Review: Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Thicker Than Water
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Stand Alone/Possible Series
Published By: Kensington Books (December 29, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Paranormal/Fantasy
My Rating: 3 Stars


Book Description:
On his own

Thomas Bellweather hasn’t been in town long. Just long enough for his newlywed mother to be murdered, and for his new stepdad’s cop colleagues to decide Thomas is the primary suspect.

Not that there’s any evidence. But before Thomas got to Garretts Mill there had just been one other murder in twenty years. 

The only person who believes him is Charlotte Rooker, little sister to three cops and, with her soft hands and sweet curves, straight-up dangerous to Thomas. Her best friend was the other murder vic. And she’d like a couple answers.

Answers that could get them both killed, and reveal a truth Thomas would die to keep hidden…

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I adored the Merrick boys so when I knew we were getting a whole new book, once again from the male perspective AND by Kemmerer, I was all in.

No worries about not liking Thomas or the setting, or any other characters, I had complete trust that Kemmerer would deliver one heck of a story and mystery that would keep me turning the pages and on the edge of my seat and she came through like a champ. 

In fact, I really did love this and the surprises along the way were all Kemmerer, what I have come to love and expect for her. 

If there is one thing Kemmerer knows how to do, it is write a guy that is easy to feel for, fall for, and love and she doesn't deviate from that equation at all in this story.

There was so much going on in this story, some foreshadowed, some speculation, and most, yet to come. 

I have no idea if this book will be part of a series but with the ending like it was, with so many things that were left out there in the open, I truly am hoping that it will be because I want more. Thomas needs more of his story told. More of his background and that of his family's and I hope like heck we get it.

*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 Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine

Title: The Impostor Queen
Author: Sarah Fine
Series: Book One 
Published By: Margaret K. Elderry Books (January 5, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!


Book Description:
Sixteen-year-old Elli was a small child when the Elders of Kupari chose her to succeed the Valtia, the queen who wields infinitely powerful ice and fire magic. Since then, Elli has lived in the temple, surrounded by luxury and tutored by magical priests, as she prepares for the day when the Valtia perishes and the magic finds a new home in her. Elli is destined to be the most powerful Valtia to ever rule.

But when the queen dies defending the kingdom from invading warriors, the magic doesn’t enter Elli. It’s nowhere to be found.

Disgraced, Elli flees to the outlands, the home of banished criminals—some who would love to see the temple burn with all its priests inside. As she finds her footing in this new world, Elli uncovers devastating new information about the Kupari magic, those who wield it, and the prophecy that foretold her destiny. Torn between the love she has for her people and her growing loyalty to the banished, Elli struggles to understand the true role she was meant to play. But as war looms, she must align with the right side—before the kingdom and its magic are completely destroyed. 

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Sarah Fine is my go to author when I want something completely original, entertaining, well written, and imaginative. 

She has yet to let me down and Impostor Queen was not an exception to her talent nor her ability. 

Beautifully written, masterfully detailed and laid out, this was hard to put down and even harder to walk away from.

Sarah has a away of describing details and her worlds that not only captive but are  also so seamless that you hardly know they are happening and before you know it, not only can you picture the world she created but you feel as if you are in the very heart of it, right there with the characters that are every bit as believable as the world in which they live.

This was such a fun and exciting read and I'm truly craving more and can't wait to see what will happen next. I predict this will be another outstanding, standout series from Sarah that will be sure to enthrall us all. 

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

Review: Anything For You by Kristan Higgins

Title: Anything For You
Author: Kristan Higgins
Series: Book Five in the Blue Heron Series
Published By: HQN Books (December 29, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
Before you get down on bended knee… 

…you should be pretty darn sure the answer will be yes. For ten years, Connor O'Rourke has been waiting for Jessica Dunn to take their on-again, off-again relationship public, and he thinks the time has come. His restaurant is thriving, she's got her dream job at Blue Heron Vineyard—it's the perfect time to get married. 

When he pops the question, however, her answer is a fond but firm no. If it ain't broke, why fix it? Jess has her hands full with her younger brother, who's now living with her full-time, and a great career after years of waitressing. What she and Connor have is perfect: friends with an excellent benefits package. Besides, with her difficult past (and reputation), she's positive married life isn't for her. 

But this time, Connor says it's all or nothing. If she doesn't want to marry him, he'll find someone who does. Easier said than done, given that he's never loved anyone but her. And maybe Jessica isn't quite as sure as she thinks… 

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It is no secret that Kristan Higgins is my go to author when I want a sweet, funny, lovable read that will always leave a smile on my face and sometimes happy tears in my eyes. I jump at the chance to read her books and savor every single one of them. I have come to love her writing style and the humor and heart that she bleeds into every single page. 

Her Blue Heron series is by far my most favorite series of her's and I love everything there is to love about it. The small town setting, the nosy neighbors, the lovable Holland family and of course, all the other characters that make this town so unique, fun, and enjoyable. 

I couldn't wait to get Connor's story! In all the other books it has always hinted that his heart belonged to someone but until now, we never really truly knew who that someone was and oh boy, do these two have history and a story to tell! 

I honestly didn't know half the time if I loved their history or if I hated it. I felt so much for these two. Their ups and downs. Torment, love/hate relationship, it was all too much and not enough.

One thing was cemented though, I adored Connor even more after this. He is one strong, determined, and loyal guy and I just loved him for all the blows that he took, kept on taking, and still stayed strong for. My heart really did go out to him even if I wanted to beg him at times to just let go and move on

Once again, hands down to Higgins for delivering a truly wonderful, emotional, and beautiful story that I adored. 

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

Review: Of Flame and Promise by Cecy Robson

Title: Of Flame and Promise
Author: Cecy Robson
Series: Book Six in the Weird Girls Series
Published By: Loveswept (January 12, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 5 Stars!



Book Description:
Cursed by a spell meant to destroy them, Taran Wird and her sisters instead developed unique magical talents. With the power of fire and lightning literally at her fingertips, Taran doesn’t fear much. Demons, vamps, whatever—bring ’em on! Only one thing terrifies her: commitment.

Taran is crazy about her boyfriend, Gemini, a sexy were with the incredible ability to split into two separate wolves. But after watching her sister go through heartbreak with the pack’s Alpha, Taran knows not to count on happily ever after—despite Gemini’s desire to claim her as his mate. Reluctantly, she agrees to meet his very traditional and conservative parents. Taran’s a badass with a mouth to match, and Gemini loves her for it. She’s just not positive these attributes will please Mom and Dad.

Unsurprisingly, every attempt by Taran to bond with Gemini’s folks proves disastrous. But in the end, Taran finds that winning them over means unleashing her powers . . . and proving that this foul-mouthed fire-starter is a force to be reckoned with.

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The Weird Girls is by far, hands down, one of my most favorite UF series out there and when I found out the series would be continuing, through the voices of the other sisters this time, I was truly jumping for joy. 

Taran has always been one of my favorites. She is feisty, foul mouthed, bad tempered and kick butt. But she is also kind, loving, and completely devoted to those she loves, she really is the ultimate heroine and having the first book be her's, was a real treat and I couldn't wait to dive in. 

This was everything, everything I was hoping it would be. Cecy once again astounds in her ability to make me love and make me feel with the stroke of her pen. 

I love this series and getting this glimpse into our most rough and tough Wird sister was so much fun and so heart breaking at the same time. Her inner struggles and fears truly broke my heart but also helped clarify some of her actions in the other books. I totally got her, felt for her, and loved her.

And even though this is labeled as book six in the series I think this can actually be read before book five or during it. 

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

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It is a chance to share those new releases were are super anxious to get our hands on and read.


You guys have you seen the spring catalog for Harper? It is fabulous and there are so many books off of it I want and this is just one of many. My poor eyes, I see lots of reading in my future but hey, that isn't anything new right? Thankfully I do have a copy of this so I can get a jump on my reading but doesn't it look fabulous? That cover! That synopsis. *sigh* I hope it pans out. 

Book Description:

Sonya was born with the rare gift to feel what those around her feel—both physically and emotionally—a gift she’s kept hidden from the empire for seventeen long years. After a reckless mistake wipes out all the other girls with similar abilities, Sonya is hauled off to the palace and forced to serve the emperor as his sovereign Auraseer.

Tasked with sensing the intentions of would-be assassins, Sonya is under constant pressure to protect the emperor. One mistake, one small failure, will cost her own life and the lives of the few people left in the world who still trust her.

But Sonya’s power is untamed and reckless, her feelings easily usurped, and she sometimes can’t decipher when other people’s impulses end and her own begin. In a palace full of warring emotions and looming darkness, Sonya fears that the biggest danger to the empire may be herself.


As she struggles to wrangle her abilities, Sonya seeks refuge in her tenuous alliances with the volatile Emperor Valko and his idealistic younger brother, Anton, the crown prince. But when threats of revolution pit the two brothers against each other, Sonya must choose which brother to trust—and which to betray.

So what do you think, interested or no?

Review: Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich

Title: Twelve Sharp
Author: Janet Evanovich
Series: Book Twelve in the Stephanie Plum Series
Published By: St. Martin's (June 2, 2006)
Source: Purchased
Genre: Humor/Mystery
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
Welcome to Trenton, New Jersey, where bounty hunter Stephanie Plum's life is about to implode in Janet Evanovich's wildest, hottest novel yet!

FIRST A STRANGER APPEARS
While chasing down the usual cast of miscreants and weirdos Stephanie discovers that a crazed woman is stalking her.

THEN THE STRANGER REVEALS HER SECRETS
The woman dresses in black, carries a 9mm Glock, and has a bad attitude and a mysterious connection to dark and dangerous Carlos Manoso …street name, Ranger. 

NEXT, SOMEBODY DIES
The action turns deadly serious, and Stephanie goes from hunting skips to hunting a murderer. 

SOON, THE CHASE IS ON
Ranger needs Stephanie for more reasons than he can say.  And now, the two are working together to find a killer, rescue a missing child, and stop a lunatic from raising the body count.  When Stephanie Plum and Ranger get too close for comfort, vice cop Joe Morelli (her on-again, off-again boyfriend) steps in.  

Will the ticking clock stop at the stroke of twelve, or will a stranger in the wind find a way to stop Stephanie Plum…forever?  Filled with Janet Evanovich's trademark action, nonstop adventure, and sharp humor, Twelve Sharp shows why her novels have been called "hot stuff" (The New York Times), and Evanovich herself "the master" (San Francisco Examiner).

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If there is one thing you can count on with the Stephanie Plum series, it is that you are going to have a laugh until your stomach hurts, good time.

I adore this series. It has it all, tension filled romance, yummy and hilarious side characters that are every bit as hilarious as they are swoon worthy, action, humor, and most of all, it is just freaking fun and one I turn to time and time again.

While this twelve installment is just as funny, just as good as all the others, it is also a little more serious than what we are use to but in a really good way. The stakes are higher, lives are on the line and this time, those lives, are people we know and love.

I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful this was and how it gave me exactly what I needed (a reading pick me up) just when I needed it.

Between crazy Grandma M and Lula who I adore (oh my gosh the rock n' roll band and thongs! Seriously enough said, just read it already!) , and the sexy Ranger and Morelli, this series really does deliver on all counts of fun. 

If you haven't tried this series yet and need a lighter but still mystery filled, action packed, humor ridden, heart pounding good time, try this series. I don't think you will be disappointed, at. All. 

Mini Review: Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Title: Dumplin'
Author: Julie Murphy
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Balzer + Bray (September 15, 2015)
Source: Borrowed
Genre: YA Contemporary
My Rating: 4 Stars


Book Description:
Self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson (dubbed “Dumplin’” by her former beauty queen mom) has always been at home in her own skin. Her thoughts on having the ultimate bikini body? Put a bikini on your body. With her all-American beauty best friend, Ellen, by her side, things have always worked…until Will takes a job at Harpy’s, the local fast-food joint. There she meets Private School Bo, a hot former jock. Will isn’t surprised to find herself attracted to Bo. But she is surprised when he seems to like her back.

Instead of finding new heights of self-assurance in her relationship with Bo, Will starts to doubt herself. So she sets out to take back her confidence by doing the most horrifying thing she can imagine: entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant—along with several other unlikely candidates—to show the world that she deserves to be up there as much as any twiggy girl does. Along the way, she’ll shock the hell out of Clover City—and maybe herself most of all.

With starry Texas nights, red candy suckers, Dolly Parton songs, and a wildly unforgettable heroine—Dumplin’ is guaranteed to steal your heart.

*Amazon*B&N*

I love stories that take me by surprise with the wonderful messages that are inside. Those messages that inspire and make us stop and ponder even if, for just a moment.

Dumplin' is one of those reads. The reads that take you by surprise, see things in a different light and even make you a better person somewhere along the way.

Filled with stand out messages, characters, and a plot that I think we can all relate to in different ways, this was so well written and such a great story. I truly lapped it up and was finished before I even knew it.  A read you don't want to miss out on, I will definitely be picking up the author's other work in the future.