en-US Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:14:02 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 205846802 Is love on the small screen better than the real thing?

A young divorcée finds herself in the ideal world of her favorite 2000s teen soap in this “gleefully nostalgic and completely fresh��* romance from the author of This Spells Love.

Newly divorced on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Brynn is sick of heartbreak. She thought she had found her happy ending, but now she’s living with a roommate, Josh, to afford her mortgage, and she’s trying to adjust to her new single life. At least she’s got Carson’s Cove to binge, her beloved 2000s teenage soap. The show ended unexpectantly on a cliffhanger after five seasons, and the two main characters, Sloan and Spencer, never got to declare their love for each other. The show is still perfect in Brynn’s eyes; despite all the drama that goes down, things always have a way of working out in Carson’s Cove . . . unlike her own life.

So when a birthday cake surprisingly shows up on her and Josh’s doorstep, Brynn makes a wish for the one thing she’s always wanted (but has failed to achieve herself): a happily-ever-after.

The next morning, she doesn’t wake up in her apartment. She’s in Carson’s Cove . . . and Josh is there too. Everyone seems to know them, except they’re not Brynn and Josh; they’re Sloan, the sweetheart of Carson’s Cove, and Fletch, the town’s bad boy. And to get home, they have to make Brynn’s wish come true by ensuring Sloan and Spencer, the hometown heartthrob, end up together at last. But as they spend more time together, Brynn and Josh realize that Carson’s Cove might not be as perfect as seen on television . . . especially when they start developing feelings for each other in a plot twist no one has expected. Will they stick to the script, or will real love change the story forever?]]> 336 Kate Robb 0593596552 Cindy ✩☽�� 3
Brynn is a disillusioned woman, whose belief in happily ever after was dashed when her former husband decided to divorce her. He claimed he still loved her, but he was no longer in love with her. I call bs. Fortunately, we never had to see him grace our pages. All me got of him were mentions of his and Brynn’s past.

Josh is a charming bartender who is used to disappointment. He is Brynn’s roommate, and the two truly don’t have much interaction until about the start of the book.

Yet when they forced to live in the world of Carson’s Cove they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. Which proves to be an issue because in the world of CC they aren’t themselves, they’re characters. And the mysterious fellow responsible for their transmigration is determined to keep them apart.

If you’ve been any rom-com you can guess what happens next. Nevertheless, despite the predictability, I still had fun reading this overall.

Huge thank you to Dial Press and ŷ������ for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]]> 3.53 2024
author: Kate Robb
name: Cindy ✩☽��
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/01
date added: 2024/09/02
shelves: arc, adult-romance, free-giveaway, first-reads
review:
I have never watched Dawson’s Creek, but the premise of this book is essentially FMC and MMC get transported to a knock-off DC. Then, hijinks ensue.

Brynn is a disillusioned woman, whose belief in happily ever after was dashed when her former husband decided to divorce her. He claimed he still loved her, but he was no longer in love with her. I call bs. Fortunately, we never had to see him grace our pages. All me got of him were mentions of his and Brynn’s past.

Josh is a charming bartender who is used to disappointment. He is Brynn’s roommate, and the two truly don’t have much interaction until about the start of the book.

Yet when they forced to live in the world of Carson’s Cove they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. Which proves to be an issue because in the world of CC they aren’t themselves, they’re characters. And the mysterious fellow responsible for their transmigration is determined to keep them apart.

If you’ve been any rom-com you can guess what happens next. Nevertheless, despite the predictability, I still had fun reading this overall.

Huge thank you to Dial Press and ŷ������ for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
]]> 50345980 USA Today bestselling author Priscilla Oliveras launches a new romantic comedy series set in Key West, Florida and filled with humor, Latinx culture, and fun family dynamics perfect for summer beach reading��

Sought-after social media influencer Sara Vance, in recovery from an eating disorder, is coming into her own, with a potential career expansion on the horizon. Despite the good news, her successful siblings (and their perfect spouses) have a way of making her feel like the odd one out. So, when her unreliable boyfriend is a no-show for a Florida family vacation, Sara recruits Luis Navarro—a firefighter paramedic and dive captain willing to play the part of her smitten fiancé . . .

Luis’s big Cuban familia has been in Key West for generations, and his quiet strength feeds off the island’s laidback style. Though guarded after a deep betrayal, he’ll always help someone in need—especially a spunky beauty with a surprising knowledge of Spanish curse words. Soon, he and Sara have memorized their “how we met�� story and are immersed in family dinners, bike tours, private snorkeling trips... sharing secrets, and slow, melting kisses. But when it’s time for Sara to return home, will their fake relationship fade like the stunning sunset... or blossom into something beautiful?]]> 306 Priscilla Oliveras 1420150189 Cindy ✩☽�� 3
A rather typical and overall familiar romance.

Once more, while I enjoy reading romance and watching rom-coms, I was not at all surprised by this book. Everything felt very formulaic.

We are hit with a case of insta-lust/maybe love? Basically, the two main leads are instantly drawn to each other. And I mean that's fine, since they are both apparently very attractive, super friendly people, that happens I suppose. But then after all this build-up and rather entertaining foreplay, we get only a fade to black sex scene. Like, excuse me? All that build-up and I don't even get a steamy hookup scene? Boo!

The ending also felt terribly rushed. Crammed into the last few chapters were: the appearance of Sara's ex (whose appearance honestly did not last more than a page), a misunderstanding between our main leads that result in Luis' walking out and leaving Sara in tears, Luis making amends with his brother Enrique and finally a tearful airport/makeup scene between the main leads.

Anyways, if you're looking for an easy beach read then I say plow right ahead with this one. It's pleasant enough. But if you're looking for a romance that really knocks your socks off, maybe go looking elsewhere.]]> 3.62 2020
author: Priscilla Oliveras
name: Cindy ✩☽��
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/10/18
date added: 2022/02/23
shelves: first-reads, free-giveaway, adult-romance
review:
Rating ~2.5

A rather typical and overall familiar romance.

Once more, while I enjoy reading romance and watching rom-coms, I was not at all surprised by this book. Everything felt very formulaic.

We are hit with a case of insta-lust/maybe love? Basically, the two main leads are instantly drawn to each other. And I mean that's fine, since they are both apparently very attractive, super friendly people, that happens I suppose. But then after all this build-up and rather entertaining foreplay, we get only a fade to black sex scene. Like, excuse me? All that build-up and I don't even get a steamy hookup scene? Boo!

The ending also felt terribly rushed. Crammed into the last few chapters were: the appearance of Sara's ex (whose appearance honestly did not last more than a page), a misunderstanding between our main leads that result in Luis' walking out and leaving Sara in tears, Luis making amends with his brother Enrique and finally a tearful airport/makeup scene between the main leads.

Anyways, if you're looking for an easy beach read then I say plow right ahead with this one. It's pleasant enough. But if you're looking for a romance that really knocks your socks off, maybe go looking elsewhere.
]]> 55447132
Since then, Kreya, the group’s leader, has exiled herself to a remote tower and devoted herself to one purpose: resurrecting her dead husband. But such a task requires both a cache of human bones and a sacrifice—for each day he lives, she will live one less.

She’d rather live one year with her husband than a hundred without him, but using human bones for magic is illegal in Vos. The dead are burned—as are any bone workers who violate the law. Yet Kreya knows where she can find the bones she needs: the battlefield where her husband and countless others lost their lives.

But defying the laws of the land exposes a terrible possibility. Maybe the dead don’t rest in peace after all.����

Five warriors—one broken, one gone soft, one pursuing a simple life, one stuck in the past, and one who should be dead. Their story should have been finished. But evil doesn’t stop just because someone once said, “the end.”]]> 476 Sarah Beth Durst 0062888668 Cindy ✩☽�� 0 4.00 2021
author: Sarah Beth Durst
name: Cindy ✩☽��
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/24
shelves: to-read, arc, first-reads, free-giveaway
review:

]]> 44244775 They use magic to silence the world. Who will break the hush?

Seventeen-year-old Shae has led a seemingly quiet life, joking with her best friend Fiona, and chatting with Mads, the neighborhood boy who always knows how to make her smile. All while secretly keeping her fears at bay�� Of the disease that took her brother’s life. Of how her dreams seem to bleed into reality around her. Of a group of justice seekers called the Bards who claim to use the magic of Telling to keep her community safe.

When her mother is murdered, she can no longer pretend.

Not knowing who to trust, Shae journeys to unlock the truth, instead finding a new enemy keen to destroy her, a brooding boy with dark secrets, and an untold power she never thought possible.]]> 374 Dylan Farrow 1250235901 Cindy ✩☽�� 0 Guess you just got her ARC in the mail =D]]> 3.40 2020
author: Dylan Farrow
name: Cindy ✩☽��
average rating: 3.40
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/06/08
shelves: to-read, arc, first-reads, free-giveaway
review:
6/6/2020
Guess you just got her ARC in the mail =D
]]> 36613718
When smallpox kills her parents, Camille Durbonne must find a way to provide for her frail, naive sister while managing her volatile brother. Relying on petty magic—la magie ordinaire—Camille painstakingly transforms scraps of metal into money to buy the food and medicine they need. But when the coins won’t hold their shape and her brother disappears with the family’s savings, Camille must pursue a richer, more dangerous mark: the glittering court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

With dark magic forbidden by her mother, Camille transforms herself into the ‘Baroness de la Fontaine�� and is swept up into life at the Palace of Versailles, where aristocrats both fear and hunger for la magie. There, she gambles at cards, desperate to have enough to keep herself and her sister safe. Yet the longer she stays at court, the more difficult it becomes to reconcile her resentment of the nobles with the enchantments of Versailles. And when she returns to Paris, Camille meets a handsome young balloonist—who dares her to hope that love and liberty may both be possible.

But la magie has its costs. And when Camille loses control of her secrets, the game she's playing turns deadly. Then revolution erupts, and she must choose—love or loyalty, democracy or aristocracy, freedom or magic—before Paris burns…]]> 449 Gita Trelease 1250231965 Cindy ✩☽�� 3

I received a free ARC via ŷ������ first to read program. Huge thank you to Flatiron Books for providing me with a copy!]]> 3.67 2019
author: Gita Trelease
name: Cindy ✩☽��
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/06
date added: 2019/02/05
shelves: arc, first-reads, free-giveaway
review:
Review to come


I received a free ARC via ŷ������ first to read program. Huge thank you to Flatiron Books for providing me with a copy!
]]> 33516813 A corrupted city. A dark dream of power.

Luke is a prisoner, condemned for a murder he didn’t commit. Abi is a fugitive, desperate to free him before magic breaks his mind. But as the Jardines tighten their grip on a turbulent Britain, brother and sister face a fight greater than their own.

New alliances and old feuds will remake the nation, leaving Abi and Luke questioning everything �� and everyone �� they know. And as Silyen Jardine hungers for the forgotten Skill of the legendary Wonder King, the country’s darkest hour approaches. Freedom and knowledge both come at a cost. So who will pay the price?]]> 416 Vic James 0425284123 Cindy ✩☽�� 5 These people. Their power. The good they could do with it, and the evil they chose instead.

This book is dark. Not simply beautifully, poetically dark, no, it is the sort of unpleasant darkness people want to turn away from. This book shines a light on some of the worst aspects of human nature. The things we all know exists, but so many people refuse to see. And for that, it is amazing.

When it comes to YA fiction, people seem to throw around the word dark whenever there is death or betrayal involved. Well, I will say to those people this book takes it to another level.

Be warned this is not your typical YA Fantasy.

The Cast:
Abi has always tried to do what right, but also what was expected of her. Previously, she never thought to challenge the status quo. But with her brother condemned for a crime he did not commit, her parents shipped off to Millmoor and her little sister beyond her reach at Kyneston, Abi steps up to the plate to right the wrongs the Equals have inflicted on her family and so many others.

Luke goes from an uncover rebel to a condemned criminal. But no matter what horrors he is forced to face, Luke refuses to let it break him. He fights as hard as he can to ensure he never gives into the basest aspects of human nature, to make sure he never become the monster Crovan, his torturer, says he will ultimately become.

Silyen continues to be the mysterious, ambitious, powerful young man whose actions constantly have to you questioning where his loyalties lie - if he has any at all.

Gavar goes from the spoiled heir, complicit in his families actions, to a young man who starts to question the very society to which he belongs. He starts to think of how things could be better, for his daughter, for everyone, if only Equals were willing to change.

Bouda is a girl who continues to do whatever, and whoever, it takes to claw her way to top. She is the embodiment of everything that is wrong with the Equals society.

The Relationships *All discussion will be put in the spoiler tag because I do not trust myself to talk about them without spoiling anything*
[spoilers removed]

Character Rankings:
Abi = Luke > Gavar > Silyen >>>>>> Bouda
Some of you might be thinking, wait, Gavar before Silyen?
I know. I know. If you had asked me my rankings at the very start of the book I do believe my answer would be different. But with Gavar finally showing some humanity and backbone, and Silyen still being confusing as heck, I think Gavar wins by a narrow margin.

One thing I think that set this book apart from others is that we get the PoV of not only our protagonists but also our antagonists. So not only do we get to see the struggles our heroes go through, we also get to see how life is on the other side. Which I personally enjoyed, since it helped flesh out the characters a bit, but I can understand how so many PoV may overwhelm some people.

This is a story rooted in politics. With some individuals and families striving for power and glory, others fighting for justice, for freedom, for change, and then there are those simply looking for answers. With so many deaths, twist and turns, betrayals and questionable motives this book keeps you guessing and questioning everything up to the very last page.



This book is a breath of fresh air in the realm YA fantasy where the usual formulas and tropes are used on repeat. And I would definitely recommend it for fans of darker YA Fantasy. But as I said before, be warned, when I say it is dark I mean it. [spoilers removed]

The book ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via ŷ������ First to Reads in exchange for an honest review. A huge thank you Del Rey Books for this opportunity, and to the author, Vic James, for this stunning book.
________________________
Possible Alternative Titles for this Book:
A Labyrinth of Twists and Turns
Death and Betrayal
Ambition Above All Else
The Crazy World of Equals
How many characters can we kill off and still retain shock value?]]> 3.99 2017
author: Vic James
name: Cindy ✩☽��
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2018/01/16
date added: 2018/05/11
shelves: arc, free-giveaway, first-reads, fantasy
review:
These people. Their power. The good they could do with it, and the evil they chose instead.

This book is dark. Not simply beautifully, poetically dark, no, it is the sort of unpleasant darkness people want to turn away from. This book shines a light on some of the worst aspects of human nature. The things we all know exists, but so many people refuse to see. And for that, it is amazing.

When it comes to YA fiction, people seem to throw around the word dark whenever there is death or betrayal involved. Well, I will say to those people this book takes it to another level.

Be warned this is not your typical YA Fantasy.

The Cast:
Abi has always tried to do what right, but also what was expected of her. Previously, she never thought to challenge the status quo. But with her brother condemned for a crime he did not commit, her parents shipped off to Millmoor and her little sister beyond her reach at Kyneston, Abi steps up to the plate to right the wrongs the Equals have inflicted on her family and so many others.

Luke goes from an uncover rebel to a condemned criminal. But no matter what horrors he is forced to face, Luke refuses to let it break him. He fights as hard as he can to ensure he never gives into the basest aspects of human nature, to make sure he never become the monster Crovan, his torturer, says he will ultimately become.

Silyen continues to be the mysterious, ambitious, powerful young man whose actions constantly have to you questioning where his loyalties lie - if he has any at all.

Gavar goes from the spoiled heir, complicit in his families actions, to a young man who starts to question the very society to which he belongs. He starts to think of how things could be better, for his daughter, for everyone, if only Equals were willing to change.

Bouda is a girl who continues to do whatever, and whoever, it takes to claw her way to top. She is the embodiment of everything that is wrong with the Equals society.

The Relationships *All discussion will be put in the spoiler tag because I do not trust myself to talk about them without spoiling anything*
[spoilers removed]

Character Rankings:
Abi = Luke > Gavar > Silyen >>>>>> Bouda
Some of you might be thinking, wait, Gavar before Silyen?
I know. I know. If you had asked me my rankings at the very start of the book I do believe my answer would be different. But with Gavar finally showing some humanity and backbone, and Silyen still being confusing as heck, I think Gavar wins by a narrow margin.

One thing I think that set this book apart from others is that we get the PoV of not only our protagonists but also our antagonists. So not only do we get to see the struggles our heroes go through, we also get to see how life is on the other side. Which I personally enjoyed, since it helped flesh out the characters a bit, but I can understand how so many PoV may overwhelm some people.

This is a story rooted in politics. With some individuals and families striving for power and glory, others fighting for justice, for freedom, for change, and then there are those simply looking for answers. With so many deaths, twist and turns, betrayals and questionable motives this book keeps you guessing and questioning everything up to the very last page.



This book is a breath of fresh air in the realm YA fantasy where the usual formulas and tropes are used on repeat. And I would definitely recommend it for fans of darker YA Fantasy. But as I said before, be warned, when I say it is dark I mean it. [spoilers removed]

The book ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via ŷ������ First to Reads in exchange for an honest review. A huge thank you Del Rey Books for this opportunity, and to the author, Vic James, for this stunning book.
________________________
Possible Alternative Titles for this Book:
A Labyrinth of Twists and Turns
Death and Betrayal
Ambition Above All Else
The Crazy World of Equals
How many characters can we kill off and still retain shock value?
]]> 32051722
Sean Raynes, the young man who exposed America’s unconstitutional spying techniques, is a hero, even if half the dum-dums in the country think he’s a traitor. And her journalist parents, who were captured by terrorists while telling stories of the endangered and oppressed—they were heroes, too. Or are—no one has ever told Paige if they’re still alive, or dead.

Not heroes? Anyone in the government who abandoned her parents, letting them rot somewhere halfway across the world.

And certainly not Paige herself, who, despite her fluency in five languages and mastery of several obscure martial arts (thanks, Mom!), could do nothing to save them.

Couldn’t, that is, until she’s approached by Madden Carter, an undercover operative who gives her a mission: fly to Russia, find Raynes, and discover what other government secrets he’s stockpiled. In exchange, he’ll reopen the case on her missing parents.

She’s given a code name and a cover as a foreign exchange student.

Who is a hero? Not Paige Nolan, but maybe, just maybe, Liberty is.]]> 400 Andrea Portes 0062421999 Cindy ✩☽�� 4
Okay I kind of loved this...

To start off, it is important to note that in order to thoroughly enjoy this book you may require some suspension of disbelief. That or you can be a really young, naive pre-teen/teen who thinks that a secret government agency would actually use a freshmen college student as a spy in a top secret undercover mission. You know, whatever works for you.

Secondly, you have to be okay with a character consistently breaking the fourth wall. Honestly though, sometimes Paige felt less like a character and more like a socially awkward friend, who often goes off on tangents, trying to tell the story of what she did last summer.

Third, be ready for a lot of old-school and modern day pop culture references. Like seriously, there were so many mentions of books and movies I have never seen and I was googling a lot. But you know maybe I'm just you not as cultured as Paige, who also happens to speak five languages and be a kick-ass martial artist.



So, as long as you can accept those things I mentioned above I think you can truly enjoy this book. It is full of fun, awkward situations, friendship, romance, action, adventure, espionage and plenty of bits of culture. Overall, it was just a fun and easy read which really got me back into the reading mood.
---
I thought this was going to be a series, but I guess I was wrong. Such a shame, since I thought this was a promising start. ]]> 3.47 2017
author: Andrea Portes
name: Cindy ✩☽��
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/06/28
date added: 2018/04/06
shelves: free-giveaway, first-reads, kick-ass-heroines, arc
review:
*I received a free ARC from Harper Teen, through ŷ������ first to read program, in exchange for an honest review*

Okay I kind of loved this...

To start off, it is important to note that in order to thoroughly enjoy this book you may require some suspension of disbelief. That or you can be a really young, naive pre-teen/teen who thinks that a secret government agency would actually use a freshmen college student as a spy in a top secret undercover mission. You know, whatever works for you.

Secondly, you have to be okay with a character consistently breaking the fourth wall. Honestly though, sometimes Paige felt less like a character and more like a socially awkward friend, who often goes off on tangents, trying to tell the story of what she did last summer.

Third, be ready for a lot of old-school and modern day pop culture references. Like seriously, there were so many mentions of books and movies I have never seen and I was googling a lot. But you know maybe I'm just you not as cultured as Paige, who also happens to speak five languages and be a kick-ass martial artist.



So, as long as you can accept those things I mentioned above I think you can truly enjoy this book. It is full of fun, awkward situations, friendship, romance, action, adventure, espionage and plenty of bits of culture. Overall, it was just a fun and easy read which really got me back into the reading mood.
---
I thought this was going to be a series, but I guess I was wrong. Such a shame, since I thought this was a promising start.
]]> 34499216
When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first . . . after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen.]]> 352 Tricia Levenseller Cindy ✩☽�� 4 "I may not have been born in the sea, but I was born to rule it."

As was to be expected, this book was a roaring good time. It also got me out of my mini reading slump.

We are reunited with our fabulous cast of female pirates, our favorite first mate, Riden, and we finally get to meet Alosa infamous mother. And, as to be expected, nothing about Alosa's family is what she believed.

Just like its predecessor, this book is a fast-paced, fun, action-packed pirate adventure. Traveling to the Pirate King's, across the seas and straight into the lair of sirens our crew takes on more than any sane person would ever dare to. But for their freedom and each other, they risk it all.

In terms of romance, while there is still plenty of sexual tension and romantic moments, I do feel like we lost some of the clever banter between our dear captain and our newly captured Riden. Fortunately, the conversations and further development of our side characters filled some of this void. This time around there was no true obstacle standing in the way of our favorite ship, except for their trust issues. Alosa struggles to fully let Riden in for fear of making herself weak, vulnerable. While Riden refuses to do things in half measures and will not be with Alosa if he cannot have all of her.

The writing was solid, and while I liked the fast pacing overall, there were moments I wish it would have taken a little more time. Like I do wish we could have spent more time at the Pirate King's hideout, and I wish we could have seen a bit more of the interactions between Alosa and her father. But ultimately I think the book did a good job of engaging the reader with its quick pacing and it answered pretty much all of the important questions we had.

I had a lot of fun reading this and I am sure any fellow privateering fan will as well.

I received an ARC through a ŷ������ giveaway. A huge thank you to the publishers and Fierce Reads.
]]> 4.16 2018
author: Tricia Levenseller
name: Cindy ✩☽��
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/30
date added: 2018/02/23
shelves: pirates, arc, first-reads, kick-ass-heroines, otps-feels
review:
"I may not have been born in the sea, but I was born to rule it."

As was to be expected, this book was a roaring good time. It also got me out of my mini reading slump.

We are reunited with our fabulous cast of female pirates, our favorite first mate, Riden, and we finally get to meet Alosa infamous mother. And, as to be expected, nothing about Alosa's family is what she believed.

Just like its predecessor, this book is a fast-paced, fun, action-packed pirate adventure. Traveling to the Pirate King's, across the seas and straight into the lair of sirens our crew takes on more than any sane person would ever dare to. But for their freedom and each other, they risk it all.

In terms of romance, while there is still plenty of sexual tension and romantic moments, I do feel like we lost some of the clever banter between our dear captain and our newly captured Riden. Fortunately, the conversations and further development of our side characters filled some of this void. This time around there was no true obstacle standing in the way of our favorite ship, except for their trust issues. Alosa struggles to fully let Riden in for fear of making herself weak, vulnerable. While Riden refuses to do things in half measures and will not be with Alosa if he cannot have all of her.

The writing was solid, and while I liked the fast pacing overall, there were moments I wish it would have taken a little more time. Like I do wish we could have spent more time at the Pirate King's hideout, and I wish we could have seen a bit more of the interactions between Alosa and her father. But ultimately I think the book did a good job of engaging the reader with its quick pacing and it answered pretty much all of the important questions we had.

I had a lot of fun reading this and I am sure any fellow privateering fan will as well.

I received an ARC through a ŷ������ giveaway. A huge thank you to the publishers and Fierce Reads.

]]> 25663437
Mildred Graeme is a witch that knows what it’s like to fail. She loathes small talk, struggles with magic, and grew up wretchedly poor. What’s easy for her best friend Evelyn, a wealthy, powerful socialite, is difficult for Mildred.

The two lifelong friends reunite at Chatham Castle where they fight together for the dream of a better world. Mildred wants to save the Network from political elitism, while Evelyn encourages it. When Evelyn gains power and threatens to obliterate the Network, Mildred realizes that she must overcome her fear of failure to save the lives of those she loves, even if it means betraying her best friend.

Mildred’s Resistance is the prequel to The Network Series and a gripping tale of intrigue, betrayal, and unexpected romance that defies all odds to rise above the ghosts of failure.]]> 380 Katie Cross 0991531957 Cindy ✩☽�� 5
My true rating would probably be 4.5 stars because I don't believe any book can be truly perfect (but hey 4.5 is pretty darn close lol). Anyways, I received this book through a giveaway a little over a month ago. I was reading other books at the time so I didn't start this book right away. But once I got into it I absolutely loved it! It's well written and I quickly grew to love the characters more and more as the book went on (well except for Evelyn and May but that's to be expected). I liked the inclusion of characters letters in the story because it gave them more of a voice in their own tale. The underlying theme of this book was also a truly wonderful one because it rings true in all societies, the constant struggle between the haves and the have nots. Mildred truly was a brilliant character because she was so truly human. She was not born with natural talent, nor was she blessed with wealth. She had times of doubt, but always stood by her convictions. A strong-hearted character who put the needs of her people above herself.

The one regret I had toward the end of this book was realizing that poor Milly and Marten were not going to end up together. I mean yes they're forever together as friends and will love each other forever, but they'll never truly be together. It is sad that neither is willing to break the tradition, all for the sake of their Network. Nonetheless, I understand their decision and am glad they'll always have each other even if they can have truly be a couple.

Oddly, enough I originally thought this book was the third book in a series, so originally started off trying to read Miss Mabel's school for girls. But I did not really get that into it. Then I realized this was a prequel and decided to just read this book first. Honestly this one was such a pleasant read, thus I finished it pretty quickly. So I think I'll go back and give the series another go.

Thanks again Katie!
]]> 4.29 2015
author: Katie Cross
name: Cindy ✩☽��
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2015/08/24
date added: 2018/02/15
shelves: first-reads, free-giveaway, kick-ass-heroines, fantasy
review:
To start off, I HUGE thanks to Goodread First to Read Program and Katie Cross for sending me this book!

My true rating would probably be 4.5 stars because I don't believe any book can be truly perfect (but hey 4.5 is pretty darn close lol). Anyways, I received this book through a giveaway a little over a month ago. I was reading other books at the time so I didn't start this book right away. But once I got into it I absolutely loved it! It's well written and I quickly grew to love the characters more and more as the book went on (well except for Evelyn and May but that's to be expected). I liked the inclusion of characters letters in the story because it gave them more of a voice in their own tale. The underlying theme of this book was also a truly wonderful one because it rings true in all societies, the constant struggle between the haves and the have nots. Mildred truly was a brilliant character because she was so truly human. She was not born with natural talent, nor was she blessed with wealth. She had times of doubt, but always stood by her convictions. A strong-hearted character who put the needs of her people above herself.

The one regret I had toward the end of this book was realizing that poor Milly and Marten were not going to end up together. I mean yes they're forever together as friends and will love each other forever, but they'll never truly be together. It is sad that neither is willing to break the tradition, all for the sake of their Network. Nonetheless, I understand their decision and am glad they'll always have each other even if they can have truly be a couple.

Oddly, enough I originally thought this book was the third book in a series, so originally started off trying to read Miss Mabel's school for girls. But I did not really get that into it. Then I realized this was a prequel and decided to just read this book first. Honestly this one was such a pleasant read, thus I finished it pretty quickly. So I think I'll go back and give the series another go.

Thanks again Katie!

]]> 35082487 ��
Fallon is the daughter of a proud Celtic king and the younger sister of the legendary fighter Sorcha. When Fallon was just a child, Sorcha was killed by the armies of Julius Caesar.
��
On the eve of her seventeenth birthday, Fallon is excited to follow in her sister's footsteps and earn her place in her father's war band. She never gets the chance.
��
Fallon is captured and sold to an elite training school for female gladiators—owned by none other than Julius Caesar himself. In a cruel twist of fate, the man who destroyed Fallon’s family might be her only hope of survival.
��
Now, Fallon must overcome vicious rivalries, deadly fights in and out of the arena, and perhaps the most dangerous threat of her irresistible feelings for Cai, a young Roman soldier and her sworn enemy.����
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A richly imagined fantasy for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Cinda Williams Chima, The Valiant recounts Fallon’s gripping journey from fierce Celtic princess to legendary gladiator and darling of the Roman empire.]]> 400 Lesley Livingston 0448493799 Cindy ✩☽�� 3 “Temper passion with control, conviction with cunning.��

Rating ~3.5

A promising start to a new series.

I received an ARC through ŷ������ first to read program. Thank you to Penguin Teen for providing me with a copy.

*Review to Come*]]> 3.88 2017
author: Lesley Livingston
name: Cindy ✩☽��
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2017/02/13
date added: 2018/02/15
shelves: first-reads, free-giveaway, kick-ass-heroines, arc, insta-love-insta-lust, historical-fiction
review:
“Temper passion with control, conviction with cunning.��

Rating ~3.5

A promising start to a new series.

I received an ARC through ŷ������ first to read program. Thank you to Penguin Teen for providing me with a copy.

*Review to Come*
]]> 26236800 From the New York Times bestselling author of Bittersweet comes a novel of suspense and passion about a terrible mistake made sixty years ago that threatens to change a modern family forever.��

Twenty-five-year-old Cassie Danvers is holed up in her family’s crumbling mansion in rural St. Jude, Ohio, mourning the loss of the woman who raised her—her grandmother, June. But a knock on the door forces her out of isolation. Cassie has been named the sole heir to legendary matinee idol Jack Montgomery's vast fortune. How did Jack Montgomery know her name? Could he have crossed paths with her grandmother all those years ago? What other shocking secrets could June’s once-stately mansion hold?

Soon Jack’s famous daughters come knocking, determined to wrestle Cassie away from the inheritance they feel is their due. Together, they all come to discover the true reasons for June’s silence about that long-ago summer, when Hollywood came to town, and June and Jack’s lives were forever altered by murder, blackmail, and betrayal.

As this page-turner shifts deftly between the past and present, Cassie and her guests will be forced to reexamine their legacies, their definition of family, and what it truly means to love someone, steadfastly, across the ages.]]> 379 Miranda Beverly-Whittemore 0553447688 Cindy ✩☽�� 3 first-reads, arc
Rating 2.5

What can I say? I like historical romances, and I like mystery. So this should have been perfect for me. But alas while I liked it enough I did not adore it the way I thought I would.

I did enjoy the characters as a whole, but I felt the plot moved much too slow for my liking. Perhaps, this story would sit better with someone with more patience. But regrettably I cannot say that is one of my virtues.

That being said the story itself was quite interesting, but again due my only caring for the main plot points I skipped about during the second half.

June, Jack, Lindie, Cassie, Nick, Tate and Elda all brought something interesting to the table. Their lives forever intertwined by an unfulfilled love, family secrets, betrayal, personal sacrifice and death.

For those who have more patience than me, who enjoy slow, steadier tales this would be absolutely lovely. But for me it was mainly just okay. ]]> 3.71 2016
author: Miranda Beverly-Whittemore
name: Cindy ✩☽��
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2016/06/04
date added: 2016/06/04
shelves: first-reads, arc
review:
*I received a free ARC from ŷ������ first to read program*

Rating 2.5

What can I say? I like historical romances, and I like mystery. So this should have been perfect for me. But alas while I liked it enough I did not adore it the way I thought I would.

I did enjoy the characters as a whole, but I felt the plot moved much too slow for my liking. Perhaps, this story would sit better with someone with more patience. But regrettably I cannot say that is one of my virtues.

That being said the story itself was quite interesting, but again due my only caring for the main plot points I skipped about during the second half.

June, Jack, Lindie, Cassie, Nick, Tate and Elda all brought something interesting to the table. Their lives forever intertwined by an unfulfilled love, family secrets, betrayal, personal sacrifice and death.

For those who have more patience than me, who enjoy slow, steadier tales this would be absolutely lovely. But for me it was mainly just okay.
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