Land Stand (The Black Mage, #4)

ARC received via the author in return for an honest review.

First Year (book 1) is on sale for $0.99 if you are looking for a good YA high fantasy series! Also if you have read the previous books in this series, check out the newly released covers! They are 100 times more awesome than the previously crappy ones!

Now to my review of Last Stand!
I think I psyched myself out with this one. I left the last book on a high, then had to wait forever for this to release. Luckily, Rachel gave me an ARC so I could ease the pain a little sooner. That being said, I would definitely recommend reading Candidate before starting this because I must have forgot half of what happened! There is no short summary of the previous book (nothing wrong with that), you just really need to know your stuff to stay caught up. I wish I would've had time to reread it, and maybe I would have enjoyed the beginning a bit more. 

I felt like the first 25% was Ryiah feeling guilty and moping about her situation. Granted, it sucks. One moment she’s married to the love of her life, and the next she’s knowingly ripping his heart out of his chest. If you loved Ry in the previous books, get ready to feel some heart-wrenching pain! The first 30% also lacked action! Both romantically and fighting-wise. Now that Darren's the Black Mage, I feel like he should've been doing more than just his brother's dirty work (because that's what it felt like). I still cannot wrap my mind around how much Darren cares for his brother. I mean I get it, they're brothers. But he's a completely evil! Their relationship has always nerved me. Speaking of Darren, he just didn't feel the same to me, but I can't quite place what it was. I just didn't care for him as much this book. Darren and Ry has some beautiful and long awaited moments together. But they had so much crap to deal with, sometimes the romance had to be pushed aside. Honestly, I forgot they were married sometimes!

Compared to the other novels, this one was SO much darker and dreary due to the context. I actually didn't mind the darkness. Shit's getting serious! They aren't kids anymore, and it turns out being an adult sucks (who knew?). Ry learns that being a Princess and wife to the Black Mage puts her in a position to change the world. She's always wanted to be a hero, but no one ever tell you what the hero has to sacrifice. Losing her love might just be the consequence of saving the entire kingdom. What is one loss compared to the lives of thousands? To Ryiah its everything.

I rated this 4 stars because I really liked it, but I didn't freak out and love it. Its a great conclusion to an epic fantasy series.

The Anatomy of Jane

The Anatomy of Jane by Amelia LeFay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well this was...interesting.

What I love most about this author's writing style is that is not all about the sex. There is a plot to every story she writes. And for those of you who don't already know, Amelia LeFay is a penname for J.J. McAvoy, the genius behind the Ruthless People series.

"You can't like two people equally," she whispered as I leaned into her.
"Watch me."
And here in lies my greatest struggle with this book. Is it possible to love two people at the same time, equally? And possible for each person in the triangle to equally love each other? This book raised so many question, yet I was wholly intrigued how it would end. Especially with the way the cliffhanger ended things!

One thing this book lacked for me was an emotion connection to the characters. I didn't feel strongly for either of the men ):

I can't help but wonder how these three will be able to live as a threesome. Is it possible? Could they potentially live together and be a family in the future? I just can't see this playing out well for all three of our characters. In my opinion, a happy ending does not seem to be in the future. I guess its because I still don't understand how you can love two someones equally at the same time. Someone is going to get hurt, jealous, etc. For all these reasons I am reading the next book to find out.

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A Court of Mist and Fury

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THIS BOOK <3 and the feels!!

I cannot even put into words how much the book touched me. This is Maas' best work and I loved Queen of Shadows!! But this. This was something else entirely. The shear creativity of the world and character development, Oh the character development! All of it wrapped together in one, was complete perfection! And Rhysand is bae <33

First of all, let me just say that this book came at literally the worst time for me. It arrived on a Tuesday and I started finals on that same Wednesday: the very next day. It was pure torture for me to wait to read it. Goodreads was so tempting, I had to give the book to my roommate so she could hide it from me until I was done! But Nikki was right, it would have been worth failing my finals lol!

Okay lets get into the good stuff: (possibly mild spoilers)
Since reading the first book, I felt like I was missing something; something just didn't work for me. I still loved it and gave it 4 stars, but it felt like their was a hole in the story, and how right I was! The book takes place about 3 months after the events of book 1 and Feyre is still adjusting to being a fae, and a savior of her new people. But she feels lost, and quiet honestly empty and worthless. She seems to have a combination of PTSD and depression. And Tamlin? Well, he doesn't really seem to notice or know how to handle the situation, but he sure doesn't do anything to help her out. I lost all respect of Tamlin towards the end of book 1 and book 2 just solidified my feelings. He is controlling, domineering, and selfish. And it did not sit right with me the way he started to treat Feyre. Like she was a doll; something pretty that he could look at, fuck, and toss away. It was sickening. And she let him do it.

But Feyre evolves so much in this book, it almost seems like a different book (given that it was 624 pages it could have been--but we're glad its not). It was amazing! She starts out lost and weak and comes out one of the strongest female characters I've ever read who knows her place and her path.

Rhysand, oh my love. You are my favorite character of all time. He's brilliant, sweet, arrogant, strong, funny, sexy; I could go on forever, so let's summarize by saying he's basically perfect! He's my number one book boyfriend. The way he treats Feyre is admirable because he doesn't coddle her and he treats he as an equal. That's why I love him. So many guys from books are dominant and controlling; Rhys is dominant but he lets Feyre be independent. That is a healthy relationship, girls! He lets he be her own person, make her own decisions and supports her no matter what. We learn a different side of him and have a deeper understanding of his actions. And I'm glad because then we never would have met Cassian, Mor, Azriel, or Amren. Who are the most amazing side characters I've even met! I love them! And I love this story. I can't imagine the pain Rhys forced himself to endure when (view spoiler)[he retrained himself from telling Feyre even though he knew she was his mate. (hide spoiler)]

The ending took me by surprise because I thought I knew where it was going, but then Feyre and Rhys took me by surprise with the level of their brilliance. I am so excited for the next book so that they can kick some ass together and save the world. <333

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Bang

Bang by E.K. Blair
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well that was... something.

I was kind of hoping for a little bit more suspense, twists & turns, but I predicted like everything that happened. It was a decent read.

What killed my vibes was Nina/Elizabeth. My gosh, she is a horrible person! I get she has a horrible past that we slowly learn about through flashbacks, but that was almost 20 years ago! To carry that much hatred and soul-crushing vengeance inside her for that long of a time is sad. (view spoiler)[Poor Bennett was only an 11 year old kid who saw something scary and told his parents about it. It wasn't his fault! You can't blame an innocent kid for the mistakes of your father (hide spoiler)]. She has never come to terms with her past and frankly blames everyone but the one person truly responsible, (view spoiler)[her father (hide spoiler)]. She is still a child, immature, and completely selfish. I hate her for what she does to sweet Declan. That being said, Declan was probably the only saving grace for me (he alone earns 1 star out of my rated 3). Without him, I wouldn't have been able to read this.

Pike is a different story. I liked him in the flashbacks, but both he and Elizabeth are walking down the wrong path in life. Instead of overcoming their dark past, they join it (in a different way, mind you but still the same: illegal and morally wrong.) Their relationship is quite disturbing to me. I can't really talk about it much without giving the plot away, but I think this relationship that they continue to share is holding both of them to the past. It's probably a major reason why they both turn out the way they have.

I am still undecided on continuing the series. (view spoiler)[I have a hunch Declan is still alive (hide spoiler)]

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Written in Red

Written in Red by Anne Bishop
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is difficult to find a shifter book that I like, but when I do its always awesome! This one is so unique in its world building. The terra indigene are the world's oldest inhabitants. No one really knows how they came to be, but everyone knows to stay away. There are many theories on the terra indigene, but no outsider knows the truth. Some say that the terra indigene evolved so that they could have a human form, but their animal forms are always right beneath the surface ready to pounce.

The terra indigene aren't animals who turn into humans or humans who turn into animals. They really are something unknown that learned to change into a human shape because it studied them. They gained something from the human form, whether it was standing upright or having the convenience of fingers and thumbs, just like they gained something from the animal forms they absorbed.

Shifters, Vampires, Elementals, and the Unknown; all of which have no ounce of empathy for the humans. These are not you storybook shapeshifters. These shifters are more inclined to their animal side. They are nowhere near human. No, these creatures eat humans for breakfast. Literally. After all, Humans are just meat. That is until Meg Corbyn comes into their lives and even the terra indigene don't know what to make of this odd woman.

The POV changes, but not for very long periods of time that it is irksome. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the changing POC, which is something you will seldom hear me say. But I think the side characters are what really made this book. I just loved the characters so much! There's Meg, Simon, Sam, Jester, Tessa, Winter, Henry, Vlad, Nathan, Erebus, Jake, Blair, Jenni, Monty, the list goes on! I have formed emotional attachments to all, so I will be deeply crushed if any die within the next books :/

I will say that Tessa is probably my favorite character. You know she's a badass, but you never really know her level of badass... She's such a mystery, yet we slowly learn more about her and her rare, unknown abilities.

I also loved the side story with Sam. He's so flipping cute! I could just image him in his little Pup form prancing around the Liaison's office. Puppies are clearly my weakness.

This book has all of my ingredients for a great book. Its mature, funny, and gory! I just love this world and the characters in it. They learn to tolerate humans and love Meg. There are so many funny scenes but here's a preview of one of my favorites:

Simon walked into the front office of the Liaison's Office and stared at the Wolf curled up on...
"What is that?" he asked, stomping snow off his boots as he stepped toward Nathan.
Mine, Nathan relied.
"How did it get to be yours?"
I am guarding, so it is mine. Giving Simon a smug look, Nathan added, I got cookies too.

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2015 in Review

2015 on Goodreads by Various
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a bit late posting on my blog, but this has been on my Goodreads page since January.

Average rating: 3.52 stars

In 2014, I realized I had lost my reading-vibe. With college starting in fall, I thought reading would
have to be pushed aside in order to keep up with the demands of classes. Let’s just say that semester has been my worst since… i have come to realize reading is my stress reliever and relaxant. My 2015 New Year’s resolution was to read more, and I exceed my goal ten fold. I am currently reading my 200th book of the year, and hope to finish before the year is through. Since that dreaded first semester, I have gotten straight A’s and I don’t plan on changing a single thing. Thanks to Goodreads i have been able to connect with people like me, and I am grateful for all the friends I have acquired this past year. My love for reading is stronger than ever; I have Goodreads to thank!

Here’s a brief summary of this reading year!<

I have about a 10% success rate with ARCs. I received about 30 but only had five 4&5 star reads, but a lot of lower ratings :(


On the bright side, I won my first giveaway!


On the sad side, a few series came to an end unfortunately. They came to an end, but will stay forever in our hearts.


Here are a bunch of my favorite 5 stars of the year!


Phew. That was a lot! I found some awesome books this year and thanks to everyone who gave recommendations! It's crazy to look back at those books I read in the early part of the year and think 'That was this year?!' I already want to reread the Shatter Me series and the Ruthless People series. Maybe I should make it an annual thing?

In keeping with my resolution, next year my goal is to read 201 books (one more than this year)

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The Air He Breathes

The Air He Breathes by Brittainy C. Cherry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

They all warned me about Tristan, begging me to stay away. ‘He’s an asshole, he’s wild, and he’s broken, Liz,’ they would say. ‘He’s nothing but the ugly scars of his yesterdays,’ they swore. But what they didn’t see, what they chose to ignore was the fact that I was also a little wild, a bit crazy, and completely shattered too.

Wow. Just wow. This book was so emotionally raw. I don't think I have ever experienced such real emotions while reading. Not that I never cry while reading, but this was different. I would find myself crying one moment, and laughing the very next. And when I cried it was either gut wrenchingly sad moments or ones so happy that they make you heart hurt.

I love that the author hit every point on people being judgmental. Everyone does it. But you shouldn’t judge someone based on their appearance. I hate gossipers, and those like the group of women who think they are living life perfectly. Newsflash: not one life is the same, and you have no way of knowing the truth of another’s life unless you crawl inside their’s. Clearly Tristan was an asshole to everyone, but that was just his way of pushing people away and staying alone. But when a kindred spirit brushes yours, you can’t help but feel drawn to them. Because finally someone shares your pain.

”Everyone in this town is afraid of me. Do I scare you Elizabeth?” He whispered, his breaths brushing against my lips.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I see you.”

This author is quickly becoming one of my new favorites. I did’t realize this was the same author as Loving Mr Daniels, which has been sitting on my tar shelf for quote some time after the recommendation from Ash. I will definitely be picking that book up soon, as I have come to love Ms. Cherry’s writing style. Her writing has a way that hits your soul. Who knew I would cry over someone cutting their grass? And she made their real first time seem like the first time they were together. Seriously, there are SO many beautiful quote in this book I want to frame and hang on my quote wall, which is still a work in progress. I didn’t want to give too many quotes away because I like to find them as I read and not beforehand. If you are interested in reading more check out the quote I liked from my review page below!

Also… HOLY HOT COVER, BATMAN!! I mean hot damn!

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Half-Blood

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Now that I've read both this and Vampire Academy, I can see the resemblance between the two series. I hate comparing books because every one is different from the other in some shape or form, but the first 30% of the book was exactly like VA! However, it did evolve into its own story. I can't quite decide with series is better because I didn't really start to like the VA series until about book 3, but I think Covenant was a better first book. It was more fast pace, and of course it had the classic JLA writing that made it sexy and fun.

Unlike VA, where I had an instant love for Dimitri, I haven't decided between Seth and Aiden. Aiden has the whole warrior-teacher-Dimitri thing going on. The relationship seemed very sudden because the book moved so fast, but its got the forbidden love factor. But Seth, he's a bit more mysterious and unconventional. He's very intriguing and blunt, which I like for him. It makes him a different character. His role and connection to Alex should lead to an interesting continuation of this series. Right now, I like I'm leaning more towards Seth, but I have a feeling by the end of this series Seth's going to end up broken hearted. Just like Adrian.

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Demons in Disguise

Demons in Disguise by A&E Kirk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nex, Thugs, and Dead Souls Roll

I see what you did there...

4.5 stars

I loved the new characters. Horus was a hilarious addition and Cristiano was quite yummy. Ayden better watch out because I sense some competitive vibes coming from Armani. Shoot me, but I think Cristiano is way more badass, sexy, and mysterious (it must be the assassin thing).

"Romeo and Juliet?"Cristiano frowned. "Not one of my favorites."
"That's surprising." I gave him a mocking glance. "Considering it's an Italian story and sell of lies, betrayal, murder, and mayhem, I would've though it was right up your alley."

I still wish we would have gotten a few questions answered! Where was Gloria this whole book? Who the hell is the Bellator?! But I do have some thoughts...

P.S. I finally decided my favorite Hex Boys are Jayden and Blake! It will probably change again though lol

"It's just Jayden," she said and kept walking down the hall.
"In our daughter's bed? Half-naked!"
"But it's just Jayden," Mom said. "It doesn't count."
"Thank you, Mrs. Lahey," Jayden said. "I appreciate your vote of confidence in my lack of coitus with your daughter."
Dad's face went slack. "Oh. My. God."
Jayden smiled. "And Mr Lahey, I am also appreciative of your confidence my virility of carnal pursuits with your daughter. Wrong as your conclusion may be, your accusations provide an illogical yet robust appeal to my masculine ego."

Hopefully we find out the approximate time book 4 comes out because I need answers and more Cristiano! <3


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King

King by T.M. Frazier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GAWD DAMN that is how you end a book!

This book hit all the marks for me: Sexy, suspenseful, dark, gritty, funny, sweet. Apparently it is possible to have of those rolled into one good book! And by funny I mean laugh out loud! I was reading between classes and got some weird looks. I was just like "Sorry, but Preppy really gets to me!"

Speaking of my Preppy... I have a thing for books with male characters that aren't a love interest. Kind of like Kenji in Shatter Me, Roar in Under the Never Sky, or Aedion Queen of Shadows to make a few. Sorry thats my YA plug for today... But seriously I love that in a book and it is just hard to find in these types or "more adult" books.

My only complaint would be that I predicted some important events of the story.[Preppy's death (they always seem to kill off the funny guys...) & the trade (even though it didn't technically go down) (hide spoiler)]

Also, what kind of people don't look for a loved one when they go missing? That's just fucked up. Book two should be interesting, especially with the damn cliffy. I mean, WTF?!?! Not sure how I feel about that....

This book is packed with great quotes brought to you by the one and only, Preppy.

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December and January Preview!

Happy December! 

I will be combining both my December and January posts in this one. I look forward to catching up on my tar shelf, November did not turn out as well as I had hoped reading-wise. I have so many books sitting on my book shelf just calling my name and yearning to be read. (Seriously, those 20% off Barnes and Noble coupons get me every time, not to mention the awesome deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday!) I have many unread ebooks, but for winter break I plan to binge on my physical books. There is nothing like cracking open a good book with a nice lit candle, snow falling outside, my puppy curled up next to me, and a hot cup of tea steaming on the side table. Here is the line up for this holiday season:






The Fifth Wave #2





The Iron Fey #4


The Shadow Campaigns #1








Covenant #1


White Rabbit Chronicles #1

December Releases

December 17

Don't judge me. I am not what you see. I am the opposite. -Nadia's lipstick note on Bo's mirror. Indie-rocker Bo Lindgren is worshipped for his looks and musical genius. It's been lonely at the top since his ex left. Bo will never take a girlfriend again though, because he doesn't have the chops to love. He knows he's poison, a heartbreak waiting to happen for anyone he allows too close--like his ex. Bo screws his way through the fangirls until he's sick of it all. Until the dark gaze of Nadia Vidal appears in the door to his dressing room. Saved from an arranged marriage by Jude, the love of her life, Nadia eloped and got married at nineteen. But now, two years later, life is wilted, dead, and not what anyone should have to endure. Nadia, with her secret-keeper eyes and instant understanding of who Bo is, attracts and fascinates him without even trying. The ring gleaming on her finger should keep them apart, but morals can't always resist destiny. When brokenhearted meets heartbreaker, whose heart is really at stake?

Ink Mage

Ink Mage by Victor Gischler
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5ish stars

The city of Klaar has never fallen. No enemy has crossed the Long Bridge or penetrated the city’s great walls. No one could have foreseen the betrayal from within the fortress’s walls. After a dramatic turn of events, the young duke’s daughter, Rina, finds herself a duchess and an army of one. Rina sets out on a quest to reclaim her city through whatever means necessary, even if that includes strange magic inked on to her skin.

I had mixed feelings while reading. There were huge gaps in the story because the POV changed every chapter. I felt like we missed a lot of the story when we switched characters and it just made the story's sense of time more confusing. I didn't care for a few characters and felt disconnected. I was indifferent to the romance! That is a downer. ):

A story with multiple POV is usually a hit of miss. I think this story could have benefits from more chapters from Rina. It was spread so thin amongst the characters that I lacked the kinship with the characters. We didn't really get very deep into the characters; it was all surface. What is driving the characters; why do they fight for the cause?

There were other gaps in the story that just seemed random. Like when did Alem learn to shoot a bow? There is freakin no way he was able to hit a target on his first try! When/How did this romance start to develop? It seemed a bit random.

I'm not so sure I'll be continuing the series because I have so many books on my TBR.

*Available on Kindle Unlimited*




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November Preview!

November is here and I hope everyone had a frightful Halloween!

I am currently devouring the Fever series by Karen Marie Morning. It's officially one of my favorite series, so I am reading them almost as fast as I can buy them. Book three is in transit to my house, and I expect it by Friday around noon. I know I'll finish book two sometime tomorrow (Tuesday) and there is a three day gap in between! Yikes! I'll probably pick up an ebook or try to complete an unfinished work. Or get ahead on my homework... haha nah.

November Lineup:

(Fever, book three)


(The Warrior Chronicles, book four)


(The Dark Duet, book one)

(The Nocte Trilogy, book one)


(Significance, book one)


(Blood of Eden, book one)

November Release Dates!

November 10th

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana. Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for her childhood friend--the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn't as weal as Levana believes her to be and she's been undermining her stepdaughter's wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long. Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?


From Richelle Mead, the #1 internationally bestselling author of the Vampire Academy and Bloodline, comes a breathtaking new fantasy steeped in Chinese folklore: For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiugo, a mysterious faraway kingdom. When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry. Fei's home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation. But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon. Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei's jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiugo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever.

November 30th

With dead bodies piling up on this side of the Waiting World and the Mandatum closing in, Aurora is so over being prey. So the hunted becomes the hunter. Targeting the dangerous traitor who wants her dead catapults Aurora out of Gossamer Falls and way past her comfort zone. But the master of deception won't go down easy, armed with a diabolical plan and a legion of evil to take down anyone who gets in their way...including the Hex Boys. Aurora and her six Hexy Knights dive into the belly of the Mandatum beast and wade through murky moral waters where trusting the wrong people is the only way to make things right. What could possibly go wrong? In Aurora's case...everything.

Rogue

Rogue by Karen Lynch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

I'm just going to stick with my initial feelings because I still don’t know how to rate this! :/ I can’t give this anything above 4 stars and I seriously debated 3 stars there in the middle. I'm sticking with 3.5.

Through the entire book, I was going back and forth with my feelings. I was like: “Wow this is an interesting beginning, okay, okay, I see you… This middle is SO SLOW (I even picked up a book that I stopped in order to read this one sooner, and finished it)….Woah I didn't expect them to be the Master and DAMN did Sara finally kick some ass."

First of all, let me say that I loved the first 3 books in this series (both 5 stars). Book 1 may still be free for amazon kindle. If you haven’t already checked it out, I definitely recommend doing so. That being said, book 3 left me a bit disappointed.

The beginning was good. I loved Jordan, Roland, and Peter (always have, always will). I liked the idea of Sara discovering herself as a Morhiri without Nikolas. I also liked the dreaded wait for Nikolas to appear again (I guess its the masochist in me). All in all, a solid first 25% of the book.

The middle of the book is where it really hit me. I wanted so bad to rate this 5 stars, I really did, but I didn’t love it! It dragged in the middle 50% and I actually was bored! Sara’s training sessions, for one, were tedious and wasn’t that the whole premise of book 2?! Didn’t we read this already? Not to mention, once again, Sara had to connect with her demon (I thought she did that already..hello book 2??)

But the last 25% picked up a bit. Honesty, I had no idea how I was going to end up rating this. The ending definitely saved it.

For some reason, Sara and Nikolas felt different in this one. They spent so much time apologizing for their actions that I got really annoyed. Just owe up to your decisions! Nikolas was SO overprotective; he had so little faith in Sara! I love you dude, but I’d tell you to get over yourself. The reunion was a bit of a disappointment for me as well. On the plus side I loved the addition of Eldeorin and some new demon friends!

I just could not bring myself to love it as much as the other books in the series. I just didn’t get the same reaction reading this as I did other books I’ve recently read (which earned the 5 stars). My slump could be a reason why I’m being so grumpy. I’ve had a hard time getting through some books lately, so I’m just glad I finished this.

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Childstar 1

Childstar 1 by J.J. McAvoy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for honest review

Hard to rate because its only a novella.
3.5 Stars

Amelia London is America's sweetheart. Noah Sloan is America's bad boy. Both are former child stars and once were lovers. When they are cast as the leads in the upcoming erotic suspense blockbuster—Sinners Like Us—they are forced to come to terms with the issues that tore them apart to begin with.
As the whole world watches, can they keep their secrets hidden? After all, everybody is a sinner…

This is nothing like Ruthless People. The sex wasn’t as steamy. I thought the fake sex on set was hotter than the real stuff…and there wasn’t even a happy ending! I was excited about the sex scenes on set because those have always been interesting to me. What is it like to film one of those?? All I kept thinking was… lots of dry humping?? I guess I will never know because my answer was never answered… There was just a bunch of whipping (which I am all for). There should have been more of a build up to the sex, using the movie scenes as a catalyst. That being said, I wish the movie scenes were more detailed. I have to keep reminding myself that this was just a novella, but there could have be more details. I mean there has to be good descriptions in the sex scenes!! Maybe the next part will be better?Hard to rate because it is only a novella.

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Candidate

Candidate by Rachel E. Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ARC won via author's giveaway

When given the option of an ARC or a free ebook upon release, which did I choose? The ARC of course! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this title. And boy did it not disappoint!

Riyah is only one year away of fulfilling her dream of becoming the Black Mage. Will Ry be able to beat the one person she has never been able to defeat: her rival, future husband, the non-heir?

Perhaps the gods will surprise us and it will be neither.”
“A true tragedy,” he agreed.
“Of epic proportions.”
His smile was just the faintest line in the shadows. “Two longstanding rivals.”
“And only one robe to bear.”
“Who will win?” Darren’s tone was wry. “The handsome prince?”
I grinned. “Or his valiant betrothed?

Her new life with Darren was supposed to be perfect, but she has only met complication after complication. Of course the King still loathes Ryiah. He'd rather she didn't exist. But what's done is done and Ry just wants is to stay under the radar and avoid his wrath. He really is a sick bastard. As the war seems to be coming closer and closer, Jerar is desperate for allies.

...This entire kingdom will fall to Caltoth. And when it does? Your lowborn wife will be the first blood I spill.

But Ry is taking full advantage of the time she has before her wedding and her princess duties call her. With Darren stuck at the Palace, Ry sets out to Ferren's Keep in hopes of some action and additional training before the Candidacy tourney. Rebels are on the rise and everything is not what it seems....

When the actually Candidacy started I think it was only 60% into the book. I remember thinking: what the heck else could possibly happen?? The answer: A LOT.

But seriously, that ending was mean! What is gonna happen?!?!

I knew I was going to love this book but it turned into much more than just a rivalry between two loves or the quest to become the next Black Mage. It was SO much more. And that made it oh so much better. I love me some betrayal, action, and suspense!

How many times can a person shatter?

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Ecstasy Unbound

Ecstasy Unbound by Setta Jay
My rating: 3.5  of 5 stars

*ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

3.5 Immortal stars

Centuries ago, a mating curse was cast to prevent the evil Gods from breeding Immortals for Apollo's army. Although the spell saved many lives by preventing Apollo's destruction, no immortal can breed unless it's with their true mate, which are practically impossible to find. This left the remaining Immortals with a minuscule population. The Gods, both good and bad, are banished, along with their families.

Alex is the daughter of Athena, making her a Demi-Goddess. Technically Alex and her brothers are not allowed on Earthly Realm. They should be banished along with their mother and father, but have survived under the noses of the Guardians, who are the protectors of the Realm.

Alex has had unusually erotic desires for one particular Guardian. Never have the spoken to each other. But he knows as she hides in the shadows and watches as he gives other pleasures. Uri knows she is a Demi-Goddess and also knows he is duty bound to banish her out of this Realm. He figures as long as she stays in the shadows and out of his way he doesn't have to banish her. Because he likes when she watches and wishes it was her writhing underneath him instead of these puny humans.

When Alex seeks help, Uri is the only being who can provide what she needs. What will happen when the two finally meet?

The story itself was intriguing. And the sex scenes.... WOW. Those were some of the hottest pages I've ever read! It was smokin hot.

My only complaint was that some elements of the story felt similar to something else I read, although I can't place it. But I loved the characters and the mind connection thing. Plus I'm a sucker for a well-done mate plot.

I think I will continue the series so long as the POV is from the same characters! I need to find out what happens with Cyril and the couples

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A Shade of Vampire

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Available on KU

Sofia Claremont’s life has never been normal. As a child, her father was barely home and her mother… well her mother wasn’t exactly normal either. Eventually she was taken away and Sofia was left with her neighbors and the occasional check from her father. At least he hasn’t completely forgot about her.

On the evening of her seventeenth birthday, Sofia goes from walking the beach as a tourist in Cancun to being a captive of dangerous pale creatures who want more than just her blood. She is kidnapped and wakes on an inescapable, untraceable island known to the vampires as the Shade. She has no allies and her death in certainly in the future, it’s just a matter of who.

For five hundred years, the Shade has shielded the most powerful vampire coven from the sun. And for four hundred years their prince has been asleep. Now he is awake and Sofia is chose to be one of his. Despite his vast power and obvious thirst for her blood, his quarters might just be the safest place on this godforsaken island. Especially when Derek’s brother wants to claim Sofia as his own.
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For starters it’s a nice story, but I feel like I’ve read it before. It was like a combination of Twilight and Captured. That being said, I was not a huge fan of Twilight and I really like Captured (The Captive series, by Erica Stevens) so you can see how confused I am! Having like Captured as much as I did, I found it difficult to get into the rhythm of this story because it was so similar! Captured was just done better in my opinion.

I also had some trouble with the characters; I felt disconnected from them! There was an insta-love vibe coming from Derek and I did not dig it (when do I?). I think I was hoping for Derek to be a darker and more mysterious character. He is described as the Dark Prince but the only thing he had going for him was that he was the legendary prince. I think the book could have gained from a POV from just Sofia instead of the dual POV with Derek. That would have made Derek’s character more mysterious and we would be right there with Sofia questioning his motives. It would have made it so much more interesting!

The relationship between Sofia and Derek seemed very abrupt. As I mentioned before, Derek fell really fast and really hard. The next thing I realized was Sofia had him wrapped around her puny human fingers. I felt liked we were jipped of the love story between them. I wished the author would have gone into more detail on this, especially when Sofia always described him as brooding and stoic. There was a short paragraph that described her teaching him to use a camera and they spent hours taking pictures and laughing. It was the first time she experienced this bit of humanity from Derek and we only got a measly paragraph about it! That disappointed me.

There were a few holes in the story, especially with Sofia’s family. What ever happen to her parents? What was her mother? I don’t think she was just crazy, which means she had to have some type of paranormal powers. There are so many unanswered questions and I assume they are all solved in many many books that follow this novel.

I really wished I could’ve like this one a bit more, but it is what it is. I liked the last 15% of the novel the best and will probably continue the series because it just ended! I needed more than that!

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The Naked Duke

The Naked Duke by Sally MacKenzie
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Very predictable plot and naive characters. The main character was just too innocent for me. She didn't even know what a penis was or how a baby was even made. I just wanted to shake her. Or maybe slap some sense into her. Seriously? I know she grew up without her mother but she couldn't have been that oblivious to the world, could she?

And the whole thing from the beginning with the mixup of rooms and such, I thought it was just too unlikely. But apparently she is that dumb to not understand what was happening. I saw from a million miles away!

The story was just okay. I have a horrible ability to predict the outcome of some books. What can I say? It's a sixth sense. Or maybe its just that predictable?

Audiobook by Abby Craden
4 stars

I had to add this extra review of the audiobook narration because it was my first audiobook ever! At times I liked it, such as when I was walking across campus, I liked that I was able to continue the audio where I left off in the book. But the pace is just so much slower than what I am used to! And it just got awkward when the steamy parts came....(which by the way weren't all that hot and heavy to begin with.)

The only complaint I have about the narration was James' voice. It was just creepy in my opinion! He was supposed to be funny, and the voice just did not fit his personality.

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October Preview!

A lot of exciting things are happening this month! Of course it's October which means Halloween! In honor if this Holiday I'm going to up the ante by reading more horror and paranormal books! Who needs romance anyways, am I right? Blood, guts, and horror all the way!

Here's a list of books I am planning to read this October:

Of course this list will grow throughout the month. Feel free to send me any recommendations in these genres! Also I'm currently reading

October Release Dates

October 6th

Lo-Melkhiin killed three hundred girls before he came to her village, looking for a wife. When she sees the dust cloud on the horizon, she knows he has arrived. She knows he will want the loveliest girl: her sister. She vows she will not let her be next. And so she is taken in her sister's place, and she believes death will soon follow. Lo-Melkiin's court is a dangerous palace filled with pretty things: intricate statues with wretched eyes, exquisite threads to weave the most beautiful garments. She sees everything as if for the first time. But the first sun rises and sets, and she is not dead. Night after night, Lo-Melkhiin comes to her and listens to the stories she tells, and day after day she is awoken by the sunrise. Exploring the palace, she begins to unlock years of fear that have tormented and silenced a kingdom. Lo-Melkhiin was not always a cruel ruler. Something went wrong. Far away, in their village, her sister is mourning. Through her pain, she calls upon the desert winds, conjuring a subtle unseen magic, and something besides death stirs the air. Back at the palace, the words she speaks to Lo-Melkhiin every night are given a strange life of their own. Little things, at first: a dress from home, a vision of her sister. With each tale she spins, her power grows. Soon she dreams of bigger, and more terrible magic: power enough to save a king, if she can put an end to the rule of a monster.

While America Singer's heart was torn between Aspen and Prince Maxon, her friend Marlee knew exactly what she wanted--and paid the price. Revisit the captivating world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series in this digital original novella. Told from Marlee's point of view, this all-new 64-page story returns to the fateful Halloween when Marlee and Carter were discovered, and reveals how that night--and Prince Maxon--changed their lives forever.

Gavin tells Delilah he's hers--completely--but whatever lives inside that house with him disagrees. After seven years tucked away at an East coast boarding school, Delilah Blue returns to her small Kansas hometown to find that not much has changed. Her parents are still uptight and disinterested, her bedroom is exactly the way she left it, and the outcast Gavin Timothy still looks like he's crawled out of one of her dark, twisted drawings. Delilah is instantly smitten. Gavin has always lived in the strange house: an odd building isolated in a stand of trees where the town gives in to mild wilderness. The house is an irresistible lure for Delilah, but the tall fence surrounding it exists for good reason, and Gavin urges Delilah to be careful. Whatever lives with him there isn't human, and isn't afraid of hurting her to keep her away.

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother's mysterious death, he's lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. One day, he's tracked down by a man he's never met--a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years. When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision. Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die....

October 13th

It's been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring's king, Angra, disappeared--thanks largely to the help of Cordell. Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria's lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity--with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses--the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell order the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm's secrets, Meira plans on using the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe--even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves? Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Jannuari--leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell's growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter's security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken Kingdom and protect them from new threats? As the web of power and deception is woven tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom--and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter but for the world.

October 15th

There are few things superhero Angel wants in life. World peace. Unlimited chocolate banana milkshakes. Spandex outfits with pockets. What she doesn't want is the attention of the Executioner, a supervillain who kills with his touch. But the moment she survives a caress--and a kiss--at the mercy of his lethal skin, Angel realizes her problems just got a whole lot bigger. Because the only thing worse than a supervillain who wants to kill you is one who wants to keep you.

October 16th

Piper is feeling a bit overwhelmed. With Seiya and Lyre missing Ash recovering from near fatal injuries, and the Gaians picking fights with daemons all over the city, a girl can't help but think she might be in over her head. And this time, she's on her own. Before she even has a chance to investigate the Gaians' new stockpile of mysterious, high-tech weaponry, and old enemy ambushes her: Samael's henchman Raum. He wants Ash's help and won't take "get lost" for an answer. She doesn't know if she can trust Raum, but even more that that, she can't trust herself with Ash. Sooner or later he'll catch up to her, and she fears she won't be able to walk away from him a second time. Despite her feelings, it will take their combined strength to face a frightening discovery about the Gaians. She and Ash begin to realize that the daemon war is coming to Earth, and they might be the only ones who can stop it--if it's not already too late.

October 20th

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she'd have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded. The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that's little more than an ice-covered sick at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. with enemy fire raining down on them Kady and Ezra--who are barely even talking to each other--are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit. But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what's really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again. The novel is told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents--including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more.

October 25th

The Hunter wasn't trained to admit defeat. With the title of Chosen secured, Shanti and Cayan must look to the next steps in ripping back their freedom from the most deadly tyrant in the land. Unfortunately, they aren't the only ones with an agenda. Without mental power to defend themselves, the Westwood Lands are trapped within their own walls. Under the threat of torture and eventual death, a new power rises. To be discovered will mean death. But doing nothing is not an option.

October 27th

Welcome to the Candidacy! Where dreams go to die.... Twenty-year-old Ryiah is a black mage of Combat, but she is not the Black Mage. Yet. She's had her eyes on the legendary robe for as long as she can remember, and in just one year she will have a chance at her country's prodigious--and only--tourney for mages... Too bad she is going up against a certain non-heir. The one person she has yet to beat. Meanwhile Py has a year to prove herself in her new role as a war mage and the prince's betrothed. Neither is quite what she expected and complications arise on both fronts. War is on the horizon, and with so many enemies the kingdom of Jerar's fate is more than ever at risk. The Candidacy finally arrives, but it's only the beginning. Nothing can prepare her for what comes next.

Sara Grey is done hiding and done being afraid. The Master thinks he has her running scared, but she's taking matters into her own hands and taking her life back. With the help of her friends, she sets out to find the one person who can answer her questions about her past, and who may be able to lead them to the Master. On her journey, Sara faces new challenges and dangers, and learns that the world of good and evil is not clear cut as she had believed. She makes new friends, unexpected allies, and reconnects with people from her past. As her powers continue to change and grow, she transforms from a struggling girl into a strong young warrior. But at what cost? How much is Sara willing to sacrifice in her need for independence and her quest for the truth?  And will her newfound strength be enough to save her and the people she loves when she finally comes face-to-face with her powerful nemesis? Nothing could have prepared her for what is to come, and it will take everything in her to survive the final test of courage and love.

Hope City, Antarctica. The southernmost city in the world, with only a glass dome and a faltering infrastructure to protect its citizens from the freezing, ceaseless winds of the Antarctic wilderness. Within this bell jar four people--some human, some not--will shape the future of the city forever:
Eliana Gomez, a female PI looking for a way to the mainland.
Diego Amitrano, the right-hand man to the gangster who controls the city's food come winter.
Marianella Luna, an aristocrat with a dangerous secret.
Sofia, and android who has begun to evolve.
But the city is evolving too, and in the heart of the perilous Antarctic winter, factions will clash, dreams will shatter, and that frozen metropolis just might boil over....

I know that was a lot of information but I promise this month is going to be awesome! Feel free to leave a comment and share what you will be reading this month.

Happy Reading!

xoxo Rach