Book Review: Unleashed (Wolf Springs Chronicles Book 1) by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie

Title: Unleashed
Author: Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
Series: Wolf Springs Chronicles #1
Pages: 382
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Katelyn McBride’s life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted from her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains. Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It’s a town with a history that reaches back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything.

Broken families, ageless grudges, forced alliances, and love that blooms in the darkest night—welcome to Wolf Springs.

When I came across Unleashed, I knew that I had to read it for a number of reasons.

1) The book is set in Arkansas

2) It's about werewolves

3) Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie are AWESOME

4) There's a bit of eye candy 😉

With reasons like that, how could I not pick it up, I mean it's got to be good right? Well, at least that's what I thought. Much to my chagrin it was awesome! Being from Arkansas, I loved how I felt as if I could picture the scenery better. The book would have gotten bonus points if it would have taken place in my hometown, however, I did know some of the towns, and I have actually been to the airport in Bentonville. Score one for me!

I especially enjoyed how such a big city girl like Katelyn called Arkansas "banjo land." She is by no means alone in thinking that! I've traveled places before and people have looked at me funny when I tell them that I'm from Arkansas. Not everywhere in Arkansas is "banjo land," just like not everywhere in California is Hollywood.

Despite her trepidations about Arkansas, Katelyn comes to learn that there is actually a lot of interesting stuff in her little town. Just like with any small town in the woods, Wolf Springs is full of legends. Katelyn learns all about them, and ends up a little too close for comfort with one in particular...

Not only is Katelyn intrigued by the legend of the hellhound, but I am as well! I can't wait devour the next installment. There's way too many questions that I need answers to! Such as, what's up with Trick? What's the connection between Katelyn and Justin? What is Mike's deal (seriously, he has got to be one of the biggest jerks EVER)?, and the question on everyone's mind What is going on in Wolf Springs?

Book Review: Vanquished (Crusade Book 3) by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié

Title: Vanquished
Author: Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié
Series: Crusade #3
Pages: 384
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Hope is in short supply, but courage runs deep as the Salamancan hunters recover from a devastating loss. Jenn knows she must rally her team against the Cursed Ones, but her focus is shattered. She’s torn between passion for Antonio, who once fought by her side, and hate for the bloodthirsty vampire he’s become. His volatility is tearing apart their team...and Jenn’s trust.

As the Cursed Ones amass new strength, Team Salamanca must strike together if they hope to survive, let alone defend humanity. Jenn wants to believe Antonio’s loyal to their cause—and their love—but she’s slowly losing her heart to Resistance fighter Noah. And if Antonio’s not careful, he may just end up with a stake in his.

This gripping conclusion to an epic trilogy pairs steamy romance with heart-stopping action, and delivers an ending as dramatic as it is unexpected.

Holder and Viguié did a great job wrapping up their epic crusade series! As always, this book was jammed pack with action!

As this series went on, I found myself caring about the characters more and more. One of the things that I loved most about this series was how readers are able to see each one of the characters grow. We are able to see changes in ALL the characters...including Jamie! Speaking of, he actually grew on me in this book! I found myself somewhat actually liking him!

The only problem I have with this installment is how quickly and nicely things were wrapped up. Despite all of the action, the book seemed to progress kind of slowly; so, I was super surprised when I got to the end and everything was wrapped up in just a few pages. I was waiting for an epic "final battle" to take place, which I did get a battle, but I don't think it was Harry Potter final battle worthy.

Despite this, I am truly glad that I picked up this series, and I can't wait to read more from Holder & Viguié!

Book Review: Goddess Tricked (Mate Run Book 1) by Skylar Blaue

Title: Goddess Tricked
Author: Skylar Blaue
Series: Mate Run #1
Pages: 140
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥

When a full moon falls on the night of a solar eclipse, it’s called a Blood Moon. The Goddess has a major influence on nights like this, and only complete isolation can keep a Shifter or Spark safe from her supernatural matchmaking.

Carly, a Spark, a.k.a. magic wielder, takes a big risk when she gives into the temptation of a night of fun with her Human best friend. One bad decision after another leaves Carly and her friend in the wrong place. Surrounded by potential Shifter and Spark mates, Carly’s only desire is to make it through the night single. There’s only one way to do that. She’ll have to make a run for it and hope she can avoid waking up mated and pregnant.

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

From the moment that I laid eyes on the title of chapter one, I knew that this was going to be a fun read. I was definitely not disappointed! This book was non-put downable (is that even a word...oh well whatever 😊), literally I did not put the book down! Instead I read the whole shabang in like three hours.

If you're looking for a book that has some grandeur and talks about the meaning of life, this is not your book. However, if you are looking for a fun quick entertaining read that will have you rolling with laughter, then look no further! The main character and her friend were absolutely hilarious!

As for the world created, I think the author did a great job. She gave us a taste of her world, but not to much, leaving me wanting to learn more. The idea of sparks, werewolves, and humans all coexisting together is pretty great!

I can't wait to see what this author has in store for the rest of this series! I hope that it is just as entertaining as this one!

Book Review: Damned (Crusade Book 2) by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

Title: Damned
Author: Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
Series: Crusade #2
Pages: 544
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

There is a fine line between love and sacrifice…. Antonio would do anything for his beloved fighting partner Jenn. He protects her, even suppresses his vampire cravings to be with her. Together, they defend humanity against the Cursed Ones. But tensions threaten to fracture their hunting team and his loyalty—his love—is called into question.

With an even more sinister power on the rise, Jenn must overcome her personal vendettas.

Antonio and Jenn need each other to survive, but evil lurks at every turn. With humanity’s fate hanging in the balance, they must face down the darkness…or die trying.

Wow! Holder and Viguie really outdid themselves on this one! Clocking in at a little over 500 pages (yes, you heard me...500 PAGES!!) I expected it to have some lulls, as well as some highs. I can't believe how wrong I was! Each page was jam packed with action!

I loved the twists and turns that the plot would take, especially with the fogginess surrounding Aurora's and Sergio's mysterious sire. Just who is he? And, when I finally was given a name I was left with even more questions.

One of my favorite parts of this series (so far) is how each character seems to be battling some kind of inner demon. This was evident in the first installment, but even more so in the second. Every character, and I do mean EVERY character, has some kind of obstacle that they must overcome. This makes me want to root for them even more, even Jamie 😂.

I can't say for sure which installment I like better, but what I do know is that this one introduces more characters. Some I absolutely love, while others just need to make an exit already!

I cannot wait to see what is in store for Jenn and the gang! I'm hoping that the conclusion is bursting apart with action!

"Training, knowledge, can only take you so far. You have to learn to trust yourself, even when you don't want to. The mind notices thousands of minute details that we don't even consciously register...Sometimes the details you've overlooked are miniscule. Sometimes they are glaringly obvious and you just didn't want to see them. Because you were afraid to."

"Sometimes the hardest thing you have to do is fight when you'd rather just give up. You can't give up. No matter what. Not even if your heart is breaking. Not even if everything and everyone you love has been taken from you. You must keep going. Because sometimes, the fight is all you have."

"If he stopped trying so hard, you know...Maybe Antonio needs to eat, drink, and be merry. He's often rather dour, wouldn't you say?"

Top Ten Tuesday #3

Throwback! Ten Books I Loved From My First Year Of Blogging! 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme brought to you by the wonderful people at the broke and the bookish. This weeks topic is a throwback to books from your first year of blogging!

I started my blog back in 2015. I can't believe it is three years old! My how they grow up so fast...Anyways, here are ten books from 2015 that I reviewed on the ole blog here that I loved! 😍

1. Trylle Tilogy by Amanda Hocking

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the complete Trylle trilogy! Switched, Torn, & Ascend were all bound in one glorious paperback! I didn't have to wait to read the next books, because they were already at my fingertips. I think I read all three almost non-stop. I absolutely loved this series! Hocking did a fantastic job!

You can see my review of the Trylle Trilogy here! (P.S. This is my very first review! 😁)

2. Hidden Wings by Cameo Renae

I remember picking up this book on a snow day and not putting it down. Isn't that what snow days are for, binge reading? Anywho, I really enjoyed reading Hidden Wings! It was my first taste of angels & demons, and it was a great introduction.

Check out my review of Hidden Wings here!

3. The Selection by Kiera Cass

This is one of those books that I didn't have very high hopes for, but instead ended up loving! In my review, I describe this book as The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor, which I think is a pretty great description! Miss Cass' novel has quickly became one of my all time favorite books! On a side note, the dresses on the covers are gorgeous, and I think they would look amazing in my closet 😉!

Check out my review of The Selection here!

4. Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy

This was the first New Adult book that I have ever read, and I have been hooked on the genre ever since! Additionally, I love Ivy's writing style and have made it a goal of mine to read all of her books...yes, all of them! Flight is exceptionally cute, and who wouldn't want to have a lavender land rover?

You can see my review of Flight here!

5. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This book is amazing and actually inspired me to start my very own book blog! The characters are fantastic and the story-line is super original. Forget Daemon Salvatore, I want my very own Daemon Black!

Look at my review of Obsidian here!

6. Prince of Wolves by Quinn Loftis

I love werewolves, and this book made me love reading about them even more! The characters in this series are superb! I want a best friend just like Jen!

You can see my review of Prince of Wolves here!

7. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

All I can say about this one is thank you so much Karen Marie Moning for writing such a fabulous story! The plot is extremely unique, and I never knew what was going to happen next. I also appreciated the scenery of Ireland. I've never been there, but I would absolutely love to visit some time!

Check out my review of Darkfever here!

8. Saving Angel by J.L. Weil

If you love Armentrout's Lux series, then you're more than likely to fall in love with J.L. Weil's Saving Angel. Although I have yet to read the rest of the Divisia series, I do know that Obsidian and Saving Angel are eerily similar.

You can see my review of Saving Angel here!

9. Everlasting by Candace Knoebel

This is a great book involving all things magical! In some ways, the book reminds me of Divergent, I just hope that this series has a much more satisfying ending!

Read my review of Everlasting here!

10. Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell

This novel was assigned to me in one of my classes, and although it isn't my typical fanfare, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Not to mention, the movie is great too!

Look at my review of Winter's Bone here!

So what do you think? Have you read any of these awesome books?