Tag: New Adult (Page 2 of 47)

BOOK REVIEW: Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

November 30, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory’s focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious “Kingkiller” Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess.

Nolan’s loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What’s even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory’s victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can’t help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist....

As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren’t only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent…and infuriating…)

Review:

It pains me to say that I struggled to find anything to love within these pages….besides Nolan. If the characters would have been older, I would have labeled this Women’s Fiction on Goodreads. Sigh. So here are the top three reasons I struggled with this book……

“You’re not being fair to either of us,” he says calmly. Maybe he’s right, but I’m past caring.

Nolan, the romantic interest, was barely a side character….
I adored Nolan. The tiny bit of time we got to spend with him in this book made me realize he was kind, thoughtful, caring and understanding. Unfortunately time would fly by and we wouldn’t see or hear from him. Three weeks here. Two months there. Etc. We barely got to see, let alone spend time with Nolan. And it felt like we spent less time with him than side characters in so many other countless stories. That’s why this book gave me strong Women’s Fiction vibes, other than the ages were all wrong.

“Ah. I’ve seen your press conference, by the way. Nice job making it look like you totally despise him even when he said nothing but super- nice things about you.”
“I didn’t.”
“Yes, you did,” Darcy and Sabrina say in chorus, without tearing their eyes from the TV.

I didn’t like Mallory….
From page 10 and her slamming gluten sensitivity, I was hoping that that was just a weird fluke with me not liking what she was saying or how she acted. Yet I never found that connection to her, or the ability to like her. Even though she helped her family and was financially responsible for her mom and two younger sisters. Yes she gave up her dreams, but her words, actions and lack thereof made me just not like her. She ran away from situations. She lied to others. She could be so harsh. And when others helped her, she lacked the simple common decency to say thank you. And there was a situation at the end of Chapter 17 that just left an ick factor and a bad taste in my mouth towards her. Granted she is 18, but there are so many YA books where the character is immature or has qualities about them I don’t like in the beginning of the story. Yet they show growth as the story progresses, and by the end of the book I am so proud of how far they have come! Yet by page 263 she took a step. And then by page 334 she seemed to to grow a little. But at those points it felt like it was too little too late, and also not enough.

“He’s cute,” Mom whispers while I’m loading the dishwasher.
“Cole Sprouse?”
“Nolan.”
I huff. It doesn’t come out as indignant as I’d like. “No, he’s not.”
“And he seems to have great taste.” “Because he ate a stomach- pumping amount of your meat loaf?”
“Mostly that. Only secondarily because he doesn’t seem to be able to look away from my most oblivious daughter.”

The naming was just too much….
I read to escape reality. And while reality can bleed a little into the pages for me, I prefer not to have political people or pop references throughout a book. A few I have no problems ignoring. But when they’re in almost every single chapter and multiple times within that chapter, I just can’t anymore. By page 25 we already heard Obama, Harry Styles, and I’m forgetting what else. And it continued that way till the end. But here’s the thing, I need a break from the real world at times *cries*. And this book definitively didn’t allow me to have that.

So what did I love besides Nolan? I loved Nolan’s friends. And Oz. Especially on page 281! That scene right there had me clapping my hands for Oz! Also, for me this book was NA. It’s set in the summer after she graduated High School, and her friend was leaving for college. And then it followed her life through what would have been her first year of college, if she would have accepted. For me, that’s NA. So yup. This one definitely didn’t work out for me.

BOOK REVIEW: The Total Knockout (Southern U O’Brien Brothers) by Cookie O’Gorman

October 9, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

The Total Knockout by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Maisie Hawthorne doesn't do boyfriends.

Or girlfriends. Or relationships. Burned in the past, the scrappy bartender knows better than to trust a pretty face. Dex O'Brien is gorgeous (with or without the scar). Pierced, tatted, annoyingly attractive. She knew he was trouble even before she saw him fight. Her mind told her to stay away—but her heart wouldn't listen.

Dex O'Brien doesn't do love.

Not the romantic kind anyway. Sure, he loves his family, would defend them with his dying breath. And yeah, he loves baseball and fighting too. But falling in love? No thanks. Too messy. Dex couldn't care less, especially about the bookish bartender with the smart mouth and beautiful eyes.

She needs money to pay the bills. He needs a tutor to keep playing ball—even if he'll never admit it.

When the Southern U Wolves recruit Maisie to tutor Dex, tempers flare and sparks fly.

This new adult sports romance features two scarred souls, one hot-and-hilarious case of enemies-to-lovers, and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.

The #1 lesson they'll both learn?

Love is the total knockout you never see coming.

Review:

The Total Knockout was a sports romance that was impossible to put down! This story was laugh out loud hilarious, will pull on your emotions and make you fall in love. With a fun and flirty vibe, this book was so entertaining! If you love romance that is sweet with a little bit of spice, a dash of enemies to lovers, and a story line that will have you smiling from that first page to the last, then you need this book in your life! You definitely don’t have to read the previous ones in this series to enjoy The Total Knockout, but I can’t recommend the rest of this series about the O’Brien brothers enough!

“If you’re trying to book-shame me,” she said, “it won’t work. I read what I like. Doesn’t matter what you or anyone else has to say about it.”
“No shame,” I said. “If I was gonna waste my time reading, I’d probably reach for the R-rated book porn too.”
Her jaw dropped.

Dex O’Brien was struggling in college and was at risk of being pulled from the baseball team because of his grades. When his coach told him that he had no choice about seeing a tutor, that tutor ended up being Maisie Hawthorne. From the beginning they had a rocky start. Dex thought he could scare her off and Maisie needed the money so she wasn’t going anywhere. It was impossible not to laugh and smile when they were together! So when you add Dex’s siblings Finn and Emmy into the mix, who adored Maisie, whelp it was a ton of fun!

“So, are you going to keep staring or teach me something?”
Maisie blinked then looked down, a flush of embarrassment rising to her cheeks.
“Right,” she said, “sorry, I just didn’t know you could do that.”
“Do what?” I asked.
“Smile.”

I absolutely loved Maisie and wanted to be friends with her! She was kind, patient, thoughtful and such a hard worker. She was putting herself through college while working at a bar, tutoring, and she did other jobs on the side. From the beginning we got to see how much she loved and cared for her younger sister, Lola. And I loved when Lola was around, because it felt like she would help pull Dex and Maisie closer together. Yet there seemed to be something going on with her past, since Maisie was jaded and swore off relationships. But even with her no relationship policy she couldn’t help be attracted to Dex. He was a pierced, tatted, bad boy who lived and breathed baseball and secretly had a heart of gold.

I raised a brow. “How do I look at her?”
“Like you just saw something you desperately want but can’t have.”
I swallowed.

Dex’s way with words had me falling head over heels in love with him. He was definitely cocky and didn’t shy away from saying what he thought. From the beginning he told Maisie that he thought she was pretty. Yet Dex didn’t want anything more than just fun. He didn’t do relationship either and didn’t believe that love was for him. I wondered if maybe his overconfidence was to cover his struggles in school and the comments people made about him physically? I don’t know. But regardless, there were times I had tears in my eyes for Dex. And as we spent more time with him, your heart will melt. The confessions he said. The way he made for sure that Maisie was safe and protected her without a second thought. To even how there was a little bit of jealousy in there at times too, sigh. Dex was the most fabulous of book boyfriends!

Dex scoffed. “Better lower those expectations, Hawthorne.”
“Never.”
“Why not?”
“Because I believe in you, O’Brien,” I said.
“You do?” he said.
“Yeah— but I also believe in ghosts, faeries, and shape shifters, so you shouldn’t feel too special.”
He chuckled at that then gestured to the bar.

This story alternated between Maisie and Dex, and I loved both of their thoughts! This is one of those books where it’s impossible to pick your favorite moment, because there were so many of them. Emmy throwing Maisie under the bus? I was dying laughing. The mirror scene? That was so hot! And so many more I don’t want to mention for fear of spoilers. On top of countless memorable scenes, Dex’s siblings, Emmy and Finn, were the best! If you are adore family in a story, you’re going to love this one! The way they messed with Dex was perfect! But back to Maisie and Dex….as they worked together and time passed, it was smile inducing watching their hate for one another fade. And it almost seemed like a friendship was forming between them. They showed up for one another. They cheered each other on in their own ways. And they realized that not only were they both scarred physically, but emotionally too. Through every moment though, there was always sparks and banter flying. And those sparks seemed to arc higher and higher the more time they spent together. It was one of those stories where I couldn’t wait to see where their explosion took them!

“There’s a lot of things I want,” he said then reached up to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. “What about you, Hawthorne? Anything you want right this second?”
I hesitated then shook my head.
“Liar,” he said quietly.

Romance lovers will fall passionately in love with The Total Knockout! If you love sports, new adult or a story that keeps you smiling and laughing then you need to put this one on your tbr! Now I’ll be patiently waiting for Cookie’s next release, her books always make me oh so happy every single time. And each one becomes an instant favorite!

Once the door closed, I looked back and found Rose smiling.
“I think that went well,” she said. “Definitely our most eventful book club meeting so far.”
“I second that,” June said. “So much drama.”
“And tension,” Rose added. “This air was practically vibrating.”
My brow furrowed. “What are you guys talking about?”
“Nothing,” they said in unison.
Finn shook his head, staring after his brother.

PS Is Emmy next or will it be Finn? I’m thinking Emmy after what happened in this book, eeps! I am so excited for more in this world!

As I kissed her all I could think was, this. This was it. This was what makes life worth living.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Fall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1) by Jennifer L Armentrout

September 13, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

Fall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
SHE LIVES BY HER INTUITION. HE FEEDS ON HER PLEASURE.

Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian―royalty who feed on mortal pleasure.

Born with an intuition that never fails, Calista knows her talents are of great value to the power-hungry of the world, so she lives hidden as a courtesan of the Baron of Archwood. In exchange for his protection, she grants him information.

When her intuition leads her to save a traveling prince in dire trouble, the voice inside her blazes with warning―and promise. Today he’ll bring her joy. One day he'll be her doom.

When the Baron takes an interest in the traveling prince and the prince takes an interest in Calista, she becomes the prince’s temporary companion. But the city simmers with rebellion, and with knights and monsters at her city gates and a hungry prince in her bed, intuition may not be enough to keep her safe.

Calista must choose: follow her intuition to safety or follow her heart to her downfall.

Breathtaking suspense and scorching romance meet in this immersive new fantasy from a mega-bestselling force, Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Review:

Fall of Ruin and Wrath was a dark and sensual romtansy that was so easy to get lost in. Within those first few pages I had no clue what was going on, but I was terrified. So take those first few chapters to immerse yourself in this new world. It’s lethal, archaic and shrouded in mystery. With a dystopian background, that was laced with high fantasy, Fall of Ruin and Wrath easily became an instant favorite!

“We keep meeting under the strangest circumstances,” he noted. “I’m beginning to think fate is afoot.”
“Fate?” I laughed. “You believe in fate?”
“You don’t?”

Calista aka Lis was a paramour to Claude who was a Caelestia; half Hyhborn and half lowborn. And while I’ve read almost every single book by JLA, over the last decade, Lis was unlike any other heroine that we have met from Armentrout. Her intuition guided where she went in life and the decisions she made. She also had the ability to see things happen before they did. Like how someone would die, or horrific events on the horizon. And I was fascinated to watch her listen into others thoughts, without needing to touch them. Yet my heart twisted for Lis. I questioned whether she truly knew how to have a strong mental bond with others. She seemed to struggle with that outside of her “brother”, Grady. Maybe it was because of her gifts? Or maybe it was because of her childhood? Or maybe it even had to do with how she ended up as a paramour and nothing truly felt like hers? But regardless, she seemed to have connections with those around her physically, instead of emotionally.

“Hold still.”
“I am holding still, but . . . you’re on your knees, your fingers are near my dick, and you’re currently gloriously nude, so . . .”
Undoing the final button, I rolled my eyes. “You can’t even stand on your own two feet and you’re currently regrowing eyeballs. The last thing you need to be thinking about is me on my knees, your dick, or my nudity.”
“I’ve regrown my eyes, na’laa.”
My chin jerked up.

Lis’ intuition one night led her to rescue a Hyhborn. Hyhborn’s weren’t mortal, they were scions of the Gods. And the scene she was led to was terrifying, yet I couldn’t help but noticing that I loved her thoughts. They were real and honest, making it so easy to connect with her. And the Hyhborn we met?! I. Was. Obsessed! Thorne was a book boyfriend many will fall hard for. I loved that he could be sarcastic and also oh so polite. His manners as he murdered those to keep Lis safe had me cracking up. Thorne was truly lethal, yet at the same time he was so much fun. He loved to push Lis’ buttons and get a rise out of her while being addictively possessive. Add to all of that that he was capable of admitting when he was wrong. Well. It was impossible not to love everything there was about him.

“Na’laa?”
I stopped as something . . . something like hope swelled inside me. Hope for what? I really couldn’t say as I looked over my shoulder at him.
The Lord stood with his back to me, shoulders a tense straight line. “Be careful.”

Around Thorne, Lis could touch him and just be in the moment. She never got pulled into her brain or saw future events she would prefer not to see. Like she did when she touched other lowborns and Caelestias. So the sexual tension between Lis and Thorne was done fabulously. It was a slow burn that was filled with the most fabulous banter. It was impossible not to smile at so many of the moments between them. And while Thorne and Lis were worlds apart, it always felt like there was something pulling them together. As though there was a higher power connecting them. So because of that, I loved watching the tentative trust build. That they could be comfortable with each other. That it felt like Lis was finally making an emotional connection with someone. And of course how steamy they could be together too *fans face*.

I connected with him, and my intuition came alive, showing me the future— the excruciating crack of bone in my right arm, then my left. The phantom pain traveled to my throat. I felt it all.
His death.
And I . . . I smiled.

Yes there were other characters outside of Lis and Thorne, but I am rather obsessed with those two. I’m still unsure of how to feel towards Naomi, who was her first friend outside of Grady. And I would love if Lis threw an apple at Claude’s head, like Alex. Yes he took care of Lis as he used her as his own personal lie detector, but I loathed that he called her Pet. There was also a man named Hymel that I kept hoping would die on every page he appeared lol. Ohhh then there were two friends of Thorne that we didn’t spend a lot of time with, yet I adored both of them. I can’t wait to get to know them better! They had found family written all over them! But on top of those we met, there was a whole world and political intrigue that I’m not even touching on. It was fascinating and better left for you to discover on your own!

“Don’t.”
My gaze flew back to him.
“I would warn against attempting to run,” he advised, walking past me.
“Because you will stop me?”
“Because I will give chase.” He unhooked the straps holding the short sword to his back as he crossed into the bedchamber. “And I will capture you.”

Fall of Ruin and Wrath was laced with a fascinating world, characters that will steal you heart, mysteries that are intertwined with secrets, and moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat! There were so many moments that were impossible to stop smiling or screaming from excitement. Especially when it came to Thorne. That last page was the most perfect stopping point. Yet I am definitely counting down until the next book is released and we can be back in this world!

PS The shower scene was one of my favorite moments. Nope, it’s not what you think it is *side smirk*.

Other Favorite Quotes:

My senses opened to him. I saw nothing in his eyes or in my mind.
But I felt something.
A warning.
A reckoning.
A promise of what was to come.
And I knew.

“Apologies, my pet. I do get a bit animated when I speak. Got it from my mother.”
“‘ Pet’?” Prince Thorne queried softly.
The back of my neck tingled, and it had nothing to do with intuition.

I froze. Tiny hairs lifted along the nape of my neck as the air thickened and the flames stilled. That mouth of mine had surely gotten me in trouble this time.
But Prince Thorne . . . he smiled.
My stomach dipped.
The smile he bestowed was not tight or cold. It was wide and real, showing a hint of teeth and softening the icy, unreal beauty of his features.

“Do you finally think of me as a monster?”
I closed my eyes.
“You should,” he said softly. “The blood that is on my hands will never wash off. I wouldn’t even attempt to do so.”

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

BOOK REVIEW: House of Striking Oaths (The Kingdom of Crows #3) by Olivia Wildenstein

September 11, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

House of Striking Oaths (The Kingdom of Crows #3)
by Olivia Wildenstein
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
I WILL BECOME QUEEN OF LUCE... OR DIE TRYING.

There are few people I loathe more than Dante Regio, but my aunt Bronwen, my former grandfather Justus, and my Shabbin grandmother Meriam sit right alongside the Faerie monarch on my list of despicable beings. Especially after they assist the pointy-eared ruler with my kidnapping.

Locked in an obsidian underworld no Crow can reach, not even their king, I soon learn things aren't as they seem. People aren't as they seem. And history... I'm still attempting to reconcile the truth with what I was previously told.

My new allies have an agenda, but I have one of my own. Though there's overlap-we all agree Dante must die-what I desire more than anything is to return to Lore before he levels the kingdom to find me... or loses his humanity trying.

I may favor crowns over coffins, but I refuse to live in a world where my mate only exists as a bird.

Strap in for one last romantic and pulse-pounding adventure in a world governed by magic and hearts.

Review:

“Long live”— I lean all my weight into my arms—“ the Crows.”

House of Striking Oaths was an action packed ride from start to finish. This romantasy was filled with life, death, betrayal, love and allies in the most unlikely of places. Stepping into this story, realize that there is still one more book to be released. Why I thought it was trilogy is beyond me haha. While lots of things were wrapped up by the end of this book, there was also a lot that needed to be solved. So I’m counting down till we get a HEA for those we love in House of Shifting Tides. And I’m keeping my fingers crossed we get an epilogue of just Fallon and Lore, because I need to see them both completely happy pretty please!

I catch the new spark that animates my violet eyes.
I will set myself free.

Stepping into this story, there was so much up in the air. Readers will be happy to know that we got a lot of answers! They made sense, but I was shocked that I didn’t see quite a few things coming. Who was using Brownwen’s eyes. About her mother. A marriage I couldn’t even fathom. We learned a lot in this story. Not only what people’s intentions were, but also the rules for magic. And how past deals affected the present. The alliances, motives and actions of others were all laid out on the table for us. And that led to dangerous games being played within the pages.

I will murder them all.

But the pages were also filled with torture, regret, and anger that will burn you alive. Death needed to happen to those that didn’t deserve to live. Like Dante. I hated him. He was a sociopath filled with lies who was so easy to hate. I kept waiting for the moment he got what he deserved. But there was also someone in the story who Wildenstein was able to flip my feeling around for. Trust was earned, that I never thought could be. And that left me feeling like I needed to go back and re-read those first two books because my assumptions tainted the story in a certain way. And I was completely wrong!

“Ready to become mine, Serpent-charmer?”
I tilt my head, and although Nonna taught me not to provoke purelings, I cannot help but hiss, “I’ll never be yours.”

Fallon came into her magic and it was fascinating watching her learn how to do things. But I definitely had a hiccup with Fallon. I understood that she had so much rage, but why she didn’t play nice with Dante so Antoni didn’t suffer was beyond me. Why she wasn’t smarter and more careful for her friend’s life made me want to shake her. Hard. Thankfully as the story progressed, I loved that she stood up for those she loved. She had so much fire in her! Yet her and Lore struggled since he was still keeping secrets from her. And that hurt ugh. Thankfully Lore loved Fallon with all of his heart and was willing to do whatever it took to save her. His love for her was larger than life! And I loved seeing the softer side of him too, like when he was giving Pheebs relationship advice haha. Ohhh plus the scenes between Fallon and Lore were sooo hot!

He kisses one corner of my lips, then hovers his mouth over the other and murmurs, “My heart.”

Bargains were formed. Forgiveness was given. Plans were put in place that had the hugest of risks. And they were sent on the most impossible of quests. This book will definitely keep you entertained! And as we watched the story unfold, it didn’t matter that some things came to pass that were horrific, fate had a way of achieving what it wanted. No matter how much one tried to evade it. Also, there was something setup in this book, for a future spinoff decades down the road and I am so excited that option was given! Closing this story, the epilogue left me in tears. I desperately need that next book. There was something that needed to be “fixed”. And it hurt. So I’m counting down till that next book is released!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Star Bringer by Tracy Wolff & Nina Croft

July 26, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Star Bringer by Tracy Wolff, Nina Croft
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The sun is dying…and it’s happening way too damn fast.

With the clock ticking, the Nine Planets’ only hope of survival rests on a fancy space station and the alien artifact it’s carrying. Which is why it really sucks when some jackass doesn’t want the universe saved and blows that station up―while you’re still on it.

So if your only choices are flaming death or stealing a flying hunk of space junk―you pick that busted-ass spaceship. Even if it leaves seven strangers with deadly secrets trapped together: a princess, a prisoner, a con artist, a warrior, a priestess, a mercenary, and an asshole in charge of us all.

Now every faction in the galaxy is hunting this ship―from the Sisterhood to the Corporation, and the rebellion’s joining in on the fun, too. We just need to stop drinking, fighting, and screwing long enough to evade them all and save the freaking universe...somehow.

Because apparently the only thing standing between a dying sun and ultimate salvation is seven unlikely misfits…ahem, heroes.

Review:

Star Bringer was a fast paced romantic Sci-Fi that was so much fun! It felt like a mash up of certain elements from Guardians of the Galaxy + The 100 + The Breakfast Club and a little bit of The Bourne Identity, so I was obsessed! And by just that first chapter I was sucked in. These seven characters were thrown together and were the most unlikely of allies. It was just asking for disaster! It made this story steamy, heartfelt and filled with all the action. Laced with lies, death, secrets, betrayal, friendship and love, this high staked book was impossible to put down!

As crews go, we’re a goddamn disaster. A princess, a priestess, a bodyguard, a prisoner, a con artist, a goofball, and me, self-appointed asshole in charge of them all.

Kalinda: Crown Princess of the Nine Planets

If anyone had told me a month ago that I’d be sitting at a bar on Glacea while the only person I’ve ever kissed casually stabs a stranger, I would have laughed them out of the palace. But here we are.

Kali was one of my favorite characters. Her thoughts cracked me up and I loved her sarcasm. Yet even though she was level headed, she had been raised so naïve and sheltered. She hadn’t been aware of what was truly going on in the planets around her, or their galaxy. So as she found herself in the middle of an adventure of a lifetime, she not only got a huge wake up call, but she grew so much from the beginning of this story to the end!

Ian: Mercenary and Smuggler and (Very) Occasional Good Guy

He smirks. “Princess Kalinda, the martyr . Not sure the look suits you. Besides, I’ve always been a sucker for a damsel in distress.”
“No, you haven’t!” I tell him, and the desperation is growing inside me. Because time is running out.
“Okay, you’re right, I haven’t.” He blasts some more laser fire in their direction, then looks at me, his expression serious for once.

Ian was right up there with favorite character! His thoughts made me fall so hard for him. And I loved that he was attracted to the Princess from the get go, but that he hated all that she stood for. But Ian was a secretive soul and he held a lot of his cards close to his chest. All I really knew about him in the beginning was that he desperately needed to save Milla. We just didn’t know the why. As the story unfolded we saw that Ian was heroic, brave, cynical and selfless – even though he would deny this to his death haha. Ian was a true book boyfriend that I fell head over heels in love with!

Ian & Kali:

No way. Bad boys are one thing. Homicidal assholes are another.
But then he turns and our eyes meet as he watches me watching him.
Shit. Could I be more obvious?
He raises a brow as if inviting me to engage.

Ian and Kali had the most fabulous of enemies to lovers! Their banter was everything! I loved watching Ian mess with Kali, and Kali throw it back at him. Watching their enemies to lovers relationship transform was my favorite thing about this story! It was real, believable and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Being put in life and death situations, they had to trust each other. Save each other. And watching that trust, friendship and more build was perfect and left my heart beating faster!

Rain: High Priestess of the Sisterhood of the Light

I feel the stirring of my own rebellion deep inside. The part of me that has lived my life for other people knows I should shove it down and lock it up tight. But the other part… the other part of me wants to take it out for a spin and see where it goes.

Rain was absolutely adorable and oh so sheltered. She had so many expectations put upon her as the High Priestess, so I loved how down to earth she was. How she was a complete disaster the first time she met the Princess. But as we got to learn more about Rain, I loved that she was kind, good hearted and so thoughtful. And she was completely obsessed thinking about kissing Beckett ♥.

Beckett: Newly Escaped Prisoner 826

“Nothing about you could ever be boring, Rain,” she whispers back. Then she sweeps my hair over my shoulder and leans forward to press her mouth against the nape of my neck.

Beckett was a mystery. She kept her cards closer to her chest then even Ian did. She had so much hate towards everything Kali stood for, and seemed to have so much darkness around her because of the physical pain she was constantly in. So she took the longest for me to warm up to and like. Watching Rain make Beckett happy finally gave Beckett the light she desperately needed. Yet I felt like Rain and Becket’s relationship wasn’t as developed as Ian and Kali’s. Theirs felt more physical, like an insta lust. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Rain and Beckett’s relationship will develop more as this trilogy unfolds!

Their World & The Others:

“What is this?” she asks, and now she’s looking around as well.
“I don’t know,” I tell her honestly. “I have no fucking idea. But I’m starting to think we should’ve been more scared of the sentient ship we’ve stolen and what she’s capable of.”

Learning about the different planets, and the political mechanisms to it all was fascinating. But we also got to see the horrors that surrounded them and my mind was blown. Torture. Betrayal. Death. Consequences. All seemed to be wherever you looked in their galaxy.
Also on the ship were Merrick, Gage, and Max. Yet we didn’t get the any of their povs like we do with Beckett, Rain, Ian and Kali. So I’m keeping my lips zipped on them, other then hold on because you’re in for a wild ride! And the same for the ship! I loved the ship in the story almost as much as Kali and Ian! I have sooooo much I want to say, but I can’t wait for you to discover all that is Starlight! She had me clapping, screaming out loud, and cheering her on every step of the way!

Terror rolls through me at the thought of what we’re about to do— and what will happen if we get caught. But some things are worth fighting for. And so are some people.

With perilous action, this story had heart pounding moments that were epic and others that were impossible not to have tears when reading! And while there were happy moments, death still loomed over all of their heads. After finishing this book, I went back and re-read certain scenes and the foreshadowing! Ohhhhh, it was so subtly there! This story was definitely like a puzzle, but you have to look for the pieces since not all of them show themselves to you! Now I am patiently waiting for that next book. While I am nervous about how something will pan out, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I love how it unfolds. And I can;t wait to see what happens next!

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