Roar - Book Review

Roar (Stormheart #1)
by Cora Carmack

What is it about:
In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.

She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.

What did I think of it:
I first heard about this book when I was investigating the authors who would be at the Love Letter Convention in Berlin last month. It sounded awesome and when I read the description of the June FairyLoot box I was 90% certain it would have Roar in it. This sounded like a win-win situation for me: Get a box full of cool loot and a book I really wanted to read, so I immediately ordered.

When I was in Berlin I was cheeky enough that I asked Cora Carmack if she could confirm Roar was in the June FairyLoot box, and she did!

So you bet I immediately started on Roar when my box arrived last week. (The rest of the box was totally awesome as well, btw.)

And for once I think this book is certainly worth the hype.

I really liked Aurora. She's had both a sheltered and a hard life, making her both inexperienced at some things, while hardened at other things. I could relate and rooted for her from the start. She really wants to do the right thing, but when she has to choose between what looks like the fast route to a secure future and her own happiness she decides to let her happiness come first.

There are 4 other viewpoint characters if I counted correctly. All were interesting, but some were more likeable than others. There were two viewpoint characters I'm very interested in learning more about. One of those is clearly an ally to Aurora, the other can still go in either direction. It will be interesting to see how both of them develop in the next book.

I loved the world building and the storm hunting. The team of storm hunters that Aurora encounters is a diverse bunch and I liked how they interacted with each other. I hope some of them will get bigger roles in the next book as well.

There's lots of cool action and a bit of romance. I wasn't impressed with the love interest, so for once I'm hoping for some triangly drama to spice things up.

All in all this is a really cool and fun YA Fantasy that ends not in a cliffhanger perse, but it does end in a way that makes me eager for the next book. You bet I'm going to get my grabby trotters on that as soon as it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome action-packed YA Fantasy read


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On McPig's Wishlist - Dread Nation

Dread Nation
by Justina Ireland

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.

But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.

At once provocative, terrifying, and darkly subversive, Dread Nation is Justina Ireland’s stunning vision of an America both foreign and familiar—a country on the brink, at the explosive crossroads where race, humanity, and survival meet.


Expected publication: April 2018 by Balzer + Bray

Dingo - Book Rant

Dingo (Newford #17)
by Charles de Lint

What is it about:
High school senior Miguel's life is turned upside down when he meets new girl Lainey, whose family has just moved from Australia. With her tumbled red-gold hair, her instant understanding of who he is, and her unusual dog a real Australian dingo, she's unforgettable. And, as he quickly learns, she is on the run from an ancient bargain made by her ancestors.

There's no question that Miguel will do whatever he can to help her, but what price will each of them have to pay?

What did I think of it:
This could have been a nice read about two mismatched teenage boys helping two shapeshifting teenage girls escape their destiny, but instead de Lint managed to spoil this whole book for me with just one careless remark.

Our white skinned red-gold haired twins refer to the Aboriginals as 'guests', because our redheaded fair skinned wonder twins the Dingo's were first in Australia...

Seriously!?

You're really going to degrade the Aboriginals - who suffered a lot of really nasty things, and who are still fighting for their rights - to guests who are being tolerated just to fit your own Mythology!? WTF!!!

If this was my first book by de Lint it would have been my last. Having read several others which I really loved, and having more of his books in my TBR pile, I'm going to assume this is a weird (and disrespectful) slip up. It will take me some time to get the bad taste of this book out of my mouth though, so it might be a while before I pick up my next de Lint book.

Why should you read it:
I'd pick one of his other books if I were you.


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Teaser Tuesdays - River of Teeth

How could I resist a book that has man-eating hippos?


He hung in the mouth of the beast, stunned. His left leg hung between the bull's front tusks, the angle wrong. It bled freely, and his blood spilled over the hippo's whiskers.

(page 85, River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey)


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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Foreplay - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Foreplay (The Ivy Chronicles #1)
by Sophie Jordan

What is it about:
Before she goes after the life she’s always wanted, she’s about to find the one she needs.

Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing.

Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real...

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I was in the mood for more Contemporary Romance and this one sounded like it might be a fun read.

And it is!

Pepper thinks she knows what she's in for: she's going to let the playboy bartender give her lessons in making out, so she can impress the guy she's obsessed about since she was twelve. Little does she know Reece might look as gorgeous as she was told this playboy bartender looks, he's not the playboy bartender she was looking for.

I liked both Pepper and Reece. From the things you learn about Pepper you can really understand why she's so unreasonably obsessed over Hunter that she can't see a good thing when it's kissing her. Reece is intriguing as well, with secrets and troubles of his own.

There are some pretty steamy scenes between the two of them, as well as some really tender and sweet ones. I kept rooting for them to see how perfect they are for each other.

All in all this is a hot and fun New Adult Contemporary Romance. I'm not sure if I'll read the other books in this series. They're about Pepper's friends, and I wasn't impressed by her friends in this book. But maybe they will be awesome in their own book, so I just might give them a chance one day.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable NA Contemporary Romance


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Shadowland - Book Review

Shadowland (The Mediator #1)
by Meg Cabot

What is this about:
There's a hot guy in Susannah Simon's bedroom. Too bad he's a ghost.

Suze is a mediator - a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, she sees dead people. And they won't leave her alone until she helps them resolve their unfinished business with the living. But Jesse, the hot ghost haunting her bedroom, doesn't seem to need her help. Which is a relief, because Suze has just moved to sunny California and plans to start fresh, with trips to the mall instead of the cemetery, and surfing instead of spectral visitations.

But the very first day at her new school, Suze realizes it's not that easy. There's a ghost with revenge on her mind... and Suze happens to be in the way.

What did I think of it:
Once again I got hold of an omnibus, so I'll review both books that are combined in this omnibus separately.

I've read several series by Meg Cabot. Some i liked more than others. I will confess that Queen of Babble was a big miss for me for example, while I love the Heather Wells series.

The Mediator series is off to a good start I can tell you.

Suze does remind me of other wacky Cabot heroines, but that's not a bad thing. The writing is breezy and fun, and the events are both funny and suspenseful. Suze makes some cool friends at her new school, and her stepbrothers are a mixed bag that promises lots of future problems for Suze.

This book has both a storyline that starts and ends in this book as a storyline that's clearly going to run throughout the series. This setup makes that I was both satisfied with the conclusion of this book and eager to find out what's next for Suze.

All in all a fun read.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun Paranormal YA read.


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On McPig's Radar - In Evil Times

I loved The High Ground, so I'm really looking forward to the release of In Evil Times.


In Evil Times (Imperials #2)
by Melinda M. Snodgrass

Thracius Tracy Belmanor and the Infanta Mercedes de Arango have graduated from The High Ground and have become officers in the Orden de la Estrella. Tracy s posting aboard a battleship leads him to further doubt the intentions of the Solar League, as he and his comrades are required to assimilate the settlers of a Hidden World. Meanwhile, Mercedes own posting and her difficult marriage to Beauregard Boho Cullen, made to assure her succession of the throne divides her loyalties. In a society where most humans and all aliens are second-class citizens, the two young officers will have difficult choices to make.


Expected publication: July 4th 2017

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Hopcross Jilly - Book Review

Hopcross Jilly
(Mercedes Thompson Graphic Novels)
by Patricia Briggs, Rik Hoskin (Artist), Tom Garcia (Artist)

What is it about:
Mercy is a shapeshifting coyote and honorary member of the Tri-Cities werewolf pack. When the pack stumbles upon the buried bones of numerous dead children, she shapeshifts into a mystery of the legendary fae - a mystery that draws Mercy's stepdaughter Jesse into the fray! The supernatural romance series Mercy Thompson continues in this all-new, original story by New York Times bestselling author, Patricia Briggs, exclusively created for the comic book medium!

This 168 page hardcover collects the six-issue Mercy Thompson comic book series by PATRICIA BRIGGS, RIK HOSKIN, and TOM GARCIA aand features the original script and line art to issue #1, along with character designs and sketches by Tom Garcia.

What did I think of it:
I have a confession to make.

I love graphic novels and comics. I love the Mercy Thompson series. What I do not love: Graphic Novels that tie in with a book series.

Come on! I've read tons of books in this series and have my own idea how everyone looks, and then suddenly their looks are forced upon me by a graphic novel?! And I wouldn't mind that if this story was also available as a novella or something, but no: this story is only available as a graphic novel. So if it wasn't for the fact that my best friend bought this book and let me borrow it, I wouldn't have read it.

That rant over with:

This is a decent graphic novel with a cool story.

The artwork is pretty standard, but nice enough. The story is compelling, although not very surprising. (And I will keep my grumbling on the implied visual detail that goth/alternative = evil confined to this sentence.)

All in all a nice addition to the Mercyverse, although I'd have preferred a short story or novella in text form.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool story that give a bit more insight in the fae.


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Teaser Tuesdays - Dingo

She puts a finger to my lips. "No more," she says. "And please... don't talk about this around Em."

(page 52, Dingo by Charles de Lint)


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---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

More Than Distance - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

More Than Distance (Chasing the Dream #5)
by Elizabeth Briggs

What is it about:
She’s off-limits, but he’s the only one who can help her…

Carla Jackson has her life all mapped out, so when her plans fall apart she’s more lost than ever. A spot on the reality TV show Road Trip Race seems like the perfect escape, except she needs a partner. The only option is her brother’s best friend: the man she’s secretly loved forever and the last person she wants to be stuck in a car with.

Tech billionaire Ryan Evans has done everything he can to put his bitter past behind him. He’s avoided Carla ever since they shared a forbidden kiss six years ago, but when his best friend asks him to protect her on the show, he can’t refuse—even if the biggest threat to her heart might be himself.

As Carla and Ryan drive across the country while competing on the show, there’s no escaping the undeniable chemistry between them. But when they’re thrown off course, can they find their way home together?

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I think this is my least favorite book in this series and I still very much enjoyed it.

I might have mentioned before I often have a hard time connecting with the heroines in Contemporary Romance. So far I didn't have that problem in Briggs' books, but I had trouble connecting with Carla. Even with the problems she had in her past and the problems she has with her family, she just seemed too perfect for me. Successful model, car mechanic, every guys dream girl. Meh...

And Ryan didn't really impress me either: billionaire playboy, lusting after his best friend's little sister...

But although it took me some time to warm up to them, I very much enjoyed the story. Once again there's a reality TV show with challenges and competition. At the point where the TV show wasn't the focus of the story anymore I had warmed up enough to both Carla and Ryan to root for them and to look forward to their Happy End.

This being the last book in the series, there were a few glimpses at how the other couples were doing, and it was fun to read about that as well. All in all a very enjoyable read.

I will keep an eye out for other books by Elizabeth Briggs.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun, enjoyable Contemporary Romance.


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Past Malice - Book Review

Past Malice (Emma Fielding Mystery #3)
by Dana Cameron

What is it about:
What bones are buried in the shadows of the past?

Asked to join a dig at the site of the eighteenth-century Chandler House, archaeologist Emma Fielding and her student crew have descended upon Stone Harbor, Massachusetts. But certain residents of the tiny coastal community are none too happy about Emma's arrival -- especially when her excavation uncovers a pair of freshly slain corpses.

There are dark forces at play in this dangerously divided town, where a distrust of strangers wars with a desire for tourist dollars. And when a young local's life is snuffed out, Emma is determined to get to the twisted roots of the strange secrets buried in this killing ground. But a mystery that lies among the tumbled ruins of a once grand manor could change Stone Harbor forever. And for some murderous someone, one more death -- Emma's -- would be a small price to pay to keep it hidden.

What did I think of it:
This is yet another great read.

I really like how Cameron builds up the mystery in these books, letting you guess at what could be going on. The characters are interesting and intriguing, even those not involved in the mystery.

Emma can't help getting involved in the murders and gets herself in danger. I love how the people close to her (like her husband) react to her adventures. It makes everything feel even more real.

In this book Emma has her sister over for a visit, and I suffered along with Emma over Bucky's behavior. I would have send her packing for less than what she says and does to Emma, I can tell you.

This book also has a quote that I LOVE and have to share:
"I was still surprised that people only wanted money for books. Not body parts or firstborns or souls. Just money. It always seemed like a steal to me."
(page 222)

All in all this is a really wonderful read and I can advice it to anyone looking for a good murder mystery. You bet I'll continue reading this series.

Why should you read it:
It's a really great murder mystery.


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On McPig's Wishlist - Whistlers

I saw a review that said this book had too many zombies...


Whistlers (A Shrouded World #1)
by Mark Tufo and John O'Brien

When two worlds collide...

Jack Walker and Michael Talbot come from two worlds; the same, yet different. They both find themselves transported into an alien one, where things aren't as they seem. While it appears similar to the ones they come from, there are some terrifying differences. Is it a dream? Or has reality been somehow warped? Jack comes from a world filled with nocturnal creatures that were once human, but now seek to destroy the last vestiges of humanity.

Mike, living under a constant threat from hordes of the undead, arrives with a companion, John the Tripper. Ripped away from their family members and thrown into the unknown, they find that the nightmares from their worlds have preceded them. Survival becomes moment to moment as they encounter old dangers, and new. Each wants nothing more than to be reunited with their loved ones.

With dangers lurking around every corner, they seek to unravel the mystery that brought them. It may be a long road ahead, but they begin by taking the first step, hoping the next one will be the one that takes them home.


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Losing It - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Losing It (Losing It #1)
by Cora Carmack

What is it about:
Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, Bliss Edwards decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible - a one-night stand.

But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
We've been looking forward to Cora's YA book Roar, which releases this month. After Sullivan met Cora Carmack in Berlin last month, I decided I had to try one of her New Adult books as well.

And what a fun read!

Bliss is an awkward, but very likeable heroine and I rooted for her while she keeps doing idiotic things on impulse. Her night with Garrick is cringe-worthy, but funny to read. Then she discovers he's the new theatre professor and she has to handle her attraction to him. Throw in a meddling friend, someone with a crush on Bliss, and you have a book full of fun and hilarious events that might lead to a happy end for Bliss.

I think Carmack did a great job on this story. It never got too embarrassing and even though it felt a bit unbelievable at times, it never felt too out of there for me.

After reading this book I'm even more curious about Roar, and I will confess I already ordered Keeping Her, which continues the adventures of Bliss.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and funny New Adult read.


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Teaser Tuesdays - More Than Distance

My head fell forward against the steering wheel. Seriously, universe? As if my night wasn't bad enough already, now it threw this at me too?

(Page 39, More Than Distance by Elizabeth Briggs)


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---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Pleasure and Purpose - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Pleasure and Purpose (Order of Solace #1)
by Megan Hart

What is it about:
The handmaidens of the Order of Solace are each named for the exquisite service that best reflects their true calling. Their greatest delight is giving pleasure devoted as they are to fulfilling the desires of the mind, the needs of the soul, and the cravings of the body.

Meet Stillness, called upon to soothe the conscience of a man in need of redemption after a shocking act from his sexual past.
Then there's Honesty, whose vow of Solace is to a prince looking for a submissive handmaiden. Instead, he gets the unexpected.
And finally, Determination, a handmaiden confronted with a client lost in a haze of random sex and drugs. She has just the plan to literally whip her man into shape.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
*slightly spoilery*
This is a hot read.

It's called Erotic Romance, but unless you think it's romantic that the hero gets drunk, shares the heroine with his best friend and doesn't remember it the next day, prepare to be disappointed by the romance. This is all about women helping men to get out of their funk in creative and seductive ways.

I myself started this book not looking for romance, but expecting to get three steamy erotic novellas and in that I got what I wanted. Even with the aforementioned 'romantic' scene, the first novella was my favorite.

The women in these stories are part of an order that tries to bring solace to people. From what the handmaidens tell the men I understand it's to both men and women and involves sex a lot of the times. So my main question was: where are the brothers of Solace? Apparently only women can bring solace though.

That aside: if you want some hot erotic stories about how these handmaidens bring solace, and like the men they work with enough to give you a semi happy end you should certainly give this book a try.

I myself might read more by Hart if I'm in the mood for some steam.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun steamy read.


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Desert Rising - Book Review

Desert Rising (Desert Rising #1)
by Kelley Grant

What is it about:
The Temple at Illian is the crown jewel of life in the Northern Territory. There, pledges are paired with feli, the giant sacred cats of the One god, and are instructed to serve the One's four capricious deities. Yet Sulis, a young woman from the Southern Desert, has a different perspective—one that just might be considered heresy, but that is catching on rather quickly...

Sulis's twin, Kadar, meanwhile, is part of a different sort of revolution. When Kadar falls in love with a woman from a Forsaken caste, he finds he's willing to risk anything to get these people to freedom. But with Sulis drawing a dangerous level of attention from the deities, and war about to break out on two fronts, change may not come as easily as either twin had hoped.

What did I think of it:
This is a really nice read.

I liked both Sulis and Kadar. The story switches between the both of them and at times to other characters to give more insight in what's going on.

I must say I wanted to know more about what happened to their mother. There are references and I can guess a lot, but it seemed liked what happened to her was glossed over too easily, especially as it is implied that Sulis is following in her footsteps.

That aside I was intrigued by the world that is painted in this story.

I liked Sulis' story line the best, but that might be because of the school aspect of her story. She's chosen as a pledge and has to follow lessons and stay in the temple until she's initiated. She and her fellow pledges are stirring things up though, and might expose themselves to danger this way.

The story about Kadar falling in love with a Forsaken (casteless) woman is interesting as well, but at times it felt that his story was overshadowed by what Sulis was doing. I would have liked a bit more scenes from his perspective and about the struggle of the Forsaken.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I will most certainly give the next book in the series a try.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable Fantasy read


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On McPig's Wishlist - Mage Slave

This sounds so intriguing.


Mage Slave (The Enslaved Chronicles #1)
by R.K. Thorne

A warrior prince, an enslaved spy, a plot to draw the world to war.

Crown Prince Aven Lanuken wants something more than a trophy for a future wife. He wants a woman who will be more friend than follower. A queen who will be more warrior than diplomat. He wants a partner he can trust… with a dangerous secret that’s kept him trapped in a dark mountain fortress his entire life.

Mage slave Miara wants something more, too—to find an enemy prince. And not to marry him. She’s just received orders for her very first kidnapping. She loathes the idea of it, and it’s probably a suicide mission. But she has never failed a mission before and doesn't intend to start now.

Of all the women in the world, why does he have to fall for the one trying to kill him?

Magic, politics, love, and fate collide in the destinies of two people in this fantasy adventure from R. K. Thorne. For lovers of swords and sorcery with a side of romance, Mage Slave is the first novel in the Enslaved Chronicles trilogy.


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White Hot - Book Review

White Hot (Hidden Legacy #2)
by Ilona Andrews

What is it about:
Nevada Baylor has a unique and secret skill—she knows when people are lying—and she's used that magic (along with plain, hard work) to keep her colorful and close-knit family's detective agency afloat. But her new case pits her against the shadowy forces that almost destroyed the city of Houston once before, bringing Nevada back into contact with Connor "Mad" Rogan.

Rogan is a billionaire Prime—the highest rank of magic user—and as unreadable as ever, despite Nevada’s “talent.” But there’s no hiding the sparks between them. Now that the stakes are even higher, both professionally and personally, and their foes are unimaginably powerful, Rogan and Nevada will find that nothing burns like ice...

What did I think of it:
It's been a long wait, but it was worth it!

I loved Burn For Me, so I pre-ordered both this book and the third - Wildfire - so I would get my trotters on them as soon as possible.

White Hot trusts Nevada in the middle of action and danger right from the start. Soon she is forced to work together with Rogan and together they have to try to stay alive.

Both the action and the romance are great to read. Rogan is still an arrogant jerk at times, but Nevada is standing up for herself. I liked the chemistry between the two. Luckily it changes from slow burn to full steam, although they still have lots of things to work out between the two of them.

The action story line is thrilling and suspenseful and just as important as the romance, which isn't always the case with Paranormal Romance. There are some very intriguing developments that made me curious how things will go in the last book.

The ending is quite the cliffhanger, but in a good way.
Bring on the third book!

Why should you read it:
It's an action-packed PNR read


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Teaser Tuesdays - The Tears of the Rose

I'm rereading this series in preparation for The Shift of the Tide which will release August 15.


Who wanted a girl who cared only about pretty dresses and picnics running a kingdom, after all?
Yes, I knew what they were thinking. The stink of their doubt filled the castle.

(page 12, The Tears of the Rose by Jeffe Kennedy)


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---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Vanguard - Early Book Review

Vanguard (Razorland #4)
by Ann Aguirre

What is it about:
The Razorland saga continues. Since the war ended, Tegan has dreamed of an epic journey, so when she has the opportunity to sign on as ship's doctor, she can't wait. It's past time to chart her course. Millie Faraday, the kindest girl in the free territories, also yearns to outrun her reputation, and warrior-poet James Morrow would follow Tegan to the ends of the earth.

Their company seems set, but fate brings one more to their number. Tegan will battle incredible odds while aiding Szarok, the Uroch vanguard, who has ventured forth to save his people. Szarok is strange and beautiful, like a flower that blooms only in the dark. She shouldn't allow him close, as such a relationship is both alien and forbidden. But through stormy seas and strange lands, she will become stronger than she ever knew.

What did I think of it:
I love the Razorland Saga. It's one of my favorite Post Apocalyptic series. So of course I pre-ordered Vanguard and was impatiently waiting for release day.

Imagine how happy I was when I got an ARC from Ann Aguirre when I was at the Love Letter Convention in Berlin!

I can tell you I immediately started on it and finished the book before my train took me back home.

This story is so beautiful!!

Where the original trilogy is focused on survival and on the battle between humans and the flesh eating mutants, Vanguard is about the aftermath of that war.

What happens once the fighting is over? How do two different races find peace and a way to make a better life for all?

I loved seeing Tegan come into her own. I've always liked her and hoped to see her find happiness after all she has endured. This book does her quiet strength justice. I rooted for Tegan to find a place to belong and to blossom, and seeing her friendship with Szarok grow was beautiful.

Szarok is a really intriguing character as well. I loved learning more about the Uroch through his eyes. Szarok has a great sense of duty and the ties to his clan are strong. I will say I was worried if he would be able to find a path that would bring both him and his clan happiness.

Next to Tegan and Szarok's story this book also tells the stories of Millie and James. Although their stories were cool to read as well, for me they were overshadowed by Tegan and Szarok. Still I was also invested in what happened to them.

All in all this is an amazing read and a great addition to the Razorland Saga. I'm tempted to do a full reread one of these days I will confess.

Why should you read it:
It's an amazing Post Apocalyptic YA read.


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Expected release July 25, 2017

TBR Orphans Challenge - May Update

I managed to read one Orphaned book in May.

That makes a total of four books read this year that have been on my shelves for more than three months. Three of those four I read in March, so I need to do better. I made sure to start June with an Orphan.

Otherwise I've read a lot more books in May than I managed in April. It seems like I'm getting back on track.

How has your reading year been so far?

On McPig's Wishlist - Released

Sounds like it might be a cool read.


Released (Agents of Evil #1)
by Megan Duncan

After a demon apocalypse kills their parents and everyone they know, 17-year old Abby Phillips, her brother, Carter, and friend, Max flee their home to travel through what has become the wastelands of America. When radio transmissions of a resistance offering shelter and safety cease, Abby is tempted to give up. Struggling to overcome life-threatening obstacles in their dangerous journey, Abby and her companions quickly discover there are much worse things lurking in the dark than they could have ever imagined.


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The Dragon's Playlist - Release Day Book Review

The Dragon's Playlist
by Laura Bickle

What is it about:
From the author of THE HALLOWED ONES and NINE OF STARS comes a new novel blending the magical and the real…

“This is war,” the dragon said. And she believed him.

Di fled rural West Virginia to study music and pursue a bright future as a violinist. But when a mining accident nearly kills her father, she is summoned back home to support her family. Old ghosts and an old flame emerge from the past. When Di gets a job as a bookkeeper at the same mine where her father worked, she is drawn into a conflict pitting neighbor against neighbor as the mine plans an expansion to an untouched mountain.

If the mining company’s operation goes forward, there will be more at stake than livelihoods or the pollution of the land: Di has discovered a dragon lives deep within Sawtooth Mountain, and he is not happy with this encroachment upon his lair. When catastrophe strikes, Di must choose between her family’s best interests and protecting the dragon – the last surviving bit of magic in Di’s shrinking world.

In every fight, sides are chosen. And there can be no yearning for what has been left behind.

What did I think of it:
I already pre-ordered this book when I was offered an early copy for review, and I was eager enough to read this as soon as possible that I immediately accepted.

And this is such a beautiful read!

Laura Bickle has yet to write something that I do not love.

This story takes you on a magical and emotional ride. It's filled with sadness, hope, and longing. I connected with Di from the start and could understand why she longs for magic and freedom. Her attempts to find the strange creature living in the mountain had me cheering her on.

This is not just a story about a dragon, it's a bitter sweet tale about family and roots - the ties that bind - about letting go or holding on, and what price you are wiling (and able) to pay for either choice.

I was gripped and drawn in, and couldn't put this book down until I finished it. You bet I'll be rereading this. and I'm hoping it will become available in print, so I can add it to my shelf of favorites.

Why should you read it:
It's a magical, beautiful Modern Fantasy read.


Find buy links here