Paper Princess - Erin Watt

When they said the Royals will destroy you, they really weren't joking...I feel..raw..after reading Paper Princess and cannot wait to read Broken Prince!! I NEED to know why Reed is the way he is and if he's gonna pull it together or lose Ella forever. Not that I think she should go back after what he's done - she would be better off never letting him back in again!! But, of course, I want them to work. He's so dysfunctional, as is the rest of the Royal family, but it's so... HOT!

Ella is AMAZING!! She's strong, independent, tenacious, and full of moxie even though her life has been utter shit up to this point. The poor girl could have let all her experiences break her and become one of the statistics, but not this Ella. No, she keeps on and doesn't let her goal of college and a better life than her past get away from her. I've realised how uncommon that is having been through some pretty brutal experiences myself, but Ella...she's something else entirely. A weaker character could never have pulled this off, so Erin Watt obviously has an amazing talent to be able to write such life-like characters that really pull you into their world....

All the Royals have their own...flaws..but Reed is the one to focus on. They've basically taken care of themselves, and each other, in the way rich kids do, but Reed is the leader of the pack, which we discover from the beginning... He's the one who makes the Royal decrees and takes care of anyone who doesn't follow them in and out of the house. Not only that, but he clearly wants Ella...so what's the problem?? That's what I hope to find out in the next novel...

Also, Easton might be one of my favorites. He's so funny and protective... Love him!!

There's so much more to the story than what you get in the first novel. Hopefully we get more answers in Broken Prince...I'm dying to know!

Highland Temptation - Jennifer Haymore

ARC received in exchange for honest review.

First, let me start out by saying this was the third book in Jennifer's Highlander series, which I didn't realise until I noticed there was a bit of information it seemed we should have, but didn't know.

Nevertheless, it was a great book!!! (I might be biased because I love all things Irish and Scottish, but maybe that makes me an expert? The jury is out on that one - and yes, I'm referring to myself on that one.) Definitely adult - very steamy at some points. Highlander love…what more could you ask for?

Not only is the romance aspect to die for, but then you have the heroine who needs her Highlander to rescue her a couple of times. He's just showing off the manliness now!! Seriously, though. Hot!

The whole time you obviously know they're meant to be together, but so many obstacles... From Emilia's father, to Colin's issue and her insecurities (due to her father), to her father...oh, and her father again. What an assbutt! But the two lovers are amazing together and bring out each other's strengths so perfectly.

The plot is pretty amazing and very well developed, as are the characters. I kinda love Aila a lot.. I'm going to have to read the series from the beginning to really get into the other character's lives. Definitely a book I could read again and again. 

Amber Smoke (The Escaped #1) - Kristin Cast

ARC received in exchange for honest review.

I remember Kristen Cast from the days of House of Night (set, like The Escaped, in my home state) and co-writing with her mother. Amber Smoke exceeded my expectations, which were high, mind you, due to my knowledge of her ability. This first novel of the series fully showcases her talent as a strong, independent writer and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. The twist on Greek mythology was refreshing and the modernity - intriguing. I'm impressed by the plot and the characters, which were complex and surprising at times. I fully expected Bridget to be a shallow character, but she actually has depth and is one of my favorites in the story, so I hope she stays in the series.

I love that there is a major mission for one of the main characters, yet several other subplots going on around that. Keeps it super interesting, while we discover whether or not Alek will be strong enough to save Tartarus. And that's another thing I loved....it's partially set in Tartarus instead of Olympus or something. It was different to read more about the underworld and how it's not all bad creatures there...

I really enjoyed this book and will be continuing on with the series. Would recommend!

Cursed - Sue Tingey (The Soulseer 2)

After reading Marked, I immediately went to order Cursed - such a great choice...

Cursed was amazing... You really see into Lucky's life and mind with the way Sue Tingey writes... These daemons are just like humans; no worse, no better. In fact, she could be writing of human society for all the aspects that she highlights. In some cases, humans are actually worse than the daemons. They care for and look after each other in ways that humans do not. She is truly a gifted writer. This series may have just moved to my top 5 favorites.

Lucky goes through so much transition in her quest to fit into this world that is now hers. She has trials that would break a lesser character and she manages to handle herself through it all. If I had a choice, I would definitely visit this world because it seems so interesting and real with these strange-to-us beings. They have such a different mindset on certain topics, while not being far different from us. 

This is a series I would recommend to pretty much anyone who's into fantasy and mythology. I got so into it that I had to stay up until I finished it. I couldn't put it down to go to sleep - I'm probably going to have to reread it. Hopefully the time between now and whenever Bound (book 3) is published goes quickly!!

Bury the Living - Jodi McIsaac

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.

I absolutely DEVOURED this book! It was an amazing read - so gripping I actually couldn't put it down until I was basically falling asleep.. McIsaac made Nora and the rest of the characters in the story come alive for me - I was cheering her on like I would any real person. I felt like I was right alongside her at times. She really makes you love the characters she brings to life for the novel. I was especially into it because it's one of my favorite topics - Irish history. I find the history so rich and interesting, the fairytale aspect is so enchanting, and for her to combine both the way she did was so appropriate for the time period in which it was set - like adding magic to the real world. Then to make one of the characters an actual person taken from a fairytale? Unreal..

It was in the same realm as Outlander and Exit Unicorns - being a historical fiction - and a good way to fill the gap between those. While I feel it should have been longer and more in depth, that's probably me being selfish because it didn't last nearly as long as I wanted it too. I wísh there had been more detail, though, because more of the history could have used explanation - especially for those who know nothing about the time period. I got really into it, but felt it moved along too fast in some instances. I truly cannot wait for the second installation of this series. I believe it could be as good as the other series I mentioned above. I truly hope the next one is longer and more detailed! She's an amazing author and this is going to be a classic series some day.