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momwithareadingproblem's Reviews (1.18k)
I just….I have no words!!! Paper Princess by Erin Watt was nothing like I expected. I personally intended to not like it. I’m not a fan of YA contemporary, like at ALL! But the book kept popping up in my newsfeed on social media and the more I saw it, the more intrigued I became. Now that I’ve finally read it….WOW!!!! I mean, seriously, no words can describe just how much I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately bought and read [b:Broken Prince|29519514|Broken Prince (The Royals, #2)|Erin Watt|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1464248584s/29519514.jpg|49812102], the second book in the series.
Ella Harper is just trying to survive and make a life for herself when she is introduced at the beginning of the book. Her mother is dead and has been for a while now. Seventeen and on her own, Ella does what she needs to do to stay independent. Then Callum Royal shows up, claiming to be her guardian and turning her life upside down.
I felt for Ella, I really did! From the first words, I knew she was a character that would grow on me. She’s tough to like at first, but I immediately respected her. How could you not?! The girl worked three jobs to pay her mother’s medical bills and continued to work them after so she could sustain her apartment, feed herself, and live alone at seventeen!!! I don’t know many that would work like that, or take the jobs she does in order to survive. When Callum whisks her away to his mansion, she is completely and utterly lost. For the first time since her mom died, she’s able to reflect and grieve. She can relax a little, but she knows she doesn’t fit into that world. Ella’s vulnerable side made me love her. She is an incredibly strong, stubborn character, but when she lets others in she can also be caring and fiercely loyal.
Then there’s her “stepbrothers,” five to be exact, who hate her and want her gone. They believe she is mooching, taking advantage of their father, or (even worse) sleeping with their dad. Ewe!!!! Gideon is the oldest and is away at college. He’s pretty absent, not really the leader of the boys any more at home and he avoids Ella. Reed is the oldest in the house and he makes it known she is not welcome, he does not like her or want her there. Easton is the middle child and my favorite, he’s broken and I want so badly to just reach through the pages and love on him. Then there’s the twins (and for the life of me I cannot remember their names because they are SO similar). They follow Reed’s lead, but for the most part just ignore Ella.
The book really centers on Ella and how she came into the Royals’ world, how she is adjusting to suddenly being rich and having someone care for her, and the forbidden feelings that crop up for Reed. Personally I don’t see how those feelings could develop, they are both pretty cruel to one another, but they fit, like two pieces of the same puzzle.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I started and finished it in one sitting, staying up to the wee hours of the morning. Who needs sleep when you have the Royals to keep you company?! My only complaint, and really it is minor, is that this story, while billed for young adults, is NOT young adult. Yes the kids are in high school, but seriously: strip clubs, the language, ummm….sex AND drugs are all featured prominently in the book. I would not want my 14 or 15 year old getting their hands on this book. Personally it should be mature young adult or even classified as new adult, 18+ is my recommendation. Despite this though, it is a fantastic read, keeping my attention from the first word to the very last….and that cliffhanger. Erh-Ma-Gah!!!! I can’t handle it. I started book two immediately after. Friends, if you’re looking for a quick, steamy read, full of drama, this is it!
Ella Harper is just trying to survive and make a life for herself when she is introduced at the beginning of the book. Her mother is dead and has been for a while now. Seventeen and on her own, Ella does what she needs to do to stay independent. Then Callum Royal shows up, claiming to be her guardian and turning her life upside down.
I felt for Ella, I really did! From the first words, I knew she was a character that would grow on me. She’s tough to like at first, but I immediately respected her. How could you not?! The girl worked three jobs to pay her mother’s medical bills and continued to work them after so she could sustain her apartment, feed herself, and live alone at seventeen!!! I don’t know many that would work like that, or take the jobs she does in order to survive. When Callum whisks her away to his mansion, she is completely and utterly lost. For the first time since her mom died, she’s able to reflect and grieve. She can relax a little, but she knows she doesn’t fit into that world. Ella’s vulnerable side made me love her. She is an incredibly strong, stubborn character, but when she lets others in she can also be caring and fiercely loyal.
Then there’s her “stepbrothers,” five to be exact, who hate her and want her gone. They believe she is mooching, taking advantage of their father, or (even worse) sleeping with their dad. Ewe!!!! Gideon is the oldest and is away at college. He’s pretty absent, not really the leader of the boys any more at home and he avoids Ella. Reed is the oldest in the house and he makes it known she is not welcome, he does not like her or want her there. Easton is the middle child and my favorite, he’s broken and I want so badly to just reach through the pages and love on him. Then there’s the twins (and for the life of me I cannot remember their names because they are SO similar). They follow Reed’s lead, but for the most part just ignore Ella.
The book really centers on Ella and how she came into the Royals’ world, how she is adjusting to suddenly being rich and having someone care for her, and the forbidden feelings that crop up for Reed. Personally I don’t see how those feelings could develop, they are both pretty cruel to one another, but they fit, like two pieces of the same puzzle.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I started and finished it in one sitting, staying up to the wee hours of the morning. Who needs sleep when you have the Royals to keep you company?! My only complaint, and really it is minor, is that this story, while billed for young adults, is NOT young adult. Yes the kids are in high school, but seriously: strip clubs, the language, ummm….sex AND drugs are all featured prominently in the book. I would not want my 14 or 15 year old getting their hands on this book. Personally it should be mature young adult or even classified as new adult, 18+ is my recommendation. Despite this though, it is a fantastic read, keeping my attention from the first word to the very last….and that cliffhanger. Erh-Ma-Gah!!!! I can’t handle it. I started book two immediately after. Friends, if you’re looking for a quick, steamy read, full of drama, this is it!
I only have one thing to say about this book....DUAL POV!!!! Yep that's right! Broken Prince by Erin Watt is told from both Ella's and Reed's perspective, alternating every few chapters. Perfection my friends!!!
So I've been struggling on how to write a review for Broken Prince as I do not want to spoil anything from either this book or its predecessor. There are SO many twists and turns and then that cliffhanger at the end of book one, so I figure it's been a while since I've just gushed about a book, you know, since I've truly fangirled over a character or plot. Consider this your warning. This review is simply me, fangirling over the Royals, Ella and Reed, and my Easton (yes I said MY, none of you other girls can have him....just kidding....sort of).
The Royals are seriously one screwed up family. I mean that. There is so much drama under one roof I had a hard time wrapping my brain around it all, not to mention keeping it straight. While I wasn't overly surprised by some of the twists in the storyline, I was still shocked when/how they came to pass. Nothing is sacred in this house and the author does a fabulous job of reeling the readers in.
Reed, poor broken prince that he is. I really, really enjoyed getting his POV in this installment. I mean, seriously it made all the difference. I love Ella, but being in Reed's head was just what this story called for! I loved watching his character grow and develop during the course of this book. He is so different from the callous, arrogant boy we meet in book one. He's still arrogant and can be callous, but he's also loyal and loving. What he has done is atrocious, don't get me wrong, but I love him all the same....not sure what that says about me!
Ella is a very strong character that I've truly fell in love with. Despite all the teen drama/angst, she is the character that is the glue to the story. She holds the family together and I love how the author subtly shows it through the interactions of the Royals and her. It's so easy to see their love for one another and how she fills the void their mother left behind.
And my Easton. I just wanted to reach through the pages and give him a hug. He is so lost and so broken and NOT coping at all. Ella has become his friend, his confidante. She's his light in the darkness. There's nothing romantic about their relationship, it's a brother/sister love and it's so sweet. I want more Easton...maybe he can get his own story?
The drama ratchets up several notches during this book as Dinah and Brooke enter the scene. While they aren't exactly present, the threat they pose to Ella and the Royals hangs like a shadow over the entire story. I can't say I'm sorry either about the outcome.
Overall I think I liked this one better than the first. It's just as steamy, has just as much angst, but the tone and character development add to my overall enjoyment. And that cliffhanger!!!! Seriously the author is trying to kill me. Two game changers occur, one I suspected was coming, the other not so much. *whines* October is so far away!!!!
So I've been struggling on how to write a review for Broken Prince as I do not want to spoil anything from either this book or its predecessor. There are SO many twists and turns and then that cliffhanger at the end of book one, so I figure it's been a while since I've just gushed about a book, you know, since I've truly fangirled over a character or plot. Consider this your warning. This review is simply me, fangirling over the Royals, Ella and Reed, and my Easton (yes I said MY, none of you other girls can have him....just kidding....sort of).
The Royals are seriously one screwed up family. I mean that. There is so much drama under one roof I had a hard time wrapping my brain around it all, not to mention keeping it straight. While I wasn't overly surprised by some of the twists in the storyline, I was still shocked when/how they came to pass. Nothing is sacred in this house and the author does a fabulous job of reeling the readers in.
Reed, poor broken prince that he is. I really, really enjoyed getting his POV in this installment. I mean, seriously it made all the difference. I love Ella, but being in Reed's head was just what this story called for! I loved watching his character grow and develop during the course of this book. He is so different from the callous, arrogant boy we meet in book one. He's still arrogant and can be callous, but he's also loyal and loving. What he has done is atrocious, don't get me wrong, but I love him all the same....not sure what that says about me!
Ella is a very strong character that I've truly fell in love with. Despite all the teen drama/angst, she is the character that is the glue to the story. She holds the family together and I love how the author subtly shows it through the interactions of the Royals and her. It's so easy to see their love for one another and how she fills the void their mother left behind.
And my Easton. I just wanted to reach through the pages and give him a hug. He is so lost and so broken and NOT coping at all. Ella has become his friend, his confidante. She's his light in the darkness. There's nothing romantic about their relationship, it's a brother/sister love and it's so sweet. I want more Easton...maybe he can get his own story?
The drama ratchets up several notches during this book as Dinah and Brooke enter the scene. While they aren't exactly present, the threat they pose to Ella and the Royals hangs like a shadow over the entire story. I can't say I'm sorry either about the outcome.
Overall I think I liked this one better than the first. It's just as steamy, has just as much angst, but the tone and character development add to my overall enjoyment. And that cliffhanger!!!! Seriously the author is trying to kill me. Two game changers occur, one I suspected was coming, the other not so much. *whines* October is so far away!!!!
I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Seriously….one word for this book….DRAMA!!! Saven: Defiance by Siobhan Davis is a suspenseful, emotional rollercoaster that takes the series to an entirely new level.
I’m honestly having a hard time coming up with words to describe my emotions while reading this book. It’s was full of highs and lows and everything in between. I think I felt the full gamut of emotions: love, rage, hate, jealousy, happiness, and joy. And that ending….
Sadie, love, I have not been your fan. In fact, your drama has annoyed me to no end. However, the maturity you show in this book as you handle the drama that is your life deserves a standing ovation. Seriously, how you dealt with the revelations, the scandal, the horrors that are done…..bravo!!! You are a girl others can look to. You are showing me and the other doubters that you can reign as queen by Logan’s side. Yay!!!
To be #TeamLogan or #TeamAx? That is a good question! On one hand, Logan and Sadie share this amazing bond, the Eterno connection. It’s cool, they can talk in each other’s head, they are the other’s soul mate. On the other hand, there’s Axton who had Sadie first. He’s her….I don’t know. She loves him, but he isn’t enough. My heart aches for Ax, he’s SO good to Sadie and she shuts him down. But Logan’s good to her too, even if he can be a little over-possessive at times, in my opinion. And then all the revelations about the two guys, their past, their connection to Sadie, their secrets…it’s too much!
And then the climax of the book, the plot that revolves around taking Saven from Dante, saving Earth from the Saven and Amaretti….dear Lord, Siobhan Davis what are you trying to do to your readers?! The action, the suspense, the vivid, horrific details of actions taken by other characters that Sadie bears witness too…..too much!!!! It was amazing! The writing and the details, the foreshadowing, the character development were brilliant. I’ve had the honor of reading all of the author's books thus far, and if I may so, Saven: Defiance is her best!
Overall, I’m in love with this book! Sadie has finally come into her own as a strong leader and female heroine. I loved her changes and growth! The relationship with Logan and her strained friendship with Ax add a little drama….okay a LOT of drama but it fits so well with the plot that I couldn’t tear my eyes from the pages. If you’ve liked the series so far, you don’t want to miss this book. There are so many answers to so many questions that have been building through the series. It’s coming to an end and I’m excited and sad to see what will happen to Sadie and her friends. If you’re a fan of sci-fi, I highly recommend you check out the series, starting with book one! Fair warning my friends, the ending is not pretty. Be prepared for tears and lots of em!!! Now, don’t mind me. I’ll be the one wallowing while we wait for the next book!
Seriously….one word for this book….DRAMA!!! Saven: Defiance by Siobhan Davis is a suspenseful, emotional rollercoaster that takes the series to an entirely new level.
I’m honestly having a hard time coming up with words to describe my emotions while reading this book. It’s was full of highs and lows and everything in between. I think I felt the full gamut of emotions: love, rage, hate, jealousy, happiness, and joy. And that ending….
Sadie, love, I have not been your fan. In fact, your drama has annoyed me to no end. However, the maturity you show in this book as you handle the drama that is your life deserves a standing ovation. Seriously, how you dealt with the revelations, the scandal, the horrors that are done…..bravo!!! You are a girl others can look to. You are showing me and the other doubters that you can reign as queen by Logan’s side. Yay!!!
To be #TeamLogan or #TeamAx? That is a good question! On one hand, Logan and Sadie share this amazing bond, the Eterno connection. It’s cool, they can talk in each other’s head, they are the other’s soul mate. On the other hand, there’s Axton who had Sadie first. He’s her….I don’t know. She loves him, but he isn’t enough. My heart aches for Ax, he’s SO good to Sadie and she shuts him down. But Logan’s good to her too, even if he can be a little over-possessive at times, in my opinion. And then all the revelations about the two guys, their past, their connection to Sadie, their secrets…it’s too much!
And then the climax of the book, the plot that revolves around taking Saven from Dante, saving Earth from the Saven and Amaretti….dear Lord, Siobhan Davis what are you trying to do to your readers?! The action, the suspense, the vivid, horrific details of actions taken by other characters that Sadie bears witness too…..too much!!!! It was amazing! The writing and the details, the foreshadowing, the character development were brilliant. I’ve had the honor of reading all of the author's books thus far, and if I may so, Saven: Defiance is her best!
Overall, I’m in love with this book! Sadie has finally come into her own as a strong leader and female heroine. I loved her changes and growth! The relationship with Logan and her strained friendship with Ax add a little drama….okay a LOT of drama but it fits so well with the plot that I couldn’t tear my eyes from the pages. If you’ve liked the series so far, you don’t want to miss this book. There are so many answers to so many questions that have been building through the series. It’s coming to an end and I’m excited and sad to see what will happen to Sadie and her friends. If you’re a fan of sci-fi, I highly recommend you check out the series, starting with book one! Fair warning my friends, the ending is not pretty. Be prepared for tears and lots of em!!! Now, don’t mind me. I’ll be the one wallowing while we wait for the next book!
I received an eARC of this book from Barclay Publicity in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
The Chosen Knights by Mary Ting is an urban fantasy lover’s dream! There are demons, vampires, angels, and fallen angels all set to the back drop of high school in Hawaii. What more could you ask for?! If you are new to Mary Ting, I highly recommend reading either [b:The Angel Knights|28266590|The Angel Knights (The Angel Knights, #0)|Mary Ting|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1457057555s/28266590.jpg|48311307], the prequel which will give you a little background to the world created by the author, or go back to the beginning Crossroads, the series that this one is based off. Personally I haven’t read [b:Crossroads|28950475|Crossroads (Crossroads Saga, #1)|Mary Ting|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1454815053s/28950475.jpg|16210495] and am not lost so this series can be read as a standalone. However I have every intention of reading them!
Lucia and Zachary are the nephilim children of Michael and Claudia, raised to be demon-hunters, Venators. They deny the human-side of themselves, pushing their emotions to the side. Zac does this better than Lucia. Lucia struggles and it’s this struggle that drew me to her story. Lucia and Zac are 17, have never been around humans, and are now being thrust into the world of high school. It’s interesting to read how they adjust and even humorous when Lucia tries to reason out the use of unfamiliar slang which results in miscommunication.
Lucia is easily likable. She’s loyal, a fierce fighter, and follows her heart, which gets her into a lot of trouble. Zac is what every brother should be. He’s her best friend, her confidante, and always has her back. “Uncle” Davin, Michael’s best friend and their guardian while in Hawaii, cracks me up. He’s like a big kid, but fiercely protective of Zac and Lucia. I love him!
Then there’s the humans they meet, or at least Lucia believes them human. Eli is half-demon and also the love interest. I’ll be honest, I really had a hard time liking him. He’s rude, pushes Lucia away at one instance and in the next is keeping a close eye on her. I’m not sure how I stand on my feelings for him.
The plot revolves around the mysterious Cyrus, who he is and what he wants. I found myself completely absorbed in the paranormal world created by Mary Ting. Between the mythology created by the author and the action, I was hooked! I loved the scenes between Eli and Lucia. You never really know where either stands. Are they enemies, are they friends, or are they more? And that ending….ugh!!! I hate cliffhangers. I need [b:The Blessed Knights|29523227|The Blessed Knights (The Angel Knights, #2)|Mary Ting|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|49819099]The Blessed Knights like yesterday.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! It’s a great start to the series. If you enjoy urban fantasy, paranormal romance, or enjoyed the [b:Crossroads|28950475|Crossroads (Crossroads Saga, #1)|Mary Ting|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1454815053s/28950475.jpg|16210495] series, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book asap.
The Chosen Knights by Mary Ting is an urban fantasy lover’s dream! There are demons, vampires, angels, and fallen angels all set to the back drop of high school in Hawaii. What more could you ask for?! If you are new to Mary Ting, I highly recommend reading either [b:The Angel Knights|28266590|The Angel Knights (The Angel Knights, #0)|Mary Ting|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1457057555s/28266590.jpg|48311307], the prequel which will give you a little background to the world created by the author, or go back to the beginning Crossroads, the series that this one is based off. Personally I haven’t read [b:Crossroads|28950475|Crossroads (Crossroads Saga, #1)|Mary Ting|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1454815053s/28950475.jpg|16210495] and am not lost so this series can be read as a standalone. However I have every intention of reading them!
Lucia and Zachary are the nephilim children of Michael and Claudia, raised to be demon-hunters, Venators. They deny the human-side of themselves, pushing their emotions to the side. Zac does this better than Lucia. Lucia struggles and it’s this struggle that drew me to her story. Lucia and Zac are 17, have never been around humans, and are now being thrust into the world of high school. It’s interesting to read how they adjust and even humorous when Lucia tries to reason out the use of unfamiliar slang which results in miscommunication.
Lucia is easily likable. She’s loyal, a fierce fighter, and follows her heart, which gets her into a lot of trouble. Zac is what every brother should be. He’s her best friend, her confidante, and always has her back. “Uncle” Davin, Michael’s best friend and their guardian while in Hawaii, cracks me up. He’s like a big kid, but fiercely protective of Zac and Lucia. I love him!
Then there’s the humans they meet, or at least Lucia believes them human. Eli is half-demon and also the love interest. I’ll be honest, I really had a hard time liking him. He’s rude, pushes Lucia away at one instance and in the next is keeping a close eye on her. I’m not sure how I stand on my feelings for him.
The plot revolves around the mysterious Cyrus, who he is and what he wants. I found myself completely absorbed in the paranormal world created by Mary Ting. Between the mythology created by the author and the action, I was hooked! I loved the scenes between Eli and Lucia. You never really know where either stands. Are they enemies, are they friends, or are they more? And that ending….ugh!!! I hate cliffhangers. I need [b:The Blessed Knights|29523227|The Blessed Knights (The Angel Knights, #2)|Mary Ting|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|49819099]The Blessed Knights like yesterday.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! It’s a great start to the series. If you enjoy urban fantasy, paranormal romance, or enjoyed the [b:Crossroads|28950475|Crossroads (Crossroads Saga, #1)|Mary Ting|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1454815053s/28950475.jpg|16210495] series, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book asap.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Last Kiss of Summer by Marina Adair is the first in her new series Destiny Bay about a woman trying to find her place in the world. Kennedy Sinclair has just lost her boyfriend of 4 years to their dance instructor when she makes the decision to move across the country and take over a family friend’s bakery. Luke Callahan is trying to keep his orchard out of the red, build a cider business, and get his mom her summer home back when he finds out she sold her bakery to some city girl along with three acres of apples he needs to save the orchard. Now it comes down to a battle of who gets the apples: the determined Kennedy or the desperate Luke.
I SO enjoyed this book! I enjoyed it so much that I read it in one sitting, loving every word. The chemistry between Luke and Kennedy is sweet, swoon-worthy, and irritating all at the same time. From their first encounter to their first kiss I was rooting for them to succeed. Alone the two characters are broken, missing something they don’t realize they need. Together they find their missing piece. It’s heart-warming and breaking all at the same time, as they are on opposing sides, pitted against each other.
Kennedy is a wonderful lead character. She’s had a rough life, a life filled with people leaving her, which has left the grown woman with a lost little girl at her heart. Yet she’s tough, independent, and determined (which is just a better version of stubborn) to find a place she can call home.
Luke is swoon-worthy from the moment he steps on the pages. He’s a tad arrogant, but has a giant-sized heart. After his dad’s death, guilt has ate away at him and he feels responsible for his family. This is endearing to me and made my heart ache for him. His determination to save his family’s orchard and get his mom’s summer home back is so incredibly sweet.
Overall I really loved this book. The sweet romance that blossoms between Kennedy and Luke, while predictable, was heart-warming and had me rooting for them. The small town charm of the town Destiny Bay reminded me of my own hometown and how nothing is better than realizing they have your back. If you enjoy contemporary romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy! It doesn’t disappoint.
Last Kiss of Summer by Marina Adair is the first in her new series Destiny Bay about a woman trying to find her place in the world. Kennedy Sinclair has just lost her boyfriend of 4 years to their dance instructor when she makes the decision to move across the country and take over a family friend’s bakery. Luke Callahan is trying to keep his orchard out of the red, build a cider business, and get his mom her summer home back when he finds out she sold her bakery to some city girl along with three acres of apples he needs to save the orchard. Now it comes down to a battle of who gets the apples: the determined Kennedy or the desperate Luke.
I SO enjoyed this book! I enjoyed it so much that I read it in one sitting, loving every word. The chemistry between Luke and Kennedy is sweet, swoon-worthy, and irritating all at the same time. From their first encounter to their first kiss I was rooting for them to succeed. Alone the two characters are broken, missing something they don’t realize they need. Together they find their missing piece. It’s heart-warming and breaking all at the same time, as they are on opposing sides, pitted against each other.
Kennedy is a wonderful lead character. She’s had a rough life, a life filled with people leaving her, which has left the grown woman with a lost little girl at her heart. Yet she’s tough, independent, and determined (which is just a better version of stubborn) to find a place she can call home.
Luke is swoon-worthy from the moment he steps on the pages. He’s a tad arrogant, but has a giant-sized heart. After his dad’s death, guilt has ate away at him and he feels responsible for his family. This is endearing to me and made my heart ache for him. His determination to save his family’s orchard and get his mom’s summer home back is so incredibly sweet.
Overall I really loved this book. The sweet romance that blossoms between Kennedy and Luke, while predictable, was heart-warming and had me rooting for them. The small town charm of the town Destiny Bay reminded me of my own hometown and how nothing is better than realizing they have your back. If you enjoy contemporary romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy! It doesn’t disappoint.
I received an eARC of this book from Barclay Publicity in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Recently I have been on a superhero kick when it comes to books and the Boomers series delivers! Deadly Genesis by Heather Long is the latest installment of the series and focuses on the telepath Simon and Amanda aka Corkscrew who was rescued from R.E.X. at the end of [b:The Judas Contact|30743060|The Judas Contact (Boomers #1)|Heather Long|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1466774366s/30743060.jpg|51286549].
I’ve been curious about Simon since his involvement in the previous book. He was a wildcard character to me. Simon’s on the serious side, rarely cracks a joke or smiles, yet seems to be intuitive to everyone’s needs around him thanks to his ability. But what does he need? He rarely takes the time to care for himself, pouring his energy into his team and now Amanda. It’s endearing!
Amanda is so lost in this book. After reading the previous book and learning a little of what she was subjected to at R.E.X. I was astonished she wasn’t comatose. Instead she’s fighting and with Simon’s help she’s staying afloat. I felt for her and rooted for her to win!
This book delves into a little more of the series plot than the previous book. I feel that even though the books can be read as a standalone, they are much more enjoyable when read in order. (Personally I haven’t read the novella, but after reading this one, I plan to!) The Boomers have come to the past to stop the future they left from happening. There are some surprises and answers to their questions in this installment. Full of action and of course romance! While each book in the series focuses on a different Boomer, the other couples pop up throughout. I enjoyed the different chapters that featured Ilsa and Garrett or Rory and Michael.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and finished it in one sitting. It’s a short, quick read, full of action, surprises, and romance. If you’re looking for a fun read, I highly recommend you pick it up!
Recently I have been on a superhero kick when it comes to books and the Boomers series delivers! Deadly Genesis by Heather Long is the latest installment of the series and focuses on the telepath Simon and Amanda aka Corkscrew who was rescued from R.E.X. at the end of [b:The Judas Contact|30743060|The Judas Contact (Boomers #1)|Heather Long|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1466774366s/30743060.jpg|51286549].
I’ve been curious about Simon since his involvement in the previous book. He was a wildcard character to me. Simon’s on the serious side, rarely cracks a joke or smiles, yet seems to be intuitive to everyone’s needs around him thanks to his ability. But what does he need? He rarely takes the time to care for himself, pouring his energy into his team and now Amanda. It’s endearing!
Amanda is so lost in this book. After reading the previous book and learning a little of what she was subjected to at R.E.X. I was astonished she wasn’t comatose. Instead she’s fighting and with Simon’s help she’s staying afloat. I felt for her and rooted for her to win!
This book delves into a little more of the series plot than the previous book. I feel that even though the books can be read as a standalone, they are much more enjoyable when read in order. (Personally I haven’t read the novella, but after reading this one, I plan to!) The Boomers have come to the past to stop the future they left from happening. There are some surprises and answers to their questions in this installment. Full of action and of course romance! While each book in the series focuses on a different Boomer, the other couples pop up throughout. I enjoyed the different chapters that featured Ilsa and Garrett or Rory and Michael.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and finished it in one sitting. It’s a short, quick read, full of action, surprises, and romance. If you’re looking for a fun read, I highly recommend you pick it up!
I received an eARC of this book via I Am a Reader in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Have I mentioned lately how much I love this series, Power of the Matchmaker? Because I do! And I’m not just saying that either. Each book is written by a different author with one main character in common, Miss Pearl. Miss Pearl is the Matchmaker, the glue of the books and I love how each author has added to her character and molded her into the meddling lady we the readers know.
In Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean, the 7th installment of the series, Miss Pearl tells an 11 year old Savannah three things, two have come true, the third has not yet. Savannah is still looking for her one true love Paul. That’s all she knows is his name. She’s spent her life revolved around that name, dating only men named Paul and now she’s taken a job teaching English in China because she learned there’s an American entrepreneur named Paul there. How crazy (and dedicated) is that?!
I loved (and ached) for Savannah! She’s dedicated to what Pearl told her. She doesn’t doubt, and she has reason to. Her heart has been broken and trampled on by other Pauls. Her family thinks she nuts and worries about her. I would too! But I know Miss Pearl from other books.
This is such a sweet story. I loved the foreshadowing the author leaves for us to pick up as we read and loved the way Savannah finally finds her Paul. It’s sweet, clean of foul language, and the romance fades to black. My kind of book! Can’t wait to see what Miss Pearl gets up to next!
Have I mentioned lately how much I love this series, Power of the Matchmaker? Because I do! And I’m not just saying that either. Each book is written by a different author with one main character in common, Miss Pearl. Miss Pearl is the Matchmaker, the glue of the books and I love how each author has added to her character and molded her into the meddling lady we the readers know.
In Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean, the 7th installment of the series, Miss Pearl tells an 11 year old Savannah three things, two have come true, the third has not yet. Savannah is still looking for her one true love Paul. That’s all she knows is his name. She’s spent her life revolved around that name, dating only men named Paul and now she’s taken a job teaching English in China because she learned there’s an American entrepreneur named Paul there. How crazy (and dedicated) is that?!
I loved (and ached) for Savannah! She’s dedicated to what Pearl told her. She doesn’t doubt, and she has reason to. Her heart has been broken and trampled on by other Pauls. Her family thinks she nuts and worries about her. I would too! But I know Miss Pearl from other books.
This is such a sweet story. I loved the foreshadowing the author leaves for us to pick up as we read and loved the way Savannah finally finds her Paul. It’s sweet, clean of foul language, and the romance fades to black. My kind of book! Can’t wait to see what Miss Pearl gets up to next!
The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski grabbed my attention from the first page and held it to the last. As the general’s daughter, Kestrel lives a privileged life in Herran, one of many conquered Valorian countries. Her love of music and distaste for war is in opposition to the society she represents. When she acquires Arin a Herrani slave from the trading block, her eyes become open to the atrocities her countrymen are capable of.
I really liked Kestrel. My heart bled for her. She isn’t the daughter the general wants, yet she is cunning and smart. Her heart lies with her music, not war and as in Valoria you must either wed or join the army, Kestrel is left with little choice but to marry. She lives a life of privilege, but I don’t think she takes that for granted. She sees what her actions can do to the Herrani slaves and she is compassionate towards them, thinking of their needs and what she can do to make their lives better. She is a conundrum to Arin.
Arin is a fantastically flawed character. There are not many I can say that about. He’s a Herrani slave. Born to a life of privilege and then watched as his family was murdered and he was taken in to slavery, Arin has no love for Valorians. He hates them, he will do whatever is necessary to free his people. Yet Kestrel makes him pause. He should hate her, she’s the daughter of the general, yet he doesn’t. He’s confused by her and her actions. Is she nice because she wants something in return or is she just genuinely kind?
What makes this book fantastic in my opinion is the alternating view points between Arin and Kestrel. It leads to a lot of dramatic irony, where we the readers know what is going on or about to happen but the characters are going in blind. There were times I caught myself holding my breath as I was afraid for Kestrel and Arin as the rebellion began. The sweet romance that blossoms between them is just a bonus as the story focuses more on the Herrani rebellion.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and dove into [b:The Winner's Crime|20443207|The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy, #2)|Marie Rutkoski|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1411741455s/20443207.jpg|31174003] immediately as I couldn’t handle that ending! If you enjoy historical fantasy with a touch of romance, I highly recommend you read this one.
I really liked Kestrel. My heart bled for her. She isn’t the daughter the general wants, yet she is cunning and smart. Her heart lies with her music, not war and as in Valoria you must either wed or join the army, Kestrel is left with little choice but to marry. She lives a life of privilege, but I don’t think she takes that for granted. She sees what her actions can do to the Herrani slaves and she is compassionate towards them, thinking of their needs and what she can do to make their lives better. She is a conundrum to Arin.
Arin is a fantastically flawed character. There are not many I can say that about. He’s a Herrani slave. Born to a life of privilege and then watched as his family was murdered and he was taken in to slavery, Arin has no love for Valorians. He hates them, he will do whatever is necessary to free his people. Yet Kestrel makes him pause. He should hate her, she’s the daughter of the general, yet he doesn’t. He’s confused by her and her actions. Is she nice because she wants something in return or is she just genuinely kind?
What makes this book fantastic in my opinion is the alternating view points between Arin and Kestrel. It leads to a lot of dramatic irony, where we the readers know what is going on or about to happen but the characters are going in blind. There were times I caught myself holding my breath as I was afraid for Kestrel and Arin as the rebellion began. The sweet romance that blossoms between them is just a bonus as the story focuses more on the Herrani rebellion.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and dove into [b:The Winner's Crime|20443207|The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy, #2)|Marie Rutkoski|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1411741455s/20443207.jpg|31174003] immediately as I couldn’t handle that ending! If you enjoy historical fantasy with a touch of romance, I highly recommend you read this one.
If you have not read [b:The Winner's Curse|16069030|The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1)|Marie Rutkoski|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1377023523s/16069030.jpg|21861552], please do NOT read this review. There are spoilers to the previous book in this review!
Oh my!!! Oh my, my, my!!!! I can’t handle the events of The Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski. I just thought the author couldn’t top the emotions generated from reading [b:The Winner's Curse|16069030|The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1)|Marie Rutkoski|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1377023523s/16069030.jpg|21861552], I was wrong. I don’t even know how to start this review. I’m in shock!!! A little recap: Kestrel is engaged to the emperor’s son after she bargained for Herran’s freedom, granting them independence as a territory of Valoria. Arin doesn’t know what Kestrel sacrificed for him and his country and is now the unofficial governor of Herran.
Kestrel is in over her head in this book. I truly felt for her and caught myself holding my breath on more than one occasion. Like the last book, the POV alternates between Kestrel and Arin so the reader knows things the character does not. For me this was torture. After a few run-ins with the emperor and seeing how truly evil he is, Kestrel sides with Arin, becoming his spy in secret. Even Arin is clueless to the identity of his Moth. I wanted to scream at Kestrel as events played out. I worried for her as she isn’t the most stable in this book. She thinks she knows what is happening, having learned from the best, but unfortunately she’s playing with fire.
Arin is lost in this book. He’s gained everything he wanted from the rebellion: Herran’s freedom, his own freedom, even the house he grew up in, BUT he lost his heart in the process. He fell in love and fell hard for Kestrel, yet she deserted him for Valoria and the prince. She left without a word and brought the empire to his doorstep in the process AND he let her. He let her go. This fact haunts him and he is SO angry in this book. And his trust, well he places it in the wrong people.
The plot revolves around Kestrel and the Valorian court. She is in over her head as she gains information about Herran and passes it to Arin’s spymaster. She is the Moth, anonymous and dangerous to Valoria. Yet she underestimates her opponent, and thanks to the dual POV the reader is in the know. I love (and hate) this dramatic irony! It kept me turning the pages out of fear for the characters.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It did lose a star from 5 to 4 because it has a slow start and Kestrel and Arin are separated pretty much the entire book. So if you’re looking for romance, look elsewhere. There is a lot of drama and angst in this installment of the series. However the irony and edge-of-your-seat suspense kept me reading. If you enjoyed the first book of the series, I highly recommend you continue reading! And that ending?! What are you doing to me Marie Rutkoski?
Oh my!!! Oh my, my, my!!!! I can’t handle the events of The Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski. I just thought the author couldn’t top the emotions generated from reading [b:The Winner's Curse|16069030|The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1)|Marie Rutkoski|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1377023523s/16069030.jpg|21861552], I was wrong. I don’t even know how to start this review. I’m in shock!!! A little recap: Kestrel is engaged to the emperor’s son after she bargained for Herran’s freedom, granting them independence as a territory of Valoria. Arin doesn’t know what Kestrel sacrificed for him and his country and is now the unofficial governor of Herran.
Kestrel is in over her head in this book. I truly felt for her and caught myself holding my breath on more than one occasion. Like the last book, the POV alternates between Kestrel and Arin so the reader knows things the character does not. For me this was torture. After a few run-ins with the emperor and seeing how truly evil he is, Kestrel sides with Arin, becoming his spy in secret. Even Arin is clueless to the identity of his Moth. I wanted to scream at Kestrel as events played out. I worried for her as she isn’t the most stable in this book. She thinks she knows what is happening, having learned from the best, but unfortunately she’s playing with fire.
Arin is lost in this book. He’s gained everything he wanted from the rebellion: Herran’s freedom, his own freedom, even the house he grew up in, BUT he lost his heart in the process. He fell in love and fell hard for Kestrel, yet she deserted him for Valoria and the prince. She left without a word and brought the empire to his doorstep in the process AND he let her. He let her go. This fact haunts him and he is SO angry in this book. And his trust, well he places it in the wrong people.
The plot revolves around Kestrel and the Valorian court. She is in over her head as she gains information about Herran and passes it to Arin’s spymaster. She is the Moth, anonymous and dangerous to Valoria. Yet she underestimates her opponent, and thanks to the dual POV the reader is in the know. I love (and hate) this dramatic irony! It kept me turning the pages out of fear for the characters.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It did lose a star from 5 to 4 because it has a slow start and Kestrel and Arin are separated pretty much the entire book. So if you’re looking for romance, look elsewhere. There is a lot of drama and angst in this installment of the series. However the irony and edge-of-your-seat suspense kept me reading. If you enjoyed the first book of the series, I highly recommend you continue reading! And that ending?! What are you doing to me Marie Rutkoski?
The Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski has become one of my all-time favorite series! The Winner’s Kiss delivers an ending that is both stunning and beautiful in its execution. The series has boiled down to the events in this book. Arin is prepared for war, he has gained the alliance of the East and developed a new weapon he calls a gun. He’s moved past his feelings for Kestrel (at least he’s fooled himself into thinking he has) and is prepared to lead Herran. Kestrel has hit rock bottom. Her own father has betrayed her, she’s betrayed herself and is now living as a traitor exiled to the northern mines. Can the two find each other and defeat Valoria?
Like Arin in [b:The Winner's Crime|20443207|The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy, #2)|Marie Rutkoski|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1411741455s/20443207.jpg|31174003], Kestrel is lost in this book. She’s subjected to horror upon horror until she loses her own memories, her mind blocking them in an attempt to protect her. When her knight in shining armor arrives to save her, she’s distrustful of him. She’s lost the naiveté of the previous books, thinking that she was invulnerable. Now she knows the horror that awaits her if she’s caught and she’s scared. I like the vulnerable side of Kestrel that is shown in this book. I always knew it was there under her bravado but it’s a nice change of pace.
Arin has accepted his role as leader of Herran, albeit reluctantly. He’s made allies of Dacran and developed a handheld cannon he calls a gun. He’s ready to win Herran’s freedom from Valoria. He’s shut his mind off from Kestrel after their last encounter. He will not let her control him, he will not let her fool him again. Then the messenger arrives with news that Kestrel is dead and another messenger arrives with news that the Moth, his anonymous spy, has been caught and sent to the Northern mines. It doesn’t take long for Arin to connect the dots and all his feelings for Kestrel come back and then some! He rides and rides hard to rescue her but she’s not what he expects.
The plot of this book is simple. It’s war! The atrocities, the scheming, all the information that Kestrel fed him during the last year…it all boils down to this book. I love the details that the author adds, the complexities in the relationships formed by the characters, and the brutal imagery of the scenes of war. Nothing is left to the imagination, almost all questions are answered. This is the perfect ending to the series! If you enjoyed the series thus far, you don’t want to miss the ending.
Like Arin in [b:The Winner's Crime|20443207|The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy, #2)|Marie Rutkoski|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1411741455s/20443207.jpg|31174003], Kestrel is lost in this book. She’s subjected to horror upon horror until she loses her own memories, her mind blocking them in an attempt to protect her. When her knight in shining armor arrives to save her, she’s distrustful of him. She’s lost the naiveté of the previous books, thinking that she was invulnerable. Now she knows the horror that awaits her if she’s caught and she’s scared. I like the vulnerable side of Kestrel that is shown in this book. I always knew it was there under her bravado but it’s a nice change of pace.
Arin has accepted his role as leader of Herran, albeit reluctantly. He’s made allies of Dacran and developed a handheld cannon he calls a gun. He’s ready to win Herran’s freedom from Valoria. He’s shut his mind off from Kestrel after their last encounter. He will not let her control him, he will not let her fool him again. Then the messenger arrives with news that Kestrel is dead and another messenger arrives with news that the Moth, his anonymous spy, has been caught and sent to the Northern mines. It doesn’t take long for Arin to connect the dots and all his feelings for Kestrel come back and then some! He rides and rides hard to rescue her but she’s not what he expects.
The plot of this book is simple. It’s war! The atrocities, the scheming, all the information that Kestrel fed him during the last year…it all boils down to this book. I love the details that the author adds, the complexities in the relationships formed by the characters, and the brutal imagery of the scenes of war. Nothing is left to the imagination, almost all questions are answered. This is the perfect ending to the series! If you enjoyed the series thus far, you don’t want to miss the ending.