A Review of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

A Review of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

A Review of Red Queen by Victoria AveyardRed Queen four-stars
by Victoria Aveyard
Published by Harper Collins on February 10th 2015
Genres: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
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The #1 New York Times bestselling series!

Red Queen, by #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard, is a sweeping tale of power, intrigue, and betrayal, perfect for fans of George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series.

Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood—those with common, Red blood serve the Silver-blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own.

To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard—a growing Red rebellion—even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction.

One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal.

And don’t miss War Storm, the thrilling final book in the bestselling Red Queen series!

Red Queen Review

Red Queen is the first novel in the Red Queen series by New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard. The story follows seventeen-year-old Mare Barrows, a red blood and thief who is on the brink of being forced to join a war she doesn’t believe in. Mare lives with her impoverished family in a desolate, poor town known as The Stilts (appropriately named due to homes being suspended above the ground on stilts- thus only being accessed by ladders). The Stilts is located on the edge of a river, where Mare and her family can watch the many silver bloods float by on their grandiose boats. In this futuristic world, people are divided by the color of their blood- red and silver. Red bloods, like Mare, are normal humans that are forced into servitude and are considered inferior to silver bloods. Silver bloods have rare abilities such as controlling fire (like the royal family), manipulating water and minds, superior strength and speed, etc. Due to the color of their blood and their abilities, silvers consider themselves superior to reds and treat them poorly.

Mare attempts to pick the pocket of someone who thrusts her into the nefarious and elite world of the silvers- an action that places Mare into a position of discovering the true nature of her being- a red blood with a rare ability. Something that is unheard of. While this is shocking to Mare, it places the royal silvers into a precarious position- forcing them to take drastic measures. Mare is sworn to secrecy about the color of her blood, is introduced to the silvers as a silver orphan raised among reds, and is promised to one of the silver princes- Maven. This new position forces Mare to learn more about herself, her abilities, and the silver world. She tries to navigate this new existence while caught in the middle of developing feelings for her intended-Maven, and his elder brother, heir to the throne- Cal. With the threat of a rebel faction of reds hanging over the silver reign, Mare finds herself ambivalent about her feelings for both blood types.

The world described in this novel is unique and breathtaking. From The Stilts to the silver Summer residence, and the royal palace, Red Queen paints a marvelous, imaginative picturesque world. The plot was filled with intrigue, danger, stolen moments of passion, and suspense. I did find Mare to be slightly naïve and was frustrated with her on occasion. Some of her choices in the novel left little to be desired, and I constantly found myself agitated about her inability to listen to her instincts, and her occasional lack of common sense. Her misplaced trust (when it’s so obvious to the reader she should be balking at the idea of teaming up with certain individuals) was almost cringe-worthy. Not so surprisingly- she ends up betrayed!

The mother of Maven (and stepmother to Cal) reminds me a lot of Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. She has a deep abiding love for her son, but secretly harbors resentment and hatred towards her husband and everything not bred from her womb. She is nefarious, calculated, and controlling- a total Cersei. I also wished there had been a little more passion and chemistry between Cal and Mare. I am all for compelling male protagonists- but Cal left a little to be desired. I hope that the author builds a bit more into his character in the next novel.Cersei Lannister

Overall, Red Queen was an exciting and shocking read that takes place in an imaginative and compelling world! I can’t wait to see the fall-out of the shocking ending of Red Queen in the next novel!

Four stars for Red Queen!

four-stars
A Book Review: Lifeblood by Gena Showalter

A Book Review: Lifeblood by Gena Showalter

A Book Review: Lifeblood by Gena ShowalterLifeblood five-stars
by Gena Showalter
ISBN: 9781488015298
Published by Harlequin on March 1st 2017
Genres: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 304
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"My Firstlife is over, but my Everlife is only now beginning."

With her last living breath, Tenley "Ten" Lockwood made her choice and picked her realm in the Everlife. Now, as the war between Troika and Myriad rages, she must face the consequences.

Because Ten possesses a rare supernatural ability to absorb and share light, the Powers That Be have the highest expectations for her future—and the enemy wants her neutralized. Fighting to save her Secondlife, she must learn about her realm from the ground up while launching her first mission: convincing a select group of humans to join her side before they die. No pressure, right?

But Ten's competition is Killian, the boy she can't forget—the one who gave up everything for her happiness. He has only one shot at redemption: beating Ten at a game she's never even played. As their throw-downs heat up, so do their undeniable feelings, and soon, Ten will have to make another choice. Love…or victory.

Lifeblood is the second book in the Everlife series by New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter. Tenly “Ten” Lockwood, a seventeen-year-old who has just pledged her allegiance to one of the realms must now learn how to navigate this new world. As Ten struggles with the separation from her love interest, Killian- an infamous Myriadian- and the loss of a dear friend and the betrayal of another, she tries to find ways to end the war between the two realms in the after-life, all while growing stronger with her powers. Unfortunately, Ten is given a short window of time to adjust to her new existence and is sent back to the land of the harvest to investigate contaminated humans that are being pressured to join the opposing realm. This insidious infliction upon those in their firstlife has the potential to cause serious harm in Troika- which some of the characters suspect may be the reasoning behind its existence.

Killian and Ten’s chemistry in Lifeblood is intense! Their scenes are fraught with burning chemistry, frustration, and desperation. While their attraction and depth of feelings for one another are prominent and mind-blowing, the politics between the realms makes it exceedingly difficult for both characters to progress in their relationship (which is SO frustrating!). Ten’s relationship with other characters also provided a lot of different opportunities. I enjoyed some of her heated skirmishes with new characters in her realm and loved watching her connection with General Nanne deepen- he was the father-like figure that Ten desperately needed.

Normally in a trilogy, I find the middle novel to be my least favorite (not exactly sure why this happens, but it does). However, Lifeblood was NOT a disappointment! I mentally devoured Lifeblood in a matter of days. My dreams alternated between the dreamy scenes between Ten and Killian, the anxiety-inducing action and intense scenes, and the heart-wrenching, soul-crushing scenes of despair. Yes. Lifeblood brought me to tears a few times…Ten’s devastation practically seeped from the pages and tormented my soul. It was that awful. But don’t let that deter you! If an author can incur those types of feelings within me, then you know the writing is good. Oh! And let’s not forget that delicious plot twist and betrayal! Ah! I literally chucked the book across the room in shock- and then promptly rushed over to finish the scene.

Lifeblood was a delicious surprise that made me ride the whole spectrum of feelings! Ten may be impulsive and sometimes reckless, but there is no doubting the depth of her loyalty and love. So, I’m definitely invested in her little (okay, major) adventure. I can’t wait to check out the latest in the series- Everlife!

Five Stars!!

five-stars
Review of Manwhore by Katy Evans

Review of Manwhore by Katy Evans

Review of Manwhore by Katy EvansManwhore three-stars
by Katy Evans
Published by Simon and Schuster on March 24th 2015
Genres: Romance, Contemporary
Pages: 368
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Book #1 in the sexy new Manwhore series from the New York Times bestselling author of REAL. Is it possible to expose Chicago’s hottest player—without getting played?

This is the story I’ve been waiting for all my life, and its name is Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint. Don’t be fooled by that last name though. There’s nothing holy about the man except the hell his parties raise. The hottest entrepreneur Chicago has ever known, he’s a man’s man with too much money to spend and too many women vying for his attention.

Mysterious. Privileged. Legendary. His entire life he’s been surrounded by the press as they dig for tidbits to see if his fairytale life is for real or all mirrors and social media lies. Since he hit the scene, his secrets have been his and his alone to keep. And that’s where I come in.

Assigned to investigate Saint and reveal his elusive personality, I’m determined to make him the story that will change my career.

But I never imagined he would change my life. Bit by bit, I start to wonder if I’m the one discovering him...or if he’s uncovering me.

What happens when the man they call Saint, makes you want to sin?

Manwhore is the first book in the Manwhore series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Evans. The story follows Rachel, a journalist working for a struggling magazine called Edge. To save the magazine, Rachel’s boss asks her to get close to one of Chicago’s popular playboy billionaires- Malcolm Saint- and write an expose on him. Rachel agrees to the assignment (despite questioning the morality behind it) as refusing to do so would mean having another competitor taking over the piece, potentially costing Rachel her position. Thus, Rachel begins her undercover adventure under the pretext of wishing an interview with Malcolm for his latest business ventures. This request is granted, and Rachel begins working to gain Malcolm’s interest and his trust.

There were a lot of things I enjoyed about this novel- and some things that frustrated or confused me. To get into my thoughts and feelings on this novel, I’ll need to reveal some scenes and situations that unfolded. So, be warned- there may be a few spoilers!!

Malcolm Saint is really talked up in Rachel’s mind. He’s described as ruthless, a playboy, manwhore, powerful- a man who won’t stop until he controls the world. I was practically hanging on the edge of my seat when I saw that Rachel was to meet with him. Then she gets summoned to meet with him at an inconvenient time- basically, she’s wearing paint-spattered overalls and is unable to rush home to change so must meet with him while in this outfit. This intrigued me. Sexy, powerful billionaire meets hesitant, determined woman in overalls in said billionaire’s chrome and glass place of employment? Yes please! This is a perfect recipe for a fun and titillating scene…

And then the scene happened. Rachel meets Malcolm and he barely says anything about her appearance. In fact, they barely exchange ANY dialogue at all! Malcolm spends most of the scene on the phone. The most exciting part of the scene was when he gave her one of his extra white shirts to wear. Then he leaves. Where was the heat? Where was the witty, intense exchange? I sort of deflated at that point. Then I pressed onward, ever optimistic. Rachel, despite saying very little to him during the initial meeting, somehow scores another meeting with him. Their next two “interactions” are nearly as short as the first (I seriously wanted to reach into the book, grab Malcolm’s cell phone, and chuck the cock-blocking device out his limo’s freaking window! AH!). Fast forward two stilted conversations filled with phone calls and heated gazes, and you get another potentially great scene. Rachel crashes one of Malcolm’s club parties and is prompted by Malcolm’s friends to join them and Malcolm. Rachel and Malcolm once again barely speak to one another besides Malcolm refusing to allow Rachel to join them at an after party. So, Rachel goes home. Uh…

Despite the less than stimulating interactions between the characters, Malcolm and Rachel eventually grow close. Things begin to pick up between them once she starts joining Malcolm on yacht excursions. They begin exploring their physical attraction and emotional one- by divulging personal thoughts and experiences to one another. Surprise! Malcolm has trust issues! And Rachel is pretty much living a lie with him. Naturally, she waits too long to tell him about her undercover status and all hell breaks loose in a shocking way.

Overall, Manwhore was a fun read with interesting characters and a mostly compelling plot. I will definitely be picking up the second book in the series as I must know what happens after that cliffhanger…

Three stars for Manwhore!

three-stars
A Review of Pucked by Helena Hunting

A Review of Pucked by Helena Hunting

A Review of Pucked by Helena HuntingPUCKED five-stars
by Helena Hunting
Published by Helena Hunting on May 3rd 2015
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
Pages: 380
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 With a famous NHL player for a stepbrother, Violet Hall is well acquainted with the playboy reputation of many a hockey star. So she isn’t interested in legendary team captain Alex Waters or his pretty, beat-up face and rock-hard six-pack abs. When Alex inadvertently obliterates Violet’s misapprehension regarding the inferior intellect of hockey players, he becomes much more than just a hot body with the face to match. 

Suffering from a complete lapse in judgment, Violet discovers just how good Alex is with the hockey stick in his pants. Violet believes her night of orgasmic magic with Alex is just that: one night. But Alex starts to call. And text. And email and send extravagant—and quirky—gifts. Suddenly, he's too difficult to ignore, and nearly impossible not to like. 

The problem is, the media portrays Alex as a total player, and Violet doesn’t want to be part of the game. 

Review of Pucked

Pucked is the first standalone novel in the Pucked series by New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting. The story follows Violet Hall, a young woman who distrusts hockey players due to a prior misjudgment of character, as well as her NHL step-brothers philandering ways. After being coaxed to attend one of her step-brothers games with his new team, Violet comes face-to-face with the team captain, Alex Waters. And while he intrigues her, Violet hesitates due to her ingrained mistrust. Alex, being his charming and patient self, slowly wears down her resistance and Violet and Alex find themselves enjoying a spontaneous and unforgettable experience together. Unfortunately, the next morning Violet second guesses her actions, makes a stealthy escape, and convinces herself that that momentary lapse of judgement will not be repeated.

Alex Waters has other ideas. For Alex, Violet is quirky, unique, and witty. She’s the girl who pulls a book out during a hockey game and refuses to chase after him despite his fame and wealth. She’s also into wearing spider-man pajamas (first protagonist I read in a romance novel that does that). Intrigued by her, Alex starts to text her, call her, and finds ways in which they can be in each other’s company. He even sends her cute little gifts (my favorite was the stuffed beaver wearing his jersey! Haha!)- all these completely send Violet into an ambivalent state about her feelings for the hockey team captain. It doesn’t help that the media portrays him as a playboy- and that a lot of his team members are the same way. Violet is definitely a unique character! In fact, I completely adored her and admired Alex for being so patient with her! Violet had me busting out into laughter numerous times throughout the story. The way she approaches situations is amusing and refreshing. She doesn’t hold back and is forthright and honest (almost to a fault). And Alex…he is superb book boyfriend material! He’s charming, persistent, patient, and amusing in his own way (though he did disappoint me at one point in the novel. A lot.).

The story was riddled with laugh-out-loud moments, witty dialogue, intense passionate scenes, and enough chemistry to burn through the pages! I enjoyed getting to know not only Violet and Alex, but Violet’s step-brother Miller “Buck” Butterson as well. Violet and Buck’s dialogue also kept me chuckling (though I did think she was a little harsh with him a few times). It was also interesting to see how different Alex’s family was from Violet’s- one was cool and aloof, and the other was vibrant and warm (which also made for an amusing read once both sides met). Pucked was a surprising gem as I am not a huge fan of romance novels involving sports (despite my love of hockey!).

Will I read Pucked again? Heck yes!

FIVE stars for Pucked!

five-stars
Wrong by Jana Aston – A Book Review

Wrong by Jana Aston – A Book Review

Wrong by Jana Aston – A Book ReviewWrong by Jana Aston
ISBN: 9781329604773
Published by Lulu.com on October 7th 2015
Genres: Fiction, Romance
Pages: 203
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I have a history of picking the wrong guy. Gay? Player? Momma’s boy? Check, check and check. Now I can’t stop fantasizing about one of the customers at the coffee shop I work at between classes. It’s just a harmless crush, right? It’s not like I ever see this guy outside of the coffee shop. It’s not like I’m going to see him while attempting to get birth control at the student clinic. While wearing a paper gown. While sitting on an exam table. Because he’s the doctor. Shoot. Me. But what if, for once, the man I’ve had the dirtiest, most scandalous fantasies about turned out to be everything but wrong? Wrong is a full-length, standalone novel by Jana Aston

Review of Wrong

 

Wrong is a standalone contemporary romance novel by New York Times bestselling author Jana Aston. The story follows Sophie, a college senior who works at a coffee shop named Grind Me. For weeks she has been crushing on an older, attractive, and distinguished man by the name Luke who stops there occasionally for coffee. However, he barely seems to notice her. This lack of notice ends abruptly when Sophie visits with the campus volunteer gynecologist in order get birth control- only to discover that Luke is Dr. Miller when he strolls into the room to give her a pelvic exam. What ensues is a merry and hilarious chase as this awkward encounter turns into a string of interesting, albeit spicy, encounters.

Luke is the head of obstetrics at the hospital near the college and, though cold, calculated, and sometimes serious, allows Sophie to bring out the playful side of his personality. While Luke is conflicted about his age, his desire for Sophie, and his strained relationship with his family, Sophie struggles with her confidence, determining her place in Luke’s life, and how they can have a future together when they come from two very different worlds. Amid all these internal struggles, Sophie encourages Luke to experience many of the things he lacked from his own childhood. It was entertaining to see a man who is usually so calm, collected, and reasonable figure out how to use an Elf on the Shelf.

Wrong was an unexpected pleasure! I found myself laughing out loud, having to toss the book down and cover my face in mortification for the heroine, and fanning myself from all the extra hotness blasting from the pages. Some of the situations in the book were so comical I found it difficult to finish reading the pages due to all the tears clouding my vision. Just thinking about some of the situations Sophie found herself in makes me bust out into gales of laughter!

I read Wrong during a two-day trip to Boston. It was the perfect story to distract me from the 2-hour long train ride to and from Boston and Maine. So, if you’re looking for an entertaining contemporary romantic comedy, I suggest you give Wrong a try!

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