Review: Wicked Hunt

Author Megan Montero 

Format e-book

Print Length 160 pages 

Publisher self 

Published Feb. 26, 2020

To take him down, I’d use all of my power…

I know exactly who Dario Malbeck is. I know everything about him. I know all of his dirty secrets and his evil deeds. He is more of a monster than my father ever was...because Dario just likes it.

He needs to go down for what he did. He needs to pay for his crimes and I’ve dreamt of this day for a long time. So when Matteaus asks me and Cross to hunt him down, I don’t hesitate to say yes. I want the man dead, the problem is…he’s Cross’s father. Deep down I know he doesn’t want his own father dead and I’ll do anything to spare him that pain. Now I must find a way to stop Dario without killing him. If I don’t, I may lose Cross forever.

And that would be the biggest problem ever because I kind of, sort of, accidentally fell in love with Cross.

To win, I’ll have to walk that fine line between good and evil…but a little bad never hurt anybody, right?

My Opinion 

There will be spoilers from books in both series: The Royals: The Witches Court and The Royals: The Warlock Court. Consider yourself warned.

We are introduced to Cross and Ophelia in The Royals: The Witches Court series. They are my favorite secondary non-couple couple in the series. Ophelia is my favorite secondary character of both courts so far. So to say that I was excited to read their story is an understatement. I went into this one expecting a lot. It blew my expectations out of the water, onto dry land in another continent! Dang! This was a fabulous novella- I have read it four times already, yes, it is that good. 

Coming out of The Royals: The Witches Court, Ophelia had just help kill her own father. She knows the emotional toil that has taken on her. When Cross is tasked to do so by Matteaus, it was like fate was granting them permission to take out the big baddie without feeling guilt. Matteaus is an angel after all. Ophelia doesn’t want Cross to go through what she did- so she sets out to protect him. What we get is an action packed novella with just enough chemistry and tension thrown in that you get to the ending thinking that is all? When is the next time we get to see them again? I mean come on- they are fabulous together and we need more. We demand more, even if it is just in the supporting cast role again.

Ophelia is a bad ass half witch half warlock. She is full of sass, without a lot of peppiness or smiling. Most people take her as being well a witch, when the reality is she is so much more. Lots of people see her as evil, Cross sees her as perfect. He has always supported her. Where she goes, he follows. If she is in danger, he is typically right next to her in just as much danger. That is why he is perfect for her. The author has been hinting at something going on between these two for a long time. Cross has always flirted with Ophelia and she has almost always resisted him. They were like two objects that were being pushed towards each other and yet held back at the same time. So for several books now, I have wondered what has held her back. 

Holy heck bat man is it big! So big that I did not see it coming! Then got teary eyed, then let them fall when I realized what had happened between them. Damn you, Cross! I could have shaken you! I wanted to shake you! I understand Ophelia even more now than ever before. She is still my favorite!

Moving on to Cross, as an heir to the warlock council, he has always had a lot of pressure on him. He has had the benefit of the other heirs being by his side through it all. Becket as his guy besite, Logan and Maze have helped him through the pain of having a heartless mom and an evil dad. They even support him with Ophelia. This makes him more grounded than others who had to rely only on themselves. He is powerful. He is an heir. He willing steps back so that Ophelia can shine in her element. Gotta love a man who supports his gal. Not once do I feel like the tries to stop her from one of her hair brain schemes. Probably because he knows it wouldn’t matter, and he trust that her solution will work its way out. I love how supportive he is of Ophelia. 

For a novella this one packs an emotional punch! We learn about Ophelia’s mom, her birth mom. We see Astrid and Beckett- boy is he in hot water with her. So much so that I cannot wait for the next book to be released. If this one was any indication- Beck is in TROUBLE with a capital T. Astrid is pissed and ready for revenge. Ophelia is all for helping her, so why not? I like how their friendship is growing (Astrid and Ophelia’s). Ophelia needs a friend that is just for her and this just makes me so happy.

Action packed from beginning to end. The race to find Cross daddy is on, and Ophelia is taking no prisoners. She wants to prevent Cross from the pain of killing his dad. Which in itself says something. 

So much is revealed, so many questions left to ask. Please write faster! I need to see Logan and Maze. I want to watch Astrid get her revenge. I want to see Beck grovel at her toes. Is Tilly okay? Do Ophelia and Cross take that step that they haven’t taken yet? I need back into the world of The Royals: Warlock Court now! 

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Bet that was a kick in the psychic ego balls for you.”

Other People 

Astrid- female warlock heir

Beckett- warlock heir, bestie to Cross

Maze- one of the five founding bloodlines of the warlock court, physic

Waiting on Wednesday (9) Crush the King (Crown of Shards #3)

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW! 

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

A fierce gladiator queen must face off against her enemies in an epic battle in this next thrilling installment of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Estep’s Crown of Shards series—an action-packed adventure full of magic, murderous machinations, courtly intrigue, and pulse-pounding romance.

Queen Everleigh Blair of Bellona has survived the mass murder of the royal family, become a fearsome warrior trained by an elite gladiator troupe, and unleashed her ability to destroy magic. After surviving yet another assassination attempt orchestrated by the conniving king of Morta, Evie has had enough. It’s time to turn the tables and take the fight to her enemies. 

There is no better opportunity to strike than during the Regalia Games, a time when warriors, nobles, and royals from all the kingdoms come together to compete in various sporting events. With the help of her loyal friends, Evie goes on the attack at the Regalia, but things don’t turn out the way she hopes. Soon, she is facing a terrifying new threat, and she will have to dig deep and learn even more about her growing magic if she has any chance of defeating her foes.

Because to secure her throne and ensure her kingdom’s survival, Evie must think like a true Bellonan: she must outsmart and outwit her enemies . . . and crush the king. 

Why am I waiting?

Have you read the first two books in the series? No, what are you waiting for? Once you read them you will understand why I am bouncing up and down that the release date for this one is so close.

Teaser Tuesday (8) Demon Bound

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

Teaser One

"I know you think I've lost my marbles, but there's a lot you don't know about Crossroads. Stay for tea, I'll pay you for your time, and then you can do whatever you want.

Demon Bound Kindle Location 233

Meena, you need to run girl! Do not sit down, do not sip tea-just run.

Teaser Two

"You have a bubble?" Was he teasing me, or did he not understand?

"I have a personal bubble. Most people are not allowed inside, but you came out of nowhere. We bonded over demon drama, so I let you in."

Demon Bound Kindle Location 1350

Yes, he is flirting. Everyone has a bubble some are just smaller than others.

Teaser Three

"So if we're keeping track, we now have vampires, ghosts, demons, and witches," I said.

"And a smart girl like you never noticed any of this?"

Demon Bound Kindle Location 1721

Told you, you should have ran....

Review: Daizlei Academy Boxset: Completed Series

Author Kel Carpenter 

Format e-book 

Print Length 1246 pages 

Publisher Self 

Published Dec. 14, 2019 

VAMPIRE ACADEMY meets X-MEN in this completed new adult series!

There’s only one rule in the world I come from.

Keep our existence a secret. Period.

The day my sister broke that rule one too many times, I knew there would be consequences. I expected us to be sent to one of those schools for “troubled” kids—and maybe Daizlei Academy was, in a way. But really, it was far more complicated than that.

You see, I thought that world had forgotten me. Forgotten us. For years we were left alone, and one day . . . we weren’t.

It was only when I got there that I remembered the second rule:

Trust no one.

Because in our world? They would kill me if they knew the truth of what I am.

Daizlei Academy is a school for Supernaturals.

And me? I’m so much more.

*This is a New Adult Academy series with slow-burn romance and a strong but flawed heroine. It is labeled New Adult for stronger language and some mature situations. As the heroine ages and grows so does the content of the stories.*

This boxset contains:

1. Heir of Shadows

2. Scion of Midnight

3. Queen of Lies

4. Vessel of Destruction 

My Opinion 

Selena and her sisters have been passed around from foster home to foster home since their parents have died. Once thought extinct, she is the first telekinetic supernatural in a really long time. The Council does not know how to handle her, the Academy cannot hold her, and there are people who want her dead. Friends become enemies, sisters become strangers, and life as she knows it will never be the same again. 

Selena is a strong woman who knows her own strength and does not play the damsel in distress very well. I loved her! She had to make the hard decisions and she does. She doesn’t hesitate. If she is wrong then she will face the consequences. If she is right, the world survives. She ways the odds, goes after what she wants and finds ways around the perimeters of every situation. 

The love interest starts off with one guy and then the script is flipped. What a flip it was! Holy heck I did not see it coming. At first I was angry about it just like Selena was but as it grew so did my understanding. The author does a good job of making you like both guys. There is no triangle, the lines are clearly defined. Until well you have to see just be ready for the emotional sucker punch that is coming. 

The secondary characters are pretty awesome and while they take a back seat throughout the series you can’t help but wonder if the author is going to continue with spin-off in this world. I sure hope so because Blair needs her own book, so does Johanna (okay so technically she has her own book) but even Amber eventually deserves one. Trust that you will like them as much as I do. 

Holy cowziers! This series rocked my world! It has it all: enemies to lovers, sibling rivalry, government corruption, paranormal powers, allies and so much more. The action is packed, the romance sprinkled throughout as to not overwhelm the reader. You feel as if you become a part of the world, the adrenaline starts pumping and you have to know what happens next. 

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote Guard your heart, and tread lightly. 

Other People 

Blair- cousin, ice power 

Alexandra- sister, fire power 

Lily- sister, healing power 

Anastasia- the big baddie 

Tori- Lucas’ sister, Selena’s roomie 

Alec- Lucas’ and Tori’s big brother 

Amber- Selena’s other roomie 

Johanna- noble, supernatural

Waiting on Wednesday (8) Moment of Truth

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

At sixteen, Hadley Moore knows exactly who she is—a swimmer who will earn a scholarship to college. Totally worth all the hard work, even if her aching shoulders don’t agree. So when a guy dressed as Hollywood’s latest action hero, Heath Hall, crashes her swim meet, she isn’t amused. Instead, she’s determined to make sure he doesn’t bother her again. Only she’s not sure exactly who he is.

The swim meet isn’t the first event the imposter has interrupted, but a little digging turns up a surprising number of people who could be Heath Hall, including Hadley's ex-boyfriend and her best friend’s crush. She soon finds herself getting caught up in the mysterious world of the fake Heath Hall.

As Hadley gets closer to uncovering the masked boy’s identity she also discovers some uncomfortable truths about herself—like she might resent the long shadow her late brother has cast over her family, that she isn’t as happy as she pretends to be with her life choices… and that she is falling for the last guy she ever thought she would like.

Why am I waiting?

Kasie West is pretty much the only YA contemporary author that I one-click.  I really want to know what happens with Hadley and Heath.  It feels like it is going to be a sweet, tooth-ache inducing read and sometimes on a sunny day those are the best kind of reads.

Teaser Tuesday (7) Unveiling Magic (School of Magic Survival Book 2)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

Teaser One

He’d admitted he’d been spying on her for his dad, and she’d thought that she could forgive him for it, but then her lifelong best friend had also been spying on her, and a whole bunch of other people had turned up to try to kill her and her mom - who had also, also been lying to her about everything - and Valerie was just fed up with it.

Unveiling Magic (School of Magic Survival Book 2)

Why does this bring that song to mind "I've been mistreated" to mind. Can you imagine everyone you cared about spying on you?

Teaser Two

I think you’re important,” she said finally. “I think that you’re a part of something. And… I get why my mom avoided the Council all this time, and why she kept me away from all of it, even while my brothers were in school, but I don’t think that we get the luxury of staying out of it, you know? I think that important things are going on, and that we’ve either got to jump in and do something about it or… I don’t know."

Unveiling Magic (School of Magic Survival Book 2)

Sasha is one smart roommate. Sometimes staying out of the fight is actually allowing the other side to win.

Teaser Three

“You’re the first real thing in my life,” he said. “I’ve been playing politics for all of the rest of it. Don’t tell me that you’re not allowed to mean that much to me.”

Unveiling Magic (School of Magic Survival Book 2)

Dang way to make me like you again Ethan. Let's hope it Val agrees with me.

Waiting on Wednesday (7) The Empire Witch

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW! 

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

New year, new magic?

A witch can make resolutions, too…right?

Psh. First I have to get to the new year. Just when I thought everything was going perfect BOOM. Problems. And not just any problems…missing children problems. One of them is my soulmate’s little cousin, which is bad enough for my anxiety, but the other is a young cousin of the shifter King. Not like that’s a significant detail or anything.

Now we’re in a race with time to find them…but something tells me our problems are only just beginning.

Don't miss the epic finale in Emersyn and Deacon's eventful experience at The School of Magical Arts: New York City

Why am I waiting?

That cliffhanger....Will they get to Amelia in time? Why did her friend run away? And more importantly what the heck is up with Em and Deacon's friends?

Teaser Tuesday (6) The Girl Who Cried Werewolf (Of Fates & Fables Book 1)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

Teaser One

“You're not tired. You just don't want to people anymore. Admit it,” she demands, tossing back the rest of her drink. 

“Fine! I'm lame and would rather read a book than hang out at a bar. Are you happy?”

The Girl Who Cried Werewolf Kindle Location 144

Let me tell you, it is utterly refreshing that her besties understand this about her. 

Teaser Two

Werewolves are not the perfect, sexy, devoted male specimens they led me to believe. They’re arrogant, slightly psychotic, mind blowing kissers. And, let’s not forget, total jerks.

The Girl Who Cried Werewolf Kindle Location 365

Yeah the be mind blowing kissing part is worth it.

Teaser Three

"It's like you have no sense of self-preservation at all. You just willingly walked into the middle of a pack of werewolves. Our number one rule is to keep the secret. What do you think they would do to a human who's trying to do the exact opposite?”

The Girl Who Cried Werewolf Kindle Location 630

Kash kinda has a point Romy has no self- preservation at all.

Book Trailer Saturday (6) All the Stars and Teeth

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sigh...

Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice, Adalyn Grace’s All the Stars and Teeth is a thrilling fantasy for fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series.

She will reign.

As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.

When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.

But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder—and more peril—than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.

I am the right choice. The only choice. And I will protect my kingdom.

Review: Protect the Prince

Author Jennifer Estep 

Format E-Book 

Print Length 448 pages 

Publisher Harper Voyager 

Published July 2, 2019 

Magic, murder, adventure, and romance combine in this second novel in the exciting Crown of Shards saga from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Estep.

Everleigh Blair might be the new gladiator queen of Bellona, but her problems are far from over. 

First, Evie has to deal with a court full of arrogant, demanding nobles, all of whom want to get their greedy hands on her crown. As if that wasn’t bad enough, an assassin tries to kill Evie in her own throne room. 

Despite the dangers, Evie goes ahead with a scheduled trip to the neighboring kingdom of Andvari in order to secure a desperately needed alliance. But complicating matters is the stubborn Andvarian king, who wants to punish Evie for the deaths of his countrymen during the Seven Spire massacre. 

But dark forces are at work inside the Andvarian palace, and Evie soon realizes that no one is safe. Worse, Evie’s immunity to magic starts acting in strange, unexpected ways, which makes her wonder whether she is truly strong enough to be a Winter Queen. 

But Evie’s magic, life, and crown aren’t the only things in danger—so is her heart, thanks to Lucas Sullivan, the Andvarian king’s bastard son and Evie’s . . . well, Evie isn’t quite sure what Sullivan is to her. 

Only one thing is certain—protecting a prince might be even harder than killing a queen… 

My Opinion 

This is the second book in the Crown of Shards fantasy series. My review of the first one can be found here. This review may containg spoilers- consider yourself warned. 

Evie has taken the thrown, she is now the Winter Queen, the rightful Queen of Bellonan. Being a queen is a lot different than being a royal orphan. There is a huge learning curve, some of the times Evie is unsure of herself (as would anyone in her position). So this book focuses on her growing as the queen into her role, protecting her people and making decisions for all of the citizens not just those that in the court. 

Sully becomes the alpha male book boyfriend that we all love. He makes himself scarce for obvious reasons. He has a lot of hang ups about him and Evie, which I mean he is the bastard son of a king. Those hang ups are sound. I honestly am not sure how he was able to sit during the dinner with his family without bursting into flames. Sully gets trapped up in his feelings for a little bit during this one which makes him a kinda a jerk. Color me surprised when Helena is the one to put him in his place. 

Change of scenery was nice as the book starts off in Bellodam and then moves towards Andvarian. Where Sully’s dad is king, where Evie is looking to make a political alliance. Where the danger gets thicker and the plot even more mysterious. The land is gorgeous, the court just as corrupt and convening. 

The romance is different in this one.  Both acknowledge that they have feelings for each other.  However, there are issues with acting on those feelings.  That is not to say that there is not tension between them- there is a lot of tension.  Just that politics of being Queen, influence romantic choices and well when that happens all parties lose.  I absolutely loved how this played out and am grateful that the issues were address.  The angst felt by both parties is real, high, and well heart-breaking.

Protect the Prince is just that- Evie protecting the prince of Andvarian. So the action is fast, the assassination attempts faster and if you blink you may miss something. This was an at the edge of your seat kinda read. The conflict with Maeven is moving fast, the danger at an all time high. I so want know what will happen. Will Evie and Sully face it together? Or will Maeven tear them apart? 

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote "Your magic is part of you, but it’s not the most important part. Remember that.” 

Other People 

Dominic- Sully’s brother, heir to the throne 

Helena- Sully’s ex-fiance 

Paloma- Evies bestie and guard 

Gemma- Sully’s neice 

Dominic- Sully’s brother

Waiting on Wednesday (6) Wicked Hunt

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW! 

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

To take him down, I’d use all of my power…

I know exactly who Dario Malbeck is. I know everything about him. I know all of his dirty secrets and his evil deeds. He is more of a monster than my father ever was...because Dario just likes it.

He needs to go down for what he did. He needs to pay for his crimes and I’ve dreamt of this day for a long time. So when Matteaus asks me and Cross to hunt him down, I don’t hesitate to say yes. I want the man dead, the problem is…he’s Cross’s father. Deep down I know he doesn’t want his own father dead and I’ll do anything to spare him that pain. Now I must find a way to stop Dario without killing him. If I don’t, I may lose Cross forever.

And that would be the biggest problem ever because I kind of, sort of, accidentally fell in love with Cross.

To win, I’ll have to walk that fine line between good and evil…but a little bad never hurt anybody, right?

Why am I waiting?

I absolutely love this series. Ophelia was my favorite secondary character in The Witches Court. I am so excited to read her and Cross' story.

Teaser Tuesday (5) Dazlei Academy (Book Two: Scion of Midnight)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

Teaser One

Maybe he would finally see that my life was too messed up to have room for him in it. Maybe he would let me go. 

“No, I won’t, because even though you keep pushing me away, I love you.” 

Or not.

Scion of Midnight Kindle Location 4475

I want to say that this is sweet but I really don't want her to end up with him. Fingers and toes crossed.

Teaser Two

“You’re a shade of gray, Selena. You’re not good, and you never were—even before you met Lucas. You’re just as likely to stomp on his heart as you are to throw a punch. That’s what I find amusing. He had girls pining after him before you…still does. His player days are over, though. They were the second he met you.” She shrugged and kept silent.

Scion of Midnight Kindle Location 5621

She has a point and there is nothing wrong with being gray.

Teaser Three

"I believe your signasti is part-Shapeshifter.” There was that term again. My signasti. My bound. I didn’t even want to try to interpret that, or why they kept saying it.

Scion of Midnight Kindle Location 6514

So he is her soul mate? Him? Are they sure? I mean as soulmates go, she could do worse.

Book Trailer Saturday (5) The Blood Spell

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sigh...

Blue de la Cour has her life planned: hide the magic in her blood and continue trying to turn metal into gold so she can help her city’s homeless. But when her father is murdered and a cruel but powerful woman claims custody of Blue and her property, one wrong move could expose her—and doom her once and for all. The only one who can help? The boy she’s loathed since childhood: Prince Kellan.

Kellan Renard, crown prince of Balavata, is walking a thin line between political success and devastating violence. Newly returned from boarding school, he must find a bride among the kingdom’s head families and announce his betrothal—but escalating violence among the families makes the search nearly impossible. He’s surprised to discover that the one person who makes him feel like he can breathe is Blue, the girl who once ruined all his best adventures.

When mysterious forces lead to disappearances throughout Balavata, Blue and Kellan must work together to find the truth. What they discover will lead them to the darkest reaches of the kingdom, and to the most painful moments of their pasts.

When romance is forbidden and evil is rising, can Blue save those she loves, even if it costs her everything?