One of my bookish friends recommend this book to me, Hey Becca! :)

The coolest part of this book is that it has DRAGONS! Yeah, it definitely is the selling point. It did take me a little bit to get into the story but once I did, I couldn't put it down.

There is a lot of political, romance, and complex stories in this book. I especially loved Asha. She was awesome and such a force. She also did an amazing amount of growing up in this book. To believe one thing your whole life, and find out it is not the case, can be pretty jarring.

I do wish we got a little more of the supporting characters, like her brother and his side of the story. Maybe that will come later or in a novella. I really liked his wife and I can't wait to know more about her. It's really the only thing lacking in this story. I wish there was a little more background info and detail.

This is really about a girl finding her way. I really liked this story so much and I cannot wait for the next book. Also, did anyone else think at the end... ughhhh all those dragons, what a waste this whole time! lol. At least, she learned her way!

You can check out this review on my blog: Books are the New Black

Wow! Okay, I'm not going to lie.. I'm a bit biased because I'm obsessed with everything mermaid! Especially, The Little Mermaid.  Guys, this book cover is gorgeous! 

This is a story loosely based on The Little Mermaid. Mostly, about the other side of the story, the Sea Witch. We get her background story and how she ends up where she is. What a story it is!

At first, I wasn't sure how this was going to go. It took me a little bit to get into it. I was simultaneously worried that I had too high of hopes. After about 30% through (eARC) I could not stop! I got through this book in about 3 hours!

Evie has had a hard life but she's had the best of friends to get her through. One happens to be the next crowned prince. One day, things go terribly wrong and their trio turns to two. They help each other grow through the pain until their past comes barreling into their present. There are so many secrets and lies and the consequences are painful and heartbreaking.

I think my favorite characer is Nik. He's caring and really the best friend a person could ask for. I really didn't care for Annamette. I feel like the supporting characters were written in a way that makes you kind of not attach to them.

Oh, Evie. I felt so bad for her but then realized a lot of the things were completely out of her control. I kept questioning why she was doing and acting a certain way, but it becomes clear later. I'm not sure if I felt this way because I knew what was going to happen. Either way, its intense. 

The romance was a bit confusing to me. I'm not sure if it's because of the way it was written or because there was a lot more magic involved than I thought. I'm not sure. I wish it was more obvious with Evie. This is my major issue with this book. More clarity would have been great. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The epilogue was just great. It might be my favorite part of the whole book. It all comes full circle.  Thanks to Henning for taking a villain and showing us her side. It's not always cut and dry. There are two sides to EVERY story. 

Thanks to Edelweiss for a DRC of this book in exchange for my honest review! 

You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black

This book sat on my book shelf for over 4 years. Why? I have no idea. I forced myself to add it to my readathon list. 

What could be more exciting about a girl, Graced with a killing ability...or so she thinks?! She's awesome and theirs secrets and lies in the kingdom. What could be more intriguing than that!?

It was a slow start. For some reason, I had a hard time getting into this book. I liked the story but I didn't love it. I feel bad because a lot of people love this but it just felt short for me. It was just an okay read for me. There are somethings that I liked and some I didn't. 

I liked how Kristin tried to portray feminism with Katsa. It's totally great that she didn't want to get married or have kids. The most amazing part is that she stuck with it. Sometimes girls in books will say that but change their minds by the end. Although, I did not like that she hated long hair and dresses. Just because you are a feminist doesn't mean you don't like dresses or long hair. It's not really what it means. It makes me sad that many authors are trying to portray that to YA audiences. It's so much more. 

I did not like the romance between Katsa and Po. I did at first but then it happened way too quickly for my liking. Yes, I know.. It's YA and they all have "intsa" love. This one just didn't feel right. I don't think I liked their vibe. 

I really liked Bitterblue. Even though, some of the things about her just seemed like a bit of a stretch. I would have liked to know her a little more. I guess that's what the sequel is about. 

The best part of the book for me is the last 1/3. Most of it was predictable but it was enjoyable. Especially, when they are in the mountains, trying to get to safety. 

Even though, it wasn't my favorite, I will continue reading the other two books.

You can see this review here: Books Are The New Black

I liked this a little more than Graceling but not by much. 

The story was good and the world building was good. I was really intrigued by the whole "monsters" aspect but then confused because there are no "gracelings." 

It was really hard to connect the two books at all, besides the little devil at the beginning and end. So, it's kind of like it's a standalone book. 

In fact, I think if this wouldn't have been connected to Graceling, I would have liked it more. There's so much disconnect because she's describing an entire different world/concept. 

I read a review and someone stated that this book was like watching a long chess match and she is so right! It was all calculated and a bit boring at times. 

Then there's the relationships. Oh my gosh. Ugh. 

Archer and Fire... I was so annoyed! He's like obsessed with her and she friend zoned him with benefits. He's constantly telling her that he will stop sleeping with a hundred girls, if she will just marry him. Really?! Then she still sleeps with him after she knows this, its annoying. It also bothered me that she was so nonchalant about his all his partners, like it was no big deal to her. *rolls eyes* 

It took me a while to warm up to Brigan but I still didn't feel that connection between them.

Honestly, now that I'm thinking about it, I might have to cut my losses and donate the third book in this series. I just don't know that I care for the author's writing and storytelling that much. It's not bad but maybe not for me. I really liked what she did but I wish she would have expanded more and maybe not diverged so much, if she was making it a series. 

You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black

Well, my first book of the year to land the 2 stars grade. UGH. I got trapped in the instagam hole. I noticed this book pop up and a few people raving about it. The premise sounds pretty awesome but it did not come through. 

I kept thinking of the movie "In Time." Time is a currency in the kingdom of Sempera, but it is extracted from blood and bound to iron. The rich take from the poor and consume the time for themselves. 

Jules had to run away from this city and is in hiding but her father is giving away too much time and they are in debt. She takes a job in the city, thinking that no one will recognize her. 

I was drawn into the story at the beginning but then I kept waiting for something to happen.. and waiting.. and waiting... and waiting. Then the book had about 50 pages left. 

There was so much information. I just kept reading about all these things and stories and hoping that something was going to happen. 

Now, it could very well be that I've read a lot of YA and so my expectations are high. The concept was great and it was there but that was about it. The characters were just eh and I couldn't connect to any of them. I just didn't care about them. 

The romance was very boring and stale. I mean was there even love? Who even knows. It's like she just decides to fill in a boy because she can. So forced and unrealistic. 

Overall, there's so many other books out there. The cover is fabulous but that's all it really has going for it. Thankfully, I got it from the library! 

You can see my reviews here: Books Are The New Black

3.5 stars I liked the idea of this book. I'm really into planning and journaling. Add the creative aspect and it speaks to me even more. There was just a lack of creativity for me.

I really liked her ideas and I will definitely use some of them in my own life. I love the vision board idea. I'm not sure why I haven't thought of doing that before.

My only issue with this was there was A LOT of her personal life in this book. I started to feel like it was more about her than the tasks at hand. I get she wanted to use real life experiences to make it more relate-able. It just was a little bit too much, at times. I wish there was more creativity in the book- maybe more photos? I mean, it says it's a "Creative Guide." I was reading this on my kindle, so it makes it hard to see all the images and example pages. I love when those are included in a book, which they are. Just hard to guage when you have an ebook version.

Overall, she has a lot of great tips. I love how she emphasizes that things take a lot of work and change is hard. It doesn't happen over night!

Thank you to Edelweiss for providing me an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own :)

Review is published here: https://booksarethenewblackblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/make-anything-happen-by-carrie-lindsey/

3.5 stars . I went into this not knowing anything. I hadn't read the first book, which you don't have to do. I was seeing it everywhere and a lot of talk about this one. I came across it on Edelweiss and was lucky enough to have the publisher send me an eARC of this book. Thank you, HarperCollins!

This book takes some of the elements from Jane Eyre and turns it into a ghost mystery adventure. Jane turns out to be a really important person, since she is a Seer, that can see ghosts. 

This was a quick, light, fun read. I didn't attach to the characters too much. I think if any of them, it would have been Charlotte (Bronte). She was funny and always questioning everything. I also liked Helen, who was a ghost. She added some great comedic relief and very plainly the most level headed at times, which was ironic in a way. 

I haven't read Jane Eyre (I know!) but I didn't feel lost at all. I have seen a couple versions of the movie, so I know the gist of the story. 

I did like the little twits and turns from the original story and how they implemented it into this world. There were some quirky parts. I liked the nod to "my precious" and "You killed my father, now you must die." Anyone notice those?! Overall, a fun and light read! 

You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black

I want to thank Katie Hamstead for reaching out and providing me an e-arc copy of this book.
This is a loosely related story to Hansel and Gretel. Actually, it's more of what happens to them after the whole breadcrumbs and witch story. It's also in space, which is cool. Unfortunately, I did not like this one as much as the first book.

I could not stand Hansel. He was really just a jerk for most of the book. He was legit rude and obnoxious throughout most of the story. THEN he suddenly stops being so rude and I'm supposed to just love his character? I couldn't. At this point, I just could not get over how he treated his sister and Minna.

I understand that this was supposed to be a fresh take on the romance not being an "insta" love. I just don't know that I can get behind how he treated her and then fell in love with her. It was juts a bit too much of a stretch for me.

I did like Minna and Gretel, but mostly Minna. She was really not going to take any crap but her only flaw was letting Hansel be a jerk. Haha. I mean, she did okay standing up for herself but I don't know how she loved him the whole time. Maybe it's the whole changing a bad guy complex, who knows.

The plot was really predictable for me, almost too much. I did like it but I just loved the first book so much more. The first half of the book was really rough to get through but it picked up for me the last half. It's a light read and quick read.

You can see this review on my blog: Books are the New Black

3.5 stars
Instgram made me do it. Everyone has been posting about it lately. From what I’ve seen you either love it or hate it. I actually loved the story and drama. I read this book in one sitting!

Now, there’s thousands of books out there with the same premise. There’s a princess trying to get out of marriage, an evil king, prophecies, lies, magic, rebellion, people in love with the wrong people. It’s all be done before. It’s also not the best written book.

Although, I did love the death and all the secrets. I’m not crazy. I mean, it’s refreshing not to have everyone and everything work out. At times, things are predictable but that’s okay. I’ve seen a lot of things were people recommend this, if you like Game of Thrones. First of all, I’m hugely disappointed in George R.R. Martin (FINISH THE SERIES!!!!) BUT his books are on another level, completely. Maybe it’s because the death and incest? I don’t know, but I don’t really think it’s comparable to GoT, writing wise.

There is a lot going on in this book. A ton of characters but really only a couple stand out to me. Cleo and Magnus. They are the most complex. They are not your everyday “just good or just evil,” characters. They are both trying to figure out who they are and treading that line. I’m interested to see how it works out in the future.

Overall, I’m glad that I finally forced myself to pick this up. Just let your mind go and enjoy this story with all the drama and secrets. I immediately ordered book #2 &3! Can’t wait for Sunday. Thank you, amazon prime! haha

You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black