The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa Review | Okay, This Is How Your Write A ‘Hate To Love’ Romance

The Worst Best Man
Author: Mia Sosa
Release Date: February 4, 2020
Publisher: Avon
Get it Here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Critically acclaimed author Mia Sosa delivers a sassy, steamy enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy about a woman whose new job requires her to work side-by-side with the best man who ruined her wedding: her ex-fiancé’s infuriating, irritating, annoyingly handsome brother. Perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory, Helen Hoang, and Sally Thorne!

A wedding planner left at the altar. Yeah, the irony isn’t lost on Carolina Santos, either. But despite that embarrassing blip from her past, Lina’s managed to make other people’s dreams come true as a top-tier wedding coordinator in DC. After impressing an influential guest, she’s offered an opportunity that could change her life. There’s just one hitch… she has to collaborate with the best (make that worst) man from her own failed nuptials.

Tired of living in his older brother’s shadow, marketing expert Max Hartley is determined to make his mark with a coveted hotel client looking to expand its brand. Then he learns he’ll be working with his brother’s whip-smart, stunning—absolutely off-limits—ex-fiancée. And she loathes him.

If they can survive the next few weeks and nail their presentation without killing each other, they’ll both come out ahead. Except Max has been public enemy number one ever since he encouraged his brother to jilt the bride, and Lina’s ready to dish out a little payback of her own.

But even the best laid plans can go awry, and soon Lina and Max discover animosity may not be the only emotion creating sparks between them. Still, this star-crossed couple can never be more than temporary playmates because Lina isn’t interested in falling in love and Max refuses to play runner-up to his brother ever again…

I was a bit skeptical coming into this book because romances with siblings as exes are a bit iffy for me. (Also a bit icky… I just can’t imagine, haha.) BUT Sosa writes the situation in THE WORST BEST MAN so well, drawing out the sibling rivalry and making this plot point work. There’s honestly so much great stuff going for it; it pushed all the right buttons for me as a romantic comedy and I can’t help but recommend it for romance lovers. I came because the cover was too hilarious to pass, and I stayed for the smart comments, passionate romance, and headstrong heroine that I couldn’t help but root for. I’m so happy I took the chance with this one, and I’m looking forward to reading more of this author’s works.

The moment you let your guard down with someone and let them into your life – truly into your life – you are at your most vulnerable, but you’re also utterly open to a beautiful experience if they reciprocate.

Series Review: Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires
Author: Chloe Neill
Books: 13 full, 5 novellas
Publisher: Berkley Books
Get Book 1 Here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Synopsis of Book 1:

They killed me. They healed me. They changed me.

Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn’t exactly glamorous, but it was Merit’s. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker–and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.

Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she’s traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries’ worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude–and servitude.

But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan’s attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone’s still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago’s nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war–and there will be blood.

I really liked this series! It’s a very classic Urban Fantasy read, with lots of action and murder and magic and mayhem. There’s a colorful cast of supporting characters who range from Shifters to Sorcerers. Told from the first person POV of Merit, the Chicagoland Vampires series is a homage to the beautiful city of Chicago. There’s a hint of romance in the background throughout it all with Ethan, the Master of a vampire house, but the action is first and foremost in each book.

From Blood And Ash Review by Jennifer L Armentrout | Taking Paranormal Aspects To Another Level

From Blood and Ash
Author: Jennifer L Armentrout
Release Date: March 30, 2020
Publisher: Blue Box Press
Get it Here: Amazon

Synopsis:

Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa.

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

Check out my review on GoodReads over here!

Imagine throwing in the most addictive parts of paranormal romance books and high fantasy… that baby would be this book, FROM BLOOD AND ASH. If you get get through the heavy monologues and repetitive thoughts of the first half of the book (kudos to Poppy’s first person POV), the book proves to be an entertaining read. But borrowing elements of your standard paranormal books out there make the ‘big twists’ underwhelming. Then again, who reads Armentrout when you’re NOT looking for a special snowflake and a broody love interest? (Also, characters noting the beauty of special snowflake and love interest at least more than 5 times in the book.)

ARC Review: Wildfire by Ilona Andrews (Hidden Legacy #3)

Wildfire
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #3
Release Date: July 25, 2017
Publisher: Avon
Get it Here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Just when Nevada Baylor has finally come to accept the depths of her magical powers, she also realizes she’s fallen in love. Connor “Mad” Rogan is in many ways her equal when it comes to magic, but she’s completely out of her elements when it comes to her feelings for him. To make matters more complicated, an old flame comes back into Rogan’s life…Rogan knows there’s nothing between him and his ex-fiance, Rynda Sherwood. But as Nevada begins to learn more about her past, her power, and her potential future, he knows she will be faced with choices she never dreamed of and the promise of a life spent without him.

As Nevada and Rogan race to discover the whereabouts of Rynda’s kidnapped husband and are forced to confront Nevada’s grandmother, who may or may not have evil motives, these two people must decide if they can trust in each other or allow everything to go up in smoke.

Note: This is the last book of the Hidden Legacy series, and will have minor spoilers. You can check out my review for book 1, Burn For Me, over here and my review for book 2, White Hot, over here.

This was an amazing conclusion to the Hidden Legacy trilogy! Ilona Andrews continues on with a kickass action and adventure, featuring strong characters who aren’t afraid to stand up and fight for what they love, and for what they believe in. We get more development with Nevada’s powers, and a slight conflict with her family as secrets become unveiled. But throughout it all, her love and support from Rogan are there, as well as Nevada’s dedicated and loyal personality that makes her so enjoyable to read about.

Mini-Reviews: Georgina Kincaid Series (Old School Urban Fantasy)

Instead of doing a massive series review for this six book series, I did a super mini review of each book, basically summarizing my thoughts in one rather small paragraph. It’s not often I go on an Urban Fantasy binge, but when I do I usually read a lot in one go. I’m also letting you guys know that the low(er) ratings I’m giving these books isn’t because they’re bad, but because of their sheer predictability. Plus I read this series in two days haha, and I’m not sure if it’s because it was such a mindless read or because it was good-not-great but addicting. Or maybe just my sheer tenacity for binging the series. Either way, take that as you well and let me know if you’ve read these books or thought of reading them!

Georgina Kincaid Series
Author: Richelle Mead
Books: 6 in series
Overall Rating: 3 stars

Synopsis:
The Georgina Kincaid series is a collection of six urban fantasy novels written by Richelle Mead. The series is written in a first-person perspective following the main character, Georgina Kincaid, who is a succubus with a heart working at a local book store, Emerald City Books & Cafe.

From Wikipedia

ARC Review: White Hot by Ilona Andrews (Hidden Legacy #2)

White Hot
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #2
Release Date: May 30, 2017
Get it Here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Synopsis:

The Hidden Legacy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews continues as Nevada and Rogan navigate a world where magic is the norm…and their relationship burns hot.

Nevada Baylor has a unique and secret skill—she knows when people are lying—and she’s used that magic (along with plain, hard work) to keep her colorful and close-knit family’s detective agency afloat. But her new case pits her against the shadowy forces that almost destroyed the city of Houston once before, bringing Nevada back into contact with Connor “Mad” Rogan.

Rogan is a billionaire Prime—the highest rank of magic user—and as unreadable as ever, despite Nevada’s “talent.” But there’s no hiding the sparks between them. Now that the stakes are even higher, both professionally and personally, and their foes are unimaginably powerful, Rogan and Nevada will find that nothing burns like ice …

Note: This is the sequel to Burn For Me, but the review will not have major spoilers for the series.

Thank you Edelweiss and Avon for the review copy!

This sequel to Ilona Andrews’s Hidden Legacy series was seriously smoldering. The title is White Hot, and it is SERIOUSLY hot. *fans self* The Andrews team always has successful Urban Fantasies, and this one is no different! You’ll definitely have to pick up the first book, Burn For Me, before starting this one, though. Not only does Andrews explore family dynamics with Nevada’s loving and large family, but it also focuses on the slow burn romance with Mad Rogan, as well as a discovery of Nevada’s power that could change the path of her life. The world is really intricate, and so is the magic system, making for a compelling read that will never have a boring moment.

Book Review: Rogue by Karen Lynch (Relentless #3)

Rogue
Author: Karen Lynch
Series: Relentless
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Publisher: Self-published
Get it Here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Sara Grey is done hiding and done being afraid. The Master thinks he has her running scared, but she’s taking matters into her own hands and taking her life back. With the help of her friends, she sets out to find the one person who can answer her questions about her past, and who may be able to lead them to the Master.

On her journey, Sara faces new challenges and dangers, and learns that the world of good and evil is not as clear cut as she had believed. She makes new friends, unexpected allies, and reconnects with people from her past. As her powers continue to change and grow, she transforms from a struggling girl into a strong young warrior.

But at what cost? How much is Sara willing to sacrifice in her need for independence and her quest for the truth? And will her newfound strength be enough to save her and the people she loves when she finally comes face-to-face with her powerful nemesis? Nothing could have prepared her for what is to come, and it will take everything in her to survive the final test of courage and love.

Rogue is a stellar conclusion to the Relentless trilogy! I originally found the first book of this series for pretty cheap on Amazon Kindle, and decided to check it out. (Also, it doesn’t hurt to support the author – kudos to her for self-publishing!) I ended up really enjoying it, and have stuck with the trilogy until the conclusion. I’m really glad I did, because this was a jewel find! (Despite, in my opinion, the unfortunate cover.) Important lesson guys: never underestimate indie books, because there are just tons of diamonds waiting to be found by readers who dare to search for them.

Basically the story goes like this: we have humans. BUT we also have demons such as vampires, and fairies, and everything in between. Our main character, Sara, is half-Fae and half-Mohiri, which is a type of demon. Throughout the series she discovers many things about her ancestry and the past, which all lead up to her hunting down the Master of the vampires. Although these paranormal aspects are not that new, Lynch delivers them with a refreshing stance on things. Yes, it’s fae against demons, but also certain demon sects against others, and so on and so forth. This really provides a grey outlook on which creatures are on the “good” side and which are on the “bad.”

Sara’s development from the first book to the last really stands out. This girl is one to work hard to get the things she wants – whether it’s to get stronger or to protect the people she loves. Although I’ve always thought her powers were pretty OP (gamer terms for overpowered), the author makes her work hard to master them and make them effective against enemies. There is so much action in these books that really get your adrenaline going! Those scenes are descriptive and they really played like a movie in my head.

The romantic development was also quite satisfying, as Sara and her soulmate, Nikolas, vocalize their feelings to each other in this installment. Obviously there were some obstacles our couple had to face, a huge one involving Nikolas’s overprotection of Sara even though the girl can kick ass. However, her response to it is pretty much self-explanatory.

“‘Put yourself in my shoes. How would you feel if you suddenly lost your freedom and had people telling you what to do? I don’t want to be papmered and taken care of. I’m not fragile, and I don’t break that easily.’”

I’d actually recommend Vampire Academy fans and other supernatural/paranormal readers to give this trilogy a go! It’s definitely one of the better supernatural books I’ve read out there, with an action-paced plot, fun characters, and a sweet romance that’s just icing on the cake.

“‘Sara Grey, you’ve owned my heart from the moment I met you. My body and soul are yours if you’ll have them.’

Tears filled my eyes. ‘Yes, if it means forever with you.’”

Book Review: Sanctuary by Jennifer McKissack

Sanctuary
Author: Jennifer McKissack
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Get it Here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Synopsis:

After the untimely death of her aunt, Cecilia Cross is forced to return to Sanctuary, a rambling, old mansion that crowns a remote island off the coast of Maine. Cecilia is both drawn to and repulsed by Sanctuary. The scent of the ocean intoxicates her, but she’s also haunted by the ghosts of her past—of her father and sister who died there, of her mother who was torn away from her and sent to an asylum, and of the vengeful spirit of a woman wronged. Flooding memories leave Cecilia shaken, desperate to run away and forget her terrible family history.

But then a mysterious guest arrives at Sanctuary: Eli Bauer, a professor sent to examine Sanctuary’s library. Cecilia is intrigued by this strange young man who seems so interested in her—even more interested in her than in the books he is meant to be studying. Who is he and what does he want? Can Cecilia possibly trust her growing feelings for him? And can he help her make peace a tragic past and a haunted present?

Luminous and evocative, Sanctuary is a remarkable exploration of love and loss—and the ghosts that come back to haunt us

Special thanks to Emma from Miss Print who let me adopt an ARC of this book!

This story is a great one to be immersed in during the month of October, with the fall season and coming closer. It was so atmospheric to read this book with the crisp, cool air of autumn biting my skin and a pumpkin spice latte in hand (compliments to Starbucks). Sanctuary gives a suspenseful and quiet ghost story that, although thrilling, gives a sense of contentment to match the changing color in leaves during the season of fall. 

Rachel Vincent – The Stars Never Rise (The Stars Never Rise #1)

The Stars Never Rise
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: The Stars Never Rise
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: June 9, 2015

Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Nina Kane should be worrying about her immortal soul, but she’s too busy trying to actually survive. Her town’s population has been decimated by soul-consuming demons, and souls are in short supply. Watching over her younger sister, Mellie, and scraping together food and money are all that matters. The two of them are a family. They gave up on their deadbeat mom a long time ago.

When Nina discovers that Mellie is keeping a secret that threatens their very existence, she’ll do anything to protect her. Because in New Temperance, sins are prosecuted as crimes by the brutal Church and its army of black-robed exorcists. And Mellie’s sin has put her in serious trouble.

To keep them both alive, Nina will need to trust Finn, a fugitive with deep green eyes who has already saved her life once and who might just be an exorcist. But what kind of exorcist wears a hoodie?

Wanted by the Church and hunted by dark forces, Nina knows she can’t survive on her own. She needs Finn and his group of rogue friends just as much as they need her.

This book was seriously rad af.

When I was in my otaku phase some years ago in middle school (but are we really out of it?), exorcists and demons and supernatural crap were my thing. Hellsing, Trinity Blood, D.Gray Man, Ao no Exorcist yes yes and yes (although the vampires in those anime are not the same you see in Twilight). Later on TV shows like Supernatural also came into play.

SO OBVIOUSLY, I was super excited to start a YA series about exorcisms and demonic possession. We’ve had our shares of vampires, werewolves, ghouls here or there and even demons, but when you get the church involved, it’s a whole ‘nother playing field.
The only other YA novel I can think of with these aspects and a similar haunting atmosphere is Eliza Crewe’s totally awesome Cracked, which I’m still waiting for the third book to come out.

ANYWAY, back to The Stars Never Rise. Step aside, hot demons with your forbidden love with more hot angels, because the demons in this book are LEGIT.

They will fucking suck your soul if given the chance. They are intelligent, and live among the people.
But no fear! Because the Church is here to protect you. Years ago, during a war between demons, the Church stepped out and protected humanity from the evil creatures. Now, they rule the place.

“All schools were run by the Church, and all teachers were either ordained Church pledges or fully consecrated senior members. Same for doctors, police, soldiers, reporters, and any other profession committed to serving the community.”

Sounds like the Church is doing a bang-up job of protecting the people, right?
OR SO YOU THINK.

There are many secrets about how the Church came into power that Nina and her friends discover throughout the book. The lovely old priests and exorcists that help protect our community? Not what you think they are.

Thanks, Father Anderson.

In the beginning of the book, I was kinda scared on where it was heading. I mean, I think you would be too if you read,

“Then I saw his eyes. Deep green, with a dark ring around the outside and paler flecks throughout. For just a second, I stared at them. I’d never seen eyes like that. They were beautiful.”

I read that and I was laughing because if she gonna keep on thinking like that then she ain’t gonna survive amiright.

BUT THAT DOESN’T HAPPEN. The romance has a really cool twist that doesn’t dominate the actual plot. When I say “really cool,” it’s unique and different than your average teenage drama. Plus, it’s not overbearing and even though some developments from this end is going on, the characters are focused on their overall goal. In the beginning I was scared that the romance would cover up any actual story (come on, eyes, really?) but the book proved me wrong and I LIKED IT.

NOT ONLY THAT, but all the characters were complex and highly enjoyable to read about. The exorcists that are introduced are a fun group with different, colorful personalities. Nina herself makes smart choices and tries her best to support her family. Even when her sister gets pregnant, Nina puts herself second and thinks about working in a factory for the rest of her life to support Mellie and her baby. CAN I GET A SISTER LIKE THAT? Sometimes she has to face consequences for her choices but she faces them like a goddamn pro. You do what you do to survive, man.

Oh man, I really don’t want to spoil anything for you guys so just READ IT. Does demon posessions, characters who fight back, and a Church that may or may not be protecting the people seem to be up your alley? Then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

COME TO THE DARK SIDE.

WE HAVE HOT GUYS.

Jessica Day George – Silver in the Blood (Silver in the Blood #1)

Silver in the Blood
Author: Jessica Day George
Series: Silver in the Blood
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Get it here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Synopsis:
A New York Times bestselling author brings dark secrets to life in a lush new YA perfect for fans of Libba Bray or Cassandra Clare.Society girls from New York City circa 1890, Dacia and Lou never desired to know more about their lineage, instead preferring to gossip about the mysterious Romanian family that they barely knew. But upon turning seventeen, the girls must return to their homeland to meet their relatives, find proper husbands, and—most terrifyingly—learn the deep family secrets of The Claw, The Wing, and The Smoke. The Florescus, after all, are shape-shifters, and it is time for Dacia and Lou to fulfill the prophecy that demands their acceptance of this fate . . . or fight against this cruel inheritance with all their might.

With a gorgeous Romanian setting, stunning Parisian gowns, and dark brooding young men, readers will be swept up by this epic adventure of two girls in a battle for their lives.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Netgalley and Bloomsbury!

So, growing up changes you. Obviously you’re not the same person you are five years ago, especially from childhood to adulthood. Sometimes they are these books that you grow up with, and you love from the start to end, no matter how tiring or cliche it gets. Then there are the books that you grow out of, where it’s great when you’re reading them, but five years later it just gets tiring and you can’t give it the unconditional love you give to the former types of books I mentioned.