Book Review: Heart-Break You

                     "This seems to go on forever, but time for me seems to be at a standstill. It's like watching a slow-motion movie playing out in front of me and not knowing how to stop it." 

                    I could not put this book down! I read the whole book in one sitting, it is that good. Seriously!!! This picks right up from where we left off, almost like watching a movie scene play out. I love this book a lot more than the first installment, which is funny because I really liked the first one. The characters are just flawless, and the plot is spectacular! 

Summary: 

                    "Our story didn't exist, it was broken before it began. Kisses were covered with lies. Lies were covered with kisses. Hate turned into lust. And lust turned into fantasy. That's what we were, a fantasy. Nothing more, nothing less. Now it's time to move on. But how can you when your heart wants to say stuck in the fantasy? When even through all the lies and kisses, you still have lust?" 

Characters:

                    Theadora: I find myself loving Theadora more and more as time goes by. She is such a strong character with a personality to match; you can't help but love her. She goes through a lot more in this book than the last, and it definitely shapes her views on everyone. I love how she is able to love herself, and takes the time she needs to do that. She is a lot stronger than she was in the beginning, and she has a whole new respect for herself. 

                    Atlas: In the first review I wrote about this character, I didn't really like him. I felt like he was just an average character, nothing more. However, in this one, he stands out to me! He has such a great character arc, and we see him in a whole new light. He still has the same personality and attitude before, but we can see his growth and attempt at being who he wants to be, rather than who he should be. 

                    Secondary characters: These characters have a bigger role in this book than the last, and I love that. I was able to connect to all of them in a different way and perspective. The first book sort of had them there for just entertainment purpose, but in this book, they are there for plot and entertainment. They all help the story to be as good as it is. 

Plot:

                    Since this book takes place seconds after the first book, the plot continues from book one. It slowly progresses into a new plot, while still having parts and tidbits of the old plot. 

                    I loved the plot! I love how Theadora is her own boss now, and doesn't take sh*t from anyone, including Atlas. There are so many surprising moments, and emotional moments, you can't help but just get sucked in. The pace is pretty fast, but it's kind of a short book to me, so it works out. 

                    This novel seems to develop the characters a lot more. They all have a character arc at some point, which definately changes up the plot. However, the plot is still very suspenseful, and sometimes violent. 

                    Everything just comes together perfectly in a simple and concise way! I like that the author sticks to the characters, and remains true to them. She doesn't change a character, but rather makes them better. 

Rating:

                    I constantly changed my mind between a 4 or a 5, so I went right down the middle: 4.5 stars. This book is a rather quick read, but it keeps you on your feet at all times. There are so many great moments between characters, even the villainous ones. Overall, I really liked this book, and can't wait to see where the author goes in the future! 

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Book Review: Beautiful Criminal by M.N. Forgy

                                        "That's what every girl wants, right? That guy who is unruly and mean to the world. Yet, they treat that one girl as if she's special, like she's number one and if you come near her you'll face her man's wrath?" 

OK, before I even get into this review, can we just take a minute and appreciate this quote? I don't know how M.N. Forgy does it, but she literally put what almost every girl wants in these three sentences. (round of applause to her!) 

Now the review: This was actually a pretty fast read for me, maybe two to three hours. I saw some of the turns and predicted them, but the execution was good. It was a little too insta-love for me, but that could just be me, because I LOVE my build up. I liked the characters, but I feel like we didn't really get to know them on a really deep level. I need to be inside the character and their minds!

Summary: 

                                    "As the son of the infamous boss of the DeAngelo family, I have merciless duties expected of me. The public labels me a monster, a man without a soul, and one hated by many. They’re not wrong, and I’m not sorry for it. When my father orders me to marry a longtime enemy’s daughter to settle a score between our families, she did what any smart woman with a beating heart would do. She ran. So, I found her. She tries to negotiate for her freedom, but despite being inexplicably drawn to the deviant woman, I refuse her pitiful bribes with pleasure. I still have a job to do, and I’ll make her tell me her family’s secrets, turning a treacherous situation into a game of hatred. A code of silence will be broken. Lines will be crossed. I’ll promise her freedom to get the answers I need, but I’ll burn this city to the ground before I let her go."

Characters: 

     Kieran: Kieran is controlling, dangerous, possessive, and merciless. However, he is also caring and respectable. I like him. He is not my favorite character in this book, but I didn't really have any problems with him.

     Leona: Leona is innocent and oblivious  She seems to just be in the wrong spot at the wrong time. I like her, but not as much as I thought I would. She seems to be very obtuse and oblivious, when she shouldn't be. There are some scenes with her that are really bizarre and strange. I don't want to spoil things, so I won't tell you what happens, but those scenes just don't fit into the story. 

One thing I noticed while reading, was that the characters would be described one way, and then act a completely different way. That confused me a little, because the story then contradicts itself. I like the main protagonists, but I feel like I didn't connect with them. There wasn't really a personality for me to bond with. Some characters I instantly love, and others, it takes time. For me, in this book, I just didn't really bond with any of them. 

Plot:

    The plot has a ton of potential! There are some really good scenes that are executed quite well. Then, there are other scenes that really aren't necessary in this book. Those scenes don't help the plot nor the characters. 

    While the reading went fast, the book went pretty slow. I felt that the scenes were extremely long, but not very detailed. For example, there is a scene that seems pretty important and is about ten pages, but isn't detailed enough for me to delve into the characters and plot. 

    The storyline and idea of this book is really good! I like the idea of a mafia/mob story, but in order for it to work, there has to be a lot of mafia/mob. In this particular book, I thought that there wasn't and it took a backseat to the relationships and romance. Now don't get me wrong, I love romance! But, I also love my violence. 

    To me, there can only be so much change a person can have in a certain amount of time. I felt like this book was a little unrealistic in that department. People can change, but they cannot change in exactly two seconds. 

Rating: 

    I give this book 3 stars! I liked it and it has great potential. For me, I just couldn't connect with the characters that much. I don't know if it's because I'm not in the mafia/mob or what, but I just couldn't. I like the overall story, and it has some good twists. I did think that this book would have more violence than it did, which changed my opinion a little. However, this book is a great read, and I recommend it to anyone who is interested!!!

I received an ARC 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: 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. 

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!!!

    

Series Recommendation: The Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Lux series is one of my favorite young adult series I have read so far. The characters are very well written, so much so, that I feel like they are real living humans. Unfortunately, they are just characters. 

But can you imagine if these characters are actually alive? Wouldn't that would be cool? I mean, what would really happen? Also, does that mean that there are aliens on Earth? Really hot aliens???

If there is, where do I sign up? 

Back to the book series... 

Summary: 

    The series starts off with the first book: Obsidian. Our h, or protagonist, moves to West Virginia with her mom. Katy (our h) eventually meets her neighbors, the Black family. She hits it off immediately with Dee, but not Daemon, Dee's brother. Katy sees Daemon as hot, arrogant, and infuriating. But when Daemon literally stops time to save Katy's life, she realizes they are not humans. She learns that they are called Luxen, and they have the ability to bend and wield light. In order to survive, Katy needs to stick to Daemon, much to her dismay. Not only does Katy need to worry about Daemon's arrogance, but the Luxen's enemy: the Arum as well. 

Review: 

    Let me just start off by saying how much I love Daemon. I mean he is literally one of my book boyfriends. He is everything I need and want; protective, Alpha, hilarious, caring, loyal, and so much more.

     I love the relationship between Daemon and Katy. There is so much depth and character in this couple, which is why it is one of my favorites. Daemon is very egotistical, but Katy is always there to keep him in check. Those scenes are so funny, I vividly remember myself laughing out loud. 

    Armentrout created these characters in such a realistic and relatable way, that I constantly found myself wondering if I am similar to Katy, or Dee. The answer to that question is yes and no. I feel like Katy sometimes, and then at other times I feel like Dee. 

    The supernatural/fantasy/paranormal aspect plays a big role in this book, which is one thing I really like. I feel that a fantasy/paranormal book should have a lot of action, and not just fight scenes. I do not like the monotonous feel of fighting scenes, I need other action scenes. This book has this. The supernatural aspect is an important part. I mean, one of our main characters is an an alien, so obviously there is supernatural beings. There is also romance in this book too, but it meshes very well with the supernatural part. 

    Overall, I loved this series. It is such a good read, and a quick one. This series keeps you on edge, and constantly has you guessing. I love the feeling of time traveling within books, and this series I felt like I was time traveling the whole time. 

Why Recommend: 

    Other than the fact that there are hot alien characters, this book has depth and character. It creates a new world within a world. In other words, this book has a world (the supernatural one), within the real world (Earth/humans). The personalities of these characters add to the story, making this series even more unique. One thing I loved was that this series is completely unique and original. There are some parts that other fantasy/paranormal books have, like the characters, but the situations and actions within this series are very different. I loved this book, and highly recommend this to you. 

If you love swoon worthy boys, a kick ass heroin, and a spectacular rad, then definitely PICK THIS BOOK UP.