Sunday, February 26, 2023

Review: The Emperor of Evening Stars by Laura Thalassa

The Emperor of Evening Stars The Emperor of Evening Stars by Laura Thalassa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC novel from Edelweiss. This is my honest review. 

Loved being able to get Des's life story that we've gotten in pieces when he told Callie, but in one short book to really show what Des has been through all of his life. I especially loved the scene where he sees Callie for the first time and the realization that she is the one he's been looking for for centuries. 

Also his friendship with Malaki? I absolutely loved that. 

I can't wait to see Des, and maybe Callie?! go nuclear in the final book when they get all the bad guys. It's going to be a crazy adventure, that's for sure! 

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Saturday, February 25, 2023

Review: A Strange Hymn by Laura Thalassa

A Strange Hymn A Strange Hymn by Laura Thalassa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC novel from Edelweiss. This is my honest review. 

Gah, love love love this series! There are so many secrets and mysteries that get unlocked so slowly for these characters, it's mind blowing to watch unravel. 

Callie is already a strong character, but she is fighting battles she's not she how to and finding a way to keep coming out in the other side. Honestly, she has the strongest will and I love seeing her pure heart come out to help those in need. 

Des is just amazing. The way he gets all possessive about Callie is swoon-worthy. There are moments he knows when she can fight her own battles, but when he is pushed too far? Everyone better hide cause he's about to wreck havic on everyone's lives. 

I love the way Thalassa is able to weave this story in a way that keeps me completely entranced until the last page. I absolutely cannot wait to dive into the next book to get lost into this story some more! 

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Review: Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa

Rhapsodic Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC novel from Edelweiss. This is my honest review. 

I've been wanting to dive into Laura Thalassa's novels for quite some time, so I finally decided to start with this series. And I'm so glad I did because I fell for everything that is in this book. I honestly wasnt expecting to love it so much but the characters, the plot, the past vs present was just amazingly done. I got sucked into the story and didn't want to leave. 

Callie is such a warrior. She had been through so much in her short life and I'm surprised she is still fighting her way through it. I don't blame her for wanting to rack up her debt to the Bargainer in order to be around a person who truly knows her, rather than an artificial friend who she will never open up to. 

Des is swoony and fantastic. I can't imagine being in the receiving end of his intensity when he had his focus on you. And unless I'm Callie, I don't want to be Des's focus cause that would mean bad news. 

I'm very intrigued to see how everything will work out through this series. I do hope we see more of Callies friend and coworker cause I love her spunk!

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Monday, February 20, 2023

Review: The Queen's Gamble by Nicole Sanchez

The Queen's Gamble The Queen's Gamble by Nicole Sanchez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review. 

This. Book. There was so much that happened that my brain is so trying to process everything. This was an adventure from start to finish and, but, it is not over yet. I'm so intrigued on how everything is going to end!

In book one we had almost like a bachelor style storyline going on. This book? Yeah, complete 180 turn. Delilah is such a strong woman who has so many obligations and responsibilities, yet is forced to play these games to make everyone happy. I honestly don't know how she went day to day, it was so much on her shoulders. 

I really got so annoyed with the majority of these people making Delilah jump through hoops. I just wanted Delilah to go all supreme on them like I know she can but she was thinking way smarter than I was lol.

All I know? Galen deserved so so much worse.

There were many things I figured out super early, but also quite a lot I didn't see coming, which I was pleasantly surprised about. Anytime I'm caught off guard is amazing cause it means it isn't like other books out there, making it unique! 

I'm so glad I discovered this author and this amazing series and I absolutely can't wait until the last book is released so I can see how everything gets fixed! I definitely recommend this series!

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Saturday, February 18, 2023

Review: Lessons from a One-Night Stand by Piper Rayne

Lessons from a One-Night Stand Lessons from a One-Night Stand by Piper Rayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've read all of the Greene's from Piper Rayne, so I'm diving into the Bailey's next!  I love how strong Austin was to take care of his younger siblings with his sister Savannah after his parents died.  To be 21 and taking care of 7 other humans?  That's a daunting task, but Austin didn't so much as blink because that's the kind of man that he is and he wanted to be that person for them.  He even fought his uncle and grandmother for custody over them!  I'm just in awe of him, honestly.  Because if I were in his shoes, I would 100% not make the same decisions he did. 

I would hate that stupid Buzz Wheel.  Especially as an outsider like Holly?  I would be absolutely terrified to leave my house or my work in fear of being photographed and talked about.  Mind you, I'm from a small town where everyone knew my business, but this is just too much.  I wonder if it's ever discovered who's in charge of that, cause I'd like to stop that person so much. 

Austin and Holly really did try to keep things under the table when it came to their relationship, or whatever they called it.  But seriously, this town - you can't keep a secret for a second without someone finding out and instantly telling the whole universe it seems like. 

I was really bummed about Holly's dad, but I love that her mom came to the rescue!  Well, not in Holly's opinion.  Also, Dana?  Love that girl.  I have a feeling she may want to stay in Alaska in the future?

I very much enjoyed this storyline and I'm very intrigued to see how the rest of the Baileys fall!

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Review: #Player by Cambria Hebert

#Player #Player by Cambria Hebert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adore Rimmel and Romeo.  They have gone through their fair share of crappy things that just won't stop since they've met each other, and this book has many events that hit very close to home with their family.  I am glad that we got to see Rimmel's hometown and family members, though that was so bittersweet.  Romeo took charge and made a lot of bold moves, but then again that is Romeo down to a T.  His mom is a bit insensitive at times and hopefully she will get that checked soon cause no one needs to be around a person who attacks first. 

I love Breaden and his big brother complex.  Seriously, it's the sweetest thing ever. 

I'm so glad I decided to give this series a try because I saw an alternative cover of it and liked it, but wanted to know if I liked the story!

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Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Review: The Mistake by R. G. Angel

The Mistake The Mistake by R.G. Angel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC novel from the author and Enticing Journey Book Promotions. This is my honest review. 

R. G. Angel is QUICKLY become an auto buy author for me! When I saw the opportunity to read this new novel, I jumped on it and quickly fell in love with these characters and this story! Ava is amazing, I love her trust and helpfulness and just pure spirit that she has - throughout everything life throws at her. Ethan is hilarious but oh so loyal and I hope he gets his happily ever after soon!

Now Hugo. He is a mess, but I love him all the same. He just makes a ton of mistakes - some I didn't think he would be able to crawl back out from to be honest. He definitely dug a ginormous hole throughout this whole time. I loved seeing small moments of him letting his guard down, but those were few and far in between. 

This book kept me snared and I read it super fast. I'm a bit sad to see these characters leave, but I know I can always revisit them again if I need to. I can't wait to see what amazing story R. G. Angel comes up with next though, cause I will be sitting here patiently waiting to fly through that amazing story!

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Monday, February 13, 2023

Review: #Hater by Cambria Hebert

#Hater #Hater by Cambria Hebert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am so mad at how much I'm enjoying this series, only because I wasnt expecting a series nor to fall for these characters. Yet here I am lol.

Romeo and Rimmel are fantastic as a couple. I love how in tuned they are with each other and how they shape each other into better people. Braeden is a fantastic character as well and I love seeing him interact with them. 

Zach needs to rot in jail after what he's put Rimmel through. If he's not, I'm going to be livid. 

Romeo's mom is getting in my nerves of her lack of trust towards Rimmel. She needs to figure out who's side she is on and stay there. 

And now I'm going to go buy book 3 cause that ending left much to be desired. 

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Saturday, February 11, 2023

Review: #Nerd by Cambria Hebert

#Nerd #Nerd by Cambria Hebert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really didn't realize that this wasn't a standalone and that there are in fact 2 more books that follow these characters. I wasnt prepared for this commitment, but I'm about to go get the next book in a few minutes. Thank goodness they are already released!

At first I wasn't vibing with this book or characters. It took awhile for me to really get on the Rimmell and Romeo train, but I'm here now and I love them both. I love that Romeo didn't cave under pressure for that frat. He may have done what they told him to do but he didn't do it BECAUSE of them. 

And Murphy? Do not get me started on the cuteness of that storyline! 

So, yes, I ended up falling these two love birds and I'm sure more drama will happen in book 2 and 3, but I'm committed and I now need to know their complete story. 

Y'all have been warned! 

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Review: Reverse Pass by Maggie Rawdon

Reverse Pass Reverse Pass by Maggie Rawdon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC novel from the author and Valentine PR. This is my honest review. 

Oh Ben. This boy is Casanova to a T but put him around Violet and he becomes a bumbling mess. It was so adorable to see, honestly. But the longer he was around her, the more somewhat confident he became. His patience and restraint was snacking and I just adore this man so much. 

He also really knew what pace to take with Violet to not make her so jumpy or to object outright. Just seeing these two together for my heart racing at how cute they were!

I think dating a guy younger than you when both are so in college is odd. But I definitely don't think a 5 year gap is crazy, but since I'm actually dating someone who is 5 years younger than me, I might be a bit biased lol. 

I love Joss. I need Joss to find her one true love, cause that is going to be so much fun.  

Cam needed to get a clue from the moment he made that ridiculous plan. He really thought she would just be waiting around. I want to be surprised but many men think this way sadly. 

I'm so glad I got to read Ben's story and I can't wait to see what is next from Maggie Rawdon! 

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Thursday, February 9, 2023

Review: Only You by Samantha Young

Only You Only You by Samantha Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC novel from the author.  This is my honest review. 

This book is so full of emotional turmoil, I'm still getting over all of the feels I just went through.  As always, Samantha Young writes such a fantastic novel that I was instantly sucked into the story and felt every emotion that these two characters were feeling. 

It was nice to get Monroe and Brodan's background story.  We got hints of it in the other books, but to see first hand what happened was heartbreaking.  These Adair's really went through the ringer when they were younger and it affected not only themselves but everyone around them.  And Monroe was probably the most non-Adair that got hit with their insecurities.  

I commend Monroe for coming home to take care of her ill mother.  Especially after meeting her mother - if I knew I was going to walk into something like that, I don't know if I could have stomached actually doing it.  May make me sound like a terrible person, but once you meet her mom, you will understand. 

The thing that killed me in this book was Brodan's attitude toward Monroe when they both came home and he was still lashing out.  Some of the things he said and did were downright awful.  I feel like there should have been a ton more groveling - like years honestly for me - before I would have forgiven Brodan.  But I hold a grudge and make people work for my forgiveness. 

I loved seeing all of the Adair's and their spouses and families.  The second epilogue was fantastic and made me sad that this is the end of the Adair family.  But I gotta say, I cannot WAIT for the next series because those two characters?  It's going to be amazing!

Such a wonderful series that I am sure to be revisiting again in the future because I will miss them so!

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Friday, February 3, 2023

Review: You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks by Piper Rayne

You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks by Piper Rayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC novel from the author and Valentine PR. This is my honest review. 

I adore single dad, sport romances, so it's no surprise that I feel completely for Brady Banks. He may want to be looked at as a playboy, but after reading this book we see what an amassing, humble man he really is. 

The attraction between Brady and Violet was super intense from the very beginning. They definitely had a lot of restraint being around each other and ignoring their feelings, but it was only a matter of time, really. 

Theo is the best thing ever. It's funny cause I despise kids in my world. Absolutely hate them. But kids in romance novels with single parents? I gobble these books up like crazy. It really doesn't make sense, but Theo is so sweet and wears his heart on his sleeve so much. Seeing him so emotional for many moments in this novel definitely teared me up at times. 

I am so glad Brady got his story and that I was able to dive into it! I loved all of it and it's definitely become one of my favorites so far, but I honestly think Chase or Miles may take the gold. Time will tell when I get my hands on their stories in the future! 

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Review: When Stars Come Out by Scarlett St Clair

When Stars Come Out When Stars Come Out by Scarlett St. Clair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC novel from Edelweiss. This is my honest review. 

I've been collecting Scarlett St Clair books for awhile now but haven't actually read any...oops. Figured I would start with her first novel and the standalone to get my feet wet. And for the most part i enjoyed this story. I have been to an author event where Scarlett talked about her personal life and I feel like there are a lot of similarities between her past and Anora's world in this book. Probably deliberate, but I definitely noticed then. 

I can't imagine having the power that Anora has and not knowing how to control it. That world be terrifying. And this power fork went through the ringer at this new school with trying to make friends. This book is stuffed full of secrets and mysteries and poor Anora was smack dab in the middle of everyone's schemes to use her. 

I honestly don't know if I even liked any of the characters, now that I'm reflecting back on this story. I think I like the dogs. They are loyal and protective. Every other character has too many flaws for me to say I actually like them now. 

I definitely get the vibe that this book was meant to be book 1 in the series so I'm curious if we will get more of this storyline in the future. If not, I very much hope Anora learns her power and stops being a pawn in other people's agenda, cause I feel like if that happens over and over she won't have any reason to trust or even like other people and if that happens, she can use her power for pure evil. 

Overall I'm glad I finally got around to reading this story and I'm looking forward to more by this author! 

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