that I was going to have to pick this book up...and soon. Well, I did end up picking it up and I am really glad that I did!

The story sucks you in, yes there are some flaws, but they are easily swept away. Star is a great character. After the death of her boyfriend she is left in a dark place. The story follows her as she is dealing with her grief. She does not know if she will ever love again. This is extremely problematic, seeing as she somehow gets in the middle of something major. This "something major" is Star having to choose between three, and yes, I do mean three different guys. She is going to have an EXTREMELY difficult decision to make. Oh, and did I mention that her choice has some major consequences? Well, of course it does!

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."

Book Review: Flight (The Crescent Chronicles Book 1) by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Title: Flight
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Series: Crescent Chronicles #1
Pages: 268
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

I tend to be a bit sarcastic and excuse my language, a bit of a smart-ass. I am also a somewhat combative person that likes to argue. It's only natural that the characters in books that turn out to be my favorites are the same way. Flight centers around a recent high-school graduate named Allison, or Allie for short. Not only does she have the traits that I just listed, but she has also always made straight A's and has actually been accepted into Princeton. Wanting one fun summer where she can figure things out, she takes a job at her father's newest hotel purchase in New Orleans.

She immediately meets Levi, who could very well be one of the most arrogant guys she has ever met. Despite making a vow to swear off guys for a while, she cannot help but be drawn to Levi. She starts to care for him, but keeps telling herself it is only a summer fling. As she gets closer to Levi and his friends, she learns about things that she had no idea even existed in the first place. She wanted an adventure, but you know the saying "Be careful what you wish for..."

I couldn't help but love Allie, I mean Allison is my middle name after all. She is not afraid to stand up and make snarky comments right back. I'm sure Ivy had a fantastic time coming up with the dialogue in this book! It is so easy to get swept up in the plot and scenery, I mean this book makes me wish that I was down in New Orleans!!