LilyElement Book Reviews

Review: Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien

2020-02-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

Title: Egg Drop Dead
Author: Vivien Chien
Series: A Noodle Shop Mystery #5
Format: Ebook
Release Date: February 25th, 2020
Length: Novel (320 pages)
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Source: Free via Publisher
Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Rating: 4.0-stars

Melissa's Review:

Egg Drop Dead is book 5 in A Noodle Shop Mystery series. I've really been enjoying this series because it's always an entertaining read and I LOVE that it's a diverse read as well. I wish there were more series out there with diverse characters, as someone with a mixed ethnicity I appreciate seeing an Asian leading lady that isn't a stereotype.

Lana Lee is the manager at her family's noodle shop and has a habit of being an amateur sleuth when something goes wrong around her. This time around while doing her first ever catering gig for her family's shop, a nanny was found murdered during the party. Most people are pointing the finger at the nanny's boss, Donna Feng but Lana is convinced something else is afoot. She decides to take the case and do a bit of digging herself to find the killer.

Egg Drop Dead is a very entertaining read with plenty of red herrings that will have you guessing who the killer really is. While this installment was a tiny bit more predictable than prior books there were still some surprises mixed in regarding the murder. I love that there is a bit of a romance element but that's really on the back burner. All in all, this was a great read and I highly suggest it for cozy mystery readers.

Review: Sharpest Sting by Jennifer Estep

2019-10-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Sharpest Sting
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #18
Format: Ebook
Release Date: October 8th, 2019
Length: Novel (273 pages)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Free via Author
Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Rating: 3.5-stars

Melissa's Review:

Sharpest Sting is book 18 in the Elemental Assassin series. I adore this series so knew I had to give it a read as soon as I could. Full of plotting and fighting you won't have a dull time with this series. We're gearing up for a big boss fight soon and I'm hoping Gin and the gang are ready.

Gin Blanco, aka the Spider is still finding trouble in Ashland even with her reputation as an assassin. Over the past few books we've slowly been unraveling details about a group called the Circle. With the revelation in the previous novel of who is actually in charge of the group I was hoping to get more details this time around and was not disappointed. We wind up learning a lot more about Gin's family and younger years that were missing in the series previously. There were a few secrets I didn't expect but it really made for an interesting plot that kept me on my toes.

With Gin killing some of the Circle's guards early in the book I was intrigued when she hires her own security detail since she hasn't done that before. So we have a few new faces in this book but the gang's all here. The main plot line in this books is that Gin is tasked with finding a ledger for the Circle or people she cares for will die. Juggling that and bridesmaid duties since a friend is getting married is going to keep her very busy. While we don't see an epic boss fight at the end of this installment, we're clearly gearing up for one in the coming books.

Sharpest Sting is another great addition to an Urban Fantasy series you won't want to put down. I really wound up enjoying this book and can't wait to see what trouble Gin gets into in the next book. I have noticed that since the series switched over to being self published the editing is still great but there are a few repetitive things/words that occur. It didn't really detract from my reading experience but it happens enough that I thought I should mention it. This series is still going strong and I'd recommend it to anyone that loves magic mixed in with tons of action.

New Releases 8/6/2019

2019-08-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sea Witch Rising - Sarah Henning
Runa will not let her twin sister die. Alia traded her voice to the Sea Witch for a shot at happiness with a prince who doesn’t love her. And his rejection will literally kill her—unless Runa intervenes.

Under the sea, Evie craves her own freedom—but liberation from her role as Sea Witch will require an exchange she may not be willing to make. With their hearts’ desires at odds, what will Runa and Evie be willing to sacrifice to save their worlds?

Told from alternating perspectives, this epic fairy tale retelling is a romantic and heart-wrenching story about the complications of sisterhood, the uncompromising nature of magic, and the cost of redemption.

Vow of Thieves - Mary E. Pearson
Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them—the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and Kazi and Jase will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and they soon find themselves captured in a tangled web of deceit woven by their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies, a place where betrayals run deeper and more deadly than either had thought possible, and where timeless ambitions threaten to destroy them both.

The Right Swipe - Alisha Rai
Alisha Rai returns with a sizzling new novel, in which two rival dating app creators find themselves at odds in the boardroom but in sync in the bedroom.

Rhiannon Hunter may have revolutionized romance in the digital world, but in real life she only swipes right on her career—and the occasional hookup. The cynical dating app creator controls her love life with a few key rules:

- Nude pics are by invitation only

- If someone stands you up, block them with extreme prejudice

- Protect your heart

Only there aren't any rules to govern her attraction to her newest match, former pro-football player Samson Lima. The sexy and seemingly sweet hunk woos her one magical night... and disappears.

Rhi thought she'd buried her hurt over Samson ghosting her, until he suddenly surfaces months later, still big, still beautiful—and in league with a business rival. He says he won't fumble their second chance, but she's wary. A temporary physical partnership is one thing, but a merger of hearts? Surely that’s too high a risk…

Thrifty Thursday [329]

2019-08-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, Happy Thursday! I'm just going to dive right in and say it. I've been trying to get my love for blogging back but it just hasn't been there the past few months. I'm not sure what changed but it feels more like a job and not a fun hobby that I love anymore. That being said, I'm going to step back for awhile, you'll see the occasional book review pop up that I already agreed to do but that's probably it for awhile. I love you guys/gals and more than likely I'll be back when I find my love for this again. Until then, you can find me on Twitter or shoot me an email <3

Thrifty Thursday is a post all about cheap and/or free ebooks. Please verify the cost of the books before you purchase in case a sale is no longer active. Enjoy!

**Click on the book cover to go to Amazon**

Free

$1.99

New Releases 7/30/2019

2019-07-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

Break the Day - Lara Adrian
After a shocking betrayal nearly killed him and the people he cares about the most, what Breed warrior Rafe wants more than anything is revenge against the insidious brotherhood called Opus Nostrum. But to achieve that goal, he must turn his back on the Order and infiltrate a dangerous gang with ties to Opus. Risking everything to redeem himself and carry out his deep-cover mission, Rafe will let nothing stand in his way--least of all his desire for one of the loyalists he should despise, a mysterious, dark-haired beauty named Devony Winters.

But Devony has secrets of her own to protect, as well as a personal duty she will do anything to fulfill. And as a daywalker passing herself off as human to the gang she's been embedded with for months, the last thing she needs is a dangerous former member of the Order unraveling all her hard work. Her plans depend on keeping Rafe at arm's length, but if she surrenders to the dark need he stirs within her, it will be her heart that pays the ultimate price.

Brave the Tempest - Karen Chance
Cassie Palmer has been chief seer of the supernatural world for a little over four months. In that time, she's battled two gods, fallen in love with two men, and confronted the two sides of her own nature, both god and human. So it's not surprising that she currently finds herself facing two adversaries, although they have a single purpose: to wipe out the supernatural community's newest fighting force, leaving it vulnerable to enemies in this world and beyond.

To prevent catastrophe, the vamps, mages, and demons will have to do the one thing they've never managed before and come together as allies. Cassie has the difficult task of keeping the uneasy coalition intact, and of persuading her own two opposing forces, a powerful mage with a secret and a master vampire with a growing obsession, to fight at her side. She just hopes they can do it without tearing each other apart.

The Rogue to Ruin - Vivienne Lorret
The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule: Never fall in love with a client, which shouldn't be a problem when one’s faking an engagement to the rogue across the street . . .

Ainsley Bourne needs the family business to succeed. But one obstacle stands in her way—Reed Sterling, the huge, handsome, former prize fighter and owner of the gaming hell across the street. His scandalous customers scare off all her marriage-minded patrons and since the devilish brute has no intention of relocating, she sets out to ruin his unsavory establishment. Yet when a vile suitor from her past reappears, Ainsley hastily claims an attachment to the first man who comes to mind . . . Mr. Sterling, to be exact.

Reed doesn’t know who is more surprised by Miss Bourne’s declaration. She clearly hates him, and he’d never admit their arguments simmer with unrequited attraction. Something about the pleading look in her eyes calls to Reed, and against his better judgment, he quickly plays the part of the besotted fiancé.

Pretending to be in love requires a convincing charade. But with each tantalizing touch and every scandalous kiss, Ainsley starts to wonder if Reed was ever really the enemy at all.

Brazen and the Beast - Sarah MacLean
The Lady’s Plan

When Lady Henrietta Sedley declares her twenty-ninth year her own, she has plans to inherit her father’s business, to make her own fortune, and to live her own life. But first, she intends to experience a taste of the pleasure she’ll forgo as a confirmed spinster. Everything is going perfectly…until she discovers the most beautiful man she’s ever seen tied up in her carriage and threatening to ruin the Year of Hattie before it’s even begun.

The Bastard’s Proposal

When he wakes in a carriage at Hattie’s feet, Whit, a king of Covent Garden known to all the world as Beast, can’t help but wonder about the strange woman who frees him—especially when he discovers she’s headed for a night of pleasure . . . on his turf. He is more than happy to offer Hattie all she desires…for a price.

An Unexpected Passion

Soon, Hattie and Whit find themselves rivals in business and pleasure. She won’t give up her plans; he won’t give up his power . . . and neither of them sees that if they’re not careful, they’ll have no choice but to give up everything . . . including their hearts.

The Merciful Crow - Margaret Owen
One way or another, we always feed the crows.

A future chieftain

Fie abides by one rule: look after your own. Her Crow caste of undertakers and mercy-killers takes more abuse than coin, but when they’re called to collect royal dead, she’s hoping they’ll find the payout of a lifetime.

A fugitive prince

When Crown Prince Jasimir turns out to have faked his death, Fie’s ready to cut her losses—and perhaps his throat. But he offers a wager that she can’t refuse: protect him from a ruthless queen, and he’ll protect the Crows when he reigns.

A too-cunning bodyguard

Hawk warrior Tavin has always put Jas’s life before his, magically assuming the prince’s appearance and shadowing his every step. But what happens when Tavin begins to want something to call his own?

Lone Wolf Cowboy - Maisey Yates
As a former EMT and a wildland firefighter, there’s no one Jacob Dalton can’t rescue—except himself. Since his best friend’s tragic death, Jacob has isolated himself…until Vanessa Logan returns to Gold Valley. He saved her life during a medical call years ago, and he’s never forgotten her. The instant jolt of heat between them takes him by surprise, but he knows that giving in to it would only end in disaster…

For Vanessa, returning home was about healing, not about exploring her attraction with Jacob. He is the guardian angel from her past—with strong, capable hands and an irresistible mouth. A temptation she knows she can’t afford. Until the chemistry between them explodes, and unites them in a way they could never have imagined…

Thrifty Thursday [328]

2019-07-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday! Hope you're all having a great week so far <3 Bella was being a drama queen and I managed to snap a picture of it before she flopped on the floor. This picture cracks me up!

Thrifty Thursday is a post all about cheap and/or free ebooks. Please verify the cost of the books before you purchase in case a sale is no longer active. Enjoy!

**Click on the book cover to go to Amazon**

Free

$0.99

Free Audiobooks

WoW [374] - The Rogue to Ruin by Vivienne Lorret

2019-07-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: The Rogue to Ruin
Author: Vivienne Lorret
Series: Misadventures in Matchmaking #3
Release Date: July 30th, 2019

The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule: Never fall in love with a client, which shouldn't be a problem when one’s faking an engagement to the rogue across the street . . .

Ainsley Bourne needs the family business to succeed. But one obstacle stands in her way—Reed Sterling, the huge, handsome, former prize fighter and owner of the gaming hell across the street. His scandalous customers scare off all her marriage-minded patrons and since the devilish brute has no intention of relocating, she sets out to ruin his unsavory establishment. Yet when a vile suitor from her past reappears, Ainsley hastily claims an attachment to the first man who comes to mind . . . Mr. Sterling, to be exact.

Reed doesn’t know who is more surprised by Miss Bourne’s declaration. She clearly hates him, and he’d never admit their arguments simmer with unrequited attraction. Something about the pleading look in her eyes calls to Reed, and against his better judgment, he quickly plays the part of the besotted fiancé.

Pretending to be in love requires a convincing charade. But with each tantalizing touch and every scandalous kiss, Ainsley starts to wonder if Reed was ever really the enemy at all.

Why I am waiting:
I really enjoyed the other books in this series so far so this one is on my must read list!

What book are you waiting on this week?

New Releases 7/23/2019

2019-07-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

One Fine Duke - Lenora Bell
Ready.
Raised in the countryside by her overprotective uncle, Miss Mina Penny's dream of a triumphant London season is finally here. She determined her perfect match long ago: Rafe Bentley, the wickedest rake of them all. There's only one very large, very unyielding obstacle: Rafe's brother Andrew, the reclusive Duke of Thorndon.
Aim.
This was supposed to be simple. Duke goes to London. Duke selects suitable bride. Love match? Not a chance. But when Drew meets Mina, she complicates everything. How can a lady armed with such beauty and brains fall for his irresponsible degenerate of a brother? Drew vows to save her from heartbreak and ruin, no matter the cost.
Desire!
But Mina is no damsel in distress. She's daring, intuitive, passionate...and halfway to melting Drew's cold heart. And although Mina thought she knew exactly what she wanted, one breathtakingly seductive kiss from Drew changes everything. Now Mina must decide between long-held dreams and dangerous new desires. Could her true destiny lie in the arms of a duke?

The Game of Desire - Shannon Boodram
Women: gain control and confidence in your love lives and find the relationship you want with this modern, life-changing guide from the certified sex educator, intimacy expert, and YouTube personality.

For younger generations, dating is a complicated mystery. Apps like Tinder and Bumble are supposed to foster connection, but instead serve as a reminder of how painfully single we are.
Certified sexologist and intimacy coach Shan Boodram—the most sought-after sex educator on the internet—is about to change all that. In this essential how-to guide, she addresses the realities of life today—when the rules of love and attraction are fluid—and teaches a group of young women how to become master daters in just sixty days.

It starts with you. Shan makes clear that love and self-discovery go hand in hand—your dating life is just as much about you as it is about other people. She challenges you to look inside yourself for what you want out of a partner, a relationship and, most important, yourself. Once you figure out what you want from dating, she shows you exactly how to get it. The Game of Desire empowers you to take the lead, learn your strengths, and identify and correct your weaknesses, all the while getting inspired watching a group of women learn how to succeed in today’s dating pool.

While many books tell women why they can’t get a date, Shan teaches you the skills and techniques necessary to take charge in today’s competitive and often confusing dating scene, providing the tools essential to attract—and retain—the partner(s) you want. From learning love languages to debunking dating myths, she helps women build knowledge and confidence.

Featuring conversational case studies, comprehensive facts about the psychology of sex and romance, and expert insight into sex culture, and written with her trademark humor and charm, The Game of Desire is a must for all of Shan’s fans and for every woman struggling to feel loved and desired.

Fledgling - Molly Harper
Days away from completing her first year at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies, Changeling-born Sarah Smith might just get away with posing as an upper-class Guardian girl named Cassandra Reed.

But strange visions of a Lightbourne destroyed by Miss Morton’s revenant army keep Sarah from enjoying her achievement. Plus, the Mother Book, Sarah’s one secret advantage and the ultimate entrée in Guardian society, suddenly stops revealing itself to her…putting her in a precarious position with the Guild. On top of all that, her former lady’s maid left Miss Castwell’s, and the new hire is, well, taking some getting used to.

If it weren’t for her two best friends, Alicia McCray and Ivy Cowel, who will do anything to protect her secret, Sarah doesn’t know if she’ll make it another year. When the three girls take summer holiday with Alicia’s family (chaperoned by an exacting and very disapproving Mrs. McCray), a relaxing vacation in Scotland is the last thing they’ll find.

Mrs. Winter is thrilled that Sarah is spending time with the influential McCray family, but Sarah can’t help but feel that her real purpose is to find other Changeling children like her, and free them to realize their own magic. Can she find genuine satisfaction in her accomplishments when she knows there are others like her out there who need her help? Will the three girls uncover the deeply-held secrets they’re looking for in the mysterious mountains of Scotland? Will the Mother Book finally start talking to her again? And will Sarah come to understand the importance of her connection with Ivy and Alicia, and the true nature of her own power…before it’s too late?

Thrifty Thursday [327]

2019-07-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday! It's been a crazy week so far but I started working out again so yay for that!!! I finished up Grey's Anatomy on Netflix and now I'm not sure what to watch. If you have any Netflix or Amazon suggestions on shows to watch I'd love to hear it!

Thrifty Thursday is a post all about cheap and/or free ebooks. Please verify the cost of the books before you purchase in case a sale is no longer active. Enjoy!

**Click on the book cover to go to Amazon**

$1.99

Free Audiobooks

WoW [373] - One Fine Duke by Lenora Bell

2019-07-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: One Fine Duke
Author: Lenora Bell
Series: School for Dukes #3
Release Date: July 23rd, 2019

Ready.

Raised in the countryside by her overprotective uncle, Miss Mina Penny's dream of a triumphant London season is finally here. She determined her perfect match long ago: Rafe Bentley, the wickedest rake of them all. There's only one very large, very unyielding obstacle: Rafe's brother Andrew, the reclusive Duke of Thorndon.

Aim.

This was supposed to be simple. Duke goes to London. Duke selects suitable bride. Love match? Not a chance. But when Drew meets Mina, she complicates everything. How can a lady armed with such beauty and brains fall for his irresponsible degenerate of a brother? Drew vows to save her from heartbreak and ruin, no matter the cost.

Desire!

But Mina is no damsel in distress. She's daring, intuitive, passionate...and halfway to melting Drew's cold heart. And although Mina thought she knew exactly what she wanted, one breathtakingly seductive kiss from Drew changes everything. Now Mina must decide between long-held dreams and dangerous new desires. Could her true destiny lie in the arms of a duke?

Why I am waiting:
I LOVE Lenora Bell's writing style, she's one of my favorite Historical Romance authors. This books is a must buy.

What book are you waiting on this week?

New Releases 7/16/2019

2019-07-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sweep of the Blade - Ilona Andrews
Maud Demille is a daughter of Innkeepers—a special group who provide ‘lodging’ to other-planetary visitors—so she knows that a simple life isn't in the cards. But even Maud could never have anticipated what Fate would throw at her.

Once a wife to a powerful vampire knight, Maud and her young daughter, Helen, were exiled with him for his treachery to the desolate, savage planet of Karhari. Karhari killed her husband, and Maud—completely abandoned by his family—has spent over a year avenging his debts. Rescued by her sister Dina, she's sworn off all things vampire.

Except... In helping Dina save the world, she met Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr, one of the most powerful vampire houses. One thing led to another and he asked for her hand in marriage. She declined. Arland is not used to hearing the word ‘no;’ and try as she might, Maud can't just walk away from Arland. It doesn't help that being human is a lot harder for Maud than being a vampire.

To sort it all out, she accepts his invitation to visit his home planet. House Krahr is extremely influential and Maud knows that a woman—a human, with a very questionable past—who's turned down a proposal from its most beloved son won't get a warm reception. Maybe she’s not sure about marrying Arland, but House Krahr isn’t going to decide for her. Maud Demille has never run from a fight, and House Krahr will soon discover that there's a lot more to Maud than they’re expecting.

The Wedding Party - Jasmine Guillory
Maddie and Theo have two things in common:

1. Alexa is their best friend
2. They hate each other

After an “oops, we made a mistake” night together, neither one can stop thinking about the other. With Alexa's wedding rapidly approaching, Maddie and Theo both share bridal party responsibilities that require more interaction with each other than they're comfortable with. Underneath the sharp barbs they toss at each other is a simmering attraction that won't fade. It builds until they find themselves sneaking off together to release some tension when Alexa isn't looking, agreeing they would end it once the wedding is over. When it’s suddenly pushed up and they only have a few months left of secret rendezvouses, they find themselves regretting that the end is near. Two people this different can’t possibly have a connection other than the purely physical, right?

But as with any engagement with a nemesis, there are unspoken rules that must be abided by. First and foremost, don't fall in love.

The Pawful Truth - Miranda James
In addition to his library duties and his role as doting grandad, Charlie has enrolled in an early medieval history course offered by young, charismatic professor Carey Warriner. Charlie feels a bit out of place- his fellow classmates are half his age- except for Dixie Bell Compton, another ‘mature’ student. When Charlie hears an angry exchange between her and their professor, his interest in piqued. He’s even more intrigued when she shows up at his office asking for a study partner. Charlie turns her down and is saddened to learn just a few days later that Dixie has been killed.

Charlie wonders if Professor Warriner had anything to do with Dixie’s death. Warriner is married to a fellow professor who happens to be a successful author. There are rumors on campus that their marriage was on the rocks. Was Dixie's death the result of a lovers’ triangle gone bad? Charlie soon discovers that the professor’s wife may have some secrets of her own and his suspect list is only getting longer.

As he and Diesel step further into the tangled web of relationships, someone else is viciously killed. Whose jealousy finally erupted into murderous rage? Was it a crime of passion or is there another more sinister motive? Charlie races to unravel this mystery: and to draw out the culprit, he may just have to put his own life on the line…

Untamed Delights - Suzanne Wright
Return to the sensual and feral stirrings of the Phoenix Pack as a woman who’s already bound to one man is tempted by a wolf who’s bound only to his nightly desires.

Cat shifter Mila Devereaux can’t help but see it as a betrayal. That her one true mate imprinted himself on another female was hard enough to accept. Struggling to be at peace with her loveless fate, she doesn’t fight the suggestion of entering an arranged mating. Then she meets Dominic, a pack enforcer with a notorious reputation. It’s in his very scent. This irresistible playboy—and delicious badass wolf—is making Mila’s fantasies come alive again.

Alarming, compelling, and heady with sensual energy, Dominic is an expert at making women shed their inhibitions. Now everything about him—his killer smile, his perfectly sculpted body, and his smooth-as-honey voice—is drawing in a captivating new catch. But for the first time in his life, Dominic is feeling more than a fling. He finds himself tantalized by a female who makes him think of forever. He wants all of Mila and won’t be satisfied until he has it.

As the passion grows wild, so does the risk. They’re falling in love in the shadows and secrets of their pasts. And it’s threatening to destroy everything Mila and Dominic are fighting for. And are destined for.

Thrifty Thursday [326]

2019-07-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday! Hope you're all having a wonderful week. I've been working on knitting some socks and finished up sock one recently! I'm halfway through with sock 2 :)

Thrifty Thursday is a post all about cheap and/or free ebooks. Please verify the cost of the books before you purchase in case a sale is no longer active. Enjoy!

**Click on the book cover to go to Amazon**

$1.99

Free Audiobooks

WoW [372] - Good Guy by Kate Meader

2019-07-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Good Guy
Author: Kate Meader
Series: Rookie Rebels #1
Release Date: July 30th, 2019

He's a Special Forces veteran making his pro hockey debut. She's a dogged sports reporter determined to get a scoop. She's also his best friend's widow...

Fans can’t get enough of Levi Hunt, the Special Forces veteran who put his NHL career on hold to serve his country and fight the bad guys. So when his new Chicago Rebels bosses tell him to cooperate with the press on a profile, he’s ready to do his duty. Until he finds out who he has to work with: flame-haired, freckle-splashed, impossibly perky Jordan Cooke.

The woman he should not have kissed the night she buried her husband, Levi’s best friend in the service.

Hockey-stick-up-his-butt-serious Levi Hunt might despise Jordan for reasons she can’t fathom—okay, it’s to do with kissing—but her future in the cutthroat world of sports reporting hangs on delivering the goods on the league’s hottest, grumpiest rookie. So what if he’s not interested in having his life plated up for public consumption. Too bad. Jordan will have to play dirty to get her scoop and even dirtier to get her man. Only in winning the story, she might just lose her heart...

Why I am waiting:
Kate Meader's books are AMAZING so this is going to be a omg drop everything to read book for me. Hurry up end of July!!!

What book are you waiting on this week?

Review: Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey

2019-07-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Magic for Liars
Author: Sarah Gailey
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Xe Sands
Release Date: June 4th, 2019
Length: Novel (331 pages/9.1 hours)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Free via Publisher
Buy: Audible, Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Rating: 4.0-stars

Melissa's Review:

Magic for Liars is a standalone novel by Sarah Gailey. This is my first book by this author and I'm so glad I gave it a try. You all know I'm a huge fan of detective type books, but add in magic and you have me on the edge of my seat. I wound up loving this book and the mystery kept me guessing until it was revealed.

Our leading lady, Ivy Gamble is a private investigator that typically does the cheating spouse type cases. She's approached to help solve a murder that only she can handle. You see, regular humans aren't aware there is magic in the world, but Ivy's sister Tabitha could do magic since early childhood so she knows the truth. The murder happened at the private school Tabitha works for so Ivy is allowed to look into the death. This isn't an easy case which clearly becomes evident when Ivy gets to the school. There's no real leads and the entire school is suspect. Ivy winds up interviewing students and staff alike and we slowly get some hints at what happened and who might be the killer as well as learn about this world's magic. Ivy also attempts to reconcile with her sister Tabitha which I was glad to see since magic and a death in the family seems to have drawn a big wedge in their relationship.

Magic for Liars is a magical novel that will have you trying the solve the case. I really wound up enjoying the novel, Ivy's character was really relatable, which I normally can't say about books that have magic in them. The murder really kept me guessing, there were quite a few red herrings tossed in and it made for a really great read. All in all, if you're a fan of Urban Fantasy with magic mixed in you're going to love this book!

The Narrator:

As always, Xe Sands did an amazing job. She's one of my favorite narrators by far. She has an expressive voice and just makes the audiobook a great listen.

Thrifty Thursday [325]

2019-07-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday! If you're in the USA, Happy 4th of July! Hope you all have a lovely week and weekend. I'm back from my vacation and we had a blast! We wandered around Portland and Seattle and got to hang out with some of my family. We wound up going to the Tillamook Creamery and saw how they make and package their cheese, as well as get to snack on samples of it! Went to the Boeing Flight Museum in Seattle and learned a lot about planes and history. While in Portland I made sure to stop at a yarn store and grab some goodies. Oh and we went to Voodoo Doughnuts which was delicious and the International Test Rose Garden which was gorgeous! All in all, it was a great trip.

Free Audiobooks

WoW [371] - Wilder Girls by Rory Power

2019-07-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Wilder Girls
Author: Rory Power
Release Date: July 9th, 2019

It's been eighteen months since the Raxter School for Girls was put under quarantine. Since the Tox hit and pulled Hetty's life out from under her.

It started slow. First the teachers died one by one. Then it began to infect the students, turning their bodies strange and foreign. Now, cut off from the rest of the world and left to fend for themselves on their island home, the girls don't dare wander outside the school's fence, where the Tox has made the woods wild and dangerous. They wait for the cure they were promised as the Tox seeps into everything.

But when Byatt goes missing, Hetty will do anything to find her, even if it means breaking quarantine and braving the horrors that lie beyond the fence. And when she does, Hetty learns that there's more to their story, to their life at Raxter, than she could have ever thought true.

Why I am waiting:
I don't read a ton of YA but this cover caught my attention and it sounds interesting. I'll have to wait for reviews to pop up for this one but it's on my watch list for sure!

What book are you waiting on this week?

Review: Protect the Prince by Jennifer Estep

2019-07-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Protect the Prince
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Crown of Shards #2
Format: Paperback ARC
Release Date: July 2nd, 2019
Length: Novel (448 pages)
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Free via Author
Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Rating: 4.0-stars

Melissa's Review:

Protect the Prince is book 2 in the Crown of Shards series. I really enjoy Jennifer Estep's writing style so all of her books are must reads for me. This series started strong with the previous book and this one was just as exciting! If you're a fan of Fantasy novels you're going to love this series.

Everleigh Blair (aka Evie) is the new queen of Bellona, things are not going so smoothly for her though. While entertaining some of the nobles an assassin goes after Evie and it brings some serious questions to the table. Evie knows she needs to gain allies to build strength and visits another palace to try to reach an agreement. Not everyone is happy to see her and her entourage and more assassins pop up. This installment had me questioning a lot of things, who was behind the assassins and what their motivation is on this mainly. This book kept me on my toes, with plenty of twists and turns and deception I wasn't sure what to expect next.

Protect the Prince is a strong follow up to a series I already love. I very rarely read books in one sitting anymore, but this was one of them. I could not put this book down. I'm loving Evie's character and all the action scenes mixed into the story. There's even romance in this installment which I always appreciate. Evie is slowly understanding more about her powers and we're learning right along with her. In other words, good character growth and mixed in with a plot full of action and you have a real page turner. I'd highly recommend this series to Fantasy lovers out there.

Thrifty Thursday [324]

2019-06-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone! I hope you're having a great week <3 I'm on vacation currently so this week I'll just be sharing the AudiobookSync freebie audiobooks. I'll include some pictures from my trip in next week's post.

Thrifty Thursday is a post all about cheap and/or free ebooks. Please verify the cost of the books before you purchase in case a sale is no longer active. Enjoy!

Free Audiobooks

WoW [370] - Protect the Prince by Jennifer Estep

2019-06-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Protect the Prince
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Crown of Shards #2
Release Date: July 2nd, 2019

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…

Why I am waiting:
I've been making grabby hands at this book for awhile now! I really enjoyed book 1 so I'm eager to see what happens in this installment.

What book are you waiting on this week?

Review: Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym Martineau

2019-06-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Kingdom of Exiles
Author: Maxym Martineau
Series: The Beast Charmer #1
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 25th, 2019
Length: Novel (400 pages)
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Free via Publisher
Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Rating: 4.0-stars

Melissa's Review:

Kingdom of Exiles is book 1 in The Beast Charmer series. This cover is stunning and the blurb really caught my interest at first glance. I'm so glad I tried this novel because it was a unique Fantasy that I didn't want to put down.

Our leading lady, Leena Edenfrell is a beast charmer that's been exiled from her fellow beast charmers. To be able to survive she's doing something against their beliefs, selling some of the beasts she captures. Someone has it out for Leena, they hire the Cruor a brotherhood of assassins to find and kill her. What they didn't count on was that the leader, Noc would strike a bargain with Leena for him and his team to get beasts. Along their journey we learn more about the abilities of a beast charmer and little glimpses of what the Cruor stand for. It's a really interesting and unique world to say the least. I'm utterly charmed by some of the beasts that Leena captures and cannot wait to see what the next installment brings us.

Kingdom of Exiles is a breath of fresh air in the genre with vivid imagination. The pacing was a tiny bit off in a few spots for my taste but overall the novel was great. I loved the characters and the plot and am left intrigued and wanting the next book. If you're a fan of fantasy books you're going to love this new series.

Thrifty Thursday [323]

2019-06-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday! I'll be fairly quiet on the blog next week since I'll be on vacation. Hope yall have a lovely weekend <3

Thrifty Thursday is a post all about cheap and/or free ebooks. Please verify the cost of the books before you purchase in case a sale is no longer active. Enjoy!

**Click on the book cover to go to Amazon**

$1.99

Free Audiobooks

WoW [369] - Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau

2019-06-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Kingdom of Exiles
Author: Maxym M. Martineau
Series: The Beast Charmer #1
Release Date: June 25th, 2019

Exiled beast charmer Leena Edenfrell is in deep trouble. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts on the black market—an offense punishable by death—and now there's a price on her head. With the realm's most talented murderer-for-hire nipping at her heels, Leena makes him an offer he can't refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life.

If only it were that simple. Unbeknownst to Leena, the undying ones are bound by magic to complete their contracts, and Noc cannot risk his brotherhood of assassins...not even to save the woman he can no longer live without.

Why I am waiting:
The cover on this book is amazing!!! The plot sounds really good as well, I'm glad I got an early copy of this, I just need to finish it up!

What book are you waiting on this week?

Thrifty Thursday [322]

2019-06-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone! It's been a crazy week in DFW, TX that's for sure. We had a pretty bad storm pass through on Sunday and knock out power and tons of trees and caused a lot of damage. I luckily didn't get hit bad at my house but near my work is just now getting power turned back on.

Thrifty Thursday is a post all about cheap and/or free ebooks. Please verify the cost of the books before you purchase in case a sale is no longer active. Enjoy!

**Click on the book cover to go to Amazon**

$1.99

Free Audiobooks

WoW [368] - The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai

2019-06-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: The Right Swipe
Author: Alisha Rai
Series: Modern Love #1
Release Date: August 6th, 2019

Rhiannon Hunter may have revolutionized romance in the digital world, but in real life she only swipes right on her career—and the occasional hookup. The cynical dating app creator controls her love life with a few key rules:

- Nude pics are by invitation only

- If someone stands you up, block them with extreme prejudice

- Protect your heart

Only there aren't any rules to govern her attraction to her newest match, former pro-football player Samson Lima. The sexy and seemingly sweet hunk woos her one magical night... and disappears.

Rhi thought she'd buried her hurt over Samson ghosting her, until he suddenly surfaces months later, still big, still beautiful—and in league with a business rival. He says he won't fumble their second chance, but she's wary. A temporary physical partnership is one thing, but a merger of hearts? Surely that’s too high a risk…

Why I am waiting:
This sounds rather interesting, a dating app creator that gets ghosted by a guy then having to work with him later on.

What book are you waiting on this week?

Review: Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

2019-06-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Fix Her Up
Author: Tessa Bailey
Series: Hot and Hammered #1
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 11th, 2019
Length: Novel (397 pages)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Free via Publisher
Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Rating: 4.5-stars

Melissa's Review:

Fix Her Up is book 1 in the Hot and Hammered series. I've enjoyed several Tessa Bailey books in the past so knew I had to read this one. I'm glad I did since this book is a swoon worthy romance you won't want to put down. If you love Contemporary Romance you're going to adore this novel.

Georgette Castle (aka Georgie) bucked the family trade of renovating houses to be a clown for birthday parties. Georgie's childhood crush and brother's best friend Travis Ford is back in town after his baseball career ends. He just wants to wallow in peace but Georgie isn't letting him have that. Once he cleans up his act, he starts working for Georgie's family's renovation company and hanging out with her in the off hours. Sparks are there and when Travis gets wind of a job that is interested in him our duo decides to have a fake relationship so the potential job sees how much Travis has changed. Georgie's childhood crush is turning into the real thing but I was wondering how Travis would handle this since he's a love em and leave em type of guy.

Fix Her Up is a romance you won't want to miss. I really loved this book and the characters. This is one of the girl + older brother's best friend tropes and it just worked really well. This also has some female empowerment tones going where the ladies in the book try their best to lift one another up to achieve what they want in life. I can appreciate that. I'd highly recommend this to Contemporary Romance lovers, you don't want to miss out.