SWORN TO PROTECT by Diana Gardin

SWORN TO PROTECT by Diana Gardin 

(June 4, 2017; Forever Yours eBook; $3.99; Rescue Ops Book 1)

To keep her safe, he'll have to uncover all her secrets...

Rayne Alexander. A face I never thought I'd see again, and one I never could forget. Nine years ago, she left town--and me--without a backward glance. But now she's back, with a haunted look in her eyes and a feisty attitude that didn't exist when we were teenagers. Seeing this grown-up--and sexy--Rayne is something I wasn't prepared for... and it's bringing up feelings I'd thought I'd buried years ago.

Although I want to demand answers from Rayne, working on black ops at Night Eagle Security has taught me that it's sometimes better to keep my mouth shut. So when I catch her hiding a photo of a little boy, I'm curious. When I see her jump as her phone rings, I'm concerned. But the second I notice a car following her home, I know she's hiding something. Something dangerous. And while I may not know why she left or why she's back, if there's someone out there Rayne is afraid of, I'll make damn sure that threat is eliminated.

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Even when I tell it not to, my body reacts to Rayne. Every time she pulls her lip between her teeth. Every time her midnight blue eyes meet mine and smolder with some unseen emotion. Every single time I see a peek of the perky breasts that were really nice in high school, but are just spectacular now.

And I’m having a more difficult time every day hiding the way my stomach clenches when she checks her phone with that look of fear on her face.

It’s at one of these times that I don’t fight the pull and stalk toward her desk.

Snatching the phone from her hand, I read the text that put the disturbed expression in her eyes.

“Jeremy! What the fuck?”

Ignoring her pissed-off shout, my eyes narrow and my teeth clamp shut when I read the words on her screen.

You can’t hide forever. I will find you. And I will take what’s mine.

Rage explodes inside me. Glancing around the lobby, where people are acting like they’re not listening to us, but who are clearly paying attention, I grasp her by the elbow and tow her and the phone down the hallway and into the lounge.

Tossing her phone onto a countertop, I spin her around until she’s pressed against the nearest wall. I cage her in with my arms, leaning forward while taking deep breaths to try and control my temper.

 “Tell me about that text, Rayne. Tell me now.” The words are gritted out through my teeth.

“It’s none of your—”

“Dammit, Rayne! If you tell me it’s none of my business I’m probably gonna break something. I know that I shouldn’t care, shouldn’t want to know. But I do! Okay?

If someone is threatening you like this, then I need to know about it. I just do.”

She clamps her mouth shut, staring back at me with stubborn fear in her eyes.

While I’m watching, a lone tear escapes and rolls down her cheek. She’s too mulish to wipe it away, so it just keeps falling while I trace its track with my gaze.

“Fuck me.” The curse is muttered from me while I use a thumb to wipe the tear away.

“Rayne…I know it’s been a long time. You don’t know the man I am now. But there’s no way in hell I can watch you keep getting these texts—see the fear in your eyes when you read them—and not do something about it. You’re working in an office full of guys that can take out whoever this is. But you have to trust me enough to let me help you.”

She sniffs. “I don’t trust anyone, Jer.”

Jer. The nickname rocks me, sending me reeling into the past where her plump lips would utter that name on a sigh while I kissed the sweetest spot in the world—the hollow right above her collarbone.

Blinking, I shake off the image and dip my head a little. “I know. What I don’t know is why. What happened to you?”

Her mouth stays firmly closed.

 “You think I’m gonna let this go, Rayne?”

She just stares up at me, a war going on in her eyes. It’s like she wants to tell me what’s happening, but something inside won’t let her. She doesn’t want me to get close.

I’m suddenly aware of the fact that we’re only inches apart. I can smell her. The fresh, slightly sweet scent of something floral washes over me, mixed with the hint of spice that is just Rayne.

“I just want to help you,” I whisper, before letting my thumb roam over her soft skin.

One hand is still braced against the wall while my thumb sweeps a path across her cheekbone, and even though I’m fighting the lust bubbling up inside me, my cock swells in my jeans. Taunting me. Forcing me to think about what she’d look like now if she were lying naked under me. All that gorgeous black hair splayed out on the pillows, my name falling from her lips while I please her. Whether I’m willing to admit it or not, that’s still a deep, dark desire inside me.

Pleasing her. And I don’t want to just please her. No, I want to possess her, to own her.

Because a long time ago, I did. But she slipped through my fingers, and I was left wondering how the hell I lost her.

Diana Gardin is a wife of one and a mom of two. Writing is her second full time job to that, and she loves it! Diana writes contemporary romance in the Young Adult and New Adult categories. She's also a former Elementary school teacher. She loves steak, sugar cookies, and Coke and hates working out.

www.dianagardin.com

www.twitter.com/DianaLynnGardin

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A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #3

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens Books

Release Date: May 2, 2017

Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places. 

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all. 

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“If he was the sweet, terrifying darkness, I was the glittering light that only his shadows could make clear.” 

What a sobbing mess I am! 

Sarah J. Mass created a world which gave me a twister of emotions. I was giddy with happiness, sweating during a battle, crying in devastation or sighing with love. 

A Court of Wings and Ruin takes us back to Feyre and Rhysand's world. Now, separated after the events at the end of ACOMAF but still able to communicate with each other. Feyre has made her number one priority to find out any information about the nefarious plans Hybern has so she can help Rhysand, her sisters, their friends, and the humans survive. 

ACOWAR also paves the road for Feyre's sisters' futures. Both, Nesta and Elain have to deal with their new circumstances. They are not on the human side of the wall any longer. Furthermore, they will need to deal with their feelings towards Cassian and Lucien, respectively.   

I love everything about this book. Every single scene was performed masterfully. SJM made this series an Epic Fantasy with amazing secondary characters. Each character was full of life and depth. Feyre and Rhysand's character development through the series was flawless. 

ACOWAR has one of the best battle scenes I have read in recent years. So many things happened. My heart was in turmoil in a seesaw of emotions. A particular scene just broke me.

I can't finish my review without talking about Cassian, Morr, Amren, and Azriel. They're as important as the two main characters. They complement them. They are a family. ACOWAR shows you that family can be created not only made.

“ it is the family you make, not the one you are born into, that matters.” 

These characters are all broken and they have all suffered. Because of my last statement, I would need to include Tamlin and Lucien in this group too. Neither had a happy life before Feyre meets them. In this regard, I'm glad SJM didn't make Tamlin a completely horrible person. I hope he can redeem himself later.

“We're all a broken, in our own ways - In places no one might see.” 

I can't wait to see if each of them gets its own book. They surely deserve one. I do know who I want to get one first.

“ I will find you in the next world - the next life. And we will have that time. I promise.” 

Hurry up 2018.

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

Exceptional! Piercing! GLORIOUS! After soooo long! What is my life?! After reading this I feel so inadequate! This is one of the best stories I've read in a really long time. After reading ACoMaF I was dying, it was magnificent and I didn't know if ACoWaR would live up to my expectations but it totally did!

I didn't feel like it was an ending to anything at all! We continue to fall in love with Feyre and Rhys, but we learn so much more about everyone else! We also get more about the high fae of the other courts. They obviously have to somewhat work together to accomplish what they need to and that opens up our eyes to what some of these other courts have gone through and are still going through.

Amren, Azriel, Cassian, Morrigan, Nesta, and Elain are all there and I can't love them anymore than I do right now! I don't want to spoil anything, but my heart is bursting with emotions for these characters! I want them to live, love, thrive!

 I can't get enough! I can never get enough! Maas has meticulously created this multi-faceted world, with these delightfully charming characters that I have fallen so hopelessly infatuated with and I just feel like I could never write a review that would ever do it justice. All I can say is that if you haven't given this series a chance, don't wait!

5/5 Fangs

I CAN'T BELIEVE I FINISHED THIS. MY EMOTIONS ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. JKSjklasjlSAJassaue2ioeKSJDKLsj. THIS REVIEW WILL PROBABLY BE A RAMBLING MESS AND I AM NOT EVEN SORRY ABOUT IT.

Okay, I don't want to spoil anything that happens in this book, but oh my gosh SO MUCH HAPPENED IN THIS BOOK. I literally felt every emotion while reading this book. I cannot even begin to explain the roller coaster of emotions that I experienced. There was action, romance, politics, mystery, suspense, AND JUST EVERYTHING EVER. The plot was so freaking addictive, and I couldn't fathom putting this book down, hence why I read it in one sitting. hehehe. 

ACOWAR had so much more world-building than I was expecting and it was phenomenal. I loved learning more about new and old courts and the fae that rule them. It was so fascinating to see what the different courts were like, and it was even more amazing to meet some of the fae that lived in those courts. I didn't think SJM could have created more characters in this world that I loved, but she proved me wrong when she introduced the high fae of the other courts. I FREAKING LOVE THEM ALL. I WANT BOOKS ABOUT LIKE EVERY FREAKING CHARACTER IN THIS SERIES. UGH.

Speaking of the characters, they were all just perfect in this book. The characters in this series are so complex and multi-layered. I just want to constantly learn more and more about them. They are all so captivating. Each character has something that has damaged them, but they are becoming stronger despite the things that are trying to bring them down. They all have their flaws, but that is what makes them more relatable. FEYRE, RHYS, CASSIAN, AZRIEL, AMREN, MORR, ELAIN, NESTA, LUCIEN, AND THE NEW CHARACTERS HAVE ALL STOLEN MY HEART. I LOVE THEM TO PIECES.

I love how all the characters are badass in their own ways. They all stood up for themselves and proved that they can be strong and fierce when they need to be. SERIOUSLY, THEY ARE FANTASTIC.

I would also like to mention how much I adore Feyre's development throughout this series. Feyre's growth has been so inspirational, and seeing her being extremely strong, confident, smart, and thoughtful in this book made me SO FREAKING HAPPY. I LOVE HER SO MUCH.

Also, Rhys was as swoon-worthy and perfect as EVER in this book. Seriously, he is perfection. It hurts my heart to even think about him because I love him so freaking much. HE IS MY HUSBAND, OKAY?!?!?!

OH LORDY, THE THINGS THE ROMANCES IN THIS BOOK DID TO MY HEART. There are so many fantastic couples in this series and they all make me feel so freaking warm and fuzzy inside. I SHIPPED SO MANY FREAKING PEOPLE IN THIS BOOK. I even ship some characters with multiple people, so it should be interesting to see how those play out in the future books. OOPS. Anyway, all of my ships in this book were glorious. They are all so freaking sexy, adorable, and fantastic. I WANT THEM ALL TO HAVE BOOKS AND TO BE HAPPY AND IN LOVE AND BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER. 

Honestly, I don't know what else to say without rambling for literally the rest of eternity about how much I loved this book and the entire series. This book was an epic finale and it did not disappoint me one single bit. I loved every single moment of this book, and I have already reread it #noregrets. The A Court of Thornes and Roses series will forever be one of my favorite series, and I will continue to reread it until the day I die. 

AND THERE WILL BE MORE BOOKS COMING OUT ABOUT OTHER CHARACTERS IN THIS SERIES AND I AM A BALL OF EMOTIONS. I AM SO EXCITED FOR THOSE BOOKS. I NEED EVERYONE TO BE HAPPY AND I NEED MY SHIPS TO SAIL. I NEED TO BE BACK IN THIS AMAZING WORLD WITH ALL MY PRECIOUS BABIES. 

5 / 5 Fangs

Wintersong (Wintersong #1) by S. Jae-Jones

Hardcover, 436 pages

Published February 7th 2017 by Thomas Dunne Books

ISBN: 1250079217

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Beware the goblin men and the wares they sell.

All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.

But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.

Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world.

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Wintersong was simply magical. This book was enchanting, breathtaking, sensual, and delicious. The world the author created in this book was stunning, lush, and consuming. Also, the plot of this book was extremely addictive. I never felt bored while reading Wintersong. I seriously couldn't put it down! I felt like I was sucked into this world and I wasn't released until the very end. 

The main character, Liesl, was such a well-written character. There were times I loved her and there were times I hated her, which made her seem that much more real. I felt every emotion Liesl felt and I felt like I was facing her struggles with her. She was kind, loyal, selfless, passionate, and thoughtful. But she also had times where she was selfish, rude, and jealous. These different sides to Liesl just made her seem more human and realistic. She was broken yet she was strong. I absolutely loved the way her character was written. Actually, two of my favorite things about her were her love for music and her love for her family. I don't usually care to read about music, but this author wrote music in such an enchanting and mesmerizing way that I fell in love with it. 

Now, the Goblin King...

MY HEAAARTTTT. 

At first, I really hated him. He was cruel, cunning, and deceitful. However, it turned out there was so much more to him than that wolf-like exterior. He was a complicated and tragic man who was actually quite tender and caring. I became captivated by him. I wanted to know more and more about him. I fell in love with him and his mysterious self. There are a lot of unanswered questions about him, so I am hoping those will be addressed in book two. 

The romance in this book killed me and brought me back to life again. The way the characters slowly fell in love felt so realistic and well written. The slow and sensual buildup was equally infuriating and intoxicating. I loved the tug and pull of the romance. The sensual side of the romance was written in such a magnificent and alluring way. I really applaud the author for creating such an exquisite romance. I WANT THEM TO BE A COUPLE FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER. 

I was not expecting to cry while reading this book, but boy, DID I CRY. CURSE YOU FOR MAKING ME CRY AND CURSE YOU FOR BREAKING MY HEART. The ending left me DYING to have more. I NEED TO GET BOOK TWO BECAUSE I NEED ANSWERS AND RESOLUTIONS. NOW. 

5 / 5 Fangs

Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop

Title: Marked in Flesh 

Author: Anne Bishop

Series: The Others #4

Publisher: Roc

Release Date: March 8, 2016

For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they’re willing to tolerate—both within themselves and within their community...

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs…

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Another great addition to The Others series. 

I can honestly say that I hate the Human First and Last Movement (HFL). They are awful people and they put in danger everyone else due to their selfish and ridiculous beliefs. Nothing made me happier than the boat scene. Finally!

“Do you know what the Sharkgard call humans on a ship?

So what's the plot for Marked in Flesh. As we know the humans are trying to gain more territory. To this end, they'll kill any Terra Indigine interfering with their plans. So it's humans vs humans & Terra Indigine. Nicholas Scratch is causing trouble through Thaisia and Cel-Romano. The name of the game is distraction and everyone is at risk. This includes the Courtyard and the areas were the Simple Life folk and the Intuits live. What the HFL is not counting on is on those beings called the Elders and their power.

“The first card was a beautifully rendered but terrifying representation of what Henry guessed was one of the Elders’ forms. Next was half a Wolf cookie. Last was a card that had a simple drawing of a smiley face. “That is sooooo wrong,” Merri Lee said, shuddering. 

I'm enjoying this series so much. They are addictive. The world-building, plot, character development and humor is fantastic. Marked in Flesh adds depth to the long arc while introducing new characters like Jesse Walker, Tobias, Shelley Bookman interacting with Joe Wolfguard and Tolya Sanguinati.

I love how Hope Wolfsong is trying to find her own way. She, as Meg, is dealing with the best way to avoid the addiction to cutting. Thankfully, she has Jackson and Grace to stand by her.

Simon and Meg's romance is advancing, slowly but surely. The Trailblazer is still not sure what her feelings for Simon are and of course, Simon can't tell what love is even if it's hitting him on the face. If you are looking for a hot romance this series is not for you. Their relationship as friends- and hopefully mates- is unhurried.

“He gently kissed that scar and felt something changing inside him - just a flutter of change, there and gone, but leaving its mark.” 

In the aftermath of the fight between the HFL and the terra indigene, only one question is unanswered:

How much human do the terra indigene want to keep?

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published April 11th 2017 by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen

ISBN: 0062348701

Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso knows all about unrequited love—she’s lived through it twenty-six times. She crushes hard and crushes often, but always in secret. Because no matter how many times her twin sister, Cassie, tells her to woman up, Molly can’t stomach the idea of rejection. So she’s careful. Fat girls always have to be careful.

Then a cute new girl enters Cassie’s orbit, and for the first time ever, Molly’s cynical twin is a lovesick mess. Meanwhile, Molly’s totally not dying of loneliness—except for the part where she is. Luckily, Cassie’s new girlfriend comes with a cute hipster-boy sidekick. Will is funny and flirtatious and just might be perfect crush material. Maybe more than crush material. And if Molly can win him over, she’ll get her first kiss and she’ll get her twin back. 

There’s only one problem: Molly’s coworker Reid. He’s an awkward Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire, and there’s absolutely no way Molly could fall for him. Right?

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I felt like my heart was filled with pure joy after reading this book. The Upside of Unrequited was a charming story full of romance, self-acceptance, family dynamics, and so much more. After reading this book, I officially decided that Becky Albertalli is one of my all-time favorite authors. 

One of my favorite things about this book was the characters and how realistic they were. The main character, Molly, was someone I related to on so many levels. I don't think I have ever related to a character as much as I related to Molly. Molly was insecure and didn't really think too highly of herself sometimes. However, she was also witty, hilarious, kind, smart, generous, and simply adorable. Molly loved Pinterest, which was so cute and it added a playful side to her character. Her inner thoughts felt so realistic and I really identified with her in those moments. She sometimes jumped to the wrong conclusions too quickly and was a little overdramatic, but don't we all do those things sometimes?

There were plenty of other characters that I also liked in this book. The author created so many unique, lovable, memorable, and amazing characters. I grew to love each character and I know I will cherish them forever. I WANT THEM TO BE MY FRIENDS. I ALSO JUST WANT TO READ ABOUT ALL THESE CHARACTERS FOREVER AND SQUISH THEM FOREVER. 

I loved, loved, LOVED the diversity in this book. I thought the author presented diversity in a positive and lovely way. So many different cultures, body types, and sexual orientations were represented in this book and I was LIVING for it. I also really liked the way the author addressed topics like sex and alcohol. She addressed them in a realistic and healthy manner. The conversations around those subjects just felt so real and wonderful. AND THERE WAS NO SHAMING OF ANY KIND!!!! Y'ALL, BECKY IS AN AMAZING WRITER.

I don't know if I can even talk about the romance in this book without squealing for 20 minutes straight because the romance was just THAT CUTE. The romance in this book was adorable and perfect. I don't want to say anything because of spoilers, but just know that the romance was pure magic. 

Overall, this book was a delightful, endearing, addictive, and wonderful book. I would recommend this book to everyone and anyone. PLEASE, GO AND READ THIS MAGICAL BOOK. 

5 / 5 Fangs

The Doctor's Redemption by Victoria James

Gwen Bailey has been busy taking care of everyone but herself. After a tragedy tore her family apart, she put her dreams aside to be with family. Now that her life is getting back on track, and her new Chocolaterie is open, she can concentrate on snagging the handsome, mysterious customer who has her dreaming about her own happily-ever-after...

Doctor Luke Thomson has spent the last five years filled with guilt. He hopes to make amends in Shadow Creek, however he doesn't count on falling for the adorable and gorgeous Gwen Bailey. He vows to not get involved with her, but she's too sweet to resist. It's only a matter of time, though, before the truth comes out. Luke knows there's no way Gwen will look at him the same way once she discovers his secret...

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Victoria James is a romance writer living near Toronto. She is a mother to two young children, one very disorderly feline, and wife to her very own hero. Victoria attended Queen’s University and graduated with a degree in English Literature. She then earned a degree in Interior Design. After the birth of herVi first child she began pursuing her life-long passion of writing. Her dream of being a published romance author was realized by Entangled in 2012. Victoria is living her dream— staying home with her children and conjuring up happy endings for her characters. Victoria would love to hear from her readers! You can visit her at www.victoriajames.ca or Twitter @vicjames101 or send her an email at Victoria@victoriajames.ca.

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