Famous Last Words:

A little dancing never hurt anyone. Right?

Okay so this book sucked its teeth into me and didn't let go until I had read not just this one, but its sequel as well! I loved, loved, LOVED these characters, the plot, and just the whole book in general!

The Unearthly by [a:Laura Thalassa|7152490|Laura Thalassa|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1372456585p2/7152490.jpg] is book one of the series by the same name. It starts with our main character Gabrielle leaving home for what she believes is a prestigious boarding school called Peel Academy where she hopes to learn about the parents who died when she was young. Except this boarding school, it is more like Hogwarts for all sorts of supernatural beings (werewolves, vampires, witches, seers, sirens, fairies, etc.). Plunged into a world of mystery with people out to kill her, Gabrielle must learn what her destiny is.

Again, I loved these characters! Gabrielle Fiori is just your average 16 year old, except that she isn't. Finding out that she is not only a siren (like from Greek mythology), but also a soulmate and a vampire all in one night would be enough to drive someone insane, but not Gabrielle. She takes it in stride, accepting it even and begins to learn all she can. Then there's Andre de Leon.....

Andre is.....well......I don't even know how to describe him!! He is a celebrity among Gabrielle's school friends, known as the bad boy, goes through women like their candy, and he wants Gabrielle. But there's more than just that to him, I found him kind of sweet in an archaic sort of way (I can't say more without spoiling a plot twist about this character!!). Then there's Gabrielle's two friends from the supernatural community Leanne (a seer) and Oliver (the fairy). I loved these two! That brought comedic relief and irony to the story.


And then who doesn't like a good villain?! The man in the suit as Gabrielle calls him has followed/haunted her since the death of her father. Who is he? Well, not who I expected! And he is creepy!!!!! I love a good villain and this guy is going to be a great one for this series!

The plot was great! I only predicted one thing in the entire book and well, it was hinted at so it was an easy guess. The rest of the book, especially the major plot twists I had no clue they were coming! The plot mainly involves Gabrielle adjusting to this new supernatural life and also uncovering the truth about her parents' deaths. The world building was great! I was easily able to imagine this new life Gabrielle was thrust into.

If you enjoy reading about the supernatural world, young adult series, and Harry Potter/Twilight/Vampire Academy (yes I went there and don't argue!) I think you will truly enjoy this new series!!

I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

This is the book I was waiting for in Leah and Kate Rooper's The Chicago Falcons series. Just Pretending is the final book in the series and Tyler’s story. I was already in love with the shy friend of the trio and I couldn’t wait to find out more about him. Y’all I wasn’t disappointed. If anything, I fell more in love with him.

At seventeen, Tyler Evans has a lot on his shoulders. While he loves hockey, he worries about helping his dad provide for his little sister. Poor doesn’t begin to cover their situation, and my heart ached for him as he struggled to help his dad make ends meet. He’s passionate, has zero self-confidence, and hopeless in love with his best friend’s little sister who is completely off-limits. However after a mixup leaves him spending an entire day with the young queen, he begins wishing for a different reality, one that would allow him to love her.

Evangeline was first introduced in [b:Just One of the Royals|39861093|Just One of the Royals (The Chicago Falcons, #2)|Leah Rooper|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525480456l/39861093._SY75_.jpg|61654902] as Daniel’s little sister. Now queen she doesn’t get many opportunities to see her big brother or venture outside her kingdom. Deciding to take a vacation, she finds herself in Chicago being shown all the sights by Daniel. When her mother calls and tells her that a neighboring prince will also be in Chicago and that her job as queen is to welcome him and show him around, she reluctantly agrees. Through a series of hilarious events, she mistakes Tyler for Tiberius and finds herself falling in love with the down-to-earth “prince.” Eva is a typical sixteen year old with a big responsibility, one that weighs on her shoulders and makes her long for another life.

The plot surrounds Tyler and Eva as she hosts Christmas at the castle and Daniel and his friends attend. I loved Tyler and Eva’s interactions, but at times I wanted to smack Tyler for hiding his true identity. The will he get caught added an edge of suspense to their romance. And the steaminess?! I didn’t expect it. I expected a sweet story from Tyler, and I got one. But man the paint scene had me blushing.

Sometimes you pick up a book and just know it is going to be great before you even crack the cover. This is one of those times. The Trouble with Christmas by Robin Daniels is a light-hearted, clean holiday romance perfect for teens and adults alike. Following the story of one girl with a crush and her best friend as they take on their town’s Christmas Pageant.

Christmas Eve Jensen, yes that is her name, hates Christmas and everything to do with it. Her name is synonymous with the Grinch to her neighbors, family and friends. Chrissy, born on Christmas day, has always resented the holiday and its traditions. When her brother brings home his college roommate for the holiday break, Chrissy may have let it slip that she loves Christmas and the pageant while trying to impress the handsome boy. This doesn’t sit well with Nate, her neighbor and best friend. He enters her into the town’s pageant. Now Chrissy has to compete in the dumb pageant all while trying to be someone she isn’t for her brother’s friend.

I really like Chrissy. She is down to earth, a little shallow (but what teen isn’t), and set in her ways. When Nate enters her into the pageant, of course she is furious, but she never backs down from a challenge. I love this about her. She is determined to win, getting to work on the projects with Nate is a bonus, and she can flirt with her brother’s roommate while she’s at it.

The pageant itself isn’t the main plot of the book, but I love it all the same. Each day the contestants are given a different craft to do (think gingerbread house, tree decorating, etc), and are whittled down to the final ten. The final ten contestants compete in a beauty pageant (well not quite a beauty pageant, since it’s for both men and women). This is a fun element in the book, showing Chrissy’s competitive nature and Nate’s crafting abilities. It also gives the reader time to digest Nate and Chrissy’s relationship which brings me to the main plot. While Chrissy might be crushing on her brother’s roommate, it’s obvious to all but Chrissy that Nate is crushing on her. If you like best friend tropes, you are in for a treat!

Overall I love The Trouble with Christmas. Sitting at 98 pages, it’s a fast, lighthearted read. Perfect for the busy holiday season. Honestly this book reads like your favorite Hallmark (or maybe Netflix) Christmas movie. I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys heart-warming romance.

This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.

I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Christmas in Harmony Harbor by Debbie Mason is the final book in her Harmony Harbor series, and I’m sad to see it go. If you’ve read the series from book one or it’s the first one you pick up, I guarantee it will not disappoint. This final installment tells the story of Caine Elliot, the man behind the company trying to buy Greystone Manor.

Caine is an enigma. As a fan of the series and lover of the manor, I should hate him, but I don’t. I love him. He has a good heart which is evident when he was first introduced in [b:Barefoot Beach|42270666|Barefoot Beach (Harmony Harbor #8)|Debbie Mason|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1555131640l/42270666._SY75_.jpg|65893523] as Theia’s best friend. He cares deeply for those that he loves and is loyal even when the person doesn’t deserve his loyalty. My heart broke for him over and over again throughout the story, especially as his history is revealed and how the manor plays into it.

But this story isn’t just about Caine. It’s also about Evangeline Christmas, the owner of Holiday House, a historic home and store on the main street of Harmony Harbor. It also happens to be next door to the development Caine’s company is building and the town just voted to approve Caine’s request to buy Holiday House and put a parking lot in its place. Furious and heartbroken don’t begin to describe how Evie is feeling, but she is determined to stop it. With the help of Caine’s uncle Seamus, Evie devises a plan to do just that.

The plot of the story follows Caine and Evie as Evie’s plan is put into motion. Evie bets Caine that he can’t fulfill three wishes from her angel tree. As a man who never loses, Caine takes the bet. Evie uses each wish as an homage to the Dickens’s classic A Christmas Carol. Each angel is one of the ghosts of Christmas, breaking down all of Caine’s barriers and a few of Evie’s along the way. I love this twist! It really explores Caine’s history giving readers a clear insight into his character. Not to mention the chemistry that builds between Evie and Caine as he fulfills the wishes and they get to know one another.

Overall I loved Christmas in Harmony Harbor. While I’m sad to see the series come to a close, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect ending. Colleen would be happy with it! If you enjoy sweet, holiday romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy asap.

This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.

I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

An Alaskan Christmas is the first book in a brand new series called Wild River by Jennifer Snow. I knew before I even cracked this book open that I would enjoy it. Set in a rural Alaskan town, An Alaskan Christmas follows the story of Dr. Erika Sheraton and search and rescue team leader Reed Reynolds. If you enjoy holiday romance, I highly recommend it.

The story opens on workaholic Dr. Erika Sheraton. Seriously, she is like a robot, going through the daily grind with little thought about the feelings of her coworkers or patients. She is driven by the lingering grief from her mother’s death years earlier and the need for her own father’s approval. When the board of her hospital recommends a vacation, she has no choice but to take it. Unsure of what to do with herself she reaches out to her estranged childhood best friend Cassie and winds up on a two week stay in her hometown Wild River.

I like Erika, at least I try to like Erika. She isn’t an easy person to like. She pushes people away and has walls built around her heart stronger than those at Fort Knox, but despite all that it is easy to see where her heart lies. Erika may play the tough, no nonsense surgeon, but in truth she is just protecting herself from ever being hurt again.

Enter Reed Reynolds, Cassie’s older brother and tormenter of Erika’s youth. Though I say that loosely. Reed remembers Erika as Cassie’s annoying, snobbish friend growing up. Now that he is all grown up, he has a desire to prove to her that he is more than she thinks he is. Where the desire comes from he doesn’t know. He can’t have a thing for her, can he? She’s not his type. The more Reed denies his feelings for Erika the more evident they become to the reader. At times I wanted to reach through the pages and smack some sense into him or at the very least yell at him to go get the girl. Reed is kind, protective, loyal, and loving to everyone that knows him, and Erika may just lose her heart to him if she hangs out in Wild River too long.

The plot of the story revolves around Erika and Reed. I don’t feel like this fits into any romance trope that I’m aware of. It isn’t really friends to lovers or enemies to lovers, nor is it second chance. What it is is entertaining, steamy and sweet all at the same time. I rooted for them from the first page and found myself anxious as the explored the Alaskan wilderness with the search and rescue team.

Overall I really enjoyed An Alaskan Christmas. I love Reed and Erika, and I know you will too! The setting was a bonus, making me want to don skiing gear and wrap up in a blanket while reading to ward off the cold the characters were in. If you enjoy holiday romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy asap.

This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.

It’s time for the second horseman of the apocalypse in Laura Thalassa's War. Y’all it doesn’t disappoint! When I picked up the book, I was not hesitant like I was with [b:Pestilence|41831210|Pestilence (The Four Horsemen, #1)|Laura Thalassa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1563320544l/41831210._SY75_.jpg|59407276]. I went in with the attitude of I’m going to devour this book and I did

I received an eARC via Netgalley from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

After spending just under a week reading Zero Repeat Forever by G.S. Prendergast, I’m not really sure how I feel about it. My initial reaction was that I loved it, but now that I sit to write the review, I find that maybe I didn’t love it as much as I originally thought. Zero Repeat Forever is told in dual POV and takes place over the course of a year after an alien race seemingly invades Earth and begins wiping out the human population. Honestly this seems right up my alley, but the execution was odd and at times hard to follow.

What I Liked
I really enjoyed the dual POV. Eighth and Raven have distinct enough voices that I did not get confused about whose POV I was reading. It gave the reader a comprehensive look at what was going on in the world and who the Nahx were.

Eighth was my favorite character. I know I shouldn’t have liked him as much as I did, but he was compassionate and resilient. It made me root for him. I liked that the author gave us his POV as it helped to flesh him out, understand his motives, and the daily struggle he lived with going against the directives. He was like a child really in his attachment to Raven, snowflakes and dandelions. It was sweet, even if his violent outbursts broke my heart a little.

The plot of the story has a lot of promise. An unknown invader, post-apocalyptic type survival, and rebellion….what’s not to like?! I enjoyed the parts of the plot that dealt with the Nahx and what was happening. Every new piece of information that I learned brought up more questions about the invasion and who the Nahx really were. It made for an exciting read.

What I Didn’t Like
I was not a fan of Raven, even if a majority of the story was told from her POV. She acted as if the world was out to get her. She was of mixed race (her biological father was white….I think and her mother African American) and she harbored a lot of resentment for bullying she received as a kid. I get that bullying is a thing. What I don’t understand is why it played a role in a post-apocalyptic novel. Shouldn’t those differences be put aside to save the human race? We are all human after all, even Raven makes this point. Yet when one of the characters calls her a “mixed breed” (who does that by the way?! We are people not animals.) and another character tells her that no one thinks of her like that, she takes it to mean because they think of her as white and gets mad about that too…..While this didn’t make a lick of sense to me, it did shape Raven’s character to be an angry person.

The romance aspect….I just didn’t buy it. It felt off to me. I may have rooted for it and my heart broke for Eighth because of how Raven treats him, but it was really weird. It felt like stockholm syndrome and not healthy at all. Eighth was obsessed with Raven and Raven was entirely dependent upon him for everything from food to being able to use the bathroom. It wasn’t healthy, and I just didn’t buy it.

Ugh!!! The pace of the book was SO slow!!!! It started off promising — lots of action, close encounters with the Nahx, and near death experiences. Then it just stopped. There was barely any forward movement in the plot. Eighth’s chapters were short (sometimes just over a page) and made absolutely no sense, leaving big plot holes. Then suddenly the pace picked up again and the book ended. Frustrating!

While this book is billed for YA, I don’t feel it is appropriate for YA…maybe the mature YA, like 16+. There is quite a bit of strong language used, underage drinking and drug use, and sex. It was just a bit much for a YA book in my opinion.

My Conclusion
Overall I really wanted to like this book. I liked Eighth, and aside from her anger issues I liked Raven as well. The romance could use some work though and the plot holes need to be filled in. However the revelations at the end of the book (some of which were predictable due to some good foreshadowing) have me intrigued and I want to read more of the series. If you enjoy scifi and dystopia, don’t mind a slow pace, maybe give this one a go.

Y’all I know better than to start a Kelly Oram book at bedtime. I know better, yet I do it with every release. The lack of sleep was worth it. Girl at Heart is Kelly Oram's first release in over two years, and it is perfect! I have never picked up one of her books and not had a smile at the end. Girl at Heart broke my heart, put it back together, and reminded me of the sweet butterflies that come with first kisses and first loves.

“As the daughter of a successful Major League pitcher, Charlie Hastings has baseball in her blood.” This first line of the blurb says it all. Charlie is a catcher, top in her league as her team enters the playoffs. She’s happy with this life, but as a senior in high school, she knows the likelihood of playing in college is low. Baseball is a boys’ sport. She isn’t bitter about it, she accepts it. But she is now having a bit of an identity crisis. She’s always been just one of the boys, her three best friends are boys, and they treat her like a boy, not a girl. But Charlie is a girl, she just doesn’t have anyone to show her the girly things in life. When her secret crush on her best friend is (for lack of a better word) crushed, she’s ready to throw in the towel. Then enters the team captain Jace King.

Jace isn’t like Charlie’s friends. He’s kind and empathetic. As the older brother of four sisters (I think that’s the right number), he gets girls and understands Charlie’s dilemma. Not to mention he may be harboring his own crush. I love Jace. He is exactly what Charlie needs when her world seems to fall in on itself.

The plot of this one reminds me a lot of the movie She’s All That. Now Charlie isn’t the shy nerd from that movie, but the transformation and how her friends react to it are similar. Like all of Kelly Oram's books, Girl at Heart explores the emotions and struggles of the character in a realistic, natural way. I knew Charlie, she felt real. I cried with her, laughed with her, and shared her joy as she discovered herself. I may have even fell in love with the King boy. Shhh…don’t tell Brian

When I first heard that Rebecca Ethington was continuing the Imdalind series, I freaked. Like I legit was incoherent, trying to tell my friends all about it. Imdalind is one of my all-time favorite series. I love Joclyn and Ryland and Ilyan and Wyn and Thom and all of them! The characters and their world feel so real to me, like when someone says they are just fictional I get a little stabby

I discovered something about myself while reading this book….I really like sports romance! The Friend Zone by Sariah Wilson is the first book in her series End of the Line. Following the story of Logan Hunt, this story will pull at your heartstrings and make even the non-sports fans root for the team.

The Friend Zone opens with Logan getting off the bus in Seattle. He is determined to follow any rules the coach sets for him and not mess up this last chance at his dreams of playing in the NFL. I understood Logan. He comes from the wrong-side of the tracks. Growing up poor and coming from an abusive home left him angry. That anger got him in a lot of trouble when he was finally out on his own. Now he has a second chance and he will not screw it up for anything….even the coach’s daughter.

Jess is fantastic! She can handle her own, but her past keeps coming back to haunt her. When she was a freshman, she was assaulted at a party by her father’s football players. It cost him his job and Jess her confidence and security. Now a few years later, she’s ready to move past it. She’s got a crush on her partner in the math lab and football players are a big no thanks to her dad’s rules. So why is she so attracted to her dad’s new quarterback?

Logan is instantly attracted to Jess, but he knows she’s off limits and not just because she’s the coach’s daughter. The coach has three hard and fast rules: no swearing, no drinking/drugs, no dating. Break them and you’re off the team. Fine, no dating. Logan and Jess can be friends, right? Jess likes Ben the math nerd anyways, and in exchange for helping him with his math grade, Logan can help Jess capture Ben’s attention. Awkward dates and sexual tension ensue as Logan and Jess try to walk a fine line between just friends and something more.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I love Jess and Logan! Their banter and chemistry ooze off the pages. I found myself smiling most of the story, and when I wasn’t my heart was breaking for them. If you enjoy college romance, sports romance, and off limits tropes, you are in for a treat!

This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.