Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa

 Summary:

Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years she’s been collecting a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she’s received. Only death or repayment will fulfill the obligations. Only then will the beads disappear.

Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He’s a man who can get you anything you want… at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects.

But for one of his clients, he’s never asked for repayment. Not until now. When Callie finds the fae king of the night in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it’s just a chaste kiss—a single bead’s worth—and a promise for more.

For the Bargainer, it’s more than just a matter of rekindling an old romance. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one. Only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to their breast. And then there are the whispers among the slaves, whispers of an evil that’s been awoken. 

If the Bargainer has any hope to save his people, he’ll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. Only, his foe has a taste for exotic creatures, and Callie just happens to be one.

Reader’s Thoughts: Oh. My. God. This is the book for new adult fantasy I have been looking for. The characters are so dark and mysterious. I LOVE Callie and Des. The chemistry between them is powerful. We finally have a strong female character that we can connect with. The connection I got with this book is amazing. I’m obsessed. 
While there was a few publication issues (typos and misused words) pushing those aside, this book is genius. 
I’m a fan of ACOTAR and was looking for a book more towards adults. This makes ACOTAR look like child’s play. 
The darkness and mystery of Desmond is deafening. 
The passion and power of Callie is amazing. I can’t wait to purchase book 2!

Until Next Time Dragons!

The Cost of Hope by G.S.Carr

 Title: The Cost of Hope Author: G.S. Carr Series Title: The Cost of Love Published: June 1st 2018 Pages: 195 Format: AudioBook Source: Given for an honest review by author

Summary:

What can a former slave without a penny to her name and no memory beyond the last five years ask from life?

Soleil has no delusions of living a grand life. Or even a happy one for that matter. The only thing she wants is safety for her daughter. But when even that seems impossible she takes matters into her own hands. Only life has a different plan, sending her into the arms of a handsome plantation owner. The strangest part is, he claims to already love her.

Alexander Cummings had long ago accepted that love was lost to him. After picking up the pieces of his broken heart, he threw himself into the duties of owning one of the largest plantations in Elba, Alabama. But life shows him mercy when the woman he thought he lost appears back in his life as if conjured from his deepest desires. Only she returns far from the same and with secrets he never imagined.

As society threatens, and lives could be lost, only together can they both get what they want. But neither will come out unscathed and they must ask themselves, is the cost of love to high?

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reader’s Thoughts: I got this book as audio and by request of the author I’m giving and unbiased review.

This book takes place after the end of slavery. The characters are well thought out and created. I love the time period. You can tell G.S. Carr did their research on the history. As well as the language. As for one of our main characters is french. 
In this novel, you follow a young biracial woman who was recently freed from slavery. But as her former “owner” passes, she runs with her daughter for safety and freedom from the son of the deceased. 
During the run she runs into a young man who knew her from her youth and tells her tales of their adventures and her heritage that has her questioning everything including her memories that are missing. 
As her memories slowly return, she starts a new life and falls in love with a man that she legally can’t have. 

Y’all it’s a good novel and the narrator did WONDERFULLY

Purchase The Cost of Hope HERE

Until Next Time Dragons!

** I was asked to write an honest review for this novel. It was not agreed for the review to be positive. I’m not compensated for my reviews.**

Untamed by Lindsey Pouge

 Title: Untamed Author: Lindsey Pouge Series Title: Savage North Chronicles Published: July 30th 2020 Pages: 352 Format: File Source: Given for an honest review by author as an ARC

Summary:

It’s been eleven years since a pandemic devastated the population and left survivors with superhuman capabilities, and the world has finally settled into a new sense of normal.

Beau has learned to embrace and grow into his Ability, but when he loses his best friend, Beau’s world crumbles all over again. Brokenhearted, he embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery, fraught with danger and adventure, and most unexpectedly, love. But the scars left in the wake of the Virus run deeper than Beau can possibly imagine.

Those who were isolated during the outbreak have remained unchanged and vulnerable to Crazies and Ability-enhanced humans alike. When Wren, a native to the wildlands, finds Beau at his worst, the two lost souls learn to trust each other despite the turbulent paths that have brought them together. But the horrors Beau has faced over the years are nothing compared to what unfolds after a single reckless decision. And in a race against time, he must act quickly, drawing upon his survival skills and native teachings, or risk losing Wren forever.

Untamed is a standalone, epic adventure in the Savage North Chronicles.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Reader’s Thoughts:

I just have to say that this installment is bittersweet for me. First off, I adore anything Alaska/Yukon related. It makes me home sick. But the second reason is we are now in Beau’s story. Our young little Beau is all grown up and I don’t know how to feel about it. As you go you get so attached to each character and their journeys. I don’t do spoilers in my reviews but y’all, the fells are there. You’re going to cringe, scream, laugh and cry. 
Lindsey is just genius on having her readers connect to the characters. I’m beyond for words.

Now please excuse me while I cry because this book just got to me THAT much. I LOVE IT

Purchase Untamed on Amazon HERE

Until Next Time Dragons!

** I was asked to write an honest review for this novel. It was not agreed for the review to be positive. I’m not compensated for my reviews.**

Instinct by Hanleigh Bradley

 Title: Instinct Author:  Hanleigh Bradley Series Title: Unknown Published: July 27th 2019 Pages: 101 Format: AudioBook Narrator: Debbie Soelter Source: Given for an honest review by author

Summary: I’m not like the vampires in your books, little girl. I’m not agonising over my own soul or the ethics of drinking your blood. I don’t want saving or to find some great love that will alter my very existence.
I’m not a monster. I’m the devil himself and I have no problem playing that role.
I take what I want and right now, what I want is you…
And there’s nothing you can do to stop me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reader’s Thoughts:

I received this audiobook in return for a 100% honest review. 

This is book one for a novella series. I enjoy the characters a lot. And while the vampire theme is must more darker than your typical vampire book…. I wanted more. It was hot and fast paced. Over all quick and leaves you hanging. 
Again I will remind you that it’s a novella series, so it will be short, but I want them all so I don’t have to wait. 
Everett is so dark and screams death and danger. Farah is so sweet. I love how she is more relatable than your typical female lead in this kind of subgenre. She is clearly afraid but her curiosity is getting the best of her. Everett hasn’t lied to her, he told her up front what will happen, yet she is willing to except that. 
The narrator, you can tell it’s rough on her voice to do a lower octave for Everett’s POV. I think It might have been better if there was a male narrator for Everett, but she does a good job

Purchase Instinct HERE

Until Next Time Dragons

** I was asked to write an honest review for this novel. It was not agreed for the review to be positive. I’m not compensated for my reviews.**

Edge of Collapse by Kyla Stone

 Title: Edge of Collapse Author: Kyla Stone Series Title: Edge of Collapse Published: January 31st 2020 Pages: 318 Format: AudioBook Narrator: Stacey Glemboski Source: Given for an honest review by author as an ARC

Summary:

In the middle of the deepest winter on record, a super EMP destroys the nation’s power grid. No electricity. No cars or phones. Worst of all: No heat. The country is plunged into instant chaos.

But for twenty-six-year-old Avery Sheridan, it’s the best day of her life. For the last five years, she’s been held captive by a sadistic psychopath–until the EMP releases the lock of her prison.

Avery emerges from her underground cell into a hostile winter landscape with no way to call for help, no vehicle that will drive, armed with nothing but the clothes on her back and her own determination to survive.

Cynical loner and ex-soldier Liam Coleman is headed nowhere fast. He believed he was prepared for any disaster–until the EMP took everything he’d ever cared about in a matter of seconds. When he runs across a fierce, desperate woman who will die without his help, he’s forced to make a choice.

One hundred frozen, perilous miles stand between them and Avery’s hometown in rural Michigan–and the husband and son who believe her dead. But the lack of power, desperate people, and the treacherous elements aren’t the only threats.

Avery’s captor isn’t about to let her go. He will hunt her to the ends of the earth and beyond, destroying anything and anyone who gets in his way. For she has something he wants. She’s nine months pregnant–with his child.

Edge of Collapse is a gripping post-apocalyptic EMP thriller perfect for fans of Ryan Schow, Grace Hamilton, Harley Tate, Jack Hunt, and Boyd Craven.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reader’s Thoughts: Such a suspenseful first book. I was gripped from the beginning. Kyla created excellent characters. The plot of a woman escaping her captor during an EMP strike. Is genius. 
This is a whole knew level of EMP and horror . I HIGHLY recommend this novel. The narrator did an excellent job for the characters. I hope she is used again.

Purchase Edge of Collapse HERE

Until Next Time Dragons!

** I was asked to write an honest review for this novel. It was not agreed for the review to be positive. I’m not compensated for my reviews.**

Midnight Sun by Lindsey Pouge

 Title: Midnight Sun Author: Lindsey Pouge Series Title: Savage North Chronicles Published: January 6th 2020 Pages: 566 Format: File Source: Given for an honest review by author as an ARC

Summary:

X-Men meets The Walking Dead in Lindsey Pogue’s superpowered survival story, fraught with Crazies, compelling characters, and bursting with raw emotion you can feel deep in your bones.

They survived the Alaskan winter after the Virus devastated the North, but summer in the land of the midnight sun is fraught with a brutality of its own—long, grueling days, mosquito-ridden evenings, and woods with lurking shadows more dangerous than grizzlies. With the discovery of impossible superhuman Abilities, and the looming threat of General Herodson in the lower forty-eight, the Yukon is no longer the refuge it once was.

After deciding to stay in Whitehorse, Elle and Jackson work tirelessly to build a self-sufficient home and protect their newfound family. But, it’s not long before they realize that even if the world as they once knew it is long gone, everyone’s turbulent pasts still linger, and surviving the Virus was only the beginning.

Sophie’s troublesome dreams begin to worsen, and her Ability makes it impossible for the people she cares about to get closer to her, especially Alex. As her friendship with Phil strengthens, and Alex pulls further and further away, she begins to question her reality, and above all else, her sanity.

When whispers of dissension and chaos among the General’s ranks reach Whitehorse, and other survivors begin to amass in Hartley Bay, Alex jumps at the chance to explore the world beyond the group’s safe haven, and leave his bitterness behind. But when alarming news from home reaches him, Alex must face his fears once and for all, or risk losing everything good he’s ever known.

From the author of the bestselling, post-apocalyptic world of The Ending Series, comes a new standalone series of epic adventure set in the virus-ravaged world of The Ending. The Savage North Chronicles contain new characters, locations, and adventures — they can be enjoyed on their own or in conjunction with The Ending Series novels.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reader’s Thoughts:

Recieved this book as an ARC for an honest review.

Such a great sequel to Thr Darkest Winter. 
In Midnight Sun we see our main crew establish new roots in the Yukon with a few other survivors. Together, they all learn how they have changed and adapt to their new life. 
However, danger still lurks and concerns about the lower 48 seem so realistic. I love how the kids are starting to get a better understanding of themselves and that Elle and Jackson have taken it upon themselves the work together to raise the kids. 
The new characters we meet are interesting and fun. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and can’t wait for the next installment. 
Review is short and sweet y’all, because you just need to read it for yourself.

Purchase Midnight Sun HERE

Until Next time Dragons!

** I was asked to write an honest review for this novel. It was not agreed for the review to be positive. I’m not compensated for my reviews.**

Guilty Bookish Tag

 I cam across a fun tag that was posted by AdventuresofaBookishGirl It looks like a fun tag. The original creator of this tag has their profile private, so due to inconvenience, I will not be linking the creator in this post. Their username is ReadLikeWildfire but that’s about all I know. So without further adieu, lets begin.

HAVE YOU EVER REGIFTED A BOOK YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

Not that I am aware of. I usually keep all of my gifts that are books. I will give it away or donate it after I’ve read it. But I don’t regift.

HAVE YOU EVER SAID YOU’VE READ A BOOK WHEN YOU HAVEN’T?

I don’t think I have. As a reviewer, I will read a book so I can give an honest opinion and review. If the book drags on too much I start to struggle. And really it’s not that I haven’t read it, I never finished it. The way it was written was horrid and I never could get myself to finish.

HAVE YOU EVER BORROWED A BOOK AND NOT RETURNED IT?

Never, I always returned books that I have borrowed. However, there are only 3-4 books that I borrowed from my mother. Sadly after I got them, I lost my house to a flood. I told my mother that I will replace them and she told me not to worry about it. So I guess that counts? maybe? I mean there is really nothing you can do if your entire house is submerged under water, right?

HAVE YOU EVER READ A SERIES OUT OF ORDER?

Adult books or YA, no. I read them in order. If I purchase a book and learn before I read it, that it takes place later, I will hold onto it until I can get the prior books. 
Childrens books, yes I have read out of order. For example, Nancy Drew and Black Stallion I have read entirely out of order. I am pretty sure I read The Chronicles of Narnia out of order too, until I learned the proper order and corrected my reading.

HAVE YOU EVER SPOILED A BOOK FOR SOMEONE?

Yes, I have. I know I have spoiled at least one book to my best friend. Sorry Anna!!! I can’t remember which book it was, but I’m sure she still remembers.

HAVE YOU EVER DOG EARED A BOOK?

As a child I did a lot. It stopped when I got into my teen years. I could’t stand the crinkle in the page, so it bugged me to keep doing it.

HAVE YOU EVER TOLD SOMEONE YOU DON’T OWN A BOOK WHEN YOU DO?

No, not at all. I don’t care what people think of my reading habits. It’s mine and mine alone. At one point I swore I would never own a trilogy, which I do own now. My reading choices change constantly. So why should I be ashamed for what I read?

HAVE YOU EVER TOLD SOMEONE YOU HAVEN’T READ A BOOK WHEN YOU HAVE?

Same question as before, really. As a reviewer, I have to put out there reviews for books I have read. I need to give my honest opinion about the book. So if someone asks me if I read a book, I need to be able to tell them the truth. Yes or No.

HAVE YOU EVER SKIPPED A CHAPTER OR A SECTION OF A BOOK?

Yes. I have. If a book I’m reading drags on to much, I will skip a chapter or two to skip the unnecessary stuff. Or if I am reading a book that I have totally lost interest in, I will start skipping to finish and learn how it ended. 
I have done that with at least one of my club’s reads. I completely lost interest in it after the 6th or 7th twist. At that point it just became a nuisance. I skipped quite a few chapters in that one to finally figure out what was going on.

HAVE YOU EVER BAD MOUTHED A BOOK YOU ACTUALLY LIKED?

No. I have not. Nor do I think I ever will. I don’t bad moth any books I hated either. (Except one because I have no freaking clue how it even became published, It was THAT bad.) 
I don’t even post reviews for the books I didn’t enjoy. I will do a star rating, but I will email the author (if I am reading for them) and explain why I can’t post a review. Even then, I have yet to email an author to give a reason.

That concludes this tag. Please check out AdventuresofaBookishGirl. Her site it rather enjoyable.

Until next time my dragons!