Talk Nerdy Book Blog

CategoryBook Review

Branded (Sinners, #1) by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki

By Sarah
In 1-star, Book Review
November 2, 2017
B

Series: Sinners

Release Date: June 27th, 2013

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Fifty years ago The Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society.

To punish the guilty, he created the Hole, a place where sinners are branded according to their sins. Sinners are forced to live a less than human existence in deplorable conditions, under the watchful eye of guards who are ready to kill anyone who steps out of line.

Now, LUST wraps around my neck like thick, blue fingers, threatening to choke the life out of me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and the Hole is my new home.

<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>
The heroine, Lexi, is branded and convicted of Lust which results in her continued victimization in the Hole, where she is faced with:
• Threat of Rape
• Attempted Rape
• Torture and violence
• Gaslighting
• Psychological abuse
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does 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

(more…)
Read onAdd comment

Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King, #1) by Tricia Levenseller

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Book Review
October 26, 2017
D

Series: The Daughter of the Pirate King

Release Date: February 28th, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I’ve gotten what I came for.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

<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>
• Violence
• (Attempted) Murder
• Casual attitude towards death
• Torture (Off-page: Heroine’s “training” from her father included torture)
• No OTT sad parts
<strong>Mature Themes</strong>
• Sexual references
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

(more…)
Read onAdd comment

Feather’s That Bind (Harper’s Destiny, #1) by L.A. Kirk

By Sarah
In 2-stars, Book Review
October 19, 2017
F

Series: Harper’s Destiny

Release Date: July 11th, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
The neighbouring kingdom of Greenwood is threatening war if Princess Harper doesn’t marry their Prince Landon, a childhood friend.

After years apart, the prince is not the man she remembers. His cold demeanour quickly drives a wedge between them. But when a legend comes to life and offers three sacred feathers for three destined husbands, Princess Harper’s future is thrown into chaos.

With the threat of war on the horizon and a traitor within the Greenwood royal family, Harper will have to overcome the schemes standing in her path and forge new bonds with three men destined to be hers.

<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>
• No OTT sad parts
• No abuse
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have one of the Heroes 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

(more…)
Read onAdd comment

Moonlit Harem: Part 1 by N.M. Howell

By Sarah
In 2-stars, Book Review
October 12, 2017
M

Series: Moonlit Harem Serial Series

Release Date: July 21st, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
People say you can’t escape destiny. But I’m sure as hell going to try.
I’m a vampire. A blood-sucking creature of the night who needs to feed on human blood to keep me sustained.

The only problem is, I find the whole lifestyle repulsive and refuse to feed on humans. It’s been hard, but I’ve managed so far.

But as my 21st birthday nears, it is my time to complete the required ritual to take a human life and join my fellow vampires as a true member of coven.
I refuse. And I run.

But when my escape leads me into a den of angry werewolves, I find myself with an entirely new set of problems to deal with.

Moonlit Harem is a paranormal romance reverse harem serial. Each episode is approximately 20k words. All episodes will be released as an omnibus when complete.

<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>
• Murder
• Death
• No OTT sad parts
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Heroine and one of the (possible) Heroes
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

(more…)
Read onAdd comment

Stalk Me (The Keatyn Chronicles, #1) by Jillian Dodd

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Book Review
October 5, 2017
S

Series: The Keatyn Chronicles

Release Date: January 7th, 2014

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Gossip Girl meets Hollywood in this steamy new series by That Boy author, Jillian Dodd.

Keatyn has everything she ever dreamed. Her life is following the script she wrote for the perfect high school experience. She’s popular, goes to the best parties, dates the hottest guy, and sits at the most-coveted lunch table.

She’s just not sure she wants it anymore. Because, really, things aren’t all that perfect. Her best friend is threatening to tell everyone her perfect relationship is a scam. Her perfect boyfriend gets drunk at every party they go to. It’s exhausting always trying to look and act perfect. And, deep down, she isn’t sure if she has any true friends.

To add to the drama, her movie star mom has a creepy stalker. A hot, older man flirts with her and tells her they should make a movie together.

And she’s crushing on an adorable surfer. Dating him would mean committing social suicide.

So she writes a new script. One where all the pieces of her life will come together in perfect harmony.
But little does she know, there’s someone who will do anything to make sure that doesn’t happen.

<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>
• Stalking, including predation of children (16 yo girl)
• Stalker of the Heroine is in his late 20s, early 30s – he flirts with her. The Heroine doesn’t realize how creepy he is.
<strong>Mature Themes</strong>
• (Non-descriptive) sex scenes
• Underage drinking
• Severe lack of parental supervision–teenagers vacation without their parents
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

(more…)
Read onAdd comment

The Queen of Blood (The Queens of Renthia, #1) by Sarah Beth Durst

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Book Review
September 28, 2017
T

Series: The Queens of Renthia

Release Date: September 20th, 2016

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
An idealistic young student and a banished warrior become allies in a battle to save their realm in this first book of a mesmerizing epic fantasy series, filled with political intrigue, violent magic, malevolent spirits, and thrilling adventure

Everything has a spirit: the willow tree with leaves that kiss the pond, the stream that feeds the river, the wind that exhales fresh snow . . .

But the spirits that reside within this land want to rid it of all humans. One woman stands between these malevolent spirits and the end of humankind: the queen. She alone has the magical power to prevent the spirits from destroying every man, woman, and child. But queens are still just human, and no matter how strong or good, the threat of danger always looms.

With the position so precarious, young women are chosen to train as heirs. Daleina, a seemingly quiet academy student, is under no illusions as to her claim to the throne, but simply wants to right the wrongs that have befallen the land. Ven, a disgraced champion, has spent his exile secretly fighting against the growing number of spirit attacks.

Joining forces, these daring partners embark on a treacherous quest to find the source of the spirits’ restlessness—a journey that will test their courage and trust, and force them to stand against both enemies and friends to save their land . . . before it’s bathed in blood.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HFN
<strong>Representation</strong>
• Addresses ageism
• BIPOC side characters
• Matriarchal community
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Violence
• Murder
<strong>Mature Themes</strong>
• Allusions to sex (no descriptive sex scenes)
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

(more…)
Read onAdd comment

Sidebarred (The Legal Briefs, #3.5) by Emma Chase

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
September 21, 2017
S

Series: The Legal Briefs*

Release Date: April 24th, 2016

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
There was a time when Jake Becker had it all together. He was controlled, driven, ruthless—in and out of the courtroom.

Then, six irresistible orphans and their heartbreakingly beautiful aunt crashed into his perfectly ordered life. They changed everything. They changed him. Now he’s a husband, an upstanding member of society, a father figure—a family man. And he’s pretty damn good at it.

Sure, he has to referee sibling smackdowns, re-learn algebra, ensure his clients stay of jail, and keep his wife happy—but it finally feels like he’s got it together again….
So, of course something has to screw it all up. It’s huge. Life-changing. Kind of terrifying.

And it will be the most amazing, perfect thing he’ll ever do.

<strong>Ending</strong>

 HEA
– Sidebarred is 4 years after Sustained
– There’s an extended epilogue 17 years later at the end of this novel (We get to see where all the kids end up)
<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> None
• No abuse
• No OTT sad parts
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• No pushing away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Note: This is a review of the epilogue to the second book in the series; therefore, there will be spoilers from the second book below. Click Here to read my review of the second book in the series.

(more…)
Read onAdd comment

Sustained (The Legal Briefs, #2) by Emma Chase

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
September 14, 2017
S

Series: The Legal Briefs*

Release Date: August 25th, 2015

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
A knight in tarnished armor is still a knight.

When you’re a defense attorney in Washington, DC, you see firsthand how hard life can be, and that sometimes the only way to survive is to be harder. I, Jake Becker, have a reputation for being cold, callous, and intimidating—and that suits me just fine. In fact, it’s necessary when I’m breaking down a witness on the stand.

Complications don’t work for me—I’m a “need-to-know” type of man. If you’re my client, tell me the basic facts. If you’re my date, stick to what will turn you on. I’m not a therapist or Prince Charming—and I don’t pretend to be.

Then Chelsea McQuaid and her six orphaned nieces and nephews came along and complicated the ever-loving hell out of my life. Now I’m going to Mommy & Me classes, One Direction concerts, the emergency room, and arguing cases in the principal’s office.

Chelsea’s too sweet, too innocent, and too gorgeous for her own good. She tries to be tough, but she’s not. She needs someone to help her, defend her…and the kids.

And that — that, I know how to do.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
• Brazilian side character
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Grief
• Death of parents and sibling
• Allusions to domestic abuse
• STD scare
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Not Safe
• No cheating
• Does have OW/OM drama
– The Hero goes on many dates before and after he meets the Heroine
– The Heroine goes on dates with OM after the Hero breaks up with her
• Does have a descriptive sex scene with OW
– The book opens up with the Hero having sex with a one night stand.
– Hero decides to give up ONS because the OW tells him she has an STD. The Hero–although he doesn’t have an STD–becomes paranoid. He decides to give dating a try.
– There’s a brief scene with the Hero and OW that is interrupted when the Hero needs to go help the Heroine–the Heroine calls which interrupts them.
• Does have the Hero pushing away the Heroine
• Does have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
– The Hero and Heroine briefly break-up because the Hero doesn’t want to help raise six kids
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4/5 stars

*Each book in the series is Standalone

(more…)
Read onAdd comment

The Society (Spy Girl, #3) by Jillian Dodd

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
September 7, 2017
T

Series: Spy Girl

Release Date: July 25th, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the third book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society.

Sent to London for their next mission, Huntley and Ari are guests at Malcolm Prescott’s home, where Ari is asked to join a secret group called The Society, and Huntley learns more about her “father” Ares Von Allister.

Spy Girl was trained not to have emotional entanglements, but Huntley is learning that it’s hard to survive in the real world without them. As she uncovers hidden truths about her past, the knowledge leaves her reeling and questioning everything. She’s going to have to trust someone, and it’s not going to be Black X. So she goes against her training and forms relationships—caring, trusting, and, maybe, even loving.

But relationships are dangerous for a spy. Particularly one who will be facing her most challenging mission to date. Tasked with getting close to the illusive Money Man, she will be forced to delve into a seedy underworld that will threaten her very existence.

<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>
• Violence
• Terrorism
• Murder and attempted murder
<strong>Mature Themes</strong>
• Allusions to sex
• Underaged drinking
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Note: This is a review of the third book in the series; therefore, there will be spoilers from the first and second book below.

(more…)
Read onAdd comment

The Eagle (Spy Girl, #2) by Jillian Dodd

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
August 31, 2017
T

Series: Spy Girl

Release Date: October 10th, 2016

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Revenge won’t change anything—or will it?

From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the second book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society.

The world’s most deadly assassin, a man known only as The Priest, has come back from the dead to take a series of high profile hits. When the assassin completes his first task—shooting an important world leader, the global community goes into collective shock and his government vows retaliation.

With her cover firmly cemented as Huntley Von Allister, Spy Girl’s vacation on the Royal Yacht is cut short when she’s called home for her next mission—and, this time, it’s personal.

Can Huntley accomplish her mission before the next hit takes place?
And what will happen when she finally comes face-to-face with the man who killed her mother?

With a kickass heroine and intrigue, this page turner will have you spellbound and drooling over your new book boyfriend. – H.M Ward, New York Times Bestselling Author.
The Spy Girl series is an intrigue filled, exciting ride through a world you’ll wish you were part of and want to know more about! – J. Sterling, New York Times Bestselling Author.

<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>
• Violence
• Death
• Terrorism
• Murder
<strong>Mature Themes</strong>
• Allusions to sex
• Underaged drinking
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Note: This is a review of the second book in the series; therefore, there will be spoilers from the first book below. Click Here to read my review of the first book in the series.

(more…)
Read onAdd comment
Talk Nerdy Book Blog

Follow Me on Wordpress

Follow Talk Nerdy To Me on WordPress.com

Currently Reading

You Should See Me in a Crown
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
I Hope I Join the Band: Narrative, Affiliation, and Antiraciset Rhetoric


Sarah Anne's favorite books »

Archives

Upcoming Releases

Parade
The Art of Catching Feelings
A Novel Love Story


Sarah Anne's favorite books »