Cover Reveal of Olympian Challenger by Astrid Arditi!

Olympian Challenger

by Astrid Arditi

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Release Date: July 3rd 2018

 

Summary:

 

A hero’s tournament. A defiant contender. Does one girl have the courage to take on Mount Olympus?

 

Hope’s world doesn’t have room for heroes. She barely has time for schoolwork, swim team, and taking care of her ailing mother. But when she’s invited to a mysterious tournament, the all-powerful hosts won’t take no for an answer.

 

Transported to Mount Olympus, Hope comes face to face with her new trainers—the pantheon of Greek gods. While other contenders train hard to gain a fighting edge, Hope searches for a way out. Instead, she finds a gorgeous shadow god who may just convince her to stay…

 

As each round unfolds, the ultimate prize draws closer—the granting of her heart’s deepest desire. If she survives the final challenge, her mother’s cure would be within reach…but only if Hope can ignore the tournament’s dark purpose.

 

Olympian Challenger is the first book in a bold YA urban fantasy trilogy. If you like Greek mythology, forbidden romance, and feats of courage, then you’ll love Astrid Arditi’s heroic coming-of-age tale.

The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Book Description:
Percy Jackson returns in another modern-day adventure with a Greek mythology twist—this time he must find a goddess kidnapped from Mount Olympus!

When the goddess Artemis goes missing, she is believed to have been kidnapped. And now it's up to Percy and his friends to find out what happened. They must find Artemis before the winter solstice, when her influence on the Olympian Council could swing an important vote on the war with the titans. Not only that, but first Percy will have to solve the mystery of a rare monster that Artemis was hunting when she disappeared—a monster rumored to be so powerful it could destroy Olympus forever.

My Thoughts:
My son and I are really enjoying these Percy Jackson books.  In this one, they are searching for a goddess that has been kidnapped.  There are several issues going on all at once.  Including a prophecy of the quest that they are going on.  There are twists and turns to get through everything that is thrown in their way.  We meet some gods that we've not actually met in previous books and some new characters that I'm hoping make it into future books.
It was a 5/5 for us.  We plan to finish this series!

Navy SEAL Promise by Amber Leigh Williams

Book Description:
He made a promise he intends to keep Harmony Savitt is off-limits for navy SEAL Kyle Bracken. Not only is she his best friend's little sister, she's also a single mother and the widow of a fellow SEAL killed in action. This soldier needs to keep his distance. But something between them has changed... Despite the new complicated feelings he has for Harmony, when his family comes under attack, there's no one Kyle trusts more than her to help him get answers. When that threat extends to her and her daughter, though, he vows to protect them...even if it means putting his own heart on the line.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book.  I've read previous books by this author and I really like how there are charactetrs from other books, just at a different stage in their lives.  In this one, Kyle is the SEAL that Harmony has always known she could count on.  He has been there for her throughout her whole life.  He told her when her baby's father was KIA. Harmony has always been in love with Kyle but he has never really looked at her 'that' way. The center of her universe though, is her daughter.  Everyone loves Bea.
I love that Kyle is close to his family and considers Harmony and her baby girl a part of it.  She has always been in his life and more like a little sister. That is only until she grew up.  He knew he would always be there for her but always felt guilty for noticing she was an attractive woman. The family stays close even when there are threats against them.  It just brings them closer together and more determined to have each others' backs.  Oveall I totally loved these characters.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I can't wait to see what happens next in this town!

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Broken Forest by Eliza Tilton (ReRead!)

Book Description:
Hopeless he'll never be more than the boy who didn't save his brother, 17-year-old Avikar accepts his life as the family stable boy, trying to forget the past. But when his sister, Jeslyn, is kidnapped, the thought of losing another sibling catapults him on a desperate quest. With his best friend by his side, and using the tracking skills he learned from his father, he discovers Jeslyn has been taken, kidnapped by one Lucino, the young lord of Daath, a mystical place thought only to exist in fables.

And Lucino has plans for Jeslyn.

His shape-shifting brethren feed off the auras of humans, and Jeslyn's golden hue is exactly what Lucino needs to increase his power. The longer it takes Avikar to reach her, the more entranced she becomes with Lucino's world, and the harder it will be for Avikar to set her free.

He failed his family once. He won't fail again. 

My Thoughts:
This is a re-read for me.  I read this book when it first came out and now there is a whole set of books about Daath!  I still really enjoyed this and getting to know these characters all over again.  Jeslyn is kidnapped and her brother and boyfriend are determined to find her and bring her home.  Her brother, Avikar has issues from losing his little brother and is not going to lose Jeslyn too.  
The ones who kidnapped Jeslyn take her to Daath, a place that was thought to be a myth.  There she meets the prince, Lucino, and gets used to the lifestyle, though the people there are strange.  Avikar and his group are fighting through all the obsticles that get in their way to get to Jeslyn because they know something that she doesn't. Lucino isn't human.
It was a 4/5 for me.  Can't wait to read the next book :) 

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren

Book Description:
Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants--except a happy ending. Or at least that's what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.
Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.
When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.
It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra's relationship.

My Thoughts:
Completely loved this book.  I've grown to love the little framily Ms. Warren has put together on the PEAK team.  They are just good people and they all deserve a happily ever after. I was so excited about this book.  Ian and Sierra belong together.  His obsession over finding his niece and Sierra not telling him everything has put a strain on their once close relationship.  It is still completely obvious to everyone that they are in love with each other.
With all going on in her life and at PEAK, Sierra is overwhelmed.  Jess and Pete's realtionship is a secondary story line that will take you on a rollercoaster ride all their own.  It is obvious that secrets are an issue with both couples, but that if it is life or death, they will be there for each other.  To save each other at least, it is possible that one or the other cannot get past the lies to forgive and see what God has in store for them.  I hope Dex gets his own book, I think there is a fabulous story there waiting to be written and I hope Ms. Warren tackles it!
I cannot wait to see what is in store for these characters next.  I have come to love them all.  It was a 5/5 for me.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Safe from Harm by Kate Serine

Book Description

There’s something about prosecuting attorney Elle McCoy that Deputy Gabe Dawson just can’t get enough of. Even with Gabe’s family legacy in law enforcement and promising career, Elle’s smart, sassy rejection of all his charm makes Gabe want her even more.

But Gabe’s confidence is shaken when he’s shot on the steps of the courthouse, protecting Elle from a terrorist intent on revenge. Worse, Elle isn’t out of danger yet. But as they race to counter the terrorist’s next move, Gabe determines to prove to Elle—and himself—that he’s a man worthy of her.

My Thoughts:

I really got into this book.  Started reading it one evening and stayed up (well past my bedtime!) to finish it.  Elle has always had a crush on Gabe, but never had a clue that he felt the same.  Gabe has a reputation that he didn't really earn but didn't correct either.  I liked his family and how close they were.  All in law enforcement and each have the other's back.  When Gabe's best friend is killed, his life changes.
Elle remembers everything about the day Gabe's friend was killed, including things that happened between them that he doesn't remember.  Still, she prosecutes the case and regardless of the 'issues' in the case gets a conviction.  Now their lives, and the lives of Gabe's family are in danger.  The danger pushes the two of them closer than they have ever been and they can't deny their feelings.  The radicals they are facing are complete extremists and there is literally danger all around them.
I enjoyed this.  4/5 for me and I'm going to look for other books by this author!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason

Book Description:
Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. With three brothers and two sisters, she's never without someone to hang out with--or fight with. And she knows they'll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

Determined to discover exactly what happened, Izzy's investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll--including someone from her own family. With her dead partner's handsome homicide detective brother Ryan shadowing her every move, Izzy's head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she's had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side?

My Thoughts:
I always love Eason's books and this one was no different.  It started with action and didn't let up throughout the book.  Izzy's family is close, probably closer than most and I loved that.  Her siblings are there for her and love her unconditionally.  Her partner's death brings his brother into the picture.
Ryan is a detective and is there with Izzy as she searches for answers and justice.  The romance in this was good and well written.  There are twists and turns, I couldn't put the book down because I just had to keep reading to find answers! If you like good romantic suspense, you want to get this book immediately.
A 5/5 for me.  I cannot wait for more from this author.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Shattered Lullaby by Laura Scott

My Thoughts:
I really liked this book.  Lacy is staying with her sister when an argument wakes her up.  When she hears her sister's plea and a shot, she scoops up her baby nephew and runs.  She has a somewhat chance encounter with an officer and his K-9 partner. She is worried about the police because her brother in law, whom she believes just murdered her sister is an officer.
Matt Callahan believes Lacy's story and wants to help her.  The two of them work well together.  Lacy is hesitant to trust but needs to keep her nephew safe and Matt seems like the best option for that.  I love how close the Callahan family is.  They are there for each other, no questions asked. 
This was a 4/5 for me.  I truly enjoyed the book and can't wait for more about this family.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of my book.  I received this book in exchange for my honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Bite at First Sight by Brooklyn Ann

Book Description

Her interest is purely scientific
Cassandra Burton wants to study medicine, surgery, healing, and everything related to the human body and its mysteries—and she's willing to rob graves to do it! But a lady can meet dark and dangerous characters lurking around the cemetery. And who could be more fascinating than Rafael Villar, Lord Vampire of London? If she could
study his physiology, she could learn so much that would help humans. After all, he’s immortal—and Cassandra is now his prisoner…

Until she gets close enough to touch
As if Rafael didn’t have enough to worry about, with a rebellion brewing and his allies out of reach, now he’s confronted by a beautiful, fearless lady who wants to heal the scars he's borne for centuries. He can’t keep her, and he can’t let her go, and worst of all, he’s every bit as intrigued by her as she is by him.

Scandals with Bite series:
Bite Me, Your Grace (Book 1)
One Bite Per Night (Book 2)
Love at First Bite (Book 3)

My Thoughts:

This was an entertaining read.  Cassandra wants to be a doctor but she is female so that is laughable to most people.  Instead, she studies by digging up dead bodies and dissecting them. This has caught the attention of some people who are worried she is more than a grave robber.  Rafael Villar is the Lord of London at the moment.  Cassandra is the last person he expected to find after it had been reported there was a vampire hunter in the cemeteries at night.

Cassandra is now his prisoner, through no fault of her own.  Rafael could have killed her, probably should have killed her, but simply couldn't.  Now the elders will become involved.  His second in command is scheming.  I really liked that there were more than just the London vamps talked about and brought in.  I will look for the first few in this series just to know the back stories of some characters!

It was a 3/5 for me.  It was highly entertaining and original.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Edge of Truth by Brynn Kelly

Book Description

A woman searching for the truth…

Kidnapped and thrown in an underground prison, journalist Tess Newell thinks she’s a goner. Stopping the terrorists holding her hostage seems impossible—until the arrival of a mysterious prisoner whose smile masks an edge more lethal than their captors.

A soldier with the darkest of secrets…

A French Foreign Legionnaire bound to a brotherhood that is both his blessing and curse, Flynn launches a daring escape—but honor won’t allow him to abandon the brazen, alluring reporter whose prying questions could bring down his world. The only thing more dangerous than the enemy close on their tail is the searing passion threatening to detonate between them…

Also includes the bonus novella, Forbidden River!

My Thoughts:

This book was ok.  Tess is a big time reporter who was captured while trying to do a story.  She was thrown into a pit and tortured.  They keep making her think she is going to be executed but then they throw someone else down there with her.  Flynn is a soldier.  He was captured and doesn't know what happened to his group. I really liked Flynn.  Neither he or Tess have any reason to trust the other but they must to escape.
Once they are out, Tess becomes a bit much to deal with.  I never would have had the patience that Flynn had with her.  The only thing important to her, was getting her story out.  I will grant you that it was a big time story but Tess really just grated on me.  Flynn and his buddies on the other hand, I really liked.  His friends are there for him regardless of what is going on and the cost to them. 
It was a 2/5 for me.  I think I just expected more action with the description.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Heart on Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Book Description

Gods. I’m an idiot.

Without Griffin—and apparently a few meddling Gods—to push me along, I’d still be telling fortunes at the circus, lying about my past, ignoring my future, and living as far away from my tyrant mother as humanly possible.

True understanding thuds into place. Hope isn’t just an abstract concept: it’s me. Flesh and blood me. Griffin knew it all along. Probably everyone did.I’m an idea in human form.

I have the power of the Gods at my fingertips.

The only thing ever stopping me has been me.

The Kingmaker Chronicles: 
A Promise of Fire (Book 1)
Breath of Fire (Book 2)
Heart on Fire (Book 3)

My Thoughts:

This is a solid ending to the trilogy.  I loved Cat and Griffin from the start.  The way their relationship started was comical to say the least.  This is the conclusion of their story (or maybe the author will continue it later???).  I am still completely in love with these characters and it isn't just Cat and Griffin.  I love all of them, even some of the ones I found obnoxious before.  This book made me laugh, cry and want to scream.  At one point, I honestly could have thrown it across the room!  I love it when an author can evoke that much emotion. 
I don't think there was nearly as much action in this one as the other two.  That being said, it didn't lack for content.  There are twists, reveals, unexpected turns and plenty going on to keep you glued to the pages.  Griffin is still completely devoted to his cause and his family.  Cat is still up in the air about being 'the one' and on more than one level.  I loved the interactions from the gods. 
I'm sad it is over but this will be a series that I revisit at least another time or two.  It was a 5/5 for me.  

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.