Oh Rhysand

I loved the first book in the ACOTAR series, but I loved the second one even more!  As stated in my review below, I was confused after reading book one, as to why everyone on TikTok seemed to hate Tamlin so much, but book two makes it very clear.  I'd be curious to see if anyone liked him in book one even a little bit.  In any case, I get it now!  The following is my review for book two of the series.

*********************

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

What a thrilling follow up to the first book in the series.  I really enjoyed the character growth and development of Feyre and Rhysand.  I also loved learning more about the Night Court and the other characters we meet there.

I'll be honest, before reading this book, I wasn't sure why all the hate on TikTok for Tamlin, but I do get it now.  This story does show the difference between love and obsession.  I think the biggest difference between Rhysand and Tamlin, is the fact that Rhysand can want Feyre to be safe, but still want her to be herself.  He wants a partner, while Tamlin seems to want a pet.  And as with most wild things, Feyre did not do well in a cage.

I was not prepared for all the plot twists at the end of this book.  In fact, I was so shocked and enthralled, I had to start book three immediately!  I'm very anxious to see how the rest of this story plays out and am very thankful to my fellow BookTokers for putting me on this adventurous ride!

Return to a Favorite

 I love when authors give us a little fast forward epilogue at the end of a series.  Siobhan Davis has taken it one step further and given us a full novella to show us what's going on with the characters from her Sainthood series.  When I read, especially when I read a series, I tend to get seriously emotionally attached to characters.  This type of epilogue gives the feeling to the reader that these people continue to live on after the books are done.  It also gives us the opportunity to see where they are headed and where they've been since the end of their series.  It just makes me so happy!  The following is my review for Revere, the epilogue novella for the Sainthood series.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Revere by Siobhan Davis

I love that Siobhan Davis has given us more from the Sainthood world!  Getting to see where Harlow and the guys ended up and how they are doing is everything I didn't know I needed.  What's more, I love that we get a full novella instead of just an epilogue.  There is so much going on in Revere, and it's amazing to be able to sort of "check in" with some favorite characters.

While the main part of the story revolves around Lo and her guys, we get updates on other favorite characters as well through phone calls, or just the thoughts of the characters we are reading about.  Especially in a series of this nature, where almost everyone had it pretty rough, it's great to see positive updates on their lives.

Davis has this way of bringing her characters to life in such a way that the reader feels so connected and honestly feels so strongly about them, as if they were friends or even family.  I love that about her writing and I love that she gives us readers the chance to catch up with characters and see how their lives are going.

Carry On my Wayward Son!

While I am behind on the show, I've loved Supernatural since it first aired.  As life got busier and I went back to work outside the home, it became more difficult to keep up with it, but I intend to re-watch it all very soon.  This book has a character who not only loves the show, but designs her business after it and has even met the cast.  (Jealous of a fictional character here!)  I enjoyed the story, the characters were amazing, but the added Supernatural things just made me love this book even more.  I can't wait to read the rest of the series.  The following is my review for the first book in the Wayward Sons series.

**************

Starlee's Heart by Angel Lawson

I began reading this book (borrowed with Prime Reading) because I liked the cover and title. Little did I know that one of the reasons I liked the title would actually remain prevalent throughout the book. So, yes, Supernatural Fans... Wayward Sons is a reference to the show's theme song! There are more Supernatural gems to be found in the book as well.

As much as I loved and enjoyed the references and all, the main part of this book that I loved was the idea of finding your family, your circle. I don't agree with everything the mom in this story has done, and I think it's amazing that Starlee was able to find a connection with other teens who were feeling just as lost as she was. I really loved the grandmother in the story as well and how she was able to see things from both Starlee's and her mother's side and sort of be a buffer of sorts.

At the end, there's sort of a cliffhanger, so be aware of that. I'm actually very intrigued and can't wait to see what's going to happen next.

Christian Fiction

With summer rapidly coming to an end, I've found myself reading less so that I can get out of the house and go enjoy the last of my freedom!  Working for a school district has me acting like a teenager!  The kids and I have season passes to the local amusement park, so we've been spending a lot of time there.  We've also gone to the pool, on a summer vacation exploring caves, and on some shopping expeditions!  All of that means I come home exhausted and don't read very long before I fall asleep.  I'm hoping once work starts again, I will get more reading in, but I can't be mad at all the fun I've been having!  

This book was different for me, as it was Christian fiction.  I enjoyed it, and knowing it's the beginning of the series has me wanting to continue with the rest. The following is my review for In Between by Jenny B. Jones.  It's the first in the Katie Parker Production series.

~~~~~~~~

In Between by Jenny B. Jones

 This was a very sweet book about finding yourself and learning to trust.  Not only that but learning who to trust and who not to.  There's also a lot to be said for forgiveness in this book as well as finding your faith.  

Being the first in the series, I'm sure there is more learning to be had for Katie.  And while the story is mainly about her, I feel like her foster parents might have some things to learn as well.  I look forward to seeing how this little family grows and learns together.

If you enjoy YA coming of age books, and if you enjoy a Christian setting and exploration of faith, you will enjoy this book.

YA RH?

I haven't read a clean and very obviously YA RH book before this one.  I was kind of shocked because even the cover seemed very YA and innocent.  I enjoyed it though, and knowing it's the first book in the series makes me curious about the rest.  

Are you into RH books?  I know that it's not for everyone.  I'll admit to being skeptical before I read my first in that trope.  Now, I can't seem to get enough!  

***************

Dunam Defenders by Lux Carmine and Roxie Wilder

 I'm pretty sure this is the edition that I read, it was on Prime Reading, but apparently it either has a new title or it had a different title before.  Either way, from the synopsis I believe it's the same book.

I liked how each of the four main characters in this book had a clear back story and we knew where each was coming from.  I felt bad for Skylar and how hard she works to keep her family going.  Enter the boys and I think each boy has a depth of character often lacking in a YA male lead.  I liked how each had a passion and truly seemed to be a caring person.

Obviously, this led into a RH situation, but it was very clean and no spice or smut.  I'm very intrigued as to how the rest of the series will play out.  

I believe the new title for this book is Her Christmas Miracles.

Red River!

I'm back in Red River with the second book in the Red River Romps series by Piper James.  This series is a spin off of her Milestone Mischief series, which I also loved.  I found this author on TikTok and let me tell you, I'm so glad I found my BookTok community there!  I've got loving support of other readers and authors.  I'm finding new books to read and love and new authors to follow.  I'm also seeing just true kindness and generosity in this community.  That's not to say there aren't some bad things or situations that arise, but as a whole this community has change my life for the better.  Quarantine and situations with money due to that had me down for quite awhile.  I am finally starting to feel like myself again after finding this amazing bunch of people.  Anyway, the following is my review of the 2nd Red River Romps book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It Started With a Crush by Piper James 

 For those who love a Single Dad Romance, this one is for you!  First of all, each and every book I've read by Piper James (and I think I've read them all) is absolutely delicious.  Filled with heart and steam and just excellent writing and storytelling.  I love the characters and the development each one gets.  Everyone has a backstory, a history that makes them who they are and it's so important to see that.  Another thing I just adore, is how all of these stories tie together in some way.  The Milestone Mischief series led us to the Red River Romps series and all of these characters somehow intertwine.  It adds a depth to the connection the reader feels when we can start a book and already feel like we know some of the characters.

In this story, we see Chase and Sage and how they end up meeting and connecting in ways they never expected.  I am a sucker for a single dad romance, I love seeing a good father end up finding love and happiness outside of their child.  I love the sassy and snarky conversations between Sage and Chase, and I love how supportive the surrounding characters (Sage's friends and Chase's brothers) are.  Daniel, Chase's son, is a total charmer as well and adds just the right amount of cute to the book.

I found myself laughing and tearing up and turning the pages until I literally couldn't keep my eyes open.  Already I can not wait for book three in this series.  If you haven't read any of Ms. James' books yet, I highly recommend getting started!  You don't have to read them in order, but if you're a tad OCD like me, make sure you start with the Milestone Mischief series! 

Rock Star Romance

I love Rock Star Romance, or any kind of celebrity romance really... even a good sports romance fits the bill.  I've seen recently on TikTok that some people are extremely adverse to these tropes.  Well, to each their own!  I don't have to like everything my fellow avid readers like.  Just like they don't have to like everything I like.  The one criticism I have for the bookish community is our tendency to judge other readers for what they like and dislike.  Even if we both read the same book, we will take away something very different from it based on our own likes, experiences, etc.  So, here's my plea... let's stop being so judgmental and just agree to disagree on certain genres and tropes.  It's not going to hurt anyone to like different things.  That's kind of what makes us so beautiful!  That being said, here's my review!

***************

Music of the Heart by Katie Ashley

 If you love a good rock star romance, pay attention!  This book was one of the best Rock Star romances I've read.  It had heat, it had heart, and it instantly captivated me.  The main character, Abby, is so endearing!  I love that she's sweet and kind, but also knows how to hold her own after growing up with brothers.  Jake, on the other hand, took a minute to warm up to, but once you learn his background and struggles, you begin to see him in a new light.

I loved reading some of the lyrics to the songs in the story as well.  It never ceases to amaze me, the amount of talent and creativity that these authors have.  I hadn't read anything by Katie Ashley before, but she's impressed me and I intend to finish the Runaway Train series and then look for her other books as well.