Review: Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Let me first start off by saying I don't read this type of book normally. Adult fiction is not my thing unless it's romance. I'm attending a book club with this book and honestly thought based on the synopsis I might enjoy it a bit. 

I did not. 

Also? This review will have spoilers. Read at your own risk. 

Grady is a selfish and childish character. I get it. So am I on occasion. Wanting to be in your own little bubble and do what you want to do? Totally me. Doesn't mean I want to read about a person with similar traits. I don't care that he can't write a book after his wife disappearance. 

I thought it was cool that he went to a remote island to write in peace and quiet. I'd like to do that but to read said books. 

A few things I really just flat out disliked? The narration. I get the author wanted to keep us confused. But we were falsely mislead multiple times with Abby's narrative. It says one week before disapperance. Since most of those chapters were not Grady's wife, and happened YEARS ago, that is incorrect information. So the reader was never given a chance to figure out the different characters. 

The Island. Why do I hate it? There are so many lore stories for every section - the 5 mile apart island. I'm sure history is a big deal for these residents, but I really couldn't give a care while reading. 

I really wanted to love the whole women are better without men so they can't live here bit. But it just fell flat for me for some reason. I'm all about women being empowered but these women were just.... I can't explain why I was let down by that part.

And finally. Grady attempting to kill Abby. Wasnt he on the phone with her when she found him? Was he legit on the ground on his phone taking to her? That whole bit was confusing and seemed rushed. 

The only good thing about this book? The dog survives. That's why I have it 2 stars. 

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Review: The Coach by Mickey Miller

The Coach by Mickey Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

I'm so excited to read another novel by Mickey Miller and really loved this story and characters! This book sits differently with me because the town I live in gets mentioned over and over again, which I loved. Made it more real for me. 

Ivy is so strong and honest. She found herself in a tight position and, with help from her friend Lauren, was able to reconnect with Jackson to start the most amazing adventure in her life. 

Jackson also showed that adults can make changes and sacrifices when they realize their whole world has come into their lives. Becoming a famous coach should have made his life perfect but he realized he was missing a key part to make him happy. Once he found her, he wasn't going to stop until he had it all. 

I loved how these characters worked together and eventually had discussions on what to do with their unexpected news. It shows that things can be adjusted if the love is strong enough. And that distance doesn't have to stop good things from happening. 

I'm so glad I got the chance to read this novel! Looking forward to more! 

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Review: The Cursed King by Abigail Owen

The Cursed King by Abigail Owen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I knew I would like Airk and Angelicka's story a lot! The ending was action packed and so so much happened. I was worried at first but shouldn't have been. Abigail Owen did a great job getting every little piece in place for the perfect ending. I even got goosebumps multiple times! 

I love how Angelicka didn't give up on Airk. If i were in her shoes the work wouldn't have appealed to me. But this woman knows how to be as patient as a saint honestly. 

These two are definitely made for each other and I loved seeing their story come together. So glad I decided to read this series! 

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Review: The Warrior King by Abigail Owen

The Warrior King by Abigail Owen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Samael and Meira's story sucked me in for a wild journey. For Meira who is typically shy and a computer need, she was pretty brave for offering to mate with Gordon. I'm not sure i could have done it in her shoes. 

But then for her and Sam to realize their connection would severe that claim and have to fight their natural instincts? Talk about a very complicated psuedo-love triangle. 

Also i know the red dragon can't be killed until book 4 for dramatic purposes, but come on how many times can he escape with his life? 

I'm looking forward to the final sister and book! I feel like it might be my favorite for some reason! 

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Review: The Blood King by Abigail Owen

The Blood King by Abigail Owen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ladon and Skylar are a riot to see. They are both so strong headed and stubborn so seeing them go head to head really was quite entertaining. 

I have to give Ladon props. He took losing his first Phoenix week, but when the serving one appeared he took no chances, even though Skylar was not amused with his claim. So I'm really glad she fought him with everything she had just to make it difficult for him. 

I'm very invested to see how the last 2 sisters find their mates with their stories coming up! 

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Review: The Rogue King by Abigail Owen

The Rogue King by Abigail Owen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After devouring The Games Gods Play, I knew i had to read Abigail Owens backlist. And what better series to dive in than this one with dragon shifters! 

Kasia is one tough chick, having known her whole life that she would be used by so many species if anyone discovered what she really was. But when she got backed into a corner, she decided to begrudgingly partner with Brand to stay closer to the lesser of two evils. 

Brand's life mission is about to come to a close, but he didn't expect to get trapped by Kasia. Seeing these two play tug of war was very entertaining and the end result was great. 

Also? Maul? My favorite part of this book lol. 

I'm very intrigued to see where the other sisters will end up with their own stories and so glad I have so of them to dive right in! 

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Review: Amid Clouds and Bones by Ella Fields

Amid Clouds and Bones by Ella Fields
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finding a standalone romantasy is pretty hard to come by these days. Finding one that I really liked? Even rarer. But this book had me vibe reading for almost 1 sitting and I loved how the story unfolded.

Mildred is one tough woman. She's been used beyond a doubt so many times by so many men. Seriously, she's had to be on high alert her whole life. I can't imagine trying to be one step ahead only for unexpected things to keep happening and to find out she's just a pawn in other people's plans. 

Atakan is so intriguing. I know we are probably supposed to hate him from chapter one, but I was drawn to him from the moment they met. And the amount of secrets this man has? It's a good thing Mildred like games and unraveling secrets cause it makes them a great couple. 

The storyline with Vane was different and made me question where the end result would go. I think out of the two Vane was more of a monster. Or maybe not? With Atakan, she's been prepared for his evilness. We were expecting it. Vane though came in with so many deceptions and lies, it was a harder hit in the end. 

I really did enjoy this book a lot and I'm glad I decided to read it in preparation for a SE getting released. I need to read more Ella Fields as I've enjoyed the one I've read so far! 

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Review: Poison and Wine by Katie Ashley

Poison and Wine by Katie Ashley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Caterina and Callum's journey was different from the very beginning. I love Caterina's solution to not being pawned off by her father. She seriously is so smart and kind, but has a fire in her when she needs to let it out. Especially when she is around Callum and his family. 

And I love that Callum wrote a contract with his new, unwilling wife. Not that I think a new marriage needs that, but being raised in a Mafia house, it definitely doesn't hurt to have that piece of insurance to make sure things go according to plan. 

This was a good book and i enjoyed the story and the characters. 

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Review: Fireball by Nikki Belaire

Fireball by Nikki Belaire
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Titan and Addie couldn't be any more different than each other. And yet somehow their relationship works. Well, probably because Titan doesn't give up and Addie was in his sights from the moment he saw her. 

But Addie didn't give in without a fight and I love that about her. Also? The love she has for Pete? She's my best friend and soul sister. She loves that pup with all of her heart. I dont think I've seen a deeper connection than these two. 

Chelsea is hilarious and naive and a spitfire. I can totally understand why Titan always has a headache! 

Glad I read this random book on my kindle! 

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Review: On Loverose Lane by Samantha Young

On Loverose Lane by Samantha Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

Samantha Young has wrote another incredible story! It has been so long since I've read On Dublin Street, but the way Samantha dives into Beth and Callan's story, it was like I never left. I dont remember a lot of details from the prior series, but you don't need to have read the older generation to enjoy this amazing novel. 

The intensity between Beth and Callan flies of the page the minute they met each other again. I knew it was going to be explosive between them and it definitely was! Their past relationship was so sweet and I wish it didn't have to wait 8 years before they could truly be with each other. Beth is such a sweetheart and Callan went through a lot of turmoil at a young age. I feel like he could benefit by seeing and talking to someone about what he went through. 

I love love love Baird as well and he's quite hilarious. I desperately hope we get his story and his carefree silliness back. 

There are so many characters i hope we get books of but I know it would be the Neverending series if that were the case. I'm so glad Samantha decided to dive back into the world! I can't wait for more amazing stories to come! 

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Review: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I read this book because it won an award in the IA schools and is a part of a trivia. If it wasn't for that, I never would have picked up this book. It wasn't awful. It actually had some great moments and makes the reader reflect on the past and present and the struggles humans have. It's just not a book I would want to read. It is not what I normally read. 

There are a lot of moving pieces to this book. So many characters. So many locations. So many years span throughout this book. So many messages too. I can't say I hated it. But I definitely didn't like it. I may watch the hulu show to see how that played out with all of these differences and viewpoints. 

Now off to write trivia questions...

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Review: Finally Home by Holly Crawford

Finally Home by Holly Crawford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I got a SE of this book and finally got around to reading it. And I enjoyed it! I'm not a huge fan of friends-to-lovers because it's extra angst of I can't ruin this amazing friendship... which did for sure happen in this book. 

But I did love that Wren grew so much in this book. She had a lot of crappy things happen to her and I'm proud of the actions she took to get those negative things out of her life. I also love that she befriended so many people in a place she was outside her comfort zone. 

And Rhodes is the best, though I wish he would have confessed his feelings to Wren so long ago. Would have saved them both some heartbreak. 

So overall I'm glad I read this! Especially to get one more physical tbr off the tbr list! 

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Review: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As I predicted, I loved this book yet I feel so lost and confused and overwhelmed with emotion.

Violet grew so much in this book. Seriously, she is such a different person than who we met at the Parapet. I'm so glad she is becoming the woman she is but also sad she's had to grow so much in such a short amount of time.

Xaden is so frustratingly delicious it's hard to know how I feel about him sometimes. I get he's in a bad situation but he locks Violet or so much. It's amazing how she is still fighting for what will be.

Rhiannon, Sawyer and Ridoc are still the best friend and squad anyone could ask for.

Tairn, Saegel and Andarna are still fantastic dragons! Though Andarna needs to figure out her life choices; she's on my list.

So many answers revealed only to get new questions! So many new characters introduced to build this world even more. So many hilarious laugh out loud moments. So many jaw dropping scenes and events. So so so many tears!

I can't say I comprehended every reveal and understand every new signets revealed, but I was along for this ride 100% and a reread will be in my future soon. I wish I didn't have to wait so long for more details but I'll have to be patient for yet I'm sure will be another cliffhanger ending. So good, I loved this adventure!

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Review: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Still loved this series so much! Glad I reread before Onyx Storm!

Original review from Dec 7, 2023:

I've had this book since release day and a month after, I've read this twice now. I haven't been this obsessed over a book series for many years and I honestly am not sure how to move into another book with the emptiness I have when done. I sound dramatic, but it's true lol.

Violet is fantastic. The brain this girl has, she's always figuring things out way before anyone else and it's all thanks to her scribe life she was preparing for. People think reading books is silly, but it's not. Gathering information and learning facts will prepare a person to be equipped with everything they may need to know in a single second. 

I love Violet interacting with Tarin and Andarna. The love she has for her dragons, actually everyone in her life, is so strong and pure. She is so selfless and is always trying to save everyone but herself.

Xaden is so swoon-worthy, but also annoying. I get all of the choices he made (except the last one) but it doesn't mean I liked him during those moments. And the moments he was SHOWING Violet he loved her? Oh boy, they were convincing moments!

There is so much that happens in this novel. Yarros has a way of shoving so much info but it doesn't feel like we are bombarded with everything all at once. 

I loved all of the returning characters and all of the new characters. I'm very intrigued to see what events will happen with Aaric. I feel like he's going to have a major role soon. 

Dain left my "he can be unalived" corner and moved to my "just stay here and be quiet" corner. He can still be moved depending on what he did in the next book. Still up for debate. 

As you can see I'm still all over the place when it comes to this book, this series, but I love it so much and know I'll be rereading before book 3 is released to get immersed into this amazing world again.

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Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

May 28th review:
I legit just did a reread of this book 20 days later. I almost NEVER reread a book but to cave into temptation in 20 days? I have so many other things to read, but instead I'm reading a book that I can't help but devour.

I'm glad I did the reread because I caught many things that I either missed or I caught new things based on my knowledge of how evening pans out. I still laughed, gasped, cried over certain scenes even though I knew they were coming.

Like everyone else, I can't wait until November and honestly wonder how many more rereads I'm going to do before then.

READ THIS BOOK! It's amazing!


May 8th review:
I saw the hype for this book everywhere and I saw MANY of my all time, auto buy authors RAVING about this story. So my expectations were set at an all time high. 

I was 1,000% not disappointed!!  I legit read this book in 12 hours. In one day I started and finished this book, and while I consumed it, I knew I was going to be devastated when I finished. Well, here I am devastated but also extremely happy.

Also?  THERE WILL BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW. For once I didn't read an early copy so I can say whatever I want and I'm oh so going to lol.

Violet. VIOLET! I need to be her friend. She is fantastic person. So super smart, I love that she wanted to be a scribe and be surrounded by books. And her ability to retain information is amazing! Makes her the dangerous student in her school. And her the brilliant plan she came up with for each of her sparring sessions made me jump up and down with joy. 

Xaden. I loved him the second he learned Violets name and threatened her life. The tension between them was instantaneous and it was always sizzling between them with every encounter. For them to have waited so long to cave in to their attraction was agonizing but so worth it. Though he's really put himself into a deep hole by the end of this book. I'm really really going to enjoy seeing him pull out all the bells and whistles to gain Violets trust again. I know it's going to be even more intense I bet. 

I honestly despise her mother. I cannot believe she is willing to risk another child, especially considering Violet had only been training for 6 months. All because of their name and image. I would have had a few choice words for her.  And then later when Violet proved herself to her mother's standards? AND HER MOTHER IGNORED HER??? Hell no. No. No. No. 

Another person I hate? Dain. That spineless weasel, I can't stand him. I need to be Violets friend so I can punch him and break his nose,  I swear. He's only out for himself. One minute he's lecturing Violet, telling her what to do, acting like she's not 20 years old, the next he's celebrating the exact thing he was scolding her about and acting like he was responsible for it. Just because he realized that he can be associated with her and her some fame from it or something. And his "the rules say...." oh just shove it, Dain. 

The amount of people after Violet in this book
is insane and that girl has so much luck on her side. 

Also? I loved how many people died in this book. Do not get attached to many of these characters because they drop like flies. 

The dragons. THE DRAGONS!!! I freaking love them. Every single second a dragon is on these pages I'm in love. Especially Tarin - he's hilarious and I love his and Violets banter!

The revolution happening is going to get crazy in the upcoming books. I'm not the biggest fan of those but I'll suffer through it to continue loving these characters. 

Now, the biggest spoiler because I need to remember for book 2. So, you know, don't read of you don't want spoilers...

I CAN'T BELIEVE BRENNAN IS STILL ALIVE!!!!!!!  How did he fake his death with his mother?? Does she know? Is her mother in the dark? How mad is Violet going to be?? Her father died from his death basically and Violet loved her father. Also? This is not going to go well with Xaden keeping this from her and HE BETTER TELL HER EVERY FREAKING SECRET IN HIS LIFE!!!!! If he messed up what they have forever and she moves on to someone else I'll never forgive him. 

So suffice to say, this book has me obsessed and I'm about to own 4 copies - at least! The hype is worth it. I'm telling everyone to read it. And I can't wait for more! 

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Review: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wow I read this book 11 years ago! I really didn't think it had been that long ago. My original review still runs true to my feelings, though I don't remember much from the movies anymore, so it was nice to just revist the story before book club.

My review from January 25, 2014:
So I'm a little behind on reading this series. I am a huge fan of the movies and became impatient wanting to know how it all ends, so I grabbed the series from my library.

I know that books turned into movies are not the same, but this was like reading a whole different story! Sure, there was about 25% similarities, but otherwise it was a whole new story for me.

One thing that blew my mind was, "Percy is 12?!" I didn't realize he was that young! Definitely can't tell that in the movie!

Overall, I thought this book was good. A little younger than I am used to reading (I'm more in the 15 or older stage) but for this age group, it is definitely a series worth reading. I can see why it is a popular series among young readers, and among guy readers.

I will be reading the whole series and while I may have problems with the next book since I just watched the movie, I think I will start to enjoy them more because I won't have any expectations on what it should be versus what it is.

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Review: Emperor of Havoc by Jagger Cole

Emperor of Havoc by Jagger Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

Takeshi and Katarina are so different from each other, yet are the perfect match together. I've been so curious about Kat since we met her on that awful see-saw moment and I'm so glad she's as strong and powerful as I predicted from that moment. She's ready to be a Mafia boss essentially and as a mute female she knows she will have issues leading the men who followed her father. But that really did not stop her determination to do what she was trained to do. 

And Takeshi. He wasn't as unhinged as I predicted or was told by previous characters in prior books. But I loved his tunnel vision mission and then how that swayed when he was around Kat longer and longer. He doesn't usually get distracted, but that so charged when Kat charged into his life. 

I actually was unable to figure out the mystery this go around! Which was a great surprise! I love how after all these books Jagger still keeps me on my toes with the mystery and suspense.

I devoured this book and loved every second of it! I can't wait to see the next series by this author!

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Review: Wandering Wild by Lynette Noni

Wandering Wild by Lynette Noni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

The amount of joy and happiness and excitement I went through when I got this arc is too hard to explain but I was extremely giddy when I got this book on my kindle. Lynette Noni has become one of my top authors of all time and I absolutely love her writing, her stories, and her as a human being on her social media. Safe to say I'm going to be an extreme fan for life and hope to one day meet her in person. 

Okay on to this marvelous novel.

Charlie and Zander are amazing. They both are so different from each other, yet both have gone through some very traumatic moments that are similar to one another. And both are still dealing with those moments and trying to figure out life. Just like us readers I'm sure. 

I love Charlie. She is so loyal and fierce and determined. I love those qualities in a person and Charlie has them 10 times over. For her to do this show with an actor she dislikes just to make her closest friend happy shows how much she will sacrifice for the people she loves. 

Zander is very much the same as Charlie in his qualities. But I also love that he hasn't let the fame of being a famous actor get to his head. He is very much protective of his friends who are like family. 

The hardships, both mentally and physically, Charlie and Zander had to go through in this novel is intense. For two people not trained to be going through these obstacles, they did a fantastic job. I'm severely frustrated with the grownups in this book, but when presented with the issues and challenges they went through, Charlie and Zander were determined to finish their mission. 

I love all of the side characters in this book: Samantha, Maddox, Sandi, Ember. They truly love their close friend and are always there for each other. I truly hope another novel in this world will be created because I would love to see how things progress with all of these characters! 

I honestly can't explain how much I love this book. There is adventure, love, danger, determination, and being able to find yourself and your dreams. It's a beautiful story and I'm going to make everyone I know read in May!

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Review: Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wanted to like this more, but I found myself a bit bored through most of the story.  And it took soooo long to get through it and it's a smaller book that what I usually read.  I just feel like not a lot happened?  Sophie does learn more about herself and what she is capable of, which I appreciate, but I dunno, she's stuck in the moving castle most of the time while Howl and Michael get to go in and out.  Plus she's cursed because she's more advanced at making hats than the Witch appreciated?

It was an okay book for me, but not anything I'll need to collect which works for me in the end.  I'm glad I finally got a chance to read it but I won't be continuing with the series. 

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Review: Tempting by Crystal Kaswell

Tempting by Crystal Kaswell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The new illustrated cover on Amazon 100% swayed me to read this book, not gonna lie. Even though I was leery because it's a best-friends-sibling romance which I tend to have issues with. And that is the reason I gave it 3 stars. The whole hiding from friends and family just really doesn't do it for me for some reason. 

Brendon and Kaylee are honestly wonderful together. They balance each other out and are good for each other. 

But they both focus on too many little things. Age difference. Interests differences. Emma can't know. Kaylee's parents can't know. Both are better than the other and deserve more. It just gets repetitive and old after awhile. 

I'm glad I finally read it to see if the cover was as great as the story and it was a decent novel. 

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Review: The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owens

The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm so glad the sprayed edges looked gorgeous in this book which is why I decided to read it because I LOVED this story! It's The Hunger Games meets Percy Jackson and I inhaled it in less than 24 hours. I couldn't stop reading and even though I predicted the ending, I was so for it. I'm just bummed I didn't wait until closer to September when book 2 releases cause now the wait will feel like forever! 

Lyra is fantastic. She's so guarded but the most kind hearted person. All she's ever wanted was for someone to choose her, to care about her, but Zeus's curse wont allow that to happen. So she just goes through the motions day by day. 

Hey getting picked as Hades champion? Seeing those two interact over and over again? Seeing Hades slowly lose the battle to not fall for her, and vise versa? I loved every bit of it. And seeing Lyra help her competitors over and over and over again? She's who everyone should aspire to be honestly. 

I'm so curious what will happen next, especially since Boone is with her. And also with Zai. So many things to come and I'm ready for it all to be revealed in book 2 later this year! What a great book to start the new year! 

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