Showing posts with label 4 cups. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4 cups. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Audiobook Review: In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon


Author: Joy Avon
Series: A Tea and Read Mystery #3
Narrator:  Laurel Lefkow
Audience: +18
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Length: 6 hours and 55 minutes
Release Date: February 11th 2020
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Spotify, Netgalley
Blurb (from Goodreads):
Just in time for the holidays, In Cold Chamomile is sure to be a cupid's arrow aimed straight for your bookshelf.
Tea party organizer Callie Aspen learns that Cupid's arrows can be deadly when a Valentine's Day soiree ends in murder.

Callie Aspen can't think of a more appropriate place to spend Valentine's Day than her adopted hometown of Heart's Harbor, Maine. When she's not helping out at Book Tea, her great-aunt Iphy's vintage tearoom, Callie's adorning Haywood Hall with hearts and roses for the big Valentine's event, where townspeople will fall in love with sweet treats, heartwarming music, and delightful books. But tension is brewing: The librarian argues with the expert who is on hand to appraise precious volumes. And Iphy is shocked to recognize the baritone who's slated to sing at the event as an old acquaintance--one she'd hoped she'd never meet again. And then, when a dead body is discovered, the stirring spoon of suspicion points at the many people who had reasons to want the victim dead.

When Iphy's old acquaintance draws the attention of Deputy Ace Falk, Callie finds herself in a spot. Ace, as usual, doesn't want Callie involved, but how can she ignore Iphy's anguish over the fate of a man she cares for more than she will admit? Bringing the killer to justice may endanger Callie's budding relationship with Ace--and, quite possibly, her own life.

Callie and the Book Tea crew may think they have this case in the bag, but un-kettling truths are yet to be decanted.
*Disclaimer: I received an eARC from Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review

One of the genres I've always meant to delve more into has been cozy mystery. I've read a few over the years, but this is the first time when I've read more than one in a month, and I'm very happy that I started delving deeper into the genre. The first one I read this month has been In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon. It's also my first book by this author and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Let me tell you all about it.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Audiobook Review: The Kissing Contract by Amy Andrews


Author: Amy Andrews
Series: N/A
Narrator: Shirl Rae
Audience: +18
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Length: 9 hours and 25 minutes
Release Date: December 10th 2019 (first published April 8th 2019)
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Spotify, Netgalley
Blurb (from Goodreads):

Marshall Dyson wants one thing and one thing only: to raze his grandfather’s island to the ground. Everything is ready to go––except for the freakin’ bunnies! Hundreds of the furry critters hopping about and multiplying before his eyes. And then there’s the American Bunny League, along with one distractingly beautiful veterinarian, taking him to court to save them...

Dr. Augusta “Gus” North can’t believe the grumpy–and annoyingly hot–builder she’s facing in court cares more about demo-ing some cabin than the lives of 200 bunnies. But when the judge orders Marshall to stay on the island and help her rehome the rabbits – the entire month – she knows they’re going to need to lay some ground rules.

Like, for example, absolutely no kissing. Might as well go ahead and get that in writing. Sure it’s on a napkin, but that still counts.

How hard could it be to keep their hands off each other amidst all the fighting? Surprisingly, harder than wrangling 200 bunnies...

*Disclaimer: I received an eARC from Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review

**Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As such my review may reference content intended for an adult audience

In my quest to read as many ARCs as possible during this year's edition of ARC August I decided to check and see if I could find any of them as audiobooks, because why not multitask while working? Thankfully one such book was The Kissing Contract. I knew I was going to enjoy it, because it's an Amy Andrews book, but I didn't quite expect the story to be this cute. I remember when I saw it on NetGalley and I knew I wanted to read it, because it was Amy Andrews, and even then I did not look at the blurb. Unfortunately, I'm a mood reader, so sometimes that means I don't read certain stories right away. Thankfully I was in the mood to read it now, and guys, I am very happy I did. Let me tell you all about it!

Friday, July 10, 2020

Book Review: The Faerie Prince by Rachel Morgan


Author: Rachel Morgan
Series: Creepy Hollow #2
Audience: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date:  May 1st 2013
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: My copy
Blurb (from Goodreads):
Action, intrigue, and romance to swoon for!

With graduation just weeks away, guardian trainee Violet Fairdale is determined to claim the top spot in her class. But first, she'll have to survive her final assignment--and the guy she's been forced to partner with.

Her confusing feelings for Ryn aren't the only thing making life difficult, though. With enchanted storms wreaking havoc in the fae realm, a murder within the Guild, and an Unseelie prince still determined to possess Vi's special magic, graduation is about to become the least of her problems.
It's graduation time for Violet and Ryn, and things aren't exactly going as planned. That's right, guys, me and Jamsu are back with another buddy read, this time for book 2 in the Creepy Hollow series by Rachel Morgan. I enjoyed the second book a lot more and, unlike before, I was completely taken by surprise by certain events. Let me tell you all about it.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Reread Book Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead


Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines #3
Audience: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date:  February 12th 2013
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: My copy
Blurb (from Goodreads):


Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do.

Then she finally tracks down the elusive, enigmatic Marcus Finch - a former Alchemist who the organization denies exists, and who lives in shadows, on the run. With Marcus's help, Sydney realizes that the group she's been loyal to her whole life has been hiding the truth from her. Is it possible that her golden lily tattoo might have more power over her than she thinks?

As she struggles to come to terms with what that might mean, Sydney is compelled to use her growing magical powers to track down an evil magic user who is targeting powerful young witches. Using magic goes against everything she always thought she believed, but she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her special blood - or else she might be next.


Forging her own way is harder than Sydney ever dreamed. Maybe by turning off her brain - and following her heart - she'll be able to finally figure out where she belongs.

Jamsu and I are continuing out buddy reread of the Bloodlines series and we're getting close to the end. I am not ready, people, I just need to say that right now.

The one thing I'm happy about regarding books 3 and 4 is that I barely remember anything from my first time reading them, so I don't have to worry about the fact that  know what's coming. I've had a few of those "Oooooh, nooooo, this is happening" moments in the previous two books, but not this time, which made me feel a bit more relaxed while reading The Indigo Spell. I also went over my previous review of the book, that you can read here, and I have to say that for the most part, I still feel the same way. In some ways, however, my opinions have changed. Let me tell you all about it.

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Reread Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead


Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines #2
Audience: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date:  June 12th 2012
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: My copy
Blurb (from Goodreads):
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. Alchemists protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she's been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California - tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age-old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and her sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi - the fiercest vampires, the ones who don't die. But it's her fear of being just that - special, magical, powerful - that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Braydon, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else - someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney's loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists - or her heart?

My Bloodlines buddy reread with Jamsu @ Jamsudreams continues. I have to say that I'm happy for the fact that it feels like I'm reading these books for the first time all over again. Since I only read these books only once before, a lot of the stuff that happens is a shocker for me, so I get to be surprised by them again. The Golden Lily had a few elements that I remembered, but it was mostly about the smallest of details and not the important stuff. I did have as much fun now as I did the first time I read the book.

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Reread Book Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead


Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines #1
Audience: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date:  August 23rd 2011
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: My copy
Blurb (from Goodreads):
I wasn't free of my past, not yet.

Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist - one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiences in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside - and within - the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

My buddy read with Jamsu @ Jamsudreams continues with Bloodlines by Richelle Mead. I've been dying to get to this series ever since Sydney was introduced in Blood Promise. As fun as it was revisiting Rose and Dimitri, Sydney and Adrian's story is the one I've been meaning to read for the past few years. I've always been afraid of reading the last 2 books in this series, but having Jamsu as a reading partner helps me get over my "reading the last book in a series" fear.

This is also my 3rd time rereading Bloodlines. Let me tell you what I saw differently this time.

Friday, February 28, 2020

Blog Tour Book Review: Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor


Blog Tour Book Review: Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor


Author: Janna MacGregor
Series: The Cavensham Heiresses #6
Audience: Over 18
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Release Date: February 25th 2020
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source:  St. Martin's
Blurb (from Goodreads):
Her first marriage was an epic failure.

Lady Avalon Warwyck never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry―that is, until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town.

Can he convince her to take another chance at happily ever after?

Devan Farris―charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian―is reluctantly sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn’t have to meddle in her affairs; he’s not one to trod on a woman’s independent nature and keen sense of convictions. But she’ll have nothing to do with vicar with a wild reputation―even though he’s never given his heart and body to another. If only he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside―a good, true soul looking for its other half. But how can prove that he wants to love and care for her. . .until death do they part?
*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of his book from St. Martin's in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

**Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As a result, my review may contain references to content intended for mature audiences only.

A delightful story about a vicar with a lot of secrets, and a young widow with a broken heart. Basically this book was just what I needed right now. I have only read one other book in the Cavensham Heiresses series, which I can now see it is a mistake, one that I need to correct quickly.

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Reread Book Review: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Vampire Academy #4
Audience: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date:  August 1st 2009
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: My copy
Blurb (from Goodreads):
Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters ... Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?


Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?
My buddy read with Jamsu @ Jamsudreams of the Vampire Academy series continues. We have finally gotten to Blood Promise and this is one of the books in the series I've been most excited to read. Not only because we meed Sydney and Abe, but because evil Dimitri is a thing.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Reread Book Review: Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead







Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Vampire Academy #3
Audience: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date:  November 13th 2008
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: My copy
Blurb (from Goodreads):


WHAT IF FOLLOWING HER HEART MEANS ROSE COULD LOSE HER BEST FRIEND FOREVER?

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with a rare gift for harnessing the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest vampires - the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them.

Rose knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend, Lissa - the last Dragomir princess - must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous Dimitri Belikov, some rules are meant to be broken...


Then a strange darkness begins to grow in Rose's mind, and ghostly shadows warn of a terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy's iron gates. The immortal undead are closing in, and they want vengeance for the lives Rose has stolen. In a heart-stopping battle to rival her worst nightmares, Rose will have to choose between life, love, and the two people who matter most... but will her choice mean that only one can survive?
My buddy reread of the Vampire Academy series with Jamsu @ Jamsudreams continues this month with Shadow Kiss. So far I've been enjoying this time of revisiting this world, but I have to say...something's changed. Big time. Let me tell you all about it!

As with the previous books, if you want to check out my first review of this book you can go here.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Reread Book Review: Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Vampire Academy #2
Audience: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date:  April 1st 2008
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: My copy
Blurb (from Goodreads):
Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose...

It’s winter break at St. Vladimir’s, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy’s crawling with Guardians—including Rose’s hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn’t bad enough, Rose’s tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason’s got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks... This year, St. Vlad’s annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price..

My buddy reread of the Vampire Academy series with Jamsu @ Jamsudreams continues. Let me say right in the beginning: This is the book in the series I always dread reading. I know what happens, I know who dies, I know how Rose behaves, I know who does what in order to get to one of my favorite characters dying. So me rereading this book is always going to be a chore because of that.

As with the first book in the series, you can go ahead and read my initial review of Frostbite here if you want. Let me tell you what was different now.

Monday, January 13, 2020

Blog Tour Book Review: Dirty Law by Mary Catherine Gebhard

 

Author: Mary Catherine Gebhard
Series: N/A
Audience: Over 18
Genre: Dark Romance, Contemporary
Publisher: Unglued Books
Release Date:  January 7th 2020
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Candi Kane PR
Blurb (from Goodreads):

What do you do when the man who raped you has the entire police force in his pocket? When you’re called a slut, a whore, and a liar?

You get your own justice.

My name is Nami DeGrace, and six months ago I was a normal college student. I was volunteering on the campaign of a man I believed in, a man I thought to be good and noble. Then one night that man forced himself on me and everything changed.

The police didn’t believe me. The media reviled me. My friends abandoned me. I dropped out of college and only have one mission in life: make him pay. That is, until Nick Law came in to my life.

Indomitable, infuriating, and irresistible, Law is complicating things.
*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of his book from Candi Kane PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

**Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As a result, my review may contain references to content intended for mature audiences only.

***Trigger Warnings: Rape, physical violence, depression, animal abuse

I'm no stranger to darker stories, so when I heard of Dirty Law and read the excerpt, I knew I had to have it in my Kindle app. I expected a very dark story, however I didn't anticipate how dark it would get. I loved it and dreaded turning the page at the same time. Let me tell you all about it!

Friday, December 13, 2019

Blog Tour Book Review: The Darkest Assassin by Gena Showalter

We are beyond excited to be sharing this release from Gena Showalter with you today by participating in the blog tour! THE DARKEST ASSASSIN is part of her Lords of the Underworld series and it is releasing as part of 1001 Dark Nights. Check out an excerpt and book trailer from the title below. Click here to grab your copy now.

 

Purchase your copy of THE DARKEST ASSASSIN today!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Author: Gena Showalter
Series: Lords of the Underworld #14.6
Audience: Over 18
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated
Release Date:  December 10th 2019
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: InkSlinger PR
Blurb (from Goodreads):


From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter comes a new story in her Lords of the Underworld series…

Fox is a demon-possessed immortal with many talents.
Ability to open portals—check
Power to kill the most dangerous Sent Ones—check
Scare away any man who might want to date her—mate
Now, the keeper of Distrust has been marked for death, a winged assassin with rainbow-colored eyes tracking her every move, determined to avenge the males she accidentally decimated. If only she could control the desire to rip off his clothes…

Bjorn is a fierce warrior with many complications.
Tragic, torture-filled past—check
A wife he was forced to wed, who is draining his life force—check
Ever-intensifying desire for the enigmatic Fox—mate
Never has he hesitated to exterminate an evil being. Until now. The sharp-tongued female with a shockingly vulnerable heart tempts him in ways no one else ever has, threatening his iron control.

But, as Fate itself seems to conspire against the unlikely pair, both old and new enemies emerge. And Fox and Bjorn must fight to survive.

And learn to love…
Add THE DARKEST ASSASSIN to your Goodreads TBR here!

*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

**Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As such my review my review may contain references to content intended for mature audiences only.

The newest installment in the Lords Of The Underworld series is here guys, and I. Am. Stoked! Any chance I have of going back to this wonderful world is something I shall grab with both hands (and feet...monkey style!). If you're a fan of this series, you're in for a wild ride. If not, let me tell you why you should put everything on hold and start reading this series right now.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Book Review: A Holiday By Gaslight by Mimi Matthews

Author: Mimi Matthews
Narrator: Alex Wyndham
Series: N/A
Audience:  +18
Genre: Historical Romance, Christmas Romance
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release Date: November 13th 2018
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Netgalley
Blurb (from Goodreads):
A Courtship of Convenience

Sophie Appersett is quite willing to marry outside of her class to ensure the survival of her family. But the darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run-of-the-mill London merchant. He’s grim and silent. A man of little emotion—or perhaps no emotion at all. After two months of courtship, she’s ready to put an end to things.

A Last Chance for Love

But severing ties with her taciturn suitor isn’t as straightforward as Sophie envisioned. Her parents are outraged. And then there’s Charles Darwin, Prince Albert, and that dratted gaslight. What’s a girl to do except invite Mr. Sharpe to Appersett House for Christmas and give him one last chance to win her? Only this time there’ll be no false formality. This time they’ll get to know each other for who they really are.
*Disclaimer: I received an eARC from Netgalley and Perfectly Proper Press in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

The first thing that caught my eye was the cover. How could I ignore it, when it's so pretty? The next thing that made me want to read this book was the fact that it was not only a Christmas story, but a historical romance one. So basically you have the two best things in the world put together. I've never read Mimi Matthews before, but I absolutely loved this introduction into her world and I believe I shall dive into her backlist in the upcoming year.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Blog Tour Book Review: The Widow Of Rose House by Diana Biller


Author: Diana Biller
Series: Stand-alone
Audience:  +18
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: October 8th 2019
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Publisher
Blurb (from Goodreads):
A young widow restores a dilapidated mansion with the assistance of a charming, eccentric genius, only to find the house is full of dangerous secrets in this effervescent Gilded Age debut novel

It's 1875, and Alva Webster has perfected her stiff upper lip after three years of being pilloried in the presses of two continents over fleeing her abusive husband. Now his sudden death allows her to return to New York to make a fresh start, restoring Liefdehuis, a dilapidated Hyde Park mansion, and hopefully her reputation at the same time. However, fresh starts aren't as easy as they seem, as Alva discovers when stories of a haunting at Liefdehuis begin to reach her. But Alva doesn't believe in ghosts. So when the eccentric and brilliant professor, Samuel Moore, appears and informs her that he can get to the bottom of the mystery that surrounds Liefdehuis, she turns him down flat. She doesn't need any more complications in her life―especially not a handsome, convention-flouting, scandal-raising one like Sam.

Unfortunately, though Alva is loath to admit it, Sam, a pioneer in electric lighting and a member of the nationally-adored Moore family of scientists, is the only one who can help. Together, the two delve into the tragic secrets wreathing Alva's new home while Sam attempts to unlock Alva's history―and her heart.

Set during the Gilded Age in New York City, The Widow of Rose House is a gorgeous debut by Diana Biller, with a darkly Victorian Gothic flair and an intrepid and resilient American heroine guaranteed to delight readers.

*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of his book from St. Martin's in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

**Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As a result, my review may contain references to content intended for mature audiences only.

Trigger Warnings: Physical and Mental Domestic Abuse


I'm finally ready for some spooky reads, and what better way to start than with this fantastic debut? I was very happy to read this book since I love stories about haunted houses and I'm always happy to read historical romances, as we already know.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Audiobook Tour Book Review: Flash Point by C.L. Schneider

Audiobook Blog Tour: Flash Point by C.L. Schneider

Flash Point by C.L. SchneiderAuthor: C.L. Schneider
Series: Nite Fire, Book 1
Narrator: Cassandra King
Audience: +18
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: C.L. Schneider
Length: 15 hours 51 minutes
Release Date: Nov. 30, 2018
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Audiobookworm Promotions
Blurb (from Goodreads):

Slated for execution, shape-shifting assassin Dahlia Nite flees her world to hide in the human realm. As payment for the shelter they unknowingly provide, Dahlia dedicates herself to protecting humans from what truly lives in the shadows. Moving from town to town, she hunts the creatures that threaten an unsuspecting human race, burying the truth that could destroy them all.

But the shadows are shifting. The lies are adding up. When Sentinel City is threatened by a series of bizarre brutal murders, light is shed on what should never be seen. The secrets that have kept humanity in the dark for centuries are in danger of being exposed.

Wrestling with a lifetime of her own deceptions, Dahlia investigates the killings while simultaneously working to conceal their circumstances. But with each new murder, the little bit of peace she has found in this world begins to crumble. Each new clue leads her to the one place she thought to never go again: home.

Flash Point is the first audiobook in the Nite Fire series.
*Disclaimer: I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by C.L. Schneider. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

An urban fantasy book centered around dragons? Yes please and thank you. That was my reaction when I first heard about Flash Point and I knew I had to sign up. Then the story and the narrator made me want to stick around and never leave this world.

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Audiobook Review: Love Only Once by Johanna Lindsey



 Love Only Once by Johanna LindseyAuthor: Johanna Lindsey
Series: Malory-Anderson Families #1
Narrator: Laural Merlington
Audience: +18
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins
Release Date: June 5th 2008 (first published 1985)
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Audible
Blurb (from Goodreads):
The exquisite niece of Lord Edward and Lady Charlotte Malory, Regina Ashton, is outraged over her abduction by the arrogant, devilishly handsome Nicholas Eden - and is determined to make the rogue pay...with his heart.

A golden-haired seducer, Nicholas has been hardened by a painful secret in his past. And now that he has besmirched Reggie's good name, the hot-tempered lady has vowed to wed him.

Her fiery beauty stirs Nicholas as no woman ever has - and the rake arouses Reggie's passion to an unendurable level. Such uncontrolled desires can lead only to dangerous misunderstandings...and, perhaps, to a love that can live only once in a lifetime.
One of the authors I've been recommended throughout the years as a queen of old school romances was Johanna Lindsey. She's been recommended to me so many times that I was actually afraid of trying her out, because I had really high expectations.And then I finally signed up for the free month of Audible Escape and the 24in48 Readathon happened. And I just couldn't say no anymore.

Friday, July 5, 2019

Audiobook Tour Book Review: Remnants Of Ash by CK Dawn

Audiobook Blog Tour: Remnants of Ash by C.K. Dawn
REMNANTS OF ASH IS AVAILABLE TO INTERESTED REVIEWERS THROUGH THE ADOPT-AN-AUDIOBOOK PROGRAM. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
Remnants of Ash by C.K. DawnAuthor: CK Dawn
Narrator: Sydnee Fullmer
Length: 3 hours 37 minutes
Series: Reign of Fae, Book 1
Audience: Over 18
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: CK Dawn
Release Date: Apr. 17, 2019
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Audiobookworm Promotions
Blurb (from Goodreads):
Mere mortal. Fae hunter. Oh, and the apocalypse? Yeah, that happened! She's an unstoppable human. He's an immovable beast. But the fae have scorched the earth and humans are next....

Chloe Etain, stumbled into an ancient war between the light and dark that has culminated in her world being thrown into darkness and pre-industrial chaos. Vampire-like creatures roam free, feeding on unsuspecting humans. Chloe knows the truth though and, possibly, how to stop it. But as a mere mortal, what can she do?

That's when the fates step in. Bram Tice, a fae hunting his own kind, vows to help Chloe. But he won't say which Court demands his allegiance. Together, they set out to right the imbalance plaguing her world and save humanity before it turns into nothing more than remnants of ash.
*Disclaimer: I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by CK Dawn. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

It's been a while since I last read a book about fae that I enjoyed. This was also my first CK Dawn book and I have to say, I am impressed. I am very impressed.

Saturday, March 2, 2019

Audiobook Tour Book review: Evil's Unlikely Assassin by Jenn Windrow

Evil's Unlikely Assassin by Jenn WindrowAuthor: Jenn Windrow
Narrator: Chelsea Stephens
Length: 8 hours 49 minutes
Series: Alexis Black, Book 1
Audience: Over 18
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Irreverent Publishing
Release Date: Jan. 23, 2019
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Audiobookworm Promotions
Blurb (from Goodreads):
"Evil's Unlikely Assassin is a promising urban fantasy debut that features all that's great about the genre--action, attitude, and ass-kicking." -Jaye Wells, USA Today bestselling author of The Sabina Kane and Prospero's War series

Vampire Alexis Black is on a mission - to rejoin the human race.

Coerced into signing an ironclad contract by an Angel-with-attitude, Alexis must hunt down and assassinate at least one vampire, werewolf, or creepy crawly every night for fifty years to become human again. Too bad the contract didn’t mention the badass vampire who now rides shotgun in her brain, insatiable bloodlust, or her new I-hate-everything-with-fangs sidekick. If she can fulfill her end of the bargain, her humanity is restored, if not she will be destroyed.

But when a revenge-seeking bloodsucker threatens her city, Alexis must risk everything to ensure there’s a humanity to return to. Since her vampire nature is her greatest weapon to defeat the monsters that threaten her friends and future, Alexis must choose to accept her inner beast or watch those she loves die.
*Disclaimer: I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jenn Windrow. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

*Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As such my review may contain reference to material intended for a mature audience.

It's been a while since I was last surprised, truly surprised by a book with and about vampires. Even though vampires are my favorite supernatural creatures to read about, it's rare that I get to be truly taken by surprise by the stories they're a part of, but that's just what happened with Jenn Windrow's book.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Book Review: Jagged Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan

Jagged Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan

Author: Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs #3, Montgomery Ink #11
Audience:  Adult (+18)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: 19th 2019
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: InkSlinger PR
Blurb (from Goodreads):
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs series continues with a couple fighting to keep what they thought they had and gain what they didn’t know they needed.

Roxie Montgomery met her soul mate when she least expected it. When he asked her to marry her, she thought her happily ever after was only just beginning. Then, she found that walking into the sunset was much harder than her favorite books made it out to be. After a crushing loss, she feels as though she doesn’t know her husband anymore, or rather…she doesn’t know herself.

Carter Marshall has loved Roxie since the first time he saw her. But as the days pass between them, so does the distance. He doesn’t know how to show her that he’s all in, and honestly doesn’t know if she’s in at all. When an accident changes everything, they’ll have to decide if what they have can be salvaged, or if starting over is the answer. Or even possible.

Without fighting, without a true new beginning, sometimes, the remnants of what was lost can leave anyone jagged, shells of what they were before. It will take more than the idea of forever for Roxie and Carter to find themselves again, but as the Montgomerys know, nothing worth fighting for is easy.
*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

**Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As such my review may contain references to content intended for mature audiences only.

My love of Carrie Ann Ryan's books is well known by now, and I'm happy to say the newest installment in the world of the big Montgomery clan did not disappoint.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Book Review: Lady Smoke by Laura Sebastian

Lady Smoke by Laura Sebastian
Author: Laura Sebastian
Series: Ash Princess Trilogy #2
Audience:  Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: February 5th 2019
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Publisher
Blurb (from Goodreads):
The sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller that was "made for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Sabaa Tahir" ( Bustle ), Lady Smoke is an epic new fantasy about a throne cruelly stolen and a girl who must fight to take it back for her people.

The Kaiser murdered Theodosia's mother, the Fire Queen, when Theo was only six. He took Theo's country and kept her prisoner, crowning her Ash Princess--a pet to toy with and humiliate for ten long years. That era has ended. The Kaiser thought his prisoner weak and defenseless. He didn't realize that a sharp mind is the deadliest weapon.

Theo no longer wears a crown of ashes. She has taken back her rightful title, and a hostage--Prinz Soren. But her people remain enslaved under the Kaiser's rule, and now she is thousands of miles away from them and her throne.

To get them back, she will need an army. Only, securing an army means she must trust her aunt, the dreaded pirate Dragonsbane. And according to Dragonsbane, an army can only be produced if Theo takes a husband. Something an Astrean Queen has never done.

Theo knows that freedom comes at a price, but she is determined to find a way to save her country without losing herself.

"A darkly enchanting page-turner you won't be able to put down." --Bustle on Ash Princess, Book 1 in the Ash Princess series
*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

**Disclaimer: This book contains graphic scenes of violence and death.

I read this book during January's edition of 24in48 readathon. This has sort of become a tradition for me, since I also read Ash Princess during last year's 24in48 readathon. I was very surprised by this book, if I'm honest. I don't know what I was expecting, but I definitely wasn't expecting what went down in this book.
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