The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse—Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends—one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena—Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

I watched the movie that was made based on this book and found it interesting but dumb like most movies based on books. Every person that I spoke to told me to read the book because they said that it was so much better than the movie and that that movie royally screwed everything up. I had forgotten about it until recently when I was talking to people about what books they would recommend to me. When they found out that I love the Harry Potter books, they said that I would like The Lightning Thief.  It always worries me when a book is hyped up like this one is because I go into it with high expectations.

I am happy to say that I did end up enjoying The Lightning Thief. It was a fun adventure that made the 4 hour flight I was on while reading it fly by. I don't normally read many middle grade books because the maturity level is fairly low and it can be hard to want to keep reading but I found this book easy to follow along with. It was clear that it was for a younger audience and many things that happened in the book were predictable but I still found the book to be a thrill-ride.  It was fast paced and there was never a dull moment. In fact, I would have liked for there to be less things happening because it felt like every page of the book there was another battle to fight. I thought that the characters were likable especially Grover. He added some much needed comedic relief to a tense story line. He actually reminded of Ron from Harry Potter albeit more of a worried, scared version. It was also interesting and refreshing that Percy's mother was included in the book and that she was a clever independent woman. I feel that parents that are included in these types of stories can be dumb or harsh and not prominent within the book. I thought that was a nice touch that Rick Riordan included her and that she was a change from the norm. Overall, I am glad that I read this book and would recommend it for anyone looking for an entertaining, easy read or a clean exciting book for their children to read!

What He Always Knew by Kandi Steiner

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:

Left or right.

It’s that simple, and it isn’t simple at all.

If I turn left, the road will lead me back to the man I promised my life to, the one I’d imagined building a family with, the one who’s done everything in his power to get me back.

If I turn right, the road will take me to the man I loved first, the man who brought me back to life, the man who would do anything to keep me.

I knew the fork in the road was inevitable; it was the decision I never wanted to make between choices I didn't know I had.

And I love them both.

My heart is destined to exist in two equal halves — one with each man. But one half beats stronger, the vein running deepest, and holds my choice in silence long before I know it for myself.

The realization of what I have to do, of the heart I have to break, just might break mine too.

Left or right.

All I have to do is take a breath and turn. 

Read Today!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2GNRSO1 
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2IHnN3p
Add to Goodreads: bit.ly/WHAKGoodreads

Start the Series, today!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2HwSJC8
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2FEFeUo

Add to Goodreads: bit.ly/WHDKGoodreads

*This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review*

Kandi Steiner began part 2 right where she left off in the first book. If you thought the anguish and angst were extreme in What He  then you'll have another thing coming with this book.

No one is left unscathed as Charlie draws closer to making her decision between the two men whose hearts she has stolen. Hidden truths are revealed that you may not see coming. They will have you second guessing which man you think should win the race for Charlie's heart. I know that my views changed while I read What He Always Knew. I came to love both of the men in different ways just as Charlie did. Each of their strengths and flaws were laid bare. I still favored one man over the other and I will admit to being upset when it was revealed who she chose in the end. However, Kandi Steiner managed to pull this off and my issue was quickly set aside. Her explanations made sense to me and made me take the side of the man that she chose. Once again, I loved the emotions that the author was able to evoke through the writing, the characters, and the story. It was beautifully written as only Kandi Steiner can accomplish. Her voice through her work truly astounds me!

About the Author:
Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer.
Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the
principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her“freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always
been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).
When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order.

Connect with the Author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KandiSteiner/
Twitter: @KandiSteiner
Stay up to date with Kandi by signing up for her newsletter here:  https://goo.gl/TLsut8
Website: http://kandisteiner.com

Risen (Blood Eternal #1) by Cole Gibsen

🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:
Fans of Vampire Diaries and Twilight will be thirsting for this latest vampire addiction…

My aunt has been kidnapped by vampires, and it’s up to me to save her. Only…I had no idea vampires existed. None. Nada. I’m more of a reader than a fighter, and even though I’d been wishing to escape my boring existence in the middle of nowhere, I’d give anything to have it back now if it meant my aunt was safe. 

Then there’s the vampire Sebastian, who seems slightly nicer than most of the bloodsuckers I’ve run into so far. Yes, he’s the hottest being I’ve ever come across, but there’s no way I can trust him. He swears he’s helping me get answers, but there’s more to his story. Now I’m a key pawn in a raging vampire war, and I need to pick the right ally.

But my chances of surviving this war are slim at best, when the side I choose might be the one that wants me dead the most.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34921584-risen 

Excerpt from Risen:

“Don’t say it like that, Charlie. I wanted to protect you.” She tugs on the edge of my cardigan, pulling me toward her. “I love you. You’re the most important thing in my life, do you understand?” 

There’s a desperation in her eyes that tightens my throat. Swallowing hard, I nod.

She lets go of me with a sigh. “Maybe I took it too far.” She sweeps her dreadlocks over her shoulder and twists them tightly. “All I’ve ever wanted was to keep you safe.” 

Safe. The world spirals, cold and slippery, down my spine. “What are you so afraid of?”

She opens her mouth only to shut it again.

Jax growls.

We turn as he claws at the door.

“The only thing there is to be afraid of,” she whispers. “The monsters.”

*This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

There are similarities between Risen and other vampire novels I have read but this book still managed have a few differences to set itself apart from the others. There were still flaws with this book but I feel that they were overshadowed by some of the good things about this story. 
I didn't care for the insta-love but was able to look past it because it wasn't as in your face as is the case with some books. The main characters are not professing their love for each other throughout the story. It was more like them vowing to protect and save each other because they caught feelings. 
The plot was simple but direct in its approach. It was not a complex story but I did enjoy that Charlie was not a part of some prophecy which tends to be the case lately. The other characters have their own theories about her background but none of them know anything for sure about her. This made her a mystery that was both frustrating and intriguing. I wanted to know more about her so I waited for the author to hand out clues about her past so that I could try to piece it together. 
I also enjoyed the world building within the vampire world. This book is set in modern day with the majority of humans having no idea that vampires exist. I thought that the different factions of vampires was a nice touch to the story which provided the reader with information on the division between them all and why their is a war going on between them. and how they had different beliefs as to what should be done with humans and vampires alike. I found the characters interesting but I'm not sure if I like the way that things are unfolding with Charlies family. I would definitely read the next book in the series just so i can know what is going to happen with Charlie and her companions. 

About the Author:  Growing up, Cole Gibsen couldn't decide what she loved more--dogs or books. So she decided to devote her life to both! Dog trainer (wrangler) by day and author by night, she's the author of over ten books with more on the way. 

Author Links:

Author Website: www.ColeGibsen.com

Author Twitter: Twitter.com/colegibsen

Author Facebook: Facebook.com/colegibsen

Author Goodreads: goodreads.com/colegibsen

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colegibsen/

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:
The queen has returned.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world. 


Queen of Shadows is easily my favorite book of the series so far! This book was packed with action and betrayal from the beginning and it didn't let up for even a second! There were characters that surprised me and also shocking plot twists that I didn't see coming. Queen of Shadows put me on a roller coaster of emotion because there were times when I wanted to scream and others when I wanted to cry. 
Aelin is still a bada$$ that can kick butt with a hand tied behind her back. I loved the cleverness of the traps that she set for her enemies and how she was able to easily slide into her assassin self at will when she needed to. She begins to establish more of her court in this book which she already began with Rowan in the last book. I have to say that I like all of the editions that she has made in that regard. She also faces her enemies again and makes new ones as is her style. 
Arobynn is back in this book and is still such a smug little worm! He thinks that he can get away with anything as if he is king of the world. I really wanted someone to punch him in the face. I was satisfied with what happens with him in the book. Of course this means that Lysandra is in Queen of Shadows because she is never far from Arobynn's side. I had always disliked her so it surprised me how much I grew to love her as a character. She wasn't at all who I thought that she was. I felt guilty not liking her after I learned her backstory. 
I had a love/hate relationship with Chaol because he was such an idiot for the majority of this book. He believes that the blame for everything rests solely on Aelin's shoulders when she is just trying to right wrongs and defend herself and her kingdom. He seems to eventually wise up so I'm okay with him for now. I LOVED Dorian! (not in the beginning of the book) He finally grows some huevos and uses his power. He is turning out to be a bada$$ in his own right. I'm excited to see what will happen with him in the next book.  I'm so frustrated with the type of relationship that seems to be developing between Aelin and Rowan. I wanted them to be friends and soldiers in arms. I didn't need or want there to be more to it than that. It's not that I don't like Rowan but I feel that they are too similar and he is immortal. I'm coming around to it but it still bugs me a little. 
There were so many details and reveals to take in with this book. It was almost an information overload. Someone already revealed to me that everything that could possible so wrong does in the next book so I had that in the back of my mind while I was reading Queen of Shadows. I have already guessed the many things that could take a turn for the worse. I think that is why so many plans go well in this book. Sarah J. Maas wanted to give readers a satisfying book where things so well before ripping out hearts out in the next one. 

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas

🌟🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:

Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak―but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life―and her future―forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?

The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Timesbest-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish.

So, this is the third book in the Throne of Glass series. It has taken me a little while to get back into reading the series again after the second book because I haven't really been in a fantasy mood. This book was just as good as the previous two books although Heir of Fire is significantly longer. I would say carve out more time in your schedule if you are planning on reading this. 
Aelin/Celaena becomes even more awesome in Heir of Fire. In the previous book we see her researching magic and trying to figure out what the king is up to. In Heir of Fire, we already know a large portion of the King's plan but we also find out more of the evil he plans to unleash on the world. Celaena meets up with her aunt Maeve (She's an awesome relative that will help her right? Wrong!) in order to find out more about the Wyrdkeys and how to destroy them but she must first be worthy of entering Doranelle...enter Rowan. He is her trainer for all things magic and she can only enter Doranelle if he gives the okay. He was an interesting addition to the series. He was able to relate to Celaena due to having lost those close to him as well. I didn't really like him at first but he grew on me towards the end of the book. He was a bit gruff which is similar to how Celaena seems to be when she meets new people. I am hoping that nothing romantic happens between them because I enjoy the friendship that they have. I think that she needs more friends rather than more romantic entanglements. However, I see that Aedion is a very distant relative (So distant that they aren't really related) and I would not mind Celaena getting together with him. He was so awesome and such a fierce warrior! I think that they will be able to relate to each other on so many different levels when they meet up. Not to mention, that they already have history with each other and he remains loyal to her no matter what he hears about what she has done in the years that they have been apart. 
I'm not loving Dorian or Chaol anymore. I thought that Dorian might be redeemed for me after having magic in the last one because I thought that it would make him more invested in trying to better the world but that is not the case. He was so whiny in this book! Dorian complained about his friends not telling him things and not wanting magic. I think that he will be awesome in the next book after what happened between he and his father at the end of Heir of Fire. I'm really excited to see what becomes of him after that. Chaol on the other hand is invested in what is going on but not so invested that he can pick a side. He constantly says and thinks that he can remain on the outside while the lines are drawn in the side between the King and Celaena. Chaol also doesn't seem to truly love Celaena. Dorian says something in the book about not picking and choosing which parts of her to love and I believe that is right on the money with what Chaol is doing. I really hope that Celaena does not end up with either of them because neither of them are suited for her. 
Celaena grows and heals a ton over the course of this book. It is clear that the loss of her friend still pains her but it turns into a dull ache by the end. She begins the book by wishing that her life would end and thinking of herself as an assassin rather than a queen. She appears to have no interest in that title but I think that a huge purpose of this book was to help her grow into that title. I think that in order to beat the King at his own game it is important for her to take up her title and become the queen that she was meant to be. 
This book had a slow start but picked up speed as the story progressed. It was more focused on the character development and introducing new characters that will be key players in the war that will ultimately happen between the King and Celaena. I wasn't sure of the purpose of Manon's point of view besides hinting more about what the King has planned for the war that will take place. Her point of view was interesting but I'm not sure that it was necessary. It threw me off and it was clear that by the end of Crown of Midnight that the witches were going to find out that someone killed the Yellowlegs witch. 

Harley & Rose by Carmen Jenner

🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:
Ever since she was a little girl, thirty-year-old Rose dreamed of the day Harley would carry her across the threshold on their honeymoon. So what if this isn’t her actual wedding day, and that she’s only here because Harley was left at the altar just a few hours earlier?

Trading San Francisco for paradise and swapping her bridesmaid’s bouquet for a Blue Hawaii, Rose hopes she can finally escape the friend zone.

Once upon a time they had been more than friends, but life got in the way. She’s spent every day since wishing Harley would get a clue.

She’s always been his best friend.

He’s always been hers.

She’s in love with him.

He’s... not in love with her.

He’s... marrying someone else.

He’s... hiding something.

He’s... well—it’s complicated.

I kept seeing this book pop up everywhere and it had a good rating so I decided to read it. I thought that the book had an interesting plot at the beginning. I was intrigued by the concept of having a man who was left at the alter go on his honeymoon with his best friend who is in love with him. I could see how there could be heartache and angst. The book began interesting enough although it felt a bit repetitive with Rose having the same inner monologue of "this is a terrible situation for me but I have to help my friend". I thought that the sole focus of the book would be each of them coming to terms with their feelings over the course of the honeymoon but I was wrong. The book continues and switches from past to present with Rose being the main point of view. The pacing of the book felt off the entire way through after the honeymoon and I attribute part of that to her running hot and cold with Harley and vice versa. I don't feel like anything in this story was ever truly resolved. It had me feeling like I had emotional blue balls by the end because it teased at things so many times but nothing happens. There are so many things that don't add up for me like why Harley was getting married in the first place. 

Brighter Than the Sun (Cosmic Love #2) by Briana Pacheco

🌟🌟🌟🌓 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:
I loved love. Some might even say I was obsessed with it. I was the girl who had a fake wedding when I was six and subscribed to bridal magazines by sixteen. My happily ever was all I thought about.

So the fact that I had a crush on my brother’s best friend--a guy who notoriously doesn’t do relationships--was heartbreak in the making. I was forced to do the only thing I could--ignore my feelings and move on.

Years later, after countless failed relationships, my shy heart had slowly stepped away from its fanciful ideas of love. It was going smoothly until the guy who didn’t do relationships suddenly wanted to try having one…with me. It didn’t take long before I gave in. He was exactly how I imagined, and everything I'd dreamed about: goofy, smart, good with animals, and kind.

Still, my past break-ups were never far from my mind. I'd always crushed hard and fell fast, and no one ever caught me. But the more time we spent together, the more I started to see a future with him. And what’s shocking was that he saw the same thing as me.

He’s my forever.
I’m his.
This is our love story. 

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34621910-brighter-than-the-sun

*Received this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Brighter Than the Sun is still a solid book which is due to Briana Pacheco's ability to weave an amazing story. It may not be my new favorite of her books but it solidified its place in third place of the books I have read from her. 

I love Mackenzie but this book was hard for me to connect with. I think that it was because it has a different feel and tone to it than A Sky Full of Secrets and Let Her Go. There is a lot less angst and it seems to be a lighter story focused more on the love that develops between Blake and Mackenzie. It was too sweet for me and I found that I didn't really like Blake. I think that a lot of readers will find her to be sweet and likable but I couldn't connect with her. I would have liked someone more grounded and less in love with love. 

I loved any part of the book where I got to be in Mac's head. He had an interesting point of view that was refreshing and fun. I knew that I would feel that way because I have loved him since A Sky Full of Secrets. I'm not going to lie...I was secretly a little disappointed that he didn't end up with Luna but Phoenix is amazing. It was exciting to learn more about his home life growing up. I loved getting to meet his parents! His relationship with his father melted my heart and made me love Mackenzie more! I also loved seeing him interact with the animals at the shelter and the children at his job. 

Brighter Than the Sun will be 99c for release day only and is in Kindle Unlimited.

Buy Links:

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BC6D1KN

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BC6D1KN

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07BC6D1KN

CA:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07BC6D1KN

About Briana Pacheco:
Briana Pacheco is the author of New Adult novels (DON'T LET ME FALL, SOUNDS OF YESTERDAY, A SKY FULL OF SECRETS, and LET HER GO), a twin, a dreamer, a tattoo lover, easily swooned by accents, and a little bit of an extrovert but a whole lot of introvert.

She loves hearing from readers!

Email: brianapacheco1@gmail.com
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/BrianaPacheco/e/B00JVZ1SVK  
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BrianaPachecoAuthor
Twitter - https://twitter.com/BrianaPacheco20
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brianapacheco1/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/brianapacheco1/