Withering Rose (Once Upon A Curse #2) by Kaitlyn Davis (Review)

      A magical fairy-tale mash-up, Withering Rose takes the old classic of Beauty and the Beast and mixes it into the sci-fi fantasy world of the Once Upon a Curse series. Omorose Bouchene is a cursed magical princess that was sucked into our modern magic free world and was forced to hide her magic to survive. After running away from the military compound that she hid in for many years, she runs into The Beast and gets sucked into the danger and drama of his shifter royal court.
      I love fairytales, Beauty and the Beast specifically, so I’m very picky about remakes of my favorite fairytale. Surprisingly, I found very little that I disliked in this book. I really enjoyed reading Withering Rose, and my only complaint is how it felt a little shallow, which is not the worst thing ever because that allows it to be a fun summer read. The characters in Withering Rose were intriguing and emotionally engaging. I loved Omorose and the Beast. Individually they were good, but together they were a riveting couple. I give Withering Rose the rating of FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS! 

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Shaken (Struck #3) by Joss Stirling (Review)

      Spies, blackmail and mobsters oh my! Rose Knight is being blackmailed by mobsters. If she wants her Dad to live she, has to come up with millions of dollars before the deadline. Damien is a cocky and smart super spy. He's on vacation in America when he runs into the unique Rose and immediately notices something is off. As their lives get more and more intertwined, tension builds and stakes get raised.
       I enjoyed Shaken. Another cute romance by Joss Stirling, Shaken introduces us to Rose; a quirky fashionally impaired genius. Her quirkiness is endearing and her intelligence and compassion makes her respectable. Mixed in with Rose was a whole cast of solid and well developed characters that the readers are bound to like. Plot wise, Shaken was (ironically) solid. It flowed very well and had enough mystery and suspense to prevent the novel from becoming boring. Overall, Shaken is a good summer read and is apart of a good series. I give it the rating of FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Princess of Tyrone (The Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles #1) by Katie Hamstead (Review)

    In a universe of magic, space travel and fairy-tale creatures, our once beloved stories are retold in a science fiction setting that brings that brings them back to life again. Princess of Tyrone takes the old classic of sleeping beauty and throws it into a intergalactic love story to be remembered. Apolline is the reincarnated princess Aurora. As Apolline travels through her classic story with a modern twist, she is sucked into a world of danger and espionage.

     I enjoyed Princess of Tyrone. I love science fiction and fairy-tales, so the merger just seemed naturally fantastic. Princess of Tyrone did a great job at honoring the original story, while at the same time becoming it's own thing. I loved the characters in this novel. Apolline was very well developed and she was a refreshingly independent and kick-butt take on a very passive and dependent princess. Aurora was never one of my favorite princesses, but Princess of Tyrone made me actually enjoy her story. Besides Apolline, the were her fairies and her true love. Allard plays the role of her prince in this novel and his characters was also fun to read about. The romance between Allard and Apolline was very well written and had plenty of romantic tension, but it also did not take away from the other aspects of the story. Overall, I enjoyed  Princess of Tyrone and I recommend it to fairy-tale lovers for a fun read. I give Princess of Tyrone FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

The Other Side Of Gravity (Oxygen #1) by Shelly Crane (Review)

     In a universe where humans had to flee earth for a new planet, The Other Side of Gravity takes you along on an adventure with Sophelia the slave and Maxton the illegal trader as they run from their corrupt government. In their world everything has price, from oxygen to gravity, and if you can't pay up, you face the consequences. Together Sophelia and Maxton will face the world together, and as they do so, spark change in the very world that hurt them both so much. 
     I enjoyed this novel. I found the romance between Sophelia and Maxton to be slow but fantastic. The relationship was not rushed, which made it feel that much more real. Character development wise, the book had very good characters, and some mediocre characters. The main characters were very well developed, but some of the secondary characters were not very concrete and solid. They were undeveloped and were not very rounded. In contrast, the plot was pretty well developed. I found the voice of the author to be strong and smooth, making for great reading. The concept for this novel was really interesting, mainly because it was different but came back to relevant world issues today. Overall, I enjoyed reading The Other Side of Gravity and give it the rating of FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

The Other Side Of Gravity (Oxygen #1) by Shelly Crane (Review)

     In a universe where humans had to flee earth for a new planet, The Other Side of Gravity takes you along on an adventure with Sophelia the slave and Maxton the illegal trader as they run from their corrupt government. In their world everything has price, from oxygen to gravity, and if you can't pay up, you face the consequences. Together Sophelia and Maxton will face the world together, and as they do so, spark change in the very world that hurt them both so much. 
     I enjoyed this novel. I found the romance between Sophelia and Maxton to be slow but fantastic. The relationship was not rushed, which made it feel that much more real. Character development wise, the book had very good characters, and some mediocre characters. The main characters were very well developed, but some of the secondary characters were not very concrete and solid. They were undeveloped and were not very rounded. In contrast, the plot was pretty well developed. I found the voice of the author to be strong and smooth, making for great reading. The concept for this novel was really interesting, mainly because it was different but came back to relevant world issues today. Overall, I enjoyed reading The Other Side of Gravity and give it the rating of FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Dark Touch by Aimee L. Salter (Review)

   Very interesting with very dark and depressing content, Dark Touch takes a look at the mind of a victim of abuse through very interesting and slightly magical story telling mediums. Tully has a strange ability, others can feel her emotions when they touch her hands. She believes herself to dark and toxic, so when she meets Chris, she tries to keep his light away from her. Chris is having none of that and their relationship goes through many highs and lows, taking the reader for a ride alongside them.
    I struggled to overcome the dark content in this novel like drugs, sex and violence; but I ultimately respect Dark Touch. It takes a hard look at how victims tend to blame themselves for things that happen to them and call themselves 'bad' or 'broken'. Many times in this novel Tully has very self destructive and hateful thoughts that give the reader insight into just how much pain the abuse over the years has caused her. All of this was wrapped up with a romance that spoke of true unconditional love. It felt good to read of forgiveness and healing, even if it comes mainly towards the end of the novel. I loved Chris as a romantic lead and found him to be a solid character. His refusal to have use Tully in the ways many other guys have or would shows his stength of character. Plot wise, the story was slower in the beginning but really picked up the farther into the story you get. I warn you that content in this novel does not make it appropriate for younger audiences. I give Dark Touch FOUR STARS OUT OF FIVE!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Future Shock by Elizabeth Briggs (Review)

    A riveting science fiction novel, Future Shock tinkers with the idea of what would happen if you can travel 30 years into your own future. Elena Martinez has an eidetic memory and has been enlisted by huge company known as Aether Corporation to travel to the future in a top secret mission. With her motley crew, Elena quickly realizes that everything is not as it seems. There is something mysterious going on that might get Elena and her team killed if she doesn't figure it out in 24 hours.
    I enjoyed Future Shock. There characters were unique and I got very invested in them pretty quickly. Their personalities were each distinct and interesting. Plot wise, the story was pretty good. It had its shinning moments that left me unable to put the book down. Although, there was also moments that were quite boring. I was pushed to tears towards the end of the novel, but I can't complain. It meant the story was written well enough for it to get me crying and invested. I give Future Shock FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Greta and the Lost Army (Mylena Chronicles #3) by Chloe Jacobs (Review)

    The third and final installment of the Mylena Chronicles, Greta and the Lost Army finishes the tale of a human in a world of monsters. After finally returning to her home like she has always dreamed, Greta wants to go back to Mylena. Mylena is in danger from the demon that is hell bent on destroying everything. Torn between her family and those she has come to love in her time in Mylena, she must decide if she is to return to fight and almost certainly die for Mylena and it's Goblin King.
    Greta and the Lost Army was quite a pleasant surprise to me. I felt that the second novel in the series was lack luster, so I am glad to see that the series improved and became very good again through the third book. I liked Greta, she was a strong and well developed heroine. Her courage was inspirational and nice to read about. Romance wise, Greta and the Lost Army was very good. I loved the love between the Goblin King and Greta. Its quite adorable and fun to read about. Overall, I really enjoyed Greta and the Lost Army and give it FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Oblivion (Lux #1.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Review)

    A large grouping of stories together, Oblivion takes the first couple of novels in the Lux series and retells them in Daemon Black's perspective. Daemon is an Luxen, an alien race that are pretty much made of light and that hide among humans, and Kat is a human who moves into s community of these aliens, right next to Daemon's house. From there, romance blossoms and danger rises as Kat and Daemon are thrown into the middle of a deadly position that will change not only them, but the entire world.
    I actually quite enjoyed Oblivion. It was a bit of a long read, but that is mainly because it contains multiple books within it. I found Daemon and Kat to be interesting characters that were very well developed throughout the story. Daemon struck me as very moody and rash, but he was also very adorably loyal to his family and the people he cares about. I really liked the character Kat because she was very similar to me. She is a nerdy blogger and book reviewer who is simply in love with reading. I can definitely relate. Plot wise, the story was very fluid and there were only a few moments throughout in which I found myself becoming bored. I give Oblivion the honest rating of FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Tarnished (Perfected #2) by Kate Jarvik Birch (Review)

     The second installment of the Perfected Series, Tarnished continues the intense and dark story in the world where humans are bred to be the upper class pets. After escaping to the safety of Canada, all Ella wants to do is go back into the danger to be with the man she loves once again, Penn. Being a Pet, she is in constant danger as she continues her story throughout the novel.

     Tarnished was dark, and was definitely a deeper story then what was just on the surface. It talks about the consumer mind set we have, the way media panders to us with our short mindedness as viewers, and gives a warning of how easy it would be to slip back into mistreating other human beings and start treating them as less. I found this novel thought provoking and interesting. Not all the characters were perfectly developed, but on average they were fairly well done. The plot was a little bumpy but was ultimately satisfying. Ella is a beautiful character that grows and changes with the story, making the story even better. I did enjoy reading Tarnished and give it FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review* 

Crystallum (Primordial Principles #1) by Laney McMann (Review)

     Riveting, romantic, fantasy filled and mysterious; Crystallum takes readers into a brand new fantasy universe which contains demons, angels and many creatures in between. Kadence Sparrow is one of those creatures, and she is on the run. Going from place to place with her father with simple rules, don't make friends and no boyfriends. Her life is drastically changed when she runs into Cole, one of the Celestial Children. Full of danger and intense romance, Crystallum was very fun to read.
     The developments of Kadence and Cole as characters was pretty solid. They were easy to connect to and very graspable. Kadence is a well done character with some pretty cool abilities. Plot wise, there was some minor problems but nothing that really took away from the story. Each character in this book was very unique and interesting in their own right. The romance between Kadence and Cole was super well written. It was intense and there was a lot of sparks flying between the two characters. I am definitely interested where the story will continue, into the next novel. Ultimately, I very much enjoyed this novel and recommend it to fans of fantasy and romance. I give Crystallum FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review* 

The Thirteenth World (The Corridor #2) by A.N. Willis (Review)

    The second novel in The Corridor series, The Thirteenth World is a thrilling conclusion to the adventures of Stel Alaster and her loved ones. The Corridor is a ticking time bomb, ready and primed to blow the multiverse to smithereens. Stel is the only thing that can save not the just one world, but all of the worlds.  Facing impossible odds Stel and her loved ones fight to stop the Corridor from destroying everyone and everything.
     I found The Thirteenth World to be a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the series. It was action packed and full of interesting scifi moments that kept my attention as a reader pretty well. The narrative in the novel did have its boring moments, but overall it was a very captivating story. I found the concept of being able to travel through the multiverses at will to be epic. It was exciting and added a uniqueness to the main character Stel. Without a doubt, through this novel you can watch the characters grow and change as they face new dangers and complications in their mission to save the worlds.
       I enjoyed this novel, and think some young adult scifi readers would simply fall in love with this series. I give The Thirteenth World FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore (Review)

      In a modern setting with magical overtones, The Weight of Feathers is a Romeo and Juliet themed romantic story of a boy and a girl in separate travelling circus-like acts and rivals save each others, and being to fall in love. Both sides hate each others guts, curse each others names, and believe the other family to be evil. With barriers like that, will their love survive?  As I was reading, I found myself a wee bit confused with the theme-ing of the story. It seemed to be a modern romance, but there were parts of the story that hinted at actual magic, therefore confusing me as to what was actually going on with the families. The story was sweet and emotional, with minor moments of danger mixed in to keep interest. The plot seemed a little chaotic and unorganized, but overall was not that bad. There were some characters that could have been a bit more developed for sure, but for the two main romantic leads, I felt they were very diverse and developed characters. 

      Overall, The Weight of Feathers was a sweet story, but it was not amazing or awe inspiring. I give it the medium rating of THREE OUT OF FIVE STARS!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Soul Corrupted (Of Demons and Angels #2) by Lisa Green (Review)

   The second installment of the Of Demons and Angels series, Soul Corrupted continues the battle between Heaven and Hell. Now both in heaven, Josh and Grace have a brand new set of problems to confront. With Grace's brother Noah getting deeper and deeper into evil Grace despairs, forbidden from interfering or revealing herself to him.
    This novel had my heart aching... a lot. I found Soul Corrupted to actually be a little better then it's predecessor, Soul Crossed. It's narration was intense and dramatic. Around each corner there was a new twist in the plot, to keep you emotionally invested. I truly found that this novel had a unique voice. It's narration and plot development felt different from stories I have read in the past, not in a good way or a bad way. The Of Demons and Angels series has some dark content to it so I do warn readers about that. I wouldn't go as far as to say I recommend Soul Corrupted to all readers, but I did find it interesting to read and give it FOUR STARS OUT OF FIVE!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

The Heart of Betrayal (The Remnant Chronicles #2) by Mary E. Pearson (Review)

   The second installment of the Remnant Chronicles, The Heart of Betrayal continues the breathtaking and intense story of Lia, a runaway princess captured by the enemy kingdom. She is confronted with the hard choices in this strange kingdom were she is captive, where she is faced with danger and lies around every turn. With not just her life on the line, but many others, what will she do?
    The Heart of Betrayal has a very different feel from it's predecessor, The Kiss of  Deception. In the first novel it was lighthearted more often then not, but in this novel things got serious and dangerous. Although this novel feels different, it fit right in with the series and took Lia's story to a whole other level. I found the characters and settings in this novel to be potent and well developed. I wasn't hard to get sucked into The Heart of Betrayal. I did struggle a bit to enjoy the sheer quantity of politics there seemed to be in this novel, apposed to The Kiss of Deception. There were moments of the novel that seemed a little like time fillers more then key plot points. That aside, the novel was pretty riveting and left me wanting more. I am very excited for the next installment of the series. The Heart of Betrayal was a great read and I'd recommend it to light fantasy or historic romance lovers. I give The Heart of Betrayal FOUR STARS OUT OF FIVE!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Ice Kissed (Kanin Chronicles #2) by Amanda Hocking (Review)

   The second installment of the Kanin Chronicles, Ice Kissed continues the mystery of the dangerous traitors trying to take down the Kanin monarchy. Sent to a neighboring kingdom to investigate a missing Queen, Bryn Aven is thrown into a deeper world of danger, intrigue and mystery. Reading the novel, I found that Ice Kissed does not start off at it's best food, but the novel definitely improved farther you get into the story.

   There was a good chunk of politics towards the start, which was boring, but further I got into the story, more action and interesting moments began to occur. I still very much enjoy Bryn as a character, and believe her to be well developed. Her personality is solid and her motivations make sense to her actions. There are definitely some plot twist in this novel that I will not spoil, but that I will say where very intense to read,
   For the romantic connections in the novel, there is definitely room for improvement. I felt there was not enough tension and depth to the relationship between Bryn and her romantic interest. That lack of intensity did take away from the story in some ways. Looking past that though, I did enjoy reading Ice Kissed. I'm not sure I'd go as far as to recommend it, but if you are looking for a book to read in your free time, Ice Kissed and the Kanin series can definitely be a viable option. I give Ice Kissed the rating of FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Velvet (Velvet Trilogy) by Temple West (Review)

   Romantic and heart wrenching, Velvet is a vampire young adult romance that takes the readers on an adventure of love loss and demons. When a teenage girls parents pass away, she is sent to live with her uncle and aunt in a town in the middle of nowhere. In this town, Caitlin Holte's whole world is drastically turned upside down by a dangerous demon and a handsome vampire, who has become her self-elected bodyguard.
   I found Velvet had a very Twilight-esk feel to it. If you like Twilight, you will like Velvet. Caitlin is a smart and emotionally complex character, and she is very well balanced with her romantic other half, Adrian. Adrian is a romantic sweet heart that seems to be determined to protect Caitlin. His chivalry is endearing and great to read about. As a couple, Adrian and Caitlin mesh together perfectly.
     Velvet has a good mix of dialogue and action. It had some good scenes that were simply adorable. I am excited to find out what happens to the mythical couple in future novels. I recommend Velvet to vampire romance fans. I give Velvet the rating of FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*