Twice Bitten (Virgin Blood #3) by Alexa Riley

Twice Bitten - 3.25 Stars

Synopsis

Dove Wheeler doesn’t have many friends. The only one she ever got close to left her to go live with a vampire. Even thinking the word gives her chills, but in the best way possible. She spends hours in the library researching who they are and where they come from, until she can’t stand it any longer and goes looking for them on her own. What she doesn’t expect is to find two of them, a set of twins, that turn her world upside down.

Once Ezra and Erik Marcellus were changed to vampires, they tried to put everything in their past behind them and start fresh. They love their new family and everything about their new lives, but there’s always the worry that one day they will have to separate. Vampires don’t share their mates, so why does it feel like that’s exactly what they want? When they find a young woman snooping around, suddenly all of their fears come true. They’re both ready to lay their claim, but they’re not prepared for which one she’ll choose.

Warning: It’s the first time we’ve written vampires, so go easy on us. Enjoy this brand new series that features a coven of five and read about how all of them find love. 

Review

This is the 3rd instalment in the sexy vampire series. This was interesting and I was happy that we met Dove again.

Bitten by the Virgin (Virgin Blood #2) by Alexa Riley

Bitten by the Virgin - 3.5 Stars

Synopsis

Ravana Faith has been learning to live as a vampire while surrounded by her overprotective family. She hasn’t had her chance to shine, and she’s ready to prove to everyone that she’s not made of glass. When the specter of a slayer comes to their city, she wants to be the one to take him out. But what happens when that’s exactly who she falls for?

Valley Sterling is from a long line of men who hunt vampires. It’s not the life he dreamed of as a child, but what else is he supposed to do? He has a legacy to continue and nothing will get in his way…until Ravana is the one to block his path. Can he give up everything he’s ever known for the woman who is supposed to be his enemy? 

Review

This is the 2nd part of the sexy vampire series. Good by not a good as the 1st one.

Bitten by the Beast (Virgin Blood #1) by Alexa Riley

Bitten by the Beast - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Juliet Simon gets herself into all kinds of situations, but breaking into the scary mansion near her college campus has got to take the cake. When she finds more than she bargains for behind closed doors, will her fear take over, or will she fall for the beast?

Kane Viscardi is unlike other vampires. He’s spent most of his time hiding away and is alone in the world without a mate. Until one night when there’s an unexpected knock at the door. Suddenly something awakens inside of him for the first time in a century.

Warning: It’s the first time we’ve written vampires, so go easy on us. Enjoy this brand new series that features a coven of five and read about how all of them find love.

Review

This was a sexy take on vampires. This was a fun read.

Growling for More by Alexa Riley

Growling for More - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Bleu has been living an isolated life away from the clan of Gray Ridge. He’s a happy bear shifter, building furniture and being alone…until a little curvy woman literally crashes into his life. When he pulls her from her car after she wraps it around a tree, he is blindsided by the connection. Never before has he wanted a mate, but finding Lola changes all that.

Lola didn’t plan on her deadbeat mom blowing the rent and then skipping town, so she’s without a home. Again. But this time it’s going to be different. Hearing whispers of shifters in Gray Ridge, she takes off in search of something, anything, that can bring some light to her life. When her car slips and she ends up in danger, she never expects her rescuer to be the one to give her everything she’s ever wanted.

Will being snowed in lead to steamy nights and mating bites? You betcha!

Warning: This is a short shifter story filled with sweet, cheesy possessiveness and lots of growling. Obviously. Go ahead and read it. You know you want to! 

Review

This was a sexy time bear shifter story. I enjoyed this trip back to Gray Ridge.

The Lost Slipper (Fairytale Shifters #3) by Alex Riley

The Lost Slipper - 4.5 Stars

Synopsis

When the alpha falls... He falls hardest of all.

The first time Stone saw Winnie, she was alone in the woods with no memory of where she came from.

With one look, he knew something was different. When she finally came of age and her mating heat kicked in, he realized that she had always been the one.

Sent to live with a strange family, Winnie was forced to deal with the hateful treatment of her stepmother and stepsisters.

Mating the alpha changed that.

But when her past comes back to find her, will the heat last after the clock strikes midnight?

Warning: This shifter fairy tale is meant to be enjoyed by only those who love this kind of adorable stuff. Think you've got what it takes? Then come on in! 

Review

This is my favourite out of this series. I love and adore this series. 

Beauty Sleeps (Fairytale Shifters #2) by Alex Riley

Beauty Sleeps - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Xavier has watched Gwen for years, sneaking outside her window just to watch her sleep. She calls to him in a way he doesn't understand.

After he loses his mom and his sister in a tragic accident, he disappears into the woods and lets his wolf take over.

Gwen has been waiting around for her knight in shining armor to show up, but years have passed since she reached her mating age, and he still hasn't come.

When Xavier makes his way back to Gray Ridge, one scent captivates him like no other...

He's on a mission. Claiming Gwen as his mate is all that matters, even if she doesn't remember him.

What he isn't prepared for is Alpha Stone keeping them apart.

Warning: This fairy tale contains a hero in desperate need of his sleeping beauty, a heroine who wants to mate with her beast, and an alpha trying to keep it from happening. This is meant to be over-the-top, extra sweet, and lots of fun. Come roll around in it.

Review

I adored this book and series. These are smutty fun.

Riding Red (Fairytale Shifters #1) by Alexa Riley

Riding Red - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Gray Ridge, Colorado is a quiet town, but this Halloween there's a mating moon, and the shifters' need to breed their fated mates runs strong.

Ruby is the proud owner of Red's Goodie Basket, and as the new girl in town, she's looking for business. But when the local sexy sheriff, Dominic Wolfe, keeps the customers away, she finds it's hard to stay mad when burning with desire.

Dominic is a shifter, and his wolf wants Ruby. Since the second he laid eyes on her, he's been fighting the need to mark her as his. But when the mating moon is full, he won't be able to control his wolf any longer.

Tricks and treats are the last things on his mind when the mating heat takes over, and his obsession is put to the test.

Warning: This story is a sexy twist on a classic fairy tale, complete with a red cape, a basket of goodies, and a hungry wolf. It's written to make you smile, turn you on, and help you celebrate Halloween! 

Review

I adore this book and series. They are smutty fun.

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1) by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver - 2.5 Stars

Synopsis

The #1 bestselling SHIVER, LINGER, and FOREVER trilogy rejacketed for a new generation of fans. This chilling love story will have you hooked from the very first page. When a local boy is killed by wolves, Grace's small town becomes a place of fear. But Grace is fascinated by the pack, and finds herself drawn to a yellow-eyed wolf. There's something about him - something almost human. Then Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away...

Review

I tried to give this a go. But I don’t know why, but I struggled to get into this. I loved the authors Raven Boys series, but this was not for me.

The Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke

The Boneless Mercies - 3.25 Stars

Synopsis

They called us the Mercies, or sometimes the Boneless Mercies. They said we were shadows, ghosts, and if you touched our skin we dissolved into smoke ...

Frey, Ovie, Juniper, and Runa are Boneless Mercies – death-traders, hired to kill quickly, quietly and mercifully. It is a job for women, and women only. Men will not do this sad, dark work.

Frey has no family, no home, no fortune, and yet her blood sings a song of glory. So when she hears of a monster slaughtering men, women, and children in a northern jarldom, she decides this the Mercies’ one chance to change their fate.

But glory comes at a price …

An epic YA fantasy set in a breathtaking new world, this is perfect for fans of V.E.Schwab, Leigh Bardugo, Laini Taylor and Melinda Salisbury 

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of The Boneless Mercies from Simon & Schuster UK Children’s and Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of The Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke. This was published on 4^th October 2018.

This is a dark YA fantasy based on the poem Beowulf. I have some knowledge of the poem and this was an interesting take on it. The group of Boneless Mercies are a tough group of ladies and it is was nice to read about kickass females not beholding to men. But for me I found I would have liked to have seen more world building and more knowledge about the magic system that is portrayed by characters in the story. It was okay but I did wish for more. I may pick up book two when it’s released. This is great if you love dark, brutal YA fantasies.  

PS The UK cover for this book is stunning.

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

Love & Gelato - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Lina is spending the summer in Tuscany, but she isn’t in the mood for Italy’s famous sunshine and fairy-tale landscape. She’s only there because it was her mother’s dying wish that she get to know her father. But what kind of father isn’t around for sixteen years? All Lina wants to do is get back home.

But then she is given a journal that her mom had kept when she lived in Italy. Suddenly Lina’s uncovering a magical world of secret romances, art, and hidden bakeries. A world that inspires Lina, along with the ever-so-charming Ren, to follow in her mother’s footsteps and unearth a secret that has been kept for far too long. It’s a secret that will change everything she knew about her mother, her father—and even herself.

People come to Italy for love and gelato, someone tells her, but sometimes they discover much more.

Review

This was a sad and adorable YA contemporary romance. I loved Lina and her friendship with Ren. It was wonderful to learn about all the sights of Florence it felt at times that I was there and exploring with Lina. I wanted to go to Italy and Florence before but I want to go even more now. This was beautifully written and will definitely be continuing with book 2 Love & Luck.

Windwitch (Witchlands #2) by Susan Dennard

Windwitch - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Sometimes our enemies are also our only allies…

After an explosion destroys his ship, the world believes Prince Merik, Windwitch, is dead. Scarred yet alive, Merik is determined to prove his sister’s treachery. Upon reaching the royal capital, crowded with refugees, he haunts the streets, fighting for the weak—which leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed.

When the Bloodwitch Aeduan discovers a bounty on Iseult, he makes sure to be the first to find her—yet in a surprise twist, Iseult offers him a deal. She will return money stolen from him, if he locates Safi. Now they must work together to cross the Witchlands, while constantly wondering, who will betray whom first?

After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. Alone in a land of pirates, every moment balances on a knife’s edge—especially when the pirates’ next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands. 

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of Windwitch from Pan Macmillan / Tor and Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of Windwitch (Witchlands #2) by Susan Dennard This was published on 18^th October 2018.

This is the continuation of the Witchlands trilogy. This continues the story from the last part of book one. In this book we explore more of the world and the magic system. Like the last one this book is well written and cannot wait for book three Bloodwitch.

Would recommend if you love a good YA fantasy and if you are fan of Sarah J Maas.

Truthwitch (Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard

Truthwitch - 4 Stars

Synopsis

There is an alternate cover edition for this ASIN here.In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of Truthwitch from Pan Macmillan / Tor and Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of Truthwitch (Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard This was published on 12^th January 2017.

This is the start of the Witchlands trilogy. This follows two young witches and their journey through a world of society and politics. I loved the world and the magic system. The author has created a fantastical world that is interesting will defiantly be carrying on with the series.

Would recommend if you love a good YA fantasy and if you are fan of Sarah J Maas.

The Caged Queen (Iskari #2) by Kristen Ciccarelli

The Caged Queen - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Once there were two sisters born with a bond so strong that it forged them together forever. When they were angry, mirrors shattered, and when they were happy, flowers bloomed. It was a magic they cherished—until the day a terrible accident took Essie’s life and trapped her soul in this world.

Dax—the heir to Firgaard’s throne—was responsible for the accident. Roa swore to hate him forever. But eight years later he returned, begging for her help. He was determined to dethrone his cruel father, under whose oppressive reign Roa’s people had suffered. Roa made him a deal: she’d give him the army he needed if he made her queen.

Together with Dax and his sister, Asha, Roa and her people waged war and deposed a tyrant. But now Asha is on the run, hiding from the price on her head. And Roa is an outlander queen, far from home and married to her enemy. Worst of all: Dax’s promises go unfulfilled. Roa’s people continue to suffer.

Then a chance to right every wrong arises—an opportunity for Roa to rid herself of this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister. During the Reliquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return, Roa can reclaim her sister for good.

All she has to do is kill the king. 

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of The Caged Queen from Orion Publishing Group and Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of The Caged Queen (Iskari #2). This was published on 27^th September 2018

This is the companion novel to The Last Namsara. This time we follow Roa on her quest for revenge against the man responsible for betraying her and not fulfilling a given promise. Like the last one this is a fantastical book set in a beautiful world created by the author. This time it was nice to see what would happen to Roa and her quest for revenge. As before this book has lots of twists and turns. Also loved the ongoing character development.

Would recommend if you love a good YA fantasy.