Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 156
January 26, 2017
Book Review: Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
Blurb:
Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mythical beasts still roam the wild and remote areas, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinn still perform their magic. For humans, it’s an unforgiving place, especially if you’re poor, orphaned, or female. Amani Al’Hiza is all three. She’s a gifted gunslinger with perfect aim, but she can’t shoot her way out of Dustwalk, the back-country town where she’s destined to wind up wed or dead.
Then she meets Jin, a rakish foreigner, in a shooting contest, and sees him as the perfect escape route. But though she’s spent years dreaming of leaving Dustwalk, she never imagined she’d gallop away on mythical horse—or that it would take a foreign fugitive to show her the heart of the desert she thought she knew.
This startlingly original Middle-East-meets-Wild-West fantasy reveals what happens when a dream deferred explodes—in the fires of rebellion, of romantic passion, and the all-consuming inferno of a girl finally embracing her power.
My Review: Life is hell for Amani in the small town of Dustwalk, Miraji, where women have no rights at all. A year ago her mother was hanged for killing her abusive father and she had no choice but to move in with her equally abusive aunt and her uncle, who wishes for her to become another one of his wives. Her only escape lies in posing as a boy and competing in a shooting competition. If her perfect aim can win her the contest she'll have enough money to get out of town and travel to the capital to live with her mother's sister.
At the shooting competition she meets Jin, an attractive foreigner with nearly as good an aim as Amani's. When chaos erupts Jin gets her out of the bar/shooting venue and with nearly no money left to her name Amani is forced to return home, assuming she will never see Jin again.
Fate has other plans and Amani crosses paths with Jin again, except now Jin is wanted by the Miraji soldiers for treason. They escape Dustwalk together on a mythical horse made of sand called a Buraqi, but can Amani really trust Jin, a guy she barely knows who is hiding plenty of secrets? Will they be able to work together to escape from the soldiers that hunt for them at every turn? As they get to know one another better the lines between allies, friends, and something more begin to blur, but could they really have a future? Or will secrets and lies tear them apart? What does Jin know about Amani that he doesn't want her to find out?
When I first started reading Rebel of the Sands, I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but I quickly got swept away into the story. Amani is a badass character who knows her way around a gun and isn't afraid to defend herself, even though Jin keeps trying to swoop in and save her at every turn.
I found the clash of Wild West meets Middle East world building to be really unique, even though initially I thought that would be the one thing that would turn me off about the story - luckily it wasn't because I devoured this book quickly, not wanting to put it down until I found out what was going to happen next.
Rebel of the Sands was anything but predictable because I honestly did not see some of the twists coming, this story definitely kept me on my toes. Overall, if you're looking for an action-packed adventure with a strong female lead, strong supporting characters, and a swoon-worthy male lead, Rebel of the Sands is definitely the book to read. I can definitely see how it captured readers hearts and won best Debut Goodreads Author in the Goodreads Choice Awards for 2016! I'm excited to see how the story will continue in book two!
My Rating:5 of 5 Stars!
Blurb:
Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mythical beasts still roam the wild and remote areas, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinn still perform their magic. For humans, it’s an unforgiving place, especially if you’re poor, orphaned, or female. Amani Al’Hiza is all three. She’s a gifted gunslinger with perfect aim, but she can’t shoot her way out of Dustwalk, the back-country town where she’s destined to wind up wed or dead.Then she meets Jin, a rakish foreigner, in a shooting contest, and sees him as the perfect escape route. But though she’s spent years dreaming of leaving Dustwalk, she never imagined she’d gallop away on mythical horse—or that it would take a foreign fugitive to show her the heart of the desert she thought she knew.
This startlingly original Middle-East-meets-Wild-West fantasy reveals what happens when a dream deferred explodes—in the fires of rebellion, of romantic passion, and the all-consuming inferno of a girl finally embracing her power.
My Review: Life is hell for Amani in the small town of Dustwalk, Miraji, where women have no rights at all. A year ago her mother was hanged for killing her abusive father and she had no choice but to move in with her equally abusive aunt and her uncle, who wishes for her to become another one of his wives. Her only escape lies in posing as a boy and competing in a shooting competition. If her perfect aim can win her the contest she'll have enough money to get out of town and travel to the capital to live with her mother's sister.
At the shooting competition she meets Jin, an attractive foreigner with nearly as good an aim as Amani's. When chaos erupts Jin gets her out of the bar/shooting venue and with nearly no money left to her name Amani is forced to return home, assuming she will never see Jin again.
Fate has other plans and Amani crosses paths with Jin again, except now Jin is wanted by the Miraji soldiers for treason. They escape Dustwalk together on a mythical horse made of sand called a Buraqi, but can Amani really trust Jin, a guy she barely knows who is hiding plenty of secrets? Will they be able to work together to escape from the soldiers that hunt for them at every turn? As they get to know one another better the lines between allies, friends, and something more begin to blur, but could they really have a future? Or will secrets and lies tear them apart? What does Jin know about Amani that he doesn't want her to find out?
When I first started reading Rebel of the Sands, I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but I quickly got swept away into the story. Amani is a badass character who knows her way around a gun and isn't afraid to defend herself, even though Jin keeps trying to swoop in and save her at every turn.
I found the clash of Wild West meets Middle East world building to be really unique, even though initially I thought that would be the one thing that would turn me off about the story - luckily it wasn't because I devoured this book quickly, not wanting to put it down until I found out what was going to happen next.
Rebel of the Sands was anything but predictable because I honestly did not see some of the twists coming, this story definitely kept me on my toes. Overall, if you're looking for an action-packed adventure with a strong female lead, strong supporting characters, and a swoon-worthy male lead, Rebel of the Sands is definitely the book to read. I can definitely see how it captured readers hearts and won best Debut Goodreads Author in the Goodreads Choice Awards for 2016! I'm excited to see how the story will continue in book two!
My Rating:5 of 5 Stars!
January 25, 2017
"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #59
I came so close this week to actually being in the middle of a book for "WIR"-Wednesday but Rebel of the Sands was hard to put down and I ended up finishing it before dinnertime yesterday. Does anyone else feel that they read books quicker at the beginning of the year than at the end of the year? Really, just last month I think I barely read three or four books, yet January still has six more days and I've already read 8 books. It's insane. This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm burrowing back into Kristen Middleton's Night Roamers Series with...
Vengeance (Night Roamers Series #3) by Kristen Middleton
Blurb:
Nikki arrives in Vegas, with Ethan and Duncan, to search for her family. She soon finds out that not everything is as it seems...and isn't sure of who she can trust anymore, as things begin to unfold.
Meanwhile, Celeste takes advantage of the nightlife in Sin City, while joining forces with a new group of immortals, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on Nikki.
Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far: I chose Vengeance because I love Kristen Middleton's Night Roamers Series. I mean I blew through Blur (book 1) in one night and read book 2 just as quickly. It really is one of my favorite YA Vampire Series out there. It's sexy, suspenseful and addicting.
I grabbed a copy of Vengeance last summer but thanks to my huge TBR shelf of physical books I haven't been able to get to this book on my kindle yet. Lucky for me I've been trying to get through some of my unread Kindle books while I wait for some book orders to arrive and a couple books I have on hold from the library. I'm eager to dive back into this series and see what happens next (and of course lust after bad boy, Ethan. Not really shipping Nikki with Duncan here...)
Vengeance (Night Roamers Series #3) by Kristen Middleton
Blurb:
Nikki arrives in Vegas, with Ethan and Duncan, to search for her family. She soon finds out that not everything is as it seems...and isn't sure of who she can trust anymore, as things begin to unfold.Meanwhile, Celeste takes advantage of the nightlife in Sin City, while joining forces with a new group of immortals, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on Nikki.
Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far: I chose Vengeance because I love Kristen Middleton's Night Roamers Series. I mean I blew through Blur (book 1) in one night and read book 2 just as quickly. It really is one of my favorite YA Vampire Series out there. It's sexy, suspenseful and addicting.
I grabbed a copy of Vengeance last summer but thanks to my huge TBR shelf of physical books I haven't been able to get to this book on my kindle yet. Lucky for me I've been trying to get through some of my unread Kindle books while I wait for some book orders to arrive and a couple books I have on hold from the library. I'm eager to dive back into this series and see what happens next (and of course lust after bad boy, Ethan. Not really shipping Nikki with Duncan here...)
January 24, 2017
Crossing the Line: Book Controversies, Book Burning, and Book Bashing
As authors we're schooled in how to handle negative reviews: don't react badly, don't respond to the reviewer who gave you a bad review no matter what, and if you're still super bummed about it - go on Amazon and read some of the negative reviews on some of the most popular books out there / our favorites because hey, we all get bad reviews occasionally. Not everyone can like the same books.
But what about book reviewer etiquette? What crosses the line? How far is too far? When do you go from explaining why you disliked a book in a tactful way to all-out book bashing?
I've always thought there was a distinct difference between someone who reads a book and complains about the book for whatever reason in cruel, bashing ways and real book bloggers and reviewers, who may not like the book but don't try to be outwardly rude about it. Or maybe that's just the way I handle my book reviews. I may not like every book that I read, but I usually can still glean something out of the book that I liked - even if it is that I was thankful that the book ended. But if I outright hate a book? I probably don't even finish it, let alone write a nasty review about it.
But the events of the past few days or so and the things I've heard through the grapevine from my blogger friends have me shocked and completely appalled at some small minded people's actions.
Book Controversies: With the demand for more diverse books to be written and the seemingly overly sensitive opinions of people nowadays books are getting nitpicked more than ever. Two books in a crapstorm of controversy over the past few months have been The Continent by Keira Drake and Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth, which people have cited as been stereotyping and racist. Now, I haven't read either book and I don't plan to because they're not the genre of books I find appealing (and I never even finished Insurgent by Veronica Roth), so I can't honestly give my opinion on the books one way or another. But I do think that people have to remember that these books are a work of fiction. They are not intentionally written to offend people of color, they're just books! Meant to be read for enjoyment. Don't want to read that sort of thing? Then don't!
Book Bashing and Book Burning That being said I am completely appalled after hearing that a book blogger / booktuber (whatever that is) lit fire to a copy of Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth then used the excuse that she had been intoxicated and was not in control of her actions, therefore should not be blamed or held responsible.
Are you kidding me?!?! I'm not a drinker, have never been drunk at all in my 24 years of life, but I'm scrambling to figure out how someone, drunk or sober, could possibly think it was okay to burn a book just because they didn't like it. I didn't realize we were living in Nazi Germany.
This goes back to my point above about etiquette. If you don't like a book, don't bash it! Just explain that it wasn't your taste of book and move on. Bashing a book to that degree - or dear god, BURNING a book - is uncalled for. Maybe it's the fact that I'm an author myself and know how much thought and hard work goes into writing a book followed by the guts it takes to put that project you've worked so hard on out for public consumption and criticism but I don't believe profanity, personal attacks on the author, excessively harsh comments, or physical destruction of any kind towards the book belong anywhere in a book review.
I understand that it's called an "honest" review for a reason, but please, remember to have some class.
But what about book reviewer etiquette? What crosses the line? How far is too far? When do you go from explaining why you disliked a book in a tactful way to all-out book bashing?
I've always thought there was a distinct difference between someone who reads a book and complains about the book for whatever reason in cruel, bashing ways and real book bloggers and reviewers, who may not like the book but don't try to be outwardly rude about it. Or maybe that's just the way I handle my book reviews. I may not like every book that I read, but I usually can still glean something out of the book that I liked - even if it is that I was thankful that the book ended. But if I outright hate a book? I probably don't even finish it, let alone write a nasty review about it.
But the events of the past few days or so and the things I've heard through the grapevine from my blogger friends have me shocked and completely appalled at some small minded people's actions.
Book Controversies: With the demand for more diverse books to be written and the seemingly overly sensitive opinions of people nowadays books are getting nitpicked more than ever. Two books in a crapstorm of controversy over the past few months have been The Continent by Keira Drake and Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth, which people have cited as been stereotyping and racist. Now, I haven't read either book and I don't plan to because they're not the genre of books I find appealing (and I never even finished Insurgent by Veronica Roth), so I can't honestly give my opinion on the books one way or another. But I do think that people have to remember that these books are a work of fiction. They are not intentionally written to offend people of color, they're just books! Meant to be read for enjoyment. Don't want to read that sort of thing? Then don't!
Book Bashing and Book Burning That being said I am completely appalled after hearing that a book blogger / booktuber (whatever that is) lit fire to a copy of Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth then used the excuse that she had been intoxicated and was not in control of her actions, therefore should not be blamed or held responsible.
Are you kidding me?!?! I'm not a drinker, have never been drunk at all in my 24 years of life, but I'm scrambling to figure out how someone, drunk or sober, could possibly think it was okay to burn a book just because they didn't like it. I didn't realize we were living in Nazi Germany.
This goes back to my point above about etiquette. If you don't like a book, don't bash it! Just explain that it wasn't your taste of book and move on. Bashing a book to that degree - or dear god, BURNING a book - is uncalled for. Maybe it's the fact that I'm an author myself and know how much thought and hard work goes into writing a book followed by the guts it takes to put that project you've worked so hard on out for public consumption and criticism but I don't believe profanity, personal attacks on the author, excessively harsh comments, or physical destruction of any kind towards the book belong anywhere in a book review.
I understand that it's called an "honest" review for a reason, but please, remember to have some class.
January 23, 2017
Cover Reveal: Black Bird of the Gallows by Meg Kassel
To start off this week right, I am so excited to share with you all the gorgeous cover of Meg Kassel's debut novel, Black Bird of the Gallows!
So who's ready to see some beautiful cover artwork?!?!
BLACK BIRD OF THE GALLOWSby Meg KasselHardcover & eBook, 300 pagesExpected Publication: September 5, 2017by Entangled Teen
BLURB:
Her love breaks his curse. But his love spells her death.
A simple but forgotten truth: Where harbingers of death appear, the morgues will soon be full.
Angie Dovage can tell the mysterious new boy next door is more than he appears, but she can’t imagine his presence signals a tragedy that will devastate her small town. But when a grotesque, otherworldly man tries to attack her and Reece comes to her rescue, everything changes.
Any minute, chaos could rain down on her town, on her family, on everyone she cares about. But that’s only half as dangerous as falling in love with a harbinger of death.
Pre-order Your Copy Today:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Add to Goodreads
Meg Kassel is a young adult fiction writer with a weakness for all things spooky and science fiction. Meg is a Parson’s School of Design graduate and New Jersey native. She lives in Maine with her husband and daughter and is busy at work on her next novel. She is the 2016 RWA Golden Heart® winner in YA. Her debut novel, The Black Bird of the Gallows, is coming September 2017 from Entangled TEEN.
Find Meg Kassel: Website | Twitter | Goodreads
So who's ready to see some beautiful cover artwork?!?!
BLACK BIRD OF THE GALLOWSby Meg KasselHardcover & eBook, 300 pagesExpected Publication: September 5, 2017by Entangled Teen
BLURB:
Her love breaks his curse. But his love spells her death.
A simple but forgotten truth: Where harbingers of death appear, the morgues will soon be full.
Angie Dovage can tell the mysterious new boy next door is more than he appears, but she can’t imagine his presence signals a tragedy that will devastate her small town. But when a grotesque, otherworldly man tries to attack her and Reece comes to her rescue, everything changes.
Any minute, chaos could rain down on her town, on her family, on everyone she cares about. But that’s only half as dangerous as falling in love with a harbinger of death.
Pre-order Your Copy Today:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Add to Goodreads
Meg Kassel is a young adult fiction writer with a weakness for all things spooky and science fiction. Meg is a Parson’s School of Design graduate and New Jersey native. She lives in Maine with her husband and daughter and is busy at work on her next novel. She is the 2016 RWA Golden Heart® winner in YA. Her debut novel, The Black Bird of the Gallows, is coming September 2017 from Entangled TEEN.Find Meg Kassel: Website | Twitter | Goodreads
January 22, 2017
Book Review: Unknown by Wendy Higgins
Unknown (Unknown Series #1) by Wendy Higgins
Blurb:
Amber Tate believes the worst thing she’ll suffer in life is dealing with the unrequited love she feels for her brother’s best friend, Rylen Fite. She also believes war is something unfortunate that happens places far, far away from her rural Nevada town. She’s wrong on both counts.
When an unknown organization meticulously bombs major cities in the United States and across the globe, a trickle-down effect spreads to remaining towns at an alarming speed—everything from food and water sources to technology and communications are compromised. Without leadership, the nation is split between paralysis and panic, but Amber isn’t one to hide or watch helplessly. She’s determined to put her nursing skills to use, despite the danger, even if it means working alongside the man she can never have.
My Review: As Unknown opens, we meet the Bahntan, a creature who's people plan on destroying the world's civilization, purging the world of billions of people, and turning humans into slaves. The leader is torn, but ultimately knows what he has to do.
Part one of Unknown tells of the before, where we meet the heroine, Amber Tate; her brother Jacob "Tater" Tate, Amber's best friend, Remy, and Amber's brother's best friend, Rylen - whom Amber has been hopelessly in love with since they were children. We watch as Amber, Tater, Remy, and Rylen grow up, facing problems that at the time seem terrible - until the day that an unknown, anonymous organization bomb film studios and family-oriented amusement parks all over the country and the world. In an instant everything changes. Tater and Rylen decide to enlist in the Army and Air Force. Over the next few years, Amber keeps in constant contact with Rylen through letters and emails, harboring her secret feelings for him and hoping that one day he'll see her as more than just a sister-figure. But her hopes are dashed the day Rylen comes home - with a major surprise.
With her heart already in shambles, Amber - and her loved ones - are about to face an even greater tragedy than the previous bombings. Cities all over the world are bombed, some wiped out completely, world leaders and thousands of people are killed, and life as Amber and her family know it will never be the same.
Who is behind the attacks? What do they want? In a world destroyed, who can you trust? Is the senator that seems to take over after the attacks really working in the people's best interest? Or are he and the DRI working together toward a more sinister goal?
Wendy Higgins has done it again! Her amazing writing has gotten me to fall in love with a book way out of my genre comfort zone. The story grabbed me from the beginning and turned out to be a lot different than what I expected it to be, in a good way.
I loved the way the story was plotted out: the Prologue giving the reader a taste of what was to come, then the first part of the book that gets the reader to fall in love with the characters and their normal lives, their everyday struggles, then leading the reader into the day that will change everything for the characters. Part two was all about the action, where we learn what the characters are made of and who they'll become after the worst happens, giving them each greater depth.
I loved Amber and could relate to her crush on Rylen - who was so sexy, but I found myself wanting to strangle him throughout the book. I mean really! How blind can one guy be? All of Amber's family were fantastic characters and I thought they fit well into the story. Despite being a really sweet character I seriously hated Livia, and as for the senator and the DRI, I questioned their motives from the get-go.
Overall, I am so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave Unknown a chance! I just can't believe I waited this long to give it a chance. The hints of romance in Unknown were heartbreaking and the action made my pulse race. I loved it from the first page and I can't wait to see how the story continues in Unrest.
My Rating:5 of 5 Stars!
Blurb:
Amber Tate believes the worst thing she’ll suffer in life is dealing with the unrequited love she feels for her brother’s best friend, Rylen Fite. She also believes war is something unfortunate that happens places far, far away from her rural Nevada town. She’s wrong on both counts.When an unknown organization meticulously bombs major cities in the United States and across the globe, a trickle-down effect spreads to remaining towns at an alarming speed—everything from food and water sources to technology and communications are compromised. Without leadership, the nation is split between paralysis and panic, but Amber isn’t one to hide or watch helplessly. She’s determined to put her nursing skills to use, despite the danger, even if it means working alongside the man she can never have.
My Review: As Unknown opens, we meet the Bahntan, a creature who's people plan on destroying the world's civilization, purging the world of billions of people, and turning humans into slaves. The leader is torn, but ultimately knows what he has to do.
Part one of Unknown tells of the before, where we meet the heroine, Amber Tate; her brother Jacob "Tater" Tate, Amber's best friend, Remy, and Amber's brother's best friend, Rylen - whom Amber has been hopelessly in love with since they were children. We watch as Amber, Tater, Remy, and Rylen grow up, facing problems that at the time seem terrible - until the day that an unknown, anonymous organization bomb film studios and family-oriented amusement parks all over the country and the world. In an instant everything changes. Tater and Rylen decide to enlist in the Army and Air Force. Over the next few years, Amber keeps in constant contact with Rylen through letters and emails, harboring her secret feelings for him and hoping that one day he'll see her as more than just a sister-figure. But her hopes are dashed the day Rylen comes home - with a major surprise.
With her heart already in shambles, Amber - and her loved ones - are about to face an even greater tragedy than the previous bombings. Cities all over the world are bombed, some wiped out completely, world leaders and thousands of people are killed, and life as Amber and her family know it will never be the same.
Who is behind the attacks? What do they want? In a world destroyed, who can you trust? Is the senator that seems to take over after the attacks really working in the people's best interest? Or are he and the DRI working together toward a more sinister goal?
Wendy Higgins has done it again! Her amazing writing has gotten me to fall in love with a book way out of my genre comfort zone. The story grabbed me from the beginning and turned out to be a lot different than what I expected it to be, in a good way.
I loved the way the story was plotted out: the Prologue giving the reader a taste of what was to come, then the first part of the book that gets the reader to fall in love with the characters and their normal lives, their everyday struggles, then leading the reader into the day that will change everything for the characters. Part two was all about the action, where we learn what the characters are made of and who they'll become after the worst happens, giving them each greater depth.
I loved Amber and could relate to her crush on Rylen - who was so sexy, but I found myself wanting to strangle him throughout the book. I mean really! How blind can one guy be? All of Amber's family were fantastic characters and I thought they fit well into the story. Despite being a really sweet character I seriously hated Livia, and as for the senator and the DRI, I questioned their motives from the get-go.
Overall, I am so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave Unknown a chance! I just can't believe I waited this long to give it a chance. The hints of romance in Unknown were heartbreaking and the action made my pulse race. I loved it from the first page and I can't wait to see how the story continues in Unrest.
My Rating:5 of 5 Stars!
January 20, 2017
Book Review: Redeeming Kyle by Zoey Derrick
Redeeming Kyle (69 Bottles #3) by Zoey Derrick
Blurb:
Falling in love was the easy part…
For Talon Carver, the commanding and charismatic lead singer of the rock band 69 Bottles, life has never been better—or worse. His heart’s at a full 11 for Addison Beltrand, his feisty PR rep. But admitting it was a much different tune. The dilemma’s even more complicated when adding his other lover to the mix: Kyle Black, the band’s handsome, sweet and sexy manager.
Why ruin a good thing, right? Things are pretty damn perfect for the trio—in and out of bed. But just when they find their best rhythm with each other, a rocky night in Minneapolis forces all three to reexamine their feelings—and take their relationship to new levels.
But can love be enough?
The band’s soaring popularity, along with the pressures of maintaining an unconventional relationship on a high-profile rock tour, start to take their toll. When Addison starts to fall apart, Talon and Kyle must come to terms with how important she is to them both.
Can Addison find the strength to be their glue once more?
What happens when the world goes on…but yours suddenly stops?
When everything looks like it’s going to fall apart? Is love enough to bring Talon, Kyle, and Addison back to each other’s arms…and with it, the magic that true redemption can bring?
My Review: Just when things are going back to normal between the trio after Talon and Addison's fight in Minneapolis, a major surprise turns the trio's lives upside down. Suddenly it isn't just about them and what they want and ready or not nothing will be the same again.
As Addison, Talon, and Kyle navigate the changes coming at them one after another they must decide if they are in it for the long haul, or if they truly aren't mean to last forever.
I liked Redeeming Kyle much better than Craving Talon in certain ways. The changes in the trio's lives wasn't unexpected, especially when the end of book two hinted at what was to come but I loved watching all three characters learn how to deal with their unexpected surprise and grow up a little more.
I kind of wished at one point that Talon and Addison would ditch Kyle - because of how he was acting - and just become a twosome but I liked how the author smoothed everything out between them all, even if it wasn't realistic. The only things I didn't like about this book were the way it was written in certain places, almost like the author/narrator was telling the story as if you were gossiping to a friend. It just felt wrong to me, and I did notice sections like that in Craving Talon as well. Also, as the author does go on to write Dex and Raine and Mouse and Peacock's stories in the other three books in the series I hated that the author kind of fast-forwarded in the end telling not just what was happening in Kyle, Talon, and Addison's futures, but the other band members as well. It was kind of a spoiler in my opinion. It was almost like she just wanted to shove it all in at the end.
Overall, I really liked not just Redeeming Kyle, but the trio's story as a whole, it was sexy and fun to read and I'm dying to read the whole story of how Raine and Dex get together in the next books.
My Rating:4.5 of 5 stars!
Blurb:
Falling in love was the easy part…For Talon Carver, the commanding and charismatic lead singer of the rock band 69 Bottles, life has never been better—or worse. His heart’s at a full 11 for Addison Beltrand, his feisty PR rep. But admitting it was a much different tune. The dilemma’s even more complicated when adding his other lover to the mix: Kyle Black, the band’s handsome, sweet and sexy manager.
Why ruin a good thing, right? Things are pretty damn perfect for the trio—in and out of bed. But just when they find their best rhythm with each other, a rocky night in Minneapolis forces all three to reexamine their feelings—and take their relationship to new levels.
But can love be enough?
The band’s soaring popularity, along with the pressures of maintaining an unconventional relationship on a high-profile rock tour, start to take their toll. When Addison starts to fall apart, Talon and Kyle must come to terms with how important she is to them both.
Can Addison find the strength to be their glue once more?
What happens when the world goes on…but yours suddenly stops?
When everything looks like it’s going to fall apart? Is love enough to bring Talon, Kyle, and Addison back to each other’s arms…and with it, the magic that true redemption can bring?
My Review: Just when things are going back to normal between the trio after Talon and Addison's fight in Minneapolis, a major surprise turns the trio's lives upside down. Suddenly it isn't just about them and what they want and ready or not nothing will be the same again.
As Addison, Talon, and Kyle navigate the changes coming at them one after another they must decide if they are in it for the long haul, or if they truly aren't mean to last forever.
I liked Redeeming Kyle much better than Craving Talon in certain ways. The changes in the trio's lives wasn't unexpected, especially when the end of book two hinted at what was to come but I loved watching all three characters learn how to deal with their unexpected surprise and grow up a little more.
I kind of wished at one point that Talon and Addison would ditch Kyle - because of how he was acting - and just become a twosome but I liked how the author smoothed everything out between them all, even if it wasn't realistic. The only things I didn't like about this book were the way it was written in certain places, almost like the author/narrator was telling the story as if you were gossiping to a friend. It just felt wrong to me, and I did notice sections like that in Craving Talon as well. Also, as the author does go on to write Dex and Raine and Mouse and Peacock's stories in the other three books in the series I hated that the author kind of fast-forwarded in the end telling not just what was happening in Kyle, Talon, and Addison's futures, but the other band members as well. It was kind of a spoiler in my opinion. It was almost like she just wanted to shove it all in at the end.
Overall, I really liked not just Redeeming Kyle, but the trio's story as a whole, it was sexy and fun to read and I'm dying to read the whole story of how Raine and Dex get together in the next books.
My Rating:4.5 of 5 stars!
January 19, 2017
"Book Mail" Thursday #9
Since RoseBlood by A.G. Howard came out last week, this week I got my pre-ordered copy of the Barnes and Noble exclusive edition!
RoseBlood (Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition) by A.G. Howard
Isn't it gorgeous? What makes it an exclusive edition? There are 16 pages of exclusive content! (Christine's journal entries)
Waiting On / Soon to Order:
Thanks to a bothersome work project finally coming through I am finally able to order a bunch of books I've been wanting to get! (And by bunch I mean a lot. Here are just a few that I'm planning to order...
Broken Prince & Twisted Palace by Erin Watt
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
The Graces by Laura Eve
An Ember In the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
***
Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?
RoseBlood (Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition) by A.G. Howard
Isn't it gorgeous? What makes it an exclusive edition? There are 16 pages of exclusive content! (Christine's journal entries)Waiting On / Soon to Order:
Thanks to a bothersome work project finally coming through I am finally able to order a bunch of books I've been wanting to get! (And by bunch I mean a lot. Here are just a few that I'm planning to order...
Broken Prince & Twisted Palace by Erin Watt
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
The Graces by Laura Eve
An Ember In the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
***
Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?
January 18, 2017
"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #58
I've spent the last week in the world of sexy rock stars with Zoey Derrick's 69 Bottles Series, so now it's time to switch it up a little and dive into Wendy Higgins's NA Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Debut. This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm reading...
Unknown (Unknown Trilogy #1) by Wendy Higgins
Blurb:
Amber Tate believes the worst thing she’ll suffer in life is dealing with the unrequited love she feels for her brother’s best friend, Rylen Fite. She also believes war is something unfortunate that happens places far, far away from her rural Nevada town. She’s wrong on both counts.
When an unknown organization meticulously bombs major cities in the United States and across the globe, a trickle-down effect spreads to remaining towns at an alarming speed—everything from food and water sources to technology and communications are compromised. Without leadership, the nation is split between paralysis and panic, but Amber isn’t one to hide or watch helplessly. She’s determined to put her nursing skills to use, despite the danger, even if it means working alongside the man she can never have.
Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far: Wendy Higgins is one of my favorite authors and I remember having the cover reveal for Unknown (and the upcoming second book, Unrest) here on my blog. While Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi novels are not my usual type of book to read I decided to give Unknown a chance because I credit Wendy for being the author to get me to love high fantasy with her novel, The Great Hunt. Since starting last night and having a busy day today I'm only into the Prologue, but it has grabbed my interest right away. I'm eager to see how the story pans out.
Unknown (Unknown Trilogy #1) by Wendy Higgins
Blurb:
Amber Tate believes the worst thing she’ll suffer in life is dealing with the unrequited love she feels for her brother’s best friend, Rylen Fite. She also believes war is something unfortunate that happens places far, far away from her rural Nevada town. She’s wrong on both counts.When an unknown organization meticulously bombs major cities in the United States and across the globe, a trickle-down effect spreads to remaining towns at an alarming speed—everything from food and water sources to technology and communications are compromised. Without leadership, the nation is split between paralysis and panic, but Amber isn’t one to hide or watch helplessly. She’s determined to put her nursing skills to use, despite the danger, even if it means working alongside the man she can never have.
Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far: Wendy Higgins is one of my favorite authors and I remember having the cover reveal for Unknown (and the upcoming second book, Unrest) here on my blog. While Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi novels are not my usual type of book to read I decided to give Unknown a chance because I credit Wendy for being the author to get me to love high fantasy with her novel, The Great Hunt. Since starting last night and having a busy day today I'm only into the Prologue, but it has grabbed my interest right away. I'm eager to see how the story pans out.
January 17, 2017
Cover Reveal: Mischief & Magnolias by Kristi Cook
I have been a fan of Kristi Cook's books since The Haven Trilogy and Magnolia was amazing so I am seriously excited to share with you all the cover of young adult author, Kristi Cook's upcoming novella Mischief & Magnolias!!! I am so excited to read this one!
Not only am I sharing the cover today, but I also have a teaser from the book that has never been shared before.
To make things EVEN MORE exciting, author Kristi Cook is giving away a copy of ANY of her books to one lucky winner! Details can be found at the end.
Who's ready to see the cover? :)
Expected publication: February 7th, 2017Add to GoodReads
Laura Grace nods and turns toward Ryder and me. “You two kids try and play nice for a little bit. Dinner’s in fifteen minutes—get yourselves cleaned up and to the dining room by then, okay?” “Got it,” Ryder murmurs. And off they go, leaving us totally and blissfully alone. Ryder sidles up beside me. “So, last night was nice,” he says, his breath warm against my ear. Shivers race down my spine. “Yes, it was.” “Think you can sneak out again tonight?” “Probably. You know my parents—always in bed by ten.” He runs a hand through his dark hair, leaving it sticking up in all directions. “How am I going to last until then? Sitting at the dinner table across from the prettiest girl in the world and not allowed to touch her?” “Well, would you look at that…” I tip my head toward the doorway, where a sprig of mistletoe is conveniently hanging. “Should we risk it? Maybe if we’re really quick?”His dark eyes spark with mischief, and I grab his hand and dash toward the door, dragging him with me as I position myself directly under the waxy green leaves. “You sure like to live dangerously, Jemma Cafferty,” he says, wrapping his arms around me.I rise up on tiptoe, my head tipped back as I gaze up at him adoringly. “Shut up and kiss me, Ryder Marsden.” His kiss is gentle at first—almost tentative. But then…it’s like the room falls away and there’s nothing left, nothing but me and Ryder and this kiss that literally steals away my breath and turns my knees to Jell-O and my brain to mush. And that’s pretty much when all hell breaks loose.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Other YA novels by Kristi Cook...
Find Kristi on...Website † Twitter † GoodReads † Facebook
This giveaway is open internationalWinner will be chosen via rafflecopterAn email will be sent to the winner. Winner has 24 hours to claim book or a new winner will be chosen
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Not only am I sharing the cover today, but I also have a teaser from the book that has never been shared before.
To make things EVEN MORE exciting, author Kristi Cook is giving away a copy of ANY of her books to one lucky winner! Details can be found at the end.
Who's ready to see the cover? :)
Expected publication: February 7th, 2017Add to GoodReads
When Ryder Marsden and Jemma Cafferty return to Magnolia Branch for Christmas break following their first semester at their respective universities in New York City (Columbia and NYU), their secret relationship is revealed—they’re literally caught under the mistletoe, kissing. Unexpectedly, their parents—who’ve spent their entire lives pushing them together—are somehow less than thrilled, especially when they realize the depth of their deception.
Tensions mount as the Marsden and Cafferty families struggle to come to terms with Jemma’s and Ryder’s feelings for each other, especially as they prepare to send them back to New York City together. At the same time, Jemma and Ryder must face their own problems that have arisen as a result of attending different schools—there are jealousies to be sorted out and hurt feelings to mend if their relationship is going to stand the test of time.
Will their love last, or are they star-crossed lovers, after all?
Laura Grace nods and turns toward Ryder and me. “You two kids try and play nice for a little bit. Dinner’s in fifteen minutes—get yourselves cleaned up and to the dining room by then, okay?” “Got it,” Ryder murmurs. And off they go, leaving us totally and blissfully alone. Ryder sidles up beside me. “So, last night was nice,” he says, his breath warm against my ear. Shivers race down my spine. “Yes, it was.” “Think you can sneak out again tonight?” “Probably. You know my parents—always in bed by ten.” He runs a hand through his dark hair, leaving it sticking up in all directions. “How am I going to last until then? Sitting at the dinner table across from the prettiest girl in the world and not allowed to touch her?” “Well, would you look at that…” I tip my head toward the doorway, where a sprig of mistletoe is conveniently hanging. “Should we risk it? Maybe if we’re really quick?”His dark eyes spark with mischief, and I grab his hand and dash toward the door, dragging him with me as I position myself directly under the waxy green leaves. “You sure like to live dangerously, Jemma Cafferty,” he says, wrapping his arms around me.I rise up on tiptoe, my head tipped back as I gaze up at him adoringly. “Shut up and kiss me, Ryder Marsden.” His kiss is gentle at first—almost tentative. But then…it’s like the room falls away and there’s nothing left, nothing but me and Ryder and this kiss that literally steals away my breath and turns my knees to Jell-O and my brain to mush. And that’s pretty much when all hell breaks loose.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling YA author Kristi Cook is a transplanted southern gal who lives in New York City with her husband and two kids. Her YA debut, HAVEN, was released in Feb. 2011 by Simon Pulse. The last two volumes in the Winterhaven series, MIRAGE and ETERNAL, followed in 2012 and 2013. Her first contemporary, southern-set YA, MAGNOLIA, was released in 2014. She's currently working on a contemporary YA with paranormal elements set in Savannah, GA.
Kristi also writes adult romantic fiction as Kristina Cook and Kristi Astor.
Other YA novels by Kristi Cook...
Find Kristi on...Website † Twitter † GoodReads † Facebook
This giveaway is open internationalWinner will be chosen via rafflecopterAn email will be sent to the winner. Winner has 24 hours to claim book or a new winner will be chosen
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 16, 2017
Book Review: Craving Talon by Zoey Derrick
Craving Talon (69 Bottles #2) by Zoey Derrick
Blurb:
It’s a crazy turn of life for Addison Beltrand, who’s always lived to work and worked to live. Now, everything is shifted upside down—and that’s not a bad thing. Stepping on the 69 Bottles tour bus has banished the heartache of her past, and feels like a rocking new beginning.
Talon Carver and Kyle Black couldn’t agree more. The band’s lead singer and manager are falling hard for the beautiful rock chick, and will do anything to keep her in their bed—and between their bodies—forever.
The trio’s blissful bubble is popped by a danger nobody has anticipated. The band’s security team, always watchful for fan attacks on the members, isn’t prepared for what happens to Addison during this leg of the tour. Will Kyle and Talon be able to help save Addison? Or will her fear force her to pack her bags and return to LA?
Everything hinges on her decision…
Two men. One woman. A rock band. A tour bus. One Wild Ride…
My Review:
Craving Talon picks up where Claiming Addison left off - Addison, Talon, and Kyle are heading over to Cami and Tristan's house for dinner with the band. After Addison's performance with Talon Bold is eager to sign her on as a client and an overwhelmed Addison realizes that her life is changing forever.
As Addison and her sexy men try new things, break down walls, and grow ever closer Addison is also learning to deal with her new found fame. But with that fame comes the dangers of being in the public eye and Addison wonders if she can really handle a rock star's lifestyle. New jealousies spring up and as the wild new lifestyle takes its toll on Addison will it bring the trio closer together or tear them apart?
After reading and loving Claiming Addison I was eager to read Craving Talon. While I did really, really like book two, I'm not sure I loved it as much as I did book one. I know these books are considered erotica but I kind of felt like there was too much sex. Every other scene seems like the kinky trio was hopping into the sack and there wasn't much storyline in between. I know part of it was to show that the trio were testing and surpassing their boundaries but after a while it became less sexy and more boring, in my opinion.
There were maybe three scenes that I felt picked up the pace and switched up the story adding a little bit of drama; the incident in Dallas, the bus thing, and the fight about the country singer but overall it kind of felt like the complications became smoothed over non-issues in the span of a page or two.
Am I invested in the characters enough to see how the trio's story ends? Yes, I'm just hoping for a little more story in book three.
My Rating:
3.75/5 Stars
Blurb:
It’s a crazy turn of life for Addison Beltrand, who’s always lived to work and worked to live. Now, everything is shifted upside down—and that’s not a bad thing. Stepping on the 69 Bottles tour bus has banished the heartache of her past, and feels like a rocking new beginning. Talon Carver and Kyle Black couldn’t agree more. The band’s lead singer and manager are falling hard for the beautiful rock chick, and will do anything to keep her in their bed—and between their bodies—forever.
The trio’s blissful bubble is popped by a danger nobody has anticipated. The band’s security team, always watchful for fan attacks on the members, isn’t prepared for what happens to Addison during this leg of the tour. Will Kyle and Talon be able to help save Addison? Or will her fear force her to pack her bags and return to LA?
Everything hinges on her decision…
Two men. One woman. A rock band. A tour bus. One Wild Ride…
My Review:
Craving Talon picks up where Claiming Addison left off - Addison, Talon, and Kyle are heading over to Cami and Tristan's house for dinner with the band. After Addison's performance with Talon Bold is eager to sign her on as a client and an overwhelmed Addison realizes that her life is changing forever.
As Addison and her sexy men try new things, break down walls, and grow ever closer Addison is also learning to deal with her new found fame. But with that fame comes the dangers of being in the public eye and Addison wonders if she can really handle a rock star's lifestyle. New jealousies spring up and as the wild new lifestyle takes its toll on Addison will it bring the trio closer together or tear them apart?
After reading and loving Claiming Addison I was eager to read Craving Talon. While I did really, really like book two, I'm not sure I loved it as much as I did book one. I know these books are considered erotica but I kind of felt like there was too much sex. Every other scene seems like the kinky trio was hopping into the sack and there wasn't much storyline in between. I know part of it was to show that the trio were testing and surpassing their boundaries but after a while it became less sexy and more boring, in my opinion.
There were maybe three scenes that I felt picked up the pace and switched up the story adding a little bit of drama; the incident in Dallas, the bus thing, and the fight about the country singer but overall it kind of felt like the complications became smoothed over non-issues in the span of a page or two.
Am I invested in the characters enough to see how the trio's story ends? Yes, I'm just hoping for a little more story in book three.
My Rating:
3.75/5 Stars
