sweetcerac

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

The Best Laid Plans by Cameron Lund

Book Summary: "It seemed like a good plan at first.

When the only other virgin in her group of friends loses it at Keely's own eighteenth birthday party, she's inspired to take things into her own hands. She wants to have that experience too (well, not exactly like that--but with someone she trusts and actually likes), so she's going to need to find the guy, and fast. Problem is, she's known all the boys in her small high school forever, and it's kinda hard to be into a guy when you watched him eat crayons in kindergarten.

So she can't believe her luck when she meets a ridiculously hot new guy named Dean. Not only does he look like he's fallen out of a classic movie poster, but he drives a motorcycle, flirts with ease, and might actually be into her.

But Dean's already in college, and Keely is convinced he'll drop her if he finds out how inexperienced she is. That's when she talks herself into a new plan: her lifelong best friend, Andrew, would never hurt or betray her, and he's clearly been with enough girls that he can show her the ropes before she goes all the way with Dean. Of course, the plan only works if Andrew and Keely stay friends--just friends--so things are about to get complicated."

My Review

I really enjoyed this love story between Keely and Andrew! Really adorable and fluffy! My brain really needed this lovely book!

The story takes place in high school, so there is a lot of slut shaming by peers and immature boys being jerks. High school sucks, you know. There was a lot of pressure on Keely to lose her virginity for some reason. I didn't really get that. Girl! You can wait if you want to!!

Keely and Andrew's fear of communicating their feelings for each other was so frustrating, but I get how it would be scary to risk losing your best friend. And while Keely thinks Andrew is such a player with all the girls in their school, Andrew really doesn't do or say anything to dissuade that assumption. He kind of treats her like one of the guys, but with a closer relationship.

Aside from that, I really loved all the awkward positions that Keely and Andrew found themselves in as Keely is dating Dean. Jealousy makes fools of everyone apparently and it was funny. Ha!

I totally recommend this read for a cute little high school awkward romance read.

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

Til Life Do Us Part by Laura M. Drake

Book Summary: "Melody Albright is dead.

Or at least she thinks she is. She’s trapped with her sister in the In-Between, a realm connecting life and death, where dangerous creatures roam freely. Her options: try to Return to her life and all its forgotten memories, or face the unknown of Passing On.

Melody makes her decision quickly, but things aren't as simple as she believed. Souls in the In-Between hold secrets, even from themselves, and they’re all after the same thing: a way to regain their memories. As Melody works together with her sister, a dangerous thief stealing memory shards keeps getting in their way.

Even as Melody starts to question if she made the right choice, all she can do is continue forward. And as she learns more about herself and the dangers lurking in the shadows, Melody realizes there are things far worse than being dead."

My Review

The concept for the plot of this story was really cool and unique! It's like a limbo for the almost dead, but with a chance to choose your afterlife path. You need to refind yourself through memories that turn into crystal shards.

The beginning was a bit slow, I will admit that, but it was good to have all the world building (after world building?) before Melody comes across the mysterious Jericho. He seems really menacing and I want Melody to be really wary of him. But once we get into his deal, this ship officially sailed!

I really loved the relationship building between Melody and her sister, Elayna. Even though Elayna was in this limbo first, Melody helps keep her fight as they search for ways to gain more memory crystals. Elayna always seems to need a push so she doesn't give up on herself.

Beautiful fun story with some really surprising action with some vicious gangs (limbo gangs?).

I hope there is a sequel for Melody and Jericho! I'd read that!!  

[sweetcerac]

In The Mood For Fall Reads

Autumn is in the air, pumpkins are in the grocery stores, and Spirit Halloween stores are popping up in those random empty store fronts. It's that time of year to get in the spooky mood! Here's my list of spooky reads you should definitely give a try.

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

"College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood. Will she be able to face the town's terror or will she drown like everyone else?"

Such an awesome Vampy YA series! Rachel Caine wrote such an amazingly detailed world with Morganville, Texas. A vampire city with vampire rules for the resident humans to fear and dark secrets to uncover that could change the game. Her heroine is small but so fierce in Claire Danvers. Purely driven to be a scientist, her analytical brain helps her stay rational in the face of danger. Plus her room mates/true friends are such great compliments to her, including a hot broady musician named Michael Glass. I highly recommend the whole series!

Wake The Hollow by Gaby Triana

"Forget the dead, Mica. It’s real, live people you should fear.

Tragedy has brought Micaela Burgos back to her hometown of Sleepy Hollow. It’s been six years since she chose to live with her father in Miami instead of her eccentric mother. And now her mother is dead.

This town will suck you in and not let go.

Sleepy Hollow may be famous for its fabled headless horseman, but the town is real. So are its prejudices and hatred, targeting Mica’s family as outsiders. But ghostly voices carry on the wind, whispering that her mother’s death was based on hate…not an accident at all. With the help of two very different guys—who pull at her heart in very different ways—Micaela must awaken the hidden secret of Sleepy Hollow…before she meets her mother’s fate.

Find the answers.

Unless, of course, the answers find you first."

This book has the Sleepy Hollow vibes you didn't know you needed! Micaela's Mom's death forces her back to her hometown of headless horseman infamy. While connecting with her old friends and family, she finds shocking secrets that make her question her Mom's death. Not to mention two hot guys vying for her attention and the headless man himself making an appearance. I loved this ghostly thrill ride that I like to revisit when the air gets crisp.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

"After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.

Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemí’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.

Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness.

And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind."

A creepy gothic estate in the remote countryside of Mexico where the walls actually pulse? What?!? The story follows Noemi, a socialite from Mexico City, on a mission to save her beloved cousin, Catalina, from her super weird husband and family. When Catalina has a moment of clarity and sends a letter of distress to Noemi, Noemi insists on swooping in and bringing her home. But this spooky manor is more like a spider's web than she bargained for and she gets sucked into staying. Fortunately for her, her determined curious nature has her poking through all the secrets she can uncover.

The Move by Laura M. Drake

"Selena knows that haunted houses are only real in movies.

Or are they?

When Selena moves to a sleepy Oregon town with her dad, she knows her life will be different than the one in California she left behind. But before they even finish unpacking, she realizes that everything isn’t as it seems. As the hauntings escalate in your home the neighborhood kids call “The Snatcher,” Selena realizes that no one is safe.

With the help of a cute neighbor boy, will Selena be able to solve the mystery behind the vengeful ghost before time runs out? Or is it already too late?"

This whole series was a spooky delight to read. A haunted house with a vengeance spirit that actually snatches people! Selena moves into this house with her father without any of this useful information about it's history beforehand. Luckily, she meets a guy in her new town, Lincoln, who has an extensive knowledge of Japanese Yokai (ghosts!) and totally kissable lips. Together they navigate the creaks and flickers in her haunted house as they investigate what this ghost actually wants from them. 

The Carrow Haunt by Darcy Coates

""The dead are restless here..." Remy is a tour guide for Carrow House, a notoriously haunted building. When she's asked to host seven guests for a week-long stay to research Carrow's phenomena, she hopes to finally experience some of the sightings that made the house famous.

At first, it's everything they hoped for. Then a storm moves in, cutting off their contact with the outside world, and things quickly become twisted. Doors open on their own. Seances go disastrously wrong. Red liquid seeps from behind the wallpaper. Their spirit medium wanders through the house during the night, seemingly in a trance.

Then one of the guests dies under strange circumstances, and Remy is forced to consider the possibility that the ghost of the house's original owner, a twisted serial killer, still walks the halls.

But by then it's too late to escape."

Remy loves haunted houses, so she takes the job as a tour guide at a specifically horrifying one. She loves the history and researching the houses she works at and becomes so knowledgeable about the Carrow House that a particularly handsome visitor on one of her tours asks her if he could book a week long stay to hunt the ghosts. Slamming doors, apparitions, a seance, and death! Things get real quickly and the group have to figure out how to escape! Not only a really awesome scary book, but I loved the relationship building between the characters. I like a little romance with my scares. Boo! Aww!

A Breath Of Frost by Alyxandra Harvey

"In 1814, three cousins—Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope—discover their family lineage of witchcraft when a binding spell is broken, allowing their individual magical powers to manifest. Now, beyond the manicured gardens and ballrooms of Regency London, an alluring underworld available only to those with power is revealed to the cousins. By claiming their power, the three cousins have accidentally opened the gates to the underworld.

Now ghouls, hellhounds—and most terrifying of all, the spirits of dark witches known as the Greymalkin Sisters—are hunting and killing young debutante witches for their powers. And, somehow, Emma is connected to the murders…because she keeps finding the bodies.

Can the cousins seal the gates before another witch is killed… or even worse, before their new gifts are stripped away?"

I am such a sucker for old time London and witches! I fell in absolute love with this series! Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope are very close and going through all the society protocols of the Regency era together with the balls and soirees. The Lovegrove cousins are far from swooning debutantes. They discover they are witches! Emma is very studious and loves to read. Gretchen is pretty bad ass and hates that the men get to do all the fun things, while the women practice their curtsy. And Penelope likes the idea of balls and soirees and practicing her embroidery, but she is no push over. Besides magic, there are magical creatures, a goblin market, romance, and more! Think of this series as a kind of Bridgerton murder mystery with magic! The last book is Kindle only, just in case you devour this series like I did.

Firelight by Kristen Callihan

"Once the flames are ignited . . .

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . .

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask."

Another series set in old time London, this time Victorian London. The story has a Beauty and Beast esque aspect to it with some Phantom of the Opera feels. Toss in a little Firestarter, swirl things around, and you get a magical tale of power, fear, and love. Miranda can't control her powers and a tall, dark, and handsome stranger with a gruffness "rescues" her with a proposal of marriage. While Miranda isn't entirely sure of this mysterious hunk, the bodies start sprouting up and with his reputation scaring the locals, who can anyone believe that this guy is innocent? This whole entire series is amazing and I most highly recommend all of them and wish there were more books!

Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

"I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way."

This is my latest spooky read from this past year. In the mood for ghosts? This story has ghosts in spades! Scary vengeance ghosts that need to be battled. Meet Kennedy Waters. Her Mom is killed by a ghost and two hot brothers rescue her from being killed by the same ghost. That's when Kennedy's whole world view is changed forever and she hits the road to battle the evil spirits with a group of kids call the Legion. Members whose parents have also died and passed down a magical legacy upon their deaths. Kennedy is learning on the go, but definitely struggling with the idea that her Mom was a Legion member too. A secret society fighting darkness? Fantastic spooky read that makes me need the whole series now!

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

The Witch and the Watcher (The Witch in the Envelope, #2) by Laura Detering

Book Summary: "A broken heart, fused back together in scorn, cannot be broken again

Though Liddy has embraced her Watcher heritage as a protector of the realms, insecurities return as she doubts her ability to be the savior the Kingdom of Cristes needs her to be.

Liddy and Will have no idea how to hone nor control their giftings. As if being a teenager in Mortalia weren’t difficult enough, being together can literally make the couple shine brighter than the northern lights. They need guidance and lots of it, but their mentor Nick has disappeared, and the only friend who knows what they are is human.

With unexpected help, Will and Liddy must travel through other's memories to learn about Mara, the witch in the envelope, in hopes of defeating her. Unearthed is an icy betrayal, one so deep it fractures Mara’s soul and the flames of her fiery rage could burn through their worlds. Everyone is on borrowed time as Mara seeks to exact her revenge. Will and Liddy must find a way to stop her or die along with everyone they have ever loved."

My Review

I feel so in love with the first book that I dived right into book two! The series so far feels like this really cool supernatural teen show for networks like The CW or Freeform. Shadowhunters vibes!

The second book follows Liddy and Will as they learn how their powers work, but also gives a deep dive into the past of young Nick and young Mara! I really loved this new story within the story of how young Mara became the angry witch she is now.

Poor Mara! I really felt for her! She came from this place of being poor and having to be hidden away by her mother to learning how to navigate this world of the elite with her new friends. Mara knows that she's not on their level and is trying to protect her heart. But she trusts Nick so much that she lets all his friends in behind her walls as well.

I really loved her friendship with Nick and was really rooting for them. And also Lana! She was such a cool gal pal for Mara to have by her side. And Lana has a really cool warrior gifting! Lana is pretty badass.

Learning what happened with Mara and Nick gave me a lot of hope that maybe Liddy and Will could help Nick appeal to Mara's love for him. Maybe help Mara feel less betrayed. All Nick ever wanted was to be with her and protect her.

I also really liked that Liddy's friend, Pree, joined their Scooby Gang of sorts. It's good for Liddy to have someone else to talk to about this stuff besides Will. And Pree is so fascinated with this whole new world she's discovered about Liddy and really wants to understand everything.

This book series is so fun and I am dying for book three! Highly HIGHLY recommend for anyone who loves Shadowhunters or Buffy.

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

The Astronaut and the Star by Jen Comfort

Book Summary: "Astronaut Regina “Reggie” Hayes wants to be the first woman on the moon—it’s all she’s ever dreamed of. But after a PR disaster, Reggie is off the list for a lunar mission. To rehabilitate her reputation with NASA, she agrees to a different kind of assignment: astronaut “training” with a Hollywood action hero.

Jon Leo is a charmer. With credits that include an underperforming sitcom and a campy action flick called Space Dude, his upcoming role in a prestigious movie could prove he’s a star. But Jon isn’t just big muscles and an otherworldly smile—he’s also a total space nerd. He’s pumped about his own personal space camp…until he meets ice-cold Reggie.

Although Reggie and Jon are polar opposites, their mutual attraction is undeniable, and it only takes a few weeks in close quarters for them to give in to its magnetic force. Jon is set on convincing Reggie this is a match made in the heavens, but her future is in space, and his is among stars of the Hollywood kind. The odds of successfully launching a real relationship outside the confines of the training base are anything but optimal.

Reggie, content with keeping things casual, is forced by a sudden turn of events to confront the possibility of losing Jon forever. Now, she’ll do whatever it takes to win both the man and the moon."

My Review

I read this book so fast! I loved the gorgeous cover and the summary sounded so fun. I was sucked into the story from the beginning and couldn't put it down. Stayed up all night reading it. No sleep, but so worth it!

Reggie the goth astronaut, queen of darkness, is truly an unlikable woman. I definitely could see that. She is not friendly. She gets so impatient with her team mates and would rather just do everything herself. Reggie tends to be blunt and explosive with her frustrations. I liked how a lot of her background was explained with her as we are introduced and it makes a lot of sense for her unlikableness. All she wants is her big dream and working towards it. Nothing matters to her more. Being perfect and impressive has been ingrained in her brain her whole life by her super serious (kind of horrible) famous parents.

Now her contrast is Jon Leo. He is so sweet, charming, and adorable! Adorkable/adorable! Loved him so much! He is described as this huge man and I kept picturing Luther from Umbrella Academy. Jon can come off really dumb, but it's like his brain is moving around too fast over everything he wants to say that he trips himself up. He is actually a space/science geek in a hot action hero's bod. He's so excited to meet Reggie and her random bouts of rage never seems to deter him from trying to win her over.

Holy sexy times, Batman! Lots and lots of sexy times in this book. Definitely fire!

I loved their banter and how they pinged off each other. The dueling perspectives made it so easy to understand where each character is coming from and all the feelings they are having as they are being drawn closer and closer.

The ending definitely felt rushed! I want more! Could totally see a sequel where we could revisit how these two are doing as their careers take off! Pretty please!

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

The Fire in the Glass (The Charismatics #1) by Jacquelyn Benson

Book Summary: "London, 1914. Someone is draining the blood of the city’s mediums. Lily Albright knows who’s next.

The unacknowledged bastard daughter of the Earl of Torrington, Lily is haunted by visions of the future that she can never change. When she foresees the death of her dearest friend, she realizes the circumstances of that yet-to-be murder match those of a series of brutal and mysterious crimes.

If she can find the killer before he strikes, maybe this time she can finally thwart fate and save someone she loves.

As Lily's investigation takes her to a bedchamber where one of society’s most desirable widows lies dead, she realizes she can’t do this alone. She needs help from the reclusive Lord Strangford, a man haunted by his own unusual powers. To pursue the path of a killer, Lily must ask Strangford to face unimaginable horrors – and is compelled to reveal her darkest secrets to a man she has little reason to trust.

Somewhere in the city lies a murderer hell-bent on an unspeakable harvest, one that could reshape the future of the human race. To stop him, Lily must face a past rife with betrayal—and embrace the power she has spent her entire life trying to escape."

My Review

What totally drew me to this book was the beautiful cover! It is so gorgeous!

And then the story of a girl, who can see into the future, trying to solve a murder? I was in!

Lily is a really cute, complicated character. She struggles with trusting people and with how society views her. Her father is an Earl and her Mom was his mistress. Her father left her in a finishing school alone after her Mom died and Lily has never forgiven him for that.

Lily has a gift of seeing into the future, but never being able to save anyone she's seen die in them. Including her own mother. She feels immense guilt. She has spent her life trying to ignore her gift because she feels it doesn't do anyone any good to try to act on them. Nothing changes.

But then her friend is featured in her latest visions and she is desperate to stop it. She feels her visions are in connection to the latest serial murders happening to mediums in London.

I really loved all the unique characters that are part of The Refuge! All of them have their own unique gifts/supernatural skills that I would have never thought of before. I especially love Sam and his gifting with animals. He's rough and tumble, but he and Lily make a great team. He seems to trust her gift more than she does.

And Oh MAN!! Lord Strangford is so swoony! I adored his introduction on the Heath with him rescuing Lily from her accident and taking her for help. He's brooding and closed off and their relationship was so sweet and lots of building of trust.

Beautiful atmospheric world with supernatural twists and turns. I am so in love with this series and diving into the next book!

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

The Witch in the Envelope by Laura Detering  

Book Summary: "As a child, nightmares of a hauntingly beautiful yet vicious witch plagued Liddy Erickson. But when she wakes one morning with a deep gash on her chest in the same place the witch attacked her, she realizes these were no ordinary dreams. Shortly after she confides in her best friend, Will, his entire family disappears along with her memories of them.

It’s now 1998, and seventeen-year-old Liddy has one goal: to move out of the cold Chicago suburbs after graduation. Two things that are not in her perfectly planned life: fun and dating. That is until the new transfer student catches the eye of every girl at Wheeling High School. With intriguing scars and eyes that seem to glow, he awakens something inexplicable in Liddy and proves to know her even better than her closest friends. This forbidden attraction could be her greatest downfall…or her saving grace.

When a stranger with a distinct melodic chime to his walk saves Liddy from opening an enchanted envelope, he reveals an outrageous claim that she is a lost Watcher and the saving grace for their homeland, Cristes. As Christmas draws near, Liddy must decide if she can trust the stranger’s orders or risk condemning an entire nation."

My Review

This book had me hooked! Mysterious and romantic, swoony moments with all the feels. Full of a strange mythology that took all book to somewhat figure out, but still in need of more info and a book two. Loved this! The story definitely felt like a cool supernatural teen show on the CW or Freeform.

Lydia and Will are adorable! I love them together! The book starts with their childhood insta best friendship. Immediately drawn to each other. Already you know something is up! How are they connected with this instant bond they have for each other? His parents seem to be so pleased with this that you have to wonder what they know too. And what about her parents? Are they in on it?

But then something happens one night that erases them from each other's memories and Will's family is gone. Lydia moves on with her life and grows into this smart, kind teenager with a loyal group of close friends and plans to make something great of herself away from her small wintery town.

Then Will is suddenly back and things start to piece themselves together for Lydia again. The slow burn of their rekindled friendship and then relationship was like *chef's kiss* as they worked together to figure out what everything means. Escaping the big bad that haunts Lydia throughout the story.

Love all the magic and special abilities! I was on the edge of my seat as I followed Lydia and Will. I immediately dived into book two! Really enjoying the experience while still needing more answers.  

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

A Thousand Steps by T. Jefferson Parker  

Book Summary: "Laguna Beach, California, 1968. The Age of Aquarius is in full swing. Timothy Leary is a rock star. LSD is God. Folks from all over are flocking to Laguna, seeking peace, love, and enlightenment.

Matt Antony is just trying get by.

Matt is sixteen, broke, and never sure where his next meal is coming from. Mom's a stoner, his deadbeat dad is a no-show, his brother's fighting in Nam . . . and his big sister Jazz has just gone missing. The cops figure she's just another runaway hippie chick, enjoying a summer of love, but Matt doesn't believe it. Not after another missing girl turns up dead on the beach.

All Matt really wants to do is get his driver's license and ask out the girl he's been crushing on since fourth grade, yet it's up to him to find his sister. But in a town where the cops don't trust the hippies and the hippies don't trust the cops, uncovering what's really happened to Jazz is going to force him to grow up fast.

If it's not already too late."

My Review

This was a really fascinating historical fiction mystery.

Matt's family is quite poor. His Mom is addicted to drugs. His father abandoned them and calls every once in a while, making promises he doesn't usually keep. His brother is in the war. And his sister, Jazz, goes missing one night.

The book started out somewhat slow, but it really picked up as Matt's determination to find his sister and his frustration at the local police makes him go at the case on his own.

Following Matt Anthony through all the hints and clues to find his sister is like a classic hero's journey. I might even compare it to The Odyssey. Matt being Homer and all the people he runs into along the way are sirens, traps, trials, and Gods in disguise. But the Gods in Matt's world might be LSD and it's everywhere, on everyone's mind, and controlling things.  

I really loved how the author made Laguna in the 1960s feel like a character itself with all these rich descriptions of all the places Matt goes. I especially loved Matt's moments at the beach with the photo shoot and in the ocean.

I also loved how the author tied in the Vietnam War happening at this same time with his brother's letters home and the family making plans on how they would welcome him back into the house. It reminded you that there were a lot of things happening in the world at this point along with what Matt is going through.

I will say that there was an entirely too much use of the word bitchin' throughout the book. I talked to my Dad about this as I was reading the book and as a young adult of the 60s, he pointed out other slang that could have been used. Far out, out of sight, hang loose, bummer, etc. Heh. This book was fun to talk about with my Dad.

Good mystery that needed less bitchin’ and more van chases.

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

Odd Spirits by S.T. Gibson  

Book Summary: "It takes a lot of commitment to make a marriage between a modern ceremonial magician and a chaos witch work, but when a malevolent entity takes up residence in Rhys and Moira’s home, their love will be pushed to the limits. Brewing up a solution is easier said than done when your magical styles are polar opposites; throw a psychic ex and a secret society in the mix, and things are bound to get messy. "

My Review

Very cute short story about a troubled marriage between a scholarly magician, Rhys, and a new-age witch, Moira. With a poltergeist not helping things.

Rhys is definitely more of the “by the book” and “research to perfection mode” with his magical workings. Moira is a go with the flow and adapt magic worker.

Loved the flashbacks to the past and how they met! Being raised with completely different beliefs and ways, they bond over their love of magic and find an undeniable attraction to each other. You could see how their different views on magic could really balance the other out and it was cute!

In present day, a few years into their marriage, a poltergeist is causing problems in their home and they both have different views on how it should be dealt with. This perhaps being a metaphor for their marriage as we learn all the different issues they have with each other. Their own insecurities in themselves. And an annoying ex of Rhys's that plays an important role in Rhys's very important secret order, The Society.

When the annoying know-it-all ex and The Society come to their home to investigate the poltergeist at Rhys's request, Moira is not shy in showing how much she does not like the ex. I loved how Rhys kept trying to keep things cool. Aww Man! A tough spot to be!

This spooky magical story also had a lot of heart as this pair of wedded lovers work through their relationship demons along with their ghostly demon. Very fun interesting read! I would love to read more from this author!

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

Book Summary: "In 1893, there's no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the burnings began, but now witching is nothing but tidy charms and nursery rhymes. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box.

But when the Eastwood sisters--James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna--join the suffragists of New Salem, they begin to pursue the forgotten words and ways that might turn the women's movement into the witch's movement. Stalked by shadows and sickness, hunted by forces who will not suffer a witch to vote-and perhaps not even to live-the sisters will need to delve into the oldest magics, draw new alliances, and heal the bond between them if they want to survive.

There's no such thing as witches. But there will be."

My Review

I really enjoyed this book. I think, in the beginning, I was getting some Practical Magic vibes with them being sisters and their Grandmother teaching them about magic in their youth. But a Practical Magic that is darker.

Their father was abusive and each of the sisters ended up leaving the homestead for one reason or another. The last sister left with their father was James Jupiter Eastwood, the youngest. She felt so betrayed and abandoned by her sisters and so much guilt for her birth being the reason their mother died. She's really tough and determined. As soon as her father dies, she's on the run to the big city of New Salem.

She's not necessarily looking for her sisters, but they find each other. Drawn together by some unknown power. And I loved when they found each other again! They are such a team! Agnes Amaranth and Beatrice Belladonna. The middle and older sisters respectfully.

I found myself really relating to Beatrice the librarian girl because I love to research as well. She's so book smart and somewhat mousy shy and not confident, but her strength is definitely her mind.

An alternative history where Salem is destroyed and a "New Salem" has risen and run by an unforgiving patriarchy that is so oppressive of women's rights. Shaming women who do not live the "ideal life" and persecuting any woman who may show even the smallest bit of magic.

The sisters start a revolution! Things get rough and tough, lives on the line, but as they navigate how to change the world, the sisters are reconnecting and learning to trust each other again. Finding that the things they thought they knew were not what they seemed.

I loved all the folklore and short fairy tales scattered throughout the book. Witch tales? It made this whole book have a very supernatural feel, like these rhymes at the beginning of every chapter could be a real spell for you to try yourself.

Also really loved the side romances the sisters experienced. Especially Agnes' loyal male witch willing to do anything she needed. Agnes is so brave and strong! He fell for her so hard and his first instinct is to protect her, but over time he learns that he doesn't have to protect her as much as just being by her side when the fighting starts.

Love, witches, friendships, sisters, danger, magical birds! This book was so gorgeous, atmospheric, and fun!

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

The Encounter (Japanese Hauntings #4) by Laura M. Drake

Book Summary: "Lincoln Kingston is no stranger to the paranormal. He’s spent the last few weeks trying to defeat the vengeful ghost who snatched his girlfriend’s dad last year. But when Selena and Lincoln go to the scene of her dad’s disappearance, they realize things aren’t as they seem.

Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer loose at Berkeley, and a string of murders have left the police stumped. While physical and supernatural forces threaten them, Selena and Lincoln struggle to keep their budding romance, and each other, alive.

If they hope to survive, Lincoln will have to work with those around him and trust his family’s supernatural abilities. Will they figure out the truth behind the new threat and defeat Oiwa once and for all? Or will Selena lose the chance of helping her dad forever?"

My Review

I really loved this series so much that I hope this book isn't the last of Selena and Lincoln investigating and stopping dangerous Japanese ghosts. Following them through their ghostly adventures was so fun!

In this 4th installment in the series, we find Selena finally getting her chance to help her Dad. And with Lincoln focused on helping the girl he loves, he almost misses the new Japanese ghost hunting on his college campus.

No spoilers this review.

I loved seeing things from Link's perspective in this book! Getting the views from Selena, Dex, and now Link really brings everything in a full picture of what’s on the mind of each character throughout all the supernatural drama. Link gave me so much feels because he really truly loves this girl. Willing to do whatever she needs from him. Working with his family on what he needs to know to protect himself and Selena. Love that!

Lincoln is also learning about his own ghost power heritage along the way, which I think could make him quite the defense against the dangerous ghosts and help protect innocent victims in the future.  

The descriptions of the ghosts definitely left me creeped out. To the point where I was like, ‘I should google these ghost to learn more! But... maybe I don't want to have nightmares.’ Too scared to google ghosts. lol! Amazing job freaking me out.

If this is the last book in the series, then I am sad because I'll miss following these characters chase ghosts. But the ending was perfect. I really liked that Selena could find peace.

[sweetcerac]

December Owlcrate <3

[sweetcerac]

Wonderful book mail and a cat’s tail <3

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss by Kasie West

Book Summary: "Lacey Barnes has dreamed of being an actress for as long as she can remember. So when she gets the opportunity to star in a movie alongside one of Hollywood’s hottest actors, she doesn’t hesitate to accept the part.

But Lacey quickly learns that life in the spotlight isn’t as picture perfect as she imagined. She’s having trouble bonding with her costars, her father has hired the definition of a choir boy, Donavan Lake, to tutor her, and somewhere along the way she’s lost her acting mojo. And just when it seems like things couldn’t get any worse, it looks like someone on set is deliberately trying to sabotage her.

As Lacey’s world spins out of control, it feels like the only person she can count on—whether it’s helping her try to unravel the mystery of who is out to get her or snap her out of her acting funk—is Donavan. But what she doesn’t count on is this straight-laced boy becoming another distraction.

With her entire future riding on this movie, Lacey knows she can’t afford to get sidetracked by a crush. But for the first time in her life Lacey wonders if it’s true that the best stories really do happen when you go off script."

My Review

Kasie West books are always such a cute and lighthearted reads and this story was such a fun and witty breath of fresh air!

The main character is Lacey, an aspiring actress starring in her first movie. Being a newbie to a big Hollywood role, she is trying to do the best she can, but she's having a hard time sparking any chemistry between her and her famous co-star. And while it can't possibly be his fault because he's a vain Hollywood heartthrob, she tries everything she can think of to make it work.

Lacey is a really funny and clever character who was so fun to follow along through this story. She loves acting and drama and her passion really shines through and drives her.

On top of that, her Dad is pressuring her to not neglect her school work and hires her a tutor to help her study on set. This tutor, Donavan, is really adorable and handsome and won't let her blow off her studies.

The big mystery of the story is that someone is trying to ruin her reputation in Hollywood before it's even began. Mishaps happen and things start to go missing. She enlists the help of Donavan to investigate it with her and in the process they start to develop a really swoony slow burn relationship. Their banter is really adorable and I loved how their differences really made each other shine!

Really cute read that I enjoyed every moment! Maybe there will be another book where Lacey and Donavan show up in the future? I hope so!

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

Unsung Requiem (The Ghost Bird #13) by C.L. Stone

Book Summary: "Victor Morgan’s entire life has been in the limelight. Groomed by his fierce mother as a piano prodigy, intent on using him to build a legacy for the Morgan name.

But legacies require the utmost in care. Any little disaster can cause a mountain of problems.

After a 17th birthday party ends in catastrophe, a fight with his parents sends Victor out into the world for the first time on his own. With his Academy team and Sang by his side, it’s everything he’s wanted for years. It’s his time to get out from under his parents’ oppressive control and finally be himself.

But Victor is a local celebrity in the Charleston community. His name and face have been everywhere. His every move is noticed. When his actions lead to the risk of a very public exposure of himself and his team, including thwarting Sang’s chances at remaining a Ghost Bird, Victor realizes the life his mother built may jeopardize everything. The Morgan name may just be his downfall.

There may be no escape. The only way to save Sang and his team might be to give up what he really wants more than anything: to finally be the real Victor Morgan."

My Review

It is not so secret that I am totally devotedly in love with C.L. Stone's reverse harem series. The Ghost Bird series is my absolutely favorite. I've probably read each book twice and listened to each one on Audible during my commutes to work the last few years.

I love these books so much that it feels like comfort food now. And I can't get enough. Best reverse harem series I have ever read!

I love how each of the books focus more and more on each guy's background life before Sang and when Sang isn't around. It gives each of them more depth. And this 13th book focuses on Victor and his relationship with his family. And how disapproving and controlling his mother is of his friends and Sang!

Because of Victor's rich and famous status in Charleston, he also has the problem of being seen with Sang while also keeping her Ghost Bird status in tact. Which is tough because he's constantly being followed around by photographers. Of course the journey of Victor's situation is full of mystery and sweet moments with Sang. And really awesome friendship moments that really fuse together the awesomeness of this team!

I can't wait for book 14!! Ahhhh!!

I highly recommend this series if you love reverse harem books. It's sweet and swoony! Go read the first book and prepare to fall in love!

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian

Book Summary: "Empress Margaraux has had plans for her daughters since the day they were born. Princesses Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz will be queens. And now, age sixteen, they each must leave their homeland and marry their princes.

Beautiful, smart, and demure, the triplets appear to be the perfect brides—because Margaraux knows there is one common truth: everyone underestimates a girl. Which is a grave mistake. Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz are no innocents. They have been trained since birth in the arts of deception, seduction, and violence with a singular goal—to bring down monarchies— and their marriages are merely the first stage of their mother’s grand vision: to one day reign over the entire continent of Vesteria.

The princesses have spent their lives preparing, and now they are ready, each with her own secret skill, and each with a single wish, pulled from the stars. Only, the stars have their own plans—and their mother hasn’t told them all of hers.

Life abroad is a test. Will their loyalties stay true? Or will they learn that they can’t trust anyone—not even each other?"

My Review

This book summary just sounded so awesome! Three sister princesses, trained from birth in mastery of weapons, stealth, womanly charms, magic, and ruling in prep to takeover kingdoms. Sounds like a really fun fairy tale, right? Plus I always love sister stories because I love my own sister so much.

Triplet princesses Beatriz, Daphne, and Sophronia have been raised by their Empress mother to be used as pawns to ignite a war between the neighboring countries and paving the way for the Empress to pick up the fallen kingdoms. They are sent off, on their sixteenth birthday, to marry the princes and kings in those countries. The start of the grand plan that's been years in the making.

The princesses soon realize the plan to start these wars is not so simple once you factor in things like betrayals, heartbreak, alliances, love, and magic.

I really adore each sister equally! Each one is so unique with distinct personalities. They are also so close to each other that it made me think of my own sister. The first person they turn to is each other. The princesses get to grow once they're out of their mother's sight into these strong willed potential Queens! And they manage to keep their closeness, even with all the distance between them. I truly loved their relationships with each other.

The rotating points of views between the three girls really helped the story move along and show what was happening in each of their kingdoms. The political games, assassination attempts, and growing affections that each of them are dealing with. A lot of fun thrilling courtly intrigue and each girl seems to figure out how to take charge of their own situations as best they can. Strong and determined, but with their own minds. Not their mother's mind.  

I loved how smart and cunning the girls are and the way they started making moves of their own and getting people to follow them! Each one of them has great leadership potential! Plus their romances are really fun to follow along as well. Oh la la! Chemistry all around!

I am dying for the sequel!

[sweetcerac]

REVIEW

Resurrecting Sunshine by Lisa A. Koosis

Book Summary: "At seventeen, Adam Rhodes is famous, living on his own, and in a downward spiral since he lost the girl he loved. Marybeth—stage name Sunshine—was his best friend from the days they were foster kids; then she was his girlfriend and his band mate. But since her accidental death, he's been drinking to deal with the memories. Until one day, an unexpected visitor, Dr. Elloran, presents Adam with a proposition that just might save him from himself. Using breakthrough cloning and memory-implantation techniques, Dr. Elloran and the scientists at Project Orpheus want to resurrect Marybeth, and they need Adam to "donate" intimate memories of his life with her. The memory retrieval process forces Adam to relive his life with Marybeth and the devastating path that brought them both to fame. Along the way, he must confront not only the circumstances of her death but also his growing relationship with the mysterious Genevieve, daughter of Project Orpheus's founder. As the process sweeps Adam and Marybeth ever closer to reliving the tragedy that destroyed them, Adam must decide how far he'll go to save her."

My Review

This book turned out to be much more than I expected! My first impression was that this was going to be a sci-fi story. But really it's such a strange fascinating story about grief. I thought the plot of the story was pretty unique dealing with the idea of cloning. What would you do to bring back the one you love most?

The main character of the story is Adam. He had loved world famous singer, Sunshine, since they were kids. Supported her and made their band with her. He knew the famous Sunshine as Marybeth, a vulnerable foster kid and his best friend. His true north. She was always just trying to find her happiness and he always just wanted to make that happen for her.

Since her death, he's been grieving and drinking himself into a stupor. When approached by a world renown doctor about the idea of cloning her, he goes for it even though his feelings about it are mixed. Worried that the cloned girl won't be the Marybeth he knew.

And while he waits for the cloning process to complete a version of the girl he once knew, he's still processing his grief and changing. He meets someone who becomes his confidant and helps him really think through what he is asking for.

If you clone a person and give them all the same memories, will they be the same? Is it better to keep the dead dead or to bring them back to life?

I admit that it did take an exhausting long time to finally meet the new Marybeth. There was a lot of flashbacks through the story to help learn who the old Marybeth was to Adam. But Adam meeting Gen, the CEO's daughter, really helped move the story along for me. Their growing relationship and camaraderie really brought more depth to Adam. He was much more likable with her as his friend.

This story is definitely less about sci-fi and more about the stages of grieving. It kept me hooked as I followed Adam through his thought process to his ultimate choice. And I really wanted to know how this story was going to turn out!