Monday, January 30, 2023

Book Review: Lore Olympus Vol 2

  Title - Lore Olympus Vol 2
Series - Lore Olympus Volumes 
Author - Rachel Smythe 
Genre - Comic
Format - Physical 
Published - July 5th 2022
Buy it here (Amazon)
Add it to (Goodreads)

Synopsis 

Witness what the gods do after dark in the second volume of a stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology from creator Rachel Smythe.


Persephone was ready to start a new life when she left the mortal realm for Olympus. However, she quickly discovered the dark side of her glamorous new home—from the relatively minor gossip threatening her reputation to a realm-shattering violation of her safety by the conceited Apollo—and she’s struggling to find her footing in the fast-moving realm of the gods. Hades is also off-balance, fighting against his burgeoning feelings for the young goddess of spring while maintaining his lonely rule of the Underworld. As the pair are drawn ever closer, they must untangle the twisted webs of their past and present to build toward a new future.


This full-color edition of Smythe’s original Eisner-nominated webcomic Lore Olympus features a brand-new, exclusive short story, and brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.


Review 
Lore Olympus started as a webtoon comic that has evolved into hardback graphic novels. I've been seeing so much about this series in the book world. My bestie has been recommending it to me but I never seemed to get around it. I actually have been in a book slump and this pulled me right out. I'm hooked on the Persephone and Hades story. 

 Each page is beautifully illustrated the artwork enhances the story of Persephone and Hades romance with a modern day twist. The story is captivating from first page to the very last I couldn't put it down. I even ordered the second and third volumes before even finishing the first one. I've devoured each installment as quickly as they arrive dropping everything to continue the story. 

I'm in love with the authors style of story telling and the artwork is beautiful. I highly recommend this series to everyone. I think this is a series that anyone who enjoys mythology will get drawn into and those that just love beautiful art. One of my favorite and newest addictions. I'm stuck waiting for the 4th installment to arrive and tempted to head online to the webtoon. One of the best comic series I've read and in my all time top 3. 

Book Review: Lore Olympus Vol 1

  Title - Lore Olympus Vol 1
Series - 
Lore Olympus Volumes 
Author - Rachel Smythe 
Genre - Comic
Format - Physical 
Published - November 2 2021
Add it to (Goodreads)
Buy it here (Amazon

Synopsis 
Persephone, young goddess of spring, is new to Olympus. Her mother, Demeter, has raised her in the mortal realm, but after Persephone promises to train as a sacred virgin, she’s allowed to live in the fast-moving, glamorous world of the gods. When her roommate, Artemis, takes her to a party, her entire life changes: she ends up meeting Hades and feels an immediate spark with the charming yet misunderstood ruler of the Underworld. Now Persephone must navigate the confusing politics and relationships that rule Olympus, while also figuring out her own place—and her own power.
This edition of Smythe’s original Eisner-winning webcomic Lore Olympus brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.


Review 
Lore Olympus started as a webtoon comic that has evolved into hardback graphic novels. I've been seeing so much about this series in the book world. My bestie has been recommending it to me but I never seemed to get around it. I actually have been in a book slump and this pulled me right out. I'm hooked on the Persephone and Hades story. 

 Each page is beautifully illustrated the artwork enhances the story of Persephone and Hades romance with a modern day twist. The story is captivating from first page to the very last I couldn't put it down. I even ordered the second and third volumes before even finishing the first one. I've devoured each installment as quickly as they arrive dropping everything to continue the story. 

I'm in love with the authors style of story telling and the artwork is beautiful. I highly recommend this series to everyone. I think this is a series that anyone who enjoys mythology will get drawn into and those that just love beautiful art. One of my favorite and newest addictions. I'm stuck waiting for the 4th installment to arrive and tempted to head online to the webtoon. One of the best comic series I've read and in my all time top 3. 



Book Review: My Dress-Up Darling Vol 3

 Title - My Dress-Up Darling Vol 3
Series - My Dress-Up Darling 
Author - Shiniichi Fukuda 
Genre - Manga
Format - Physical Manga 
Published - May 25th 2019
Add it to (Goodreads)
Buy it here (Amazon

Synopsis 


A loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy romcom!


Wakana and Marin make it through their very first cosplay event, and not long after, Marin's heart undergoes a change...?! But that's not going to stop her cosplaying! To research their next project, the duo decide to watch the anime it's based on...but on screening night, they wind up alone together...?! And with JuJu, another gorgeous cosplayer, dropping by Wakana's house...it seems like a love triangle is abrew!


Review 
Wakana Gojou keeps to himself till he unintentionally puts himself into Marin Kitagawa's path. Finding that he can sew she ropes him into making a cosplay costume for her to wear to events. Raised to make traditional dolls has made him have a gift for details and skilled with making clothes comes naturally. Together they find an unlikely friendship bonding over the art of cosplay which is only just the beginning. 

My bestie picked out this series for us to read together I didn't know anything about it before we started it but quickly turned into a fan. I love the story it's sweet each installment is loaded with new characters and new cosplay adventures. It's a very addicting series I ended up reading three volumes in a row only stopping to have to do real life stuff. My Dress-Up Darling is an adorable story with cute art. I loved every moment. Can't wait to finish the series and watch the anime next. 

Book Review: My Dress-Up Darling Vol 2


 Title - My Dress-Up Darling Vol 2
Series - My Dress-Up Darling 
Author - Shinichi Fukuda 
Genre -Manga
Format - Physical Manga 
Published - Novembver 14th 2018
Add it to (Goodreads)
Buy it here (Amazon

Synopsis 

Wakana Gojou is a fifteen year old high-school boy who was socially traumatized in the past due to his passion for dolls and doll-making. That incident left a mark on him that made him into a social recluse. But one day he was caught talking to his doll by Kitagawa Marin, a sociable gyaru who is perfectly open about her otaku interests -- in short, the complete opposite of him.


Instead of making fun of him, she's amazed by his skill on the sewing machine, and asks if he'll help her make a cosplay! Through sharing their passions, they end up in an odd but supportive relationship.


Review 
Wakana Gojou keeps to himself till he unintentionally puts himself into Marin Kitagawa's path. Finding that he can sew she ropes him into making a cosplay costume for her to wear to events. Raised to make traditional dolls has made him have a gift for details and skilled with making clothes comes naturally. Together they find an unlikely friendship bonding over the art of cosplay which is only just the beginning. 

My bestie picked out this series for us to read together I didn't know anything about it before we started it but quickly turned into a fan. I love the story it's sweet each installment is loaded with new characters and new cosplay adventures. It's a very addicting series I ended up reading three volumes in a row only stopping to have to do real life stuff. My Dress-Up Darling is an adorable story with cute art. I loved every moment. Can't wait to finish the series and watch the anime next. 

Book Review: My Dress-Up Darling Vol 1

 Title - My Dress-Up Darling Vol 1 
Series - My Dress-Up Darling 
Author - Shiniichi Fukuda  
Genre - Manga
Format - Physical Manga 
Published - April 14th 2020
Add it to (Goodreads)
Buy it here (Amazon

Synopsis 

A loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy romcom!


Traumatized by a childhood incident with a friend who took exception to his love of traditional dolls, doll-artisan hopeful Wakana Gojou passes his days as a loner, finding solace in the home ec room at his high school. To Wakana, people like beautiful Marin Kitagawa, a trendy girl who's always surrounded by a throng of friends, is practically an alien from another world. But when cheerful Marin--never one to be shy--spots Wakana sewing away one day after school, she barges in with the aim of roping her quiet classmante into her secret hobby: cosplay! Will Wakana's wounded heart be able to handle the invasion from this sexy alien?!


Review 
Wakana Gojou keeps to himself till he unintentionally puts himself into Marin Kitagawa's path. Finding that he can sew she ropes him into making a cosplay costume for her to wear to events. Raised to make traditional dolls has made him have a gift for details and skilled with making clothes comes naturally. Together they find an unlikely friendship bonding over the art of cosplay which is only just the beginning. 

My bestie picked out this series for us to read together I didn't know anything about it before we started it but quickly turned into a fan. I love the story it's sweet each installment is loaded with new characters and new cosplay adventures. It's a very addicting series I ended up reading three volumes in a row only stopping to have to do real life stuff. My Dress-Up Darling is an adorable story with cute art. I loved every moment. Can't wait to finish the series and watch the anime next. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

 Hosted by The Book Date 

Welcome to It's Monday! Every week we share what we just finished reading, are reading or plan to read over the next week. 

New year with a whole new pile of must read books. I'm going at my own pace but so far I've been doing well. Lots of reading the past week. 

Finished 

Lore Olympus Vol 1 by Rachel Smythe (Review to come
Lore Olympus Vol 2 by Rachel Smythe (Review to come

Thor by Rebekah R. Ganiere (Review
The Power of Hades by Eliza Raine & Rose Wilson (Review to come

My Dress-Up Daring Vol 1 by Shinichi Fukuda (Review to come)
My Dress-Up Daring Vol 2 by Shinichi Fukuda (Review to come
My Dress-Up Daring Vol 3 by Shinichi Fukuda (Review to come

Currently reading 

The Passion of Hades by Eliza Raine & Rose Wilson 

Up Next
Rest of the week
I'll be sure to share my TBR once I finish it. This is just the pile I'm hoping to finish before the end of the month. 
What are you reading? 

Book Review: Thor

Title -  Thor
Series - Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld #9 
Author - Rebekah R. Ganiere 
Genre - Romance Paranormal
Format - Kindle 
Published - July 19th 2022
Add it to (Goodreads)
Buy it here (Amazon

Synopsis 

The daughter of his eternal enemy becomes the God of Thunder's obsession...


Thor has spent the last thousand years single and alone, and he’s just fine with that. Having lost his home, his people, and his dignity, he’d rather work on motorcycles than try to find someone to share his time with. That is, until he spots an irresistible fiery haired beauty at an underworld speed dating event.


Princess Sutrelle ‘Elle’ of Muspelheim has run from both an arranged marriage and an abusive father. Elle is more than happy as a waitress, living life hiding amongst mortals on Midgard. But when she accidentally sits at a table for a speed dating event and stares into the intense eyes of the one man who would want to see her dead more than her father, she loses all sense of reason.


Will Thor listen to his heart and let her in for good, or slay her as he vowed to do with all those of her kind?


Thor is book nine in the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld shared world, filled with surly gods, sheltered sorceresses, and more.


Opening line
Sutrelle sat straight as a board as Thadren's massive searing hand rested on her upper thigh. 

Review 

Elle's on the run from her abusive father, who's attempted to marry her off to a powerful ally. With the help of her best friend Val she's able to escape to the mortal world with the hopes of staying in hiding and starting a new life. Thor still remembers what happened with the great battle that destroyed his home. During a guilt trip to attend the speed dating at the request of Frigg he finds the enchanting Elle who's captivated him but what happens when he finds out who she is? 

 I loved Elle she's adorable this sweet girl who loves to read and breakfast cereal a girl of my own heart. Thor is just an amazing partner for her because he really listened and took her to a place she would love. I also love the support characters it was interesting getting to see Thors family, Loki, Odin, Frigg are the main ones we had a chance to meet. 

I picked this one up on a spur of the moment for a challenge that I needed to read 9th in the series and each novel is a standalone HEA which was perfect. This is my first book by the author so I was worried about starting in the middle of the series but I found that wasn't an issue. I truly enjoy the story the characters are easy to connect with and enjoyed every moment of it. I actually finished the book in one sitting hooked from start to finish. I look forward to reading more in the series for this challenge. 




Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Waiting On Wednesday

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

My list of can't wait to get my hands on is long and each week it grows leaps and bounds.
 
I'm addicted to monsters in books always have been fascinated by monster movies. I finally dove into the monster novels and I can't get enough of them. I'm addicted to anthologies and I can't wait for this one to show up on my kindle. 

Monsters in Love 
by
 - Evangeline Priest, 
Expected Publication - March 7th 2023
Add
to (Amazon) (Goodreads)


Monsters do it better—especially when they fall in love.

Dive into this stunning anthology filled with wicked tales and monstrous ever afters. These sweet and steamy short stories feature drool-worthy monsters as they woo and claim their human mates.

Scroll up and one-click this limited edition fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction romance collection today. Proceeds will benefit Best Friends Animal Society, a no-kill animal shelter organization.

Including stories by:

USA Today Bestselling Author Eva Priest writing as Evangeline Priest

USA Today Bestselling Author Vivienne Hart

USA Today Bestselling Author Dee J. Holmes writing as Dee St. Holm

USA Today Bestselling Author Elle Cross

USA Today Bestselling Author C.M. Nascosta

Nova Blake

Clio Evans

Atlas Rose

YD La Mar

Vera Valentine

Ashley Bennett

Cassie Alexander

Ursa Dax

Karen Kincy

L.V. Lane

Cara Wylde

Sonia Nova

Alexa Michaels

Salem Cross

Holly Hanzo

Eden Ember

Cady Austin

Krista Luna

Elsie Winters

Salem Sinclair

Daisy Shell

Elizabeth Austin

Raina St. Clare

Kristen Strassel

Sara Ravencroft

Sabrina Day

Jillian Graves

C. Rochelle

January Bell

What are you waiting on?

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Book Review: Hartford Cove 1-5

Title: A Girl and Her Wolf, A Grave of My Own, The Forest Sta
res Back, Magic in the Making, The Great Curse Breaker
Series - Hartford Cove 1-5 
Author - L.L. Frost
Genre - Romance Paranormal
Format - Kindle Unlimited 
Published - October 20th 2021
Add it to (Goodreads)
Buy it here (Amazon

Synopsis 

Rowe has one goal: get to grandma's house.


After her life falls apart, there's only one place for Rowe to run to, but the little town of Hartford Cove holds secrets, both to her past and to the town itself. As they say, there's no place like home, but did Rowe ever know what home really meant?




Review 

Rowe is on the run with her wolfdog best friend and she heads to the only place she feels safe her grandmothers house. Things have changed since she last visited as a girl including the once the people. The more time she spends in the town the more she learns about her family. However, the town is full of secrets that will change her life forever. 


I've read the first 5 installments in the Hartford Cover series and since they are short novels I feel like one review will do for them all. I love Rowe she's a sweetheart who cares so much for her bestfriend Tris the wolfdog. I like the guys she meets when she returns to Hartford. I can't wait to see where the series will go. This isn't my first series by L.L. Frost she's one of my favorites authors and her serial are full of steam, and comedy. I truly enjoyed everyone moment and have the whole collection on my kindle that I'm working on. 


Book Review: The Wedding Rescue

Title - The Wedding Rescue 
Author - Ivy Layne 
Series - The Billionaire Club 
Genre - Romance
Format - Kindle Unlimited 
Published - July 15th 2015 
Add it to (Goodreads)
Buy it here (Amazon

Synopsis 

She thinks she's not his type. He's determined to prove her wrong.

Leigha Carmichael is used to the quiet life. A junior accountant by day, she knows girls like her don't have exciting lives. She's smart, shy and her curvy body doesn't fit in among the beauty queens of Las Vegas. Still reeling from her ex-boyfriend's betrayal, Leigha's sworn off all men. Except she has a huge problem, and only the right man can solve it.


The moment he sees her across a crowded bar, Dylan Kane knows he wants her. And Dylan Kane always gets what he wants. Especially when the object of his desire is sitting in his own casino. She's nothing like the skinny, overly made up women he's used to. From her clear gray eyes to her luscious curves, Leigha is the real thing. Exactly the change of pace he's been looking for. And even better, she needs something from him. With the bargain he has in mind, they'll both get exactly what they want.


In the few days she's his, Dylan plans to take control of every delectable inch of Leigha's body. But when the weekend is over, will he be able to let her go?


Review

Leigha's life hasn't been going like she planned it now she's obligated to stay in a hotel for her sisters wedding. A wedding she's not having to attend alone after her ex used her. By chance she meets Dylan who's enchanted right from the start by her realness. He gives her an offer she can't refuse that changes both of their lives forever. 


I loved Leigha right from the start and found her easy to connect with. Who wouldn't want a sexy Dylan he's just everything you want in a man. The chemistry between them is sweet and steamy they just complement each other so well. I love how Dylan always is so supportive of Leigha's around her family which aren't always nice. 


This book has lots of steamy moments but it has plot as well even a little suspense which I enjoyed. This is my first book by the author and I'm a quick fan she does a beautiful job creating a captivating story. I've always been a fan of Billionaire romance and when I happened across the cover and read the synopsis I knew I had to give it a shot and I'm glad I did. I loved every moment ended up staying up to finish it. 

Friday, January 13, 2023

Book Review: The War of Two Queens


Title -
 The War of Two Queens
Author - Jennifer L. Armentrout 
Series - Blood and Ash #4 
Genre - Fantasy Romance 
Format - Paperback
Published - March 15th 2022 
Add it to (Goodreads)
Buy it here (Amazon

Synopsis 

War is only the beginning…


From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book four in her Blood and Ash series.


From the desperation of golden crowns…


Casteel Da’Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could’ve prepared for the staggering revelations. The magnitude of what the Blood Queen has done is almost unthinkable.


And born of mortal flesh…


Nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King and destroying everything the Blood Crown stands for. With the strength of the Primal of Life’s guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her way—because there can be no retreat this time. Not if she has any hope of building a future where both kingdoms can reside in peace.


A great primal power rises…


Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dear—to protect those who cannot defend themselves. But war is only the beginning. Ancient primal powers have already stirred, revealing the horror of what began eons ago. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to be—what she fears the most.


As the Harbinger of Death and Destruction.


Review

My bestie and I have been budding reading this series together as we are both huge fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout. This is the 4th installment in the Blood and Ash series featuring Poppy and Casteel. After Losing Cas in the last book she's setting out for full on war against the blood queen determined to bring her love home at any cost. Poppy sets on an epic adventure with Kieran by her side to rescue her king and end the rein of the Blood Crown. 


Along the way her abilities continue to grow causing her to question if she was be the Harbinger of Death and Destruction as it's been told in the Prophecy. Forcing her to make tough choices that if it came down to her destroying the realm that she would be stopped before it's to late. 


I've loved the whole series up to this point, and it just keeps getting better and better with each book. This one may just be my favorite as we get to see Poppy really blossom which I love as she is one of my all time favorite characters. The characters are amazing easy to connect with you can't help falling in love with them. Plus Cas and Kieran are perfect book boyfriend you can't help falling in love with. The author did another amazing job creating a captivating story that I've found hard to put down. I highly recommend a must read series.