Tag: New Adult (Page 1 of 45)

BOOK REVIEW: Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren

BOOK REVIEW: Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina LaurenTwice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sam Brandis was Tate Jones’s first: Her first love. Her first everything. Including her first heartbreak.

During a whirlwind two-week vacation abroad, Sam and Tate fell for each other in only the way that first loves do: sharing all of their hopes, dreams, and deepest secrets along the way. Sam was the first, and only, person that Tate—the long-lost daughter of one of the world’s biggest film stars—ever revealed her identity to. So when it became clear her trust was misplaced, her world shattered for good.

Fourteen years later, Tate, now an up-and-coming actress, only thinks about her first love every once in a blue moon. When she steps onto the set of her first big break, he’s the last person she expects to see. Yet here Sam is, the same charming, confident man she knew, but even more alluring than she remembered. Forced to confront the man who betrayed her, Tate must ask herself if it’s possible to do the wrong thing for the right reason… and whether “once in a lifetime” can come around twice.

Review:

Twice in a Blue Moon was an enchanting tale of second chances. With beautiful scenery, characters that were easy to love and a story-line that was hard to put down, this story was so much fun!  The only thing it was missing was either an epilogue or a few more chapters.  Things moved pretty fast towards the end of this story, and I desperately needed to have more.  That’s the only thing that prevented this from being 5 Stars.

Sam kissed me one more time and then hesitated. His cheeks flushed just before he admitted, “I think I’m falling in love with you. Is that crazy?”
Biting my lips was the only way to hold in my elated scream. Finally, I managed, “No. It isn’t crazy. Because, me too.”

Tate met Sam when they were both vacationing in Europe with their grandparents.  I loved Sam and his grandpa right away!  They were warm, kind and they felt like people you had known your whole life.  I loved watching how Tate and Sam easily formed their friendship.  They bonded over their similarities, like not being able to do things in life that were their passion.  And it wasn’t long before they would confess everything to each other.  And when there were touches, kisses and watching what felt like first love unfold, it was butterfly inducing!  Their moments together in London felt magical.  And I was excited for what could be when they got back to the states, even though there was so much distance between them.  The first 100 plus pages of this story, I fell in love with them.  Only to have the rug pulled beneath Tate and the readers’ feet.  She was betrayed, and her life would never be the same. 

It was only two weeks of my life, a long time ago, but I loved him. I remember the feeling; it’s still the only time I’ve ever felt it.

Tate was the daughter of one of the most famous actors and her identity had been given away.  Her life had been a whirlwind since she got back from London.  Now she was an actress, and was to be the star of a movie that was supposed to skyrocket her career even further.  The script was beautiful, the role was life changing and there was something about the storyline that spoke to her.  Yet when Tate arrived on set in Northern California, north of where she grew up, Sam was there.  All of her feelings rushed back to her.  Consuming her.  And threatened the potential for her to nail this job.  It was impossible not to be nervous with Sam and Tate around each other again.  I didn’t know where they could go.  But I was secretly hoping they could fix what destroyed them in the past.  Or at least get answers so Tate could move on.

Charlie steps in front of me, blocking my view. I am so busted. “Why are we staring at Satan?”
“I wasn’t.”
“You were. Are you feeling nice things, Tate Jones?”
“I wasn’t— I just…” I lean to the side to peek again. “Is he crying?”
She doesn’t even turn around. “We don’t care if it cries. We aren’t even sure it has feelings, remember?”
“I remember,” I say dutifully, straightening and grinning at her.

I loved Tate!  She could be so black and white, and harsh.  But it made sense, her whole life had been taken away from her.  She wasn’t able to hide anymore.  So I got her anger and hurt towards Sam.  I got her nerves over whether this would affect her ability to work.  She never seemed to have solid footing.  Especially with Sam back in the picture.  And Sam?  Well, I had already fallen in love with him when he was 21.  And as an adult, I desperately wanted to watch him redeem himself.  For there to be such a solid answer for why he did what he did.  Or that we put the clues together wrong.  So anytime he was around Sam, it was hard to ignore the electricity between them.  What they had built in a few weeks couldn’t be ignored all of these years later.  So I struggled with my feelings right along with Tate.

I shove him once and he stumbles back, landing against the side of the truck. My hands come to the front of his shirt, pulling the cotton into my fists, and I want to tear it off, dig my hands into the skin underneath and pull his heart free.

The other characters filled in the story perfectly. Tate’s dad, sigh. Even though I didn’t like him, it got to the point where it was impossible to separate my feelings from Tate. When she wanted to find that connection with her dad, I wanted that for her too. Probably my favorite side character was Charlie, her best friend.  I adored her!  Ohhh and Nick her co-worker and main lead in the movie.  He helped Tate so much, he was impossible not to love!  I wish he got his own story.  And the setting felt like its own character.  I grew up not that far from where parts of this story took place.  So hearing about Guerneville, where I went to camp and drove through countless times, to The Coddingtown Mall I would frequent with friends and my mom, to even the area the movie was north of Point Arena, wow that one knocked the wind out of me because that area holds such a special place from my late teens to early 20s.  So this story was so vivid!  I felt like I was walking back through those locations and it made my heart so happy!

“Can you believe me, though?” he asks quietly. “That the worst thing I ever did was for the best reason I ever had?”

I loved how we not only got first love in a NA setting, but an Adult second chance romance too.  It was very similar in that vein to Love and Other Words, which is one of my favorite books by them!  So if you’re wanting a romance story that will make you fall in love.  Have characters that are so easy to click with.  And a storyline that makes it so easy to binge, definitely add this one to your tbr.  Just make sure you’re okay with not getting a peak into the future, because that was my only hang-up!

BOOK REVIEW: Full Measures (Flight & Glory #1) by Rebecca Yarros

BOOK REVIEW: Full Measures (Flight & Glory #1) by Rebecca YarrosFull Measures (Flight & Glory #1)
by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: Amazon
Book Depository
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

She knew. That’s why Mom hadn’t opened the door. She knew he was dead.

Twenty years as an army brat and Ember Howard knew, too. The soldiers at the door meant her dad was never coming home. What she didn’t know was how she would find the strength to singlehandedly care for her crumbling family when her mom falls apart.

Then Josh Walker enters her life. Hockey star, her new next-door neighbor, and not to mention the most delicious hands that insist on saving her over and over again. He has a way of erasing the pain with a single look, a single touch. As much as she wants to turn off her feelings and endure the heartache on her own, she can’t deny their intense attraction. Until Josh’s secret shatters their world. And Ember must decide if he’s worth the risk that comes with loving a man who could strip her bare.

Review:

Why was it so damn hard to breathe?

Full Measures was an emotionally powerful book.  With healing and love woven together, this story was impossible not to cry while reading.  I was looking for a New Adult romance that would be an angsty, emotional ride and this fit that need perfectly!

I placed my right hand on the chilled exterior of the coffin and stifled my cry with my left. “I love you,” the whisper broke from me. “I miss you, and I don’t know what to do without you,” I cried. I dragged the frost- bitten air through my lungs. “But don’t you worry about them, not Grams, or Mom, April, or Gus. I will take care of them, I promise.”

Full Measures started out with an emotional bang.  It was impossible not to sob your eyes out.  Or cry through that first chapter.  It was horrific watching Ember Howard’s whole world blow up in her face.  Losing her father.  Watching her mother turn into a shell of a woman of who she was.  And she was left trying to help take care of her younger siblings, while not drowning in her own grief.  Watching Ember try and keep it together while everyone else fell apart had me lost in her agony. This book radiated her pain, and it was impossible not to feel every single thing Ember did.

I wanted someone to hold me, to tell me it was going to be okay, to assure me that my life hadn’t ended with Dad’s. I wanted solace, and comfort, and not to think about it for a while. Wasn’t there anyone else who could help carry the weight of this house?

Josh Walker stumbled upon Ember on the most horrific day of her life.  He had gone to school with her and was her little brother’s hockey coach.  His compassion was beautiful.  And I loved how he was always there.  That he could lend a hand and tried his best to help out where he could.  Yet Ember had her walls infinitely high.  She had a boyfriend.  Who I dubbed as a complete douche bag.  And a mother, sister and little brother that she now was like a parent to.  But one of my favorite things about Josh was that he would just show up.  Where others would say if you need help just ask, he stepped in there and helped.  It was impossible not to fall for how kind Josh’s heart and soul were.

“She’s going to be okay, eventually.”
“So are you.” He squeezed my hand gently before quickly pulling it away, careful not to brush the skin of my knee just below my hem.

Josh and Ember together felt inevitable.  Yet they didn’t have an easy path.  It slowly started out as friendship. And I loved how that led to more. Ember was so focused on doing what was right for her family. And I loved that Josh could then help focus Ember on her life. What she wanted to do. Josh was considerate, patient, understanding, protective, caring and such a beautiful book boyfriend. Yet Josh had been the ultimate player. And had girls fawning over him left and right. I loved two of the names Ember gave them haha.

“God, Ember.”
I said the only thing I could think of. “More.”
He lifted his head, staring into my eyes like he could see through my soul. “This isn’t what you want.”

My notes while reading consisted of tears, more tears and that I couldn’t stop sobbing throughout this story.  Ember’s loss and her family’s struggle to survive while going through the motions gutted me.  The emotions were so intense, real.  At times it felt like I was suffocating in all of their grief and I couldn’t stop the tears that constantly kept pooling in my eyes.  YET in the pages was also a beautiful love story.  And another beautiful story about family healing.  It was a rough journey, but by the end of his book my heart was so happy!

“Oh, and Ember?” I blinked in response. “I’m still your whatever, for whatever you need.”

Secrets can never stay hidden, for long.  And Josh had one that could tear him and Ember apart.  So I loved watching the struggle and the path it took.  The clarity moment was so beautiful! Yet I did have a hiccup with this story. Some of the lines just didn’t work for me. And while I do love cheesiness, I just wasn’t looking for it now. I think if I would have read this story when it first came out, it would have worked perfectly for me. But regardless, I’ll be jumping into the next book. I’m excited that Josh’s roommate is getting his own story. And while Josh and Ember’s story ended on a happily for now, you just know they will get their happily ever after. And I’m hoping we’ll get to see it in a future book!

BOOK REVIEW: A Court This Cruel and Lovely (Kingdom of Lies #1) by Stacia Stark

BOOK REVIEW: A Court This Cruel and Lovely (Kingdom of Lies #1) by Stacia StarkA Court This Cruel and Lovely (Kingdom of Lies #1)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

For years, when I fell asleep, I dreamed of a man with blazing green eyes and a cruel smile.

The day I meet him, the ruthless mercenary leaves me for dead.

Just hours after humans are born, the gods take what little power we have. In return, they protect our borders from the vicious, merciless fae.

The humans who manage to keep their power are known as the corrupt.

And they are burned.

When my forbidden power is discovered, I'm forced to flee my tiny village and the life I adore.

To survive, I make a desperate bargain with the mercenary who abandoned me at my weakest.

Our deal is simple: I'll help him and his mysterious friends sneak into the city. And he'll help me learn to wield the strange, dark power I've always kept hidden. The power that may just be the key to my survival.

But the ruthless mercenary is hiding secrets of his own. Secrets that threaten the safety of everyone I love. Secrets that could tear this kingdom-and perhaps even this world-apart.

Review:

Sometimes there are stories that are so beautifully crafted that they steal pieces of your heart and soul.  They consume your every waking thought.  And saying it’s one of your favorite books ever still doesn’t feel like enough.  That was A Court This Cruel and Lovely.  This book stole my breath time and again.  If you love enemies to lovers, a slow burn romance, forced proximity, found family, a heroine that comes into her power and a morally gray grumpy male then you desperately need this book in your life!  This romantasy was everything!

I could do this.
After all, against all odds, I was still alive. I just had to keep reminding myself of that.

Prisca lived in a harsh world where when you were born, your magic was taken from you and given to the Gods.  It was so they would help protect the borders from the ruthless fae.  But Prisca had been keeping a secret.  She still had her magic.  Which made her part of the corrupt. After those were caught, they were burned to death for defying the Gods.  So when Prisca was discovered for still having her magic, she was forced to flee her home and family.  And while on the run, she met a man that she had been dreaming about.  Yet he left her for dead. 

“I don’t want anything you’re offering. Remember that time you left me to freeze to death?”
He sighed. “Are you always this dramatic?”
One of his men snorted, and I trembled with the need to punch Lorian in the mouth.

I loved Prisca!  It hurt to watch her live in a village that she could never stay at, where she would never be able to fall in love, and could never let her guard down.  But when she left her home, brother and mother, it was even more gut wrenching to watch.  Her whole life changed in the blink of an eye and she was forced to survive or else she would die. Prisca showed us time and again that she was brave, smart, tricky, kind and fearless!  Being on the run had her meeting Lorian.  Who left her for dead.  He was a man she dubbed as a ruthless mercenary.  And it was the start of a beautiful enemies to lovers romance that I’m beyond obsessed about.

Don’t do it. Don’t you dare do it.
My gaze dropped to his toned ass, and I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry.
“See something you like?” Lorian purred.
“Nothing. Nothing at all.”
He chuckled, turning to the bath, and I slammed my eyes shut. It wasn’t fair that he was so annoying and yet so fucking perfect.

Lorian.  Oh my heart.  He made me laugh when I shouldn’t have. He made me like him when I shouldn’t have. But I didn’t care. I loved that we got his thoughts too. They could be so coarse and ruthless, but I loved when he thought about her. Even when he didn’t want to. But make no mistake, he could be so cold at the drop of a hat. And in the next moment he would kill for you. Trick you. Be protective. And keep all of his secrets to himself. I never seemed to know which side Lorian would show us. Yet as the story unfolded, I fell for every single side of him. Something I didn’t think was possible. This morally gray male will gladly steal and capture your heart, even if you don’t want him to!

Nerves fluttered in my stomach.
We don’t have time for your insecurity and self-doubt.
How Lorian would laugh if he knew just how much I was relying on those words.
In another life.
My chest tightened, and I shoved the memory out of my mind.

Even though Prisca and Lorain hated each other, they needed one another. And while they had their moments that felt like something more, or there wasn’t animosity between them, it never lasted long. Their enemies to lovers romance was done so fabulously! Especially when they would mess with the other. I lived for those moments and couldn’t stop smiling when they could be playful and hilarious. Their banter was fabulous and there was always a tension that simmered between them. No matter how much neither one of them wanted to admit it.

Beneath the terror, my fury burned bright. So bright, I didn’t have to reach for my power. No, instead, the threads seemed to reach for me, my skin heating.

While Prisca, Lorian and his men Marth, Rythos, Cavis and Galon traveled together, there was definitely a strain. Yet as their journey continued, it almost felt as though there was a camaraderie there. One that felt like a fond family. Or maybe that’s just what happens when you face life and death moments. I was terrified for so many of those in this story. I cried, I screamed, I gasped, but I also laughed out loud and couldn’t stop smiling. And as we watched the story and the characters unfold, I loved where this story led us. It held us in the palm of its hand.

“I thought we’d moved past threats of torture,” I muttered.
He took a single step closer, and my skin tingled at the look he gave me. Dark, hopelessly amused, dripping with lust.

This twists in this story were phenomenal! Some of my guesses were close or right on. Yet other things I didn’t even some coming. This is one of those stories where I can’t wait to re-read because I can now see the clues. And while reading, I had to know what happened next. The story and characters were impossible to walk away from! I also think that fans of FBAA will fall head over heels in love with this story! Reading those ARCs consumed my whole being these last few years. And this is the first book that has given me all of the same vibes and feels.

“…Promise me you’ll free them. And one day, you’ll come back and burn this fucking place to the ground.”
There was only one thing I could say. “I promise.”

A Court This Cruel and Lovely was filled with revenge, murder, survival, jealousy, bargains, betrayal, friendship and more. I loved that these characters had one another’s back and put their faith in each other. Even if they didn’t want to. I loved that plans were made that led to more. And I especially loved how steamy kisses turned into seductively scorching hot moments. This romantasy was impossible to put down and easily became an instant favorite! I will be counting the moments until that next book is released and I’m so thankful we stopped at the perfect stopping point.  I desperately  have to know what happens next, yet I can breathe.

“How do I know you won’t just kill everyone?”
“Oh, Prisca,” he purred. “I would never kill you.”

PS Barmaid. I still laugh out loud thinking about that!

“I know what we’re about to do. It doesn’t change the fact that I want to strip that dress off you and see what I find beneath it.”
“You’ll find knives,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him.
His smile was dark— almost feral. “Wicked women are my weakness.”
I couldn’t help but grin up at him.

PPS I loved the letters Lorian and his brother sent back and forth. One of the last ones he sent back to him was everything for me lol!

Spoiler Quotes That I Love:

View Spoiler »

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

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: House of Pounding Hearts (The Kingdom of Crows #2) by Olivia Wildenstein

BOOK REVIEW: House of Pounding Hearts (The Kingdom of Crows #2) by Olivia WildensteinHouse of Pounding Hearts (The Kingdom of Crows #2)
by Olivia Wildenstein
Purchase on: Amazon
Book Depository
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

I MEANT TO CAPTURE THE PRINCE'S HEART . . . AND ENDED UP WITH A KING'S.

My desire to sit upon the Lucin throne led me to revive an ancient, winged monarch; one I deemed a friend until that friend duped and imprisoned me.

Lorcan claims he's holding me captive for my own safety, but then he also claims I belong to him. Slumbering for five centuries has evidently given the Crow King severe delusions.

We may share an unfortunate mind-link, but we are still masters of our own destiny, and I intend to steer mine away from the Sky Kingdom and its prophecies . . . away from him.

I quickly find out there is no escaping the possessive male. In all honesty, I'm no longer certain I want to.

Get swept away in the second installment of a slow-burn shifter fantasy series full of heartbreaking deceit, wicked supernaturals, and alpha males.

*contains mature content. Recommended for 18+

Review:

“Once upon a time, Lore, you told me that we were just beginning.” I glance over my shoulder as my words settle into him. “So let’s begin.”
 
House of Pounding Hearts was a dark and luscious fantasy that was impossible to put down.  These characters completely captured my heart.  And they will make you laugh.  Cry.  And fall in love.  There were heart stopping moments where dread set like a viper in the pit of my stomach.  Lies and secrets swirled through the pages.  And death slowly seeped its way in too.  If you love romance and fantasy, you need this series in your life!
 
For several breaths, we just stand there— me gazing at his feet, and him gazing at my downturned face. How far we fell when he rose.
 
Fallon was a jumble of emotions.  She could deny all she wanted, and tell herself lies, but she wanted Lore.   And while she struggled with her feelings towards him, I loved how much banter she threw his way.  But some of that banter hurt.  It made sense though, she was being held in the Bird Kingdom, for her own safety.  That anger at being trapped was lashed towards Lore again and again.  All the while Fallon’s whole world kept changing.  As the story unfolded, Fallon got a very clear picture of where everyone stood.  Some of that hurt.  But others left us cheering for joy!  Fallon was easily one of my favorite heroines and I loved her willingness to try new things.  Like learn crow.  The meanings of the words she learned, and also the words she used, it felt like my heart would burst with joy. Fallon definitely made me cry happy tears.
 
He flips my hand and licks a languid line from the center of my palm to the inside of my wrist. Till the sky is darkest, and I can taste you everywhere.
I stand planted in front of my door like one of Nonna’s medicinal shrubs for a solid minute after he retreats to his rooms, gaping after him.
 
My heart hurt for Lore.  He tried so hard again and again with Fallon.  She was his mate, yet she wanted none of it.  Fallon was determined to have her independence and stay away from him.  But even when Lore wasn’t around Fallon, I loved how well informed he kept.  I laughed out loud way too many times over that!  Through it all, Lore was a constant.  He was seductive, charming and impossible to ignore.  And he always protected Fallon. There was literally nothing he wouldn’t do for her *cries*.  Plus he seemed to play by her rules, and respect Fallon’s needs and wants when push came to shove  So I kept waiting for the moment that Lore would claim her, because I knew it would be so hot!
 
“You may think me a monster, and perhaps fighting monsters has turned me into one, but as you said, you’re shackled to me, Little Bird.”
I puff a breath out of the corner of my mouth in frustration. “I didn’t say it. I thought—”
“Do you know what that makes me in regards to you?”
I sigh. “My ball and chain?”
His mouth tips. “That makes me your monster. The one who will fight off all the others in order to keep you safe.”
In a moment of rare pragmatism, I ask, “And who, do tell, will keep me safe from you, Lorcan Ríhbiadh?”
My words are met with a dusky smile that heightens the fever in my blood and the throb everywhere else.
 
Fallon and Lore had a definite enemies to lovers vibe in this story.  They both said things they didn’t mean, I loved all of her little bird digs haha.  They both felt jealousy.  Yet they wouldn’t admit or voice their feelings, since they were incredibly stubborn.  But they could still talk telepathically, and as time passed they kept getting drawn closer and closer together.  Lore kept getting under Fallon’s skin.  He would make her smile.  And she couldn’t deny that when others had let her down, he always had her back.  So I just knew that if they came together, they would be a formable pair and the ultimate power couple.  Together they would be unstoppable.  So as Fallon started to play a dangerously seductive game with Lore, it was impossible not to squeal in excitement.  Because when things turned to more, it was extremely hot, and absolutely beautiful! 
 
He trails a line of kisses up the length of my throat, each gentle peck of his mouth sparking a little moan that vibrates the darkened air.
 
Even when everything else was upside down, Fallon had those she loved.  Pheebs, Syb, and others.  But my favorite side character in this book was Eefah.  I adored her!  And Fallon’s father too.  He cracked me up with his emotions.  Like when he got upset or learned things and exploded haha.  But I still did not like Dante.  I thought he was a horrible human who Fallon shouldn’t be giving any leeway.  And as the story unfolded, events came about that were unfathomable.  It wasn’t supposed to be this way, I was shocked.  So be careful, because not everything is as it seems.  There were also moments I was terrified for all of them. It was like you could feel the horrific unknown coming. So yes I cried all the tears with this book!  And that ending?!  It was a true cliffhanger that was EPIC!
 
Once I’ve burst out, I hinge at the waist and breathe. Just breathe.
And then . . .
And then I finally scream.
 
Betrayal, lies, schemes, and deceit slashed through the pages.  There were hearts broken, trust shattered and when the carpet was pulled beneath them my mouth was wide open.  The twists this book took were phenomenal!  But there was also hope, laughter, kindness, loyalty, friendship, and even love.  And by that final page, Fallon was a true warrior.  And Lore solidified himself as one of my top book boyfriends!  So pick this book up if you’re looking for a romantasy that continually builds and will leave you with a fabulous, heart stopping ending! 
 
Fight for us, Behach Éan. Your monster is coming.
 
PS The meatball incident, I’m still laughing!
 
PPS But the eel scene!  Best.  Scene.  Ever!
 
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Curse of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #1) by Nicole Platania

BOOK REVIEW: The Curse of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #1) by Nicole PlataniaThe Curse of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #1)
by Nicole Platania
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The war is over.
The curse is lifted.
Malakai is gone.

It’s been two years since Ophelia has seen the boy she loves. When a treaty was signed ending the war and lifting the curse on Mystique Warriors, Malakai left to attempt the sacred ritual known as the Undertaking.

He never returned, and the Undertaking was forbidden. Ophelia’s world crumbled around her.

Since then, she has pursued a fruitless search for answers. When the deadly curse resurfaces only on her, Ophelia finds solace in the idea that when she dies, she may finally be reunited with her lost love. Then, a messenger appears, telling her that she alone may be the one to save her people.

With her closest friends by her side, Ophelia embarks on a race against death—one that will not only challenge her physically, but make her question the Mystique leaders, the Angels, and her belief in love.

Can she win the fight against fate before the curse takes her life, or will the betrayals exposed along the way kill her first?

With influence from Greek Mythology, this debut is the first in a New Adult Fantasy Romance series full of heart-wrenching love, shattering betrayals, and fighting for what you believe in. Fans of Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, and The Bridge Kingdom will love it.

Review

I’m back and ready to flail. As most of you know I have been reading Dramione NONSTOP for the past, ohhhhh, year and a half now. For all of December and the first half of this month I have been back to actual books and I am not stopping any time soon. I forgot how much I missed walking in the shoes of all of these different characters in all of these other worlds, so, so much. This book was no exception.

As the first of a series, I was gladly thrust into an entirely new world full of complex governing structures, territories where people excelled at different things, and even other kinds of beings. Honestly there’s still a bit I don’t quite understand in the bigger scheme of things but I think that was intentional as the journey we went on with our main group of characters was to a specific place with a specific purpose. I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing other lands and many more new characters as the series progresses.

Speaking of, while this story as a whole was a great balance of both plot and character-driven, I think the characters were my favorite part. I have always been that way. Obviously, a unique and well-developed plot (which this book definitely has) is very important but to me, having characters who are easy to relate to or even easy to love and hate is super important–always has been and always will be. Ophelia, our main character here is perfectly imperfect. She is a warrior at heart and because of that, she can be hot-headed and stubborn to a fault. Because she is still in a state of grief and mourning (a few different things) for the majority of this book, we get to see her as more than a larger-than-life Warrior figure–we see her humanity. We see her friends surrounding her, trying to help her and keep her sane. Cyph, Tolek, Rina, and even her sister Jezebel each play different roles in her life and keep her from breaking as best as they can. The found family trope is something that has always appealed to me because it means that these characters have CHOSEN to be a family. They don’t feel obligated because they are blood-related. they want to be there because…they just want to. I feel like I’m getting too deep into this but I just really love these characters so much, lol.

Anywayyyy this book has it all. Badass characters, romance that will make you ache, writing that I can’t believe came from a debut author, and a plot that I’m dying for more of. You won’t want to miss out on this one!


Huge thank you to Nicole Platania for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!♥

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