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BOOK REVIEWS: Fool the Demon & Speak of the Demon (Deals With Demons #0.5 & #1) by Stacia Stark

April 3, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

BOOK REVIEWS: Fool the Demon & Speak of the Demon (Deals With Demons #0.5 & #1) by Stacia Stark Fool the Demon (Deals With Demons #0.5)
by Stacia Stark
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
This is the free prequel/short story which begins before Speak of the Demon, the first book in the Deals with Demons world.

I’ve searched for my mom’s murderer for two years. But now I finally have a way to narrow down my suspects.

The ancient fae artifact is mine for the taking.

Well, not quite.

The artifact belongs to Samael— the scary-as-hell demon who runs this country. There’s a reason why no one would dare steal from him. But with great risk comes great reward… right?

All I need to do is get close to him, sneak past his dragon, and steal from his hoard.

Wish me luck.

Review:

Fool the Demon is a must read before diving into the Deals with Demons Series! Yes it’s a novella, but it sets the series up perfectly. And makes you completely understand Danica and Samael’s background. Which is a rather precarious one. After reading this quick story, I just knew that I would fall head over heels in love with this series and I was definitely right!

His arrogance would be his downfall. And my gain.

You can grab a copy of this book for free on Stacia’s website here.

BOOK REVIEWS: Fool the Demon & Speak of the Demon (Deals With Demons #0.5 & #1) by Stacia Stark

Speak of the Demon (Deals with Demons #1)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
I hunt demons.

I don’t work for them.

And I promised my mom one thing before she was murdered: Under no circumstances, would I ever go near the high demons.

But I’ll break that promise over and over again if it helps me avenge her death.

When my only lead turns to ash in the middle of demon territory, I’m suddenly a dead witch walking. Violence in Samael’s club is an automatic death sentence… unless he can use you.

And it turns out that the most powerful demon in the country has a use for little ol’ me.

Demons are being slaughtered. His demons. And as a bounty hunter, it’s up to me to find out who would dare hurt his people.

I’ve got two weeks to find the killer, and if I fail, I’m bonded to Samael. Forever.

Samael’s certain that I’ll be his, but I’m not the kinda girl who risks her freedom for a demon.

I’m the kinda girl who won’t let anyone get in the way of her vengeance— not even the Machiavellian control freak who thinks he can run my life.

The problem? I’ve pissed the wrong people off.

Now I’m the one being hunted, and someone’s coming for me with everything they have.

But I’m never more dangerous than when my back is up against the wall.

And I’m ready to come out swinging.

Review:

Speak of the Demon was impossible to put down! With the start of an enemies to lovers romance and danger at every turn, it made this book so easy to devour. It was fun, magical and beyond addictive! Fans of urban fantasy or those looking for a quick series to binge, make for sure you have this on your tbr! But don’t forget to start with Fool the Demon, it’s a great introduction to this world.

Samael leaned close. “You smell familiar, little witch.”
I swallowed. If he connected me to the witch who stole from him six months ago, I’d soon be begging for death.

Danica’s thoughts made it so easy to connect to her. She made me laugh, and I loved that she allowed us to see her world in such an easy, vivid way. She was brave, fearless, and kept going even in the face of death. I loved how dedicated, ruthless and so wickedly clever she was! When she ended up being Samael’s bounty hunter, I was so excited yet nervous for her. Something was hunting demons, and he needed her to find out what was hurting his people. So while yes, he thought she was beautiful, he also knew her skills. She had made a reputation for herself, and he knew that she could get him answers, when others had failed.

Exactly when did I begin having dirty thoughts about the demon? This was not okay. It must have something to do with being weak and healing from the attack. Witches did not lust after demons.

Samael was a morally grey character who was swoon worthy. We got the story in both of their povs and it was intoxicating seeing that he was calm, collected, deadly, possessive and shockingly thoughtful too. When he was around Danica, I couldn’t stop smiling. Their interactions had me laughing out loud with how they messed and toyed with one another. It was done so perfectly. And the chemistry between them was through the roof hot. Their sexual tension was done so fabulously! And it was fun seeing Danica keep Samael on his toes. As the story unfolded, it was addictive watching that Samael would do anything to protect her. No matter the cost.

“You’re a walking armory,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the tip of my nose. The move was so surprisingly tender that all I could do was stare up at him, momentarily stunned.

Fond family, enemies to lovers, a slow burn romance and characters that were so easy to love were laced through the pages. And as someone who has already finished this series, I have to say that this series is binge worthy! One of my favorite things about this series, besides the characters, is how well it was planned out. This story was so intricate and well executed. I thought there were things from this book that were just left up in the air. Or didn’t make sense or were holes. Nope! All of our answers could be found in future books. Sometimes it took a while, but it’s woven into the storyline so well. So as pieces fell together, I wanted to clap out loud, because it was masterfully done! Fans of urban fantasy should definitely binge this series too!

BOOK REVIEW: Full Measures (Flight & Glory #1) by Rebecca Yarros

March 28, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Full Measures (Flight & Glory #1)
by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
She knew. That’s why Mom hadn’t opened the door. She knew he was dead.

Twenty years as an army brat and Ember Howard knew, too. The soldiers at the door meant her dad was never coming home. What she didn’t know was how she would find the strength to singlehandedly care for her crumbling family when her mom falls apart.

Then Josh Walker enters her life. Hockey star, her new next-door neighbor, and not to mention the most delicious hands that insist on saving her over and over again. He has a way of erasing the pain with a single look, a single touch. As much as she wants to turn off her feelings and endure the heartache on her own, she can’t deny their intense attraction. Until Josh’s secret shatters their world. And Ember must decide if he’s worth the risk that comes with loving a man who could strip her bare.

Review:

Why was it so damn hard to breathe?

Full Measures was an emotionally powerful book. With healing and love woven together, this story was impossible not to cry while reading. I was looking for a New Adult romance that would be an angsty, emotional ride and this fit that need perfectly!

I placed my right hand on the chilled exterior of the coffin and stifled my cry with my left. “I love you,” the whisper broke from me. “I miss you, and I don’t know what to do without you,” I cried. I dragged the frost- bitten air through my lungs. “But don’t you worry about them, not Grams, or Mom, April, or Gus. I will take care of them, I promise.”

Full Measures started out with an emotional bang. It was impossible not to sob your eyes out. Or cry through that first chapter. It was horrific watching Ember Howard’s whole world blow up in her face. Losing her father. Watching her mother turn into a shell of a woman of who she was. And she was left trying to help take care of her younger siblings, while not drowning in her own grief. Watching Ember try and keep it together while everyone else fell apart had me lost in her agony. This book radiated her pain, and it was impossible not to feel every single thing Ember did.

I wanted someone to hold me, to tell me it was going to be okay, to assure me that my life hadn’t ended with Dad’s. I wanted solace, and comfort, and not to think about it for a while. Wasn’t there anyone else who could help carry the weight of this house?

Josh Walker stumbled upon Ember on the most horrific day of her life. He had gone to school with her and was her little brother’s hockey coach. His compassion was beautiful. And I loved how he was always there. That he could lend a hand and tried his best to help out where he could. Yet Ember had her walls infinitely high. She had a boyfriend. Who I dubbed as a complete douche bag. And a mother, sister and little brother that she now was like a parent to. But one of my favorite things about Josh was that he would just show up. Where others would say if you need help just ask, he stepped in there and helped. It was impossible not to fall for how kind Josh’s heart and soul were.

“She’s going to be okay, eventually.”
“So are you.” He squeezed my hand gently before quickly pulling it away, careful not to brush the skin of my knee just below my hem.

Josh and Ember together felt inevitable. Yet they didn’t have an easy path. It slowly started out as friendship. And I loved how that led to more. Ember was so focused on doing what was right for her family. And I loved that Josh could then help focus Ember on her life. What she wanted to do. Josh was considerate, patient, understanding, protective, caring and such a beautiful book boyfriend. Yet Josh had been the ultimate player. And had girls fawning over him left and right. I loved two of the names Ember gave them haha.

“God, Ember.”
I said the only thing I could think of. “More.”
He lifted his head, staring into my eyes like he could see through my soul. “This isn’t what you want.”

My notes while reading consisted of tears, more tears and that I couldn’t stop sobbing throughout this story. Ember’s loss and her family’s struggle to survive while going through the motions gutted me. The emotions were so intense, real. At times it felt like I was suffocating in all of their grief and I couldn’t stop the tears that constantly kept pooling in my eyes. YET in the pages was also a beautiful love story. And another beautiful story about family healing. It was a rough journey, but by the end of his book my heart was so happy!

“Oh, and Ember?” I blinked in response. “I’m still your whatever, for whatever you need.”

Secrets can never stay hidden, for long. And Josh had one that could tear him and Ember apart. So I loved watching the struggle and the path it took. The clarity moment was so beautiful! Yet I did have a hiccup with this story. Some of the lines just didn’t work for me. And while I do love cheesiness, I just wasn’t looking for it now. I think if I would have read this story when it first came out, it would have worked perfectly for me. But regardless, I’ll be jumping into the next book. I’m excited that Josh’s roommate is getting his own story. And while Josh and Ember’s story ended on a happily for now, you just know they will get their happily ever after. And I’m hoping we’ll get to see it in a future book!

BOOK REVIEW: Always Mine (Honey Mountain #1) by Laura Pavlov

March 27, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Always Mine (Honey Mountain #1)
by Laura Pavlov
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He fights fires for a living, but the flames building between us may be too big to extinguish.

Niko West is the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on.
Six feet, four inches of broody, chiseled Greek god in a firefighter suit.
He’s also been my best friend since kindergarten.
He always says the only solid thing in his life is our friendship.
He’s Honey Mountain's favorite player and I’m what you’d call a relationship girl.
But when I find myself single for the first time since turning sixteen, I make Niko an offer he can’t refuse.
Who better to show me what I’ve been missing?
But now that we’ve crossed that line, I don’t know if friendship is enough for me.

**This is book 1 in the Honey Mountain Series. Each one can be read as a complete standalone. A HEA is guaranteed!**

Review:

Always Mine was a charming, friends to lovers romance. It was set in a beautiful town, that I pictured as the Donner Lake area. And with that small town charm, adorable characters, and a storyline that was easy to devour, this was such a quick read! I buddy read this friends and there was lots to talk about. Including some of the hiccups I had too.

Vivian had been the only good thing in my life for as long as I could remember. My only constant. I’d never fuck that up.

Niko West had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He had put his life on hold to take care of his mom and sister when his dad had gone to jail. And his childhood hurt my heart. His dad had abused him. A lot of times he would escape to Vivian’s house and sneak into her bedroom window to find solace with his best friend. Now as an adult, he had so much responsibility on his shoulders taking care of his sister, niece and mom. All while being a firefighter. Thankfully his bestie Vivi was still a shining star in his life. And I loved how the guys at the firehouse were there for him too.

“One time, Honey Bee. Then we go back to normal,” I said against her ear, nibbling on her lobe before I could stop myself.

Vivian had also put her life on pause while helping take care of her family. I adored her large family of sisters and her dad who was the head of the fire department. She was a baker and was so easy to click with. So when she found herself finally single, she propositioned Niko something he couldn’t refuse. She wanted him to teach her what she’d been missing. I loved that she spoke her mind. I love that she was bold and brave. When Vivi and Niko were together, they were so sexy and cute together. Their friendship was beautiful and I loved how they would do anything for each other. But when you mix friendship and more, the lines get very blurry and grey. Yet there wasn’t a lot of angst between them. The struggles in this book were found with other characters.

She was the light that shined through all of the darkness.

With friendship, jealousy, small town drama, family and love, this book had a lot going for it. There was a scene that left my palms sweaty and nervous for who was going to be okay. A few other moments that made me have tears in my eyes. And I didn’t expect there to be so many steamy scenes, which played in nicely. The story ended with a wonderful happily ever after and set us up to want her sister’s stories in the future books. Yet I had a few hiccups. I struggled with Niko’s mom, although hate would probably be a better word to describe how I felt towards her. And there weren’t visual descriptions about the characters. So while they easily stood out by name, I struggled seeing them in my head. And when I read a book I want it to play out like a movie in my head. That could never happen. So I may give the next book a try, or not. I haven’t decided yet.

Tragedy had a way of reminding you how precious life was.
Reminding you about what mattered most.
About what was most important.
Love and family were everything.

BOOK REVIEW: A Court This Cruel and Lovely (Kingdom of Lies #1) by Stacia Stark

March 21, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

A Court This Cruel and Lovely (Kingdom of Lies #1)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
For years, when I fell asleep, I dreamed of a man with blazing green eyes and a cruel smile.

The day I meet him, the ruthless mercenary leaves me for dead.

Just hours after humans are born, the gods take what little power we have. In return, they protect our borders from the vicious, merciless fae.

The humans who manage to keep their power are known as the corrupt.

And they are burned.

When my forbidden power is discovered, I'm forced to flee my tiny village and the life I adore.

To survive, I make a desperate bargain with the mercenary who abandoned me at my weakest.

Our deal is simple: I'll help him and his mysterious friends sneak into the city. And he'll help me learn to wield the strange, dark power I've always kept hidden. The power that may just be the key to my survival.

But the ruthless mercenary is hiding secrets of his own. Secrets that threaten the safety of everyone I love. Secrets that could tear this kingdom-and perhaps even this world-apart.

Review:

Sometimes there are stories that are so beautifully crafted that they steal pieces of your heart and soul. They consume your every waking thought. And saying it’s one of your favorite books ever still doesn’t feel like enough. That was A Court This Cruel and Lovely. This book stole my breath time and again. If you love enemies to lovers, a slow burn romance, forced proximity, found family, a heroine that comes into her power and a morally gray grumpy male then you desperately need this book in your life! This romantasy was everything!

I could do this.
After all, against all odds, I was still alive. I just had to keep reminding myself of that.

Prisca lived in a harsh world where when you were born, your magic was taken from you and given to the Gods. It was so they would help protect the borders from the ruthless fae. But Prisca had been keeping a secret. She still had her magic. Which made her part of the corrupt. After those were caught, they were burned to death for defying the Gods. So when Prisca was discovered for still having her magic, she was forced to flee her home and family. And while on the run, she met a man that she had been dreaming about. Yet he left her for dead.

“I don’t want anything you’re offering. Remember that time you left me to freeze to death?”
He sighed. “Are you always this dramatic?”
One of his men snorted, and I trembled with the need to punch Lorian in the mouth.

I loved Prisca! It hurt to watch her live in a village that she could never stay at, where she would never be able to fall in love, and could never let her guard down. But when she left her home, brother and mother, it was even more gut wrenching to watch. Her whole life changed in the blink of an eye and she was forced to survive or else she would die. Prisca showed us time and again that she was brave, smart, tricky, kind and fearless! Being on the run had her meeting Lorian. Who left her for dead. He was a man she dubbed as a ruthless mercenary. And it was the start of a beautiful enemies to lovers romance that I’m beyond obsessed about.

Don’t do it. Don’t you dare do it.
My gaze dropped to his toned ass, and I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry.
“See something you like?” Lorian purred.
“Nothing. Nothing at all.”
He chuckled, turning to the bath, and I slammed my eyes shut. It wasn’t fair that he was so annoying and yet so fucking perfect.

Lorian. Oh my heart. He made me laugh when I shouldn’t have. He made me like him when I shouldn’t have. But I didn’t care. I loved that we got his thoughts too. They could be so coarse and ruthless, but I loved when he thought about her. Even when he didn’t want to. But make no mistake, he could be so cold at the drop of a hat. And in the next moment he would kill for you. Trick you. Be protective. And keep all of his secrets to himself. I never seemed to know which side Lorian would show us. Yet as the story unfolded, I fell for every single side of him. Something I didn’t think was possible. This morally gray male will gladly steal and capture your heart, even if you don’t want him to!

Nerves fluttered in my stomach.
We don’t have time for your insecurity and self-doubt.
How Lorian would laugh if he knew just how much I was relying on those words.
In another life.
My chest tightened, and I shoved the memory out of my mind.

Even though Prisca and Lorain hated each other, they needed one another. And while they had their moments that felt like something more, or there wasn’t animosity between them, it never lasted long. Their enemies to lovers romance was done so fabulously! Especially when they would mess with the other. I lived for those moments and couldn’t stop smiling when they could be playful and hilarious. Their banter was fabulous and there was always a tension that simmered between them. No matter how much neither one of them wanted to admit it.

Beneath the terror, my fury burned bright. So bright, I didn’t have to reach for my power. No, instead, the threads seemed to reach for me, my skin heating.

While Prisca, Lorian and his men Marth, Rythos, Cavis and Galon traveled together, there was definitely a strain. Yet as their journey continued, it almost felt as though there was a camaraderie there. One that felt like a fond family. Or maybe that’s just what happens when you face life and death moments. I was terrified for so many of those in this story. I cried, I screamed, I gasped, but I also laughed out loud and couldn’t stop smiling. And as we watched the story and the characters unfold, I loved where this story led us. It held us in the palm of its hand.

“I thought we’d moved past threats of torture,” I muttered.
He took a single step closer, and my skin tingled at the look he gave me. Dark, hopelessly amused, dripping with lust.

This twists in this story were phenomenal! Some of my guesses were close or right on. Yet other things I didn’t even some coming. This is one of those stories where I can’t wait to re-read because I can now see the clues. And while reading, I had to know what happened next. The story and characters were impossible to walk away from! I also think that fans of FBAA will fall head over heels in love with this story! Reading those ARCs consumed my whole being these last few years. And this is the first book that has given me all of the same vibes and feels.

“…Promise me you’ll free them. And one day, you’ll come back and burn this fucking place to the ground.”
There was only one thing I could say. “I promise.”

A Court This Cruel and Lovely was filled with revenge, murder, survival, jealousy, bargains, betrayal, friendship and more. I loved that these characters had one another’s back and put their faith in each other. Even if they didn’t want to. I loved that plans were made that led to more. And I especially loved how steamy kisses turned into seductively scorching hot moments. This romantasy was impossible to put down and easily became an instant favorite! I will be counting the moments until that next book is released and I’m so thankful we stopped at the perfect stopping point. I desperately have to know what happens next, yet I can breathe.

“How do I know you won’t just kill everyone?”
“Oh, Prisca,” he purred. “I would never kill you.”

PS Barmaid. I still laugh out loud thinking about that!

“I know what we’re about to do. It doesn’t change the fact that I want to strip that dress off you and see what I find beneath it.”
“You’ll find knives,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him.
His smile was dark— almost feral. “Wicked women are my weakness.”
I couldn’t help but grin up at him.

PPS I loved the letters Lorian and his brother sent back and forth. One of the last ones he sent back to him was everything for me lol!

Spoiler Quotes That I Love:

View Spoiler »

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

GIVEAWAY & RELEASE BLITZ: Once Upon a Legend by Mary Ting

March 20, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

Once Upon a Legend was an enchanting tale that was woven together beautifully. Check out what this story is about below, you can read my review here and you can enter a fabulous giveaway. Enjoy ♥

Once Upon A Legend
Mary Ting
Publication date: March 20th 2023
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

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.

Goodreads / Amazon

Excerpt:

The voice in my head hummed a tune with ancient words. The somber melody rose an octave higher and dipped lower. A song of death, a song of horror and grief, and yet beautiful and profound, like the voice, raw and pure.

“I’m here. What do you want?” Why was I talking to the water?

I wrapped my arms around my chest when the breeze blew harder, water slamming against the walkway. Perhaps a warning of something terrible to come.

“Idrisa.” It sang my name, a soft tune filling my mind with bliss.

“Why is my lantern black? Why have you put it in front of me?” I shouted, desperate for answers.

Something glowed inside the lake, the size of an orb at first, then illuminated brighter and closer, like the birth of a new star. I threw my arms up to protect myself but the glow shifted, and then split into an image of three women.

Their long, silver hair and flowing white dresses blazed like milky fire, and brilliant light shone where their faces should be. I couldn’t stare without blinding myself.

“We welcome you, Idrisa. Do not be afraid. We are the Eternal Mothers,” they said in unison. Their voices sounded in my head like a hypnotic and celestial chorus.

My heart lurched to my throat. I curtsied, awed and humbled they’d appear before someone like me. Surely there was a mistake.

“What do you want with me?” I asked, my voice shaky.

“You are the light and the dark of this world. Within you lies strength, courage, and hope. Your time has come.” The Lady in the middle held a beaming sword that hadn’t been there before.

The sword rose from the lake, no doubt a hallucination. I shivered, an icy blast of wind nearly knocking me back as mist sprayed over my face. I didn’t know how deep the lake reached. If I fell, I doubted I could swim in the freezing water.

“I am Eternal Mother Viviane, the voice of all. I present to you, Caliburn.” The white light from the blade, like a thousand diamonds blessed with inner fire, beckoned me to reach out for it.

Your time has come? “What do you mean? Is it my time to die?”

“The truest of hearts and the blood of the firstborn, to restore the balance from once torn. Kingdoms shall rise and fall and empires alike, but only the blessed ones can save them all. You must live, Idrisa. You must fight. Most of all, you must have faith and accept your destiny. Now, take Caliburn and run.”

Before I could ask more questions, rapid footsteps vibrated on the walkway.

About Mary Ting:

Born in Seoul, Korea, author Mary Ting is an international bestselling, multi-gold award winning author. Her books span a wide range of genres, and her storytelling talents have earned a devoted legion of fans, as well as garnered critical praise. She is a diverse voice who writes diverse characters, often dealing with a catastrophic world.

Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.

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