Rainy Day Ramblings

Audiobook Review: The Exes' Revenge by Jo Jakeman

 

A wickedly dark debut thriller about three women who've all been involved with the same man and realize the one thing they have in common is that they all want revenge against him...
Divorces are often messy, and Imogen's is no exception. Phillip Rochester is controlling, abusive, and determined to make things as difficult as possible. When he shows up without warning demanding that Imogen move out of their house by the end of the month or he'll sue for sole custody of their young son, Imogen is ready to snap.
In a moment of madness, Imogen does something unthinkable--something that puts her in control for the first time in years. She's desperate to protect her son and to claim authority over her own life.
But she wasn't expecting both Phillip's ex-wife and new girlfriend to get tangled up in her plans. These three very different women--and unlikely allies--reluctantly team up to take revenge against a man who has wronged them all.
Hardcover, 342 pages
Published September 11th 2018 by Berkley Books
Source: Publisher

 

 

Three stars: A dark thriller that shows what happen when women strike back.

Imogen tries to muster up some emotion at her ex husband’s funeral. Technically, she and Phillip are still married since the divorce was never finalized, so she should be the grieving widow, but she’s not. Imogen knows first hand how controlling, manipulative and cruel Phillip really was, and she is glad to finally be rid of him. Surprisingly, over the last couple of weeks, Imogen gained two new allies, Rebecca and Naomi also exes of Phil. Were the three women responsible for his death?

What I Liked:

• The Exes’ Revenge is a dark tale of domestic abuse and revenge. This is what happens when women take control over a vile man. I enjoyed this twisted tale. I couldn’t put it down as I had to know what happened to Phil.
• The story opens with Phillip’s funeral, so the reader immediately knows that Phil is dead. The book then moves back in time, uncovering key events that led up to Phil’s death. I liked the way the author incorporated the movements in time, it worked for this story.
• The book revolves around three women: Imogen, Naomi and Rebecca, who were all involved with Phil. Imogen is the main focus of the story. At first, she is meek and mild after living with Phil for so long. As the story goes on, she digs deep and finds her inner strength. I enjoyed watching her find her voice and seeing her stand up to Phil. Her transformation is impressive.
• I was surprised by the formation of friendship between the three exes. The three women are very different, and they don’t have anything in common except for Phil. It takes awhile, but eventually, the form bonds. Girl Power!
• Phil is an absolute bastard. I liked that he was so vile and that I completely hated him. He is one of those villains you love to hate, which made the story even more appealing. I must admit, I was shocked a time or two at how low he stooped.
• The book builds and builds with suspense, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. Was Phil murdered, and if so did the women do it? I had to know!
• The ending is terrific. After the dust settles, all the story lines are completed. No unanswered questions or dangling story threads. It ends in a good spot, and I was pleased with the way it all played out.

And The Not So Much:

• I was expecting more twists and turns. This one doesn’t have them. It reads fairly straight forward with no big surprises.
• This was an interesting read, but not one that was mind blowing or original. It ended up being a rather ordinary read. I wanted more.
• I struggled a time or two with the decisions made by the women and wondered why the authorities weren’t called.

The Exes’ Revenge is an interesting book, but it isn’t a thriller by any means. This one doesn’t have any mind blowing twists or turns, and the big secret that the villain is dead is revealed from the get go, the only question left to uncover is how he died. I enjoyed the book, but it wasn’t anything unique or mind blowing.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.

Audiobook Review: Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

 

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun. Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air. Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right? 
Audible Audio, Unabridged (7 hrs 16 min), 7 pages
Published September 4th 2018 by Simon & Schuster Audio
Source: Publisher

Four stars: A cute, zany romance that is drama free. Light and fun. 

Hazel Bradford has never followed the crowd. She runs with scissors, colors outside the lines and beats to her own drum. Perhaps that is why she has never had a long term relationship. Things change when Josh comes back into her life. Hazel first met Josh in college. She lusted over him and then barfed all over his shoes. Then she sent him an unforgettable email after wisdom teeth surgery. Needless to say, Josh probably thinks Hazel is a bit zany. When Hazel learns that Josh is the brother of her best friend, Emily, she decides she and Josh should be friends too. Hazel and Josh embark on a friendship, that morphs into trying to set each other up on the perfect date. The dates always seem to end in disaster, perhaps because they are ignoring what is right front of them?

 

What I Liked:

• If you haven’t read a book by the Christina Lauren duo, you don’t know what you are missing. This latest book by the dynamic writing team, delivers a fun, flirty friends to lovers romance without drama and angst and plenty of comedic moments. This is just what you need when you need a light, fun read. This book will drag you out of a rut. 
• Let’s talk about the characters: Josh and Hazel. Hazel is unlike any character I have read before. She is the definition of quirky, zany and eccentric. Hazel brings hilarious chaos wherever she goes. She has her own unique style, she often forgets to censor herself, and she is flat out fun. It took some time to adjust to her, but after awhile, I fell in love with her craziness. Josh is the complete opposite of Hazel (opposites attract, right). Josh is organized, calm, kind and loyal. At first, he shies away from the Hazel tornado, but then he also falls in love with her quirkiness. I loved how patient Josh was, and that he never lost his cool with Hazel, even when she smacked him with an umbrella. 
• The romance is adorable. It is a slow burning friends to lovers romance. It takes a long time to get there, and when it finally blossoms, it is perfect. I loved that the relationship was built on a firm friendship, and that Josh and Hazel talked about all things. When it turned romantic, it felt genuine and perfect. 
• I liked that this book featured out of the box characters. Josh and Emily are American Koreans, and I loved the way their culture and their characters were depicted. Josh’s mother was adorable. I also loved that Hazel and her mother were women who weren’t afraid to be themselves. Neither Hazel or her mother worried about their appearance and how others would view them. So refreshing. Finally at the end, there was the introduction of a little boy who loved to wear princess costumes, and his parents were totally fine with the way he expressed himself. Big props to the authors for bringing us diverse characters. 
• I loved that this book was without all the drama and angst. The romance, for the most part, is conflict free. There was a tiny moment of hesitation, but I never doubted that it would work out. I loved that this was light and fun the whole time. 
• The ending was sweet and satisfying. At first, it was jarring the way the Epilogue jumped forward a few years into the future at a pivotal moment. I was anxious at first, but then things were explained and I was happy. I liked getting a peek into the future and seeing how things worked out. 

And The Not So Much:

• Hazel may not be for everyone. Sometimes she felt a little unrealistic. However, I quit worrying about it after awhile and just enjoyed the book. 
• I wish that Emily and Dave had a bigger part. I was especially curious to learn why Dave thought they wouldn’t have children??? I loved Emily and Dave. I especially liked how supportive Emily and Dave were.
• I listened to the audiobook version, and I didn’t like the narration at all. The male narrator, Tood Habberkorn, did a terrible job with the female voices. His voice for Hazel sounded like a comedian doing a bad female impersonation. I cringed every time he did Hazel’s voice. The female narrator was much better, but I felt like her voice didn’t capture the quirkiness of Hazel. This is one audiobook I would recommend skipping. I think I would have enjoyed this far more if I had read it. 

Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating is the kind of romance you need to read. This book is light, fun and flirty. It is relatively drama free, which makes it more of a delight to read. I loved the unique characters, the cute romance and that this book left me with a big goofy grin. One hesitation is that the audiobook was not well done, the male narrator’s female voices were terrible. Read this versus listening to it. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.  

Audiobook Review: Sadie by Courtney Summers

 

Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water. But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meagre clues to find him. When West McCray—a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America—overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late. 
Audible Audio
Published September 4th 2018 by MacMillan Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Five stars: A raw, unflinching book that takes on molestation. It is tough to read, yet in these times, a must read. Don’t miss the audiobook version. 

Sadie is running away. She has one thing on her mind: to find the man who murdered her younger sister and bring him to justice, even if that means forfeiting everything. She will make this happen, no matter the cost. After Sadie disappears, West McCray, a podcast personality, ends up taking up the case. He chases down the clues, following Sadie’s path. What he finds is disturbing, and it makes him rethink everything as he races to find out what happened to Sadie?

What I Liked:

• Courtney Summers is one of those authors who knows how to grab your emotions and run them through the wringer. I love that her writing is powerful, emotional, brutally honest and raw. This latest book: Sadie is more proof as to how brilliant Ms. Summer’s writing is. In these times of turmoil and trouble as many question the brave survivors who continue to come forward with their stories of sexual abuse, this is a book that should be read and discussed. 
• This book is troubling, at times disturbing, but it drives home the point. Sexual abuse is ugly, and it hurts many people every day, and more often than not, the perpetrators go unpunished. What I loved about this book, was that Ms. Summers never gave the dirty details when it came to the abuse. She danced around the topic, giving troubling clues for the reader to piece together what happened. The book was brilliantly written. It packs a brutal punch. 
• Sadie is one of those characters that you won’t forget. She has had a tough life. Her mother is a neglectful alcoholic, who ignores her. She has a stutter that alienates her, and she comes from the wrong side of the tracks. Worse, she is the victim of sexual assault. She is troubled, determined and forgotten. My heart ached for her, especially as the details of her dark past came to light. I admired her fierce determination and her courage as she attempted to hunt down the man who destroyed her life. I so wanted things to turn out for her. 
• This book takes on the horrific topic of molestation and sexual assault. I applaud Ms. Summers for writing this book, especially in these turbulent times. The way she handled the topic was masterful and brilliant. Instead of laying everything out with all the nasty details, she lets the reader draw their own conclusions, which I think makes it all the more impactful. I am in awe of Ms. Summer’s skills. Read this!
• I loved the format of the book. It isn’t a straightforward narration. You do get Sadie’s view points, which reads like a regular narrative, but then her voice is interspersed with the investigation by West, the podcaster. I loved how the story was uncovered via the podcast, interviews of people, and more. It was masterfully done!
• I cannot recommend the audiobook enough. The audiobook was amazing. I appreciated that it incorporated numerous voices for all the characters. This was one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. If you can listen to this one, do it!

And The Not So Much:

• The ending was left open. Again, the reader is left with many clues to attempt to piece together what happened to Sadie in the end. If you are an optimist, there is the tiny sliver of hope that maybe things turned out okay. If you are a pessimist, you will imagine the worst. I don’t know, I liked that Summers left it up to the reader, but then a part of me hated that it was open. 
• There is nothing pretty about this book. It is dark, sad and troubling. It is painful to read this story, and many will avoid it as they don’t want to delve into this horrible subject matter. Don’t read this. 

Sadie is a book that was tough to read, but so important. In this era of #MeToo, it is all the more impactful. Read this, discuss this and share it. Sexual assault and molestation are not topics anyone wants to talk about, but we must. Thank you to Ms. Summers for writing this brutal and raw book. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audibook Review: The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

 

City girl Calla Fletcher attempts to reconnect with her estranged father in rural Alaska, and unwittingly finds herself torn between her desire to return to the bustle of Toronto and a budding relationship with a rugged pilot in this masterful new romance from acclaimed author K.A. Tucker. Calla Fletcher wasn't even two when her mother took her and fled the Alaskan wild, unable to handle the isolation of the extreme, rural lifestyle, leaving behind Calla’s father, Wren Fletcher, in the process. Calla never looked back, and at twenty-six, a busy life in Toronto is all she knows. But when Calla learns that Wren’s days may be numbered, she knows that it’s time to make the long trip back to the remote frontier town where she was born. She braves the roaming wildlife, the odd daylight hours, the exorbitant prices, and even the occasional—dear God—outhouse, all for the chance to connect with her father: a man who, despite his many faults, she can’t help but care for. While she struggles to adjust to this rugged environment, Jonah—the unkempt, obnoxious, and proud Alaskan pilot who helps keep her father’s charter plane company operational—can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. And he’s clearly waiting with one hand on the throttle to fly this city girl back to where she belongs, convinced that she’s too pampered to handle the wild. Jonah is probably right, but Calla is determined to prove him wrong. Soon, she finds herself forming an unexpected bond with the burly pilot. As his undercurrent of disapproval dwindles, it’s replaced by friendship—or perhaps something deeper? But Calla is not in Alaska to stay and Jonah will never leave. It would be foolish of her to kindle a romance, to take the same path her parents tried—and failed at—years ago. It’s a simple truth that turns out to be not so simple after all.
Audible Audio, Unabridged
Published August 7th 2018 by Simon & Schuster Audio
Source: Library

 

Four and a half stars: A heartfelt story of forgiveness and love as a young girl reconnects with her estranged father in the Alaskan wilderness. 

Calla is content and busy with her life, that is until the day she is laid off from her banking job. Then an unexpected phone call comes from Alaska. Her father, whom she hasn’t seen in 24 years or spoken to in twelve, is sick with cancer. Calla decides to go and visit him, not knowing what awaits in Alaska. Calla, a city girl, soon finds herself battling against the wilds of Alaska. The rugged wilderness of Alaska is not for the weak or faint of heart. Calla battles hordes of mosquitos, exorbitant prices, lack of gourmet coffee and worst of all, a cocky pilot named Jonah who doesn’t hesitate to put her in her place. After a week, Calla’s view of Alaska has changed. Will she find her heart and home?

What I Liked:

• Ms. Tucker is known for writing amazing romances, and I think this book is one of her best to date. I liked that this one refrained from heavy drama and angst, and I adored the Alaskan setting. If you are a fan of K.A. Tucker, this is a must read, and if you haven’t read her, you need to read this. 
• I must admit, Calla early on is not an easy character to like. She is spoiled and pampered and selfish. Once she gets to Alaska, she begins to open her eyes and grow. By the end, she was a girl that I liked. 
• In my opinion, the best part of this book was the Alaskan setting. I have never been to Alaska, so I enjoyed exploring the state vicariously. Ms. Tucker does a phenomenal job of bringing Alaska to the reader. There is breathtaking scenery, wonderful characters and a lot of hardship that many of us in the lower forty eight don’t experience. I loved my book trip to Alaska. 
• Jonah is all kinds of fun. He, like Calla, is not the most likable early on. At first meeting, he is gruff, cocky and impatient. Then his layers start to peel back and you see the real Jonah. He is kind, considerate and willing to go the extra mile time and time again to help others. I loved his compassion and altruistic nature. He was amazing. 
• The romance is antagonistic. It starts with the characters completely at odds and not liking each other at all. Over time, opinions change and a friendship is born, and then the sparks fly. It was so much fun!
• I appreciated the relationship between Calla and her stepdad, Simon. It was a warm, caring and supportive relationship. Big props for a positive step parent!
• The book ends with tears and some heartache before the final smiles at the end. It was a wonderful journey, and it ended in the right way.

And The Not So Much:

• I wish that more time was spent on Calla’s father. He was still somewhat a mystery by the end of the book. I wanted more on his life, and I wanted to know him better. I didn’t think he got enough focus. 
• Even though I liked the romance, I felt like it was a bit too quick. It happens within a short amount of time. 

Into The Wild is a heartfelt book with terrific characters, an amazing setting, a fun romance and more. This is a book about family, forgiveness and new experiences. If you enjoy contemporary romances, this is one to try. I especially loved the Alaskan setting. Don’t miss this one. 

I received a copy fo this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Audiobook Review: Shadow of the Fox (Shadow of the Fox #1)by Julie Kagawa

 

 

One thousand years ago, the great Kami Dragon was summoned to grant a single terrible wish - and the land of Iwagoto was plunged into an age of darkness and chaos. Now, for whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers, a new wish will be granted. A new age is about to dawn. Raised by monks in the isolated Silent Winds temple, Yumeko has trained all her life to hide her yokai nature. Half kitsune, half human, her skill with illusion is matched only by her penchant for mischief. Until the day her home is burned to the ground, her adoptive family is brutally slain and she is forced to flee for her life with the temple’s greatest treasure - one part of the ancient scroll. There are many who would claim the dragon’s wish for their own. Kage Tatsumi, a mysterious samurai of the Shadow Clan, is one such hunter, under orders to retrieve the scroll...at any cost. Fate brings Kage and Yumeko together. With a promise to lead him to the scroll, an uneasy alliance is formed, offering Yumeko her best hope for survival. But he seeks what she has hidden away, and her deception could ultimately tear them both apart. With an army of demons at her heels and the unlikeliest of allies at her side, Yumeko’s secrets are more than a matter of life or death. They are the key to the fate of the world itself. 
Audiobook
Published October 2nd 2018 by Harlequin Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Four stars: An enticing adventure/ quest style book that features plenty of Japanese myths, legends and lore. 

Yumeko loves to play pranks on the monks in the temple where she lives. Then one day, a trick angers one of the monks to the point where he threatens to take away her powers. Terrified, Yumeko flees. She can’t imagine living without her trickster fox powers. Yumeko is a yokai, a girl who is half human, half kitsune. To be safe, she must hide her mischievous kitsune side. Yumeko finally finds the courage to go home, but when she arrives, she finds her home in bloody ruins, rampaged by a demon horde, led by a great and terrible demon. She can’t save the monks, but she does manage to save the temple’s greatest treasure: part of the ancient dragon scroll. As she flees through the woods, Yumeko comes face to face with a powerful samurai from the Shadow Clan. Kage Tatsumi was sent to retrieve the scroll. Somehow, Tatsumi and Yumeko form an alliance. She needs his protection, and he needs her to lead him to the scroll. Will they survive their quest?

What I Liked:

• It has been awhile since I read a Julie Kagawa novel, and I must say, I was not disappointed with The Shadow of the Fox. This one features tremendous world building, a fantastic cast of characters and lots of mythological Japanese creatures. A fun read!
• I loved the cast of characters. The two main characters: Yumeko and Tatsumi are interesting and entertaining. I liked that they were both battling their own personal demons, and that they were each afraid to show their true natures. Together, they form a terrific team, and along the way they grow and change each other for the better. On their journey, the pair ends up making new friends. I loved how Yumeko continued to help everyone along the way making beneficial allies. 
• This one is packed full of all kinds of interesting mythological Japanese creatures. There are great and terrible demons, fueled by human sacrifice and greed, ghosts, some hungry and terrifying, others lost and determined to exact revenge, as well as witches, demonic swords and more. It was fascinating to encounter all of these different types of Japanese legend and myths. 
• This book is a quest/ adventure read. There is the main quest, to retrieve the pieces of the dragon scroll, but along the way, Yumeko and Tatsumi complete all kinds of smaller tasks. I liked the way this one was set up, and I enjoyed the little quests the pair completed, making allies and friends along the way. 
• The world building is outstanding. Kagawa is a master at world building, and she once again excels with this one. I loved being immersed into historical Japan. The details and descriptions were outstanding. 
• This one has an intricate plot. Everything weaves together. All the quests fit into the big picture. There are also lots of characters coming and going. Some are out for treachery and evil, while others seek good. There is a lot to keep track of, and I was never bored. 
• For you romance lovers, there are the beginnings of what I think will be a memorable romance. Everything is moving slowly right now. This one is taking its time to form a strong friendship with a few butterfly moments. Nothing concrete yet, but I am certain it is coming. I do love a good slow burn romance. 
• The book ends with some tantalizing new threads. Yes, there is a cliffhanger type ending, but I wasn’t too put off as there are some major developments that happen on the final pages that change everything. I want the next book. 

And the Not So Much:

• The book opens with the introduction to a ghost who meets a horribly unfair untimely ending. I so wanted this little ghost to find a bit of happiness. I was a little disappointed in the way her thread played out. 
• As I mentioned, there was a lot to keep track of in this book. I did get confused a time or two with some of the characters and their intentions. 
• Even though I enjoyed the quests, I was a little frustrated that more movement wasn’t made in the main story line. 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Brian Nishii and Emily Woo Zeller. I loved Emily’s portions, she narrated Yumeko’s parts. She did an outstanding job. I wasn’t as fond of Brian’s work. His male voices were great, but his female voices needed work. I did not like his female impersonations. 

The Shadow of the Fox is a promising start to a new series. If it has been awhile since you read a book by Julie Kagawa, or if you haven’t tried her work yet, this is a good one to check out. The world building is terrific, the characters are outstanding and this one is packed full of Japanese mythology, legends and lore. I am eager for the next book in this series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

 

Quinn and Graham's perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. The memories, mistakes, and secrets that they have built up over the years are now tearing them apart. The one thing that could save them might also be the very thing that pushes their marriage beyond the point of repair.

All Your Perfects is a profound novel about a damaged couple whose potential future hinges on promises made in the past. This is a heartbreaking page-turner that asks: Can a resounding love with a perfect beginning survive a lifetime between two imperfect people? Hardcover, 320 pages
Published July 17th 2018 by Atria Books
Source: Library

 

 

Three and a half stars: An emotional read that exposes a troubling issue for many couples. 

Quinn and Graham have been married for almost twelve years. They used to have it all, as they were inseparable soul mates, but something has come between them. Now they are going through the motions, pretending that everything is okay, when it’s not. How could their perfect love go so wrong? Is there any hope or salvation for them? 

What I Liked:

• If you are familiar with Colleen Hoover, you will know that her books are all about the feels. This latest release: All Your Perfects is no exception. This book will make you cry as you navigate the beginnings of a perfect relationship in the past, and then stumble through the difficulties of the present. 
• Graham is amazing. I adored him. From the get go he drew me in. He is kind, patient, funny and so romantic. I couldn’t get enough of him, whether in the past or the present. He especially stole my heart with his heartfelt letters. 
• Colleen Hoover is known for taking on troubling issues. This latest book explores infertility. I thought it was wonderful how she took the readers through the disappointments, the heartache and the insensitive comments people make without realizing how damaging their words can be. I hope people will read this and realize their mistakes. 
• This book moves back and forth with dual time lines. Part of the story takes place twelve years in the past when Graham and Quinn meet under uncomfortable circumstances. The two form a bond and then become friends and then something more. Their chemistry is explosive, and I loved reading the chapters in the past, seeing the two fall in love. The chapters in the present aren’t as fun as Graham and Quinn navigate rocky waters as their marriage seems to be falling apart. The timelines blended effortlessly, and I liked how the chapters in the past brought lightheartedness and fun to the book, which made it a far more enjoyable read. 
• After some extremely touching moments, the book comes to a satisfying close. I loved the way things resolved, the ending was just perfect. 

And The Not So Much:

• I wasn’t a big fan of Quinn. I struggled with her behavior and her decisions. I certainly got her feelings, as I was once in her shoes, but it was hard for me to accept the way she kept treating Graham. I wanted her to open up and discuss her problems instead of crying and hiding. I know that everyone handles things differently, but I thought she could have done things better. Her attitude constantly dragged the book down for me. I felt like she was being immature and shallow. Her behavior was the biggest complaint for me in the book, otherwise it would have been a five star read. 

All Your Perfects is a book that explores the ups and downs of marriage. This one takes you into the past to see the beginning of the relationship, and then moves into the present as Graham and Quinn try to face problems that threaten to tear them apart. It is moving, emotional and informative. A must read for Colleen Hoover fans.

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1) by Jennifer Estep

 

Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance. In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre. Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move. But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen. 
Audiobook
Published October 2nd 2018 by HarperAudio
Source: Library

 

Five stars: A thrilling, action packed adventure that will keep you on your seat throughout.

Lady Everleigh might be a royal, possibly in line for the throne, but instead of spending her days attending events with her royal relatives, she lurks in the shadows. Evie prefers to bake in the kitchen and work with the stone master rather than deal with her monstrous cousin, Princess Vasilia. On the day of Princess Vasilia’s engagement announcement, a treacherous plot unfolds. The royal family is attacked and murdered. The throne is seized by a vile traitor, while Evie barely manages to escape with her life and her magical secrets. On the run, Evie seeks asylum with a gladiator troop. Evie is the only royal left who can challenge for the throne, but she doesn't have the skill to fight  the Queen, yet. Evie trusts no one, even the handsome Sully who makes her heart flutter. She knows that her identity and her hidden magical power could get her killed. Will Evie survive?

What I Liked:

• This book pulled me in from the first chapters. It opens with a bang with a treacherous assassination plot and the mass murder of the entire royal family. I loved that this one was taut with tension from the get go, and that it was filled with lots of action and danger throughout. This was a page turner. 
• I liked that this book was a light fantasy. It never falters with lengthy world building or long descriptions. I enjoyed the quick, light pace. 
• Evie is a character you can’t help but to cheer for. Though her background story isn’t by any means original: orphaned royal girl taken in and forgotten, I still had fun with her character. Evie starts as small and unassuming. She prefers to hide in the shadows and be meek and mild. However, she quickly starts fighting to find her path after the massacre. She becomes fierce and formidable. I loved that she never quit fighting. I especially liked seeing her her learn to trust others and finally she makes friends. 
• The secondary characters are wonderful. I loved getting to know all of the troop from Sully, the handsome mage trainer, to Paloma the fierce ogre fighter as well as many other characters that first don’t seem important, such as Evie’s dance teacher. It was a terrific cast. 
• The villain, Vasilia, is one of those villains who is so vile that you end up liking her because she is so well written. Vasilia is an excellent addition to the cast. She is cruel, cunning and so manipulative. She makes the story so much more entertaining. 
• For all you romance lovers, this romance is the slow burn kind. It is taking it’s time. It is more about chemistry and attraction. The building blocks are in place, and I am eager to see it unfurl. 
• I loved the magic. There are all kinds of magic present in this one. Everyone has their own strengths and powers. It was fun to see the different types of magics. Evie’s of course, was the most fascinating.
• The climax is a nail biter as it is taut with tension and danger. The book builds and builds until it culminates into a spectacular finale. The book ends satisfactorily on a high note. No cliffhanger, but there are several story threads left undone to be followed up on in the next books. 

And The Not So Much:

• My only hesitation with this one is that I felt like it lacked a little in the world building. While I liked that the story didn’t get weighed down with lots of details, I found myself wondering more about the kingdoms and the types of magic the different people wielded. I had many questions as I read. 
• If you are not a fan of violence, this is not a book for you. This one opens with a blood battle. There are lots of fights and violent scenes. Nothing is over the top and excessively gory, but if you don’t like bloodshed, this one isn’t for you. 

Kill the Queen is one of the best books I have read this year. I loved the thrilling action, the characters, the villain, the magic and the danger. This book was a page turner. I was immediately sucked in, and I couldn’t put it down. If you want a light fantasy with plenty of thrills, this is one to read. Do not miss this Kill the Queen. It is was the best books of 2018. I am eagerly anticipating the sequel!

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Audiobook Review: Keystone (Crossbreed #1) by Dannika Dark

 

Raven Black hunts evildoers for fun, but her vigilante justice isn’t the only reason she’s hiding from the law. Half Vampire, half Mage, she’s spent years living as a rogue to stay alive. When a Russian Shifter offers her a job in his covert organization hunting outlaws, dignity and a respectable career are finally within her grasp. The catch? Her new partner is Christian Poe - a smug, handsome Vampire whom she’d rather stake than go on a stakeout with.They're hot on the trail of a human killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. One misstep during her probationary period could jeopardize Raven’s chance at redemption, and her partner would love nothing more than to see her fail. Will Raven find the courage to succeed, or will she give in to her dark nature? Dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a blurred line between good and evil will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Audible Audio, 11 pages
Published January 31st 2017 by Tantor Audio 
Source: Library

 

Four stars: A thrilling and exciting UF book with intriguing characters.

Raven Black is always on the run. She is a crossbreed: half Vampire, half Mage. She doesn’t fit in anywhere. As a rogue she stays alive the best she can while hinting and killing the evildoers. Then one night, Raven meets Victor, a Russian Shifter, who offers her a job and a place to call home as part of a covert organization known as Keystone. Raven is leery, but she decides to check it out. If she stays a member of Keystone, her partner will be Christian Poe, a snotty vampire who drives her crazy. Unfortunately, Raven has been rogue for so long, she has a hard time adapting to working with others and following the rules. Will Raven finally find a place to call home?

What I Liked:

• I have been reading stellar reviews for Dannika Dark’s books, so I finally decided to take the plunge and try one. What is wrong with me? Why didn’t I do it sooner? I immediately devoured this book. Loved the characters and the story. I need more. 
• I loved the complex cast of characters. First off, there is Raven. I am going to be honest, Raven was a little hard for me to connect with as she is rough around the edges. She is a loner, and she has some big issues. I felt sorry for her, but I wasn’t always a fan of her rash decisions. I would call her a work in progress, I know she is going to grow and change, and I am eager to see how she turns out. I loved the characters in Keystone. Christian Poe, the vampire, is all kinds of interesting. Dark, brooding and sexy, I loved him. My other favorite was blind, healer Mage. Blue, the shapeshifter, was an enigma and I want to learn more about her. I am eager for more from this rag tag group. 
• The story was packed with danger and action. There was hardly a moment to catch your breath. Even a simple shopping trip is fraught with danger. 
• The climax was brilliant. Lots of action and it leads up to a satisfying finale. No cliffhangers, it ends in a good spot, leaving the reader eager for more. 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Nicole Poole. Ms Poole does an excellent job with the characters, and I appreciated that she was able to pull of Irish and Russian accents. I will be listening to the rest of the series. 

And The Not So Much:

• I struggled somewhat with the world building. I never felt like I had a good sense for the world. Why was it always cloudy and rainy? I hoping the world is fleshed out more in the next volumes. 
• I grew increasingly frustrated with Raven’s lack of knowledge of vampire and mage powers. I know that all will be revealed soon, but it was annoying to not have a better picture of what the supernaturals can do. 
• I am hoping I will like Raven more in future volumes. She is rough around the edges and too impetuous right now. 

Keystone was a fantastic introduction to a new author and a new UF series for me. I loved the characters, the camaraderie, the action, the danger and all the supernaturals. I devoured this book, and I can’t wait for more. I should have read this sooner. 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Read the Series:

 

Audiobook Review: Sea of Shadows (Age of Legends #1) by Kelley Armstrong

 

They hear the spirits.

They must obey.

In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire's worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned. Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.

Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters' journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they've ever known. Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong comes a captivating new series that blends elements of fantasy and horror with the pulse-pounding action and romance that have earned her a devoted readership worldwide. 
Audiobook
Published April 8th 2014 by HarperCollins
Source: Publisher

 

Three and a half stars: A captivating story of magic, mystery and treachery set in a stunning world. 

Moira and Ashyn are the Keeper and the Seeker. There task is dangerous and scary as once a year they must search out the souls of the damned in the Forest of the Dead. Once the souls are quieted, all will be well. Unfortunately, things go terribly wrong and the sisters soon find themselves separated and hunted by an ancient evil. Each sets out to find the other, Moira accompanied by an imperial guard with a troubling past, while Ashyn is befriended by a condemned thief. Along the way, each girl encounters monsters and danger, only to find the ultimate betrayal awaiting them. Will they ever be able to set things right?

What I Liked:

• Sea of Shadows is a captivating beginning to an exciting series. Armstrong delivers an intriguing story filled with monsters, magic and danger. The characters are fierce and engaging, the world building outstanding and the plot is full of twists and turns. 
• The story centers around two twin sisters: Moira and Ashyn. These twins are unlike any others. They are born with unique abilities to hunt out the souls of the damned and put them to rest. As the Keeper and Seeker, each girl is bound to a unique beast to help them with their tasks. Moira has a wildcat while Ashyn has a giant hound. Ashyn is shy and more reserved, and she often doubts her abilities and is fearful. However as the story progresses, she grows and becomes more fierce and capable. I began to admire her. Moira is the complete opposite. She is fierce and always able to handle herself in a fight. Her quick tongue lands her into trouble sometimes. I loved her tenacity. What I loved the most about the sisters was their loyalty to each other and their animals. 
• Accompanying each sister, by chance, is a young man. Ashyn travels with Ronan, a convicted convict left in the Forest of the Dead. Ronan, despite his background, is kind and protective, and time and time again when Ashyn thinks the worst of him, he comes to her aid. I liked Ronan, and I loved that he was genuine and always had Ashyn’s best interest at heart. Gavril is paired with Moira, and they are a solid match. Gavril is a fierce warrior with a quick temper. He and Moira butt heads constantly, but when the stakes her up, he is always at Moira’s side. He has a troubled past like Ronan, and I am eager to get to know both of them better. So far, I like that they aren’t the shining heroes, each is trying to atone for something. 
• The world building is solid. The girls live in a land populated with spirits of the dead and plenty of monstrous creatures. Along their journey, each girl runs across some of the monsters from the old stories. I loved all the monsters and the strange world. I want more!
• The book builds and builds and reaches a stunning climax. So much goes down in those last few chapters. I was hooked. 

And The Not So Much:

• Sigh.... this one ends with cliffhanger. Like any YA, this one reaches a thrilling point in the story, and then abruptly ends. I am so fed up with cliffhangers in YA. It makes me steer away. 
• I wish that more background information was given on Ronan and Gavril. They are both so mysterious. I am especially curious as to why Ronan was given the dagger early on in the story. 
• I finished the book still uncertain on all of Ashyn and Moira’s abilities. What was their bond with the spirits? Could the spirits aid them? I needed more detail. 
• For all you romance lovers, no romance as of yet. There are hints of romance but nothing concrete. 

Sea of Shadows is a promising beginning. I enjoyed the story, loved the characters and I was intrigued by the world building as well as the magic and lore incorporated in the tale. The frustrating part of this book is that it builds to a thrilling climax only to end with a cliffhanger, leaving the reader with far more questions than answers. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Read the series:

 

Audiobook Review: The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas

 

There are no more cheerleaders in the town of Sunnybrook. First there was the car accident—two girls gone after hitting a tree on a rainy night. Not long after, the murders happened. Those two girls were killed by the man next door. The police shot him, so no one will ever know why he did it. Monica’s sister was the last cheerleader to die. After her suicide, Sunnybrook High disbanded the cheer squad. No one wanted to be reminded of the girls they lost. That was five years ago. Now the faculty and students at Sunnybrook High want to remember the lost cheerleaders. But for Monica, it’s not that easy. She just wants to forget. Only, Monica’s world is starting to unravel. There are the letters in her stepdad’s desk, an unearthed, years-old cell phone, a strange new friend at school. . . . Whatever happened five years ago isn’t over. Some people in town know more than they’re saying. And somehow Monica is at the center of it all.
There are no more cheerleaders in Sunnybrook, but that doesn’t mean anyone else is safe.
Audible Audio
Published July 31st 2018 by Listening Library
Source: Library

 

Four stars: A smart, sophisticated and riveting YA thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. 

It has been five years since the deaths of five cheerleaders in quick succession rocked the small town of Sunnybrook. Monica is sixteen years old, headed into her junior year, but she is drowning in grief and self loathing. Her sister, Jen, was the last cheerleader to die that year and her death was the hardest of all as it was a suicide. Now Monica is trying to cope with her feelings of grief as she struggles to come to terms with a bad decision she made over the summer. Then she discovers her sister’s cell phone and some letters in her stepfather’s desk that make her question everything she knows about the cheerleaders. Was there more to their deaths?

What I Liked:

• Whoa! What a twisty little read. The Cheerleaders was one of those suspenseful  mysteries that I couldn’t put down. It had flawed characters, a twisted mystery, red herrings, lots of suspects and motives and several brilliant twists, not to mention this one takes on many touchy topics. This is smart and thrilling. Worth the read!
• Ms. Thomas knows how to write interesting characters. I like that her characters are often deeply flawed and they aren’t always likable. That is the case with this book. None of the characters is without their faults, they all make mistakes and everyone is hiding something, which makes it all the more interesting. It took some time for me to connect with Monica, the main character, because as the book opens, she is dealing with the aftermath of some poor choices she made. I wasn’t a fan of her in the beginning, but as her layers are peeled back, I understood her, and I figured out why she behaved the way she did, by the end, she won me over. 
• I was surprised to get Jen’s view point. We get snippets of what Jen was going through from her diary that took place five years ago around the time of the cheerleader deaths. I liked Jen the best of all the characters, and I appreciated getting in her head and understanding why she made the choice she did, even though I wanted more. 
• I liked the familial relationships in this one. I thought the author did an excellent job of capturing the complex relationships in a family. I especially liked the relationship between Monica and her stepdad. Yes, things were complicated and at times messed up, but when it mattered, they were all there for each other. 
• I enjoyed seeing the friendship form between Monica and Ginny. The two bond and work together to sort out the mystery, not knowing that they were both in pain. 
• The mystery is top notch. It is suspenseful and it takes some dark twists and turns. Whenever I thought I had things figured out, the story took another curve throwing me off. The tension is taut throughout, and I couldn’t put it down. The book draws to a thrilling climax leading up to one final shocking revelation at the end. You won’t see it coming!
• The ending is stunning. I have to admit, I wasn’t completely caught off guard because there was something niggling me about that particular character throughout. However once all was revealed, it was a stunning finish. 

And The Not So Much:

• This is a book for mature readers. The author touches upon some deeply troubling topics, some are only in reference but the hot buttons are still there. There are mentions of abortion, suicide, pedophiles and statutory rape. Not for young readers!
• I am not honestly sure why the author opened up the story with Monica making amends for a bad decision. She never comes out and says what happened, but the details are there, and it is easy enough to piece together. This portion of the story made me not like Monica, and I didn’t think it was necessary for the story. 
• There are scenes in the book where a teenage girl is in a sexual relationship with a twenty some year old man. Afterwards, the teenage girl blamed herself for what happened. I didn’t like this part of the story, never once was the man blamed for his role. 
• I enjoyed being in Jen’s head, but I felt like I was cheated on her portion. I wanted those last chapters to completely understand her choices. 
• There were some parts of the story that strained believability such as the whole scene in the police station. Furthermore, the information gained from that impossible stint was really of no importance. 

The Cheerleaders is a riveting tale that I couldn’t put down. This is a smart, taut thriller with plenty of twisty turns that kept me formulating hypotheses until the final page. It was one heck of a ride. Beware this is not a book for younger readers. The author touches on some very mature themes with references to abortion, statutory rape, and suicide. Don’t miss this one! 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.