Review - The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1) by Erika Johansen

Title: The Queen of the Tearling

Author: Erika Joansen

Series: 1st

Pages: 448

Published: July 8th 2014 by Harper 

ISBN: 9780062290366

Source: Publisher for Arranged Tour

 

Description: On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown. Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust. But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend…if she can survive. 

I Give This ...

When I first agreed to be part of this tour, I had no idea that hype that already surrounded it.  I'm not one to follow books that have 7 figure movie right deals before they are even published.  That's a lot riding on this little book (and I'm not referring to it's page length).    I'm honestly glad that I didn't know all that because I think I was able to enjoy this book for what it was, and interesting mix of genres that I finished in 3 days flat.

Princess Kelsea is one of the most interesting characters I've ever been introduced to.  She's been raised to be Queen, taught in all matters that she may need to rule her kingdom.  Sadly, I think her education is slightly skewed to one couples opinions and majorly lacking in details.  How is she suppose to rule a kingdom with no prior knowledge of its inhabitants, trades, costumes, etc.  For awhile this really bugged me because I felt that Kelsea wasn't given the adequate tools to move forward.  Did no one expect her to live long enough to actually rule?

I found the world building interesting.  It's very easy to misread this and think this is a fantasy set in medevil times, and I think some discrepancies in that might cause people to become frustrated.  It's actually set way in the future, but society had reverted back to a medevil state, so there are some modern terminology.  I really enjoyed that mashup, although I wish it was explained more how the world came to this state.  The book occasionally takes about the landing, a new world, and old Europe, and old America but I'm not sure when some events take place relative to the events in the book.  And I would really like to know were this world is compared to the world we know now.

I loved some of the secondary characters.  Mace is the Chief of the Guard and he's kind of a mystery at this point.  These men have sworn their allegiance to the Queen, but really to Kelsea.  I think at first Mace especially didn't take Kelsea seriously.  But then again, she hadn't done anything to prove she was worthy of wearing the crown.  Mace is still hiding a lot from Kelsea though, and I'm not sure why he's allegiance includes not telling Kelsea anything about her mother.   I also really enjoyed The Fetch.  He's character is even more mysterious than Mace's but there's something fascinating about him.    I'm curious as to who is and what his role will be in this story.

I'm not so certain our villain is the Red Queen.  Sure she's ruthless and has a death grip on her kingdom and the neighboring ones.  But, I don't think she's the one in complete control.  I also find it strange that she has no name.  It makes me wonder if anybody outside her castle walls have seen her face.  There's also a whole lot of magic at work there, that the full picture hasn't come into focus yet.

I was truly drawn in to this story.  It was fast paced enough that I blew through it.  Kelsea has a lot to prove in a short amount of time and I enjoyed her ride to get there.  I'm looking forward to the rest of this series and what might come of a movie deal.

Review - Four Seconds to Lose (Ten Tiny Breaths #3) by K.A. Tucker

Title: Four Seconds to Lose

Author: K.A. Tucker

Series: 3rd (Ten Tiny Breaths, One Tiny Lie)

Pages: 400
Published: April 1st 2014 by Atria Books

ISBN: 9781476740492

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine-year-old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that. Twenty-two-year-old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her can't get distracted by romance. Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, and that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

 I Give This ...

I'm invested in this series.  I've loved every character we've met so far.  I was particularly curious about Cain.  What led him to life he's chosen?  I had a feeling his history was sad, and I was right.

Cain has made it his mission to save women who have fallen on hard times.  And what better way to find those women than by owning a strip club?   Women who work in this business are in need of the fast cash.  Cain wants to me the one to set them up for future success.  He keeps them out of drugs, away from abusive boyfriends, and basically helps them see the woman they are meant to be.  He's trying hard to earn redemption for the two women he wasn't able to protect, his sister and Penny.

I wasn't sure what to think of Charlie for a long time.  I wasn't sure if she was completely naive or really was in so deep there was no way out.  It just didn't sit well with me that it took so long for her to see her stepdad for who he really was.  But, then again, being that close to that type of person and seeing what he is truly capable of had to be frightening.  I found it interesting that she thought she could keep this other world hidden from Cain especially.  She picked his club because it seemed "safer" in many ways, but in all reality it brought everything to a head.

All three books have different tones so far.  This one is far grittier and darker.  Cain's past is not pretty and he's willing to go the distance to protect Charlie, something that makes me deeply curious how Charlie would react if she knew the truth.   And while Charlie has a lot of guilt for what she is doing...her answer was to save enough money to run and hide.  Forget taking dear old daddy down, it's every women for herself.

There's a lot of sexual tension (and sex) in this story, and not only between Charlie and Cain.  It seems Cain has some intense desires and interesting ways to satisfy those needs.  But, I think it's a way of staying detached and lets him not care.  Plus, there's just a lot of verbal comments.  I never felt like it was too over the top though.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.  I love series that are connected but focus on different characters!

Review - Torn (Torn #1) by K.A. Robinson

Title: Torn

Author: K.A. Robinson

Series: 1st

Pages: 268

Published: September 3rd 2013 by Atria Books

ISBN:  9781476752136

Source:  Publisher via Netgaller
 

Description: Chloe hasn't had the best life. With a mother who is gone more often than not, she has had to raise herself. After graduating high school, she leaves to start a new life away at West Virginia University with her best friends Amber and Logan, determined to leave her demons in the past.  On her first day, she meets a stranger who takes her breath away at first sight. Until she met Drake, no one had ever sparked her interest. Now this tattooed and pierced bad boy is all she can think about, no matter how hard she fights it. Falling for Drake was never part of her plans, but when it happens, things seem to do anything but fall into place. Dealing with a tragic past, Drake has never cared about anyone else but himself and his band. But when Chloe takes the empty seat next to him in class, things start to change. Instantly drawn to her, he begins to wonder if one girl can take a cold hearted womanizer and change every part of him?


I Give This ...

Hmm...This book really wasn't what I was expecting.  Then again, I wasn't sure what genre it fit into.  Although, it didn't take long before I realized that this fits solidly into the new adult genre.  It's a niche that I enjoy.  

I liked Chloe for the most part.  I can't imagine the life she's had to live up until the time she met Amber.  Her mom is a complete wreck and causes Chloe a lot of pain.   It's amazing that Amber's parents are able to recognize all Chloe has to offer and have the means to take in a teenager with that kind of background.  But, as much as Chloe tries to live without the shadow of her past, she makes a lot of mistakes trying to prove she isn't her mother.

I found it interesting how oblivious she is to Logan's true feelings.  If everyone else knew how he felt, I imagine he's jealous tendencies had reared their ugly head before.  I had to admire his loyalty to Chloe, he stuck by her no matter what.  He hoped that one day she would see him as he saw her.  But, I found some of his controlling ways a little overbearing.  Chloe needed to make her own mistakes with our him hovering over her.

I loved Drake, but not because I have a thing for the bad boys.  I think he was trying hard to live up to the reputation he had created for himself.  By behaving the way he did, he kept anybody from getting close to him.  But, Chloe got to him and he had a hard time putting up those walls he had worked so hard to build.   

I know lots of readers loved Logan, but I felt like the relationship was forced.  I never though Chloe had true feelings for him.  She entered the relationship because everyone felt like she should, that Logan was the perfect match.  I don't condone cheating, but it was inevitable int his situation.

I'll have to seek out the next one.  I'm curious what chaos can come next!

Review - A Study in Silks (The Baskerville Affair #1) by Emma Jane Holloway

Title: A Study in Silks

Author: Emma Jane Holloway

Series: 1st

Pages: 531

Published: September 24th 2013 by Del Rey 

ISBN: 9780345537188

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Evelina Cooper, niece of Sherlock Holmes, is ready for her first London Season - except for a murderer, missing automatons, a sorcerer, and a talking mouse. In a Victorian era ruled by a ruthless steam baron council, mechanical power is the real monarch, and sorcery the demon enemy of the empire. Evelina has secretly mastered a coveted weapon - magic that can run machines. Should she trust the handsome, clever rake who speeds her breath, or the dashing trick rider who would dare anything she would ask? 

I Give This ...

I knew this one was a risk for me.  I don't have the best track record when it comes to steampunk.  But the cover and description caught me eye and I admit I was curious at how Sherlock Holmes might play into this.  

I really liked Evelina.  She has an extremely unique history.  Her mother was aristocratic but feel in love with a commoner.  She was raised in the circus.  Her grandmother brings her back into society upon her mother's death.  I love that she acknowledges that she really has no place among them but it doesn't seem to bother her at all.   The only thing really seems to bother her is not being able to fully participate in The Season along side her best friend.  Plus, she is a women with a brain.  Something that was frowned upon in this day.

It doesn't take long for our story to develop.  One of the servants is murdered in the parlor room of her best friends house.  Evelina is quickly brought to the scene because she's developed a reputation among the household as someone who knows exactly what to do.  But, this case might be to much for Evelina.  There are more people involved that she could ever imagine.  Even her famous Uncle Sherlock is pulled into the case.  Between the two of them, they manage to unlock most of the secrets hidden behind many doors.

Evelina must decide who to trust and who might be hiding things.  In the end, she must also decide if she wants to divulge the secrets of the family she has come to love.  An interesting blend of magic, steampunk, and historical fiction.  I enjoyed the characters immensely.  But, I found the story could be confusing.  Or course in case this big, there are many players.  But, I had a hard time keeping track of who was who.  The steampunk elements were ok, and not overly distracting to the storyline.  My biggest complaint was that the story really dragged in places.  And with a book at 500+ pages, that's probably not a good thing.  I found myself skimming passages and the then rereading certain details.

I make a case by case decision on whether to read the next book in the series when I give a 3 rating.   This time around, I want to know more about our characters.  Evelina and Sherlock are great.  Plus, there's an interesting love triangle building here.

Review - One Tiny Lie (Ten Tiny Breaths #2) by K.A. Tucker

Title: One Tiny Lie

Author: K.A. Tucker

Series: 2nd (Ten Tiny Breaths)

Pages: 336

Published: June 11th 2013 by Atria Books 

ISBN:  9781476740485

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description: Livie has always been the stable one of the two Cleary sisters, handling her parents' tragic death and Kacey's self-destructive phase with strength and maturity. But underneath that exterior is a little girl hanging onto the last words her father ever spoke to her. “Make me proud,” he had said. She promised she would...and she’s done her best over the past seven years with every choice, with every word, with every action. Livie walks into Princeton with a solid plan, and she’s dead set on delivering on it: Rock her classes, set herself up for medical school, and meet a good, respectable guy that she’s going to someday marry. What isn’t part of her plan are Jell-O shots, a lovable, party animal roommate she can’t say ‘no’ to, and Ashton, the gorgeous captain of the men’s rowing team. Definitely him. He’s an arrogant ass who makes Livie’s usually non-existent temper flare and everything she doesn’t want in a guy. Worse, he’s best friends and roommates with Connor, who happens to fits Livie’s criteria perfectly. So why does she keep thinking about Ashton? As Livie finds herself facing mediocre grades, career aspirations she no longer thinks she can handle, and feelings for Ashton that she shouldn’t have, she’s forced to let go of her last promise to her father and, with it, the only identity that she knows.

 

I Give This ...

 

I loved the first book in this series and couldn't wait to open up this one.  First off, I did not think it was as good as Ten Tiny Breaths.  But, I was okay with that.  This book is about Livie. And while she is damaged, she's damaged in entirely different ways that Kacey.  

 

I was a little concerned the entire story was going to be about getting Livie laid.  It seemed to be the only idea everybody comes up with to get Livie to loosen up.  Up until this point Livie has lived with her head in the books with little time for friends and no time for dating.  She's going to live up to that promise she made her father no matter what it takes.  But take away sex aspect of the story and there was a story that I really identified with.  Livie goes to college and those free reigns are just hard for her to deal with.  I got it...completely.  It was hard for her to attend class when her roommate begged her to go out until all hours of the night.  And for a girl who barely had to crack a book in high school, college is different.  And she's wanted a certain future for so long, that it's hard to entertain the thought of something else.

 

I enjoyed the romantic aspect of the story as well.  First we have Connor, that perfect boy next door.  You know the one right?  You can picture your life together right down to the 2.5 children and house with the white picket fence.  Forget the sparks though.  I liked him and felt bad for him at the same time because you could tell that it just wasn't there.  And then there's Ashton.  Part of me really wanted to tell Livie to stay far far away from him.  He's that perpetual bad boy that every girl thinks they can fix.  But, it turns out that Ashton is way deeper than that.  I was not expecting the chaos beneath the surface.  He saw a kindred spirit in Livie and that scared the hell out of him.

 

I still think the psychiatrist guy is crazy, or maybe he's brilliant but completely nontraditional.  I love the brief glimpses we get of Kasey.  She's still exactly were she should be although its entertaining to see her pushing Livie into uncomfortable situations.  Just what a big sister should do right..within reason of course.  

 

I will follow this series of course.  I love the way the author has built up these characters and I want to see were they go from here!

Review - Ten Tiny Breaths (Ten Tiny Breaths #1) by K.A. Tucker

Title: Ten Tiny Breaths

Author: K.A. Tucker

Series: 1st

Pages: 262

Published: December 11th 2012 by Papoti Books

ISBN: B00B3VOU74

Source: Personal Copy

Description: Just breathe, Kacey. Ten tiny breaths. Seize them. Feel them. Love them.  Four years ago Kacey Cleary’s life imploded when her car was hit by a drunk driver, killing her parents, boyfriend, and best friend. Still haunted by memories of being trapped inside, holding her boyfriend’s lifeless hand and listening to her mother take her last breath, Kacey wants to leave her past behind. Armed with two bus tickets, twenty-year-old Kacey and her fifteen-year-old sister, Livie, escape Grand Rapids, Michigan, to start over in Miami. Struggling to make ends meet, Kacey needs to figure out how to get by. But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle anything—anything but her mysterious neighbor in apartment 1D.  Trent Emerson has smoldering blue eyes, deep dimples, and he perfectly skates that irresistible line between nice guy and bad boy. Hardened by her tragic past, Kacey is determined to keep everyone at a distance, but their mutual attraction is undeniable and Trent is determined to find a way into Kacey’s guarded heart—even if it means that an explosive secret could shatter both their worlds.

I Give This ...

Interestingly enough, this book never hit my radar even though several reviewers have loved it.  I think it was released in England first, then ebook formats, followed by a US release date later in the year.  So, it's no wonder that may have gotten lost in that.  It wasn't until it's sequel popped up for review that I even noticed it.  I'm so glad I found it.  This was one of those books.

First off, I hope this isn't heavily marketed as a teen book.   Because, I really feel its not.  Even though our main character is young, her experiences are not to be taken lightly.  That fateful car wreck that only Kasey survived has left her severely broken and damaged.  When we are first introduced to her, I thought maybe she had her life back together.  She puts on a great front.  She has to for the sake of her baby sister.  But, Kasey has never learned to properly deal with her feelings.  She make have given up the bad behaviors, and they are not pretty, but she's put up a wall.  I think she was just hoping to get Livie through school and have to college and then we would have seen the worst kind of scenario possible.  

Kasey doesn't form normal connections.  She doesn't think she needs anybody.  Plus, in her twisted mind, she thinks relationships aren't worth the hurt caused when they are taken away.  But, the people they meet in Miami open up her heart in ways she didn't think could be done every again.  From the bartender Storm and her adorable daughter Mia, to Trent.  They refuse to let her shut them out.  And I think that forces Kasey into positions she never wanted to be in.

I caught the twist in the story right before we were told.  It floored me.  At first I was afraid of how that was going to play out.  But, I'm so glad that it forced Kasey to get the help she really needed.  And it helped her acknowledge the fact that she could love again.  Ultimately the story was about forgiveness.  Kasey needed to forgive herself for surviving, and forgive the cause as well.

As I said earlier, I don't think this book is for young teens.  It deals with loss, despair, drugs, sex, and numerous other topics that I would want to discuss with a younger reader.   It's beautifully written though.  I felt every ounce of Kasey's pain.  I can't wait to read the next book One Tiny Lie.