Review: the Emperor of Evening Stars

Title: the Emperor of Evening Stars
Series: Bargainer series
Author: Laura Thalassa

Blurb:

In the beginning, there was darkness.
Before he met Callie, before he became the Bargainer, there was Desmond Flynn, the bastard son of a scribe. A boy born to a weak mother, cursed with little magic, and destined to marry a slave.

But fate had something else in mind.

Till darkness dies.
From the barren caves of Arestys to the palace of Somnia to the streets of earth, this is how Desmond Flynn, a fairy who began with nothing, became the Emperor of Evening Stars.

Review:

This novella is in Desmond's POV, and a lot of it is his life before he met Callie. How he became the Bargainer, how he became the King of Night and Emperor of Stars. This is Desmond's story, from his life in Arestys until the events of book 2- a Strange Hymn.
I LOVED Des throughout the first two books, and always wanted more, more, more of him. And even though this was a novella- it delivered giving me exactly what I wanted. To know more of Desmond Flynn. His past, and his present. How he thinks, what he feels. I got to learn more from Desmond- and it wasn't enough, nothing will ever be enough. But I loved every single second of it. This is a must read for any Bargainer and/or Desmond fans! (Must have read the first two books before reading this one!) 4.5⭐ out of 5⭐.

Review: a Strange Hymn

Title: A Strange Hymn
Series: the Bargainer series
Author: Laura Thalassa

Blurb:

Siren and soulmate to the King of Night, Callypso Lillis survived the clutches of Karnon, the mad king, and his twisted prison. But the nightmare isn’t over. Callie wears the physical reminders of her time as a captive, and mounting evidence suggests the Thief of Souls is still out there.

When a fae celebration thrusts Callie and her mate, Desmond Flynn, into the Kingdom of Flora, they take their investigation with them. But under the bright lights and striking blooms of the realm, they find there are more immediate issues to deal with. No place is more uniquely savage than the great fae halls, and no amount of bargains can save Callie from royal intrigues.

Fairies play dangerous games. Some want love, some want vengeance, some want flesh, and some want things too unspeakable to utter. One thing is for sure: no one is who they appear to be. Not even Des, who only grows more enigmatic with every passing secret.

But the Kingdom of Flora has its own secrets, from bleeding trees to branded slaves and missing guards. Something is stirring in the land of all that grows, and if Callie isn’t careful, it will claim everything and everyone she loves—and her along with it.

Review:
You MUST read book One Rhapsodic first before reading a Strange Hymn. The events of this book take place immediately following the events of book 1.
So admittedly it's been a little bit since I read book one, but I needed a change in genres so I picked up this book.
Callypso, is a human siren and mate to the Fae King of Night Desmond. And after he saved her from Karon another Fae king's evil clutches she is grappling with the changes she has endured. But that's not the only thing. Besides trying to solve the mystery of the sleeping woman, missing soldiers, and creepy mysterious children, she now is also undergoing training against Des, while learning as much as she can, not only about Desmond himself, but the court he rules over- and the rest of the otherworld. Especially since they are invited to the week long Solstice party in the kingdom of of Flora- one of the kingdoms that allow human slaves, which Callie still is. But that's not the only issue- all the courts will be gathered, including those of of Fauna- the same Court's King that Desmond murdered. On top of it all, Flora has bleeding trees, and soldiers from each court in attendance going missing. Something sinister is going on in the land that grows, and if Callie isn't careful, it will claim everything and everyone she loves, including herself.
As with the first book, I LOVED Desmond, King of Night. I loved how protective he was of Callie, but how he didn't coddle her and let her make her own decisions even if he didn't agree with them. Callie was struggling with everything she had been through, and the changes that happened. But instead of shying away from anything, she stood up and fought. She was still strong willed, and didn't let what happened to her define her. Her and Desmond's bond is stronger than ever- but still not perfect. He is still King of secrets, and she is still human. And they still have many unsolved mysteries to solve. It seems when one answer presents itself many more questions appear in it's place. Can Callie and Des bond hold true? Can Des and Callie survive being in the Flora court for a week with so many Fae at odds with one another, and list of missing people growing more the longer they are there? Or will going to the Solstice doom them all? Find out these answers and more in this magical world of Fae that had me spell bound from beginning to end. 5 fantastical ⭐ out of 5⭐.

Review: Styx & Stones

Title: Styx & Stones
Author: Carmen Jenner
Release Date: Sept 3

Blurb:

A heartbreaking mature YA novel from the author of the bestselling contemporary romance, Harley & Rose.

Cancer sucks … and then you die.

Alaska Stone is a walking wet dream.

My wet dream.

For years, I’ve watched her in the halls, wanted her, but she never knew I existed.

Not until she walked into my chemo session.

For me, it was love at first sight.

For her? It might take a little longer.

But hey, it’s not like we’re on a deadline or anything.

Review:

Where do I even begin with this book?!
Styx Hendricks has had a crush on Alaska Stone for years, from afar. But Alaska never noticed him, not until she walked into his chemo session.
This book is about two teenagers who are just trying to live while dying. They want to be just normal teens, just for a little while- before their cancer claims them. I fell in love with Styx from the very first page. This book was heartbreakingly beautiful. It punched me right in the feels, and made me cry. But it made me laugh too. Styx and Stones were made for one another. I still have no words to describe this book. It was tragic, and sad, but still an amazing read.
"Stones was unlike any teen I'd ever met. We thought we had forever. We were wrong. Sounds like some fucked up Romeo and Juliet shit, right? Only it wasn't the Capulets and Montagues trying to keep us apart. It was life. It was cancer. But don't feel bad, because despite making my grand exit at the tender age of eighteen, I lived. If nothing else, I lived."
5 heartbroken ⭐ out of 5 ⭐

Review: a Curse So Dark And Lonely

Title: A Curse So Dark and Lonely
Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Blub:

Fall in love, break the curse.

Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year, Prince Rhen, the heir of Emberfall, thought he could be saved easily if a girl fell for him. But that was before he turned into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. Before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, Harper learned to be tough enough to survive. When she tries to save a stranger on the streets of Washington, DC, she's pulled into a magical world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. A prince? A curse? A monster? As she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.

Review:

So I was in the mood for something different, and decided to pick up my copy of a Curse So Dark and Lonely.
Rhen was cursed by a powerful enchantress, to repeat Autumn of his eighteenth year over and over again. At the end of every season he turns into a monster, hell-bent on destruction. Killing and destroying everything and everyone in his path. After hundreds of years of the same thing, Rhen has given up hope of ever breaking the curse.
Harper is just a girl from Washington DC, barely able to survive the cruel world she lives in. Until she appeared in Emberfall. Now she doesn't know what to think or believe. Surely the prince in front of her isn't real. Not is the curse and monster that she learns about. Rhen realizes Harper isn't a girl like any of the others he has tried to charm to help break the curse. And Harper realizes what is truly at stake for the kingdom of Emberfall. But as Rhen fills with hope, that maybe Harper can help break the curse, Harper fills with dread of never being able to see her family again. But there is more than just the wretched curse standing in their way, will Harper be able to save Rhen and his people from utter ruin, or will the kingdom of Emberfall finally meet it's demise?
I love retellings, and this was no different. It's a beauty and the beast retelling, and crossed between two worlds- the world we know,- with cities, technology, and cars- and the world of Emberfall- with Castles, royalty, and magic. Harper is taken from the world she grew up in, and thrust into this new world and must figure out how to not just cope, but how to survive. But Harper is brave, strong and resilient. She stands up for what she believes in and stands up to not only Rhen but to everything coming her way from the enchantress, to a war. She doesn't let anyone tell her no- not even her own body.
Rhen is an arrogant prince. He has spent years trying and failing to break the curse, charming the women who show up. But Harper is different. She doesn't care about the fine dresses, or the magical castle. She don't care about the riches or that Rhen is a prince. Rhen is used to planning and strategizing everything out. But Harper is unexpected. Hope that maybe this is the year the curse will finally be broken begins to form. But before they could break the curse, Rhen must get Harper to trust him.
I loved this book, and twist on Beauty and the Beast. If you love retellings, and fantasy novels about princes and strong female characters then you should definitely pick up a Curse So Dark and Lonely. 5 cursed ⭐ out of 5 ⭐

Release Blitz: Forget the Stars

Title: Forget the Stars

Author: Kelsey Kingsley

Genre: Friends-to-Lovers/2nd Chance Romance

Release: August 26, 2019

Cover Design: Danny Manzella

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44427670-forget-the-stars

"From August 26 to September 26, 2019, 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation."

Blurb:

Guitarist Chad Wilcox's life isn't going according to plan. 

At thirty, he never thought he'd still be unmarried and living with his parents. And with the added stress of his poor health, he's convinced the only thing within his control is the success he's found as a rockstar.

After reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Chad sets into motion a new plan to regain control over his happiness, and things start looking up. But when he finds himself diagnosed with a potentially debilitating chronic illness, he begins to wonder...

-

Is this as good as it's going to get? Or is it at all possible for a guy like him to get everything he's ever wished for? 

Buy Links: Kindle Unlimited

Universal: http://mybook.to/forgetthestars 

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2ZdNnsu

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Z8pwKS

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2ZdNR1M

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2Ze3EOj

Book Playlist: 

Direct link: https://spoti.fi/2ZiBGvN 

Giveaway: 

Direct link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28af441c4/

Early Review Quotes: 

"If you want a book with eternally endearing and relatable characters, a heartfelt, captivating, poignant storyline, and one that has the potential to compassionately enlighten the reader, ponder it no more and get your copy of this one today." - BookAddict

"There is just something about a vulnerable hero that gets me every time and Chad Wilcox was no exception. His pain becomes your pain thanks to Kelsey’s descriptive writing and the ability to invoke emotional pull. And, with a nickname like Chaddington Bear, he is everything." - Bree, Goodreads reviewer

"I'm a big Kelsey fan, so I knew I'd love this book before knowing anything about it. What I didn't know is how deep it would move me. I should have known though, because she always finds a way to break the mold and set a new standard of excellence." - Katie, Goodreads reviewer 

"This is one of those times I am thanking my lucky stars I took a chance on a new-to-me author. The writing was engaging, smart, and effortless to read. The storytelling was honest and sweetly addicting. I craved it when I wasn’t reading it, I wanted to sink into it for hours, lose time with these wonderful characters and their original, adorable, emotionally satisfying love story. I can’t say it enough: I loved it! I adored it! This is an absolute MUST read!" - Bookgasms Book Blog

"I can’t forget the stars when I have to give this book all the stars! Seriously. All the stars in the universe. I can’t even begin to tell you how special Forget The Stars is. I just want to go around to everyone I know yelling “READ THIS BOOK!”" - Red Hatter Book Blog

Excerpt:

“What’s that look for?” she asked with a giggle, as she reached around to secure her bra.

I shook my head as a smile stretched over my lips. “Nothin’. Just …” I swallowed at the warmth crowding my heart and my lungs. “You’re my best friend.”

She tugged a tank top on and sighed, her exhale lingering in the air. “You’re mine.”

Mine. The word was simple and yet held the world. It was an agreement, it was possession. It was an invisible contract that lingered between us, and I would’ve gladly used my own blood to sign on the dotted line.

But instead of pricking a finger and sealing the deal, I simply nodded, as only two words left my mouth.

“I’m yours.”

Teasers:

Author Bio:

Kelsey Kingsley is an author of eight, almost nine, novels. She lives in New York with her family and a cat named Ethel. She loves tattoos, music, makeup, and Frasier reruns. Kelsey is a Slytherin. She curses a lot, and she fucking hates cheese.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.kelseykingsley.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelswritesstuff

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kelswritesstuff

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kelswritesstuff

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/kelseykingsley

BookBub: http://www.bookbub.com/profile/kelsey-kingsley 

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/c3K409

Release Blitz: If You Dare

IF YOU DARE (Dare #3) by Shantel Tessier

Release Date: August 26th

Cover Designer: Tracie Douglas at Dark Water Covers

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42672753-if-you-dare

Blurb:

The game was over. The dares were getting old, and the secrets were piling up faster than the bodies.

But someone had other plans. They wanted to play a new game. 

Becky Holt was the love of his life until he found out what she was hiding. Now he wants to seek his revenge in the most daring way.

Deke Biggs has always been a shark. He’s not afraid to kill, and he's about to become her worst nightmare. 

But there’s a new player, and she plans on taking everything, no matter what the cost.

Try to beat him— If You Dare! 

Who will win and who will lose?

AVAILABLE NOW!!

IF YOU DARE (DARE SERIES #3)

FREE in Kindle Unlimited!! 

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/323ANJm

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/324Nwvm

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/326Zg0i

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/327KtCW

NOW AVAILABLE & FREE IN KU!

I Dare You (Dare Series #1)

Amazon US- https://amzn.to/2IJRYYz

I Promise You (Dare Series #2) - On Sale for $1.99

Amazon US -https://amzn.to/31vywqR

Review:

YOU NEED TO READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS IN THE DARE SERIES BEFORE YOU PICK THIS ONE UP!
Where do I even begin with this book. What a crazy ride it was!
It follows Deke Biggs, in the events following I Promise You. Deke is seeking revenge on Becky after all the lies. After all, Deke isn't afraid to kill- he has always been a shark. And he's going to become Becky's worst nightmare. Until a new player enters who plans on taking everything. Who will win, and who will lose in the battle?
"She was going to destroy me, and I was going to let her. It was a game that could only end one way- a slow and torturous death."
Gah! I LOVED this book! It was dark and twisted! Deke was everything. And I loved seeing Austin and Cole making an appearance in this book too! I stayed up way too late reading book enjoying all the twists and turns & revelations! It was seriously dark and amazing. If you like being on the edge of your seat, and love the dark and twisted, this is the book for you! 5 crazy ⭐ out of 5⭐

Prologue:

Deke

Death Is A debt we are all born owing. 

It is something that money can't buy nor can it be traded. 

You can't bargain for more time. When it's up you accept it like a fucking man.

I've never been afraid to die. Or to love, for that matter. 

Aren't they the same?

You surrender to a fate you have no control over.

You don't get to choose when or how you die, just as you can't choose when and who you fall in love with. 

Some couples get a happily ever after while others are toxic for one another. 

My love was like that. 

She lied; I believed every word. 

I hurt her; she forgave too easily. 

It was a vicious circle of deceit and sex wrapped up in a pretty black bow. Neither one of us could quit. 

I wrapped my hand around her throat, and she begged me to breathe.

She stabbed me in the heart and demanded I bleed. 

She might as well have been fucking poison, but I would have drunk her anyway. 

That was the kind of obsession I had for her. 

I knew how it would end-total devastation.

A war zone of Broken bones and bleeding souls.

I should have hated her, but that's the funny thing about love-it’s out of your control. 

Even when it leaves you with two black eyes, you beg for more. 

People are afraid of the unknown, but I've never feared death, and love was no different.

She was going to destroy me, and I was going to let her.  It was a game that could only end one way-a slow and torturous death.

About the Author:

Shantel is a Texas born girl who now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful, supportive husband and their two daughters. She loves to spend time cuddled up on the couch with a good book.

She considers herself extremely lucky to do what she does while getting to work from home. Going to concerts and the movies are just a few of her favorite things to do. She hates coffee but loves wine. She and her husband are both huge football fans, college and NFL. And she has to feed her high heel addiction by shopping for shoes weekly.

Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her. She loves spending evenings at home with her husband and daughter, along with their cat and dog.

Connect w/Shantel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShantelTessierAuthor/

Readers group: Shantel's Sinful Side - https://bit.ly/2l9EUBJ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shantel_Tessier

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantel_tessier/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7086716.Shantel_Tessier

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KKeTpa

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shantel-tessier

Release Blitz: Tactical Heart

Title: Tactical Heart

Author: S.K. Rose

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Release Date: August 22, 2019

Cover Design: Miss Bliss Designs https://www.facebook.com/groups/missbliss2019/

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/THgoodreads

Blurb: 

My name is Scarlett Mavis. I have a sweet tooth, no filters, and video games are my life. 

Let me clarify that last part: They’re not a hobby; they’re not a way to kill the time; They. Are. My. LIFE. 

Where family, men, and humans, in general, have failed me, video games are always there waiting for me to return to their warm and accepting embrace.

In real life I may be a heartbroken geek, but put a controller in my hands and I become an indestructible warrior. 

What else does a girl really need?

Enter player two, Kane Decker.

Handsome, nerdy, incredible kisser, and just my type. Our first date was perfect in every way. 

Then, like always, reality came crashing down with one simple truth. 

He wasn’t my teammate; he was the enemy. And there’s nothing I’m better at than taking out a rival player. 

But this isn’t a game, and the stakes are all too real. 

For the first time in my life, I may have met my match. 

Game on.

Buy Links:

Universal: https://books2read.com/tacticalheart  

Amazon US:  https://amzn.to/2YdSwAD

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2OumvQ0

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2OKfyL9

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2MtuUk8

B&N: http://bit.ly/2MsEuUl

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2YB1KGi

iTunes: https://apple.co/2K5S1Q8

Google Play: coming soon

Praise for the Novel:

Red Hatter Book Blog - “OMG. TATICAL HEART IS AMAZING! I laughed so hard throughout this entire story.”

Cali Gals - “WTH?! I am dying here. This book is SO FLIPPING GOOD!”

Naughty Librarian Blog - “S.K. Rose hit it out the fucking park with her first ROMCOM”

Scarlett Mavis has a sweet tooth, doesn't have any filters, and video games are her life. She doesn't just play for a hobby- they are her life. Her escape from the real world. Her passion, and inspiration. Where real life has failed her, video games accepted her for exactly who she is.
Kane Decker is exactly Scarlett's type. Handsome, nerdy, and an incredible kisser. After a perfect first date- reality didn't just come knocking on her door, it came crashing through it. Kane isn't Scarlett's teammate- but her nemisis. There is nothing Scarlett is better at then taking out a rival player- but has Scarlett finally met her match?
I have LOVED SK Rose's debut Duet Remember The Reaper- where she brought all the angst and emotion. But Tactical Heart we see a whole other side of SK Rose- and she did not disappoint! It's a cute and nerdy gamer enemies to lovers romance. I laughed,  I swooned, I geeked out, and I fell in love with Scarlett and Kane's characters and this story. The chemistry between these two characters was undeniable. The sass, snark, and one liners were witty and enjoyable. The nerd was strong with this one. If you love fun romances that bring on the funny, nerdy characters that are crazy relatable, red hot chemistry, and back and forth banter, then you need to pick up this book! 5 sweet & sassy ⭐ out of 5⭐.

Teasers:

Giveaway:

Direct Link:

http://bit.ly/TacticalHeartgiveaway

Author Bio:

S.K. Rose lives in the hellish desert of Arizona with her newly appointed husband and two obnoxious cats. When she’s not writing, Rose enjoys reading, gaming, swearing like a drunk sailor, collecting swords, and obsessing over the magnificent sea creature: the octopus. Remember the Reaper is her debut series with many more to come. 

Social Media Links: 

Email: authorskrose@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSKRose/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorskrose/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorskrose

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/authorskrose

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/s-k-rose

Website: https://www.skrose.com/

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DCpbWt

Newsletter: https://www.skrose.com/newsletter

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/octoposse/