Blog Tour (Review, Giveaway and Q&A): Snared (Elemental Assassin #16) by Jennifer Estep

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Elemental Assassin, Gin Blanco, Jennifer Estep, Snared

Hey everyone! Welcome to my stop on the Snared tour! I have been very lucky to be apart of many tours for the Elemental Assassin series and I’m glad that I continue to be a host as it is so much fun to read about Gin’s adventures and be apart of the release. Keep reading for my review, a tour wide giveaway and a quick Q&A with the author, Jennifer Estep.

 

Snared – Jennifer Estep

Release Date: April 25th 2017

Pocket Books: Urban Fantasy

400 pages (Kindle Edition)

You can read this review and others on my Goodreads here. (Don’t be shy to send a friend request as well!

If you don’t know Gin “the Spider” Blanco, you don’t know dangerous female heroines.

Irony 101—The Spider herself snared in someone else’s web…

Another week, another few clues trickling in about the Circle, the mysterious group that supposedly runs the city’s underworld. Gathering intel on my hidden enemies is a painstaking process, but a more immediate mystery has popped up on my radar: a missing girl.

My search for the girl begins on the mean streets of Ashland, but with all the killers and crooks in this city, I’m not holding out much hope that she’s still alive.

A series of clues leads me down an increasingly dark, dangerous path, and I realize that the missing girl is really just the first thread in this web of evil. As an assassin, I’m used to facing down the worst of the worst, but nothing prepares me for this new, terrifying enemy—one who strikes from the shadows and is determined to make me the next victim.

I do this every time but guys, this is the 16th book in the Elemental Assassin series and I don’t know about y’all but I do not get tired of reading about Gin and her adventures. I continue to be surprised and genuinely enjoy every book!

You have all seen the movie Shrek, I assume? Remember that part where Shrek is telling Donkey how there are deeper parts of him – layers, like an onion, or so Shrek makes the analogy. Donkey later has a remark that cake also has layers and that’s how I see this series. With every book I read, there is another layer that Estep has laid down for us and while some may not enjoy it, I am ecstatic. There is more to the story arc and more information is poured through the pages about who Gin is, her origins and the people who get in her way are not always necessarily the only people she may need to fight in order to find her answers and I love it.

In Snared, Gin is still trying to find the origins of the group The Circle, who seem to know more about her as the boss of the criminal underworld of Ashland, much more than she would like and some secrets on who exactly her mother was before her unfortunate death when she was younger. But it is all side stepped as another mystery has come to surface and needs Gin’s attention if no more bodies are to be found. Of course as Gin is looking further into the case, the circle is keeping a close and watchful eye on her every move, something that leads Gin to thinking that maybe The Circle and the mysterious crimes are more connected than she thinks.

I love the direction the series is taking, the mystery aspect and more background information that really makes you think. The other characters are always a hoot to see again – Finn, Bria, Sofia and Jo-Jo and of course Owen! The feeling of family and friends is never lost in the books and it really brings the story together and also it makes me happy knowing the gang always has Gin’s back no matter the trials.

And then there’s the blood. Ahhh the blood. Gin is always getting blood on herself, stains and rips in her clothes from showing everyone just how strong she is and that she will always be on the top in the end despite what anyone else thinks. In this book, Gin does take the beatings every now and then but her magic and fighting abilities that involve her silverstone knives show everyone why she is the best assassin in Ashland and that Gin wins each and every time.

As I said earlier, I enjoyed the mystery tone to the book and I am hoping for more as Gin is more than her fighting and stabbing. She is smart and very intuitive, I hope to see more of that side of her.

Overall I gave the book stars and of course am waiting impatiently for the next installment and I’m sure Estep is working very hard on it as I speak.  Thank you readers for reading and I will have another blog post up soon.

Over and out.

Purchase links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Snared-Elemental-Assassin-Jennifer-Estep/dp/1501142275

Barnes & Noble: https://www.amazon.com/Snared-Elemental-Assassin-Jennifer-Estep/dp/1501142275

Books-A-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Snared/Jennifer-Estep/Q302088072

IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781501142277

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/snared-5

iBook: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/snared/id1128640257

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jennifer_Estep_Snared

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Snared-Audiobook/B06XS67VRY

Q&A with Jennifer Estep:

1. Top 5 movies you are excited for this year? 

JE: I’m excited for Wonder Woman, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Thor: Ragnarok, and the Beauty and the Beast remake.

2. Do you like vegetables? If so what is your favorite? If not, cheeseburgers are the way to go.

JE: I actually really like vegetables. Tomatoes are my favorite, and I love making salads with them, carrots, cucumbers, red onions, and more, especially during the hot summer months.

And most of those things go great on a cheeseburger too. LOL.

3. If Gin could have been named something else other than Gin, what would her name be?

JE: Tough question. I don’t really know. She’s been Gin to me for so long now that I just can’t imagine her with any other name.

4. Let’s say Finn did something exceptionally bad that would make Gin want to kill him, how would that happen? Or would she just let someone else take care of him for her?

JE: I don’t know that Finn could ever do anything bad enough that Gin would really want to kill him. He is her brother, for better or worse.

5. I have read all you’re books, even your YA series, and loved them all but which series was the best to write or the easiest?

JE: Thanks! I appreciate that. Glad you are enjoying my books.

I probably have the most fun writing my Elemental Assassin books. I just love writing all the action and fight scenes in those books, along with all the food scenes. I would say the runner-up would be my Bigtime superhero series, since those books are just zany, goofy fun.

6. Thank you so much for being on my blog, I love your books and can’t wait to see what else you bring to us and wish you all the best!

JE: Thanks for hosting me. Happy reading, everyone!

Tour wide giveaway!

There’s a tour-wide giveaway for copies of SNARED and a $20 Amazon gift card! Open to US residents only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Jennifer Estep:

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. Snared, book #16, will be released on April 25.

Jennifer also writes the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series. She is also the author of the Black Blade young adult urban fantasy series and the Bigtime paranormal romance series.

For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit www.jenniferestep.com or follow Jennifer on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

Blog Tour (Review): Mr. President (White House #1) by Katy Evans

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Katy Evans, Mr. President

Mr. President by Katy Evans

Release Date: October 31st

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

He’s won the hearts of millions. But is he willing to lose his?

I met the president’s son when we were both young. Matthew Hamilton was handsome, polished, and intelligent. I’d never met a guy like him.

He promised me that he’d never run for president. I promised that if he did, I’d be by his side.

Three terms later, an invitation to join Matthew Hamilton’s campaign is the most exhilarating opportunity I’ve ever experienced. I’m determined to make a difference; he is determined to win.

Focused on his goal, Matt is steadfast, ruthless, and disarming. All eyes are on him and his popularity is surging. But soon, the next possible president of the United States is possessing me in more ways than one—and despite the risks, I’m helpless to resist.

We’re stealing touches, stealing moments, and stealing away at night. But our chemical connection is quickly becoming dangerously combustive, putting not only my heart, but Matt’s chance at the presidency on the line.

Winning will take everything. Walking away will be the hardest thing of all.

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon ➜ http://amzn.to/2dYH8wj

iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2dPYPQr

Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/2dNp2hl

Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2cQp2Rv

Review:

I’m sure you have heard of Katy Evans and if you haven’t then let me name my two favorite books by her which are actually the first in her two series, Manwhore and Real. I have read all the books by Evans and each one leaves me wanting each and every one of her leading men. Mr. President was no different because hot damn, Matthew Hamilton I love you.

I saw the blog tour sign ups for Mr. President and did not hesitate to sign up for a review copy and if I didn’t acquire one I would have been just fine being on the tour and look at us now, on the tour with the opportunity to review the book because I did get an ARC and guess what?

I loved it.

With the election coming up, it was nice to read something where I liked the presidential nominee and didn’t feel like voting even if he was fictional. I was never into politics and I mean who is? But this, this book had me reading until I finished the book and begging for more. Matthew Hamilton is an alpha like male character and of course he resonates power but it’s that power of a possible President of the United States. Him and Charlotte are a forbidden romance that just makes the story that much more enticing and had me reeling in the end.

All of Katy Evans’ men leaving me breathless because they are all so passionate, Matthew was no exception. He had the blazing determination to do as he pleased and get there with everyone on his side whether they even wanted to, everyone was drawn to him as he was the type of person you couldn’t help to like. But like most guys, he wasn’t just passionate about what he does in the world but in his relationship with Charlotte. His determined gaze moves from his responsibilities to her in a heartbeat and goodness she knew she didn’t have a chance to say no to him because duh, Matthew freaking Hamilton!

Charlotte is a character I aspire to be, she’s selfless, genuine and big hearted. I love her hard working demeanor and her willingness to stand aside in order for the country to get the attention of Matt Hamilton that she wanted. I love her realness and her want to help others. My heart aches when she realizes she could never be Matt the way she wants even though they are perfect for one another in every way, he’s tough where she is soft and the more the compliment each other’s personalities makes the whole situation harder to get through. It’s easy for her love him because it was easy for me and I’m sure every other reader to fall in love with Matthew and vice versa. The stolen moments together, even the small ones made my own heart flutter and wish for more even though I knew it just couldn’t be.

There is a sequel to this series so be prepared for the ending as I was ready to tear down the world for just a peak. If you haven’t read anything by Katy Evans, go ahead and start with Mr. President, start with Matthew Hamilton and #vote4love because I sure as hell do.

Overall I gave the book 5 stars and am anxiously waiting for that freaking sequel before I go crazy, please Katy let me out of my misery! Thank you readers for reading and I will have another blog post up soon.

Over and out.

About the Author:

Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world.

Email / Facebook / Twitter / Website

Book Review: F*ck Love by Tarryn Fisher

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F*ck Love, Tarryn Fisher

F*ck Love – Tarryn Fisher

Release Date: December 31st 2015

Tarryn Fisher: New Adult

257 pages (kindle)

“You’re a muggle who wants to be magical.” 

I frown. “That’s so mean.” 

June shrugs. “So go be magical. It’s a choice.”

Ok, here’s to an unpopular opinion that is about to go down. 

I read F*ck Love recently. (Edit: I read this a month ago but I was behind on reviews as this is now going up) And by recently I mean a few hours ago. I finished F*ck Love pretty quickly, it’s hard not to fall into Tarryn’s writing because you don’t just get back up and not continue to read. Tarryn makes you fall on your ass and her words compel you to keep reading. You don’t have a choice, sorry. 

Anyways, after reading F*ck Love, I had to discuss. I had these feelings, like the swirly ones in my chest that wouldn’t go away. My stomach hurt like I had to literally throw up the words somewhere about how I felt and my need to talk about it was making me sick. I do not mean this in a bad way, I mean this in a good way. But then again I didn’t want to re read the book because duh, swirly feelings were making me sick and I HAD TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT IT. 

So I had the words stuck inside me and the discussion group on Facebook I joined hasn’t been approved so I’ve been a sitting duck in a big pond full of me and my swirly feelings. I had a lot to think about. A lot of feelings to digest and settle because if I just word vomited, this wouldn’t come out right. 

I liked it. 

That’s it. I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it, I liked it. 

Is that bad? Is that good? 

I have no clue. 

You see Helena, the main character, had a dream where she was married to her best friends current boyfriend, Kit. They had the whole shebang, the house, the kids, the career and the sex life. I mean who wouldn’t want that? But in real life she didn’t have that. She didn’t have Kit because he was with her best friend Della and Helena was dating someone named Neil. But then Helena starts to try and turn this dream into reality. She isn’t necessarily trying to take her best friends boyfriend but she thinks about that dream and what it will be like so she slowly turns some of those dream parts into reality parts. She slowly falls in love with Kit. 

Ok. Ok. Ok. That’s all I can say without spoiling the rest and you just need to read it. 

The reason I wasn’t heavily in love with this book as I was hoping, is that I didn’t like Kit. I loved Helena, I loved the secondary characters and the evolution of a few but Kit had something about him that irked me. You see, I don’t use words like irked but Kit? Yeah, he irked me. 

Maybe it was the things that went down that irked me. Or the opportunities that were passed down that irked me. Or maybe it was just his personality that irked me. I don’t know. He. Irked. Me. 

Helena was a hoot. I loved her awkwardness. I loved how she loved Harry Potter and would Avada Kedavra people. (Not for real.) And her overall personality. She was likable. She was real to me.

So back to Tarryn’s writing, which I also loved. I think if not for the spellbinding way Tarryn writes I *may* not have finished. There were times in the story I would think, “Really?” Not because it was unbelievable but because of the choices and outcomes that the characters made. But the way Tarryn wrote the outcomes and wrote the words that came out of their mouths caught me so hard. I was stuck. I couldn’t move from my place on my bed. My eyes were glued to my phone screen from 1 AM to 3 AM. I had a 7 AM appointment within the next few hours and I couldn’t put the damn book down. 

So. That was my first ever unpopular review. It was also pretty vague now that I go back over it but I can’t delve further because spoilers. I gave F*ck Love 3.5 stars. I enjoyed it but I didn’t have the same feelings as almost everyone else did when it came to this book. I adore Tarryn Fisher but this book isn’t up to par as I’d hoped. I will continue to read her books because her writing is so damn good. Thank you readers for reading and I will have another blog post up soon. 

Over and out. 

Cover Reveal: Bad Mommy by Tarryn Fisher

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Bad Mommy, Tarryn Fisher

Guys!!! I finally get to be in on a cover reveal for Tarryn Fisher! I always seem to miss out at the last minute or miss sign ups but I made it this time and am super excited to share the cover of Tarryn’s new upcoming book, Bad Mommy. 

Release Date: TBD 

Synopsis: Almost every day is a very bad day when you’re thirty, your tits are starting to sag, there are lines creeping in around your eyes, and you realize that no one would like you if they actually knew who you really were. Fig Coxbury is fed up with her life: her cheating ex-husband, the excess fat around her waist, and most of all, her loneliness. 

When Fig chances upon Jolene Avery, the embodiment of everything she’s ever wanted to be, Fig befriends her out of curiosity. 
Fig soon begins to emulate all aspects of Jolene’s life, because when you find someone who knows exactly who they are, you can’t help but want to be just like them. 
Or in Fig’s case… become them.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31415712-bad-mommy


I am actually so in love with this cover! The more I look at it the more intrigued I am and the more I love it. Please go add Bad Mommy to your Goodreads and be sure to keep an eye out for more info on this soon! Thanks for reading and I will have another blog post up soon, 

Over and out. 

Blog Tour (Review, Excerpt & Giveaway): Unraveled by Jennifer Estep

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Elemental Assassin, Jennifer Estep, Unraveled

This is not new. You know, everyone knows, I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep so whenever a new release comes to date I jump at any chance to be on the blog tour because I get to persuade people to read her books. I have been quite lucky to be one the past two or three tours from her last releases and I am still going! With joining the tour I was able to receive an early e-ARC to read and then post my review which you can see below as well as post a quick excerpt and a tour wide giveaway which anyone can enter. Without further ado, lets get on with the tour shall we?

Unraveled – Jennifer Estep

Release Date: August 30th 2016

Pocket Books: Urban Fantasy

400 pages (Kindle edition)

You can read this review and others on my Goodreads here. (Don’t be shy to send a friend request as well!

What could go wrong when you’re trying to unravel a decades-old conspiracy?

 

As the current queen of the Ashland underworld, you would think that I, Gin Blanco, would know all about some secret society controlling things from behind the scenes. I might be the Spider, the city’s most fearsome assassin, but all my Ice and Stone elemental magic hasn’t done me a lick of good in learning more about “the Circle”. Despite my continued investigations, the trail’s gone as cold as the coming winter.

 

So when Finnegan Lane, my foster brother, gets word of a surprising inheritance, we figure why not skip town for someplace less dangerous for a few days? That place: Bullet Pointe, a fancy hotel resort complex plus Old West theme park that Finn now owns lock, stock, and barrel. At first, all the struttin’ cowboys and sassy saloon girls are just hokey fun. But add in some shady coincidences and Circle assassins lurking all around, and vacationing becomes wilder—and deadlier—than any of us expected.

 

Good thing this assassin brought plenty of knives to the gunfight…

This is the 15th book. And I am still in love with the characters, the world and the story! The Elemental Assassin series continues to amaze me and Gin continues to weave more and more of story to us that we just gobble up. Also she continues to just kills it every time (haha pun intended)!

In Unraveled, Gin continues to be the badass assassin she has grown to be. Unraveled also follows the events, quite closely, in Bitter Bite – Gin keeping an eye on her foster brother Finn as he navigates life after being betrayed by his own kin and ears our for all info on the Circle for which she learned both her mother and Finn’s were apart of. In the midst of everything, Finn inherits a the Old West theme park and resort from his mother. Of course Gin sees this as a trick and she and Finn, along with their significant others, Owen and Bria, go on a vacation to see if this theme park is just a vacation for them or a trap.

Upon arrival everything is going smooth and Gin lets her guard down a smidge but she notices Circle assassins are lying in wait for them and Gin knows its her job to saddle up and show these goons who the real sheriff in town is.

Unraveled was a little different from the usual Ashland setting as there are way more cowboy hats and gun as opposed to Gin’s usual Silverstone knives but I won’t complain as reading about Gin in a ruffled, cowgirl getup costume that had me giggling for quite a few minutes. You see when Gin goes in to save someone she loves, she goes all in and a certain scene involved her showing a little more cleavage, wearing a dress and taking pictures with random people where I am sure she would have rather been slicing someone up instead. It had the perfect amount of cheesiness that I laughed out loud at some scenes but the whole Wild West theme couldn’t take away from the showdowns Gin threw at us. She may have indeed brought knives to a gun fight but damn can that girl use them.

What I love about this series is though it can get bloody, the focus on family and friends is never lost. Gin, no matter the situation she is in, almost always has the back up she needs. She doesn’t need to ask, they are just there. It is always a pleasure to read about her assistant, Silvio, and his gadgets that keep track on her whether she likes it or not. Finn and her sister Bria are one of my favorite book couples and even though Finn isn’t quite himself yet, he can always say something that makes Bria blush like crazy and it makes me happy to see him happy. Owen, Gin’s boyfriend, is a great side character, behind Gin in every decision she makes. He never wavers when she is in a bind because he just knows she will always come out on top. Also he’s a rugged hottie, what’s not to like?

But I also really like that this series can get bloody. Estep doesn’t shy away from the killings and how Gin gets the job done. She isn’t scared to write about the red stains Gin gets on her clothes all the time and how gruesome a death can be. Gin can be a messy assassin but that is what makes her the Queen of Ashland. Gin has to do what needs to be done and what others can’t get done. I love her fighting to get what is rightfully hers and getting revenge where she deserves.

Overall I gave this book 4 stars and I am eagerly waiting for the sequel because of the many questions I have – What is Gin’s mother, Eira, doing in the Circle? Any more people in the Circle we need to know about? Is Finn going to be Finn completely? (Pretty please, I miss him) When will Owen propose or is Gin not that type of person? See? Questions! Thank you readers for reading and I will have another blog post up soon.

Over and out.

EXCERPT:

“Anything would have been better—warmer—than this.” He popped up the collar of his trench coat so that it would cover more of his neck, then slouched down even farther in his seat.

 

 “Aw, poor baby. Stuck out here in the cold and dark with me tonight.” I clucked my tongue. “And to think that I was just about to offer you some hot chocolate.”

 

His blue eyes narrowed with interest. “You have hot chocolate? Homemade hot chocolate?”

 

I reached down and pulled a large metal thermos out of the black duffel bag sitting between our seats on the van floor. “Of course I have homemade hot chocolate. You can’t have a stakeout on a cold winter’s night without it.”

 

I grabbed a couple of plastic cups out of the duffel bag and handed them over to Phillip, who held them steady while I poured. The rich, heady aroma of the hot chocolate filled the van, cutting through the icy chill that had crept inside the vehicle. I breathed in the fumes as I capped the thermos and put it away. Phillip passed over my cup, and I drew in a couple more steamy breaths before taking a sip. The dark chocolate coated my tongue with its bittersweet flavor, softened by the vanilla extract and raspberry puree that I’d added to the mixture.

 

Phillip cradled his hot chocolate like a bum huddled over a trashcan fire. He took a long slurp and sighed again, this time with happiness. “Now that’s more like it.”

UNRAVELED (Elemental Assassin #15) | Jennifer Estep | Pocket Books | $7.99 | 400 pages | August 30, 2016 | ISBN: 978-1501142215 | Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27406805-unraveled

Purchase links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2bgEKUw

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2b4SmBx

Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/2b4SDVd

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2aVbvW4

iTunes: http://apple.co/2b9MZhC

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2b838X4

TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY:

Jennifer is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card, and the publisher has offered up 5 print copies of UNRAVELED AND one FULL SET of the Elemental Assassin series! Open to US and Canada residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About Jennifer Estep:

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

 

Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books. Unwanted, e-novella #14.5 in the series, is available now. Unraveled, book #15, will be released on Aug. 30.

 

Jennifer also writes the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series. She is also the author of the Black Blade young adult urban fantasy series and the Bigtime paranormal romance series.

 

For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit www.jenniferestep.com or follow Jennifer on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

Book Review: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

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Colleen Hoover, It Ends With Us

It Ends With Us – Colleen Hoover

Release Date: August 2nd 2016

Atria: New Adult

367 pages (paperback ARC) 

You can read this review and others on my Goodreads here. (Don’t be shy to send a friend request as well!

Colleen Hoover is a genius.

A literary genius.

If I had to desribe this book in one word or a lot of one words it would be: Intense. Draining. Moving. Real. Feels. Life. Me. You. Empowering.

As of now, if she wrote anything and I mean anything, I would read it. A shopping list, a love note, a death note or even just my name. That’s how good she is.

It Ends With Us is like nothing she has written to date. I know a lot of bloggers may have already said this but it’s true. With Colleen you expect a certain theme and I was expecting this theme, I was expecting for this to be like her other books, but with every book even though they are alike in some ways, they blow me away. This one blew me away but for a completely different reason.

It blew me away because it was me or a part of it was me. A part of it could be anyone or speak to them as it did to me.

I admit I was a little upset when I noticed where the book was going and I literally threw my beloved ARC across my bed at at my sisters feet. I told her, “Take it away from me. I can’t read it. I don’t want to read it.”

You see, the book made me feel. It made me feel emotions I didn’t want to feel again and I didn’t want to experience it as the character, Lily, did because I knew it. I knew what was gonna happen and I didn’t want it. We all expect for books to make us feel, we have the expression, “This book gave me the feels,” though the feels I felt hurt me. It hurt me in a good way if that makes sense. It hurt me because it was real and I could relate, I could relate so damn hard. It was the emotion that only Life throws at you and you guys know Life can be a bitch.

Though, Colleen had a reason to write Lily’s story the way she did. To have outcomes handled the way Lily did. To have a love interest (or two) like the one Lily has. It made sense the closer to end I started to get after my sister gave me back my book and said, “Quit playing. It’s Colleen Hoover, you have to finish it.”

And I did. I finished it in two hours. I devoured that book. I read. Every. Single. Word. And they all stuck with me. When I was done I threw the book at my sister again and sobbed out the words, “I’m done. I’m so done. I can’t. Don’t give it back, I’m serious, don’t do it.” She gave me a funny look and gave it back. I immediately flipped to the first page and re read the book.

Yes you read that right, I re read that damn book. Again.

I’ve had this review sitting in my drafts for awhile because what am I to say without spoiling this beautiful story? Do I hype this book up even more? How to I even express what this made me feel, because boy did I feel.

One thing I can say is go in blind. Don’t read any spoilers. Lily’s story is one not to know anything about. Have tissues because Colleen likes to make us cry and then sacrifice our tears to the books gods to produce another tear jerker book we will all fall over ourselves to get ARCs of in the next year. And find a cozy spot, after the first page, hell even the sentence, you won’t want to stop.

I gave this book 5 f-ing stars. I don’t usually cuss but Colleen brings out my potty mouth – in a good way. What else am I supposed to say other than buy the book, like yesterday, even though it releases today. Please do not spoil the book for anyone and I hope you guys will share your thoughts with me! Thank you readers for reading and I will have another blog post up soon.

Over and out.

Book Review and Q&A – Unwanted (Elemental Assassin #14.5) by Jennifer Estep

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Elemental Assassin, Finnegan Lane, Jennifer Estep, Unwanted

Hey guys! I had the absolute pleasure on reviewing Unwanted by Jennifer Estep for you today and also talking with the author for a few quick questions. As you know I am a huge fan of Jennifer Estep and have read all her books so I was thrilled to be on this blog tour. Also, Unwanted, an e-novella to her adult series, Elemental Assassin, releases today so after reading this review you can go and buy yourselves a copy! If you have read the Elemental Assassin books, I hope you have enjoyed them immensely and continue on with Finn’s story in Unwanted. Here is a quick synopsis for you guys who aren’t quite caught up:

Unwanted – Jennifer Estep

Release Date: July 18th 2016

Pocket Books: Urban Fantasy

100 pages (Kindle edition)

You can read this review and others on my Goodreads here. (Don’t be shy to send a friend request as well!

The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella–from the point of view of Finnegan Lane, the foster brother of Gin Blanco, and a fan favorite of readers of the series.

The fallout from his disastrous “family reunion” in Bitter Bite has left Finn feeling hurt, angry, and depressed. He can barely stand to look at himself in the mirror, much less eat any of the delicious barbecue from Gin’s famed Pork Pit restaurant.

But when the funeral for a slain security guard at his bank turns into a showdown with some nasty underworld giants, Finn knows that he must act in order to protect an innocent family.

The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella–from the point of view of Finnegan Lane, the foster brother of Gin Blanco, and a fan favorite of readers of the series.

The fallout from his disastrous “family reunion” in Bitter Bite has left Finn feeling hurt, angry, and depressed. He can barely stand to look at himself in the mirror, much less eat any of the delicious barbecue from Gin’s famed Pork Pit restaurant.

But when the funeral for a slain security guard at his bank turns into a showdown with some nasty underworld giants, Finn knows that he must act in order to protect an innocent family.

Finnegan Lane might be the most unwanted man in Ashland these days, but he’s determined to try to make amends for his past mistakes…

My review: 

It’s no secret that I love this series. Been reading for about 5ish years and I still love it. Finn, dear Finn, had me reeling in the last book and I couldn’t help but feel for him. He is indeed a fan favorite and I knew that he needed his own novella or book to sort out the disaster that happened in Bitter Bite.

I dove into Unwanted head on and didn’t look up from my Kindle until I was finished. Finn may not be a badass assassin like his foster sister Gin, the main heroine in the books, but he is pretty badass with guns. The fighting scenes in this novella were just as action packed as if Gin were fighting and it was refreshing to see Finn hold his own without Gin being there to back him up. He needed to do this job himself and I only began to love him more for that.

I had so much fun being in Finn’s head even though he was being a Debby Downer with himself, though his charming self still shines through the cracks and I could only smile when I knew my Finnegan Lane would be just fine. . .

Overall I give this book 4 stars and am on the edge of my seat for the next installment as I always am. Thank you readers for reading and I will have another blog post up soon,

Over and out.
Quick Q&A with Jennifer Estep:

Q1) What do you do when you are not writing?

JE: I enjoy reading, watching movies/TV, doing yoga, and hanging out with my friends and family.

Q2) How often are you spent writing?

JE: I don’t necessarily write every day, but I do work every day. I’m usually on the computer by 9 a.m. checking my emails and social media sites. Once that’s done, I work on whatever I need to do that day, whether it’s writing, reading through page proofs, blogging, etc. I take a break for lunch, then go back to work.

I take another break in the afternoon, then go back to work in the evening. Sometimes, I’ll work as late as 10 p.m. if I have a deadline or something that needs to get done.

Q3) Do you have a playlist for writing?

JE: Nope, I don’t listen to music while I’m writing. I find that I end up tuning out the music since I’m so focused on my writing. So writing in complete silence just works best for me.

I will sometimes listen to music while I’m blogging, updating social media, or things like that. Some of my favorite musicians include The Killers, Kelly Clarkson, and Jimmy Buffett, among many others.

Q4) What’s your favorite recipe for something quick?

JE: Since it’s summer, I’ll share this. It’s not really a recipe, but my mom and grandma do this every summer. Enjoy!

Sweet Summer Strawberries

1 gallon fresh strawberries

Sugar, to taste

Wash and cap strawberries. Let strawberries dry, then cut them into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl. Starting with about a cup of sugar, add sugar to strawberries until desired sweetness is reached. (The more sugar you add, the sweeter they will be.) Stir the sugar until it is dissolved and has formed a syrup over the strawberries. Serve immediately, or ladle strawberries and syrup into airtight containers and freeze until ready to use.

Note: These strawberries are great on toast, as part of a PB&J, or over vanilla ice cream. Also, this recipe works with all kinds of summer berries, as well as other summer fruits, like peaches.

Q5) Are you the cook in the house or someone else?

JE: I like to cook when I have time. Dessert is my favorite thing to make.
Thank you Jennifer for answering my questions and hope your release day for Unwanted goes well! Readers, don’t forget to snag your own copy and if you haven’t met Finn or the rest of the gang, I highly encourage you to pick up the first book in its series, Spider Bite, you won’t be able to put it down!

JENNIFER ESTEP

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books. Unwanted, e-novella #14.5 in the series, will be released on July 18. Unraveled, book #15, will be released on Aug. 30.

Jennifer also writes the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series. She is also the author of the Black Blade young adult urban fantasy series and the Bigtime paranormal romance series.

For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit http://www.jenniferestep.com or follow Jennifer on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

BEA 2016 Day 1

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BEA 2016

Technically when I arrived in Chicago it was day 2 of the actual BEA but whatever I am calling it day 1. My flight left from Dallas at 5 AM so I had to be there at least 2 hours earlier because of security and what not. The excitement was running through my veins double time because this was my first ever BEA, there wasn’t anything on my mind but getting to the McCormick Place and near all those books. I was so excited that I did not sleep at all like zero hours of sleep. I may have dozed on the plane for five minutes but I am not counting it.

Anyways I took the plane with my mom and sister so naturally they wanted to take pictures and snapchat everything in their view whereas I was cranky to get on the plane. Finally we made it to the gate we needed to arrive at with minutes to spare and I gave myself time to breathe and realize I was heading to Chicago. You see I have never been to Chicago. I rarely ever go to cities 30 miles past my own! Going to Chicago was a big deal, going for something that I knew was going to change my view on the bookish world and mean something big to me was an even bigger deal.

I don’t think I even took in the flight to Chicago. I was too busy thinking about the things I was going to do in the convention center, all the internet friends I would meet and well you know, the books I was going to take home. I came prepared for the books, making sure I checked in a much bigger suitcase at the airline. And boy did it come in handy. In Chicago we were going to be staying with my aunt and cousins so it was one of my cousins that picked me my mom and sister from the airport. We dropped them off at my aunt’s house and then I was on my way to BEA 2016.

The traffic in Chicago is just as bad as Dallas so I wasn’t too surprised when it took us about an hour just to get to downtown. When I got there I was dropped off at a curb and left to defend for myself. I was scared. I was excited. I was shaking with adrenaline. I crossed and street and entered a large glass building that I hoped was the McCormick Place convention center and headed towards a pair of escalators. I began to jump up and down when I spotted a sign that read, ‘BEA this way,’ and a large arrow pointing up and up I went. The booths and such were on the third floor as well as registration and that is where I was able to pick up my badge. I cannot tell you guys how happy I was to see my badge in person. My name was on that badge. My town was on that badge also indicating I was a blogger. My blog name was on the badge and I won’t lie when I say I had tears in my eyes staring down at my blog name like a proud mom.

The entrance was just to the left of registration and I was immediately turned in that direction and next thing I know I was directly across from the Disney booths and diagonal to Penguin. I could see Macmillan in the distance and the author autographing lines that looked too long. For about the first hour or so I just wandered. I roamed booth to booth, wondering how I was supposed to BEA. Is there a way to BEA? Was there something I was supposed to do to get books or tickets I needed to get? I didn’t know but after that hour I quickly found out what I needed to do.

I had to wait in so many lines. SO many.

That was the main trick to get books. Lines. And a lot of them. Some were long, depending if they had authors signing the books and some were pretty quick if they were just galley drops. I also found out what galley drops mean and it is basically giving out ARCs. You get in a certain galley drop line pretty early and just wait till the time comes to give them out and then the line moves. The publishing company has people at their booth and they just casually hand you the book and move on to the next person. I was shocked how easy it came to be. I thought there was a secret to getting the books but nope you just wait in lines.

That is pretty much how my BEA day 1 went and I had gotten about 16(ish) books that day, intending to get more the next. I also spotted all the Booktubers that day too. In line next to a few and wondering if I should ask for a picture. I didn’t until the third day but I’ll go over that later.

I hope you enjoyed my BEA day 1, I will have BEA day 2 up in a few days!

 

Over and out.

Book Review: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

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Cassandra Clare, Lady Midnight, The Dark Artifices

Lady Midnight – Cassandra Clare

Release Date: March 8th 2016

Margaret K. McElderry Books: YA – Fantasy/Paranormal

668 pages (hardcover)

 You can read this review and others on my Goodreads here. (Don’t be shy to send a friend request as well!)

It has been a month since the release of Lady Midnight and my review is now just going up. I wish it could have been up earlier but it took me awhile to finish the book, not because of how big it is (668 pages!) but because I was a nervous wreck. I have invested 7 years of my life to the Shadowhunter world, of course I’m going to have my nervous moments. Cassie Clare has scared me so many times with certain character deaths and plans that definitely do not go my way so I knew I had to have my emotional walls up so I didn’t totally break down. But guys, guys, this book was so good! Possibly my favorite book in the Shadowhunter world and I can’t wait for everyone to read it that way we could talk about it together. If you have yet to read Lady Midnight, please get on that train and get ready for the ride of your life.

Lady Midnight begins 5 years after the City of Heavenly Fire following Emma Carstairs and her parabatai Julian Blackthorn as they work together with Julian’s 5 siblings as they try to find out why murders are happening throughout LA that are eerily similar to Emma’s parents death 5 years ago. The faeries come to Emma and Julian with Julian’s older brother, Mark, as a bargaining chip, as they kidnapped him during the war in City of Heavenly Fire, because they are eager to find out who has been killing their kind as well. Along the way things are not turning Emma’s way – more plots come to her parents death and what could’ve happened, who is really doing this and why. Forbidden romance is also a thing as parabatai aren’t forbidden to fall in love and we find out just why – which breaks everybody’s heart from the beginning so be ready!

I am not sure where to begin with this review because I loved this book. I waited two years for this book so when I say I love this book, I love this book. For real. Those two years waiting was worth it as the writing, the characters, the world building became something so much more. It was better, Cassandra Clare grew as an author and gave us, her fans, something amazing.

I was worried I would have trouble remembering the new characters as I was used to a usual set of Shadow world characters but it was easier than expected. I also thought I wouldn’t like the characters as much as our main characters in her previous books but Clare put me in my spot – I adored her new characters. I adored Emma, Julian, Ty, Liv, Dru, Tavvy, Mark, Arthur and many more characters. Each individual is different and you start to bond with each one as the pages go by. The interaction between all the characters is what got me as I come from a large family. I loved seeing the family dynamics and how much they all loved one another.

One difference from the previous Shadowhunter books is the main character, Emma, and that she is already accustomed to the Shadowhunter world. It was different and fun seeing it through her eyes, more fun just being back in the world and continuing to learn more. I remember feeling giddy with excitement reading about runes and acquainting myself with the dynamics of it all again. I don’t understand why some people complain about more books based in this world – there is so much of it we still don’t know about and we get to continue learning about it! Also we touch more so on the Fae in this book, probably in this series altogether, and they are so fascinating. They can be evil but the magic about them, we are only just beginning to learn about.

The book is just a roller coaster of emotions (good ones!) and I was smiling ear to ear with each page. I do recommend reading the previous books as spoilers are throughout the book, though you don’t have to, but it is better to read them before heading into this one.  Basically what I am saying is read the other books and be ready for Lady Midnight because all you will be thinking about for the next months to come is, “When does the sequel come out?” Also, Julian will make your hormones (if you are female) go haywire because guys and kids? Um yes please. What the heck, he would probably even make men hormones go crazy.

I can’t believe Lady Midnight is out and in the world. I can’t believe I finished it. I want the experience to read it all over again. And again and again. It fulfilled my high expectations and set the bar high for the next book. I suppose I can wait for the next installment, if I don’t kill anyone from my Julian withdrawals. I gave Lady Midnight 5 stars that were well freaking deserved. Please read the books. That is all. Thank you readers for reading and I will have another blog post up soon,

Over and out.

April Wrap Up and May TBR (?)

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April Wrap Up, May TBR

May is here. April kind of sucked so here is to a better reading month! I kind of expected for April to be a bad reading month in that I had finals and I finally go home for the summer, so in short it really meant books weren’t a priority. I had grades to keep afloat and I barely had time to squeeze in 5 books, which is all I read in all of April. That’s like a book in less that a week. That is bad because, even though I didn’t put up a wrap up for March, I read 10 books in March! I expect to try and do better this month as I don’t have school and BEA is here in two weeks! I’m sure I’ll read on my flight to Chicago and hopefully gain some books to add to the never ending TBR list. Anyways, keep reading to see the books I read and my quick thoughts about them!

Lingus by Mariana Zapata and I gave this book 5 stars. I found this book through a friends recommendation on Instagram (if you don’t follow me, you should!) and her thoughts on it made me really want to read it and I am so glad I did. This book helped bring me out of my almost month long slump and at the best time. It starts out with the main character, Kat, at a porn convention and only gets better from there. Ignore the cover and read the book. You won’t regret it.
Prophecy of the Shadows (Elementals #1) by Michelle Madow and I gave this book 4 stars. I have been on Michelle Madow’s street team for a while and was waiting on the series to be completed so I could read them all but when the opportunity came for me to read this and the sequel, I jumped at the chance. I was also pleasantly surprised with this book, really enjoying the characters and the plot. The story goes into greek mythology and witches, the both intertwining and making one hell of a beginning of a series. The start of the story was a little sketchy but the ending makes up for it!
The Blood of the Hydra (Elementals #2) by Michelle Madow and I gave this book 4 stars. The sequel to Prophecy of the Shadows continues its fast paced storyline and may just have been a little better than the first. I don’t want to give anything away so just grab the first and begin the second. (Also if you sign up for Michelle’s newsletter on her website you can get the first book for free!)
The Baller by Vi Keeland and I gave this book 4 stars. I am a sucker for sports romances and I really enjoyed this one. Brody Easton is a pro quarterback and Delilah is the girl in the boys world of sports casting trying to make a name for herself and show she can do it as a woman. The two are thrown together and duh sparks fly. Delilah wants to be taken as a professional whereas Brody wants to flirt and eventually have sex. I loved these two characters and enjoyed the banter, little sports statistic fights and Brody always over sexualizing things or sexualizing something, anything with Delilah. I hope to read more by Keeland soon, especially if they are as good as The Baller.
How to Save a Life by Emma Scott and I gave this book 5 stars. I loved this book. Like I really, really loved this book. Two misfits just trying to get out of high school in one piece and find their place in the world. Please read this book. One of my favorites of the year.

 

So I have yet to really make a TBR this month because I kind of want to relax. Also BEA is in two weeks. I already said that but still, it’s BEA. I will be at BEA for the first time. Ever. I’m excited to see all my internet friends and make new ones! If you are going to BEA please let me know, I don’t know what I’m doing and would love company. I have an idea of what I’ll be reading and you can see that below:
Bright Blaze of Magic (Black Blade #3) by Jennifer Estep. This is the third and final installment in the Black Blade series. I have reviews for the first book and you can read it here: Cold Burn of Magic
The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4) by Maggie Stiefvater. This is the fourth and final book in the Raven Cycle series, a series I am so excited to read about the conclusion and one of my most anticipated books this year.

That is the only two books I have planned for this month, the rest are most likely something I’ll pick up from BEA but I’ll be sure to post them either on my IG or Twitter so be sure to follow me on both! I will also be posting a review of my days at BEA so be on the watch for those this month as well. Thank you for reading and I will have another post up soon,

Over and out.