Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Review: Skyshade

 


Title: Skyshade

Series: Lightlark 

Author: Alex Aster 

Release Date: November 2024



The pulse-pounding third novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Lightlark Saga, by acclaimed author and #BookTok sensation Alex Aster


Love kills kingdoms…


Back in Grim’s castle on Nightshade, Isla is reeling in the wake of a brutal battle and the devastating truths it exposed. Her future—and the fate of the world—now hinge on a heart split in two.


Past Isla, who fell in love with the ruler of Nightshade, fights to resist feelings she considers treasonous. The Isla of the present, who has seen the ruin her powers can cause, will do anything to save Lightlark and its king.


As the line between enemy and friend is tested, Isla is more desperate than ever to understand the oracle’s final prophecy and change her heartrending fate. But a storm is coming. And with it, a long-buried evil greater than anything the realms have faced before.


With the clock ticking on her destiny and the survival of two warring kingdoms hinging on her own shattered heart, Isla Crown will either save the world—or destroy it.


Goodreads | Purchase 



So, I finally got around to reading Skyshade. I was too lazy to go grab my copy from upstairs, so I borrowed the ebook from our local library the other day 😂😂. 

I enjoyed being back in this world, with these characters. This book picks up where book 2 left off. Isla felt betrayed - and Grim would do anything for her forgiveness. But could she forgive him for everything he's done? 

The gate of not only Isla but all of Nightshade and Lightlark - the two kingdoms at war with one another - hinged on Isla's heart which was split in two. She loved both rulers, but was a traitor to both - and was destined to kill one. Isla was either dragged to save the world or destroy it. 

I loved seeing now of Grim again, he is definitely my favorite character out of all of them. Overall the pacing was decent. Isla worked at trying to better understand the prophecy, she didn't want to be a monster, but instead wanted to save both of the men she loved. She warred with her feelings. And tried to better understand herself -& her past too. But the war, and storms that ravished the kingdom weren't the only dangers they had to face. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to see what is next for Isla, Grim and Oro. 

4⭐ out of 5 ⭐. 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Hi, I’m Alex.

I’m the #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, #1 Publishers Weekly Bestselling, #1 Indie Bestselling, and USA Today Bestselling author of Lightlark, which sold in 30+ territories and in a major movie deal with Universal and the producers of Twilight pre-publication. I am also one of the most-followed authors in the world, with over 1 million followers, and 150 million views on my videos. My middle grade Emblem Island series was published to critical acclaim. I’ve been featured on Good Morning America, Kelly Clarkson Show, Business Insider, Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter, Refinery29, The Today Show, The Guardian, and am a 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30.


Website  | Instagram | TikTok | 

No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Review: Bittersweet Chocolate

 


Title: Bittersweet Chocolate 

Author: C.M. Guidroz 

Release Date: January 2024



" I am in some sick love triangle with my husband and my insanity."

In the quiet corridors of suburbia, where manicured lawns whispered tales of ordinary lives, I stood on the precipice of my own unraveling. Our house, a carefully curated sanctuary of domestic bliss, hid the storms brewing within its walls—the storms that gave no warning, the flip of a switch, the great awakening. Whatever you want to call it, it doesn’t matter. They will say I lost it. That the pressures of motherhood was too much for me. No, I haven’t lost anything; I have found exactly what I have been looking for- her. My sweet, sweet, insanity.


Goodreads | Purchase 



So, I won this book in a giveaway - it has been on my TBR for awhile, and it was a great selection for a Valentine's read. 

This is a splatterpunk book - it's dark & has trigger Warnings so definitely check those out before diving in. 

It's a short, quick read & follows Emily - a stay at home mom to a toddler & a wife in a failing marriage. - Her husband Mark is an ass & definitely deserves what he got. 

I've been in a similar crappy relationship - and sometimes certain thoughts was a nice reprieve. A daydream in the nightmare of life. So I totally get where Emily was coming from. And although it wasn't my favorite read, it was definitely relatable. 

3.5 ⭐ out of 5⭐. 


Trigger Warnings: 

- infidelity

- domestic violence 

- emotional violence

- blood/gore

- torture

- murder 

- body mutilation 

- sexual content 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Candy lives with her husband and two kids in Louisiana. She weaves tales that test the limits, dating readers to embrace the darkness within her pages. Welcome to the twisted world of her imagination. 


Facebook | Instagram | TikTok 

No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Review: The Shadows Between Us

 


Title: The Shadows Between Us 

Series: Shadows Between Us

Author: Tricia Levenseller 

Release Date: February 2020



Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:


1) Woo the Shadow King.

2) Marry him.

3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.


No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.


But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?


Goodreads | Purchase 




So I picked up this book on a whim. I'm a mood reader & was looking for something that was light - something I didn't have to think heavily about after finishing Onyx Storm. I tried a few books but nothing stuck. Then after watching a movie I was on the hunt for a revenge story. I seen a social media post listing this one with the revenge trope. Perfect I thought. Only, it wasn't exactly what I was looking for. 

Alessandra has a plan - Woo the Shadow King. Marry the Shadow King. Kill the Shadow King. And despite not knowing the extent of the Shadow King's power, she will stop at nothing to try and get everything she has always wanted. Wealth, power, and acknowledgement. She is tired of being overlooked because of her sister. 

But Alessandra isn't the only one trying to kill the King. As attempts on his life are being made, Alessandra is finding herself trying to keep the Shadow King alive long enough for her to become Queen, and also finding herself getting closer to him - which is a dangerous game and could end up getting them both killed. 

So, like I said this was a lighter, easier fantasy read. It wasn't a high fantasy with a ton of world building to dive into. It was an upper YA read - there are mentions of sex & violence and death, but the sex is mostly off page. It is a slow burn, not quite enemies to friends to lovers. While the characters never really hated each other, Alessandra was planning to kill the King to gain his throne. 
There was some revenge - but not between the main characters, which was what I was originally was searching for when I picked up this book. 
Over all it was a good quick read, that I enjoyed. It was light, fun and interesting. If you love YA fantasy reads with main characters with shadow powers and scheming FMC's then I recommend this read. 

4⭐ out of 5⭐. 
1 🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Tropes: 
• enemies to lovers (kinda)
• villainous MC
• morally grey MC 
• slow burn 
• shadow daddy 
• court of intrigue 
• murder mystery 
• historical fantasy with modern thinking 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Tricia Levenseller is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of eight YA romantasies, including the Daughter of the Pirate King duology and The Shadows between Us. Her books have been translated into twenty languages and counting.

Tricia grew up in Oregon, where she spent her childhood climbing trees and playing make believe. She now lives in Utah with her bossy dog, Rosy, where she writes full time. When she’s not writing or reading, Tricia enjoys putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing video games, and finding tasty restaurants to frequent.

No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Weekly Newsletter: February 2

 



Hope everyone has a good couple weeks. I know it says weekly Newsletter & I know I have been taking two weeks each time to put out one 😂😂 I *want* it to be every week, but January is just super crazy over here. - but we'll see once things settle down some if it will stay every other week or if I switch to every week or not 😂😂. 

This week, I got my preorder of Onyx Storm in (bday present), and we did my daughter's 10th bday party- she did bowling & invited a ton of friends! She also had a field trip to go skiing earlier in the week too which she liked. 



Also here are the vibes I bring to the function but truthfully I probably won't go to the function - I am an introvert & don't people very well 😂😂 but it was a fun challenge to do on IG & TT either way. Do we share anything in common? 



What I Read This Week: 


Title: Onyx Storm 
Series: The Empyrean 
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Review | Goodreads | Purchase

Quote: “I am yours and you are mine, and there’s no law or rule in this world or the next that will change that."

Title: Pen Pal
Author: J.T. Geissenger 
- so I started this book & got about 44% through but it took me about a week to get that far & I am unsure if I'm going to continue or not. I'm at the point where when I have reading time I find something else to do instead of picking up this book unfortunately. The storyline is a little intriguing but I'm not really invested in the characters. 


What I Watched this Week: 


On top of The Rookie, Beast Games, Deal or No Deal Island & Dexter Original Sin - we watched Squid Games season 2 this week. I haven't seen season 1 (I would read when husband watched it) but it was ok. 


What I Listened to This Week: 





Title: Onyx Storm 
Series: The Empyrean 
Author: Rebecca Yarros 
Release Date: January 21


Title: Stolen Chances
Series: Citrus Cove
Author: Clio Evans
Release Date: January 21
Title: After Dark 
Series: Georgetown Vampires
Author: Kira Bates
Release Date: January 21
Goodreads | Purchase 


Title: From Now On
Series: Holt Hockey
Release Date: January 23


Title: Burn the Wild
Series: Runaway Ranch
Author: Ava Hunter 
Release Date: January 23


Title: Shooting Star 
Release Date: January 23


Title: The Moon and His Tides
Author: Giana Darling
Release Date: January 23 


Title: For Ever
Author: Ari Wright
Release Date: January 23


Title: The Keeper's Secret
Release Date: January 23


Title: Ruled Out
Series: Seattle Scorpions 
Author: Ruth Stilling 
Release Date: January 23
Goodreads | Purchase 


Title: The Apple Tree
Series: Sunday Morning 
Author: Jewel E. Ann
Release Date: January 23
Goodreads | Purchase 


Title: Untamed
Series: Bratva Kings
Author: Jane Henry 
Release Date: January 24 


Title: Worth The Wait
Series: Sugar Mountain 
Author: J. Sterling 
Release Date: January 24 


Title: Beauty and the Villain duet 
Author: V.F. Mason
Release Date: January 24
Goodreads | Purchase 


Title: The Mock Engagement Mishap
Series: Heroes of Huckleberry Creek
Author: Kait Flynn 
Release Date: January 24 
Goodreads | Purchase 


Title: Song of the Shadow Prince
Series: the Dragon's Ballad 
Release Date: January 24 
Goodreads | Purchase 
Title: Whispers of the Dragon 
Release Date: January 27 
Goodreads | Purchase 
Title: Queens and Monsters 
Series: Brutal Vows 
Author: Aleatha Romig 
Release Date: January 27
Goodreads | Purchase 


Title: Seeing You
Series: The Donovans 
Release Date: January 28


Title: Where Did You Go? 
Series: Infatuated Fae
Release Date: January 28 


Title: Carving Shadows Into Gold 
Series: Forging Silver into Stars
Release Date: January 28 


Title: Devil's Lily 
Series: Nightshades
Release Date: January 28 
Goodreads | Purchase 


Title: Priest and His Anarchist
Series: Carpe Noctem 
Author: Amo Jones 
Release Date: January 29 


Title: A Crown of Fates 
Series: Wolves of Lunara 
Author: Heather Renee
Release Date: January 30 


Title: Comeback
Series: Holland Brothers
Author: Rebecca Jenshak 
Release Date: January 30


Title: Irreversible 
Release Date: January 30 


Title: Vicious Addictions 
Series: The Next Vicious Generation
Author: Ivy Fox
Release Date: January 30


Title: Red Dreams
Series: The Reaper duet
Release Date: January 30


Title: Not Catching Love
Series: Accidental Love
Author: Saxon James
Release Date: January 30
Goodreads | Purchase 


Title: Scoring Position 
Series: Daytona Fury
Author: C.L. Rose
Release Date: January 30
Goodreads | Purchase 


Title: So Right
Series: Boys of South Chapel 
Author: Abby Millsaps
Release Date: January 31


Title: Cross Checked 
Series: Boston Rebels 
Author: Julia Connors
Release Date: January 31


Title: Harrowdean Manor
Author: J Rose
Release Date: January 31


Title: Psyop Kings
Series: The Crowned Conspiracy 
Author: K Webster
Release Date: January 31


Title: Psycho Boys 
Series: The Killer Kids 
Author: K.M. Rogness
Release Date: January 31


Title: A House of Cloaks & Daggers 
Series: The Gift of War
Author: Loren Little
Release Date: February 01



Title: What's Left of Us
Author: B. Celeste
Release Date: February 03



Title: The Mercenary & the Mortician
Series: The Silent Hollow
Release Date: February 04


Title: Skate the Line
Series: Blue Devils
Author: S.J. Sylvis
Release Date: February 06 


Title: The Life We Left Behind
Series: Willowbrook 
Author: Piper Wylde
Release Date: February 06


Title: Lovestruck
Author: Liane Mae
Release Date: February 06



Title: Trust My Bodyguard
Series: Pine Peaks
Author: Summer Hunter
Release Date: February 06


Title: One Last Wish 
Series: The Elder World
Author: B L. Wilde
Release Date: February 07


Title: My Dark Prince
Series: Dark Prince Road
Release Date: February 09

Title: Under an Endless Moon
Series: Moonlit Ridge
Author: A.L. Jackson
Release Date: February 10


Title: Scythe & Sparrow 
Series: Ruinous Love trilogy 
Author: Brynne Weaver 
Release Date: February 11


Title: What About Now? 
Series: Everlasting Ink
Author: Kaylee Ryan 
Release Date: February 11


Title: The Kiss Lottery
Release Date: February 11



Title: The Boys series
Author: Micalea Smeltzer 
Release Date: February 12



Title: Playing Mr. Perfect
Series: The Bradens at Ridgeport 
Author: Melissa Foster 
Release Date: February 12


Title: Captivating 
Series: Red Lips & White Lies
Author: Bella Matthews 
Release Date: February 13 


Title: Frost Bound 
Series: Entangled With Trickery
Author: Frost Kay 
Release Date: February 13 


Title: Stroke of Lust
Series: Titan Security
Author: Lilah Lance 
Release Date: February 13


Title: Lucky Shot
Series: Miami Mayhem 
Author: K. Bromberg
Release Date: February 13


Title: My Pucking Valentine
Author: Hayley James
Release Date: February 14 


Title: Infernal Strings of Destiny
Author: Jahnat Bhat
Release Date: February 15 


No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)