Tag: Young Adult (Page 18 of 157)

REVIEW: Rage and Ruin (The Harbinger #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

REVIEW: Rage and Ruin (The Harbinger #2) by Jennifer L. ArmentroutRage and Ruin (The Harbinger #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Half-angel Trinity and her bonded gargoyle protector, Zayne, have been working with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

Review:

Rage and Ruin brimmed with emotions, secrets, twists and lots of charm.  Not only did this story have so much heart but it made me laugh, smile, cry and I even got the chills a few times.  I loved that their world had a richness and depth to it that I could easily visualize.  And I was obsessed with these characters that felt like my friends.  So if you love paranormal romance stories then definitely add this series to your tbr.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” I admitted in a whisper.
“I know you can,” he insisted, and my next breath came out shaky. “I don’t have a single doubt in my mind.”
I wished I could see him. His eyes. His face. See how he was looking at me, because if I could see that faith he had in me, then maybe I could feel it.

Something out there was hunting demons and Wardens.  It was referred to as the Harbinger.  And while Trinity, a half human half angel, and Zayne, a gargoyle, patrolled at night, it seemed to toy with them.  Deaths happened around them and there was nothing they could do to stop it.  They teamed up with up with demons and other acquaintances and it all led them down an addictive path where I had to know what happened next.  With emotions running high and so much unknown, it felt like everything could explode around Trinity and Zayne at any minute.

A kiss so chaste , so sweet that it shouldn’t have undone me, but it did. The kiss rattled me to my core, just as his words had.

Not only did Trinity have to deal with hunting down the Harbinger, but she was in a dark, haunted place.  She struggled from Misha’s death and betrayal.  What Trinity had to do cut into her soul.  And I understood her avoiding those she loved.  It was easier for her to keep everything locked inside, even though it was unhealthy.  Since the story was told from just Trinity’s POV, I connected so deeply with her.  Her emotions became my own and I hurt for her.  I understood why she acted the way she did, even when she was insecure or jealous at times.  This story was a huge emotional journey for Trinity, but she grew so much in these pages.  And a lot of that was because of Zayne.

I’m not trying to make it easy.
Those were his words— words that couldn’t mean what I thought they did— but the longer he held my stare, the more uncertain I became.

Zayne was such a tortured soul who spoke to my heart.  He pulled me under his spell anytime he was around.  So when Zayne would say or do stuff that felt more than friendship or was extremely thoughtful, I paused right along with Trinity.  Because while Zayne didn’t always lay his emotions out there, his actions and gestures spoke volumes.  And I’m one who loves to hunt and dig to figure out how a character feels.  It helped at times that they could feel what the other felt, through the bond, but it wasn’t always cut and dry.  Because ultimately when everything was broken down, Trinity and Zayne were forbidden.  They were not meant to ever be.

“You’re under my skin and in my blood. I can’t get you out.” – Zayne

While Zayne and Trinity were attracted to each other and felt possibly more, ultimately they were stuck with each other till death.  She was a Trueborn and he was her Protector.  They didn’t have a choice of being in each other’s lives.  So doubt festered in the air for Trinity.  Even when sexual tension between them ran high.  And in those moments you could feel the electricity in the air.  But there were untold consequences if a Trueborn and a Protector were to be together, so the push and pull between them was sensually addictive.

“Angel Face?”
Sighing, I turned and bent down so that I could see into the car. “What, Demon Spawn from Hell?”
His lips quirked into a grin. “Just so you know, what I felt for Layla and what she felt for me was forbidden. That didn’t stop us.”

We got to see some of our past favorites from Storm and Fury.   Roth and Layla had a bigger role in this story!   Roth was still beyond sexy and smile inducing, and their love felt stronger than ever.  Plus we got to see Cayman and Bambi!  I just want to say the favor thing, ohhhhh I’m so ecstatic with how that turned out!  Stacey was also back, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of her this time.  You’ll see what I mean.  But my favorite thing about these characters being back was the bromance between Zayne and Roth.  They were really good at annoying one another lol, but at the end of the day, they had each other’s backs.  It made my heart so happy!

The taste of him branded my skin, the feel of him as I slid a hand down his chest, over the tight muscles of his stomach and even lower, tattooed itself into me, and the sound of his groan echoed like a prayer.

Rage and Ruin had a climatic ending that left me desperately wanting to grab that next book right away.  I cried my eyes out and had lost all hope.  But just wait.  Because the last few pages, oh they’ll change your world.  And leave you with a ton of questions lol.  Jennifer L Armentrout is beyond talented at giving us so much in a story but then also leaving us begging for more.  So if you love fantasy, paranormal or romance then definitely add this series to your tbr.  And if you want to understand the world even better then start back with Storm and Fury.  I can’t recommend both series enough!

I’d never heard him yell before. Ever. I focused on him, really looked at him, and for a ghost, he looked freaked-out. “What?”
Peanut drifted back a foot. “There’s something here— something in the apartment.”

PS Peanut made me laugh out loud. He cracked me up and added so much light to this story!  But his moments of seriousness gave me the chills.

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

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)

Storm and Fury #1
Reviews:

Jen
 
Rage and Ruin   #2
Reviews:

Jen

Grace and Glory #3
Reviews:

Jen

BOOK REVIEW: Fable (Fable #1) by Adrienne Young

BOOK REVIEW: Fable (Fable #1) by Adrienne YoungFable (Fable #1)
by Adrienne Young
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Welcome to a world made dangerous by the sea and by those who wish to profit from it. Where a young girl must find her place and her family while trying to survive in a world built for men.

As the daughter of the most powerful trader in the Narrows, the sea is the only home seventeen-year-old Fable has ever known. It’s been four years since the night she watched her mother drown during an unforgiving storm. The next day her father abandoned her on a legendary island filled with thieves and little food. To survive she must keep to herself, learn to trust no one and rely on the unique skills her mother taught her. The only thing that keeps her going is the goal of getting off the island, finding her father and demanding her rightful place beside him and his crew. To do so Fable enlists the help of a young trader named West to get her off the island and across the Narrows to her father.

But her father’s rivalries and the dangers of his trading enterprise have only multiplied since she last saw him and Fable soon finds that West isn't who he seems. Together, they will have to survive more than the treacherous storms that haunt the Narrows if they're going to stay alive.

Review

And like the turn of the wind before the most unpredictable of storms, I could feel that everything was about to change.

There’s something about the sea that calls to my reader mind. I personally, in real life, have always been wary of being on boats and get nervous when there is even any small bit of waves to make the trip anything less than calm and steady. For some reason though, for as long as I can remember, I have read just about any kind of young adult book with pirates or set on the water. I love learning the terms for the different parts of the boat and hearing about how the water looks in the dead of a clear night—all of it.

There were several reasons why I wanted to read this book immediately when it came out. Adrienne Young has not steered me wrong so far with her gorgeous writing, THE FREAKING COVER, and the mention of the sea being Fable’s only home and bam, I clicked the request button on NetGalley so fast.

Just as I suspected, I was not in any way let down. We are introduced to Fable, a girl whose father is one of the most infamous traders around and who left her to fend for herself on an island of hardened dredgers with the promise that if she were to find her way back to him, she would have a spot with him on his ship.

One thing I selfishly appreciated as an adult who loves reading YA, is that it is never mentioned what any of their ages are. I obviously made them a little older in my mind than they probably were but that’s fine! It just made it easier for me reading about these young people having to do these horrible things (because when isn’t there death and treachery out on the seas) in order to survive if I was able to picture them a little older, even though let’s face it, it isn’t really it works.
I loved the crew of the Marigold, especially West for obvious reasons, and loved that even though they wanted nothing to do with Fable at first, that they eventually ended up becoming the family she always had wanted.

There’s quite the little cliffhanger at the end which has me dying for more, too. Basically, if you are in any way interested in a GOOD FUCKING BOOK, pick this one up. Lol, sorry this is my first almost full review in months and I am just really excited about it.

“What?” The breath hitched in my chest.
But his smile turned sad. ”I have thought about you every single day since that day. Maybe every hour. I’ve counted down the days to go back to the island, and I pushed us into storms I shouldn’t have because I didn’t want to not be there when you woke up. I didn’t want you to wait for me. Ever. Or to think I wasn’t coming back.”


Um also, I added this to my “I will go down with ship” shelf and I’m wondering if that’s bad luck for our characters in more than one way, lol, oops.

Quotes come from an uncorrected proof and are subject to change upon publication. Huge thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for allowing me to read a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. ♥

BOOK REVIEW: Chase the Dark (Steel & Stone #1) by Annette Marie

BOOK REVIEW: Chase the Dark (Steel & Stone #1) by Annette MarieChase the Dark (Steel & Stone #1)
by Annette Marie
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

When everyone wants you dead, good help is really hard to find.

Piper Griffiths wants one thing in life: to become a Consul, a keeper of the peace between humans and daemons. There are three obstacles in her way.

The first is Lyre. Incubus. Hotter than hell and with a wicked streak to match. His greatest mission in life is to annoy the crap out of her, but he isn't as harmless as he seems. The second is Ash. Draconian. Powerful. Dangerous. He knows too much and reveals nothing. Also, disturbingly attractive--and scary. Did she mention scary?

The third is the Sahar Stone. Top secret magical weapon of mass destruction. Previously hidden in her Consulate until thieves broke in, went on a murder spree, and disappeared with the weapon.

And they left Piper to take the fall for their crimes.

Now she's on the run, her dreams of becoming a Consul shattered and every daemon in the city gunning to kill her. She's dead on her own, but there's no one she can trust--no one except two entirely untrustworthy daemons ... See problems one and two.

Review:

Buddy Read with Sophie at Beware of the Reader and Raven at Dreamy Addictions

Chase The Dark was an action packed ride that had me completely obsessed.  With magic, secrets, friendship, betrayal, lust and the beginnings of something more in the pages, I fell madly in love with this book.  The characters became my friends and not only did I deeply feel everything they did, but I was terrified with what was to come next.  There was a richness to the world they lived in, and I felt like I was with them every step of the way.  If you love urban fantasy, friendships, action or slow burn romance then definitely add this one to your tbr!

The only two people in the world she could trust right now were sitting on either side of her and she couldn’t trust them at all. They were daemons.

By that second page, I already loved Piper Griffiths’ thoughts.  She was an Apprentice Consul and worked and lived at the Consulate, which was like an embassy to the daemons.  Our world had been opened to the Underworld and Overworld years ago and the Consuls helped keep the peace and protected humans from daemons.  Right from the beginning we got to see Piper’s fighting skills.  She was fierce, deadly and totally kicked ass. Piper was a haemon, part human and daemon, but she possessed no magic like the other haemons and daemons around her.  And that was a huge issue, since all Consul’s had magic to help keep the peace.

Some nights she wondered if she was looking for goodness in him that wasn’t there. Other nights, she imagined a thousand ways to tell him thank you and none seemed good enough.

While daemons stayed at the Consulate, there were two she’d seen around before.  Lyre and Ash.  Lyre was an incubus, who was sexy, playful, intoxicating and fun.  He had a heart of gold underneath it all and I loved watching how much he cared for his friends.  And then there was Ash.  He was a draconian who was extremely powerful and had a dangerous reputation.  Others feared and respected him, so I was leery of him, just like Piper.  But when Piper got framed for taking the Sahar Stone, a magical weapon of mass destruction, she found herself running for her life.  With Lyre and Ash right by her side.

The world was spinning but Ash’s arms were steady and strong. Always strong. He was her only rock in the ocean of adversity that had flooded her life since the night of the attack on the Consulate. He was the only one who showed up again and again, his strength offered, nothing asked in return.

While I loved Lyre, I found myself becoming obsessed with Ash.  Ash was a huge mystery who was sarcastic, smart, and quick on his feet.  He was so subtle and mysterious that he pulled me right into his dark web.  Especially since he helped defend and protect Piper’s life every step of the way, even if they struggled or butted heads with each other.  And the moments where he would show his emotions, oh, Ash stole my breath away.

She clamped her fingers over the back of his head and pulled him closer still, demanding even more. His hand tightened in her hair and she tilted her head farther back as their kiss deepened into something even wilder.

Ash, Lyre and Piper were running for their lives, while trying to prove their innocence.  Being thrown into life and death situations made them quickly form a bond and I loved how much they trusted each other.  Moments between them made me smile and laugh, which was needed with all of the action that surrounded them.  It felt like I always had sweaty palms lol.  On top of that, I had no clue what was going to happen next.  Just like that moment with the hottest kiss ever *fans face*.  Yup I was obsessed.

Black irises met hers. Terror sucked out the breath she’d just taken. She clenched her teeth and fought to remember his careful touch on her cheek. He wouldn’t hurt her. He wouldn’t. He’d promised.

Chase the Dark was impossible to put down!  And while I figured out one thing, there were quite a few twists I didn’t see coming.  So with betrayal, secrets, friendship, lies, and trust, you can count on this book pulling your emotions every which way.  Plus I have so much hope for a certain two characters.  If they move forward, their love for each other is going to be beyond powerful *fingers crossed*!

“Is he alive, Zwi?” she whispered. She gathered the little creature against her chest and hugged her gently. “Please let him be alive.”

PS I don’t want to say how she’s connected to the story, but I loved Zwi with my whole heart.  She was a little dragonet, and I wanted to steal her out of this book!

BOOK REVIEW: Tell Me Pretty Lies by Charleigh Rose

BOOK REVIEW: Tell Me Pretty Lies by Charleigh RoseTell Me Pretty Lies by Charleigh Rose
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Three things my mother acquired when she became engaged:

1. A brand new Tiffany's ring.
2. A lavish home on Heartbreak Hill.
3. Three privileged stepsons.

The last thing I expected was to fall for one of them, least of all Thayer Ames.
Beautiful, brooding, and untouchable.
I knew it was a bad idea. He warned me himself.
But he was a thunderstorm, and I never could resist the rain.
It was perfect…
Until it wasn’t.
One night was all it took for our world to crumble, leaving only secrets and lies between us.
Now, I have to face him again, but the boy I used to know has become the man who loves to hate me.

Review:

How can you simultaneously love and hate how a person makes you feel?

Charlie Rose has done it again!  Tell Me Pretty Lies was addictive, sexy and impossible to put down!  The characters were so easy to connect with and the story-line was so much fun.  The way it all unfolded was emotional and I loved not knowing exactly where the story was going. So if you’re a fan of enemies to lovers and plenty of angst, definitely put this one on your tbr!

Something about him brings out the worst in me, and I can’t ever seem to think clearly when he’s around. Not then, and apparently not now. He made me reckless, and I loved it.

 The story started off with an emotional bang.  Shayne was at the funeral of her future step brother, along with his brothers and both of their families.  That first chapter gutted me and then in the next one we jumped nine months ahead.  Shayne’s mother had broken off her engagement and they moved away, but now they’re back in town.  And nothing seemed the same.  Her brother was off at college.  Her mom was constantly gone for work.  And those who had been like family now treated her like dirt.  The only good thing in her life was her best friend, Valen, who I loved with my whole heart!

They want me to cry and run away. They want a reaction. And I’m not going to give it to them.

I absolutely loved Shayne!  She was so easy to connect with and I loved how tough she could be.  She was smart, tried her hardest and I loved that she went after what she wanted.  I also loved that she tried not to let what other’s thought affect her.  Especially since everyone at her school seemed to talk or whisper about her.  But when it came to Thayer, her ex-step brother, that’s where her self-control would falter.  She had loved him with her whole heart, but now he was a total douche bag. And Shayne should really ignore how much Thayer’s touch made her come alive.  Because the moment she would give in, the next she would be hurt all over again.

I was hard as fuck, needing to touch her. To taste her. To be so far inside her that we both forgot about our families, our tragedies, our fucked-up lives, and everything that’s keeping us apart.

Thayer did some fucked up things and at times I wanted to punch him in the throat.  I didn’t understand why he bullied her.  And I couldn’t wrap my head around how he could touch her, and create so much emotion between them, only then to completely shut down and block her out.  He ran so hot and cold and he could be such an asshole.  Thayer hurt Shayne again and again and it broke my heart.  But I’m one of those who always tries to find the redeeming qualities and look for the tiniest of clues.  So when Thayer did something even a little nice, oh my gosh I wanted to cry.  And when we got to his chapters we got to learn all.  His heart bled so truthfully to us and I fell madly in love with him.  It all made sense and my heart soared even higher.

It’s not fair for his touch to be so sweet when his words cut like a knife. It’s not fair that he still has this effect on me.

When Thayer and Shayne were together it was explosive.  Their moments were erotic, scorching hot and beyond additive.  All of their emotions fed into those moments making it even more intense.  But we also got a peak into their past, which gave me all the feels.  I wish we would have had more peaks into their past.  But this book almost had a mysterious feel to it.  Because when we were listening to Shayne’s chapters, it felt like we only knew part of the story.  There seemed to be secrets everywhere.  So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I was sitting there with a WTF expression on my face quite a few times.  The path this story took kept me on my toes and I truly didn’t know what was going to come next.

 “I hate you.” Even as I say the words, I’m arching into him, needing more.
“Tell me another lie.” His hand flattens against my stomach and slides beneath my shorts and underwear.

So yes, I can’t recommend this book enough.  If you love sexy and edgy romance, that is enemies to lovers and has the most fabulous angst, then definitely give this one a try!  And I also want to say that I loved Thayer’s brother, Holden.  Even if I wanted to throat punch him in the beginning too.  He cracked me up while also breaking my heart and I’m hoping we get his story in the future!  I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

*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 Raven and the Dove (The Raven and the Dove #1) by Kaitlyn Davis

BOOK REVIEW: The Raven and the Dove (The Raven and the Dove #1) by Kaitlyn DavisThe Raven and the Dove (The Raven and the Dove #1)
by Kaitlyn Davis
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Four fates collide in this avian-inspired, epic fantasy retelling of Tristan and Isolde perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Leigh Bardugo!

A princess longing to be free...

On the dawn of her courtship trials, Princess Lyana Aethionus knows she should be focused on winning her perfect mate, yet her thoughts wander to the open sky waiting at the edge of her floating kingdom. One final adventure calls. Upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a raven prince locked in a death match with a dragon.

A bastard aching to belong...

Reviled son of a dead king, Rafe would do anything for his beloved half-brother, Prince Lysander Taetanus, including posing as him in the upcoming courtship trials. When a dragon interrupts their secret exchange, he orders his studious sibling to run. After suffering a fatal blow, Rafe is saved by a beautiful dove who possesses forbidden magic, just like him.

Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart...

Unknown to the world above, on the foggy sea ten thousand feet below, a young king fights a forgotten war. He believes Lyana is the queen prophesied to save the world, and with the help of his favored spy, hidden deep in the highest ranks of the dove royal house, he will stop at nothing to have her.

Three shocking betrayals. Two star-crossed lovers. One unforgettable journey. If you like fierce heroines, brooding heroes, forbidden romance, and action-packed magical adventures with twists you'll never see coming, don't miss The Raven and the Dove!

Review

She was more than a princess.
She was a force.
If anyone could bring color to a house made of black, it was she. If anyone could return laughter to streets that had grown quiet from so much misfortune, it was she. If anyone could could erase the past and restore the future, it was she.


As soon as I saw that this was a retelling of Tristan and Isolde I knew that I both needed to read this right away but also that I would need to guard my poor lil heart while doing so. I don’t know how many of you know the story of Tristan and Isolde, and while I have never read the actual tale, the movie that came out in the mid 2000s with James Franco and Sofia Myles was my favorite for a really long time. Call me a glutton for punishment but that is my most watched movie of all time. If you don’t know anything about the pair, you might want to look up a synopsis before you dive into this to see what you might be getting yourself into.

On to the plot. This entire book was built upon an incredibly unique premise. Right away in the epilogue, this King who is on a boat on a sea surrounded by mist feels a presence come into the world, “she” he refers to her as. It’s not clear who this “she” is exactly but before he dies from wounds he sustains from a dragon, he tells his only son, “Your queen is here” and then basically makes it sound like they are destined for each other and that their pairing will save the world. Since we don’t know much of anything at this point, we also have no idea what problems this world even has to solve. I was sure intrigued, though.

Once we get into the actual book we learn that this is a fantasy world that features a bunch of floating…islands? I think they’re islands anyway?? That make up different kingdoms that feature a different group of people who have wings of a specific breed of bird. Our main female character, Lyana (dove wings) is the princess of the House of Peace. Since their House is kind of the main one, the courtship trials which are held once in a generation are being held there.

On the morning before it all starts, Lyana and her best friend Cassi fly to a secret spot of theirs just to catch a peak of even the first of the other kingdoms to arrive. It turns out to be the Ravens. Somehow a dragon (which it seemed never usually made it up that high) shows up and one of the Ravens is engaged in battle. Long story short only the crown prince (Xander) and his bastard half brother (Rafe) which had planned on participating in the trials in place of his brother who is missing a hand were ahead of their group. Xander flies back for reinforcements and Rafe is left to try to take on the dragon. He sustains life-threatening injuries. Lyana saves him and they bond when they figure out they both have healing magic in a world where magic is seen is a horrible thing and people are usually killed for.

As you can imagine, things go to hell because as expected, Lyana goes through the entire trials things Rafe is the prince when really he is not and she wins up promised to Xander.

A few other pretty big things happen, too. We catch a few glimpses of that prince I mentioned from the prologue and there’s a spy involved whose identity I never would have guessed and that person ends up in a very interesting predicament at the end of the book. Well, everyone does, really. To be honest, they’re all in a pretty shitty place (which, again, since I knew the story of Tristan and Isolde it really didn’t surprise me).

I’m just now seeing that this is a four book series which I am so happy about because I’m pretty sure this story is going to go to some pretty amazing places. The writing was incredible honestly. From the world-building to the characters, to the flow of everything in general–I was so impressed and am dying for that next book.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kaitlyn Davis for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! ♥

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