Tuesday, August 25

Barbie:Dreamscape.

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
 
4.5   


Step out of the box and into the unexpected in this high-stakes, fantasy-infused Barbie young adult novel, from the premier voice in teen fiction.

 
Out of the box. Into the unexpected. 


Barbie’s life is perfect. She lives in a pink-hued paradise called Heartland where everything is in order and everyone has a role to play, thanks to the mysterious and all-powerful beings who will soon assign her a Fate at graduation from the enchanted Swancrest Academy. She’s worked hard to earn a good one. Her years of endless studying and acing every challenge are about to pay off. But when the unthinkable happens and Barbie is left Fateless—the first in Heartland’s history—her carefully ordered world shatters. 


Shaken and uncertain, Barbie must confront a future she never one with no clear path forward at all. Yet when a mysterious necklace begins to pulse with hidden power, she is drawn beyond Heartland’s protective mists into a daring journey across extraordinary lands. From sun-drenched shores to treacherous, ever-shifting landscapes, to shadowed forests steeped in secrets and magic, each realm will test Barbie’s courage, sharpen her wits, and awaken strengths she never knew she possessed—all while drawing her ever closer to a buried truth that could change her world forever.
A richly imagined coming-of-age tale from the premier voice in teen fiction, this is a story about defying expectations, rewriting the rules, and discovering that the greatest possibilities lie in stepping out of the box…and into the unexpected
.

 ðŸŒ·

 
This is the book that brought me back to my childhood. It brought me back when I first discovered Barbie and played with her. I remembered my own adventures with Barbie. As an adult I still own two unopened collector Barbies on my bookshelf. I started reading Barbie: Dreamscape while in line at a book festival for a book signing with Alex Aster and read half of the book by the time I was up front; I couldn’t put this book down. I’ve been excited since Alex announced it on her social media. Barbie: Dreamscape is so much more than I expected it to be; filled with so much magic, action. 


I loved reading from Barbie’s perspective and going on the journey along with her. This story was portrayed beautifully; especially the way Alex portrayed all of Barbie’s emotions and brought her to life. I felt all her emotions, all her fear, but also hope. I rooted for Barbie from the start.  Barbie: Dreamscape is YA and very easy to read, and I enjoyed reading something different. This was unlike any book that I have read before. 


Thank you, Alex; for writing this book. There is part of me that didn’t want to reach the end, because I didn’t want this story to end. If you played with Barbie as a kid, I would highly recommend checking this book out.

Sunday, August 23

A Love Like Candle Light ( Wayward Hollow,#3)

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
 
Thank you to author,Hailey Frost for letting me be part of her ARC Team!  


Welcome to Wayward Hollow - Where new beginnings come with an unwanted thrill 


When my husband doesn’t show up for one of the biggest nights of my career, I make two life-changing decisions:
File for divorce. Move to a tiny town called Wayward Hollow for a fresh start. 


Honestly? Great plan in theory. 


Less great in practice once my dog digs up human bones in the backyard of my very new, and apparently very haunted house. 


Now I’m stuck dealing with flickering lights, slamming doors, a town-wide betting pool over the nature of the bones in my backyard, and Erik —the ridiculously handsome sheriff who keeps showing up every time my life spirals into chaos.
Erik is juggling a case that’s haunted him for years and complicated feelings about his family. The more time I spend with him, the bigger the feeling he may be impossible to stay away from. 


But between ghost stories, late nights, new friends, autumn festivals, and whatever is definitely haunting my house, Wayward Hollow is starting to feel less like an escape…and more like home.

  ðŸŒ·

 
I’ve been waiting for the next Wayward Hollow since I finished reading A Love Like Christmas Time last November. I adore Wayward Hollow and am so happy that I discovered Hailey and the series last year. Wayward Hollow gives me such a warm feeling with every book that I read. I should know by now that I will fall in love with the characters and the story. Kylie and Erik, I loved them from the start, and the moment that I started reading their story, I knew that I was in trouble. I wanted to see where their story would lead them. 


One of my favorite aspects of this book was the romance between Erik and Kylie and the way those two connected. They belonged together. The way that those took care of one another, and there was no jealousy, no miscommunication, and it just melted my heart, and had me smiling. I’m excited to see what the future holds for two of them and hope they'll make an appearance in the next book. As I said before, I love the community in this series and the way Kylie seemed to fit right in. 


Of course, I loved the paranormal aspects of the book, and this time they were even more intriguing due to the added mystery. I’m so glad that I got the chance to read this story! Of course, I loved all the banter between all the characters. I’m excited to read Kieran’s story next!

Thursday, August 20

Mutual Discord.

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
 
   Thank you to publisher, Berkley  for providing with Earc via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.  


A girl’s girl influencer gets a serious reality check when she discovers she’s fallen for her best friend’s boyfriend in this forbidden friends-to-lovers romance.

 
Sofia Mendoza has had enough. She’s done watching male co-workers steal credit for her talent, and now she’s going to do something about it. No one knows she’s the brains behind a popular video series highlighting and celebrating women in history who’ve been erased from their own inventions and discoveries. Her family and friends still think she has a successful corporate job and if they discover she is supporting herself by creating social media content, they’d be stunned. 


Keeping her online persona a secret is lonely, but when she sparks a virtual friendship with an anonymous follower—A—first in her comment section with his insightful perspective, then in their private video chats, where he proves to be witty and catfish level good looking, the chemistry between them ignites. 


But when her old friend, Caitlin, arrives for a visit, Sofia’s lies threaten to unravel. A is Alex Castillo, her best friend’s boyfriend. Alex doesn’t reveal that he knows her, and Sofia realizes he may be keeping secrets, too. With their friendship now in real life, can they keep their attraction in check?

   ðŸŒ·

 
I can’t begin to explain my feelings. I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to describe how I feel about this story. Sofia and Alex, the love story that you won’t be able to get out of your mind. From the moment that those two met, I rooted for the two of them. They had so much chemistry, and their connection went beyond friendship; even if they wouldn’t admit it. As complex as their love story was, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters and their story. 


I enjoyed reading about diversity in this book and the way Liana intertwined Puerto Rican culture. I loved Sofia’s family and the way they included him and made him feel welcome, as if he were part of the family. I loved reading it from Sofiia’s perspective, and all the emotions that she felt; I felt them all while reading the book. Sometimes I did wonder what Alex’s thoughts were during it all. I liked that the story was not just a love story, but it dealt with other real-life issues. It made the story feel much more real. 


Sofia wasn’t sure of herself, and I loved how Alex reassured her. I loved seeing how much Sofia grew from the beginning to the end of the book. I didn’t want this book to end, but I also couldn’t turn pages fast enough. I could keep on taking about this book, but you will have pick up a copy to find out for yourself.

Monday, August 17

Crimson Storm(Star Touched:Witch Blade,#3)

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 


A cursed sea. A crew of liars. And an ending that will wreck you.

 
After Jade unleashes her forbidden lightning magic to save her classmates from a brutal attack at Blaze Academy, there's no more hiding what she is. Now, every powerful force in the supernatural world wants to control her, capture her, or kill her. 


So she flees the island on a stolen ship into dangerous seas with Logan Ashford—the man she loves, who would kill for her and rewrite time for her. They’re also joined by Logan’s ex-girlfriend Callie, Jade’s roommate Evie, and Kieran Cross, the school’s deadliest weapons instructor who’s getting dangerously close to Evie. 


But while the monsters in the water are deadly, the secrets on the ship are worse. And when an ancient trial forces hidden truths into the open, what Jade discovers will shatter the crew, break her heart, and change the course of her fate forever.

   ðŸŒ·

 
Considering how many years I’ve been reading Michelle’s books, I shouldn’t be surprised. Yet again, she found a way to surprise me. Michelle has a way to keep her readers on the edge of their seats, and just when you think you know what’s coming next, she surprises you with another unexpected twist. There is a reason that she is one of my favorite authors. I do feel that Witch Blade is one of the darker series. From the moment that I picked up Crimson Storm, I couldn’t pull away and stayed up late, reading. 


I loved that it was multiple perspectives, giving the story so much more depth. Each character was different and viewed everything differently, so it was interesting to see it from their perspective. I was anxious that Jade didn’t tell Evie about Oliver. I was afraid that if Evie found out, it wouldn’t end well for Jade. I love Jade, and while I understood why she did it, I didn’t always agree with her choices. Jade has come a long way since the first book; she is much more determined and confident in herself and her powers. After that ending, I’m curious to see what awaits Jade next. 


The descriptions in this book were outstanding; I could see it all in my mind as I read. I think this series would make an amazing movie or TV show. I loved the way that Michelle intertwined her twists in this one; some surprised me more than others. The minute that I turned the last page, I wanted to read the next one. Witch Blade has become one of my favorite series by her, and I cannot wait for more!

Saturday, August 15

Gone Country(South Of Haven, #1)

 

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


She’s taking back her life—and flipping his upside down in the process …

 
Andi Ford just wanted a fresh start—far from the man who broke her spirit—until one wrong turn and a near collision with a cowboy left her stranded and out of options. The temporary solution? Stay on a nearby ranch. The catch? It comes with an unwanted roommate: the grumpy cowboy she nearly ran over... 


Zane McKade keeps his life simple: ranch, routine, and zero complications—especially when it comes to women. Andi is no exception. From the moment she crashes into his world—testing his patience and heating his blood in all the wrong ways—sending her packing becomes his personal mission. 


They clash from the start, but one unguarded moment changes everything, and before either of them realizes it, the line between fury and desire is gone. As the simmering heat between them grows impossible to ignore, there’s no denying the way their broken pieces fit together. But trusting again means exposing the parts of themselves that have been burned before… 


In a town too small to stay strangers, they’ll have to choose: cling to the past that hurt them, or risk everything for a love they never believed possible.

  ðŸŒ·

 
I loved everything about this book. I had a feeling that I was going to like this book. When I read the blurb, it sounds like the type of book I loved reading. However, the book surprised me in so many ways, and I fell in love with almost every character. Andi and Zane; I adored the two of them. Although Zane was being stubborn about his feelings, I knew that he cared about Andi more than he was willing to admit. It was the way that he looked out for her and the little things that he did for her. Those two belonged together; I just hoped that two of them would see it soon. 


The small-town charm in Gone Country stole my heart. I loved the way everyone made Andi feel welcome; I love a community that's so welcoming. Even though this was not her plan, it's where Andi belonged, surrounded by people who love her. It made me smile. This is my favorite small-town story to read, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read this one. I’m already looking forward to reading the next book in the series. 


I liked the way the relationship between Zane and Andi developed; it took time for them to get to know each other. I also loved the bond that Andi formed with Norah. I am so excited that the next book is about Norah; besides Andi and Zane, she was my favorite. Gone Country will have you feeling all the feelings, and you'll be ready to spend all your free time reading because you won't be able to put it down. Gone Country was my first book by Kimberly Lewis, and I’m excited to check out other. Highly recommended for romance fans.

Monday, August 10

Two Can Play.

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
 
 


Viola Bowen has the chance of a lifetime: to design a video game based on her all-time favorite book series. The only problem? Her co-lead is Jesse F-ing Andrews, aka her archnemesis. Jesse has made it abundantly clear over the years that he wants nothing to do with her—and Viola has no idea why. 


When their bosses insist a wintery retreat is the perfect team-building exercise, Viola can’t think of anything worse. Being freezing cold in a remote mountain lodge knowing Jesse is right next door? No, thank you. 


But as the snow piles on, Viola discovers there’s more to Jesse than she knew, and heat builds in more ways than one.

 ðŸŒ·


Two Can Play was a cute novella, and there was part of me that wished that it was a full-length novel. I adored both Viola and Jesse, although I was hesitant about Jesse at first. I didn’t like the way he treated Viola at first, but I did wonder what his reasoning behind it was. I wondered if it was something that Viola said when the two of them met for the first time. I could feel the tension between the two of them and their attraction, even if they tried to deny it. I was eager to see what would happen between the two of them. 


I liked the fact that this book was about video game designers. I might not be into video games, but I have friends who are, and I love reading about the process behind them. I don’t know what it is but I love reading books that feature retreats; especially when everyone tries to work as a team. Two Can Play is my third book by Ali Hazelwood and so far, it’s my favorite.

Action Girlie Pop.

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
 
Thank you to author,Nicole Mikell for letting me be part of her ARC Team! 

 


They’ve got grit, gadgets, and girl power.

 
Meet the KAM Kiley, Alice, and Molly. 


All three women live double lives—seemingly normal to their friends and family but actually are lethal agents when called upon. 


The trio works for a secret organization run by Mr. Mystery, an ambiguous boss whose shadowy silhouette sends them on risky missions to take down ridiculously evil men. When a popular beverage called Fruity Freeze starts making its consumers act bizarre, the ringleader of the group, Molly, is sent undercover to work at the factory and figure out what’s happening. 


Quickly the girls realize that this mission is a lot stickier than the others they’ve been on in the past, and they’re ready to take down this rotten fruity factory once and for all.

 ðŸŒ·

 
I don’t remember the last time I laughed so much while reading a book. Action Girlie Pop was such fun story to read! The general storyline had me laughing and shaking my head sometimes. Action Girlie Pop reminded me of adult version of Powerpuff Girls mixed with Kim Possible; both of shows I loved when I was younger. I felt like Alice, Molly, and Kiley became my friends, and I was rooting for them throughout the book. 


Most of my characters had me laughing at some point. This was unlike any other book that I had read before, and that’s one of my favorite aspects about it. The moment that I picked up this book and started reading, I knew I wouldn’t put it down until I finished it. I do wish that it were a full-length book; I didn’t want it to end. However, I am excited that there is going to be more of Action Girlie Pop! I can’t recommend this novella enough; be ready for laughter, kickass women, and adventure of a lifetime.

Sunday, August 9

Calamity Rayne Over The Moon(Calamity Rayne, #4)

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
 
 Thank you to the author,Lydia Michaels and Lydia Michaels PR for E Copy, in exchange for honest review.
 
  


After throwing the wedding of the century, Calamity Rayne—a.k.a. the NEW Mrs. Davenport—is overdue for some rest, relaxation, and a lavish porn-cation! And, after months of intense wedding planning, she doesn’t want to organize a single thing. Luckily, husband of the century, Hale Davenport, has everything under control–per usual. He’s planned an eight-week honeymoon fit for royalty. What could possibly go wrong?

 ðŸŒ·

 
I’m so glad that there is a novella about Hale and Rayne’s honeymoon. Ever since I’ve read Calamity Rayne Gets Hitched , I was curious how their honeymoon would go, especially after all the ups and downs in the previous book. This is what Rayne needed: some time to relax. This one is one of the spiciest books from the series, but it is their honeymoon, and they should enjoy it. After the stress of the wedding, I hoped she would be able to enjoy herself with her husband and not overthink everything, as she tends to. 


Once again, Rayne had me laughing few time through the story. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder how she gets herself into situations like these. At one point I couldn’t stop turning pages because I wondered what situation she would get herself into next. Hale and Rayne’s honeymoon is unlike any honeymoon I heard off; to be able to travel to different locations, I loved that. Every book, I fall more in love with Hale. I love the way he loves her and takes care of her; despite the situations she gets herself into. Part of me didn’t want this novella to end, because I know there is only one more book after and I’m not ready to say goodbye. 


Calamity Rayne is the series I cannot recommend enough. It’s worth every page, and I’m so glad I got chance to read it

The Stolen Life Of Colette Marceau.

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Two jewel thieves, a priceless bracelet that disappears in 1940s Paris, and a quest for answers in a decades-old murder...

 
Colette Marceau has been stealing jewels for nearly as long as she can remember, following the centuries-old code of honor instilled in her by her mother, take only from the cruel and unkind, and give to those in need. Never was their family tradition more important than seven decades earlier, during the Second World War, when Annabel and Colette worked side by side in Paris to fund the French Resistance. 


But one night in 1942, it all went wrong. Annabel was arrested by the Germans, and Colette’s four-year-old sister, Liliane, disappeared in the chaos of the raid, along with an exquisite diamond bracelet sewn into the hem of her nightgown for safekeeping. Soon after, Annabel was executed, and Liliane’s body was found floating in the Seine—but the bracelet was nowhere to be found. 


Seventy years later, Colette—who has “redistributed” $30 million in jewels over the decades to fund many worthy organizations—has done her best to put her tragic past behind her, but her life begins to unravel when the long-missing bracelet suddenly turns up in a museum exhibit in Boston. If Colette can discover where it has been all this time—and who owns it now—she may finally learn the truth about what happened to her sister. But she isn’t the only one for whom the bracelet holds answers, and when someone from her childhood lays claim to the diamonds, she’s forced to confront the ghosts of her past as never before. Against all odds, there may still be a chance to bring a murderer to justice—but first, Colette will have to summon the courage to open her own battered heart.

   ðŸŒ·

 
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau had me captivated from the first page until last page. Not long after I picked up the book; I knew I was in trouble. I couldn’t put this book down; I was so invested in Colette’s story. I was curious to see if she would find out who was responsible for her sister’s death, and if she find out what happened to the bracelet. I was also worried what would happen if Colette would come face to face with her sister’s killer so many years later. This is the story that had me thinking and reflecting on what I had read. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it and wondering what Colette will have to endure next. 


The Stolen Life Of Collete Marceau is full of suspense; twists that you won’t see coming. Anytime that Colette was stealing, my heart was pounding; worried that this would be the time that she would be caught. I had trouble finding a stopping point, every page filled with even more suspense. From the moment that I started reading the book, I wondered how Harmel would tie up the story in the end. I loved the way that Harmel transitioned between 1940’s and 2018’s timeline. I usually have preference when it comes to dual timeline, but this time I loved them both; each was filled with so much tension. 


The character development was outstanding; you can see the way Colette grows from moment she starts stealing, to now. You couldn’t help but love her. I loved her determination, her strength and how after all this time she didn’t give up on finding out the truth. The emotions in this story; I felt them all. I felt as if I was there along with Colette. The Stolen Life Of Collete Marceau was the third book that I read by Kristin Harmel , and so far; my favorite. My only regret is that I didn’t read this amazing story sooner. This book deserves much more than five stars. Highly recommended for historical fiction and mystery fans.

Tuesday, August 4

The Women In White.

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
 
   Thank you to publisher, St.Martin's Press  for providing with Earc via Netgalley. All opinions are my own. 


Extrasensory perception. 

The Gift.

 A Sixth Sense. 

Or something else…. 

 
In 1964, four remarkable young women at a prestigious university became the subjects of parapsychology experiments by a visionary scientist. On the cusp of a historic breakthrough, the women mysteriously vanished and the program was erased from history. Decades later, Riley Bell, newly divorced and desperate for a fresh start, accepts a caretaker job for an elderly widow named Betty. Riley steps into a home that is frozen in another era - no microwave, television, or cell phones, and Betty has never heard of the internet. Why has Betty lived in such profound isolation for so many years, and why does she need Riley now? 


As the story unfolds across two timelines - Betty’s 1960s era of 5 o’clock martinis and high-stakes experiments, and Riley’s quest to uncover the truth about the missing women - old secrets rise to the surface. And the only way to survive is to confront the mystery that has lingered for sixty years.

  ðŸŒ·

 
This book…I absolutely loved this story. If it weren’t for my college classes starting, I would keep on reading it. The Women In White is one of those books that, once you start reading, you’ll find it hard to put down. From the beginning to the end, there was always something happening. The best part? Each page got even more intriguing. The Women In White is my third book by Sarah Pekkanen, but my favorite one. If I could, I would give this book all the stars. I finished it this morning and cannot seem to get the story out of my mind. I would highly recommend this book to all thriller fans. 


One of my favorite aspects of the book was that it combined thriller and historical fiction, intertwining them with some paranormal elements. I liked the way Sarah intertwined all of those. In my opinion, that made this story so much more engaging. Although I loved both present and past timelines, the 1960s timeline intrigued me more. I was always on the edge of my seat during that timeline. I wanted to see what would happen next. I loved the connection between Betty, Riley, Kathleen, Ivy, and Helen, and the way that they supported one another. I couldn’t pull myself away from their story. There was a part of me that didn’t want it to end. 


I love the mystery surrounding those experiments. The emotions those girls felt during the experiments were so real; I felt as if I were part of them. I liked the bond that Riley formed with Betty, but I did wonder the real reason that Berry hired Riley to be her caretaker. I was very intrigued and engaged by The Women In White , and I’m excited to see what Sarah has in store for us next.

Monday, August 3

Calamity Rayne Gets Hitched(Calamity Rayne,#3)

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
 
   Thank you to the author,Lydia Michaels and Lydia Michaels PR for E Copy, in exchange for honest review.
 
 

Calamity Rayne—fiancée of very sophisticated and powerful billionaire-hottie Hale Davenport—has a wedding to plan!
With no clue how she managed to out-Darwin a bazillion other women and land one of the world’s most desirable bachelors, Rayne Meyers (soon to be Davenport) becomes the paparazzi’s newest target. After a crash course in charm school and wedding etiquette, she rejects tradition in favor of The Lazy Bride's Guide to Catastrophes and Chaos in this laugh-out-loud, opposites-attract, billionaire romantic comedy from bestselling author Lydia Michaels. 


Here comes the awkward bride—with a heap of poor judgment and way too much tequila on the side!

 ðŸŒ·

 

 
I can’t get enough of this series. Calamity Rayne is one of the best romcom’s I’ve read, and I highly recommend it to all romance fans. This is the series I know I will return to in the future. Every book has me wondering what Rayne will get herself into next. I love the humor in these books. Calamity Rayne Gets Hitched had me laughing so much; the situations that Rayne gets herself into; it has me shaking my head sometimes. Despite the situations that Rayne seems to get herself into, you can’t help but love her. I love how much she loves Hale and the bond she has with Elara, treating her as if she were her own daughter. I adore the nickname she has for her: "peanut." The scenes between the two of them always have me smiling. 


I loved the emotional depth when Rayne started searching to reconnect with her estranged father. The scenes were beautifully written and full of emotion. I felt Rayne’s hope and heartbreak. I was suspicious of her father. I wondered why he suddenly wanted to meet her after years of no response. However, I hoped that I was wrong, for Rayne’s sake. To me, Remington was more of her father; he was the one who was always there for her. Even if he didn’t always admit it, I saw how much Remington cared about her. 


What I love about this series is that it’s more than just a romance. It also deals with real-life struggles, such as doubts and friendship struggles, as Rayne had with Elle. I was sad to see the friendship between Elle and Rayne fade, but I liked the way Lydia captured that. I wasn’t always fond of how jealous Hale would get, I understood it but I didn’t like how he took out on Rayne. This story will make you laugh, cry along with Rayne, and you will find yourself turning the pages until the end.

 

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