Author: Jen (Page 9 of 204)

I ♥ Paranormal, Dystopian, Romance, YA, NA & some Fantasy and Science Fiction. I ♥ not being able to knock that darn smirk off my face, crying my eyes out or feeling every emotion under the sun with characters. I ♥ cheesecake, wakeboarding, snowboarding, being a mommy & wife, dancing, singing and being a beach bum addict!
Find me on: Goodreads

BOOK REVIEW: Tower of Tempest (Stolen Crowns #3) by Tee Harlowe

BOOK REVIEW: Tower of Tempest (Stolen Crowns #3) by Tee HarloweTower of Tempest (Stolen Crowns #3)
by Tee Harlowe
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

I might be sheltered, but I’m smart enough to know that I can’t fall for the playboy prince—or his charms.

I’ve spent my life locked in a tower with nothing but books and my gran to keep me company. Until the day she disappears. Despite Gran’s warnings about never leaving, I’ve finally discovered a way out, and I’m going to find her.

At least that’s the plan. Until some idiot decides to rescue me. Instead, he almost gets us both killed. Worse, I discover he’s Lochlan Aster, the famous playboy prince, one of the most eligible bachelors on the continent and a shameless flirt.

I don’t trust him, but his offer to help find my gran is too tempting. I know nothing about this magical—and dangerous—world around me, nothing about myself. As Lochlan and I work together, pieces of my past click together, and I learn more about who put me in that tower—and why. Yet the biggest danger might be the prince’s reason for helping me—a secret that won’t just break the trust I’m finally learning to build, but my heart along with it.

Tower of Tempest is book three in Stolen Crowns, a series of steamy standalone but interconnected fairytale retellings. This Rapunzel meets Anastasia retelling is perfect for fans of banter, (very) snarky heroines, and slow-burn romance.

Review:

Tower of Tempest was an adult romance retelling of Rapunzel mixed with Anastasia!  If you adore adventure, found family, Disney meets romantasy, and some steam, then definitely add this one to your tbr!  And while this can be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend reading the previous books in this series enough!

You couldn’t help but want to be around him just to bask in his light, that some of it might guide you out of your own darkness.

Poppy was a winged heroine who lived an extremely sheltered life.  She had spent her life in a tower with her Gran.  And if you have read the previous books, you’ll know that Gran having shadow magic was a huge red flag.  While Gran may have loved her, there had to be more to the story.  Of why Poppy was hidden away and Gran’s backstory.  As the story unfolded, I loved trying to put the clues together to figure it out!

“Loch,” I whispered, his face so close to mine, “thank you for coming for me.”
“I’ll always come for you,” he said. “Haven’t you learned that by now?”

Lochlan Aster, the cinnamon roll playboy prince, had been dreaming of a woman trapped in a tower.  When he finally came across that tower, I loved how his rescue of Poppy played out.  I was laughing and smiling so much!  Yet Poppy didn’t make Loch’s life easy.  She was unsure of who she could trust, whereas Loch was used to women falling at his feet.  He was so sure of himself, and I loved that Poppy made him work for it every step of the way! 

“I think I might want to do that again,” I said. “At some point, I’m pretty sure I saw actual stars.”
“Give me a minute.” I felt his mouth curve into a smile against my head. “And I’ll show you every damn constellation in the sky.”

Poppy and Loch were absolutely adorable together.  They were a sunshine x sunshine, and their banter was so much fun!  Yet Poppy’s lack of trust made me struggle with her from time to time.  Granted I grew attached to Loch in the last book, and I wanted Poppy to see all that I saw.  Watching their friendship grow was heartwarming.  And the carriage scene was one of my favorite moments in this story!  Rounding out this story were Driscoll and Leoni and I am keeping my fingers crossed that Driscoll gets his own story!  I love him so much!

Driscoll’s eyes widened. “Plot twist.”

Tower of Tempest painted a beautiful story that was so effortless to follow and enjoy.   I loved how elements of the original tales were twisted into this tale.  It made it exciting and fun!  And while a few of my guesses were correct, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.  So, if you’re looking for a retelling story that you can fly through while smiling and laughing, definitely give this book and series a try.  I can’t wait to see what happens next, and I have all the guesses for who it’ll be!

*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 Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer

BOOK REVIEW: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly RimmerBOOK REVIEW: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

In 1942, Europe remains in the relentless grip of war. Just beyond the tents of the refugee camp she calls home, a young woman speaks her wedding vows. It’s a decision that will alter her destiny…and it’s a lie that will remain buried until the next century.

Since she was nine years old, Alina Dziak knew she would marry her best friend, Tomasz. Now fifteen and engaged, Alina is unconcerned by reports of Nazi soldiers at the Polish border, believing her neighbors that they pose no real threat, and dreams instead of the day Tomasz returns from college in Warsaw so they can be married. But little by little, injustice by brutal injustice, the Nazi occupation takes hold, and Alina’s tiny rural village, its families, are divided by fear and hate.

Then, as the fabric of their lives is slowly picked apart, Tomasz disappears. Where Alina used to measure time between visits from her beloved, now she measures the spaces between hope and despair, waiting for word from Tomasz and avoiding the attentions of the soldiers who patrol her parents’ farm. But for now, even deafening silence is preferable to grief.

Review:

The Things We Cannot Say was an emotional powerhouse that intertwined the past and the present.  I listened to the audiobook, and it was phenomenally done.  Both narrators made you feel every part of this story, and whisked you away into the lives of these two brave women.  I can’t wait to see what Rimmer releases next!

It costs our ancestors too damned much for us to have this life – the best thing we can do to honor them is to live it to its fullest.

Alina Dziak lived in Poland, and her story seeped into my heart so effortlessly.  She saw the world beautifully, and while she could be naïve at times, her rosy colored glasses started to color over as the story unfolded.  As the Nazi soldiers slowly started to occupy her town, life changed.  And what felt like carefree moments started to be filled with moments that would cause terror to pool in my stomach.  We watched as their lives drastically changed.  The conditions they were put in were horrific and gut wrenching.  The consequences they faced were beyond unthinkable.  Life could never be the same, and so many they loved died from the hands of monsters.

“Life doesn’t work that way, Alina. Hatred spreads – it doesn’t burn out with time. Someone needs to stand up and stop it.”

We alternated between Alina and Alice, with Alice being from the present.  She was married with two kids, and her Grandma was in the hospital from a stroke.  She seemed to be drowning in her life at times.  The tension between her and others was acute…..I’m not saying more than that, other than watching her grow from that first page to the last was a journey!  I was so proud of the woman Alice became in those final chapters.  I loved watching her find her place, her happiness, and not being afraid to use her words to convey what she wanted.  I was cheering her on every step of the way!

“We are meant to be together,” he whispered, trailing his finger down the side of my face. “We were made for each other, and everything else in the world will just have to figure itself out because we are going to be together. I love you.”

With the last third of the story, I couldn’t stop crying.  Especially when something clicked, then the sobs were hysterical.  And I kept crying while listening to this book for the next hour, on and off.  There were tears of heartache, tears of healing, and so many more too.  So make sure you have all the tissues next to you, because they are definitely needed.  Alina’s story was powerful, and a must read!  This is one of those books that will stick with you for years to come.  The history will settle itself into your heart, and you’ll feel every emotion and plight these characters felt too. This is a must read if you are a historical fiction lover!

BOOK REVIEW – Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

BOOK REVIEW – Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. ArmentroutObsidian (Lux #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring...until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

Review:

*I reread this book and updated a few parts of my review from a decade ago ♥*

The Lux Series is what made me become obsessed with the enemies to lovers trope.  This book was everything!  Whether it was the infuriating, smug, sexiness that was Daemon, or the strong-willed Katy, or the energetic lovable Dee, or the duo that was Ash and Andrew, I LOVED all of the characters in this book. And the story-line? Not only did it have me grinning from ear to ear, but I kept finding myself saying “oh, just one more chapter”, and you know how that usually ends. Hours later and I couldn’t put this book down. JLA created the perfect world that I wanted to get lost in again and again.

For a moment, all I could do was stare at him. He was probably the hottest guy I’d ever seen in real life, and he was a total douche. Go figure.

Katy’s father passed away, and her mom was in desperate need of a fresh start. So they moved from Florida, to a small little town in West Virginia.  And in need of getting directions to the local supermarket and a place to buy plants, Katy had one of the most memorable meet cutes. That had no part of cute in it lol.  Daemon was sexy, shirtless and beyond exasperating.  He seemed to know how to push Katy’s buttons without a second thought.  From there I was glued to the pages.  I loved following Katy on her journey to discovering that Daemon and his lovable sister, Dee were aliens.  And how being friends with aliens can most definitely turn your life upside down and scrambling  just to stay alive!

Okay. That was it. “You know, you’re right. How wrong of me to call you a douchebag. Because a douchebag is too nice of a word for you,” I said, smiling sweetly. “You’re a dickhead.”
“A dickhead?” He repeated. “How charming.”
I flipped him off.

Katy is by far one of my favorite heroines. She never backed down from a challenge, didn’t take any of the garbage Daemon was constantly throwing at her, she tried her hardest to be fearless, while also being the best friend ever! She was an admirable girl that anyone would be lucky to call their friend. But my favorite thing about her? Her sassiness! She was one of the few people who took a stand against Daemon, and put him in his place. Her comebacks were hilarious, yet at the same time I couldn’t help but have my heart break each time Daemon was cold to her.  What did she ever do wrong? Why couldn’t she be friends with his sister Dee?  And why does he radiate so much pain when he lets his guard down for two seconds?

My lips pressed into a hard line. “You’re such an ass. Has…anyone ever told you that?”
He flashed a genuinely amused smile. “Oh, Kitten, every single day of my blessed life.”

Daemon was the ultimate book boyfriend! He made aliens sexy, and I never thought that was possible. Daemon had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He alone felt responsible for past horrific events, taking care of his sister, and sending Katy running away as far as humanly possible.  Yet, Daemon’s feelings towards Katy were a conundrum, that at times felt like whiplash.  You never knew if you were going to get the cold Daemon, or the one that had you begging for more.  Daemon will lull you into his web, and even if you want to hurt him, it’s impossible.  His heart shines through in moments that will have you clamoring for more.  Plus he was the embodiment of infuriating sexiness. And heaven help me, but I fell so hard for him.

Holding my breath, I reached up and brushed back a strand of hair. My fingers barely grazed his skin, but he sucked in a sharp breath and closed his eyes. I pulled my hand away, not sure why I’d done that.

The characters were addicting and impossible to get out of my head! The chemistry between Katy and Daemon was through the roof hot. I found myself smiling so much at their passionate banter!  And the story progressed at a perfect pace that always kept me intrigued and begging for more. Obsidian was an enchanting story that effortlessly captured my heart.  And a decade later, this is still one of my top favorite series ever!

Then I shifted my gaze, and my eyes locked with Daemon’s.  Even though several tables separated us, my breath caught.  There was something…wicked in those emerald-colored eyes.  Consuming.  I couldn’t look away, and he didn’t either.  The distance between us seemed to evaporate.

PS I highly recommend reading Shadows (A Lux Novel) by Jennifer L. Armentrout before reading this book!

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
shadows a lux novel jennifer l. armentrout
Shadows #0.5
Reviews:

Jen
obsidian a lux novel jennifer l. armentrout
Obsidian #1
Reviews:

Jen
Chelsea
onyx the lux series jennifer l. armentrout
Onyx #2
Reviews:

Jen
Chelsea
opal a lux novel jennifer l. armentrout
Opal
#3

Reviews:
Jen
Chelsea
lux origin jennifer l. armentrout
Origin #4
Reviews:

Jen
Chelsea
obsession lux jennifer l armentrout
Obsession (Companion novel) #4.5
Reviews:
Jen
Chelsea
lux opposition jennifer l armentrout
Opposition #5
Reviews:

Jen
Chelsea
oblivion lux jennifer l armentrout
Oblivion #Companion Novel
OBSIDIAN, ONYX & OPAL
Told by Daemon Black
Reviews:
Jen

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BOOK REVIEW: Mafia Madman (The Kings of Italy #3) by Mila Finelli

BOOK REVIEW: Mafia Madman (The Kings of Italy #3) by Mila FinelliMafia Madman (The Kings of Italy #3)
by Mila Finelli
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

GIA

I may be a mafia princess, but I have bigger plans than to stay in this sheltered world.

I’m in Milan to pursue my dreams as a fashion designer. Having an affair is the last thing on my mind, except he’s handsome and charming and Italian. In other words, he’s irresistible.

What’s the harm in having a little fun?

ENZO

Years of work, my family, and almost my life—all stolen from me. For four years I rebuilt my empire, plotting in secret, planning to make him suffer as I suffered.

When the perfect weapon drops into my lap, who am I to say no?

Except Gia doesn’t seem to mind my darkness. She likes it, even welcomes it.

I can’t let her distract me, no matter how much I want her. No matter the fire that burns hot between us. I’ll have her—and then I’ll break her.

If she expects mercy, she’ll be disappointed. I’m no hero. I’m a ruthless king, born to be the villain.

******

MAFIA MADMAN is written by a USA Today Bestselling author. It can be read as a standalone, but it's probably better if you read Mafia Mistress and Mafia Darling first!

If you like feisty heroines, heroes who are a little bit cruel and a lot filthy, and plenty of heat, then welcome to Mila's twisted world. Don't say you weren't warned!

Review:

Mafia Madman is Enzo and Gia’s story, and I was not prepared.  While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the two previous books in this series.  You’ll see how everything evolved, which led to Enzo being kidnapped.  And for the horrific torture he was put through.  I actually was very unsure about reading this story.  Enzo was filth in my eyes.  What he did was unforgivable.  Yet, Mila Finella had me not only feel compassion and empathy towards him.  But my heart fell for him too.  And I didn’t think that was ever going to happen.

He put his mouth near my ear and whispered, “What I want, Gia Roberts Mancini, is revenge.”

Gia was a mafia princess, who landed in Enzo’s crosshairs.  Her brother-in-law was his mortal enemy.  And that made Gia stuck in a very precarious situation.  So I was terrified for Gia.  That she had a monster lurking in the dark after her.  Where Gia ended up had me gripping the pages with dread simmering within me.  I was cheering her on every step of the way with her ingenious ways and perseverance.  I won’t say more, because there are way too many spoilers.  Just know that this story was extremely erotic with BDSM.  And we were given an epilogue in the future that will have you feeling all happy and warm inside.  Next up is Giulio’s story, I can’t wait!

BOOK REVIEW: The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

BOOK REVIEW: The Rom-Commers by Katherine CenterThe Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

She’s rewriting his love story. But can she rewrite her own?

Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter. She’s spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies—good ones! That win contests! But she’s also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care. Now, when she gets a chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates—The Charlie Yates! Her personal writing god!—it’s a break too big to pass up.

Emma’s younger sister steps in for caretaking duties, and Emma moves to L.A. for six weeks for the writing gig of a lifetime. But what is it they say? Don’t meet your heroes? Charlie Yates doesn’t want to write with anyone—much less “a failed, nobody screenwriter.” Worse, the romantic comedy he’s written is so terrible it might actually bring on the apocalypse. Plus! He doesn’t even care about the script—it’s just a means to get a different one green-lit. Oh, and he thinks love is an emotional Ponzi scheme.

But Emma’s not going down without a fight. She will stand up for herself, and for rom-coms, and for love itself. She will convince him that love stories matter—even if she has to kiss him senseless to do it. But . . . what if that kiss is accidentally amazing? What if real life turns out to be so much . . . more real than fiction? What if the love story they’re writing breaks all Emma’s rules—and comes true?

Review:

The Rom-Commers was an adult romance that was so heartwarming.  Love, family, friendship, sacrifice and perseverance laced through the pages making this story so easy to devour.  If you like Center’s previous books, you should enjoy this one too!

Maybe writing was our love language.

Emma was someone who was so easy to adore.  I got her struggle of branching out and taking a chance.  Her whole life, for the last ten years, was to take care of her dad.  And when the opportunity of a lifetime landed in her lap, her first instinct was to take care of her family.  So, I adored that her family was rooting for her every step of the way.  That they wanted her dreams to come true just as much as Emma did.  I was so hopeful for what was to become of Emma!

“I googled how long it takes to fall in love.
“And?” I asked. “How long does it take?”
“Eighty-eight days,” Charlie answered, definitely. “And we’ve only known each other for thirty-one. So. Problem solved.”

I love the dynamics of Emma and her sister, Sylvie.  And her relationship with her father.  Their love for one another was so palpable!  They would do anything for each other, and I loved their traditions and how they looked out for each other.  They were brutally honest, that last fight cut my heart, but love conquered all, and they were able to mend all wounds.  If you like close-knit families, Emma’s is one you can’t help but fall for!

“My opinion of you is plummeting,” Charlie said. “This is your type?”
“I have lots of types, thank you. Sexy cowboys. Sexy lumberjacks. Sexy werewolves with tragic pasts. Sexy ghosts.”
“Sexy ghosts?”
“That’s the only kind of ghost I like.”

Emma and Charlie’s meet cute was one for the books.  Embarrassment and hurt wove around those moments.  And I truly didn’t know where they could go from there!  The chemistry between Emma and Charlie was always there between them.  I loved that as the story unfolded that they each started to grow and see more of life than where they both were.  That they helped each other expand their horizons and grow.

Just a writer. A failed writer.
If he was acting, he’d missed his calling.
One thing was for sure.  I wasn’t going to wait around here to find out.

But my hiccup for the book was Charlie.  As someone who likes men in books that could be considered a jerk or far, far worse lol, I struggled with Charlie.  He made countless mistakes, and while he apologized, he would then seem to make the same mistake.  Again.  So, while Charlie had lots of redeeming moments, the biscuits were one of my favorites!   He kept making mistakes and I struggled to continue to forgive him.

Life felt suddenly impossibly bright – the kind of bright that feels like it’s going to stay that way forever.

The Rom-Commers was a forced proximity romance that was filled with all the hope!  Embarrassment, hurt, baggage, healing, forgiveness, friendship, accomplishment, and love could be found in this book.  And I think many people will absolutely devour this story! 

*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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