Review: Zodiac Academy: The Reckoning

 

Title: Zodiac Academy The Reckoning

Series: Zodiac Academy

Authors: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Release Date: October 2019

The answer to your question will be revealed on the Lunar Eclipse.But when finding the truth, don't let the shadows take you.

The week of The Reckoning has begun. And senior students have been tasked with making the freshmen's lives pure hell as they prepare to take their fateful assessment.

With the Lunar Eclipse on the horizon, Tory and Darcy have more to worry about than just passing their exams. A dark plot is unfolding and the shadows are drawing closer...

This book picks up where book 2 left off - so you must read book 1 & 2 before picking this one up. 

Tory & Darcy are facing the Reckoning and Hell Week at Zodiac Academy, but with the Lunar Eclipse on the horizon, that isn't the only hell the girls will have to face. 

I absolutely love this book, this series, & these characters. I loved seeing the growth of Tory & Darcy & their progress through their school, as they made friends and go against the Heirs. I'm addicted to this story and I can't wait to see what else is in store with everyone. 5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

2🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natashareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: Zodiac Academy: Ruthless Fae

 

Title: Ruthless Fae

Series: Zodiac Academy

Authors: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Release Date: August 2019

They tried to break us.
They almost did.
But we're not going anywhere.

The Celestial Heirs think the stars are on their side. But they don't know what's coming. Fighting them one on one isn't an option so we have to be stealthy. Remaining under the radar won't be easy, but if we pull it off, they'll never suspect our involvement when their lives start falling apart.

Besides, they've already taken us to the brink of hell, what more can they really do?

Ruthless Fae is book 2 & picks up immediately after book 1, which must be read first.

Tory & Darcy were bullied and beaten by the Fae of Solaria, but despite everything, they weren't broken and they weren't out. 

They decided to stay, stand and fight for what they wanted. It wasn't going to be easy, but they were willing to risk it all, even the Heir's wrath. 

So, I absolutely love the world of Solaria that Caroline & Susanne built up. 

The magic, the wonder, the Fae & the power. 

Even though the story starts slow, with tons of world building, it is still an addictive read, and I have become obsessed with their world, getting lost in their story, making me squeal in delight, and making my heart beat rapidly in anticipation. 

I cannot wait to read more, learn more about their world, the characters & everything this world has to offer. 

5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

2🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natashareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: Zodiac Academy: The Awakening

 

Title: Zodiac Academy the Awakening

Series: Zodiac Academy

Authors: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Release Date: July 2019

You have been selected to attend Zodiac Academy, where your star sign defines your destiny.

If you're one of the Fae, elemental magic is in your blood. And apparently it's in ours. As twins born in the month of Gemini, we're a rare breed even in this academy of supernatural a-holes.

Changelings were outlawed hundreds of years ago but I guess our birth parents didn't get the memo. Which means we're totally unprepared for the ruthless world of Fae.

Air. Fire. Water. Earth.

No one has ever harnessed all four of them, until we arrived. And it hasn't made us any friends so far.

As the rarest Elementals ever known, we're already a threat to the four celestial heirs; the popular, vindictive bullies who happen to be some of the hottest guys we've ever seen. It doesn't help that they're the most dangerous beasts in the Academy. And probably on earth too.

Our fates are intertwined, but they want us gone. They've only got until the lunar eclipse to force us out and they'll stop at nothing to succeed.

We never knew we had a birthright to live up to but now that we do, we intend to claim our throne.

We can't expect any help from the faculty when it comes to defending ourselves. So if the dragon shifters want some target practice, the werewolves want someone to hunt or the vampires fancy a snack then we have to be ready. But we've been looking after each other for a long time and fighting back is in our blood.

Today's horoscope: totally screwed.

So this is the first time I am reading Zodiac Academy- after I have read Ruthless Boys multiple times I finally decided to dip my toes into ZA. 

I fell in love with the world of Solaria in RB, but Zodiac Academy brings a whole new light to it. 

Book one follows Tory and Darcy, twin sisters who were barely surviving in the mortal world, who were then thrust into the world of Solaria- filled with magic, Fae, and heirs. Going from having just the clothes on your back stepping into this new world, to having an inheritance. But with the new world, comes new trials, and the four heirs of the school who will do anything to get them to leave. 

So what happens when two teens go head to head against four powerful heirs in a school that is eager to see their demise? 

I honestly loved this book. We see Tory & Darcy's introductions to the Fae world, and to the Heirs & other students in the academy. While the pace of the story is slow - it is a good read for the introduction to Solaria & Zodiac Academy. And I enjoyed meeting each of the characters, and even squealed delightedly at some of the interactions (even though I of course have no idea what will happen bc I'm going into this series relatively blind, even avoiding reading the blurbs 😂😂). I cannot wait to see what will happen with each of these characters. 

I'm still debating whether I will binge read this series, or try to spread it out throughout the year, but either way I am definitely enjoying them & can't wait to see what the following books bring to these characters (and I will probably eat these words the further I get into this series 😂😂). 

5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

2🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (Natashareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: Zodiac Academy: Origins of an Academy Bully

 

Title: Zodiac Academy: Origins of An Academy Bully Supernatural Bullies and Beasts 

Series: Zodiac Academy; Supernatural Bullies and Beasts

Authors: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti 

Release Date: July 2019

Dark magic is forbidden at Zodiac Academy.

That's why I hide it so well.

But now I'm supposed to mentor Darius Acrux: the son of the most ruthless Dragon Shifter in Solaria.

If he's caught using blood magic, he'll lose his claim to the throne.

The problem is? Our families are up to something, and we're determined to find out what. No matter what dark power we must turn to...

Welcome to Zodiac Academy, where your star sign defines your destiny.

As the Fae of the future, you will soon learn the merciless way to claim your power. Life among the Vampires, Shifters and Sirens is no easy ride, but if you can make it through your exams, you might just be able to harness your inner strength and earn your place among the elite.

This is a prequel novella set four years before Zodiac Academy: The Awakening, Book 1 in the Supernatural Bullies and Beasts series.

So this is my first read through for Zodiac Academy, & I started with Origins since it takes place a few years before Zodiac Academy book 1. 

I only know a little about the characters, based on what I know from Ruthless Boys series and I'm going in relatively blind. I will probably be spacing out some of the books throughout the year, partly because I've been in a huge book slump so taking on such a huge series all at once may do more harm. 

Origins introduces you a little to a couple of the making characters of Zodiac Academy- Lance & Darius. 

Darius is a newly awakened Dragon shifter, son of the most ruthless dragon shifters in the whole of Solaria & elite families. 

Lance is a vampire who's family has been tied with Darius' even before he was born. 

Their families were up to something, and together they were determined to find the answers even if it meant using Dark magic to get them. 

This was a novella that lets you meet two of the main characters in Zodiac Academy, and give you a little in sight on who they are and why they are the way they are before you get into the Zodiac Academy series. It was a quick read, and I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the characters lives. 

4⭐ out of 5⭐. 

0🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (natashareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: Game Changer by Teagan Hunter

 

Title: Game Changer

Series: Carolina Comets

Anthology: Sexy Bedtime Stories

Author: Teagan Hunter

Release Date: April 4th 

Have you ever wanted to go right to the steamy bedroom scene when reading a romance?

Then this is the anthology for you.

Wild and Windy Chicago Book Event proudly presents SEXY BEDTIME STORIES. 28 stories written by 28 selected authors attending this signing with all profit being donated to the Chicago Food Bank.

Each of the 28 authors featured were inspired by the title and challenged to write five sexy chapters.

Each contribution is different.

The only theme they share is the challenge to be sexy.

All the authors contributing to this anthology are attending the fifth annual Wild and Windy Chicago Book Event May 12-13, 2023.

Each author has generously donated their story and 100% of the profit from this anthology will be going to the Chicago Food Bank. There are paperback and hardcover versions of this anthology available separately.

The following authors are contributing to this anthology:

Alley Ciz, Cambria Hebert, Cary Hart, Harloe Rae, Hilary Storm, J. Saman, J.D. Hollyfield, J.L. Beck and C. Hallman, Jenna Galicki, Jennifer Hartmann, K.K. Allen, Kristy Marie, Laura Lee, Laura Pavlov, Lena Hendrix, Lisa Suzanne, Mandi Beck, Michelle Hercules, Michelle Mankin, Penelope Black, Rachel Leigh, Rebecca Sharp, Sapphire Knight, T.K. Leigh, T. Torrest, Teagan Hunter, Willow Aster, Yolanda Olson

Oh my goodness! If you love the Carolina Comets series by Teagan Hunter, or are new and want to dip your toes into the Carolina Comets world you need to read Game Changer by Teagan Hunter. It is definitely a quick and spicy read, at only five chapters but whew, is it ever steamy, and I loved every second of it. Plus the profit is going to such a good cause. I cannot wait to see what else this anthology & these authors have to offer. 5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

2🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Review: Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series (reread)

 

Title: Dark Fae

Series: Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac 

Authors: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Release Date: October 2019

What do a heartless Dragon Shifter, a cold-blooded Basilisk, an arrogant Lion Shifter and a brooding, tattooed Harpy have in common...?

Me. Elise Callisto. Vampire. Angel of vengeance. And a girl on a mission to destroy one of them for murdering my brother. I just don't know which one did it yet.

When I kicked the ass of a Werewolf who was high on a new and dangerous drug called Killblaze, his final words painted a dark reality for me. 

The King of Aurora Academy killed my brother. 

The trouble is, there's four kings at that school and each of them have motive and cutthroat natures.

Aurora Academy isn't a place for the faint of heart. To put it lightly, my town is the asshole of Solaria where the dodgiest Fae in the kingdom reside. The school itself is divided by the two gangs who run this town. The Lunar Brotherhood and the Oscura Clan. And guess what? Two of the kings run the gangs at the school, their hatred for each other so fierce I hear a day doesn't go by without blood being spilled in the halls.

I might be a petite, lilac-haired girl who looks like a fragile doll, but they haven't been introduced to my fangs yet. And they don't know why I'm really here. Or that I'll do whatever it takes to bring down the Fae who took my flesh and blood from me.

I don't believe in fate, but I do know this... the King who killed my brother is a dead man walking. And I'm prepared to sacrifice my heart, body and soul to ensure I get my revenge .

This is a reverse harem series set in the world of Zodiac Academy four years before the Vega Twins were Awakened. Expect some character cross-over, dark and hot romance, and a twisted murder mystery which will leave your head spinning.

So, I absolutely love this series, & decided to reread it before starting ZA for the first time. I loved returning to the Solaria world, and these characters. 

Elise enrolls at the school her brother went to, to try to find answers about what happened to him. She doesn't know much except the answers lie with one of the four kings of the school. 

Gabriel was a Harpy with many secrets to his name. Rarely speaks to anyone. 

Leon was a lion shifter and part of the famous theif family. 

Dante was a dragon shifter and head of the Oscura Clan. 

Ryder was a basilisk shifter and head of the Brotherhood- rivals to the Oscuras. 

Each we're cutthroat and had motive to kill Elise's brother. So the only way Elise can get answers, is by getting close to each of them. But will searching for answers lead to her death, or will she find more than what she"s looking for? 

I love Elise- she's witty and strong. Ryder is dangerous and cruel. Leon is funny and playful. Gabriel is quiet and reserved. Dante is charming and fierce. I loved meeting them all again- and can't wait to read more of their story. If you love the paranormal & why choose romance sprinkled with mystery then I definitely recommend these books! 

5 ⭐ out of 5⭐. 

3🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Title: Savage Fae

Series: Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac

Authors: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Release Date: December 2019

There's more to my brother's murder than I realised...

Shadows in the halls, mysteries lurking around every corner.

Whoever killed him is covering their tracks well.

And now I'm walking a dangerous line between getting close to the four kings for information and wanting to crawl deeper under their skin for my own desires.

I can't trust anyone.

I can't let my guard down.

And I must keep the urges of my body separate from my heart.

But I'm starting to break all of my own rules.

I just hope I'm not falling for my brother's killer.

Elise is getting closer to each of the King's of the Academy in her hunt for answers... But she is also starting to care for each of them in turn- Could Elise be falling for her brother's killer? Hunting for answers, is only raising more questions as she uncovers more secrets. 

I loved my reread of Savage Fae- getting more into the story and the characters & finding out the answers as Elise hunts for them. And I cannot wait to dive into the next book to fall in love further with these characters and story all over again. 

5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

4 out of 5🌶️

Title: Vicious Fae

Series: Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series

Authors: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Release Date: February 2020

The King will fall.

While I continue my hunt for the Fae who killed my brother, I have to try to keep my heart away from the vicious boys who could be responsible for his death. 

But as my investigation leads me down a dangerous road and answers seem closer than ever before, I'm whisked away to the elite school, Zodiac Academy, with the four Kings and my heart becomes more vulnerable than ever.

Elise is getting closer to finding answers about her investigation in her brother's death - but it is proving to be dangerous, especially when the guys she may be falling for, may be his killer... Can Elise find what she is looking for, or will her vulnerability be her downfall? 

This book took me a while to get through. It is definitely girthy, and it didn't help that I hardly was able to read at all in January. But once I was able to pick it up and focus on it I of course enjoyed it (again). 

I love these characters & story line & love being immersed in this world all over again! Cannot wait to continue this story. 5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

4🌶️ out of 5🌶️ 

Title: Broken Fae

Series: Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series

Author: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Release Date: August 2020

Me and my kings have come as close to breaking as I ever could have feared.

Just as we were finding a way to get past our difficulties, the stars have torn us apart. Can I fight against the will of the heavens or does fate have something unforeseen in store for me now?

While we'e reeling from the wheel of fate and trying to find a way to move on with our lives, our enemies are only growing more powerful.

Felix Oscura is haunting Alestria with his bloodthirsy need to steal the power of the clan he was never destined to rule over. And the illusive King is growing closer to their goal of taking control of the entire city and maybe even beyond.

With challenges around every corner and the mysteries behind my brother's death slowly starting to unravel, will I be able to piece everything together and find a way to overcome the will of the stars before it’s too late?

I've read this book multiple times & it still draws out the emotion in me, even though I know what is going to happen. I still cry 😂😂. I love this book, this series & these characters so dang much & I can't get enough of them. And I can't wait to dive into the last book of the series & continue on with the wild ride of these characters. 

5⭐ out of 5⭐.

4🌶️ out of 5🌶️

Title: Warrior Fae

Series: Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac 

Authors: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Release Date: April 2021

I once thought one of my ruthless boys could be the killer I’m hunting. They’re all dark, deadly and more than capable of brutality.

But now I’m held by the King I’ve been stalking in the shadows and when I unmask him, he’ll realise he made a huge mistake in taking my brother from this world.

My Kings are coming for me, I know that in my soul. They’re on their way to rip me from my enemy’s arms and tear him apart for me.

My heart beats to the sound of their names.

But I won’t wait around to be rescued. Everything has led me to this moment and I’m ready to destroy the Fae who stole my brother from me.

Secrets will be uncovered. Destiny will be decided. Death will deliver us all in the end.

No one will escape the conclusion of this story without blood on their hands. I guess it’s a good thing I’m a Vampire then, because I just so happen to have a taste for blood.

Start with series with book one, Dark Fae.

So I have been slowly making my way through this series since January. I've been in a massive book slump and just needed the comfort of characters & stories that I have come to love. This story makes me laugh, and makes me cry and I love every crazy heartstopping moment of it. I love this story and these characters and can't wait to dive into Zodiac Academy for the first time soon! 

5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

4🌶️ out of 5🌶️

Trigger Warnings: Natasha ReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natashateadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)