Review: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Goodreads Summary:

Contains exclusive content: songs from Griffin Peterson

Sydney is living in an idyllic bubble—she’s a dedicated student with a steady job on the side. She lives with her best friend, has a great boyfriend, and the music coming from the balcony opposite hers is fast becoming the soundtrack to her life. But when Sydney finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, the bubble bursts. The mysterious and attractive man behind the music, Ridge, gives Sydney hope that she can move on and they begin to write songs together. But moving on is harder than she expects, Sydney can only hope….

Maybe someday…

Colleen Hoover draws you in to this passionate tale of music, love and betrayal…

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My Review

I had heard nothing but amazing things about Maybe Someday and knew I had to get my hands on it as my next CoHo read. Thankfully one of my lovely Bookstagram friends gifted me a copy, so the time to read it came sooner than expected! And true to Colleen Hoover’s nature, this romance was unlike any I’ve read before! I’m going to give you guys a spoil free review but it absolutely has twists that you won’t see coming!

This story alternates between the POVs of Sydney and Ridge who form an unexpected bond while writing music together. And naturally, they form a blossoming romance despite trying everything in their power to resist it. One of the most incredible aspects about this book is that Colleen Hoover worked with a musician to actually create the songs they wrote so that you can listen to the songs as they appear in the story! Like how freaking cool is that?!

The only reason I didn’t give this book five stars is because of the certain aspects of the love triangle that I feel could be really triggering for some people. And though I understand why things went down the way they did, it was still sad to see who gets hurt. Regardless, Maybe Someday was heartbreakingly beautiful, brought me to tears (also typical of CoHo) and I highly recommend it!

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Review: A Court of Silver Flames (ACOTAR #4) By Sarah J. Maas

Goodreads Summary:

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she’s struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can’t seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre’s Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta’s orbit. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other’s arms.

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My Review

This is a spoiler free review! 

Idk how to put all of my thoughts and emotions into words surrounding this amazing story! I, like everyone else wanted to strangle Nesta 50% of the time throughout the ACOTAR series thus far. That did not stop me from being super excited to see her and Cassian’s romance unfold! And OH MY!!! What a STEAMY romance it was!! 

Nesta’s struggle is one that I think we can all find ourselves relating to in some way, shape, or form. ACOSF is a story of overcoming one’s inner demons, it’s a story of feeling unlovable and learning to be vulnerable and self-accepting again. It’s a story of unbreakable friendship and  endless love! I found myself laughing out loud more times than I can count, crying tears of anguish and joy and just being overall blown away by the content. Though I do agree that the last 100 pages felt rushed, it didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying it from start to finish. I absolutely will be daydreaming of this book for a long time to come and am so incredibly sad to be leaving Velaris once again

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Review: The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab

Goodreads Summary:

A Life No One Will Remember. A Story You Will Never Forget.

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name. 

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My Review

The Invisible Life of Addie Larue was entirely different from any book I’ve read in every possible way. It was so incredibly written, that I found myself pausing to look up from the book and just take in the depth of what I had read. VE Schwab takes you into the life of someone who had the misfortune of dealing with the devil and forming a deal she was completely unaware of. Enter Addie Larue, a girl who just wants to live a life of her own choosing, but comes to learn the true meaning of the phrase “be careful what you wish for…”

The story follows three hundred years worth of time that fluctuates between the past and the present. So in a way it’s a historical fiction book. The writing was thus portrayed as if it was being written by someone who has 300 years worth of wisdom. This made reading about Addie’s situation all the more heartbreaking, as it was delivered in such an analytical style. 

Addie spends 300 years of her life in which everyone she meet forgets her the moment she is out of sight, untill suddenly, she meets Henry and everything changes for them both. I have to warn readers without giving away spoilers as best I can. Schwab does not necessarily give the reader the ending you want but it is pretty darn good nonetheless. Was this book a 5 star read and as phenomenal as everyone was making it out to be? Not for me, there were some lulls in the plot that slowed it down in the middle of the story. However, it was still thoroughly enjoyable, it kept me intrigued throughout, and I would still highly recommend it! The Invisible Life of Addie Larue will take you on a journey that will show you how precious life is and how even the smallest of encounters can still find a way to last for lifetimes.

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Review: Layla by Colleen Hoover

Goodreads Summary:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love.

When Leeds meets Layla, he’s convinced he’ll spend the rest of his life with her—until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla’s behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that’s just one of many inexplicable occurrences.

Feeling distant from Layla, Leeds soon finds solace in Willow—another guest of the B&B with whom he forms a connection through their shared concerns. As his curiosity for Willow grows, his decision to help her find answers puts him in direct conflict with Layla’s well-being. Leeds soon realizes he has to make a choice because he can’t help both of them. But if he makes the wrong choice, it could be detrimental for all of them.

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My Review

Colleen Hoover does it again folks! Layla is definitely not one to be missed! The story is told from the perspective of Leeds. Following a traumatic incident, he is willing to try anything to get his relationship with his girlfriend Layla back to the way things used to be. However, he soon finds himself in situation not of this world!

If you’re looking for a story with a little bit of spook factor that will keep you guessing, this is the one for you! Hoover always seems to write in a way that instantly draws the reader in. This stand alone flew by let me tell ya! And though I somehow guessed the major plot twist halfway through ( believe me, this never happens), my mind was still blown and I remained on the edge of my seat til the very end!

Layla was unlike any other paranormal romance story I’ve read before which it made it all the more captivating! If you’re a Colleen Hoover fan or not, I highly recommend!!

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Review: Bone Crier’s Moon (Bone Grace #1) by Kathryn Purdie

Goodreads Summary:

Bone ​Criers have a sacred duty. They alone can keep the dead from preying on the living. But their power to ferry the spirits of the dead into goddess Elara’s Night Heavens or Tyrus’s Underworld comes from sacrifice. The gods demand a promise of dedication. And that promise comes at the cost of the Bone Criers’ one true love.

Ailesse has been prepared since birth to become the matriarch of the Bone Criers, a mysterious famille of women who use strengths drawn from animal bones to ferry dead souls. But first she must complete her rite of passage and kill the boy she’s also destined to love.

Bastien’s father was slain by a Bone Crier and he’s been seeking revenge ever since. Yet when he finally captures one, his vengeance will have to wait. Ailesse’s ritual has begun and now their fates are entwined—in life and in death.

Sabine has never had the stomach for the Bone Criers’ work. But when her best friend Ailesse is taken captive, Sabine will do whatever it takes to save her, even if it means defying their traditions—and their matriarch—to break the bond between Ailesse and Bastien. Before they all die.

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My Review

Bone Crier’s Moon was unlike any other book I’ve read before. It’s total ingenuity made it intriguing throughout. The story follows the POVs of not one but three characters which is something that I haven’t experienced in a quite some time. As with any book with multiple POVs, you’re always on the edge of your seat waiting to get back to the next person after each chapter ended on a cliffhanger. The story is told from Bastien, Ailesse, and Sabine’s perspective. Bastien, a boy hell bent on avenging the death of his father who was murdered by Ailesse and Sabine’s people: the Bone Criers, will stop at nothing until his vendetta is fulfilled. Little does he know that he has a much more important role to play in the Bone Criers’ lives than he thought.  Cue an enemies-to- lovers story! 

This book was suspenseful from start to finish. Although a little predictable at times, I still didn’t see every plot twist coming! The changing POVs made the story fly by too. The romance could have been a little further developed, but it was definitely still cute and I can tell that a lot more is still to come in regards to their growth. The story left off with so many questions and I cannot wait to see how it will all unfold. If you’re looking for a new unique YA romance, I definitely recommend Bone Crier’s Moon.

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Review: The Brightest Night (Origin #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Goodreads Summary:

Less than a year ago, Evelyn Dasher was a normal girl, living an unremarkable life.

Now, she’s on the run, under the protection of the beautiful, deadly inhuman Luc. She’s been betrayed by those who were closest to her. And she’s learned truths about herself that she never saw coming–things she once knew, and was made to forget. Truths with devastating consequences. She’s caught in the eye of the storm.

He is the darkest star.
You are the burning shadow.
And together, you will bring about the brightest night.

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My Review

The Brightest Night was a wonderful addition to the Origin series and I thoroughly enjoyed it throughout. The story continues smoothly into Evie and Luc’s journey, where they have now made it to a Luxen safe zone after barely surviving the trip there. Of course their troubles are far from over and on top of facing the ever growing threat that is the Daedalus, Evie must also attempt to win over the rest of the compound in order to gain their trust in her. 

As you can see, I didn’t give The Brightest Night 5 stars, but it for sure came very close. The story kept me intrigued all the way through. I absolutely loved seeing Evie and Luc’s relationship further unfold and grow in the most wonderful ways. You genuinely get to see the ends they will go to for one another which seems to be a common motif in JLAs Lux books. Also, you get sooo much more from Daemon in this book which was amazing and is making me need a Lux reread RIGHT NOW! However, I couldn’t help but notice that not a whole lot happened throughout the majority of the book. It’s not until the final 50 pages or so that you get more information that influences the overall plot going forward. Like I said, this didn’t stop me from really enjoying the entire thing, it still kept my attention and didn’t feel boring, I just wish we had been given more juicy things throughout instead of only at the end. 

This leads me into the ending, and HOLY SH**!! I am utterly shocked and devastated and MY HEART!! The ending was crazy and I cannot wait for more, I NEED MORE! Sorry for all the exclamation points and feelings, but just go read the darn thing and you will understand! I highly recommend this one regardless of the overall lack of movement throughout the meatier parts of the story, but that doesn’t mean you won’t still love it, because I certainly did! 

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Book Review: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Goodreads Summary:

One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

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My Review

Believe it or not, but this was my first Christmas themed book I think I’ve ever read. I just don’t usually purposely read them. I have read books where the main character is repeating the same day so I definitely had my own preset notions about how things would play out. So I will say that this one was definitely different than I expected. 

The story follows the life of Maelyn, a girl who is entirely unhappy with the way her life is going. After having a not so merry holiday with her family and childhood friends, she makes a wish to the universe to find what will make her happy and finds herself stuck in a loop repeating the holiday til she finds it. 

Unfortunately, when I found out the plot was about being stuck on repeat, I expected the story to repeat more times than it actually did. It felt almost anticlimactic. That was quite honestly my main beef with the story. Otherwise the characters were lovely and the concept of chasing after what you genuinely desire in order to prioritize personal joy was super sweet. I just felt that a plot line whose main motif is stuck in a loop, it sure didn’t feel like being all that “stuck.” Regardless, it was still a quick happy read that I’d recommend to get you into the spirit! 

Anyone feel the same as I did? Let me know your thoughts below.

Review: Blood & Honey (Serpent & Dove #2) by Shelby Mahurin

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Goodreads Summary:

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Dames Blanches, Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church—fugitives with nowhere to hide.

To elude the scores of witches and throngs of chasseurs at their heels, Lou and Reid need allies. Strong ones. But protection comes at a price, and the group is forced to embark on separate quests to build their forces. As Lou and Reid try to close the widening rift between them, the dastardly Morgane baits them in a lethal game of cat and mouse that threatens to destroy something worth more than any coven.

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My Review

Blood & Honey started off hilarious, and full of all the character development I enjoyed from Serpent & Dove and it got me all excited for the rest of the story. But unfortunately it did not deliver. 

I was hesitant to start book two after hearing mixed things. And now I understand. The overall story was there and it was intriguing but the execution just fell short. As we know, the gang are still out to kill Lou’s mother and gain allies along the way to defeat her and her clan. Unfortunately, not a whole lot toward the overall plot happens though. This book felt like an in-between story. And what’s worse, the romance totally tanked! The direction she took Reid and Lou’s romance in Blood & Honey was sooo frustrating. Every time they took one step forward, they took another two back. This made it really hard to enjoy either character. If anything, I got greater enjoyment from the supporting characters. 

The final 50 pages helped bring a little redemption to the story and the cliffhanger at the end was NOT OK!!! I AM NOT OK! Long story short, damn Mahurin for giving me a subpar sequel but providing just enough to make me still want to read book three. Can anyone else relate? Let me know your thoughts!

Review: Kiki’s Delivery Service: by Eiko Kadona

Goodreads Summary:

Nostalgic fans of the Miyazaki film and newcomers alike–soar into the modern classic about a young witch and her clever cat that started it all!

Half-witch Kiki never runsfrom a challenge. So when her thirteenth birthday arrives, she’s eager to follow a witch’s tradition: choose a new town to call home for one year.

Brimming with confidence, Kiki flies to the seaside village of Koriko and expects that her powers will easily bring happiness to the townspeople. But gaining the trust of the locals is trickier than she expected. With her faithful, wise-cracking black cat, Jiji, by her side, Kiki forges new friendships and builds her inner strength, ultimately realizing that magic can be found in even the most ordinary places.

Blending fantasy with the charm of everyday life, this enchanting new translation will inspire both new readers and dedicated fans.

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My Review

I’ll confess I didn’t get into Studio Ghibli movies until I was 18. I was taken with Kiki’s Delivery Service right off the bat. So when I saw that they had adapted the story in English I was so excited to get my hands on it and find out more. I had also just recently shown the movie to my boyfriend’s kiddos who loved it, so my enthusiasm for it was even more fresh!

This story did not disappoint, it honestly brought on all the feels and was adorable from start to finish. I will say that it was definitely very different from the movie, but not in a bad way. I was also hoping for a little more clarity on the way things pan out in the movie, and you really only receive a little bit of this. Regardless, I found the story to be a happy read and the movie to be a great representation of how Kiki and Jiji’s personalities are written. I would highly recommend you read this one if you’re a Studio Ghibli fan and especially if you have 9-12 year olds that are looking for a magical quick read. 

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Review: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire

Goodreads Summary:

A Betrayal…

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice…

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late. 

 

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My Review

Well I so know I’m not going to be with majority on this one…but I was not the biggest fan of book two of the Blood and Ash series. After getting such an epic set up from book one, I was super pumped and expecting to be blown away by the sequel and that just didn’t happen for me.

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire picks up immediately where From Blood and Ash left off so that was great! I was so ready to see how Casteel/Hawke was going to get Poppy to marry him after all the craziness they dealt with in book one. And let me tell ya folks…you’re going to have to wait a while for anything major as far as plot developments to happen. Book two felt very much like a filler book. And some of the sex scenes in this one were just plain weird for me. Like borderline not ok in my book (pun not intended). Don’t get me wrong, the sexy banter between the two was super steamy and Casteel is incredibly endearing but I couldn’t help but feel that some of the sex scenes were oddly placed at times.

I also have a hard time rooting for a heroin who frequently gives into her bloodlust. Like yes their enemies need to go down but I guess I’m more used to the good guy being the bigger person when it comes to showing those that don’t deserve it mercy. So it was hard to see Poppy constantly cross that line. Like are we as readers supposed to be ok with her murdering the people who have wronged her in cold blood? Do they deserve it? 100%, but should she still stoop to their level and kill them? Idk…I just have a hard time with that I guess.

I didn’t not like the story but I didn’t love it like I hoped I would. I still enjoy the dynamic of Poppy and Casteel. And I LOVE Kieran and hope that JLA gives him his own series at some point. I just really hope the next book is better because this one ended crazy and I definitely have to know what happens next. And despite the hiccups, I still like the overall unique world and storyline.

Have you read book two of the Blood and Ash series? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts? I’ve read some other readers reviews and I know it’s not just me who feels this way. Comment below!

Buy A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire .