Book Review: Bound to You by Alyssa Brandon

Bound to You

by Alyssa Brandon

Release Date: April 10th, 2018

SYNOPSIS:

A teen werewolf finally meets her destined soulmate only to discover that he's not quite what she expected in this steamy debut romance.

She's met her mate . . . and he's met his match.

Megan Ross has been waiting her whole life for her mate to come and sweep her off her feet. But the wolf she meets on the beach is NOT the sweet gentle boy she's been dreaming of. Instead, he's a warrior, one whose suffering has led him to lock his heart away in a prison as cold and hard as a diamond, who fights to resist the bond and their deep sexual attraction.

Far from home, with a soulmate who is still a stranger, Megan learns that the path to true love isn't quite as straight and easy as she thought . . . 

REVIEW:

I was sent an early copy of this from Fierce Reads in exchange for an honest review.

In my early twenties I used to read a lot of shifter romances and going back to it was quite fun. My main hesitation was my worry over it ending up like every other werewolf romance I've ever read. Now, while there were many similarities to other stories I have read in the past, I enjoyed it. Megan and James seem like a real couple with very real issues that created a depth to their relationship. It wasn't just a, "We're mates, lets get it on now," type of thing. Well, on Megan's end it was, but James' emotional scars kept him closed off for a great deal of the book and their gradually growing love felt genuine. One of the only things I felt was a bit lacking was some more insight into the other characters. I really hope there is a sequel because... I NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT LUCY!

RATING: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Book Review: Night of Cake & Puppets by Laini Taylor

Night of Cake & Puppets

by Laini Taylor

Published: September 12th, 2017

SYNOPSIS:

In this stand-alone companion to the New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone series comes the story of Mik and Zuzana's fantastical first date—as a gorgeously illustrated gift edition with bonus content included.

Petite though she may be, Zuzana is not known for timidity. Her best friend, Karou, calls her "rabid fairy," her "voodoo eyes" are said to freeze blood, and even her older brother fears her wrath. But when it comes to the simple matter of talking to Mik, or "Violin Boy," her courage deserts her. Now, enough is enough. Zuzana is determined to make the first move, and she has a fistful of magic and a plan. It's a wonderfully elaborate treasure hunt of a plan that will take Mik all over Prague on a cold winter's night before leading him to the treasure: herself! Violin Boy is not going to know what hit him.

New York Times bestselling author Laini Taylor brings to life a night only hinted at in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy—the magical first date of fan-favorites Zuzana and Mik. Originally published as an ebook, this new print edition will include breathtaking black and white illustrations, plus bonus content in a gorgeous package perfect for new and current fans of the series. 

 REVIEW:

I was sent a copy of this for review from NOVL and I can't rave enough about this book!

First off, I have a confession... I have never read anything by Laini Taylor so this was my first introduction to her writing style as well as these two characters. Laini has such a compelling style that I just blazed through this story. I also couldn't get enough of the stunning artwork included by Jim Di Bartolo. Experiencing the romantic hesitation on both ends between Zuzana and Mik was so endearing. They may be young and new to love, but they really put a lot of thought into making their two paths collide and when they do...it's MAGICAL!

I will definitely be picking up the Daughter of Smoke & Bone series very soon!

RATING: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Book Review: The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken

The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding

by Alexandra Bracken

Published: September 5th, 2017

SYNOPSIS:

"I would say it's a pleasure to meet thee, Prosperity Oceanus Redding, but truly, I only anticipate the delights of destroying thy happiness."

Prosper is the only unexceptional Redding in his old and storied family history — that is, until he discovers the demon living inside him. Turns out Prosper's great-great-great-great-great-something grandfather made — and then broke — a contract with a malefactor, a demon who exchanges fortune for eternal servitude. And, weirdly enough, four-thousand-year-old Alastor isn't exactly the forgiving type. 

The fiend has reawakened with one purpose — to destroy the family whose success he ensured and who then betrayed him. With only days to break the curse and banish Alastor back to the demon realm, Prosper is playing unwilling host to the fiend, who delights in tormenting him with nasty insults and constant attempts trick him into a contract. Yeah, Prosper will take his future without a side of eternal servitude, thanks.

Little does Prosper know, the malefactor's control over his body grows stronger with each passing night, and there's a lot Alastor isn't telling his dim-witted (but admittedly strong-willed) human host. 

From #1 New York Times best-selling author Alexandra Bracken comes a tale of betrayal and revenge, of old hurts passed down from generation to generation. Can you ever fully right a wrong, ever truly escape your history? Or will Prosper and Alastor be doomed to repeat it?

SPOILER FREE REVIEW:

I was sent an early copy of this for review from Disney Books and I must say, it was one of my top reads of the year!

I've always loved a good middle grade book and this did not disappoint. Alexandra has quite a way with words and kept me thoroughly entertained throughout this story. I can relate to Prosper on so many levels and those that struggle with impressing others and feeling seen will as well. This story takes place during Halloween and everything was described so vividly that I could picture it all. The other character in this book that was a shining star was Nell, a young witch who just wants her mother back at whatever cost...until she fully realizes that it's a cost she can't live with. Even with the revelations at the end of this book I feel we will be seeing a lot more of her in book two. This is going to be a hit series! To say that the end of this book threw me for a loop would be an understatement. I can't wait for the sequel and more of Alastor's antics!

RATING: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️