Tag: Young Adult (Page 13 of 158)

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Immortal Game by Talia Rothschild & A.C. Harvey

May 24, 2021 / Jen / 6 Comments

I’m so excited to be on the tour for The Immortal Game! I’m a huge Greek Mythology fan and there was so much to love within these pages! Checkout my 4.5 Star Review below and enter to win a copy of this book! Enjoy ♥

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Immortal Game by Talia Rothschild & A.C. Harvey

The Immortal Game by Talia Rothschild & A.C. Harvey by Talia Rothschild, A.C. Harvey
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
An exiled goddess goes on a quest to clear her name and save Mount Olympus in Talia Rothschild & A C Harvey's action-packed young adult debut, The Immortal Game!

Galene, daughter of Poseidon, desperately wants to earn her place among the gods. But when a violent attack leaves Mount Olympus in chaos and ruins, she is accused of the crime. Banished from Olympus, Galene sets out to prove her innocence and discovers a more deadly plot―one that threatens even the oldest of Immortals.

Fortunately, she has allies who willingly join her in exile:

A lifelong friend who commands the wind.
A defiant warrior with deadly skill.
A fire-wielder with a hero’s heart.
A mastermind who plays life like a game.

All-out war is knocking at the gates. Galene and her friends are the only ones who can tip the scales toward justice, but their choices could save Olympus from total annihilation, or be the doom of them all.

Review:

The Immortal Game was an enthralling story that swept me away! Trials, friendship, teamwork, and twists laced through the pages and made for such an exciting read! If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, then you should definitely pick up this book.

I’m the reason they’re leaving, Galene thought with a heartthrob, and they’re more prepared for this than I am.

This story started off with heart pounding scenes that quickly pulled me in. The children of the Gods and Goddesses had to battle a combination of mythological creatures that were terrifying. Upon winning their Trial, they were granted eternal life. But from Galene’s Trial, she was led down a path where she was accused of a deadly attack and banished from her home, Mount Olympus. In a quest to prove her innocence she was joined by four others. The journey and this group of outcasts had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see what happened next!

“Being a hero is about fighting for something bigger than yourself, despite the obstacles, despite the fear.” He caught her gaze again. “You did that for Galene. You do that every day.” – Braxtus and Iyana

My heart became attached so quickly to this group of outcasts. We had Galene daughter of Poseidon, Iyana daughter of Zeus, Kostas son of Hermes, Braxtus son of Apollo and Demitri son of Ares. With every step they took, it felt like there was an insurmountable obstacles in their way. Not only was it physically challenging, and we got to watch the powers and gifts each of them had. But it was also mentally taxing too. They knew they had to work together, even if there were struggles between some of those in the group. So I loved watching them learn to trust, put faith and try to have each other’s backs every step of the way.

She tumbled backward through the air.
And smiled.
Stretching her hands to either side, she unleashed the tempest inside her.

The story alternated between four of the characters and while that’s usually not my thing, I loved this format! Each of them became that much more entrenched in my heart and I was shocked how equally invested I was in each of them! My heart ached as they faced different fears and worked their way through personal struggles. But from beginning to end they grew. And the friendship between Galene and Iyana and Kostas and Braxtus warmed my heart. On top of that, there were two different romances I was rooting for. I don’t want to say anymore other than my heart was so, so, so happy with how it all turned out! Plus I loved that this story made it feel as though I was watching a movie play before my eyes.

Galene fell, a sob tearing from her lungs.
Gold ichor pooled around his head, his bare arms and legs stained with deep golden bruises. His eyes were closed, his lips parted, his body still.
She clawed her way to him, shuddering with sobs.

The Immortal Game led us down a path filled with peril and friendship! If you love Greek Mythology, like I do, you’re going to fall head over heels in love with all of the elements that can be found in this tale. From the characters, to their richly imagined world, to even the mythical creatures that nightmares were created from, so much can be found in these pages! I was so happy that my favorite Gods, Goddesses and even creatures I was terrified of were included in this epic quest and battle. This is a book I can’t wait for my littles to read and I think it would be a great transition for when they’re ready to step from MG to YA!

“Believe it or not, I still don’t want to hurt you.”
“Funny,” she growled. “Because I do.”
She pulled back and let a spike fly.

PS While this is a standalone that ends absolutely fabulously, I can definitely see other stories panning out in this world in the future *fingers crossed*.

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

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About Talia Rothschild & A.C. Harvey:

Talia Rothschild, Italian American, is passionate about stories in many forms—music, dance, photography, film and, of course, great novels. She believes in thick hot chocolate and creamer in your tea. When she’s not happily writing, she’s mothering the sweetest baby girl and making memories with her husband. Her debut book The Immortal Game, coauthored with A. C. Harvey, hits the shelves May 2021.

Ashleigh Harvey is teaching high school physics and bringing her writing dreams to life. English-born and world-traveled, she loves filling her life with new adventures, such as visiting a new country or exploring the Wild West with her husband. She also finds escape in movies, music, literature, and yearly comic conventions. The Immortal Game is her debut novel, created alongside Talia Rothschild, her close friend.

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BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary Ting

April 23, 2021 / Jen / 6 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary Ting Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Behind enemy lines, new soldiers will emerge, and unexpected heroes will rise.

Ava is a prisoner. And she is not the only rebel held hostage at ISAN's secret compound. As she plans an escape, the lives of the rebel prisoners are in her hands, along with those she thought were dead.

Rhett and his team desperately search for Ava while one of the Remnant Council joins forces with another network looking for the creator of the Helix serum. And time is running out. Mr. Novak has been secretly creating an army called CODE, and what he plans for Ava will mean a permanent end to the rebels--and her.

Review:

CODE was a heart pounding addition to the ISAN series! With a gritty and rugged story-line, that held a lot of heart, this book was impossible to put down! If you’re a fan of YA or dystopian, then you definitely need to add this series to your tbr!

“You are worth every gamble I took to find you.”

The story started off right where GENE ended, with Eva and Rhett separated and so many lives at stake. I know this isn’t how I normally write my reviews but I have to talk about the twists first! They were brilliant! There was so much at play, the story played out ingeniously and my mind was blown. I gasped out loud multiple times, screamed and kept whispering to myself this isn’t how the story was supposed to go. I didn’t see multiple things coming. But looking back, ohhhhhh the clues were there, I just put the pieces of the puzzle together wrong. So hold on, because this story will take you on a wild and crazy ride!

Sometimes when one person couldn’t see the light, another had to carry the torch. I would carry that torch and make it brighter for the both of us. – Ava

CODE was told in multiple POVs again and we got to spend the majority of our time with Ava and Rhett. They have a forever place in my heart. I love how they’re both smart, brave, caring, fearless and would do anything for each other. And watching their love grow stronger and deeper in each book?! My happiness soars when they can breathe for a moment and are together. They are the ultimate power couple! In CODE both of their emotions were put through the wringer but they each had the same end goal. To take Novak and ISAN down. I loved how Ava continually looked for Novak and Gene’s weak points and was defiant to their plans. With a psychopath for a brother and monster for a father, my heart continually bled for Ava. I longed for her to be back together with Rhett, for him to help her feel his love.

Too late. Too late. Too late. The words echoed with devastating finality. – Mitch

We also got to hear parts of the story from Mitch. Oh how he has grown on me. If you asked me in ISAN if I liked Mitch….oh wow, I would have laughed out loud and told you no. He was such an arrogant jerk. But there was more than meets the eye. Mitch was cunning and smart. He felt things deeply. And in CODE he made friends and so much I can’t talk about other then I loved, loved, loved it! It was more than I ever could have hoped for. I’m just as invested in Mitch’s life and happiness, as Ava and Rhett. And that terrifies me. The position Mitch is in is beyond dangerous and I never know if this current moment will be his last.

Justine couldn’t believe her fate. Damned if she did, and damned if she didn’t.
How do I do the right thing when I’m so scared, Mitch?

Justine was another who we got to spend some time with. I hated her. And to put all of my cards on the table, I hated her for even a good portion of this book too haha. But getting to hear a few chapters in Justine’s head?! Oh you guys. She wiggled her way into my heart. Curse her lol. Justine even made me cry tears that couldn’t be stopped. Sigh. So good luck trying to ignore all of the feelings she’ll pull from you, because for me it was impossible to ignore.

We would fight for justice.
We would fight for peace.
We would bring the rest of ISAN down.

In addition, we got to spend a few chapters with Chancellor Josephine Chang who was beyond fascinating. Her ties and connections. What she did when she was not around Rhett, Ava, Zen or the public eye, WOW. There’s not much I can say other then I enjoyed the little time we got to spend with Chancellor Chang and I’m hoping for something to happen in her future, fingers crossed!

Something crunched under Rhett’s feet. He looked down to see … bones. Human bones?
“Is that…?” Zeke gasped.
Cleo’s eyes rounded and her lips parted to scream.

CODE had it all! Horrific plans were made, traps were set, people switched sides, impossible decisions were made and there was even sacrifice. I had sweaty palms in multiple situations. And new enemies we meet…..one of them is what nightmares are made of *shudders*. At the end of the day, I was terrified because I cared for too many people. But I smiled so much and loved being back with these people that feel like family to me. They are the ultimate squad that I want to be a part of! Rhett, Ava, Mitch, Brooke, Ozzie, Reyna, Momo and a few others, I kept hoping they would all survive!

We girls should lift each other up, support each other. We should ignite each other’s beautiful souls and not douse them in darkness. And that was the kind of friendship I had with some of the girls at the rebel base. – Ava

Coursing with adrenaline, CODE was impossible to put down! And with love and friendship winding throughout the pages, it evened this book out perfectly. So with a richly imagined world, characters that leapt off the pages and a story that kept you turning just one more page, this book easily became an instant favorite! Plus it ended at the perfect stopping and breathing point. But I’ll definitely be counting down until that next book comes out, I can’t wait!

Two other quotes that I loved…

I took another step toward him and another as something hot bubbled inside me. “I felt a lot of pain the second I found out you were my brother. It’s like being told the devil shares your blood. Do you even know what that feels like? Do you have any feelings at all?”- Ava

“Why me?” Mitch frowned.
Russ offered a sly grin. “You’re good at scheming and deceiving. That’s what you do well.”
Mitch chuckled. “Did you just give me a compliment? Are we getting along?”
Russ cackled and tapped the screen to close. “I think it’s a start of a beautiful friendship. But seriously , we’re here so think fast.”

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

Reading Order:
Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)

ISAN (International Sensory Assassin Network #1) Review: Jen	HELIX (International Sensory Assassin Network #2) Review: Jen	GENES (International Sensory Assassin Network #3) Review: Jen
CODE (International Sensory Assassin Network #3) Review: Jen	AVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) Review: Jen

About Mary Ting:

International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, and swoon worthy stories. Her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.

Mary was born in Seoul Korea and resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two dogs—Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Becoming an author was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, she retired from teaching after twenty years.

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BOOK REVIEW: Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked #1) by Kerri Maniscalco

April 19, 2021 / Arielle / 0 Comments

Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked #1)
by Kerri Maniscalco
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Two sisters.

One brutal murder.

A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself…

And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe—witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin… desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost—even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked Princes of Hell that she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

Review

“Love is the most powerful magic. Above all else, remember that. It will always guide you where you need to go.” She dropped her hands and stepped back. “Now go, bambina. Go be brave. Your heart will conquer darkness. Trust in that.”

This book had NOT been on my radar at all until Chelsea mentioned how much she loved it and a few friends from a discord server I’m on had been recently raving about it. I saw that it was short, had nothing else to read, and decided to pick it up. Let me tell you, if these were the olden days of no children and no full time job, I would have finished this baby in less than a day. Regardless of the little time I had to read, I DEVOURED it. I had never read any of Maniscalco’s previous books so I was stunned to find how much I loved her writing style. It was all so descriptive and basically had my drooling with every single mention of Italian food and drink (which seems to be general consensus of every single person who read this book, lol).

“Maybe. It depends on how many customers we have and how late it gets. Honestly, I might just go home and try out some new recipes, or read.”
“Ah. Such a pious young woman, reading the Good Book.”
“Mmh.” I smiled down at my cutting board. The novel I was in the middle of was a good book, it just wasn’t the Good Book. I refrained from telling him about the last chapter I read—the one where the hero expressed his love in many colorful and physically astounding ways. I supposed, technically, his stamina could be considered miraculous. I’d certainly become a believer of impossible expectations.

When it came to the actual story itself I was just as pleased. I always find it interesting to read about how different authors go about portraying witches and other paranormal entities in a “real world” setting (I don’t know if I would call this urban fantasy as its set in an earlier time period???). Emilia, the main character, is what you might call a “good” witch??? Her Nonna has forbid her twin and her from practicing any kind of darker magic or from even THINKING about anything of that nature.
—
See next paragraph and lol at me.

“One day you might beg me to kiss you.”

Okay guys…lol I feel like an idiot right now but I wrote the top half of this review like at least a week ago and I have no idea where I had planned on going with it after having consumed several other books since finishing this one. Basically all I really want and need to say is that Wrath is grumpy and hot AF. I need him and Emilia together and I am so intrigued by how the next book is set up and what will happen. If you haven’t already, I urge you to check out Maniscalco’s Pinterest boards because the stuff she has pinned for #2 look dark and sexy as hell. “As hell” lol get it? Anyway I pretty annoyed with myself about not doing a great job reviewing this because I really did fly through it. The chemistry between Wrath and Emilia was sooooo so hot and I thought their connection via beautifully changing tattoo/ Emilia screwing up her summoning to be both hilarious and exactly how I needed them to be forced together. I want more, more, more.

As above, so below.

BOOK REVIEW: Chain of Iron (The Last Hours #2) by Cassandra Clare

April 12, 2021 / Arielle / 0 Comments

Chain of Iron (The Last Hours #2)
by Cassandra Clare
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel.

Cordelia Carstairs seems to have everything she ever wanted. She’s engaged to marry James Herondale, the boy she has loved since childhood. She has a new life in London with her best friend Lucie Herondale and James’s charming companions, the Merry Thieves. She is about to be reunited with her beloved father. And she bears the sword Cortana, a legendary hero’s blade.

But the truth is far grimmer. James and Cordelia’s marriage is a lie, arranged to save Cordelia’s reputation. James is in love with the mysterious Grace Blackthorn whose brother, Jesse, died years ago in a terrible accident. Cortana burns Cordelia’s hand when she touches it, while her father has grown bitter and angry. And a serial murderer is targeting the Shadowhunters of London, killing under cover of darkness, then vanishing without a trace.

Together with the Merry Thieves, Cordelia, James, and Lucie must follow the trail of the knife-wielding killer through the city’s most dangerous streets. All the while, each is keeping a shocking secret: Lucie, that she plans to raise Jesse from the dead; Cordelia, that she has sworn a dangerous oath of loyalty to a mysterious power; and James, that he is being drawn further each night into the dark web of his grandfather, the arch-demon Belial. And that he himself may be the killer they seek.

Review

This is now the 18th book I’ve read by Cassandra Clare. What’s even crazier is that I have been reading about the Shadowhunter world for FOURTEEN YEARS. Her writing and her characters have been with me through some of my most formative years alive and these books have honestly been part of the reason why I am such a lover of long, drawn out series with books big enough to knock a person out (you know, if you were to use one as a weapon which I don’t condone lolll). The Infernal Devices made me feel ~things~ back in the day that I honestly didn’t even know books could elicit. Tessa was a kindred spirit who loved books as much as I did and Will Herondale was exactly the kind of broody boy with dark hair and blue eyes that I dreamed out endlessly. Once I was fully ensconced in this world, I knew there would never be a day that I wouldn’t want to immediately read the stuff she puts out.

However, I have lately noticed that as I grow older, the stuff just doesn’t hit in the same way it used to. In my opinion it’s not on Clare’s writing. I think that has improved with each book. Her writing still CONTINUOUSLY has me aching for the characters and wanting more. I mean, at this point I don’t know if there has been ONE single relationship that hasn’t been fraught with angst and somehow each of them is angsty in a new way??? Like how in the hell does she even do that?

I think the biggest “issue” for me is that back in the day when I had WAY LESS obligations, I was able to re-read like every single book that had previously come out beforehand, leading up to the new book. Now I have a full time job and two kids which leaves me with a lot less time, even with audiobooks on a faster-than-normal, lol. At this point with The Last Hours not only do we have references to things that happened in TID but also characters/ events we see again later in TMI and TDA. Like holy crap I can’t keep anything straight anymore lol. Mark my words though, I am doing a COMPLETE chronological re-read before The Wicked Powers come out…someday.

ANYWAY on to my thoughts on this specific book:
1. I love every single Herondale but why do they ALWAYS get themselves into such deep shit? lolol I ask in my most loving of ways. ESPECIALLY when any kind of romance is involved. I’m truly starting to believe it’s some kind of genetic trai

2. I just want View Spoiler »Thomas and Alistair « Hide Spoiler to be happy forever

3. And for that matter, View Spoiler »Kamala/Ariadne and Anna « Hide Spoiler P.s. you should definitely read Ghosts of the Shadow Market before reading this

4. I am genuinely NERVOUS for Matthew. Like the fact that everyone keeps brushing his growing alcohol dependency under the rug and telling themselves that he’s not actually addicted…makes my heart hurt for ALL of them.

5. Cordelia might honestly be my favorite female lead of Clare’s of all time. I was talking to a friend about this actually and I think it’s because she is so different than almost every other lead we’ve ever seen. At the beginning of the series she is totally un-jaded to this world. She hasn’t had a traumatic thing happen to her with some kind of crazy death or tragedy like LITERALLY everyone else, lol. She purely wants to be a Shadowhunter for the sake of ridding the world of evil. Not any kind of revenge or even the glory. She is so pure of heart and heroic and literally is an amazing example of what (in a perfect world) Shadowhunters SHOULD all be like. I’m interested to see how her character reacts to certain events that unfolded in this book…

6. Damnit Tatiana you crazy old bat

7. OKAY WHAT THE HELL IS GOING TO HAPPEN View Spoiler »

8. I’m calling it right now View Spoiler »

9. View Spoiler »

10. View Spoiler »

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Secret Recipe for Moving On by Karen Bischer

March 23, 2021 / Jen / 14 Comments

I’m so excited that I get to be a part of the tour for The Secret Recipe for Moving On! This story was beyond adorable! So check out my 4.5 Star Review below and enter in a fabulous giveaway. Enjoy!

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Secret Recipe for Moving On by Karen Bischer

The Secret Recipe for Moving On by Karen Bischer
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks

Synopsis:
Ellie Agresti's not sure anything could be worse than being dumped by her boyfriend, Hunter, the first day of senior year.

But sharing a "life skills" class with him and his new girlfriend, Brynn? AND getting partnered with a "family" of misfits (A.J., the loudmouth; Isaiah, the horse-racing obsessive; and Luke, the tattooed stunt-biker)?

It's a recipe for certain disaster...until an in-class competition allows Ellie to channel her angst into beating Hunter and Brynn's team, and she unexpectedly bonds with her own group–especially Luke–in the process.

But as Ellie soon discovers, it will take more than classroom triumphs to heal her broken heart–and find herself again.

Review:

The Secret Recipe for Moving On was an adorable, feel good story! This book had so much heart and would be the perfect beach side read! The pages were filled with finding yourself, trusting others, learning to stumble and rise above it and so much more. If you love YA Romance and a group of misfits pulling together, then this is your book! Bischer is an author to watch and I’ll definitely be looking forward to whatever books she releases in the future!

I stride into the pantry as the tears spill over. I can’t do this. No matter how much I think I’m over this….

Ellie had to change schools in the middle of her Junior year and she knew no one there. Thankfully Hunter took an interest in her and they started dating shortly after. The fact that his friends became hers seemed like an added bonus. The story started eight months into them dating annnnnnddd I was not a fan of Hunter or his catty friends. He showed his colors when Hunter dumped Ellie on the first day of school so he could date one of his friends. I felt so bad for Ellie! Especially since she was stuck for the whole next year watching them flirt, they all shared a life skills class together. And to top it all off, she got partnered with a group of misfits that had to work together as a “family”. Ack.

“Hey,” A.J. mouths, wiggling his eyebrows at me. I quickly turn my attention back to Mrs. Sanchez.
**What have I done? Oh god, what have I done?**

I was actually of unsure of Ellie to begin with. I didn’t exactly see eye to eye with her in regards to dating Hunter and tolerating his friends. When they broke up, I was happy yet I felt bad for her *covers face*. She had been in such a cloud of darkness with Hunter’s group and I was ready to watch her shine! As the story unfolded I loved watching Ellie grow up and I liked her so much! Every time she did something on her own, that made her happy, I was beyond proud of her. Like how she was passionate about becoming a meteorologist, I love the path that led her down. She was beyond brave! But she was still dealing with having to see Hunter and Brynn every single day in class. And deal with her “family” too.

I think back to Luke telling me they’re not worth it last week, and now Isaiah. They don’t owe me anything and yet they’re seeing this from my point of view.
I give him a wobbly smile. “Thank you.”

In Ellie’s group, there was A.J. who was beyond guarded and always acted like he was ready to fight and take on the world. Isaiah who seemed to be obsessed with horse racing. And Luke who was a tattooed stunt biker. They had kind of a rough start but you guys!! I LOVED watching them slowly come together as a team! They did not have an easy path. Every time they succeeded in class, it felt like a huge step. I laughed and smiled as they worked together. And the fact that it turned into sooo much more, my heart was extremely happy. Race day, house party and group texts were the best!

“Agresti,” Luke says, stepping closer and surprising me by tilting up my chin with his finger. “If you didn’t hit him, I would have.”
I look at Luke through the snowflakes. The way he’s staring at me right now is so intense, it makes my heart rate speed up and I have to catch my breath.

My favorite in her group was Luke Burke. He offered an olive branch in the beginning, so to speak, and I was captivated. Luke was sweet, kind, and I loved how thoughtful he could be. When they were together they made me smile. But he had a girlfriend right?! I don’t want to say more other then I loved how their story ended and that I was completely enchanted by Luke. He was swoon worthy and anytime he was on the pages my heart was happy. So yes, I loved learning more about Luke. I loved that we got to see A.J. work towards something. And I also loved where Isaiah’s interests led him. They were my favorite group of misfits ever and the fact that we got a love story in there was such a huge added bonus, yay!

They say if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
I’m glad I stayed.

The Secret Recipe for Moving On had so much heart and was a delightful romance! I loved how flawed and relatable Ellie, Luke, Isaiah and even A.J. were. And I enjoyed how much fun this story was. This book ended with a HFN and I would love for a novella or epilogue showing where all the characters ended up on their last day of school. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them, I got attached to every single character! They were memorable, heartwarming and I definitely recommend you meeting them!

PS The spatula awwwwwwwwww!!!

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

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About Karen Bischer:

Karen Bischer has written short stories for Girls’ World and Animal Tales magazines and currently works as a copyeditor. She lives in her native New Jersey, where she has never encountered Bruce Springsteen in the wild, but does have a cat named after a member of the E Street Band.

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REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Immortal Game by Talia Rothschild & A.C. Harvey

Synopsis:

I’m the reason they’re leaving, Galene thought with a heartthrob, and they’re more prepared for this than I am.

“Being a hero is about fighting for something bigger than yourself, despite the obstacles, despite the fear.” He caught her gaze again. “You did that for Galene. You do that every day.” – Braxtus and Iyana

She tumbled backward through the air.And smiled.Stretching her hands to either side, she unleashed the tempest inside her.

Galene fell, a sob tearing from her lungs. Gold ichor pooled around his head, his bare arms and legs stained with deep golden bruises. His eyes were closed, his lips parted, his body still. She clawed her way to him, shuddering with sobs.

“Believe it or not, I still don’t want to hurt you.”“Funny,” she growled. “Because I do.” She pulled back and let a spike fly.

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BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary Ting

Synopsis:

“You are worth every gamble I took to find you.”

Sometimes when one person couldn’t see the light, another had to carry the torch. I would carry that torch and make it brighter for the both of us. – Ava

Too late. Too late. Too late. The words echoed with devastating finality. – Mitch

Justine couldn’t believe her fate. Damned if she did, and damned if she didn’t. How do I do the right thing when I’m so scared, Mitch?

We would fight for justice. We would fight for peace. We would bring the rest of ISAN down.

Something crunched under Rhett’s feet. He looked down to see … bones. Human bones? “Is that…?” Zeke gasped. Cleo’s eyes rounded and her lips parted to scream.

We girls should lift each other up, support each other. We should ignite each other’s beautiful souls and not douse them in darkness. And that was the kind of friendship I had with some of the girls at the rebel base. – Ava

I took another step toward him and another as something hot bubbled inside me. “I felt a lot of pain the second I found out you were my brother. It’s like being told the devil shares your blood. Do you even know what that feels like? Do you have any feelings at all?”- Ava

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BOOK REVIEW: Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked #1) by Kerri Maniscalco

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BOOK REVIEW: Chain of Iron (The Last Hours #2) by Cassandra Clare

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BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Secret Recipe for Moving On by Karen Bischer

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I stride into the pantry as the tears spill over. I can’t do this. No matter how much I think I’m over this….

“Hey,” A.J. mouths, wiggling his eyebrows at me. I quickly turn my attention back to Mrs. Sanchez. What have I done? Oh god, what have I done?

I think back to Luke telling me they’re not worth it last week, and now Isaiah. They don’t owe me anything and yet they’re seeing this from my point of view. I give him a wobbly smile. “Thank you.”

“Agresti,” Luke says, stepping closer and surprising me by tilting up my chin with his finger. “If you didn’t hit him, I would have.” I look at Luke through the snowflakes. The way he’s staring at me right now is so intense, it makes my heart rate speed up and I have to catch my breath.

They say if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. I’m glad I stayed.

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She tumbled backward through the air.
And smiled.
Stretching her hands to either side, she unleashed the tempest inside her.

Galene fell, a sob tearing from her lungs.
Gold ichor pooled around his head, his bare arms and legs stained with deep golden bruises. His eyes were closed, his lips parted, his body still.
She clawed her way to him, shuddering with sobs.

“Believe it or not, I still don’t want to hurt you.”
“Funny,” she growled. “Because I do.”
She pulled back and let a spike fly.

Justine couldn’t believe her fate. Damned if she did, and damned if she didn’t.
How do I do the right thing when I’m so scared, Mitch?

We would fight for justice.
We would fight for peace.
We would bring the rest of ISAN down.

Something crunched under Rhett’s feet. He looked down to see … bones. Human bones?
“Is that…?” Zeke gasped.
Cleo’s eyes rounded and her lips parted to scream.

“Hey,” A.J. mouths, wiggling his eyebrows at me. I quickly turn my attention back to Mrs. Sanchez.
**What have I done? Oh god, what have I done?**

I think back to Luke telling me they’re not worth it last week, and now Isaiah. They don’t owe me anything and yet they’re seeing this from my point of view.
I give him a wobbly smile. “Thank you.”

“Agresti,” Luke says, stepping closer and surprising me by tilting up my chin with his finger. “If you didn’t hit him, I would have.”
I look at Luke through the snowflakes. The way he’s staring at me right now is so intense, it makes my heart rate speed up and I have to catch my breath.

They say if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
I’m glad I stayed.