Talk Nerdy Book Blog

CategoryBook Review

Becoming Elemental (Five Elements, #1) by Ryann Elizabeth

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Book Review
February 8, 2018
B

Series: The Five Elements

Release Date: December 16th, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Eighteen year old Breanna Hunter has always seen herself as just an awkward teenager with the unfortunate aptitude for winding up in crazy and unexplainable situations.

After tragedy strikes, she ends up on a path she never knew was possible. Bre hoped her first year of college would be a life-changing experience and a new start. She will soon discover just how transformative college can be.

After another dangerous encounter, she meets five alluring strangers who are not as they seem. Together they uncover the truth, she is like them. She is an Elemental. Through them she learns that the Elemental world is not only filled with magical gifts and bonding, but also demons and danger.

Bre and the guys need to work together to figure out where she came from while keeping her safe from those who want her dead.

<strong>Ending</strong>

 Cliffhanger
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Traumatic death of best friend (on-page)
• Violence
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have OW drama
– She ends up staying at the guys’ house because she’s family friends with one of the heroes.
• Does have the Heroes and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Heroes and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 3/5 stars

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Pride & Joie: #MyNewLife, A Series by M.E. Carter

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Series Review
February 1, 2018
P

Series: #My New Life

Release Date: December 22nd, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Joie Stevens put all her dreams on hold the day she became a mom. As a natural caretaker, it never bothered her. But now that her son is grown, she has some new goals in sight and nothing is going to get in her way.
Except maybe an attractive football coach. Who very literally gets in her way.

As assistant football coach for the Flinton State University Vikings, Jack Pride really has nothing to complain about. He has a job he loves and friends he enjoys. Certain he had his one true love in his late wife, the last thing on his mind is dating.

Until he runs into a beautiful non-traditional student. Who he very literally runs into.

This second chance romance reminds us love can be better the second time around. And that it’s not just players in the game…

<strong>Ending</strong>

HFN
<strong>Representation</strong>
• Addresses ageism
• BIPOC side characters
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• The Hero’s dead wife plays a big role in the Hero and Heroine’s relationships development.
• Hero’s wife died from cancer
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OM/OW (but the Hero’s dead wife does strongly influence the Hero and Heroine’s relationship)
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Hero hasn’t dated (or slept) with anyone since his wife died from cancer 3 years ago
• Heroine has been single for 18 years and hasn’t been with anyone sexually for 10 years
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does Not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 3.25/5 stars

Note: Initially published as a serial series.

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Lure of Oblivion (The Mercury Pack, #3) by Suzanne Wright

By Sarah
In 5-stars, Book Review
January 25, 2018
L

Series: The Mercury Pack*

Release Date: November 21st, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Gwen Miller may be a human, but she has no problem taking a stand against her own kind. She’s going to testify against the teenage boy she saw viciously assault a lone shifter female—and no amount of pressure from the boy’s wealthy family will make her back down. But when the harassment turns violent, help comes in the form of a lean, toned wolf with winter-gray eyes.

As a guest at Gwen’s inn, shifter enforcer Zander Devlin can’t help but notice that the fierce and leggy brunette is in serious trouble. Since she’s putting herself at risk for one of his kind, keeping her safe is the least he can do. That’s not the only reason Zander wants her close. He desires her, even as the wolf inside him backs away from her. But his feral instincts are hard to keep down, and as they take shape, they’re harder for Gwen to resist. Then again, embracing them could be the only thing that could save her life.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
• BIPOC supporting characters
• LGBTQIA+ supporting characters
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Violence
• Domestic abuse (Heroine’s mother, off-page and memories)
• Emotional abuse
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OW
• Does have OM drama
– Unrequited (and they never dated) by the Heroine
• Does have the Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 5/5 stars

*Each novel in the series is Standalone

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Ride Wild (Raven Riders, #3) by Laura Kaye

By Sarah
In 5-stars, Book Review
January 18, 2018
R

Series: Raven Riders*

Release Date: October 31st, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>

Insert Here

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Rape (off-page: the Heroine recounts her rape to the hero)
• The Heroine’s father raped her–there was no flashback but it is described
• PTSD
• Allusions to death by cancer
• Gun violence
• Dogfighting (off-page; the hurt dogs are on-page)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
– The Hero is still dealing with the death of his wife (who died from cancer)
• Does have the Hero pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 5/5 stars

*Each novel in the series is Standalone

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Becoming a Vincent (The Wild Ones, #1) by C.M. Owens

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
January 4, 2018
B

Series: The Wild Ones*

Release Date: June 19th, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
When you live in a place where “turbo speed” internet is a slight step above dial-up, men carry on nine-year beard-growing challenges out of stubborn pride, and your brothers do things like nail all your panties to the outside of your cabin just for funsies, you tend to be a little crazy. You can call it a “locational” hazard, if you will.

That’s Tomahawk for you.

We rank people based on just how crazy they are. And the four craziest families in town are called the Wild Ones.

I’m on the bottom tier of those, so technically I’m not as crazy as the other Wild Ones. In fact, if it wasn’t for my brothers and their endless antics, I wouldn’t be considered a Wild One at all. Ahem. Sure. We’ll go with that.

Anyway, I have a best friend who endures it all with me. Benson Nolans is my one, constant favorite person.
Without him, I’d probably go really crazy, and not the fun kind. It’d be ridiculous, after three years of a flawless friendship, to mess that all up by falling for him.

I mean, even if we did get a little too close one night, it’d be reckless endangerment. Even if we did suddenly feel the chemistry that’s always been there and stop toeing the line, it’d be a foolish risk to take.
It’d be stupid to start hoping a really fun, but completely irrational, night with zero inhibitions might accidentally happen.

Really stupid… Right?

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• No abuse.
• No OTT sad parts.
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have OW drama
– Hero proposed to OW in his past because she was pregnant
– He thought the kid of the OW was his, but he found out she was cheating on him with his twin brother the whole time and another OM
– The child is the OMs
– The OW is the hero’s step-sister (his mother married the OW father)
– The Hero didn’t tell the Heroine that the OW is his step-sister, so she finds out from the OW
• Does have unrequited OM drama
– The Heroine’s aunt consistently attempts to set up the Heroine with OM, and it makes the Hero jealous
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a brief separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4.75/5 stars

*Each novel in the series is Standalone

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Chosen (The Warrior Chronicles, #1) by K.F. Breene

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
December 28, 2017
C

Series: The Warrior Chronicles

Release Date: July 1st, 2014

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
It is said that when war threatens the world, one individual will be selected by prophecy to lead the Shadow Warriors out of the Land of Mist and reclaim the freedom which has been stolen.

Shanti has grown up under the constant threat of war. Since she helped her people defeat a raiding party by using a special power, she’s been a hunted woman. Carrying rare abilities and an uncanny fighting aptitude, Shanti is the only hope of salvation for her people. The problem is, she doesn’t believe in her own divinity, and when she flounders, she nearly fails in the duty hanging so heavy on her shoulders.

It seems like any other day when Sanders and his band of misfit boys find a foreign woman clinging to life in the wastelands. Oblivious to the weapon they now have in their possession, they are content to harbor the mysterious woman until she is well enough to continue her journey. But when the war spreads its arms and lands on her borrowed doorstep, Shanti has no choice but to reveal her secrets, plunging her saviors into danger.

If they band with her, they will face certain death. But to trade her to Xandre, the warlord desperate to add her to his war machine, would be to give up their entire way of life.

<strong>Ending</strong>

 Cliffhanger
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• PTSD
• Murder of the Heroine’s village and family (including her husband)
• Grief
• Violence
• Allusions to torture and rape
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have descriptive sex scene with OW
– The Heroine walks in on the Hero and OW, so the reader doesn’t “see” all of it.
• Does have OM drama
– The Hero makes it so the Heroine can’t pursue the OM though (double standards)
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4.25/5 stars

(more…)
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Keystone (Crossbreed, #1) by Dannika Dark

By Sarah
In 2-stars, Book Review
December 14, 2017
K

Series: Crossbreed

Release Date: January 15th, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Raven Black hunts evildoers for fun, but her vigilante justice isn’t the only reason she’s hiding from the law. Half Vampire, half Mage, she’s spent years living as a rogue to stay alive. When a Russian Shifter offers her a job in his covert organization hunting outlaws, dignity and a respectable career are finally within her grasp. The catch? Her new partner is Christian Poe – a smug, handsome Vampire whom she’d rather stake than go on a stakeout with.

They’re hot on the trail of a human killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. One misstep during her probationary period could jeopardize Raven’s chance at redemption, and her partner would love nothing more than to see her fail. Will Raven find the courage to succeed, or will she give in to her dark nature?

Dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a blurred line between good and evil will keep you on the edge of your seat.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HFN
<strong>Representation</strong>
• BIPOC side characters
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Violence
• Murder
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Not Safe
• No cheating
• Does have OM drama
– The one guy the Heroine is sexually interested in, the Hero scares him away (double-standard)
• Does have descriptive sex scene with OW
– Heroine walks in on the Hero and an OW having sex. The Hero asks her “do you like to watch.” The Heroine just stands there watching. and the Hero keeps going.
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 2/5 stars

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The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Book Review
November 23, 2017
T

Series: Standalone

Release Date: August 9th, 2016

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>

Insert Here

<strong>Ending</strong>

HFN
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Emotional abuse
• No OTT sad parts.
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• Does have OW and OM drama
– The Hero’s ex-girlfriend marries his brother. But he makes it very clear he isn’t pining for her. (The Heroine only finds this out at the wedding; she’s the Hero’s date.)
– Lucy goes out on a date with OM, at the Hero’s insistence. But, it never goes beyond the first date.
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 3.25/5 stars

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Unmasked by Magan Vernon

By Sarah
In 1-star, Book Review
November 16, 2017
U

Series: Standalone

Release Date: November 6th, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Can a hotshot snowboarder de-ice the ice queen?

At twenty-six, Blake Tremblay is one of the oldest snowboarders in the game. His sights are set on the gold medal, and he knows it’s now or never.

Kelly Johnson has spent her entire life skating and winning. She’s had no time for friends or an active social life, earning her the nickname “Ice Queen” – in and out of the rink.
Blake makes a bet without knowing all the terms. His ego won’t let him back out, even though his target is none other than the American Ice Queen herself.

What are the odds the dreadlocked playboy can warm the frosty figure skater when the real games are unmasked?

Let The Games Begin.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• No abuse.
• No OTT sad parts.
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OM drama
• Does have OW drama
– The Heroine’s nemesis is an ex of the Hero
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 1/5 stars

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The Last Namsara (Iskari, #1) by Kristen Ciccarelli

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
November 9, 2017
T

Series: Iskari

Release Date: October 3rd, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
In the beginning, there was the Namsara: the child of sky and spirit, who carried love and laughter wherever he went. But where there is light, there must be darkness—and so there was also the Iskari. The child of blood and moonlight. The destroyer. The death-bringer.

These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up learning in hushed whispers, drawn to the forbidden figures of the past. But it isn’t until she becomes the fiercest, most feared dragon slayer in the land that she takes on the role of the next Iskari—a lonely destiny that leaves her feeling more like a weapon than a girl.

Asha conquers each dragon and brings its head to the king, but no kill can free her from the shackles that await at home: her betrothal to the cruel commandant, a man who holds the truth about her nature in his palm. When she’s offered the chance to gain her freedom in exchange for the life of the most powerful dragon in Firgaard, she finds that there may be more truth to the ancient stories than she ever could have expected. With the help of a secret friend—a slave boy from her betrothed’s household—Asha must shed the layers of her Iskari bondage and open her heart to love, light, and a truth that has been kept from her.

<strong>Ending</strong>
• Plot: Cliffhanger
• Couple: HFN
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters (No definitive descriptions of non-white people)
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• PTSD
• Murder
• Violence (Blood and gore)
• Allusions to sexual assault
• Domestic abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Slavery
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• Does have brief OW drama
– The Heroine reads more into the Hero’s interaction with an OW and gets jealous.
– The Hero is never into the OW.
• Does have OM drama
– The Heroine is engaged to the OM
– The Hero is a slave to the OM
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a brief separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4/5

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