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**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**The Queens of Innis Lear is an adult fantasy by Tessa Gratton. I really, really enjoyed this novel. It had a slow and kind of confusing start, but in the end that makes a lot of sense, because this is an epic story that requires a lot of world and character building. This is Tessa Gratton's first foray into adult fantasy, and I think the Queen of Innis Lear was a rich and detailed world. Overall, the story was well executed and a great read. The Queens of Innis Lear does work well as a standalone, but I am kind of hoping that we see more from this world.
In The Queens of Innis Lear we are introduced to the island of Innis Lear, and we meet the three princesses of Lear. Each of the princesses have such a unique personality and they each have their own story, which was great. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the sisters. But it was also an initial frustration for me. The Queens of Innis Lear is told in multiple POV- at least 5, so it is hard to keep everything straight for a good portion of the story. But I eventually fell into the world and I started to build the map of who everyone was in my mind. Then the story started picking up for me.
My favorite part of the story was the youngest's daughter's storyline. Elia was by far my favorite. (as I think she was meant to be) Her older sisters are ruthless and obsessed with power, and Tessa Gratton is not afraid to be a little ruthless in her story telling either. That was a real treat for me. This was a gritty and dark fantasy and I totally dug that about The Queens of Innis Lear. People die...often. I won't go into more detail than that but this is not a story that has a happy ending for all of the characters. I was really interested in one couple in particular and I was really rooting for something to happen there. (If you have read the book, please let me know because I am dying to discuss it with someone.)
The Magic of Innis Lear is that it does not follow a formulaic storyline. Tessa Gratton was not afraid to think big with this epic fantasy. The world is huge and the characters are so complex on their own. When you add everything up together with all of the various points of views and different plotlines happening concurrently, and all of the various schemeing, this story is a lot to take in. It is definitely a story that grew on me. It took me about a 110 pages or so before I became fully invested. But once I hit that point, the story really picked up and I read the rest of it in one sitting (which is huge because this book is almost 600 pages.)
Bottom line: If you are a fan of dark fantasies told in multiple perspectives, The Queens of Innis Lear might be a excellent book for you. I loved the chaos of the story and even though it started off a little slow, overall I really enjoyed this novel.
blue3.5
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
In The Queens of Innis Lear we are introduced to the island of Innis Lear, and we meet the three princesses of Lear. Each of the princesses have such a unique personality and they each have their own story, which was great. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the sisters. But it was also an initial frustration for me. The Queens of Innis Lear is told in multiple POV- at least 5, so it is hard to keep everything straight for a good portion of the story. But I eventually fell into the world and I started to build the map of who everyone was in my mind. Then the story started picking up for me.
My favorite part of the story was the youngest's daughter's storyline. Elia was by far my favorite. (as I think she was meant to be) Her older sisters are ruthless and obsessed with power, and Tessa Gratton is not afraid to be a little ruthless in her story telling either. That was a real treat for me. This was a gritty and dark fantasy and I totally dug that about The Queens of Innis Lear. People die...often. I won't go into more detail than that but this is not a story that has a happy ending for all of the characters. I was really interested in one couple in particular and I was really rooting for something to happen there. (If you have read the book, please let me know because I am dying to discuss it with someone.)
The Magic of Innis Lear is that it does not follow a formulaic storyline. Tessa Gratton was not afraid to think big with this epic fantasy. The world is huge and the characters are so complex on their own. When you add everything up together with all of the various points of views and different plotlines happening concurrently, and all of the various schemeing, this story is a lot to take in. It is definitely a story that grew on me. It took me about a 110 pages or so before I became fully invested. But once I hit that point, the story really picked up and I read the rest of it in one sitting (which is huge because this book is almost 600 pages.)
Bottom line: If you are a fan of dark fantasies told in multiple perspectives, The Queens of Innis Lear might be a excellent book for you. I loved the chaos of the story and even though it started off a little slow, overall I really enjoyed this novel.
blue3.5
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
Tracing Shadows is the first book in the Scout series by author Alex Lidell. I loved the first book in her Tides series (see my Ash and Air Review), which is an epic high fantasy adventure that takes place on the high seas! It was a five star read for me last year, and I have been kicking myself ever since for needing to continue on with the series. (I even bought the books!) But as soon as I saw that Alex Lidell was coming out with a new series, I knew I couldn't miss it. And honestly, the summary of Tracing Shadows appealed to me even more than the summary for Ash and Air did! I absolutely loved this adventure. I loved everything about it! I loved the characters and I really really loved the world building that Alex Lidell created. Trust me, Tracing Shadows (and all of Alex's Books) is a book you do not want to miss. Alex Lidell has thoroughly impressed me with each of her two series. She is a masterful story teller.
Tracing Shadows is a book that builds slowly, but wonderfully. It takes a little bit of time to gather enough information to really shape the story, but there was really never a dull moment. Sometimes books that withhold information tend to be confusing or boring, but let me assure you that was not the case with Tracing Shadows. There is a bit of a Mulan vibe, with our main character Kali and her strong sense of family and honor. I loved Kali. A whole lot. I loved that Kali had to play roles as both a woman and man in her role as a scout. And her love interest interacts with her in both roles, which I thought was really interesting. I ate those scenes up!! And I liked it even more how awesomely she pulls it all off. She has the best personality for it. She is a hard worker and totally takes no prisoners. Kali is someone I want on my side, regardless of what the situation is.
I am anxious for a bit more romance in the second book. I really liked the romance that we did get to see in Tracing Shadows, but it was by no means front and center. It wasn't the main focus of the story and I was totally ok with that, but it is something I hope to see more of in the next book. Tracing Shadows is mainly told through Kali's pont of view but we do get a smattering of chapters from secondary character's POVs. Some of those characters I liked and some...not so much. I cannot wait for the second book in this series. I love the spying, the politics and intrigue and the characters so much that I am really excited for me. But the ending was torture for me. I wanted so much more. It ended and I kept hitting the next page button on my kindle hoping there would be more!
Bottom line: If you can't get enough fantasy, like me, this is a series you need to read. Plain and simple. Tracing Shadows is a fantastic first novel to what is going to be a favorite YA fantasy of mine. I can already tell. Kali is one of my favorite characters that I have met this year and Tracing Shadows is one of my favorite reads of 2018....hands down! Alex Lidell is such a strong author, that I am honestly becoming excited for anything she publishes. I am going to devour the rest of the Tides series and hope that it holds me over until the next book in the Scout series is released, because I am already itching for book 2!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Tracing Shadows is the first book in the Scout series by author Alex Lidell. I loved the first book in her Tides series (see my Ash and Air Review), which is an epic high fantasy adventure that takes place on the high seas! It was a five star read for me last year, and I have been kicking myself ever since for needing to continue on with the series. (I even bought the books!) But as soon as I saw that Alex Lidell was coming out with a new series, I knew I couldn't miss it. And honestly, the summary of Tracing Shadows appealed to me even more than the summary for Ash and Air did! I absolutely loved this adventure. I loved everything about it! I loved the characters and I really really loved the world building that Alex Lidell created. Trust me, Tracing Shadows (and all of Alex's Books) is a book you do not want to miss. Alex Lidell has thoroughly impressed me with each of her two series. She is a masterful story teller.
Tracing Shadows is a book that builds slowly, but wonderfully. It takes a little bit of time to gather enough information to really shape the story, but there was really never a dull moment. Sometimes books that withhold information tend to be confusing or boring, but let me assure you that was not the case with Tracing Shadows. There is a bit of a Mulan vibe, with our main character Kali and her strong sense of family and honor. I loved Kali. A whole lot. I loved that Kali had to play roles as both a woman and man in her role as a scout. And her love interest interacts with her in both roles, which I thought was really interesting. I ate those scenes up!! And I liked it even more how awesomely she pulls it all off. She has the best personality for it. She is a hard worker and totally takes no prisoners. Kali is someone I want on my side, regardless of what the situation is.
I am anxious for a bit more romance in the second book. I really liked the romance that we did get to see in Tracing Shadows, but it was by no means front and center. It wasn't the main focus of the story and I was totally ok with that, but it is something I hope to see more of in the next book. Tracing Shadows is mainly told through Kali's pont of view but we do get a smattering of chapters from secondary character's POVs. Some of those characters I liked and some...not so much. I cannot wait for the second book in this series. I love the spying, the politics and intrigue and the characters so much that I am really excited for me. But the ending was torture for me. I wanted so much more. It ended and I kept hitting the next page button on my kindle hoping there would be more!
Bottom line: If you can't get enough fantasy, like me, this is a series you need to read. Plain and simple. Tracing Shadows is a fantastic first novel to what is going to be a favorite YA fantasy of mine. I can already tell. Kali is one of my favorite characters that I have met this year and Tracing Shadows is one of my favorite reads of 2018....hands down! Alex Lidell is such a strong author, that I am honestly becoming excited for anything she publishes. I am going to devour the rest of the Tides series and hope that it holds me over until the next book in the Scout series is released, because I am already itching for book 2!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Calling Me Back is the first in a three part novella series. Part three, and the complete series set, just released yesterday, so if you are like me and like to have the option of reading all parts of a series or serial back to back (to back) this is the time to grab the complete set. I love Louise Bay's serial romances. She somehow manages to fit what feels like a whole story in just over 100 pages. These stories and series, are great romantic pick me ups. I read, and totally LOVED her New York series, which was set up in the same format- a three part serial. The Calling me Series is a spin off of Louise's What the Lightning See's series, which focuses on Jake and Haven. I haven't read What the Lightning Sees yet, but it is on my To Be Read List. And now that I know they are secondary characters in the Calling Me series, I am even more excited to read their story. Haven is Ashleigh's friend and Luke's sister (the main couple)
Ashleigh and Luke have been friends for forever, and you know what that means... a friends lovers book. How I love this trope. Calling Me Back jumps right into the action. There is a little bit of background laid for the friendship dynamics of the group, but Ashleigh and Luke are already starting a budding relationship by the end of this installment. I tell you that for two reasons. First, so you know that there is romance in this installment, which is a key in an instant gratification "happy" read, and also two because I am really interested to see what bumps Louise has in store for us in parts 2 and 3. I know it will not be all sunshine and roses for our couple.
I liked that Ashleigh and Luke both started the series out dating other people. I am not going to lie, I could really relate to the start of the book. Luke and his girlfriend are at a wedding, and he is griping because it seems like all of his friends are getting engaged, and his girlfriend is starting to get ideas. I have seen this time and time again in my friends. It is like a domino effect. One "falls" (aka gets engaged) and then all of her close friends start falling around her. So I get where Luke was coming from, but I also got where his girlfriend was coming from. The other thing I could relate to was the sunday night dinner group that Haven Ashleigh and Luke had. I love this idea, and I used to have the same thing in college. A group of friends meets up for dinner and games and the person who cooks dinner rotates. So I instantly had a connection to this group.
Bottom line: If you like quick, completely engaging stories with a sizzling romance, Louise Bay's serials are perfect for you. Whether you start with the Calling Me series or the What Lightning Sees series, it doesn't matter. Each one can stand on their own, and I am sure both of them are equally well done. Now please excuse me, while I dive right back into part two of Calling Me.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Calling Me Back is the first in a three part novella series. Part three, and the complete series set, just released yesterday, so if you are like me and like to have the option of reading all parts of a series or serial back to back (to back) this is the time to grab the complete set. I love Louise Bay's serial romances. She somehow manages to fit what feels like a whole story in just over 100 pages. These stories and series, are great romantic pick me ups. I read, and totally LOVED her New York series, which was set up in the same format- a three part serial. The Calling me Series is a spin off of Louise's What the Lightning See's series, which focuses on Jake and Haven. I haven't read What the Lightning Sees yet, but it is on my To Be Read List. And now that I know they are secondary characters in the Calling Me series, I am even more excited to read their story. Haven is Ashleigh's friend and Luke's sister (the main couple)
Ashleigh and Luke have been friends for forever, and you know what that means... a friends lovers book. How I love this trope. Calling Me Back jumps right into the action. There is a little bit of background laid for the friendship dynamics of the group, but Ashleigh and Luke are already starting a budding relationship by the end of this installment. I tell you that for two reasons. First, so you know that there is romance in this installment, which is a key in an instant gratification "happy" read, and also two because I am really interested to see what bumps Louise has in store for us in parts 2 and 3. I know it will not be all sunshine and roses for our couple.
I liked that Ashleigh and Luke both started the series out dating other people. I am not going to lie, I could really relate to the start of the book. Luke and his girlfriend are at a wedding, and he is griping because it seems like all of his friends are getting engaged, and his girlfriend is starting to get ideas. I have seen this time and time again in my friends. It is like a domino effect. One "falls" (aka gets engaged) and then all of her close friends start falling around her. So I get where Luke was coming from, but I also got where his girlfriend was coming from. The other thing I could relate to was the sunday night dinner group that Haven Ashleigh and Luke had. I love this idea, and I used to have the same thing in college. A group of friends meets up for dinner and games and the person who cooks dinner rotates. So I instantly had a connection to this group.
Bottom line: If you like quick, completely engaging stories with a sizzling romance, Louise Bay's serials are perfect for you. Whether you start with the Calling Me series or the What Lightning Sees series, it doesn't matter. Each one can stand on their own, and I am sure both of them are equally well done. Now please excuse me, while I dive right back into part two of Calling Me.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**See this full review and more at http://bookbriefs.net**
The Intoxicating Passions Box set is the complete serial series. It has all five serial/novella parts to the Intoxicating Passions series. This is the only way I like to read serials. I like it when they are all boxed up together in an ebook so that I can read them all together one right after another. It is nice because they are so short that when I read them all back to back they are like reading a full length novel. I thought the story parts were divided nicely. Each one had a good kind of cresendo ending, and they each made me want to continue on to the next part.
This is the story of Korah and Dane. Korah has been hurt in the past very badly by an ex boyfriend and because of that she is very distrustful of guys. Dane is the typical love em and leave guy. One night at a time. I liked how we got to know each of the characters a little before they even met each other. That was nice because when they did meet, I already cared about Korah. As for Dane, getting a little background on the kind of guy he was helped so me all of the character growth that he eventually had. His growth and development was not instantaneous by any means. He still messed up along the way, and some of his actions were a bit frustrating to me, but you can't help but have him grow on you a little. Korah didn't make it super easy for him either. She held him accountable for his choices, just as she should have.
The story is told in Dual narrative between Dane and Korah. It was perfect for plot development of the story. I like it when we see the same story growing from the guy and the girl. It is always fun for me to get into a guys head and poke around a bit. Overall, intoxicating passions is a fun love story told in short little serial bits. They are like watching 30 min tv show episodes of the two of them. It is a good instant gratification type book. One that I enjoyed and was a quick read.
The Intoxicating Passions Box set is the complete serial series. It has all five serial/novella parts to the Intoxicating Passions series. This is the only way I like to read serials. I like it when they are all boxed up together in an ebook so that I can read them all together one right after another. It is nice because they are so short that when I read them all back to back they are like reading a full length novel. I thought the story parts were divided nicely. Each one had a good kind of cresendo ending, and they each made me want to continue on to the next part.
This is the story of Korah and Dane. Korah has been hurt in the past very badly by an ex boyfriend and because of that she is very distrustful of guys. Dane is the typical love em and leave guy. One night at a time. I liked how we got to know each of the characters a little before they even met each other. That was nice because when they did meet, I already cared about Korah. As for Dane, getting a little background on the kind of guy he was helped so me all of the character growth that he eventually had. His growth and development was not instantaneous by any means. He still messed up along the way, and some of his actions were a bit frustrating to me, but you can't help but have him grow on you a little. Korah didn't make it super easy for him either. She held him accountable for his choices, just as she should have.
The story is told in Dual narrative between Dane and Korah. It was perfect for plot development of the story. I like it when we see the same story growing from the guy and the girl. It is always fun for me to get into a guys head and poke around a bit. Overall, intoxicating passions is a fun love story told in short little serial bits. They are like watching 30 min tv show episodes of the two of them. It is a good instant gratification type book. One that I enjoyed and was a quick read.
Good start to the series. I think I will enjoy the second book even more than the first. The adventure is really getting started now!
3.5/5 Stars
3.5/5 Stars
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**The Kiss Quotient is the first book in a new series by the same name by author Helen Hoang. The Kiss Quotient is a romantic comedy about two characters that will make you fall head over heels in love with them. The Kiss Quotient was like a breath of fresh air for me. I absolutely adored getting to know Stella and Michael, and I am beyond happy that this is going to be a series. Helen Hoang is an author that I need to keep my eye on, because this book was easily one of my favorite reads of 2018 in the contemporary romance category. It was just so cute and romantic!
Stella is a numbers gal. She is super analytical, and she also happens to be on the spectrum, so when she has a problem in the love department, she turns to the one thing she feels comfortable with...math and numbers. She thinks she can quantify love and come up with a formula for a winning relationship. I loved Stella so stinkin' much! She is a character that I could totally relate to. She is endearing and charming, shy and totally funny and caring. I couldn't get enough of her. I was only concerned that Michael, her love interest, would be good enough for her. Because she won me over right from the very first chapter.
I am happy to report that Michael was all I was hoping he would be and more. I really enjoyed Michael's story line as well. His back story was just as interesting as Stella's and he charmed me just like he charmed Stella. Stella and Michael were beyond adorable together. The Kiss Quotient felt a little like a fake relationship story, mixed in with a touch nerdy romance. I enjoyed every page of this novel from start to finish. It is one of those books that will put a smile on your face, no matter your mood. I also love that The Kiss Quotient features a character that is on the spectrum. (Stella is described as having what was once referred to as Aspergers, and is now just referred to as being on the autism spectrum.) I loved seeing that aspect of who Stella was explored throughout the book. Overall, this romance was a ton of fun and super satisfying! I would recommend it to everyone!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Stella is a numbers gal. She is super analytical, and she also happens to be on the spectrum, so when she has a problem in the love department, she turns to the one thing she feels comfortable with...math and numbers. She thinks she can quantify love and come up with a formula for a winning relationship. I loved Stella so stinkin' much! She is a character that I could totally relate to. She is endearing and charming, shy and totally funny and caring. I couldn't get enough of her. I was only concerned that Michael, her love interest, would be good enough for her. Because she won me over right from the very first chapter.
I am happy to report that Michael was all I was hoping he would be and more. I really enjoyed Michael's story line as well. His back story was just as interesting as Stella's and he charmed me just like he charmed Stella. Stella and Michael were beyond adorable together. The Kiss Quotient felt a little like a fake relationship story, mixed in with a touch nerdy romance. I enjoyed every page of this novel from start to finish. It is one of those books that will put a smile on your face, no matter your mood. I also love that The Kiss Quotient features a character that is on the spectrum. (Stella is described as having what was once referred to as Aspergers, and is now just referred to as being on the autism spectrum.) I loved seeing that aspect of who Stella was explored throughout the book. Overall, this romance was a ton of fun and super satisfying! I would recommend it to everyone!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Succubus Lips is the first book in the Succubus Sirens by Lina Jubilee. Succubus Lips is an adult urban fantasy romance, and I have to say right off the bat, this is adult so it won't be for everyone, but anyone that does enjoy adult fantasy romances, this book was a totally fun read.
Succubus Lips is the story of Aurora, who is a Natch. A Natch is a creature that has the ability to boost other creatures magical ability. This boost of power comes from Aurora's lips.
"Her lips have the power to boost. Her love can grant power unparalleled."
I really liked Aurora. She is super feisty, and lot's of fun. There are multiple love interests in this book, which really shouldn't be a surprise with Aurora's magical boosting lips. It is safe to say, there is a lot of kissing in Succubus Lips. But the world that Lina Jubilee created is also totally unique and very interesting. Though this was a short read, there is a big ole fight going on in the world, and I think we will see that aspect of the plot explored more in other books. At least I am hoping we will.
Overall, Succubus Lips is a fun, romance with lots of swoony guys and magical kisses. The plot can get a little out there at times, but it was fun nonetheless. Good start to what is sure to be an interesting series.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Succubus Lips is the story of Aurora, who is a Natch. A Natch is a creature that has the ability to boost other creatures magical ability. This boost of power comes from Aurora's lips.
"Her lips have the power to boost. Her love can grant power unparalleled."
I really liked Aurora. She is super feisty, and lot's of fun. There are multiple love interests in this book, which really shouldn't be a surprise with Aurora's magical boosting lips. It is safe to say, there is a lot of kissing in Succubus Lips. But the world that Lina Jubilee created is also totally unique and very interesting. Though this was a short read, there is a big ole fight going on in the world, and I think we will see that aspect of the plot explored more in other books. At least I am hoping we will.
Overall, Succubus Lips is a fun, romance with lots of swoony guys and magical kisses. The plot can get a little out there at times, but it was fun nonetheless. Good start to what is sure to be an interesting series.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs