Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them : Illustrated Edition (Hogwarts Library) by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them : Illustrated Edition (Hogwarts Library) - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Prepare to be dazzled by the wild wonders of the wizarding world in this sumptuously illustrated full-colour edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by J.K. Rowling (writing as Magizoologist Newt Scamander), illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill.

This glorious new edition of Newt Scamander’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (considered a classic throughout the wizarding world) features an extraordinary array of magical creatures, from Acromantula to Yeti via ten different breeds of dragon – all beautifully illustrated in full colour by the brilliantly inventive, Greenaway Medal shortlisted Olivia Lomenech Gill.

Famed Magizoologist Newt Scamander’s years of adventure and exploration have yielded a work of unparalleled importance, admired by scholars, devoured by young witches and wizards, and even made available to Muggles in the early years of this century. With this dazzling illustrated edition, readers can explore the magical fauna of five continents from the comfort of their own armchairs. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is essential reading at Hogwarts.

This new edition features the fully updated 2017 text – which includes new profiles of six magnificent beasts that inhabit North America and a new foreword by J.K. Rowling, writing as Newt Scamander.

Review

Re-read 2017. Loved the little one when it 1st came out but loved this one so much more. The artist is so talented and amazing. 

Her Guardian's Christmas Seduction by Clare Connelly

Her Guardian's Christmas Seduction - 5 Stars

Synopsis

An unwilling guardian... a forbidden desire they can't control.

Stavros Aresteides never wanted the responsibility of his fifteen year old ward Claudia La Roche. He wanted it even less when she drank too much and begged him to take her to bed as an eighteen year old. Now, at twenty one, scandal seems to follow her and he has no choice but to intervene, kidnapping her to his estate in the English countryside where she can't cause any more trouble. Or so he thinks!

Claudia's heart was broken and her pride destroyed when Stavros crushingly rejected her foolish teenage advances. At twenty one and a much adored socialite, some things haven't changed. Claudia is still innocent, and she still wants Stavros to be her first lover.

But a passionate seduction is all it can ever be. Claudia has a secret that she can never share with her sexy, tempting guardian.

A story full of Christmas traditions and festive magic, heartbreak and hurt and the road to recovery if only you can let yourself trust... A festive romance that will set your soul on fire. 

Review

Loved this book. This has definitely put me in the Christmas / festive mood. I loved Claudia and Stavros. I felt sorry for Claudia for being judged by people who did not know what was happening with her. People thought she was only a party girl and not the smart, sassy angel that she was. Stavros like most of the authors characters was brooding and sexy. Will most likely read again before the holidays.

The Alien's Mail-Order Bride (Mail-Order Brides #1) by Ruby Dixon

The Alien's Mail-Order Bride (Mail-Order Brides #1)  - 3 Stars

Synopsis

Though still carrying the scars of his past as an intergalactic soldier, Emvor doesn’t mind the quiet of his chosen life as a farmer. He doesn’t even mind that most nights are lonely on remote Cassa, but he does need help around his farm. A mail-order bride from his homeworld seems like the perfect solution. She’ll be a tall, sturdy female to help with the chores and bear his children.

Unfortunately, the person that arrives is Nicola. She’s small, delicate…and human. She also knows nothing about farming, and she's lied and deceived her way across the galaxy to get to Cassa so she can hide from those that would capture her. She's a problem, and also the most enticing thing he's ever seen.

Now Emvor has to decide…can he keep the woman who’s nothing like what he asked for but is everything he needs?

Review

Quick and easy read. Sexy time with Blue Aliens. 

The Runaway Mail-Order Bride (Mail-Order Brides #3) by Alexa Riley

The Runaway Mail-Order Bride (Mail-Order Brides #3)

Synopsis
 
Willow Adams has been left with no choice. She’s run away from home and straight to a mail-order bride agency. She has no idea what to expect, but never in her wildest dreams did she anticipate him.

Dane York needs a marriage of convenience. He doesn’t have time to date, but he needs to have a certain image for his company, and some things are expected. Everything is perfectly planned out… That is, until he lays eyes on his new bride.

Warning: This classic trope is made to order with an obsessed billionaire and an innocent blushing bride. Grab your cozy socks and cuddle up with this ridiculously sweet novella.

Review

A very quick, sexy, smutty read

Dirty (Dive Bar #1) by Kylie Scott

Dirty (Dive Bar #1) - 3 Stars

Synopsis

The last thing Vaughan Hewson expects to find when he returns to his childhood home is a broken hearted bride in his shower, let alone the drama and chaos that comes with her.

Lydia Green doesn't know whether to burn down the church or sit and cry in a corner. Discovering the love of your life is having an affair on your wedding day is bad enough. Finding out it's with his best man is another thing all together. She narrowly escapes tying the knot and meets Vaughan only hours later.

Vaughan is the exact opposite of the picture perfect, respected businessman she thought she'd marry. This former musician-turned-bartender is rough around the edges and unsettled. But she already tried Mr. Right and discovered he's all wrong-maybe it's time to give Mr. Right Now a chance.

After all, what's wrong with getting dirty?

Review

This was a good time sexy read. Not as exciting as the Stage Dive series but still fun. Also a good book to snuggle under a blanket with a hot mug of honey and lemon. Helps take away the some of the cold/flu blues away.  

Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

BRIEFING NOTE: Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

Review

This was a wild ride. 1st tried reading this last year but struggled. Someone recommended the audiobook and I loved it. Aidan the AI is amazing. Loved the romance between Kady and Ezra. A good mix of characters and an enjoyable start to the series.

Enchanted by the Highlander (A Highland Fairy Tale #4) by Lecia Cornwall

Enchanted by the Highlander (A Highland Fairy Tale #4) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Gillian MacLeod is shy and quiet, the least likely of all her sisters to seek out excitement and adventure. But on a moonlit night at a masquerade ball, Gillian steals a kiss from a mysterious stranger, knowing she’ll never see him again.

John Erly, disowned by his noble English father, started a new life in Scotland. Most people are suspicious of the foreign mercenary and he does everything is his power to avoid romantic entanglements. But he can’t forget the bewitching beauty who kissed him in the dark, and stole his heart, even though he has no idea who she might be.

A year later, John is given the duty of escorting Gillian to her wedding and immediately recognizes her as the temptress he’s dreamed of for months. There’s not much he can do when she's promised to another man, but fate intervenes and this time, passion—and adventure—can’t be denied. Honor demands he stay away from the MacLeod’s enchanting daughter, but love has a very different ending in mind...

Review

***ARC Review, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions and reviews are my own***

An enchanting twist on the Cinderella story. Gillian is a quiet daughter compared to her sisters. That is until one night she steals a kiss from a man at a ball. This mans turns out to be a disowned noble named John. I loved the added fairytale twist in this story. If you love retellings and you love historical romance, then this is definitely a book for you. 

Romancing the Scot (The Pennington Family #1) by Mary McGoldrick

Romancing the Scot (The Pennington Family #1)  - 4 Stars

Synopsis

In this stunning series starter by USA Today bestselling author May McGoldrick, meet the new generation of Penningtons...five brothers and sisters of passion and privilege. Enter their aristocratic world…where each will fight injustice and find love.

Hugh Pennington—Viscount Greysteil, Lord Justice of the Scottish Courts, hero of the Napoleonic wars—is a grieving widower with a death wish. When he receives an expected crate from the continent, he is shocked to find a nearly dead woman inside. Her identity is unknown, and the handful of American coins and the precious diamond sown into her dress only deepen the mystery.

Grace Ware is an enemy to the English crown. Her father, an Irish military commander of Napoleon’s defeated army. Her mother, an exiled Scottish Jacobite. When Grace took shelter in a warehouse, running from her father’s murderers through the harbor alleyways of Antwerp, she never anticipated bad luck to deposit her at the home of an aristocrat in the Scottish Borders. Baronsford is the last place she could expect to find safety, and Grace feigns a loss of memory to buy herself time while she recovers.

Hugh is taken by her beauty, passion, and courage to challenge his beliefs and open his mind. Grace finds in him a wounded man of honor, proud but compassionate. When their duel of wits quickly turns to passion and romance, Grace’s fears begin to dissolve…until danger follows her to the very doors of Baronsford. For, unknown to either of them, Grace has in her possession a secret that will wreak havoc within the British government. Friend and foe are indistinguishable as lethal forces converge to tear the two lovers apart or destroy them both.

Review

***ARC Review, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions and reviews are my own***

I loved this. This is the story of Hugh and Grace. Grace is on the run and hiding from the English. Her father was part of Napoleon's army who had just lost the war. Her mother a Scottish Jacobite. She meets Hugh in time of need. If you love historical romance then give this ago. Really enjoyed the writing style of this author duo.

Renegades (Renegades #1) by Marissa Meyer

Renegades (Renegades #1) by Marissa Meyer - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice.

The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies—humans with extraordinary abilities—who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone...except the villains they once overthrew.

Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice—and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.

Review

***ARC Review, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions and reviews are my own***

To be honest I very worried about going into this book. I cannot for the not the want of trying to read the authors previous novels the Lunar Chronacles (odd considering I love retellings). But this book blow mind away. I loved the whole superhero setting. Nova is a great character and I enjoyed her story. That ending was made, I need book 2 now.