[Double Review] Reawakened & Recreated, by: Colleen Houck

Reawakened #1

REAWAKENED

by: Colleen Houck
Release Date: August 11th, 2015
Read Date: April 29th, 2017
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 400

When seventeen-year-old Lilliana Young enters the Metropolitan Museum of Art one morning during spring break, the last thing she expects to find is a live Egyptian prince with godlike powers, who has been reawakened after a thousand years of mummification.

And she really can't imagine being chosen to aid him in an epic quest that will lead them across the globe to find his brothers and complete a grand ceremony that will save mankind.

But fate has taken hold of Lily, and she, along with her sun prince, Amon, must travel to the Valley of the Kings, raise his brothers, and stop an evil, shape-shifting god named Seth from taking over the world.

Reawakened #2

RECREATED

by: Colleen Houck
Release Date: August 2nd, 2016
Read Date: April 30th, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Pages: 418

Lily Young thought traveling across the globe with a reawakened sun prince was a grand adventure. Now she’s about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

When Amon and Lily part tragically, he transports himself to the Netherworld—what mortals call hell. Tormented by the loss of his one true love, he’d rather suffer in agony during Lily’s mortal years than fulfill his duty to protect humanity.

Heartbroken, Lily seeks refuge on her grandmother’s farm. Yet she can feel Amon’s pain, and she has been having dreams—dreams of Amon continually suffering.

For before he departed, Amon gave Lily something very special, an item that connects them even though they are worlds apart. Now Lily must use this object to free him, and to free their realms from darkness and utter chaos. She will do whatever it takes.

MY RATE FOR BOTH

Ugh... I am very, very sad now. This is my curse. Why do I have always to read series that are not finished and then suffer because they let me hanging? I do it all the time, and it hurts so effing much. The end of both of these books were horrible, horrible (not in the bad way, just in the cliffhanger way). I need the next book, which I hope will be the last one, to come out now and not in August.

Colleen Houck writes fantasy with a bunch of history, full-on action and the sweetest romance... all that combine is what it makes my favorite books. When I knew this series was coming out, and they were about Egypt mythology I was ALL IN. Their myths always intrigued me and I really wanted to know more. I got my wish.

So, yes the story starts a little similar to any fantasy out there. The girl, Lily, finds herself in not in the best moment nor the place, so she gets caught in an ancient trial with one of the Sons of Egypt, Amon. This boy (not that much of a boy, actually) needs to be in Egypt, needs to find his two brothers and do a ritual before the next full moon. But, he is in New York and with not much of sustenance, which now Lily is his. Are you seeing the typical story? Normal girls gets trapped in a supernatural situation, falls in love with the supernatural boy and both of them, with the help of others, help the world and later on, this girl turns out to be very supernatural special. Yes, typical, but guess what? They are so many variables in this story that is worth reading it, I swear.

My heart is crushed with the end, yes, but doesn't mean that in the whole books had me like that. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to through the book away and I wanted to be inside of it many times. The whole story is good, perfection. I totally wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone who needs a little escape... or better yet, to anyone really. Anyone deserves to read these books, they are that good.

My last words are simple: Read the books and you'll want more, but there will be no more until August. Sorry, not sorry. So, let me sit here and wait for it.

REAWAKENED

 

RECREATED

 

[Review] Hard as Steel, by: Laura Kaye

Hard Ink #4.5
Raven Riders #0.5
1001 Dark Nights #26

HARD AS STEEL

by: Laura Kaye
Released Date: September 22nd, 2015
Read Date: April 29th, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Pages: 128

After identifying her employer's dangerous enemies, Jessica Jakes takes refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. Fellow Hard Ink tattooist and Raven leader Ike Young promises to keep Jess safe for as long as it takes, which would be perfect if his close, personal, round-the-clock protection didn't make it so hard to hide just how much she wants him—and always has.

Ike Young loved and lost a woman in trouble once before. The last thing he needs is alone time with the sexiest and feistiest woman he's ever known, one he's purposely kept at a distance for years. Now, Ike's not sure he can keep his hands or his heart to himself—or that he even wants to anymore. And that means he has to do whatever it takes to hold on to Jess forever.

MY RATE

There will be a time when I get to read all the stories of 1001 Dark Nights, but right now I'm good. This is my second one and I really truly enjoy it. I know all these stories are from different series, authors and totally different storylines and all, but they all have something in common... they have a happy ending, or so I think for now.

I love series of tattoo artists and also of motorcycle clubs, so when a story has both... why would I turn it down? I love their dirty mouth, the protective character and their jealous "you are mine" type. It all makes me want for my own. Plus there's the fact that they always have baggage inside of them and I really want to cuddle them all and make it better. So, this is the case of Ike Young. He is part of the Raven Riders MC, but also a tattoo artist. Jessica Jakes is on the run because someone tried to take her, Ike took her as far away as possible to protect her from harm, but his mind wouldn't let him down. He has failed people in the past and he doesn't want to let down Jess, he would die before anyway.

These two are the typical couple of "I want you, but I'm not telling you" type and it was kind of annoying, but these two were funny and their scenes together were hot, so I was happy. Overall, the story was really good. I think some things were left out without a solution, but this is just a story of them not of the others, so I have to read the other books to know... I'll do that in the future, I think. Anyways, these stories are totally worth it if you want something short and good, so yeah.

 

[Review] Father, by: Clarissa Wild

FATHER

by: Clarissa Wild
Release Date: April 22nd, 2017
Read Date: April 29th, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Pages: 326

From New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Clarissa Wild comes a new off-the-charts novel that will make you feel filthier than ever...

Confess your sin. 

People call me Father, but I prefer Frank because I’m the worst preacher you’ll ever meet.
Days spent completely wasted pull a number on you, especially when you’ve got a truckload of baggage that comes with it.
Until this beautiful girl in the back of the church takes my breath away.
…And we end up committing sacrilege in the confessional.
Did I mention I’m filthy?
Bad doesn’t even begin to describe me, and after one taste of what she’s got to offer, I want more.
Too bad having a dirty mind isn’t the only thing we’ve got in common…
Our past is laced with sin.

Author’s Note: This book is not for everyone. It’s raw. It’s vulgar. It’s downright offensive. But it’s oh so delicious with a capital D. If you are easily offended, please don’t read this book. But if you like a bit of humor mixed in with raunchiness and brawling, you’ll love this book. 
Contains disturbing situations, strong language, and graphic violence.

MY RATE

Well. This book took a turn that I never saw it coming, I swear. If you think this book is the typical story of a priest falling in love, which makes the relationship forbidden, then you are 100% wrong. I'm not telling you much about it, because you have to figure it on your own, but don't start reading this book with sometime in your mind because you'll be wrong. Open up to read the biggest plot twists in just a few pages.

Frank Romero is a preacher in a church, someone who does good things for the people in the neighborhood. But he has a dark past and recently is taunting him so much that his only escape is alcohol. He is mad at God for making him live like he is doing so, and all that reflects in his sermons, but a pretty little lady will make him change. Laura came to blow his demons away, but she comes with other demons too... so, yeah, what people say about demons? Go with the demon you know best? Something like that I think.

The past is a bitch and when you don't see clear your future, well, things get fuzzy. Frank is having a hard time, but he doesn't accept the help until Laura. I have to admit that it was super funny read about a preacher doing all the things he did, but it was equally sad because he only needed a little bit of love. Also, there was a point where the story was so fucked up that I did not really know if the end was going to be happy, so heads up.

Overall, the book was a good read and the warning is true, if you get offended easily, DO NOT READ THE BOOK. But you if don't care, like me, read it and you'll totally enjoy it.

 

Stalking the Shelves [23]

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews, which is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. You can read more about the creation of this meme by visiting the official launch page here.

February 25th, 2017 to April 29th, 2017

READ THESE PAST WEEKS:

• Her Touch, by Alexa Riley
• Damage Control, by Lisa Renee Jones
• #FinishLine, by Cambria Hebert
• Break My Shell, by K.A. Meridan
• Devil's Kiss, by Ella Frank
• Black Hearts, by Karina Halle
• Dirty Souls, by Karina Halle
• The Curse of Tenth Grave, by Darynda Jones
• Eleventh Grave in Moonlight, by Darynda Jones
• Retreat, by Jay Crownover
• Honor, by Jay Crownover
• Riveted, by Jay Crownover
• Better When He's Bad, by Jay Crownover
• Avenged, by Jay Crownover
• Better When He's Bold, by Jay Crownover
• Better When He's Brave, by Jay Crownover
• 1985: Careless Whisper, by Misty Provencher
• 1986: Why Can't This Be Love, by R.K. Ryals
• 1987: (How Do I Get You) Alone, by Cameo Renae
• 1988: Need You Tonight, by Rachel Higginson
• 1989: Once Bitten, Twice Shy, by Kelly Martin
• Joy Ride, by Lauren Blakely [review up in May 1st]
• Twist, by Kylie Scott
• Aced, by Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine
• Locked, by Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine
• Wedlocked, by Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine
• The Deep End, by Kristen Ashley
• Melt, by Deborah Bladon
• His Princess, by Alexa Riley
• Stolen Princess, by Alexa Riley
• Claimed Princess, by Alexa Riley
• Risk, by Deborah Bladon
• Smut, by Karina Halle
• The Power, by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• The Struggle, by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• Spin, by CD Reiss
• Ruin, by CD Reiss
• Rule, by CD Reiss
• Secret Sins, by CD Reiss
• Eighteen: 18, by JA Huss
• The Protector, by Jodi Ellen Malpas
• Naughty Boss, by Whitney G.
• Dirty Doctor, by Whitney G.
• Bombshell, by CD Reiss [review up in May 1st]
• Consolation Prize, by Linda Kage
• Owning Violet, by Monica Murphy
• Stealing Rose, by Monica Murphy
• Taming Lily, by Monica Murphy
• The King's Mate, by Lexie Davies
• Forgotten Desires, by Jodi Ellen Malpas
• The Cad and the Co-Ed, by LH Cosway & Penny Reid
• Father, by Clarissa Wild
• Hard as Steel, by Laura Kaye

CURRENTLY READING:

• Reawakened, by: Colleen Houck

FOREVER CURRENTLY READING:

• Lady Midnight, by Cassandra Clare

REVIEWED THESE PAST WEEKS (aka books that I read way before):

• The Lost Hero, Rick Riordan
• The Son of Neptune, by Rick Riordan
• The Mark of Athena, by Rick Riordan
• Strings, by Kendall Grey
• Beats, by Kendall Grey
• Winter, by Sierra Dean
• The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
• Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins
• Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins
• Blood and Chocolate, by Annette Curtis Klause
• Linger, by Maggie Stiefvater
• Forever, by Maggie Stiefvater

[Review] The Cad and the Co-Ed, by: LH Cosway & Penny Reid

Rugby #3

THE CAD AND THE CO-ED

by: LH Cosway & Penny Reid
Release Date: February 17th, 2017
Read Date: April 28th, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Pages: 337

Keeping a secret this big is going to take lots of balls. Specifically, rugby balls.

THE CAD
Bryan Leech is a cad.
Or, he *was* a cad.
No one is quite certain.

Once the quintessential playboy, Bryan claims he’s done with wild parties and weekend benders. No more one night stands leading to mornings he can’t remember; no more binges and blackouts; no more exploits plastered all over the tabloids and rag sheets. According to Bryan, he’s cleaning up his act.

The only problem is, no one believes him.

THE CO-ED
Eilish Cassidy never thought she’d be a mother at nineteen or still in college at twenty-four. Cut off from every member of her family except her favorite cousin, she’s finally managed put her life back together. Stronger and wiser, Eilish enters her last semester of university determined to stand on her own. Now she just needs to find an internship.

The only problem is, her best option—by far—places her directly in the path of her son’s father, and he doesn’t remember her at all.

THE PLAN
Bryan is determined to prove he’s changed. Eager to settle down with the right woman, he’s got his sights set on the gorgeous redhead who seems terribly familiar.

Eilish is determined to hide her secret. She’ll do anything to keep her child safe, even if that means ignoring her own wishes and desires.

But what happens when Bryan starts to remember? And what will it take for Bryan to convince the girl he forgot that she’s unforgettable?

MY RATE

Hilarious. Straight hilarious. If I could fill a review with just one word, this book will received that word, no more. I, seriously, got my neighbor looking me weird after laughing so much while reading, but that is my fault because I was reading in the back patio. This book made me feel good in such a shite day that I was having, so kudos for the authors.

I read the other two books way before and I totally loved them, so falling back into this series, sadly for the last time, was what I was needing. The story of Eilish and Bryan is quite different than the other characters. Back in the day, these two had a fling, but Bryan remembers nothing and Eilish was left pregnant. Five years later, fate makes them join together. Secrets get revealed, but other things keep growing too... like, you know, love. This book is full of romance, hilarious things that only Eilish would say or do and things that make you facepalm against the floor.

It was so easy to read about these characters because I know them. Sean was the funniest, but Ronan was bae. I was let down that I did not read about Lucy or Annie, because they were hilarious too, you know. But now, Bryan has all my heart. He might have been a douche back in the days, but now is totally baeX2. Little Patrick is a sweetheart. And Eilish is hilarious, I swear. There was a character named Max and I really was thinking that it needs a book, like for real. He's a total sweetheart and with a perfect southern American accent, I loved him.

Overall, the book was perfect, but I was left, idk, like something was amiss. I wanted a better epilogue, but I said that lot. It just... if this is the last book in the series, I wanted an epilogue that would cover all the three stories, you get me? But either way I am happy this book was made and double happy that I read it.

 

LAST REVIEWS

 

[Cover Reveal] Royally Endowed, by: Emma Chase

Royally #3

ROYALLY ENDOWED

by: Emma Chase

Release Date: August 14th, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance

     Logan St. James is a smoldering, sexy beast. Sure, he can be a little broody at times—but Ellie Hammond’s willing to overlook that. Because, have you seen him??
     Sexy. As. Hell.
     And Ellie’s perky enough for both of them.
     For years, she’s had a crush on the intense, protective royal security guard—but she doesn’t think he ever saw her, not really.
     To Logan, Ellie was just part of the job—a relative of the royal family he’d sworn to protect. Now, at 22 years old and fresh out of college, she’s determined to put aside her X-rated dreams of pat-downs and pillow talk, and find a real life happily ever after.
     The Queen of Wessco encourages Ellie to follow in her sister’s footsteps and settle down with a prince of her own. Or a duke, a marquis…a viscount would also do nicely.
     But in the pursuit of a fairy tale ending, Ellie learns that the sweetest crushes can be the hardest to let go.

     Logan St. James grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, in a family on the wrong side of the law.      But these days, he covers his tattoos and scars with a respectable suit. He’s handsome, loyal, brave, skilled with his hands and…other body parts.
     Any woman would be proud to bring him home to her family.
     But there’s only one woman he wants.
     For years he’s watched over her, protected her, held her hair back when she was sick, taught her how to throw a punch, and spot a liar.
     He dreams of her. Would lay down his life for her.
     But beautiful Ellie Hammond’s off-limits.
     Everybody knows the bodyguard rules: Never lose focus, never let them out of your sight, and never, ever fall in love.

PRE- ORDER NOW

AMAZON | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU | iBooks | B&N

     

AUTHOR

Emma Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the hot and hilarious Tangled series and The Legal Briefs series. Emma lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two naughty (but really cute) dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine. 

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | NEWSLETTER | TWITTER | GOODREADS | READER FAN GROUP

[Review] Taming Lily, by: Monica Murphy

The Fowler Sisters #3

TAMING LILY

by: Monica Murphy
Release Date: July 7th, 2015
Read Date: April 27th, 2017
Format: eARC *provided by Netgalley*
Pages: 321

I’m in trouble. Again. And instead of facing my problems head on, I’ve run away. Far away this time, and no one can catch me—not my two younger sisters, Violet and Rose, not my father, my grandmother, or that witch Pilar who wants to take control of my family’s cosmetics company. Now I’m in Hawaii, enjoying the sun and the sand and water, where nobody knows the hot mess known as Lily Fowler. And I’m loving every minute of it.

But someone is watching me. Following me. He’s gorgeous. And soon we’re talking, and against all my instincts, I reveal bits and pieces of myself to Max. It feels good, though I know he can’t be the man for me. These sudden feelings we share are way too complicated, too fraught, too intense.

Then everything explodes and I’m forced to return home. My intentions have always been true, but now everyone’s mad at me. I don’t know who to turn to anymore . . . except to Max. He’s who I want to trust. But I’m not so sure I should. Maybe it’s worth the risk—and what-ifs be damned. . . .

MY RATE

I finally finish this series! I'm a little bit let down after it too. I was hoping to an awesome finish for this series, but it was totally not. I'm disappointed that I had high hopes in the beginning when I knew the series wasn't very good. Taming Lily was just as the first book, good nothing more. It thought that after the second book being a little bit better, this one was going to sweep the others, but that wasn't the case.

This is the scenario. The oldest sister of the Fowler's is running... something scared her and before she faces on the problem, she takes a vacation. Lily thinks that no one will find her in Hawaii and that the sun, sand and water will make her worries go away. Wrong. Someone is constantly watching her, trying to get near and take the very thing she kept when she ran away. Max is handsome and makes her feel like nothing she has felt before, but she is his assignment. Can someone understand that you cannot involve your heart when work matters?

Lily is the oldest, but I swear that she acts like she was the younger one. From the beginning of the series we are told that she is running loose and she brings shame to the family. In this book, I try to get her, but I really thought that everything was major BS, I swear. She likes to do whatever she wants, for attention and sometimes because she can. Lily wants Max and vice versa, but even though they are the perfect couple, things crash most of the time... just to end in sex.

The book was totally meh, but I liked how it ended for these two. BUT I hated how it ended for all of them. I wanted for the evil witch to pay, but nothing happened. She made threats, and only got fired. It was a shitty solution for a problem that has been happening since the beginning of the series. I didn't like it at all. If I could rate the whole series, it would be three stars, nothing more. The series was just okay, nothing more.

 

LAST REVIEWS

 

[Review] Stealing Rose, by: Monica Murphy

The Fowler Sisters #2

STEALING ROSE

by: Monica Murphy
Release Date: March 23rd, 2015
Read Date: April 26th, 2017
Format: eARC *provided by Netgalley*
Pages: 337

People say the youngest child has it easy, but nothing can be further from the truth. Unlike my two sisters, Violet and Lily, I’m never in the limelight. I just work my butt off for Fleur Cosmetics and get little to no thanks for it. I’ve been pushed too far one too many times, and I’m finally brave enough to do something about it.

Maybe my newfound courage has something to do with the amazing pink and white diamond necklace I wear to the party in Cannes. The instant those dazzling heirloom jewels touch my skin, they excite some deep, aching need inside. And when that guy—that totally gorgeous guy—locks eyes with me, I know this nice girl is going to be naughty.

For once it’s my turn. My turn to say no to my father, to outshine my sisters, to walk away from it all—straight into the arms of a mysterious stranger. But what if Caden is much more than I bargained for? Sure, he makes me feel sexy and free in a way I never have before, but there’s something else I can’t quite place—something dangerous. Maybe our “chance” meeting wasn’t so random. Maybe he was looking for me for a reason. Whatever his motive, there’s no going back now.

And maybe I don’t want to.

MY RATE

Stealing Rose was better than the first book in the series, not way better, just better. It was way shorter, more straight to the point, but full of things that I'm not sure how to point out. It was a good read, which is the same thing I said about the first book. ::shrugs::

The scenario goes this way. Apparently, the sisters now have an evil witch (not literally) for stepmother and the little sister, Rose, doesn't want to do anything with her, so she flies to London where the middle sister, Violet, is. She gave notice and all, but they don't believe her much. Rose just wants to stay clear of Fleur as much as possible and the best distraction is this sexy-as-sin man named Caden. But he is a thief, his profession is to steal from rich people to sustain his own persona and his mother after things went to shit in his family. The thing is that Caden, being a thief, got stolen too... his heart isn't his anymore and that brings problems.

These two are a weird match, I swear. I hate when characters appear out of nowhere, but I liked how good they become part of the story, so I tent to let that fact go easily. Caden is the thief, it's told since the beginning, but we are also told that he's being struggling with it for a while. He doesn't love the job as much as he did before and now he hates it more after seeing Rose for the first time. Now, Rose is the weird character. In the book before she was a good character, telling Violet that she should do whatever she wants and that, but in this book Violet took a 360 turn and is telling Rose what to do (which I totally hate). Rose is not easily wavered, but she is not as reckless as she was before, which I hate too. The combination of these two characters was weird, but it function, so I liked it.

There's nothing more to say. The book was just good.

 

LAST REVIEWS

Thursday Tracks [48]

hosted by Gone with the Words

Ohhh! You know, and if you don't you'll know now, that I LOVE, love, LoVe music. Just as I live and breathe words, I live and breathe music. Those two things are just part of me as any other organ in my body. As you can see in my Music page, I hear music while reading! My Thursdays will become from now on... Thursday Tracks day! A feature created to share what song, album, playlist, artist I got stuck in my head every week. Now, this week song is...

WATERFALL

Artist: Stargate ft. P!nk & Sia

favorite lyrics: "I've lost control. I paddle, but you're too strong. But I gotta trust your flow, 'cause boy, I'm in your waterfall."

Hear me next Thursday!

[Review] Owning Violet, by: Monica Murphy

The Fowler Sisters #1

OWNING VIOLET

by: Monica Murphy
Release date: December 2nd, 2014
Read date: April 25th, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
Pages: 401

I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I.

Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary—perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.

One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul.

My everything.

MY RATE

Owning Violet has been in my tbr since before it came out, don't let my goodreads info fool you. It never draw much my attention, but I have always want it to give it a try. I did and it was good enough. It wasn't awful, but wasn't perfection. I think that some things were missing, but overall I liked reading it.

Imagine this scenario. One company, legacy of one family and its future will be in the hands of the Fowler sisters, which are the rightful owners by blood. The oldest sister, a derailed train. The middle sister, fully committed, but struggling. The youngest sister, always committed, never appreciated. Let's keep talking about the scenario of the middle sister. The sister that threw herself at work to forget things from the past. The one who is in a relationship that will never give her what she wants. But then this sexy as hell guy that works for her irks her skin and makes her do everything she isn't supposed to do. But he has some not so pretty secrets of his own, so they agree to use each other. What happens when usage becomes ownership?

Violet Fowler is that middle child. I wonder why all the sister have flower names, but whatever. The man's name is Ryder, which reminds me more of a Motorcycle Club man than a head marketing man. These two were a couple made to burn the whole city down. He went in looking for job opportunities to unlink himself of the past. She went in looking for an adventure and to give control. Both of them really received what they were looking, but something more... love.

I liked the story, but I was left with so many blank holes. There were so many things that I, as readers, knew, but he never told her. There were things that were told without reason. There wasn't much action persé, which was a little bit of a let down. But I have to admit that the bigger problem just became bigger and it did not stop in this book, which means that it continues in the next. I really liked that. It made me want to keep reading the other books even though this one wasn't what I was looking for. I have to admit that there were scenes that definitely need some type of reward. Overall, as I said before, it was a good read, I liked... that's it.