Tasting Temptation
Series: book 2
Genre: romance
Pages: 352
Rating: four stars

Buy it here

After last summer’s failed attempt at romance, Gina is absolutely done with men. And especially with millionaires. She has a good job as a fashion editor and amazing friends, and she’s decided she needs nothing else. All she really misses is the sex. But that rush just isn’t worth the risk of being ensnared in another relationship. When the hot bartender at her best friend’s Sonoma wedding suggests some harmless stress relief, she takes him up on the offer. When it’s sufficiently satisfactory, she indulges in a repeat—for the road. When she learns he’s actually the wealthy owner of the vineyard, the mix of fury and fear is damped only by the knowledge that she never has to see him again.

Hunter Cavaliere is determined to honor his grandfather’s legacy, and so far, he’s right on track. The vineyard is thriving, he has plans for expansion, and his wines speak for themselves. The only thing missing is the right woman to share it all. But through his grandparents’ marriage, Hunter learned what true love is, and he’s unwilling to settle for anything else. A woman who judges him because of his money definitely isn’t high up on his list. Still, when circumstance unbelievably keeps bumping him into the intriguing brunette from Portland, he can’t shake the feeling that she is someone he should pursue.

Gina’s poised to run the other way, but one more taste of Hunter may just prove too tempting to resist.

*I received this in exchange for an honest review*


This story is emotionally gripping and explosive at the same time. I haven't read the first book in this series, but I may just go back and read it after this one. I didn't feel like I missed any vital parts because I didn't read the first one, which was great. I hate feeling like there's something I don't know. Glazki really knows how to write a book, and she keeps your attention with real situations and hot men.

I love hot men.

Gina has gone through a lot. She's been torn around physically and emotionally by men so she comes to the conclusion that she doesn't need them. Except, of course, to sate her primal needs. But she's in no way looking for an attachment, or the dreaded word: a boyfriend. Yuck. I love Gina. Despite everything she's gone through, she really is a fighter and doesn't ever stop. She's brave and strong, and someone I strive to be.

But her plans don't go to plan.

Because hot man.

Hunter-just that name alone-is hot. Am I saying that too much? Oh, who cares. Hunter is a bartender at Gina's best friends wedding, and offers Gina a nice little reprieve with no strings attached. Well, we always know how that ends. She finds out that he's like a billionaire-that's a no no-and owns a vineyard. The vineyard is a legacy from his grandparents, a couple who was so in love, Hunter wants the exact same thing with someone. Who doesn't? But he doesn't need someone who judges him before of his money.

But, man, Gina keeps showing up and Hunter is falling.

I loved them together. From the moment they met I thought my Kindle was going to explode. These two needed to get together pronto. And they did. This does have a lot of sexual scenes in it, so if that's not your thing... But it's my thing and I loved it. Despite there being a lot of that, the story is full of real emotions and thoughts of insecurities and doubts, much like we all have. I felt connected to Gina and rooted for her.

I loved the writing style and the side characters. The vineyard was described so well, I thought I was there. It's a gripping, emotionally read, and I loved it.

Review: Everland-Wendy Spinale

Everland
Series: book 1
Genre: dystopian, steampunk, fantasy
Pages: 320
Rating: five stars

London has been destroyed in a blitz of bombs and disease. The only ones who have survived are children, among them Gwen Darling and her siblings, Joanna and Mikey. They spend their nights scavenging and their days avoiding the ruthless Marauders -- the German army led by Captain Hanz Otto Oswald Kretschmer.
Unsure if the virus has spread past England's borders but desperate to leave, Captain Hook hunts for a cure, which he thinks can be found in one of the survivors. He and his Marauders stalk the streets snatching children for experimentation. None ever return. Until the day they grab Joanna. As Gwen sets out to save her, she meets a daredevil boy named Pete. Pete offers the assistance of his gang of Lost Boys and the fierce sharpshooter Bella, who have all been living in a city hidden underground. But in a place where help has a steep price and every promise is bound by blood, it will cost Gwen. And are she, Pete, the Lost Boys, and Bella enough to outsmart Captain Hook?

"The only way to grow up is to survive."

I don't know why it took me so long to read this, but I'm glad I finally did. I saw this book on the shelves at Barnes and Noble plenty of times, always doubting that I would like it. But I got it in my LitCube box for the Peter Pan theme month and decided it was time to crack it open.

Everland is not at all what I was expecting. Usually when I read Peter Pan retelling, they still very much resemble the original story, but this one is so different yet it has important aspects that was kept from the original story. Did that make sense? I'm not sure if that did, so enjoy this gif that resembles my face currently.

The take on steampunk was a great idea. Its never been done before-as far as I know-and worked well with the plot. It adds machinery and other things that make the story good. I did feel like the steampunk wasn't front and center, though. It felt more dystopian with a hint of steampunk added in.  I loved what steampunk there was. I don't normally read that genre, so it was an eye opener to that kind of world. The set up for this world is great. I loved how everything is broken down, it's scary and you never know if you'll get another meal or thrown in the sewers for the crocodiles to eat you.

Gwen is such a strong character, but she doesn't yet realize it. She's been dealt with a raw hand and to see her have the lives of her two younger siblings on her shoulders is sad. She goes through a lot to keep them all safe and fed. Of course, she's bitter about it. She's the oldest, so the responsibility would be handed to her. It's a tough world out there, as what was known as London is now Everland, a dangerous place where marauder inhabit the land and kill children who aren't smart enough to stay away. I liked how despite her bitterness, Gwen would do anything to get her siblings back.

"What more is left here for you but faith?" Pete says, extending a hand to me from the open window. 
"And a little bit of pixie dust," Bella adds, pouring the rest of the gold into my hand."

Pete-who is Peter-was adorable. I liked how he was still boyish in attitude, but underneath he's more adult than he'd like. Everyone had to grow up after the virus went out, killing every adult (minus some). But I loved that he was still cute and young despite having to take care of a lot of people and things.

I adored Gwen and Pete together. Gwen is unsure about him and why he would be helping her, especially in this world where helping could come with another demand. Nothing is free. And Pete just wants to save everybody.

"Pete tilts my chin up. The lantern lights his handsome face and green eyes that remind me of the color of lucky clovers. "You are a Lost Girl."

Bella is feisty, much like TinkerBell, yet she was little and sick and just wanted a friend. Who wasn't a boy. I felt for her, and though there was little jealousy, it wasn't for the same reason as TinkerBell. I loved her wings. They're mechanical and pretty.

Hook. Oh, man. Hook. He's not an old pirate in this one. He's only a few years older than Pete himself. I thought he was just an angry dude with wanted to impress his mommy. But there is so much more to Hook than first seen, which I loved. It really gave depth to his character. Plus, he could be downright scary at times.

"I'm certain my reptilian pets would relish fresh meat instead of the rotting corpses that inhabit the sewers," I say, pulling the hammer back again.

This story is told from both Gwen's and Hook's POV. which I loved surprisingly. This world was captivating, from the characters to the setting. I felt like I was really there. It's hard to see (read) them go through so much stuff that kids shouldn't have to. I can't wait for the rest.

Review: Succubus in Seattle- J.R. Thorn

Succubus in Seattle
Series: book 1
Genre: Fantasy, romance
Pages: 93
Rating: four stars

Sonya, a succubus, struggles with her affliction. She can have any man she wants, until she screws them to death. That's why she's tried a girlfriend on for size, but a girl's still got to eat. Being a lesbian would be great if only Sonya were human. Unfortunately, she's not, and she needs to feed to survive. 

The trail of bodies has led Detective Anderson to Seattle. He's determined to find hard evidence and put Sonya away for good. Normally a man would be no match for a succubus, yet Sonya's powers seem to have no effect on the determined detective. 

Dubbed the "Black Widow," Sonya must evade the law until she can find a way to overcome her curse, which means finding the Blood Stone, the relic that killed her mother. 

*I was given this in exchange for a honest review*


My friends call me Sonya ~ Mr. Anderson calls me the Black Widow ~ You can call me "Succubus" 

I love fantasy. And romance. So when they're meshed together, I'm the happiest person on the planet. Now, add in a succubus and this story gets a little heated. I haven't read much books about succubus' (succubi?), so my knowledge is pretty low. I went into this hopeful and ended it with a good note.

Sonya is an awesome character. She's a succubus, which means she kills when she loves someone. She's kick ass with a fiery attitude. But because of what she is, she leaves a string of bodies behind her. And she's pretty funny with a side of sarcastic as well. A female character that's right up my alley.

“I jerked my phone out of my pocket and took a sharp left to follow the bold green line. I didn't fail to notice my walking icon had been replaced with a bicycle. Stupid Google. Doesn't have a "Succubus on Steroids" setting.


Which brings Detective Anderson around. He's on the case to find who is leaving all these bodies behind. I love his strength and determination, especially when some feels start brewing. But of course, Sonya stays away but she doesn't want him dead. But wait, he has no affect. Meaning, her succubus ways won't kill him!

I loved the scenes between Anderson and Sonya. The heat was pointed out in the beginning between these two, and when they finally reached that point, it was hot! The action was written so well, I could clearly see it in my mind. And those torture scenes! *shudders*

This is a novella, not a full length novel, but it doesn't feel that way, which I liked. If you haven't tried a succubus book yet, do so now and start with this one!

2016 Mid-Year Favorites

It's the middle of the year (not really) but we'll go with it. Here are some of my favorite reads so far for 2016!

A Court of Mist and Fury By Sarah J. Maas.
Guys, I loved this book! It's so much better than the first one in my opinion. I've already been wanting to re-read this beauty! Check it out if you haven't! And apparently I didn't get a review up (what the heck, Emma?) so I'll so that shortly.

                            Future Shock by Elizabeth Briggs comes in second. I absolutely loved this book. It kept me on my toes throughout the whole story. It's one I constantly think about and try to figure out how everything happened.

Extensive review can be found here (x)

Aw, this beauty has me still confused. I'm not really sure how to explain this one, so hopefully my review made sense. All I know is, you have to read it yourself to know what I'm talking about. It's got mystery and a tiny bit of romance. Even now, I still don't know what happened.

Extensive review can be found here (x)

 The Crown by Kiera Cass. I adored this book! One of my favorite series, in fact. This is the last book in the Selection series. Plus, the cover is gorgeous!

Extensive review can be found here (x)

This series was awesome! It took me a bit to get into it, but when I did, I flew through those books. I love the main character and everything she goes through to truly be ok with who she is.

Extensive review can be found here (x)

Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child-Jack Thorn, John Tiffany, JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Series: Standalone
Pages: 320
Genre: Script,fantasy
Rating: four and a half stars

Buy it here:

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

“The truth is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.” 



When I heard about this story coming out, I was excited. No, it's not totally written by the queen herself, but she had a hand in it and that was okay with me. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a script. It's not an actual story, written in the typical book style. It is a script. I know many didn't realize this before going in, and probably let that cloud their judgement. But for me, I liked it. Let me tell you why:

Albus Severus Potter is almost the complete opposite of his father, Harry. I wasn't quite expecting this when I went into it, thinking that a son of Harry's has to have the same virtues and courage he himself showed at a young age. But it was the opposite and let me tell you, I liked that. Albus wasn't another Harry, and I think that made the story itself a grander one. Albus is his own character with his own thoughts and words. It was interesting to be in  his mind when we've been in Harry's for so long. Now, that doesn't mean Albus is perfect. In fact, he's quite the little brat, and yet, a part of me can see why. What would it be like to have Harry as a dad? Everyone would watch you, waiting for you to be exactly like him. Pressure much? 

Scorpious, Draco's own child is the opposite of his dad. See what happened there? It's like everything is kind of different, the characters did the old switch-a-roo on us. Scorpious is timid, nervous, and a sweetheart. I found that to be a huge contrast to the type of man his father is. I did like the differences in characters. They weren't written in the way we expected them to be written. 

“SCORPIUS: Thank you for being my light in the darkness” 

Many of our favorite-and least favorite-returned in this play. I enjoyed reading about our favorite trio as adults with their own kids, trying to figure out how to manage them and remember what it was like for them as kids. I espeically loved Harry. He's kind of angry, as he should be thanks to what all he's been through, yet he's trying to figure out how to be a good dad. He doesn't have the reference on how to act like one, so it comes hard to him and steps in the way of his and Albus' relationship. 

“Those we love never truly leave us, Harry. There are things that death cannot touch.” 

There were a few decent surprises I certainly wasn't expecting in this! One in particular grossed me out. The villain in this wasn't surprising but other parts that were revealed about the villain were very much so. I didn't really see it coming, and I liked that about it. 

Albus and Scorpious take it in their own hands to change something about the past, causing such a change to the present time, that everything gets messy. These moments were both great and silly. They just kept going back, hoping to put everything back to the way it was. Albus goes through many emotions and changes throughout this book, leading to a smart young man who learns what it's truly meant to be as a Potter, and I'm glad both he and Harry figured their stuff out.

As this is a script mostly written from Jack Thorn and John Tiffany, the original feeling of the old characters isn't the same. Their personalities are a bit off, the way they speak or act can seem a bit wrong. The magic is kind of set aside and doesn't have that huge fantastical feel to it like JK wrote. It happens, these characters come from someone else mind and of course they'd be different. I know many who are quite upset about this, but I for one am grateful. This work isn't a true JK work. I feel that it's really a it's own story and shouldn't be included as an 8th book in the series, but that's just me. 

Anyway, if you can get past the script writing and tilted characters, I would recommend you read this. It certainly can't hurt you!

“The truth is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.”

Review: The Crown-Kiera Cass

The Crown
Series: book 5 in the Selection
Pages: 288
Genre: romance, science fiction
Rating: four and a half stars

Buy it here

In The Heir, a new era dawned in the world of The Selection. Twenty years have passed since America Singer and Prince Maxon fell in love, and their daughter is the first princess to hold a Selection of her own.

Eadlyn didn’t think she would find a real partner among the Selection’s thirty-five suitors, let alone true love. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and now Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more difficult—and more important—than she ever expected.

“You have to embrace the idea of imperfection, even if the thing that is most perfect for you.”



When I first started this series, I didn't think it would become one of my favorites. From reading about America's story to her daughters, this series was wonderfully crafted.

The Crown begins with Eadlyn rushing around, trying to take care of her duties as princess. Her mom is sick and can't be the queen right now, and as such, the king can't focus on his work. So Eadlyn steps up to take over some things while her mom gets better.

All the while, trying to find a husband. As if being a teenager is hard enough, she's got all of this on her shoulders. I couldn't do it.

“I clutched my chest, feeling my heart racing. “You treacherous, treacherous thing. What have you done?” 

The thing I love about Eadlyn is how strong she is. So many obstacles are being thrown at her but she takes it in stride. She wants to be a good leader and will do everything she can do to achieve that. 

The Selection is moving along a bit more fast this time. Eadlyn had to make some tough choices regarding the guys, and near the end, I was so worried for her. Like I said, she'll do anything for her people, including putting herself last.

I love each of the guys. They have their own personalities and slowly become meaningful to Eadlyn, making her harder to choose. Some have desires that aren't being in the palace and others are prepared to take step as the future king. Talk about a heavy choice! I adored Henry and Erik the most, they always made me laugh.

Now, here are the parts I didn't much like:

Eadlyn and her parents- I wish she had more scenes with them. I totally get that its Eadlyn's story, but I would have loved to see more interaction between them. There is this scene that I laughed at though:

“Need I remind you that this Selection was your idea?”

She sighed.

“Listen to your daughter,” Dad said. “Very smart girl. Gets it from me.”

“Don’t you want some more sleep?” she asked flatly.

“No, I’m feeling very refreshed,” he said. I wasn’t sure if it was because he wanted to continue the conversation or if he felt he needed to keep his attention on Mom. Either way, he was clearly lying.

“Dad, you look like death punched you in the face.”

“You must get that from me, too.”

“Dad!” 

The Elite-It would have been amazing if there was more time between the guys. Eadlyn barely got to talk and interact to them before she was charted away, so I feel like I didn't get to know them well enough.

The siblings-Like her parents, I hardly got scenes with her siblings. The times that we do, though, are very heartwarming.

Surprisingly, some secrets were revealed in this book that added some element to the story. I wasn't expecting a few things to come out, but it made sense and wasn't just something to be put in for extra words. While there were some aspects I didn't quite like, I loved the story. I totally recommend this to any who loves romance, coming of age, and dedication in a young woman.

"Happily ever after could be waiting in a field a mile wide."