Co-Review: Into the Fire by Jeaniene Frost

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

Title: Into the Fire
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Prince #4
Publication: February 28th 2017 by Avon
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 4/5

In the explosive finale to New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Night Prince series, Vlad is in danger of losing his bride to an enemy whose powers might prove greater than the Prince of Vampire’s….

In the wrong hands, love can be a deadly weapon.

For nearly six hundred years, Vlad Tepesh cared for nothing, so he had nothing to lose. His brutal reputation ensured that all but the most foolhardy stayed away. Now falling in love with Leila has put him at the mercy of his passions. And one adversary has found a devastating way to use Vlad’s new bride against him.

A powerful spell links Leila to the necromancer Mircea. If he suffers or dies, so does she. Magic is forbidden to vampires, so Vlad and Leila enlist an unlikely guide as they search for a way to break the spell. But an ancient enemy lies in wait, capable of turning Vlad and Leila’s closest friends against them…and finally tearing the lovers apart forever.

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

Stephanie:  What stood out to me the most was how Ian played a pretty huge part in this book. It was clearly to set up everything for his own story to start. He's finally getting a series of his own so yay! I thought this was wonderfully done of Jeaniene Frost. And also, Leila seemed more confident than ever before, which I liked a lot.

Christina: I don’t know, it kind of took a shift from what or more like who we thought it would be dealing with and went in another direction, but in a good way. I was also surprised to see Ian become such a big part of the book. It was great though! (Perfect time to set up for Ian’s book *wink*).

What are your thoughts on Vlad and Leila in the book?

Stephanie:  I've always loved both of them, especially together and it's no different in this book. I'm glad their relationship is finally stable even though they had to keep fighting for it again and again. They're a very strong couple together. 

Christina: Well much better in this book, no grumpy Vlad! I really think they have grown as a couple and by now nothing can keep them apart. I really like that there doesn’t have to be any relationship drama along with everything else. Sure they have their issues, but they tackle them as they come. So despite their short time together they are a really strong couple.

Best moment of secondary character?

Stephanie:  I want to say every moment Ian was in the book. But I already talked about him quite a bit so I'm going to go with Mencheres. He appeared a few times in the book also since him and Vlad have a strong bond + he's one of my favorite characters from this world. All his moments were pretty great.

Christina: Ian!!!! Ian is as always awesome to have around and pleasantly surprised to see him be such a big part of this book. Now bring on his book!

How would you describe the book in one or two words?

Stephanie:  Scorching ending! 

Christina: Hot & magical

What's your favorite quote of the book?

Stephanie: "She's my wife," Vlad growled before I could correct the misassumption. "And if your cock twitches one more time while you look at her, I'll burn it off."

Christina: Okay  I had to get this thing with Ian in there! It is too funny! “If you think this is impressive, I know a fellow whose wife can shapeshift into an ancient dragon. I ache with envy at the thought of shagging one of those."

My jaw dropped. "You'd seriously bang a dragon?"

"Oh, for days," he responded at once. "Can you imagine the Internet videos? I'd be a bloody legend.” 

Did you like how Jeaniene Frost ended the Night Prince series?

Stephanie: Yes, I did! In my opinion series ending can either be mind blowing or very disappointing. Also, the ending was pretty open. Some like that, others don't. Personally I have no problems with it. I really thought Jeaniene Frost did a great job with this one. 

Christina: Honestly it barely felt like an end to me, it kind of leaves room for more somehow. I liked it though, it didn’t feel like a goodbye and I didn’t mind that. Good end I think.

What are your overall thoughts?

Stephanie:  Overall, I won't say Into the Fire is my favorite book in the series. Some of the others were just a little bit better (though not all of them). But I really did enjoy this book so much. There was action, scorching hot romance like we're used to from this author and it was quite the page-turner as well. I loved it! 

Christina: This book definitely brought some surprises, both storyline and managed to still shock you a bit and unveil new sides to characters. Not my favorite, but definitely a worthy end. 

Jeaniene Frost is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series and the Broken Destiny series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty different countries. Jeaniene lives in North Carolina with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies with her husband, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Stacking The Shelves: April 29, 2017

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

For Review:

Widdershins by Helen Steadman

I got this review copy in the mail from Impress Books. It was wrapped in such a lovely package and smelled delicious! The book releases in July but I'll be reviewing the book in May and also participating with a blog tour in June.

Bought:
Mister O by Lauren Blakely

DR. OB by Max Monroe

I bought these two books for 99cents each. They both sound like a lot of fun and sexy times!

For Review:
Hundreds by Pepper Winters
This book was absolute perfection. Pepper proved once again that she's the best in her genre. I already posted my review here.

For Review:
Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson
I'm so excited to read this book. It sounds wonderful!

Have a great weekend, everyone! ♥

ARC Review: Hundreds by Pepper Winters

Title: Hundreds
Author: Pepper Winters
Series: Dollar #3
Publication: May 2nd 2017
Genre: Dark Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

“I'm done hurting her. She's been hurt enough. It's time I set her free...”

Once upon a time, I wished to go home and forget.
Now, I’m strong and ready to fight.
Seduced and claimed, Elder no longer just demands my voice, he commands me to be a thief like him. I refuse.
But he offers me things I shouldn’t want, favours I should run from.
In return for his protection, I’m ordered to steal enough pennies and dollars to buy back my freedom. Only, we both aren’t prepared for how he changes me, evolves me.
It’s my turn to learn about him.
It’s his wish to teach me how to be normal.
Until something goes wrong.
And our life together comes to an end.

Third Book in the USA Today Bestselling Romance, Dollar Series

I'm just gonna go ahead and say that the ending of Hundreds destroyed me. I'm used to cliffhangers when it comes to this author's books but this one... well, let's just say that I want the next book "Thousands" RIGHT NOW. I really hope we don't have to wait long for that book. 

Pimlico and Elder are my absolutely favorite couple of the moment, even though they break my heart over and over again. They may even be my second favorite couple out of all the books Pepper Winters has written. (Tess and Q coming first, of course). 

So yeah, this book was beyond amazing. And in one way it felt slightly different from the other two books because it delves way deeper into the characters and their personalities. Pimlico is slowly finding her way back thanks to Elder after everything that happened to her when Alrik was her master. Simultaneously we're also getting to know Elder on a more personal level. Which I absolutely loved. I'm so intrigued by him!

Hundreds felt pretty dark, even darker than the previous books as  I'm used to from this author. She never does shy away from really tough stuff but I feel it's even more noticable in this book for some reason. It's why I love her books so much. And the writing is also a part of it all. It's so damn beautiful, even poetic at times. I always devour each and every word.

Overall, this series gets better and better with each book. I know I said this about Dollars too but Hundreds was even better than the previous book. It was so freaking intense and some of the romantic scenes were scorching hot. Pepper Winters has amazed me yet again.

My reviews of the other books:
#1 - Pennies

#2 - Dollars

Pepper Winters is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller. She loves romance, star-crossed lovers, and the forbidden taboo. She strives to write a story that makes the reader crave what they shouldn’t, and delivers tales with complex plots and unforgettable characters.

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 #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.

After releasing two books with Grand Central, Hachette (Ruin & Rule and Sin & Suffer) Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work.

Represented by Trident Media, 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.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Book Beginnings | The Friday 56: Now I Rise by Kiersten White

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader

Share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. 

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice

Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) and post it.

~~

I'm doing something new today and participating in Book Beginnings and The Friday 56. I'm not sure if I will participate every single week but I'll definitely try.

Book Beginning:

Hell was a party. At least, Radu was fairly certain that whatever hell there was would certainly resemble this party.

Friday 56:

Lada's knife paused. She looked down at it as it trembled in her hand. This was the first time she would kill a man outside of battle. It was not a reaction to save her own life. It was a choice.

I'm actually not far into this book yet. I had to put it on hold for a few days while I read another book but I'm definitely enjoying it so far. I thought the start was really great and I can't wait to read more about Lada and Radu.

Now I Rise by Kiersten White

The Conqueror's Sage #2

Expected publication: June 27th 2017 by Delacorte Press

Lada Dracul has no allies. No throne. All she has is what she’s always had: herself. After failing to secure the Wallachian throne, Lada is out to punish anyone who dares to cross her blood-strewn path. Filled with a white-hot rage, she storms the countryside with her men, accompanied by her childhood friend Bogdan, terrorizing the land. But brute force isn’t getting Lada what she wants. And thinking of Mehmed brings little comfort to her thorny heart. There’s no time to wonder whether he still thinks about her, even loves her. She left him before he could leave her.

What Lada needs is her younger brother Radu’s subtlety and skill. But Mehmed has sent him to Constantinople—and it’s no diplomatic mission. Mehmed wants control of the city, and Radu has earned an unwanted place as a double-crossing spy behind enemy lines. Radu longs for his sister’s fierce confidence—but for the first time in his life, he rejects her unexpected plea for help. Torn between loyalties to faith, to the Ottomans, and to Mehmed, he knows he owes Lada nothing. If she dies, he could never forgive himself—but if he fails in Constantinople, will Mehmed ever forgive him?

As nations fall around them, the Dracul siblings must decide: what will they sacrifice to fulfill their destinies? Empires will topple, thrones will be won . . . and souls will be lost.

Review: Cold Summer by Gwen Cole

Title: Cold Summer
Author: Gwen Cole
Publication: May 2nd 2017 by Sky Pony Press
Genre: Young Adult
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 4/5

Today, he’s a high school dropout with no future. Tomorrow, he’s a soldier in World War II.

Kale Jackson has spent years trying to control his time-traveling ability but hasn’t had much luck. One day he lives in 1945, fighting in the war as a sharpshooter and helplessly watching soldiers—friends—die. Then the next day, he’s back in the present, where WWII has bled into his modern life in the form of PTSD, straining his relationship with his father and the few friends he has left. Every day it becomes harder to hide his battle wounds, both physical and mental, from the past.

When the ex-girl-next-door, Harper, moves back to town, thoughts of what could be if only he had a normal life begin to haunt him. Harper reminds him of the person he was before the PTSD, which helps anchor him to the present. With practice, maybe Kale could remain in the present permanently and never step foot on a battlefield again. Maybe he can have the normal life he craves.

But then Harper finds Kale’s name in a historical article—and he’s listed as a casualty of the war. Kale knows now that he must learn to control his time-traveling ability to save himself and his chance at a life with Harper. Otherwise, he’ll be killed in a time where he doesn’t belong by a bullet that was never meant for him.

Cold Summer was one of the most unique books I have ever read. I was pretty sure I was going to love this book because it has time travel in it and it involves WWII. I'm so glad to say I was right because I did end up loving the story. I want more books like this!

I just want to say that I totally adored Harper. I love that she was a gamer, I love her style and I love how she was written. Also, kudos for the mention of Doctor Who (I'm a huge Whovian!).

Kale was a little bit harder to connect to but I warmed up to im in no time. I really felt bad for him with what he went through when he travels to WWII + his struggle with PTSD. But I loved his relationship with Harper and how she helped him with everything.

The book had a magical realism feel to it, which I loved so much. The ending left me wanting more, though. And I felt like I didn't get to know some of the characters well enough since it was a pretty quick read.

The secondary characters made the book extra special. My favorite was Harper's uncle Jasper because I loved him for helping Kale as much as he could. I'm sure a lot of people will agree with me on that one. Uncle Jasper was the best!

Overall, Cold Summer by Gwen Cole was an amazingly touching time travel romance. Simple and yet complex at the same time, it is now one of my favorite stories ever.

Gwen Cole writes Young Adult books and her debut novel, COLD SUMMER, will be released in the spring of 2017 with Sky Pony Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing. She grew up in upstate New York, moved to Virginia where she did not graduate college, and worked a various number of jobs including pharmacy technician, meat clerk, ranch hand, and a receiving specialist at Target. She may or may not have written a number of books while working at certain jobs.
At the age of eighteen, Gwen played bass in a hardcore band and later married the lead guitarist. She can also play piano, guitar, and wishes she could play the cello. Her favorite place to vacation is Wyoming, where she gets to wear a cowboy hat and pretend she actually is one.
Gwen now lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, daughter, and very large dog, where she longs to live in the country again.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Waiting On Wednesday: Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

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

Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust
Expected publication: September 5th 2017 by Flatiron Books
Pre-order on: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Kobo

Frozen meets The Bloody Chamber in this feminist fantasy reimagining of the Snow White fairytale

At sixteen, Mina's mother is dead, her magician father is vicious, and her silent heart has never beat with love for anyone—has never beat at all, in fact, but she’d always thought that fact normal. She never guessed that her father cut out her heart and replaced it with one of glass. When she moves to Whitespring Castle and sees its king for the first time, Mina forms a plan: win the king’s heart with her beauty, become queen, and finally know love. The only catch is that she’ll have to become a stepmother.

Fifteen-year-old Lynet looks just like her late mother, and one day she discovers why: a magician created her out of snow in the dead queen’s image, at her father’s order. But despite being the dead queen made flesh, Lynet would rather be like her fierce and regal stepmother, Mina. She gets her wish when her father makes Lynet queen of the southern territories, displacing Mina. Now Mina is starting to look at Lynet with something like hatred, and Lynet must decide what to do—and who to be—to win back the only mother she’s ever known…or else defeat her once and for all.

Entwining the stories of both Lynet and Mina in the past and present, Girls Made of Snow and Glass traces the relationship of two young women doomed to be rivals from the start. Only one can win all, while the other must lose everything—unless both can find a way to reshape themselves and their story.

Because it sounds simply amazing!

Loot Crate ► My Dream Crate

I think we can all agree that subscription boxes are the best thing ever. Right? It's so much fun with the anticipation of the box arrive and to open it to see what all the goodies inside are. One of those subscription boxes is Loot Crate. I haven't gotten one of these boxes for myself yet, but of course I know of it and someday I definitely want to because their boxes look seriously awesome and perfect for people who love nerdy things (Like me!)

But anyway, they put together a fun project for fans to do where you get to create your very own dream crate. I jumped at the chance of doing this because it sounded like a lot of fun and to be honest I've been picturing my perfect crate for ages. Here we go!

The Theme:

► Through Time and Space◄

Tardis Mug (Doctor Who)

Funko Pop: Jamie Fraser (Outlander)

May The Force Be With You Pillow (Star Wars)

Guardians of the Galaxy Pouch

Pocket Pop Keychain - Tenth Doctor

Je Suis Prest Notebook (Outlander)

BB-8 Scented Candle (Star Wars)

Doctor Who Tattoo Set

Books!

Defy The Stars | Into the Dim

And that's it!

What do you all think of these items? And what would be in YOUR dream crate?

Stacking The Shelves: April 22, 2017

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

Bought:
Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
Finally got my hands on Brigid's new book. I've heard AMAZING things about it!

Won:
Unseen Messages by Pepper Winters
I won this signed copy from Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews. I'm so happy to finally own a physical book by Pepper Winters. It's one of my favorites!

Bought:
Paper Fools by Staci Hart
I pre-ordered this book but I was still surprised when it appeared on my Kindle. Does anyone else forget they pre-ordered a book sometimes? lol

Bought:

The Bear and the Wolf by Ruth Downie & S.J.A. Turney

I love these two authors so I couldn't resist the book for only $0.99

For Review:
Now I Rise by Kiersten White

This should be my next read! :D

Bought:
Against the Ropes by Sarah Castille
On sale for $0.99! Woop woop! 

Have a great weekend, everyone! ♥