My Return to the Walter Boys by Ali Novak (My Life with the Walter Boys book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, My Life with the Walter Boys, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Jackie Howard returns to the Walter ranch after a summer in New York. She needed space—and got it. But she doesn't know where things stand with her and Cole Walter after that goodbye kiss. Over the summer, she stopped texting him. She never stopped thinking about him.

Still, with Cole living off in town to work at Tony's garage before he heads off to college, Jackie thinks it'll be easy to avoid him—only to find that when she sees him face to face at last, it's, well... impossible to resist him. Things are getting complicated: he's the boy she can't get off her mind, and the Walters have become the family she loves and needs. How can Jackie move forward when she's afraid of taking the next step?” - taken from Goodreads.

Jackie has returned to Colorado after spending the summer in New York, trying to deal with the grief over losing her family. Now that she is back, she must come face to face with Cole after their kiss. Except, there have been several changes in the Walter family. As the school year begins, Jackie tries to figure out where her place in the Walter family is with it without Cole in her life.

Visit Ali Novak’s website.

Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye (Blood Scion book 1)

 

“This is what they deserve. They wanted me to be a monster. I will be the worst monster they ever created.

Fifteen-year-old Sloane can incinerate an enemy at will—she is a Scion, a descendant of the ancient Orisha gods.

Under the Lucis’ brutal rule, her identity means her death if her powers are discovered. But when she is forcibly conscripted into the Lucis army on her fifteenth birthday, Sloane sees a new opportunity: to overcome the bloody challenges of Lucis training, and destroy them from within.

Sloane rises through the ranks and gains strength but, in doing so, risks something greater: losing herself entirely, and becoming the very monster that she ahbors.” - taken from Goodreads.

This is not a happy story nor a fantasy book suited for everyone. Sloane Shades' life is hard, especially since her mother's disappearance. When she is drafted into the army at the age of 15, her life is turned upside down. In order to survive, she must kill or be killed. Driven by vengeance, Sloane soon finds herself doing whatever it takes to thrive.

With major secrets revealed and a cliffhanger ending, readers will be left waiting for book two.

Visit Deborah Falaye’s website.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna (Deathless book 1)

“Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.

But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity--and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.

Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. They are called alaki--near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire's greatest threat.

Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she's ever known. But as she journeys to the capital to train for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the great walled city holds many surprises. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be--not even Deka herself.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I really didn't know too much about this book going in except that it has been compared to Children of Blood and Bone. What this girl power fantasy has going for it is its unique story. Deka, who bleeds gold at her purity ceremony, is immediately ostracised by her father and the entire community. Locked in a cellar, Deka is subjected to her death several times over. Deka's life is virtually Immortal. Rescued from her torture by the Lady of Equus, she and another girl, Britta, are taken to a training camp to learn how to defeat the imposing enemy.

Deka lives in a world where males dominate while females are taught to be subservient. She craves to learn more about her mother and the secrets being kept from her. Lots of secrets, intrigue, sisterhood, and a touch of romance, readers will be left in an uproar for the next segment in this trilogy. 

Book two, The Merciless Ones, is due out on April 5, 2022.

Visit Namina Forna’s website.

 

I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee

“Skye Shin has heard it all. Fat girls shouldn’t dance. Wear bright colors. Shouldn’t call attention to themselves. But Skye dreams of joining the glittering world of K-Pop, and to do that, she’s about to break all the rules that society, the media, and even her own mother, have set for girls like her.

She’ll challenge thousands of other performers in an internationally televised competition looking for the next K-pop star, and she’ll do it better than anyone else.

When Skye nails her audition, she’s immediately swept into a whirlwind of countless practices, shocking performances, and the drama that comes with reality TV. What she doesn’t count on are the highly fat-phobic beauty standards of the Korean pop entertainment industry, her sudden media fame and scrutiny, or the sparks that soon fly with her fellow competitor, Henry Cho.

But Skye has her sights on becoming the world’s first plus-sized K-pop star, and that means winning the competition—without losing herself.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Skye Shin is an overweight Korean-American teen. Her mother holds her own strict Korean beliefs about weight towards her daughter. Skye goes against her mother's wishes and makes both the dance and vocal portions of a K-Pop star search contest. It's not an easy road as Skye  comes up against a judge who has the same opinions as her mother. Finding herself at the center of a worldwide stage, can Skye succeed in changing people’s minds about body image? An uplifting read. 

Visit Lyla Lee’s website.

 

Daughters of Jubilation by Kara Lee Corthron

 

“Follow a black teen as she finds her place among a family of women gifted with magical abilities.

In the Jim Crow South, white supremacy reigns and tensions are high. But Evalene Deschamps has other things to worry about. She has two little sisters to look after, an overworked single mother, and a longtime crush who is finally making a move.

On top of all that, Evvie’s magic abilities are growing stronger by the day. Her family calls it jubilation—a gift passed down from generations of black women since the time of slavery. And as Evvie’s talents waken, something dark comes loose and threatens to resurface…

And when the demons of Evvie’s past finally shake free, she must embrace her mighty lineage, and summon the power that lies within her.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I had high hopes for this book but was only slightly disappointed by the fantasy aspects. This story leaned more towards the historical uncurrent of being an African American living in South Carolina in 1962, the height of the Jim Crow era. I plowed through the book to see how Evalene would master her abilities at jubilation(magic). Unfortunately, the ending broke my heart.

Visit Kara Lee Corthron’s website.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Inheritance Games book 1)

 

“She came from nothing. They have everything. Let the games begin.”

“Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why--or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch--and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes.

Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic, brilliant boys who grew up with every expectation that one day, they would inherit billions. Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a con-woman, and he's determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather's last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I picked up this book because it was the reading selection for a book group that I am in. I'm absolutely glad that I did. Full of mysteries, secrets, and puzzles, the reader follows Avery Grambs as she tries to discover why Tobias Hawthorne left his billion-dollar fortune to her instead of giving it to his own family. It also doesn't help that it seems someone is out to kill her and she doesn't know who to trust. Without giving too much away, readers will be shocked by the ending reveal and we'll have to wait until book two to find out why Avery inherited the vast Hawthorne fortune.

The story will continue with book two, The Hawthorne Legacy, to be published on September 16, 2021.

Visit Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ website.

Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer

 

“Chronic overachiever Prudence Barnett is always quick to cast judgment on the lazy, rude, and arrogant residents of her coastal town. Her dreams of karmic justice are fulfilled when, after a night out with her friends, she wakes up with the sudden ability to cast instant karma on those around her. Pru giddily makes use of the power, punishing everyone from public vandals to karaoke hecklers, but there is one person on whom her powers consistently backfire: Quint Erickson, her slacker of a lab partner and all-around mortal enemy. Soon, Pru begins to uncover truths about Quint, her peers, and even herself that reveal how thin the line is between virtue and vanity, generosity and greed . . . love and hate.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Beatle fans, prepare for your time to shine. Prudence Barnett is a chronic overachiever who has had to endure marine biology with laid-back Qulint Erickson. Unhappy with the grade on their final project, Pru attempts to find a way to improve her grade with or without Quint’s help. When a fall in a restaurant leaves her with a slight lump on her head, Pru soon realizes that she has the power to impart bad Karma on those around her she feels are deserving, except for Quint. As she begins to further research for their project, Prudence soon learns that she has vastly underestimated Quint Erickson. She soon finds herself not only involved with the local marine animal rescue center but with Quint himself.

A fun, uplifting story about how not everything is what it seems and the true meaning of karmic justice. 

Visit Marissa Meyer’s website. 

Chosen by Kiersten White (Slayer book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Slayer, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Nina continues to learn how to use her slayer powers against enemies old and new in this second novel in the New York Times bestselling series from Kiersten White, set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Now that Nina has turned the Watcher’s Castle into a utopia for hurt and lonely demons, she’s still waiting for the utopia part to kick in. With her sister Artemis gone and only a few people remaining at the castle—including her still-distant mother—Nina has her hands full. Plus, though she gained back her Slayer powers from Leo, they’re not feeling quite right after being held by the seriously evil succubus Eve, a.k.a. fake Watcher’s Council member and Leo’s mom.

And while Nina is dealing with the darkness inside, there’s also a new threat on the outside, portended by an odd triangle symbol that seems to be popping up everywhere, in connection with Sean’s demon drug ring as well as someone a bit closer to home. Because one near-apocalypse just isn’t enough, right?

The darkness always finds you. And once again, it’s coming for the Slayer.” - taken from Goodreads.com

A satisfying conclusion to Nina’s story.

Visit Kiersten White’s website.

Slayer by Kiersten White (Slayer book 1)

“Into every generation a Slayer is born…

Nina and her twin sister, Artemis, are far from normal. It’s hard to be when you grow up at the Watcher’s Academy, which is a bit different from your average boarding school. Here teens are trained as guides for Slayers—girls gifted with supernatural strength to fight the forces of darkness. But while Nina’s mother is a prominent member of the Watcher’s Council, Nina has never embraced the violent Watcher lifestyle. Instead she follows her instincts to heal, carving out a place for herself as the school medic.

Until the day Nina’s life changes forever.

Thanks to Buffy, the famous (and infamous) Slayer that Nina’s father died protecting, Nina is not only the newest Chosen One—she’s the last Slayer, ever. Period.

As Nina hones her skills with her Watcher-in-training, Leo, there’s plenty to keep her occupied: a monster fighting ring, a demon who eats happiness, a shadowy figure that keeps popping up in Nina’s dreams…

But it’s not until bodies start turning up that Nina’s new powers will truly be tested—because someone she loves might be next.

One thing is clear: Being Chosen is easy. Making choices is hard.”- taken from Goodreads.com

I have a confession to make I have never seen Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Neither the movie nor a single episode of the television series. I blame college and grad school for this lapse. Even without the background knowledge of the Buffyverse, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Just like Nina, I wasn't sure who to believe or trust until the shocking end.

Thank goodness that Nina's story concludes with book two, Chosen that is already out.

Visit Kiersten White’s website.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Avecedo

“A young girl in Harlem discovers slam poetry as a way to understand her mother’s religion and her own relationship to the world.

Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.

But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers—especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about. With Mami’s determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself.

So when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out, much less speak her words out loud. But still, she can’t stop thinking about performing her poems.

Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent.” taken from Goodreads.com

My students know that I’m not a fan of poetry but any free verse novel that I do “read”, I actually listen to. The Poet X had caught my attention when it was first published but I didn’t pick it up until just now when I listened to the audio version read by the author. Elizabeth Acevedo is a National Poetry Slam Champion and brings her words literally to life. An absolutely heartbreaking yet encouraging read about Xiomara and her struggles with her domineering mother. The author is also an audiobook narrator for other author’s novels. This will definitely not be my last listen by the author.

Visit Elizabeth Avecedo’s website.

The Queen's Resistance by Rebecca Ross (The Queen's Rising book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Queen’s Rising, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first book.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher of the first book.

“Finally, Brienna is a mistress of knowledge and is settling into her role as the daughter of Davin MacQuinn, a disgraced lord who returned to Maevana to reclaim his house. Though she’d just survived a revolution, one that will finally return a queen to the throne, she faces another difficult challenge. She must prove herself trustworthy to the MacQuinns. But as Queen Isolde Kavanagh’s closest confidant, she’ll have to balance serving her father’s house as well as her country. And then there’s Cartier, a wholly separate but desirable factor in her new life.

Aodhan Morgane, formerly known as Cartier Évariste, is adjusting to the stark contrast between his pre-rebellion life in Valenia as a master of knowledge and his current one as the lord of a fallen house. During his castle’s restoration, he discovers a ten-year-old boy named Tomas, whose past and parentage are a complete mystery. So when Cartier’s former pupil Brienna is as taken with Tomas as he is, he lets his mind wander—what if he doesn’t have to raise him or his house alone?

As the Lannon trial rapidly approaches, Brienna and Cartier must put their feelings aside to concentrate on forging alliances, executing justice, and ensuring that no one interferes with the queen’s coronation. But resistance is rumbling among the old regime’s supporters, who are desperate to find a weakness in the rebels’ forces. And nothing makes a person more vulnerable than deep-seated love.” - taken from Goodreads.com

WOW! I loved The Queen’s Rising and was super excited to learn that Brienna’s story would be continuing. What I wasn’t expecting was to love the second book even more. Brienna’s story really amps up as she and her friends and family try to rebuild their lives and place Isolde on the throne. Never an easy path, many shocking twists and turns occur along the way to a satisfying ending.

Visit Rebecca Ross’ website.

The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston (Once Upon a Con book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! This is a companion story that takes place one year after Geekerella. While it’s not necessary to read the previous book first, I wouldn’t want to spoil any of the details for you. 

“The Prince and the Pauper gets a modern makeover in this adorable, witty, and heartwarming young adult novel set in the Geekerella universe by national bestselling author Ashley Poston.

Imogen Lovelace is an ordinary fangirl on an impossible mission: save her favorite character, Princess Amara, from being killed off from her favorite franchise, Starfield. The problem is, Jessica Stone—the actress who plays Princess Amara—wants nothing more than to leave the intense scrutiny of the fandom behind. If this year's ExcelsiCon isn't her last, she'll consider her career derailed.

When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible. That's easier said than done when the girls step into each other's shoes and discover new romantic possibilities, as well as the other side of intense fandom. As these "princesses" race to find the script-leaker, they must rescue themselves from their own expectations, and redefine what it means to live happily ever after.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I adored Geekerella and was excited to dive back into the series with the next book. Told a year later at ExcelsiCon, one month has passed since the premiere of the Starfield movie. This book’s story features Darien Freedman’s costar, Jessica Stone, aka Princess Amara. A spin on the Mark Twain story, The Prince and the Pauper, Jess switches places with her newfound doppelganger, Imogen Lovelace, during the Con. The hilarity that ensues is really about Jess and Mo discovering who they really are and being okay with it.

The third book in the series is expected in 2020, focusing on a new character set in a Beauty and the Beast retelling.

Visit Ashley Poston’s website.

Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller

“How do you kill a god?

As her father's chosen heir, eighteen-year-old Rasmira has trained her whole life to become a warrior and lead her village. But when her coming-of-age trial is sabotaged and she fails the test, her father banishes her to the monster-filled wilderness with an impossible quest: to win back her honour, she must kill the oppressive god who claims tribute from the villages each year or die trying.” - taken from Goodreads.com 

Once again, Ms. Levenseller crafts a flawed but preserving female heroine who stands up for what she believes in. In this standalone novel, Rasmira has everything going for her until the day she is betrayed and banished from her village. Set forth with what seems to be an impossible task, to kill an unrelenting god, Rasmira is determined to get back to her five sisters. Meeting two boys who were banished from a neighboring village, the three devise a plan to complete their tasks.

This was a book I quickly read to see how Rasmira and the boys fared. I can not wait to see what this author publishes next.

Visit Tricia Levenseller’s website.

Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss by Kasie West

"Lacey Barnes has dreamt of being in a movie for as long as she can remember. However, while her dream did include working alongside the hottest actor in Hollywood, it didn’t involve having to finish up her senior year of high school at the same time she was getting her big break. Although that is nothing compared to Donavan, the straight-laced student her father hires to tutor her, who is a full-on nightmare.

As Lacey struggles to juggle her burgeoning career, some on-set sabotage, and an off-screen romance with the unlikeliest of leading men, she quickly learns that sometimes the best stories happen when you go off script." - taken from Goodreads.com

I literally devoured this book because I just couldn’t put it down. Lacey Barnes, a high school senior and actress, is on the set of her very first movie. Away from home and living with her single dad, he is bound and determined to keep Lacey grounded while she is on set. Enter Donovan Lake, the cute tutor that her dad hired to help Lacey with her school work. Neither wants to become involved with the other and here is where the magic takes place. While figuring out her feelings and trying to act on them, Lacey also realizes that someone is sabotaging the movie set. With Donovan and the help of both old and new friends, Lacey sets out to stop the perpetrator and keep her career on the right track.

A true slow burn romance, this latest Kasie West book is now one of my favorites from her. 

Visit Kasie West’s website.

The Way You Make Me Feel by Maureen Goo

“Love has a way of finding you.”

“Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind?” - taken from Goodreads.com

This is another book that I pulled off of my TBR pile and I literally devoured it in days. Clara Shin is a prankster and pulls the ultimate prank when she is crowned Junior Prom Queen by reenacting the blood scene from Carrie. Getting into a fight with Rose Carver, her enemy, a fire breaks out, putting an end to prom. To compensate for the damaged cafeteria, Clara's dad makes her work on his Korean Brazilian food truck over the summer. Rose's parents think that this is a good idea and make her work on the KoBra as well 

Slowly, Clara and Rose learn to work together and discover that their perceptions of one another are false. In Clara's life is turned upside down when a cute boy named Hamlet enters her life. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of two girls and their burgeoning friendship. The romance play as a secondary part in the story.

Visit Maureen Goo’s website.

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen book 4)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first three books in the series, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first three books.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher of the first three books.

Check out Epic Reads if you need a recap of the series. 

“VICTORY COMES AT A PRICE.

Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven’s head.

But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal’s powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything—and everyone—in his path.

War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?

In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard’s stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power… for all will be tested, but not all will survive. “ - taken from Goodreads.com

I'm not really sure what to say about the enormous ending to Mare Barrow’s story without giving anything away. The majority of the 657 pages are told from Mare’s point of view but Evangeline Samos and Iris Cygnet also provide glimpses into the story as well. By the middle of the book, both Calore brothers, Cal and Maven and their thoughts chime in. I enjoyed the story even though it took me a while to find time to read it. At first, I was disappointed by the lack of closure. After thinking about one particular scene, my questions about our characters have doubled.

Although Goodreads lists a forthcoming short story collection, no other information is given. True fans will be hoping that Aveyard will wrap up a few of the loose ends and maybe provide a couple of backstories.

Visit Victoria Aveyard’s website.

Love, Life, and the List by Kasie West

“Seventeen-year-old Abby Turner’s summer isn’t going the way she’d planned. She has a not-so-secret but definitely unrequited crush on her best friend, Cooper. She hasn’t been able to manage her mother’s growing issues with anxiety. And now she’s been rejected from an art show because her work “has no heart.” So when she gets another opportunity to show her paintings Abby isn’t going to take any chances.

Which is where the list comes in.

Abby gives herself one month to do ten things, ranging from face a fear (#3) to learn a stranger’s story (#5) to fall in love (#8). She knows that if she can complete the list she’ll become the kind of artist she’s always dreamed of being. But as the deadline approaches, Abby realizes that getting through the list isn’t as straightforward as it seems… and that maybe—just maybe—she can’t change her art if she isn’t first willing to change herself.

This is the first in a set of three standalone books with crossover characters.” - taken from Goodreads.com 

Abby Turner's plans are turned upside down when two of her friend foursome will be gone for the summer. She is left with her best friend Cooper, who happens to be her unrequited crush. When Cooper gets a new girlfriend, her mom's anxiety disorder worsens, and her artwork is turned down for a show, Abby decided to take matters into her own hands. She makes a list of things to do to emotionally grow so that it will show in her paintings and hopefully get her into the show.

Coercing Cooper into helping her with her list, Abby decides that maybe she can find the courage to admit her feelings for him. The romance was incredibly slow as a Bee grows emotionally not my normal a quick Kasie West read but the ending of this book really paid off.

With this book the first in a trio of crossover stories, I cannot wait to see who pops up in the next title.

Visit Kasie West’s website.

Ever the Brave by Erin Summerill (Clash of Kingdoms book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Ever the Hunted, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Ever the Divided. Ever the Feared. Ever the Brave

After saving King Aodren with her newfound Channeler powers, Britta only wants to live a peaceful life in her childhood home. Unfortunately, saving the King has created a tether between them she cannot sever, no matter how much she'd like to, and now he's insisting on making her a noble lady. And there are those who want to use Britta’s power for evil designs. If Britta cannot find a way to harness her new magical ability, her life—as well as her country—may be lost.

The stakes are higher than ever in the sequel to Ever the Hunted, as Britta struggles to protect her kingdom and her heart. - taken from Goodreads.com

In this conclusion to Britta’s story, the action picks up quickly from the first book. The story is told in three different points of view; Britta, Cohen, and Aodren. With the bond broken between her and Cohen, Britta must deal with her new bond to Aodren now that she has saved his life. As the battle for Malam grows, Britta discovers that what she knows about her life isn't the truth. Her world is turned upside down as struggles to learn who she truly is.

Needless to say, the book was an excellent wrap up to Britta’s story. The next book, Once a King,will be out on December 14th, 2018 and will be the third book in the series focusing on Lirra and Aodren.

Visit Erin Summerill’s website.

The Ship Beyond Time by Heidi Heilig (The Girl From Everywhere book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Girl From Everywhere, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher on the first book.

“Some things should not be stolen.”

“Nix has escaped her past, but when the person she loves most is at risk, even the daughter of a time traveler may not be able to outrun her fate—no matter where she goes.

Nix has spent her whole life journeying to places both real and imagined aboard her time-traveling father’s ship. And now it’s finally time for her to take the helm. Her father has given up his obsession to save her mother—and possibly erase Nix’s existence—and Nix’s future lies bright before her. Until she learns that she is destined to lose the one she loves. But her relationship with Kash—best friend, thief, charmer extraordinaire—is only just beginning. How can she bear to lose him? How can she bear to become as adrift and alone as her father?

Desperate to change her fate, Nix takes her crew to a mythical utopia to meet another Navigator who promises to teach her how to manipulate time. But everything in this utopia is constantly changing, and nothing is what it seems—not even her relationship with Kash. Nix must grapple with whether anyone can escape her destiny, her history, her choices. Heidi Heilig weaves fantasy, history, and romance together to tackle questions of free will, fate, and what it means to love another person. But at the center of this adventure are the extraordinary, multifaceted, and multicultural characters that leap off the page, and an intricate, recognizable world that has no bounds.” - taken From Goodreads.com

I know I was in a reading slump when I picked this book up. It took me way longer than usual to finish. I liked the story and reading from Kashmir’s point of view. The last 100 pages had me gripped but I did feel like the ending was rushed. The mix of real life characters from history and legend was great but I was left with a few questions at the end.

Visit Heidi Heilig’s website.

Long Way Home by Katie McGarry (Thunder Road book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! Readers of the first two books in the Thunder Road series have already met Violet and Chevy. Fans of Isaiah and Rachel from Crash Into You play a part of in this story.

“Seventeen-year-old Violet has always been expected to sit back and let the boys do all the saving.

It’s the code her father, a member of the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, raised her to live by. Yet when her dad is killed carrying out Terror business, Violet knows it’s up to her to do the saving. To protect herself, and her vulnerable younger brother, she needs to cut all ties with the club—including Chevy, the boy she’s known and loved her whole life.
But when a rival club comes after Violet, exposing old secrets and making new threats, she’s forced to question what she thought she knew about her father, the Reign of Terror, and what she thinks she wants. Which means re-evaluating everything: love, family, friends . . . and forgiveness. Caught in the crosshairs between loyalty and freedom, Violet must decide whether old friends can be trusted—and if she’s strong enough to be the one person to save them all.” - taken from Goodreads.com This is an incredible end to not only the Thunder Road trilogy but provides some insight to Isaiah Walker’s story from the Pushing the Limits series. The major hint that is dropped near the end of his story in Take Me On is revealed. Fans will devour this story to see how things work out for everyone.
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