Tag: Young Adult (Page 1 of 158)

BOOK REVIEW: Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan

January 16, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Beneath These Cursed Stars by (These Hollow Vows #3)
by Lexi Ryan
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan brings us the first book in a new romantic fantasy set in the enchanting world of These Hollow Vows. When a human princess armed with death's kiss allies with a fae shifter on the run, their mission to assassinate an evil king collides with a fatal prophecy.

Princess Jasalyn has a secret. Armed with an enchanted ring that gives her death’s kiss, Jas has been sneaking away from the palace at night to assassinate her enemies.

Shape-shifter Felicity needs a miracle. Fated to kill her magical father, she’s been using her unique ability to evade a fatal prophecy.

When rumors of evil king Mordeus’s resurrection spread through the shadow court, Jasalyn decides to end him once and for all. Felicity agrees to take the form of the princess, allowing Jas to covertly hunt Mordeus—and starting Felicity on the path that could finally take her home.

While Jasalyn teams up with the charming and handsome Kendrick, Felicity sets out to get closer to the Wild Fae king, Misha. Kendrick helps Jasalyn feel something other than anger for the first time in three years, and Misha makes Felicity wish for a world where she’s free to be her true self. Soon, the girls’ missions are at risk right alongside their hearts.

The future of the human and fae realms hangs in the balance as fates intertwine. Between perilous tasks, grim secrets, and forbidden romances, Jasalyn and Felicity find that perhaps their stars are the most cursed of all.

Review:

Beneath These Cursed Stars was a young adult romantasy that was so much fun! While plans were made and political intrigue graced the pages, there was also foreshadowing, secrets, betrayal, friendship and love. I loved being back in this world!

Kendrick huffs out a breath and shakes his head. “What happened to that timid little girl from the dungeons?”
I know he means to be flippant, but I hold his gaze as I answer, “She didn’t make it.”

This story is set a few years in the future and alternated between Jasalyn, who we met in the two previous books and was the Queen’s sister, and Felicity. Felicity was a shapeshifter who took on Jas’ shape so she could stand in for her life. While the real Jas hunted down and killed Mordeus, since there was talk that he had come back from the dead.

“You’re next in line to the throne, sister.” Never was there a smile so sad when someone spoke of another inheriting such power. “Mordeus will come for me, and if he’s successful, the people of this court will depend on you.”

Jas and her past were more horrific than I ever realized. I knew that she had been held captive by Mordeus, but each time Felicity took Jas’ shape, she was given a memory from her past. And what we learned shattered my heart. I now understood why she was so withdrawn. I got her hatred for everything fae. And why her dreams haunted her. So as someone from Jas’ past stepped into her present, I had all of the hope for her. That she could find peace, happiness and even love. Yet dread kept pooling in my stomach, and it felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

My name rests on the tip of my tongue. Felicity. Call me Felicity. But I swallow it back like the painful truth that it is.

So, confession time, when this book started I only wanted to spend the chapters with Jas. I didn’t have any interest in spending time with Felicity, but she became my top favorite! As she pretended to be Jas hiding away at Misha’s, I fell for them. I loved watching how their friendship evolved. I loved how he pushed her to be a better person. I loved the tension between them so much too. And my heart hurt for her, because while Misha seemed to be falling for Felicity, she was in Jas’ body. It couldn’t be real. And it couldn’t last.

He steps back as if maybe he likes touching me too much.
Me or Jas? I need to stop trying to figure that out. At the end of the day, it won’t matter.

With death, lies, secrets, only one horse, and some fabulous twists and turns, Beneath These Cursed Stars was a mesmerizing read! I loved that we were given clues, yet it wasn’t clear how it was going to be put together. And while I did guess quite a few things correctly, there was still some twists I didn’t see coming. Plus, we got to see those from the previous two books in this one too! So, with an ending that has me desperately wanting that next book now, I can’t wait to see what happens next!

She frowns up at her uncle. “You’ll break her heart,” she whispers. “Be gentle. She’s scared, and she wouldn’t do this if she had a choice.”

BOOK REVIEW: Bully (Fall Away #1) by Penelope Douglas

November 27, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Bully (Fall Away #1)
by Penelope Douglas
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas delivers an unforgettable romance that toes the fine line between love and hate in Bully—the first novel in the Fall Away series.

My name is Tate. He doesn’t call me that, though. He would never refer to me by a friendly nickname. No, he’ll barely even speak to me. But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then Jared turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I was humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on, and I made myself sick trying to stay out of his way. I even went away for a year just to avoid him.

But I’m done hiding from him now, and there’s no way I’ll allow him to ruin another year. Jared might not have changed, but I have. It’s time to fight back....

Review:

Bully was a steamy, young adult romance. With an enemies to lovers vibe, and lots of bullying going on in the pages, I couldn’t put this book down. As someone who has already read Punk 57, that’s still my favorite Penelope Douglas book! Yet this story was just as addictive, and I had so much fun listening to the audiobook!

“You were my tempest, my thunder cloud, my tree in the downpour. I loved all those things, and I loved you. But now? You’re a fucking drought. I thought that all the assholes drove German cars, but it turns out that pricks in Mustangs can still leave scars.”

Tate was so easy to connect to and adore. She had a strong head on her shoulders, was mature, and worked hard. Jared used to be her best friend, but she didn’t know where it all went wrong. Somehow, she became his enemy, and the games he would play with her were cruel and hurtful. So, I loved it when she stood up against him. When she would put him or his friends in their place! They deserved that and so much more!

“I want to touch you.” His words were against my lips now. “I want to feel what’s mine. What’s always been mine.”

Yet underneath it all, there used to be a friendship. You could see tiny, fleeting, hints of it here and there. How well they still knew certain things about each other. But years later, there a strong sexual tension between them, even with hate surrounding them. So when things turned steamy, it was fabulously done! If you’re looking for a bully romance that has all of the tension, angst, and steam, then definitely add this one to your tbr. I did have a hiccup with an issue about a friend, which is why this is a 4 instead of 5 star rating. But regardless, I can’t wait to binge the rest of this series!

BOOK REVIEW: If There’s No Tomorrow by Jennifer L Armentrout

November 4, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year.

She’s ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend Sebastian know how she really feels about him. The upcoming year is going to be epic—one of opportunities and chances. Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything.

Now Lena isn’t looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian might never forgive her for what happened.

For what she let happen.

Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when her entire existence has been redefined? How can she move on when tomorrow isn’t even guaranteed?

Review:

Some books hit you hard and take you back to a certain time and place. This was that kind of book for me. It was emotionally powerful. And I cried all the tears, while also reliving memories from the past. I don’t want to say what of, because that’s a huge spoiler. But I feel like this should be a must read for those in their teens and twenties. Or for those that just went along with a situation like Lena did. Because so many do. I know I didn’t think twice until something horrific happened, and then we were all drowning too.

What would I have done differently that night if I’d known there was no tomorrow? Everything. I would’ve done everything differently.

While there is some steam on the pages, and a friends to lovers romance takes a lead at times, I desperately needed it. Sebastian was the light that Lena desperately needed. He added hope to her life. And could be someone she talked to. I absolutely adored him. But what this story was mainly about was healing. How guilt can eat you alive. How life can be so unfair. How one choice haunts you for the rest of your life. How things can change in the blink of an eye. This book will make you think. And these characters come alive from the pages, making it that more real. The friendship, the healing, the family, the love, even just the process, it was all so emotional. If There’s No Tomorrow is a must read if you love romance, books that will hit you hard, and leave you thinking long after you close that last page.

BOOK REVIEWS: The Dead List & Till Death by Jennifer L Armentrout

November 1, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

The Dead List by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When Ella is mysteriously attacked on her way home from a party, her entire life changes as she finds herself at the center of an attempted murder investigation.

Ella tries to move on, but her attacker isn't done yet. He shows himself in the form of horrifying signs and symbols: a clown mask strewn on her bed, a dead bird in her backpack, a shadow moving past her window in the night. And as the weeks pass, it turns out that Ella isn't the only one being tormented.

With the help of an old flame, Jensen Carver, and her friends and family, Ella tries to attain some sense of normalcy, but she can't seem to shake the feeling that there's a dark pattern hidden in the killer's every move. Suddenly, even those in her innermost circle seem suspicious. In her seemingly safe West Virginia town, Ella starts to wonder who she can trust.

Review:

If you adore the movie Scream, but always wanted something a little deeper, then definitely add this one to your tbr! From that first chapter I was pulled in, and this story held me in the palm of its hand. I screamed, I gasped, and the audio completely captivated me. This is a must read if you enjoy young adult mystery and thrillers, and to be kept guessing!

“We are not together.”
“Aren’t we?”
My breath caught as his hand slid up, skating over my ribs, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
Jensen’s deep, low chuckle traveled across my throat. “After this morning, we are most definitely together. We just haven’t worked out the specifics of our together-ness.”
“Together-ness is not a word.”
“Now it is.” His hand slipped away from the door to cradle my cheek. He tipped my head back, and I thought my heart would burst from my chest.

One of my favorite things, besides the characters, was that this book kept me on my toes. So, stick with your gut as you watch everything unfold. Because there’s a twist that will leave your reeling while second guessing everything! And while you’re taken on this twisted path, the characters come alive! Elle was so easy to adore. Her thoughts made me want to be friends with her and I loved that Jensen was back in her life. I saw him as nothing but light and goodness, and I kept my fingers crossed I was right about that! As you’ll slowly see, we don’t have the whole picture of their past. But as things are revealed to us in pieces, and we dive deeper into this story, I was completely hooked! I can’t recommend this one enough!

Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s gripping new novel, a young woman comes home to reclaim her life—even as a murderer plots to end it. . .

It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.

First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.

But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.

Review:

This adult romance thriller was impossible to put down! While listening to this story, I had chills and kept looking around corners when walking back to my car in the dark, eeps. Sasha was kidnapped by a serial killer 10 years ago. Now that she’s back home, to help her mom with their inn, things kept happening. And each time, the ante was upped to another level. It left not only Sasha, but me, questioning what was going on. The serial killer who still tormented her dreams was dead. Yet the similarities were creepy and terrifying.

“People don’t get second chances often, Sasha, but we got one, and I’m not going to let that pass us by.”

I could have easily binged this book in a day, if life didn’t get in the way. Sasha was likeable and I adored her bestie, Miranda. Her family and small town were adorable. And with Cole being back in her life, I was a swoony mess. The steam in this story was wonderfully done and while I guessed who the person was, I kept changing my opinion. Because the way the story unfolded placed doubt in my mind, it was brilliantly done. If you’re looking for a story that will keep you entertained, guessing, and has a second chance romance that will have you falling in love, then definitely add this one to your tbr! Plus, the HEA that looked into the future was everything!

BOOK REVIEW: The Demon King (Seven Realms #1) by Cinda Williams Chima

October 23, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Demon King (Seven Realms #1)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
New York Times bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima's first installment in a thrilling new fantasy series, in which the lives of Han Alister and the brave Princess Raisa collide in a magical and dangerous adventure.

One day Han Alister catches three young wizard setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. Han takes an amulet away from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to ensure the boy won't use it against him. The amulet once belonged to the Demon King, who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece so powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana'Marianna has her own battle to fight. She's just returned to court after three years of riding and hunting with her father's family. Raia aspires to be like Hanalea, the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But it seems that her mother has other plans for her—plans that include a suitor who goes against everything the Queendom stands for.

The Seven Realms will tremble when the lives of Han and Raisa collide in this stunning page-turner from bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima.

Review:

The Demon King was a YA fantasy that slowly unfurled into a fascinating story! With multiple kingdoms, clans, and street gangs, there was so much going on in this story. Throw in some forbidden magic, and so many questions, whelp I was hooked. I loved learning everything and seeing how different groups of people fit together. Two of my favorites, and who we got POVs from, were….

“Don’t ask for the truth, boy, unless you’re ready to hear it.”

Han was a street thug who easily captured my heart. He had a way to make you want to root and cheer him on. I didn’t care about his past, or what he had to do to get to where he was. He was someone who was so charming, you couldn’t help but like him. I wasn’t sure how he played into the bigger picture, but I gobbled up every single one of his chapters!

“You have to take chances, Raisa. What seems safest on its face may not be in the long run.”

Raissa was not what I expected. While she enjoyed kisses and boys, she also spent time outside of the courts with the clan. That gave her such a different view from the others we met. As she very slowly started to realize how much in the dark she was being kept, I had such strong opinions on who she surrounded herself with. I despised Micah even though she liked having him as her friend. And then there was also Amon who was wickedly smart and made me want to steal him from the pages!

“History,” Mari muttered, as if she’d overheard his thoughts. “Why do we need to know what happened before we were born?”
“So hopefully we get smarter and don’t make the same mistakes again.”

I wasn’t sure how Raissa and Han would meet up, but I definitely got nervous because as the time passed I thought they would be perfect for each other. But there was also Micah and Amon swirling around too. As someone who has finished this series, I was extremely happy with how each of the characters’ stories went! It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a YA fantasy that made me want to never put it down and consumed my thoughts, and this series did just that!