A clean fantasy romance with a great FMC, intriguing MMC, and manipulative villainess. This book absolutely supersedes my initial impression. This is bA clean fantasy romance with a great FMC, intriguing MMC, and manipulative villainess. This book absolutely supersedes my initial impression. This is because it started slow, but as I got into it, became more and more intense until I couldn't stop reading. Both main characters are more than they seem, and as they develop, I had more and more sympathy for them. As for the villainess, I have to say she is sooo well written. Her manipulativeness, her peevishness, and everything about her made her a compelling antagonist. The romance between the two characters turns out very differently than expected, but ends in a way that I think most romance readers will be happy with. As for the worldbuilding, there is a distinction made between "good" and "bad" magic, and an Italian bent to her world. It made it certainly different, and I like how she incorporated the world naturally into her story. Overall, a great read for those looking for a new fantasy romance!
Content Warning: Physical and Emotional Abuse....more
This sequel was fantastic! Beatriz definitely showed how much she changed in this book, and it was fun to read from Laude's point of view. It was alsoThis sequel was fantastic! Beatriz definitely showed how much she changed in this book, and it was fun to read from Laude's point of view. It was also neat how the villain tied into her series, and how the role of secrets played a part. I also found Beatriz's struggle to use her powers after the first book to be very relatable. Laude, too, with her over talkative nature, was fun and relatable. The plot itself was a bit convoluted, and sometimes I couldn't understand who was related to who and who was plotting against whom. But by the end, the threads unraveled, and I got the gist of it. I also love how she is unflinching in presenting her faith in these books. I only wish there was more to the ending, perhaps a bonus chapter with weddings. I also felt like the main plot was left open to spin offs or sequels, even though this is a duology. That being said, Beatriz and Laude's story ended pretty well (though I do want to see them serving in a certain role that was made at the end). This book is also very clean, without any need for content warnings beyond PG level violence. Overall, a wonderful YA fantasy book!...more
Fast paced, intense, and a little bit more mature than the first one, I enjoyed it. Content warnings are the same as the first, but with a kiss added.Fast paced, intense, and a little bit more mature than the first one, I enjoyed it. Content warnings are the same as the first, but with a kiss added. On to the next!...more
A well paced adventure with a sympathetic main character. I enjoyed it, but I don't see the Christian elements whatsoever. Clean, with only slight menA well paced adventure with a sympathetic main character. I enjoyed it, but I don't see the Christian elements whatsoever. Clean, with only slight mentions of magic, and more a focus on faeries, piskeys, and spriggans. Overall, I enjoyed it and will be reading book 2....more
The stakes are higher than ever as Alisa and Falier seek to end the war between dragons and humans... In this spectacular sequel, Bruhn weaves togetherThe stakes are higher than ever as Alisa and Falier seek to end the war between dragons and humans... In this spectacular sequel, Bruhn weaves together a story that had me up way past my bedtime and finishing in a few days. Alisa's character development is especially touching in this book, as she slowly gains confidence in her new role as the alpha of the dragon-human clan. Falier also develops, discovering his purpose as a "slayer" in Alisa's new clan. And the conflict in this book! I've never seen a book that does such a great job of showing how prejudice affects both sides of an argument, how hatred divides, and how some people will never listen, no matter what you do. And overall, it shows how sometimes, people will only believe you by your actions. All of this is done with a well-developed fantasy setting with clearly defined races and groups of people. There's also a faith element, too, though it is more like a Catholic idea of saints than Protestant. However, I really liked how it was portrayed and developed. This faith portion, for those who aren't Christians, isn't really noticeable. But for those who are, it is encouraging and a beautiful part of the story. Overall, a fantastic fantasy book with dragons, singing, and a well-developed world.
Merged review:
The stakes are higher than ever as Alisa and Falier seek to end the war between dragons and humans... In this spectacular sequel, Bruhn weaves together a story that had me up way past my bedtime and finishing in a few days. Alisa's character development is especially touching in this book, as she slowly gains confidence in her new role as the alpha of the dragon-human clan. Falier also develops, discovering his purpose as a "slayer" in Alisa's new clan. And the conflict in this book! I've never seen a book that does such a great job of showing how prejudice affects both sides of an argument, how hatred divides, and how some people will never listen, no matter what you do. And overall, it shows how sometimes, people will only believe you by your actions. All of this is done with a well-developed fantasy setting with clearly defined races and groups of people. There's also a faith element, too, though it is more like a Catholic idea of saints than Protestant. However, I really liked how it was portrayed and developed. This faith portion, for those who aren't Christians, isn't really noticeable. But for those who are, it is encouraging and a beautiful part of the story. Overall, a fantastic fantasy book with dragons, singing, and a well-developed world....more
This was my first magic academy book outside of the Harry Potter series and I enjoyed it! Of course, I shouldn't be surprised, since it was written byThis was my first magic academy book outside of the Harry Potter series and I enjoyed it! Of course, I shouldn't be surprised, since it was written by A.J. Skelly, as she is a good author. The only concern I have to report is content. There is quite a bit of kissing, making out, and sexual tension. There is also a would be rape that may trigger some but turns out not to be as bad as I thought it would be. Cole and Aspen were super adorable and I like how they opened up to one another and grew as characters. An enjoyable standalone by a good author....more
A suspenseful and compelling YA Fantasy... This book surprised me and broke me as each event unfolded. I found myself in heartbreak for Niena, whose beA suspenseful and compelling YA Fantasy... This book surprised me and broke me as each event unfolded. I found myself in heartbreak for Niena, whose belief that she deserved punishment was something I could relate to, having felt that way at a previous church. Then, I felt bad for Lera, as she desperately tries to find her sister and do what she can to survive in the cult of the Giver. Orelo, too, had my compassion, as he sought freedom away from the island. But besides the emotional journey of these characters, the plot shocked me. I did not expect what happened, and I'm pretty good at predicting things. So Moseley wonderfully balanced the foreshadowing with the plot developments so that I didn't see it coming. The world itself is simplistic-imagine an island with huts and a temple, and you've pretty much got it. For most of the story, magic isn't even present, and you're left to wonder how Diento has such a hold over the island. Yet, the easy to understand worldbuilding is balanced with the complex plot and deep characters, creating a wonderful recipe for a Y.A. paranormal fantasy book. After finishing it, I definitely want to read book 2! Content Warnings: Infant loss and labor difficulties, premarital sex (off the page), descriptions of blood and pain, spiritual and emotional abuse....more
An action-packed fantasy with a sweet romance... Told in first-person, this book follows the story of Tambrynn and her Watcher, Lucas. Tambrynn is as hAn action-packed fantasy with a sweet romance... Told in first-person, this book follows the story of Tambrynn and her Watcher, Lucas. Tambrynn is as hot-headed as she is mysterious, trying to figure out her magical powers and get to her own land safely. Lucas is the perfect, charming, witty Watcher who can transform into a bird. Pursuing them is an evil man bent on using Tambrynn's growing power for himself. As Tambrynn flees, going from one danger to the next with little or no rest, she continues to become stronger. She is the epitome of the strong female character many readers love. And Lucas? Of course you love him. He is a gentleman to the core. If you like K.M. Shea's style of writing, I think you'll enjoy Dawn Ford. She has the same familiar elements: little description, world wind action, and swoony clean love scenes. As for me, I tend to enjoy books that are in third-person and have more detail and development than this one does. I liked this book, but I didn't love it. However, I really think others who like K.M. Shea will enjoy it. So it is all up to your taste!...more
Not your modern vampire story... This book was an adventure from beginning to end. With the unique present-tense, flashes into Willow's inner thoughts,Not your modern vampire story... This book was an adventure from beginning to end. With the unique present-tense, flashes into Willow's inner thoughts, and the spunky, sassy dialogue, I really enjoyed this book. I also wisely read the directory at the beginning, so I understood some of the basics of vampire and vampire hunter society. But even if I hadn't, the story does a pretty good job of explaining the setting. As for the characters, Hanas (yeah, not the Middle Eastern group), Willow, and her dad were well developed. Even the minor characters had unique traits (gun-touting, shoot any vampire that moves, Commander Ashe, anyone?). There was also some growth in Willow, as she came to realize that vampire society is more complex than she thought, and that she can almost trust vampires. The plot is very fast-paced and battle heavy. There are multiple action scenes where the vampires are attacking humans or each other. The descriptions of the vampires and how they hold their victims spellbound reminds me of old-school vampire descriptions, where vampires are not a thing to be loved, but to be terrified of. It was definitely heart-pounding. The only very small quip I have with this book is about Willow's thoughts regarding the blood bank humans. These are humans who are convicts and sent to the vampires to be used for blood drinking. Even though I understand Willow's compassion, I personally believe that these convicts are getting the sentence they deserve. Plus, if this was the only way to make sure the vampires don't take civilians instead, I don't see anything wrong with it. That being said, I do agree with Willow's belief that a caste system in the vampire society is wrong. But using violent means to overthrow that system? I'm not sure that's wise, and I hope Willow comes to understand that in the second book. Anyway, the ethical dilemmas, tension between characters, and plot developments kept me turning the pages to the very end. This is an excellent traditional vampire story!...more
This is my second time reading this, and I must say, it gets more beautiful with each reading. I mean, who doesn't love: Characters with disabilities sThis is my second time reading this, and I must say, it gets more beautiful with each reading. I mean, who doesn't love: Characters with disabilities struggling to overcome them Characters learning to work together to better each other and their world Dragons with great personalities (and jokes!) A surprisingly pro-life message A beautiful message of embracing the truth over lies Poems and songs that you can practically hear (the author has a playlist!) Easy to understand worldbuilding (Holders, Slayers, Singers, Empaths) Heart-pounding plot (Dragon battles anyone?)
If any of that interests you, you will love this book!
Content: Use of the d word a few times. Violence in dragon battles, with imagery of blood/bleeding. Physical abuse by a fiancé (hits her once, possessive behavior, and mind choke). ...more
A heart-pounding finale to the Wolves of Rock Falls series... This book definitely makes you finish it in one sitting. With twists and turns that even A heart-pounding finale to the Wolves of Rock Falls series... This book definitely makes you finish it in one sitting. With twists and turns that even I didn't see coming, I was pleased with this finale to the Wolves of Rock Falls series. I really Cade and Sarah's relationship. They have such fun, flirty dialogue, and they reminded me of characters from my own books (Bayanna and Cam from Etania's Calling). I also liked how the author made Cade and Sarah have the "determine the relationship" talk early on. I would have been as frustrated as Cade if they continued to play cat and mouse throughout the book. Instead, the author focused on them overcoming obstacles to their relationship, including many they made for themselves! I found Cade's competition (Donovon, the twins, and Max) to be interesting characters, especially Donovon, who I hope AJ has a series about sometime. I like how Sarah got some girl talk with our favorites from the rest of the series, and how Cade fought desperately to keep Sarah. And the ending...it was just perfect! Full warning for my more conservative friends, this book is just as steamy as the one about Bowen and Raven. Although it "fades to black" when the actual deed is done, there are plenty of descriptions of them making out. There is a sex talk, but it isn't about the actual deed, but about how sex between virgins is unique and beautiful in its own, awkward way. Again, I wouldn't recommend this for teenagers. Overall, this book took different directions plot wise and showed a fun relationship that is different than her other books! ...more
I was surprised by this prequel-in a good way! To be honest, I was a bit scared of the title, "Dark" and the quote about being married through a veil oI was surprised by this prequel-in a good way! To be honest, I was a bit scared of the title, "Dark" and the quote about being married through a veil of tears. I thought this book might be about how a woman got out of an abusive relationship, and I was a little scared to read it (those kind of books are just not my cup of tea). However, this book proved to be completely different than what I expected. Instead, it was a short and sweet novella about a young woman who had to make a hard decision between two different suitors, and her sister who had to live with the consequences. This book is less steamy than her other novels, which I don't mind at all. However, the romance was still there, and I will say Anderson is one of my favorite characters from the Rock Falls series now. I would highly recommend reading this before Pack Shift, but you don't have to. I just like reading this, then reading Pack Shift, embellished the story more. If you're a fan of short and sweet werewolf romance, this book is for you....more
A steamy paranormal romance with relatable characters...
I have enjoyed reading about AJ Skelly's characters. They are all very well-developed and haveA steamy paranormal romance with relatable characters...
I have enjoyed reading about AJ Skelly's characters. They are all very well-developed and have something that I associate with each one. However, I think I've related to Raven the most. Raven is unconfident, and her lack of confidence creates trust issues with her mate, Bowen. Bowen's sordid past doesn't help the situation, but Bowen himself is very patient with her. It was sweet to see how he patiently helped her trust him and reveal her insecurities. I related to Raven's feelings about being "pretty enough" to attract the playboy (not because my husband is a playboy, but because I struggled with the feeling of unworthiness). Bowen is also a character I enjoyed getting to know, only understanding the surface of him from the previous book. His depth and vulnerability made him very relatable. The plot was interesting, but I will say that if you've read her previous books, you can have a general idea of what will happen: just as the two main characters are falling in love or getting closer, some werewolf event will happen that will create conflict. That conflict will then be solved by a werewolf fight. Even though her plot was fairly predictable, it was still a page-turner. My biggest "issue" I have with this book is that the physicality, discussion of sex, and make-out scenes were more described in this one than in previous books. This might be because the characters were married early in the book, but it was definitely on the line for me. I would not recommend this for unmarried people or teenagers....more
Harry Potter meets Portal Fantasy in this fun, clean YA Fantasy. I really liked this book! It was fun and action-packed. I find Riley to be a very relaHarry Potter meets Portal Fantasy in this fun, clean YA Fantasy. I really liked this book! It was fun and action-packed. I find Riley to be a very relatable main character, and I loved following his journey from cowardice to courage. It was fun getting to know the world over the course of the story. She made a unique race called a mizers and then took a different view of vampires, all in the medieval fantasy setting. I also liked the idea of how each person had a special mark that designated what they could do. The author was great at building suspense and having plot twists, keeping me flipping the pages until the very end. For those who don't like cliffhangers, there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end which will make you want book 2 (I know I do!). Overall, this is a very good book for teenagers who are looking for fantasy, adventure, and friendship in their novels. For those who are sensitive to magic or spells, there is quite a bit of both of those things. There is also a ghost, which could be offensive to some. Finally, this book was very much geared for teenagers, and even though adults could enjoy this book (as I have), I think a teen would much more enjoy it.
*I was a beta reader for this novel, and I really enjoyed her updated version! My thoughts and opinions of this book are my own, however!...more
The author has an amazing, rich world. This is one of the few fantasy novels I've read with Spanish influence, which makes it unique. The description The author has an amazing, rich world. This is one of the few fantasy novels I've read with Spanish influence, which makes it unique. The description of mangoes, waterfalls, and mysterious forests had me imagining it all in my mind. Adding to this are the supporting characters, who are a lot more likable than the main character. These characters made me more attached to the story, especially Beatriz's friend/servant. The plot itself is also intriguing, taking unexpected twists and turns. The author plants some seeds that develop into full blooms by the end of the novel, and I like how she connected those plot points together. The author uses the enemies to lovers trope to soften some of Beatriz's rough edges. She develops the romance well over the course of the novel, and it is sweet to read. The ending, though resolved, left a few strands available for a possible sequel, which I would gladly enjoy. I would have liked a fuller change in Beatriz's character (less stubbornness and pride), but if there is a sequel, it could be that more change is to come. Overall, a good book that I recommend to people who love a strong female protagonist, a unique fantasy setting, and a sweet romance....more
A steam-kissed paranormal romance... This book was a perfect sequel to the first. It could be read without the other one, but it was nice to come back A steam-kissed paranormal romance... This book was a perfect sequel to the first. It could be read without the other one, but it was nice to come back into a familiar world. I loved reading about Rachel and Kyp's developing relationship. The struggles of Rachel's family were very relatable, as well as Kyp's desire to belong to a family. I totally could relate to each of the characters and I felt like their struggles were well portrayed. The plot was also well-paced, moving quickly with different elements coming together well at the end. I would say that there is a bit of a quick wrap-up to a possibly big antagonist, but that's alright. I really liked the book for the relationship between Kyp and Rachel more than the action itself. The reason I call it steam-kissed is because that this novel is clean, but it gets as close to the line as it can get. There are multiple descriptions of their physical attraction to one another. I don't mind, but I do know that I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 18 to read. Overall, a great book!...more
A heartfelt contemporary romance... This fairytale retelling read like a contemporary romance. Sevencea and Jacob gradually fall in love through romantA heartfelt contemporary romance... This fairytale retelling read like a contemporary romance. Sevencea and Jacob gradually fall in love through romantic dates. Then, they go on adventures in the real world of Hawaii, and most of what they face are real-world obstacles: mental illness, joblessness, homelessness, and lostness (mentally and physically). If you're looking for adventure or action, this isn't really there, but the pacing of the book is well-done. But, what I most liked was the characters' journey. Jacob and Sevencea's struggles were relatable. Jacob struggled with whether or not he was sane. Sevencea struggled with belonging. Both of these struggles caused me to cry, especially when I read lines like these: "I don't believe you should allow that uncertainty to dominate your life." "Even when faced with outcomes we don't like, there's always a design behind the journey." Well said, wise mentor characters who I don't want to name for spoiler's sake. These words resonated with me, and I think they will resonate with a lot of people struggling to control the uncontrollable. The book comes to a close with a Happily Ever After, but it isn't cheesy, like some Hallmark romance. It's sweet and satisfying. Sort of like drinking a glass of lemonade on the beach. That's what this book is like-a sweet drink and a box of tissues, all rolled into one.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for review.* ...more
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