Blog Tour Review: Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan

So excited to be sharing this book with you today. Once in a while I come across something that is so different from all the others out there and it's so much fun when that happens and of course, when it does, I want to tell everyone about it. 

Wicked Saints is one such book. Dark, mysterious, original, unique, so many wonderful things about it and if I could make everyone pick up a copy of it, I would. 

Title: Wicked Saints

Author: Emily A. Duncan

Published by: Wednesday Books (April 2, 2019)

Genre: YA Dark Fantasy

Series: Book One in the Something Dark and Holy

Book Description:

A girl who can speak to gods must save her people without destroying herself.

A prince in danger must decide who to trust.

A boy with a monstrous secret waits in the wings. 

Together, they must assassinate the king and stop the war.

In a centuries-long war where beauty and brutality meet, their three paths entwine in a shadowy world of spilled blood and mysterious saints, where a forbidden romance threatens to tip the scales between dark and light. Wicked Saints is the thrilling start to Emily A. Duncan’s devastatingly Gothic Something Dark and Holy trilogy..

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About the Author:

Emily A. Duncan was born and raised in Ohio and works as a youth services librarian. She received a Master’s degree in library science from Kent State University, which mostly taught her how to find obscure Slavic folklore texts through interlibrary loan systems. When not reading or writing, she enjoys playing copious amounts of video games and dungeons and dragons. She is represented by Thao Le of the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

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Wicked Saints is a book that I am so very glad I took a chance on. From the gorgeous eye drawing cover to the alluring synopsis, it truly lived up to both. 

Fast paced and completely unique I was sucked in from the very first bloody chapter. And that blood, that darkness, it continued throughout the whole story and I couldn't of been happier about it.

To say I was intrigued with this story is an understatement. It consumed me with it's brilliance, it's uniqueness, and with its utterly engaging storyline. I just couldn't get enough. Things were put on hold, phone calls ignored and pages were turned faster than they ever have before. 

The lies, the deceit, the conspiracies. The blood. Truly a stand out read unlike most in the genre and one that I soon won't be forgetting and will be eagerly awaiting for the next.  

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Blog Tour Review: In Another Life by C.C. Hunter

Title: In Another Life

Author: C.C. Hunter

Series: Stand Alone

Published By: Wednesday Books (March 26, 2019)

Source: ARC provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Book Description:

Chloe was three years old when she became Chloe Holden, but her adoption didn’t scar her, and she’s had a great life. Now, fourteen years later, her loving parents’ marriage has fallen apart and her mom has moved them to Joyful, Texas. Starting twelfth grade as the new kid at school, everything Chloe loved about her life is gone. And feelings of déjà vu from her early childhood start haunting her.

When Chloe meets Cash Colton she feels drawn to him, as though they're kindred spirits. Until Cash tells her the real reason he sought her out: Chloe looks exactly like the daughter his foster parents lost years ago, and he’s determined to figure out the truth.

As Chloe and Cash delve deeper into her adoption, the more things don’t add up, and the more strange things start happening. Why is Chloe’s adoption a secret that people would kill for?

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About the Author:

C. C. Hunter is the New York Times bestselling author of over thirty-five books, including her wildly popular Shadow Falls and Shadow Falls: After Dark series. In addition to winning numerous awards and rave reviews for her novels, C.C. is also a photojournalist, motivational speaker, and writing coach. In February 2018, Wednesday Books will publish her contemporary young adult and hardcover debut, This Heart of Mine. And the first book of her new paranormal young adult series, The Mortician's Daughter: One Foot in the Grave was released on October 31st 2017. C. C. currently resides in Texas with her husband, junkyard dog, Lady, and whatever wild creatures that meander out from woods surrounding home.

C.C. Hunter is a pseudonym. Her real name is Christie Craig and she also writes humorous romantic suspense romance novels.

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Hunter is known for writing fun interesting stories that know how to hold your attention. In Another Life is no different.

I was looking forward to a good mystery, a little intrigue and a nice sweet romance. And while I did get all of these things, I didn't quite get as much of the mystery/thriller aspect I was hoping I would, but that is okay because this story still managed to hold my attention and keep me turning the pages. 

The romance was sweet and the mystery, while predictable was still a fun element to the story that added depth and entertainment and again was engaging enough to keep me reading and having a fun time. 

While maybe not my favorite story of the author's, still a fun one to read on a long weekend to just get away for a bit and fans will be sure to enjoy.  

Review: Smoke and Key by Kelsey Sutton

Title: Smoke and Key
Author: Kelsey Sutton
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: YA Fantasy
Published By: Entangled Teen (April 2, 2019)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!


Book Description:
A sound awakens her. There's darkness all around. And then she's falling...

She has no idea who or where she is. Or why she's dead. The only clue to her identity hangs around her neck: a single rusted key. This is how she and the others receive their names—from whatever belongings they had when they fell out of their graves. Under is a place of dirt and secrets, and Key is determined to discover the truth of her past in order to escape it.

She needs help, but who can she trust? Ribbon seems content in Under, uninterested in finding answers. Doll’s silence hints at deep sorrow, which could be why she doesn't utter a word. There's Smoke, the boy with a fierceness that rivals even the living. And Journal, who stays apart from everyone else. Key's instincts tell her there is something remarkable about each of them, even if she can't remember why.


Then the murders start; bodies that are burnt to a crisp. After being burned, the dead stay dead. Key is running out of time to discover who she was—and what secret someone is willing to kill to keep hidden—before she becomes the next victim… 

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If there is one thing I love more in this genre than anything else, it is originality and Smoke and Key is packed full of it. 

It is utterly unique and utterly engaging. From the very first creeptastic chapter I was hooked and couldn't wait to read more.

I absolutely loved the imaginative world of the Under. The characters, the setting, how it all came about slowly through memories and trials. Truly this story was so well done and so irresistible and hard to put down. A truly imaginative take and a breath of fresh air in the YA genre. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Review: The Deepest Blue by Sarah Beth Durst

Title: The Deepest Blue
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: YA Fantasy
Published By: Harper Voyager (March 19, 2019)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
The natural magic of the classic The Island of the Blue Dolphins meets the danger and courage of The Hunger Games in this dazzling, intricate stand-alone fantasy novel set in award-winning author Sarah Beth Durst’s beloved world of Renthia.

Life is precious and precarious on the islands of Belene. Besieged by a capricious ocean full of malicious spirits, the people of the islands seek joy where they can. Mayara, one of the island’s fearless oyster divers, has found happiness in love. But on the day of her wedding to the artist Kelo, a spirit-driven storm hits the island with deadly force.

To save her loved ones, Mayara reveals a dangerous secret: she has the power to control the spirits. When the storm ends, she is taken into custody by the queen’s soldiers and imprisoned with other women like her.


They vary in age and social status, but to many they are heroes who will aide the country or witches that will sacrifice themselves trying. No matter who they are, the women are sent to a terrifying place—an island filled with bloodthirsty nature spirits, and left without food, water, shelter, or any tools except their own instincts and magic. Whoever survives the Island of Testing will be declared heirs to the queen. But no matter if she wins or loses, Mayara knows that the life she dreamed of is gone.

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Even though I haven't read the original trilogy to this series, I am familiar with Ms. Durst writing and I just knew I would be able to jump right in and have no issues at all. I do love being right! 

Not being familiar with how the trilogy ended I was a bit worried I wouldn't get a feel for the world that Durst created, however, after the first few chapters she quickly put my mind at ease with her detail to characters and her setting. I felt like I was stepping into a brand new book, not a continued series. I had no trouble at all quickly becoming immersed in the imaginative and creative world that is this series.

Full of spirits and demons, monsters of both the supernatural and human kind and love story and family ties that defies them all, this was such an easy story to get caught up in. Fantasy or not, I could easily picture it all. From the islands to the ocean, I was right there with them through the whole journey. 

It truly was original and fun and makes me want to go back and read it all over again, but this time starting from the very first book. 

Truly a fun and magic filled ride that I don't regret jumping blindly into. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Review: Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett

Title: Serious Moonlight
Author: Jenn Bennett
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: YA Contemporary
Published By: Simon Pulse (April 16, 2019)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange of an honest review)
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
After an awkward first encounter, Birdie and Daniel are forced to work together in a Seattle hotel where a famous author leads a mysterious and secluded life in this romantic contemporary novel from the author of Alex, Approximately.

Mystery-book aficionado Birdie Lindberg has an overactive imagination. Raised in isolation and homeschooled by strict grandparents, she’s cultivated a whimsical fantasy life in which she plays the heroic detective and every stranger is a suspect. But her solitary world expands when she takes a job the summer before college, working the graveyard shift at a historic Seattle hotel.

In her new job, Birdie hopes to blossom from introverted dreamer to brave pioneer, and gregarious Daniel Aoki volunteers to be her guide. The hotel’s charismatic young van driver shares the same nocturnal shift and patronizes the waterfront Moonlight Diner where she waits for the early morning ferry after work. Daniel also shares her appetite for intrigue, and he’s stumbled upon a real-life mystery: a famous reclusive writer—never before seen in public—might be secretly meeting someone at the hotel.


To uncover the writer’s puzzling identity, Birdie must come out of her shell…discovering that most confounding mystery of all may be her growing feelings for the elusive riddle that is Daniel.

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Is there anything better than a Jenn Bennett book with all her quirky characters, irresistible friendships, and swoon worthy romances?

There might be but you will be hard pressed to find them! 

I adore Jenn's book, I mean, honestly, who doesn't that has tried them? They are so much fun. They are real, raw, and so very very addicting. 

And as weird as it may sound, I love that in all of them, there is always a very strong adult presence. Whether a parent, guardian, loved one, someone. You don't find that very often in YA period and I love that her's are always there, cheering her characters on, supporting them and most of all, just being there, involved in their lives. 

This was such a cute and fun read. Filled with mystery, a sweet romance, and some very real, very tough social, emotional, and even physical issues and I loved it for it. 

Once again Jenn shows why she writes so well in this genre. Why her books stand out and why they are ones I will always be auto buying. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Blog Tour Review: A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn

I absolutely adore not only Raybourn's writing but this series. It truly is a stand out favorite and I'm so excited to tell you that her latest installment is by far, the best yet. So much fun. If you haven't tried this series yet you are missing out and need to grab a copy. You will have so much fun!

Title: A Dangerous Collaboration 

Author: Deanna Raybourn

Series: Book Four in the Veronica Speedwell Series

Published By: Berkley (March 12, 2019)

Genre: Historical Mystery

Source: ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Book Description:

Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell is whisked off to a remote island off the tip of Cornwall when her natural historian colleague Stoker's brother calls in a favor. On the pretext of wanting a companion to accompany him to Lord Malcolm Romilly's house party, Tiberius persuades Veronica to pose as his fiancée--much to Stoker's chagrin. But upon arriving, it becomes clear that the party is not as innocent as it had seemed. Every invited guest has a connection to Romilly's wife, Rosamund, who disappeared on her wedding day three years ago, and a dramatic dinner proves she is very much on her husband's mind.

As spectral figures, ghostly music, and mysterious threats begin to plague the partygoers, Veronica enlists Stoker's help to discover the host's true motivations. And as they investigate, it becomes clear that there are numerous mysteries surrounding the Romilly estate, and every person present has a motive to kill Rosamund...

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About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Deanna Raybourn is a 6th-generation native Texan. She graduated with a double major in English and history from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of one, Raybourn makes her home in Virginia. Her novels have been nominated for numerous awards including five RITAs, two RT Reviewers’ Choice awards, the Agatha, two Dilys Winns, a Last Laugh, and three du Mauriers. Her Lady Julia Grey novels are currently in development as a television series in the UK and she launched a new Victorian mystery series with the 2015 release of A CURIOUS BEGINNING, featuring intrepid butterfly-hunter and amateur sleuth, Veronica Speedwell. Veronica’s second adventure is A PERILOUS UNDERTAKING (January 2017), and book three, A TREACHEROUS CURSE, was published in January 2018. A DANGEROUS COLLABORATION will be released in March 2019. Further books in the Veronica Speedwell series are contracted through 2020.

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Is there truly anything better than a tantalizing mystery and a slow burn romance all set in England during the 19th century?

Maybe but you would be hard pressed to find it!

The Veronical Speedwell series is just so much fun. It has been a favorite of mine since the very first book and the stories, the mysteries, the characters and the romance aspect, just keep getting better and better. 

Raybourn is an amazing writer with the ability to create a heroine that rivals any era but her headstrong, smart, ambitious and very determined and sometimes sassy heroines of the 19th century, are by far my favorite. Add in her thrilling mysteries that keep you on your toes and a romance/friendship that is every bit as delicious and you have an irresistible read that is so very hard to put down.

Her latest set in a castle on a very secluded island shrouded with forklore, legends, and mysteries in and of itself and you truly have a mouthwatering read that will keep you eagerly turning the pages and refusing to put it down. 

Add in a touch of sexual tension, murder, and the shenanigans that Veronica always manages to find herself in, the sexy gruffness that is Stoker,  and this was truly my favorite yet. So stinking good and it just made me want the next book that much more. 

Review: The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner

Title: The Last Year of the War

Author: Susan Meissner
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Historical
Published By: Berkley (March 19, 2019)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review.)
My Rating:  5 Solid Stars!!


Book Description:
Elise Sontag is a typical Iowa fourteen-year-old in 1943--aware of the war but distanced from its reach. Then her father, a legal U.S. resident for nearly two decades, is suddenly arrested on suspicion of being a Nazi sympathizer. The family is sent to an internment camp in Texas, where, behind the armed guards and barbed wire, Elise feels stripped of everything beloved and familiar, including her own identity.


The only thing that makes the camp bearable is meeting fellow internee Mariko Inoue, a Japanese-American teen from Los Angeles, whose friendship empowers Elise to believe the life she knew before the war will again be hers. Together in the desert wilderness, Elise and Mariko hold tight the dream of being young American women with a future beyond the fences. 

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Absolutely breathtaking. Beautifully told and so heartbreaking lovely, The Last Year of the War is a book that will not only open your eyes but touch your soul.

Poignant, heart wrenching, and so very moving, it is a book that I am so very glad I took the time to read. 

Meissner has always impressed me with her beautifully written and thought out stories but she truly stunned with this The Last Year of the War.

I can't even begin to explain how touching this story was and how much it both moved and resonated with me. 

One I will soon not be forgetting and one I know I will be thinking on for days, weeks, maybe even months after. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Review: Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young

Title: Girls With Sharp Sticks
Author: Suzanne Young
Series: Book One in the Girls With Sharp Sticks Series
Genre: YA Fantasy
Published By: Simon Pulse (March 19, 2019)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!

Book Description:
The Girls of Innovations Academy are beautiful and well-behaved—it says so on their report cards. Under the watchful gaze of their Guardians, the all-girl boarding school offers an array of studies and activities, from “Growing a Beautiful and Prosperous Garden” to “Art Appreciation” and “Interior Design.” The girls learn to be the best society has to offer. Absent is the difficult math coursework, or the unnecessary sciences or current events. They are obedient young ladies, free from arrogance or defiance. Until Mena starts to realize that their carefully controlled existence may not be quite as it appears.


As Mena and her friends begin to uncover the dark secrets of what’s actually happening there—and who they really are—the girls of Innovations will find out what they are truly capable of. Because some of the prettiest flowers have the sharpest thorns.

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I always adore Suzanne Young's writing because her books are imaginative, dark, and always completely unique. 

When I saw Girls With Sharp Sticks I knew that I needed it and most of all, I knew that I was in for quite the treat and quite the ride. 

Girls With Sharp Sticks is like the school for Stepford Wives. Where they are grown and cultivated and...well brainwashed. It was horrifyingly fascinating and I couldn't get enough of it with, after each chapter, things started to get clearer about exactly what the Academy was and what they were doing. 

I swayed back and forth between being sick about what I was actually reading and being completely enthralled that such a thing was being taught and that worst of all, the girls didn't know any better. 

This story. I really don't even know where to begin other than it was pure genius mixed in with some sci fi angles, ruthlessness, and pure delight. It truly kept me so entertained, turning the pages in both revulsion and in pure fascination. I couldn't get enough.

I am so excited for the next book. I am not ready to say goodbye to this terrifying world Young created nor the head strong girls that ruled this book. The girl power was simply amazing and I adored it. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher.  was not compensated for this review.*

Promotional Post and Giveaway: The Revenge of Magic by James Riley

Today the fun and highly anticipated middle grade fantasy story, The Revenge of Magic releases and to celebrate I have a giveaway to offer one lucky US winner!

This story looks so fun and cute and something that I think anyone will love!

Title: The Revenge of Magic

Author: James Riley

Series: Book One in the Revenge of Magic Series

Published By: Aladdin (March 5, 2019)

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Book Description:

From New York Times bestselling author of Story Thieves James Riley comes the first book in his epic new series THE REVENGE OF MAGIC (Aladdin | On sale March 5, 2019)! When long-dead magical creatures are discovered all around the world, each buried with a book of magic, only children can unlock the dangerous power of the books. THE REVENGE OF MAGIC has been option by Stampede Ventures.

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About the Author:

James Riley is the New York Times bestelling author of the HALF UPON A TIME series, the STORY THIEVES series, and the REVENGE OF MAGIC series. Contrary to what previous biographies have stated, he is a) real and b) not the character Nobody from his STORY THIEVES books. Where would people even get that idea? (Spoiler: From him. He totally made it sound like he really was Nobody. He thought it’d be funny. We’re sorry.) 

He was born in Connecticut, where he lived for only a short time before moving to … well, quite a few states. He currently lives in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C., because that’s where his cats are. He has four of them. Other people think that’s a bit much. 

James is currently working on getting REVENGE OF MAGIC books out every six months, so he might be a little busy. But feel free to e-mail him with questions at jamesrileythatwriterguy@gmail.com, or ask on his blog. You can also write to him through the mail, but he takes FOREVER to get back to you that way, so he really does suggest e-mail instead. Still, if you want to risk it, send letters to him at:

James Riley
c/o Aladdin Publicity Department 
Simon & Schuster, Inc. 
1230 Avenue of the Americas 
New York, NY 10020 

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