Review: Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2qOGKuw

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2qQ6OTW

Seventeen-year-old actress Kelley Winslow thinks that playing the role of the fairy queen Titiana in a production of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream could be her lucky break - if she can pull it off. But when she meets the handsome Sonny Flannery, Kelley has to face the shocking truth that the world of Faeries is all too real - and that she an unwitting part of it. Sonny warns Kelley that she is no mere mortal, and that she is being haunted by powerful forces from the Faerie realm. Now, Kelley must come to terms with her heritage - and her growing feelings for Sonny - if she wants to save not only herself, but also the human world that she holds dear.

5 Stars

Wondrous Strange was just plain magical!

Sonny was, by far, my favorite character. He was equal parts swoony sweetheart and tortured soul. I loved everything about him. It was adorable how he would get confused over things Kelley would say. All he wanted to do was figure out why all of the trouble he was dealing with kept leading back to her, but to Kelley it looked like he was being creepy and following her. He kept trying to explain to her what was going on but of course she didn't believe him. 

I felt sorry for Sonny because he didn't really fit in anywhere. 

1- He's a changeling who grew up in the fairy realm and thus has no knowledge of our culture.

2- Oberon made him a Janis, a guard whose sole responsibility is to guard the gateway between our realm & the fairy realm by any means necessary - including death, and so fairies hate him because it is his specialty to maim/kill fairies. He doesn't fit in with the humans or the fairies. 

The story revolves around The Wild Hunt, one of my favorite fairy concepts, and takes place in New York, mainly Central Park, which I also loved. Finally, Puck. His story and how he is connected to Kelley is very sweet and I hope it gets fleshed out more in books 2 & 3. The second book, Darklight, is at the top of my June TBR and I can't wait to visit this world again. 

Twitter: @declarefangirl

Instagram: @declarationsofafangirl

Review: The Valiant by Lesley Livingston

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2q4yaIX 

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2qOHJuE

Princess. Captive. Gladiator.

Fallon is the daughter of a proud Celtic king, the sister of the legendary warrior Sorcha, and the sworn enemy of Julius Caesar.

When Fallon was a child, Caesar’s armies invaded her homeland, and her beloved sister was killed in battle.

Now, on the eve of her seventeenth birthday, Fallon is eager to follow in her sister’s footsteps and earn her place in the fearsome Cantii war band. She never gets the chance.

Fallon is captured and sold to an elite training school for female gladiators—owned by none other than Julius Caesar. In a cruel twist of fate, the man who destroyed Fallon’s family might be her only hope of survival.

Now Fallon must overcome vicious rivalries and deadly fights—in and out of the arena. And perhaps the most dangerous threat of all: her forbidden yet irresistible feelings for Cai, a young Roman soldier. 

4.5 Stars

The Valiant was just plain awesome. I can't remember ever reading a book set in the time of Caesar. I found the whole gladiator fascinating.

Fallon is a straight up bad ass. The fact that she didn't whine much after she was kidnapped was great. A lot of times when an MC is dealt a raw deal their internal dialogue turns so whiny, and it makes it hard to focus on the story and their journey. Totally not the case with Fallon. One of my favorite parts of the story was the friendship between Fallon and Elka (who is a bad ass in her own right). Elka was so supportive of Fallon and kept her grounded. I want my own Elka! 

The story didn't solely focus on the "forbidden romance" and it was so refreshing. I loved Cai but I wanted to see more of his life. He would make comments about his father putting him in strategically placed positions for political advancement. I would have liked to have read some of their conversations. 

Cleopatra makes a couple appearances but she is still a mystery for me. I want to know how she met Fallon's sister. I want to know the back story on how they became such good friends. 

Finally, the fight sequences were freaking awesome. As I read them I kept picturing them with a 300 vibe. I could totally see Fallon kicking ass Spartan-style! 

When I got my hands on this book I couldn't wait to read it, but now I kind of wish I'd waited because now I'm dying for the next book!

I really love Ms. Livingston's writing style and immediately picked up her book, Wondrous Strange (a reread for me), after I finished The Valiant. I am determined to read her other 2 trilogies this summer (Wondrous Strange & Starling). 

Twitter: @declarefangirl

Instagram: @declarationsofafangirl

Review: The Cellar by Natasha Preston

SYNOPSIS

Nothing ever happens in the town of Long Thorpe – that is, until sixteen-year-old Summer Robinson disappears without a trace. No family or police investigation can track her down. Spending months inside the cellar of her kidnapper with several other girls, Summer learns of Colin’s abusive past, and his thoughts of his victims being his family…his perfect, pure flowers. But flowers can’t survive long cut off from the sun, and time is running out….

"Lily?"

My stomach dropped as a tall, dark-haired man stepped into view. Had he been hiding between the trees?

"No. Sorry." Gulping, I took a step back. "I'm not Lily."

He shook his head, a satisfied grin on his face. "No. You are Lily."

"I'm Summer. You have the wrong person." You utter freak!

I could hear my pulse crashing in my ears. How stupid to give him my real name. He continued to stare at me, smiling. It made me feel sick.

"You are Lily," he repeated.

Before I could blink, he threw his arms forward and grabbed me. I tried to shout, but he clasped his hand over my mouth, muffling my screams. My heart raced. I'm going to die.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1LpuFSA

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1U5V6j3

*3 STARS*

This book was a total impulse buy back last year while I was perusing the book aisle in Target. I can't visit Target and not take a quick peek (read: at least 15 minutes) at the book aisle. The Husband does not understand this rule, and when I have to go to Target with him, I leave feeling empty because I don't get to stop by and see my friends in the book aisle.

   

It's no secret that I'm very picky about what contemporary books I will read, especially YA. I need more in my plots than some girl wondering if the boy likes her or not...which seems to be the majority of YA contemporary (okay sure, there's some coming of age stuff in there, but since I've already came of age and surpassed it, I'm good, no thanks). So, when I read the synopsis and learned it was about a girl who gets kidnapped, I was sold.

   

The beginning of this book was so slow for me and I just felt like all Summer did was whine. I know, totally justified, but that girl spent an obscene amount of time crying. I found myself skimming over the chapters in her POV, which is ridiculous since that's where all of the good/horrible stuff is supposed to be happening. I even found Lewis's search for her more interesting. I wanted more from Colin's POV. I wanted more about his childhood with his mother who supposedly made such an impact on him that it drove him to severe OCD, killing prostitutes (chill, it's not really that big of a spoiler), and kidnapping the girls. So your mom caught your dad running around on her...totally not enough basis to turn into a psychopath, for crying out loud. I dunno. I'm just on the fence about this one. I gave it 3 stars because at about 70%, some drama ensued and I couldn't put the book down because I just had to find out how it all ended. Honestly, if I wasn't going through withdrawals from Criminal Minds (I marathoned all 10 seasons and can't find season 11, *sad face*), then I probably wouldn't have picked it back up.

 

Twitter: @declarefangirl

Instagram: @declarationsofafangirl

Review: The Whispers by Daryl Banner

SYNOPSIS

This book can be read as a standalone. Although reading the Beautiful Dead Trilogy would enrich your experience, it is not required.

Jennifer needs to know the truth about the Beautiful Dead. Do they really exist, or is it all a lie?

She faces punishment from the university if she pursues her forbidden Undeadly studies - but she could also change the world. One reckless decision (that may or may not be totally illegal) sends Jennifer and her friends embarking on an adventure of adeathtime to find the truth at last.

She did not expect, however, to discover the fate of all humanity resting in her little Living hands.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1UWOXVj

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1S083sJ

The Beautiful Dead Trilogy

The Beautiful Dead (book 1)

http://amzn.to/1P2Jmp6

Dead of Winter (book 2)

http://amzn.to/1UWQpHt

Almost Alive (book 3)

http://amzn.to/21luGIL

Or snag the box set!

http://amzn.to/1WdhDYM

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange 

for my honest review.*

*4 STARS*

I don't even know where to start with this book. It's a blessing and a curse all wrapped up in one lovely package. I was so excited to get my hands on this book. I most definitely was not ready to say goodbye to Winter & Co., so when the chance to get an ARC was presented to me, I pounced on it right away. That being said, I think I went into this one with my hopes up just a little bit too high. But let me explain!

   

I was hoping for more backstory on how the Undead came to be and I was hoping for more glimpses of Winter and John *SPOILER* even though I knew they literally blew away in a cloud of glorious undead dust at the end of Almost Alive. I clung to the false hope that maybe Jennifer or John (come on, his name is John!) would have some confusing dreams about Winter and John (which has yet to be confirmed that they are, in fact, Winter and John reincarnated, but I'm going to assume/hope/pray/beg that they are). It just felt like something was missing for me. I think it's because I'm still so attached to Winter and John. And this is my fault.

 

Now that we've gotten the hard part out of the way, let me tell you that The Whispers will draw you in just like The Beautiful Dead trilogy. You don't have to read The Beautiful Dead trilogy to understand what is going on in The Whispers, but ohhhhh I highly recommend it. Trust me. You will get so much more out it if you do.

   

Having read The Beautiful Dead trilogy already, this book made me so nostalgic for that world. I loved all of the little nods to the trilogy throughout the story. I was so eager to breeze through the book and see what would happen that I'm sure I missed a lot of the references. It was like finding little Easter eggs. I'm going to have to do a reread, take my time, and make a list...but first I'm going to have to reread The Beautiful Dead trilogy so that all of its wonders are fresh in my mind.

   

 The Whispers completely whetted my appetite for more stories in this world. I have several conspiracy theories about why Jennifer wasn't allowed to further her research on The Beautiful Dead and present all of her truthful findings. I have theories about just who Professor Praun and President Vale really are. I just have so many theories and questions, and the book was only about 200 pages, which wasn't nearly enough. I'll never have enough of this world.

 

Twitter: @declarefangirl

Instagram: @declarationsofafangirl

Blitz: The Scarlett Legacy by K.N. Lee

The Scarlett Legacy

Woodland Creek Shifters

By- K.N. Lee

Genre- YA Paranormal Romance/Fantasy

Woodland Creek Series.

30 Authors. 30 Shifter Stories.

http://woodlandcreekseries.com

Wizards. Shifters. Murderers.

Welcome to Woodland Creek where one family of wizards gives new meaning to organized crime.

Evie Scarlett wanted two things: marry Parker Drake and leave Woodland Creek. But when Hugh Prince, a dangerous crime boss, is mysteriously murdered while awaiting trial for her father's murder, all eyes turn to the Scarlett family.

The arrival of Hugh's youngest son, Avalon brings a century-old feud to a dangerous climax. This vengeful wizard gives Evie's older brother a choice: die or give Evie to him.

When Evie's plans for escape are broken by familial duty, she must find a way to protect those she loves and win back her freedom. What she finds is an ancient power that she never knew she had.

A power that might change everything she thought she knew about her family.

Universal Buy Link- http://mybook.to/thescarlettlegacy

Review: In My Dreams by Cameo Renae

SYNOPSIS

The dreams were happening again. 

It was something seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Hayes thought she’d outgrown. She didn’t want them anymore; detailed premonitions of how people would die. 

One night, Lizzy’s worst nightmare occurs. She dreams of her boyfriend, Michael Young, and soon discovers his car was found in a river, along with his lifeless body. 

Confusion settles deep within when Michael appears alive in her dreams. He warns her, attempting to keep her safe from the very person who murdered him. 

Awake, Lizzy must pull on her inner strength, not only to save herself, but also her friends whose lives are in danger. 

In My Dreams is a story of trust, friendship, courage, and true love that lives beyond the grave

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1SnvN7z

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YwT371

*4 STARS*

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Looking for a smooth, easy read to get yourself out of a reading slump? This book is for you!

   

In My Dreams has it all. A strong heroine, swoon-worthy hero, a lovable best friend, interesting story line, detestable villain, and a bittersweet ending. The action was great and the story flowed well. Ironically, my least favorite parts were when Michael would visit Lizzy in her dreams. It all just seemed too perfect and too sweet, like give you a cavity sweet. I mean, I get it. I understand these are her dreams and anything is possible, but it was just a little bit over the top for me. It wasn't enough to keep me from finishing the book in one day though. There was a small plot twist involving Tyler that had me rolling my eyes. I just felt like there were so many more possibilities for his backstory. When I read the basis for his choices, I experienced a snort of derision moment akin to Sheldon Cooper.

   

The too-sweet dreams and Tyler's plot twist are why I knocked off a star. The ending was, by far, my favorite part of the entire story. I'm not going to elaborate because of spoilers, of course, but the last 10% had me glued to my Kindle.

   

We get a glimpse of a few of the characters from another one of Cameo's series and it was fan-freaking-tastic. It made me eager to dive into her Hidden Wings series. 

*plugs in Kindle and clears schedule*

 

If you've read the description, it goes without saying that is book is quite a tear jerker. I teared up a couple of times in the first half of the book, but from 60% on, I gave up fighting and just let the tears flow.

Review: Bound by Duty by Stormy Smith

SYNOPSIS

Amelia grew up in a world of half-truths. She knows she's an Elder but has no idea what that means. Her father reminds her daily that she must maintain control but he refuses to explain why. Even worse, she's betrothed to the prince of the Immortals and she doesn't even know his name. 

Finally breaking free to live a few normal years at a community college, the last thing Amelia expects is to find her best friend in a cheeky Southern girl and to fall for a self-assured human who sees her for who she is and not what she'll be.

As she learns more about herself, Amelia realizes the line between love and duty is a thin one. As her power continues to increase exponentially and her questions are slowly answered, Amelia must make the ultimate choice. The question is, will her head or her heart win the battle?

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1GIlPg9

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MCTWZp

*2 STARS*

I was given a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

Another book that just did not work for me. I'm considering making a "nope" shelf. 

 

 This was me for more than 75% of this book.

 

Amelia was downright annoying. Her internal dialogue was exhausting to read. And the whining!! Oh my goodness! We get it. Your free will is gone. You're betrothed. The world is going to end because you got dealt a raw deal. Life just isn't faaaaaaaaaaair! She never let up. It seemed like her lack of choice was mentioned at least once each paragraph. And don't get me started on her flip flopping romance with Aidan. I just wanted her to make up her mind!

   

And then everyone is so damn cryptic! "I want to tell you this vital information but I'm not going to. I can't tell you but I'm not going to give you a valid reason why not."

 

Amelia gets so pissed that "everyone" is keeping secrets from her but yet she turns around and does the same exact thing. 

There was more I should have told Cole....But every time I opened my mouth to speak, warning bells went off and the words stuck in my throat. 

Derreck and Cole grilled me over breakfast, yet again, about my dream. Something about it felt so weird and personal that I decided to hold back. 

I told them I had no idea what the dream was about or why I was screaming. Would he be the one to tell me the truth? Or would he only tell me the parts he wanted to share like everyone else had done?

 

*SPOILERS AHEAD* 

There's talk of Amelia having a mate (methinks Aidan, but admittedly, with only 34 pages left I just couldn't do it anymore) and then ALL OF A SUDDEN, the seemingly ordinary "human" she's been dating turns out to have powers. This makes no sense considering all Mages can supposedly sense when another Mage is near. Both Micah and Cole have spent copious amounts of time with Aidan but yet neither one of them sensed him? Just seems a little too convenient for me. After that, I was just done.