Monstrum by Kat Ross: Book Review

Monstrum by Kat Ross: Book Review

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Getting to know more about the Marakai and Valkirin was amazing! And I finally found out for sure who these mysterious Talismans are and more about their legacy. I loved the way the various tribes’ cultures are so diverse, and while I see their inspirations, they are still very unique and fun to visit.

Events are unfolding rather quickly in both Nocturne and Solis, and the Vatras are breathing down the doors as they continue their hunt for the talismans as well.

One of the things that stands out the most to me is the depth of the characters. Each stands out on the own and they develop and change, adapting to the story as things change around them. 

Nazafareen’s purpose in the grand scheme of things is becoming more clear. And while she seems to be the “main” character, she could never get anything done without her friends and companions. Even friends that no longer travel with her, like Javid, still have major moments to play and I was really excited to see that they stay as a part of the story.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**



Title: Monstrum (The Fourth Talisman #3)
Author: Kat Ross
Genre: High Fantasy
Content Rating: PG-13
On the White Sea, realm of smashers and sea monsters, a ship is carrying Nazafareen and Darius to the Isles of the Marakai, where the wise woman Sakhet-ra-katme has guarded the secret of the talismans for centuries. But another is searching too, a daeva born in the brutal prison of the Kiln, who plans to use the talismans to free the Vatras and their mad king. When their paths collide at the emperor’s lavish palace in Tjanjin, Nazafareen and Darius face their deadliest and most cunning foe yet. 

In the mountain fastness of Val Moraine, the Pythia’s minions are on the scent of another talisman, this one from the Danai clan. Trapped behind a thick wall of ice, everyone’s going slightly mad—the perfect cauldron of suspicion and betrayal for Thena, who sees a chance to redeem her failure and bring the talisman back to Delphi. Then she’ll be free to indulge her twisted obsession with Darius—and make him pay. 

And in Samarqand, Javid is drawn into the treacherous currents of a royal succession. When the old king dies and his son takes the throne, the depths of the prince’s depravity become clear. A journey north reveals the source of the spell dust he’s addicted to—and leaves Javid with an impossible choice.

Off Planet by Aileen Erin: Guest Post

Off Planet by Aileen Erin: Guest Post

Ten Reasons Why I Have a Total Love-Hate Relationship With My Abilities
by Maité Martinez
©2019
​Aileen Erin
 I LOVE BEING A HALFER.

  1. Being so much stronger than I look has saved my life. A lot. There have been countless times when I was walking home from work late at and been attacked. And there have been times when I’ve seen others being hurt and have been able to help them. Those are the days when truly I’m thankful for my heritage.
  2. Sometimes running is a better option than fighting. Having the speed to be able to make a quick getaway is really essential to surviving as a halfer on Earth.
  3. Being able to feel the constant buzzing of everyone’s tech in my head is kind of a pain—literally—but it’s come in handy a time or two. I can usually feel the tech in someone’s body before I can hear or see them sneaking up on me. Being able to feel your enemy and get away before anything actually happens is pretty fantastic.
  4. I won’t lie—I love being strong and fast. I love to push my body to its limit. Working out and doing martial arts is like breathing for me. I like to test myself and getting to push harder and faster than anyone I know is kind of cool when I take a step back from the whole everyone-wants-me-dead thing.
  5. And using all of my abilities to teach others self-defense is worth everything. After working my shift at the diner, it’s really hard to go work a whole other job. Sometimes I’m exhausted, but when I’m there and teaching others how to keep themselves safe… It’s everything. Teaching isn’t really just a job for me. It’s something I HAVE to do.

I HATE BEING A HALFER.

  1. I could really do without the whole glowing skin thing. Some days it’s hot outside and I don’t want to wear a hoodie, but I have to. I have to be able to cover every bit of visible skin that I can while running to find a safe place to hide whenever my emotions get out of control. Not to mention its embarrassing. It’s like my skin is part mood ring, part glow worm, and I’d really love not to have my emotions on display for everyone to see. I honestly don’t understand why it does that, but I’m hoping that there’s a pretty freaking fantastic reason. Otherwise, the only purpose it serves is to get me killed.
  1. Being fast is awesome, but that means I have to have so much self-control. If I slip and move too fast or show that my reflexes are way better than average, then I’ll give myself away. I have always be aware of how fast I’m moving, and that’s exhausting.
  1. The constant buzz of tech along my skin gets irritating after a while. I recently got an implant in my finger, and it’s making me bitchy. It feels like my finger is getting jabbed with a needle every minute or so, and after a long day, I feel like I want to snap. But everyone has implanted tech. It’s how we make calls and pay for groceries. I need it. Because if I don’t, then it’s a giant red flag that I’m not quite human. And that’s deadly for me. So, for now, I’m going to keep the implant. I just hope it doesn’t drive me crazy.
  1. My abilities are a constant reminder of what I am and how hated I am on Earth. Not for anything I did, but just because of my DNA. It’d be nice to forget what I am for a few days, but as soon as I do that, I’ll move too fast or start glowing or bitch about the frequency of the tech around me. And when that happens, they’ll know what I am. If I want to live, no one can know.
  1.  And when I remember what I am, I remember who I am. I don’t remember my father at all. I have literally no memories of the man, so it feels crazy that I’m related to this super important Aunare man. It feels even crazier that if SpaceTech finds me… If I make one wrong step or do anything out of the ordinary… I could set off an intergalactic war. A responsibility that big shouldn’t be on anyone’s shoulders. But for something that huge to be on mine? It’s a big price to pay for the joy of being strong and fast. One that I’m sure will get me killed eventually.

Title: Off Planet (Aunare Chronicles #1)
Author: Aileen Erin
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia

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From USA Today Bestselling Author Aileen Erin
Maite Martinez has always yearned for more than waitressing in a greasy diner on the polluted ruins of planet Earth. Hiding her special abilities is a full-time job on its own, even with the government distracted by the mysterious alien race – the Aunare.
When a SpaceTech officer gets handsy with her, she reacts without thinking. Breaking his nose might not have been her smartest move. Now she’s faced with a choice: serious jail time working in a chain gang on a volcano planet or join the corporate army to fight against the impending war with the Aunare. It’s really no choice at all.
As with everything in her life, Maite quickly realizes that the war with the Aurnare isn’t what it seems. And Lorne, the Aunare prince, keeps popping up everywhere she goes. Being seen with him could get her in even deeper trouble with her commanders, but he’s the first person who sees through the wall she’s built around herself and she can’t bring herself to send him away.
When the situation between SpaceTech and the Aunare escalates, Maite has a way to end the war before it even begins. There’s only one question: Can she stop the total annihilation of humanity without getting herself killed in the process?


​About Aileen Erin

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Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd–from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.


Enter to win a signed copy of Off Planet
Remind Me by Samantha Chase: Excerpt

Remind Me by Samantha Chase: Excerpt

Title: Remind Me (Magnolia Sound #1l)
Author: Samantha Chase
Genre:​ Contemporary Romance
​It’s been years since Mallory Westbrook set foot in Magnolia Sound, but the death of her great-grandfather forces her back. Two weeks to get his affairs in order then she would return to her life in New York. The perfect plan, if not for Jake Summerford—her first love who broke her heart.

Jake always regretted the way things ended with Mallory and now that she’s back in town, he’s hoping they can put the past behind them. As they reconnect, old feelings resurface and Jake realizes that friendship is only the beginning of what he wants from Mallory.

With one foot out of the door, Mallory is looking for any excuse to leave Magnolia Sound behind. Forever. Will Jake’s plan to replace the old, painful memories help him finally show her their love deserves another chance?


Remind Me Excerpt
​©2019 Samantha Chase
“But we were already hanging out,” Mallory reminded him and the look Sam gave her bordered on hysterical. “What? What’s so funny?”

“We all know I’m the third wheel here and the two of you would like nothing more than to be alone, so…I’m leaving,” he said, walking back into the kitchen to put the beer back in the refrigerator. “I’m gonna go home and tell Mom what the plan is–I’m going out to be a good cousin, while you’re here doing…I don’t know…Jake.” He winked. “You two have fun!”

Jake knew he didn’t let out a breath until the back door closed and he saw Sam walk down the deck stairs from the living room window. “Well…that was…awkward.”

“Just a little,” Mallory agreed. “Ugh…why is my brother such a dork?”

Laughing, Jake shifted them until her head was on his shoulder. “I wouldn’t call him a dork, he’s just a little…”

“He’s a dork. Trust me. We’re twins and I’m allowed to say it.” She shook her head. “He’s going to be snarky about this until he leaves.”

“About what?”

“You and me. Us. The fact that he knows what we’re doing.” She groaned. “Now, every time I mention seeing you or doing something, he’s going to make some sort of doofus comment about how I’m doing you. I’m telling you, he’s the worst.”

But Jake couldn’t help but laugh. He didn’t have any siblings so he didn’t understand the dynamics, but from where he was sitting, it was all pretty comical. The fact that they each other and had such obvious affection for each other was a pretty amazing thing. Maybe it was because they were twins or something. All he knew was that he hadn’t met many siblings with the kind of relationship Sam and Mallory had.

Plus, he liked knowing Sam looked out for her when he couldn’t.

And that one single thought had him going still.

This wasn’t going anywhere–this was about passing the time and getting her out of his system. He wasn’t supposed to be thinking about his feelings or hers. This was temporary. They both saw the end before they started up again, so why was he suddenly feeling concerned about how Mallory was going to be when he wasn’t around?

“Jake?” she asked softly, looking up at him. “You okay?”

He nodded. Right now, he didn’t want to talk. Hell, he didn’t want to think either. All he wanted was to feel–feel Mallory’s body against his. Feel her skin under his hands. Feel her breath mingling with his.

Standing, he gently tugged her to her feet before plunging his hands into her hair and giving her a searing kiss. If she was surprised by the sudden change of events, she didn’t show it. If anything, she kissed him back with equal abandon.

So good, he thought. Kissing Mallory was always so damn good…

When he had invited her to come home with him earlier–before Sam showed up–Jake envisioned them coming in and talking and maybe sharing some lazy kisses before he seduced her into staying the night. But as Mallory pressed up against him and purred, he was pretty sure nothing was going to be slow and lazy, and that he was the one being seduced.

And he loved every minute of it.

Without breaking the kiss, they maneuvered across the room and down the hall, stopping once so he could back her against the wall and grind against her. She tore her lips from his and sighed his name like a plea. Reaching down, Jake lifted her until her legs wrapped around his waist and it took every bit of self-control he possessed not to take her right then and there. Her dress was bunched up at her waist and the barely-there panties would be gone with only the slightest of tugs…

“Bed,” he growled against her throat even as he continued to rub against her. “I want you in my bed.”

“Then take me there,” she said breathlessly.

Easier said than done, he thought, forcing himself to walk the last ten feet to his room. At the side of the bed, he simply let himself fall and kept Mallory in his arms. They laughed and rolled until they were comfortable and then he sank back into the kiss.

Mallory tugged at his shirt and once she had it pulled free of his trousers, her nails scraped up his back and it gave him chills. Sitting up quickly, he ripped the shirt off–buttons flying in every direction.

“Wow,” she panted. “That was incredibly sexy.”

“Oh, yeah?” he asked, his own breath coming out roughly. “How do you feel about this?” His hand snaked under her dress and he tugged her tiny panties off–the sound of the fabric ripping seemed insanely loud in the room.

“Oh!” she cried as her hips bucked off the bed. Jake knew what she wanted and he was more than happy to give it to her.  In a flash her dress was off. He peeled her bra off with his teeth as she writhed beneath him. “Jake…”

Once he had her completely naked, his self-control completely vanished. His mouth and hands were everywhere. While he licked and suckled at her breasts, his hand was ruthlessly teasing her between her legs. Watching Mallory lose control was one of his favorite pastimes and as he urged her on, he knew it would always be this way. She cried out his name again and again and again and each time it ratcheted his own arousal up more and more.

He hated to move away from her even for a second, but he still had half of his own clothes to discard. Mallory reached for him as he moved away and he smoothed a hand across her stomach. “Soon,” he whispered. “I’m not going anywhere.”


About Samantha Chase

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Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than forty titles under her belt! When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

Connect with Samantha online
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter | BookBub
Solis by kat Ross: Book Review

Solis by kat Ross: Book Review

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I love the immense world that Kat Ross has created for The Fourth Talisman series. Throughout book two, Solis, the world continues to expand as we learn more about the Vatras, the Greeks, and the Valkirin. I learned more about the characters and places on every page, and the adventure continues to grow.

Nazafereen is in Greece with a mission. A tricky one that takes most of the book to accomplish. But as she navigates the solution to her problem, she is unaware that Darius is also in danger. My one big hang-up here was at the very end. I wanted is POV a little bit more. I was so used to seeing what was happening to him, and then bam, something happened and I only got a recap without many details. And the details sounded exciting.

Back in Valkirin, things aren’t looking so good for Victor. But pay close attention to everything happening here. There’s a big clue and I almost missed it, but now I’m curious to see how it all plays out. Even characters that appear to be secondary in nature have their chance to shine and play important roles here – which just brings the world to life even more. 

I think what impresses me most about the series so far is that scale of the world that Kat Ross has brought to the pages. Details are polished and characters (even side ones) feel like they are complete people and not just used to push the story along. The way the storylines overlap and lives cross in unexpected ways remind of some of the fantasy greats.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**



Title: Solis (The Fourth Talisman #2)
Author: Kat Ross
Genre: High Fantasy
Content Rating: PG-13
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
​iBooks | Kobo | GooglePlay
In the second volume of the Fourth Talisman series, Nazafareen’s path takes a twist, setting her on a journey into the heart of the maelstrom…

It’s been a thousand years since the Avas Vatras tried to burn the world to ashes. A thousand years since they were imprisoned in the brutal wasteland called the Kiln. But revenge is a dish best served cold—even, apparently, by the children of fire. 

In Delphi, Nazafareen joins forces with the followers of Dionysius to rescue her friends from the Oracle’s dungeons and seek out the three talismans whose extraordinary powers stopped the Vatras before. With her own breaking magic growing stronger by the day, she must walk a razor’s edge to control her volatile temper. And if the Vatras find the talismans first, their last hope will die.

In the frozen wastes of the Valkirin range, Victor strikes an uneasy bargain with bitter enemies to keep his tenuous grip on the Maiden Keep. The other holdfasts are coming for him. But it’s a traitor within Val Moraine’s walls that may prove to be his downfall.

Beware the Night by Jessika Fleck: Author Guest Post

Beware the Night by Jessika Fleck: Author Guest Post

Building the World of Bellona
by Jessika Fleck
©2019
​Like all stories, Beware the Night, slowly evolved from a loose skeleton of a concept to a complete work in several stages. Originally titled, The Offering, the world in which Veda, Nico, and Dorian face Sun verses Night and all the shadows in between certainly didn’t materialize in my brain overnight. However, the setting was probably the first thing I was sure of when I began drafting the book.

I knew I wanted this story to take place on an island. In the beginning, it was a series of islands all surrounding the main island of Bellona and linked by sea and canals. It was a very cool concept but presented too many logistical issues to juggle. Plus, I definitely wanted Veda’s community to feel intimate and fairly small; a place where two very different groups of people have to work together to keep their community thriving. A place where everyone knows who the glassblower is and who sells bait at the market and certainly who to avoid and who to trade with. Thus, the single island of Bellona was born.

In the earliest stages of the story, I knew I wanted a society inspired by Venice with canals and tunnels and winding, cobbled walkways. Less grand than true modern-day Venice, but with all of the charm and mystery. My husband and I actually visited Rome and Venice on our honeymoon and literally found ourselves lost within the maze of streets and towering buildings and it was magical. So, I knew the sort of aesthetic I was going for—just a more rustic, darker version. The Romanesque touches came later with the addition of a coliseum and spectator style ceremonies. But instead of the rituals being a game and for sport (despite how those in charge might take advantage), I knew I wanted Bellona to have a more sacred relationship with its Offerings.

Once the main structure was set, I sprinkled the world of Bellona with unique details to make it its own. It made sense that fish would be a major resource and I loved the idea of a female main character who was a skilled fisher. Having hourglasses instead of clocks entered around this time as well. I really liked the idea of the characters using something old-world and different to keep the hour. The rest of the landscape: thick forests, long tunnels, underground caves, piazzas, and a dormant volcano naturally evolved as the story progressed. I adore this world so much (can you tell?)! I even attempted drawing my own map (on the title page of my pass-pages, no less)…

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Title: Beware the Night
Author: Jessika Fleck
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
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On the island of Bellona, they worship the sun. Seventeen-year-old Veda understands that keeping the sun content ensures plentiful crops, peace and harmony, and a thriving economy. But as a member of the Basso class, she never reaps those benefits.

Life as a Basso is one fraught with back-breaking work and imposing rules. Her close friendship with Nico is Veda’s one saving grace in a cruel world where the division between her people and the ruling Dogio is as wide and winding as the canals that snake through their island.

But when Veda’s grandfather is chosen as the next sacrificial offering to keep the sun’s favor, Veda is forced to see the injustice of her world. Turning away from the sun means she must join the night—and an underground revolution she’s been taught to fear all her life.


​About Jessika Fleck

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Jessika Fleck is an author, unapologetic coffee drinker, and knitter — she sincerely hopes to one day discover a way to do all three at once. Until then, she continues collecting vintage typewriters and hourglasses, dreaming of an Ireland getaway, and convincing her husband they NEED more kittens. Her YA debut, THE CASTAWAYS (Entangled TEEN), is now available. Her next YA novel, BEWARE THE NIGHT (Swoon Reads/Macmillan) releases March 12, 2019. More at www.jessikafleck.co


​Enter to win a print copy of Beware the Night!!
Born of Nothing by Jill Ramsower: Book Review

Born of Nothing by Jill Ramsower: Book Review

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I really enjoyed the characters of Cat and Fenodree in Rebecca’s story (the first two Fae Games novels), and I missed them the third story for Ashley. When I realized they weren’t just coming back but playing the leads in Born of Nothing I was super excited.

Fenodree cracked me up. His awe and manner of acceptance of the modern human world after spending centuries alone in the Shadow Realm were a mix of childlike wonder and total confusion. It was portrayed so well by Jill Ramsower, and the way his past was woven into his present was amazing.

Cat has a fight on her hands. As the druids learn to accept that not all Fae are as bad as they had been taught for generations, her family is one that refuses to change. But she won’t let that stand in her way of having a friendship with Rebecca and Ashley.

But the story turns very dark and gets quite real when Cat’s mother arranges for a “re-education” in the old ways of hating the Fae. Her re-education was horrific, and the psychological games really mess with her head. But Fenodree knows something isn’t right. But without knowing how to navigate the modern world, will he be able to find her?

This seems like it may be the end of the Fae Games, but I really hope it isn’t. I’m loving the world Ramsower has built, and I’d really like to come visit again.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**



Title: Born of Nothing (The Fae Games #4)
Author: Jill Ramsower
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Content Rating: R
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It was over before it began.

A druid woman and a Fae man—we were two people from different worlds, only by chance did our paths happen to cross. He was beautiful and damaged and totally captivating. If only I could have continued to buy into the propaganda of fear and hate my people had taught me about the Fae, then maybe I would have believed him to be the savage he appeared to be. 

Instead, I offered the cryptic man my help. The time I spent with him allowed me to see the man he was behind the chiseled, formal exterior. What developed between us was tender, intimate, and totally unexpected. 

My druid family was not as enlightened as I was. My mom didn’t want me near the Fae; she certainly never would have understood that I had developed feelings for a Fae man. I tried to keep my private life a secret. I tried to keep the peace, but my mother’s threats and intolerance left me with no choice. I had to make the hardest decision of my life. I had to leave the only family I’d ever known. I just never imagined what I’d face when I didn’t make it out in time…


​About Jill Ramsower

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​Jill is a Texan, born and raised. She manages the hectic social calendars for her three active children and occasionally spends an evening with her dashing husband. Aside from being an author and a mom, she’s an attorney, travel junkie, and voracious reader.

Connect with Jill online
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

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Shades of Betrayal by Jill Ramsower: Book Review

Shades of Betrayal by Jill Ramsower: Book Review

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Rebecca’s best friend, Ashley, plays such an important role in helping Rebecca begin to find her way in the Fae world. But what happened to her afterward? Well, Shades of Betrayal came along and told me the story I was dying to hear.

Ashley’s transition into the Fae world was a little more sudden and jarring than Rebecca’s, and she doesn’t have the foundation and training that Rebecca does either – and she needs to feed. For Ashley, that means sex – but her whole mindset will about intercourse will have to change. And no, this isn’t a book all about her hooking up – it really is a very nice paranormal romance.

Michael was a little too stoic and tough. Even when we got a look inside his head, I wanted to feel more from him. I wanted him to have more of those vulnerable moments – even if they were just with himself. I almost didn’t believe his feelings and concern for Ashley because of it.

You have to throw a little danger in to keep Fae stories interesting. And the creature in this one is a doozy. I loved the lore and history behind it though – it tied in with everything going on perfectly.

Overall, a good story, but not my favorite in the series. But I do think that it was a nice way to make sure I knew Ashley had her HEA too.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**



Title: Shades of Betrayal (The Fae Games #3)
Author: Jill Ramsower
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Content Rating: R
Ashley

All my wildest fantasies have come true, but reality is never quite as simple as we imagine. I dreamed of living in a wondrous world of the supernatural and having magical powers of my own. Now, I have all of that, but it comes with a caveat—a six foot Fae brute who is supposed to train me on all things Fae. He’s a dauntless warrior of the Wild Hunt. A beautiful bigot. He’s my lover and my burden, my savior and my curse.

There’s a monster lose in the city leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. I want more than anything to help others with my new abilities—what better use of my power than to stop a killer? Too bad Michael doesn’t feel the same.

Michael

She’s a born fighter. Courageous and brash like the heroes she reads about. Two weeks ago I carried her lifeless body out of a dirty alley. Ever since, my carefully constructed world has been leveled, despite my endless efforts at damage control. 

Ashley Moore is a force of nature. Her best friend is the Erlking’s woman, and together, Ashley and Rebecca have infiltrated our brotherhood. Everything about our lives is dangerous, so I’ve done what I can to protect her—even if she ends up hating me for it.

Twilight Siege by Jill Ramsower: Book Review

Twilight Siege by Jill Ramsower: Book Review

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At the end of Shadow Play, Rebecca was in a really bad place. I’m so glad I could just jump right into book two and watch her get right back on her feet ready to fight. 

And by fight I mean go up against some of the most powerful Fae ever without fully understanding her powers or even knowing what they are. Enter Fenodree – exiled Fae that just might be able to teach Rebecca what she needs so that she won’t die in the battle to come.

Her time with Fenodree wasn’t just spent learning about her magic but falling in love with Lochlan. They have a lot to overcome, and I times I got a little frustrated with their on again, off again, on again, let’s have sex right now relationship.

But in the end, it all paid off (both the training and the relationship), and I loved how the story unfolded and come to an almost ending. While this is a duet, there are a few characters whose story is yet untold that are coming up next, and I can’t wait.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**



Title: Twilight Siege (The Fae Games #2)
Author: Jill Ramsower
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Content Rating: R
After her carefree world is ripped apart, Rebecca Peterson must accept her new life and the dark powers that come with it. Navigating this new landscape of deceit and manipulation is paramount if she is to stop hordes of blood-thirsty Faeries from invading Earth. 

Now that Ronan’s motivations are clear, Becca looks to Lochlan for help, but the sweltering tension between them is a dangerous distraction. He draws her in, like no man she has ever met, and lives his life by rules she never knew existed. He takes her deep into the treacherous Shadow Lands, where both her knowledge and courage will be tested—but will it be enough to take on a centuries old enemy hell-bent on death and destruction? To keep those she loves safe, Becca is willing to risk it all. 

Right Girl Wrong Timing by Natalie Decker: Excerpt

Right Girl Wrong Timing by Natalie Decker: Excerpt

Title: Right Girl Wrong Timing (Offsides #3)
Author: Natalie Decker
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction
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Adaline Frost’s life officially sucks. Now that her BFF has found her true love, Addy is constantly stuck being the third wheel. On top of that, she hasn’t started her junior project yet, so her advisor pairs her up with what could only be described as the “Reject Breakfast Club.” Instead of the weirdo and the troublemaker, Addy is forced to work with two stoners, a popular girl, and her crush, Austin Reed, the jock who broke her heart.

Austin Reed is sick of being labeled “dumb jock.” If he doesn’t get an A on this project, he can kiss his future goodbye. Austin thought he’d gotten lucky being partners with the very nerdy Adaline Frost, but boy was he wrong. Addy jumps down his throat about his being late and calls him names like “manwhore” on the daily. She has no idea Austin works before and after school in order to help his mom with the bills. Yeah, he’s made mistakes and has had lots of girlfriends, but he doesn’t need Adaline Frost to remind him of it every time he sees her.

Can Austin and Addy ever be a thing?

Right Girl Wrong Timing is book 3 in the Offsides series by Natalie Decker.


Right Girl Wrong Timing Excerpt
​©2019 Natalie Decker
It’s like my body is on GPS vibe, and I sense her before I see her. Adaline enters the commons, and Brock is talking about something, but I’m no longer listening to him. “Hey, Brock, scoot your ass down one,” I say.

He lifts his head and gawks around. “Grab another chair, and pull it up for her,” he says.

Slick move. I’ll take it. “You still gotta move down. I want her close, man, not really you in my lap.”

He laughs as he slides his chair down, making room for me to pull another chair for Adaline in its place. I steal one from the table next to me. I hope to hell she’s coming over here, otherwise I’ll feel stupid.

She reaches the table and mumbles. “Got a minute before everyone else arrives?”

I pat the empty chair next to me. “Sure.”

“I don’t think I should sit there.”

I frown. “Ads, please take the seat.”

She rolls her eyes. “All right. Only if you stop pouting.”

Brock barks out a laugh as she plops down next to me. I grip the edge of her chair and pull her close to me. Our legs touch, and her eyes widen. “That’s better. You were too far away, and you know how crappy my attention is.”

She looks as if she’s half tempted to slap me. I wouldn’t blame her. “You’re impossible. You know that?” Irritation laces her words. “I was thinking since we must work together, we should get one thing straight. This will not be a repeat of our history project.”

Wow. She’s really scorned. I mean, I got she was mad at me but damn. She knows how to kick a dude while he’s down. “How many times do I have to apologize to you?” I whisper.

“I’ll catch you later, man,” Brock says, and he leaves.

I wait until he’s gone before I clasp Adaline’s chin and direct her attention to me. Her eyes narrow. “Don’t. Can we forget about it and just move on?”

​I lean toward Adaline. Her breath hitches slightly. I dip my mouth close to Adaline’s ear and whisper, “We’re not done discussing this. Far from it.”


About Natalie Decker

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Natalie Decker is the author of RIVAL LOVE series and the Scandalous Boys series. She loves oceans, sunsets, sand between her toes, and carefree days. Her imagination is always going, which some find odd. But she believes in seeing the world in a different light at all times. Her first passion for writing started at age twelve when she had to write a poem for English class. However, seventh grade wasn’t her favorite time and books were her source of comfort. She took all college prep classes in High school, and attended the University of Akron. Although she studied Mathematics she never lost her passion for writing or her comfort in books. She’s a mean cook in the kitchen, loves her family and friends and her awesome dog infinity times infinity. If she’s not writing, reading, traveling, hanging out with her family and friends, then she’s off having an adventure. Because Natalie believes in a saying: Your life is your own journey, so make it amazing!


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Shadow Play by Jill Ramsower: Review

Shadow Play by Jill Ramsower: Review

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Shadow Play introduces us to Rebecca the world of the Fae – and yes, she’s totally surprised to find out they exist. On top of it all, she discovers that the necklace she’s been wearing her whole life is actually a Fae charm with some pretty remarkable abilities – and consequences. 

Rebecca is thrown into the world of the Fae along with her best friend Ashley when she takes a job at a museum in Belfast. The Fae politics and factions are confusing, and Jill Ramsower does a fantastic job of introducing people and concepts as Rebecca discovers them. I could feel her confusion and lack of understanding without feeling totally confused myself.

As Fae danger and intrigue envelop Rebecca’s world, she finds herself deep in the world of the Great Hunt and trying to keep the rest of humanity safe from the Unseelie and Shadow Fae that are sneaking through portals. When rumors of war and the return of Merlin surface, no one is quite sure what to think.

I loved the diverse characters and setting of Belfast was beautiful. There is a lot of intrigue and excitement. And I will warn you, there is a not so pretty cliffhanger at the end – but spoiler – while there’s nothing to make what happens to Rebecca not awful – the second book uses it to make her a stronger person.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**



Title: Shadow Play (The Fae Games #1)
Author: Jill Ramsower
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Content Rating: R
They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger—if that’s the case, I better be badass by the time this is over.

After two years at a dead-end job, Rebecca Peterson finally walks away from everything she knows to follow her dreams in Ireland. Instead of dreams, the dreary streets of Belfast rekindle her terrifying nightmares, and this time they aren’t confined to her imagination. Twisted and vicious, Faeries are being unleashed on Earth to prey upon humans, who are unaware of the vile creatures walking among them. Becca must stay alive long enough to learn why she can see what others can’t, and even more importantly, discover how to keep the Fae from destroying life on Earth. 

Delving into the underbelly of the city, Becca discovers that she is not entirely alone in her abilities; however, centuries of secrecy makes gathering information a challenge. When Becca crosses paths with two mysterious strangers, her life is only complicated further. The gorgeous but brooding Lochlan demands complete honesty but refuses to provide any answers of his own. On the other hand, Ronan is enigmatic and charming, and with his sights set on making Becca his, he offers more help than most. But Becca quickly learns that trusting others is difficult when you have secrets of your own. Sometimes, the enemy is within….