Book Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Title: Fourth Wing

Series: The Empyrean #1

Genre: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance

Format: paperback

Pages: 544

Published: May 2, 2023

Where I got It: My shelf (local book store)

Summary: 

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away… because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter―like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda―because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Review:

Everyone has been ranting and raving about this and I will admit I've been curious. Especially for the dragons. I got this beaut of a version on sale at my local book store (#supportsmallbusiness) so why not!?

Here we follow Violet who wants a quiet life among the books and tomes as a Scribe. However, her mother won't allow that. She has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders. But when you are smaller and have medical issues, death is a little closer than it is for everyone else. Especially when it comes time to try and bond with a dragon. Dragons are not known for liking "weak" and "fragile" humans. They want the best of the best. At the same time, Xaden and so many others want her blood in revenge. She may not be the strongest, but she will be the smartest and live as long as she can. 

I will admit I was nervous because the last book I bought just for the cover and people saying it was amazing turned out to be a DNF. Eee. But I was pleasantly shocked that I grew to really adore this story. 

Love dragons here. They are your typical self-absorbed and grumpy dragon and I love that. However, when they find a special human they do get attached. There was a scene (won't spoil anything) where you could see that dragon's heart shatter as their human died. I literally had tears. 

This book is brutal. It's a tough world and a tough thing to become a rider. Not everyone makes it. It felt very Sparta-like. Only the tough survive and this school/boot camp only want the tough to survive. Even if you bond with a dragon, it doesn't guarantee you'll survive boot camp/school. You have to be on your guard and be careful who you befriend. I def don't want to be in this world. If I was...I would be a Scribe. Leave me be with the books. 

There is some romance here but it isn't the main story. There is something the higher ups are hiding. It's easy to guess if you pay attention to the small clues.

Like I said....this world is rough and I cried a couple of times. I wouldn't survive because I grow attached to people. So many people died!!!!!!!!! OMG the ending! Of COURSE someone I loved doesn't make it. *cries* So have your guard up and love no one! *cries more*

I had one issue with the book (minus people I like being killed off). I hated how modern the dialogue was at points. It didn't feel fantasy-like sometimes. It's easy to look past and didn't ruin the story for me, but I guess I'm biased because I'm so use to the dialogue being a certain way in fantasies. Could just be a me thing. But yes....it didn't ruin it overall for me but it did bug me a bit. 

All-in-all, I grew to really adore this. I have to read book 2. 

4 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Liam, Violet, Rhi, Mira, and all the dragons

Least Favorite Character(s): Dain, Jack, and Violet's mother

Audiobook Review: Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan

Author: Kendall Ryan

Narrator: Jason Clarke & Virginia Rose

Title: Playing for Keeps

Series: Hot Jocks #1

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Format: Audiobook

Published:  August 13, 2019

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible) 

Summary: 

I've never been so stupid in my entire life.

Elise Parrish, my teammate's incredibly sweet and gorgeous younger sister, should have been off-limits, but my hockey stick didn't get the memo.

After our team won the championship, our flirting turned physical, and I took her to bed. Then shame sent her running the next morning from our catastrophic mistake.

She thinks I don't remember that night - but every detail is burned into my brain so deeply, I'll never forget. The feel of her in my arms, the soft whimpers of pleasure I coaxed from her perfect lips....

And now I've spent three months trying to get her out of my head, but I'm starting to understand she's the only girl I'll ever want.

I have one shot to show her I can be exactly what she needs, but Elise won't be easily convinced.

That's okay, because I'm good under pressure, and this time, I'm playing for keeps

Review:

Been needing some sport romance in my life. I still need to read more Football ones, but I'm a sucker for hockey lads. 

Okay so we have Elise and Justin. They have known each other since they were young. Justin is best friends with Elise's brother. Pretty much an adopted brother since his parent's had been divorced and had issues. Years later Justin is a player in more than one way. He plays for a beloved hockey team and he has no interest in love. He seen what happens when love sours. However, after a drunk night between Elise and Justin....things have changed forever. 

This was a nice read. The drama wasn't too high. Sure there was a bunch at first, but once they actually TALKED things got less muddy. Sure, complex because they are both scared of their feelings and they don't want to hurt Owen (Elise's bro). 

Lots of lust. Lots of love that is so obvious to us but it does take them a LONG while to accept that.

Dang man! Those hockey boys are def womanizers. At least they are honest with the puke bunnies that it is just a one night stand. I did get annoyed with how often this was brought up and discussed. Yes, I get it. Man-whores the lot of them. It got exhausting a teeny bit. 

The narrators did a wonderful job. Loved their voices. They were great. New to me, but I hope they do the rest of the series. Weeeee.

But yes, I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this. We actually had some character development and good communication. Loved it. Some repeatrtiveness, but still extremely enjoyable. 4 stars from me. 

 

- Favorite Character(s): Elise and Justin. Loved Becca too

- Least Favorite Character(s): The puke bunnies. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #13

- TBR #3 (Rizz prompt)

- Romance Reading #11 (Sports romance)

Book Review: Fitzwilliam Darcy Rock Star by Heather Lynn Rigaud

Author: Heather Lynn Rigaud

Title: Fitzwilliam Darcy Rock Star

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Retelling, New Adult

Format: ebook

Pages: 432

Published: August 31, 2011

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Barnes & Nobles)

Summary: 

"Darcy's as hot as he is talented..."

Fast music, powerful beats, and wild reputations-on and off stage-have made virtuoso guitarist Fitzwilliam Darcy's band into rock's newest bad boys. But they've lost their latest opening act, and their red-hot summer tour is on the fast track to disaster. Now Darcy and bandmates Charles Bingley and Richard Fitzwilliam are about to meet their match...

"But she's about to rock his world..."

Enter Elizabeth Bennet, fiercely independent star of girl-band Long Borne Suffering. Elizabeth, her sister Jane, and friend Charlotte Lucas have talent to spare and jump at the opening band slot. Elizabeth is sure she's seen the worst the music industry has to offer. But as the days and nights heat up, it becomes clear that everyone is in for a summer to remember.

Review:

Been meaning to read this for a long, long, looooooooooong time. Finally decided to bite the bullet and use a B&N gift card I was given for Xmas to buy it. I bought this and two other books. Fun timessssss!

Okay - here we have our beloved cast rocking the contemporary world in the music industry. Darcy, Charles, and Richard are the music industry's bad boys. Their summer tour is on the fast track to being derailed....they lost yet another opening act. They turn to an unknown band called Long Borne Suffering. Where we find Elizabeth, Jane, and Charlotte trying to make it. Together these two bands will make one heck of a tour, but the stage is not the only thing heating up. 

FIRST! I have to say...I totally ship Charlotte and Richard. Have I read this coupling before? Can Charlotte PLEASE leave Collins for Richard? Damn. I love them. However, their road is not easy here. 

Of course Charles and Jane hook up. And then EVENTUALLY Darcy and Lizzy. It takes FOREVER and even when they do drama ensues. 

Lots of drama here and lots of music. Also....lots and lots of smexy time. Dare I say.....too much smexy time? It was slightly obnoxious and for sure slowed the story down. Honestly - I think the author could've cut nearly 100 pages. Yes, I get we have three couples and whatnot but it felt like we were catching every single time they were making the beast with two backs. It got old and I'll admit...I skimmed after a while. Now - it's not like it was just a page of the exercise each time....sometimes it would be PAGES. Ugh. Smexy time is great and all but give me the drama. 

Oooo Wickham and Collins certainly were extra bad here and I was here for it. They are evil and bad and terrible. Yayy! 

But yes, this was entertaining and very dramatic. Sometimes a hair too much but it was entertaining. And seems legit for artists....they tend to be ones with the flair for dramatics. 

All-in-all, not too shabby for a P&P variation. It actually made me a Charlotte/Richard shipper! They deserve all the love. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading Challenge - #5 (Celebrity)

Audiobook Review: Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Author: Casey McQuiston

Narrator: Ramon de Ocampo

Title: Red, White & Royal Blue

Genre: LGBT, Contemporary Romance, YA, New Adult

Format: Audiobook

Published: May 14th 2019

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations. The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

Review:

Been wanting to read this for a bit and then I saw that they announced this was becoming a movie so I knew I had to finally buckle down and read this. I found this at my library as an audio...so yayy!

Here we follow Alex and Henry. Alex is the son of the first US woman president. Henry is the grandson of the Queen of England. The two have been enemies since they were kids but it was never in the press. Until photos of a confrontation are leaked to the tabloids. Damage control is needed especially since the President is up for re-election and the throne has had some issues themselves. What can fix this? Oh, a fake friendship! As things go on, they realize they might actually have a lot in common. Friendship blooms and then something more. 

This took me forever to finish. I found myself going a day or two without listening. The beginning was a rough start for me and I even had a moment of wanting to DNF. However, after a certain scene, I was interested again. 

I adored Henry and Alex and you could instantly see the attraction even though they couldn't see it. I was def rooting for them! I think friendship was needed and this was a slow burn that was perfect for these two.

The ending needed more. The re-election seemed to take over the narrative and take away from the romance aspect. I wanted more Henry and Alex time! Maybe an epilogue would've helped out. I felt disappointed when the book ended. Is there going to be a book 2? I felt like the two have a lot more story to tell. I want to see their HEA! 

The narrator was okay overall, but I didn't think his voice fit completely. Maybe a duo narrator would've been the way to go? IDK, but, for me, he didn't fit Alex. Loved him for Henry though!

In the end, this was just okay for me. I wanted more of these two in the end! I felt like the re-election for Alex's mom took over a bit near the end there. I hope there is a book 2 because I feel like there is a lot for these two to deal with and dig through while they weed their way through a very public relationship. So yes. I WANT MORE! Maybe the movie will give them a better ending? We shall see. Now rating? Mmmm, I'll give it a 3. It would be a 2 but I adore Alex and Henry too much. They were so fun to watch go from enemies...to friends...to lovers. They are adorable and worth the other meh stuff.  

Challenge(s):
- #28 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Reckless by Lex Martin

Author: Lex Martin
Narrator: Savannah Peachwood & Stephen Dexter
Title: Reckless
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: February 20th 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)


Tori…
For the record, I’m not going to hook up with my boss.

I'm a lot of things—a screwup, a basket case, a flunky. But when I take a nanny job to be near my pregnant sister, I swear to myself I’ll walk the straight and narrow, which means I cannot fall for my insanely hot boss.

I don't want to be tempted by that rugged rancher. By his chiseled muscles or southern charm or the way he snuggles his kids at bedtime. Ethan Carter won't get the key to my heart, no matter how much I want him. 

Ethan…
Between us, she's the last thing I need as I finalize my hellish divorce. 

What sane man trying to rebuild his life wants a hot nanny with long, sexy hair, curves for miles, and a smart mouth? A perfectly kissable, pouty mouth that I shouldn't notice.

My focus is on my kids and my ranch, not the insufferable siren who sleeps in the room next to mine. It doesn't matter that she wins over my kids in a heartbeat or runs my life better than I do. Tori Duran is the one woman I can't have and shouldn't want, no matter how much I crave her.

Holy tattooed rancher! Yes, this cover sucked me right in. 

The story follows Ethan and Tori. They are so opposite but so similar at the same time. Ethan a smexy rancher with lots of tattoos. He is going through a divorce, managing his ranch, has two little kiddies, and zero sleep. Tori is a college drop-out who was used and abused by a man she thought she loved, but she was the side chick and didn't know it. She needs a job and needs to get away from the city. Her sister helps her get this job to be a temp nanny to Ethan. And yes, the sparks fly. 

Oooo Ethan. I am mad in love with him. He is the full package! I would have a hard time not falling for him like Tori. The girl didn't stand a chance!  *swoon*

I liked Tori a lot. She was feisty and emotional and a hot mess. She did annoy me sometimes, but that is because I had a hard time relating to her. I am overly logical and she tries to be logical but she feels hard and thinks with her heart. Oh, girl. How did you not know Ethan loved you!? 

Grrr that ex of Ethan. She is a terrible mom and I wanted Tori to fight her! Grrr! HOW DARE YOU!? THOSE KIDS LOVE YOU WENCH! *shakes fist* Tori's ex was a horrible person too, but I hated Allison more. *grumbles not nice words*

I enjoyed the story a lot. There were some scenes that were over-the-top and cheesy. Made me roll my eyes. Especially the bit about the spider in the shower. Okay - I get it - I am scared of spiders too, but really? And all the sex! Dang! There were so many smexy scenes. Don't get me wrong...I didn't mind but I felt like there was a ton more than normal. I guess living on a ranch you don't have anything else to do ;) But yes, warning there. 

Holy drama at the end there! Yes, there was a touch of drama sprinkled throughout the story, but the last hour of listening....woah! I was left agape. Glad it all worked out, but I was SO worried. 

I want Ethan's bro to have a story! He was a knucklehead, but I liked him and he needs a good woman to knock some sense into that thick manwhore head. 

The narrators were perfect for their characters. Ethan's girl voice and kid voices made me chuckle. He tried hard. I always feel for guys. It's hard for them. 

Overall, I did really like this story. My only "issue" was a couple of cheesy scenes, but they were easy to look over. I enjoyed the couple and holy drama at the end. So good. The narrators were perfect for their roles. I honestly feel like I listened to the girl before *thinks* I'd have to look. Yes, I'll stamp it with 5 even with the cheesy scenes. 

Ethan is a parent. ;)