The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night | Review

Title: The Crowns of Croswald
Author: D.E. Night
Pages: 314
Publisher: Stories Untold Press
Goodreads Rating: 4.06 stars
Published: July 21st, 2017
Source: paperback/from author

Description:

In Croswald, the only thing more powerful than dark magic is one secret… 

For sixteen years Ivy Lovely has been hidden behind an enchanted boundary that separates the mundane from the magical. When Ivy crosses the border, her powers awaken. Curiosity leads her crashing through a series of adventures at the Halls of Ivy, a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald’s mysterious gems. When Ivy’s magic––and her life––is threatened by the Dark Queen, she scrambles to unearth her history and save Croswald before the truth is swept away forever.


My Thoughts:

I went into reading this thinking it would be similar to Harry Potter, and on the surface the summary really is: young, nonmagical girl discovers she is magical and goes to a school for magical young people.  But that's where the similarities end.  And while I love Harry Potter, this story holds a place in my heart for a whole other reason.

I love young Ivy.  She is so uncertain in the beginning and just cannot believe she is a scrivner - she has magic!  Something she wished for since she was a young scaldrony maid, stoking the dragons who made the food in the House of Plum.  She spent her small amount of free time drawing memories of dreams or reading the books her dwarf friend Rimbrick brought her.  When she suddenly found herself without a home and with a kitchen dragon on her own, she barely has time to think before she's whisked away to her magical future at the Halls of Ivy.

The Crowns of Croswald was a fun ride!  While I'd originally been expecting one kind of magical story, I was transported to a world of a completely different kind of magic!  Like a cross between a bit of Harry Potter and a whole lot of Eyes Like Stars, The Crowns of Croswald is a world all its own with magical creatures, potions, spells and characters with special powers!

*disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

The Fortunate Ones by R.S. Grey | Review

Title: The Fortunate Ones
Author: R.S. Grey
Pages: Unknown
Publisher: R.S. Grey
Goodreads Rating: 5.00 stars
Published: November 1st, 2017
Source: eBook/From Author

Description:

At Twin Oaks Country Club, there are the fortunate ones, and then there are the rest of us: the waiters, the caddies, the valets, and in my case, the cabana girls. Most days, I’m poolside in a pleated skirt, dishing out margaritas to tycoons and titans. It’s not exactly my dream job, but it does come with one perk…

James Ashwood.

He’s my silver lining in a custom black suit.

Besides being a legacy member at the club, he’s a tech mogul and Austin’s most eligible bachelor. Oh, and those dimples? Yeah, they make my stomach dip too.

On good days, I catch his sleek Porsche winding down the tree-lined drive. On better days, I steal a glimpse of his handsome profile as we pass in the hall. And on the absolute best day, I find him alone at the bar, looking for company.

“Come have a seat.”

Those four little words set me down a path I never could have imagined. Private planes, penthouse suites, and temptations around every corner make it impossible to keep my distance. His world feels decadent and wild—but overindulgence comes with a cost. Every kiss comes with strings. Every erotic encounter is a promise I’m not ready to keep.

When I pump the brakes, he hits the gas. James doesn’t want to go slow—he wants a commitment.

And the thing about the fortunate ones?

They’re used to getting what they want. 


My Thoughts:

Okay, I have loved the other few books I've read by R.S. Grey {aka Rachel... she totally makes you feel like you know her and her little family via her Instagram}, and I knew this would be no exception to that rule.

Brooke is a fun character {and she must have been a blast to write!}, choosing to live in her hippie building than with her family after being fired from a great nannying gig.  It was the perfect job for her, but she finds herself working at the local country club {you know, one of the ones that only old money can buy their way into}.  She wants to see the world, to travel, to use her degrees in French and Spanish in tutoring {or nannying}... but she really, really just wants to travel and have absolutely no strings holding her down.  Kind of like her mother did when she left Brooke and her sister Ellie when they were younger.

James Ashwood is not quite the typical member of Twin Oaks country Club.  While on the outside he seems like a young and unattached version of many of the club's members, the James that no one sees in much different.  He still wants most the same things any 36-year-old man might want {family, success}, but unlike a lot of people in his circle he doesn't feel the need to find someone else who comes from money.  He just wants someone he can connect with who desires the same things as him.

Brooke and James meet out of a misfortune for Brooke - her closing down the dining room in the club one night when James decided to stay late.  Their doomed relationship blossomed from there, though both had hopes the other would change.  With Brooke's desire to travel, she just knew she wasn't dating material for a man who wanted to settle down.

I really liked Brooke and James.  They're both rich in character and depth, with Brooke's history and desire to see the world, and James' desire and drive to help those in need.  They both have hearts to help others {though I don't think Brooke really realizes she does until later}, and ultimately I think that's what really brings them together and solidifies their relationship.

I 'm glad the author didn't have everything end up roses so quickly.  Or that they didn't get together and "that's that".  Brooke needed time to herself to find herself, and she got that.  It's refreshing having the characters come into their own before settling down with the other.

Now the only reason I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because of the few times James was a little too aggressive with Brooke, kissing her forcefully when she very obviously was not reciprocating.  Granted, we as the reader are in her head and know she very obviously wants to kiss him, but on her terms {or is just trying to not want to kiss him}.  But James can't totally read her mind {though she does seem to be a bit of an open book to him}, and I just wish it would have been handled a little differently in the writing.

The Skyriders: The Rise of the Sunbird by K. L. Cooper | Reivew

Title: The Skyriders: The Rise of the Sunbird
Author: K.L. Cooper
Pages: 380
Publisher: UnderCover Press
Goodreads Rating: 4.43
Published: May 30th, 2017
Source: eBook/bought

Description:

SOAR INTO THE WORLD OF THE SKYRIDERS

DRAWN BY DESTINY
Determined to rescue her family's failing museum, Alia Relic auctions a mysterious book with an unknown past. But when the chance to bid draws a lot more than fancy pearls and fat pocket books, what may really be on the block is her life.

BOUND BY DUTY
Wren Cordilleran has been sent to find the one woman who can save his kind from destruction. But what he finds at the Four Winds Museum will test every honorable bone in his body and threaten all that he stands for.

FORBIDDEN TO DESIRE
Dragged away from everything Alia knows and thrust into the hidden world of a forgotten race, this new reality will challenge both her will and her deepest fears. Within the walls of Castle Cordilleran, she'll discover that her future was never a matter of choice and...
SECRETS CAN BURN HOTTER THAN THE SUN. 


My Thoughts:

I had picked this eBook up as a steal of a deal after seeing it on a Storygram Tour and oogling the beautiful cover.  I wasn't disappointed, other than the fact that I have to wait until who knows when for the next installment!

The story starts out with Alia Relic in her late mother's museum, which she has been managing.  A lover of history and artifacts, its the perfect place for Alia, even though being in charge of it for years has left her feeling tied to it and unable to travel and see all the history of the world in person.  Maybe that's for the best, since she is terrified of flying and it would take a long time to get anywhere relying on cars, boats and trains.  Plus, what with struggling to keep the museum's finances in the black, it's not like she has the extra money to fund any ventures of her own.

The museum has numerous atrifacts that have been donated, but none as mysterious as an ancient book.  An ancient book that has no known origins, but seems to be something everyone wants.  Including three mysterious men who come to bid on it at the auction Aria put together, and leave with a little more than just a large tome.

Aria agrees to go wtih Wren Cordilleran and his two companions when it becomes apparent that her life is in danger and they seem to be the ones who can help her.  She flies with them *gasp* to their home that is literally in the mountains.  Despite her fears, she finds herself enjoying Wren's company and those of the other Skyriders around her.  Oh, and did I mention they all have wings?  And some are downright birdish?  And she needs to get ready, because she's about to become the weilder of the Sunbird...

It's been a while since I've read such a good adult fantasy.  I really enjoyed the different POVs {it's always nice to get into more than one character's head!}, and I was a little amazed at how well Alia took everything!  It's one thing to have ideas and theories about another humanoid species, but seeing them in person after having them save your life because some crazy guy is attempting to kidnap you?  That would have me questioning my sanity!

The world building was really quick, but fairly detailed in The Rise of the Sunbird.  I swear, at one point while I was reading late into the night, I thought I was in the mountain.  Maybe the perks of living in the middle of farmland with air conditioning making my house really cool? Ha ha!  I swear, at one point I was ready to sclimp into my "nest" and curl up for bed.  But, of course, I had to finish my book first!

It was really interesting to see how much some of the characters knew about humans and their way of life, and how little the majority of the Skyriders seemed to know.  Those in the military or royalty had pretty extensive knowledge of humans, seeing as the Sunbird {their queen} inhabits the body of a human woman every 150 years or so {did I mention they have prolonged lifespans?  And a couple of them are immortal??}.

You guys, I really, really want the second book in the installment.  I want to see what happens with Aria, Wren and the rest of the Skyriders!  And Goodreads is giving me no hope, since it doens't even have book two listed in its database!

The Great Pursuit by Wendy Higgins | Review

Title: The Great Pursuit
Author: Wendy Higgins
Pages: 512
Publisher: HarperTeen
Goodreads rating: 4.11 Stars
Published: March 7th, 2017
Source: Ebook/From Author

Description:

Lochlanach has traded the great beast for something far more terrible, a Lashed enemy veiled in beauty, deception, and a vengeance passed down through generations: Rozaria Rocato. And she’s offering the hunter Paxton Seabolt power and acceptance he could never receive in his homeland. Pax must decide how far he’s willing to go under her tutelage, knowing she is the opponent of Princess Aerity Lochson.

In a land where traditionalists dread change, the Lochlan throne must contend with mysterious foes and traitors, while attempting to keep revolt at bay. As dire circumstances strike the royal family, matters of the castle are left in Aerity’s hands. It's time to put aside her fears and grasp the reign, taking actions that have the potential to save or destroy her people.

One hunt has ended, but the pursuit for love and justice continue. In this sequel to The Great Hunt from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins, political intrigue and romance intensify in another thrilling fantasy. Princess Aerity embraces a quest for identity and passion before making the ultimate sacrifice for her kingdom.


My Thoughts

*****If you haven't read The Great Hunt, this will have SPOILERS from that book!*****

Starting off exactly where The Great Hunt left off, we see Aerity newly engaged to Lief {who's a bit of a scoundrel, though he really, honestly doesn't even know any better, because that's how men in his country are expected to behave}.  She's coming to terms with being promised to him, when word gets out of more beasts, and Rozaria has begun demanding the Lashed be given the same rights as Unlashed or she will begin killing Unlashed throughout the kingdom.

While the king eventually gives in to Rozaria's demands, Paxton Seabolt is doing his best to get to safe area since he is now visibly Lashed {I told you, SPOILERS}.  While doing so, he unknowingly stumbles upon the one place he's trying to avoid: Rozaria's camp, filled with Lashed who support her in her quest for power.  With no way out, Pax decides the best way to help Lochlanach is from within the camp itself.

Aerity decides she must go find Pax if for no other reason then to really and truly say goodbye to him, which sends her all but careening into Rozaria's camp.  With the help of Paxton, she manages to get out, but that's just the beginning of her troubles.  With a kingdom to defend since her parents have been kidnapped, Aerity is finding herself in a slew of trouble and backed into a corner as Rozaria's plans for the kingdom of Lochlanach {and the surrounding kingdoms} become more and more despicable.

While this story mainly follows Aerity and Paxton, we still get a lot of Wyneth and Harrison, whom I just love {hey, Wendy, want to write a little story for them??}.  I love that the supporting characters in all of Wendy Higgins' books really support the main characters.  She has an enchanting way of writing that really makes you just love all the characters and feel for them.

It took me a while to get into this one {whereas I feel like I just devoured The Great Hunt}.  Granted, most of that is because this last month has been insane {we're moving}, and I've had very little time to sit and read.  That being said, when things calmed down, I was maybe 250 pages into the book and finished the other 250-ish pages in about 2 days.

Anything You Can Do by R.S. Grey | Review

Title: Anything You Can Do
Author: R.S. Grey
Pages: 247
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Goodreads rating: 4.14 Stars
Published:  February 2nd, 2017
Source: ebook/bought

Description:

Lucas Thatcher has always been my enemy.

It’s been a decade since I’ve seen him, but our years on opposite coasts were less of a lasting peace and more of a temporary cease-fire. Now that we’re both back in our small town, I know Lucas expects the same old war, but I’ve changed since high school—and from the looks of it, so has he.

The arrogant boy who was my teenage rival is now a chiseled doctor armed with intimidating good looks. He is Lucas Thatcher 2.0, the new and improved version I’ll be competing with in the workplace instead of the schoolyard.

I’m not worried; I’m a doctor now too, board-certified and sexy in a white coat. It almost feels like winning will be too easy—until Lucas unveils a tactic neither of us has ever used before: sexual warfare.

The day he pushes me up against the wall and presses his lips to mine, I can’t help but wonder if he’s filling me with passion or poison. Every fleeting touch is perfect torture. With every stolen kiss, my walls crumble a little more. After all this time, Lucas knows exactly how to strip me of my defenses, but I’m in no hurry to surrender.

Knowing thy enemy has never felt so good


My Thoughts:

I think this book is a lot better than I give it credit for.  Here's my reasoning: I read this right after The Hating Game.  Just don't do that.  They're both pretty stellar books, but Lucy from THG was like my ultimate girl crush/kindred spirit, and Daisy from Anything You Can Do is not.  While I can totally understand the hating game Daisy and Lucas have going on, its much, much more hate than Lucy and Joshua, and it seems more intense and spiteful  Of course, if Lucy and Joshua had been playing the hating game for their entire lives, it probably would have been just as intense!

Daisy is sweet and excited to be taking over her hometown's small medical practice.  Its her dream, something she worked for all through college and her residency.  She worked hard for her dream... only to have it turn into a nightmare with the knowledge of one person returning to their small town: Lucas Thatcher.  Rivalry started since birth, Daisy is not one to just hand the practice or {god forbid} share it.  Daisy and Lucas try everything to get the other person to give up and hand over the office, from pranks to actually attempting to cause each other physical harm.

While Daisy loathes Lucas {and the whole town has known it since day one}, an interesting twist happens about halfway through the book when the reader is given a glimpse into Lucas' mind.  I love that the author added this little insight, because it brings a new light on Lucas and everything that's going on between him and Daisy.  This little bit that the author gives us is pure gold, and I love that she included it.  It makes the book just that much more enjoyable.

My only advice I would give to other readers is to read Anything You Can Do before The Hating Game.  They are both amazing books, but the latter kind of overshadows the former.  If I could do it again , I'd read them in that order.  Both are amazing in their own way {while being similar}, and that's would have been the best way for me to enjoy them!  That being said, I plan on getting another R.S. Grey book ASAP!

The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson | Review

Title: The Golden Braid
Author: Melanie Dickerson
Pages: 320
Publisher: Zondervan
Goodreads rating: 4.06 Stars
Published:  November 1st, 2015
Source: Hardcover/gift

Description:

The one who needs rescuing isn’t always the one in the tower.

Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man around. And her skills as an artist rival those of any artist she’s met. But for a woman in medieval times, the one skill she most desires is the hardest one to obtain: the ability to read.

After yet another young man asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides they need to move once again, but this time to a larger city. Rapunzel’s heart soars—surely there she can fulfill her dream. But Mother won’t let her close to a man. She claims that no man can be trusted.

After being rescued by a knight on the road to the city, and in turn rescuing him farther down the road, Rapunzel’s opportunity arrives at last. This knight, Sir Gerek, agrees to educate Rapunzel in order to pay back his debt. She just has to put up with his arrogant nature and single-minded focus on riches and prestige.

But this Rapunzel story is unlike any other and the mystery that she uncovers will change everything—except her happily ever after.


My Thoughts:

First, I"m a huge fan of Tangled, and my kids were on a Tangled kick for a while there, and I swear I was watching it at least once every few days.  I've always been a fan of Rapunzel, because *hello* HAIR.  I think a lot of young girls of my generation went through a phase with one person they looked up to or were enamored with having long hair.  Who has better hair than Rapunzel?  But I digress.

Melanie Dickerson's Rapunzel was very interesting.  I feel like this book had more layers that her others have been lacking.  And where the last couple books in this series have had leading ladies who were trying to be more self-sufficient and strong on their own, Rapunzel took the steps to do that.  In fact, if it weren't for a sad twist of fate, she would have succeeded {but where would the adventure and fun be in that?}.

Mother Gothel is as reclusive as she forces Rapunzel to be in most the book, and is constantly telling Rapunzel that men are evil and only ever want one thing, then they will leave you.  This is drilled into Rapunzel, but a time comes when she starts to see that Mother Gothel may be wrong about saying all men are like that.  With some of the new-found independence {and the knowledge she's gained by learning to read without Gothel's permission}, Rapunzel decides to go out on her own, getting a reputable job away from the oppressive house Gothel was running.

I don't want to spoil the book for any potential readers, but twists and turn and unexpected revelations keep this one of the more interesting books in the Hagenheim series.  I would definitely suggest this to those who enjoy YA fairytale retellings!  I would suggest starting with the first in the series {The Healer's Apprentice}, but that's definitely not a necessity {though you would find out histories to the leading ladies in the previous books}.

The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson | Mini Review

Title: The Princess Spy
Author: Melanie Dickerson
Pages: 292
Publisher: Zondervan
Goodreads rating: 3.99 Stars
Published:  November 4th, 2014
Source: Paperback/gift

Description

Margaretha has always been a romantic, and hopes her newest suitor, Lord Claybrook, is destined to be her one true love. But then an injured man is brought to the castle, claiming to be an English lord who was left for dead by Claybrook's men. She convinces herself "Lord Colin" is just an addled stranger, until Colin retrieves an heirloom she lost in a well and asks her to spy on Claybrook as repayment. Margaretha knows she could never be a spy---not only does she tend to talk too much, she's sure Colin is completely wrong about her potential betrothed. But she soon discovers her romantic notions may have been clouding her judgment about not only Colin but Claybrook as well. She soon finds herself running for her life--and it may be up to her to save her father and her family from one man's wicked plot.

My Thoughts

Another great book by Melanie Dickerson!  Although I'm not entirely sure what fairytale this is supposed to be a retelling of {is she done with the retellings?  Are these just going to be their own things now?  Or do I just really not know a good share of fairytales anymore?}.

Margaretha is a great character, as she has her faults and learns from them, but she's confident in what she knows {even if every now and then she's a little overconfident}.  Colin almost crashes into her life, and stays there as she's the only one in the castle who understands English in their German town {or at least the only one who knows English and also knows about Colin, since he's trying to avoid detection from the men who beat him and left him for dead}.

This story takes as unexpected turn about halfway through {I've noticed her books tend to do that... }, and it did seem to drag for a little bit.  I don't know if I was just waiting for something to happen and it was frustrating me that it would be so close and something would take away any progress made by the characters.  It didn't stop me from finishing the book {it takes a lot to put a book on my DNF [Did Not Finish] list}, and by the end I was back to singing Melanie Dickerson's praises again.

All of her Hagenheim books are easy YA reads, and I generally enjoy them all.  I'm looking forward to being able to pick up her next book in this series!

Through The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi | Review

Title: Through The Ever Night
Author: Veronica Rossi
Pages: 341
Publisher: HarperCollins
Goodreads rating: 4.30 stars
Published: January 28, 2013
Source: Hardcover/Bought

Description:

It's been months since Aria learned of her mother's death.

Months since Perry became Blood Lord of the Tides, and months since Aria last saw him.

Now Aria and Perry are about to be reunited. It's a moment they've been longing for with countless expectations. And it's a moment that lives up to all of them. At least, at first.

Then it slips away. The Tides don't take kindly to former Dwellers like Aria. And the tribe is swirling out of Perry's control. With the Aether storms worsening every day, the only remaining hope for peace and safety is the Still Blue. But does this haven truly exist?

Threatened by false friends and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and sci-fi elements to create a captivating adventure-and a love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.


There was definitely no second book syndrome with this series, thank goodness!  I didn't think there would be, as a few of my blogger friends {and non-blogger friends} who've read this have all raved about it, and basically have been saying "I need the third book!"  This book was great, and I loved that I had the actual physical book instead of an audiobook this time.  Just something about being able to sit and read this book was great.

It seems like so much happened in the first book {and in the second}, that it's hard to believe that only six months passed from the beginning of Under The Never Sky until the end of Through The Ever Night.  Aria is so much different than she was at the start of this wonderful story, and it's such a good change.  She is so much more sure of herself, and so strong.  One thing I've noticed with many different series I've read is the heroine starts to become a little more whiny and unsure of herself in the second book {sometimes 3rd or 4th, depending on how many books are in the series... second for a trilogy}.  Not with Aria.  Its so awesome to see her grow as a character!  She isn't defined by her relationship with Perry {so many female leads tend to be defined by their relationships or lack thereof}, but it is something that adds to the depth of both her character and the turmoil of Perry's.

I love that we get to see more of Roar in this book.  He intrigued me in the first book, and his character has developed a lot more in this one.  His relationship with Aria is so neat too - its like the world's best answer to those pesky love triangles: give the female lead a male friend with no romantic attachments at all {I hate love triangles}.

With everything that went on in this book, my head is just spinning.  There was at least one big character moment for a secondary character that had me saying "what?!"  I hope somehow its rectified in the final book.  *Pleads with God for it to be fixed*

Not a very in depth review {sorry!}, but I'm off to read Into The Still Blue and see what happens with these great characters!

Wait For You by J. Lynn | Review

Title: Wait for You
Author: J. Lynn {Jennifer L Armentrout}
Pages: 332
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Goodreads rating: 4.27 stars
Published: September 3rd, 2013
Source: eBook/Bought

Description:

Some things are worth waiting for...

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago--an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe--please God--make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn't need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she's building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing...

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that's just so... so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet...

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she's has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for...


I know, I know... a romance?  Don't judge me... I happen to love romance novels.  To each their own!  I knew I love JLA, so I figured I would give her romance novels a try.  Enter a free $10 gift card to iTunes, and I just purchased Wait For You on my phone.  I was not disappointed.  And, since I recently reviewed a romance book that everyone seems to love {and I just did NOT}, I thought I would review a romance novel that I did like.

Wait for You is a contemporary romance.  No paranormal, no aliens, no vampires, no werewolves, none of that.  Which is refreshing in and of itself when that's what I tend to read on a regular basis.  The characters in this book are realistic and ones you could actually connect with {probably why I finished this in a day and a half}.  Avery is cautious of Cam, who seems too good to be true, but in reality is just a great guy.

I think one of the reasons I loved this book so much more than the one I read a while ago is because Avery is wonderful and strong, but flawed and weak at the same time.  She has a horrible dark thread that's been woven into her life's tapestry, and for so long she tries to cover it and people who know about it let it completely define who she is.  She has been scared and threatened, and she reflects that throughout the book, but she gets stronger.  And getting to know Cam helps that.

And Cam... JLA, you sure know how to write the guys!  He's a charmer, but is actually a nice, good guy.  The title Wait for You is all about Cam - kind of lets you know what type of guy he's going to be.

I would definitely suggest picking this one up!  I know I'm glad I did!