ARC Review: Crown of Lies by Pepper Winters

Title: Crown of Lies
Author: Pepper Winters
Series: Crown of Lies Duet #1
Publication: January 31st 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Purchase: TBA
Rating: 3/5

“I met the boy I wanted. But then he vanished and a new man claimed me instead. My father approved, my colleagues congratulated, and behind closed doors, I was bedded by a stranger.”
Noelle Charlston lived a fairy-tale life: a doting father, a powerful job, and a future blessed with financial security.

However, two meetings with two men changed her happy existence forever. First, she met the boy who made her heart sing. Second, she met the man who made her blood quiver.

Noelle’s freedom was no longer hers. It belonged to the man her father believed was the perfect match. The man who pulled his lies over everyone he touched.
Including her.

Seduced and manipulated, Noelle lives two lives. The one everyone sees on the outside and the one no one sees on the inside. The lies he spins, the truth he hides, the mystery he webs—it’s all enough to slowly erode the woman she’d been and turn her into something else.

Until her past collides with her present.
And it’s her turn to lie.
To everyone…including herself.

Pepper Winters is one of my top favorite authors. I love her books but I gotta be honest and say that Crown of Lies isn't my favorite by her. I liked it but I'm sad because I wanted to love this book. It just isn't her best work, in my opinion. 

The story started out promising enough. It actually felt like a modern fairytale at the beginning. The main character, Noelle "Elle" Charlston was like a princess locked up in her tower waiting for her prince until she finally decided to go out on her own one night, only it was modernized to fit with these times. I don't know if that was the authors purpose, it just felt like that. 

It had everything I like in a book by this author, except that the majority of the characters and story felt a bit messy to me + I wasn't a huge fan of Penn. Sure, he intrigued me but he was a bit too big of a jerk to Elle. I usually love Pepper's men, but I don't know... there was just something off about this one. The sex scenes between them were really hot, though so that's a plus again. But damn it, I want to know who he really is. It was kinda driving me insane when I was reading and since this is a duology we won't know until the next and final book. Argh!

I really hate how conflicted I am about Crown of Lies. The storyline and the mystery surrounding Penn totally intrigued me and also messed with my head, which is why I love the author's books so much. I liked the book for sure but —and I'm sorry to say this— it just didn't feel as well-executed or well-written as I'm used to with Pepper Winters.

       About the Author:

       Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Pepper Winters is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller. After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. She’s also honoured to wear the IndieReader Badge for being a Top 10 Indie Bestseller. Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian and Turkish. Audio Books for her entire back-list will be available in 2016.

Stacking The Shelves: January 28, 2017

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted @ Tynga's Reviews

Bought:
Feversong by Karen Marie Moning

Wednesday I received the last book in the Fever series. The inside is so beautifully decorated, I love it. 

Bought:

FairyLoot

Yesterday this month's FairyLoot arrived. Everything in it is so freaking amazing. They've really outdone themselves. I won't say what's in it yet because I don't want to spoil it for the people who didn't receive their box yet but I'm so happy with the book!

Freebie:

The Sun God's Heir: Return: Book One by Elliott Baker

"set at the end of the seventeenth century in France, Spain and northern Africa." Sounds so amazing!

Happy Saturday, everyone!

Please leave me links to your book hauls so I can stop by! :)

Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Heir of Fire
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Publication: September 11th 2014 by Bloomsbury Childrens 
Genre: Fantasy ~ Young Adult
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 4/5

Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can't bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back...

The Immortal Queen will help her destroy the king - for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her?

I don't know where to start with this review. It's the first Throne of Glass book that I actually loved. I knew pretty quickly into the book that it was so much better than both the first and second book. It also made me buy book #4 while I was still reading this one and that doesn't happen a lot so yes, Heir of Fire was really good!

I was simply addicted to this book. It was larger and it had just more epicness all around. I loved that the fae played a bigger role, which was a huge part of me liking this book so much. I love reading about any kind of fae. And Rowan... I loved him so freaking much. 

I also liked Celaena a lot more than I did in the previous two books. Especially once she met Rowan and they started training together. I adored their relationship. I feel like he played a big part into the person she was becoming towards the end of the book. And I had lots of love for all the magic!

There's also some other points of view. I love different POVs so that was yet another reason to love this book. It was nice to read about how the others were doing and also some new characters were introduced. Manon was by far my favorite and I loved her chapters to bits and pieces. I can't wait to read more about her! I also loved Aedion and Sorscha, too. 

The author's writing has improved a lot in this book than in the two previous books. It was so, so much better! The end of the book made me kind of wanting to scream, like seriously! But hey, at least it wasn't boring or anything. 

With how amazing I thought Heir of Fire was, I'm really glad I didn't give up on this series and gave it another shot. So fingers crossed for the next book! But I'm sure it'll be great also.

       About the Author:

       Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Sarah J. Maas is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series and A Court of Thorns and Roses series, as well as a USA Today and international bestselling author. Sarah wrote the first incarnation of the Throne of Glass series when she was just sixteen, and it has now sold in thirty-five languages. A New York native, Sarah currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and dog. Empire of Storms, the fifth Throne of Glass novel,is available now. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hamilton College in 2008 with a degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Religious Studies.

Waiting On Wednesday: A Thousand Letters by Staci Hart

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that I'm eagerly anticipating.

A Thousand Letters by Staci Hart
Expected publication: February 9th 2017

Sometimes your life is split by a single decision.

I’ve spent every day of the last seven years regretting mine: he left, and I didn’t follow. A thousand letters went unanswered, my words like petals in the wind, spinning away into nothing, taking me with them.

But now he’s back.

I barely recognize the man he’s become, but I can still see a glimmer of the boy who asked me to be his forever, the boy I walked away from when I was young and afraid.

Maybe if he’d come home under better circumstances, he could speak to me without anger in his voice. Maybe if I’d said yes all those years ago, he’d look at me without the weight of rejection in his eyes. Maybe if things were different, we would have had a chance.

One regretted decision sent him away. One painful journey brought him back to me. I only wish I could keep him.

*A contemporary romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion*

I don't know how I didn't know about this book because I think Staci Hart's books are great but I saw a cover reveal post on Booklover's Teaparty and after reading the blurb I knew I definitely want to read it once it releases. Luckily it won't be a very long wait. 

I also love that it's a contemporary romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

What do you think about this book? Have you read books by this author before?

Leave me the link to your WoW post so I can stop by!

Top Ten Tuesday ~ Favorite Historical Fiction

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's topic is a freebie, so I decided to do a top ten of my favorite genre:

► Historical Fiction ◄

The Sultan, The Vampyr and the Soothsayer by Lucille Turner {My Review}

The Maiden Seer by Tracy Ann Miller {My Review}

Roma Amor by Sherry Christie {My Review}
America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie {My Review}

Finding Gabriel by Rachel L. Demeter {My Review}

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon {My Review}

Eagles at War by Ben Kane {My Review}

A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii {My Review}

Curses and Smoke by Vicky Alvear Shecter {My Review}
The Emperor's Conspiracy by Michelle Diener {My Review}

Have you read any of these or what historical fiction books are your favorite?

Let me know in the comments!

Co-Review: It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

After buddy reading many books, Christina of Booklover's Teaparty and I decided to do something different and do a co-review.

Title: It Ends With Us
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publication: August 2nd 2016 by Atria Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Play | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

 

SOMETIMES THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU IS THE ONE WHO HURTS YOU THE MOST

Lily hasn't always had it easy, but that's never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She's come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up - she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily's life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He's also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan - her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

This book contains graphic scenes and very sensitive subject matter.

Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?

Stephanie: It was unique compared to other books in general because there are letters that Lily wrote to Ellen DeGeneres  when she was younger. This was super interesting because 1. I love Ellen and 2. this way we could find out what happened all those years between Lily and Atlas. 

Christina: The fact that it basically involved two love stories one in the past and one in the present made it different. The past love story were journal entries or letters that Lily wrote to Ellen DeGeneres about her life and a boy, Atlas she befriends. Lily in the present reads these in between her present life so we experience both stories.

What are your thoughts on Lily and Ryle and also Lily and Atlas in the book?

Stephanie: Lily & Ryle: It's hard to say because I don't want to reveal any spoilers for future readers but my heart hurt so much for them with everything that went on between them and all the things Ryle did. I do believe he was story but that obviously didn't make up for it all. 
Lily & Atlas: I can't deny it, my heart hurt for them too. We got to know Atlas through the letters Lily wrote to Ellen and I loved him right away so I was always hoping he'd show up. I won't say if he does or not, though. ;)

Christina: It is really a rollercoaster on your emotions with Lily and Ryle. You love them, but then...(must not reveal) and yet you love them  Then as you get to know Atlas you love him, too and just wonder how can all this even end well. It is just really hard to say much since saying too much would reveal the big dark secret and the twist. I hurt for both Lily and Ryle and Lily and Atlas.

Favorite secondary character?

Stephanie: There weren't that many secondary characters but I was really fond of Allysa and Marshall because even though this book was a little tough to read sometimes, they provided a comic relief that was definitely needed.

Christina: Since there weren’t many secondary characters or ones that had much time in the book it’s kind of hard. I did like Alyssa, she seemed like a good friend to Lily and added some fun to the book. Her and her husband were adorable actually.

What's your favorite quote of the book?

Stephanie: “All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.” 

Christina:

“All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.” 

And sorry also gotta add this short one,  “I hope you defy the odds of most dreams and actually accomplish yours.” 

Did it turn out how you expected?

Stephanie: In a way it did, and in a way it didn't. I expected that this book would've made me cry and it did like the amazing writer that Colleen Hoover is. And it was unexpected because I didn't expect how hard this book was at times and the relationship it was about concerning Lily and Ryle.

Christina: Actually no. But then again as I was getting into the book I couldn’t really tell how it end to be honest. You start and think, oh it’s gonna end this way and such, but that just kept changing for me and in the end I just really didn’t know what to think. I was happy with the end though, even though it made me cry.

What are your overall thoughts about the book?

Stephanie: I knew right from the start that It Ends With Us was a bit different from this author's usual work. I don't want to reveal too much but I gotta say that some things that happened between Lily and Ryle were a bit hard to read. And yet, on the other hand the way Colleen Hoover wrote it made it a pretty incredible read even it was tough and sad at times.

Christina: Overall I think it was an amazing book. Had some things that were hard to read at times, heartbreaking even, but at the same time it’s a book that really makes you think and has an important message. Beautiful, beautiful book that really plays with all your emotions. 

Stacking The Shelves: January 21, 2017

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted @ Tynga's Reviews

Bought:
Sex, Love and Rock n' Roll by Scott Mackenzie

For Review:
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry

For Review:
Crown of Lies by Pepper Winters

What books did you all get this week?

Please leave me links to your book hauls so I can stop by! :)

Review: Indelible: Beneath His Ink by Inger Iversen

Title: Indelible: Beneath His Ink
Author: Inger Iversen
Series: Teal and Trent #2
Publication: December 12th 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 3.5/5

Former Marine, Trent Reed, is in desperate need of a Hail Mary.

With each failed attempt to convince his woman to pack up and move to Kentucky, his past finds some new way to rear its ugly head. But when his pregnant ex plows into his life, all hell breaks loose—unearthing parts of his past he wished would stay buried.
Two weeks of vacation with her man? Hell yeah, that is exactly what Teal Lofton’s libido needs.

And after surviving seven months apart, their reunion doesn’t disappoint. What she didn’t account for was an unfortunate encounter with people from Trent’s past. A racist, a druggie, and a double-barreled shotgun, culminate into a vacation that will alter the course of her life forever.

Indelible wasn't my favorite book in the series but I still love Teal and Trent to bits and pieces. I did like the story but I just didn't totally love it. It was a solid 3.5 star read for me.

In this book Teal and Trent are basically trying to figure out what the next step in their relationship is. Trent wants her to move to Kentucky to be with him, while Teal has some doubts about it. Trent eventually convinces Teal to come to Kentucky on a little vacation with him when people from his past show up meaning to ruin what they have together.

I liked the story well enough but I missed something I can't quite place my finger on. As I said, I still love Teal and Trent. And I really do. I love them together. They have so much chemistry and would do anything for one another. As always I'm awed by how Teal is so strong for Trent even though his past was horrible. 

The ending of the book was probably my favorite. It even made me squeal a little with joy. I can't exactly say what happened or how it did end but I'm really so happy for how it all turned out for Teal and Trent. 

It was a pretty quick read so that probably helped a little but this book pulled me out of a reading slump so yay! And as always I'm excited for the next book.

       About the Author:

       Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Inger Iversen is an American author residing in Virginia. She lives for bringing her fictional characters from darkness to light through self-discovery and passion. From her emotionally gripping, new adult Few Are Angels series that builds in intensity and intrigue to a finale you won’t see coming, to her international bestselling interracial romance dubbed “one of the most emotionally gripping” books of the summer, Inger breathes life into her fiction through her enthusiasm and devotion to writing. Her influences range from life experiences and daydreams, Inger spends her time in the writing cave and fantasizing of the day she can figure out how to Weird Science her characters to life.

Find my review of Inevitable: Love and War (Teal and Trent #1) here!

Waiting On Wednesday: Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that I'm eagerly anticipating.

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo
August 29th 2017 by Random House Books for Young Readers

The highly anticipated coming-of-age story for the world’s greatest super hero: WONDER WOMAN by the # 1 New York Times bestselling author LEIGH BARDUGO.

She will become one of the world’s greatest heroes: WONDER WOMAN. But first she is Diana, Princess of the Amazons. And her fight is just beginning. . . .

Diana longs to prove herself to her legendary warrior sisters. But when the opportunity finally comes, she throws away her chance at glory and breaks Amazon law—risking exile—to save a mere mortal. Even worse, Alia Keralis is no ordinary girl and with this single brave act, Diana may have doomed the world.

Alia just wanted to escape her overprotective brother with a semester at sea. She doesn’t know she is being hunted. When a bomb detonates aboard her ship, Alia is rescued by a mysterious girl of extraordinary strength and forced to confront a horrible truth: Alia is a Warbringer—a direct descendant of the infamous Helen of Troy, fated to bring about an age of bloodshed and misery.

Together, Diana and Alia will face an army of enemies—mortal and divine—determined to either destroy or possess the Warbringer. If they have any hope of saving both their worlds, they will have to stand side by side against the tide of war.

Everything about this book looks and sounds awesome so I MUST have it! Only too bad that the end of August is still so far away. *cries*

What book are you waiting for?

Leave me the link to your WoW post so I can stop by!