Review: Chaos by Sarah Fine

Chaos by Sarah Fine

Book Three of the Guards of the Shadowlands

Publisher: Skyscape

Publication Date: October 7, 2014

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

With Juri in control and everything in absolute chaos, Lela plunges into the depths of hell to free Malachi from creatures that have waited decades to exact their revenge. But the Judge has her own way of doing things, and Lela must work with Ana, the new Captain, who has a very personal mission of her own. Together, they infiltrate the most horrifying realm either has yet encountered in the Shadowlands - the bitter landscape ruled by the Mazikin.

The stakes could not be higher, and Lela must accept the help - and love - of people she barely knows or trusts. As alliances and loyalties shift and she realizes the soul she came to save isn't the only one in need of rescue, can Lela summon the strength to see the fight through to the very end?

What I Liked:

YOU GUYS, THIS SERIES. Easily one of my favorite series in general. And with that, Sarah Fine is easily one of my favorite authors in general. I've read all of her published novels - Sanctum, Fractured, Scan, Of Metal and Wishes, and Chaos. I think I've read her novellas, but I haven't reviewed any. To be rectified, maybe - I find it difficult to review novellas. Anyway. I loveeee this series. I loveeee this author. Ahhh!

As many of you know, Fractured left me completely heartbroken. Let's just say the cliffhanger is, well, killer. Take that as you may. Waiting for this final novel has been quite the torturous wait. I'll just let you know from now, there WON'T be any Chaos spoilers in this review, but there MAY be Sanctum and/or Fractured spoilers.

So Malachi has been taken by the Mazikin. Lela does the only thing she can do - appeal to the Judge of the Shadowlands, and try to be sent on a mission to bring Malachi back. The Judge sends Lela with Ana, who has returned for this purpose. Together, they go to Mazikin City, to rescue both Takeshi (Ana's love and former Captain) and Malachi. They run into familiar faces and new faces, and must make tentative alliances with power-hungry and untrustworthy leaders of rebellion in the city. But it's not just as simple as rescuing Malachi and finding Takeshi...

Nobody panic because you think this entire book is going to be about getting Malachi back and therefore we spend the whole book waiting for Lela and Malachi to get back together. That is not at all what happens (though I won't say more than that). I'm really glad that Fine didn't construct the story that way. 

In fact, it's interesting, because I feel like there are two climaxes in this story. Your typical story has rising action, a climax, falling action, etc. But this story almost seems to have two climaxes - one involving what happens to Mazikin City (in general), and one that involves what happens to Lela's (human) world versus the Shadowlands (like, the two worlds colliding. Ish). This was an intriguing way to set up the story, because readers will THINK that the story is ending at like, 60%, but it's not... ooooo...

So I really enjoyed the plot of the story, in general, and the story itself. Fine is a natural storyteller, and I really like reading what she comes up with. She has a way of weaving a story into more than a story, and I'm never bored or about to lose interest.

Also? No love triangle, throughout the entire series. HUGE win. Despite what you might think of the structure of this book's plot, there are a ton of fabulously delicious romantic and steamy scenes in this book. A lot transpires between Malachi and Lela, but Fine always reminds readers of the little things, like how Lela isn't 100% comfortable with intimacy. It's awesome how consistent Fine keeps everything - not that I wouldn't expect her to do so, but she never lets us forget how consistent she keeps everything. Which is good!

As always, I enjoyed the paranormal world that Fine has created, and the worldbuilding is solid. This book is mostly spent in Mazikin City, so we really get a feel for how they live, where they come from, etc. It's interesting, some of the abilities and magic that the city possesses. I'm a huge fan of how people heal ;)

Basically, this conclusion novel is faaabulous, and I love it, and I wish I could just gush about it for the entire review and be all like THIS SERIES IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES SO GO GO GO.

What I Did Not Like:

Honestly, I can't think of anything too pressing to go in this section. The only real reason why I'm giving this book four stars (versus five stars) is because I'm comparing it to Sanctum, which is definitely my favorite book of the series (even though Fractured received the same rating as Sanctum). To be honest, this book doesn't meet Sanctum, because Sanctum was amazing and awesome and fantastic and beyond compare, but Chaos comes close!

Would I Recommend It:

YES!! This book, if you've read books one and two. Or I'd recommend books two and this book, if you've only read book one. BUT IF YOU HAVEN'T STARTED THE SERIES, YOU SHOULD CHANGE THAT. Like, I put that sentence in caps for a reason. Off you go.

Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars (though that sounds negative). Much love for this book, series, and author! She's an auto-read author for me, for sure.

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Review: The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane by Elizabeth Boyle

The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane by Elizabeth Boyle

Book Four of the Rhymes With Love series

Publisher: Avon 

Publication Date: October 28, 2014

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

In New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle's fourth novel in the Rhymes With Love series, a resolute young woman goes toe-to-toe with the Beast of Mayfair...

She has no desire for love...

As she arrives in Mayfair, Louisa Tempest is horrified when her incorrigible cat bolts from the carriage and dashes into a neighbor's house, where she comes face-to-face with the reclusive Viscount Wakefield. But even more dismaying than his foul temper is the disarray in which she finds his home. Convinced his demeanor would improve if his household were in order, Louisa resolves to put everything to rights.

...until she meets the viscount who lives down the lane.

Much to his chagrin, Wakefield finds it impossible to keep the meddling Louisa out of his home, invading his daily life with her "improvements," and his nights with the tempting desires she sparks inside him. Wounded in the war, he's scorned society ever since his return . . . until Louisa opens the door to his heart and convinces him to give love a second chance.

What I Liked:

Okay, it's official - Elizabeth Boyle is a go-to historical romance writer for me. She joins Elizabeth Hoyt, Tessa Dare, and Maya Rodale... there are quite a few other authors whose books I have enjoyed, but these four ladies stick out in my mind. Their books are awesome!

By the way, ugh, that cover. I'm not the biggest fan. It's not doing much for me, aesthetically or otherwise. Anyway.

Louisa Tempest and her twin sister Lavinia are moving to London for Lavinia's first Season. The late Lady Charleton wanted them to have a Season, but Louisa isn't interested. Instead, she finds mischief in trying to tidy up her next-door neighbor Wakefield's decrepit home. Wakefield, with a injured leg, broken heart, and possibly PTSD from war, doesn't need a woman messing is home, firing his cook, hiring another, finding servants for him... but sooner or later, he finds himself rejoining society, thanks to one meddling woman.

At first, I really did NOT like Louisa, or her ridiculous cat, Hannibal. Louisa did not seem to have any respect for anyone, and she made no attempt to control her cat. But as the story went on, I decided that I really liked the cat, because he kept escaping to Pierson's home, and it always made things interesting between him and Louisa. Eventually, I grew to like Louisa and her brash nature. She isn't your typical society lady - while she is of gentle birth, her family isn't the most high-regarded.

So eventually, I liked Louisa. I always really, really liked Pierson. He's grumpy most of the time, or that's the way things come across. He was sent home from war, injured, and without his friend (who died to save him), and then his fiancee left him, and things were just really sad for him. Not to mention that war probably traumatized him. He has a lot going on, but he also does a lot of avoiding and hiding and almost wallowing. Someone as strong-willed as Louisa would TOTALLY bring him out of his shenanigans.

The romance is so wonderful and light in this book. This book in general is very witty and funny and lighthearted. The chemistry between the two characters is always sizzling, and it's honestly adorable to see them fall for each other. It happens so gradually and progressively, I love it. 

I thought the plot - other than the romance - was a bit lacking, but there was one, I suppose. We never figure out what was so scandalous about Louisa and Lavinia's mother, and why they didn't want whatever secret to get out in public, until the end. Which is an interesting plot twist, and I suppose that IS the leading story - how Louisa and Lavinia will fare in London, with such a secret. Turns out, more people than they thought, know about their mother.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Lighthearted, cute, fun, and full of heartwarming romance. I really like how Boyle crafts her historical romance novels! 

What I Did Not Like:

Like I mentioned above, I thought the plot outside the romance was a bit underdeveloped. Like, I knew there was supposed to be something going on outside of the romance, because that's what the author led us to believe, but it wasn't all there. Louisa and Lavinia's mother's scandal - I think that was the big plot thing, but it felt lacking. And then the ending was anticlimactic, honestly. But it was a nice ending.

Would I Recommend It:

If you love historical romance novels, then I have to recommend this one. Or any of the Rhymes With Love books. I love this series, and I'm definitely going to mark Elizabeth Boyle's name down for future books!

Rating:

4 stars. I can't wait to read Lavinia/Tuck's story! The Knave of Hearts, I believe was mentioned at the end of this book. Spoiler alert!

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Review: Diamonds in the Rough by Michelle Madow

Diamonds in the Rough by Michelle Madow

Book Two of The Secret Diamond Sisters series

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN

Publication Date: October 28, 2014

Rating: 4 stars

Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

All-access doesn't mean no problems.

The three Diamond sisters survived the summer in style after coming to live with their long-lost billionaire father. But making a place for themselves at their exclusive new Las Vegas private school is throwing them any number of gold-plated curves. Savannah's YouTube stardom turns into a Sweet Sixteen reality show extravaganza—with complimentary enemies on the side. Dangerous flirtations don't keep Peyton from a gamble that will risk far more than she planned to bet. And when Courtney and the sisters' archenemy, Madison, uncover two explosive secrets, it will rock even this town of glittering illusion—and turn their lives upside down all over again.

Sisterhood, first crushes, and scandalous secrets explode in book two of Michelle Madow's riveting series, The Secret Diamond Sisters.

What I Liked:

Just a note - this review isn't a "street-team" review in the sense that me being on Michelle's street team made me give this book a high rating. I've been interested in this series for a looonnnggggg time, before Michelle created the street team. And you all know me by now. If I hated a book, I'd give it the one or two stars, no matter how much I liked the author, no matter if I was on their street team or in the same state or known them forever. Also, the publisher sent me the print ARC upon my request, not Michelle, nor did Michelle influence the publisher to send me one. Andddd glad we got that out of the way.

In this books, Michelle Madow amps up the secrets and deviousness and flat-out trouble. The four girls - Peyton, Savannah, Courtney, and Madison (Madison being a Lockhart, and not a Diamond) - have a lot of drama in their lives, being rich heiresses, socialites, popular people. Everything is just so much more of a big deal in Vegas. None of the girls can even just talk to a guy without rumors being spread that the girl hooked up with him, or whatever. The stakes are higher, the secrets are deeper, and the tension is thicker...

At first, I wasn't sure if I was enjoying this book, as I was reading it. The first two hundred pages weren't all that interesting, in my opinion. I know what Madow was doing though - she did a really good job of characterizing each of the four girls, and showing their gradual change in personality (at least, when it came to the three Diamond sisters). For example, Savannah. I feel like Savannah got a lot more stuck-up in this book, no longer as down-to-earth as she used to seem. Madow does an excellent job of showing readers this.

Courtney is definitely still my favorite, since she and I are the most similar. She's more level-headed, intelligent, cautious, careful. I feel for her, and her almost-relationship with her step-brother Brett. I ship them so hard!

Peyton definitely has the steamiest romance of the four girls, but she is the messiest of the four. She is totally attracted to Jackson, her bodyguard, but she hooked up with Oliver Prescott in book one, and in this book, her new English teacher (new school year) is smoking hot. She doesn't hook up with him, but sparks fly. I definitely still ship her and Jackson, for sure.

Savannah... she is my least favorite Diamond sister, and for good reason. She is slowly turning into a brat, a snob, a cliche heiress, but it's hard to blame her when you're seeing the slow progression of things. She is stuck on Damian, but she's stringing Nick along, so I'm not sure what's happening there. I like her and Damian, but the romance for Savannah wasn't really big in this book. Getting her voice and music out there, her public image, seemed more important. 

Madison - well, I understand her more in this book, and feel really bad for her. For the majority of the book, a huge bombshell of a secret eats away at her, and it's destroying her inside. I would probably rip into someone if that was a secret about me. I'd be pissed. Madison shut down. Understandable, I suppose. I ship her and Oliver.

With so many characters, it's easy to lose track of who is who, if they all sound the same. This book is written in third person limited (you know by the chapter title), but I think Madow did a good job of characterizing each girl, and making them sound unique. She also did a good job of making sure the story kept moving - although the first half of the book dragged, for sure. 

Once again, Madow does not just focus on the romance for each girl. This series is not a contemporary romance series - or at least, not JUST that, not PRIMARILY that. There is plenty of rich-people drama, plenty of other relationships that are explored, plenty of the-past-coming-back-to-haunt-you action. Which I liked a lot!

The secrets are so cray-cray. Like woah, they involve everyone and everything and oh my goodness, all the blackmail and hush-hush. I'm excited to see what happens in the next book. These girls' lives and personalities are so different from mine (except for maybe Courtney's personality), but I enjoy reading about them. Fun!

What I Did Not Like:

Like I mentioned above, the first half of the book dragged, a lot. This book is over four hundred pages, so when a good chunk - half - of the book doesn't capture the reader's attention, that's bad. But I wasn't NOT going to finish it, because I always always always finish what I start, so it wasn't the worst thing ever. It just took me a long time to finish this book, to get to the good stuff. Once the good stuff was going, I was hooked. But getting to the good stuff took entirely too long.

Would I Recommend It:

If you enjoyed book one, definitely keep reading this series! And if you haven't read book one... well, this series is contemporary, there is plenty of romance, plenty of relationships (sisters, sister-father, friends, girl-guy), plenty of developing characters. There is a lot of depth to what should seem to be a shallow-content-filled book! No offense meant by that statement.

Rating:

4 stars. I'll be eagerly awaiting the third book to the series! I so love the title Diamonds are Forever. Cool cool cool!

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Stacking the Shelves (#93)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, in which bloggers share the books and swag they've received in the past week!

So, what did I get in the week of Sunday, September 28th to Saturday, October 4th?

(all links to Goodreads are provided!)

In the mail:

There won't be mail during this week or next week, since my parents are out of country for another week and a half. However, there's always the mail that comes to my school...

From Edelweiss:

All That Burns by Ryan Graudin

All That Glows was awesome! You can win a signed copy HERE.

The Pretty App by Katie Sise

I really liked Sise's debut novel, The Boyfriend App!

I didn't bother with Etherworld, A Cold Legacy, or Willowgrove, since I already have print ARCs of those!

An Heiress For All Seasons by Sophie Jordan

I liked the first book in this series!

This week has been... insane, in so many ways. I can't seem to figure out some people. And by some people, I mean one person in particular. ANYWAY. I hope you all had a wonderful week!

Review: Moonlight Raider by Amanda Scott

Moonlight Raider by Amanda Scott

Book One of the Border Night series

Publisher: Forever

Publisher: September 30, 2014

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from NetGalley

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

In a flawless blend of history and romance, 'USA Today' bestselling author Amanda Scott transports readers again to the Scottish borders in her brand new 'Border Nights' series.

A man of his word...

Border Lord Walter Scott of Rankilburn, grief-stricken after burying his father, goes to the forest seeking solace. Instead he finds a half-naked young lady fleeing pursuit. Wat offers his protection, but honor demands that he return the golden-eyed beauty to her rightful husband - even though the last thing he wants is to see her in another man's arms.

A runaway bride...

Molly Cockburn has fled her home, family, and the brutal scoundrel she was forced to wed. Her pursuers are closing in when the powerful new Lord of Rankilburn bravely intervenes, then promises to help prove her marriage unlawful. Though fiercely loyal to her family, Molly fears they might harm the man she is coming to love, and now she must decide whether to remain faithful to her blood... or to her heart.

What I Liked:

I've not read any of Scott's previous historical romance novels, but I am always open to reading new historical romance novels. I'm a huge fan of historical romance novels in general, but I also really like the Scottish historic ones. Monica McCarty's Highland Guard series is a good one. This new series by Amanda Scott seems to be a great series as well!

Molly Cockburn is running for her life - literally. It's her wedding night, and she cannot do it. She can't marry the brute Ring Tuedy, the man that beat her and abused her that very day. Molly runs, right into the new Lord of Rankilburn's lands. Walter - Wat - just buried his father, and has inherited the lordship. The last thing Wat needs on top of everything else is housing a runaway wife from a neighboring clan... but Wat can't bring himself to make Molly return, and Molly finds herself really REALLY reluctant to go...

This book was adorable, really. I mean, there was plenty of heavy content, like domestic abuse, physical harassment, that paralyzing fear of not feeling safe... Molly has been through horrible times, thanks for her new husband, as well as her brothers and her cruel father. But Molly is an incredibly resilient person, and she is so brave, to run from her family. The heavy content gives this book so much depth, and adds an extra layer of feeling to the romance.

But back to the book being adorable. Molly and Wat - they don't fall in love in an epic way. It isn't love at first sight - yes, there is a bit of lust at first sight. But the author never makes it seem like they are in love throughout the entire book, or that they have a powerful, overwhelming connection that no one can break. Molly and Wat do grow to love each other, but even then, the author makes it seem like there is still plenty of room for the love to grow. Which I really like!

Their relationship is so cute though! Molly is forever infuriating Wat, but it's because he's so protective and worried all the time. She wants to go out and do her own thing, and she does, but then he gets all you-could-have-been-captured-why-are-you-roaming-about. It's not overbearing or too possessive - just the right amount of protective, in my opinion.

The story revolves around Molly's awful marriage to Ring Tuedy, and the measures that must be taken to annul the marriage. Technically, under historic Scottish law, her marriage wasn't legal, because she was forced to marry Tuedy. So it was interesting to see how the story progressed. But the story was basically all about the marriage and how Molly will escape it. And then, of course, the romance, which turned out to be really simple and dialed back - not a bad thing!

I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series - I can't wait to see which character we get to read about next! Perhaps Janet, Wat's sister. I'd be cool with that.

What I Did Not Like:

I soooo wanted more from the romance. Like, I could see why the author went with a tamer romance, because Molly had been so abused by her husband (not raped, but physically beaten), so Molly wouldn't trust anyone like that. But I thought that the steamy part of the romance could have been better. There was a lot of great buildup towards a chemistry-filled romance, but very little physical scenes with Wat and Molly. 

Would I Recommend It:

If you like historical romance novels, then I would check out this one, if I were you! I feel like it's going to fly under a lot of historical romance readers' radars, which is a shame. But hey, this one has a really great cover, as far as historical romance novel covers go! No half-naked males or females, win!

Rating:

4 stars. A fabulous start to a new series, by a new author (new to me, that is). I'm excited!

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Swoon Thursday (#88): Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis

Swoon Thursday is a hot meme hosted by the fabulous ladies at YA Bound!

- From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering

- Try to make the swoon excerpt 140 characters (or less), if you are going to tweet about it. Use the hashtag #YABOUND when tweeting

This week, my swoon is from Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis!

Before I could back away, his fingers curled around the back of my neck, holding me in place.

I let them. I'd never let anyone so close before. But I never wanted Dane any father away from me again.

Then it was a real kiss, his lips moving to find where they fit with mine, exploring and searching. I swore I could read his mind without Transitioning, could feel how he'd ached for this, how long he' been waiting.

Or maybe that was me.

My fingers wound through his hair, memorizing the gentle curls. 

- ARC, page 315

Author Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Read my review!

I was fairly neutral towards this book, but I loved this scene :)

Waiting on Wednesday (#92): Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, I'm featuring:

Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Book One of the Mark of the Thief series

Publisher; Scholastic Press

Publication Date: February 24, 2015

Summary (from Goodreads):

Jennifer A. Nielsen, author of the NYT and USA TODAY bestselling Ascendance Trilogy, has woven an electrifying tale of greed and power, magic and destiny, and one boy's courage at the heart of it all.

When Nic, a slave in the mines outside of Rome, is forced to enter a sealed cavern containing the lost treasures of Julius Caesar, he finds much more than gold and gemstones: He discovers an ancient bulla, an amulet that belonged to the great Caesar and is filled with a magic once reserved for the Gods -- magic some Romans would kill for.

Now, with the deadly power of the bulla pulsing through his veins, Nic is determined to become free. But instead, he finds himself at the center of a ruthless conspiracy to overthrow the emperor and spark the Praetor War, a battle to destroy Rome from within. Traitors and spies lurk at every turn, each more desperate than the next to use Nic's newfound powers for their own dark purposes.

In a quest to stop the rebellion, save Rome, and secure his own freedom, Nic must harness the magic within himself and defeat the empire's most powerful and savage leaders.

Author Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

I haven't read this author's debut series BUTTTTTT, anything for fantasy! :D