The Thing About Love by Julie James

Two undercover FBI agents can hide who they are from everyone but each other in the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly One Summer. 

FBI agents Jessica Harlow and John Shepherd have a past. The former lawyer and cocky Army ranger clashed during their training at Quantico, gladly going their separate ways after graduating from the Academy. Six years later, the last thing either of them expects is to run into each other again–assigned to work as partners in a high-profile undercover sting.

For both of them, being paired with a former rival couldn’t come at a worse time. Recently divorced from a Hollywood producer and looking for a fresh start, Jessica is eager to prove herself at her new field office. And John is just one case away from his dream assignment to the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team. In order to nail a corrupt Florida politician, they’ll have to find a way to work as a team–a task that becomes even trickier when they’re forced to hole up at a romantic, beachfront resort as part of the investigation. Suddenly, the heat behind their nonstop sparring threatens to make the job a whole lot more complicated. . .

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3.47 stars

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If you've loved Lauren Layne or Julie James's other books, then you'll love this quick romance. The Thing About Love follows two FBI agents who have to partner up for a undercover operation. These two have a love/hate relationship since the last time they saw each other was six years ago when they were competing in the academy.

This novel has everything you expect from a Julie James novel. Not only are there two strong and highly intelligent main characters, but a great "hate to love" transition. That being said, this isn't the most original idea what with the fact that James has had many FBI romances and it does follow another trope. But, there's nothing to be ashamed about if you like cute romance tropes or cliches. In fact, I found this book not only to be a quick read, but one that made me happy as well with all of the cute fluff.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review to come April 18, 2017.

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You Don't Know My Name by Kristen Orlando

Release date: January 10, 2017

Fighter, Faker, Student, Spy.

Seventeen-year-old Reagan Elizabeth Hillis is used to changing identities overnight, lying to every friend she’s ever had, and pushing away anyone who gets too close. Trained in mortal combat and weaponry her entire life, Reagan is expected to follow in her parents’ footsteps and join the ranks of the most powerful top-secret agency in the world, the Black Angels. Falling in love with the boy next door was never part of the plan.

Now Reagan has to decide: Will she use her incredible talents and lead the dangerous life she was born into, or throw it all away to follow her heart and embrace the normal life she's always wanted? And does she even have a choice at all?

Find out if you are ready to join the Black Angels in the captivating and emotional page-turner, You Don't Know My Name, from debut novelist Kristen Orlando!

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3.89 stars

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Reagan's been through so many secret identities and innumerable amount of lies that she barely remembers who she truly is. When she finally begins to grow attached to her and her parents' newest home, bad news strikes. Now she has to fight between wanting to be a Black Angel like her parents or giving away that life of danger and secrets.

If you enjoyed The Naturals series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, I highly suggest You Don't Know My Name. Both deal with responsible and incredibly talented teenagers surrounded by serious government matters. While Cassie solves serial killer mysteries, Reagan is on her way to being a top spy for the Black Angels. Both characters struggle with conflicts like not being taken seriously because of their age, family loyalty, and intelligent villains.

Reagan is undeniably talented and collected. She's been dealt a pretty sad hand in life, but takes it all without complaint. Family is something that's very important to her, to a point where she'll do nearly anything to save them. This is not the same as Tris's (from Divergent) wild and dumb selfless behavior. Reagan is responsible enough to actually listen to others while also fighting for what she believes is right.

Her neighbor Luke is a great character who wants to go into the military when he's older. Luke and Reagan match one another and don't hold each other back. Starting as friends, their relationship grows at a reasonable pace and their ability to comfort one another reveals cute sentimental moments between the two.

I was fairly annoyed with the fact that because of her and Luke's ages, they were kept in the dark about a lot of information. It's just so unfair that they're expected to act like adults when they're still being held in the dark like children. But, this is to be expected in a government/spy book like this.

The plot grows slowly. You're learning about Reagan and the aspects of her life for a majority. It was a really quick read so I didn't have a trouble with any super slow parts. The ending was great with a really good set-up for the next novel. Honestly, I really want will happen next in this series.

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Traveler by L.E.DeLano

To be released Feburary 7, 2017

Jessa has spent her life dreaming of other worlds and writing down stories more interesting than her own, until the day her favorite character, Finn, suddenly shows up and invites her out for coffee. After the requisite nervous breakdown, Jessa learns that she and Finn are Travelers, born with the ability to slide through reflections and dreams into alternate realities. But it’s not all steampunk pirates and fantasy lifestyles…Jessa is dying over and over again, in every reality, and Finn is determined that this time, he’s going to stop it… this Jessa is going to live.

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3.4 stars

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Traveler deals with interdimensional travel in a an interesting way. Starting with the "normal girl Jessa," she finds out that she is actually a traveler, and her favorite main character to write about is real.

Yes, Traveler does follow some YA cliches such as the naive newbie, insta-attraction, and a single and uninformed best friend. But, there are plenty of unique twists like the "science" behind dimensional travel and the conflicts it creates.

I would go into the second book mainly to learn more about the main characters Ben and Finn. Jessa just wasn't as interesting to me as the other two. While she's predictable and slightly cliche, the other two are mysteries, and you don't know what their next move will be.Overall, none made a huge impression on me, but at least they weren't terribly annoying.

While the idea of their traveling is still very interesting to me, I do question some of the logistics of it. And for me, if I think the conflict is being made more complicated than it need be, then I can't focus on the rest of the plot. Besides that, I also found some plot line cliches that I have had enough of.

Since this first novel was setting everything up though, those cliches weren't so terrible. While they were there, they were revealed in the later half of the story. The beginning and middle were kind of slow to me because the overlying plot wasn't really revealed yet. I didn't necessarily fly through the last part of the book, but it did leave me excited for the next installment.


Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Coming Up for Air by Miranda Kenneally

Swim. Eat. Shower. School. Snack. Swim. Swim. Swim. Dinner. Homework. Bed. Repeat.

All of Maggie’s focus and free time is spent swimming. She’s not only striving to earn scholarships—she’s training to qualify for the Olympics. It helps that her best friend, Levi, is also on the team and cheers her on. But Levi’s already earned an Olympic try out, so she feels even more pressure to succeed. And it’s not until Maggie’s away on a college visit that she realizes how much of the “typical” high school experience she’s missed by being in the pool.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Maggie decides to squeeze the most out of her senior year. First up? Making out with a guy. And Levi could be the perfect candidate. After all, they already spend a lot of time together. But as Maggie slowly starts to uncover new feelings for Levi, how much is she willing to lose to win?

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2 stars

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Maggie struggles with a major competitive complex where she’s constantly comparing herself to others. It was so severe that at a point, I was feeling her self-conscious tendencies and I’m not even in this book. Mainly focusing on coming to terms with herself and her relationship with her best friend, I just wasn’t feeling any of this novel. I personally don’t relate to Maggie’s competitive side or her random “urges” for… uh yeah you get my point. At the same time, I admire Maggie immensely for her passion and self-determination. While she is competitive, she’s also eager to get better and works immensely hard to do so. She’s very upfront about her feelings and literally lets no BS slide by. She deals with matters in an honest and blunt way, to a point where it may even feel a little awkward. Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review to come June 24, 2017. Youtube | Blog | Tumblr | Goodreads

Geekerella by Ashley Poston

Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?

Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.

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3.8 stars

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"It's about the characters. It's about the story. The fans. It's about the impossible universe. Geekerella is a quick and quirky contemporary retelling of the classic Cinderella story with a nerdy twist. Danielle is a popular blogger and lover of all things Starfield, an old show being turned into a movie. The lead? Darien Freeman, a young actor (and secret nerd) who no one thinks will live up to his role. The two accidentally start messaging and quickly bond over their love for Starfield, creating an adorable romance that really goes into the world of fandoms. Though Geekerella is undeniably unrealistic, Ashley Poston creates a spot-on relatable story for fangirls and fanboys everywhere. Poston emphasizes ideas such as being a 'real' fan and the power of stories. Throughout the novel, Danielle constantly gets berated for her "unhealthy" love for a TV show. Well, one man's gold may be another man's treasure. What some may think of as a "silly obsession," others may think of as the single shining light in a time of darkness, and Poston does a great way of explaining that. Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review to come March 28, 2017. Youtube | Blog | Tumblr | Goodreads

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

A 17-year-old pirate captain intentionally allows herself to get captured by enemy pirates in this thrilling YA adventure.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

Debut author Tricia Levenseller blends action, adventure, romance, and a little bit of magic into a thrilling YA pirate tale.

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3.6 stars

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Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review to come February 21, 2017. 

Why are there not more pirate books out there? Honestly! It's literally a whole realm of stories that have barely been explored. Not only are pirates cunning thieves, but they perfectly balance between cut-throat scoundrels and honorable comrades. And, with the whole sea as your setting, there's infinite room for adventure.

Daughter of the Pirate King follows a strong and cunning captain as she purposely gets captured by a rival ship. Not only does she have to hide her many strengths and play the weak prisoner, but she also has to deal with the KINDA ADORABLE first mate, the only one who truly challenges her. With (multiple) knives up her sleeve, this chick is determined to get what she came for.

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Gauntlet by Holly Jennings

Plug back into the dangerous world of virtual gaming, in the next thrilling novel from the author of Arena.

Kali Ling isn’t afraid of dying. She’s been killed hundreds of times in hundreds of different ways. And she knows there are things much more terrifying than death…

There’s a new game in town. A brutal, winner-takes-all, international video game tournament between the world’s most elite players, promising fame, prestige, and unbelievable fortune. But there’s a catch. The game uses new VR pods guaranteed to push digital warriors to their physical and psychological brink—adapting every time a gamer makes a move.

As the first female captain and youngest team owner in VGL history, Kali is used to defying the odds. But as the all-star tournament heats up, her determination begins to waver and the pressures of media, sponsors, and the game itself begin to put cracks in her hard-set convictions.

If Kali’s Team Defiance is to survive, they’ll have to find a way to be stronger than ever before. But battling the system may prove too difficult for even the most hardened of fighters…

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4.6 stars

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"Never bow down to the world. Always make it bow down to you."

Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review to come March 28, 2017.

Gauntlet is the follow-up book to Arena, a world centering around competitive gaming. This isn't normal gaming though, it's virtual reality where all the pain is real and groups of five fight to reign victorious in front of millions of viewers.

That insanely cool world and plot line are only the surface of this series though. Underneath, Holly Jennings goes deep into the world of drug addiction, relapse, and societal norms. After suffering the death of a teammate from heroine over dosage, Kali (the main character) struggles with her own addictions within this corrupt world. Now, she is not only the first female team owner, but she also has to deal with the publicity, media, and rumors swarming the team.

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Gilded Cage by Vic James

Not all are free. Not all are equal. Not all will be saved.

Our world belongs to the Equals — aristocrats with magical gifts — and all commoners must serve them for ten years. But behind the gates of England's grandest estate lies a power that could break the world. 

A girl thirsts for love and knowledge.

Abi is a servant to England's most powerful family, but her spirit is free. So when she falls for one of the noble-born sons, Abi faces a terrible choice. Uncovering the family's secrets might win her liberty, but will her heart pay the price? 

A boy dreams of revolution.

Abi's brother, Luke, is enslaved in a brutal factory town. Far from his family and cruelly oppressed, he makes friends whose ideals could cost him everything. Now Luke has discovered there may be a power even greater than magic: revolution. 

And an aristocrat will remake the world with his dark gifts.

He is a shadow in the glittering world of the Equals, with mysterious powers no one else understands. But will he liberate—or destroy?

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★★★★☆

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I recieve a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Gilded Cage is a dark dystopian with seven alternating POVs and a solid ending that leaves you wanting mORE NOW LIKE RIGHT NOW. As someone who doesn't really like dystopians, I did have some trouble getting through the beginning and middle parts of this. That was really when the author was establishing the world and explaining the awful life these people lived.

Also in the beginning and throughout a majority of the book, really is Luke. Luke is the younger brother of Abi, and you can tell from the very beginning that his path is going to be dark and he is going to be a fairly intense character.

Wdajsdkw I don't know man. Pretty much, this whole book had the very dark and dystopian feel around it. Though I did find it slow in some parts, there were also other parts of the book where I felt like I couldn't put it down.

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Any Time, Any Place by Jennifer Probst

HGTV’s Property Brothers meets The Marriage Bargain in this second volume in the Billionaire Builders series, an all-new heart-wrenching and sexy contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

When she was a teen, Raven Bella Stratton’s father was killed in a horrible car crash. The bigger shock was the discovery of a woman with him—Diana Pierce—and their two fully packed suitcases with airline tickets to Paris. Devastated by her father’s betrayal, Raven went to live with her aunt, never truly overcoming the traumatic event. When she discovers that the mysterious woman had a family with a husband and three boys, Raven vows to leave the memory of her father behind.

Until Dalton Pierce visits one night and suddenly her past challenges her future...

Leaving his life in California behind to run Pierce Construction with his two older brothers, Dalton Pierce has enjoyed returning home and studying his passion of woodworking. But when he visits the local bar with his brothers one evening, he’s immediately drawn to the smart-mouthed, badass, sexy bartender who sets his body on fire. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem as intrigued by him, and his multiple advances are met with rejection. When he offers to restore the bar back to its original glory, he begins to work with her on a daily basis, and falls harder. His plan of seduction slowly weaves a web around them both, until they are caught up in the spell. But Dalton doesn’t know the secret that can either destroy them both...or finally mend two broken hearts.

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★★★☆☆

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*Arc given by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Any Time, Any Place starts off differently than other New Adult novels in the way that these characters already have a background together. That being said, this novel doesn't really have the insta-love that the New Adult genre is so notorious for. Raven keeps Dalton away due to their history, and is pretty much filled with resentment.

Though the lack of insta-love was super refreshing, I did find the pacing of everything to be slow and I would skim parts. I know those two things i said seem super contradictory, like "You like the lack of insta-love but it was too slow for you?!" but I stand by my statement. I'm totally okay with slow relationship building and watching as it all grows, but it just felt to me that barely anything was happening. It was constantly Raven battling her contradictory feelings for Dalton.

So, the fact that I was really bored a majority of the book did make it very difficult for me to get through it. Other than that, I really enjoyed the characters. Dalton was such a nice guy throughout everything even when Raven was showing rude distaste for him. And, I do understand Raven's side of the story and though I wouldn't have handled it in the same way, I acknowledge the fact that everyone deals with their problems differently.

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Arena by Holly Jennings

A fast-paced and gripping near-future science fiction debut about the gritty world of competitive gaming...
 
Every week, Kali Ling fights to the death on national TV. 
She’s died hundreds of times. And it never gets easier...
 
The RAGE tournaments—the Virtual Gaming League’s elite competition where the best gamers in the world compete in a no-holds-barred fight to the digital death. Every bloody kill is broadcast to millions. Every player is a modern gladiator—leading a life of ultimate fame, responsible only for entertaining the masses.
 
And though their weapons and armor are digital, the pain is real.
 
Chosen to be the first female captain in RAGE tournament history, Kali Ling is at the top of the world—until one of her teammates overdoses. Now, she must confront the truth about the tournament. Because it is much more than a game—and even in the real world, not everything is as it seems.
 
The VGL hides dark secrets. And the only way to change the rules is to fight from the inside...

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★★★1/2☆

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"People are stupid. But not being yourself because of their ignorance is worse."

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I would rate this about 3.8 stars but GOODREADS DON'T LIKE THAT SO :))))) Arena by Holly Jennings doesn't really focus on the video game competitions, but more the struggles the main group of characters face. Meaning, the action of the bloody games isn't as focused on as the behind the scenes. That being said, this book focuses on a lot of issues and themes such as addiction, teamwork, and society's views.

The main character, Kali, is a strong female lead who is a genuine role model. She's thrown into this leadership position, not quite sure knowing what to do, but tries her best with what she has. Kali works hard, is an amazing gamer, and has a strategic mind that won't conform to what society wants. I admired her because her strength was shown in a unique way, one that I actually haven't read in any other young adult main character.

Jennings really created a great outline for interesting and three-dimensional characters, but she didn't follow through. The other characters were definitely there to help, but they all fell flat (including Kali). While they did have different personalities and looks, none of this was really elaborated upon. The story really just focused on Kali so you never got to learn more about the others. I really wish we had been able to get backgrounds and internal demons of the other characters also. 

Though the plot didn't focus on the action of the games, the great fighting scenes were still there. If you were looking for a really action-packed book though, I don't think this would be it. Most of the plot was focusing on inner demons of the characters, and how these problems were dealt with. Nonetheless though, I found the mixture of intense gaming and universal themes to be very interesting.

The world of virtual gaming and 2053 is expanded on very little. The main focus of the novel was the characters' hardships, so the reader sees very little of the outside world. The society does play a large role, and is very similar to the real world's. Nothing matters except money and looks, and I am excited to see how Kali deals with this is the second novel. Honestly, there's just so many life lessons mixed into this that I think could help a lot of people.

"If you hate, you become exactly like them. When you face your enemies with compassion, you realize there's still a person behind that hate."

I sped through this novel. I don't know if I would say the pacing is fast because if you're expecting tons of action and kick-buttery then... it's not. But, if you just want a quick and interesting sci-fi read, then I'd suggest this novel. There's just enough super cool fighting that I think you'll be satisfied.

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A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Catalia "Cat" Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…

Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he's ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.

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★★★☆☆

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"You're rash, willful, and hostile. You have no self-control. Do you even think before you act?

Warning: A Promise of Fire is a New Adult (not YA lol oops) so it does include some mature scenes that may not be suited for some readers.

If you enjoyed A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, then you'd probably also like this novel. Both have alpha-male characters with a strong and stubborn female leader. The worlds in both series are unique in the way that while Maas's revolves around fairies, Bouchet's mentions the Olympic gods, leading to very interesting magic systems. Both have the New Adult vibe with a very prevalent romance, but both do have growing plots.

I had been fairly excited to read A Promise of Fire, but was sadly disappointed over the fact that I found several problems that irked me throughout the entire novel. I think I still overall enjoyed this book because I wasn't pulling my hair out in frustration over these minor problems I had. I still had an overall okay time with after completing everything. There was still a very interesting fantasy-esque feel about the entire novel that made me want to keep reading. Surprisingly though, I don't really think it was the world itself that pushed me on.

This magic system and world follows the Olympian Gods. Pretty much, there are people called Magois who are given magic and live in the north. The South is filled with Hoi Polloi, who are non-magical people. And for the first time in forever, a Hoi Polloi takes control of the Southern crown. I thought this sounded really interesting, but I feel like Amanda Bouchet just didn't really delve into the magic system and world as much as she could have. Readers didn't learn as much about everything and it's obvious this is only the tip of the iceberg. Though this can lead to readers wanting to continue reading the series because of their curiosity, I just thought of it as incomplete.

The characters really didn't have a lot of depth, and as the book continues, the side characters are lsot in the crowd. The story really starts revolving around Griffin and Cat, making everyone else pale in comparison. Then, with the two mains. You're not given a lot of information about Cat other than the fact that she's very powerful and comes from a very bad background. Besides that, nothing is truly revealed and you kind of infer everything. Then Griffin... he followed such an alpha male stereotype that I couldn't take it.

The alpha male stereotype was so prevalent in this novel that it genuinely irked me. Usually, I'm fine with a this cliche in New Adult novels because there's still a strong bout of feminism in the novels. But, I just didn't like what Griffin and the Southern men stood for with their 

"Intelligent brow. Strong jaw. Wide mouth. Hawkish nose. Black hair brushes a corded neck atop broad shoulders that have no doubt been swinging a sword since before he could walk. Body toned to perfection, skin darkened by a lifetime in the sun, he's battle-chiseled and hard, the type of man who can cleave an enemy in two with little effort and even less consequences to his conscience."

That was a direct quote from the book. Okay, so usually descriptions like that don't seriously bug me (I only slightly shake my head a little) but then it was the actions of Griffin that made me JASODAJSJAD.

1. He never listened to Cat when it was a matter of her life. She was always just supposed to listen and obey.
2. He apparently knew everything, including the fact that she was in love with him. In fact, he knew this before she knew it. That made it okay for him to solicitously kiss her. Yeah. That makes sense.
3. He was always telling Cat what to do, like his word was law. Sure, she fought back, but he still always ended up getting what he wanted EVEN WHEN CAT WAS UNSURE IF SHE WANTED IT TOO.

The romance between the two seriously was just a lot of sexual tension. It was insta-love on one end and not truly the other so... was it truly instalove? I think, the two seriously were opposites and were the only ones who were able to challenge eachother. Each character is just so strong that it makes others near insignificant. The problem is with their personalities, they would constantly have different opinions. In real relationships, I don't know how well that'd work. But hey it's Ficiton.

The pacing and plot were pretty slow for me. I was still interested in what was happening, but looking back at it, not much was truly occurring. The plot was fairly weak and never had me on the edge of my seat. I think this first book truly was just to establish the world and situation of everything, and then the second book will delve deeper into it all.

Will I be picking up the next book? Probably not. I enjoyed reading this novel enough, but I just don't find myself really invested in seeing what will happen next because I feel like even though a lot of information was withheld from the reader, I can still guess what's coming next. (The foreshadowing was about as discreet as a brick) 

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