ARC Book Review: Pestilence by Laura Thalassa

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Pestilence
The Four Horsemen #1

Author: Laura Thalassa
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance | Dystopian
Released: 08/15/2023
Review Source: Review copy | Sourcebooks Bloom Books

They came to earth--Pestilence, War, Famine, Death--four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.

When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, one thing is certain: everyone she knows and loves is marked for death. Unless, of course, the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, which is exactly what Sara has in mind when she shoots the unholy beast off his steed.

Too bad no one told her Pestilence can’t be killed.

Now the horseman, very much alive and very pissed off, has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her … and hers towards him.

And now, well, Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she'll have to sacrifice her heart in the process.

Full disclosure: I’d already read this book back in August 2021 before requesting this ARC. I remember really enjoying Pestilence but never reading the rest of the series so I took this as an opportunity to re-read the first book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the re-read just as much as the first read. Pestilence is a unique take on the Four Horseman of the apocalypse. This paranormal romance is an enemies-to-lovers, torn between love and purpose romance which is thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the progression from enemies, to friends (kinda), to lovers.

“No One Knows where the Four Hoursemen came from, only that one day they appeared on their steeds, riding through cities and wildlands alike.”

Pestilence the Conqueror has one job - destroy the habitants of the world. Make sure they all die - one city at a time. His plans are slightly hindered when Sara tries to murder the horseman, but ends up his captive instead.

I read Pestilence in one sitting - the writing was smooth and the progression of their relationship kept me hooked throughout. It was one of those books where you miss the characters after you finish. However, I will say this - I was so disappointed with the ending. Many things are left unanswered and I wanted more of an explanation to some loose ends. Overall, the ending felt unfinished and I felt frustrated, and it dampened my desire to read book two a little.

ARC Book Review: Unforgiven by Rebecca Zanetti

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Unforgiven
Deep Ops #5

Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Romantic Suspense
Released: 06/07/2022
Review Source: Review Copy | Netgalley

Run: Gemma Falls never expected to use her game theory expertise to outrun a killer. But for years, that skill is all that kept her one step ahead of a deadly stalker. When Gemma gets the chance to teach at D.C. University, she hopes she and her young daughter have found a safe harbor. The only flaw is the arrogant philosophy professor who’s always underfoot giving unwanted advice—in his sexy British accent . . .

Hide: Jethro Hanson has blood on his hands. He’s working within ivy-covered university halls now, but he knows that his work with the Deep Ops team and the deadly acts he once committed for the sake of Queen and country place him beyond forgiveness—until he meets Gemma . . .

Seek: Soon, the passion between them stuns them both. But when Jethro discovers a threat is fast overtaking her, he must choose between the redemption he seeks—and releasing the ever-present killer inside . . .

Unforgiven is book five in the Deep Ops series however I read this as a standalone. Whilst previous relationships and couples were obvious throughout, I never felt like I was missing out on anything. I'm actually going to read the whole series when I have time because I really enjoyed this book - it gave Maya Banks/Cynthia Eden vibes and it's been a while since I've read this type of romantic suspense.

Gemma is a single mother to her three-year-old, Trudy, and has been running for years.  Knowing what her violent ex-fiancé is capable of, Gemma will continue to run and protect her family until it's finally safe to settle down - if it's ever safe. Jethro has just as much baggage - a serial killer brother who's trying to frame him for murder. Gemma and Jethro meet at D.C University where they both work -  Jethro is a charming Brit and Gemma is a single mother keeping under the radar, but as her friendship blooms with Jethro, Gemma find's herself on the radar of a serial killer and her past finally catches up with her.

For me, a romantic suspense isn't the same without the sense of community within the book. Unforgiven was loaded with a group of friends who pulled together in Jethro's time of need - people who would do anything and sacrifice everything to ensure their friend's safety, and it was done perfectly. The romance wasn't at centre stage but the plot, suspense and deep ops crew made up for that. The English dialect was done well - as a Brit I often cringe at the movie-like, unrealistic dialect but in Unforgiven, it was really well written!  

Overall, Unforgiven was a brilliant read. If you love family orientated books, single mother's and suspense then you will love this.

ARC Book Review: Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky

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Never Been Kissed

Author: Timothy Janovsky
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: M/M Romance 
Released: 05/03/2022
Review Source: ARC | Netgalley

Dear (never-been-quite-over-you) Crush, It's been a few years since we were together, but I can't stop thinking about the time we almost...

Wren Roland has never been kissed, but he wants that movie-perfect ending more than anything. Feeling nostalgic on the eve of his birthday, he sends emails to all the boys he (ahem) loved before he came out. Morning brings the inevitable Oh God What Did I Do?, but he brushes that panic aside. Why stress about it? None of his could-have-beens are actually going to read the emails, much less respond. Right?

Enter Derick Haverford, Wren's #1 pre-coming-out-crush and his drive-in theater's new social media intern. Everyone claims he's coasting on cinematic good looks and his father's connections, but Wren has always known there's much more to Derick than meets the eye. Too bad he doesn't feel the same way about the infamous almost-kiss that once rocked Wren's world.

Whatever. Wren's no longer a closeted teenager; he can survive this. But as their hazy summer becomes consumed with a special project that may just save the struggling drive-in for good, Wren and Derick are drawn ever-closer...and maybe, finally, Wren's dream of a perfect-kiss-before-the-credits is within reach.

A feel-good summer LGBTQIA+ New Adult RomCom, perfect for fans of Red White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and What If It's Us.

I instantly got “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” vibes from this, except a gay version and there are no letters to past loves, but emails to four guys Wren almost kissed. Never Been Kissed is a light-hearted, fun read where we meet Wren, a twenty-two year old who’s been waiting for a special moment to give away his first kiss. Enters Derick - former best friend who he crushed on hard, but also the friend who ghosted Wren when they went off to college.

Admittedly, I was a Derick fan from the start. Why? I’m not quite sure. He ghosted his best friend and didn't reciprocate any mutual feelings to Wren but I saw great things and I was not wrong. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. In addition to the cutesy romance, Wren struggles with an identity crisis throughout the novel and being labelled gay. Wren isn’t sure if this suits him and his sexuality best - but he’s relatively fresh out the closet and he just isn’t sure. I love how this was executed and represented.

A little side note: I received an eARC of Never Been Kissed however I struggled to get into the book so I listened to the audiobook instead. Mark Sanderlin did a wonderful job with narration - I've never listened to his work before and I enjoyed the uniqueness of his voice.

ARC Book Review: Stealing Infinity by Alyson Noel

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Stealing Infinity
Stolen Beauty #1

Author: Alyson Noel
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Released: 06/28/2022
Review Source: Netgalley

These days, I’ve been killing it when it comes to letting people down. Now I’ve been kicked out of high school, arrested, and accepted into a remote, off-the-grid school owned and operated by an inscrutable billionaire tech guru.

Gray Wolf Academy is looking for a certain kind of student. Ones that no one will miss. Like me.

Then there’s Braxton. The beautiful, oddly anachronistic guy who showed up right when the trouble started. And he’s a total enigma—which means that I definitely can’t trust him, even if there’s something about him that makes me want to. They all tell me I have a gift. A very rare gift. And Gray Wolf Academy wants me to learn it. To use it. Because if what they say is true, I have all the time in the world. And that makes me the most dangerous high school student you’ll never know…

Stealing Infinity tells a story of time travellers with a pinch of romance, a lot of secrets and even more mystery. Gray Wolf Academy isn't how it seems - even if I don't know why yet. The whole book revealed so many questions and not many answers so as you can imagine I am dying for more! 

The further into the book you get, the more intriguing the prologue becomes.  

"When the boy does find my daughter - and he will - I can only hope it will lead to her uncovering this object."

Has she already met this mysterious blue eyed boy? What does he want with her? Why? How does this tie in with her current situation? Ms Noel, I need answers!

The novel began with an introduction to numerology (something I'd never heard of) and I loved that it was included as it was fun to workout and read up on my number - I'm an eight! You can see the amount of research and detail the author included and it was a fantastic touch!

Alyson Noel is an author who has been in my heart for years - way back when The Immortals series came out and Stealing Infinity did not disappoint. The gripping storyline had me from the beginning and I was desperate for more when it ended. The author took a trope I generally don't like (time travelling) and spun a tale that become one my favourite reads of the year.

Book Review: The Meeting Point by Olivia Lara

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The Meeting Point

Author: Olivia Lara
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: 09/02/2021
Review Source: Netgalley | Head of Zeus

What if the Lift driver who finds your cheating boyfriend's phone holds the directions to true love?

'Who are you and why do you have my boyfriend's phone?' 'He left it in my car. You must be the blonde in the red dress? I'm the Lift driver who dropped you two off earlier.'

And with these words, the life of the brunette and t-shirt wearing Maya Maas is turned upside down. Having planned to surprise her boyfriend, she finds herself single and stranded in an unknown city on her birthday.

So when the mystery driver rescues Maya with the suggestion that she cheers herself up at a nearby beach town, she jumps at the chance to get things back on track. She wasn't expecting a personalised itinerary or the easy companionship that comes from opening up to a stranger via text, let alone the possibility it might grow into something more...

Maya isn't having a good time. Her birthday was a disaster and her cheating boyfriend was exposed by his Lift driver. The positives? She finds a friend in the Lift driver through her ex-boyfriend's phone. 

An unexpected bond was formed between Maya and the driver  - I appreciated the uniqueness of their encounter and how we watched their chemistry grow and a relationship form via texting, however, I did find myself skimming these parts and I didn't really get into the plot until Maya made the big decision to find the mysterious Lift driver.

We all knew the driver's identity - Maya was the only one with her head buried in the sand, but I kind of liked the obvious mystery, but when the time came and his identity was revealed, I felt slightly robbed, you know? It ended so soon after the big reveal and I wanted more. I think this is a golden opportunity for some bonus content!

Overall, The Meeting Point was an easy read - a cute romance that is hard not to love. All of the characters were incredibly likeable and I thoroughly enjoyed this journey. 

ARC Book Review: Sleepover by Serena Bell

 

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Sleepover
Under One Roof #3

Author: Serena Bell
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: 29th March 2022
Review Source: Netgalley

That one night stand? It was just the beginning…

My new neighbor, Elle, is everything I avoid. Chatty, sunshine-y, and determined that since our kids are brand-new BFFs, we should be too.

That would be bad news even if I hadn’t had a one-night stand with her a few months back that turned me inside out.

You see, since my wife died, I keep to myself. I hook up, but it’s always one-and-done. So you can imagine my shock when I discover that the girl next door is the one woman I was hoping never to see again.

Now I’m seeing her again… and again, and again. And all the promises I made to myself? They’re starting to look more like lies.

Sleepover delivers a single dad next door, one night stand rediscovered and sunshine/grumpy all wrapped into one funny, steamy and heart-warming package. It can be read as a standalone and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

Elle and Sawyer are two sides of the same coin - both are single parents. Elle went through a painful divorce and received a invitation to her ex-husband's wedding only weeks after the divorce, and Sawyer lost his wife and became a single father through no choice of his own. Last time Elle and Sawyer seen each other they were in a compromising situation, had their fun then parted ways and that was that...until Sawyer moved next door and their children became fast friends. 

There were moments when my heart hurt for Elle. Her ex-husband left her for his high school sweetheart that he never stopped loving, then she falls for Sawyer, her steaming hot next door neighbour who is too in-love with his dead wife to let anyone else in. All she want is to be someone's first choice, but soon discovers she's only ever been a second choice. It takes him a while, but Sawyer finally begins to understand his love is not an either/or situation, and his heart is big enough to expand and grow love for others. 

Sleepover was a really great read. It wasn't just about Elle and Sawyer getting to know each other and becoming reacquainted, but also the pair figuring out their new lives with their kids, Madden and Jonah, and the moments they have all together. It was a wholesome and entertaining with just the right amount of spice.

ARC Book Review: Belle Morte by Bella Higgin

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Belle Morte 

Author: Bella Higgin
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal 
Released: 03/25/22
Review Source: Netgalley | Wattpad Books

There’s only one way out

Belle Morte. One of five houses where vampires reside as celebrities and humans are paid to be their living donors. While others came here seeking fortune, I came in search of my sister who walked into Belle Morte five months ago . . . and never walked back out.

Now that I’m here, the secrets about this world have proven to be much bigger than I ever anticipated. And lurking around every corner are shocking insinuations of what happened to my sister.

There’s only one person who might have the answers I need, and the undeniable pull I feel toward him is terrifying: Edmond Dantès―a vampire, and my mortal enemy.

The harder I try to resist him, the further I fall under his spell. And in one instant my life is irrevocably changed. My past becomes prologue and my fate becomes sealed behind these doors.

Belle Morte has spoken. And it may never let me go.

It's been a long while since I read a vampire romance and I will always support the community of Wattpad authors on their journey, so naturally I was really excited to read Belle Morte. This book was easy reading with minimal action and a nice addition to the vampire lovers out there.

Renie embarks on a journey to find out what happened to her sister, June. She walked into the doors of Belle Morte and never walked back out, so Renie signs herself up to be a blood donor at Belle Morte to find out why her sister stopped sending letters, and to find out what really happened behind those closed doors because she knows her sister was not transferred to another house. Finding out what happened, though, is proving harder than she thought when everyone either doesn't know what happened to June, or is not willing to talk. So she finds out herself.

My views on Belle Morte are conflicting. I enjoyed the growing relationship between Renie and Edmond. Slowly, Renie learns that she may not hate vampires as much as she originally thought and she may be attracted to Edmond, despite a human/vampire relationship being forbidden. Renie and Edmond's relationship was the only one where I seen natural development. I enjoyed their interactions, Edmond's storytelling and the ending? I need to know what happens next.

Belle Morte was slow progressing with a basic plot. Action didn't pick up until the 60/70% mark and by the time things kicked into action, it was over far too soon with a cliff-hanger. The character growth gave off 'insta friends' vibes rather than seeing the friendships develop throughout which meant I didn't really connect with any of the characters.

While Belle Morte didn't consume me, overall it was still an enjoyable read and the ending really solidified my need to read book two. I hope we see more from Renie and Edmond, and the aftermath from the cliffhanger.

Book Review: The Rebound by Catherine Walsh

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The Rebound

Author: Catherine Walsh
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance  
Released: February 14th 2022
Review Source: Netgalley | Bookouture  

A newly single girl. A tall dark handsome stranger. What could go wrong?

It’s 7 a.m. on a Monday morning and Abby Reynolds isn’t where she wants to be. She wants to be in her beautiful loft apartment in Manhattan, drinking a coffee with her fiancé.

Instead, she’s heading back to the childhood home in rural Ireland she swore she’d never return to, with some big old secrets. Namely that she’s suddenly found herself unemployed, homeless, and absolutely 100% single.

She’s feeling all out of luck. Until the first person she meets after she touches down is an absurdly hot guy called Luke, who offers her a lift home. Gazing deep into his sparkling emerald-green eyes, Abby knows instantly that he’s exactly what she needs to take her mind off everything. The perfect rebound.

It’s a flawless plan. Until the next day, when Abby realizes who he actually is. Not just a stranger. He is, in fact, Luke Bailey, aka the boy next door. Luke Bailey who—so help her God—she’s pretty sure she once shared baths with, back when they were kids. Not that she can allow herself to imagine him in a bath now, not without blushing from head to foot.

And judging by the smirk on his face, the same Luke Bailey who’s known exactly who she was the whole time… And who, like everyone in the village, still thinks she’s a high-flying New Yorker… who’s getting married next year.

Abby is certain getting under Luke will help her get over her ex. But the truth is stopping her. Can she admit to everyone back home that she’s single and has lost everything? Because, if she wants the boy next door, she may just have to…

I don’t know why it has taken me this long to discover the romantic comedy genre but I am here for all the rom-com books. The Rebound takes a woman in a really crappy situation and tells her story of picking herself up, reconnecting with her old life and finding love.

Abby was living the dream in New York with a great job and her fiance. Until she wasn’t. Her employment falls through, she loses her apartment and her fiance breaks off their engagement. Without many options, Abby reluctantly moves in with her sister while she figures out her next steps. Abby isn’t a fan of her hometown and doesn’t have the best relationship with her sister but they make things work, especially when there’s Luke.

I love Abby. Her humour, aspirations and how hard she crushes on Luke - I loved it all. She’s a stellar character who kept me entertained. Her character flaws made her relatable - coming from a small town myself, I understand her need for something more than her small town can provide. Topped with building back her life and getting a job and trying to decipher her feelings for Luke, Abby is going through a lot but handles it with grace (and a lot of witty humour).

The evolution of Luke and Abby’s relationship was not a straight road - it was up and down, heading in the right diffraction before a misunderstanding became a road block. Luke was so lovable, as was Beth. I’d love to read more of Beth and I hope that The Rebound isn’t the end of her character.

Overall, this is my first Catherine Walsh book but it won’t be the last. This feel-good novel was a brilliant read and Abby’s journey of self-discovery was just as thrilling to read as her blooming relationship. The Rebound isn’t a book to be missed, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I have.

Book Review: What the Fang? by Stacey Kennedy

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What the Fang?
Undead Ever After #1

Author: Stacey Kennedy
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance 
Released: 01/25/2022
Review Source: Netgalley

Willa Farrington’s magic is broken. Shunned by her coven for failing to pass the Summer Solstice Rite, Willa escapes to the one place no witch belongs – Charleston, a city that belongs to vampires. Determined to embrace her new life, Willa opens Cauldron Boil Books, and unexpectedly finds some friends among the vampires…

Until one terrible night Willa ends up on the wrong side of a pair of fangs. Thankfully, her captor’s plan is ruined when Killian Constantine, the drop-dead gorgeous Warden of Charleston, shows up to save her. But just when Willa thinks she’s safe, Killian, rumored to be the most feared vampire in the city, furiously demands to know why she – a witch – telepathically called him for help.

Intent on finding answers, the two embark on a journey to unravel the mystery behind Willa’s attack and their unusual connection. As they get closer to the truth, the fiery passion between them ignites. But their forbidden romance isn’t making them many friends, and just as Willa starts to think that her entire existence is a lie, deadlier forces come out of the shadows. She will need to believe in her malfunctioning magic, trust bloodthirsty vampires, and cross her fingers that she and Killian make it out together… and that neither end up dead.

It has been so long since I read a paranormal fantasy book and What the Fang? is a great book which did not disappoint. With the illustrated book cover and title I expected a rom-com but it was actually a light-hearted romance which I really enjoyed.

What the Fang? Introduces us to Willa Farrington - a witch without magic, shunned by her coven and living in vampire territory. She’s looking for a quiet life, selling books and making memories with her friends but getting attacked and finding herself saved by Killian, the Warden of Charleston, throws a spanner in the works. As things escalate, Willa finds herself thrown into a world of vampires, long lost family members and a whole lot of magic.

I thought the world building started off great and Finnick and Gwen, Willa’s best friends, were great side characters who I hope we see more of. There was a nice amount of romance between Willa and Killian and I enjoyed their development from strangers to lovers. I did, however, feel like everything was wrapped up nicely and I was quite shocked to see there was a second instalment. I feel as if there should have been more conflict to carry over to justify the second book.

Overall, Kennedy did a great job with What the Fang? It was a nice, quick read which I enjoyed and I look forward to exploring more of the author’s novels. If you like paranormal romances with fast developing romance, this book is for you.