An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3)
   by: Julia Quinn

Publication Date: Oct. 13, 2009
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: Purchased
Page Count: 358 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

Sigh. I can't get enough of this series, you guys. Seriously. I LOVE ALL THINGS BRIDGERTON. And Julia Quinn! I don't know what the deal was on Overdrive, but I was on hold for this book for an eternity. Finally, I gave up and purchased a used copy at my bookstore.

I really liked Benedict's book! It was a Cinderella retelling and it was cute! I loved Sophie too. She was the perfect heroine for Benedict. Having grown up as a servant, one night at a ball changes everything for her as she meets Benedict. However, as the tale goes- she escapes him at midnight with nothing but the memory of a perfect night together. The two are reunited a few years later and it is killing Sophie not to disclose that she was the girl at ball. Benedict had been holding on to the idea of this perfect woman and has finally started to give up on her. He finds himself falling for Sophie herself, but knows society would never allow them to be together.

I am all for a case of forbidden love, so I loved seeing the two battle their attraction to one another.

I am looking forward to starting Colin's book next. Everyone says it's their favorite!

Burn (Scan #2)
   by: Walter Jury and Sarah Fine

Publication Date: May 12, 2015
Publisher: Putnam
Genre: Science Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Page Count: 352 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

At the cliffhanger ending of Scan, Tate loses the very thing he was fighting to protect, what his father had called the key to human survival. Tate doesn't have much time to worry about it because he needs to get away, to ensure he and Christina are safe. His father left him one last thing that can do just that—a safehouse, which turns out to be a clue to what's really threatening the planet. As Tate follows the clues his father left behind, he starts to uncover the truth, realizing he's up against an enemy he's only beginning to understand.

A riveting, fast-paced "we are not alone" adventure, Burn thrills to the very end.

 

I read Scan last year, I believe, and really enjoyed how fast-paced and action packed it was! It was also refreshing to have a male protagonist in the driver's seat! The synopsis tells it true- that cliffhanger was BRUTAL! I picked up Burn from the library and started it before I moved, but then never got to finish it. I wonder, if that was part of the problem I had with this one. I picked it back up a couple of weeks ago and really struggled through it. It wasn't keeping me engaged like it's predecessor did. I still loved being with Tate and Christina, but I felt it lacked the spark the first book did. Sadly, this one didn't wow me, but it was nice to get some resolution for our characters.

Wicked (A Wicked Saga #1)
   by: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication Date: December 8, 2014
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Age Group: New Adult
Source: Purchased for Kindle
Page Count: 300 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

 

So, I am always up for a JLA book and I'm kicking myself for not starting this one sooner! I loved the New Orleans setting and the fact that it was New Adult Urban Fantasy! I read so many contemporaries, that it was refreshing to jump into the world of the Order and their fight against the fae.

 

Ivy is our fiery, red-haired heroine and I really liked her. She was a lot of fun and I love how much of Jen's personality and loves were incorporated in this one. (Supernatural, Walking Dead, etc.) Ren was sexy as sin and I loved his cocky, honest attitude. He was great and is definitely a new favorite of Jen's heroes.

 

I have to mention my love for Tink because oh my goodness. I was trying so hard not to laugh at his craziness in front of my coworkers the other day. I have a feeling our little Brownie is going to be a major player in this series.

 

On to Torn!

 

 

Stealing Home
      by Nicole Williams

Publication Date: July 10, 2016
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received via ArdentPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 211 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

Being the only woman working for a professional baseball team isn’t easy. As the San Diego Shock’s newest athletic trainer, Allie knows all about long hours, endless travel, and warding off players’ advances. Given she’s already the subject of a handful of rumors about how “lucky” she was to have earned such a coveted position, she can’t so much as flutter an eyelash a player’s way if she wants to be taken seriously.

But number eleven is doing more than fluttering eyelashes Allie’s way. Far more. Luke Archer is at the top of his game and doesn’t let the fear of striking out keep him from swinging. This is a motto he applies both on and off the field, but Allie appears immune, seeming to view Luke as nothing more than caution tape on legs.

He’s a player, and in Allie’s experience, they’re all the same. She won’t risk her job or her heart to another one, no matter how different this one claims to be. But as Allie gets to know him, she discovers the number eleven the public thinks they know is very different from the real Luke Archer. He seems too good to be true.

And maybe he is.

Allie will have to confront the stories attached to a player of Luke Archer’s stature and decide who she’ll put her faith in—The man she’s falling for? Or the rumors?

 

 

I love Nicole's Lost and Found series, as well as her Three Brothers. I was super excited to see she was writing a sports romance, because let's be honest- who can get enough of those? Not this girl! And it's a BASEBALL book. *dreamy sigh*

 

I really did love all things Luke Archer. He was such a wonderful hero and sexy as sin! Allie was sweet too and I liked her dedication to her job and how she refused to let anyone tear her down or tell her she was only there because of her feminine parts. She's damn good at what she does and she won't let arrogant jerks keep her down.

 

My issue with this book was that it felt so clichéd. We have Allie and Luke, who aren't looking for anything serious, decide to pursue a sexual relationship, but end up falling for one another anyway. There is your usual miscommunication conflict that causes problems for our happy couple also. I also felt the story could have used more depth and background on our characters. I feel we just jumped right in to the attraction and sexy times, when I could have used a bit more tension and development.

 

I did still enjoy this one despite my issues though, but I don't know that it will be especially memorable.

Because of Miss Bridgerton (Rokesbys #1)
   by: Julia Quinn

Publication Date: March 29, 2016
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 384 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places...

This is not one of those times.

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband... someday.

Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should...

Or not.

There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.

But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor...

Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without...

 

 

It's official. I have a book hangover. I've been a bit miserable all day because I just want to go back to the Bridgerton-Rokesby world. I wish there were more books in the series already so I could binge them! I am a huge Julia Quinn fan and I thought this was a great start to her new series! Once again, I have fallen in love with these characters and I can't wait for George and Billie's siblings to find love! I really liked the dynamic between these two families. They have been friends forever and the awkwardness that sometimes accompanies new couples and their families is not present here.

 

Billie and George have never been close, as there is a 5 year age difference between them. As the eldest of the family, George has always missed that closeness that his younger siblings Andrew, Edward, and Mary shared with Billie. Things between Billie and George are definitely fun, as the two don't really get along. Watching them fall for one another was adorable, as neither one expected it AT ALL. Billie is super headstrong and I loved how independent she was. It was nice to see how different country living was from city living. Billie had the freedom to be herself and engage in activities that would appall society women. She's always gotten herself into mishaps, so it was fun to watch George bait her about her most recent one.

 

George was a sweetheart and I adored him. I love how he stood up for her at times and how protective he could be. His jealousy was also super cute. It took quite a bit of time for these two to finally make things happen, but the slow burn really worked. And the scene where they declare their love for one another will undoubtedly be one of my favorites. It was so blunt and I loved that they weren't afraid to put it out there.

 

As I said, I am SO ready for more books in this series. I will miss Billie and George, but knowing the Bridgertons and Rokesbys, I'm sure more shenanigans will ensue in the future!

Time Enough for Drums
    by: Ann Rinaldi

Publication Date: May 9, 2000
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Purchased
Page Count: 256 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Sixteen-year-old Jem struggles to maintain the status quo at home in Trenton, New Jersey, when the family men join the war for independence.There are signs of rebellion in the Emerson household several years before the actual American Revolution hits in 1776! Brought up in a relatively liberal household, Jemima Emerson is quite a challenge for her tutor, John Reid, who is known as a Tory with strong ties to England. How could Jem's parents be friends with a man who opposes American freedom? Jem longs for freedom on every level, in the home and her homeland— and John represents the forces that restrict her. Jem and her family soon find themselves fighting for freedom in whatever ways they can in the Revolutionary War. Before long, Jem discovers that there is much more to Mr. Reid than she ever imagined. Her feelings about him change when Jem realizes that John shares her love of freedom— and will risk his life to defend it.

 

 

I remember reading this book when I was younger, and I just LOVED it. I have always been a historical fiction girl and read tons of it when I was younger. Since I am all about Hamilton the musical right now, I found myself wanting to reread this one as it is set during the Revolutionary War.

 

Jem isn't an easy character to like at first. She's stubborn as all get out and can be quite childish. There are times when I wanted to shake her because she would say things that proved her immaturity. I think that's what I like best about this book though. She might start out that way, but the war, her lessons with her tutor, and the changing world force her to grow up and she ends up being a resilient, strong young woman.

 

I will be very honest. The romance in this book is absolutely my favorite part. I love reading the scenes between Jem and her beau. Hate to love romances are always a favorite of mine, as are forbidden romances. I won't say much more but watching it unfold definitely had me feeling giddy.

 

I adored Jem's brother, Daniel, and their relationship with one another. Jem's relationship with John Reid is quite strained, as it is abominable to her that her family is such good friends with a Tory when they clearly support their right to independence. John could be quite hard on her, but it is his firm hand that really aids in Jem's growing up and learning how to handle future trials.

 

This book does read more juvenile than a normal young adult book, but that didn't bother me too much. I did feel the transition from the last chapter to the epilogue felt a bit off to me though, and I wish that had been fleshed out a bit more.

 

The Girl with the Windup Heart (The Steampunk Chronicles #4)
    by: Kady Cross

Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Steampunk
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 396 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

In 1897 London, a final showdown is about to begin.

London's underworld is no place for a young woman, even one who is strong, smart and part-automaton like Mila. But when master criminal Jack Dandy inadvertently breaks her heart, she takes off, determined to find an independent life, one entirely her own. Her search takes her to the spangled shadows of the West End's most dazzling circus.

Meanwhile, taken captive in the Aether, Griffin King is trapped in an inescapable prison, and at the mercy of his archenemy, The Machinist. If he breaks under the hellish torment, The Machinist will claim his powers and control of the Aether itself, and no one in either world will be safe-especially not Finley Jayne and her misfit band of friends.

Finley plunges headlong into the Aether the only way she knows how, by temporarily dying. But she cannot parry The Machinist's maneuvers for long. To defeat him for good, Griffin will have to confront his greatest fear and finally come face-to-face with the destructive power he wields.

 

 

I have really enjoyed the books in Kady Cross's Steampunk Chronicles, so I don't know why I waited so long to start this final book in the series. While books 1 and 2 were good, I absolutely LOVED these last two. Part of it has to do with Finley and Griffin's relationship and seeing how that has progressed into so much more. They balance one another so very well and I loved seeing them together. I desperately wanted more of them!

 

Each story follows the same set of characters, but features a different character's overarching storyline. This one follows Mila and Jack Dandy and I have to admit I really enjoyed those two. Mila is part automaton like the synopsis says and she is still learning the ways of the world. She may start childlike in essence, but she is incredibly smart and learns quickly. Her and Jack's relationship really surprised me, considering what a cad Dandy is. He likes Mila, but knows he's a scoundrel and she would do better to find someone honorable that could provide her the life she deserves. I liked seeing Mila go off on her own, as it really knocked some sense into Jack. He has his own demons to face and when it came down to it, he finally does what he needs to in order to put those demons to rest.

 

Meanwhile, we have Finley and the gang dealing with The Machinist, who is more dangerous than ever because now he has managed to take Griffin. Griffin has been growing weaker for awhile now and it's not too difficult for the Machinist to use the Aether against him. I admit I thought there would be a bit more action when it came to this storyline, but it ended up getting resolved in the last 10% of the book, which seemed a bit fast. For as much trouble as he had given them, it seemed like it was wrapped up rather easily.

 

I really enjoyed this final book in the series though and am quite happy with how everything played out.

 

 

Always
   by: Lynsay Sands

Publication Date: Nov. 24, 2015
Publisher: Avon Romance
Genre: Historical Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 400 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 2.5/5 stars

New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands returns with the unforgettable story of a reluctant bride and groom who soon find common ground in the bedroom . . .

Bastard daughter to the king, Rosamunde was raised in a convent and wholly prepared to take the veil . . . until King Henry declared she would wed Aric, one of his most valiant knights. Suddenly she found herself promising to love, honor, and obey.

Rosamunde's education had not covered a wedding night, but the handsome warrior she was now bound to seemed intent on giving her a lesson in the art of pleasure. In no time, Aric was certain she would surrender to the irresistible passion he promised.

And while Rosamunde's spirited nature often put her at odds with her new husband, his mastery in seduction was quickly melting her resolve—and capturing her heart.

 

 

I have been excited to dive back into historical romance and I've heard great things about Lynsay Sands' books. Sadly, this one just didn't really do it for me. I never once felt connected to the characters or the story.

 

Rosamunde is King Henry's illegitimate daughter and has been grown up living in an abbey after her mother passed away. She is all set to take her vows, when her father comes and marries her off to Aric, who has just cancelled his own engagement after finding his betrothed with another man. Things get off to a rather awkward start for them, and while the situations were meant to be humorous, they just felt forced and over the top for me.

 

I also felt Rosamunde and Aric's connection was a bit lacking as well. Despite it being an arranged marriage, I would have liked a bit more build up between them. Aric is a gruff, grumpy hero and his constant asinine behavior with Rosamunde, while fun, was a bit much. I hated how he treated her. I understand he'd been burned in the past, but he should have just told her his fears instead of making her feel incompetent.  

 

Overall, this just didn't enthrall me like other historical romances I've recently read have, and I don't think it was one that had an overly spectacular storyline. The sexy times were sizzling though, so I have to say I did enjoy those. I'll try a different Sands book in the future and hope I have better luck with it.

Salt & Storm
   by: Kendall Kulper

Publication Date: Sept. 23, 2014
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Genre: Fantasy/Historical Romance
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: ARC received from BEA
Page Count: 416 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

A sweeping historical romance about a witch who foresees her own murder--and the one boy who can help change her future.

Sixteen-year-old Avery Roe wants only to take her rightful place as the witch of Prince Island, making the charms that keep the island's whalers safe at sea, but her mother has forced her into a magic-free world of proper manners and respectability. When Avery dreams she's to be murdered, she knows time is running out to unlock her magic and save herself.

Avery finds an unexpected ally in a tattooed harpoon boy named Tane--a sailor with magic of his own, who moves Avery in ways she never expected. Becoming a witch might stop her murder and save her island from ruin, but Avery discovers her magic requires a sacrifice she never prepared for.

 

I don't know if it's because I don't read many books in this particular genre or what, but I absolutely loved Salt & Storm. It is beautifully written for one, and I loved diving into a society where the whaling industry was a way of life and the Roe witch was both feared and revered, yet necessary to the town's population. Add in a romance between a young girl who is trying to claim her birthright and a tattooed sailor who has his own strange magic and a story of his own and you've got one heck of a story!

I am still reeling from this book. It is definitely bittersweet and while things may not have played out like I would have wanted, I feel it had to be the way it was. So many events set other events into motion and seeing it all unfold before you was exhilarating and intense, especially knowing fate had a hand in them.

All Avery wants is to be the next Roe witch. After dreaming of her own murder, she must make haste in figuring out how to unlock her own magic before it's game over. However, there are things that Avery has not been told about what it truly means to be a Roe witch. Things that could change everything for her.... She is caught in an impossible situation and I knew that either outcome would break my heart.

Avery is determined and resilient though. I can't even fathom the helplessness she feels after dreaming of her own death. She is the only one who can stop it, but first she has to find a way to see her grandmother in hopes of learning how to unlock her magic. She meets Tane, a tattooed sailor who seeks her out to read his dreams, after being told that she can help him. After discovering Tane has some magic of his own, Avery is desperate for his help, even though her grandmother has warned her of strange magic. She never expects to fall for this beautiful boy and that love would play a role in her journey to becoming who she was born to be.

This is a beautiful story of self-discovery, love and loss, forgiveness and acceptance. I felt like I was transported back into the 19th century myself and could feel Avery's desperation to be who she always thought she would, as well as her struggle to cope with the future she has forseen, but not willing to accept.