Rainy Day Ramblings

Audiobook Review: Phoenix Unbound (Fallen Empire #1) by Grace Draven, Katharine McEwan (Narrator)

 

Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire's capital--her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village's tithe has been the same woman. Gilene's sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses. But this year is different.

Azarion, the Empire's most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion--and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. Unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan. To protect her family and village, she will abandon everything to return to the Empire--and burn once more
Audible Audio, Unabridged audio (14 Hours, 3 Minutes)
Published September 25th 2018 by Penguin Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Five stars: An epic, brutal and powerful book with an unforgettable romance. 

Gilene utters a silent prayer, even though she doesn’t believe in the gods. She wants desperately for the gladius prime, Azarion, not to see her. Azarion stops before her and lifts her head. He not only sees her, but he sees beneath her glamour. He knows her secret. Gilene is a powerful fire witch. It is her burden in life to be sent each year to the Empire capital with hundreds of other women to be burned alive in the annual Rite of Spring. Gilene’s ability to wield fire is a well guarded secret. Once in the pit, she can provide the women a quick death before escaping unseen. Except one has seen her, Azarion the powerful gladiator who needs her to help him win back is birthright. Will Gilene help restore Azarion?

What I Liked:

• WOW! What a ride. To be perfectly honesty, I almost set this one aside after the first chapter because it was so dark, brutal and depressing. I am so glad I stuck with it because this turned out to be an amazing read. I loved the story, the characters and most of all the epic romance. This is a thrilling tale, not to be missed. 
• I think one of my most favorite aspects, aside from the romance, with this one was the tremendous character growth. In the beginning, Gilene is miserable, sad and alone but she is resolute in her role as the fire witch, forced to burn each and every year to protect the other women in her village. She has given up on life. After she meets Azarion, she begins a slow transformation. It was such a joy to watch her find her place, her power and finally take a chance on her own happiness. She becomes a formidable force to be reckoned with, and I loved watching her succeed. I also loved her altruistic nature and her resolute determination to those she loved. Azarion was also fun to watch transform. In the beginning, he is a gladiator forced to serve the cruel demands of the Empress. He has been beaten, battered and sexually assaulted but he never lost his will to survive. After he meets Gilene, he begins to see things differently and he becomes more kind, more caring and considerate. It was a thrill to see him succeed! 
• The romance is the best kind. It is one that takes a long time to grow. It starts under dire circumstances, and in fact, the two are enemies. Over time, a hesitant understanding is agreed upon, and then friendship, and then finally it becomes so much more. I was breathless with this one. It is beautiful and heartbreaking and everything you could want. 
• The story is one that grabs a hold and digs in, it is reminiscent of the Roman Empire during the gladiator era. There is hardly a slow moment in this one to catch your breath. This one is brutal and terrifying, full of action and danger. I want so much to tell you all about it, but I can’t you need to experience it for yourself. There is magic, revenge, hard fought battles, victories, and heart pounding moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This was one heck of a ride. Loved it!
• The ending was absolute perfection. It was everything I hoped for and more. It was amazing! 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Katharine McEwan. I thought Ms. McEwan was outstanding. Her voices were excellent. 

And The Not So Much:

• This one is not for the faint of heart. As I mentioned, it can be dark and brutal. The opening chapters are not the easiest to get through as there are mentions of rape, brutal violence, burnings and many other cruel behaviors. Nothing is too over the top or gory and the author spares the darkest details. 
• I was perplexed by the whole thing with the gods and goddesses especially at the end. I want to know more about the goddess of the fire and her hand maidens. I am hopeful for more in the next book. 
• I was most curious about Azarion’s sister, especially when it came to her romantic relationship, I wish this part of the story was expanded upon.

Phoenix Unbound is a book that amazed me. This is a brilliantly written book with outstanding characters and an unforgettable romance. Beware though, this one is violent and dark at times, but well worth the journey. I couldn’t get enough. I am even more thrilled to learn that a sequel is coming. I can’t wait! Don’t miss this one. 

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: The Reckoning by John Grisham, Michael Beck (Narrator )

 

New York Times bestselling author John Grisham returns to Clanton, Mississippi, to tell the story of an unthinkable murder and the bizarre trial that follows it, in this powerful new legal thriller.

Pete Banning was Clanton's favorite son, a returning war hero, the patriarch of a prominent family, a farmer, father, neighbor, and a faithful member of the Methodist church. Then one cool October morning in 1946. he rose early, drove into town, walked into the Church, and calmly shot and killed the Reverend Dexter Bell. As if the murder wasn't shocking enough, it was even more baffling that Pete's only statement about it--to the sheriff, to his defense attorney, to the judge, to his family and friends, and to the people of Clanton--was "I have nothing to say." And so the murder of the esteemed Reverend Bell became the most mysterious and unforgettable crime Ford County had ever known. 
Audiobook, Unabridged
Published October 23rd 2018 by Random House
Source: Library

 

Four and a half stars: A powerful, heartbreaking read that will leave you heartbroken and stunned. 

One morning in October 1946, Pete Banning, a war hero and favorite son of Clanton Mississippi, goes through his day with murder on his mind. After his affairs are in order, Pete drives to town where he confronts the Methodist Minster and shoots him point blank. Pete is arrested and tried for gruesome crime, but he refuses to tell why he did it. He doesn’t even put up a fight. He claims he did what needed to be done and he has nothing more to say. As Pete is put on trial for murder, his sister, son and daughter are reeling from the tragedy as they search for answers. What drove their dad to murder? Will they ever find out the truth, or will Pete take his secrets to his grave?

What I Liked:

• WOW! This was an emotional and riveting read. I couldn’t put it down. It is fascinating, terrifying, appalling and full of heartbreak. Once I read to the shocking conclusion, I was stunned. This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. 
• I liked that this book takes place in 1946. The majority of the book is set in rural Mississippi where Jim Crow laws and prejudice run rampant. It was fascinating to get a snippet of what life was like during this time period, especially when it came to trial procedure and court matters. 
• Part of the book goes over what Pete endured as a Japanese prisoner of war. This part of the novel was tough to read. Parts of it are horrifying, gruesome and tragic, but I had to read on because I had to understand what many Americans suffered through during the war. Even though this section of the book was tough going, I am glad that I read it as I learned so much about World War II that I didn’t know. 
• The suspense in the story is thick. Everyone keeps asking why Pete committed the murder, and then there is the situation with Pete’s wife who was placed in a mental institution a couple of months before the murder. Did something happen between Pete’s wife and the preacher? I was completely invested in the story line surrounding the murder and the motive.
• I started the book not liking Pete as I wasn’t sympathetic to a man who premeditates and follows through with murder. I couldn’t fathom why he would destroy the lives of his children, but then when Pete’s brutal past comes out, my heart ached for him. He was one tough man. I admired his strength and courage, and wished things were different for him.
• The book culminates with an unforgettable conclusion. As the suspense mounted and the pieces started to fit into place, I thought I had it figured out, but then there is a stunning twist that I never saw coming. The ending is heartbreaking and unforgettable, I will be thinking on it for days and weeks to come. 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Michael Beck. This is my first time listening to Mr. Beck, and I thought his narration was superb. His voices were amazing, I thought he did a fantastic job. 

And The Not So Much:

• I was invested in the story right up until the final third of the book where the pacing started to drag. This part of the story involves the fight over Pete’s land and the countless appeals. I didn’t care that much about this part of the book, it got too lengthy. 
• I am not going to lie, parts of this book are brutal. The entire section on Pete’s time in the war is not for the faint of heart. It is disturbing and tough to read. 
• The story ends abruptly and I was left wondering about the fate of Pete’s longtime housekeeper and her husband as well as his children. I wish there had been an Epilogue, something to ease the sting of the dramatic ending. 

The Reckoning is a book I am finding hard to review. This was a book that swept me up with its captivating and sorrowful story. The story is shockingly sad, and parts of it are gruesome and tough to take. Mr. Grisham proves why he is a masterful story teller with this one. I was glued to the pages, right up to the shocking finale. I will be thinking on this book for a long time to come.

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: My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren

 

Millie Morris has always been one of the guys. A UC Santa Barbara professor, she’s a female-serial-killer expert who’s quick with a deflection joke and terrible at getting personal. And she, just like her four best guy friends and fellow professors, is perma-single. So when a routine university function turns into a black tie gala, Mille and her circle make a pact that they’ll join an online dating service to find plus-ones for the event. There’s only one hitch: after making the pact, Millie and one of the guys, Reid Campbell, secretly spend the sexiest half-night of their lives together, but mutually decide the friendship would be better off strictly platonic. But online dating isn’t for the faint of heart. While the guys are inundated with quality matches and potential dates, Millie’s first profile attempt garners nothing but dick pics and creepers. Enter “Catherine”—Millie’s fictional profile persona, in whose make-believe shoes she can be more vulnerable than she’s ever been in person. Soon “Catherine” and Reid strike up a digital pen-pal-ship...but Millie can’t resist temptation in real life, either. Soon, Millie will have to face her worst fear—intimacy—or risk losing her best friend, forever. Perfect for fans of Roxanne and She’s the Man, Christina Lauren’s latest romantic comedy is full of mistaken identities, hijinks, and a classic love story with a modern twist. Funny and fresh, you’ll want to swipe right on My Favorite Half-Night Stand. 
Audio CD, Unabridged
Published December 4th 2018 by Simon & Schuster Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Five stars: A hilarious and quirky romance with an eccentric group of friends who try online dating.

It’s another Monopoly night for the group of five. Millie, a criminology professor, is just one of the guys. She spends her free time with four of her fellow professors, who happen to be her best guy pals. It’s March, and the group decides they need to find dates to the spring commencement ceremony, and somehow, the quintet agrees to try online dating. Some of the guys, like Reed, immediately have luck, while Millie is stuck wading through some creepers. Then Millie gets angry when the guys make it all about looks, so to teach them a lesson, she creates another profile, named Catherine. Things get dicey when Reed turns out to be a match, and the two start conversing online. Add another layer of complication, when Millie and Reed start accidentally sort of sleeping together. Will the online mess ruin their relationship permanently? 

 

What I Liked:

• My Favorite Half-Night Stand seems to be a book that people are either loving or hating. If you are one that likes quirky humor, nerdy characters and a friends to lover romance, give this a go. I loved it. 
• What I loved about this book was that it wasn’t your typical romance. This book had so much more to it. I loved that it was a friends to lovers romance sprinkled with a healthy dose of humor. The romance isn’t exactly swoon worthy. Instead it is about friendship, trust and opening up and sharing your vulnerable side, and it is hilarious. I thought it was fantastic. 
• I loved that the story centered around a group of nerdy college professors looking for a date. The group is eccentric and they have a different brand of humor that I loved. I giggled at their antics. Seriously, they were so darn funny. Snickering at the whole don’t play with the prosthetic arm....
• If you need light and funny, this is the book for you. I get so tired of romances being all about the angst and drama. There is a tiny bit of drama in this one, but for the most part, it is lighthearted and fun. I found myself laughing out loud numerous times. The humor is a little off brand, so it may not be for everyone, but if you are someone who likes quirky humor, definitely read this. 
• Millie was a delight. I liked that she was comfortable with the guys, and that she wasn’t afraid to poke fun at herself. Yet, beneath her layers, there is a more complex girl underneath. I enjoyed watching her work through her emotional barriers. By the end, she has transformed into a more well rounded woman. 
• I was thrilled that this book was more about friendship than romance. Yes, there is romance, but the main focus is on the group of friends and their relationships. Mistakes are made, but at the end of the day, they have each other’s backs and they are there for one another. I only hope the authors will consider revisiting this group down the road. 
• What I love about the Christina Lauren duo is that their work covers a wide range. Some books are more serious, while others are fun and flirty. I never know what to expect, but I haven’t been let down yet. Love the diversity these two bring to the table.
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Shayna Thibodeaux and Deacon Lee. These two were phenomenal, I thought they nailed the characters and their male and female impersonations were great. 

And The Not So Much: 

• There is a portion of the story that involves cat fishing. I know this angle bothers some readers, but I didn’t mind it. Mostly because Milly doesn’t do it to intentionally harm someone. She does it as a joke and she figures that Reed will catch on right away. Just take it in stride and enjoy the ride, it is not a malicious story line. 
• I was disappointed that we didn’t get to experience some of the other members of the group conversing and going on dates, such as Ed. I really hope we get more of these guys in another book. 

My Favorite Half-Night Stand was a hilarious book that made me giggle throughout. I loved the friendship, the humor and I especially got a kick out of watching the nerdy group of friends trying to find love online. If you love friends to lovers romances and you are a fan of quirky humor and eccentric characters read this. I loved it. 

 

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. 

Also by this author:

 

Loved it! Audiobook Review: One Day in December by Josie Silver, Eleanor Tomlinson (Narrator), Charlie Anson (Narrator)

 

A love story about what happens after you meet, or rather, don't meet the one. Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn't exist anywhere but the movies. But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there's a moment of pure magic...and then her bus drives away. Certain they're fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year scanning every bus stop and cafe in London for him. But she doesn't find him, not when it matters anyway. Instead they "reunite" at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah giddily introduces her new boyfriend to Laurie. It's Jack, the man from the bus. It would be. What follows for Laurie, Sarah and Jack is ten years of friendship, heartbreak, missed opportunities, roads not taken, and destinies reconsidered. One Day in December is a joyous, heartwarming and immensely moving love story to escape into and a reminder that fate takes inexplicable turns along the route to happiness. 
Audible Audio, Unabridged
Published October 16th 2018 by Random House Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Five stars: An emotional and captivating romance that will steal your heart and leave you in tears. Loved this!

Laurie and Jack’s story starts back in December 2008 when Laurie and Jack are in their twenties. Laurie is on the way home after a hard day. When she glances out the bus window, she catches sight of a handsome boy reading a book. He immediately steals her heart, and then he sees her and magic happens. She motions for him to get on the bus, he jumps up, and then misses the bus. Neither believed in love at first sight until that moment. Laurie immediately vows to find the busboy, and for months she and her best friend, Sarah look for the mysterious young man. Laurie finally finds him, but it happens when Sarah introduces him as her boyfriend. What follows is ten years of friendship, heartache, missed chances and all the ups and downs of life. Does destiny and true love really exist?

What I Loved:

• I wish I could just say in this review, this book is fantastic go read it, the end. However, I am sure you want to know more. This book was amazing. It had so many feels. There were times when it took my breath away, and other parts where my heart broke. I loved the realistic nature of the story, the characters, the ups and downs of life and how this book had me in tears. It was magical!
• I loved that this book felt so realistic. It starts with that magical moment when two people lock eyes and then miss their opportunity. What follows are ten years of watching the two become friends as they go through the ups and downs of life. There is happiness, heartbreak, love and loss all lumped into this ten year period. It was achingly beautiful and perfect. 
• The romance is one that will drive you nuts and frustrate you to no end as the pair continue to deny feelings, miss opportunities and fail all the way around. Yet, there is that glimmer of hope throughout that somehow it will work. I won’t spoil it but I will say by the end, I had big fat tears rolling down my cheeks. So worth it!
• I liked that this book featured both Laurie and Jack’s view points. It was so nice to be able to get into both of their heads and see how they felt about each other. 
• This book is so much more than a romance it is a book about growing up, finding your family and  cultivating friendships. There are high points and low points. Parts that shattered my heart, and then scenes that mended it. I loved that friendships, especially the one between Laurie and Sarah, were such an important part of the story. 
• I appreciated that this book takes place over a ten year time span. It was interesting to see the characters grow up and tackle careers, love and relationships, heartbreak and loss. It was a joy to watch the characters grow and evolve. 
• The writing is wonderful. There were many times when the author’s words resonated with me and took my breath away. I was so impressed, and even more so when I found out this was Josie Silver’s debut. I will absolutely be reading more from this author as I was so impressed with this novel. She knocked it out of the park. 
• The ending was absolute perfection. I want to say so much more, but I can’t. It grabbed hold of my heartstrings and made me sob. I loved it. This is a book that I will thinking about for days to come. 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Eleanor Tomlinson and Charlie Anson. Both of these narrators were outstanding. I especially thought Ms. Tomlinson did an outstanding job capturing Laurie’s voice. The depth of emotion conveyed by the narrator was superb. Listen to the audio if you can!!

And The Not So Much:

• I have to admit that Jack frustrated me so much at times. I liked him much better early on in the book when he is a supportive friend. Then something happens to him, and I struggled mightily with his character. He drove me nuts. I wish he had been more grown up and handled certain things better. 
• Even though I loved the ending, I wish there had been just a little more, like an Epilogue. 

One Day in December is a book that grabbed a hold of my heart and emotions and kept them captive until the final page. This is a romance based on fate and destiny as well as missed opportunities, friendship and time. I loved the realism of the book, the characters and the story. This novel was amazing. It made me smile, it made me cry, it made me feel. Read it!

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: Diamond Fire (Hidden Legacy #3.5) by Ilona Andrews, Renée Raudman (Narrator), Emily Rankin (Narrator)

 

Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden. Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder. To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done. 
ebook, 160 pages
Published November 6th 2018 by Avon Impulse
Source: Publisher

 

Five stars: A terrific novella featuring Catalina coming into her powers. Loved it!

The big wedding between Nevada and Connor is now just days a way, and the pressure is mounting for Nevada’s two younger sisters: Catalina and Arabella. Nevada has turned into a bridezilla so the wedding planning has fallen to the two younger Baylor girls. Catalina quickly finds herself drawn into an investigation when Connor’s mother asks her to find a family heirloom that has likely been stolen by a family member. As Catalina hurries to recover the crown, she finds that she must use her magical siren powers, something she has hardly ever been allowed to do. Yet if she doesn’t murder and mayhem could disrupt the wedding. Will Catalina and Arabella manage to save the day? 

What I Liked:

• Oh how I love the Ilona Andrews writing duo. I was beyond thrilled when I found out there was a novella in the Hidden Legacy series that is all about the wedding of Nevada and Connor. I was surprised that this was more about Catalina finding her powers than the wedding, but nevertheless, it was a fantastic read. Loved it!
• The story starts from Nevada’s point of view, and then it changes over to Catalina. It took me a bit of time to settle into Catalina’s perspective but it didn’t take long before I loved her fiercely. Catalina is a young adult who is grappling with uncertainly about her future and her powers. During the mayhem of the wedding planning, Catalina is forced to step up and wield her powers that she has long suppressed. It was a delight to see her succeed and to watch her find her way. She is a force to be reckoned with. I can’t wait to see more of her siren powers in action!
• There was so much treachery and ugliness going on behind the scenes. It was fascinating to see who was up to what evil plan. It was a thrill to see Catalina uncover all the culprits. 
• I was surprised by Connor’s mother. I wasn’t sure what to think of her at first, but I quickly fell in love with her too, I can’t wait to see more from her. She is a formidable woman. 
• All the Baylor gang is present, and there are some fun scenes with Catalina, Leon, and Grandma Frida. I love the Baylors. 
• The ending is terrific. All ends well, but there is a tantalizing tidbit left dangling for a spin-off series featuring Catalina. I can’t wait! 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Renee Raudman and Emily Rankin. Ms. Raudman who is the voice of the Andrews books, starts off the book narrating Nevada’s point of view, but then Emily takes over as Catalina. It was a switch, and it took me time to adjust to a different narrator, but by the end, I was sold on Ms. Rankin. She does an excellent job with the characters. 

And The Not So Much:

• The book opens with Nevada and Connor and then shifts to Catalina. I was a bit disappointed that Nevada is out of the picture aside from some mentions here and there. I wish she had been more present, and when she is mentioned, she is a bridezilla, which I wasn’t a fan of. Nevada doesn’t strike me as a bridezilla.
• I want to more about the Italian guy that Catalina is fixed upon. He appears at the beginning of the book and then there is no more. I need to know more about this guy and why Catalina feels like she does. 
• I was a tiny bit disappointed that Renee Raudman didn’t narrate the entire book, I am used to her voices. Ms. Rankin did a great job, but it was adjustment to switch to another narrator. Not sure why there was a change?

Diamond Fire is more than a novella. This is another fantastic edition in an outstanding series. I loved that this one was all about Catalina finding her way and coming into her powers. The wedding was a fun backdrop, and the scheming and scandalous behavior of Connor’s relatives was hilarious. Even though this a novella, it packs a punch, and it was a fantastic story. Don’t miss this one! I need more. 

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: Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer #2) by Laini Taylor

 

The highly anticipated, thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Strange the Dreamer, from National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor, author of the bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy.Sarai has lived and breathed nightmares since she was six years old.She believed she knew every horror, and was beyond surprise.She was wrong.In the wake of tragedy, neither Lazlo nor Sarai are who they were before. One a god, the other a ghost, they struggle to grasp the new boundaries of their selves as dark-minded Minya holds them hostage, intent on vengeance against Weep.Lazlo faces an unthinkable choice--save the woman he loves, or everyone else?--while Sarai feels more helpless than ever. But is she? Sometimes, only the direst need can teach us our own depths, and Sarai, the muse of nightmares, has not yet discovered what she's capable of.As humans and godspawn reel in the aftermath of the citadel's near fall, a new foe shatters their fragile hopes, and the mysteries of the Mesarthim are resurrected: Where did the gods come from, and why? What was done with thousands of children born in the citadel nursery? And most important of all, as forgotten doors are opened and new worlds revealed: Must heroes always slay monsters, or is it possible to save them instead?Love and hate, revenge and redemption, destruction and salvation all clash in this gorgeous sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Strange the Dreamer. 
Audiobook
Published: November 2nd 2018 by Hachette Audio 
Source: Library

 

Five stars: A brilliant, spellbinding tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. 

After everything Lazlo sacrifices to save the people of Weep, he manages to do just that, but in saving the town, he fails to catch the person that matters to him the most: Sarai. Now, Sarai is a ghost, held in this world by a thin thread, caught by Minya, the girl who captures ghosts. Now Sarai and Lazlo are bound to Minya, who wishes to destroy the humans in Weep since they are the ones who murdered the other Godspawn children. If Lazlo and Minya don’t acquiesce to Minya’s demands, she will let go of Sarai’s spirit, but neither Lazlo or Sarai want to be the source of anymore nightmares and suffering. Will love find a way to conquer hate?

What I Loved:

• It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Laini Taylor, and I endeavor to read all that she publishes. This latest book: Muse of Nightmares was outstanding. It delivers outstanding characters, intricate storylines, phenomenal world building and a breathtaking romance. Read this now. 
• I love seeing the characters grow and transform, especially in the way they change their outlook on everything. Sarai and Lazlo transform the most as they are motivated by love, but close behind is Minya. I enjoyed seeing the layers of Minya peeled back to expose the frightened girl beneath. I was pleased by her transformation. This is a book about forgiveness and redemption as many of the characters are forced to take a hard look at their past beliefs and make new and better decisions for the future. I loved seeing the metamorphosis not only of Minya, Sarai and Lazlo, but also of Eril Fayne, the people of Weep,  and the other godspawn. 
• The world building continues to be outstanding. This book takes you to other worlds.  I was in awe at the depth of the worlds and the complexity. I especially loved how this story connected with Taylor’s other series. 
• There are many different story lines going on during this, and I admit, at times it wasn’t easy to keep track of everything and to remember what happened before. All the story lines are intricate and detailed, and when they finally weave together, it all makes sense. Be patient. 
• I found myself drawn into Cora and Nova’s story line. At first, I didn’t see how it connected with the main story arc, but then I did and it was brilliant the way it all fit in. 
• The writing, as always with Ms. Taylor, is pure genius. I love the depth and emotion, the richness the detail and the complexity. She is a muse of words. 
• The ending was wonderful. All the story threads are tied in and everything seems to conclude in a good spot, but then the door is left open for more. I hope that Ms. Taylor considers revisiting this world. 

And The Not So Much:

• As I mentioned, this book is complex and there is a lot going on and there are many details to keep track of, you have to pay attention with this one or you will be hopelessly lost. I struggled a time or two trying to recall details from the first book, especially when it came to Lazlo’s rival: Thyon. I still felt like Tyhon’s story wasn’t complete. 
• I wish that the other Godspawn children had grown more and that they played larger roles in the book. 
• I have to say, I hoped for a different fate for Sarai.....
• I hate that Laini Taylor’s books are marketed in the Young Adult genre. This book with its depth and complexity is far beyond the YA genre. This should be listed as an adult book. 

Muse of Nightmares lived up to its predecessor, and in my opinion, exceeded the first book. I thought this book was brilliant. The characters are amazing, the world building is outstanding, the writing is superb, and the story telling is sophisticated. If you have not experienced the genius and brilliance of Laini Taylor, I urge you to try this series. This book will likely end up my favorite book of 2018.

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

Don't miss the first book:

 

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. 

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. 

 

Review: The Tower (Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #9) by J.L. Bryan

 

 

Ellie's new case takes her far out of town, to an historic but crumbling nineteenth-century skyscraper in downtown Atlanta. The reclusive, once-prominent family living at the top of the tower are experiencing paranormal disturbances that grow more threatening by the day. Ellie and Stacey must unravel the hidden history of the tower and the ancestors of the family who occupy it—a history full of crime, corruption, wealth, and power. With floor after floor of dark, haunted spaces, the labyrinthine antique tower presents one of the greatest ghost-trapping challenges that Ellie has ever faced.
ebook
Published October 28th 2017 by J.L. Bryan
Source: Author

 

Four and a half stars: A fantastically creepy edition into a ghostly series that should not be missed!

Ellie and Stacey are going on a road trip. They have been hired by a wealthy family in Atlanta to investigate a haunted skyscraper in downtown Atlanta. When Stacey and Ellie arrive at their destination, they can immediately tell that something is not right about the old tower. The building is dilapidated, lights flicker and the atmosphere is oppressive. Their clients, are from a prestigious Atlanta family, who want to get to the bottom of their ghost problem. Ellie and Stacey quickly learn that the building harbors some dark, family secrets and a history full of corruption, betrayals and death. This dark and dangerous skyscraper may prove to be the girls’ biggest challenge yet. Can they capture the ghosts?

What I Liked:

• I love diving into a new Ellie Jordan book, and this latest installment: The Tower, delivered everything I love about the series. There are lots of scary ghosts, a creepy atmospheric setting, history, thrills and chills and a touch of humor. If you are on the hunt for a ghostly book for the Fall season, this series is what you need.
• I appreciated that this book took the series back to the basics. The girls head to Atlanta, leaving Savannah and all the problems behind. No more agency buyouts, no boyfriend troubles, no deadly fire ghost trying to kill Ellie. Instead this is the girls solving the case at hand. It was so nice to have simple story. 
• As always, Stacey and Ellie are so fun to follow. I love how different the girls are and how well they work together. Stacey is full of pep and life, she always is perky and she keeps things light and upbeat. When stuff gets dangerous, she steps up. Ellie is thoughtful, brooding and damaged. She is smart, skilled and she is fierce especially when she faces down some terrifying ghosts! Love these two. Of course, I can’t forget Jacob, the reluctant psychic. When Jacob shows up, things get intense. Jacob brings so much to the table, and I can’t imagine this series without him. Love these characters. 
• This latest case is one of the scariest to date. The run down, century old skyscraper with its dark secrets provided the perfect backdrop. I thought Mr. Bryan did an exceptional job with the setting. It was so creepy!
• If you want ghosts, this one has them. There is a truly diabolical ghost in this one. Be prepared for some frightfully scary scenes!
• I liked that there was some humor sandwiched in between all the scary stuff, like the incompetent security guard and some of Stacey’s one liners.
• The climax is fast and furious. Think big scary showdown, and then throw in a big twist that you won’t see coming. It was fantastic. 
• The ending was just right. After the dust settles, all is well for another day. No cliffhanger. 

And The Not So Much:

• There was a big family tree of ghosts to try and keep track of in this one. There were so many names and dates, that it got to be overwhelming. Even Stacey got confused over all the ghosts. It was a challenge at the end to try and keep everyone straight. 
• When the girls first arrive at the skyscraper, they meet with this creepy family lawyer, it seemed he was hiding something. Later, there was a reference made to the lawyer, but nothing was definitive. I was left wondering about the lawyer’s role. 
• I am still confused over the twist and how a certain character managed to pull off what he did. I wanted more details. 

The Tower proved to be another excellent addition to a favorite series of mine. I love that this series keeps on getting better and better. If you want a fantastic series that follows ghost hunters, you have to read these books. There are thrills and chills and everything you love in a ghost book. Don’t miss this one!

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

Read the Series:

Start reading this series for free right now. Book one: Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapper is free on Amazon! 

 

Review: The Ladies' Room by Carolyn Brown

 

Secrets told in the church ladies' room are supposed to stay in the ladies' room. But that doesn't mean that what Trudy overhears there during her great-aunt Gertrude's funeral won't change the rest of her life.Trudy has a daughter in the middle of a major rebellion; a two-timing husband who has been cheating for their entire married life; and a mother with Alzheimer's residing in the local nursing home. She doesn't really need a crumbling old house about to fall into nothing but a pile of memories and broken knickknacks. Billy Lee Tucker, resident oddball in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, lived next door to Gert, and in her will she leaves him the funds to help Trudy remodel the old house. That's fine with Billy Lee, because he's been in love with Trudy since before they started school. And just spending time with her is something he'd never ever allowed himself to dream about. A beautiful home rises up from the old house on Broadway, and right along with it rises up a relationship. But is Trudy too scarred from what she heard in the ladies' room to see a lovely future with Billy Lee? 
Kindle Edition, 224 pages
Published September 4th 2012 by Montlake Romance 
Source: Purchased

Five stars: A fun, satisfying read with a heroine who changes her life and gets payback and a new start. 

Trudy knows everyone will talk about her if she gets up during her Aunt Gert’s funeral, but her bladder is about to burst. While in the ladies’ room, she punches a hole in her nylons as she tries to wiggle them over her plump behind. Just fantastic. While Trudy tries to figure out what to do next, she hears her two cousins come in. Not only do they smoke in the ladies’ room, but they do it while dishing out some very unkindly things about Trudy and Aunt Gert. Trudy is stunned to learn that her husband of twenty years has cheated on her multiple times, and it seems everyone in town knows it but her. After what she overhears in the restroom, Trudy is determined to not let others push her around ever again, but will she have the courage to hold her resolve?

What I Liked:

• Ahhh.... a book by Carolyn Brown is just what I need when I am desperate for a pick me up. I don’t know why it took me so long to get to The Ladies’ Room, but I am glad I did. This book has a determined heroine, a kindly neighbor, new beginnings, romance, friendship and forgiveness. I loved it. 
• Trudy is such a fun main character. I loved that she starts the book as a plump, naive housewife, but then she transforms. By the end, she is a confident, self sufficient, competent woman who has learned a thing or two about life, love, friendship and forgiveness. It was a joy to see Trudy’s journey unfurl. 
• Billy Lee, Trudy’s charming neighbor, remains an enigma through most of the book. He has the reputation as the town oddball, but there is so much more to Billy than meets the eye. He is talented, kind and compassionate, the kind of friend and neighbor I would want living next door. Loved him!
• The romance is sweet and subtle. It takes its long, sweet time to show, but it is so worth the wait. The relationship starts out slow and steady and then a solid friendship forms that is just waiting to burst into something more. It was hard to be patient for it, but it paid off in the end. 
• At first, it seems that Trudy is going to turn her back on everyone who is being mean to her and talking about her, but then she surprised me. I loved how she forgave those who were unkind, and she took them back with open arms. Kindness and forgiveness go along way. 
• I liked that this book wasn’t your typical romance. Instead it is more a focus on one woman’s journey to reinvent herself. It was an uplifting and fun read. 
• The ending is sweet and satisfying with all kinds of goodness. I loved that I got an epilogue down the road that caught me up with all the characters. It was the cherry on top, even though I still wanted more. 

And The Not So Much:

• I wished that there was more of Aunt Gert’s story. She seemed like a formidable woman in her own way, and I would certainly like to know more about how she handled her troubling marital situation 
• I have to admit that even though I loved the romance, I wanted more of it. 

The Ladies’ Room was a wonderful pick me up read. I loved that this was all about Trudy’s journey to change her life. So many uplifting scenes in this one. It is packed full of life, love, friendship, forgiveness with a touch of romance. Don’t miss it!

I purchased a copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.