Review: The Dream Thieves

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

(review from 3rd reading Jan 12-23, 2019)

Monmouth Manufacturing.
The Grey Man.
Kavinsky.
100 white Mitsubishis.

Yes, I'm still in Henrietta. I'm still visiting the psychics of 300 Fox Way. I'm still searching for Welsh Kings alongside Gansey, Noah, Adam, Ronan, and Blue.

I'm learning about the Greywaren.
I'm learning about the Lynches.
I'm learning about the secrets Ronan keeps.

I'll never tire of this series. The fact it's only my third visit is a little surprising, but I know that number will increase as the years go by. It isn't often I find myself living in a world of ley lines, dream thieves, and Welsh Kings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blue. Gansey. Adam. Ronan. Noah. Oh, how I enjoy each character. Ronan and Adam really come into their own in this book. They are no longer silent players in Gansey's quest for something more. In fact, each character is looking for their very own something more and it seems as if some of them are on the right path in this second installment in The Raven Boys. I cannot wait to see where book 3 takes me.

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Review: The Idea of You

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a blubbering mess. I just. Well. Ummm...

I can't see the screen as I type this. I'm. A. Mess.

Beautifully written.

Captivating.
Haunting.
Stunning.
Heartbreaking.

Are we sure this is a debut novel?

I fell in love with Hayes and Solene as they fell in love with each other. It was a beautiful story of two people who probably shouldn't have found one another, but they did. And their story will haunt me for what I imagine will be a long time.

Mesmerizing.
Emotional.
Sexy.
Flawless.

I'm sure there are more words to describe this book. I'm sure others have said it better. I'm sure this review will be just another review lost in the masses, but this is my review and how I feel and I have to put it out there.

I'm in pieces.

Shattered.
Broken.
Loved.
Owned.

Is there a way to do this book justice and not spoil it? I'm not sure. I've tried. My tears are tears of love and joy and happiness and sadness. My tears are full of emotion.
I haven't been this emotionally invested in a book in a long time.
Which probably says more than my review ever could.

Solene and Hayes.

I won't be forgetting you anytime soon.

And if I ever get the chance to see Robinne Lee again, I'm definitely finding a way to meet her (in a totally controlled setting and not like the crazy fangirls in this story) so I can ask her why she would write something so...so, real. So raw. So...everything.

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Review: The Raven Boys

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not my first time visiting 300 Fox Way.
It's not even my second.
And I know it won't be my last.

Blue, Gansey, Ronan, Noah, and Adam. Calla, Persephone, Moira, and Orla. Aglionby boys. Ravens. Dreams.

Yeah, it's all here and it's all magical. And this is one of those series I just can't not read again. Because it's beautiful and believable and makes me think there might really be a bit of magic. There might really be a ley line and a Welsh King and a Cabeswater.

The trees speak Latin.

And so do the Aglionby boys.

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Review: What She Didn't Say

What She Didn't Say by M. Piper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I forgot to review this, which is silly, but just know this was awesome. I was completely invested in this story. I wanted to see them make it work.

BUT.

I was wary and curious and on the edge of my seat.

You see, this isn't my first M. Piper story, so I know there will be a twist, a turn, a kick in the face that I am expecting, but could never see coming.

And that's what you get. Fun, sexy, and a bit mysterious. You want this book.

But be prepared, go ahead and have book 2 ready to go. You'll need it.

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Review: Shades of Magic #2: The Steel Prince

Shades of Magic #2: The Steel Prince by V.E. Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, things are heating up and I cannot wait to see what Maxim Maresh does in the next issue.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this prequel being given to us in this medium. I was excited, yes, but also wary because it's not how I like to consume my books.

However, I am loving this. The artwork is impeccable. The story is amazing--as is typical of Schwab--and the suspense is building.

I wish these were all available to devour now because I am not a patient person.

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Review: Bourbon Bliss

Bourbon Bliss by Claire Kingsley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Juney. Yep. I've been wondering what kind of man she would end up with and George Thompson is quite the man.

I loved this story. I've always found June Tucker to be intriguing and I've wondered how her brain works. I had no idea how that analytical part of her would be able to fall in love, but wow. It happens in true Bootleg fashion.

Well, what did I expect, really? Each book has surpassed the book before it--and I don't even know how that's possible. I've loved each and every single character in this series. And Bootleg Springs is included in that list of things I love! This series is one of those you don't want to put down and the fact there are only two more books in this series makes me a bit sad.

Start at the beginning so you get the feel for the underlying mystery, but you can read this on its own if you just want the love story and HEA.

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Review: Moonshine Kiss

Moonshine Kiss by Lucy Score
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely love Bootleg Springs. It's a town that is just as much a character in the series as the actual people. Bootleg has its own personality and its own secrets.

We're getting closer to learning some of those secrets, but not before we get Bowie Bodine's love story! OMG.

I am one of those girls who just LOVES love. I love watching it develop and seeing it grow and I love the idea of being so in love with someone that you're willing to do anything to protect that person, make that person happy.

And that is Bowie.

If you've been reading these books, you know he has a thing for Cassidy. But what you don't know is why he won't act on it. Learn the hows and whys and the secrets of Cassidy Ann Tucker and Bowie Bodine in Moonshine Kiss

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Review: Atomic Marriage

Atomic Marriage by Curtis Sittenfeld
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I grabbed this as it was a freebie with the Audible Originals thing.

Short, sweet, simple.

Diane Lane did an incredible job narrating this short story.

Despite it's short length, it is a bit intriguing. How do you make your marriage better? Is it possible a total hypocrite can give decent advice? Advice that truly works for others, despite his own struggles with his marriage.
Should we adhere to the Atomic Marriage beliefs?



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Review: Dark Lover

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of 01/9-01/12 2019 reading

4 stars.

Yes, so my rating changed, but that doesn't mean I don't like the book. It just means that, when put into perspective, I've read so many books since my original reading of this (it's been almost 8 years since my first reading) and my tastes have changed a bit.

And since I haven't read this book in years, when I saw it was part of the romance package, I just had to grab it. I've missed this world. The Black Dagger Brotherhood is dark and ruthless, but it's only to save themselves and their race.

This is PNR/urban fantasy at its finest. I can't think of another world in this genre that I'd rather get lost in. I can't wait to continue my audio journey with these characters.


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Review: Valentines Days & Nights

Valentines Days & Nights by Corinne Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read many of these, so I'll review the ones I've read now and come back and edit when I've read the remaining books.

Pucked by Helena Hunting--5 Hockey Stars
When I first met Alex Waters I couldn't help but think he was this perfect man with his cocky features and weirdly sweet demeanor. And Violet Hall is so completely opposite that I just couldn't put the book down! And Alex did NOT disappoint. If you're looking to laugh a ton, have sweet and sexy times, then Pucked is the way to go. And as far as series are concerned, this is one that only gets better with each book.

Something in the Way by Jessica Hawkins--5 Angsty Stars
Wow. Just, hold my heart for a bit because Lake and Manning have ripped it out. And the angst, the feels...just, wow. Yeah, this is one that'll have you reaching for the next book because this one is so...angsty.

Wrong by Jana Aston--5 RomCom Stars
Trust in Jana to always do the right thing by providing us with comedy. Comedy and sexy times. Sophie and Luke are the May-December romance that you want to read. He's older, wiser, and her gynecologist. Wait! What?!! Yeah, it's a meetcute you won't see coming. And you won't be able to resist this couple.

Rough Edge by CD Reiss--5 WTF Just Happened Stars
This was one of those books that left me asking myself just What in the AF?! You'll be asking yourself the very same question when you get to the end. It's just that good and that mindblowing. It made my top reads of 2019 list.

Consolation by Corinne Michaels--5 #Dreamboat Stars
This was probably the very first indie published romance I ever read. And it sent me into a world filled with love, laughter, angst, pain, and heartbreak. But it filled me with LOVE. And awe. And it brought be #Dreamboat and I'll never lose my love of Liam. He will forever be my first book boyfriend. Oh, and this book is fantastic. Talk about an ending!!

Books I still need to read:
Shopping for a Billionaire by Julia Kent
Only Trick by Jewel E Ann
Escort by Skye Warren
Beauty and the Mustache by Penny Reid

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Review: Shades of Magic Vol. 1: The Steel Prince

Shades of Magic Vol. 1: The Steel Prince by V.E. Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, this is my first time with a comic? Graphic novel? What's the correct term here? I honestly have no idea.

But here's what I do know:

~I am so happy VE Schwab decided to give us more of Maxim Maresh.
~I am thrilled with this new medium in which she chose to deliver Maxim.
~I loved the images.
~I want MORE.

Now, here are my troubles:

~When I preordered issues 2-4 I also ordered issue 1 (it had already been released). I went to pick up my copies today (because I'm a slacker with a job in retail and the season was upon us) and only issues 1 and 3 came in! I really really don't want to download the kindle version, but I might have to do just that so I can continue.
~I had no idea these things were so short.
~I am already wanting more.
~I'm really really happy that I waited to read these until almost all four issues were out. I am not a patient person. The wait would have killed me.

Clearly my troubles are all on me and nothing to do with the fantastically magical world VE Schwab created for us. These covers are gorgeous and I desperately hope that my second issue arrives so I can have the complete set.

If you aren't sure how you feel about comics (graphic novels?), but you've read the Shades of Magic series, then just go ahead and get this. Worst case you learn a bit more of Maxim. Best case you LEARN MORE OF MAXIM.

See. You can't go wrong.

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Review: The Raven Boys

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review from Jan 07-08, 2019 read

5 stars. Yes, I realize I've rated and reviewed this before, but I don't think you truly appreciate what a beautiful book this is. I love the entire world. 300 Fox Way feels so real and so alive. Those Raven Boys are just the kind of friends Blue never wanted, but ended up with anyway. And she feels like they've just always been around.

Rereading this book is a bit like watching my favorite movie over and over and over again. Why do people give me such a hard time for rereading when I *know* you've watched your favorite movie more than once. Same. Exact. Thing.

And I love it here. So much that my next tattoo will involve quite a bit of Raven Cycle things.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Beautiful. This book is beautiful. And to listen to this world come alive? Oh. My. God. It's freaking amazing. I wasn't sure how a man narrating this book would go, but it's genius. He does such an amazing job with the voices and the accents. This is definitely one of my favorite audios.

This was a reread for me. I love Maggie Stiefvater and everything she does. I tend to revist her books at least once per year. They are all so beautifully written, each word in the exact spot it needs to be in to paint the world she has created.

I want to live at 300 Fox Way. I want to have a set of Raven boys all of my own. I want a Gansey and a Ronan and an Adam. I want a Moira and Calla and Persephone. I want them all. This world is so detailed and so in depth. I could crawl in and never leave.

And Gansey. Oh, Gansey. Mint leaves and a crazy obsession with ley lines don't detract from your attractiveness. They also won't save you from your fate.

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Review: Player on Ice

Player on Ice by S.R. Grey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story was fun and flirty. A bit sexy. I liked the banter, but there was nothing that just blew my mind in this one. I will admit to only reading the first in this series, but this can still be read as a standalone--I never felt lost or confused while reading this. I liked the first book more than I liked this one, but this is still a solid book.

The story was just predictable. And I realize it's romance and it has a method to follow, but I was just looking for a little more wow factor, I guess.

Either way, this is still a fun-filled, banter-filled story with some hot sexy times. If you like your hockey romance to involve little to no hockey and lots of back and forth with the characters, then this is your cup of tea.

Maybe it's even your Stanley Cup of tea.

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Review: Sweet Rivalry

Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a fun little read/listen. As usual, Andi Arndt and Sebastian York are perfect in bringing the characters to life.

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Review: Perfect Shadow

Perfect Shadow by Brent Weeks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the perfect little bite for those Night Angel fans. Those who followed Durzo, those who wanted to know more of how he became all that he was, those who wanted to know what pushed him.

This was a nice trip back to the Night Angel world. This was fun and satisfying. And I will be doing a reread of the trilogy very soon.

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Review: Strong Enough

Strong Enough by Melanie Harlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Review written on 1/5/2019

So, after completing Strong Enough for the second time I have a new appreciation for this story. I'm not sure what's changed for me from the first time to this time around, but the story is more than I remember.

Derek is set in his ways, he's determined to live a perfect life, and he's positive he can control everything in his little world. Including who he loves.

Maxim is fresh off a plane, full of big plans, content to let fate guide him, and he's not looking for love.

But Derek and Maxim hit it off and Maxim's carefree ways pull at something deep inside Derek. And Derek doesn't know how to handle that. He doesn't know because it's out of his control and he likes to have control.

Watching the back and forth, watching the struggle, the love, the growth...yeah, it just speaks to me in a way it didn't two years ago.

And I will always cheer for the two who proved that sometimes fate does have her hand in things and just when you think you can control your life, fate plops herself down on a barstool and gets to work.

I'm still waiting to see Ellen's story. Can that happen?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3.75 Because it feels good Stars

This is my weakness. M/M is always my weakness. Melanie Harlow and David Romanov give us the story of Derek and Maxim. You're going to swoon, you're going to fall in love, and you're going to really, really hope they figure their shit out because it's heartbreaking when they fight against it.

"I believe it was more than luck, too."

Maxim just landed Stateside. His friend didn't show up at the airport, his phone is dead, and he has no idea where his new apartment is located. So, Maxim grabs a cab and the rest of his life is changed.

Derek is one of three children. He's the perfectionist, he's the one you can always count on, he's dependable. That has to explain why his sister, Ellen, calls him for a favor--almost every time she needs a favor.

Maxim and Derek are unlikely. They aren't conventional. They have twelve years separating them, not to mention a language--although Maxim does speak English. They have nothing in common.

"Because I wanted to know what it would be like to be yours. To belong to you."

Except a boatload of chemistry. So much chemistry that everyone notices it, even when they are trying to hide it. And when they don't hide it from themselves, it's beautiful.

This is a story of more than just love. It's a story of self-discovery, self-awareness, and understanding. It's the story of acceptance. It's a story of strength.

It wasn't that he didn't know what he wanted, the problem was that he did know--he just didn't like it. He didn't want to want it.

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2019 Audiobook Challenge!

I'm back and I'm participating in the 2019 Audiobook Challenge hosted by Hot Listens! Last year I managed to hit Marathoner level by listening to 64 audiobooks. My goal this year is to hit Marathoner level again by completing at least 50 audios.