Category: Review (Page 144 of 295)

BOOK REVIEW: The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

November 8, 2018 / Cassie / 3 Comments

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Two Truths and a Lie. The girls played it all the time in their tiny cabin at Camp Nightingale. Vivian, Natalie, Allison, and first-time camper Emma Davis, the youngest of the group. The games ended when Emma sleepily watched the others sneak out of the cabin in the dead of night. The last she--or anyone--saw of them was Vivian closing the cabin door behind her, hushing Emma with a finger pressed to her lips.

Now a rising star in the New York art scene, Emma turns her past into paintings--massive canvases filled with dark leaves and gnarled branches that cover ghostly shapes in white dresses. The paintings catch the attention of Francesca Harris-White, the socialite and wealthy owner of Camp Nightingale. When Francesca implores her to return to the newly reopened camp as a painting instructor, Emma sees an opportunity to try to find out what really happened to her friends.

Yet it's immediately clear that all is not right at Camp Nightingale. Already haunted by memories from fifteen years ago, Emma discovers a security camera pointed directly at her cabin, mounting mistrust from Francesca and, most disturbing of all, cryptic clues Vivian left behind about the camp's twisted origins. As she digs deeper, Emma finds herself sorting through lies from the past while facing threats from both man and nature in the present.

And the closer she gets to the truth about Camp Nightingale, the more she realizes it may come at a deadly price.

I smile, pretending they’re right. What none of them understand is the point of the game isn’t to fool others with a lie. The goal is to trick them by telling the truth.

I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for stories that take place with summer camp setting. I went to one for several summers as a pre-teen, so I certainly have no trouble picturing it. There’s just something about breathing in those early breaths of independence and freedom. No parents, new people and new experiences that often don’t translate back to life at home. Because of this, I am thrilled when books have a summer camp setting, and this book DID NOT disappoint.

Fifteen years. That’s how long it’s been. It feels like a lifetime ago. It also feels like yesterday.

As the synopsis says, fifteen years ago four girls (Vivian, Natalie, Allison and newcomer, Emma) form a short but strong bond one summer. But one night, Vivian, Natalie and Allison go missing while Emma is left to fill in the blanks, which she does with varying degrees of accuracy and truthfulness.

In present day, Emma struggles with the events of fifteen years ago. She does her best to deal with the aftermath, using painting as a form of therapy. But when she is asked to return to the camp as a counselor and art teacher, she is drawn back into the world and begins to investigate what really happened so long ago.

But after my time at Camp Nightingale, I vowed never to lie again. Omission. That’s my tactic. A different sin entirely.

While this is certainly a thriller, at the heart of this story is female friendships, especially those made at the cusp of the change between being a girl and being a woman. It’s a precarious time of life; there’s a reason it’s written about so much – it is such a unique and major event in life.

The scenes between Vivian and Emma were fascinating. Vivian is older and more experienced at life and takes Emma under her wing. She serves as a surrogate older sister, which is both wonderful and terrible for Emma, as we the readers learn more about the events of that summer. While Allison and Natalie play a role, this novel really focuses on the relationship between Vivian and Emma.

Yes, boys can break your heart and betray you, but not in the same stinging way girls can.

As the book jumps back and forth between the summer of the girls disappearing and present day, more and more comes to light about the events of what happened and how that plays into what is happening to Emma in present day.

The author, Riley Sager, did an excellent job in creating sympathetic but complicated characters and keeping me guessing the entire time. I enjoyed his last novel, Final Girls, but was a little put off by the ending. However, that was not the case this time around. I was breathless up until the last page and I was left fully satisfied. I cannot wait for future books from Sager if his first two novels are an indication of what’s to come next.

I want to laugh. I want to cry. I want to confess. Instead, I say, “Two Truths and a Lie. Let’s play.”

BOOK REVIEW: Before the Devil Breaks You (The Diviners #3) by Libba Bray

November 7, 2018 / Chelsea / 0 Comments

Before the Devil Breaks You (The Diviners #3)
by Libba Bray
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
New York City.
1927.
Lights are bright.
Jazz is king.
Parties are wild.
And the dead are coming...

After battling a supernatural sleeping sickness that early claimed two of their own, the Diviners have had enough of lies. They're more determined than ever to uncover the mystery behind their extraordinary powers, even as they face off against an all-new terror. Out on Ward's Island, far from the city's bustle, sits a mental hospital haunted by the lost souls of people long forgotten--ghosts who have unusual and dangerous ties to the man in the stovepipe hat, also known as the King of Crows.

With terrible accounts of murder and possession flooding in from all over, and New York City on the verge of panic, the Diviners must band together and brave the sinister ghosts invading the asylum, a fight that will bring them fact-to-face with the King of Crows. But as the explosive secrets of the past come to light, loyalties and friendships will be tested, love will hang in the balance, and the Diviners will question all that they've ever known. All the while, malevolent forces gather from every corner in a battle for the very soul of a nation--a fight that could claim the Diviners themselves.

A thin stream of tears trickled down his cheek. He tapped his head gently against the back of his chair: “The land is old, the land is vast, he has no future, he has no past, his coat is sewn with many woes, he’ll bring the dead, the King of Crows.… He’ll bring the dead, the King of Crows, King of Crows, King of Cr—”

Tell me. Tell me what’s next. Tell me what to do. Tell me what to do with my life. I spent a month reading this series, and it’s almost as if I’ve lost a family member now that I’m all caught up. And, more than that, I have no desire whatsoever to read. It’s as if food has lost its taste. As if the wind and the trees and the birds singing are nothing. Life has lost all meaning.

This was what Henry ran from. This was what the jokes masked. It wasn’t callousness. It was pain and loss so great he could only let it in a little at a time, filtered through the safety of melody and rhythm.

Okay. Whatever. I’m eating a home-baked cookie right now that defies all logic of deliciousness that I just found the recipe for BUT YOU GET MY POINT. I don’t know what to do with myself anymore.

I had a whole list planned for the month of October-no real set reading order, I just knew that I at least wanted to get Hidden Bodies and The Diviners read-I’d heard nothing but amazing things about the The Diviners, only that it was scary-ish and beyond addiciting, so I knew I had to save it for now, when I had an excuse to scare the living crap out of me. So I decided to start it first-seemed logical? Then I could read the second one in the middle of the month and the third at the end, for Halloween.

“Why would somebody put that here?” Memphis said. “It doesn’t look like the others. The others are hopeful. This…” He shuddered. “This is a nightmare.”
“Hey! Come see what I found,” Jericho called.
Sam turned to Memphis. “See, when somebody says that to me in a dirty, creepy hole of a cellar, my first inclination is to run.”

Well *bleep* sakes, I couldn’t wrap my head around any other book after I had put down the first and I just knew what I had to do-Binge read for the first time in YEARS. And see? SEE WHY I DON’T DO THIS?? Well, and, to be fair, no series has made me WANT to binge in this manner in forever. Like…WHY.

Jericho glared. “It’s more complicated than black and white, good and evil. Don’t forget: Jake Marlowe saved my life once upon a time.”
“And for that you owe him your blind loyalty?”
“Okay. You two crazy kids,” Sam said, laughing nervously. “Tell me the truth: What have you both got against fun? Was it a childhood trauma? There is no prohibition against fun. Yet.”

And here I am writing an incoherent review that really isn’t necessary but really is necessary because this is my last outlet for fangirling about my lovable and amazing FAMILY. Yeah. I’ve upgraded them. They are truly my life my love and my sole reason for living, atm. But then there are darker things that surround this series, such as the wait for the final book, the sadness at the end, and, once again, how scary it was and the many, many deaths.

A guard waited at the front gate. He frowned. “Only Miss Knight is expected.”
“Oh, but I’m her sister and her chaperone,” Evie bluffed, putting a hand to her chest as if the idea of Theta going into the Hollywood viper pit unaccompanied was unthinkable. “And this lovely lady is her secretary, Miss Ling Chan, and this is her personal seamstress, Miss Mabel Rose.”
“I’ve made all of Miss Knight’s costumes for the Follies,” Mabel said, falling right in. “I love to sew.”
The guard eyed Ling suspiciously. “And I love to… secretary.”

These are some dark books, and I think people should know that. It’s YA, but I think it pushes that envelope. I mean, it’s not TOO much, but it just is very dense and it covers a lot of topics. I never expected that-I never expected to care about so many things…yet here I am, loving every little thing about it-aside from the darkness of animals. I just do not like the mauling of innocent things. And perhaps I’m too tender-hearted, but I refuse to think any differently. If this was gotten rid of, and less child death (I don’t have any specifics for you, just know that it does happen and it is NOT shied away from), I really would have zero complaints besides wanting to sleep with all the lights on.

“You see him?” Sam asked as they peeked around a noisy boiler.
“Huh-uh. And I don’t like basements. Nothing good happens in basements. That’s where one-toothed murderers always live,” Evie whispered. “In basements.”
“Well, my mother used to put pickled herring in our basement,” Sam said, inching forward.
“See what I mean? If it’s not ghosts and one-toothed murderers, it’s pickled herring.”

And it’s no secret that I am in a legion of rabid fans who would DIE to see Sam and Evie together…but do we get to see that in this book? Or does she end up with Jericho? Or neither? And what the heck happens at the end that effected everyone so? These are the questions that should plague those who haven’t gotten around to this beauty yet (or so I think AHHAAHA).

He opened the door and held out the rose. “Welcome.”
“Aww, Freddy, you shouldn’t have,” Sam said, taking the rose and threading it through the buttonhole of his coat. “This is so sudden! I don’t know what to say. Oh, okay. You’ve won me over, you big brute. The answer is yes.”
With that, Sam jumped into Jericho’s arms.

I honestly was expecting something a bit…bigger. But, as always, I am a peril loving fiend and, though this was dark as dark gets, it wasn’t big enough to make me go crazy-though I did love it wholeheartedly all the same. I’m sorry, I’m just waiting for some hero saving the damsel in distress to happen, and I haven’t gotten that yet-and I don’t think I’m likely to…and it kind of bothers me. I don’t know why, but I just really expected that to happen, at least once. And the two opportunities where I expected it to happen, it didn’t. Poo.

But nothing was braver than letting somebody really know you, warts and all. Nothing was braver than trying to love and be loved.

No, Libba is more about the subtle chaos and mayhem and destruction of our souls-and this seems to really resonate with people. I don’t know, something about it being more realistic *mumbles to self* Hmph. That’s not to say I didn’t love the ending, though, because I did. Either way, this book is by far the darkest, and I suppose I never expected it to be so bleak.

And I really really really wouldn’t be me if I didn’t say something about my baby Sam-What?! I’ve been so so good, haven’t I? I love all my characters, I really do, but Sam and Evie just shine. They are my absolute favorites and they never cease to make me smile. And I think their character growth over the last three books has been wonderful-if not even separately, together.

They have the most wonderful relationship and it radiates warmth and glows like the sun, even as Evie rolls her eyes and acts as if she can’t be bothered by it all. She has her eyes set on Jericho this whole book…and it literally kills Sam. My heart. I LOVE IT SO HARD.

“Well, maybe you can give him a noodge?”
“A what?”
“A noodge. A little prodding,” Sam explained. “I’m getting antsy here.”
“Fine. I’ll send him an urgent letter.” At the door, she wrinkled her nose. “Noodge? Is that a real word?”
“It’s Yiddish. Like… Ikh hob dikh lib.”
Evie narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “What does that mean?”
Sam smiled. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you.”

Their friendship, despite the banter (or maybe because of it), is so strong and they clearly have a strong connection-something that has grown from the last book that they never wanted, needed, or anticipated. It just…it rings wonderfully authentic and precious and you can’t help but love them, even if they don’t end up together, and even more if they do. He will always support her no matter her horrible decisions, and he’ll always implore her to be herself, because who else should she be but the girl he thinks is just the best? And it’s for this reason I am ride or die, and I it really makes my love for this series infinite with it’s exponential growth-and don’t even get me started on how wonderful Evie is and how she has become someone to love and admire, even when she’s being silly (which I’ve always loved).

“But I got my own kind of smarts, from the streets, and when I go after something, well, just try’n shake me off. I’m an odd fella, but I know I’m an odd fella. What I can’t figure out is why you gotta make yourself crackers trying to be somebody you can’t ever be instead of just letting yourself be the one and only Evie O’Neill.”

And, lastly, I wanted to say that this one will be hard for some-there are a lot of deaths, and some I just didn’t expect-one for sure. I never would have guessed…because it’s such a BIG deal!! And man…it shook me. I am shooketh. Though….eh, I won’t say it. But I’m certainly thinking it lol. Sad as it may be! And another…like wtf? That was soooo not expected, but maybe because it was so out of left field-I don’t know! It was like oh lots of death la la la these people are off to the side, I’m sure they’re fine and then BAM!!! HE/SHE GONE! Like WHAT?! Libba, you devious Minx. And then…a couple were so grisly like….omg poor poor souls :/ Oh, and one death?! HAHAHA BRING IT ON. TAKE THAT, YOU-YOU-YOU WHATEVER YOU ARE!

AND DO NOT GET ME GOING ON THAT MENTAL ASYLUM OKAY?! I thought it was going to be the whole book, but turns out Libba wanted things to come to a head, to get darker…and oh boy, they so did. I did not expect that plot to change…but I’m glad it did, because that hospital killed me. IT WAS WAY TOO SCARY I COULDN’T EVEN READ IT! So, for those of you scared of the asylum…get past a certain point and you’re good! (I mean…kind of) lol

One minute, they were a group; the next, they were a mob. And that was what scared him about the dead things inside the fog: They were the blood-fever of those wild nights on the streets of Hell’s Kitchen. They were the dark corners of the refuge where the priests didn’t bother looking.

We wish you love. And dreams. And hope.
We wish we could keep you from making the same mistakes.
We wish we could extinguish your hate.
We wish we could walk among you just to be close to the living.
Sometimes, we do.

So yeah. This crazy review happened. I know it’s a little off the wall odd, but what review by me isn’t? When I love something, I love it with every fiber of my being…and this series deserves all the praise. I just hope I can last until that final book comes out…because Ms. Bray literally holds my heart in the palm in her hand.

We are the dead.
We are the keepers of the stories.
We hold the history of blood and promises.
We are speaking.
Are you listening?
Will you hear?

**********************

My heart. My poor damaged heart. My literal obsession and month long life is now over and my heart. There’s no release date for the fourth and my ~~fucking~~ heart. Now what?

RTC.

View all my reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Not So Nice Guy by R. S. Grey

November 5, 2018 / Arielle / 6 Comments

Not So Nice Guy Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
"Oh my god. Who is that?"
I get asked this question a lot.
"Oh him?" I reply. "That's just Ian."

Just Ian is the biggest understatement of the century.
Just the Mona Lisa. Just the Taj Mahal. Just Ian, with his boring ol' washboard abs and dime-a-dozen dimpled smile.

Just Ian is... just my best friend.

We're extremely close, stuck so deep inside a Jim-and-Pam-style friendzone everyone at works assumes we're a couple - that is until one day, word spreads through the teacher's lounge that he's single. Fair game. Suddenly, it's open season on Ian.

He should be reveling in all the newfound attention, but to our mutual surprise, the only attention he seems to want is mine.

He's turning our formerly innocent nightly chats into x-rated phone calls. Our playful banter sports a new, dangerous edge.

I want to assume he's playing a prank on me, just pushing my buttons like always - but when Ian lifts me onto the desk in my classroom and slides his hands up my skirt, he doesn't leave a lot of room for confusion.

I'm a little scared of things going south, of losing my best friend because I can't keep my hands to myself. So, I'm just going to back away and not return this earth-shattering kiss - oh who am I kidding?!

Goodbye Ian, ol' buddy, ol' pal!

Helloooo mister not so nice guy.

Review:

SAM: TY for breakfast. Coffee is LIT.
IAN: It’s the new blend you bought last week. Are your students teaching you new words again?
SAM: I heard it yesterday. I’m not sure when to use it yet. Will report back.

BAAHHAAHAH alright folks this is one funniest romances I have ever read. Like it’s up there at Sally Thorne status which in my world is a PRETTY BIG DEAL. I swear to God I haven’t spent as much time laughing at a book in I don’t know how long. And I mean, this might sound stupid because who doesn’t, but I LOVE laughing. Like it makes me light and giddy and even just having one good laugh a day can turn a completely shitty mood into a brighter one instantly. The fact that I spent nearly the entire book laughing—well you can just imagine how I felt the last day then, can’t you?

ALSO, BONUS, the friends-to-lovers trope is one that I will never in a million years be sick of. This one was just done perfectly. I literally have no complaints.

For 1300 days, I’ve been best friends with Ian Fletcher, and for 1300 days, I’ve convinced myself I’m not really in love with him.

Sam and Ian are best friends who both teach at the same school together. They started on the same exact day and failed their orientation together and had to retake it, much to their to their mortification which = friendship cemented. The best part about this book in relation to this kind of trope is that we learn right away that BOTH of them were secretly in love with each other but thinks the other just wants to be friends. They both have POVs and both of them start out with their own reasons why they think the other doesn’t like them like that. Right off the bat, hilarious. They’re so deep into a best friendship though (shared meal and Netflix subscription, inside jokes, hanging out every second of every day basically) that every other faculty member of their school assumes they’re together until a new long term sub asks Sam if Ian’s single. Open season on both of them commences.

We’re talking through our curriculum for the sex-ed course tomorrow morning. Most if it’s preplanned for us, but Sam wants to be extra prepared.
“Why don’t you just grab a condom or two from your house for the demonstration?” she asks. “Oh Wait, will they still unroll if they’re all expired and dried up? Don’t want to embarrass ourselves in front of the kids.”
“Hilarious. Make sure to bring your 55-gallon barrel of lube.”
“Ha. Why me—don’t you keen any around?” she asks, truly perplexed.
“I don’t usually need it.”
“Oh because the women who make it into your house are just gushing Niagara Fallses 24/7?”
“24 is a stretch. I’d say it’s only during the act, so, three, usually four hours.”
She snorts. “Ooookay Casanova, let’s hope you’re keeping these mythical moist maidens properly hydrated. Jesus, I hope you offer them a Gatorade on the way out.”

Next, that sexual tension tho. I love me some good, intense, drawn out sexual tension. This book 100% delivered. *shivers* From getting a little too close while dying hair to the ~certain~ phone conversation…..I may have been blushing. I loved the way they danced around their feelings for a good chunk of this book but obviously loved it even more when he straight up told her how he felt and that he wanted to pursue something. She may have been unsure because their friendship was so important to her but I was glad he just laid it all on the line. There wasn’t any guessing about feelings. They were either going to go for it or they weren’t.

“Petite thing? Read hair? Yeah, she was here—almost had to kick her out. She was high on drugs, came in and made a mess of the place.”
What the fuck?
“Did you see where she went when she left?”
“Probably to get more horse tranquilizers.”

Finally, that ending. I could see some people maybe not liking it? But with these two…I loved the proposal, I loved the rush to just do it, I loved where they did it and that they had to literally run out to avoid being fined, and I loved how desperate they were to get up to the hotel and with everything that happened after…A situation that would have felt weird and rushed in any other instance, these two had been so close for three years that in all honesty, the way things panned out here just fit. I also loved Sam’s enthusiasm afterwards with everything..just how excited she was to be Mrs. Fletcher and buy groceries and go shopping for THEIR house. She was crazy and I loved it. Also loved the epilogue too. ♥ HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND. This is the best book I’ve read by Grey to date.

You’re mine and you don’t even know it. I’ve never told you.

BOOK REVIEW: Dangerous Exes (Liars, Inc. #2) by Rachel Van Dyken

November 5, 2018 / Jen / 4 Comments

Dangerous Exes (Liars Inc. #2)
by Rachel Van Dyken
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Isla made one teeny little mistake. Now she and her PI company, Dirty Exes, are being targeted by one seriously angry and furiously sexy ex-quarterback. Jessie freakin’ Beckett. But there’s no way some NFL superhunk is going to take her business away. If only he didn’t make her so hot—and bothered.

Jessie wants payback for a ruined reputation. His plan? Top secret. His hard-to-hide arousal for Isla? Not so much. Especially when they let down their guards and sneak a kiss. Like any juicy scandal, it goes so viral, so fast, that only a good lie can combat the bad press. Mortal enemies in a fling? No way. Um…this is love!

Actually…could it be?

Isla’s not faking it. Jessie can’t. As the game of let’s pretend gets real, Jessie forgets all about revenge. That’s the problem. His plan is already out of his control. Now it could undo everything they’ve been trying to build. Coming clean may be the only thing that can save it.

Review:

Dangerous Exes was a ton of fun, hilariously addicting and oh so sexy! I have been excited for this book since I finished reading the last page of Dirty Exes! I’m happy to say that I loved this book just as much as the first! Revenge, lust, friendship and romance filled this story along with my favorite thing of all, enemies to lovers. So if you’re a fan of romance stories that have love to hate in the pages, then you definitely have to pick this one up.

“You’re a good kisser, Isla.” He tilted my chin toward him. “But it’s not enough— I will shut you down, that I promise.”
He walked off leaving me hot, breathless, and pissed.
I opened my car door and tossed my purse in the opposite seat, then pressed my fingertips against my lips and cursed the universe for doing the impossible. Making me feel alive again— by way of my enemy.

If you haven’t read Dirty Exes yet, I highly recommend you do (here’s my review). Everything started in that book and it continued to play out in this one. So going into this story, I already liked Isla Turner and Jessie Beckett. Towards the end of Dirty Exes they were slowly becoming friends and there was even chemistry between them, but that all changed. Jessie’s life went up in smoke and he set his sights to destroy Isla’s PI business. Just like she destroyed his life.

I hated his smirk more than I hated his body.
Because it made me react.
Hell, everything he did made me react and want to seek vengeance with a fiery purpose on his damned soul.

I couldn’t help but laugh when Jessie showed up wherever Isla was. He infiltrated her life and it started to drive her crazy. But when a kiss happened between them and it became public, because of Jessie’s high profile life, things shifted. Jessie was still trying to accomplish his goal, Isla was fighting back, yet now there were kisses and touches between them. I loved how they toyed with each. I loved the games they played. But I loved the passion between them the most. It was crazy addicting and created so many explosive scenes bursting with sexual tension.

She grinned excitedly, then took a deep sip and moaned as she closed her eyes. “You know me well.”
I’m sure she didn’t mean to say it.
Just like my heart didn’t mean to react to the words.
My body felt warm all over as her eyes met mine.
I cleared my throat and looked away while she returned her attention to the game.

No matter how hard Jessie wanted to hate Isla, he couldn’t ignore what was between them. And Isla couldn’t deny that she was attracted to Jessie and that he made her feel things. Oh I loved the both of them so much! Jessie was seductive and controlling, yet he showed us more sides of him. We learned his deepest, darkest secrets and it made me fall for him that much harder. Isla was also controlling but she had this energy to her that was addictive. She probably got it from her great aunt, Goo-Pah. That woman was hilarious and she made me laugh so hard I cried.

Maybe my view of perfection was wrong— had been wrong all along.
It wasn’t the perfect house.
The perfect wife.
It wasn’t the perfect life or career.
It was moments like this, with a woman I would never understand or deserve, lying on my lap asleep, and me wishing I could hold on to the seconds a little bit longer.

Desire and lust swirled between Jessie and Isla anytime they were near each other. With emotions and feelings mixing into the moments too, I was obsessed. And you couldn’t tear me away from this book! If it’s not completely obvious, I absolutely loved this book and that ending! I’ve realized that every single time I pick up a book by Rachel Van Dyken my spirits are always lifted. Her stories are feel good, heartfelt and continually make me smile and laugh. So I can’t wait to read whatever Rachel Van Dyken publishes next!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher, Skyscape. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Shifters and Glyphs (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #2) by Christina Bauer

November 2, 2018 / Jen / 6 Comments

If you enjoy paranormal romance that has humor, a snarky heroine, a wonderful hero and two fabulous best friends then definitely check out my 4 Star Review below and enter a wonderful giveaway! Enjoy!

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Shifters and Glyphs (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #2) by Christina Bauer

Shifters and Glyphs (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #2)
by Christina Bauer
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
After being raised by the meanest fairies in the history of ever, Bryar Rose is now free to live her own life. For the first time, she’s attending West Lake Prep, a regular high school. Well, mostly regular. Some students are actually hidden members of the Magicorum. In other words, they’re really wizards, fairies, or shifters. Bry doesn’t mind, though. She’s thrilled to enjoy all the new experiences of being around normal kids her age, from locker pranks to lunchtime mystery meat. Everything is going along great, except for one thing.

Bry’s dreams about the pyramids of Egypt have gotten darker and more sinister. Every night, she sees her new man Knox and her best friend Elle in danger.

With no other choice, Bry plans to leave school to explore the pyramids on her own. But her new man Knox discovers the scheme and is having none of it. He wants to stay by her side, no matter what. It’s a good thing too, because Bry must solve the mystery of her attraction to the pyramids and soon. Otherwise, it could cost the lives of those she loves most.

And that means not only Knox, but also her best friend Elle.

Review:

Shifters and Glyphs was an action packed adventure that was filled with friendship, laughter and love. If you’re not familiar with this series, you definitely need to start out with the first book Wolves and Roses. You can read my review of that book here. Each book flowed into the next and the storytelling was very creative. The characters were living out their lives according to their fairy tale theme and it was a mix of shifters, wizards, fairies and other creatures too. So if you adore paranormal romance, definitely check this series out.

Knox gently rests his palm against my cheek. “I’m not leaving you. I’m not losing you.” All the intensity in the world shines in his ice-blue eyes.

If it’s been a while since you have read Wolves and Roses, this book catches you up and then some. I felt like I easily stepped back into this world and it contained all of the knowledge from the previous book. Life has changed so much since we first met them. Bryar and her best friend Elle were getting ready to start their senior year in a school for magical beings. Knox became Byrar’s mate and while it seemed like there were feelings between their two best friends, Alec and Elle, they still claim to be just friends and I loved that they play video games together lol. I loved their little group of four, they were as thick as thieves and I couldn’t wait to see what awaited them!

Leaning in, Knox brushes the barest kiss across my lips. “You’re my mate, Bry. My life. My soul. I love you.”

As more pieces of the puzzle started to fit together it became easier to see the bigger picture. While I guessed how a lot of things played out, I was shocked by the hugest twist of all. I definitely didn’t see that one coming! And it was so much fun getting answers to so many answers of the questions I had. Even some that have been lingering from book one! The only thing I missed was hearing Knox’s pov. I loved listening to his chapters in the first book, he was beyond intoxicating, and I was secretly wishing to hear his voice again. If there’s ever a novella released in his voice I’d completely devour it! So if you enjoy paranormal romance that has silly humor, a snarky heroine, a wonderful hero and two fabulous best friends then definitely check this one out!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the Monster House Books, LLC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)

Wolves and Roses #1
Review:
Jen

Moonlight and Midtown #2
Review:
Jen

Shifters and Glyphs #3
Review:
Jen

About Christina Bauer:

Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes.

Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

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