Tag: Young Adult (Page 6 of 159)

BOOK REVIEW: Ruling Destiny (Stolen Beauty #2) by Alyson Noel

June 13, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Ruling Destiny (Stolen Beauty #2)
by Alyson Noel
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The second I stepped through the doors of Gray Wolf Academy, my world disintegrated. Here, time is malleable. It can be manipulated, shifted. Changed. And for those of us who Trip—or travel through time—the possibilities are infinite and perilous.

Now my life is caught in the secrets of everyone around me. Arthur, the eccentric billionaire who rules this school. Killian, who could be the only honest person here…or the biggest liar. And Braxton, magnetic, gorgeous, and unfathomable. The only thing I trust about him is our electric connection.

Whether we’re Tripping through Renaissance Italy or thieving from a ball in Regency England, my life’s become a web of lies and strange truths. And beneath the surface is an elaborate puzzle, filled with cryptic symbols and priceless treasures scattered across history—all somehow connected to my strange ability to see through time.

But Arthur has a dangerously ambitious agenda. And if what my dad taught me is true, I’m not just a threat to everyone at Gray Wolf.

…I’m a threat to time itself.

The Stealing Infinity series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Stealing Infinity
Book #2 Ruling Destiny

Review:

All of us at Gray Wolf— including Braxton, and certainly me— we are all liars here.

Ruling Destiny was a fast paced romantasy with a love triangle that will keep you on your toes! With so many answers swirling within the pages, I loved how that ending left us desperately needing that next book now! And with short chapters, it was easy to keep entertained, and always needing to know what happened next.

“So, which is it?” I snap. “Are you angry or worried?”
Killian loosens his grip. “Can’t I be both?” His voice is thick in a way that has me averting my gaze. “If something were to happen to you—”
“Arthur would never forgive you. I know.” I grind out the words.
“No, Shiv,” Killian says, looking at me in a way I’d rather not see. “It’s me who’d never forgive myself.”

The two love interests Killian and Braxton left me constantly guessing. Was Killian truly bad or just acting paranoid around Baxton because he couldn’t trust him? Or where we supposed to think that Braxton was the one we shouldn’t trust? Both of these men kept us and Natasha in the dark. Over what truly happened in their pasts and other aspects about them too. The things we learned, oh my goodness! I almost felt like it was Shatter Me all over again. I always chose the right person in love triangles, except for that series. BUT I’m still holding out hope and doubling down, which may go epically wrong haha. I’m hoping a certain someone will redeem themselves. Because Natasha and that one, oh my heart. They are the WHOLE story for me! The emotions he created within her, even if she wanted to deny them. I feel everything when they were together. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed for that final book. That things will flip around, because I love him so much *cries*! Yes there was so much more going on then the romance, but for me that was everything.

Without hesitation, Killian presses a hand to his heart and, in a solemn voice, says, “I swear to you, Shiv. I swear on the moon to every last word.”

Natasha did such a fabulous job of growing within these pages. While at times I thought she might be naïve, looking back she definitely wasn’t. She used her instincts beautifully. It was hard not to be impressed with her. Although her bravery definitely scared me a few times. And as her world expanded, I loved learning more about those that surrounded her. And her world. Ohhhhhh what we learned, it was mind boggling. I didn’t even think about those certain aspects. I was completely interested in learning more. So with drama, romance and stealing pieces from the past while trying to put clues together, this book was a magical ride!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Bookworm by Cookie O’Gorman

April 20, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

Bookworm by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Bookworm (buk-werm): Someone who loves books, reading, and/or studying. For reference, see Charlotte Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Kent likes happy endings. Not that she's looking for one herself. Awkward, never been kissed, and bookish to the core, Lottie would rather read about love than experience it.

But she enjoys helping others find their HEA in books.

Lottie loves working at the library…even if it means running into Bo Stryker.

Broody, athletic, and unfairly attractive when he frowns, Bo works at the flower shop across the street. Lottie is about to get rejected…when surprisingly, Bo steps in, pretends to be her boyfriend, and steals her first kiss.

One viral video later, everyone thinks they're together.

Bo wants to keep pretending. Lottie wants to make amends—long story short: she was on a ladder; he startled her; the book slap was an accident.

A fake relationship may be the solution. But as they grow closer, Lottie can't help falling for Bo—which is a disaster because grumpy sunshine only works in fiction…right?

This book features two opposites with undeniable chemistry, one lovable librarian, so many stolen kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a nerd falls for the grump-next-door?

Review:

Reading never failed me. Unlike people, books were reliable; they always provided a welcome escape.
And I needed that now.

Bookworm was an adorable, feel good romance that will keep you smiling from that first page to the last! With grumpy sunshine mixed with fake dating, it was impossible not to fall in love with this story. The characters leapt from the pages, the storyline made it impossible to put down and this book easily landed on my favorites list! This story was not only laugh out loud hilarious but it was filled with heart and so much charm too! If you love young adult romance, you definitely need this book in your life!

“I make you nervous,” he said.
“One hundred percent,” I said back. There was no use lying. My cheeks were starting to hurt I was smiling so hard.
Bo, on the other hand, looked like he was gritting his teeth.

Bo Stryker worked at the flower shop across the street from the library where Charlotte Kent volunteered. When Bo stepped in, and saved Charlotte from an embarrassing situation, he stole her first kiss. And that kiss went viral. That moment was swoon worthy, sigh worthy, and had me absolutely obsessed! What followed was a beautiful journey filled with opposites attracts, friendship, first love, bookcussions and fabulous banter! And I have to say that I didn’t read the synopsis close enough because when I got to their last names I was screaming out loud! I couldn’t wait to see how this was tied to her other books. But don’t worry, you don’t have to read any other story before jumping into this one.

Bo didn’t want to talk about The Kiss.
He wanted to pretend as if it never happened.
I could do that.
I could.
Even if he was my first.
Even if I could still feel the press of his mouth against mine.

Charlotte cracked me up and is one of my favorite heroines! I loved how honest and forthcoming she was. Her thoughts made me feel connected to her. And I loved how she helped others find happiness in a book and also had no qualms about spying on others. But what I loved most of all, was how she could make Bo feel. Charlotte could be such a ray of sunshine to Bo’s grumpy clouds. And the moment she could get him to smile or react had me glued to the pages. So while it was beautiful watching their friendship progress, I was shocked that Charlotte didn’t believe in HEAs….outside of a book. That hurt my heart. I kept my fingers crossed that Bo could get her to have a change of heart, even if they were only fake dating.

“I thought you hated having me around,” I admitted.
“I don’t.”
“You even told me how much you hate people.”
“Not you,” he said.
My heart skipped a beat.
“I could never hate you, Kent.”

Bo was the star soccer player at his high school who had a perpetual frown on his face. He was given the nickname iceman because of his stellar personality haha. But when he was around Charlotte, we got tiny glimpses of who Bo was underneath it all. We got to see that he was capable of feeling. And if we paid close enough attention to his words, it seemed like he felt more towards Charlotte. Bo is my favorite type of a character, where you have to look for hints and clues to figure out how they feel and who they truly are. Because they guard their emotions and their thoughts with their whole body and soul. So when Bo would mess with Charlotte, awww it was like the clouds parted from the skies. And that led to the most delicious banter ever!

Taking my hand, he placed a kiss on my thumb, removing the leftover sugar with a brief but devastating brush of his tongue. I couldn’t have spoken then even if I’d wanted to.

The fake dating in this story unfolded so brilliantly, and there quite a few moments that made my toes curl while sighing out loud. And besides Bo and Charlotte, my favorite side character was Charlotte’s sister, Scar. I would love for Scar to get her own book *fingers crossed*! Plus it was so much fun seeing characters from quite a few of Cookie’s previous books! So with a list of suitors, flower deliveries, the cinnamon roll, soccer games, lunch moments, and kisses in a library, this book was so fabulous! With a fun and flirty vibe, Bookworm was so easy to fall head over heels in love with! And this is one of those stories where you just can’t stop smiling all the way through. It’s happiness in a book! And you definitely need this happiness in your life!

As a bookworm, I’d read tons of romance novels with countless happily-ever-afters. I would read a ton more.
And I knew our book would always be my favorite.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Once Upon a Legend by Mary Ting

March 20, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Once Upon a Legend by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A story of love and a power that echoes through time.

A prophecy foretold by the Council.
A sword forged by the Ladies of the Lake.
A child born from love and the hope of thousands.

Seventeen-year-old Idrisa is a student from Dumont Orphan School. When the Emperor of Dumonia invites all citizens to a birthday gala for Prince Merrick, she attends and becomes entangled in a world beyond belief. At the party, Idrisa begins to hear strange voices that urge her to go to the lake. A student from school follows and tries to kill her, but in the fight for her survival, Idrisa gains possession of an eternal sword—gifted by the Ladies of the Lake.

The Emperor demands it, but only Idrisa can wield the sword, so he imprisons her. Her only hope is Prince Merrick, but he is grieving the death of his mother and doesn’t care about anything happening around him. While held captive, Idrisa uncovers secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew about Dumonia. Enemies and allies emerge when they hear news of the sword, and she must unlock the mystery of the weapon before darkness descends on the empire forever.

Review:

Retribution was a powerful weapon.

Once Upon a Legend was an enchanting tale that was woven together beautifully. It was impossible not to be fascinated with this magical world. With a retelling involving the Ladies of the Lake, it made me feel like I was watching a movie play out in my head. One that at first glance may seem like a Disney tale, YET as this story unfolds you see just how much darker, grittier and so much deeper this story goes. There was murder and so much unknown laced in the pages, it felt as though plans were in place for something bigger than them. So if you adore young adult stories that feature lore, magic, sword fighting, traitors, friendship, and the sparks of something more, then this is definitely the book for you!

I shivered, an icy blast of wind sprayed over my face. The white light from the blade, like a thousand diamonds blessed with inner fire, beckoned me to reach out for it.

Idrisa was fierce, determined and brave. She was raised in the Dumont Orphan School and the friendships she created meant the world to her. They had been with her since the beginning. So as we watched her train and go through the motions of being at school, I loved that she learned from her mistakes and pushed herself to be better. Idrisa was someone we could definitely look up to. When her school was invited to a birthday gala for Prince Merrick, Idrisa’s whole world was going to change forever. At the gala, the goddesses of the lake gave Idrisa the sword. The one the King desperately wanted. And with that fear in my bones, I had no clue where this story would go.

“Do not fear when the time comes. If you risk everything, you will gain what you seek.”

Prince Merrick seemed to radiate pain and sorrow. He missed his mother with his whole heart and soul. Yet life continued and surrounding him were his brothers, father and the expectations for all of them. As we watched Prince Merrick, the tests he was put through seemed unfathomable. He showed us he was honorable, true and someone we could trust….or so I hoped. Especially when his father, the King, imprisoned Idrisa after she obtained the sword. I hoped those chain of events would be the fire that would light him to live again. Because he had so much potential, and I loved the spark between him and Idrisa!

“Family is not only created by blood, but within the heart. Forever may our bond be strong. And like the stars, may our light never die.”

The side characters in this book filled the pages with their passion. Rocco was one I was unsure of. He was so protective of Idrisa and I was beyond grateful for that. But his words weren’t for me. That’s because I had already fallen for the prince so easily. Yet I have a lot of guesses for his future! And Knox, who helped the prince, was someone I adored. But on the other side, I hated the evil characters! They felt like sociopaths who had no moral ground to stand on. What they would do in the name of what they thought was right or what they wanted *shudders*, there was no line for them that they wouldn’t cross. So hold on, because not everyone we care for will end up safe.

One of us had to die, and it wasn’t going to be me.

Magic, sword fighting, darkness, betrayal, truths, and a slow burn romance filled Once Upon a Legend. The twists in this book were fabulously done! The why and also who someone was, my mind was blown. I didn’t see those coming. And I loved that alliances were made with those that were unlikely, it left me so excited to see how that will pan out! This story was skillfully crafted and I loved that we even got a chapter or two from characters I didn’t even think we would. The way it added to the depths of this story were magical! This story closed with leaving us at a good stopping point, but I’m excited to see what happens next. And I just have to say that even though this story is young adult, I think it would be a great read for middle graders to pick up too!

I am worthy. I am deserving. You can’t take away who I am.
Out of anger, and to prove to myself that I could, I nocked an arrow and released, straight to the target dead on.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

February 28, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
After a decade apart, childhood sweethearts reconnect by chance in New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren’s touching, romantic novel Love and Other Words…how many words will it take for them to figure out where it all went wrong?

The story of the heart can never be unwritten.

Macy Sorensen is settling into an ambitious if emotionally tepid routine: work hard as a new pediatrics resident, plan her wedding to an older, financially secure man, keep her head down and heart tucked away.

But when she runs into Elliot Petropoulos—the first and only love of her life—the careful bubble she’s constructed begins to dissolve. Once upon a time, Elliot was Macy’s entire world—growing from her gangly bookish friend into the man who coaxed her heart open again after the loss of her mother...only to break it on the very night he declared his love for her.

Told in alternating timelines between Then and Now, teenage Elliot and Macy grow from friends to much more—spending weekends and lazy summers together in a house outside of San Francisco devouring books, sharing favorite words, and talking through their growing pains and triumphs. As adults, they have become strangers to one another until their chance reunion. Although their memories are obscured by the agony of what happened that night so many years ago, Elliot will come to understand the truth behind Macy’s decade-long silence, and will have to overcome the past and himself to revive her faith in the possibility of an all-consuming love.

Review:

It never occurred to me that love could be anything other than all- consuming.

There are some stories that capture your heart so easily, that they’re impossible not to devour. Stories that feel like they own a piece of your soul. Love and Other Words is that book for me. I don’t know if it’s because the flashbacks were set where I grew up and spent decades there. Or because the characters became so real to me that I felt as though they were my best friends. Or maybe because a lot of it resonated to different moments when I was a younger. I don’t know. But I do know that Love and Other Words will be one of my favorite books ever.

“You loved me, too, you know,” he says quietly. “It was everything.”

Macy Sorensen was a pediatrics resident in the bay area and she seemed to have her life together. She lived with an older man who had a daughter, whom she was engaged to, and she loved her job. She had her best friend Sabrina, and she was always there when she needed a friend. Yet her whole life blew up the moment she ran into Elliot Petropoulos again. He was her childhood best friend, first love and her everything. Elliot’s reappearance poked holes in Macy’s carefully curated life. What she thought she was happy with, was completely turned on it’s head. This story was told in alternating timelines between the past and the present, and it was done seamlessly. I was never ready to leave either of those times.

“You make me feel so many things,” I admit in a hush.

I loved jumping 15 years into the past! The flashbacks were set in the small town I grew up in, Healdsburg, California. Readers will fall in love with the setting and it all made me homesick. The vineyards, the Russian River, our little library, Westside Road, Goat Rock, SRJC, the new skate park, Armstrong Woods, Madrona Manor, and even Rosewood Dr (I have a hilarious story that happened on that street!), there were so many beautiful and memorable settings.

“Is there anything I can do?” he asked quietly.
A weight settled heavily in my chest. “Not unless you can bring my mom back.”
Silence pulsed around us and I heard him inhaling in preparation a few times before speaking. Finally, he settled on a simple “I wish I could.”

The way Macy and Elliot met was beyond adorable. And once they got past the weariness, they were instant friends! It was enchanting how their friendship evolved around books, and how they shared their love of reading and words. Those shared interests led them to form a beautiful bond. It allowed them to pour their whole heart and souls to each other. Like when Elliot got Macy to talk about losing her mom, it tore my heart right open. Their friendship was pure and sweet and everything good in the world. And even though they both lived such separate lives, when they came together on the weekends or over the summer it was effortless. As we watched the years go by, and they started to fall in love, it was breathtaking to watch.

“Do you think about me?” I asked. Now that he’d raised it, the question gnawed at me.
“Sometimes it feels like I think about you every minute,” he whispered.
A bubble of emotion wedged tightly beneath my ribs, hitting a tender spot. I watched our clasped hands for a long time before he spoke again.

In the present, Macy was not prepared to face her past. So I was shocked that when she saw Elliot again for the first time, she ran away from him. She showed us time and again that she was the queen of deflection and denial. So I was so happy when she agreed to meet up with him. Elliot was still honest as ever and it was jarring to see how much Macy had changed as we further dived into their story. But again, I loved their moments together. I loved how easy it was for them to reconnect and become friends. I loved feeling the chemistry building all over again. Their moments together were like sunshine breaking through a cloudy day. So when Elliot started to put cracks in Macy’s current relationship, or make her question her life, it was impossible not to shout for joy. I wanted Macy to acknowledge that Elliot was her forever. That they were always destined to be. Yet that wasn’t as easy as it would seem.

“Give me a chance,” he’d said.
I’d promised I would. The question was whether he’d still want one, once he heard what I had to say.

I have to say that Elliot was everything! I loved how open and honest he was. I loved that he told her in the present that he was hoping to see her someday. And that he even called her the love of his life. Elliot put it all out there. So I didn’t understand the hesitancy from Macy. I knew there was a world of hurt, but even as the story unfolded I still didn’t grasp it all. So when we got to see the whole picture, I got it. Why she was so reserved. Why she was in the type of adult relationship she was in. Why she wanted to just feel nothing. And my heart shattered for her. And for me, this was a personal trigger. Because of my past and that same setting, I cried for days after I finished this book since it brought up two old memories. Yet I can’t wait to read this story all over again. I loved watching Macy and Elliot become friends in the past and the present. I loved watching how they slowly fell in love both times. And that ending, it was perfect.

“I’ve loved you my whole life,” Elliot continues, his lips moving against my collarbone. Slowly, I open my eyes, and he looks up at me. “At least from the minute I ever thought about love, and sex, and women.”

There were also so many other things to love in this book besides Elliot and Macy together. I loved Macy’s relationship with her dad. I loved the notes that her mom had left behind so she could give advice as she grew. I adored Elliot’s family. His mom made me cry, when she helped out Macy and her dad. And his brothers made me laugh when they could be punks. This story felt so unique with young adult and adult romance weaved together. So if you’re looking for young adult first love and a beautiful second chance adult romance, make sure you have this one on your tbr!

“Favorite word?” he whispers.
I don’t even hesitate: “You.”

BOOK REVIEW: Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart #1) by Stephanie Garber

December 12, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart #1)
by Stephanie Garber
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Once Upon a Broken Heart marks the launch of a new series from beloved author Stephanie Garber about love, curses, and the lengths that people will go to for happily ever after

For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings…until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.

Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game ― and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy...

Review:

Once Upon a Broken Heart was a magically, unique story. The world was phenomenal and came alive from the pages. Everything captured your attention and you were left not sure what was true or not. Yet it was all beautiful and breathtaking. I would love to live in this world! The characters completely fascinated me and I fell in love. But beware because darkness was hidden here and there, but it didn’t even matter because this story will creep up on you and own every part of you!

“I believe there are far more possibilities than happily ever after or tragedy. Every story has the potential for infinite endings.”

That first chapter pulled me in. I loved Evangeline Fox and her broken heart. She thought her true love was cursed and she would do anything to stop the wedding. He was marrying her step sister and it was breaking her heart. Beyond desperate, Evangeline went to the chapel of the Prince of Hearts. Jacks. She made a deal with a Fate to stop the wedding. Yet the outcome and everything afterwards was nothing Evangeline could ever fathom. And it set her on a path she didn’t even realize she couldn’t control.

He gave her a real smile, revealing a pair of dimples that briefly made him look more angel than devil. But she imagined even angels would need to beware of him. She could picture him flashing those deceptive dimples as he tricked an angel into losing its wings just so he could play with the feathers.

Evangeline was someone I instantly liked! Her shattered heart reached out to me and I felt her pain. And as we watched her, I loved her tenacity, her strength and her ability to see the goodness in others. Her heart was pure and she always tried her best. But most of all, I loved her cleverness. I wanted Evangeline to find happiness. Especially since she felt so alone. After making the deal with Jacks, I was beyond curious where it would lead Evangeline!

“Do you stare at everyone like that, or just me?” Jacks looked up. Vivid blue eyes met hers.
It shouldn’t have made her blood rush the way that it did.

Jacks was hilarious without even trying. His humor gripped me and I laughed at the most inappropriate times. It made me fall for him even harder. Yet Jacks was someone I’m still trying to understand. Yes he had his goals. He seemed to know what he wanted. But I would catch glimmers of hope and moments where Evangeline would make him pause. He didn’t seem to expect much from his future, but it felt like Evangeline made him see himself as more. So my heart cried for Jacks. I just wanted goodness in his life and for that goodness to be Evangeline!

He held on to her as if she were a grudge, his body rigid and tense, as if he really didn’t want her there, and yet his arms were tight around her waist as though he had no intention of ever letting her go.

Jacks and Evangeline together were everything. I loved that Jacks would go and mess with Evangeline, that he seemed to change the tune of their story. I was all for it. But I would also question why he did certain things. At times he cut me. And I would have died to know his thoughts. But then in that next moment he would go above and beyond. Jacks was a mystery. Whose looks set me on fire. And who melted my heart every time he called Evangeline, Little Fox.

“Jacks, what did you do?” she whispered. “It’s not what I did, Little Fox. It’s what you’ve done. And tomorrow night, you get to do even more.”

I questioned so much, practically everything. I trusted no one except Evangeline. While I desperately wanted to trust Jacks, I kept reminding myself that wouldn’t be wise. No matter how much I was falling for him. And even when he told us the truth, I questioned what was he keeping from us. This book had so many twists and mysteries and they kept me on my toes! So many of the side characters shined brightly too. One of my favorites was Lala. She fascinated me to no end. And even the Prince did too.

Evangeline didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry.
She knew what Jacks was. She hadn’t been foolish enough to believe that she was different or special and that he wouldn’t destroy her. But maybe she’d believed it a little.

Prophecies, truths, and fairy-tales all swirled together and made Once Upon a Broken Heart feel so magical. With characters that were easy to love and a beautiful story, this book will sweep you away! This world will always be one of my most favorites! And that ending, oh how tricky this story was. Make for sure you have the next book, because you’ll desperately need it!