Category: Review (Page 158 of 297)

BOOK REVIEW: Alpha (The Infinity Division #3) by Jus Accardo

BOOK REVIEW: Alpha (The Infinity Division #3) by Jus Accardo Alpha (The Infinity Division #3)
by Jus Accardo
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sera has no memory of her life before. Before captivity, before experiments, before the only lifeline she had was the voice of a boy in the cell next to hers. Before G.

G wishes he could forget everything before Sera brought him back to life. Forget his memories as a ruthless mercenary on an alternate version of Earth. Forget that he was part of an experiment simply known as Alpha.

Now on the run from their captors and in need of an antidote to save his life, G and Sera’s clock is ticking. And they’ll have to gamble everything on the bond they forged in captivity if they want to survive.

Review:

Alpha was the final book in The Infinity Division Trilogy and it ended with a bang!  I loved watching all the loose ends get tied up and those I’ve come to care for get their happily ever afters. But it was a rough road get there.  Heartache, redemption, sacrifice, lies and love filled the pages and at times everything seemed so unsure in this parallel dimension story.  So if you’re interested in giving this series a try you definitely have to go back to book one, Infinity. Yes each book is about a different couple, but the stories and threads are all linked together. It was so much fun seeing it all come full circle and there’s a moment that takes us back to the beginning of this series, awww loved it!!  So to finish up this trilogy, here are some of my favorite aspects:

“Dylan, everyone on every earth is breaking at some point or another.” I looked him dead in the eye. “Bad things happen to all of us. Horrible, life-altering things. It’s how we choose to deal with them that defines us.” – Sera

 

✮ Everlasting Love:

“I’m not going to kiss you again.” The statement was crystal clear; it was the delivery that lacked conviction. “I’m poison. Inside and out.”
“Then poison me,” I said. I brushed my lips to his again, this time slightly harder. He stayed absolutely still. I pulled away. “Do it so that I can show you I won’t break. I’m not fragile, G. I’m made of steel. You told me that, remember? I’m a fighter, so let me fight for you.”

I loved the idea that no matter what dimension you were in, there were always the constants in your life.  And within those constants was that one true love. I loved KCade and Kori, then Noah and Ash and finally I got to swoon for G and Sera.  We’ve known different versions of them on other dimensions and their true names are Dylan and Ava. But G and Sera faced the biggest hurdles and struggles yet.  And as if that wasnt enough, they had Dylan after them, in different ways. But regardless of everything they were put through, their love stood strong and not only fought the test of time but dimensions too.

 

✮ Friendships That Span The Dimensions:

“G, take a deep breath. We’re here to help you.” Kori… She came around to stand in front of me . Her gaze flickered to something on my right, then back to me. “We’re your friends.”
Someone beyond my field of vision snorted. Had to be Noah. “Friends? Not sure I’d go
that far,” he said. “But we won’t set you on fire or anything.”
There was an echoing
thwap—probably from Ash smacking the shit out of him— and a hiss.

I loved how this group of six, could be found in almost every dimension.  Their dynamic was a ton of fun and added so much to this series.  So it made my heart happy that we seemed to gather the best of all of their selves into this rag tag kinda group.  When they were together it definitely wasn’t easy, and not everyone was going to end up bffs, but still, it was so entertaining to watch them together. In this book I adored watching what happened between G and Cade.  G was another Dylan, so the two of them were brothers in a sense, and I loved some of the moments they had together.

 

✮ Action!:

I screamed at night over the things Cora had done to me, but Dylan was right. The devil was standing at my back.
And he had Dylan’s face. – Sera

There was a ton of action and this book had that go, go, go feeling.  But there was also moments where we got to breathe.  Thank goodness because we had Cora after Sera and Ash, Dylan was after so much I can’t even talk about, G and Cade were trying to save Sera and then there’s also the projects we learned about in book 2.  Oh my gosh, there was a lot going on. I’m happy I quickly skimmed some of my highlights from book 2, Omega, so that way I knew exactly where I stood before stepping into this book. BUT I never once felt lost or confused. The story and characters were extremely easy to follow and it made Alpha fly by super fast!

 

✮ That Ending:

She was the sun in my world, and I was simply a planet caught in her gravitational pull, helpless. Without her light, I would wither and die. – G

If you adore happily ever afters, then you’re going love the ending to this series.  We got to see what happened and where their lives would lead with so many of our favorites.  Did everyone get a HEA? Ummmm no lol. But that was bound to be expected and all I can say is that I’m ecstatic with how many epilogues we got at the back of the book.  

 

“She was that for me,” Dylan said. He grinned, and for the first time since I’d met him, it was a genuine smile. “She was the only one who saw me. If you’re really that for him, don’t let go, because without you… Without you, he’ll just become me.”

I had a lot of fun reading this trilogy.  It was unlike a lot of other books I have read but it had that chemistry and tension that I always crave when I pick up a book. So if you adore books that have complicated friendships and love interests, solid characters that stand out and a fun science fiction element then you should give this series a try.  I will definitely be picking up other books by this author!

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

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

Infinity #1
Review:

Jen

Omega #2
Review:
Jen

Alpha #3
Review:

Jen

BOOK REVIEW: All of This is True by Lygia Day Penaflor

BOOK REVIEW: All of This is True by Lygia Day PenaflorAll of This is True by Lygia Day Penaflor
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

MIRI loves the novel Undertow like it's a living being. So when she and her friends get the chance to meet the author, Fatima Ro, they plot a way to get closer to her. As for what happened with Jonah ... Well, obviously none of that was Fatima's fault.

SOLEIL wants to be a writer herself one day. She can't believe it when Fatima asks them to hang out with her - and having Jonah there makes it even better.

PENNY is more than the party girl everyone thinks she is, and she's willing to share her darkest secrets with Fatima to prove it. But what will happen when Fatima finds out about Jonah?

All of This Is True is a story of obsession and revenge, betrayal and forgiveness, and the devastating result of a secret that didn't stay buried.

I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I was engrossed in the storyline and enjoyed the different ways the story was shared (interviews, emails, texts, journal entries, etc.). On the other hand, it wasn’t quite what I expected. From reading the blurb, it came across as something along the lines as One of Us Is Lying, which was one of my favorite books of last year. But it really wasn’t like that at all.

The story centers around four high schools students who befriend a young author.

Fatima told us to share our precious truths. But that wasn’t my precious truth to tell! I didn’t know she would write about it!

While there is a small twist as you get near the end, the book is more about high school friendships and relationships. The book rotates from the perspective of the three teenage girls (Miri, Soleil and Penny), looking back at how ‘everything’ started. Chapters of the fictional book the author, Fatima Ro, wrote based on their lives are also sprinkled throughout the three girls’ recollections. I honestly found the fictional chapters to be the weakest part and enjoyed the interview chapters the most.

This book had a lot of promise and I did enjoy it. I just find myself wishing there had a been a bit more, though I guess I can’t say exactly what. I guess I was just thinking it would be a bit more thriller/mystery, when it really was more about friendships and toxic relationships.

But that night in the courtyard I knew the year was going to be better; sharing the sky with Fatimo Ro was the start of that ’cause I got to do something with my friends that wasn’t shopping or Snapchat, you know? It felt, like … important.

BOOK REVIEW: Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

BOOK REVIEW: Something in the Water by Catherine SteadmanSomething in the Water by Catherine Steadman
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

A shocking discovery on a honeymoon in paradise changes the lives of a picture-perfect couple in this taut psychological thriller debut--for readers of Ruth Ware, Paula Hawkins, and Shari Lapena.

If you could make one simple choice that would change your life forever, would you?

Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. . . .

Could the life of your dreams be the stuff of nightmares?

Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events. . . .

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to dig a grave?

Wonder no longer. Catherine Steadman's enthralling voice shines throughout this spellbinding debut novel. With piercing insight and fascinating twists, Something in the Water challenges the reader to confront the hopes we desperately cling to, the ideals we're tempted to abandon, and the perfect lies we tell ourselves.

Thank you NetGalley, the author Catherine Steadman and the publisher, Ballantine, for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I wonder at what stage all of this started. If I could wind it back, how far back would I have to wind?

This book blew my out of the water. Haha, see what I did there?


From the first chapter, we know something bad has happened. I was immediately drawn to Erin, our narrator and main character of the book. Erin is a documentary filmmaker who is engaged to Mark, who works in finance. It was honestly one of the most riveting openings to a book I’ve read in a long time. It was a brilliant way to kick things off.

After the events of the first chapter, we travel back in time and learn how Mark and Erin met and how they fell in love. We start off a few weeks before their wedding, which is also when Erin is beginning her film on prisoners transitioning back into real world.

Erin and Mark then head to Bora Bora for their dream honeymoon, and while scuba diving, they discover something that serves as the catalyst for the rest of the book. From there, we follow Erin and Mark as they deal with the ramifications for what they found until we finally circle back to the events in the first chapter.

I promise myself that once this is all over I’ll be honest; I’ll never lie again. I’ll be the best wife in the world. I promise.


And what a circle it is. I’ve read a number of thrillers in the last couple years, but this one is up there as one of the best ones. I loved it. The writing style is near perfection. Without being overly descriptive and wordy, the author clearly paints an image of everything we (the reader) sees. The setting of Bora Bora certainly doesn’t hurt either! From what I see on Goodreads, this is the author’s first book, which is quite surprising. It is so well done and I’m very much looking forward to reading what she writes next.

I’d highly recommend this–even better if you can read it by the ocean/pool/lake.

But what could I have done? What can you do? You can’t save everyone. Sometimes you just have to save yourself.

BOOK REVIEW – The Bet (The Bet #1) by Rachel Van Dyken

BOOK REVIEW – The Bet (The Bet #1) by Rachel Van DykenThe Bet (The Bet #1)
by Rachel Van Dyken
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

"I have a proposition for you." Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus's mouth. It's been years since Kacey's seen her childhood friend Jake, but the minute Jake mentions his ill grandmother, Kacey is ready to do anything for the sweet old woman. And if that means pretending they're engaged for her sake-so be it.

But Kacey wasn't counting on Jake's older brother Travis still being there. She calls him "Satan" for a reason: she's never forgotten the way he teased and taunted her. Yet when they meet again, Travis's gorgeous smile is a direct hit to her heart . . . and Kacey's more confused than ever. As the days pass, only one thing starts to become alarmingly clear-she never should have accepted Jake's deal . . .

Review:

The Bet was hilariously addicting!  I loved that the characters charmed their way into my heart, that the pages were filled with tons of fun drama and that the ending left me excited to read the next book in this series.  This was my first book by Rachel Van Dyken and I’m definitely kicking myself that I didn’t pick up one of her books sooner!

Jake’s thumb rubbed across her fingers delicately.
Another involuntary shiver ran down her spine.  
It’s not real, Kacey.  Just remember it’s not real.  He doesn’t really like you in that way.  Do it for Grandma!

Jake Titus propositioned Kacey to pretend to be his fiance.  They were childhood friends, but after a falling out they hadn’t spoken in a few years.  Jake was feeling pressure from his family’s company to change his playboy persona and his Grandma, who loved Kacey and had been sick, wanted to see her.  So by bringing Kacey back home, he’d be back in his family and company’s good graces and he would help Kacey out with her college expenses in return. It sounded like the perfect win win situation.  Yet nothing could prepare Kacey for being back in the Titus’ house, especially with Travis there.  He was Jake’s older brother who was horrific to Kacey as a child.

He’d be a fool to let her go.
Again . – Jake

I was definitely confused at first.  Was I supposed to love Kacey with Jake or Travis?  But over time we got to see who deserved Kacey’s heart.  In the beginning, Kacey and Jake’s interactions were adorable.  They had a friendship that was definitely complicated and filled with some hurt.  But it also felt strong and true, or at least it use to be that way. You see, we got to hear lots of stories referencing Kacey and Jake’s past and I laughed so hard I cried.  Their past was hysterical!  But the more I saw who Jake was, I wasn’t the biggest fan of him.  He would come across as a self centered asshole. He could make the worst choices and it all seemed to center on instant gratification.  And he never thought about how the ramifications would affect others. But Jake seemed like the type where if he really wanted something, he’d find a way to make it happen.

Travis held up his wine.  “To conquering old fears?”
Something shifted between them.  His eyes, though it was dark, seemed to he hiding something, as if he were talking about more than her stupid phobia.  She leaned in, now completely relaxed from drowning half of her wine already, and whispered, “To conquering old fears.”

Now Travis and Kacey?  They made me laugh so hard too, but each moment had something else coursing through it.  There was a tension between them that was always crackling and it left me with the hugest grin on my face.  Travis and Kacey’s moments together were so hot.  Even when they were throwing jabs at each other.  They could also be ridiculously immature and it was so much fun.  I loved their teasing and their weird obsession with food fights. It made my heart smile and I couldn’t stop laughing!

He wondered if she could hear his heart hammering in his chest.  “Because of you, Kace. Everything I do, everything I’ve done in my life it’s all because of you.” – Travis

Travis was definitely book boyfriend material!  He looked out for Kacey and he thought about her happiness first.  Yeah he would screw up from time to time, but ultimately he was her biggest protector and champion.  So I kept my fingers crossed that that was who Kacey would end up with, because sometimes it didn’t feel as though it’d pan out in that direction.  So be careful with your hearts! Speaking of my heart…. ohhhhh I have to say I think everyone will love Grandma!! She was funny, smart, devious and I’m looking forward to seeing what she’s up to in the next book!

Both brothers.
One a friend, the other something so much more.

So I definitely recommend The Bet!  It’s for everyone who adores NA stories that have tension running through them.  And if you love drama that’s fun, with sillier moments laced through it, then this is definitely your book!  The next book is about the brother who wasn’t meant for Kacey and I’m so excited to see what happens to him!

PS So here’s a weird confession.  Usually I don’t read books with the name Travis.  It’s my brothers name and yeah it just feels weird.  But I call my brother Trav and I heard that wasn’t used in this book, thank goodness!!

BOOK REVIEW: Moonlight Seduction (de Vincent #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

BOOK REVIEW: Moonlight Seduction (de Vincent #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Moonlight Seduction (de Vincent #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The de Vincent brothers are back—and so is the intrigue that surrounds them—in New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s sizzling new novel . . .

Nicolette Bresson never thought she’d return to the de Vincents’ bayou compound. It’s where her parents work, where Nikki grew up . . . and where she got her heart broken by Gabriel de Vincent himself. Yet here she is, filling in for her sick mother. Avoiding Gabe should be easy, especially when so much of Nikki’s time is spent trying not to be stabbed in the back by the malicious hangers-on who frequent the mansion. But escaping memories of Gabe, much less his smoking-hot presence, is harder than expected—especially since he seems determined to be in Nikki’s space as much as possible.

Gabriel spent years beating himself up over his last encounter with Nikki. He’d wanted her then, but for reasons that were bad for both of them. Things have now changed. Gabe sees more than a girl he’s known forever; he sees a smart, talented, and heartbreakingly beautiful woman . . . one who’s being stalked from the shadows. Now, Gabe will do anything to keep Nikki safe—and to stop the de Vincent curse from striking again.

Review:

Moonlight Seduction was a whirlwind of emotions and completely addicting!  Being back in this world, and falling for a different de Vincent brother made me oh so happy.  I loved how mystery weaved into the story and that there was a strong female who I adored. So if you like adult romance that is slow-burn, sexy, will pull at your emotions and is a page turner then you definitely have to give this book a try!

“Nic.”
She stopped. It was like she had no control.
Silence.
Biting down on her lip and telling herself she was probably going to regret this, she slowly faced him.

This time around we got to jump into Gabriel de Vincent’s life.  He was the middle brother and he definitely had some secrets from his past.  And one of them was tied to Nicolette Bresson, aka Nikki. Nikki found herself back in town, and working at the de Vincent’s house to fill in for her mom.  Her parents had worked for them forever and Nikki had crushed on Gabe when she was younger. Even though he was ten years older than her. They hadn’t seen each other in years and something happened that made their friendship explode.  I loved how we were given clues about what happened and you could tell that none of their emotions had disappeared.  I couldn’t wait to see it all play out!

As she left the room, she couldn’t help but notice that Gabe wasn’t grinning as he watched her from under his thick lashes. Oh, no , the man was smiling that smile that had gotten her in trouble all those years ago, and her stupid, stupid reckless heart jumped in her chest.

Again we got to alternate between our two love interests.  I liked Nikki right from the start! I loved how she stood up for herself, how strong she was and that she felt like someone who could easily become one of my friends.  But Gabe? Sigh, he was a man who was fun to figure out. He could be so harsh to Nikki and then in the next moment he could be playful and charming. I definitely felt lost at times, like Nikki, when Gabe ran hot and cold.  But there were these moments where he was protective of her and oh my heart, he was fierce, loyal and sexy!  

Placing his hands on either side of her hips, he dipped his chin and suddenly their mouths were lined up. She sucked in a soft breath as her heart threatened to slam its way out of her chest.
“What are you doing?” she whispered.
“About to have an awkward conversation with you again.”

Anytime they were near each other it felt insanely seductive and hot.  I loved the sexual tension that simmered between them. But you could tell from the hints that they had a lot to work through from their past.  Although there was no denying that eventually they would do more.  I mean, just the simplest touch, or even look between them was scorching.  And when it moved to more, it was beyond steamy.  But there was also heartache, betrayal and tears smudged into the pages and my heart broke for the both of them.

“You tell me to stop and I will.”
Her lips parted. She needed to tell him to stop, because she knew that whatever was happening right now was going to change everything between them, and she knew this time there wouldn’t be any repairing the damage it would wreak on their friendship . . . and possibly her life.

But other things happened to Nikki and Gabe within the pages.  There were those lingering, creepy moments where I was left thinking….ghosts?  I still wasn’t sure, but I knew one thing, I shouldn’t have read this book in the dark!  I’m a baby lol. And on top of the mysterious moments, I didn’t think this book would go so dark.  I was shocked, gutted and terrified, so I have to give a trigger warning for an attempted rape. Moonlight Seduction was definitely an emotional book.  Or at least it was for me. There was a few moments where I sobbed my eyes out hysterically. It was so easy to become deeply, emotionally connected to these characters.

“I said Saturday night I don’t know what we’re doing, where it’s going to lead.” He turned his head, kissing her inner thigh. The rough skin of his jaw drove her crazy. “That didn’t mean I wasn’t going to travel that road and find out.”

There were lots of fun moments and I loved that Lucian and Julia got to be back in the mix of everything.  Lucian is Gabe’s brother and was featured in the first book, Moonlight Sins. And while this book could be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend starting with that one.  You don’t want to miss out on a moment with these charismatic brothers! So yes, I loved how this book wrapped up, but it definitely left me excited for the next one, Moonlight Scandals.  It’s about Devlin, the oldest de Vincent brother, and I’ve crowned him King of Assholes lol.  I can’t wait to get inside his head!

PS I love that Diesel, one of Jen’s dogs, got a shout out, awww!

*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 #)
***Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.***

Moonlight Sins #1
Reviews:

Jen

Moonlight Seduction #2
Reviews:

Jen

Moonlight Scandals #3
Review:
Jen
About Jennifer L. Armentrout:

JLA- Credit Franggy Yanez Photography# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more. She is also the creator and sole financier of the annual Write Your Way To RT Book Convention, a contest that gives aspiring authors a chance to win a fully paid trip to RT Book Reviews.

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