I received a complimentary copy of this book via the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Sam the Stolen Puppy by Holly Webb is a heartbreaking tale of one little girl’s search for her missing pup. Emily had only one Christmas wish, and it was granted in the form of a beautiful golden labrador puppy. Immediately smitten, Emily takes her job as the puppy’s owner seriously, showering the adorable pup with all the love and attention he deserves. However, things go awry when Emily arrives home from school to find Sam missing, stolen from her backyard. Will she find him or is he lost forever?

This is such a cute story. While technically a mystery, it is light, making it appealing to all ages. Short, easy chapters with a few challenging vocabulary words make this a perfect book for young independent readers and an engaging read aloud. Simple illustrations depict scenes from the story and can be found throughout the book. Overall, this is a sweet, simple story that any animal lover will enjoy.

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

This is the second contemporary series I’ve read from Michelle MacQueen, and it is everything I love about contemporary romance: sweet to steamy chemistry, emotional rollercoaster, and an HEA. Invincible: The Complete Series is a heart-wrenching read, full of the heart ache of first loves, the ups and downs of high school life, and the decision to come home again. Two separate stories are told in this set, but follow the same couple, one during their senior year of high school and the other ten years later.

California “Callie” McCoy is a loner, always ready to be on the water surfing instead of in class. But this is senior year and with her best friend off at college, Callie is feeling lost. She doesn’t know where she fits in or if she wants to fit in. High school isn’t easy for the introverts, and MacQueen shows that beautifully through Callie and her choices. These choices will follow her into adulthood, leading her to leave her small town in search of the father she never knew. She lives an entirely different life than the one she imagined before returning ten years later.

Jamie is the opposite of Callie in every way. He’s the popular boy at school, the senator’s kid, and her best friend’s brother. He also happens to be best friends with Callie’s twin. Jamie is severely misunderstood, and that is clear from the first POV chapter we get. He’s been in love with Callie, who is off-limits for more than the obvious reasons, for as long as he can remember. Now with Jay off at college, he might have a shot at becoming her friend at least. My heart bled for Jamie. His life is not at all what I imagined, or what Callie believed. He hides it well under the anger and lashes out, pushing anyone that would choose to be close to him away. Despite his feelings for Callie or maybe because of them, he sets out to make a better life for himself, only to return ten years later with all the heartbreak he left behind.

I love this set! The first book deals with Callie and Jamie in their senior year of high school before the second book flashes forward ten years bringing them together again. The romance and relationship develop naturally and realistically. I cried with them, laughed with them, and swooned over their stolen kisses. But the story doesn’t follow just them, even if it is focused on their relationship and told from their POV. It also follows Jay, Morgan, and Colby as they experience the same things. It’s interesting to see how Callie and Jamie affect the dynamic of their group.

Overall, I really enjoyed Invincible: The Complete Series. It tells the complete story of Jamie and Callie’s love. But there is so much more to this series than a romance. The author touches on abuse, mass shootings, PTSD, and everything you can imagine coming from those situations. It is all handled with sensitivity to the subject matter while bringing awareness to the reader. Beautiful! If you enjoy YA contemporary, you are in for a treat.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas is the follow up book to ACOTAR. Personally I was leery to start it. I liked Tamlin and I loved Rhysand, but more than that I loved Feyre AND I did not want to read a triangle. I hate this trope in YA literature (though I’m not sure I’d classify this book as YA…just saying). However I was worried for no reason. Sarah J Maas is a genius….seriously folks she is!

Please note that if you have not read the first book in this series that there are minor spoilers to that book in this review. Read at your own risk.

How far Feyre has come from the brave, human girl in the woods?! She is nothing like the girl we met in ACOTAR. Feyre is plagued with night terrors from her time Under the Mountain. She’s high fae!!!! Like what?! And she has this bargain with the Lord of the Night Court hanging over her head like a threat. Feyre starts this book terrified and I really can’t blame her. I could even identify with her to some extent. It’s miraculous that she is even functioning after what she was put through. I loved reading her progression….does that make me weird? Because she is in a really dark place during this book and it takes a good portion of the story before she sees even a glimmer of light.

Oh and Tamlin….you beast! I knew my gut was right. You were evil incarnate and I knew it. I guess evil incarnate isn’t the right term. His need for control and angry outburst increase tenfold after coming home from Under the Mountain. If it’s possible to be more screwed up than Feyre, he is. The two together are a bomb waiting to implode. Tamlin is extremely over-protective to the point that he eventually confines Feyre to the house, not letting her leave, not giving her space to breathe. Under Tamlin, Feyre is withering.

And the knight in shining armor, well shadows….Rhysand *swoon* Rhys was one of those characters that I knew there was more to him. He’s secretive and holds those secrets close. He literally swoops in and saves Feyre from her marriage to Tamlin, calling in his bargain during the ceremony. It was epic, I may have snickered just a little and sighed relief with Feyre. I liked seeing more of Rhys in this book. It helped to understand him more and the balance in his life. I want to say more but I also don’t want to spoil it!

The plot of this book is really about all the kingdoms overcoming what was done to them Under the Mountain. They are coming to terms, rebuilding their territories, and preparing for whatever the Prythian king has in store for them now that Amarantha has been defeated. This is a dark read. Feyre is struggling to come to terms with what has happened to her. She is living with a man who is beyond broken and her savior is a man who deals in shadows and secrets.

Overall I loved this book. Each page was filled with details that came to life as I read. The imagery was stunning. The creatures Feyre encounters were terrifying. And the romance was steamy and slow building. Loved it!!! If you’ve not read the first book, I highly recommend you do. If you enjoy high fantasy, this does not disappoint.

Writing a review for the last book in any series is hard. I’m never sure what to say as I’m afraid of spoiling the series for someone who hasn’t read it yet. With A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas I’m terrified of doing just that. ACOWAR picks up a few weeks (I believe I’ve got the time line right here) after the awful cliffhanger ending of ACOMAF. So I’m going to put this here: Please note that if you have not read the previous books in this series that there are unavoidable spoilers to those books in this review. I mean really?! I still can’t believe what Tamlin did to Feyre and his own countrymen at the end of ACOMAF. REALLY?!?! I held hope that his character might be redeemable but after that I’m not so sure.

As the blurb suggests, Feyre is back in the Spring Court after having married and been crowned Queen and Lady of the Night Court. That was a good twist there. I didn’t see it coming. That Feyre and Rhys planned this, for her to be taken by Tamlin. Stroke of genius there! Feyre is out for revenge on Tamlin, but also to gain intel for Rhys. She is placed strategically so that she appears to be Tamlin’s again when in reality she is biding her time, waiting to strike.

Tamlin is more broken during this book than in the last, however I feel that he is starting to see the light again. Lucien is back in this book. He was in ACOMAF but I gave him a pass for his ignorance concerning Feyre mainly because I love him. Lucien risks everything in this book for her and I love him more. He is the same character we met before but not. He is starting to question his best friend and his tactics. Then there’s Ianthe *read that with snark* I can’t stand her, especially after what Rhys reveals. Ianthe gets hers though and it is poetic!

Rhys breaks my heart in this book. He sacrifices so much for those he loves and he is willing to continue sacrificing, pushing everyone away so that he can. Feyre doesn’t let him though and I’m so glad for that. Rhys is an uncomplicated character, once you get under his layers. I love him!!

The plot revolves around the coming invasion from Prythian and how after years under Amarantha’s reign the kingdoms aren’t ready. Rhys and Feyre set out to unite the kingdoms and I loved this part of the book. In fact for once, the last book may be my favorite. I loved the extra details we get about the world Feyre lives in. Plus her sisters play a larger role in this book and I happen to love them.

Overall this conclusion to Feyre’s story was fantastic. It was even more fantastic for me when I turned the page after the end and found the announcement about the next book in the series coming out next year *squee* How did I miss that announcement before?! I’m so excited that Sarah J Maas is returning to this world, even if it will be in the form of standalones. Of all the characters, I want Azriel’s story, maybe one for Lucien too, but definitely Azriel. He is my favorite character from the series aside from the obvious Rhys. If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, this book will not disappoint!

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

Go the Distance by Jen Calonita is the latest installment in Disney’s Twisted Tale series. This time the story focuses on one of my favorites, Hercules, and twists the story at the end of the tale. What if Hercules wasn’t allowed to become human to live with Meg? Instead, what if the gods sent Meg on her own quest and allowed her to become a god? To me, this question needed to be explored. It was something I had wondered as a child. If Hercules parents loved him so much and went through all that to bring him home, why couldn’t they convert Meg as well? Go the Distance fleshes out Meg’s character in a way the original cartoon did not, giving life and depth to the choices she made both prior to meeting Hercules and after.

Told mainly from Meg’s point of view, I found myself rooting for Meg in a way that I hadn’t before. We see her vulnerabilities, the trials she’s already faced in her life, how she wound up working for Hades in the first place, and the way she falls in love even when she really doesn’t want to. My heart broke learning about her childhood, her first love, and how everything is ripped from her. The part that truly broke me is how she expected it to be ripped from her at every turn. No part of Meg’s life had shown her that some people stay. That was heartbreaking.

The plot of this one was muddled, and the pace was inconsistent. I struggled to finish it. Meg is given her task by Hera, first to find Athena’s lost lute and if she can do that, then the rest of her quest will be revealed. At this point of the story, Meg is doubting her love for Hercules, questioning if she wants this opportunity, which makes her determination on the quest ironic. Flipping between past and present with little transition left me lost, thinking I’d skipped a page by accident. Not only that but it distracted from the present plot Meg was facing. Eventually the flashbacks tied into the present day for Meg, making sense and giving clarity to the story.

Overall, while I didn’t love Go the Distance, I did enjoy it enough to finish the story. I’ll admit that I did skim through some chapters, only reading dialogue to find out what I might be missing. Meg is a strong character both in cartoon and on paper. I loved seeing more of her story here. If you enjoy retellings and mischief making gods, you will enjoy this one.

This book was a pleasant surprise. Jackaby by William Ritter is the first in the series by the same name. Set during the Victorian age, I expected a freaky paranormal mystery that would leave me jumping at noises and leaving all the lights on at night. That is not at all what this is! Jackaby is a quirky, paranormal mystery with similar themes and feel to classic Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes.

Abigail Rook is a runaway, looking for adventure. Over the past year, she has explored Europe, and now she has settled into America. Looking for a job leads her to the mysterious paranormal investigator Jackaby. Determined to show her worth, Abigail joins Jackaby as he investigates a recent string of murders. With a keen eye for detail, she quickly becomes an asset rather than a hindrance as Jackaby has found his past assistants. I really like Abigail. The story is told entirely from her point of view, and I loved her narration. It reminded me a lot of Watson’s narrative, which grounded the story making it come to life.

Jackaby is fantastic! I love him. He is quirky, like Matt Smith’s doctor quirky, and always one step ahead of everyone else. He sees beyond what most people see. He sees the hidden paranormal that surrounds everyday life. As one of the only people to see these things, Jackaby tasks himself with keeping the paranormal community in check. When something is off about a case or news story, he’s there to investigate it. In this particular case, the murder victims are missing their blood which is suspicious considering their wounds. With the help of his new assistant, he is on the case.

I loved the world-building that the author integrates into the story. Jackaby’s unique abilities and Abigail’s sharp eye for detail work together well. While there is no romance between the two, the chemistry is wonderful. I love the dynamic between them and how they play off each other. It’s a believable, working relationship. The addition of the paranormal aspects set during a time when technology was just beginning to emerge is perfection. I really enjoyed how it is incorporated and how the setting plays just as important a role as the characters themselves. Jackaby wouldn’t work in contemporary times.

Overall, I really enjoyed Jackaby. Abigail and Jackaby are a cohesive team, working with each other’s strengths. I enjoyed the mystery element as well. It wasn’t too scary, but left me guessing right to the end. If you enjoy paranormal mystery, period pieces, or looking for a fun read, I highly recommend it.

WARNING! Copious amounts of fangirling in the following review.



If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, then it should come as no surprise to you that Imdalind is one of my all-time favorite series. When Rebecca Ethington announced a special edition, I was all kinds of excited. I couldn’t jump back into the world fast enough. Jos, Ryland, Ilyan, Wyn, Talon, Sain, Ovailia, even Edmund…I missed them all! But Y’ALL! I did NOT expect what I got in the Imdalind Ruby Collection volume one. I got SO. MUCH. MORE! Whether you are a lifelong fan of the series or coming at it with brand new eyes, this is a must read. It is Imdalind as I always imagined it.

This collection features the first three books of the series: [b:Kiss of Fire|40540131|Kiss of Fire (Imdalind, #1)|Rebecca Ethington|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529148651l/40540131._SY75_.jpg|21919561], [b:Eyes of Ember|43610232|Eyes of Ember (Imdalind, #2)|Rebecca Ethington|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1547848624l/43610232._SY75_.jpg|23961708], and [b:Scorched Treachery|43610234|Scorched Treachery (Imdalind, #3)|Rebecca Ethington|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1547848626l/43610234._SY75_.jpg|25027631]. Rebecca Ethington has reorganized the chapters, added additional bonus scenes (over 80k new words!!!), and we have new points of view. There are a ton of new Ryland, Wyn, and Ilyan chapters that enhance the story I already loved. Y’all give me all the Wyn! I loved her before, but I’m obsessed with her now.

When I started reading, I went in with the expectation that this was going to be a fun, just-for-me read, but it was so much more. I found myself remembering why I fell in love with the series in the first place. I fell in love with Jos and Ryland and, yes, suffered heartbreak again. My heart turned to goo over Ilyan. As Talon warned him, TORTURE! And speaking of Talon, I loved the additional bits we get of him through Wyn’s point of view. I liked him before, but I fell hard for him here. Even knowing all of what was going to happen in this book because this is like my ten thousandth reread of the series (first of this collection though), I had all the feels. I laughed out loud, I ugly cried, I raged, I fell in love.

Overall, I loved the Imdalind Ruby Collection Volume 1! I devoured it, barely sleeping, eating, or doing anything besides reading. My poor kindle’s battery is shot (eight charges in the last week) from reading. And I regret nothing. This was a perfectly executed story from start to finish. I can’t wait for others to read and discover Imdalind, falling in love with it as I have. If you are a fan of urban fantasy, love of the soul mate variety, and broody males, I highly recommend it.

I don’t know why, but I put off reading this book for so long. If I had to guess, it was because I liked the ending of [b:A Court of Wings and Ruin|23766634|A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1555221560l/23766634._SY75_.jpg|25126752], and I wasn’t ready to revisit the characters. Well, my heart wasn’t ready to revisit them. A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas is a novella that bridges the series between the original trilogy and the coming standalone novels.

Novella is a generous word considering this is an almost 300 page book. In truth, I would even go as far as saying it is a holiday novella as it is set during the solstice celebration that is very similar to our Christmas holiday.

Unlike the other books in the series, this one is told from alternating points of view. We get a taste of nearly all the characters: Feyre, Rhys, Cassian, Nesta, and Mor. With the war over, each character is now faced with how to move on with their lives and find their new normal.

Feyre has already begun this process. She struggled to accept her new Fae body months earlier after her ordeal Under the Mountain. Of all the characters, she has the easiest road ahead. Yes, she is still haunted by nightmares, but it is how she handles those nightmares and begins to live again that this book focuses on. I always liked Feyre, but I love her here. She gets a little of her old life back and makes peace with her new one.

Overall, A Court of Frost and Starlight is for the fans. It is purely a fluff read. Think of it as a super-sized epilogue to the original trilogy. It does a fantastic job of setting up the next book which will focus on Nesta and Cassian, while also paying tribute to the original couple. I think I fell more in love with Feyre and Rhys here, which I didn’t think possible. If you are a fan of the series, I highly recommend it.

This is a cute read! No Adults Allowed is the first book in a new series from author Gavin Aung Than. Junior Justice, JJ for short, is tired of being mistreated by his superhero partner, so he decides to form his own league, the Super Sidekicks. Joined by Dinomite, Flygirl, and Goo, JJ and his new team must prove that they can be superheroes on their own, and their first mission is sooner than they thought.

Beautiful illustrations and an easy to follow plot are just a few of the reasons kids will be drawn to the story. The action and oftentimes funny scenes will keep them engaged. Parents will be happy with the positive themes of the book such as working as a team and standing up for what is right. My ten year old read the book in one sitting, not wanting to sit it down, and giggles were heard throughout the house as he read through the Super Sidekicks’ adventure.

Kids who enjoy Captain Underpants and The Bad Guys will enjoy Than’s illustrations and story. We are looking forward to book two [b:Super Sidekicks #2: Ocean's Revenge|49814404|Super Sidekicks #2 Ocean's Revenge|Gavin Aung Than|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1567481831l/49814404._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73205604].

**I received a copy of this book through YA Books Central. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.**

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo is the first in The Grisha Trilogy and the book that started the Grishaverse. I devoured this book. There’s no other way to say it. It has everything I look for in my YA fantasy books: a well, thought-out magical world, political intrigue leading to potential war, the promise of action to come, and a little romance. Starting and ending on an explosive note, Shadow and Bone is sure to be a favorite of many fantasy fans.

Alina Starkov is a mapmaker in the king’s First Army. At the border of the Shadowfold, she’s preparing to make her first crossing of the Unsea when we meet her. An orphan who has never fit in, Alina is shy with little self-confidence. Her love for Mal, her only friend and fellow orphan, keeps her going. However the crossing brings with it dangers, and soon Alina’s long held secret comes to light. She is a Grisha, a fabled Sun Summoner, someone who can heal the Shadowfold and make Ravka whole again. Or at least that is what she is told…

The Darkling is a mysterious figure. Head of the king’s Second Army and the most powerful Grisha, the Darkling is surrounded in myth and peasant tales. When Alina is brought before him, he takes a quick interest. Her power is the opposite of his. Where Alina summons light, he summons darkness. Together, he claims, they can save Ravka. Separated from Mal and no word from him, Alina enters the world of the Grisha, learning to harness her powers for the good of her country.

The pacing of this one moves quickly. I started reading it one evening and wound up sitting and finishing it in the early hours of the morning. I love Alina, even if she is a bit naive. And the Darkling…oh my! This character is perfection. I cannot wait to see Ben Barnes bring him to life on the new Netflix series. Perfect casting!

But I digress, this story is so good from start to finish. The world-building is immersive so as you read and Alina encounters things the author explains them. There are no large info dumps, instead the information is integrated seamlessly within the story. And there are SO many characters I love: Genya, Mal, Baghra, even Alexei. There are no 2-d side characters, each is fully fleshed out and relatable. I can’t wait to see what is going to happen next.

Overall, I really enjoyed Shadow and Bone. I went in with zero expectations because I’d heard both good and bad about the series. I enjoyed [b:Six of Crows|23437156|Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618531219l/23437156._SY75_.jpg|42077459], so I’ll admit I had some hopes. This book hit the sweet spot for me, containing the right amount of magic, action, and romance. I’m looking forward to diving into [b:Siege and Storm|40930303|Siege and Storm (The Grisha, #2)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1532378695l/40930303._SY75_.jpg|19699752].