Early Review: Nameless Queen by Rebecca McLaughlin (@McRebecky)

Nameless Queen

Author: Rebecca McLaughlin

Release Date: January 7, 2019

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 1524700266

ISBN13: 9781524700263

Genre: YA Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

One girl must make a name for herself--or die trying --in this royal fantasy where an unknown peasant becomes the ultimate ruler. But how long can she keep the crown if everyone wants her dead? Perfect for fans of Furyborn, Red Queen, and Everless.

Everyone expected the king's daughter would inherit the throne. No one expected me.

It shouldn't even be possible. I'm Nameless, a class of citizens so disrespected, we don't even get names. Heck, dozens of us have been going missing for months and no one seems to care.

But there's no denying the tattoo emblazoned on my arm. I am queen. In a palace where the corridors are more dangerous the streets, though, how could I possibly rule? And what will become of the Nameless if I don't?

NAMELESS QUEEN fell in the middle for me. I enjoyed the overall storyline and the characters, but it was lacking the depth that I was looking for.

I enjoyed the characters. There was a wide array of characters in NAMELESS QUEEN. I liked that they found stuff in common even with their varied backgrounds and were able to work together to achieve their overall goals. The pacing was good, I never found myself bored.

The world building is very basic. We get small tidbits of things, but no real details. Nothing really shocked me in NAMELESS QUEEN. There was a bit of mystery as how Coin got to be in her new position, but I guessed it before it was revealed.

I don't regret reading NAMELESS QUEEN and would probably read more in this world if the author ever decided to delve further in. 

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Rage by Cora Carmack (@CoraCarmack, @torteen)

Rage

Author: Cora Carmack

Release Date: August 27, 2019

Publisher: Tor Teen

Stormheart Book #2

ISBN:  0765386364

ISBN13: 9780765386366

Genre: YA Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Edelweiss

Princess or adventurer.

Duty or freedom.

Her Kingdom or the Stormhunter she loves.

If Aurora knows anything, it's that choices have consequences. To set things right, she joins a growing revolution on the streets of Pavan.

In disguise as the rebel Roar, she puts her knowledge of the palace to use to aid the rebellion. But the Rage season is at its peak and not a day passes without the skies raining down destruction. Yet these storms are different—they churn with darkness, and attack with a will that’s desperate and violent.

This feels like more than rage.

It feels like war.

It had been a while since I read book one, ROAR, so it took me a little bit to get back into the story.

What I liked....
- Still love the characters.
- Aurora's real identity comes out into the open.
- Some great action moments.
- Great ending.

What could have been better....
- It was a bit slow at times
- I didn't always love the switch in POV's.
- There wasn't a ton of surprises when it came to the plot. Kinda easy to figure out where things were going.

My likes outweighed my dislikes and RAGE was an enjoyable read. REIGN is on my wishlist.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Quick Thought Review: A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth (@lauraeweymouth, @harperteen)

A Treason of Thorns

Author: Laura E. Weymouth

Release Date: September 10, 2019

Publisher: HarperTeen1

ISBN:  0062696920

ISBN13: 9780062696922

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Edelweiss

Violet Sterling has spent the last seven years in exile, longing to return to Burleigh House. One of the six great houses of England, Burleigh’s magic always kept the countryside well. And as a child, this magic kept Violet happy, draping her in flowers while she slept, fashioning secret hiding places for her, and lighting fires on the coldest nights to keep her warm.

Everything shattered, though, when her father committed high treason trying to free Burleigh from the king’s oppressive control. He was killed, and Vi was forced into hiding.

When she’s given a chance to go back, she discovers Burleigh has run wild with grief. Vines and briars are crumbling the walls. Magic that once enriched the surrounding countryside has turned dark and deadly, twisting lush blooms into thorns, poisoning livestock and destroying crops. Burleigh’s very soul is crying out in pain.

Vi would do anything to help, and soon she finds herself walking the same deadly path as her father all those years before. Vi must decide how far she’s willing to go to save her house—before her house destroys everything she’s ever known.

Content warnings are available via the author's website.

The concept of A TREASON OF THORNS is what drew me to read it, but the story didn't blow me away. 

I liked Violet, I liked the storyline, and I enjoyed the secondary characters. A TREASON OF THORNS was a decent read, but I would have liked more out of it. Maybe world-building could have been a little stronger? Maybe a shorter read or more happening within the lengthy pages?

I am not disappointed that I read A TREASON OF THORNS, but if there happened to be more books after this, I probably wouldn't read it.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (@shelbymahurin, @harperteen)

Serpent & Dove

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Release Date: September 3, 2019

Publisher: HarperTeen

Serpent and Dove Book #1

ISBN:  0062878026

ISBN13: 9780062878021

Genre: YA Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Edewleiss

Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.

I very much enjoyed the whole story behind SERPENT AND DOVE.

The characters in SERPENT AND DOVE, definitely make the story strong. Lou was strong, smart and independent. Reid is an interesting character, but hard to read most of the time. I had a love/hate relationship throughout the book due to his beliefs, but going through the motion of learning about him, you understand where his prejudice is coming from and why. He doesn't quite live up to the man I thought he should be until it's almost too late. Lou and Reid are NOT in love, they don't even LIKE each other. They are forced together and tolerate each other for most of the book as they slowly learn to coexist, then like, then respect, then more.

Lou and Coco's friendship is awesome! There is nothing like a bestie that has your back no matter what life throws at you.

I had no trouble falling into the emotions of the story. I was heartbroken right alongside Lou at times and joyous at others. The world building wasn't the strongest aspect of the book, but the characters and their story make up for it in my opinion.

I plan to read book two.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Realm of Knights by Jennifer Anne Davis (@AuthorJennifer, @ReignPublishing)

Realm of Knights

Author: Jennifer Anne Davis

Release Date: September 10, 2019

Publisher: Reign Publishing

Knights of the Realm Book #1

ISBN:  1732366152

ISBN13: 9781732366152

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

Reid has spent her whole life pretending to be a man so she can inherit her father’s estate, but when a chance encounter threatens to expose her lie, she is forced to risk everything.

In the kingdom of Marsden, women are subservient to men and land can only pass from father to son. So when Reid Ellington is born, the fifth daughter to one of the wealthiest landholders in the kingdom, it’s announced that Reid is a boy.

Eighteen years later, Reid struggles to conceal the fact she’s actually a young woman. Every day, her secret becomes harder to keep. When one of Marsden’s princes sees her sparring with a sword, she is forced to accept his offer and lead her father’s soldiers to the border. Along the way, she discovers a covert organization within the army known as the Knights of the Realm. If Reid wants to save her family from being arrested for treason and robbed of their inheritance, she will have to join the Knights and become a weapon for the crown.

To protect her family, Reid must fight like a man. To do that, she’ll need the courage of a woman.

Why did I wait so long to read this?

I really liked Reid. She is in a bit of an identity crisis for most of the book, but she is super strong throughout all of it. She is extremely loyal and willing to do everything she can to protect her family, even at the expense of herself. I just really liked her and had no problem falling into her head as her story progressed.

The whole story has a great pace. I was never bored or wishing things would happen faster or slower. The world building was well done and I was constantly surprised at the events that took place.

There was a little bit of romance that added a good amount of tension, but it didn't take over the story. I can totally see Reid and this character together, but I don't see how that could possibly happen. I am hoping that Reid falls for a certain someone that she is on the way to meet at the end of the book.

I want more and I'm counting down the days until SHADOW KNIGHTS releases.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Shadow Frost by Coco Ma (@CHAOSFORCOCO, @BlackstoneAudio)

Shadow Frost

Author: CoCo Ma

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Shadow Frost Book #1

ISBN:  1982527447  

ISBN13: 9781982527440

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

IN THE KINGDOM OF AXARIA, a darkness rises.

Some call it a monster, laying waste to the villagers and their homes.
Some say it is an invulnerable demon summoned from the deepest abysses of the Immortal Realm.
Many soldiers from the royal guard are sent out to hunt it down.

Not one has ever returned.

When Asterin Faelenhart, Princess of Axaria and heir to the throne, discovers that she may hold the key to defeating the mysterious demon terrorizing her kingdom, she vows not to rest until the beast is slain. With the help of her friends and the powers she wields — though has yet to fully understand — Asterin sets out to complete a single task. The task that countless, trained soldiers have failed.

To kill it.

But as they hunt for the demon, they unearth a plot to assassinate the Princess herself instead. Asterin and her companions begin to wonder how much of their lives have been lies, especially when they realize that the center of the web of deceit might very well be themselves. With no one else to turn to, they are forced to decide just how much they are willing to sacrifice to protect the only world they have ever known.

That is, of course… if the demon doesn’t get to them first.

From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.

SHADOW FROST was an entertaining read, with a wide cast of characters and a world that was more vast than I could have imagined.

There are quite a few characters in SHADOW FROST that are a big part of the story. Some seem inconsequential and end up being way more important to things than you thought. There is a bit of a romance involved. For a bit, I thought there would be a love triangle, but thankfully that does not happen.

There were some crazy and shocking twists thrown at us. I didn't see them coming, and the consequences of the events that preceded them surprised me.  The world was easy to get lost in and the pace flowed nicely.

There were some small things that I wished would have been better with SHADOW FROST. I wish there would have been some more character development before everyone became such close friends. I also felt like the age of the characters wasn't always represented with their behavior. There were few cringe worthy romance moments, but knowing the author wrote the story at 15 kinda makes me understand the way some things played out.

My issues with the story weren't strong enough to put me off the story. I am definitely interested in reading more.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Quick Thought Review: The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy (@LaurenMansy, @BlinkYABooks)

Sometimes I read a book where I just don't have a lot to say about it. Hence the name quick thought reviews. This will be short and sweet.

The Memory Thief

Author: Lauren Mansy

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Publisher: Blink

ISBN: 0310767652

ISBN13: 9780310767657

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

In the city of Craewick, memories reign. The power-obsessed ruler of the city, Madame, has cultivated a society in which memories are currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take memories from others through touch as they please.

Seventeen-year-old Etta Lark is desperate to live outside of the corrupt culture, but grapples with the guilt of an accident that has left her mother bedridden in the city’s asylum. When Madame threatens to put her mother up for auction, a Craewick practice in which a “criminal's" memories are sold to the highest bidder before being killed, Etta will do whatever it takes to save her. Even if it means rejoining the Shadows, the rebel group she swore off in the wake of the accident years earlier.

To prove her allegiance to the Shadows and rescue her mother, Etta must steal a memorized map of the Maze, a formidable prison created by the bloodthirsty ruler of a neighboring Realm. So she sets out on a journey in which she faces startling attacks, unexpected romance, and, above all, her own past in order to set things right in her world.

I really enjoyed the overall plot of THE MEMORY THIEF.

There were some neat revelations and surprises throughout the story, the world was interesting and I Enjoyed the characters.

The romance was meh. I am not a fan of the insta-love with no real build up. Etta goes from not trusting Reid to trusting him with her life in a snap. My biggest issue with THE MEMORY THIEF was the pacing. Seems to go from a nice pace with buildup to way too fast towards the end and through the major showdown.

I enjoyed the overall story and would read more in this world if more books were written.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Mirror Bound by Monica Sanz (@MonicaBSanz, @EntangledTeen)

Mirror Bound

Author: Monica Sanz

Release Date: September 10, 2019

Publisher: Entangled Teen

The Witchling Academy Book #1

ISBN:  1640637214

ISBN13: 9781640637214

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Publisher

Conspirator. Failure. Murderer.

Seraphina Dovetail is used to being called all these things. As the seventh-born daughter to a witch, and the cause of her mother losing both her powers and her life, Sera has always felt isolated. Until Nikolai Barrington.

The young professor not only took an interest in Sera—he took her into his home, hired her for his moonlighting detective agency, and gave her the one thing she’d always dreamed of: a chance. Under Barrington’s tutelage, Sera can finally take the School of Continuing Magic entrance exam to become an inspector and find her family. Now if only she could stop her growing attraction to her maddening boss—which is about as easy as this fiery elementalist quitting setting things on fire.

But when ghosts start dragging Sera into possessions so deep she can barely escape, and then the souls of lost witches and wizards appear trapped in mirrors, these two opposites will have to work together to uncover a much deeper secret that could destroy the Witchling world…

All Seraphina wants is to be a inspector, but she has to be accepted to take the exam and people are working to keep that from happening. Thankfully she has allies that are on her side, but its still a journey. 

It's been a little over a year since I read SEVENTH BORN, and I was scared that I wouldn't remember the story well enough to really enjoy MIRROR BOUND. Thankfully it all came back to me as I started reading.

Sera is a fighter. I love the way she has grown from the beginning of book one and I look forward to seeing what she will do in future books.

Sera and Barrington's relationship grows and evolves throughout MIRROR BOUND. It's very slow burn, but enjoyable and real in the way it happens. They were a great team without being in a romantic relationship, but their chemistry shined through in almost every scene and I am glad that they found their way to each other.

I enjoyed the plot of MIRROR BOUND. There was plenty of danger and mystery involved. The world is well built and I have enjoyed the addition of new characters. I especially love Sera's hellhound.

Hopefully we won't have to wait another year to read book three, but if so, I will gladly do it.  

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford (@mararaewrites, @HarlequinTEEN, @InkyardPress)

Crown of Coral and Pearl

Author: Mara Rutherford

Release Date: August 27, 2019

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Crown of Coral and Pearl Book #1

ISBN:  1335090444

ISBN13: 9781335090447

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Netgalley

For generations, the princes of Ilara have married the most beautiful maidens from the ocean village of Varenia. But though every girl longs to be chosen as the next princess, the cost of becoming royalty is higher than any of them could ever imagine…

Nor once dreamed of seeing the wondrous wealth and beauty of Ilara, the kingdom that’s ruled her village for as long as anyone can remember. But when a childhood accident left her with a permanent scar, it became clear that her identical twin sister, Zadie, would likely be chosen to marry the Crown Prince—while Nor remained behind, unable to ever set foot on land.

Then Zadie is gravely injured, and Nor is sent to Ilara in her place. To Nor’s dismay, her future husband, Prince Ceren, is as forbidding and cold as his home—a castle carved into a mountain and devoid of sunlight. And as she grows closer to Ceren’s brother, the charming Prince Talin, Nor uncovers startling truths about a failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen… and a plot to destroy the home she was once so eager to leave.

In order to save her people, Nor must learn to negotiate the treacherous protocols of a court where lies reign and obsession rules. But discovering her own formidable strength may be the one move that costs her everything: the crown, Varenia and Zadie.

I really enjoyed the idea of CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL when I read the blurb and had no trouble getting into the story.

The storyline in book one of the Crown of Coral and Pearl series was unique. I really enjoyed the village that Nor lived in and I enjoyed learning about their days there. The bond between the sisters was strong and beautiful to watch. The land portion of the storyline wasn't my favorite location wise, but the pace did pick up some and a lot of danger was introduced.

I felt like the romance between Talin and Nor fell short. I wanted more development between the two. Their connection at first was really strong, but felt like there was more development between Nor and Ceren and that kinda sucks as he was the bad guy.

The ending didn't do much for me. Not a lot about it surprised me, it added more questions to other things I was waiting for answers too and just didn't feel like a smooth wrap up.

Although I didn't totally fall in love with CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL I would still read more. I will be on the lookout for book two.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout ( @JLArmentrout , @InkyardPress)

Storm and Fury

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: June 11, 2019

Publisher: Inkyard Press

The Harbinger Book #1

ISBN:  1335218793

ISBN13: 9781335218797

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

I enjoyed falling back into the The Dark Elements world with STORM AND FURY.

Trinity was an interesting characters. We get little sneak peaks to show us why she is special, but it's a nice slow reveal to find out what she truly is. I found her to be pretty kick butt. I loved seeing Zayne again and I loved his role in both Trinity's life and the story overall. Layla and Roth are part of the story as well and they all worked really well together considering their past.

The romance: Lot's of ups and downs, but I really like Zaybe and Trinity together. Not a ton happens between the two because of issues, but I can see a really strong relationship in their future.

Armentrout did a great job with the mystery and bad guy reveal. I was NOT expecting the outcome that came to pass. I was shocked, but then again It made total sense.

I really liked meeting Trinity and getting to see Zayne, Layla and Roth again. I will keep my eye out for book two.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: A Pack of Vows and Tears by Olivia Wildenstein (@OWildWrites)

A Pack of Vows and Tears

Author: Olivia Wildstein

Release Date: May 28, 2019

Publisher: Twig Publishing

Boulder Wolves Book #2

ISBN13: 9781948463171

Genre: YA Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Author

In the seductive follow-up to A PACK OF BLOOD AND LIES, Ness Clark’s heart and legitimacy are again put to the test.

She thought the fight was over but it was only just beginning.

Ness Clark's place amongst the Boulders and at Liam’s side is compromised. First, when her cousin claims Ness helped him elude his death sentence. And then, when August Watt, Ness’s childhood friend, comes home to Boulder.

Although August’s plan was to pledge himself and return to active duty, he finds himself incapable of leaving. This becomes problematic for Liam and Ness, because a mating link has clicked into place between Ness and the ex-marine. If not consumed, the link will fade, but that’ll take months. How long and hard can two people fight a physical attraction that renders their bodies unreceptive to anyone’s but their mates?

Ness is tired of fighting, tired of having to prove herself worthy of her pack’s trust and of her Alpha’s affection. But when an enemy pack arrives and threatens the Boulders, she has two choices: step aside and let the wolves who have pushed her away fend for themselves, or step up and help them fight the newcomers.

Ness has never stepped aside…not for anyone.

Why would she start now?

I have been looking forward to finding out what would happen next for Ness since the ending of A PACK OF BLOOD AND LIES.

I really enjoy the characters of this series. Ness is now a full and true member of her pack. Her growth as a character is developing at a nice pace. Ness' uncle really grew on me in book two. With his wife out of the picture he is like a whole new man—although a sad one at most times.

There is a bit of a love triangle happening in A PACK OF VOWS AND TEARS. Liam has his issues, I like him one moment and despise him the next.I have always liked August. He fits into Ness' life well and I liked the fact that Ness didn't just jump into her feelings for him.

I hated the ending, it felt dirty and I can't believe Ness put herself in that position. Two steps forward and five steps back.  I honestly have no clue what the repercussions of her decision will be, nor do I know how things will play out. Thankfully I still like the story enough to want to find out.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Quick Thought Review: Alien Minds by Christina Bauer @CB_Bauer, @MyMonsterHouse)

 *Sometimes I read a book where I just don't have a lot to say about it. Hence the name quick thought review. This will be short and sweet.

Alien Minds

Author: Christina Bauer

Release Date: April 23, 2019

Publisher: Monster House Books

Dimension Drift Book #1

ISBN13: 9781945723254

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian

Review Copy Source: Edelweiss

DIVERGENT meets OCEAN'S EIGHT in this urban fantasy heist!

On my seventeenth birthday, I wake up in the hospital to find I just survived a sketchy-but-terrible accident. My perfect-looking parents say I live an ideal life inside the Boston dome. And although my swoon-worthy guard, Thorne, looks totally familiar, he says we don’t have a history.

What a bunch of crap.

“This world is something I've never read before … then add in the spunk of our female lead character and the creative and out-of-this-world science and I'm hooked - 100% hooked!” – Bee’s Blog On Books

I don’t remember anything—not even my real name—but I can still tell when someone’s lying. From what I figure out, my dystopian overlords wiped my memory, leaving only my super science skills behind. Now, instead of expecting me to scream for revenge, the government demands that I build new tech that will launch an apocalypse against anyone who isn’t perfect.

So I nod. Say yes. And scheme to blow the whole thing up.

My memory may be gone, but my sass remains intact. I round up a team of teenage scientists to take down the nasty-ass government without getting ourselves killed. Only trouble is, I must accomplish all this while avoiding my growing attraction to Thorne, who may or may not be an alien. Something tells me that protecting my heart from my hottie guard might be the most dangerous adventure of all…

“Have you read Dimension Drift and fallen in love with the characters like the rest of us?” - Radioactive Book Reviews

This new series is perfect for: fans of urban fantasy, cool science, hot alien guards, space operas, evil corporations and forbidden romance.

I enjoyed the characters and the world. Make sure you read the prequels or you will likely be lost.

My biggest issue with ALIEN MINDS was that there was just too much explanations about things that wasn't needed. It took me out of the flow of the story and made me want to skip ahead to the meat of things.

The romance aspect was well done and all of the characters were easy to navigate. I would read more.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: A Pack of Blood and Lies by Olivia Wildenstein (@OWildWrites)

A Pack of Blood and Lies

Author: Olivia Wildenstein

Release Date: April 18, 2019

Publisher: Twig Publishing

The Boulder Wolves Book #1

ISBN: 1948463148

ISBN13: 9781948463140

Genre: YA Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

The primal rule of winning: don’t fall in love with the contender.

Three months shy of her eighteenth birthday, Ness is forced to return to Colorado. Even though it’s been six years, and the wolves of her all-male pack don’t recognize her, she recognizes them. People who shun others because of their gender are hard to forget.

Especially Liam Kolane—son of Heath, the crudest and cruelest Alpha to have ruled the Boulder Pack. Liam is as handsome as he is infuriating, as kind as he is punishing, and he makes Ness’s traitorous heart race, which isn’t good. After all, he’s a Kolane. Like father like son, right?

When Heath dies, Liam vies to become the new Alpha and no one dares challenge him.

Except Ness.

Thus begins a treacherous game.

The rules: winner takes all…including loser’s life.

A PACK OF BLOOD AND LIES was one of those books that I really enjoyed reading, but don't have a whole lot to say about it.

The characters: Ness was likable. I enjoyed her fight. I felt for her and what she was going through and rooted for her during her journey. I can't say I always agreed with her, but I understood where her actions were coming from. Liam was also likable. He was hot and cold for the most part, but the more you get to know him, the more he grows on you. The secondary characters were easy to like or dislike. Most of the characters that I started out disliking changed for the better throughout the story.

The romance: There are a few different possibilities. I would find myself rooting for one then switching to the other. Hopefully we will get a bit more romance in future books, but A PACK OF BLOOD AND LIES didn't really focus strongly on romance and that was OK.

The story: The story resolves around how Ness is trying to join an all-male wolf pack as a female and I enjoyed it. The navigation of pack politics was well done and watching her challenge the men in the pack for a spot was entertaining. There were parts of the story that I didn't totally get behind (her signing on to be an escort and the events that took place around that), but again, in the end I enjoyed it.

As I said in the opening of this review. I really enjoyed A PACK OF BLOOD AND LIES and look forward to seeing where Wildenstein takes the story next.

I gave it  3.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Stolen Time by Danielle Rollins (@vegarollins, @HarperTeen)

Stolen Time

Author: Danielle Rollins

Release Date: February 5, 2019

Publisher: HarperTeen

Dark Stars Book #1

ISBN:  0062679945

ISBN13: 9780062679949

Genre: Young Adult SciFi

Review Copy Source: Edelweiss

Seattle, 1913 // Dorothy is trapped. Forced into an engagement to a wealthy man just so she and her mother can live comfortably for the rest of their days, she’ll do anything to escape. Including sneaking away from her wedding and bolting into the woods to disappear.

New Seattle, 2077 // Ash is on a mission. Rescue the professor—his mentor who figured out the secret to time travel—so together they can put things right in their devastated city. But searching for one man means endless jumps through time with no guarantee of success.

When Dorothy collides with Ash, she sees it as her chance to start fresh—she’ll stow away in his plane and begin a new life wherever they land. Then she wakes up in a future that’s been ripped apart by earthquakes and floods; where vicious gangs rule the submerged city streets and a small group of intrepid travelers from across time are fighting against the odds to return things to normal. What Dorothy doesn’t know is that she could hold the key to unraveling the past—and her arrival may spell Ash’s ultimate destruction.

Say what?? I did NOT see that coming.

I am finding this review kinda hard to write because there were actually quite a few times while reading STOLEN TIME that I wasn't 100% sure if I was liking the story, but then the ending came along and I'm like HOLY CRAP, I need MORE!!

There were a few things in STOLEN TIME that made getting into the story fully an issue. The pacing of the book felt a little off at times. There were a few points in the story that I didn't totally get. Some things were cleared up with the ending, but there are still some things that need to be clarified.

Now that I got that out of the way, I really enjoyed the characters and the settings in STOLEN TIME. The story was unpredictable and I really enjoyed the many times that I was surprised and didn't see things coming. There was plenty of action.

That ending, WOW. It honestly made the whole book. I did not see it coming and I honestly questioned so many things in the book that I am excited to see what book two will bring and reveal.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.