momwithareadingproblem's reviews
1177 reviews

Oh. My. God!!!!!! So just like with book two I thought this installment couldn't live up to the last, but it did and then some! I just don't even know where to start. How bout the beginning...

Angelsong book three of the Dark Angel series by [a:Hanna Peach|6586877|Hanna Peach|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1353805982p2/6586877.jpg] picks up right where Angelstone left off. Israel is lying on his death bed after being poisoned from a knife wound. It is up to Alyx to save him. She turns to Jordan for help. Step one of their plan is to save Mayrekk. He is the only one they believe that will know how to save Israel. Step two is to break in to Urielos and steal the Threads of Dark (ominous right?). But can they do it in time?

So 4% into the book, Alyx is having a complete meltdown because she feels the weight of the world on her shoulders. Israel is dying, Mini was kidnapped, Aradale was destroyed, Ky is dead.....while she sobs in a tunnel off the Saint's Revenge (yep the pirates are back...yay!!) a woman appears to her and says "Just let go." So she does and the pain and weight is gone or at least partially.........WTH! Stupid Memory Thief! She took Alyx's memory of falling in love with Israel.......which leads us to one of the main plot points of this story.....Alyx and Jordan.

In book two I could sense a love triangle coming on and I resented it. I loved what the author had created between Alyx and Israel. I felt it was soul deep. But then with her love for Israel out of the picture, we see Alyx fall in love with Jordan and with a few exclusive Jordan POVs we see just how deeply he cares for her.

She was falling for him. He was the sun that warmed these deepest spaces in her soul, her empty Sahara. This desert had been cold before him and would be cold without him.

I am so team Jordan! Their friendship slowly developing into more just stole my heart completely and then ugh the heartbreak at the end when both realize what has happened! I actually teared up for both of them.

There were so many twists and turns in this plot that I don't even know where to begin without spoiling it for you! Alyx and Vix travel to China and meet the Elder there who tells them about the Threads of Dark and how to find them. Then Jordan, Vix, and Alyx stage a rescue mission for Mayrekk who is on death's door. And finally Jordan and Alyx go to Urielos and break into the archives to steal the Threads of Dark. I think my favorite scenes come from that last adventure. So detailed and so emotionally ridden as Alyx confronts her feelings for Jordan and tries to stay focused on the task at hand.

Another cliff hanger......I might just kill over from anxiety waiting for book four! If you enjoy angel and demon fantasy books, you will enjoy this series. It's not your typical mythology and the author does an amazing job with world-building and having such believable characters. Can't wait for the next book!

I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

What did you do to my Grant Blue?!?!

Obsessive by [a:Isobel Irons|7389142|Isobel Irons|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1390338013p2/7389142.jpg] is book two of her Issues series and picks up not to long after Promiscuous left off. Unlike the last story which is told entirely from Tash's POV, this one is told by her Mr. Perfect, Grant Blue.

I'm not perfect. I'm a walking malfunction. And more than anything, I'm scared. All the time. I'm scared to let Tash find out just how perfect I'm not, because then something bad will happen. -Grant

I knew from reading book one of this series there was more to Grant than Tash realized and even towards the end when he admitted to having OCD (obsessive compulsion disorder) I still wasn't sure just how bad it would be. Let's just say that in this book, Grant struggles and struggles until he just can't anymore. My heart literally broke over and over again every time he tried to break his compulsions and rituals.

And it wasn't just that my heart broke because he fought it so hard, it was because he punished himself.

I'm not even sure if I'll ever be able to live away from home, or go to school, or hold down a job, or get married. Or anything normal people are supposed to grow up and do. Because I'm never going to be able to stop thinking about all the bad things that might happen if I try.

He truly believed that if he didn't do something then it would cause harm to those he loved. Ugh! Just writing that makes my heart break again!!

I loved the character growth in this book for Grant. We see at the beginning a boy who's only wish is to be normal and he grows to a man who can accept his disorder for what it is. Beautifully written and very realistic. I empathized with Grant so much. As I read I felt like I was living in his shoes for just a brief moment and how hard it was for him to always be "Mr. Perfect", not just for Tash but his parents, his sisters, and everyone around him.

I loved the relationship dynamics in this book as well. Tash's insecurities are still present, but we get a chance to see Grant's as well. Their relationship grows in this book and I just can't get enough of either of them (Please tell me there's going to be more from these two!) I also loved Gen, Grant's baby sister. She has such a hero-worship going on with her big brother that it's adorable!

Hats off to Miss Irons for once again hooking me into a plot! I read this book in one sitting, unable to tear myself away for any reason. Watching Grant as he literally hits rock bottom was an emotional roller coaster for me. If you enjoy realistic, coming-of-age stories then please do yourself a favor and pick up this book/series. You will not be disappointed! Looking forward to Margot's story!

I received an ARC of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

How best can I sum up this book:


Hope's Decree book one of The Fated series by [a:Angela McPherson|7074174|Angela McPherson|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1367446260p2/7074174.jpg] is a coming-of-age story about a girl starting her senior year of high school with one major twist. She can feel other people's emotions. Not only that but she is haunted by night terrors that started when she was a girl, but now they seem more prophetic. Throw in a hot, unattainable guy, two best friends, and a little Greek mythology and you have yourself an amazing read!

Trinity Whitebone is a strong MC. She not only learns about her dreams and her gifts, but accepts why she has them and is ready to fulfill her destiny, even if a little hesitantly.

Most teenagers couldn't wait to turn eighteen. Would I even be around by then? A new goal of mine, don't die. -Trinity

I found her relatable, even if a bit shallow. I mean really, who worries about work and school and hanging out with friends when the entire world depends on your life?! Crystal and Keri are her two best friends and I think they bring out the best in her. Keri is grounded and keeps the peace, where as Crystal is the consummate party girl. Then there's Blain Heros. Oh. My. God. The way this character is described I pictured a God among men.....sorry but there's really no other way to say that! He is the obvious love interest, yet he is aloof and unattainable and without totally spoiling the book for you he is more than meets the eye.

I loved the layering of the plot with the story of Pandora's jar in Greek mythology and what was happening to our MC. It added a depth to the story that most YA novels are missing today and made it very hard to predict what was going to happen, which I loved! Probably my favorite scene in the whole book, happens around 40% into it and Blain and Trinity are basically at a stalemate as he decides what he can and can't tell her. It was like an "ah-ha!" moment for Trinity as the pieces fell together.

So why 4 stars and not 5? I found the story a little slow to start. I was instantly hooked by Trinity's night terror at the beginning, but then I thought too much of the story was given to the mundane, like what has happening in English class that day or what was eaten for dinner. That's just me though, I felt that it slowed the progression of the story. Also there was a lot of repetition in the storyline, instead of moving forward. This didn't really take away from the main plot line but it was distracting for me.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this book. It's unique among the YA books of today in that, even though there are paranormal occurrences, there were no vampires, no werewolves, just regular mortals, for the most part anyways! And I loved the villain in this novel, he is very likable even if he kinda gave me the creeps at times! If you enjoy Greek mythology and a good paranormal romance, I highly recommend you give this novel a try. I promise you won't be disappointed!

I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I'm not even sure where to begin....I liked, NO LOVED, this book so much!!!

Divergent by [a:Veronica Roth|4039811|Veronica Roth|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1363910238p2/4039811.jpg] is the first in her Divergent series and truly sets up this amazing story. This book starts with our main character and heroine Beatrice Prior and the Aptitude Test. This test is a sort of simulation test that all sixteen-year-olds must take and then decide during a Choosing Ceremony which faction they will join. This choice decides who there family is, what type of jobs they will have in their society, and ultimately the type of life they will lead the rest of their lives. There are five factions: Abnegation, Candor, Erudite, Amity, and Dauntless. Beatrice has been raised as an Abnegation, yet she struggles with their selfless lifestyle. When her Aptitude Test (which should tell her which faction she belongs to) gives her three results, the administrator calls her a "Divergent." Being Divergent is dangerous, and according to the administrator there are people who would kill Beatrice for this. Now it is up to Beatrice to make her decision which faction she will live in and truthfully it is going to be where she can hide her divergence the best.

Again, I loved this story! I fell in love with not only the characters, but the dystopian world they live in, the factions, and the plot! Beatrice Prior or Tris as she renames herself once she chooses her faction, is a strong-willed, self-reliant, young heroine. She pushes herself to meet the demands of her new faction, all the while keeping what she loved about her old faction. There is tremendous character growth for her throughout this book as she learns what Divergence is and what it means for her. Four is her surly instructor, also a faction-transfer two years before herself. He intrigues her and pushes her more than anyone she has ever met. I love him! He is the perfect love interest!! Tris's friend and fellow faction-transfer from Candor is Christina. I love her! She is the polar-opposite of Tris and brings out good qualities in her.

This was a book that I couldn't predict even if I tried! There were more surprises than I expected and at the same time when I reread it (which I've done multiple times) the author drops subtle hints along the way that builds the suspense and leaves you shocked yet satisfied with the conclusion.

If you liked The Hunger Games and Under the Neversky, you should really give this book series a go (if you haven't already!). This series is the penultimate of Young Adult dystopias that are popular today.

OMG! What an amazing read!!!!!

Through Glass by [a:Rebecca Ethington|6563633|Rebecca Ethington|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1361115527p2/6563633.jpg] is a story about a young girl who after the world goes black becomes the only surviving member of her family. Trapped in her house by herself, her only companion is a spider and the boy who she loves is just through the glass.

Okay, first off this story hooked its teeth into me and did not let go! I have thought nonstop about this book since I read it thinking about "what ifs". I loved the main character Lex. She stole my heart. At 17, she's close to graduation, oldest of her family and only girl. She's free-spirited and a little shy when it comes to boys. Her best friend is Cohen, the boy who grew up next door, is two years older and already home from college. She loves him, wants more, but what if he doesn't? Spoiler AlertHe does!!!! After sharing a first kiss, he goes back to his house to get ready for their first date and then disaster strikes, leaving them both stranded in their respective houses, glass separating them! Tore my heart out!!! Her desperation knowing that they are trapped and unable to leave, she's completely alone. I would go crazy! I have to respect this character for having her breakdowns but also keeping herself sane.

The world-building is phenomenal! I loved the blackness and how it and the creatures are described. It was very dark and gritty and I felt like I could feel the dust and mold the overall nastiness of the situation. I felt like I was living it with Lex. I could feel her terror and her despair! The author really drew me in!

Ugh!!! And the ending!!! So not expecting it. In fact, I had to read part 3 twice in order to understand exactly what had happened to not just Lex but Cohen and those that lived outside in the blackness. Great read!!! I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes dystopian novels, urban fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Plus it's a clean read, something I love and respect this author for! Can't wait for the next one! (This author loves cliff-hangers so consider yourself warned!)

Okay so I really liked this book, much to my surprise. It's definitely not my usual genre, being that it was a book about a nerdy, awkward vet. But this book had me laughing out loud and falling in love with the characters, those on two legs and four!

Dog Gone, Back Soon is the sequel to [b:The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs|15818555|The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs (Cyrus Mills, #1)|Nick Trout|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356090534s/15818555.jpg|21546191] by [a:Nick Trout|893708|Nick Trout|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1288898595p2/893708.jpg] (FYI: I had not read book one when I started book two and it didn't hurt my ability to comprehend the plot) and picks up right where book one left off. Dr. Mills has just had a horrendous first date with the cute waitress Amy. He is berating himself (lots of inner monologue) for his reaction to his date taking a phone call when he arrives back at Bedside Manor, the veterinary clinic he inherited from his estranged father. A patient is waiting for him and he snaps himself back to work mode. Dr. Mills must find a way to save his clinic before he starts losing patients to the new, fancy clinic Healthy Paws in a neighboring town, diagnose three difficult patients, and salvage his budding relationship with Amy.

I loved the characters of this book! Dr. Cyrus Mills is mid-thirties and used to working as a veterinary pathologist (dead animals) so taking over his father's practice has proven to be a challenge for him. He cracks me up when he is reminding himself on the inside to speak normal and don't react badly when on the outside he is so awkward (I'm talking like Leonard and Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory awkward). Very introverted and not use to speaking to people!

Unbelieveable. I'm supposed to be dealing with patients who can't (or won't) tell me where it hurts. Instead I spend just as much time helping those on two legs as I do those on four. -Dr. Cyrus Mills

I loved all the characters really! Dr. Lewis is the older vet working with Cyrus, kind of a father figure, always offering unwanted sage advice. Then there's the receptionist Doris who I haven't decided if I like or not, she's the town gossip. And then of course Amy, high-spirited, speaks her mind the complete opposite of Cyrus. And who can forget the parade of unusually sick animals: Ermintude the Jersey Cow, Marmalade the fat cat, Gilligan the neurotic collie, and Henry the devil cat! Not to mention my favorite Stash the doodle (labradoodle):

The story line was just okay for me. The characters were well-developed with distinct personalities, but the storyline felt more like an episode of a TV sitcom. The book is broken up by days of the week, and each chapter kind of has it's own little theme as Cyrus deals with a particular case or situation that comes up between him and Amy or him and Dorkin (the manager of Healthy Paws). There was no build-up to a climax just one calamity after another (be it with his patients or his own problems).

Would I recommend this book? Yeah! I enjoyed it, it's not a deep read but kind of a fluff, feel-good kind of read. If you are looking for lots of laughs and a book you can sit down and just escape for a few hours, then this is a book you should pick up. Also if you are an animal lover, there's plenty of animal humor in this book!

I received an ARC from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above quote may be omitted or changed in the final copy.

The Coveted by [a:Laura Thalassa|7152490|Laura Thalassa|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1372456585p2/7152490.jpg] is book two of the Unearthly series and picks up about one month after book one left off. Gabrielle is now working for the Politia and hasn't spoken to Andre since the night his mansion burned. After a witch is killed and drained of her blood, all fingers are pointing to the vampires. It's up to Gabrielle to put her problems aside and work with Andre to solve the case before more people die and the truce between vampires and the supernatural community dissolves.

The dead were not so scary. The living were the ones you had to watch out for. -Gabrielle

Again I love these characters. Gabrielle is really starting to rely on her instincts and learn to use her gifts as a vampire and siren in this installment. Not only that but she confronts her own demons and faces Andre. Oh Andre, how I love thee!!! This character makes a great protagonist and antagonist all at the same time. Inherently he is evil, he's a vampire. However now that he has met his soulmate, he is starting to have human feelings again and it makes him very adorable! The man in the suit is back and haunting Gabrielle even more, again he is a perfect villain. Super creepy and gives me goosebumps! Leanne, Oliver, and Caleb are also back and I love the humor and irony they bring to the main character's life. It gives the book a good balance.

There were so many more things I'd rather be doing than this, such as getting my wisdom teeth pulled without local anesthetic, streaking through Peel Castle during a school day, going in for a pelvic examination with a male doctor. Yeah, I was that uninterested in this demonstration. -Gabrielle

The twists and turns in this book left me reeling! I loved the whole murder mystery tied into the All Hallows Eve festival. It made for a page-turning read. Also there was no way I could've predicted this ending. I was left hopelessly clueless until the last page and begging for more! I really can't wait to see just where the author takes this series. It's definitely going to be good!

I so love this series!!!! And I'm so glad the author decided to continue it. Episode 4 picks up right where we left Travis and Lex. They have just escaped Lex's impending death from Abran leaving Bridget behind. Now they are out in the darkness with only the supplies on their backs.

This episode we get to see the dynamic between brother and sister. For Lex she is Travis's older sister and in her heart she knows this but seeing him physically and emotionally older than her is hard. I can't even begin to imagine how this changes their relationship, but somehow it doesn't. Travis is a bit protective of her, but I found that he still looks up to her, at least in my eyes he does. He respects her. And both of these characters love each other and for Lex who has been alone for 8 years she finally is starting to feel like she isn't anymore. She has family and in this episode we see her heal a little bit from the trauma of being alone for so long.

I loved the scenes in this episode where they reminisce about their family before the Tar. It's such a heart wrenching experience yet it helps Lex to remember the family she's lost. Also learning more about how Travis has survived and what he has done to stop the Tar was awesome!

However not all is well. The Black Team is after them, think Navy Seals, Abran has sent them and they will kill Lex if they catch them. Then there's the painfully obvious fact that Lex is able to see in the dark where Travis can't and she is seeing shadows of things trying to get her. Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

Ugh!!!! And what is it with this author and cliffhangers?!?! She's killing me! I seriously can't wait to see where this story will go next. I'm completely engrossed in Lex's story and now Travis's too. Episode 5......

please, please, please hurry!

My Reaction to this Book:

Awe man! This book is just.....it's just perfect! I loved every minute of it. I didn't feel like it was forced or rushed. The story was just there and so amazingly sweet that I think my heart actually ached a bit reading it!

Fall into Forever is the debut novel by [a:Beth Hyland|7578066|Beth Hyland|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1393885232p2/7578066.jpg] and begins with a girl panicking at a fraternity party because of a guy (been there, done that right?!). So what do us girls do when avoiding a guy at a party? We find an escape route. Except poor Ivy's is onto the roof and now she's got to figure out a way down. Enter Jon Priestly. This man oozes bad boy, he has a guitar, drives a motorcycle, hosts a radio show, sells weed, and he helps old women......

Okay so maybe he's not such a bad boy after all!

The characters in this novel are so well written that I had a hard time believing they're not real. Ivy is broken, a fatal car accident took the life of a man she's told she loved but she doesn't really believe that because what memories she does have of him are conflicting. With the missing memories of the accident and people blaming her, she feels lost and insecure. She moves hours from her home to escape it. Jon is no better off. He's an orphan, mother dead, deadbeat dad, in and out of foster homes, which resulted in some time in juvie. But because of some people who've been in his corner he's trying to be a good person, make a difference, just in general be better. He's closed off emotionally until he meets Ivy who happens to be stuck on the roof of his house. Together they're great! I loved reading about their relationship and seeing how it grows into more. How they pushed each other to be better and overcome. I loved it!

So why four stars instead of 5? Well, I felt that in a few instances, especially at the beginning the characters were portrayed more like high school students pretending to be college students. Some of the remarks made by the characters and their actions were just too immature for people their age (21). That was just my impression though.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it's in the erotica category and there are a few erotic scenes, but none that made me feel uncomfortable or like I was reading straight porn (haha!). They were placed well in the story and added to the characters' relationship.

Also I loved that in this day and age where a book has to be in a series this one is not. It is a standalone, no cliffhanger ending. It left me feeling happy and just completely smitten with Ivy and Jon. If you enjoy new adult romances, do yourself a favor and get this one!!! I never would've guessed this to be a first novel, well done Mrs. Hyland!!!!

Well Done!!!

I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

What a treat this book was! I was a Debbie Macomber virgin before this novel and I must say I can't believe I had never read any of her books before now! This story was just so poignant and sweet and realistic.

Blossom Street Brides by [a:Debbie Macomber|11349|Debbie Macomber|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1375290567p2/11349.jpg] is book 10 of the Blossom Street series, and as I stated above this is the first novel by this author I've ever read. I didn't find that it was necessary to have read the first 9, though if I get a chance I will probably due so. The story flowed well and worked as a stand-alone novel, however I'm sure if I had read the first nine there are scenes that would have meant more to me. The author does a wonderful job of interweaving the stories of four different women who happen to share a love of knitting. And did you know this shop (A Good Yarn) actually exists in Seattle? How cool is that?! As a crocheter myself I want to go visit!!!


So this particular installment of the Blossom Street Series begins with Lauren whose baby sister has just announced she's pregnant. While happy for said sister, Lauren comes to the realization that her long-time boyfriend Todd is just never going to marry her and if she wants the husband and kids family that she's always pictured for herself then it's time to move on. Eliza is Lauren's friend and boss, when first we meet her she finds out that her 19 year old daughter is pregnant, which only further resolves Lauren to her decision to end things with Todd. Bethanne has found out she is going to be a grandmother thanks to her son and she couldn't be more thrilled. Then there's Lydia the owner of A Good Yarn whose mother is quickly deteriorating in an assisted living facility and her adopted daughter is having disturbing nightmares.

The whole time I was reading this particular book, I kept picturing these ladies:

When in reality it's probably more like this group:


I loved how the stories of these four ladies intertwined to make a happy tale of babies and weddings. And it all started at Lydia's store with her display of a baby blanket and Lauren and Bethanne wanting to make it. Each lady had their own problems to deal with and I loved how the author told them. Lauren and finding a husband, Bethanne missing her husband, Lydia with her store in the red, and Eliza with her daughter, but then there was also the story of two men. Bethanne's husband Max and his best friend and business partner Rooster. These characters were believable, their situations and struggles relatable. I could easily picture any one of these characters as a neighbor or friend.

For me personally, this book was just ok. I would give it 3.5 stars. It's just not my kind of book. I felt like the story itself and the plot were simple and it didn't hold my attention that well. I found myself hurrying to read just so I could get to the end. Was it that bad? No. Would I buy it for a friend? Yes, if she likes women's fiction and an easy, clean read. Overall this was a good book, just not my kind of book to get lost in. It's definitely an easy, light-hearted read and I loved the fact that it was a clean read. I don't think I read a single foul word and the romance was alluded to between married couples not spelled out word for word like a graphic porno. Again I enjoyed the book, it was good, just not something I personally would've picked out for myself. If you like a clean read, romance book definitely give this one a chance!

I received an eARC via Netgalley.com from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.