Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass) by Sarah J. Maas

Celaena Sardothien is the king's Champion-yet she is far from loyal to the crown, for the man she serves is bent on evil. But working against her master in secret is no easy task. As Celaena tries to untangle the mysteries buried within the glass castle, she can trust no one, not even her supposed allies Crown Prince Dorian, Captain of the Guard Chaol, and foreign princess Nehemia.
Then, an unspeakable tragedy shatters Celaena's world. She must decide once and for all where her loyalties lie . . . and whom she will fight for.
An action-packed and romantic adventure that readers “will never want to leave” (Kirkus Reviews), the next chapter in this smash hit New York Times best-selling series is sure to please Sarah Maas's enormous and ever-growing fan-base–and to set the stage for an explosive third book.

Admittedly I put the book down a few times because I just couldn't become enraptured by it the way I desired.  I'm not sure if it were my mood in particular or that I kept waiting for something to happen for nearly a hundred pages. There were some things that started my intrigue: the very beginning of the book and the way Celaena put her life on the line for very noble reasons, the secrets she kept from her friends, and the tension surrounding the love triangle.
    I picked the book up again about a month later and decided to pick up where I left off. Suddenly, I was falling for Chaol, intrigued by mysterious, dark passageways throughout the castle, and heart broken for Dorian. I was entranced, relaxed, and at peace with the storyline and caring deeply for the characters, rooting for them, while utterly loathing the formidable King.
    Before I continue I need to get this off of my chest. I found Book 1entertaining, but was left wondering what more I could expect from the series. Crown of Midnight completely wiped the floor with my emotions. After the initial setup back of not being able to concentrate on the storyline I was taken on a very unexpected whirlwind of bliss and agony.  I couldn't put this book down again.  I actually felt some mommy guilt because I have two children to wake up early in the mornings, but the guilt wasn't nearly enough to break me from my trance. At times I can admittedly be overly picky about the books I read and I can honestly say that the books I pass on via "word of mouth" aren't many.  It just hit my top ten list. One of my favorite authors actually recommended this series to me and I cannot thank her enough.

5 Stars

Claw 2 by Lucian Bane

Dante saves Rin from her abusive husband only to face an even greater enemy--her.

But the web of deceit trapping Rin may go a lot deeper than any of them know. He takes her to California to lay low and dig around for dirty details on her abusive ex only to run into his own past in the form of a jealous brunette. The sh*t storm ushers in an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, f**ck for a f**ck fight that he never saw coming.

 For the love of God! Put me out of misery already!
Everything about Rin and Dante's relationship is taken to the next level in Claw 2 and I'm pretty sure I'm dying a slow, agonizing, tortured death because book 3 isn't available yet!!!! If there were ever a time to go scary, axwielding fan girl on someone that would be now.  Okay, so maybe I wouldn't take it that far but for book 3 I wouldn't be beyond breaking some legs and using restraints... speaking of restraints! Okay, so yeah, no spoilers...

If you read the first book ( you really should) and loved it (and you will) then you should know that the second installment puts the first book to shame! How is that even possible?!? So yeah, it's an easy 5 stars

Merry Chris Witch by CK Dawn

 

Chris Heron is a witch who loathes the holiday season. What's even worse is getting expelled from private coven school on Halloween and having to attend public magic school, where Santa's son is visiting and has all the girls in a frenzy. Fairies, mermaids, elves, even the trolls are swooning over Kris Kringle Jr. All except for one girl, and she's a North Pole mystery that has Chris intrigued. Will he be able to put his prejudices aside in time to see the true magic all around him?

This book is so much fun to read! I really felt like a kid watching my favorite Christmas movie all over again! The world CK Dawn created reminded me of Harry Potter and the characters reminded me of a Harry Potter and the Santa Clause mash up. It has a really light atmosphere and I loved the story line and the secrets that were revealed completely caught me off guard. I can't wait until my kids are a little older so they can read it. If I love it this much I can only imagine how much they'll enjoy it!  5 Stars for the perfect Christmas Story! It really is a must read!

99 Cents at time posted!

Claw by Lucian Bane

Dante is a skin artist, a murderer, and a healer. Hired by a religious couple to troubleshoot a barren marriage, he sets out to bring the miracle they crave. But disturbing secrets arise about the couple and Dante's protocols take a dark turn in response.

WARNING: This book contains a scene of sexual assault and could act as a trigger for some readers. Read with caution.

 

Have you ever read a book that dominates you to the point of NEEDING to read it again immediately after you finish it? This is that book! And have you ever read a book that calls  for your significant other to get attacked immediately after you finish it ( and in the middle of it...and the beginning when you need to read it again)? This is also that book! My husband thanks you!

Though the nature of Claw is dark, Ryn and Dante's story is inspired.
I'm in awe of the messages I get from reading this author's work.  His reverence of women in his books speaks volumes illuminating the adoration a woman should expect from her partner while also exposing the harsh realities of what we, as women, often experience in abusive relationships. His writing style and choice of words never cease in wreaking blissful havoc on my emotions and leaving my world spinning hours after I finish his story.

It's well written, has an amazing storyline, and can EASILY be your next addiction. And let's not forget steamy! But only enough that you might forget to breathe a few times, could possibly forget you have children and responsibilities. You'll definitely remember your husband though. Make sure he's close by!And you should steer clear of reading it in public places...Unless your husband is near...

5 Stars aren't nearly enough!

Fate Forgotten by J.L. Sheppard

Valerie Matlock’s life revolves around her coven. Young and naïve, she knows little about the immortal war brewing until the night her coven is attacked. In the blink of an eye, the family she loves is gone. Devastated, she lays eyes on the angry demon warrior, Jacob Rhodes. A Guardian, he means her no harm, but she fears him as deeply as she craves him. She has to stay away. She just doesn’t know if she can.

The pain of Jacob’s losses have hardened him. He lives for revenge and uses anger like a shield, keeping everyone at arm’s length. He can’t risk losing more. Tragedy strikes, again, and he’s left caring for his four-year-old niece, Annie. The bright girl deserves better than him. But he can’t give her up, not ever. When he sets his eyes on his fated mate, the powerful witch, Valerie, his life gets twice as complicated. Will she accept him, a demon she fears and his adopted child?

I enjoyed the characters of Fate Forgotten, it's well written, and really enjoyed the paranormal elements of it. I loved how these characters had each been broken individually, but came together to create a new beginning with one another. And there is a lot of angst between them that could destroy it all.

I think my hang up on the story, and the reason I can't give it an honest 5 stars, is the "Insta-love" factor, which I should have realized from the title *face palm* so that is actually completely my fault. However, yes there is a but in there, there are quite a few stories out there with the same themes and components and a lot of people love them. There's not actually anything wrong with the story,  it's just my own personal bookie preferences standing in the way. Overall, I'd say to give it a chance.  Most people will probably enjoy it!
4 Stars

The Rise of the Phoenix (A Society Novel) by Mason Sabre

Cast out by his own family after a wolf’s bite infects him, a young thirteen-year-old boy is forced to roam the streets and fend for himself. In a world of Humans and Others, he belongs to neither. No longer considered Human, but nor a purebred Other, a race of powerful supernatural beings, he will be unwanted and hunted by both.
Danger lurks at every turn. Young, vulnerable and afraid, he tries to come to terms with the physical changes taking place in him while at the same time trying to find a way to survive.
In a menacing world filled with threats and hate, is there any hope of salvation for this orphaned fledgling?

Please note, this is a Society Short.

If you're really looking to read something that is emotionally alluring and well written, but do not have the time, this is the story for you! It's not a romance and it is very much a tragedy told from a young boy's point of view as his life is altered by one poor choice any kid in his position might have made.  The author captured a young teenagers reasoning skills perfectly and adeptly portrayed cause and effects patterns that reflects back to the horrible characteristics of own modern society. There is bullying, abuse, and manipulation involved. And of course, fear or childish curiosity of the unknown.  I look forward to finding out where the story leads and I'll definitely be reading more by this author. 5 Stars!

The Magic Queen by Jovee Winters

Baba Yaga is probably the darkest of all the queens. An unrepentant bad girl, she has no time for men, or something as pedestrian as love. Too bad Calypso and Aphrodite never got that memo. They've decided to make the witch their pet project. Baba's choice is simple, fall in love with the male they found her, or die. She'd laugh, except for the little fact that they're totally serious. But Baba has never been a quitter, she'll go to that male, she'll even willingly go through the goddesses ridiculous "games," what she won't do is fall in love. At least, those were her plans until she stared into the ice blue eyes of a Viking god and realized her life would never be the same again...

Baba Yaga is probably the darkest of all the queens. An unrepentant bad girl, she has no time for men, or something as pedestrian as love. Too bad Calypso and Aphrodite never got that memo. They've decided to make the witch their pet project. Baba's choice is simple, fall in love with the male they found her, or die. She'd laugh, except for the little fact that they're totally serious. But Baba has never been a quitter, she'll go to that male, she'll even willingly go through the goddesses ridiculous "games," what she won't do is fall in love. At least, those were her plans until she stared into the ice blue eyes of a Viking god and realized her life would never be the same again...

November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?

REVIEW

Did you know there is such a thing as a genre-snob? Me neither! That is, until I read this book. I discovered that I have been prejudiced against contemporary romance and cheating myself out of beautiful,  emotionally havoc wreaking stories that could I could easily become addicted to! 

November 9 is the first time I've read anything by Colleen Hoover. I mean sure, I've heard her name more times than I could count and yes, she comes highly recommended as an author, but why?

I only have this book to go by, but it's all I've needed to completely change my perspective on genres.  It was immediately intriguing,  and mysterious without the constant allusion to the mystery which in turn created a pretty amazing plot twist. The characters are jaded and so very vulnerable that at times I forgot I was reading a fictitious story! I fell in love with feel good moments of the story in the beginning and stayed on for the love that quickly developed for the characters. Ibtgibk what shocked me the most is that the story was highly entertaining all the way through to the end.  I would give this more than 5 stars if I could and it is safe to say I am now a Colleen Hoover fan. I cannot wait to buy more books written by her! Pick it up! I guarantee you won't regret it!

Review Tour: SkinWalker Series by T.G. Ayer

Skin Deep: A New Adult Urban Fantasy Novel (DarkWorld: SkinWalker Book 1)

Abandoned by her mother and raised by her aloof Alpha father, panther shifter Kailin Odel has

finally found a way to feel like she makes a difference. Discovering her unique power to track

Wraith's, Kailin moonlights as a Hunter - ridding the streets of Chicago of these soul-sucking

demons. Her human friends have no idea the supernatural worlds exists alongside theirs. No

idea shifter and demons walk in the shadows. And Kai prefers to keep it that way.

Until she discovers the body of a murdered shifter, and is quickly embroiled in a world of

supernatural drug-dealing and renegade shifters who leave a trail of blood and mayhem

wherever they go.

When Logan Westin, paranormal investigator and super-hot human, begins investigating the

murder Kai refuses to allow her feelings to control her. Humans are off-limits, no matter how

sizzlingly sexy they are. But can Kai keep him at bay? And does she even want to?

In her quest to find the killer Kai inadvertently puts her friends' life in danger and brings her to

the attention of the sadistic shifter killer. Her comfortable life is gone, her friend murdered, and

shifters are disappearing around her. To survive and to save her friends, Kai must allow herself

to trust Logan, to give her scarred heart to someone again.

Warning: Mature reader recommendation- this book contains violence & torture.

https://smile.amazon.com/Skin-Deep- Fantasy-DarkWorld- SkinWalker-ebook/dp/B00CKGOKY4

Skin Deep is a desirable journey. One does not merely enjoy this book. Instead, each page is turned with fervor and the knowledge that more pleasure will come the further the venture. The characters are intriguing and the desire to learn more of them is adamant. The transition of dialogue between the primary characters is flawless. I highly praise the author for so much diverse research applied to the story. There is not an onslaught of useless information to take up space. The plot is complex, yet simple to follow. The romantic scenes are more felt than read. Then, the reader has to return to them time and time again with the refusal to tame their own hyperactive heart. Everyone has their secrets, and the more the truth is forced to surface the tighter bonds are forged. The heroine, level-headed, yet feisty and ferocious, is the epitome of strength and compassion we all wish to harness for ourselves. She is admirable to say the least. Our hero, hidden behind a mask of heart-wrenching secrets, is desirable to say the very, very least!

The characters are each unique. The story is unique and easily visualized and felt. The plot is thorough and well-grounded. Other than a couple of spelling errors, I believe it qualifies for a best-seller status! Don't miss out on pure and unalderated bliss. This book is every reader's dream!

Lost Soul: A New Adult Urban Fantasy (DarkWorld:SkinWalker Book 2)

The things that go bump in the night are real

With her sister missing and her mother and Anjelo stuck in the Wraith World, Kai must find a

way to save them all. But the Wraith poison has brought her to her knees and only Logan's fire

can help ease her pain.



A sister stuck in the Dead Lands

Uncertain who to rescue first, Kai's decision is made for her when she discovers her sister Greer

is stuck in the Greylands and slowly going insane. Desperate to save her, Kai will go to

incredible lengths to obtain a portal key to the land of the dead - and maybe, she'll go one step

too far.

Who will betray her?

From Death-talkers to demons, trackers to ghosts, Kai must fight against betrayal and evade the

clutches of danger to set her sister free. Can she save Greer from a horrific death - and will she

ever be able to forgive herself if she can't?
https://amazon.com/gp/product/B00I4YBLIE

Lost Soul left me utterly speechless. The contents vehemently aroused a variety of emotional allures that dominated my time and existence. Author T.G. Ayer has, once again, written a persuasive novel deserving the highest praise.

It seems the prose is slightly deceptive. The sentence structures are so simple that a reader would not expect a plot so meticulously woven.

The characters in the storyline are diverse in regards to many mythological beings belonging to one story. Though, at times, it feels their diverse nature's cause a slight unease, the story doesn't linger on many of the secondary characters long enough for it to cause turbulence.

Kailin's Alpha essence has not swayed in the slightest from the first installment of the SkinWalker series. Only Kailin's new side kick has shown changes in her characteristics, which is surprisingly welcome. There's no uncomfortable transitions to deal with in the prose, making it easier to welcome the introduction of several new characters.

Be prepared for a shocking run in of former character's,  assisting in the fantastic, emotional atmosphere of the novel's ending.

My only concern for this novel is my personal wish for more descriptive romance scenes for Kai and Logan. Other than that, if you loved 'Skin Deep' as much as I, then it should be impossible to keep you from this novel. I'm delighted to reveal that it is just as captivating. 

Last Chance: A New Adult Urban Fantasy (DarkWorld:SkinWalker Book 3)

The things that go bump in the night are real

With the loss of her sister still weighing down both her conscience and her heart, Kailin Odel

must take on the next part of her mission - find her mother and Anjelo and bring them back from

Wrythiin.

Danger betrayal lurks in the Wraith World

Kailin uses her mother's portal key and enters the Wraith world intent on saving the ones she

loves, but from the moment she arrives her mission is fraught with peril.

Can she save her mother?

Arriving in Wrythiin, Kai steps right into the middle of a Wraith rebellion. And only to find that

though Anjelo is safe, her mother is held captive by a subversive faction of Wraiths once led by

the Wraithlord that Kai had killed.

Demons come in many forms

From Wraiths to Shapeshifters, rebel causes to fraying family ties, to inexplicable new powers,

Kai must fight her darkest demons while entering the blackest pits of Wrythiin to save her

mother.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MY9VA7W

Ayer's eloquent writing style once again ensares the readers minds, entrapping them with simple, yet vivid imagery, emotional atmospheres, and unique scenarios. Her presentation of diversity, ranging from characters to religious belief systems is flawless. As much as I have already praised her talents for creating unique storylines and a well-structured prose, her abilities vastly improve with each novel. I also wish to mention how her characters mannerisms remain the same throughout each novel. That's a conflict I enjoy not having to endure with this particular author.

The opening scene rouses snippets of empathy, tranquility, and loss. Tragic circumstances awakens friction among the characters in Last Chance. The obscurity behind the onslaught of changes everyone in Kai's world must face, compels a vigorous desire for justice and information.  The nagging suspicions are intense to the point of driving one stark - raving mad! (Pointedly: myself)

No matter how serious the plot, it is not without humor, nor is it overwhelming to read. It's as smooth and pleasant as it is intriguing. I feel nothing but admiration for Kai's Alpha strength and level-headed wit. She remains thorough in her tactics and consideration. Though that remains the same, this installment is filled with more well-suited transitions than one could have foreseen. It's fresh and exciting.

Be prepared for new enemies, allies, and ending that shocked me to my core. At the moment, I am still dealing with the effects of this stories revelations. The apprehension I'm experiencing over the details in the next few books has me on edge.

The DarkWorld: SkinWalkers series has everything. Shifters, mafes, demons, and fae. It's a thrilling adventure with just enough romance to satiate the desire. Though, I do need to mention that in this installment, Logan and Kai's Romance reaches an invigorating, boiling point. I desperately need more.

I'm thankful for a new series to read time and again with no loss of satisfaction.  5 stars aren't nearly enough to present the prestine quality of The DarkWorld series.

Blood Promise: A New Adult Urban Fantasy (DarkWorld: SkinWalker Book 4)

The things that go bump in the night are real

Kailin Odel, alpha shapeshifter and demon hunter, made a deal that helped her save her sister's

soul: a Blood Promise.



A blood promise to fulfill.

Now, the High Priestess of the DeathTalkers is calling in her marker, and Kai had better hope

she can hold up her end of the bargain, because either way, it's all about to hit the fan...

A terrible betrayal

Someone close to Kai and her friends is guilty of the worst kind of evil. Will she be strong

enough to deal with them?

A horrible loss

Everything snowballs into a violent end. Will Kai handle the loss she faces and still be able to

carry on?
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B015M5WIPC

The SkinWalker series by T.G. Ayer is the best urban fantasy I've ever had the pleasure of reading.  Her storylines flow smoothly and her multilayered characters have me instantly lost in the story.

In this installment, things get rocky for Logan and Kai when the Shifter council attempts to overthrow the Alphas.
And then they have to spend even more time apart whilst investigating the deaths of paranormals who are targeted specifically for being paranormal.  I enjoyed the mystery and action of the story, but would have liked to have seen more interaction between Logan and Kai. For the sake of the storyline I'll suck it up!

I would personally recommend this to all urban fantasy lovers. In a book Era where so many genres tend to overlap,  Ayer's stories are a refreshing reprieve into literary bliss.

Scorched Fury: A New Adult Urban Fantasy (DarkWorld: SkinWalker Book 5)

The things that go bump in the night are real

The Great Ash Trees - supernatural guardian trees of the DarkWorld - are dying, and Kai enlists

the help of MetalSinger; Fae Queen Tara to find those who threaten the stability of all the

realms.

Logan's life hangs in the balance

Then, Logan - still in his cryo-induced coma - makes a request of Kai that she cannot refuse.

"Save her." Whether Logan lives or dies, Kai is determined to fulfill her promise to find the girl

from Logan's memories and help him find peace.

A journey to fulfill a promise.

What Kai doesn't expect is to find her in a world on the brink of extinction, a world Kai didn't

even know existed. But there is more at stake than a missing girl. Can she keep her promises or

will it be an impossible ask?

A destiny not her own

Filled with grief, and blossoming passion, redemption, and growing hope, Scorched Fury

reveals secrets long buried and brings together a band of friends who are destined to one day

save the DarkWorld.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FCW20JE

I'm just going to go ahead and throw this out there: I loved it! In this installment of the SkinWalker series by T.G.Ayer, I was nearly twenty five percent into the book before I felt emotionally invested in it this time. It took a bit to get the storyline off of the ground. Once the pace of the  adventure and action picked up I couldn't put it down. There's fantasy, mythological characters, and mysteries to be solved. I love the fantasy realms Ayer creates and the atmosophere of the story takes on a CSI meets the X-men vibe. Throw in a two decade long conspiracy and some dragons and you have hours of entertainment.  I'm desperate to find out more about Logan, Storm, and what is to come of the prophecy. This is one of my favorite reads by Ayer as of late and I'd totally recommend it to urban fantasy lovers.

Author Bio:

Tee is the author of over 25 Contemporary Fantasy, Thriller & Paranormal novels

Tee's Valkyrie Series is a Norse Mythology based Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy

Her Hand of Kali Series is a diverse YA Contemporary Fantasy using Indian Mythology as a

setting

Tee's DarkWorld contains two current series:

* The SkinWalker Series, a NA Shifter & Magic Urban Fantasy with a black panther, reluctant

alpha tracker who will keep you on your toes.

* The SoulTracker Series, a NA Contemporary Fantasy with a teleporting, astral-projecting kick-

ass main character.

Upcoming in the world are:

* The MetalSinger (Tara), * The DeathTalker (Nerina) & * The Stolen Queen of Dracys

Tee also has an Angels & Demons Urban Fantasy series, the Chronicles of the Irin, and if you

like strong female leads with wings, and a dreadlocked albino demon side-kick, Evie's story is

for you.

Tee also writes Romantic Suspense and Psychological Horror as Toni Vallan. Click on Thrillers

on Tee's website to find out more.

And because Tee hardly ever sleeps and loves making stuff up, look out for more books,

coming soon.