A twisting adventure - The Darkest Star ARC Review

*Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader's Copy from the author for review consideration. This does in no way affect my opinion, and all thoughts expressed in this review are unbiased and my own.*

Title: The Darkest Star

Series: Origin #1

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: October 30th 2018

Publisher: Tor Teen

Synopsis: When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen...but he is in fact something much more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she'd only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head...

#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the universe of the Lux in this brand new series, featuring beloved characters both new and old. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Emotional and surprising - Ruin of Stars ARC Review

*Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader's Copy from Netgalley for review consideration. This does in no way affect my opinion, and all thoughts expressed in this review are unbiased and my own.*

Title: Ruin of Stars

Series: Mask of Shadows #2

Author: Linsey Miller

My rating: 4 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: August 28th 2018

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Synopsis: The thrilling conclusion to the Mask of Shadows duology that weaves a tale of magic, shadows, and most importantly, revenge.

As one of the Queen’s elite assassins, Sal finally has the power, prestige, and permission to hunt down the lords who killed their family. But Sal still has to figure out who the culprits are. They must enlist the help of some old friends and enemies while ignoring a growing distaste for the queen and that the charming Elise is being held prisoner by her father.

But there’s something terribly wrong in the north. Talk of the return of shadows, missing children, and magic abounds. As Sal takes out the people responsible for their ruined homeland, Sal learns secrets and truths that can’t be forgotten. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Prepare to be hooked - A Darker Shade of Magic Review

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic

Author: V.E. Schwab

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pub. date: February 24th 2015

Publisher: Tor Books

Synopsis: Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black. 

Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.

Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Magical and fun - Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay

Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay

Author: J.K. Rowling

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pub. date: November 18th 2016

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Synopsis: J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut is captured in this exciting hardcover edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay.

When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.

Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Characters as Dancers: Hexen's Cross Edition

Which dance style would fit the characters from Hexen’s Cross the best? In this post, I will match some of the characters from Hexen’s Cross by J. Kowallis with the dance that would be perfect for them. Read on to find out why Taran should dance ballet and why Coll would be an amazing tango dancer! Or, you can check out my five-star review of the book (by the way, you totally need to read it).

Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses) by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin

Author: Sarah J. Maas

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: May 2nd 2017

Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens Books

Synopsis: A nightmare, I’d told Tamlin. I was the nightmare.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Book Spotlight + Favourite Quotes: The Animal Under the Fur by E.J. Mellow

Today I have a book spotlight for one of the books that most surprised me last year. While I love the author, The Animal Under the Fur is a genre I don't usually read, but since it was by E.J. Mellow, I had to try it, and I didn't regret it. The writing that truly transports you into another world, characters that make you laugh, cry and swoon, and a plot that will make your heart stop, only to race faster than ever. So when I was planning my New Adult month, this book was one of the first ones that popped into my mind. Now, keep reading for all the info on the book and my favourite quotes from the book!

Author Interview: J. Kowallis, author of The Enertia Trials

Hey guys! I'm so excited to share this interview with J. Kowallis today! She's the author of The Enertia Trials, a New Adult Dystopian series, and it's amazing! Afterimage, the first book, is one of my favorite Dystopia books of all time. Intense, dark and devastating, it will keep you hooked from page one! And the world is amazing, even though it gives me nightmares. Keep reading for my interview with J. Kowallis, and all her links!

New Adult Book Recommendations + Giveaway

Just like with Young Adult, there are of course many subgenres in New Adult, meaning there’s something for everyone. No matter if you’re looking for a sweet romance, a dark dystopia, or a fantastic fantasy, you’re sure to find something that fits you. In this post, I will recommend my favourite New Adult books from different subgenera! And you get the chance to win your choice of one of my recommendations, so keep reading for the giveaway!

Emotional and unputdownable: The Prophecy ARC Review

*Disclaimer: I received an advance reader's copy from the author in exchange for review consideration. This does in no way affect my opinion, and all thoughts expressed in this review are unbiased and my own.*

Title: The Prophecy

Series: Titan #4

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: March 8th, 2018

Synopsis: History is on repeat…

Seth never thought he’d have a future. But now he’s on the brink of having it all with Josie: A tomorrow. A family. A forever. And all that's standing between him and that forever is the Titans. If he helps Josie entomb them -- without killing them, a nearly impossible task for him -- everything he could ever want will be in reach. But he soon realizes that as a god, every little choice he makes can reshape the world for the better… or worse. And in meddling with the Titans, Seth may have just set into motion catastrophic consequences that will force the Olympians to enter the mortal realm and reshape the delicate balance of power that keeps the world from total collapse.

A price must be paid…

Entombing the Titans is Josie’s top priority. After all, it was what she was born to do. But the plans her father put into play to help her are no longer an option, and the odds she and Seth face in forging their own path are grim. The escalating violence between halfs and pures only increases the danger closing in on them and their friends. Josie knows their chances of succeeding in their task are slim at best -- and if they fail, they might lose everything. But she also knows she's not fighting just for herself -- she's fighting for the man she loves, for their future, for the world. Together with the Army of Awesome, Josie and Seth will face the unthinkable. And to win this war, the ultimate sacrifice must be made.

For the end is here and the Prophecy will be fulfilled…. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Review: Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms #1) by Morgan Rhodes

Title: Falling Kingdoms

Author: Morgan Rhodes

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: December 11th 2012

Publisher: Razorbill

Synopsis: In the three kingdoms of Mytica, magic has long been forgotten. And while hard-won peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest now simmers below the surface.

As the rulers of each kingdom grapple for power, the lives of their subjects are brutally transformed... and four key players, royals and rebels alike, find their fates forever intertwined. Cleo, Jonas, Lucia, and Magnus are caught in a dizzying world of treacherous betrayals, shocking murders, secret alliances, and even unforeseen love.

The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

It's the eve of war.... Choose your side.

Princess: Raised in pampered luxury, Cleo must now embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of magic long thought extinct.

Rebel: Jonas, enraged at injustice, lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country cruelly impoverished. To his shock, he finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Sorceress: Lucia, adopted at birth into the royal family, discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Heir: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, firstborn son Magnus begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword... (synopsis from Goodreads)

Release Day Launch: Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

From critically acclaimed author Katie McGarry, comes SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME—a story of two people from different worlds pushing themselves, and each other, to get what they deserve! SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME is now available at all fine book retailers. Grab your copy today! I loved this book so much, and would really recommend it to any YA reader. The story was touching and wonderful and a definitive new must-read! If you want to hear more of my thoughts, check out my review here! Or keep reading for an excerpt, teasers and a giveaway!

Blog Tour and Review: Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

I am so excited to share this tour stop with you guys today! I was lucky enough to get to read an ARC of Say You'll Remember Me, and it is by far one of my favourite contemporaries ever! Say You'll Remember Me is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance being published on January 30th, and believe me, it's a book you do not want to miss. Keep reading for my review of the book, some teasers, and an awesome giveaway! And preorder links to the special preorder offer.

Title: Say You'll Remember Me

Author: Katie McGarry

My rating: 6 hearts (because if any book ever deserved an extra heart, it's this one)

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pub. date: January 30th 2018

Synopsis: When Drix was convicted of a crime--one he didn't commit--he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the new Second Chance Program, the governor's newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while.

Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor's daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn't may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means.

When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle's parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix's messy life.

But sometimes love can breach all barriers.

Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves--Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence--and each other to finally get what they deserve.

Magical and mysterious - Shadowsong ARC Review

*Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley in exchange for review consideration. This does in no way affect my opinion, and all thoughts expressed in this review are unbiased and my own.*

Title: Shadowsong

Series: Wintersong #2

Author: S. Jae-Jones

My rating: 4 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: February 6th 2018

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Synopsis: Six months after the end of Wintersong, Liesl is working toward furthering both her brother’s and her own musical careers. Although she is determined to look forward and not behind, life in the world above is not as easy as Liesl had hoped. Her younger brother Josef is cold, distant, and withdrawn, while Liesl can’t forget the austere young man she left beneath the earth, and the music he inspired in her. 

When troubling signs arise that the barrier between worlds is crumbling, Liesl must return to the Underground to unravel the mystery of life, death, and the Goblin King—who he was, who he is, and who he will be. What will it take to break the old laws once and for all? What is the true meaning of sacrifice when the fate of the world—or the ones Liesl loves—is in her hands? (synopsis from Goodreads)

Review: Wicked (A Wicked Saga #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Wicked

Series: A Wicked Saga

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: December 8th 2014

Synopsis: Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Review: Wintersong (Wintersong #1) by S. Jae-Jones

Title: Wintersong

Author: S. Jae-Jones

My rating: 5 hearts

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pub. date: February 7th 2017

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

Synopsis: Beware the goblin men and the wares they sell.

All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.

But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.

Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Best Reads of 2017

This is always the most difficult post of the year, because there are always so many great books I’ve loved that I think need to get attention! Which is why I now have more categories than ever – to be able to tell you all about all the books I’ve loved this year!

Review: Shelter (Getaway #2) by Jay Crownover

Title: Shelter
Author: Jay Crownover
My rating: 5 hearts
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Pub. date: December 26th, 2017
Synopsis: His life is chaos and confusion. It’s a storm of uncertainty and raging emotion. 

Sutton Warner is a mess. Everything in his life feels like it’s unraveling. 

He’s let a lot of people down lately, including his daughter. Sutton always promised his little girl he would never disappoint her and that he would always be there when she needed him. Until he wasn’t. 

The truth is, he’s used to disappointing the women in his life. First was his mother who couldn’t find a reason to stick around when he was growing up. Then there’s his ex. The woman who takes unbridled delight in making his life incredibly complicated.
Luckily, his daughter is still young enough to believe her old man is some kind of hero. But, he knows the day is coming when she realizes the truth, that he’s just a man with some serious flaws and a list of ever-growing weaknesses. 

Finally, there’s the woman he’s desperately trying to forget with every shot tossed back and each pill popped.

He more than disappointed Emrys…he almost got her killed.

Her love is steady and sure. It’s a shelter shaped by conviction and silent assurance.

Emrys Santos is lost. Everything in her life feels pointless and futile.

She’s been busy running away from her feelings and all the people who love her the most—including her best friend, the one person who knows exactly what she’s been through. They promised to always stick together and to lean on one another. It was a promise Em had to break so she could lick her wounds and figure out her next move. For once, there is no easy way out of the tangled web of emotions she’s caught up in, and right now, she recognizes that all roads lead back to Wyoming…and back to Sutton.
The man she nearly got killed. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Waiting on Wednesday: Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

From critically acclaimed author Katie McGarry comes Say You'll Remember Me, a story of two people from different worlds pushing themselves, and each other, to get what they deserve! Say You'll Remember Me releases on January 30th, 2018. Preorder your copy today!

Release Day Launch: Shelter (The Getaway Series #2) by Jay Crownover

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jay Crownover returns with the second standalone title in her Getaway series, SHELTER. Check out the excerpt below and pick up your copy today!

And that’s not all! RETREAT, the first standalone title in the Getaway series, is on sale! You can grab your copy for just $.99 for a limited time only.