The Unwanteds Island of Shipwrecks by Lisa McMann

Book Description:
Alex and his friends from Artimé are stranded on a newly discovered island after barely surviving a storm that destroys their ship. And it turns out they’re not alone…

Back in Quill, Aaron’s power base grows as he aligns himself with an unlikely ally. Together, the two enact a drastic, risky plan to finally conquer Artimé—a plan that could ultimately leave everyone in both Artimé and Quill in far more danger than Aaron realizes. 

My Thoughts:
We are completely enjoying watching the problems this wonderful cast of characters has to deal with.  Just when they think they have things going their way, something else is tossed at them.  I was glad to see Alex and his friends have to face some issues without reassurance from Simba.  

I laughed, cried and yelled at this book (glad it is for the kids huh!?!).  Loved the new  and hope they are in the next book or two.  There is a lot of growth for these characters through the books and I guess I hadn't realized it until this book was ending.  They are growing up and becoming the protectors that Mr. Today had envisioned them being.  They just had to do it faster than he had ever imagined. I'm still not certain if I feel bad for Aaron or completely despise him.  He has done wretched things but Alex seems to still hold out hope for him so I guess I will as well.
It was a 5/5 for us again.  Truly love this author's writing style and story telling ability!

The Unbreakable Curse by Alexia Purdy

Book Description:
Accursed Archangels is a young adult urban fantasy series which will appeal to readers of paranormal romance, vampires, reverse harems, angels, demons, and supernatural lore. 

Thalia Brennan’s destiny is one she doesn’t understand. As a cursed immortal, she was banished from entering heaven years ago. When paradise is out of reach, one must bargain away their fate. 

Recruited by a corrupt archangel named Ereziel, Thalia must fight her way back into heaven and find a way through the gates of purgatory. Tasked with killing souls so vile, their darkness must be extinguished and collected as currency back into heaven. Thalia gains an unfortunate reputation as a blood-thirsty, self-destructing mercenary. 

When one of vile souls tells her she’ll never be able to buy her way back into purgatory to reach heaven for she is not from either kingdom, she doesn’t believe him, even when he gifts her a locket he claims belongs to her. Killing him only brings the wrath of all the orders of demons and archangels in the city. Barely escaping their clutches alive, she must hustle to discover what the locket does and to confirm if a legendary realm outside of heaven, hell, and earth truly exists. 

My Thoughts:
I'm gonna start this review off with I ADORE the cover on this one!  Is it not gorgeous? Anyway, the story within is just as good.   Thalia is trying to earn her way into heaven by killing the bad guys for Ereziel.  Ereziel is the archangel who found her when she was not permitted into Heaven with her family and taught her how to kill.  I really liked all the players in this book.
One kill tells her something that changes the way she has viewed everything for years, in fact for her entire time since she was cast back down to Earth.  She doesn't come from Earth, but rather a place she has never heard of.  She must save her friend's life when he stupidly puts it in danger.  Then an unanticipated ally helps them both.  I liked how Thalia is determined to keep her distance but is drawn to each of the men in her life through different ways.
It was a 4/5 for me.  The cliffhanger ending is killing me though!  I need to know...now :) 

Thank you to the author/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.

The Unwanteds Island of Legends by Lisa McMann

Book Description:
As Alex grows more confident in his role as the mage of Artime, he expands his skills and brings his first creature to life with results that are both painful and wonderful. A team from Artime heads out to rescue Sky and Crow's mother from underwater Pirate Island and discovers there are more creatures than they ever imagined in the ocean surrounding the islands and not all of them are friendly.

Meanwhile in Quill, Aaron faces threats to his leadership as Gondoleery hones her rediscovered magical abilities and Eva and Liam form a secret alliance against him. But Aaron's distracted with a discovery of his own, a hidden jungle that holds a dangerous secret. His time there yields a startling truth about himself, and a potential opportunity to increase his power.



My Thoughts:
Still a great series.  Alex and his friends set out to save some others.  Each have had their own crazy delimas to deal with and that gives them different experiences.  Alex, now as head of Artime, has grown to rely more on his friends and advisors to keep him on track.  I like how the author has brought in new characters and they've made their own places in the story.
Aaron is still selfcentered and focused on his rule.  He doesnt' even suspect that he has such a great enemy who is plotting against him.  He is slowly learning about himself and the magic he possess.  It both scares and exhilerates him.  I am hoping that the magic and his abilities will center him and he will become a better person but I'm not holding my breath.  We completely enjoyed the adventures in this story and look forward to more.
It was again a 5/5.

A Loyal Heart by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

Title: A Loyal Heart

Author: Jody Hedlund

Genre: Adult medieval romance

Release Date: March 6, 2018

He’s taken her as his prisoner. But she’s holding his heart captive. In gaining their freedom, will they lose what matters most?

When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.

As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.

Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book.  Olivia is a lady.  She is also a fighter.  Her mentor trained her in swords and defense.  I loved that she wasn't the typical damsel in distress but rather a jump into the fight kind of girl.  She will do anything for family, especially her little sister Izzy.  Sir Aldric is on a mission and that is to bring Olivia and her sister to Lord Pitt. 
Aldric has paid off his debt but he is still loyal to Pitt.  I thought their relationship was interesting.  Pitt truly felt affection for Aldric and vice versa.  Aldric's past and his back story were interesting and seeing him work through his issues was insightful.  Olivia and Aldric are an interesting pair and theirs wasn't an instant love.  The story is deep if you look, family, love, betrayal and much more is there.
It was a 5/5 for me.  The journey the characters took was wonderful!

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

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Guest Post from Jody Hedlund

The Growing Need for Sweet Young Adult Romances

By Jody Hedlund

This past year my youngest daughter turned twelve and entered seventh grade. And she decided that she wanted to read my books.

Of course I was thrilled that she was taking an interest in my writing. But since my adult historical romances are more intense and contain some mature themes, I handed her the young adult series I’ve written.

As she started the first book, I peeked in her room a time or two to ask her how she liked it.

“It’s the best book you’ve ever read, right?” I teased.

“It’s okay,” she replied, teasing me right back.

The true test for how much she liked the series came when she couldn’t put the book down. She hid away in her room and read all day. Then she read the second book the next day and the third book the day after that.

She never did gush over the series. But she didn’t need to. Her serious reading marathon told me all I needed to know! Then when I was writing the fourth book in the series, she asked me if she could read it early before it was published which was another testament to how much she enjoyed the series.

“As long as you promise to say that I’m your favorite author,” I said, teasing her again.

I’m happy to say that she finished A Loyal Heart just as quickly as the others. Although I’m not sure that I’m her favorite author, I’m satisfied that she loved the series.

Even more, I’m thrilled that I could hand her sweet romances full of chivalrous qualities—like courage, sacrifice, honor, and loyalty. As she’s being entertained, she’s learning lessons about character traits that are important in relationships.

My daughter, like other young teens I’ve talked to, really enjoys medieval settings and stories. In some ways, those kinds of stories connect them to the princess fairy tales they used to love when they were little. Let’s face it, even adult readers still love stories about knights and castles and daring damsels!

In a book market for teens that has grown increasingly dark, jaded, and sexual, I only wish I had more to offer my daughter and other young women. It’s my passion to continue providing wholesome, clean romances for teens, books I know will encourage and uplift as well as entertain.

How about YOU? Is there a teen reader you know who needs an alternative to what’s available in the market? I encourage you to gift them with A Loyal Heart. And make sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win the entire series that you can read, pass along, or even gift to your library.

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, March 27

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away a grand prize of An Uncertain Choice, A Daring Sacrifice, For Love & Honor, and A Loyal Heart!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb76

Pack Bound by Leisl Leighton

Book Description

One pack, one coven, a destiny intertwined...Five hundred years ago, facing extinction, a group of powerful witches united to create a pact with the Were to save witch–kind. The pact expelled an ancient evil, known only as the Darkness, that was blocking the Were from their wolves. With the Darkness destroyed, the Packs and their Covens grew strong as they thrived beside each other in their brand–new world.But the Darkness was not destroyed.Skye Collins has been brought up to fear her magic and shy away from witch and Were alike. But when Jason McVale, the Alpha of Pack McVale, comes in search of her, she is intrigued and tempted. Her mistrust of magic and wariness of the intensity of passion she shares with Jason threatens her control–and if she loses control, she just might turn into the weapon the Darkness intended her to become all along.

My Thoughts:

I really got into this book.  Skye is scared of her magic.  She has been taught that it is bad and all she does is hurt people with it/because of it.  Jason is now pack leader and needs Skye to take her place as their pack witch.  The problem is, she doesn't remember anything.  I felt bad for both Skye and Jason at the start.  Skye is just oblivious and it is obvious that she is terrified.  Jason is so frustrated because he knows she knows but cannot force her remember.
Jason's nephew may have been my favorite character, though his brother is a close second.  Honestly, all the characters in the book were well done.  I did figure out who the 'bad guy' was before the reveal but I hadn't figured out all the ins and outs of it.  Skye's twin, I was heartbroken for. There are a lot of emotions through the book and it was really well written.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I am ready to read the next book of the series!

Thank you to the publisher/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.

The Dawsons by Lydia and Santina Casablanca

Book Description:
Intense. Alluring. Forbidden!
Witnessing the horrific demise of everyone he knew and loved has made Derrick Dawson strong, but it has also made him cold and broken. Tormented by his past and fears for the future, Derrick drowns himself in alcohol and drugs to dull the pain he can't seem to escape. When Rose, the granddaughter of his sworn enemy, suddenly appears in his life, his world turns upside down. The wall he has built to protect his heart is crumbling. Will Derrick ignore what he feels or will he let the wall fall?
Francesco has felt alone and miserable all his life. The loss of his family and the harshness he receives from his constantly intoxicated older brother has left a void inside him that he thought he would never fill. Until a young princess named Rosa stumbles into him and changes his life forever. There's only one thing that stands in his way--King Antonio has forbidden Rosa to have anything to do with a Dawson.
Is true love worth the risk?

My Thoughts:
I'm not certain what I was expecting from this book, but it literally pulls you in from the start with forbidden love, betrayal, family, and so much more.  The author(s) do a great job of bringing the characters and their world to life and making you want to continue reading.  It is almost a compulsion.  The story itself is well written and original.  I liked that it didn't feel like a canned book that I've read before, but fresh and new. 
There are different families, plots and characters that are woven together and it is intriguing.  I was never bored in this book, and constantly turning pages wondering what would happen next.  I'm not sure who my favorite character through the book was because I really liked almost all of them but I do know Zancho is creepy and evil!  He gave me the creeps big time!
It was a 5/5 for me and I want more!

*I would say this is for more adult readers*

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.

Cover Reveal for Cradled by Christina Bauer

Cradled
Christina Bauer
(Beholder #4.5)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: July 31st 2018
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

An Epilogue Novella
At last, Elea and Rowan are settling in to their new lives. Trouble is, Rowan is spending a lot of time cleaning up messes from his childhood. And considering the nightmare that was his mother, those are some ugly messes indeed. In fact, the experience is enough to make Rowan vow that he never wants children of his own.
Oops.
BEHOLDER
Cursed
Concealed
Cherished
Crowned
Cradled

Goodreads / Amazon / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Author Bio:
Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

Blog / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn

GIVEAWAY!
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Mission to Protect by Terri Reed

Book Description:

Enter the world of the Military K-9 Unit

A riveting new series begins!

When the Red Rose Killer leaves his calling card for Staff Sergeant Felicity Monroe, she knows exactly what that means—she’s on his revenge list. Her boss, Master Sergeant Westley James, and K-9 German shepherd Dakota become her guardians, but they’ll have to act fast to escape the man who wants her dead.

My Thoughts:

I love the stories about K-9s and their partners/handlers. Felicity's life is in upheaval.  Her father recently passed away, her boss rarely gives her positive feedback, she is having nightmares, and there is a serial killer who has named her as a target. Westley is Felicity's superior. He runs the K-9 program for the army and expects the best of everyone under his command.
Westley may be a bit harder on Felicity than the others but that isn't because he doesn't like her.  It is quite the opposite. He doesn't want anyone to realize he may just have a crush on a certain lady under his command. When her life is threatened, from multiple sources, he is determined to keep her safe. His problem may be keeping his heart from becoming involved.  I really like how the two of them are concious of their positions but love will find a way.  I did figure out who the bad guy was before the 'reveal' but I still enjoyed the story!
It was a 4/5 for me.  I look forward to the next book and some answers to lingering questions!

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.

X-Ops Exposed by Paige Tyler

Book Description

Lion hybrid and former Army Ranger Tanner Howland retreats into the forests of Washington State to be alone—he’s too dangerous to be around people. He had to leave the love of his life behind but little does he know, she followed him.

Dr. Zarina Sokolov has an anti-serum she hopes will make Tanner human again. But before she can convince him to take it, they discover he isn’t the only hybrid that survived the experiment. And there are people who want to use the hybrid shifters for sport, pitting them against each other for money. But does Tanner have what it takes to save his fellow hybrids and Zarina—or will he lose control again?

My Thoughts:
I always enjoy Paige Tyler's books and this one was no different.  After what happened in the previous X-ops books, I was so happy to learn that Tanner and Zarina were getting their own book.  I love these two.  Being a hybrid, Tanner has had trouble controlling himself.  Zarina is the one thing that always calms him, but he is terrified he is going to hurt her. So he ran off the grid to put some distance between them.
Zarina going looking for Tanner in the middle of nowhere was an amusing thought to me.  I just couldn't picture the good doctor as an outdoor type.  That she did was so sweet.  The trouble that the two of them find themselves in would be absolutely terrifying.  I enjoyed knowing Tanner's back story.  Despised the bad guys in this one but was happy to see some of the team that I've come to love.  The next book cannot come out fast enough because I must know what happens next to these characters!
It was a 4/5 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.

The Unwanteds Island of Fire by Lisa McMann

Book Description:
The fate of Artimé is at stake - and an unlikely alliance could redeem it - in book three in the New York Times bestselling Unwanteds series.

The magical world of Artimé is gone. The Unwanteds have no food, no water, and no hope. And everyone is looking to Alex Stowe for answers. Overwhelmed and feeling totally helpless, Alex knows it's up to him to find a way to restore Artimé, rescue his captive friends, and free Megan from her voice-stealing necklace of thorns - three impossible tasks. But could help lie with the silent, orange-eyed newcomers? Meanwhile, Alex's twin brother Aaron continues to build his army in the stark land of Quill, preparing for the ultimate showdown with the Unwanteds. But a shocking twist reveals that Alex and Aaron share a common enemy more dangerous than either could have imagined... 

My Thoughts:
My kids and I are still listening to this series and enjoying it.  Alex is supposed to fix everything but is completely clueless as to how.  He was never taught what to do but everyone is looking to him for answers.  Meanwhile, Aaron is still ruling Quill and determined to take over Artime.  
I really do like how the author shows the two brothers to be so alike and yet so vastly different.  Alex is good and cares for others.  Aaron seems selfcentered and only cares about furthering his own rule.  The system of Quill is crazy but the people there seem content with it becasue they just know no better.  I cannot wait to see where these characters go next but this was a great book.
It is a 5/5 for us!  We love these characters.