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CategoryBook Review

The Prince (Spy Girl, #1) by Jillian Dodd

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Book Review
August 24, 2017
T

Series: Spy Girl

Release Date: April 12th, 2016

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the first 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.

An eighteen-year-old covert agent is pulled out of training before graduation by Black X, a espionage group so secret even the President of the United States doesn’t know it exists.

For her first mission, she must go undercover as the long-lost daughter of a recently deceased billionaire, infiltrate high society, and protect the Prince of Montrovia from assassination. But Prince Lorenzo is known as the Playboy Prince for a reason and his sensuality and charisma add a whole other level of complication to her mission.

She knows that her every move is being watched, but what she doesn’t know is that the Prince is just a chess piece in a bigger game that will have world-wide ramifications. And that Blackwood Academy, the place she has called home for the past six years has secrets of its own.

<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
• Murder
• PTSD
• Heroine’s family was murdered right in front of her
<strong>Mature Themes</strong>
• Allusions to sex
• Underaged drinking
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

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A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3) by Sarah J. Maas

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Book Review
August 17, 2017
A

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Release Date: May 2nd, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
A nightmare, I’d told Tamlin. I was the nightmare.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HFN
<strong>Representation</strong>
• BIPOC side characters characters
• Lesbian and bisexual supporting characters
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Violence (Blood and gore)
• Death
• PTSD
• Emotional abuse
• Allusions to rape (off-page, descriptions)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• Does have OM drama
– Heroine pretends to be in love with her ex-fiancé for strategic purposes in the war.
– There is no physical intimacy between them-the Heroine is disgusted by him.
• No 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: 3.75/5 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.

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A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2) by Sarah J. Maas

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Book Review
August 10, 2017
A

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Release Date: May 3rd, 2016

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Feyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas’s masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

<strong>Ending</strong>

 Cliffhanger
<strong>Representation</strong>
• BIPOC sidecharacters
• LGBTQIA+ side characters
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Severe PTSD
• Gaslighting
• Emotional and physical abuse
• Violence
• Death
• Torture (off-page, descriptions and flashbacks)
• Rape (off-page, descriptions)
• Allusions to gang rape (off-page, nothing graphic)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• Does have OW drama
– The Heroine gets jealous when the Hero flirts with an OW. She also thinks he spent the night with her, but it gets cleared up nothing happened. The Hero and Heroine were not together at that point.
• Does have descriptive sex scene with OM
– There is only one scene: Heroine sleeps with her fiancé early on in the book before they break up.
• 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: 3.75/5 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.

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A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Book Review
August 3, 2017
A

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Release Date: May 5th, 2015

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.

At least, he’s not a beast all the time.

As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

From bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.

<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>
• Torture
• Death
• Murder
• Allusions to rape
• Severe PTSD
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OW/OM drama
– The Hero does sleep with an OW as part of a Spring ritual… the Hero and Heroine are not together at this point. And, the Heroine never meets the OW.
– The villainess of the story wants the Hero (which is not reciprocated by the Hero). The villainess is a sexual predator.
– The Heroine is kissed by an OM, after the Heroine and Hero are together, for her “protection.” The Hero sees the OM kiss the Heroine.
• 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: 3.75/5 stars

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Tempting the Crown (The Crown, #3) by Violet Paige

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Book Review
July 27, 2017
T

Series: The Crown*

Release Date: June 27th, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Temptation is king. And so am I.

As an ex Royal Navy Captain, I should be prepared for anything. And I am, for anything but her.

The instant I see Molly on The Titan’s elite auction stage, I know I have to be the highest bidder. No price is too high, hell I have more money than God.

But, she’s everything I’m not. Sweet, innocent, pure. It’ll only take one night with her lips wrapped around my king-size c-ck to convince her she’s under my command.

But one night with Molly isn’t enough. I want her to be mine forever. Screw chivalry. Screw centuries of royal law. I’m the King, I always get what I want. And I want her.

But is she willing to give up her normal life to share the king’s bed?
Nobility demands it. I demand it.
It’s time Molly learns to come when her ruler calls.

Only having her could cost me everything I’ve ever known. Even the crown.

Tempting the Crown is a super hot royal romance. It has a HEA and NO Cliffhanger. There are a few bonus books for your reading pleasure. Hold onto your crowns girls, this one is going to be fun. Enjoy!

<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>
• Alcholism
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM
• No pushing away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

*Each book in the series is Standalone

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Make Me a Wish (The Conduit, #1) by K.B. Ladnier and Anita Maxwell

By Sarah
In 3-stars, Book Review
July 20, 2017
M

Series: The Conduit

Release Date: May 31st, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
“Ever made a wish and had it come true? Well lucky you, because I have never had any of my wishes come true.”

Arsyn Henley has had a rough life growing up. All the universe has ever done, is take every loved one she has ever had and give deep rooted scars—both on the inside and out—in return. When a relative she never knew about dies and leaves her a cabin in the mountains, she’s eager to start over with a new life. She could never have guessed her new life would be riddled with secrets about her family, new people to love and most of all magic beyond her wildest dreams.

Enter the four dashing Kismet brothers who take this broken girl on a metaphorical magic carpet ride through the world of Jinn—beings who grant the wishes of the human race—and slowly put back together her soul with pieces of their own.
But where there’s light, dark is soon to follow. Can she find the strength to accept her new reality and the people who come with it bringing all the beauty of love and light to her? Or will she falter and beckon the darkness to take her away as it’s own?

*This is a 400+ page Reverse-Harem series with some disturbing sequences of events, mild language and is recommended for ages 17+*

<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>
• Physical abuse (Detailed on-page at the start of the book)
• Attempted murder (Past, Heroine’s foster parents were abusive)
• PTSD (a by-product is the Heroine goes into rages when she feels out of control)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM
• Does have the Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Heroes 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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What’s Left of Me (What’s Left of Me, #1) by Amanda Maxlyn

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
January 27, 2017
W

 Series: What’s Left of Me

Release Date: December 12th, 2013

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Life works in mysterious ways.

Four years ago I became known as the girl with cancer.

I refuse to cry.

And I refuse to give in.

A relationship with a man is the last thing I’m looking for right now, but one night with Parker changes everything. He is persistent, and he knows what he wants. Me.

He doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile.

But he doesn’t know, and I’m not ready to tell him.

What if it changes everything?

Tragedy found me when I was seventeen.

Love found me when I was twenty-one.

My name is Aundrea McCall, and this is my journey.

<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>
• Does have OTT sad parts
• Heroine has had cancer for the past 4 years
• No abuse
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM
• 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: 4/5 stars

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The Lucky Charm (The Portland Pioneers, #1) by Beth Bolden

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
January 26, 2015
T

Series: The Portland Pioneers*

Release Date: May 4th, 2014

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
IT’S THE BOTTOM OF THE NINTH …

Izzy Dalton’s about to strike out. Her new job as the sideline reporter for the Portland Pioneers major league baseball team is problematic on several levels:

1. Baseball is her least favourite sport. Falling behind golf, tennis, and maybe even curling.
2. What Izzy knows about baseball could fill about three minutes of airtime.
3. Her last experience in front of a camera was in college. Six years ago.
4. The Pioneer’s second baseman has a wicked sense of humour and even wickeder blue eyes.

AND A FULL COUNT …

Jack Bennett couldn’t be more uninterested in a little sideline action. He just wants to show up at the park and win baseball games. Izzy is the one woman he should steer clear of, but she’s also the key to his success – and his heart, too.

All Izzy has to do is convince her misogynistic boss she’s competent, learn what the heck an RBI is, and stay away from Jack Bennett. Izzy tells herself it’ll be a snap, but 162 games is longer than she ever imagined and Jack more irresistible than she counted on.

<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>
• Heroine’s family died when she was young
• No abuse (Heroine does have rude bosses though)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Heroine pushing the Hero 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: 4/5 stars

*Each novel in the series is Standalone

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Beneath the Scars By Melanie Moreland

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
December 31, 2014
B

Series: Standalone

Release Date: October 14th, 2014

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
The sound of the ocean, the of the waves as they kick up against he sand and rocks – these are the only sounds Megan Greene wants to hear. She wants to leave the rest of the world behind, and find some peace.
The offer of a private house on the beach, set in a small town in Maine, is perfect. Time to think, to be by herself. It’s all she wants. it’s the escape she needs.

Until she stumbles across the painting that seems to echo her own chaotic mindset. Until she meets the unfriendly artist behind the stormy painting and discovers his secrets.

All Zachary Adams wants is to be left alone. His canvases, and the unending score of the ocean and sand, are his life. They direct him – fill his hours. Bring him focus.

Until she enters his life. She dredges up memories of the past – the haunting images he has hidden for years; the fears he has never shared. A story he keeps buried below the surface.

Can she make hims see what he is missing? Can he trust her enough to believe?

Together they embark on a journey where their pasts collide and threaten to tear them apart. Will their fragile bon hold or wash away with ebbing tide?

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
• Side character with a disability
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Gaslighting
• Emotional abuse
• Attempted murder (Off-page, described)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OM drama
– The Heroine’s ex-boyfriend steals her book and paints himself as a vindictive, gold-digging, lying woman
• No OW
• 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: 4/5 stars

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