Review: Sugar Lump

Title: Sugar Lump

Author: Megan Gaudino

Date of Publication: Janurary 2018

Goodreads Summary:

Seventeen-year-old travel blogger CC is stuck on a never-ending road trip with her wanderlust-addicted father. When her dad lands the job of his dreams in Sugar Lump—wedding capital of the world—CC finally finds a place to call home. Complete with two quirky best friends and a quixotic guy to crush on, Sugar Lump is more shades of perfect than she can possibly count.

But when CC accidentally overhears the mayor complaining that she has to “take out” a rogue employee for not fulfilling the terms of his contract, the idyllic town’s facade crumbles. Devastated by the possibility of having to move yet again, CC discovers everyone has been keeping a massive secret from her—including her own father.

My Review:

This was a pretty cool book. The town had a very Stepford Wives feel to it, and I loved that aspect!

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What I liked best about the MC, CC, was that she had a quirky way of thinking. My favorite line was when she compared something of Thorn’s (the love interest) to Zach Morris. All you gotta do is say Saved by the Bell, and you got me sucked right in!

I read this pretty quickly because I couldn’t put it down and had to know what the heck was going to happen. I would have liked a little more darkness in the reveal of things but overall a super fun read! Also, I hope this is a stand alone because there isn’t enough of those!

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Review: The Traitor’s Ruin

Title: The Traitor’s Ruin

Author: Erin Beaty

Date of Publication: July 10th, 2018

Goodreads Summary:

In the sequel to The Traitor’s Kiss, war breaks out between nations and Sage Fowler must infiltrate enemy territory to reconnect with her first love, Captain Alex Quinn.

After proving her worth in book one as a deft spy and strategic matchmaker, Sage Fowler is now comfortably positioned in high society as the royal tutor. When she’s called upon to teach his majesty’s soldiers how to read and write, she jumps at the chance to serve her kingdom of Demora—and to be reunited with her fiancé, Captain Alex Quinn.

During a skirmish, Sage and Alex are separated. She watches him die before he can deliver important military intel—or so she thinks. She escapes from the enemy and makes an unlikely alliance with a mysterious soldier from a third nation. As Sage tries to rally their support against a common foe, the important political alliance is plagued by secrets and betrayal.

Can Sage complete Alex’s mission and save her kingdom once more?

My Review:

I loved this book! Sage and Alex are one of my favorite book couples ever. They make me happy, they make me mad, they make me want to yell at them while shaking them, and they make me swoon.

What I like most about this series is the setting. It’s similar to The Winner’s Curse trilogy where there isn’t magic but the setting is historical fantasy. I think that is the right term, but don’t take my word for it. Also the chapters are short which is the freaking best!

Alex has been dealing with inner demons from what happened in book one, so much so that he doesn’t always make the right decisions. Sage therefore has to go around these things, even disguising herself in a few situations, unknowingly knowing how much her presence is actually affecting Alex.

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There are things that happen in the story that as a reader you know what is going on because the book is told from both of their perspectives yet they don’t know what’s happening. So there is a particular scene with a cell, and I was like, nooooooooo!

At the beginning of the book there is some lovely romance which then takes a turn into action and plotting and many obstacles. There was a scene that made me seriously sad, yet it happened. The writing was on point, and I’m so ready for book three!

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So first off it’s going to be a little deja vu here. My Glass Vault Duology (Quinsey Wolfe’s Glass Vault & The Bride of Glass) got picked up by The Parliament House and I would so greatly appreciate it if you guys could sign up for the cover reveal. Also, if you want to sign up to review the new edition of the book, or if you haven’t read it yet, you can do that, too! I’m so thrilled that my first character babies have found a good home!

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Review: Immortal Reign

Title: Immortal Reign

Author: Morgan Rhodes

Date of Publication: February 6th, 2018

Goodreads Summary:

As two lethal elemental gods set out to destroy Mytica, sworn enemies must become allies in the final fight to save the kingdoms.

Jonas continues to willfully defy his destiny, but the consequences of plotting his own course are drastic. As the fight for Mytica rages on, he must decide just how much more he’s willing to sacrifice.

Lucia knows there’s something special about her daughter and she’ll do anything to protect her, even if that means facing Kyan alone.

Amara is called back home to Kraeshia. Grandma Cortas has her own plans for Mytica’s future. She promises Amara power, revenge, and dominance if she agrees to be part of her scheme.

Magnus and Cleo‘s love will be put to the ultimate test. Dark magic is causing widespread destruction throughout the kingdom. Enemies across the sea are advancing. And unrest is stirring throughout the land. Is their love strong enough to withstand the outside forces tearing them apart?

My Review:

Finally, we have reached the end of the Falling Kingdoms journey. And a very satisfying conclusion it was. Kyan, the fire god, was back and set on restoring his siblings.

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As with the other books there are multiple POV’s and just like last time, Cleo and Magnus were my favorites—especially Magnus. I could have actually done without Amara’s POV, but that’s because I have never really liked her to begin with and still don’t. But you can’t like all the characters in every book!

I loved the magic system in it, especially some of the scenes that showed Cleo and her water powers. It was great! Rhodes writing is easy to read and doesn’t get all crazy with lyrical prose, which I like! It has been a fun ride through this series! Now, I just need the third book in her spin-off series to hurry up and release!

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Review: Those Which Remain

Title: Those Which Remain

Author: Angela V. Cook

Date of Publication: January 28th, 2018

Goodreads Summary:

In Into a Million Pieces, seventeen-year-old Allison solved her sister’s murder, barely escaping an attempt on her own life. Now, with the past behind her, Allison is finally getting a taste of teenage normalcy—going to school, hanging out with her best friend, and sharing it all with her loving boyfriend, Ren. Life is good.

But it doesn’t stay that way. It never does for a succubus.

When Allison’s nature draws in a predator, shattering her sense of trust and safety, she realizes the succubus curse is behind all the darkness and heartache in her life. Determined to end it, she tracks down a distant relative with knowledge about the curse. But more questions are raised than answered when Allison meets the mysterious and wealthy Leona Doriano. Suddenly thrust into a dangerous world of money, power, and deadly secrets, Allison must find a way to break the curse—a curse not everyone wants broken—before she’s drawn in too deep.

My Review:

I was glad to see the sequel was finally out. Since it had been a while, I went ahead and reread book one, which I loved even more the second time around. So I went into this wondering where it would go? Would Allison stay a succubus, or could she rid herself of the horrific curse?

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What I like best about this duology is that although it has a paranormal aspect, it is very much a contemporary book, which I absolutely love when those two are combined. Allison has been a strong character, especially with everything she has gone through. But this time you throw a creepy uncle and maybe some other obstacles in the way, and she has even more on her plate to conquer.

I will say this time around that my boy Ren thoroughly pissed me the heck off. Come on, Rennnnnnnnnnn! I know you are a teen boy, but think boy, thinkkkkk!!!!! I also wish there would have been more of him in this book like there was in book one, but this one was more of Alison needing to find herself and to figure out a way to give herself a normal life. The writing was well done, and the author had me sucked in page after page. I can’t wait to read more from her in the future! I definitely recommend this fun and emotional duology.

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Review: Avalon Nightmares

Title: Avalon Nightmares

Author: Alexa Whitewolf

Date of Publication: February 21st, 2018

Goodreads Summary:

Vivienne is still reeling from the fight with Carleigh and finally enjoying some well-deserved quality time with Sébastien. Absorbed into each other, neither is aware of the dark forces lurking in the shadows that threaten their newfound happiness.

The one who could warn them stays silent – not out of choice. Alistair finds himself bound to a mysterious new enemy, only for an old lover to come to his rescue. Will his demon lord powers be enough to help the Lady of the Lake and her savior? Or will he be faced with a choice that could change everything, including his loyalty?

And what of Merlin, whose sole purpose was to imprison the now-immortal Carleigh? Try as they may, none of the heroes can reach him, and his eerie silence is worrisome.

Lost opportunities, bitter lovers and ambitious sorcerers collide in one last battle for the fate of the world. In this final installment of the Avalon Chronicles, everything will come full circle…but not everyone may get a happy ending.

My Review:

First off, I think this is my favorite cover of all three! This series has such beautiful covers!

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I was so glad to see more of Seb and Viv, and there were some surprises along the way, which I need to keep my lips sealed about! As with the other books in the series, it is told in multiple POV’s, and it works really well because you can feel each character and how everything connects.

What I like best about Avalon Nightmares is there’s plenty of swoony romance, but also a great story along the way. Plus the whole Merlin type theme has been freaking amazing! The writing sucks you in right away and doesn’t let go until the very end.

The third book drew to a perfect close, and apparently, there will be a novella about Atrox coming up. I’m already ready for that one!!

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Review: The Last Goodbye

Title: The Last Goodbye

Author: Amber R. Duell

Date of Publication: December 5th, 2017

Goodreads Summary:

500 years before Theo met Cassia, Leander met Lyda.

The Netherworld was never meant for the living. It steals a mortal’s sanity piece-by-piece, day-by-day. No one understands that better than the God of Death. But the chance for even a single day of company is a seductive thing and Leander can’t help looking forward to each sacrifice.

When the last mortal country outlaws human sacrifice, Leander’s new bride becomes his last. Though he knows he should let Lyda continue on to her afterlife, the pair grows closer and the God of Death hesitates in the face of eternal solitude. But soon, Leander must decide between being selfish and selfless.

Review:

This is one of the best short stories I have read, and I can’t wait to read the spin off novel, Fragile Chaos. Even though it was short, I could connect with Leander and really feel for him as I was inside his head. I wanted to pull him into a great big hug!

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I liked Lyda’s character, too! But watching her sanity slipping away was heartbreaking! I loved the writing and the beautiful ending in this! A must read!

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Cover Reveal: Nocturnal Meetings of the Misplaced

Nocturnal Meetings of the Misplaced

Publisher: Parliament House Press

 

 

Mystery surrounds the town of Summertime, Indiana, where fifteen-year-old Tommy Walker and his little sister are sent to live with relatives they’ve never met. Tommy soon makes friends with Finn Wilds, a rebellious local who lives with his volatile and abusive stepfather, who also happens to be the town’s sheriff.

Finn invites Tommy to late night meetings in the woods, where Tommy gets to know two girls. He forms a special and unique connection with both girls. The meetings become a place where the kids, who don’t fit in at school, or home can finally belong. As the group of friends begin to unravel clues to a cold case murder and kidnapping— they learn the truth is darker and closer than they ever imagined. Even if they live to tell, will anyone believe them?

 

Find Out About Other Books by R.J Garcia at http://writersandwallflowers.com/blog/

 

About the Author

RJ Garcia is a wife, and proud mom of two smart kids. She earned her MSW and worked with foster children and as a school social worker. Writing has been her other great love. She has published several non-fiction pieces. She has been writing short-stories for as long as she can remember. To her amazement, those short stories became novels!

 

Contact Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writer_rjgarcia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NocturnalMeetingsoftheMisplaced/

Website: http://writersandwallflowers.com/blog/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rj_dreamer

 

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Cover Reveal: Kiss Collector by: Wendy Higgins

KISS COLLECTOR

from HarperTeen and Wendy Higgins

YA Contemporary Romance

Coming December 18, 2018

Blurb:

When seventeen-year-old Zae Monroe gets cheated on by the only guy she’s ever loved, then watches her parents’ marriage crumble, she decides to forget about relationships and turn the tables on the boys of the world. It’s time to take what she wants, and what she wants are kisses. Athletes, musicians, poets, and bad boys—their lips are all on her agenda, and it’s time to collect.

Zae proposes a contest with her friends to see who can kiss the most boys during spring break. But what starts as a harmless competition leads to a downward spiral she can’t seem to break free of. As family, academic, friend, and guy drama come to a head, Zae is forced to face the reasons behind her boy angst, and starts to wonder if she was wrong about the male race…or at least some of them.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18457118-kiss-collector

Giveaway!

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Author Website: http://www.wendyhigginswrites.com/

 

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Review: Alex, Approximately

Title: Alex, Approximately

Author: Jenn Bennett

Date of Publication: April 4th, 2017

Goodreads Summary:

The one guy Bailey Rydell can’t stand is actually the boy of her dreams—she just doesn’t know it yet.

Classic movie fan Bailey “Mink” Rydell has spent months crushing on a witty film geek she only knows online as Alex. Two coasts separate the teens until Bailey moves in with her dad, who lives in the same California surfing town as her online crush.

Faced with doubts (what if he’s a creep in real life—or worse?), Bailey doesn’t tell Alex she’s moved to his hometown. Or that she’s landed a job at the local tourist-trap museum. Or that she’s being heckled daily by the irritatingly hot museum security guard, Porter Roth—a.k.a. her new archnemesis. But life is a whole lot messier than the movies, especially when Bailey discovers that tricky fine line between hate, love, and whatever it is she’s starting to feel for Porter.

And as the summer months go by, Bailey must choose whether to cling to a dreamy online fantasy in Alex or take a risk on an imperfect reality with Porter. The choice is both simpler and more complicated than she realizes, because Porter Roth is hiding a secret of his own: Porter is Alex…Approximately.

My Review:

This is the third Jenn Bennett book I have read, and it was super cute. However, I do like The Anatomical Shape of A Heart and Starry Eyes much more. Also, I seriously hate this cover! It could have been a hundred times better—but not a big deal.

I actually liked both of the character here and found them both adorable, but again, not as much as in Jenn’s other books. There was also some weird drama, like with the drug addict friend. Also, sometimes I wanted to shake Bailey and just yell, “Open up to him!”

I’m also not sure why Bailey didn’t tell Alex that she was moving to the West Coast. I get it she’s an “evader”, but still! The romance between Porter and Bailey was spot on—fighting to lovers is the best kind!

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Bennett always gives her characters distinct and awesome personalities that show great characterization. This was a fun read, and I was addicted to every page. I seriously can’t wait to read her next book!

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