**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
It Started with Goodbye is a young adult contemporary by Christina June. I really enjoyed this read. It was a fast paced story that was reminiscent of a modern day Cinderella story. (with the whole mean step mother element.) I really enjoyed the writing, the characters and most of all the focus of the book. All in All It Started with Goodbye was a cute read that gave me lots of warm and fuzzies.

It Started with Goodbye features our main character Tatum, who is in for a not so pleasant summer. She was accused of a crime and she sentenced to community service, and worst of all, being stuck in the house with her stepmother. I actually really liked the set up of the story. The writing is very character and relationship focused, and while there is a romance in It Started with Goodbye, the romance is no where near the main focus of the story. Which I found to be completely refreshing, and kind of perfect for this book. The main focus on the story was Tatum's relationships with her family and friends. I loved that. More than I can even say. It made this book feel charming and realistic in a way that is not easy to pull off, and is certainly not very common.

I really enjoyed the whole vibe of It Started with Goodbye. I liked the cast of characters, and I really liked Tatum. I can't wait to read more books by Christina June. I know she has written a story in part of an anthology a few years ago, but I haven't read anything by her. This was my first novel of hers I have picked up, and I am super impressed. It Started with Goodbye was a really great read. I really liked the way it wrapped up. It was a nice feel good standalone contemporary. I want more!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
The Traitor's Kiss by Erin Beaty is a young adult fantasy. It is the first book in the Traitor's Trilogy, and it is one of my favorite reads of 2017! By far. I freakin' loved this book. I wanted to re-read it immediately after I finished it. It actually took me 4 days to read because I kept forcing myself to stop because I didn't want it to be over. I need the second book ASAP. (I have re-written this review twice now, because every time I look at it, it feels super gushy. But I'm not toning it down any further because I want to share my excitement for this book. I seriously loved it so much!)

The Traitor's Kiss is the story of Sage Fowler, a young lady who ends up as a matchmaker's apprentice/secret spy when she doesn't wish to be wed herself. The book is told in multiple perspectives, including Sage's, and some of the soldiers they encounter. Sage accompanies the matchmaker for her country along with lots of young ladies who wish to be matched at a grand event, where people from all countries come to be matched. The story develops on their journey to the event.

It is really hard to explain the magic that is The Traitor's Kiss. I loved the mystery of it all. I loved Sage and I really, really loved Ash. The romance is incredibly swoon-worthy and epic. The characters are dynamic and excellent, the world building is rich and detailed and really well done, and I even loved all the military lingo and strategy that played into the storyline. I thought Erin Beaty did a great job of making all of the military tactics/strategy not only accessible and easy to understand, but also super interesting.

I have so much more to say about character specifics, but I will save them for later because I don't want to spoil anyone, but I would love to chat about this book with anyone and everyone so comment below if you have read it!!

Bottom line: if you love YA fantasies that have excellent world building, great political and military intrigue and an epic-ly awesome romance, The Traitor's Kiss is sure to be a favorite of yours. It certainly is a favorite of mine. The Traitor's Kiss is one of my favorite reads of 2017. I am dying for more!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**

This is the second book in a series that needs to be read in order.
If you are new to the Riders series, check out my review of Book 1- Riders, HERE
Seeker is the second book in the Riders series by Veronica Rossi, and it comes out TODAY! Yay! I am totally loving this series. I binge read books one and two, and man oh man, I forgot how much fun it is to read books from a series back to back. It makes me want to binge read some of my longer series that I have sitting on my bookshelves staring at me, all sad because I haven't read them yet. (Like the Grisha trilogy, and then Six of Crows, Vampire Academy series, The falling Kingdom series, all of Cinda Williams Chima's books, etc.)  Riders is the story of the new incarnations of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. I found riders to be a well planned out, and super interesting read. I blew through this book super fast and immediately reached for the second book in the series. (I think I read both books in 1.5 days.)

I think what intrigued me the most about this story was the format it was told in. It is mostly told in flashback style. The book starts out at the end of some big event, where our main character, Gideon is being interrogated. There is so much mystery surrounding Gideon, and his interrogators. I was instantly hooked. Who were they? What do they know on their own? What is going on with Gideon. As the story progresses we get to follow Gideon as he is introduced to his new life as "war", and we join him on the journey to find the other horsemen, and figure out what is going on. I really loved the pacing and the writing style. It is highly descriptive and it flows so naturally. The pacing is brisk and the story was captivating from start to finish. When I finished book one and grabbed book two, what immediately intrigued me was that the summary was from another character's point of view. (Daryn) She is a really interesting character as well, and I was super excited to see the next book through her eyes.

I loved the whole cast of characters along with the concept of the story. I think Gideon and Bastian are my favorite. I just heart Bas. But equally as strong as the characters, was the plot. I loved the adventure style quest we got to go on to find the horsemen, and there was tons of action, fighting and bad guys to keep me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I have already binge read the second book in the series, and now I am hungry for more. Riders is an addicting, fast paced read! Come back Tuesday for my review and giveaway of the sequel, Seekers, which heavily features Daryn!



 

 Question: What series should be on my binge read list? Let me know!

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This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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When Danger Bites by Heather Long is the first book in the Bravo Team WOLF series. I enjoyed this book. It has been awhile since I have read an adult paranormal romance, and I forgot how much I enjoy them. When Danger Bites was a good start to the series, but it kind of felt like there was a lot of build up, and a lot of working up to the romance in this one. Overall, I liked the story, but I felt like the romance moved a little bit too slow for my liking.

When Danger Bites is the story of Kat and Jax. I really, really loved Kat and Jax. I was rooting for them pretty much from the beginning, which is why I think I wanted them to get together a little faster. Because it was so clear to me they are dynamite together. Kat is sent in to join a special ops team and to figure out what is going on with them, and Jax is supposed to get her to go away. The plot of When Danger Bites was my favorite part of the story. It all worked really well for me. I enjoyed the writing, and Heather Long kept making me want to come back for more. The whole shifter element was like a nice little bonus. And the bonus got a little bigger when you combine with the shifters the fact that they are shifters that work for the government as a military team. What? I loved that idea!

Heather Long is an excellent story teller. She works in details in a very subtle way. I loved all the layers she included in the story. The writing and the plot and characters were all so strong that half way through, I was expecting this to be a 5 star read for me. I loved Kat and Jax so much that I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for something to happen. If the romance got going a little stronger a littler earlier I think I would have enjoyed the book even more than I already did. But honestly, that is my only negative about the story. Everything else about When Danger Bites was excellent. I loved the plot and I love the set up for this series. I will definitely be coming back for more!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**This is the second book in a series that needs to be read in order.
If you are new to the Riders series, check out my review of Book 1- Riders, HERE

Seeker is the second book in the Riders series by Veronica Rossi, and it comes out TODAY! Yay! I totally loved this duology. (and I so badly want it to be a series, which I thought it was when I read the first book. I thought there were going to be four books, one for each of the four horsemen, or maybe five with the seeker thrown in). I binge read books one and two, and man oh man, I forgot how much fun it is to read books from a series back to back. It makes me want to binge read some of my longer series that I have sitting on my bookshelves staring at me, all sad because I haven't read them yet. (Like the Grisha trilogy, and then Six of Crows, Vampire Academy series, The falling Kingdom series, all of Cinda Williams Chima's books, etc.) The Riders series follows the new incarnations of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Because I read both of these books so close together, I saved some of the other aspects of the books that I loved for this review. Seeker takes place after the big events of Riders.

The first book, Riders was told from Gideon's perspective. Gideon is the incarnation of War. But Seeker is told from the perspective from our prophet, Daryn. I didn't talk too much about Daryn in my last review but she is really interesting. (In a good way.) She comes off really hard at first, but as the books go on, and certainly in this second book, you really get to know how isolating it is to be her. I loved getting a deeper look at what makes her tick in Seeker. Daryn is the person who is responsible for bringing the four horsemen together, and in Seeker she is carrying a lot of guilt on her shoulders for something that totally broke my heart in the first book. I really liked the shift in perspectives from one book to the next.

Another one of my favorite aspects of the series are the horses and weapons that each of the horsemen have. I love seeing how the horses appear and getting to know each of their personality and character traits. They are all so different, they really felt like four extra characters in the series. And the weapons are cool as heck. It are those kinds of details that seem cool at first, but as we get to see more of the horses and more of the weapons they are expanded upon until they really become an integral part of the story, which I loved. Seeker was an excellent follow up to Riders. I think fans of the first book will love the second book. I liked it just as much, if not a little more. The ending was crazy too. The Riders series is an addicting, fast paced read! Both books are really well done and the series came together in a really epic way! I loved it!This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**

Kill all Happies is a standalone young adult contemporary novel by Rachel Cohn. I know this is going to sound crazy, but this is the first book I have read by Rachel. Kill All Happies is a story of a senior class' last hurrah. And boy oh boy is it one heck of a night for them. I really enjoyed this crazy over the top story. It was a lot of fun to read. It was certainly not like any graduation party I have seen in real life, but I am sure graduation parties like this have taken place many times. Rachel Cohn has a very snappy and funny writing style. It was one of the things I enjoyed most about the story. The first page of the book had me laughing out loud, which I knew was going to a sign of great things to come.

Happies is a local restaurant, that also has an amusement park?! What? How could something that sounds that cool, close down? Victoria, or Vic, was the favorite worst server at Happies, and she wants to throw the party to end all parties for her graduating class. At first, I wasn't a huge fan of Vic, but I tell you what...she totally grew on me. I thought this book was going to be all about superficial fun. And I think mostly it was. And that part was a blast. But there was this unexpected element of nostalgia, that I really appreciated from Vic and from Kill all Happies. It helped me relate to her on a deeper level. Because I totally get the sadness that comes with saying goodbye to your high school friends and the stress that comes with the uncertainty of college or other future plans. It was this aspect of Kill all Happies that I really loved.

The romance was ok and and the secondary characters were all ok as well. The plot was hilarious. It kind of reminded me of the hangover movies, or those other movies that take place in one 24 hour period where everything goes wrong. And each time it one ups the last time. I mean some of the things were epically ridiculous, which I loved. It makes me laugh just thinking about some of the things that happened in this book. But you know what? The crazier the story got, the more I liked Vic. (she certainly does curse a lot though. I have nothing against cursing, but it felt a little heavy handed at times.)

Kill all Happies is a really fun ride. I loved all the zany antics, and I really loved Rachel Cohn's writing style. If you are looking for a really funny young adult read that has a little romance, lots of bad decisions (and some good ones) and lots of fun, Kill all Happies is one heck of a fun read. I really enjoyed this one.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Groupie is the first book in the series of the same name by Susan Daugherty. Groupie is a new adult/adult rock star romance. I enjoyed Groupie. I had a few character issues that kept me from falling head over heels in love with it, but I ended up liking the story quite a bit. Groupie is rock star romance between a country music artist and his PT. This is part one in this couple's story, so it does end things a little unfinished. Overall, Groupie was a good read.

Groupie is the story of Lexie and Jack. My main issue with this story was Lexie, I am sorry to say. She irked me. I didn't totally hate her. I actually really liked most of her genuine interactions with Jack, but she is so judgey. Judgey to the point that it felt like overkill to me. But I suppose you can also say that she is honest with her opinions of people and of groupies. I really liked Jack. I thought he was a decent guy and I liked watching him interact with Lexie.

Overall, Groupie is an easy read that flows really well. It was easy for me to sink into this book and finish it in one night. I had fun from start to finish. The end though made me wish I had the second book because the story kind of just drops off and makes you wait for it to be picked up in the next book. I think I will continue the Groupie series because I am really interested to see what is going to happen next for Lexie and Jack. I am also kind of hoping for Lexie to grow a bit as a character. I would love to see some more depth to her in the next book.

Bottom line: If you are a fan of rockstar romances, Groupie is a good read that you should check out.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Harmful Rush is a young adult paranormal by author Debra Doxer. Harmful Rush is the third book in the Remedy series, but it can be read as a complete standalone. It follows a different group of characters and is in a college setting. I loved the first two books in the Remedy series, which followed a different couple, so I knew I had to continue on in this world where some people can heal with just a touch! Even though Harmful Rush can be read as a total standalone, I would really recommend starting with Keep you From Harm because I think it does a great job of setting up the ability and introducing you to some important characters. (we got to see them again near the end of Harmful Rush by the way and I was super excited! I love Raielle and Lucas!)

In Harmful Rush we meet Sky, who has the same ability as Raielle. She can heal someone with just a touch. The ability is much more complex than that and there are repercussions for the user, but Debra Doxer does a fantastic job revealing all of that, so you will have to read the books to get a better understanding of how the ability works. I am totally fascinated by the idea of it all. I love it. I love the world. I love the characters. And I really really love how the book left off, with the possibility of more Sky and Raielle in the next installment.

Harmful Rush was a book that I read in one sitting. Once I picked it up, I really couldn't put it down. Debra has this great ability to create a world that feels so three dimensional that you get get trapped inside it. It felt totally real to me. And the characters. Whoa. Whether you love them or hate them (there are both in this book) I couldn't get enough of them. Harmful Rush reminded me of my love for the world building in the Remedy series. I can't wait for the next book. If you have not read a Debra Doxer book, what on earth are you waiting for? She is a fantastic author, and I have enjoyed all 4 of the books I have read from her. (The Remedy series, and The Candy series.)

Bottom line: If you are a fan of paranormal ability books, The remedy series is one you should check out. The world building is great. The ability to heal is fascinatingly complex and the characters are really compelling. I love these books.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Toward a Secret Sky is a young adult supernatural romance by Heather Maclean. It has been a long while since I have read fantasy in the supernatural genre. I tend to lean more towards the paranormal side of things and the magic fantasy side of things, but I really really enjoyed Toward a Secret Sky by Heather Maclean. It made me want to find some other supernatural romances to pick up, in fact.

Toward a Secret Sky is the start to Maren's story. And unfortunately, it starts off in the sad way that many YA books do, with Maren losing the last of her parents. Right before she is sent off to live with relatives in Scotland that she has never met, she finds a cryptic note from her mother warning her of danger and telling her to trust no one. Yes, I am so in. The story that follows was very quest like, which I loved. It reminded me a bit of National Treasure and I know other people are comparing it to Angels and Demons/Da Vinci Code, which I can also easily see.

Toward a Secret Sky does feature a love triangle between a friend and an angel. I really really need there to be another book in this series, because I need to see more of these characters. Plus, I do love a guy wearing a kilt. And Given was just simply adorable. I am so interested to see how everyone is going to develop and see where things are going to go. I really enjoyed this adventure. It was a lot of fun, pretty sweet, mysterious enough to be interesting, and an overall really good read. The plot is multifaceted and fast paced. This book was a really entertaining read.

I loved the fantastic setting in Towards a Secret Sky. And can we just take a moment to discuss the absolutely breathtaking cover. It is even prettier in person. The hardcover is shiny and has raised embellishments. I love it so much. (While I was thinking about my review, I may or may not have been sitting here petting the cover. #IsThatWeird?) The character in this one are great, but I found the plot to be the overall winner. I can see Toward a Secret Sky appealing to younger fans of YA books as well as older.
Bottom line: If you are like me, and don't get a chance to read too many Supernatural YA books, check out Toward a Secret Sky. I think you will really enjoy this fast paced, fun read. This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

Traveler is the first book in the young adult science fiction/time travel series by the same name from author L. E. Delano. This is L. E. Delano’s first book. I really loved this story. I found it to be a really cool concept that I think will be even more fleshed out in the upcoming books. So you can imagine my surprise when I head over to goodreads and I start seeing some two star reviews. I was shocked in fact. But that just goes to show that different books will work out differently for different people.

Traveler is the story of Jessa and Finn. And bear with me, because while this review is not necessarily spoilery, it does explain the concept of the book because I think the concept is so freakin’ cool! Jessa is just this normal girl until the guy that she has been seeing in all of her dreams shows up in real life and tells her that she is in danger. And things are just starting from there. Don’t worry, Jessa does not automatically buy into his very crazy story about multiple dimensions, but I did love the method he used to finally convince her. It was the satisfying proof that I would have wanted if I were in her place.

Finn finally manages to convince Jessa that they are travelers and they can visit all the different versions of realities where things might be a little or very different. But the kicker is that someone is killing off all the Jessa’s in there different realities. And Finn wants to protect her. So they embark on a race through time and multiple dimensions to find out who is trying to kill off all the Jessa’s. Doesn’t that sound really cool? I think so!

The romance is pretty light in this one, but I think it is going to develop more in the next couple of books. Finn and Jessa have quite the history and I liked meeting the different versions of each other. I also loved that Jessa’ friend Ben popped up in a couple of different realities as well. I can’t wait to see where that goes as well. I loved what Mrs. Delano did with Travler. I do have some questions that I think will be cleared up in the next book but she took a really cool concept and ran with it, and I loved the result.

Bottom line: Traveler is like a really cool mash up of Passenger and #:59 by Gretchen McNeil. It is a race through time and multiple realities to solve a pretty important mystery. I loved this book and cannot wait for more.