✓ rea d - rea d ing x to be read
Here's the list of books that I'm going to try to get through this month. Now, I know there's no way in hell I'm getting through all of them - but I'm certainly going to try.
✓ rea d - rea d ing x to be read
Comments
It is not a peaceful time in the Algardis Empire. War is raging between the mages and seventeen-year-old Sara Fairchild will be right in the middle of it.
She just doesn't know it yet. Sara is the daughter of a disgraced imperial commander, executed for desertion. Sara is also the best duelist and hand-to-hand combatant in Sandrin. She lives quietly with her family’s shame but when challenged about her family’s honor, her opponent inevitably loses. On the night she finds out her father’s true last actions, she takes the Mercenary Guilds’ vows to serve in the emperor’s army. Using her quick wits and fierce fighting skills, she earns a spot in the first division. There she discovers secrets the mages on both sides would prefer stay hidden. Dark enemies hunt her and soon it's not just Sara questioning the motivation behind this war. While fighting mages, blackmailing merchants and discovering new friends, Sara comes across something she’s never had before - passion. The question is - can she fight for her empress against a mage who might unwittingly claim her heart? This is year one of the Initiate Wars. Sara is hoping it doesn't become the year she dies.
Review
I bought an ecopy of this book last year, when it was released, and it's been on my TBR shelf for a while. When I found out I won an audible copy of it, I decided to download it to my kindle. Maybe it's the kid in me, but I enjoy reading along with someone. So this is both the audible and ebook review.
Seeing a women, Sara, taking the roll of protector was something I enjoyed. Not only was she strong, but she was also quite smart. With this being a YA story, I felt she was a good influence on young women. I'd also like it known that Ezekiel is already my favorite, and I'd be very upset if anything were to happen to him. I really liked the narrator of the audiobook, Sylvia Roldn Dohi. I felt she did a great job getting into each of the characters. I was quite impressed with her performance and would be interested in listening to more stories narrated by her. The story itself is a bit repetitious, but it was still an enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next book.
You won't like me.
I am not the nice girl. I am not your friend. I don't care about you, but most of all, I don't care about me. Go ahead, hate me. We all have secrets. I have them as well—dark, terrible secrets. The only time I can breathe is when I forget. I need to be numb. You don't want to know how. But as long as I can breathe, the past cannot smother me.
Beta Review
I was given the privilege of beta reading this book, and I was both excited and terrified about this.
If I had to compare this to any of Lindy's other books, I'd pick Safe and Sound. But only because they both deal with broken homes. Smother is much heavier and not for younger audiences. There were parts in the book that made me cry, and not just because of what happened in the story itself. But it triggered some of my own memories that I had suppressed... and that was no pleasant to experience. I had been warned beforehand that was a possibility. This story has feels. A lot of them. There's drug use, sexual abuse, and child abuse. It isn't graphic, but it's still there. There were things in this book that I felt actually helped me, even if it did so in a ripping the bandage off sort of way. It's the book I didn't even know I needed! There's a character in the story, Liz - I really like her. I hope she makes it into the final version. She's great. Anyway, this was another Zartian story that I am glad to have read. I'll have a rating with an updated review up when the published version is released. Magic is an abomination. It spread from the Rift, a great chasm hundreds of miles long that nearly split the southern continent in two. The Rift was a portal, a gateway between their world of science and the mythological world of magic. On the northern continent of Ocker, King Godwin declared that no magical monstrosity would be allowed within their borders. The Royal Inquisitors were formed to investigate reports of mystical occurrences and, should they be found, to destroy them. Inquisitor Simon Whitlock knows his responsibilities all too well. Along with the apothecary, Luthor Strong, they’ve spent two years inquiring into such reports of magical abominations, though they’ve discovered far more charlatans than true magical creatures. When assigned to investigate Haversham and its reports of werewolves, Simon remains unconvinced that the rumors are true. What he discovers in the frozen little hamlet is that the werewolves are far more real than he believed; yet they’re hardly the most dangerous monster in the city. ReviewI've been excited about this book for a little while, so I had to get it from Amazon the day it was released. Sara had already listed it as one of her favorite reads for the year, thus far, so I knew I was going to enjoy it. (She's got good taste)
From the beginning I was pulled in to the story. I had no problem adjusting to this new world, and it was quite easy to visualize everything happening. This was wonderfully written and the story itself was fantastic. My one real issue is there are a few times where a word was used inappropriately. One word, in specific, was used twice. The word "nubile", which means sexual awakening in a young girl. But it was used to explain a newly lit fire that had been just extinguished and a family immigrating to a new town. I was quite impressed with the take of werewolves in this story. It wasn't something I had read before and I'm very much looking forward to continuing this series. 4.5/5 Platypires
Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?
Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time. The uber-popular Sarah Dessen explores her signature themes of family, self-discovery, and change in her twelfth novel, sure to delight her legions of fans.
Review
I was given a copy of this book from first to read in exchange for an honest review.
Back when I was a teenager, Sarah Dessen was a stable on my bookshelves. When I saw that she had a new book AND it was a choice for March, I sprung at the opportunity to read it without even giving a glance at the synopsis. I went into this story knowing nothing more than the title, author, and cover. That was enough, though, because I have yet to read a book by her that I disliked. This was no exception. I love how she's able to tell a story of a teenage girl with romance in it, but the relationship between the characters are not what the story revolves around. It's really quite refreshing. In this story, Sydney is dealing with her family's attempt to cope with her older brother's jail sentence. Because of it, her parents are not paying attention to certain aspects of her life as they should. Nor are they taking their son's transgressions seriously. So, she finds others she can confide in and basically adopts a second family. Throughout the story she struggles to do the right thing, balancing her parents, friends, and her romantic feelings in a way that helps her stay afloat during this time. As much as I really enjoyed this story, I felt it was holding back and it lacked a little... emotionally. Also, this mini rant: "knowing this was where Mac slept was both weird and thrilling. God, I was such a nerd."
Thing is, nerd doesn't mean what it used to back in the day. It is less of an insult to one's social ineptitude and more of a compliment to one's abilities. If someone is writing YA, they should be made aware of this. The word "dork" applies more in this context.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I do recommend it, and any of Sarah Dessen's other works. *THIS IS A COMPLETE NOVEL, NO CLIFFHANGERS* In a dystopian future, fertile women are so hard to come by that they are now bought and sold for huge sums of money across the world. You could say that women are the new currency. Curvy Kira Southerly is one of the few remaining fertile women left on the planet and she has resigned herself to the fate of being SOLD. However, she had no idea she would end up being sold to two young and handsome bachelors named Blake and Steven. They are both dragon shifters and they are intent on mating with her and producing a baby as soon as possible. With not enough fertile women to go around the brothers have no choice but to share the curvy beauty among themselves. Something that allows Kira to fulfill her every sexual fantasy.... Being sold to dragons should not be this much fun, should it? Read the whole thing by scrolling back up and clicking BUY NOW! Disclaimer: This is a COMPLETE paranormal dragon shifter romance novel, No cliffhangers! Also, contains scenes of a sexual nature and shifter menage a trois. 18+ Review***AUDIOBOOK REVIEW***
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. First of all, I totally agreed to review this book on a whim. I didn't even know what menage was until I sent a message to Bob, after I found out I was accepted for the review... and she replied with a lot of laughing. It also turns out there is a sticker on facebook with three dragons on it. She sent that a lot as well. So, I start the book. It's pretty interesting. The girl's family is starving so she agrees to sell herself at the auction as a way to help out her younger brothers. I get captivated it by it fairly quickly. She gets sold, finds out the person is a dragon shifter and by "person" I mean two of them. There's fighting over her and whatnot, while there's also drama going about in the shifter realm. Until she's finally, "C'mon guys. You should both come at me together. BFFS, man." Okay, that quote isn't in there at all. But it's basically what happens. Anyway, there's two dragon shifters trying to get her preggers. Lots of "fun times to be had." The plot of the story is pretty interesting. The narrator did a pretty good job as well. My issue was with the repetition. "Slick folds" and "steel rod" was used pretty much every time something to do with sex occurred. Actually most of the story is pretty repetitious. A sentence will be said, and then said again ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. Without the narration, I'd give this story 2/5 platypires - but since this is an audible review and I actually enjoyed Meghan Kelly's narration... Desire Resort book 2.5, to be read after Last Resort and Best Laid Plans Vacation is over. Danielle was escaping her monotonous life at a sexy beach resort when she first fell under the spell of Hollywood hunk, Evan Weston, but now they're trying to make their relationship work in the real world. While they're both hopeful for what lies ahead, the only question is whether or not their desires for the future are one and the same. Things have always moved quickly between Evan and Danielle, but Danielle can't stave off the lingering anxiety she has once she finds out about Evan's big plans--and even bigger Christmas gift. Can she continue to let go of the worry that plagues her so the man of her dreams can give her the life she never imagined she'd have? I was given a copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my gawd, it was so fluffy! *cuddles it* I didn't know this story was available anymore, so I was really excited when Kate asked if I'd read/review it but also let me know that it was back up on Amazon as its own story. So I didn't have to wait for Christmas! ...I don't read holiday stories during the holidays. But I'll totally read them during other parts of the year. #IDoWhatIWant Anyway, loved this story. It was the perfect conclusion to Danielle and Evan. I swear I was beaming while reading the entire blasted story. 5/5 platypires When Sascha and Eduard Engle flee nazi occupied Germany and arrive at a small cottage deep in the woods of France, they have no idea what is in store for them or who the kindly old man is who is taking care of them. But on a cold winter the night, they will learn everything they have been yearning to know about their... Bloodlines. This is a paranormal short story. It was originally published in the anthology, Paranormal Anthology with a Twist. ReviewI was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I can honestly say I didn't expect anything that I read in here. At first, I was wondering how she was going to fit paranormal into it, and was quite surprised by how everything turned out. I was quickly captivated by the story. Quite interesting. Really enjoyed it. Highly recommend it for a quick read. I'd like to see more from these characters. 4/5 Platypires Part 2 of 2 : The conclusion novella to Last Resort One formerly frigid head case. One sexy celeb. Their plan to spend one romantic week in paradise. With a failed marriage behind him and more one night stands than he can count, the last thing Evan Weston expected was to find his dream girl at Desire Resort and Spa. When it’s clear to Evan that his last hook-up could be the best thing that ever happened to him, he’ll do whatever it takes to get the right answer to his question out of Danielle Ward. But it’s true what they say, the best laid plans often go awry… ReviewI finished Last Resort, and had to start the sequel immediately.
Because, gawd damn... that ending. Kate's trying to kill me! Anyway, I start it - not even 5% in and there are tears forming in my eyes. There are feels in this book. A lot of them! And drama. A good deal of that as well. Book 1 was Evan and Danielle meeting and the beginning of a sexual relationship - but this one, it's more. My heart ached for them as issues from their past kept coming between them. I also wanted to smack them both upside the head and tell them not to be stupid. I wish there was more about Harrison. Especially at the end, since he is such an important person to Evan. Mayhaps in a sequel? *hint hint* This was a perfect ending to their story. Loved it! Can't wait to read the next part of this world, Peechy Keen - the story of Danielle's roommate. She seems hilarious. SO! Due to it's fabulousness, I give this one 5/5 platypires. Because I loved it! Erotic Romance (intended for mature readers, ages 18+) Part 1 of 2 Danielle Ward hasn’t had sex in six years. Sure, she’s been on dates. She even has a boyfriend, but it seems something is always getting in the way when it comes to doing the deed. After her boyfriend finally loses his patience and leaves her to drown her sorrows, her best friend Georgia comes up with a plan that becomes more and more brilliant with each shot of tequila. Book a non-refundable solo trip to an adults-only resort with the intention of getting laid. The beach is picturesque, her room is luxurious, the alcohol is included … and Danielle can’t wait to get the hell out of there the second she checks in. That is, until an uninvited kiss from drunken hotel guest and Hollywood hottie Evan Weston. Once Evan discovers the reason for Danielle’s vacation, he won’t let up in his pursuit to be the one to solve her problem. Caught between her desire for a fresh start and the preposterous idea of having a fling with her celebrity crush, Danielle decides it’s time to throw caution to the wind and her panties to the floor. But it’s never just sex, is it? And Evan Weston isn’t just any man. He isn’t just a movie star. Evan Weston is Danielle’s last resort. I've read all of Kate's books before this one came out. She had asked me about reviewing for it, but I said no. Me and erotica don't mix. I'm not mature enough.
Anyway, it's been a little while since this was published. I see teasers from time to time on Facebook, and I've remained curious. I already knew I'm a fan of Kate's writing, so the only thing holding me back from reading this was all the sex. Again, I'm not mature enough for such things. I mostly read YA fantasy. I typically skip sex scenes in books! But I couldn't get this book out of my head. I check on it every now and again, but would quickly close the page and go about my day. I've got a ton of other books to read, so I shouldn't be worries about this one. Except I was. Recently, I realized that I was nearing 200 reviews on Amazon. So I vowed to make this one number 200. This meant I would need to read some other erotic stories to see if I could do it. I did. I'm cool like that. Also, I always hated how I was limiting myself. Especially after I discovered there is a difference between erotic stories and erotica romance stories. I don't hate sex. I'm just not used to read about it. So, I hit review 199 on Amazon and I finally bought this one. Took me a couple days to build up my nerve to read it. But once I started it, it was hard to put it down. I forgot how simply wonderful Kate writes her characters. These are real people, and she does them fantastically. You cannot help but me pulled in to their world. And I was. There were times my eyes watered. Lots of times I laughed out loud. One time I had to shut my kindle and pace back and forth because of something horrifically mortifying that one of the characters said, and I was embarrassed for them! This all being said, I loved this book. It was beyond my expectations. I've already gotten myself a copy of the sequel, and I cannot wait to start it. Absolutely loved it! Beautifully written! It's been a little while since I could say this, but everyone needs to read this book immediately! |
Current Soundtrack:Rating Guide:No longer used5 Platypires - Oh my holy fluff, this book was amazing and everyone needs to read it immediately!
4 Platypires - Great book. Enjoyed it a lot. Minor issues. Highly recommend. 3 Platypires - Good book, but I would have enjoyed it more if there weren't so many issues. 2 Platypires - The book was okay, but it needs a lot of work. 1 Platypire - I didn't like the book. Major changes needed. DNF - I couldn't finish. Too many issues. Categories
All
Archives
November 2020
|