Category: Products I love!!

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

Blood & Ash (The Jezebel Files #1) Book Review

Megan Nicole

Blood & Ash (The Jezebel Files #1) by Deborah Wilde

Blood & Ash Book ReviewOverall: ***

Romance: ***

Reading Rate: **

Pages: 316

Publisher: Te Da Media

Release date: 1/14/2020

Recommend if you liked: Wicked Trilogy by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I am a sucker for a fast paced PNR read and had high hopes for this book, but it fell a bit short for me. It is listed as an adult book and while there was adult content the MC acted more like someone in her teens vs a 30 something. While the story suggested she was very educated and cultured her rash decisions and language suggested otherwise.

I really liked where the author was going with the Sherlock Holmes theme and while the world dynamic of Nefesh (those with magic) and regular humans without was not a new concept I liked the spin that the author put on it. It seemed like I came in on an existing storyline and was missing a lot of background on the world, but hopefully more will continue to be filled in throughout this series.

Overall I enjoyed the story but the lack of background information and the MC’s internal monologue kept me from getting sucked in and really enjoying the book. I think if there was less focus on the MC’s internal feelings and more focus on the mystery/case it would go a long way in making this a very interesting binge worthy series in future books.

Synopsis:

Cold-blooded kidnappers. Long-lost magic. When things get serious, she goes full Sherlock.

Ashira Cohen takes pride in being the only female private investigator in Vancouver. With her skills, her missing persons case should be a piece of cake.

She wasn’t counting on getting bashed in the skull, revealing a hidden tattoo and supernatural powers she shouldn’t possess.

Or the bitter icing on top: a spree of abductions and terrifying ghostly creatures on a deadly bender.

And don’t even get her started on the golems.

Reluctantly partnered with her long-time nemesis Levi, the infuriating leader of the magic community, Ash resolves to keep her focus on the clue trail and off their sexual tension because WTF is up with that?

But with a mastermind organization pulling strings from the shadows and Levi’s arrogance driving her to pick out his body bag, can Ash rescue the captives and uncover the truth or will the next blood spilled be her own?

Blood & Ash will be available though Amazon Kindle Unlimited. Try your first month of Kindle Unlimited free here!

Thank you to NetGally and Te Da Media for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

Queen of Nothing by Holly Black Book Review

Megan Nicole

The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3) *There are potential spoilers in this review*

Overall: ***

Romance: ***

Reading Rate: ***

Publisher: Little Brown

Pages: 308

Release Date: November 19, 2019

Purchase on Amazon here

I hate to be super negative on here, but guys I was so so disappointed. I thought the first two books in the series were good (not blown away) and the way the ended was left at Wicked King had me so ready to read this final installment. As soon as I got my hands on the book I was nervous about how thin it was… but it started out on a high note with a dual and then the arrival of Taryn needing help due to Locke being dead.

I was all ramped up to see Jude back in Fairy so soon in the story, but it all went downhill from there. I expected to binge read the book like I did the first two, but I found myself losing interest and it took me over a week to get through, which is unusual for a book so short.  I felt like the closing of the story was completely rushed and then ending of the last book was totally written off by it being a joke from Cardan, and that as Queen Jude could have pardoned herself at any time and come back. By the time the last quarter of the book came around it was almost predictable, which throwing me for a loop was something I admired about this series.

I did appreciate the ending being wrapped up nicely with really no questions left hanging… I would like for there to have been a bit more betrayal and less happiness at the end for the “wicked” characters though.

Maybe it was just the final book curse, what did you think? Tell me below in the comments.

 

Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

2019 Bookish Holiday Gift Guide

Megan Nicole

Hi guys! I know bookworms can be a challenge to shop for so I wanted to share some of my favorite bookish products that I have discovered over the last few years. These are all products that I have personally purchased and most of them I actually use on a daily basis and feel they are high quality and well worth their prices…. plus most are having some great sales this holiday season!!

Klever Case for eReader

This brand is actually my most recent bookish discovery. They are a small company based in the U.K. and have gorgeous and high quality eReaders. They come in multiple sizes and designs, I have their Ravenclaw Kindle Paperwhite eReader and it is so gorgeous!!!

They also have amazing book lights and journals that match the theme of the eReader cases that I have been meaning to pick up as well! Right now they have some create combo deals going on to pick up multiple items for cheaper…. and free tracked international shipping for those wary of ordering an international product before Christmas.

Storiarts Bookish Accessories

If you have ever made it over to my Instagram page you have seen some of my Storiarts collection. To say I am obsessed to an understatement, and this year they came out with The Night Circus themed merch.

I have a scarf, writing gloves, tote, shirt, cosmetic bag AND headband from them already so far. Their products are not cheap but they are incredible quality and well worth the money… they are also having some great deals right now for the holidays so it the perfect time to snag items.

*If you are a bookstagrammer these products are amazing for bookish photos as well as everyday use!

Harry Potter Illustrated Editions

These editions are a must have for any Potter Head. They are absolutely gorgeous and a wonderful and useful edition to any collection. The first four books in the series are available, with the release of the Goblet of Fire just occurring a few months ago.

While I do not have kids (furbies aside) I have heard from my parent friends that these books are also a supper fun way to introduce their children to the series they loved so much as kids themselves.

Boxed sets:

Collectible boxed sets are always a wonderful treat for book worms, and often they are a bit pricey so we tend not to buy them for ourselves. With several big series finishing up this year a few new boxed sets have released recently that I have included below.

 

Book Beaus:

Top Bookish Holiday GiftsI am completely obsessed with Book Sleeves and Book Beau is always at the top of that list. I carry books or eReaders with me everywhere I go and I have so many Beaus!! They come in so many sizes and options from their Mini for an eReader, to their jumbo that can even fit your Harry Potter books, to the travelers that you can put both inside plus your charging cords! If you see me out and about you can almost bet there is a Beau inside my bag.

  • I also have their Book Beau reading bean and Harry Potter pin banner…. I told you its addicting. BUT they always have great sales and the products quality is top notch!

EReaders:

Kindle Paperwhite ereader- bookish giftsI know there is a lot of hubub about eBook vs Physical book and I was once firmly on the Physical Book only side of the camp. But over the last two years I have discovered just how amazingly easy it is to carry and read eBooks over physical books. I cannot recommend my Kindle Paperwhite enough. I have an older version which still works amazing and the newer version just keep getting better with weight, lighting, and also now waterproof! There are some great deals on Kindles and accessories right not, and for a little more cost savings most versions of Kindle have refurbished available.

Also if your bookworm is wanting to start getting ARCs for review, most come in the form of a digital eGally. While these can be read on a tablet or phone they are not designed for long reading binges and the weight and lighting are a pain.

Bookish Gift cards are always a win! Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or even a bookish box or store might also have their own Gift Cards if your book worm has a particular favorite. I know people think this can be impersonal but half the fun of getting new books and merch for us is getting to shop and pick it out. So do not be afraid to go with the card, or a combo of a small piece of merch plus a gift card.

Did you purchase and of these gifts for the bookworm in your life?

 

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

Reverie by Ryan La Sala Book Review

Megan Nicole

 

Reverie by Ryan La Sala Book ReviewOverall: ***

Romance: *

Reading Rate: ***

Pages: 416

Recommend if you liked: I am Number Four series

Release Date: December 3, 2019

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Purchase on Amazon here

What I liked:

  • I enjoyed the premise of Reverie and the overall story line, the “reveries” were a unique and whimsical element.
  • The plot of Reverie draws you in from the very beginning as you start out with the main character’s POV right after a mysterious incident and the loss of his memory. As you being to meet more characters you are left wondering what is real and who to trust, I just had to know how it ended!

What I struggled with: The characters and world building are where I struggled.

  • I found the characters, especially the MC Kane very immature and tended to fall back in rushed and repeated emotions.
  • I would have enjoyed the book much more if the characters acted more mature and had been really built out. There were hints at complex characters with complicated pasts that defined who they were now, there just was no real chance to get to know them in the single book.
  • The book was really focused around one part of a larger issue. I feel they won a battle but were not even sure what the war was just yet.
  • There were also a lot of questions let open about how the Reverie’s and Posey came about although room is left for more books in the same world that might explain later.

Synopsis:

All Kane Montgomery knows for certain is that the police found him half-dead in the river. He can’t remember how he got there, what happened after, and why his life seems so different now. And it’s not just Kane who’s different, the world feels off, reality itself seems different. 

As Kane pieces together clues, three almost-strangers claim to be his friends and the only people who can truly tell him what’s going on. But as he and the others are dragged into unimaginable worlds that materialize out of nowhere—the gym warps into a subterranean temple, a historical home nearby blooms into a Victorian romance rife with scandal and sorcery—Kane realizes that nothing in his life is an accident. And when a sinister force threatens to alter reality for good, they will have to do everything they can to stop it before it unravels everything they know. 

This wildly imaginative debut explores what happens when the secret worlds that people hide within themselves come to light.

Thank you to Net Galley and Sourcebooks Fire for a copy of Reverie in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

Fairy Loot October Unboxing and Review

Megan Nicole

Theme: Love At First Bite

Overall: *****

Quality of items: *****

Shipping timeliness: ****

Cost: $43.92 Thank goodness for the new U.S. Shipping rates, much more affordable.

Value for the Money: *****

Fairyloot October Love at first bite unboxing

Fairy Loot was the first bookish box that I ever purchased and probably the only one I have never been disappointed in. I do not subscribe to them, instead I pick and choose the months. I only ordered every so often previously due to international shipping, but I have been ordering more often. I will say I actually preferred the International shipping vendor to U.S., it actually takes longer for my boxes to make it to me now but still worth the cost savings. I loved this particular box so so much, all of the items were great quality and very neat! Other than the tarot cards which are a monthly collectible item, I wont get rid of a single thing from this months box. Check out what was included below.

Fairyloot October Love Bites unboxing

Candles and booksleeves are my favorite bookish merch to receive so this box was a total win win!

Whats in the box?

  • Super padded booksleeve design by @noverantale featuring a quote from Dracula
  • Vampire inspired beanie designed by @kdpletters. Guys I have received several beanies in boxes and none of them have been this high quality, and so so glad it did not have a pom so I will actually wear it!
  • Set of Gothic vampire coasters designed by @blanca.design
  • Interview With A Vampire inspired candle by The Melting Library
  • Adorable bat enamel pin designed by @taratjah
  • Twilight sticker by @catarinabookdesigns
  • Vampire art print designed by @monolimeart
  • Tarot cards of the month (have not figured out who they are this month as the spoiler card did not day 🙂 )
  • Stunning copy of the Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh! This exclusive edition comes with artwork on the inside of the dust jacket as well as sprayed pages. It also came with a map of New Orleans and author letter with artwork from @kat_adara.

What was your favorite item from this months box?

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

Serpent & Dove Book Review

Megan Nicole

Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove #1) by Shelby Mahurin Book Review

Serpent & Dove Book ReviewOverall: ***

Romance: ***

Reading Rate: ***

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 513

Purchase on Amazon here

I was super excited about this book, and I purchased an incredible edition with bronze prayed edges from Fairyloot. I have heard so so so many people give this book great reviews so I feel like I had an unpopular opinion, or maybe the hype was just so high it was impossible not to feel let down.

What I liked:

  • I like the take on Magic vs the Church and the different types of witches. I also enjoyed learning how the different witches used their powers.
  • While this was historically based I enjoyed that all of the women still did what they wanted regardless. I have a hard time with historical fiction when it involves women being limited by societies constraints. I would actually classify this book as NA vs YA due to the age of the characters and language/sexual content of the book.

What I struggled with:

  • I needed more background on the world to really understand what was happening. Because of the limited information on each side I really couldn’t relate to strongly to either cause, and frankly they both seemed wrong.
  • I didn’t “believe” in the love portion of the story line. It was enemies to lovers but I didn’t really feel the love develop, i was like it went from enemies for most of the book to instalove.
  • The book really didn’t grab me or keep me engrossed at all, it actually took me about two weeks to finish reading. (something in a 4-5 star range for me I would devour in 3 or less days).

Overall I am interested to learn more about the world and the characters the Mahurin started to build out and I will certainly give the next book in the series a shot.

Synopsis:

Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou’s, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou’s most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.

 

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

Ruthless Gods Book Review

Megan Nicole

Ruthless Gods Emily DuncanRuthless Gods by Emily Duncan, Book 2 of the Something Dark and Holy trilogy

Overall: ****

Romance: ***

Reading Rate: ***

Release Date: April 7, 2020

Pages: 432

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Purchase on Amazon here

I recommend if you liked: The Bear and the Nightingale, Shadow & Bone Trilogy, Throne of Glass

*Spoilers for Wicked Saints- click here to check out my spoiler free review of book 1.

This book hurt so good! As soon as I put down Wicked Saints I needed the sequel right away…. And now I need the final book soooo bad!!! Ruthless Gods picks up shortly after Wicked Saints left off with the Nadya dealing with the silence of her Gods, Malachiasz missing after his betrayal, and Serefin trying to deal with his new status as king as well as being God touched.  If you enjoyed Wicked Saints you will love this journey as our main characters and also some new faces try to fix the cracks they made in the world… but will their quest to right their wrongs for each of their countries right the wrongs, or break the world entirely.

In the beginning this book was little more difficult to get through and did a lot more world building and filling in some of the knowledge gaps on the gods from books 1. I honestly feel I need to read the book again to really get everything, and I certainly will when the physical copies release! Several times a character’s section had me saying what on earth was happening and rereading entries several times. But all of that building (and Malachaisz/Nadya teasers) was well worth it in the last quarter of the book, and OMG what and ending and set up for what is sure to be an AMAZING final installment. Duncan did such a great job of stringing me along needing answers and holding out hope for my favorite characters redemption, I love it when an author keeps me guessing! I have no idea how I am going to handle to wait for  book 3 to find out how everything ends!

While book one seemed heavily inspired by the Grishaverse the author really changed things up and left that path for book 2. It almost had Bear and the Nightingale vibes with the mythology and creatures added in.

I am usually great at predicting how books are going to flow and Duncan steps up to say challenge accepted. I may get part of the idea but then she jumps right on over it an rips my heart out… and I love it so much!

Synopsis:

Nadya doesn’t trust her magic anymore. Serefin is fighting off a voice in his head that doesn’t belong to him. Malachiasz is at war with who–and what–he’s become.

As their group is continually torn apart, the girl, the prince, and the monster find their fates irrevocably intertwined. They’re pieces on a board, being orchestrated by someone…or something. The voices that Serefin hears in the darkness, the ones that Nadya believes are her gods, the ones that Malachiasz is desperate to meet—those voices want a stake in the world, and they refuse to stay quiet any longer.

In her dramatic follow-up to Wicked Saints, the first book in her Something Dark and Holy trilogy, Emily A. Duncan paints a Gothic, icy world where shadows whisper, and no one is who they seem, with a shocking ending that will leave you breathless.

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for a copy of Ruthless Gods in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

Fighting Destiny- Fae Chronicles Book 1 Review

Megan Nicole

Fighting Destiny by Amelia Hutchins- Book 1 of the Fae Chronicles Series

Fighting Destiny Fae Chronicles Book ReviewOverall: ****

Romance: *****

Reading Rate: *****

Pages: 394

Release Date: June 4th 2013

Purchase on Amazon here 

I recommend if you liked: The Bargainer Series

HOLY STEAM!!!! Not safe for work and not safe for kids/YA. I enjoyed this book so much and immediately had to dive in a binge read the others in the series! This is 100% an adult romance book lots of steam, gore, and Oh Dear, Rhyder! This was a fast paced paranormal romance story with an extra dark twist to it.

What I liked:

  • I enjoyed the darkness of the story you know you are going to lose people and that everyone might not get a happy ending.
  • Lots and lots of steam!
  • Amelia had an interesting take on Fae and other creatures being integrated into the human world.

What I struggled with:

  • This book and the whole series take the steamy scenes to quite a dark place that could also be triggers or just taken to far for a lot of readers.
  • There is always a little cliche in these types or paranormal romances, which I don’t mind at all but if you are looking for something to break the mold this is not it.
  • The Female MC certainly makes some rash choices running headlong into danger and being stubborn.

The author is working on the final book in this series to be released soon. She has also written several standalone spin offs as well as other series that are spin offs but tie into the overall story line of the world. Amelia is also a hilarious social media follow and is very active with her fans, but just like her books she is NSFW 🙂

Synopsis:

Have you ever heard of the old Celtic legends of the Fae—beautiful, magical, and deadly creatures that have a love of messing with humans just for kicks and giggles?

Welcome to my world.

What started out as a strange assignment, lead to one of the most gruesome murder mysteries of our times. My friends and I are set and determined to find out who is killing off Fae and Witches alike.

Couple of problems in the way – I hate the Fae and the Prince of the Dark Fae is bound and determined that I work for him. He’s a rude, overbearing egotistical ass with a compulsive need to possess, dominate and control me. Oh—did I mention that he is absolutely sex-on-a-stick gorgeous and he makes me feel things that I never ever wanted to feel for a Fae… every time he touches me or looks at me with those dangerous golden eyes he seems to pull me further in under his spell, despite my better judgment.

My friends and I can’t trust anyone and nothing is as it seems on the surface—not even me.

 

 

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

The Wickerlight (The Wren Hunt 2) Book Review

Megan Nicole

The Wickerlight by Mary Watson ReviewThe Wickerlight – The Wren Hunt #2 by Mary Watson

Overall: ****

Reading Rate: ****

Romance: **

Pages: 416

Release date: November 26, 2019 by Bloomsbury YA

Purchase on Amazon here

Recommend if you liked: Serpent & Dove or The Raven Cycle

The story is dark, intriguing and you never know who to trust or consider “good”. This is a true sequel to the story started in the Wren Hunt and you must read it first to understand the happenings in the second book. Even thought the characters POV are all new in The Wickerlight it continues to build on the story and is tied into events set in motion in book 1. I tried started with this book first thinking it was just based in the same world and was totally lost about a chapter in.

While this book as a little slower than the first I enjoyed it even more due to all the set up that was in place from the first book. I was also eager to learn more about David as a MC instead of antagonist. Watson did a great job of creating such an old world feel with the mythology and culture of the Draoithe, but also mixing modern touches into the society to keep it relatable. Some of the phrasing and spelling threw me off a little when reading but overall it did not take away from the quality of the story. These books definitely kept me guessing between the characters hidden secrets to the plot twists! I still have so many questions and can already not wait until the next installment to find out what happens next!

Synopsis:

Zara’s family moved to Kilshamble for a new beginning. But everything changed the night her sister was found dead on the village green.

Two months later, Laila’s death is a riddle that nobody wants solved. Where were her injuries? Why was she so obsessed with local folklore? And what does all this have to do with David, the boy who lives at the big house?

As Zara delves deeper into her sister’s secret life, she becomes entangled in an ancient magical feud. All too unwittingly she is treading the same dangerous path that led Laila to the village green.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the opportunity to read The Wickerlight in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

The Shrike & The Shadows Sneak Peak

Megan Nicole

What’s up, Witches! In honor of Mabon and the first official day of Autumn we are celebrating with a Sneak Peak at the new dark Hansel and Gretel Retelling by A.M. Wright and Chantal Gadoury!

The Shrike and the Shadows

The Shrike & The Shadows is the first book in The Witches of Krume series and is being released in March 2020 by The Parliament House Press. I am so excited to read this book, it has all those creepy fall vibes I have been hunting for!

Click the here for exclusive access to read the first chapter of the book!

Synopsis:

Men have gone missing before.

The village of Krume is plagued by a haunted wood and a hungry witch. It’s been that way for as long as Hans and Greta can remember, though they have never seen the witch themselves; no one has. 

When men start to disappear once again in the cover of night – their bloody hearts turning up on doorsteps – the village falls into frenzied madness.

Hans and Greta, two outcast orphans, find themselves facing accusations of witchcraft and are met with an ultimatum: burn at the stake, or leave the village forever. 

With nowhere else to go, they abandon their only home. 

As they venture into the strange forest, their path is fraught with horrific creatures, wild and vivid hallucinations, and a mysterious man tied to the witch’s past.

The Shrike is watching, just beyond the deep darkness of the woods. 

Don’t forget to add to your Goodreads TBR 📚