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**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Where You Are is the first book in the New Adult, Together series. It starts out with a group of friends with various guy problems, and one girl that seems to have all the answers to how guys tick. I thought it was really interesting to see what the heck was going on with Laney. Sure, she does have no problem wrapping guys around her fingers, but she is also not interested in any of them. All we know is that it has to do something with a guy in her past, but the real heart of the story for me was figuring out just what happened between her and that guy. I was really pleased when we finally got to the bottom of that story. Where You Are turned out to be a satisfying new adult read. There were a ton of ups and downs throughout the book and a whole lot going on, but the overall story was really good!
Laney is so not interested in college guys- or any guys in general. But when her friend gets burned by a total womanizing play boy, Laney allows her friend into talking her into getting revenge. The concept was ok for me, but then Laney's mysterious ex Lachlan comes back in the picture and Laney just keeps running away from. It made me all the more curious to see what their deal was. I went back and forth on the guys a little bit. Not much, but Laney really did seem to cause a transformation in playboy Aiden. He had real moments of sweetness.
The story was totally crazy. So much is going on at all times. It kind of reminded me of John Tucker Must Die and what was funny was that when the girls were plotting their revenge on Aiden, they actually watched the video. It made me chuckle. I never guessed Laney and Lachlan's secret so that kept me on my toes as well. I am certainly interested in continuing the Together series. I didn't love the revenge plot so much, but in the end everything worked out well and I was pleased with the book. My favorite part was how deeply we got to know Laney. I felt like this was a great growth opportunity for her and watching her be ok with her past was really wonderful. This was my first book by Alla Kar, but it will not be my last. I can't wait to continue this series and to check out some of her other books. She writes a great romance.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Where You Are is the first book in the New Adult, Together series. It starts out with a group of friends with various guy problems, and one girl that seems to have all the answers to how guys tick. I thought it was really interesting to see what the heck was going on with Laney. Sure, she does have no problem wrapping guys around her fingers, but she is also not interested in any of them. All we know is that it has to do something with a guy in her past, but the real heart of the story for me was figuring out just what happened between her and that guy. I was really pleased when we finally got to the bottom of that story. Where You Are turned out to be a satisfying new adult read. There were a ton of ups and downs throughout the book and a whole lot going on, but the overall story was really good!
Laney is so not interested in college guys- or any guys in general. But when her friend gets burned by a total womanizing play boy, Laney allows her friend into talking her into getting revenge. The concept was ok for me, but then Laney's mysterious ex Lachlan comes back in the picture and Laney just keeps running away from. It made me all the more curious to see what their deal was. I went back and forth on the guys a little bit. Not much, but Laney really did seem to cause a transformation in playboy Aiden. He had real moments of sweetness.
The story was totally crazy. So much is going on at all times. It kind of reminded me of John Tucker Must Die and what was funny was that when the girls were plotting their revenge on Aiden, they actually watched the video. It made me chuckle. I never guessed Laney and Lachlan's secret so that kept me on my toes as well. I am certainly interested in continuing the Together series. I didn't love the revenge plot so much, but in the end everything worked out well and I was pleased with the book. My favorite part was how deeply we got to know Laney. I felt like this was a great growth opportunity for her and watching her be ok with her past was really wonderful. This was my first book by Alla Kar, but it will not be my last. I can't wait to continue this series and to check out some of her other books. She writes a great romance.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
I have heard such amazing things about Layla Hagen's Lost series that I just had to jump at the chance to review the second installment. Each book is a complete standalone, and after discovering the romance and heat in Jessica and Parker's story, I know I have to read the first book as well. I am sure that I will love Serena and James just as much as Jessica and Parker. And fans of the first book, will love Found in Us just as much, if not more. The author allows us to check in with Serena and James. I loved how she included them in the story.
Jessica and Parker are really very similar in a lot of ways. The interesting thing was that their pasts, although very similar pushed them to become two completely different people in their presents. Jessica is out of control and spontaneous and Parker is so controlled and orderly. I loved how Layla took trust issues and manifested them on opposite ends of the spectrum. It led for a super interesting couple. Found in Us is told in dual narrative between the two of them, which is my very favorite story telling method for new adult contemporaries. It allowed us to get to know each of them through their own eyes as well as through each others.
Layla Hagen knows how to tell a romance, that is for sure. She doesn't add drama in just for the sake of it. Everything in her story is so natural and real. I loved that about Found in Us. Yes, there are roadblocks and hurdles for Jessica and Parker to overcome, but nothing felt forced or overdone. I could easily see this as a relationship progression for people I know. It made me want to befriend both of them. I loved how they balanced each other out and how they each wanted to help the other rise above their shadows in their past. Found in Us is just as steamy as it is satisfying. This was a feel good read for me that I really loved. Bring on the rest of the series! I am buying Lost in Us as soon as I finish this review!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
I have heard such amazing things about Layla Hagen's Lost series that I just had to jump at the chance to review the second installment. Each book is a complete standalone, and after discovering the romance and heat in Jessica and Parker's story, I know I have to read the first book as well. I am sure that I will love Serena and James just as much as Jessica and Parker. And fans of the first book, will love Found in Us just as much, if not more. The author allows us to check in with Serena and James. I loved how she included them in the story.
Jessica and Parker are really very similar in a lot of ways. The interesting thing was that their pasts, although very similar pushed them to become two completely different people in their presents. Jessica is out of control and spontaneous and Parker is so controlled and orderly. I loved how Layla took trust issues and manifested them on opposite ends of the spectrum. It led for a super interesting couple. Found in Us is told in dual narrative between the two of them, which is my very favorite story telling method for new adult contemporaries. It allowed us to get to know each of them through their own eyes as well as through each others.
Layla Hagen knows how to tell a romance, that is for sure. She doesn't add drama in just for the sake of it. Everything in her story is so natural and real. I loved that about Found in Us. Yes, there are roadblocks and hurdles for Jessica and Parker to overcome, but nothing felt forced or overdone. I could easily see this as a relationship progression for people I know. It made me want to befriend both of them. I loved how they balanced each other out and how they each wanted to help the other rise above their shadows in their past. Found in Us is just as steamy as it is satisfying. This was a feel good read for me that I really loved. Bring on the rest of the series! I am buying Lost in Us as soon as I finish this review!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
My Soon-To-Be Sex life was flippin' hilarious! I was totally digging Judith's writing style. It is not always easy to make writing funny look so natural. And that is how this book felt- naturally fun and funny. I would recommend this book to all lovers of young adult. I know I recently reviewed a book called Virgin and it too was focused on losing virginity, but this book was completely different. This one is appropriate for older teens, and the character is very age appropriate. There are also many, many other things going on in the story line than just her soon-to-be sex life.
Charlie wants to be a screenwriter, so peppered throughout the book are outtakes from her past experiences with guys. It was beyond funny and adorable. I loved how Judith Tewes incorporated those into the story. But there is also so much heart in Charlie. And depth in this story. Through the story line with Charlie's mom and especially with her grandfather. A few times the scenes with her grandpa made me tear up, which I was not expecting at all!
The romance is just as sweet and great as I expected it to be. I enjoyed Eric a lot, but Charlie completely stole the show for me. Charlie's friend was also funny, but I saw her as much more secondary to Charlie Eric and grandpa Monty. My Soon-To-Be Sex life takes you on a journey that you will not be able to predict from the first page of the story. I was pleasantly surprised by each of the twists and turns. A couple of times I was worried by a downturn that the twists would take but rest assured that this a feel good read. Judith Tewes has earned a reader in me. I love her writing style and I am very impressed by her ability to write humor. I laughed out loud more times than I can count while reading, and my smile was creepily big at more than one time. My Soon-To-Be Sex life is not to be missed. Fun times guaranteed.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
My Soon-To-Be Sex life was flippin' hilarious! I was totally digging Judith's writing style. It is not always easy to make writing funny look so natural. And that is how this book felt- naturally fun and funny. I would recommend this book to all lovers of young adult. I know I recently reviewed a book called Virgin and it too was focused on losing virginity, but this book was completely different. This one is appropriate for older teens, and the character is very age appropriate. There are also many, many other things going on in the story line than just her soon-to-be sex life.
Charlie wants to be a screenwriter, so peppered throughout the book are outtakes from her past experiences with guys. It was beyond funny and adorable. I loved how Judith Tewes incorporated those into the story. But there is also so much heart in Charlie. And depth in this story. Through the story line with Charlie's mom and especially with her grandfather. A few times the scenes with her grandpa made me tear up, which I was not expecting at all!
The romance is just as sweet and great as I expected it to be. I enjoyed Eric a lot, but Charlie completely stole the show for me. Charlie's friend was also funny, but I saw her as much more secondary to Charlie Eric and grandpa Monty. My Soon-To-Be Sex life takes you on a journey that you will not be able to predict from the first page of the story. I was pleasantly surprised by each of the twists and turns. A couple of times I was worried by a downturn that the twists would take but rest assured that this a feel good read. Judith Tewes has earned a reader in me. I love her writing style and I am very impressed by her ability to write humor. I laughed out loud more times than I can count while reading, and my smile was creepily big at more than one time. My Soon-To-Be Sex life is not to be missed. Fun times guaranteed.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
The Sting of Summer was refreshing for me in so many ways. I loved all of the different themes and concepts that the author incorporated into the book. There was not only romance, but also the theme of expectations came up a couple of times. It was unexpected for me, but it was also kind of my favorite part of the book. The main character, Becca, dealt with various people not living up to her expectations- her lifelong crush, her sister, her mom. And each of these people had their own subplot that was resolved throughout the story in different ways. If you are looking for a sweet summer romance with a little extra, The Sting of Summer is the book for you!
Becca is seventeen and every summer she helps out with her families wedding and event planning business. It was kind of interesting to get a birds eye view of a small homerun business from the "inside". We saw some of the difficulties and stresses that running a business can put on a family. I loved Becca and her best friend Andie. They had a great dynamic going on. At the start of summer, Becca finally gets noticed by her long time crush, Seth and she starts hanging out with him. I thought I knew where this book was headed from the start, and I was perfectly fine for that. But Katherine Over completely took me by surprise.
It seems like right when Becca finally got what she wanted, she thought she would be done and happy, but it was only the start of her decisions. Becca was a great character. She is sweet and smart, and not overly whiny. Let's give a big woot woot! for that. And this girl had some legitimate things to complain about, but all of her stresses and worries were completely appropriate and never over the top. She held it together remarkably well. As I was reading The Sting of Summer, I found myself not only rooting for Becca and a certain someone to get together, but also for the big notorious Johnson wedding to go smoothly. Plus I wanted to find out what was going on with her sister and I wanted her family problems to get resolved. I love when I go into a book expecting one thing and I get that thing and so much more. That is what I got with The Sting of Summer. So much more.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
The Sting of Summer was refreshing for me in so many ways. I loved all of the different themes and concepts that the author incorporated into the book. There was not only romance, but also the theme of expectations came up a couple of times. It was unexpected for me, but it was also kind of my favorite part of the book. The main character, Becca, dealt with various people not living up to her expectations- her lifelong crush, her sister, her mom. And each of these people had their own subplot that was resolved throughout the story in different ways. If you are looking for a sweet summer romance with a little extra, The Sting of Summer is the book for you!
Becca is seventeen and every summer she helps out with her families wedding and event planning business. It was kind of interesting to get a birds eye view of a small homerun business from the "inside". We saw some of the difficulties and stresses that running a business can put on a family. I loved Becca and her best friend Andie. They had a great dynamic going on. At the start of summer, Becca finally gets noticed by her long time crush, Seth and she starts hanging out with him. I thought I knew where this book was headed from the start, and I was perfectly fine for that. But Katherine Over completely took me by surprise.
It seems like right when Becca finally got what she wanted, she thought she would be done and happy, but it was only the start of her decisions. Becca was a great character. She is sweet and smart, and not overly whiny. Let's give a big woot woot! for that. And this girl had some legitimate things to complain about, but all of her stresses and worries were completely appropriate and never over the top. She held it together remarkably well. As I was reading The Sting of Summer, I found myself not only rooting for Becca and a certain someone to get together, but also for the big notorious Johnson wedding to go smoothly. Plus I wanted to find out what was going on with her sister and I wanted her family problems to get resolved. I love when I go into a book expecting one thing and I get that thing and so much more. That is what I got with The Sting of Summer. So much more.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
I have a secret. As much as I love fluffy and sexy romances, I have a secret darker love- horror. And I have a second secret, even though I love horror so much, I have a tendency to actually get really scared when horror is done well. I know that is the point of horror, but I mean I can read a horror book alone at night in my room or I will have nightmares all night. But I still can't get enough, and Amity was creepy to the extreme! Fans of horror will love the fantastically creepy writing in Amity.
Amity is about the Amityville horror house. I have seen a couple of movies about the house and I know a little bit about house, so when I saw the book I knew what I was signing up for. Amity does not offer happy times for the families that live there become hers. Amity is told from the point of view of two different families that live there. First there is Conner and his family, and then 10 years down the road there is Gwen and her family. Conner and Gwen are not going to be your typical "I could see this person as my best friend." At least I hope not (with Conner Especially.) Amity is dark and dangerous and she grabs hold of the people that live in her and she twists and turns them into a much darker and aggressive version of themselves.
It was interesting seeing how each character had a different connection with Amity. Conner seemed more and more twisted on each page and by each day. Gwen was a little different. She has a connection to the spiritual and seeing her in Amity was more heartbreaking in a way. Even though I knew this was not going to be a nice happily ever after for everyone in the story, I was still super nervous especially with the sibling dynamics and with the dog. I also wanted a little more backstory on Gwen and Conner from before they came to live at Amity. We are given bits and pieces but by and large we are just left to fill in the gaps. The point of the story was their time at Amity so it wasn't essential that we know more, but I think it would have added to the story.
The most impressive part about the story, was the life that Micol Ostow was able to breathe into the house herself. Amity felt like a real living, breathing entity. She felt like another character in the story, and it was both creepy and impressive the way I could feel the house come to life off the pages.
The writing in Amity is perfect for a horror novel. It was jarring and disturbing and super creepy. More than a few times, the book actually gave me chills. Micol Ostow did a fantastic job writing horror. And I have read and loved multiple of her young adult romantic comedy books. Amity did not flow like a typical contemporary novel and normally all the changes in pacing and styles would leave me with my head spinning, but in this book it just added to the spooky and disturbing feel of the story. None of the characters were able to get their bearings in Amity and the writing only added to that. If you are a fan of horror, Amity will give you chills galore. I dare you not to get scared.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
I have a secret. As much as I love fluffy and sexy romances, I have a secret darker love- horror. And I have a second secret, even though I love horror so much, I have a tendency to actually get really scared when horror is done well. I know that is the point of horror, but I mean I can read a horror book alone at night in my room or I will have nightmares all night. But I still can't get enough, and Amity was creepy to the extreme! Fans of horror will love the fantastically creepy writing in Amity.
Amity is about the Amityville horror house. I have seen a couple of movies about the house and I know a little bit about house, so when I saw the book I knew what I was signing up for. Amity does not offer happy times for the families that live there become hers. Amity is told from the point of view of two different families that live there. First there is Conner and his family, and then 10 years down the road there is Gwen and her family. Conner and Gwen are not going to be your typical "I could see this person as my best friend." At least I hope not (with Conner Especially.) Amity is dark and dangerous and she grabs hold of the people that live in her and she twists and turns them into a much darker and aggressive version of themselves.
It was interesting seeing how each character had a different connection with Amity. Conner seemed more and more twisted on each page and by each day. Gwen was a little different. She has a connection to the spiritual and seeing her in Amity was more heartbreaking in a way. Even though I knew this was not going to be a nice happily ever after for everyone in the story, I was still super nervous especially with the sibling dynamics and with the dog. I also wanted a little more backstory on Gwen and Conner from before they came to live at Amity. We are given bits and pieces but by and large we are just left to fill in the gaps. The point of the story was their time at Amity so it wasn't essential that we know more, but I think it would have added to the story.
The most impressive part about the story, was the life that Micol Ostow was able to breathe into the house herself. Amity felt like a real living, breathing entity. She felt like another character in the story, and it was both creepy and impressive the way I could feel the house come to life off the pages.
The writing in Amity is perfect for a horror novel. It was jarring and disturbing and super creepy. More than a few times, the book actually gave me chills. Micol Ostow did a fantastic job writing horror. And I have read and loved multiple of her young adult romantic comedy books. Amity did not flow like a typical contemporary novel and normally all the changes in pacing and styles would leave me with my head spinning, but in this book it just added to the spooky and disturbing feel of the story. None of the characters were able to get their bearings in Amity and the writing only added to that. If you are a fan of horror, Amity will give you chills galore. I dare you not to get scared.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
This review is for volumes 1 and 2 of the New Adult Serial Romance- Indiscretion. I have had some meh experiences with novellas and short stories lately. I kept picking up shorts that were not well developed, utterly rushed and just weren't grabbing my attention. But I just needed the fabulous Elisabeth Grace to restore my faith in the novella. And Serial novellas are my favorite kind of short story. I am absolutely LOVING Indiscretion. I just got my copy of volume 3 yesterday and I am already itching to put aside my current book to read it.
The chemistry between Chloe and Max sizzles and jumps off the page. I know the deal between them is no strings attached and just something casual, but the way they are around each other is surprisingly tender and beyond wonderful. I am always so blown away with what Elisabeth Grace is able to do with her characters. And what she is able to do in just 70 or so pages in incredible! I blew through the first two volumes of Indiscretion so quickly, and they each left me wanting more, more MORE! The cliffhanger at the end of the first volume was so surprising too. I did not see that coming.
Indiscretion is about so much more than two people hooking up. The back story for both Max and Chloe is well developed, deep and complex. I can't wait to find out more about Max and his relationship with his father in the next volume. And the humdinger that Ms. Grace left for us at the end of Volume 2 just about had me screaming. Elisabeth Grace knows how to write great characters and great chemistry. Whether she has a full novel to do it or in shorter installments, you always know you are going to get a great read. Indiscretion is fantastic and so is Elisabeth Grace. She is on my short list for go to romance authors. One of my favorites.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
This review is for volumes 1 and 2 of the New Adult Serial Romance- Indiscretion. I have had some meh experiences with novellas and short stories lately. I kept picking up shorts that were not well developed, utterly rushed and just weren't grabbing my attention. But I just needed the fabulous Elisabeth Grace to restore my faith in the novella. And Serial novellas are my favorite kind of short story. I am absolutely LOVING Indiscretion. I just got my copy of volume 3 yesterday and I am already itching to put aside my current book to read it.
The chemistry between Chloe and Max sizzles and jumps off the page. I know the deal between them is no strings attached and just something casual, but the way they are around each other is surprisingly tender and beyond wonderful. I am always so blown away with what Elisabeth Grace is able to do with her characters. And what she is able to do in just 70 or so pages in incredible! I blew through the first two volumes of Indiscretion so quickly, and they each left me wanting more, more MORE! The cliffhanger at the end of the first volume was so surprising too. I did not see that coming.
Indiscretion is about so much more than two people hooking up. The back story for both Max and Chloe is well developed, deep and complex. I can't wait to find out more about Max and his relationship with his father in the next volume. And the humdinger that Ms. Grace left for us at the end of Volume 2 just about had me screaming. Elisabeth Grace knows how to write great characters and great chemistry. Whether she has a full novel to do it or in shorter installments, you always know you are going to get a great read. Indiscretion is fantastic and so is Elisabeth Grace. She is on my short list for go to romance authors. One of my favorites.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
This review is for volumes 1 and 2 of the New Adult Serial Romance- Indiscretion. I have had some meh experiences with novellas and short stories lately. I kept picking up shorts that were not well developed, utterly rushed and just weren't grabbing my attention. But I just needed the fabulous Elisabeth Grace to restore my faith in the novella. And Serial novellas are my favorite kind of short story. I am absolutely LOVING Indiscretion. I just got my copy of volume 3 yesterday and I am already itching to put aside my current book to read it.
The chemistry between Chloe and Max sizzles and jumps off the page. I know the deal between them is no strings attached and just something casual, but the way they are around each other is surprisingly tender and beyond wonderful. I am always so blown away with what Elisabeth Grace is able to do with her characters. And what she is able to do in just 70 or so pages in incredible! I blew through the first two volumes of Indiscretion so quickly, and they each left me wanting more, more MORE! The cliffhanger at the end of the first volume was so surprising too. I did not see that coming.
Indiscretion is about so much more than two people hooking up. The back story for both Max and Chloe is well developed, deep and complex. I can't wait to find out more about Max and his relationship with his father in the next volume. And the humdinger that Ms. Grace left for us at the end of Volume 2 just about had me screaming. Elisabeth Grace knows how to write great characters and great chemistry. Whether she has a full novel to do it or in shorter installments, you always know you are going to get a great read. Indiscretion is fantastic and so is Elisabeth Grace. She is on my short list for go to romance authors. One of my favorites.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
This review is for volumes 1 and 2 of the New Adult Serial Romance- Indiscretion. I have had some meh experiences with novellas and short stories lately. I kept picking up shorts that were not well developed, utterly rushed and just weren't grabbing my attention. But I just needed the fabulous Elisabeth Grace to restore my faith in the novella. And Serial novellas are my favorite kind of short story. I am absolutely LOVING Indiscretion. I just got my copy of volume 3 yesterday and I am already itching to put aside my current book to read it.
The chemistry between Chloe and Max sizzles and jumps off the page. I know the deal between them is no strings attached and just something casual, but the way they are around each other is surprisingly tender and beyond wonderful. I am always so blown away with what Elisabeth Grace is able to do with her characters. And what she is able to do in just 70 or so pages in incredible! I blew through the first two volumes of Indiscretion so quickly, and they each left me wanting more, more MORE! The cliffhanger at the end of the first volume was so surprising too. I did not see that coming.
Indiscretion is about so much more than two people hooking up. The back story for both Max and Chloe is well developed, deep and complex. I can't wait to find out more about Max and his relationship with his father in the next volume. And the humdinger that Ms. Grace left for us at the end of Volume 2 just about had me screaming. Elisabeth Grace knows how to write great characters and great chemistry. Whether she has a full novel to do it or in shorter installments, you always know you are going to get a great read. Indiscretion is fantastic and so is Elisabeth Grace. She is on my short list for go to romance authors. One of my favorites.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Coral and Bone is the first book in the young adult fantasy series. I don't know the name of the series yet, but author Tiffany Daune has said that it will be a trilogy. I am excited that there is going to be more, because while I felt like it took me almost the whole novel to get my bearings in the rich multiple realm world that Tiffany has created, I now have a good understanding of the world and characters, and I am ready to see more Halen and Dax. And Tage.
Halen is thrown into the whole world basically blind. I really felt for her. I felt like the readers were just as blind as her. We only knew what she knew and no one would give her more than just bits and pieces of the answers she so badly wanted. About her sister, about her guardian, and about just what was expected of her. Even about what she was. She is a blue moon siren. I admired Halen's strength. I liked Dax but I don't feel like we got to know him enough in this book. I wish we saw a few more things from his point of view, so I could get a better idea of what was going on in his head. I bet Halen wishes that too.
Tiffany Daune created a really rich underwater world, filled with lots of interesting characters in a range of different creatures. I liked learning about the different creatures and how they made up this world. It was a little overwhelming at first shuffling between all the different species in the three different realms and how they all fit in with one another, but I eventually got the hang of it. I loved the two shifters that became Tage and Halen's friends, and I really liked the inkling of romance that was hinted at for Tage.
The whole storyline with the blue moon siren and Astair was fascinating as well. His little prison was pretty cool, and I was so interested in seeing the darkness and light exist within the blue moon sirens and the effects that their powers had on them. There were so many little twists and turns that I did not see coming at all, and that kept the reading fresh and interesting. By the second half of the story, Coral and Bone had completely drawn me in. I really enjoyed the story. I want more please! And I want more romance between Dax and Halen in the second book. I still have so many questions about Natalie that I want answered too. Please write the second book Tiffany! Please.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Coral and Bone is the first book in the young adult fantasy series. I don't know the name of the series yet, but author Tiffany Daune has said that it will be a trilogy. I am excited that there is going to be more, because while I felt like it took me almost the whole novel to get my bearings in the rich multiple realm world that Tiffany has created, I now have a good understanding of the world and characters, and I am ready to see more Halen and Dax. And Tage.
Halen is thrown into the whole world basically blind. I really felt for her. I felt like the readers were just as blind as her. We only knew what she knew and no one would give her more than just bits and pieces of the answers she so badly wanted. About her sister, about her guardian, and about just what was expected of her. Even about what she was. She is a blue moon siren. I admired Halen's strength. I liked Dax but I don't feel like we got to know him enough in this book. I wish we saw a few more things from his point of view, so I could get a better idea of what was going on in his head. I bet Halen wishes that too.
Tiffany Daune created a really rich underwater world, filled with lots of interesting characters in a range of different creatures. I liked learning about the different creatures and how they made up this world. It was a little overwhelming at first shuffling between all the different species in the three different realms and how they all fit in with one another, but I eventually got the hang of it. I loved the two shifters that became Tage and Halen's friends, and I really liked the inkling of romance that was hinted at for Tage.
The whole storyline with the blue moon siren and Astair was fascinating as well. His little prison was pretty cool, and I was so interested in seeing the darkness and light exist within the blue moon sirens and the effects that their powers had on them. There were so many little twists and turns that I did not see coming at all, and that kept the reading fresh and interesting. By the second half of the story, Coral and Bone had completely drawn me in. I really enjoyed the story. I want more please! And I want more romance between Dax and Halen in the second book. I still have so many questions about Natalie that I want answered too. Please write the second book Tiffany! Please.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
The Midnight Queen has many different feels to it. It is like a historical and a fantasy all rolled into one. The world felt very realistic with a current of magic running throughout. It is a setting that I really take to. I love imagining our world (or historical London) as a magical place with wizards and spells and intrigue around every corner.
The story follows Grey, who is studying to hone his magic and the young Sophie. Sophie is age appropriate for young adult books, but the language and writing style of this book is much more on an adult level. I don't mean profanity, I mean the actual language. It is more dense and flowery. It takes a while to get used to the way the book is written and the meandering slow pace at which the story unfolds but both the language and the pacing felt very fitting for the time period and the overall atmosphere of the book. Grey and Sophie are both very likable, and the adventure that they eventually embark on kept getting more and more interesting.
At times this book dragged a bit for me, but it was the kind of story that you won't be able to guess what is going to happen next. Author Sylvia Izzo Hunter unfolds the story right before your eyes slowly- bit by bit. The story took a while to draw me in, but the mysterious air that surrounded all of the characters kept me interested enough to keep going. I really enjoyed the story, and how it was continually surprising me. I didn't read the Midnight Queen all in one sitting. More than once I found myself putting the book down and picking up something different, but I was always drawn back to the story. I wanted to see what happened.
Sophie is incredible. I loved watching her discover herself and figure out the puzzles along with Grey. I am not sure which of them I ended up liking more. They are both unique in their own way. Sophie is such a strong girl, and watching her come into her powers was so satisfying. The Midnight Queen is an interesting story and will be great for readers of historical and fantasy lovers a like. Just give the start of the book some patience and don't give up on it too early. I think you will enjoy the rich and detailed story and world that Slyvia Izzo Hunter has created.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
The Midnight Queen has many different feels to it. It is like a historical and a fantasy all rolled into one. The world felt very realistic with a current of magic running throughout. It is a setting that I really take to. I love imagining our world (or historical London) as a magical place with wizards and spells and intrigue around every corner.
The story follows Grey, who is studying to hone his magic and the young Sophie. Sophie is age appropriate for young adult books, but the language and writing style of this book is much more on an adult level. I don't mean profanity, I mean the actual language. It is more dense and flowery. It takes a while to get used to the way the book is written and the meandering slow pace at which the story unfolds but both the language and the pacing felt very fitting for the time period and the overall atmosphere of the book. Grey and Sophie are both very likable, and the adventure that they eventually embark on kept getting more and more interesting.
At times this book dragged a bit for me, but it was the kind of story that you won't be able to guess what is going to happen next. Author Sylvia Izzo Hunter unfolds the story right before your eyes slowly- bit by bit. The story took a while to draw me in, but the mysterious air that surrounded all of the characters kept me interested enough to keep going. I really enjoyed the story, and how it was continually surprising me. I didn't read the Midnight Queen all in one sitting. More than once I found myself putting the book down and picking up something different, but I was always drawn back to the story. I wanted to see what happened.
Sophie is incredible. I loved watching her discover herself and figure out the puzzles along with Grey. I am not sure which of them I ended up liking more. They are both unique in their own way. Sophie is such a strong girl, and watching her come into her powers was so satisfying. The Midnight Queen is an interesting story and will be great for readers of historical and fantasy lovers a like. Just give the start of the book some patience and don't give up on it too early. I think you will enjoy the rich and detailed story and world that Slyvia Izzo Hunter has created.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Trial by Fire is a book filled with so many awesome elements. Not only are the characters fantastic, but the plot is original and the concept is thought provoking and utterly cool! It reminded me on an episode of the Big Bang theory where Sheldon is talking about an infinite number of universes and an Infinite number of different Sheldons. That is the world you get introduced to in Trial by Fire. Lily Proctor is in our world, and then she isn't. She is taken to a different world where a bunch of people are familiar to her, but everything else is so very different. Magic exists and witches rule. But that is only the beginning. Josephine Angelini does an incredible job of blending science with magic. These are witches, or crucibles as they are called, like I have never seen them before. I love that their magic stems from converting elements and substances that they take in from their surroundings.
The book starts out in our world, but Lily quickly leaves and the rest of the novel takes place in Lillian's world. Some of the characters up front confused me. I have no idea why Lily had a crush on her world's Tristan. I know they were best friends, but I didn't even get the vibe that he was a very good friend. He just seemed like a royal jerk. And the other character that confused me was Lillian. I know she is painted to be this power hungry killing machine, big bad villain. I do get why people would think that, she was hanging everyone in sight. But from her passages and her interactions with Lily, I just didn't get a completely evil vibe from her. I know she is holding back a lot of information, and a small part of me wants it to be a great justification so I don't have to dislike her. Because I don't hate her yet. I can't wait to find out more about her character in the next book. I just have a feeling it is going to be something good. But I will hate her in a second if she tries to encroach on Rowan! (just sayin')
I got really into the story. All of it. I loved the willstones, and I was just as fascinated by the whole relationship between magic and science as she was. I liked Rowan so much, but I don't blame Lily for being confused by him. He didn't give her too much to go on. I wanted to get inside his head a little more. But really, the whole cast of characters was great. There is so much action and detail going on in this story that you will never be bored. Trial by Fire is one of those books, where you get mad at the world for sending real life interruptions to your reading. I didn't want to put it down.
The cliffhanger at the end of this one left me cursing the fact that I have to wait so long for the next book. I am on the edge of my seat with this one. There are so many things that Josephine Angelini can do with the next book, and I can't wait to see what direction she takes the story in. I have tons of questions that I can't wait to delve into when the world walking really comes into play. This is a great one for fans of paranormal and witches. Trial by Fire is a riveting read that is delightfully original.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Trial by Fire is a book filled with so many awesome elements. Not only are the characters fantastic, but the plot is original and the concept is thought provoking and utterly cool! It reminded me on an episode of the Big Bang theory where Sheldon is talking about an infinite number of universes and an Infinite number of different Sheldons. That is the world you get introduced to in Trial by Fire. Lily Proctor is in our world, and then she isn't. She is taken to a different world where a bunch of people are familiar to her, but everything else is so very different. Magic exists and witches rule. But that is only the beginning. Josephine Angelini does an incredible job of blending science with magic. These are witches, or crucibles as they are called, like I have never seen them before. I love that their magic stems from converting elements and substances that they take in from their surroundings.
The book starts out in our world, but Lily quickly leaves and the rest of the novel takes place in Lillian's world. Some of the characters up front confused me. I have no idea why Lily had a crush on her world's Tristan. I know they were best friends, but I didn't even get the vibe that he was a very good friend. He just seemed like a royal jerk. And the other character that confused me was Lillian. I know she is painted to be this power hungry killing machine, big bad villain. I do get why people would think that, she was hanging everyone in sight. But from her passages and her interactions with Lily, I just didn't get a completely evil vibe from her. I know she is holding back a lot of information, and a small part of me wants it to be a great justification so I don't have to dislike her. Because I don't hate her yet. I can't wait to find out more about her character in the next book. I just have a feeling it is going to be something good. But I will hate her in a second if she tries to encroach on Rowan! (just sayin')
I got really into the story. All of it. I loved the willstones, and I was just as fascinated by the whole relationship between magic and science as she was. I liked Rowan so much, but I don't blame Lily for being confused by him. He didn't give her too much to go on. I wanted to get inside his head a little more. But really, the whole cast of characters was great. There is so much action and detail going on in this story that you will never be bored. Trial by Fire is one of those books, where you get mad at the world for sending real life interruptions to your reading. I didn't want to put it down.
The cliffhanger at the end of this one left me cursing the fact that I have to wait so long for the next book. I am on the edge of my seat with this one. There are so many things that Josephine Angelini can do with the next book, and I can't wait to see what direction she takes the story in. I have tons of questions that I can't wait to delve into when the world walking really comes into play. This is a great one for fans of paranormal and witches. Trial by Fire is a riveting read that is delightfully original.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs