June Wrap-Up (2019)

June was a crazy month. I knew it was going to be. Although it was a tad bit more crazy than I expected. Not in a good way, but I'm trying not to dwell on that.

I did have my dance recital which went well. If I can find away to insert the footage, I will. 

And I read way more than I thought was possible. I definitely think audio books help with that. I also finally signed up for Audible. I also got the romance package. Now, I just have to stop myself from listening to all the books. 

Here are the books I read and their ratings:

Court of Fives-3 Stars

Graceling-5 Stars

Guarding the Amish Midwife-3 Stars

The Raging Ones-5 Stars

Warrior of the Wild-5 Stars

Exclusively Yours-4 Stars

The 5 AM Club-3 Stars

The First Conspiracy-4 Stars

Prince Charming-4 Stars

Silver Shadows-5 Stars

The Duke is But a Dream-3 Stars

Him-4 Stars

The Night Circus-4 Stars

The Ruby Circle-4 Stars

Us-4 Stars

Addicted for Now-5 Stars

Good Boy-4 Stars

Let's Get Textual-4 Stars

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller

Stand Alone

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 329

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Purchaed

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

As her father's chosen heir, eighteen-year-old Rasmira has trained her whole life to become a warrior and lead her village. But when her coming-of-age trial is sabotaged and she fails the test, her father banishes her to the monster-filled wilderness with an impossible quest: To win back her honor, she must kill the oppressive god who claims tribute from the villages each year—or die trying.

Review

I read this in like 3 hours. And now I'm sad because I don't have any more Tricia Levenseller books to read. I just really enjoy her writing. For me, there is the right balance of fantasy, action, and romance. I also really appreciate a standalone fantasy.

The Viking-inspired elements were interesting. And there was definitely a serious and dark tone. I was kept on the edge of my seat. I would get anxious and made on Rasmira's behalf. I even teared up a couple of times. 

I've seen some people complain about the romance. I didn't think it overwhelmed the story but I also love a romance. The romance was cute and added some lightness to the story. The friendships were also a nice break. I also liked how the friendships impacted Rasmira and contributed to her character development.

Overall, this was engaging and a fun stand alone read. I loved spending time with these characters and in this world.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

May Wrap-Up (2019)

I thought I felt a reading slump coming on around the middle of May. But I think I pushed past that because I got a lot of reading accomplished.

Audiobooks really helped. After the Books of Bayern I want more audiobooks-especially full-cast. I'm still only comfortable with listening to fiction if I've already read the book. This is actually helping me read the re-reads I want without cutting into reading of my new books.

June is going to be pretty busy so my reading may take a backseat. Fortunately, I'm pretty ahead on my Goodreads challenge.

Here are the books I've read and their ratings:

The Return-4 Stars

The Power-4 Stars

The Fiery Heart-5 Stars

Top Secret-4 Stars

Fluffy-3 Stars

Brain Rules for Aging Well-4 Stars

The Struggle-4 Stars

Forest Born-5 Stars

Fix Her Up-3 Stars

Tyranny of Petticoats-3 Stars

The Prophecy-4 Stars

Fire-4 Stars

Winter's Beast-3 Stars 

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller

Series: Daughter of the Pirate King Book #2

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 341

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Bought

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Alosa's mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he's under her orders. And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father's justice.

When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first . . . after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen.

Review

I could not put this down. I read it so fast so I'm nervous about writing a review. But it's also a sequel so I do want to avoid spoilers.

A lot happened and I was definitely on the edge of my seat. There was tons of great tension with the plot and romance. I kept questioning what was going to happen.

And it definitely felt like a satisfying conclusion. I would've loved an epilogue, but I would always like an epilogue. There was a good blend of danger and "happiness' throughout the story-if that makes sense.

If you like the first book, I think you would like this one. This is one of my favorite books of the year. I only wish MS. Lvenseller had more books published. 

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: River Secrets by Shannon Hale

Series: The Books of Bayern #3

Format: AudioBook

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Library (I own a paperback)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Publisher: Full Cast Audio/Bloomsbury

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Bayern has triumphed in its war with Tira. But though the war is over, simmering anger remains among the Tirans and new hostilities could erupt at any moment. In a desperate attempt to maintain the peace, King Geric sends an ambassador to the Tiran capitol. Of course, an ambassador needs a military guard. Razo—short, impish, and not at all skilled at combat—longs to be among those selected to go, but thinks he has no chance. So he is astounded when Captain Talone taps him to join the group. He's even more astounded when he discovers the secret reason for Talone's decision. All too soon Razo is up to his eyeballs in a simmering mix of danger and intrigue—not to mention an unexpected romance. But as the gruesome deaths mount, everyone is a suspect...even the girl who has stolen Razo's heart.

Review

I'm obsessed with the full-cast audiobooks for this series. I didn't remember a lot of the content from this story, but I remembered not liking it as much as the first two. 

Now, I freaking love it. 

Razo is so adorable and I love him. He is incredibly sweet and a great protagonist. I don't know if I've read another lead-especially male-like this. He's awkward, but not too awkward to be hard to read or unrealistic. I suffer from sympathetic anxiety when characters are too awkward and it can be real distracting. Razo also had a growth and compelling journal to read.

There was a mystery element that kept me on the edge of my seat. I really just wanted to lay on my bed and listen to the audiobook. The narrator and other voice actors did a great job bringing these characters to life.

Ms. Hale creates a magical world and it comes across effortless. With each book she adds more to the world and characters to make them feel even more real. She is spectacular author and I'm just in awe.

I'm excited to read/listen to the last book. I remember it being my least favorite, but who knows with the audiobooks.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Series: Daughter of the Pirate King Book #1

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 311

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Publisher: Feiwel Friends

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It isn't a massive fantasy with multiple POVs and I'm thankful for that. There is a fairly substantial romance element, but I didn't think it was the main focus and I liked it. I haven't read a ton of pirate books and I want to check out more.

Objectively, I can see some issues with this book, but I don't care. There was some "secrets" that were pretty obvious. And Alosa had some SJ Maas heroine tendencies-by which I mean she's almost too perfect and she has skills that conveniently show up. But Alosa had enough issues and believability so I was able to overlook those "issues".

Ms. Levenseller didn't ignore the dark aspects of piracy-especially death. Sometimes people glamorize piracy so I'm glad she didn't stray from all that. And it definitely helped create tension and show how high-stakes situations were. At the same time, it wasn't particularly gory or over-the-top which is how I prefer my violence. 

There is a nice fairly steamy romance. But I feel it was kind of oversold in some reviews and wrap-ups I saw. I am a romance reader so maybe my perspective is skewed. I liked the romantic elements. I'm definitely curious to see how it progresses in the second/final book.

This book has a political aspect-which I like-but it's pirate politics. I like that Ms. Levenseller focuses on the small portion of this world. You don't need multiple countries and 10 maps to keep things organized to have a solid fantasy story. 

I've already purchased the next book and Ms. Levenseller's 2019 release. I'm excited to read both ASAP.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Manners & Mutiny by Gail Carriger

Series: Finishing School Book #4

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 326

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Publisher: Little Brown Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Lessons in the art of espionage aboard Mademoiselle Geraldine's floating dirigible have become tedious without Sophronia's sootie Soap nearby. She would rather thwart dastardly Picklemen, yet her concerns about their wicked intentions are ignored. 

Who can she trust? Royal werewolf dewan? Stylish vampire Lord Akeldama? Only one thing is certain: a large-scale plot is under way. Sophronia must be ready to save her friends, her school, and all of London from disaster.

Review

I love Gail Carriger! Her voice as a writer is so unique and intoxicating. There's often tongue-in-cheek humor, but she isn't afraid of dangerous situations. She's able to blend all of this together effortlessly.

This was a perfect ending. Of course I would love to spend more time with many of these characters, but I don't need it. Now, I want to re-read The Parasol Protectorate just to be in this world again. I also want to read the other books she's written.

This review is pretty vague because I'm trying to avoid any spoilers.

Sophronia is a spectacular heroine and I loved going on this journey with her. The friendships and relationships were written well and with great nuance. 

I'm just so glad I read this series and was able to enjoy it. Everyone I picked it up I felt myself smiling.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

April Wrap-Up (2019)

April was a crazy month. I had lots of stuff going on in my personal life that created extra stress. I had to cut back on my YouTube and Blog content to make it through.

Reading was definitely a safe haven. I found myself retreating into books. They are such a magical thing. I was also able to read lots of really good books. I finally have books. I finally have something to put on my top reads of 2019. 

I'm ready for life to be less stressful, but hopefully maintain this reading place. 

Here are the books I read and their ratings.

Succubus Shadows-4 Stars

Waistcoats & Weaponry-4 Stars

Manners & Mutiny-5 Stars

No Other Duke But You-3 Stars

Hot Response-4 Stars

Succubus Revealed-4 Stars

How to Entice an Enchantress-3 Stars

Organize Tomorrow Today-3 Stars

Daughter of the Pirate King-5 Stars

The Earl Next Door-3 Stars

Riden's Chapter-3 Stars

River Secrets-5 Stars

Daughter of the Siren Queen-5 Stars

Thanks for  reading!

Holly

Book Review: In a Badger Way by Shelly Laurenston

Series: Honey Badger Chronicles Book #2

Format: ebook

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters

Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Petite, kind, brilliant, and young, Stevie is nothing like the usual women bodyguard Shen Li is interested in. Even more surprising, the youngest of the lethal, ball-busting, and beautiful MacKilligan sisters is terrified of bears. But she’s not terrified of pandas. She loves pandas. 

Which means that whether Shen wants her to or not, she simply won’t stop cuddling him. He isn’t some stuffed Giant Panda, ya know! He is a Giant Panda shifter. He deserves respect and personal space. Something that little hybrid is completely ignoring.

But Stevie has a way of finding trouble. Like going undercover to take down a scientist experimenting on other shifters. For what, Shen doesn’t want to know, but they’d better find out. And fast. Stevie might be the least violent of the honey badger sisters, but she’s the most dangerous to Shen’s peace of mind. Because she has absolutely no idea how much trouble they’re in . . . or just how damn adorable she is. 

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

This is my 3rd Shelly Laurenston book and the second in this series. All three have confused the hell out of me, but I don't even care. The stories and characters are so crazy, but I am hooked after one page.

Stevie and her sisters are over-the-top and are each 10 pounds of crazy in their own 5 pound bags. The love they have for each other is so good. There are actually tons of positive familial and regular friendships. I love reading about those.

Shen is just the cutest Panda. He is so calm in such a stressful world. I could actually feel his calmness whenever he was the POV character. It allowed me to relax as the reader. I loved his constant and methodical eating of bamboo. I'm totally team panda.

There is a romantic sub plot. It was fun and kind of unique. The way Stevie approaches romance (and friendships) is different than anything I've ever read. She's like a bulldozer and I mean that in the best possible way.

While I was (and continue to be) confused, I did like getting more info on this world-especially the MacKilligan family. I'm assuming I have to wait a year for another book and I can't wait. Plus, I'm guess it's be more focused on Max and I need that.

Thanks for reading!

Holly