Book Review: Aggro by Coralee June and Carrie Gray

                                        "She liked to remind me that the world was a messy place and that we couldn't control every aspect of our lives without giving in to the privileges fate demanded of us. It was all give and take. We couldn't cling to our morals without letting go of our freedom." 

SWEET JESUS! 😂Before I get into this review, I'd like to take a moment and give a round of applause to Coralee June and Carrie Gray for knocking my socks off. This book literally killed me! I need someone to read this book ASAP, and then DM me so we can talk about that ending! I did not see that coming AT ALL! I'm pretty sure I read the last 30% of this book with a dropped jaw. So, now that I've got the OMG moment out of the way, let's take a closer look into this book. 

Summary:  

                                        "Two boys. One tragedy. Grief bonds us. The mystery of this murder will break us. My best friend was brutally ripped from this world, but her brother and boyfriend are still here. One of them wants to use me. The other wants to forget me. Both of them make me feel alive. We'll find Violet's murderer, no matter the cost. Two boys. One tragedy. Grief bonds us. Love will tear us apart." 

                           

Characters: 

    Breeze: To put it simply, I love Breeze. She is such a strong and unselfish heroine. Her life is now upside down when she realizes her best friend is dead. So obviously, she isn't coping well with this news. Breeze sometimes reminds me of me. She is the quiet and shy girl, rather than the attention seeking one. I love how she expresses herself in such an articulate way, and she's not afraid to tell people the truth. We all need a Breeze in our lives. 

    

    Kai: AWW, I also love Kai. He has so many different layers to him. On the surface, he is a brooding, scary, and dangerous guy with connections, but underneath, he is the complete opposite. I love his character. He is honest and oh so blunt, which isn't always the best thing in this book. Kai also doesn't have the best relations with some people, and that experience has definitely shaped who he is now. 

    Chase: Where do I begin with this guy? I love and hate Chase, but I understand where he is coming from. Some of his actions I do not agree with, but I can't help but feel for him. He struggles a lot throughout this book. Chase is confused and doesn't really know what to do. 

Chemistry:  

    Over the course of this book, I constantly changed my mind on who I liked more. One moment, I'm swooning for one person and I'm like, THIS IS IT!, and then in other moments I'm like, NO, IT'S THIS ONE. I love the build up, and the romance in this book. It's just really cute and sweet, which I think this book needs, because it tones down the intensity. The romance isn't the main part in this book, in case you were wondering. 

Plot: 

    There is A LOT to go over in this section! This book was a whirlwind of emotions. I mean, I felt sad, angry, happy, upset, disgust, shock, and so many more. It was a sad, intense, and surprising book to read. There were so many moments I had to just stop reading and think about what happened. This book isn't all about the murder, but about certain people's lives and the effect this murder had on them. 

    Death isn't always an easy thing to discuss and talk about with people. In this book, it shows that and so much more. It is not a light-hearted comedy. This book talks about serious content and how people cope with that. I loved how deep and in depth this book went. 

    There are so many twists and turns in this book, I'm kind of concerned I now have whiplash (just kidding, well maybe...) Seriously! Bomb after bomb was dropped, and my mind was like WAIT WHAT? 

    This book talks a lot about grief and guilt. It shows the ups and downs of life. There is so much more to it than just a suspense, romance book. 

Rating:  

    I give this book 5 stars!! It's so good from beginning to end. It discusses meaningful things, and brushes up on things people don't normally know. The character development is spectacular, and I find myself intrigued and inspired. The plot is so original and constantly had me on the edge of my seat.  I loved the characters with all my heart, and I can't wait for the next book. 

This book is definitely one everyone should read! 

I received an arc of this book by the authors and wildfire marketing in exchange for an honest review 

Book Review: Darkest Sin by J. Saman

                "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Only, the laws of physic do not apply human interactions. No, human interactions, at least in my experience, tend to be more the product of chaos theory. A goddamn butterfly-no pun intended-flaps its motherfucking wings, and lo and behold, there is a tsunami."

J. Saman got me hooked onto this book from the very first sentence in the blurb! I knew I would like it instantly. It had everything I love in a romantic suspense novel! Without further ado, I present my Darkest Sin review. 

Summary:  

                                        "Everyone has an ex who haunts them. Mine shot me in the arm and told me to run r he'd kill everyone I ever loved. And then he'd kill me. Years later, he's made good on that promise. I'm the only one left. He's got his sights set on finding me, and my options on places to hide are quickly running out. Until I meet a gorgeous assassin with an agenda of his own...putting not only my life, but my heart in danger. With piercing green eyes and irresistible confidence, Gavin tells me not to be afraid. Promises he's on my side. Swears he's here to protect me instead of doing what he does best...kill. The desire to trust him is tempting. The passion between us, even more so. But when everything I thought I knew suddenly flipped upside down, and all that's dangerous and forbidden comes to light, I have to make a choice. Continue to run and hide...Or risk it all, including the man who somehow captured my heart." 

Characters: 

    Emma: Throughout the whole book I had one common thought about Emma-she is such a strong and admirable character. There were so many awful situations Emma was involved in, but each and every one showed how much strength she has. I love that we see two different sides of Emma-the innocent, quiet one, and the loud angry one. You never know which one you'll get, Gavin never knew 😂. I really liked how the author showed Emma in an easily relatable and like-able character. She reacted to information just like anyone else would in a certain situation, which I really admire. Throughout the whole book, I loved Emma's attitude and snarkiness (I just created my own word I think). It was so fun reading about her, and learning more about her personality. 

    Gavin: I loved Gavin. I though he was such a funny person to be around, which is kind of bizarre given his line of work (But oh well, he's still one of my favorites and no amount of killing will change that, hopefully). Gavin has many different sides to him, the funny, charming side, and then the dark and dangerous side. I liked seeing both sides in very different lighting. He reminds me a little of a character by Tijan-Logan Kade. (I don't know it it's just me, but they just seem really similar in their personalities and hotness). 

   

Plot: 

    I had so many expectations going into this book, and J. Saman has managed to surpass them all. From the get-go, the book had intrigued me. I love murder mysteries, suspense, and romance all bundled into one book. I was about 32% (Chapter 12) in, and I could already tell I'd love this book. There is so much depth and character within this book. The plot is multi-dimensional, and the characters had so much depth. It wasn't, what you see is what you get. The more the book continues, the more you learn about the characters and start to feel for them. You will definitely grow attachments and emotions in this book. There are very good twists in this book to keep you on your toes guessing. At times, I had a feeling in my gut that was like: something bad is about to happen. The ending seemed a bit rushed and repetitive to me. But, I guess where else was the author suppose to turn? I liked the ending, but it seemed a little anti-climatic to me. 

Chemistry: 

    Chemistry!!! There definitely was chemistry...or should I say banter? The banter was so fun and innocent (at times), which is so funny to me given their current situation. The chemistry wasn't all consuming, but it was there and readers can definitely feel it. The characters seemed very magnetized to each other, which I thought was very cute and romantic. 

Rating:  

    I give this book 4/5 stars! I enjoyed the book! There was romance, suspense, violence, and mystery which are the perfect ingredients in a good book. The characters were very well written and I liked seeing the different personalities. The ending just seemed a little repetitive and a little anti-climatic to me. Therefore, i gave this book 4 stars. 

I HIGHLY recommend this book if it intrigues you just a little bit, because you won't regret it!

Book Review: Awkward by Gurpreet Kaur

𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒈𝒊𝒇𝒕. 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉. 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇.

This book is very different to what I've previously read and reviewed. There's a whole bunch of weirdness and tons of awkwardness throughout the whole novel (It is hilarious to read about! I even felt some of the awkwardness and I wasn't even in the book). It's a really funny and entertaining read. Behind all the awkwardness, there is a cute and lighthearted story that I think everyone can relate too. 

Now, onto the review. 

Summary: 

                                        "Hi! I am Awkward. Looking for a book description How about a disclaimer instead? Disclaimer-This book contains Awkward's awkward tales and drawings, and there's no doubt that a three-year-old can draw better than Awkward. This book could make you cringe with awkwardness or melt your heart. The chances of the latter happening are minute. Read at your own risk. Comedy topped with a whole lot f awkwardness and a tiny-winy bit of romance." 

Characters: 

    Awkward: This poor girl has the most unfortunate luck known to man. First off, her name is Awkward, which is a really strange name to have. Not only is her name Awkward, but her personality too. So it's like a double whammy. 😁 Awkward is a very quirky and fun character to read. She is very entertaining and the stories she tells are absolutely, embarrassingly, hilarious. But underneath, she is just a normal, high school girl looking to find herself. 

Plot: 

    The plot of this book is a little different than the majority of books. This book is about a couple of days/months in Awkward's life. It details specific events and situations, rather than a huge conflict/evil that needs conquering. The situations and events Awkward finds herself in, are very relatable. Most people can relate to at least one of them, I know I do. Since this book is a short story, with about 110 pages, I couldn't really connect with all the characters. Therefore, I feel like the romance Awkward has, isn't really necessary. It is funny and all, but it is very fast-paced and there isn't a lot of detail surrounding it for me to fully connect with. Overall, I like the different scenarios Awkward finds herself in, and how she reacts/deals with them. 

Rating: 

    I give this novel 3 stars! I really like how original and unique it is. It is a really cute and quirky book that has me laughing and cringing at the same time. At some moments, I felt so embarrassed for Awkward, and in others, I was like THAT HAPPENED TO ME! The drawings are very entertaining and I love seeing them within the pages. It definitely helps the book, and keeps it interesting. 

    The plot doesn't follow normal story lines, which I think is great, but the book seems very fast paced to me. In fast paced books, I feel like I can't really connect with characters on a higher level. I feel bad for Awkward, and her situations, but I don't feel like I'm really there, and in the book. 

Overall, this is a really cute and funny read. I am glad that the author reached out to me to read this. It's such a fun and light-hearted read everyone should look into more. 

Book Review: The Album by Sian Ceinwen

                    "That's easy for you to say, isn't it? You knew what you wanted from your life, and you got it. Why would you bother with door number three?"

After the first two chapters of this book, I had decided to stop reading this and put it as a DNF. But, my instinct told me to keep on reading. So I did. I ended up finishing this book, and liking it. I really liked the idea of this book, and the plot. But, the characters on the other hand, I was not a fan. Let's take a closer look. 😊

Summary:  

                                    "What happens when you fall in love with a rock star? Ariana isn't a fan of celebrities, but she is a fan of Cruise Control. The night she attends a charity event with her aunt and meets rock star, Gabriel Knight, sets in motion a roller-coaster ride that is out of her command. Risking it all on the man who plucks at her heartstrings, and hiding her struggling self-esteem behind a wall of privacy. Ariana joins the group on tour as the lead singer's new sweetheart. But when she's suddenly thrust into the wild world of a rock star, the sour taste of the limelight could cut desire's set list short. Will life in the fast lane ruin Ariana's chance at true love?"

Characters: 

    Ariana: Oh Ariana! I have a huge problem with her. I did not like her whatsoever, until the last 20-30% of the book. She had no self-esteem and so many insecurities, that it made me not like the book at first. Every time she was in public, whether it be with Gabriel or not, she constantly didn't believe in herself. She automatically agreed with other people's opinion of her. It bothered me as a reader to see a character have so little faith in herself. She didn't even stand-up for herself when people were talking bad about her. 

    The last 20-30% changed my mind about her a little. She seemed to look back and understand why and how things went wrong. She still had little self-esteem, but it wasn't on her mind 24/7 like it was previously. 

    Gabriel: The entire book, I just felt bad for Gabriel. He constantly had to deal with things I felt he didn't need too. Although, he did deal with them rather well. I liked Gabriel. He was a fine H, but he wasn't my favorite. He didn't seem to really have a personality to me. (You know?) Gabriel was just there. I didn't really understand him, and I felt his one purpose was for the love of Ariana. 

Chemistry:

     To me, the chemistry felt a little forced. There were some cute moments that I really liked, and then there were the moments where I asked myself Why?. The whole relationship was very insta-love in my opinion, which I didn't really like because I feel it's not really realistic. I like reading about how the characters fall in love with a ton of tension and build up. Instead, these characters met, and then BAM, they couldn't be without each other at all. It also seemed to me that Ariana didn't even want the relationship at times. Gabriel was just trying to show his love for her, and she didn't really appreciate it. 

Plot: 

    I actually really liked the plot, and there was a lot of opportunity for the author to take it and change it up, which she did. I like the idea of the rockstar falling in love with a "normal" women. But, I felt like this book was a lot about Ariana's insecurities, rather than the actual budding relationship or even the band. The last 20-30% was SO GOOD. It totally changed my mind about this book. There were moments where I hated both main characters, and then there were others where I was just WAITING for it:THE moment.

Rating:

    I thought about this a lot and kept going back and forth between a 2.5, 3, or even 3.5. I ultimately decided on 3 stars. This book had great potential, if it weren't for the main characters. I did not like her at all. I didn't mind Gabriel, but I felt like he just went after Ariana like a lost puppy. The book was very insta-love, which I did not really like. It was like the first moment they met, they instantly loved each other. To me, that just isn't realistic. The last 20-30% of this book, made me change my mind between a 2 and 3. I really liked seeing the character development in Ariana, and Gabriel. They seemed to take a step back in their relationship and just look at it in a different light. I would have liked to see a lot more character development, as well as the development of their relationship, but overall it was a good read.

Book Review: All The Little Lies by S.J. Sylvis

            "Since you're acting like a man-toddler, stomping around and yelling like a freaking Neanderthal, we're going to talk outside. So, let's go." 

I could not put this book down! Every time I put it down, I just kept thinking about it and all that was happening. There's so much happening, I love it. If you are a bully romance lover with intense chemistry and a great plot line, then PICK THIS BOOK UP NOW! It comes out this Thursday!!! (I didn't mean to yell, but hey, it's just that good) Now let's dissect this book! 

Summary:

                                        "English Prep stands tall with its ivy-covered exterior and old, wrought-iron doors. The stone gargoyles sit at the school's entrance, knowing just as much as anyone: I don't belong. Once upon a time, I did. I belonged in the "it" crowd with all the other well-endowed kids, but now, I am no longer welcome. Not after five years away from this place. not after the scandal that landed me on the wrong side of the track. i'd be lying if I said I'm not looking forward to seeing the one person who was always by my side. my old best friend. My safe place. Only, Christian isn't the same boy I left behind. His cold, brooding, devastatingly attractive glare sends chills down my spine. My old best friend doesn't welcome me with open arms, and I have no idea why. Lies continue to fall from our lips. Christian wants me gone. But I'm determined to stay. "

Characters: 

     Hayley: I really admire Hayley (and not because her name rhymes with mine, although that is a cool plus). I love how strong of a character she is. She doesn't give a crap what people think of her, and she constantly relies on herself for everything. I love how individual she is. She don't need no man to take car of her! (I don't know why I sounded like that 😊In my head it sounded better, oh well). 

However, Hayley has her fair share of baggage, and because of that said baggage, she has walls miles high around her, to protect her. Along with the walls, Hayley is a very stubborn and hard headed seventeen year old. At times, it's really funny to read her interactions with other characters because of the fun banter. The banter is hysterical. Overall, Hayley is a great heroine with an amazing personality. 

    Christian: AHHHH, Christian is such a sweetheart, and an a**hole at the same time. 😊 He is very protective of the people he loves. Sometimes he goes a bit above and beyond in the protective department, but that's what makes him Christian. He puts up a front, but underneath, he really is a caring and gentle person with real feelings. Like Hayley, Christian has a lot of baggage that shapes who he is in this book.

 There are a lot of characteristics within Christian, but I would say the main two are his loyalty, and determination. He is very loyal down to the bone, which is a great quality to have. He also has a lot of determination that may or may not be the best thing at times. But overall, he is a really loving character with good intentions. Ok, semi-good intentions. 

Chemistry: 

     The chemistry is soooooo there. If you can't feel it within the pages, then I don't know what you can feel 😊 (just kidding, but you get the gist). You can definitely see and feel their connection from the very beginning to the last page of this book. They didn't just have a physical connection, but a connection on a deeper level which created so much more depth and dimension. There was so much pull and tension between these two that the chemistry on fire!! 

Plot:

     The plot is spectacular! It's so original and unique. I've read so many bully romances, and I can safely say that I haven't read a book like this. Like I said in the beginning, there is so much happening, it's crazy. I loved it! There's action, suspense, romance, and even a comedic aspect. On the surface of this book, it's just another bully romance book, but I can guarantee you it's not. The characters deal with things (I can't say, but it's certainly juicy) that they haven't experienced before, and it's all new to them, so they aren't fully sure what to do. (I'm pretty sure everyone has been through this stage at least one in their lives, right?) There is violence, and suspense, which makes the plot a lot more intense, well to me it does. Overall, the plot is original, and really well written (cheers and applause for the author). 

Rating: 

     I give this book 4.5 stars, it was that good! I loved the characters, and the inner monologues they had.  Hayley and Christian's POVs are hilarious and very entertaining. I constantly found myself smiling so many times throughout this book. The suspense slowly built up in the book until BOOM. There are so many questions in the beginning that are answered with the BOOM, it's great.  

     I love this book, but I give it 4.5 stars because I feel  some parts seem a little bit unrealistic in this type of setting. However, it is a fictitious book, so...

     I completely fell in love with all the characters, and I'm really excited for the next book. The two leads in the next book...*inwardly screaming for their book to come out*  So, go check this book out, you won't regret it! 

     I almost forgot. Totally on Team Edward from day one. (You won't get this reference until you read it). 

                         I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

   

Book Review: The Hunter by LJ Shen

           

   " I'm afraid I'll have to run you over. So let's spare you the hospital visit and me the                                                     inconvenience. Can you tell me why you're here? You're getting me in trouble."

    Time literally flew by when I read this book. All I remember was starting the book around 7:00 am, taking some breaks (the normal food, and bathroom breaks) and BAM, it was 3:00 pm, and I had just finished this book. Even though this book is not a part of the All Saints High Series, I highly recommend reading that series because you will enjoy this book a whole lot more. Luckily, most of the series is on Kindle Unlimited, so you can get them for free if you are subscribed to that.😊 

I must've been living under a rock because I didn't even realize that this book was downloaded on my kindle. One day, I literally just went onto the kindle app and BOOM! There it was. This book was amazing, funny, charming, sizzling, emotional, and just an overall roller-coaster ride that I never wanted to end! 

Summary: 

                                       " Hunter: I didn't mean to star in a sex tape, okay? It was just one of those unexplainable things. Like Stonehenge, Police Academy 2, and morning glory clouds. It just happened. Now my ball-busting father is sentencing me to six months of celibacy, sobriety, and morbid boredom under the roof of Boston's nerdiest girl alive, Sailor Brennan. the virginal archer is supposed to babysit my ass while I learn to take my place in Royal Pipelines, my family's oil company. Little does she know, that's not the only pipe I'll be laying...

                                        Sailor: I didn't want this gig, okay? But the deal was too sweet to walk away from. I needed the pubic endorsement; Hunter needed a nanny. Besides, what's six months in the grand scheme of things? It's not like I'm in danger of falling in love with the appallingly gorgeous, charismatic gazillionaire who happens to be one of Boston's most eligible bachelors. No. I will remain immune to Hunter Fitzpatrick's charm. Even at the cost of losing everything I have. Even at the cost of burning down his kingdom. "

Characters:  

    Sailor Brennan: First off, I love the name. Seriously. It is such a special and unique name, that I just LOVE it. 😊 Besides that, I enjoyed reading Sailor's perspectives. They were very entertaining, yet serious too. There is a lot more to her than just a try-hard Olympic archer. I liked diving deeper into who she is, and who she wants to be. Although, at times I felt she was a little overly paranoid. 

    Hunter Fitzpatrick: As one of my favorite judges from So You Think You Can Dance said, "HOT TAMALE!" I don't know why, but I freaking loved Hunter. He was so childish at times, but very adulty at others. (Is adulty even a word?) He is a charmer, and able to put on the charm for most anyone. On the outside he is HAWT, but on the inside, he is a hot mess. So many things happened to him that built up time and time again, which created who we know as Hunter Fitzpatrick. I loved reading his perspectives, because they were just so funny. Hunter had very childish antics at times, but deep down he was a very loyal and caring character. 

Chemistry:  

    Did the room just get hotter, or was that just me? OK that sounded a little cringy, my apologies. The chemistry was everything. It was intense, funny, and fiery. I loved the banter between the two. The banter was so much fun to read, and I'd also imagine it was fun to write too. There were definitely many LOL (laugh out loud, in case you've been living under a rock and just entered the 21 century)(JK, it's just a common saying) moments, and swoon-worthy moments. When Hunter wants something, there's no stopping him. I loved how it wasn't an insta-love relationship. This one took it's sweet time, but the build up was totally worth it. 

Plot:  

    The plot was a lot more than I originally thought. It's not just a cute, nanny falls for the playboy romance. There is a lot more that goes on, and a lot of it under the radar. The story develops as you continue reading, especially at the end. WOAH, that ending! *mind blown* This book has depth and dimension that many do not even think or notice about while reading. The build up between the two characters was really well done. It was very well written in a way that makes the reader want to skip through the pages to see what happens, but also stay and read every single word. 

Rating:  

    I give this book 4.5 stars. I loved the plot, and Hunter Fitzpatrick. (Of course, hunter Fitzpatrick! Duh.) The characters were very well devolved, and detailed, as well as the plot. The plot had a lot of dimension and variety which I loved. The only thing I wasn't in love with was Sailor. I liked Sailor, but at certain times I just felt like she was very paranoid, a little overly paranoid. Overall, this was a spectacular read and I'm very excited to continue reading this series! 

Blast From The Past: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

"One must always be careful of books," said Tessa, "and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us."

I first discovered Cassandra Clare through the movie-The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Before then, I had only heard that she was an author. After this movie, I decided to give her books a go (A chance if you will😊). I read the first three books in the Mortal Instruments before I took a break. I liked them, but I didn't love them like so many other people did. Luckily my friend recommended The Infernal Device Series to me. She said they were a prequel worth reading. Thus, began my journey with Casandra Clare. 

I had very little hope in this series since I didn't enjoy the Mortal Instruments. However, the first chapter had me hooked. I read this book in one day, to my family's disappointment 😊. I was a complete slug all day, (by the way, totally worth it!). The journey this book took me on, was one I won't forget.

Summary: 

                    In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series. The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London's dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovered that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters-including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves u against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with  magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them... 

                                                                -Goodreads 

Review: 

    I loved this series from the very beginning to the end. My favorite book was Clockwork Princess, (the third and final installment in this series). The plot was fantastic. There was every paranormal creature known to man, and yet the plot wasn't too crowded or busy. The story shaped the characters flawlessly and vice versa. Their personalities matched their actions and thoughts extremely well. I really got to understand everything about the shadowhunter world and the events that led to the Mortal Instrument Series. The romance was amazing. This book was the first book I picked up that detailed more than just a kiss. (I may have skimmed past those scenes, but don't hate. I was young and in my mind I was like WHAT?) The romance was not a major part of the book, which was good because it didn't need to be. It was a simple side story. I really liked reading about the culture in the 1800s. I definitely will reread this series again. 

After Reading: 

    I really enjoyed this series. It took you on a great adventure. I remember vivid scenes like their first breakfast together. The small, human-like, actions were what made this book. In a world full of supernaturals, it was really funny to watch these creatures do such mundane things. 

My mind was shocked by what happened at the end, especially the end of the whole trilogy. Trust me, you don't see it coming! 

Advice:  

    I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book if you like paranormal, fantasy fiction books, or if you are just a big Cassandra Clare fan. I loved the series and the romance in it. It was a very entertaining and enjoyable read. I had my nose in this book the whole day, until I finally finished it. Then I bought the second book on kindle the same day, because I couldn't wait for the physical copy😊. 

    

Book Review: Teardrop Shot by Tijan

                    You think a portable tub would make a good sled on a glacier?

                    If scientists are able to add a rhino's horn to a horse through DNA manipulation, is that          a real unicorn? 

So many people recommended this book to me because:😄 

    😄.  It is a sports romance book which is a BIG weakness of mine (ahhh sports romances)

    😄.  It has a swoon-worthy book boyfriend (I have too many book boyfriends now...)

I can honestly say this is another five star read for me! I was intrigued from the very beginning, all the way to the last page in the epilogue. The premise was very interesting, and I loved the setting; at a camp. The characters were all flawed which I really like in books because it makes them feel a lot more real to me. 

Summary: 

                    I asked for his criteria for bed buddies-that's the PG version. He swore at me and said that he didn't do groupies. And just like that, or friendship was off to a great start. Reese Forster was the starting point guard for the Seattle Thunder. Gorgeous. Cocky. Loved by the nation. He's also attending preseason basketball training camp where I used to work. Correction: where I work again, because I was fired from my last job. And dumped. And I might have a tiny bit of baggage, but that's normal. Right? Reese and I shouldn't have become friends. We shouldn't have become roommates...(Except we did) 'm adorably psychotic. He's in the NBA. This is not a disaster waiting to happen, at all. 

                                                                                -Goodreads 

Characters: 

    Charlie: After reading about Charlie, I've decided that she's my new best friend. 😄 She seriously seems like such a fun person to be around. Like everyone, she has her moments and her baggage, but that is what makes her Charlie. All the flaws and quirky things about Charlie, are all the reasons why I love her. She makes an awkward situation even more awkward and yet it's so entertaining to read it. I love her nervous habit because it makes her more unique. On the surface, she is a huge basketball fanatic, but underneath the facade, there is a woman wrecked with guilt and pain. Readers can't help but understand what she is going through. Overall, Charlie is a great character, and I loved every second of her. 

    Reese Forster: If only I could have my own real life Reese Forster... In summary, I love him. He is such a sweet and generous guy, but underneath he has the biggest heart of them all. Charlie is not the only one dealing with some personal baggage. Reese has his fair share of junk, but he handles it in such a great way. He had me swooning so many times with his sweet gestures and words. I love how he cares about Charlie. For lack of better words, Reese uses his power for good. 😂

Chemistry: 

    I 110% felt the chemistry from the first moment these two met. Although, I felt more like laughing really loudly, than the intensity between these two. Their chemistry wasn't all-consuming, but more like really REALLY cute and sweet. They just made me swoon and gush a lot. 

Plot: 

    I love how the story lines are incorporated in this book. There is so much happening at times, and yet there is nothing happening. The story lines with Charlie and her friends is really interesting to see unfold. The Reese story line is also really interesting because it shows many layers of him, rather than just the star studded basketball player. Tijan creates these story lines in a way that flows smoothly with the rest of the book. There's one serious story line that really got me thinking. I don't want to spoil it, but definitely think about it once you read it because it shows a different perspective not many think about.  

The Writing: 

    The writing is phenomenal. It's very fast paced, but not too fast paced. (if that makes any sense) In other words, the pace changes depending on the scenes and situations in the book. For example, there is one scene that is very serious, so the pace is a little slower. 

There is just enough backstory to understand what is going on, without feeling suffocated with information. I thought this book is a really fun and entertaining read. 

Rating:

    I am giving this book 5 stars! It's another out of the park winner. The characters are so original, and absolutely, amazingly, written that you can't help but love them. The relationship between the two main characters is so sweet and romantic. 

I HIGHLY recommend reading this book! 

    

Book Review: Bound by Duty by Cora Reilly

Book 2/7, and should be read in order

I liked the first book, but not as much as this book. Bound By Duty is my favorite book in the Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles. I really like the plot and the characters. 

Summary: 

    Dante Cavallaro's wife died four years ago but her memory still haunts him. On the verge of becoming the youngest head in the history of the Chicago Outfit, Dante needs to remarry or risk appearing weak. Valentina is chosen for the role. She, too, lost her husband, but her first marriage has always been for show. Even after her husband's death, Valentina carries the weight of his secrets with her--to protect the honor of a dead man and herself. With her wedding to Dante, her castle of lies threatens to crash. Valentina fears the wedding night might reveal her secret, but her worries prove unfounded when Dante ignores her. Soon, her fears turns to confusion and anger. Valentina is tired of being ignored. She's determined to get Dante's attention and desire, even if she can't get his heart that still belongs to his dead wife. She wants to capture his cold heart but she may have to settle for his desire.       -Goodreads

Review:

    The summary makes it seem that this book is just about the romance, which is not the case. There are many different story lines and plots within. I love the story line between Valentina and Bibi. I loved how that ended. It shows how strong these characters are.

     I usually do not enjoy insta-love books, but I was fine with it in this case, because the relationship did not seem insta-love. The main characters get married, but their relationship progresses in a realistic way. It wasn't too fast, or too slow. There were ups and downs for these characters which is completely normal. 

Characters: 

    Valentina; I really like Valentina. I like how she tries to be there for her husband, and supports him. At times I feel really bad for her, and her situations. Then at other times, I am a little upset with how she handles certain situations, or lack thereof. I would have liked to see Valentina not so dependent on Dante, which starts to happen towards the end, but I wished for more. Overall, she is a good character and protagonist. 

    Dante: I was ok with Dante. He seems like a big Debbie-Downer. hehhe Dante is very closed off, aloof, and cold, which is fine in a character, but this time I just felt like I didn't really know him. I read about him, and his actions, but I didn't connect to him in the way I am able to connect with others. I really like the idea of having his POV in the next book. (If there is a next book with these two characters) 

Plot: 

    I actually really like the plot. It is very fast-paced and attention grabbing. At some points I was a little confused abut what was happening, but other than that is was really good. There were some twists and turns I didn't see, especially at the end, which made me like the book even more. I loved the epilogue and I hope I get to read more of these two in the future. The plot wasn't all about their relationship. It was about the mafia, and the secondary characters a lot. There were some underlying themes which is why I recommend reading the first book. 

Chemistry: 

    The chemistry was meh. It was good, but I didn't feel a real connection. The s*x scenes seem a little forced, and the relationship seems mostly physical for a good portion of the book. The build up and tension was good, but it wasn't very long. As the novel continued, the relationship grew and so did my feelings. I liked the book a lot more towards the end. However, Dante just seems really closed off, and emotionless, even at the end. He doesn't share his feelings or thoughts really at all. 

    But I really like their growing relationship. In the beginning, it was just a marriage of convenience, but towards the end it turns into something more intimate. They make a really good couple, and I really like their scenes together. 

Rating: 

    I contemplated between a 3.5 and a 4, but ultimately decided on a 4. I liked this book, but it wasn't my favorite. I am really excited to read Gianna's story though. I hear really good things about this. I ended up giving this book a 4 because I liked the writing, and the plot. The characters were good, but they weren't great. I like the series though, which is why I rounded it up. I recommend this book if you like mafia romances. 

FiveStar Friday: Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

What a roller-coaster ride! There are so many ups and downs, I had to stop counting after the fourth, maybe fifth time. Penelope Douglas creates such a spectacular world with amazing characters that I can say, I will definitely reread this whole series multiple times!

Summary:

    Corrupt (standalone series) opens up to a world full of revenge, greed, deceit, envy, violence, and lust like no other. Erika Fane, Rika, is getting ready to move to a new city, leaving behind her ex-boyfriend and her family. However, her ex-boyfriend's brother, Michael Crist, currently resides in this new city. Ever since she met him, Rika has been terrified of Michael, yet she is very much attracted to him. Her arrival to this city initiates a plot of revenge no one saw coming. 

This book is book 1-4 in a standalone series. The perspective is in first person and changes between Erika and Michael throughout the whole book. 

Review: 

    Holy Moly! What did I just read? I read this book over the weekend, and let me just tell you: Go pick it up! (Only if you really like romance with dark elements and a hot alpha male). 

    So much happens in this book, I'm still trying to wrap my mind around this, but let me start with the basics.

Characters: 

    Erika: I really like Erika as our h. She stands her ground when it comes to Michael, and I applaud her. I love how she doesn't change who she is and what she stands for. Rika is a spontaneous character, which is the reason why I love this book so much. If it weren't for her and her actions, I don't know if I would have liked it as much. She is a very strong, genuine, realistic character. Realistic characters make the novels more entertaining and exciting, and Rika is no exception. I love her in this book, and I love reading all about her. There is a lot more to Erika than what meets the eye. 

    Michael: Oh Boy. There are so many actions Michael takes that I absolutely do not agree with, yet I could not stop myself from liking him. I don't know why, but I just love him. He is a very shielded character, and I love uncovering and understanding him. It was interesting to read Michael's prospective because we get to go deeper into his head and his thoughts. Michael is not as simple as everyone thinks. 

    The Secondary Characters: 

    I absolutely love the secondary characters, even one particular person whom I hated from the very beginning, but somehow grew to love. I cannot wait for Will's book. I am beyond excited!!! 

Chemistry:

    Penelope Douglas is a spectacular author because she can create chemistry from practically nothing. (And the chemistry is INSANE) The chemistry between Erika and Michael was off the charts. In literally every scene together, the chemistry was incredible. I often felt like I was intruding. 

Why 5 Stars?

    This book deserves 5 stars and so much more! There is so much tension and build up (which are my favorite parts of the book) that I could not put this book down! I never felt bored for one second reading this book. The only reason why I put this down was for: bathroom breaks, food, and analyzing what just happened. I loved reading this book, and it was very entertaining to me. The plot is incredible with so may new twists and turns. There is so much happening in this book that I do not want to spoil, but if you are dying to talk about it too, then don't hesitate to reach out!

 I highly recommend reading this book if you love romance, an alpha H, and an intense plot.

Blast From the Past: Tumtum and Nutmeg Series by Emily Bearn

Blast From the Past: 

    This series was one of my favorite children series I ever read. I read this series with my mom when I was really young and to this day, I still love it. Literally right after we finished this series, I searched the house for Tumtum and Nutmeg. I used to be jealous of Arthur and Lucy, because they had Tumtum and Nutmeg. ( Now, if I ever saw Tumtum or Nutmeg, I will scream! This actually happened unfortunately. There was a mouse in my room, and I was terrified. I did not sleep in my room for a whole week after the mouse.) 

    Back to the book now! ( I digress a lot.) This was such a fun adventurous book to read, especially at a young age. I remember being extremely entertained, and constantly wanting to read the book over and over. Tumtum and Nutmeg made me fall in love with reading. I loved the feeling this book created. 

Summary:

   "Deep inside the broom cupboard of Rose Cottage, two mice live in great style. Tumtum and Nutmeg lead cozy ad quiet lives, secretly looking after Arthur and Lucy, the disheveled human children of the cottage, never dreaming that so many exciting adventures will soon find them. But when evil Aunt Ivy, a squeamish schoolteacher named Miss Short, and pirating pond rats threaten the safety of those they hold dear, the courageous pair will stop at nothing to save the day. In three thrilling tales with charming illustration in every chapter, Tumtum and Nutmeg--along with the valiant efforts of veteran hero General Marchmouse, Ms. Tiptoe's bouncing ballerina army, and a team of caged gerbils--prove that small-size mice can have world-size hearts." 

                                                                        -Goodreads 

Review: 

     As I keep saying, this series is one of my favorite childhood tales, well other than Pippi Longstocking and Winnie the Pooh. These tales were very light-hearted, and charming. When I was younger, I was so engaged in this book, I wanted to keep reading until my eyelids were so heavy. The adventures Tumtum and Nutmeg went on, were so unique and original. The character and personality these two mice had, created such a fun and exciting environment. This book had everything. It had humor, adventure, character, fluidity, and so much more. I had so much fun when I read this book. I give it 5 stars because of how original the premise is, and how fun it was to read. 

After Reading: 

    I work at the YMCA with children, and whenever they ask me what to read next, I always say "Tumtum and Nutmeg". I mean, what's not to love? You have two very cute and charming mice that go on really fun adventures. I read this about 10-12 years ago, and I continue to remember how much I love reading this. I remember the nights my mom and I read this book together. I remember laughing at General Marchmouse, and Tumtum all the time. This is a book that lives on in your memory!

Advice: 

    I HIGHLY recommend reading this! Whether you read this book with your children, or by yourself, it is such a fun read no matter the age. There is something for everyone in this book; a little adventure, a little romance, and even some laugh at loud moments. 

Final Points:

    -Tumtum and Nutmeg is a really fun read for anyone. Their adventures together are really cute and funny. 

    -The story-lines are so original, and entertaining, you will never be bored. 

    -If you see a mouse in your house, maybe it's Tumtum and Nutmeg. (You never know...)

    -Go Read This Book!!!

    

Book Recommendation: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

So I read this book all the way back in 2014. About six years ago. That's crazy that time has passed so much since I read this book. 

Anyway, I originally read this book because I saw the movie and had a crush on Jaime Blackley. It was a small one, but I'm pretty sure anyone who saw this movie, had a small crush on Jaime. Raise your hand if you had a crush on him. *raises my hand as high as I can*

I decided to give this book a try, and I really liked it. I liked the story line, and I loved the ending! I don't know if it's just me (it usually is) but the ending was fantastic. The way Gayle Forman was able to create such a breathtaking ending, was incredible. 

Summary: If I Stay follows Mia, a gifted musician, with a family everyone longs for, and a boyfriend everyone wishes they had. Mia has to choose between following her dream of attending Julliard and becoming an accomplished cellist, or following her heart and staying with her family and the love of her life. Either way, there are positives and negatives with both choices. But then one morning, her entire life is turned around. Mia must answer the question that remains: Should I stay or should I go?  (anyone automatically think of the song by The Clash?)

Overall Review: 

This book is filled with everything from happiness, laughter, and love, to sorrow, tears, and loss. Forman is able to write a book filled with parallels to show readers that life has no opposite. There is no opposite for true love and life, because it is eternal. Forman writes such a breathtakingly beautiful story that has many readers and fans in tears. I loved the message she proves in this book, and the meaning behind life. 

Rating: I give this book 4.5 stars. I loved the characters, and the story Forman writes. It is just a masterpiece. I did not give it 5 stars because at some times I felt that the book had many memories strung together. Some of the memories just seemed kind of pointless to me. But still, I highly recommend this book, because this story touched my heart, and even today I think of this story. It leaves a lasting impact on you.