Crushed by Elise Faber {a review}

 It's release day for Crushed by Elise Faber!! If you know me, then you know how much I adore the Gold Hockey series. I have read each, and every, book. Not only that but I have fallen HARD for the characters. This found family is one of my absolute favorites. Gold Hockey will always have a place in my heart as it is just simply wonderful.

With Crushed being book 18, it makes me wonder how much longer Elise Faber will continue on with the team. We've already witnessed many retirements, and there is a big one looming. I also am curious as to how Elise will handle Brit's retirement. That's been alluded to a couple of times now in different stories, and I'm not ready for her to retire. Her story was the first!

Will and Lily's story was enjoyable. Yes there were tense moments, steamy moments, as well as plenty of laughter and tears. These two have known each other for so many years. After all it was when Lily was 12, and Will was 16, that this crush first developed. Will squashed it then, and is still trying to put his distance to this day. Yet having Lily live in the same city, work at the same place, and become friends with the same people, it's getting more difficult to ignore any attraction. Plus Will needs to work through the mental hurdles that he has when it comes to Lily. Yes, she was like a sister to him all those years ago, but she's grown up. Maybe it's time to look past what used to be, and look toward the future.

That third act breakup was a doozy. I knew a breakup was coming, I just wasn't sure how it would play out. Especially since a breakup had been thwarted previously. When all of it did play out though, I wanted to knock some sense into the character. Yes it was a protective measure. Yes they thought they were doing the right thing. But clearly they were not. Now the reunion? Perfection. The grand gesture? FABULOUS! 

I also loved that we started to get the lay of the land for the next book, Changed. You already know I'll be reading it. Heck I have it preordered! Lucas and Maddy's story will be filled with enemies to lovers, hate to love, frustration, and realization. I am here for it! Now to wait until the end of August to read it.

Real quick note about the underlying storyline in Crushed. If you read the news reports a couple of years ago about the US gymnastics team, and the doctor- something similar plays out within this book. You don't see any of it, or really hear any of it, but it is a big part of Lily's story. There is also mention of a character succumbing to self harm. I mention this, because if those topics are things you want to avoid, then this might not be the book for you. I will say that the self harm is a small part of a chapter, whereas the other part is an undercurrent throughout. 

Have you read any of the books in the Gold Hockey series? How about the Rush series? Breakers Hockey? I haven't read any of the Breakers hockey books, but they are on my kindle waiting for me.

Thank you for reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Thank you Elise Faber, and 1852 Media, for providing me with an advanced copy of Crushed.

Watching Trilogy by Bethany James {a review}

 During my time away from my blog, I read so many books. I pretty much owe you all a giant wrap up for all the books. Three of the books that I read were part of a trilogy by Bethany James. These books were recommended for people who enjoyed the Salacious Players Club by Sara Cate. 

When I started this trilogy I wasn't completely certain what to expect. The author had said that it was light on the drama, and heavy on the spice. So I kept that in mind. What the author didn't say is that there is virtually no plot to these novellas. If you're looking for a lot of spice, then pick up this trilogy.

The Watching Trilogy follows the relationship of Jack and Celia. They met at a coffee shop, and began a whirlwind romance from there. The first book, Watching, is very insta-lust. No I didn't mean insta-love, I said what I said. In this book is where we also meet Drew and Elle. They appear in all three books to various degrees. Jack is already friends with them, but Celia is just meeting them. It is quite the introduction too. 

Book two, Watched, shows our couple a few weeks later. A proposition has been made, there has been a revelation about an unknown connection, and the couple has to figure out how to move forward. Once again this book is heavy on the spice, and light on the plot. I actually wish there had been more plot in this one because of the bombshell revelation. I wanted more insight on that, and to see how the other person responded and/or communicated.

Book three, Watch, has Celia meeting Jack's family, visiting a club that is similar to SPC, and figuring out how to respond to that second proposition. It is at the club where they have an experience that Celia probably thought she'd never have. Upon returning home they deal with that proposition. Again, no real plot.

If you are looking for a trilogy that is heavy on the steamy scenes, and extremely light on the actual storyline, then you should consider reading this trilogy. 

Honestly I enjoyed it for what it was, but it was nothing more than a 3 star read. That's just from my perspective though, and you may rate it differently. 

Have you read the Watching trilogy? If so, what were your thoughts, and rating? I'd love to know.

Thanks for reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

What I Read Last Week

Happy Monday, wait no I mean, Wednesday. HAPPY WEDNESDAY! Somehow the week got away from me, and I'm sharing what I read last week a couple days late. I prefer for these posts to go up on Mondays, but life happens.

The week of May 1 through 7 I read FOUR books. One was even a physical copy! I know, it's not very Laura like. Of the four books I read, 2 were ARCs and one was from Prime Reading. All were technically romances, but the one was really more fantasy than romance. Which I expected. It still had a romance storyline going though.

So what did I read? I'd love to tell you. Although if you're following me on Goodreads, you already have the answers. 

The Stopover by TL Swan

This was my Prime Reading book. That's right, I borrowed it from Amazon. Read the story, loved the story, and want to continue with the series. There is something about these Kane brothers that has my attention. I've heard the hype surrounding The Miles High Club series by TL Swan, and it was time for me to check things out.

The meet-cute for Jameson and Emily was fantastic. Add in their one night together, and I was instantly hooked. I wasn't expecting the time jump, but it made sense. I loved that Emily stuck with her plans to work for Miles Media, and that it all worked out for her. Who knew that was when she would reconnect with the mystery man from a year ago. The storyline that was happening outside of the relationship had my curiosity immediately. I was trying to solve the case on my own, and failed. But that's okay because I loved all of the action. There were a few scenes that caught me off guard, and I enjoyed that. As for the relationship between our main couple, I liked them together. They just worked. Now there were times that Jameson made me angry, but that gruff persona is what he's known for. Emily wasn't perfect either, but that's what made them work. Loved the story, and will definitely be continuing on with the series.

Rating: 4 Stars

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

I LOVED this book. I wrote an entire post about it. I cannot wait for the second book, Iron Flame, to be released! Dragons + a romance + action = PERFECTION.

Rating: 5 Stars

The Sneak Peak by Victoria Wilder

The Sneak Peak was my introduction to Victoria Wilder, and OH MY WORD, I will be back for more. I am 100% a fan of the Riggs family. Michael and Grace were fantastic. Loved the kids. Loved the friends and family. The antagonist was enjoyable, even if they did make me want to scream. The Sneak Peak really showed the connection that these two had, and how they were always meant to be. Life may have put them on different parallel paths for a bit, but once that shifted all bets were off. It was a collision of epic proportion. The romance was so good. The spice was intense, but oh so good. This book was full of emotional moments, and I was rooting for these two the entire time. Also that scene at the tree lighting ceremony? YES! LOVED IT. Full circle moment.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

On the Line by Julia Connors

I was so excited to see there was another book in the Frozen Hearts series! Julia Connors has created these characters that I've fallen for, and I love getting to catch up with them. On the Line is Lauren's story. If you've read the other books in the series you might be confused about that. Especially since she and Josh just had twins not long ago. Well, Lauren is a widow now. I wasn't sure how Julia was going to write in his death, but I knew it would have something to do with his passion. I was not expecting the secrets that were being kept though! That took me by surprise.

Jameson Flynn just might be my favorite hero out of the series. I love how protective, caring, and supportive he is. Honestly he is the perfect person to be by Lauren's side while she grieves. Lauren impressed me throughout this book. Yes she was grieving the loss of her husband, but at the same time she was making necessary changes in her life. She was growing. She was determined to come out of this stronger than ever.

Absolutely loved the relationship between these two. The friendships that were formed made me smile. Jameson's sisters are AMAZING. Oh, and that moment of conflict? WOW! Could not put this book down, and I look forward to the future stories Julia writes.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

So those are the four books I read last week. It was a nice variety of tropes, of characters, of authors. I'm really happy with it all. Each book was enjoyable, had memorable moment, and the authors have written fabulous stories.

Tell me about the books you read last week? Or just your favorite of the year so far.

Have a good rest of your week.
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros {a review}

Rebecca Yarros just released her first fantasy novel, Fourth Wing, and it is absolutely spectacular! I love the fact that she stepped out of her comfort zone, and dipped her toes into the fantasy realm. After reading Fourth Wing, I truly hope that Rebecca continues on in this genre. 

What is Fourth Wing about? Let's start by taking a look at the description of the book:

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter―like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda―because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Fourth Wing consists of 4 quadrants: Riders, Healers, Infantry, and Scribes. There is a certain group of people that has to join the Riders quadrant, they do not get another option. Whereas everyone else can choose what area would be the best fit for them.  (Well, besides Violet, that choice was taken from her.)

From the very first chapter I was pulled into this world. Basgiath intrigued me. The people intrigued me. I was immediately curious, and I fell into the book. Violet is a very likable character, as is Mira. Commanding General Sorrengail on the other hand is clearly a bit of an antagonist. It wasn't long into the story that we began to learn about Violet, her love of history, her love of books, and the fact that her body is built a bit different. Her joints are a bit looser, and she doesn't have a lot of strength. However she is quite mighty. The first task is to cross the parapet. Once on the other side she'll have a familiar face waiting for her in Dain. He's her childhood best friend. Violet will also meet the person her sister says to stay away from: Xaden Riorson. Prepare yourself to choose, as it is very much a Gale vs Peeta, or Jacob vs Edward, or Tamlin vs Rhysand situation.

There is so much action and suspense in this book. I loved it so. There was also a romance storyline building, and as a romance reader I loved it. If you're looking for a mystery, this also falls into that setting a bit, as there are definitely secrets being kept, and we need to sort those out.

Witnessing all of these first years go through the process, and having their dragons select them, was fascinating. That had me captivated. I was wondering what dragon would choose which rider, and of course paying closer attention to my favorite characters. It was also during this dragon selection, or rather rider selection, scene that some very memorable action moments popped up. I was holding my breath during that one. 

The connection between Xaden and Violet continued to grow. The tension between Dain and Violet continued with intensity. Not to mention the attempts made to harm Violet by others. It was wild. Back to the dragon/rider selection scene for a moment. I loved how that all transpired. I loved how Violet was chosen. How that was shocking. It was just everything I could have wanted. Okay back to relationships and such. The friendship that Violet had with Rhiannon was something heartwarming. These two bonded immediately back at the parapet. So to see them still side by side, surviving, thriving, and preparing for the future was reassuring. There were so many young people that attempted to get to where these two are, but they are just now names on a scroll. 

Now listen, a lot happened between rider selection and the war games. But I can't tell you everything because that would be rude. It would ruin the story, and I'm not about that life. 

Let's talk a little bit about the war games scenes. OH MY WORD, the action, the suspense, the heartache. It was so much, and I was on the edge of my seat throughout. My jaw dropped so many times it was ridiculous. It's all because of how enthralled I was with the story, and the characters. Rebecca Yarros created this world that I just want to know more about. There are secrets being kept, and we are slowly learning a couple of them. I want to know the rest. Plus that ending? WHAT WAS THAT?!? AHHHHH! Is it November 7 yet? I need Iron Flame IMMEDIATELY!

If you've watched any of the review on TikTok for this book, you'll hear varied responses. Many will comment on the writing, and how it isn't necessarily their cup of tea. That's their opinion. They may be right, they may be wrong. What I know is that there was something magical about this book. Rebecca immediately pulled me into this new world. I fell for the characters. I despised the antagonists. The dragons stole my heart (Andarna!). The action was superb. The drama was intense. Everything was just so good. Even that bit of spice we had with Xaden and Violet was explosive. From the moment I picked this book up, until the very last page, I could not get enough. Here I am, a week later, and I am still thinking about Fourth Wing. This very well maybe my favorite of the month, as well as of the year. Time will tell.

If you are someone who doesn't typically read fantasy, like me, give this one a try. If you've read Rebecca's romance novels you know her style, and this is just taking us out of contemporary, and adding a few more magical elements to it all. The action, suspense, drama is delightful.

If you do typically read fantasy, and have been on the edge about Fourth Wing, pick it up. Seriously. Give it a read. Form your own opinions. Trust your gut, and enjoy the ride. I hope you love Fourth Wing as much as I did.

Who has recommendations for me? Anyone? I crave something similar to Fourth Wing. The dragons, the setting, the characters, the gryphons, all of it. I need something that will pull me in as much as Fourth Wing did. If it has a romance story to it as well, then that's even better.

Thanks for reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

What I Read in April 2023 (Monthly Wrap Up)

"No Winter lasts forever, no Spring skips its turn. April is a promise that May is bound to keep."

-Hal Borland

And my birthday month has come to a close! April was an interesting month. It was filled with memorable moments, ridiculously warm weather, only to be followed by snow, and a lot of rain. April was also the month where two of my kids celebrated their birthdays. The school year is winding down, and I am in disbelief at how quickly it went.

Let's jump into some updates.

Life was quiet-ish. There were doctors appointments, new eyewear, IEP meetings, school events, and so much more. Of course April couldn't let us sneak out without an illness popping up. From two mental health days for one kid, to another getting the flu, to the hubby getting the flu, to the flu kid getting impetigo, it was just a lot. Thankfully all of that is in the rearview. Now I just need to get my butt to the DMV to renew my license. 

Spotify was frequently on. I am hooked on the Daily Mix 1 that is curated for me. It's the perfect mix of my favorites. Of course when Spotify isn't playing, Kool 108 is. I don't like silence. I need background noise.

When it comes to television, I watched The Masked Singer. That was pushing it to be honest. This is a show that I have loved since I found it back in season 2. Since they moved to this current format though I'm just not as invested. But I will still keep watching because I love the covers, the costumes, and finding out what celebs are under the mask. Speaking of things I watched though, we did go see The Super Mario Bros movie. I loved it so much. I am hoping they continue on with that franchise.

My book total for April was high as usual. Seriously.  In April I read 27 books. TWENTY SEVEN! As per usual my reading was filled with romances. I regret nothing. I love what I love, and I don't see myself branching out too much any time soon.  I had a good amount of ARCs this month. Of those 27 books that I read, 12 were ARCs. I am so thankful to receive these advanced copies, and I definitely prioritize them above backlog books. 

As for my blog, I slacked this month. Between getting hit with a minor reading slump, I also dealt with writers block. So it was more difficult to put out content. To be specific, I put out 11 posts. That's not ideal by any means. I am hopeful that May will have me returning in full force, but time will tell. Plus I'm not 100% certain that my writers block has been broken. I'm coming up with post ideas, and I hope to bring those ideas to life soon.

With social media I've just started posting my reviews to Facebook as well. It was something I wanted to try out, and I am liking it so far. So my goal is to continue with that. I am also trying to get my bookstagram back up and running. As I don't have a lot of physical books it makes it difficult to get the artistic photos that others take. The comparison game is strong, and not the best thing mentally. But I'm determined to give it my best effort.

Book stats for April are as follows:
Books Read: 27
Pages Read: 8701
Average Page Count: 322
5 Star Reads: 2
Physical Books: 0 
E-Books: 27

What was my favorite book of the month? This is a bit of a difficult pick this month. Yes there were two five star reads, and a handful of 4.5 stars. But some of those 4 star reads were fantastic as well. My choice though is going to be the first book I read, and that is Playboy Playmaker by Maren Moore. I just loved Hudson, and he continues to live rent free in my head. My second choice is Pucking Around by Emily Rath. That book gave me a major book hangover.

My favorite cover of the month goes to Break the Girl by Rachel Jonas and Nikki Thorne. I just love the design, and the colors used. When I Come Home by Maisie Myers is a close second. It just draws the eye, and has you pause to take another look.

I liked how I did things last month when it came to listing the books I read. So I'm going to carry that forward. Here is the breakdown by the week, and if there is a dedicated post to a title that will be linked.

Week One

Hardball by Lisa Suzanne
Playboy Playmaker by Maren Moore
Flawless by Elsie Silver
That One Night by Emily Rath

Week Two

Pucking Around by Emily Rath
Ravishing Reign by Aleatha Romig
Make You Mine by JH Croix

Week Three

Give Me More by Sara Cate
Beautiful Lies by Paula Dombrowiak
Praise by Sara Cate
Eyes On Me by Sara Cate
Mercy by Sara Cate
Highest Bidder by Sara Cate

Week Four

Saving the Single Dad by Ashley Munoz
Tempt Me by KA Tucker
Break Me by KA Tucker
Teach Me by KA Tucker
Surrender to Me by KA Tucker
Pucking Ever After v1 by Emily Rath
Wicked Fall by Sawyer Bennett
Excalibur by Anna Hackett

Week Five

Vow of Revenge by P Rayne
Break the Girl by Rachel Jonas & Nikki Thorne
When I Come Home by Maisie Myers
Iced Out by Veronica Eden
Lost to the Moon by Meg Anne & K Loraine

How was your reading in April? Any 5 star reads? Any misses? Any recommendations? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, tell me your thoughts on the various stories.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Thank you to the authors who provided me with advanced copies of their books.