Review of Royals by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Royals
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her to join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond. 

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself.

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Royals by Rachel Hawkins is a fun and fluffy read. This story has everything from cute princes, a snarky female lead, angst, and my favorite, all the swoons. Although the main character Daisy is forced to spend her summer in a new country and in the spotlight with royalty, I think she handles her situation very well. She is told what not to do, what to do, and is oftentimes forced to put on a show for society. I often felt like I was watching a 90s movie, where change is inevitable, but the female lead allows herself to rebel against society’s standards and be who she wants to be. 

I honestly felt sorry for Daisy throughout the book. She did not ask to be thrown into this world of royalty and proper etiquette. In one part of the book, her and her best friend had a whole trip planned out to meet their favorite author and I hated that her sister’s engagement to a prince ruins those plans. I had to grit my teeth because Daisy was forced to go with the flow and do what other people want. So not fair! But what I liked about Daisy is that even though she is forced to put on a show, she still puts her foot down when needed. She doesn’t allow herself to get lost in this royalty mess. 

Overall, I found Royals to a very quick and cute read. However, I felt like it was missing something–that spark that makes it different and “wows” me. I never felt that spark. I did, however, love the ending and I hope there is a lot more in store for Daisy and Miles. 

Note: Thank you to Penguin Random House’s First to Read program for providing me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All statements and opinions are my own.

Blog Tour: Review of Sky In the Deep by Adrienne Young

Title: Sky In the Deep
Author: Adrienne Young
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Release Date: April 24, 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

OND ELDR. BREATHE FIRE.

Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago.

Faced with her brother’s betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.

She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.

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You guys, I think I’m now a huge Vikings fanatic. Sky In the Deep is an action-packed novel that rapidly twists its audience into clan rivalry, familial disputes, and bloody fight scenes. From the very beginning, the main character, Eelyn, is blindsided by the vision of seeing her thought-to-be dead brother fighting against her own clansman. From there, the reader is pushed into a world of sharpened axes, the bitter chill of winter, and the journey that explores hope, love, and the stubborn traditions of different Viking clans. 

Sky In the Deep is more than brutal and bloody fight scenes. It’s a novel that explores the themes of honor, family, and sacrifice. The characters are thrown into complicated situations that make the characters over contemplate their traditions, beliefs, the meaning of family, and their hearts. This book is a constant page-turner (I finished the book in the matter of hours–I could not but it down) and will tug at your heartstrings. 

Overall, Sky In the Deep is a raw and gritty novel that will bite at your fingertips and nip at your heart. I love that this fantasy novel incorporated mystery, history, and a slow-burn romance. Eelyn is a fierce fighter physically and emotionally. Even though she is so bold and stubborn, I  was engrossed in her ability to allow herself to be open-minded to a new world that may change everything she believed in. 

About the Author

Adrienne Young is a born and bred Texan turned California girl. She is a foodie with a deep love of history and travel and a shameless addiction to coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her on her yoga mat, scouring antique fairs for old books, sipping wine over long dinners, or disappearing into her favorite art museums. She lives with her documentary filmmaker husband and their four little wildlings beneath the West Coast sun.

 

 

 

Note: Thank you to Wednesday Books for providing me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All statements and opinions are my own.

Friday Raves: Canterbury Road Co.’s Candles

FRIDAY RAVES is a feature on my blog, in which I “RAVE” about authors, book events, books, novelties, and/or other bookish announcements.

Hi guys! I haven’t done a Friday Raves in such a long time (it’s been almost a year…AHHHH).

But before April ends, I wanted to RAVE about my love for one of my favorite people in the world and her candle company, Canterbury Road Co. Shannon opened up her candle shop last year and since my first order, I have adored her candle blends and scents, her excellent customer service, and how much passion she puts into her work and creations. 

Pictured Above: Part of my personal Canterbury Road Co. candle collection

At the end of March, Shannon asked me if I wanted to be an April Rep for Canterbury Road Co. So, of course, my answer was “OMG….YASSS!” but internally I was freaking out because I don’t think I can do Shan’s candles justice. With every candle she creates, I am always blown away by her scent magic and the beautiful labels.  So without further ado, below please find a few of my latest pictures of Canterbury Road Co.’s April candles.

If you are interested in purchasing any of these candles, you can visit Canterbury Road Co. HERE, or click on the picture of the candle and it will link you to that specific candle. And please feel free to use my April Rep Code–  CASS17 — and you can save 17% on any candle order. 

I love Shannon’s “Currently Reading” line. Currently Reading: Spring Edition smells just like a coffee mocha with a hint of cherry flavoring. I LOVE IT!

I have burning this candle non-stop since I bought it. It smells so fresh. It’s the perfect candle to burn while reading on a rainy day.

I don’t like to pick favorites, but One More Chapter: Fantasy Edition is by far my favorite April candle. The candle smells sweet and smoky. It reminds me of trips the Renaissance Festival.

One More Chapter: Fairy Tale Edition smells so yummy. I can definetly smell the pumpkin and apples notes while burning it. 

Do you own any Canterbury Road Co. candles? And if so, which ones? I would love to fangirl with you about them. 

Blog Tour: Raving Review of TINFOIL HEART by Daisy Prescott

Hi, everyone, welcome to my Blog Tour stop for TINFOIL HEART by Daisy Prescott. Tinfoil Heart is a Romantic Comedy, standalone title. 

Book Description:

A new romantic comedy about love, letting go, and little green men from USA Today Bestselling author Daisy Prescott.

My father was abducted by aliens.

Or so I believed for the last eighteen years.

After my mother’s death, I moved to Roswell, capital of all things alien. I’m going to find out the truth and nothing will stop me . . . except Boone Santos.

Compared to the intergalactic tinfoil hat brigade, he’s a god amongst mere mortals. Too handsome for his own good (and mine), with a grumpy arrogance, and the most beautiful smile ever—he smashes my plan to pieces like a UFO crashing into the desert.

I need a tinfoil hat for my heart.

Do I believe in aliens? I’m not sure.

What do I believe? I’m not going to fall in love with Boone. Definitely not . . .

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

Purchase Now

Amazon US | iBooks | Kobo | Nook

Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

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Tinfoil Heart is strange and funny and swoony. This romantic-comedy is filled with conspiracy theories, a dash of skepticism but a hint of supernatural for true believers, a mysterious, green-eyed love interest named Boone, amazing girl friendships, and so many laugh-out-loud moments.

I adored the main character Lucy. She is sarcastic, prefers her dresses and cardigans to have pockets, and she often talks to herself out loud when she thinks no one is listening. What comes with her feelings of past abandonment turns her world into a search of closure and finding love. There is this great connection between Lucy and Boone that builds off their awkwardness and their adorable flirting. The romantic gestures and witty banter are so swoony and sexy.

Overall, I adored Tinfoil Heart. Set around the notorious Roswell, and filled with conspiracy theories, this story allows Lucy and and Boone to build a relationship that is out of this world. One of favorite parts of the book was the multiple epilogues, which were set up like a “choose your own adventure” ending. And in the end, I was satisfied with both options.

Enter the Release Giveaway!

TINFOIL NEW RELEASE GIVEAWAY

———————–

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

USA Today Bestselling Author Daisy Prescott writes romantic comedies about real love.

Her Modern Love Stories feature characters in their thirties and forties finding and rediscovering love in unexpected and humorous ways. Her Wingmen books star regular guys who often have beards, drive trucks, and love deeply once they fall. Daisy’s Love with Altitude latest small town, rom com series is set in Aspen, Colorado. Bewitched is a magical serial set in Salem, Massachusetts. Don’t miss her standalone, Tinfoil Heart, a rom com about love, letting go, and little green men.

 

AUTHOR LINKS:
Website | Twitter| Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter

 

Waiting on Wednesday: These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that highlights pre-publication/upcoming releases that readers cannot wait to get their hands on. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: These Rebel Waves
Author: Sara Raasch
Publication date: August 7, 2018
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical

Synopsis

Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace. 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Release Day Blitz: TINFOIL HEART by Daisy Prescott

Today we are sharing the release of TINFOIL HEART by Daisy Prescott. Tinfoil Heart is a Romantic Comedy, standalone title. Check out the buy links below and a chance to win a signed paperback and a Tinfoil Heart box of fun!

Purchase Now

Amazon US | iBooks | Kobo | Nook

Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

 

Follow Daisy’s newsletter for exclusive news and giveaways!

Tinfoil Heart by Daisy Prescott
Now Available!

BOOK BLURB:

A new romantic comedy about love, letting go, and little green men from USA Today Bestselling author Daisy Prescott.

My father was abducted by aliens.

Or so I believed for the last eighteen years.

After my mother’s death, I moved to Roswell, capital of all things alien. I’m going to find out the truth and nothing will stop me . . . except Boone Santos.

Compared to the intergalactic tinfoil hat brigade, he’s a god amongst mere mortals. Too handsome for his own good (and mine), with a grumpy arrogance, and the most beautiful smile ever—he smashes my plan to pieces like a UFO crashing into the desert.

I need a tinfoil hat for my heart.

Do I believe in aliens? I’m not sure.

What do I believe? I’m not going to fall in love with Boone. Definitely not . . .

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

Purchase Now

Amazon US | iBooks | Kobo | Nook

Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Enter the Release Giveaway!

———-

TINFOIL NEW RELEASE GIVEAWAY

———————–

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

USA Today Bestselling Author Daisy Prescott writes romantic comedies about real love.

Her Modern Love Stories feature characters in their thirties and forties finding and rediscovering love in unexpected and humorous ways. Her Wingmen books star regular guys who often have beards, drive trucks, and love deeply once they fall. Daisy’s Love with Altitude latest small town, rom com series is set in Aspen, Colorado. Bewitched is a magical serial set in Salem, Massachusetts. Don’t miss her standalone, Tinfoil Heart, a rom com about love, letting go, and little green men.

AUTHOR LINKS:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Frequently Used Words In Book Titles

Formerly hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

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This week’s topic is…

Frequently Used Words In ____________ Titles

But, instead, I am changing up the topic and focusing on one particular word that is often used in Fantasy titles and that is “QUEEN”

(CLICK ON THE BOOK COVER TO BE LINKED TO ITS GOODREADS’ PAGE)

What are some words you often see in book titles?

If It’s Not a Rant, It’s a Rave: Review of Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne

Title: Brightly Burning
Author: Alexa Donne
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Retelling, Science Fiction

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Stella Ainsley wants just one thing: to go somewhere—anywhere—else. Her home is a floundering spaceship that offers few prospects, having been orbiting an ice-encased Earth for two hundred years. When a private ship hires her as a governess, Stella jumps at the chance. The captain of the Rochester, nineteen-year-old Hugo Fairfax, is notorious throughout the fleet for being a moody recluse and a drunk. But with Stella he’s kind.

But the Rochester harbors secrets: Stella is certain someone is trying to kill Hugo, and the more she discovers, the more questions she has about his role in a conspiracy threatening the fleet

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If we have ever discussed favorite books together, you probably know that Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is my all-time favorite book. I love the Gothic elements, the brooding Mr. Rochester, and Jane’s fierceness. But most of all, I adore Jane because she is bold, a fighter, and holds a firm ground in her beliefs. So when I found out that Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne was a sci-fi retelling of my favorite classic, I was on a mission to read this book as quickly as I could.

Brightly Burning parallels with many elements found in Jane Eyre, and although this Jane Eyre-retelling in space plays true to the classic, it also holds up on its own as a great book. The main character Stella, an orphan like Jane, is smart, determined, and hardworking. She has no family and she’s not rich, but she does have so much potential to prove that she is great at her job, and you know what, she deserves a good life.

And Hugo, Stella’s new boss and our very own re-imagining of Mr. Rochester, is a teenage boy that is bombarded by so many “adulting” responsibilities. Hugo is far from perfect, and he knows it, but when he and Stella cross paths and fall into a routine of sharing personal thoughts and their love for books, I was swooning so hard. SO HARD! Does Hugo always make the right decisions? No. Do these decisions have consequences that go awry? Yes. But I will tell you, each and every plot twist in this book will have you spinning and on the edge of your seat. And trust me this wild ride is worth it.  

Like its classic counterpart, Brightly Burning is littered with secrets that unfold just in time to a make mess out of all the characters’ lives. Stella is so straightforward and honest that it is hard for her to not react to the chaos that is thrown into her life when she works aboard Hugo’s spacecraft the Rochester. Add in the humanity’s destruction of Earth from hundreds of years ago and living on ships floating in space, and you too will feel the madness that comes with cabin fever, terrifying room fires, jealousy,  and creepy laughs echoing in the hallway. 

Even if you are not familiar with Jane Eyre, but you love adventurous romantic stories and you enjoy novels that are set in space, definitely give Brightly Burning a read. The characters are sassy and snarky and so darn lovable. The futuristic feel and living on spaceships adds that dark and lost feeling that is often depicted in Gothic novels, and works perfectly for this retelling. 

Note: Thank you to HMH Teen for providing me a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All statements and opinions are my own.

Waiting On Wednesday: Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that highlights pre-publication/upcoming releases that readers cannot wait to get their hands on. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: Sawkill Girls
Author: Claire Legrand
Publication date: October 16, 2018
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis

Beware of the woods and the dark, dank deep.

He’ll follow you home, and he won’t let you sleep.

Who are the Sawkill Girls?

Marion: the new girl. Awkward and plain, steady and dependable. Weighed down by tragedy and hungry for love she’s sure she’ll never find.

Zoey: the pariah. Luckless and lonely, hurting but hiding it. Aching with grief and dreaming of vanished girls. Maybe she’s broken—or maybe everyone else is.

Val: the queen bee. Gorgeous and privileged, ruthless and regal. Words like silk and eyes like knives, a heart made of secrets and a mouth full of lies.

Their stories come together on the island of Sawkill Rock, where gleaming horses graze in rolling pastures and cold waves crash against black cliffs. Where kids whisper the legend of an insidious monster at parties and around campfires.

Where girls have been disappearing for decades, stolen away by a ravenous evil no one has dared to fight… until now.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Recently Added to My TBR

Formerly hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

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This week’s topic is…A FREEBIE

 Books I Recently Added to My TBR

(CLICK ON THE BOOK COVER TO BE LINKED TO ITS GOODREADS’ PAGE)

What are some books you have recently added to your TBR?