Serious Moonlight, by Jenn Bennett

Format: e-ARC, 432 pages

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK Children’s

Published: May 16, 2019

ISBN: 9781471180729

Genre: Romance, Teens & YA

Back cover blurb: Raised in isolation and home-schooled by her strict grandparents, the only experience Birdie has had of the outside world is through her favourite crime books.

But everything changes when she takes a summer job working the night shift at a historic Seattle hotel. There she meets Daniel Aoki, the hotel’s charismatic driver, and together they stumble upon a real-life mystery: a famous reclusive writer—never before seen in public—is secretly meeting someone at the hotel.

To uncover the writer’s puzzling identity, Birdie must come out of her shell, and in doing so, realize that the most confounding mystery of all may just be her growing feelings for Daniel.

My review: Jenn Bennett can write swoony boys. No doubt about that. This book was a little different in that the main couple had hooked up before the story even started and it had ended weirdly, so there was an awkwardness to their subsequent meeting which felt so real. I enjoyed the mystery they were trying to solve, even though all the elements were pretty obvious to me from quite early on, the live-action Cluedo game was THE BEST, and the adults were all fabulous human beings. There is diversity, important messages for teens, and some quite sad moments. But Daniel is definitely a keeper.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 4/5

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Flame in the Mist, by Renee Ahdieh

Format: e-ARC, 400 pages

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Published: 16 May 2016

ISBN: 9781473657977

Genre: Teens & YA

Back cover blurb: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn, comes a sweeping, action-packed YA adventure set against the backdrop of Feudal Japan.

Mariko has always known that being a woman means she’s not in control of her own fate. But Mariko is the daughter of a prominent samurai and a cunning alchemist in her own right, and she refuses to be ignored. When she is ambushed by a group of bandits known as the Black Clan enroute to a political marriage to Minamoto Raiden – the emperor’s son – Mariko realises she has two choices: she can wait to be rescued… or she can take matters into her own hands, hunt down the clan and find the person who wants her dead.

Disguising herself as a peasant boy, Mariko infiltrates the Black Clan’s hideout and befriends their leader, the rebel ronin Ranmaru, and his second-in-command, Okami. Ranmaru and Okami warm to Mariko, impressed by her intellect and ingenuity. But as Mariko gets closer to the Black Clan, she uncovers a dark history of secrets that will force her to question everything she’s ever known.

My review: Firstly, I loved that this was set in feudal Japan. Ninjas! Throwing stars! Tea ceremonies! Add to that a kickass heroine, swoony boys, and magical powers, and you have a great read. I agree with other reviewers who found the names a bit tricky to keep track of, especially since some characters had multiple names, but other than that I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading the sequel. This was my first Renee Ahdieh book and I will certainly be reading her other works now.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 4/5

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How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin’ Days, by Megan O’Russell

Format: e-ARC, 214 pages

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Published: 15 August, 2017

ISBN: 9781620072653

Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy, Teens & YA

Back cover blurb: Ever wanted to grow a five-story tall flower in central park? How about fight a deadly battle under the subway tunnels of Manhattan?

Don’t worry. I never wanted to either. But if you’re ever being chased by ladies made of mist and you have to save the girl with the sparkly eyes you’ve never had the guts to say actual words to, there’s an app for that.

I found a magic cell phone, opened an app I shouldn’t have, burned down the set shop for my high school’s theatre, and it was all downhill from there. A drag queen seer who lives under a bridge is my only hope for keeping my mom alive, and I think the cops might be after me for destroying my dad’s penthouse.

But it gets better! Now I’m stuck being the sidekick to the guy who got me into this mess in the first place. It’ll be a miracle if I survive until Monday.

My review: This one lost me about halfway through. It started off well and I enjoyed the three main teen characters coming to grips with the mysterious phone they found, but when they got together with a fourth person – I won’t spoil by naming – I didn’t enjoy it as much and it was a slog to get to the end. If this is the start of a series I don’t think I’ll bother continuing.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 3/5

 

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Bright Blaze of Magic (Black Blade #3), by Jennifer Estep

Format: e-ARC, 368 pages

Publisher: Kensington

Published: April 26, 2016

ISBN: 9781617738289

Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy/ Teens & YA

Back cover blurb: Bad Things Always Come In Threes…

As a thief, I’m good at three things: hiding in the shadows, getting in and out unseen, and uncovering secrets. I put these skills to work for the Sinclair Family, one of the magical mobs that run the tourist town of Cloudburst Falls.

Everyone knows Victor Draconi wants to take over all the other Families–and kill every last Sinclair. What they don’t know is that I’m on to him, and no way will I let the man who murdered my mom get away with hurting all the other people I care about. Especially when I’ve got places to break into, stuff to steal, and Devon Sinclair fighting right by my side…

My review: All I can say is that this better not be the last we hear from Lila and Devon. This final part of the trilogy was perfect, with an epic battle, the settling of an old score, and – of course – young love blossoming between Lila and Devon. The stars of this story, alongside Lila, were the monsters of Cloudburst Falls, in particular the lochness, who is my personal hero. Absolutely loved him! He needs his own series, Ms Estep! It was also great to see the Pork Pit get a mention. This series has been a favourite of mine and it’s sad to see it end. I hope it’s not so much goodbye as just adieu for now.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 5/5

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Bitter Bite (Elemental Assassin #14), by Jennifer Estep

Format: e-ARC, 400 pages

Publisher: Pocket Books

Published: February 23, 2016

ISBN: 9781501111273

Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy

Back cover blurb: Which is stronger: blood ties or a battle-tested friendship?

It’s not easy being queen bee of an underworld abuzz with crooks and killers. Wielding my potent Ice and Stone elemental magic will only get me so far—my real secret is my tight-knit makeshift family, a motley crew of cops and criminals, dwarves and playboys. My foster brother Finnegan Lane is my right-hand man, but when his suddenly not-dead relative comes back into the picture, I’m the one on the outside looking in.

It’s funny how life works: one minute your best friend is rock-steady, and the next he’s doe-eyed and buying into this whole loving-relative routine to the point of ignoring you. I’d like to be happy for Finn, I really would. But all of my instincts are telling me that beneath the syrupy sweet demeanor and old-fashioned charm, this sudden interloper is planning something. The whole shtick leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This person might have avoided the grave once, but I’ll put anyone who hurts Finn in the ground—for good.

My review: The last few Gin Blanco books have been my favourites of the series, as we see history repeating itself and Gin facing enemies worthy of her attention in the wake of Mab’s demise. The enemy here was foreshadowed in the last book and turned out to be quite a tricky prospect for Gin, who has to balance her love of family with her absolute loathing. I really enjoyed the twists and turns, and loved how Gin’s friends and family worked as a team. One big revelation at the end should prove great fodder for the next couple of books. Looking forward to them!

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 5/5

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Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade #2), by Jennifer Estep

Format: e-ARC, 368 pages

Publisher: Kensington

Published: October 27, 2015

ISBN: 9781617738265

Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy/ Teens & YA

Back cover blurb: Something Wicked This Way Comes…

As a thief, I stick to the shadows as much as possible. But when the head of the Sinclair Family picks me to compete in the Tournament of Blades, there’s no escaping the spotlight—or the danger.

Even though he’s my competition, Devon Sinclair thinks I have the best shot at winning what’s supposed to be a friendly contest. But when the competitors start having mysterious “accidents,” it looks like someone will do anything to win—no matter who they hurt.

As if I didn’t have enough to worry about, mobster Victor Draconi is plotting against Devon and the rest of my friends, and someone’s going around Cloudburst Falls murdering monsters. One thing’s for sure. Sometimes, humans can be more monstrous than anything else…

My review: Another great installment in this new series by Ms Estep. This second book focuses around the Tournament of Blades – think Harry Potter’s Triwizard tournament – featuring competitors from all the main houses, including swoony Devon and our heroine, Lila. Deah Draconi is the reigning champion, which gives the Sinclairs added impetus to do well.

I really enjoyed the twists of the tournament and the revelations about Lila and the Draconis. Estep kept the action coming, and even though I figured out the baddie well in advance, the ending was very satisfying. Romance took a bit of a back seat to the action, but the UST between Lila and Devon finally came to a head – yay! The teaser for the next book has me giddy with anticipation for the third book. Oh, and another beautiful cover.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 5/5

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Cold Burn of Magic, by Jennifer Estep

Format: e-ARC, 368 pages

Publisher: Kensington

Published: April 28, 2015

ISBN: 9781617738241

Genre: YA paranormal

Back cover blurb: There Be Monsters Here. . .

It’s not as great as you’d think, living in a tourist town that’s known as “the most magical place in America.” Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power.

I try to keep out of it. I’ve got my mom’s bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.

But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend’s pawn shop, and I have to make a call–get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn’t. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I’m stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I’m going to end up just like her. . .

My review: The Elemental Assassin series is one of my favourites, so it was no surprise I jumped at the chance to get an ARC copy of Jennifer Estep’s first new Black Blade book. Lila Merriweather is like a teenage Gin Blanco: orphaned, kickass, has magical talent, and who gets her jobs from a shopkeeper with hidden connections. There is even mention of her holidaying in Ashland. Lila is just a teen, though, so she still goes to school and is more vulnerable than Gin, which gives us a lot of scope for development.

When a kidnapping attempt happens before her eyes in Mo’s shop, she is compelled to step in and help, earning her the gratitude of one of the ruling families but gaining an enemy of another. She ends up going to work for the Sinclair Family as bodyguard to the kidnapping target, Devon, a swoony boy Lila can’t help feeling attracted to despite their past.

I loved this book from start to finish, and read it in just a couple of sittings. Estep’s writing is fun and action-packed, and there is just enough UST between Lila and Devon to keep me wanting more. The secondary characters are well realised, and I especially liked Oscar the redneck pixie. The lochness is also a great addition to the story. Beautiful cover, fantastic story, and I can’t wait until book 2 comes out in October!

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 5/5

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Locked, by Parker Witter

Format: e-book, 96 pages

Publisher: Poppy Books

Published: August 19, 2014

ISBN: 9780316366496

Genre: YA fiction

Back cover blurb: “It had always been the three of us, and then it was the two of us – Ed and August. There was not, nor had there ever been a chance of a Noah and August. And that was fine. Because the truth was I had known Noah forever but I still had no idea who he really was. Especially not now. ”

In this sizzling novella, one girl must choose between loyalty and love.

August had the two best guy friends a girl could ask for in Noah and Ed. Then Ed confessed he felt more for her – and their new relationship changed everything. She had hoped it would be Noah that she’d end up with someday, but it’s clearer than ever that Noah’s just not interested in being a one-girl guy.

When the small seaplane the three of them are on crashes, August finds herself injured and marooned on an island with … Noah. Unsure of what’s become of Ed, August and Noah do their best to not lose hope as they fight to survive on an island that is not as deserted as they first believed. But fighting the elements – and their attraction to each other – becomes a losing battle.

Soon, a secret from Noah’s past that could bind them to the island forever is revealed, and August must choose between giving into her feelings for him, or struggling to make it back home.

My review: This wasn’t what I was expecting. Locked is the book upon which the movie in Rebecca Serle’s Famous is based, and which the author also decided to write under a pseudonym. I met her at a book event last October and got a signed copy of Famous, so I figured I would read this one first so I knew what the movie would be about. What I wasn’t expecting were the paranormal elements of the story, which seemed to come out of left field and be accepted as perfectly normal.

Maybe it was the short length of the book, but everything seemed quite rushed. I liked Noah and August (strange name for a girl), even though she was a terrible girlfriend to Ed, and the suddenness of the ending left me wanting more. I will read Famous now and hope this story gets developed more.

My rating: 3/5

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18 & Over Book Blogger Follow #14: Cast Your Current Read!

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that runs over the weekend, hosted by Crystal from one of my favourite blog sites, Reading Between the Wines.

Question of the Week:  If your current read was made into a movie who would you cast as the characters?

I’m a bit late with this one, but I’ve just finished reading Irish Captive Moon, by Sandi Layne (review to come), and I had definite pictures in my head as I read of who I would cast.

Set in the eighth century A.D., the story is about Charis, a pale-haired Irish healer with just a touch of magic about her, who is abducted by Vikings who raid her village.

All the way through I pictured Emilia Clarke from Game of Thrones as Charis, only with her very white Targaryan hair, of course. She’s dirty in this picture, which is exactly how I imagined Charis as she is dragged off on the longboat to Norway and then forced to work as a slave.

Agnarr, the Viking who abducts her – and who I know I liked more than I should have – worshipped Thor and had a hammer charm on a rope around his neck, so I immediately saw him as Chris Hemsworth *sigh*

I’ve seen Thor a dozen times and would watch it every day – alternating with The Avengers when it comes out on Blu-ray – if I could. Maybe it was because I pictured him that I liked Agnarr so much 😉

Finally, there’s Cowan, an Irish prince with a knack for languages who is captured but later freed by the Vikings, and becomes Charis’s friend. I know he’s not Irish, but I pictured Alex Skarsgard in this role, only with a beard. He has the height and bearing of a prince, don’t you think?

What are you reading at the moment, and who would you cast? Leave a comment below or link up HERE to follow the meme.

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