January and February 2019 Wrap-Up

monthlywrapupdivider3Hello lovelies! I know this is LATE, but I’m trying to stay organized and keep track of all the books I finish reading this year. It’s actually been a while since I did a reading monthly wrap-up. The last was July. The month before my grandmother had a stroke and eventually went to rest in peace. To say that I’m much better now would be a lie. Her birthday was actually a few weeks ago, March 7. I still miss her every day and sometimes think she’s going to come out of her bedroom. I feel sad every now and then, but I just try to remember her smiling and laughing and all the good memories. I know I’m always going to miss her and that’s okay.

*Takes a long deep breath…

Alright, well I wasn’t planning on getting personal or emotional on this post, but I hope you understand.

Now, let’s get back to my January and February Monthly Wrap-Up!

Remember to click the book titles to read my reviews and view the posts. 

divider4januaryHonestly, with my vacation, being busy at work when I came back, and reading A LOT to catch up on my TBR, I don’t really remember much so it’s actually nice to go back and read my reviews.  Anyway, before I left for the Philippines, I was able to read 7 books, and DNF 1 so let’s take a look.

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THE SECRET TO DATING YOUR BEST FRIEND’S SISTER

by Meghan Quinn

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A Deliciously Charming, Wonderfully Witty, & Satisfyingly Entertaining Romance 

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I’ve promoted a few of Meghan Quinn’s books before and added some on my TBR. I don’t why it took me SO LONG to actually read one, but I absolutely loved this book and her writing so I can honestly say that Quinn just made it to My Favorite New to Me Authors 2019. This book was incredibly amusing, sexy, adorable, hilarious, and just really fun! Definitely an awesome book to start the new year.

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RUTHLESS KING (KINGS OF RITTENHOUSE #3)

by Maya Hughes

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A wonderful and emotionally affecting second chance romance

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Maya really knows how to reel you in and get you hooked! I’m completely addicted to this series and loved so many things about Ruthless King. The writing was easy to read and incredibly affecting, the pacing was great, and the plot had me glued to the pages the entire time. I enjoyed the tension, the drama, the humor, the romance, the friendships, the sweet and sexy moments and the heart-wrenching scenes that had me in tears.

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MATCH ME IF YOU CAN 

by Tiana Smith

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Deliciously Fun, Charmingly Entertaining and Wonderfully Addictive 

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Deliciously fun and wonderfully addictive, Match Me If You Can was an absolute delight to read and I savored every moment until the very last page. As a debut author, Tiana Smith proved that she knows how to bring on the FEELS and she did it amazingly. She created an adorably charming, funny, and sweet story that had me glued to the pages.

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REND (RIVEN #2)

by Roan Parrish

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Intriguing and emotional, but in the end just wasn’t my cup of tea. 2hearts

Rend was an intriguing and emotional story that I unfortunately and eventually found to be quite exhausting and not in the way I wanted. I really don’t like it when I have to DNF a book…especially a book that a lot of people seem to really love.

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THE FALLBACK

by Mariah Dietz

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Charming and fun with the perfect dose humor, heart and so much happy

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Overall, I had fun reading this book. Charmingly predictable, funny, and adorable, The Fallback left had the perfect dose of humor, heart and so much happy. Not only was it romantic, but also inspiring, affecting, and a wonderful story about LOVE — love between family and friends, love for what you do in life, love for the person you want to spend your life with, and most importantly love for yourself.

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THE GILDED WOLVES

by Roshani Chokshi

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Absolutely dazzling, breathtakingly gorgeous, and deliciously thrilling.

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I didn’t post my review for this book on my blog, so I’ll be linking the one from Goodreads. I also really want to reread this one again cause I remember really enjoying it, but now I can’t seem to remember certain details.

I loved The Star-Touched Queen and Chokshi’s writing style is simply beautiful so I was beyond excited when I won an ARC of The Gilded Wolves from Bookish First. I was really looking forward to having an epic adventure and this book did not disappoint. The pacing was good and I never felt bored. Even if some parts were kind of weird and a little bit confusing, I was still completely enthralled by everything! From the wildly captivating writing, mesmerizing world-building, action-packed plot, and rambunctious characters, this book undoubtedly charmed me. Chokshi created such a fascinatingly gorgeous world I never want to leave. It’s full of wonder, mystery, danger and magic and I just couldn’t get enough.

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TWO THOUSAND YEARS 

by M. Dalto

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An Addictive and Magically Entertaining Tale that Captured My Heart

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I’m over the moon in love with this book and had so much fun. Aside from some minor hiccups here and there, I thought Dalto created a uniquely alluring world, a thrilling adventure, and fantastic characters that not only captured my interest, but also my heart. Her writing style was effortlessly intriguing and engaging. The plot was fast-paced and delightfully entertaining. It had the perfect mix of suspense, action, drama, twists, and humor that had me relentlessly flipping through the pages.

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ONE DAY

by A.M. Salinger

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Sinfully Sweet, Sultry and Fun

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I thought this story was interesting and the characters were all likable. However, I just don’t think I’m that into the series to go back and read all the other books. Yes, it was sweet, steamy, funny, and heartwarming and I really liked the writing, but it was just missing something. I don’t know, maybe if I did read the other books first I would be more invested…maybe. That being said, I do like the characters and their relationships. I thought the couple pairings were adorable and I enjoyed the friendships. The plot felt a bit cluttered at times, but it was still entertaining. There was plenty of drama, but also some lighthearted moments that kept me reading.

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february

After coming back from my vacation, I was sick and super jetlagged. Good thing it was President’s Day weekend and I had a few days to rest up and recover. I didn’t read until I was back working and believe it or not… I actually managed to get through 5 books in 7 days. I guess you could say I was extremely motivated…THAT and I’m still trying to catch up and review all the ARCs and requests I have. My March was even better, but I’ll get to that on my March Wrap-Up Post. I still have this weekend to read and I’m hoping to finish 3 books so we will see…

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THE CRUSH COLLISION 

by Danielle Ellison

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minireviewDeliciously Adorable, Delightfully Swoony, and Wonderfully Affecting

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It’s been a while since I’ve read Entangled Teen Crush books and I’ve honestly really missed everything about these adorable stories. Okay, so they’re a bit predictable, mushy and cheesy, but in the best possible ways that will make you smile, laugh, feel young and giddy, and sometimes even cry. They’re delightful to read, entertaining, and wonderfully affecting. The Crush Collision was no exception and I fell in love with the story, the relationships, the characters and being back in Culler.

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DEAR ADAM 

by Kelsie Stelting

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Charming, Sweet, and Beautifully Affecting

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Dear Adam was an unputdownable story about friendship, honesty, self-discovery, and love. With plenty of adorably heartwarming scenes, light and fun moments, and a swoon worthy romance, this book had me smiling, laughing, and feeling all the wonderful FEELS. I highly recommend you add this delightfully entertaining book to your TBR!

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EMBER BURNING

by Jennifer Alsever

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 A Wickedly Mesmerizing, Utterly Thrilling, and Deliciously Twisted Tale  

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Alsever’s spellbindingly gorgeous writing style lured me in and never let go. It was wickedly mesmerizing, utterly thrilling and deliciously twisted and I was wonderfully entertained. I enjoyed the unique world-building, the mystery behind Trinity Forest, the supernatural elements, the intriguing characters, and the romance. This book without a doubt exceeded my expectations and I cannot recommend it enough.

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CHANCE

by Mark Feder

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An Oddly Fascinating and Thought-Provoking Coming of Age Story3hearts

This book was weirdly fascinating, occasional humorous, and quite entertaining. It was easy to read, the pacing was good, the characters were quirky and likable, and the plot was intriguing. However, I found myself having a difficult time connecting with the story and Jeremy. The writing style was decent, but some of the dialogue didn’t flow that well and there seemed to be a lot of “telling” rather than feeling and experiencing the story.

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HOLLYWOOD PRINCESS 

by Natasha Madison

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Deliciously Intoxicating and Absolutely Swoontastic 

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I finished this amazing and gorgeously written romance in less than 24 hours and it was such a delight and fantastic read. It’s the first book I’ve read by Madison and I’m already in love with her storytelling and cannot wait to read more! If you’re looking for a heart-pounding, deliciously intense, and steamy romance with plenty of playful bantering and swoony moments between a scorching hot alpha with a heart of gold and a feisty and lovable heroine, then you need to pick this book up right now. You will not regret it!

I just realized that I use “deliciously” A LOT in my reviews. I wonder if I’m always hungry when I’m writing… Whatevs now that I’m aware, it’s sort of bugging me, but I doubt I’ll stop using it haha. I love that word. 

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Well, that’s my January and February Wrap-up. Did you read any of these books? What did you think? Are any of these on your TBR? If not, are there any you’d add on your TBR? Let’s chat and leave me a comment down below.

Hope you lovelies have a beautiful and DELICIOUSLY fun and relaxing weekend!!

sincerelykjologo

ARC Review – From Breath and Ruin by Carrie Ann Ryan

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aboutbook

Published: March 19th 2019

Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy

Format: Kindle Edition 351 Pages

synopsis

In her YA debut, New York Times bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan dives into a world with magic and sacrifice with the Elements of Five.

Five hundred years ago, the Maison Realm was shattered, divided into warring kingdoms of elemental Wielders with fate and truth shadowed and uncertain. Now, factions of both the light and dark venture into the human realm in search of the prophesied Spirit Priestess who is said to Wield the Elements of Five and bring the two fractured kingdoms together.
Lyric has no idea that there’s a realm outside the human one she lives in. When fate and circumstances are pulled from her hands after an accident, and she finds out that nothing is at it seems.
There is a war surrounding her and when Lyric realizes that they are searching for her, she must rely on those she once trusted: a boy who isn’t who she thought, and a new realm of warriors who have come to protect her as she trains.
For the darkness is coming, and the Queen of Obscurité wants to ensure that the King of Lumière can’t get his hands on Lyric. And the only way to ensure that is if Lyric herself is no more…no matter the cost to prophecy.

purchaselinks

✦Amazon https://amzn.to/2CQOMda
✦Apple Books https://apple.co/2PyXmjb
✦B&N http://bit.ly/2CQma3Q
✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2ylrnN9
✦Google Play http://bit.ly/2EvwL5F
✦Amazon Paperback https://amzn.to/2q4vcBL

Audio (Read by Bailey Carr):

✦Audible https://adbl.co/2OjccxI
✦Amazon https://amzn.to/2A3fJrw
✦B&N http://bit.ly/2CQma3Q
✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2QLISgr
✦Downpour http://bit.ly/2EuUq6q

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seriessynopsis

One thousand years ago, there was one realm of magic. The Maison Realm. It held five kingdoms with five kings or queens, who worked together to keep the Maison people safe and ensure the balance of magic. Over the last five hundred years following the Fall, the great war that began the fracture, many of the kingdoms’ inhabitants intermated, and the magics soon became tied to one another in pairs. Except for the Spirit Wielders. The two remaining kingdoms are now converging, and the veil between the two is fading. Only the human realm lies between the two, and no one there knows there is a war surrounding them.

Over time, certain children of the Fall began to leave their respective kingdoms to venture into the human realm in search of the prophesied Spirit Priestess who is said to wield the Elements of Five and bring the two fractured kingdoms together. For the realms are dying without their sister magics. And soon, there will be no more power left to rule the kingdoms, for there will be no more kingdoms left to rule.

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A fun fantasy story about magic, friendship, love and destiny

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From Breath and Ruin by Carrie Ann Ryan was a fun adventure story about magic, mystery, friendship, destiny, and romance.

I enjoyed the beginning chapters and was expecting plenty of action, drama, suspense, and romance. However, I found myself having a difficult time getting sucked into the story. After that intriguing start, I just felt like the chapters that should have been thrilling were dragged out and some dialogues were just kind of awkward. I thought it took to long to find what the characters were looking for and there wasn’t enough build-up for me. It just felt kind of flat. That being said, there were some good action and a little mystery so that was kind of fun. I also really enjoyed the last few chapters and the final battle scene. I think that’s part of why I bumped up my rating to 3. Cause those moments were so intense, exciting, and had me holding my breath. I really wish the story was like that the entire time.

Another issue I had was with the heroine. I just could not connect with Lyric and was for the most part annoyed with her personality. She had so many inner monologues and repeated so much of her nightmares, fears, and insecurities that it became too distracting for me. I did think she had potential and I liked that she was brave, cared deeply and was incredibly determined. BUT, her character development was a big letdown for me. I really hope she does a lot of growing up in the next installment cause she could be really great.

As for the other characters, well I guess you could say I liked them enough. Rhodes was the kind of hero who will do anything to protect the person he loves. Braelynn was the ultimate best friend and I loved that she was kind, courageous, and supported Lyric. Emory was spiteful and downright cruel sometimes, but she played her part so well. Easton was a nice surprise. There’s something about him that was so intriguing and charming. I have my own predictions about him and I really hope I’m right.

What made me really enjoy this book was the world-building and the magical system. Even though there were quite a few hiccups, I still thought it was incredibly creative. The concept about the five elements, the different kingdoms, the power, the ongoing war, the lost hero, and the soulmate bond were really fun and interesting to read about. I’m definitely curious to learn more about this world and hopefully get a better picture of how everything works.

Overall, I thought this book was a decent start for a fantasy series. Even though I didn’t enjoy it as much as I expected, I still had some fun. I laughed a few times and I really did think that magical system was fascinating. Will I continue with the series? Maybe…maybe not. It’s not on my priority or anything, but there are some things I would like to know.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

authorlinks

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter | Instagram | Tumblr | Pinterest

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sincerelykjologo