Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

Alex, Approximately - 3.5 Stars

Synopsis

The one guy Bailey Rydell can’t stand is actually the boy of her dreams—she just doesn’t know it yet.

Classic movie fan Bailey “Mink” Rydell has spent months crushing on a witty film geek she only knows online as Alex. Two coasts separate the teens until Bailey moves in with her dad, who lives in the same California surfing town as her online crush.

Faced with doubts (what if he’s a creep in real life—or worse?), Bailey doesn’t tell Alex she’s moved to his hometown. Or that she’s landed a job at the local tourist-trap museum. Or that she’s being heckled daily by the irritatingly hot museum security guard, Porter Roth—a.k.a. her new archnemesis. But life is a whole lot messier than the movies, especially when Bailey discovers that tricky fine line between hate, love, and whatever it is she’s starting to feel for Porter.

And as the summer months go by, Bailey must choose whether to cling to a dreamy online fantasy in Alex or take a risk on an imperfect reality with Porter. The choice is both simpler and more complicated than she realizes, because Porter Roth is hiding a secret of his own: Porter is Alex…Approximately. 

Review

This was a cute contemporary romance featuring miscommunication between two friends who meet online. Jenn Bennetts writing is absorbing and makes you enjoy her characters.

Gemina (Illuminae #2) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Gemina (Illuminae #2) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy’s most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station’s wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.

But relax. They’ve totally got this. They hope.

Review

Just like the last one I enjoyed this. I have to say for me, the audiobooks for this series is the way to go. Would highly recommend the series.

Fence (Fence Vols #1-9) by C.S Pacat & Johanna the Mad

Fence (Fence Vols #1-9) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Nicholas Cox is determined to prove himself in the world of competitive fencing, and earn his place alongside fencing legends like the dad he never knew, but things get more complicated when he’s up against his golden-boy half-brother, as well as sullen fencing prodigy, Seiji Katayama.

Nicholas, the illegitimate son of a retired fencing champion, is a scrappy fencing wunderkind, and dreams of getting the chance and the training to actually compete. After getting accepted to the prodigious Kings Row private school, Nicholas is thrust into a cut-throat world, and finds himself facing not only his golden-boy half-brother, but the unbeatable, mysterious Seiji Katayama...

Through clashes, rivalries, and romance between teammates, Nicholas and the boys of Kings Row will discover there’s much more to fencing than just foils and lunges. From acclaimed writer C.S. Pacat (The Captive Prince) and fan-favorite artist Johanna the Mad.

Review

I really enjoyed these graphic novel series. I love the diversity displayed in this series. Would recommend.

The Winner's Curse (Winners Trilogy #1) by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Curse (Winners Trilogy #1) - 5 Stars

Synopsis 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Review

The Winner’s Curse is a prime example of why you should never give up on a book. I have had the series on my TBR and shelves for many years. But I have never felt reading it when I’ve picked it up. But this month I was determined to add this to my TBR and finally read this. I am so glad that I did the book was amazing and everything I want from a YA fantasy novel.

I story follows a high-ranking general’s daughter by the name of Kestrel. She is struggling to decide if she is to become a soldier like her father or a wife to high ranking blue blood. Kestrel and her farther live in a land that once belonged to another group. One of these people is a man named Arin a blacksmith who is currently for sale in the local slave market. Our lead characters meet when Kestrel stubbles in into the market and gets caught up in Arin’s auction. She wins by placing a large bid and wins. This large win in known as a Winner’s Curse (or you just paid too much for your bid). When Arin and Kestrel return to the general’s home she does not realise to has got more than she bargained for.

I read this one sitting, not something I normally do, but I am happy that I did. I enjoyed the authors writing style and the many twists and turns in the story. I would highly recommend.  

The Kiss of Deception (The Remnent Chronicles #1) by Mary.E.Pearson

The Kiss of Deception (The Remnent Chronicles #1) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

A princess must find her place in a reborn world.

She flees on her wedding day.

She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor's secret collection.

She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father.

She is Princess Lia, seventeen, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan.

The Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world, but some traditions Lia can't abide. Like having to marry someone she's never met to secure a political alliance.

Fed up and ready for a new life, Lia flees to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—secrets that may unravel her world—even as she feels herself falling in love. 

Review

I enjoyed this book but found the first half a little slow to get going. But when it did I was fully engrossed in the story. I am not sure how I feel about the love triangle. Lia was an interesting character. I loved Rafe and enjoyed learning about Kayden. I admired the world building and will be carrying on with the series.

Roomies by Christina Lauren

Roomies - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Marriages of convenience are so…inconvenient.

Rescued by Calvin McLoughlin from a would-be subway attacker, Holland Bakker pays the brilliant musician back by pulling some of her errand-girl strings and getting him an audition with a big-time musical director. When the tryout goes better than even Holland could have imagined, Calvin is set for a great entry into Broadway—until he admits his student visa has expired and he’s in the country illegally.

Holland impulsively offers to wed the Irishman to keep him in New York, her growing infatuation a secret only to him. As their relationship evolves from awkward roommates to besotted lovers, Calvin becomes the darling of Broadway. In the middle of the theatrics and the acting-not-acting, what will it take for Holland and Calvin to realise that they both stopped pretending a long time ago?

Review

This was my 2nd Christina Lauren book and I definitely preferred this on to Beautiful Bastard. Calvin and Holland were an interesting swoon worthy romance. I loved Holland's relationship with her uncles Jeff and Robert. The plot was enjoyable and engaging.

Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Series #1) by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Series #1) - 3 Stars

Synopsis

An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling.
Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He's exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family's massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who'd been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he's never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe's so tempting he's willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they're willing to lose in order to win each other.

Originally only available online as The Office by tby789 — and garnering over 2 million reads on fanfiction sites — Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.

Review

This was okay, not blown away but enjoyable. This was defiantly more smutty than I was expecting. 

Rhapsodic (The Bargainer #1) by Laura Thalassa

Rhapsodic (The Bargainer #1) - 3.5 Stars

Synopsis

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.

Review

3.5 Stars - Wow, not 100% sure what I've just read. This was an interesting read that I read via audiobook. I picked this up because I saw a booktuber say that this was a guilty pleasure read for them. This was the same for me. This was a paranormal romance with a siren and the high lord of the fae. This was definitely a sexy time read. The story arc was interesting. Will pick up book two at a future point.

The Governess Game (Girl Meets Duke #2) by Tess Dare

The Governess Game (Girl Meets Duke #2) - 4.5 Stars

Synopsis

He’s been a bad, bad rake—and it takes a governess to teach him a lesson

The accidental governess

After her livelihood slips through her fingers, Alexandra Mountbatten takes on an impossible post: transforming a pair of wild orphans into proper young ladies. However, the girls don’t need discipline. They need a loving home. Try telling that to their guardian, Chase Reynaud: duke’s heir in the streets and devil in the sheets. The ladies of London have tried—and failed—to make him settle down. Somehow, Alexandra must reach his heart . . . without risking her own.

The infamous rake

Like any self-respecting libertine, Chase lives by one rule: no attachments. When a stubborn little governess tries to reform him, he decides to give her an education—in pleasure. That should prove he can’t be tamed. But Alexandra is more than he bargained for: clever, perceptive, passionate. She refuses to see him as a lost cause. Soon the walls around Chase’s heart are crumbling . . . and he’s in danger of falling, hard. 

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of The Governess Game from Mills & Boon and Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of The Governess Game (Girl Meets Duke #2). This was published on 6^th September 2018.

This is book 2 of ‘Girl Meets Duke’ and follows Alexandra and Chase. Chase never wanted to be heir to his uncle’s dukedom but due to unforeseen tragic circumstances, he is now heir and guardian to two young and unruly girls. He has hired multiple governesses, and none have lasted. He thinks all is lost until Alexandra turns up to offer her services as a clock repair/maintenance lady. Due to a miss understanding that was started and year and a half before, Alex is offered the job of as his ward's governess. At first, she turns down his offer, but circumstances mean to has to take the offer. Alexandra knows that Chase is not the ideal employer as he is known as a scoundrel and rake well known in society as a seducer of women. But Alexandra can’t help the attraction towards the notorious rake.

Like all Tessa Dare’s books, this is romantic, funny and highly enjoyable. I loved Alexandra’s and Chase’s relationship. It was great to see other characters from book one of the series. This was just as adorable as book one. Cannot wait for book 2.

A great book anyone who loves romance and historical romance.

The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke #1) by Tessa Dare

The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke #1) - 4.5 Stars

Synopsis

When girl meets Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules…

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And unlimited teasing.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love…

Review

Re-read Sept 2018 - 4.5 stars. I think I loved this more the 2nd time around. Tessa Dares books make me laugh and smile and they are so enjoyable.
Would highly recommend. Loved Ash and Emma’s relationship and banter.

I received with thanks an ARC copy of The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke #1) from Mills & Boon & Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare. This was published in August 2017

This was a sweet, bold, daring, loveable romance. I absolutely adored the romance between the two main lead characters Emma and Ashbury. The author has a way of making you fall in love with all the characters and you unable to put her book down. I have her Castles Ever After series so will have to the start them all soon.

Give it a go if you love good historical romance.