Book Review – Tumble by Adriana Locke

Synopsis
After being burned by her dream job in New York City, sports journalist Neely Kimber suddenly finds herself jobless and paying a long-overdue visit to her hometown in Tennessee. Her plan? Relax, reset, and head back up the corporate ladder. There’s just one unexpected step. Neely’s back in Dogwood Lane for barely a day when she sees the man she ran from nine years ago: the bad boy next door who was her first kiss, her first love, and her first heartbreak.

Devoted single dad Dane Madden knows he hurt Neely in the worst way. He’s got a lot to make up for. And as passionate as their reconnection is, it’s a lot to hope for. Having her back in his arms feels so right. But falling in love all over again with a woman who wants to live a world away is bound to go so wrong.

What’s it going to take for Neely to give him—and Dogwood Lane—just one more chance?

 

My Review
3 out of 5 stars

This was a second chance romance, which I usually really love, but I’m torn on how I feel about this book. I really liked the setting of Dogwood Lane. It gave a really nice, comfortable small-town feel which is something that I like to have in a story. Honestly I didn’t really care for any of the characters except for Mia. I mean… the circumstances of her conception wasn’t her fault and she’s a pretty great kid. I just couldn’t fully root for Dane and Neely. I’m not okay with the fact that Dane broke up with Neely just so she could go off to New York and be whoever/whatever she wanted to be, ultimately making that decision for her. I’m also not okay with all of the back and forth that Neely was doing once she returned to Dogwood Lane. If you don’t want to get caught up with your ex and feel all those old feelings, then fine. Great. Good for you. Neely stayed firm for a bit but then she started all of this back and forth which drove me absolutely crazy. She knew it was going to hurt, yet she just kept spending more time with Dane and Mia, knowing how it was going to end, and ultimately hurting them when she did in fact leave. It just didn’t sit well with me. I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to read the next book in this series. The next book features Haley, a secondary character in this story, and I wasn’t all that fond of her character either. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see. *I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Review – A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas

Synopsis
Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s manoeuvrings 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 among the dazzling and lethal High Lords – and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

 

My Review
5 out of 5 stars

I’m going to keep this review fairly short and simple to avoid spoilers. I’m sure the majority of people have read this book by now, but even still…for those out there like me that haven’t picked up this series for whatever reason, I don’t want to spoil anything. Oh, my heart. Never in a million years would I have believed I would come to love this series as much as I do. If someone told me this would be my number 3 top favorite series ever…I’d have laughed in their face. These characters made their way into my heart though and will have a place in there forever. I know there is a novella after this book, but I’m not ready to read it yet. I don’t want this series to be over for good. Not yet anyway. I’m going to let this book linger with me for a while before I pick up ACOFAS. There were so many twists during this book that I didn’t see coming at all. The pacing was a little slow at first, but once everything started coming together and everyone was preparing for the final battle, I was glued to the story and did not put the book down until I finished it. My heart was racing, my skin tingled and shivered with all of the plot twists, my mouth was hanging open in shock, and I even cried a few times. I am so SO glad that I took a chance on this series. I won’t ever forget these books or these characters. ❤ Feyre. Rhysand. Cassian. Nesta. Azriel. Mor. Amren. Elain. Lucian. ❤

Book Review – A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas

Synopsis
Feyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

 

My Review
5 out of 5 stars

For as much as I loved ACOTAR, I loved this book even more! It was absolutely amazing. I was intimidated by the size of this book, but the story had me hooked so quickly that I just couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

I was Team Tamlin for ACTOAR, but not anymore. I didn’t think it would be possible for me to hate him as much as I did during this book. I also didn’t expect for Rhysand to soar to the top of my book boyfriend list. Rhysand = BAE. ❤

The slow burn, steady build of the connection between Feyre and Rhysand was everything! When they finally came together it was perfect.

I loved meeting the members of the Inner Circle. Mor, Cassian, Azriel, and Amren. I love them all so much and enjoyed getting to know them during this book. I also loved the Night Court and Velaris. The writing in this book was so descriptive and imaginative that I was able to picture how it would look.

Just as my heart was being ripped apart by the ending, that little twist left me with shivers and put my heart back together again.

I cannot wait to read the next book!

Book Review – A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

Synopsis
Feyre’s survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price …

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre’s presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.

 

My Review
5 out of 5 stars

Oh, what have I done? I’ve gotten myself sucked into another fictional world that I will devour my way through all too quickly. I fell for the characters in this book so hard! I knew within the first few chapters that I was going to be hooked on this series and these characters. I’ve been avoiding this series for a long time since I didn’t really care for the other popular series by this author. I also don’t seem to have very much luck with overly hyped books. Most of them that I try out, I end up not liking. But on the recommendation of a fellow bookstagrammer, I took the plunge and decided to give this book a chance, fully expecting to hate it. Wow. Just wow. I’m so glad I decided to give this series a chance. I enjoyed getting to know the faerie characters and learning about Prythian and the world that these faeries live in. I absolutely loved Feyre, Tamlin, and Lucian. I could read about them forever. My heart was racing as I got closer to the end of the book. Since this series is so well loved and talked about all over social media, I know that people talk about Feyre and Rhysand and how much they love the two of them together. I don’t know what’s to come in the next two books in this series, but I stand firm as #TeamTamlin. I really hope this series doesn’t break my heart! I can’t wait to read the next book and hopefully meet some more characters.

Bookish Blog Hop – Auto Buy Authors

Today I’m taking part in the Summer Hop over at the Bookish Blog Hops Facebook group. Be sure to join if you’d like to take part in future hops.

Today’s topic is auto buy authors. 

My auto buy authors are Colleen Hoover, Tarryn Fisher, Rick Riordan, RC Boldt, and Kandi Steiner. They are at the top of my very favorite authors list and I always buy everything they release as soon as I can.

Let’s see who is an auto buy author for everyone else.

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Views She Writes https://viewsshewrites.wordpress.com

I don’t auto buy books at all (you never know when the credit limit maxes out 😉 ) I prefer to check out books from library. Lesser carbon footprints that way.

 

Eline https://lovelyaudiobooks.info

No, this isn’t a thing for me. I’m super fickle and not all that loyal to any author. Just because I liked one series by an author, doesn’t mean I’m interested in their other books. I “auto-bought” new books in my favorite series. But no more than that.

 

Brandy Potter www.brandypotterbooks.com

So I have auto-read authors. Heather Graham, Nora Roberts, Ted Dekker but I don’t buy all of their books. Especially Nora, if I did, I would have to have a room just for her books. Heather I don’t buy the short story books and I haven’t bought any other series but Krewe of Hunters. I have two or three Ted Dekker books but some get too preachy for me.

 

Jo Linsdell www.JoLinsdell.com

My auto buy authors are Sophie Kinsella, Ethan Cross, Jojo Moyes, and Susan Hatler. I’ve loved every book I’ve read by these authors and so know there is a very high chance I’ll enjoy whatever book I find by them. I feel like Dean Koontz should be on my list too as I’ve read, and own, a lot of his books. Not all have been amazing 5 star reads but I they are always worth reading.

 

Valerie, Cats Luv Coffee www.catsluvcoffeez.blogspot.com

I definitely have auto-read authors like Hailey Edwards, Katie Epstein, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, and Seanan McGuire. Interesting enough, the only auto-BUY author I have is Mira Grant, which is actually a pen name for Seanan McGuire. While Seanan McGuire does urban fantasy, Mira Grant’s are usually horrorish with a big dose of sci-fi reality.

 

Leslie Conzatti www.upstreamwriter.blogspot.com

Given the proper amount of funds, there are several authors I would not hesitate to purchase on sight! (I would also grab them off the library shelf at first glance!) 

Authors such as David Baldacci, Cornelia Funke, Mark Lawrence, Shannon Hale, Marissa Meyer, Markus Zusak, Maggie Stiefvater, Brandon Sanderson, Carole and John Barrowman, Agatha Christie, Isaac Asimov, Naomi Novik… And that’s just the mainstream published authors… 

As far as indie authors, I have several there as well–the moment they announce a book, it goes on my “To Be Acquired At The Next Opportunity” list! Authors such as Kelly Blanchard, Jeffrey Cook, R. R. Virdi, Kimberly Rogers, Pauline Creeden, Nils Visser, J. E. Mueller, E. A. Copen, Patricia Loofbourrow–I may have read more from some of these than others, but it’s enough to trust that any book with their names on the cover is going to be a grand time!

 

Kim J www.writersideoflife.com 

Take my money! I’d buy anything by J K Rowling (or Robert Galbraith), Daphne du Maurier, Connie Willis and Diana Gabaldon. These authors can do no wrong in my opinion. 

Another couple of favourites are Kristin Hannah and Kate Atkinson, although I wouldn’t necessarily buy any new book without investigating thoroughly first. Hannah’s Firefly Lane was nowhere near as good as The Great Alone.

 

Book Review – Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson

Synopsis
Amy Whey is proud of her ordinary life and the simple pleasures that come with it—teaching diving lessons, baking cookies for new neighbors, helping her best friend, Charlotte, run their local book club. Her greatest joy is her family: her devoted professor husband, her spirited fifteen-year-old stepdaughter, her adorable infant son. And, of course, the steadfast and supportive Charlotte. But Amy’s sweet, uncomplicated life begins to unravel when the mysterious and alluring Angelica Roux arrives on her doorstep one book club night.

Sultry and magnetic, Roux beguiles the group with her feral charm. She keeps the wine flowing and lures them into a game of spilling secrets. Everyone thinks it’s naughty, harmless fun. Only Amy knows better. Something wicked has come her way—a she-devil in a pricey red sports car who seems to know the terrible truth about who she is and what she once did.

When they’re alone, Roux tells her that if she doesn’t give her what she asks for, what she deserves, she’s going to make Amy pay for her sins. One way or another.

To protect herself and her family and save the life she’s built, Amy must beat the devil at her own clever game, matching wits with Roux in an escalating war of hidden pasts and unearthed secrets. Amy knows the consequences if she can’t beat Roux. What terrifies her is everything she could lose if she wins.

 

My Review
3 out of 5 stars

Once I really started getting into this book, I was able to finish it pretty quickly. I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns this book had. Just when I thought I had something figured out or I thought I knew what was going to happen, something would change and I would be back to guessing again. The author did an amazing job of making me hate Roux. I was rooting for Amy to be rid of her once and for all.

I’ll admit I was expecting a different outcome for the ending. I thought things were going to go in a different direction. That just goes to show how much this book kept me on my toes the entire time and I really enjoyed that.

As for what I didn’t like about this book, I felt that there were times when way too much detail was given to things that didn’t matter just to fill pages. I skimmed a couple times to get past those parts.

 

Book Review – The Rumor by Lesley Kara

Synopsis
A single mom discovers just how deadly gossip can be in this irresistible debut thriller inspired by a sensational true crime story, for fans of Big Little Lies, The Couple Next Door, and The Widow.

Joanna is desperate to ingratiate herself with a popular clique of mothers at her son’s new school. But when she tries to impress them by repeating a rumor she overheard at the school gates, there’s no going back. . . .

Rumor has it that a notorious killer, a woman who has been released from prison years after her brutal crime, is living under a new identity in Joanna’s seaside town. So who is the supposedly reformed murderer now living in their neighborhood? Suspicion falls on everyone.

Joanna becomes obsessed with the case, pawing through decades-old records in an attempt to name the killer. But her curiosity not only ostracizes her from the community, but exposes her son and his father to a heartless psychopath who has killed–and may kill again.

How dangerous can one rumor become? And now far will Joanna go to protect those she loves from harm, when she realizes what she’s unleashed?

Joanna is going to regret the day she ever said a word. . . .

 

My Review
3 out of 5 stars

This book is super hyped right now and I have a serious case of FOMO, so I grabbed this book at the first opportunity. I enjoyed the second half of this book much more than I did the first half. During the first half of this book, I seriously considered DNFing it several times. I know a lot of people love this book though, so I forced myself to continue, hoping it would get better. During the first half of the book, we were introduced to so many characters I started to have a hard time remembering who was who. Even now, after I’ve finished the book, they all just seemed to blend together. No one, apart from Joanna and her family, really stood out to me. I also kept wondering if this book was set in the US or in the UK. Some of the phrases used in the story made that difficult to decide. There were places in the US that were mentioned, but the way things were worded made it feel like it was set in the UK. I was frequently distracted and pulled out of the story because of that. The second half of the book is where things were starting to come together. The suspense was building and I was desperate to know who Sally McGowan really was. I suspected a couple different people, but the reveal absolutely blew my mind! I was not expecting that at all. I give huge props for that twist because it blindsided me. All in all, this was just an okay book to me. My frustrations with the beginning of the book took away some of my enjoyment from the second half