Thursday 3 October 2019

Review: Off Planet (Aunare Chronicles #1) by Aileen Erin


Author: Aileen Erin
Series: Aunare Chronicles
Pages: 350
Publisher: Ink Monster
Source: Edelweiss
Release date: 19th March 2019
Amazon

Synopsis: From USA Today Bestselling Author Aileen Erin 

In an all-too-plausible future where corporate conglomerates have left the world’s governments in shambles, anyone with means has left the polluted Earth for the promise of a better life on a SpaceTech owned colony among the stars.

Maité Martinez is the daughter of an Earther Latina and a powerful Aunare man, an alien race that SpaceTech sees as a threat to their dominion. When tensions turn violent, Maité finds herself trapped on Earth and forced into hiding.

For over ten years, Maité has stayed hidden, but every minute Maité stays on Earth is one closer to getting caught.

She’s lived on the streets. Gone hungry. And found a way to fight through it all. But one night, while waitressing in a greasy diner, a customer gets handsy with her. She reacts without thinking.

Covered in blood, Maité runs, but it’s not long before SpaceTech finds her…

Arrested and forced into dangerous work detail on a volcano planet, Maité waits for SpaceTech to make their move against the Aunare. She knows that if she can’t somehow find a way to stop them, there will be an interstellar war big enough to end all life in the universe.

There’s only one question: Can Maité prevent the total annihilation of humanity without getting herself killed in the process?

Review: 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you for the opportunity to read Off Planet by Aileen Erin, the first book in the Aunare Chronicles.

I have been in a bit of a reading slump lately, nothing has held my attention until Off Planet; I was hooked, completely engrossed and wanted more! I loved every moment of it and I was actually disappointed when I finished and realised the next book won’t be released until 2020. It actually left me little teary on a few occasions reading about the MC, I can’t remember the last time that a book affected me so emotionally.

Our MC is Maite Martinez, a halfer – she is half Earther and half Aunare; an alien race that Earth sees as a threat. Maite has remained hidden from SpaceTech – an organisation that invade and steal other planets sources, running with her mother and at times living in poverty to avoid capture, she also teaches self-defence classes and works at a diner; on Aunare she is the lost di Aetes heir. The capture of Maite would mean war between Earth and Aunare so it was vital that she remain hidden.

When Maite blows her cover, she is sentenced to the worst planet in the known galaxy, Abaddon, a volcano planet prison where she is more or less tortured daily in the job that she is assigned. I absolutely adored Maite! She was a strong but stubborn character and despite what she had to endure continued to look out for her friends over herself. You couldn’t help but hope for relief and happiness for her after everything that she had to endure, my heart completely and utterly broke for her. Her life was tough but I can see that she is destined for greatness, she’s a born leader.

The secondary characters were written well – Roan, Ahiga, Audrey, Santiago and Tyler were fabulous support to Maite; Declan didn’t make the best decisions for Maite and to me came across as weak, I couldn’t quite work out his intentions towards her & I often felt he’d failed her more than helped; I understood his predicament but his choices and actions were poorly executed. Lorne was always watching and observing and to be honest had me swooning! He was mysterious and I loved the way he supported, guided and seemed to worship Maite, we soon find out why which I am keen to see explored further but their interactions were perfect and I’m hoping to see more romance in the next book.

The pacing of Off Planet was perfect, I was completely engrossed in the story; the writing was engaging and the plot was flawless; I would have loved more background as to why Earth and Aunare were so desperate to go to war and what the end result (besides complete annihilation) would be; was it only a group so focussed on power and control or was there more? I’d love to learn more about the Aunare and their differences – besides physically and their strength. I hope this is explored more in the sequel.

I loved this book, super excited for the next book, Off Balance which has an anticipated February 2020 release date.




Tuesday 1 October 2019

Review: War of Heart - A True Immortality Novel by S.Young



Author: S. Young
Series: A True Immortality
Pages: 447
Publisher: Self
Source: Netgalley
Release date: 1st October 2019

SynopsisNew York Times Bestselling author Samantha Young writing as S. Young.

Thea Quinn has no idea what she is. All she knows is that her abilities have been a plague upon her life since she was a child. After years of suffering at the hands of a megalomaniac, Thea escaped and has been on the run ever since.

The leadership and protection of his pack are of the utmost importance to Conall MacLennan, Alpha and Chief of Clan MacLennan, the last werewolf pack in Scotland. Which is why watching his sister slowly die of a lycanthropic disease is emotional torture. When Conall is approached by a businessman who offers a cure for his sister in exchange for the use of Conall’s rare tracking ability, Conall forges an unbreakable contract with him. He has to find and retrieve the key to the cure: dangerous murderer, Thea Quinn.

Thea’s attempts to evade the ruthless werewolf are not only thwarted by the Alpha, but by outside dangers. With no choice but to rely on one another for survival, truths are revealed, intensifying a passionate connection they both fight to resist. At war with themselves and each other, Conall and Thea’s journey to Scotland forces them to face a heartrending choice between love and betrayal.

War of Hearts is a standalone paranormal romance. 


Review: 4 out of 5 stars

I have enjoyed everything that I have read by Samantha Young so I was quite keen to read War of Hearts, a standalone paranormal romance..

Our main character is feisty, strong and witty twenty five year old Thea Quinn who has been on the run for six long years, trying to avoid a man she never wishes to cross paths with again; Ashworth.

Thea is a bit of a mystery, she has no idea what supernatural creature she is but she does know that her abilities are unlike any other supernatural that she knows of and she is super strong with amazing healing abilities. Her life hasn't been easy so you couldn't help but hope for a HEA for Thea,

Conall MacLennan is the Alpha to one of the last werewolf packs in Scotland, he has a special tracking ability that is of great use to Ashworth;. If he can apprehend Thea, he has promised that her blood will cure his sister Callie of her deathly illness. Conall was a great character, dedicated to his pack and family, he was 6'6 of strength and dominance but still had a soft heart of gold.

I enjoyed the interactions between Thea and Conall, their banter and the chemistry between them was off the charts; they couldn't have been more different but they worked together well and shared the same morals and beliefs. Things did happen between them very quickly but once you understand the reasoning behind it, it was more believable.

I enjoyed the action, side characters, mystery and paranormal creatures that were introduced; War of Hearts was very well written and I am hoping that it does become a series as there is so much of this world still left to explore.

Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of War of Hearts.





Monday 5 August 2019

Review: Announcing Trouble by Amy Fellner Dominy



Author: Amy Fellner Dominy
Series: -
Pages: 306
Publisher: Entangled Teen Crush
Source: Netgalley
Release date: 5th August 2019

Synopsis I may know everything there is to know about baseball, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. Or like him. Garrett Reeves: sidelined player and the embodiment of everything I’ve learned to hate about baseball. He’s gorgeous, he’s cocky, he’s laser-focused on getting back in the game, no matter the cost.

When he convinces me to call games alongside him, our chemistry heats up the booth. We’re good together, whether I want to admit it or not. I’m finding that I like baseball again, but even worse, I’m liking Garrett. A lot.

But when he has to decide between our future and a new shot at his dreams, I know baseball will win out every time.

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book has tons of hilarious banter, lots of sexual tension, and a hero who will throw a wild pitch right at your heart.

Review: 5 out of 5 stars

This book was a light and easy read; it was sweet and had me hooked from the very first page.

Josie and Garrett were written beautifully! Josie has no interest in baseball at all after her father left her for the game, Injured Garrett lives for baseball and dreams of pursuing it as a career; when an opportunity arises for Josie to call games alongside Garrett she is hesitant but she soon finds herself enjoying it and also spending time with him.

Josie was quick-witted, stubborn, determined and a hard worker; I absolutely adored Garrett and how persistent he was, he was cocky and also quick-witted, the banter between them was fantastic. I adored them booth and couldn't help for a HEA for them. They stole my heart.

The baseball aspect was written well, I am clueless so was a little lost initially but it was all done very well and you can tell that the author knew alot about baseball.

The side characters were brilliant! Mai especially was the perfect best friend and I would love to read a book from her perspective. Josie's mother was a little frustrating, I felt that she was holding Josie back from happiness because of her own personal experience. All of the characters felt genuine.

I love the message behind the story, follow your heart and take risks. It was written beautifully and I will definitely be picking up more books by this author.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Announcing Trouble.


Tuesday 18 June 2019

Review: Something I’m Good At by Caroline Andrus



Author: Caroline Andrus
Series: Sol Del Mar High #1
Pages: 240
Publisher: Fire & Ice YA Books
Source: Netgalley
Release date: 18th June 2019

Synopsis Summer was the girl who had it all: good grades, a spot on the high school volleyball team, and a best friend since elementary school. Then she was diagnosed with lupus...and her best friend betrayed her. Now she’s cutting ties, because nobody should have to deal with someone as broken as her.

Kane is the guy who never gives up. When he puts his mind to something, he gets it done—no matter how many broken bones it takes. So when a chance encounter at the urgent care throws him in the path of Summer, the girl he’s secretly had a crush on for years, he’s determined to win her heart.

Despite her vow to keep people away, Summer finds herself falling for Kane’s charm. Will the boy who never gives up be able to win—and keep—the heart of the girl who is afraid to let people in?

Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Something I'm Good At focuses on the two main characters Summer and her love interests Kane, alternating between their point of views we get insight into both of their lives and Summer's journey with Lupus.

Something I'm Good At was a sweet, YA romance; Summer was navigating her way through a new diagnosis and Kane was a bit of a klutz who was quite persistent when it came to Summer and starting a relationship with her.

The beginning is what mainly made me reduce my rating, Kane was a little too persistent and infuriating for me, he didn't know the meaning of the word no and came across as quite immature. As the story progressed and their friendship grew I began to enjoy it.

Overall, this book was a quick, easy and well written book.


Tuesday 7 August 2018

Review: Deep Cover (Love Over Duty #3) by Scarlett Cole


Author: Scarlett Cole
Series: Love Over Duty #3
Publisher: St Martins Press
Pages: 336
Release date: 31st July 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Synopsis (Goodreads): Ex-Navy SEAL Cabe Moss always comes when called to duty―at all costs. Even though the death of his fiancée nearly destroyed him, Cabe won’t let his past interfere with any work that has to get done. When his latest task pushes him to team up with FBI Agent Amy Murray, a fierce beauty with the undercover skills to match, Cabe must admit that, for the first time in years, he wants to do more than just complete their mission together…

Amy was born ready for this assignment, but working side-by-side with the the strong, silent, and frustratingly professional Cabe seems to be the biggest challenge of all. But when the sparks begin to fly―and the stakes rise to dangerous heights―the only thing Amy is left worrying about is how she can resist him. Their lives may be in danger, but their hearts hold the biggest risk of all…



Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Deep Cover is the first book that I have read in the  Love Over Duty series, it is the third book in this series and I didn’t at any time feel lost or confused, more intrigued about the other characters that we get to meet, their partners and what had happened previously.

Cabe Moss is a Former Navy SEAL and is protective of those closest to him; he lost his fiancée to a roadside bombing in Afghanistan and is still grieving from his loss. Cabe was a complex, loyal and determined character that I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know, he was quite the alpha male.

Cabe and his team have been approached to work alongside the FBI to catch individuals in money laundering, it is during this assignment that he meets FBI agent Amy Murray, who is looking into the trafficking of missing women.

Amy was such a strong, intelligent and likeable character with a great skillset which was perfect in the undercover role that she was about to undertake, she had also suffered loss and was extremely passionate about this case. Seeing her form a connection with Cabe despite their initial meeting was great; they had amazing chemistry and worked well together.

It was also great getting to know Mac and Six who are the other team members of Eagle Securities; I am keen to read their books to learn more about them and their partners.

With a wonderful slow to build romance, suspense and a storyline that kept me riveted, Deep Cover was an entertaining read and I am eager to read more books by Scarlett Cole.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.



Thursday 8 February 2018

Review: More than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer

More Than We Can TellMore than We Can Tell

Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 304
Release date: 8th March 2018
Genre: Young adult Contemporary
Amazon

Synopsis (Goodreads) *While this book exists in the same universe as Letters to the Lost, it is a standalone title.*

Rev Fletcher is battling the demons of his past. But with loving adoptive parents by his side, he’s managed to keep them at bay...until he gets a letter from his abusive father and the trauma of his childhood comes hurtling back.

Emma Blue spends her time perfecting the computer game she built from scratch, rather than facing her parents’ crumbling marriage. She can solve any problem with the right code, but when an online troll’s harassment escalates, she’s truly afraid.

When Rev and Emma meet, they both long to lift the burden of their secrets and bond instantly over their shared turmoil. But when their situations turn dangerous, their trust in each other will be tested in ways they never expected. This must-read story will once again have readers falling for Brigid Kemmerer’s emotional storytelling.
 

Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars

More Than We Can Tell follows the story of Rev and Emma, We first met Rev in ‘Letters to the Lost’ but this can be read as a stand-alone.

Rev and Emma both have personal struggles; Rev is a foster child who was taken in and adopted by amazing parents and continue to help him to move forward after surviving an abusive childhood; when he is contacted by his birth father it triggers past feelings and hurt as well as confusion, his parents have also taken on a new foster child so there are a few changes in his life. On a night out he comes across Emma who is a game designer with a father who is quite absent and a mother who doesn’t understand her passion; they connected despite their differences.

Honestly, I was intrigued by both of these characters and their back stories but I didn’t find any chemistry between them and their dialogue felt stilted, I also felt they were quite reliant on one another despite barely knowing each other; they also spent a majority of the book apart so there wasn’t a lot of face to face interactions.

Brigid Kemmerer covered a lot of subjects in this book such as cyber bullying, physical, sexual and mental abuse, relationship breakdowns and friendship drama but I would have liked more of a resolution to these problems rather than a mention.

What I did enjoy was the mystery of Emma’s troll, I had an inkling of who it was from the onset and I was right! I was also quite intrigued about Matthew, the new foster child and my heart truly broke for him. I thought Rev’s foster parents were wonderful.

Overall, I didn’t love this book; it had its positives but for me there was more negatives and the biggest of all was the morose feel that it had. I couldn’t fault Brigid Kemmerer’s writing but I will have to pass on any more books in this series.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.



Brigid KemmererAbout the author: BRIGID KEMMERER is author of LETTERS TO THE LOST (Bloomsbury; April 4, 2017), a dark, contemporary Young Adult romance; THICKER THAN WATER (Kensington, December 29, 2015), a New Adult paranormal mystery with elements of romance; and the YALSA-nominated Elemental series of five Young Adult novels and three e-novellas which Kirkus Reviews calls “refreshingly human paranormal romance” and School Library Journal describes as “a new take on the supernatural genre.” She lives in the Baltimore area with her husband and four sons.