Book Review: You’d Be Mine

Youd be mineTitle: You’d Be Mine

Author: Erin Hahn

Pub. Date: April 2, 2019

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5


Annie Mathers is America’s sweetheart and heir to a country music legacy full of all the things her Gran warned her about. Superstar Clay Coolidge is most definitely going to end up one of those things.

But unfortunately for Clay, if he can’t convince Annie to join his summer tour, his music label is going to drop him. That’s what happens when your bad boy image turns into bad boy reality. Annie has been avoiding the spotlight after her parents’ tragic death, except on her skyrocketing YouTube channel. Clay’s label wants to land Annie, and Clay has to make it happen.

Swayed by Clay’s undeniable charm and good looks, Annie and her band agree to join the tour. From the start fans want them to be more than just tour mates, and Annie and Clay can’t help but wonder if the fans are right. But if there’s one part of fame Annie wants nothing to do with, it’s a high-profile relationship. She had a front row seat to her parents’ volatile marriage and isn’t interested in repeating history. If only she could convince her heart that Clay, with his painful past and head over heels inducing tenor, isn’t worth the risk.


This will be a spoiler free review.

This time last year, I went into my local Barnes & Noble and bought this book on release day. Honestly, it hadn’t been on my radar, but the week/week and a half leading up to its release, my Twitter feed was filled with posts about this book. So, Twitter made me buy it.

I’m kicking myself for waiting a year to read this book.

Idk why I waited so long. I have no idea. But I really should have picked up this book earlier.

Now that I’ve read it, I wish I could wipe it from my mind, just so I can relive it again for the first time.

I Love It! GIF - Love - Discover & Share GIFs

I went into this book fully expecting to enjoy it. I didn’t expect to fall head over heels with it. I read it in one sitting and I just fell in love with Annie and Clay. You’d Be Mine is my favorite kind of contemporary to read. Still a relatively light/fluffy story, but the characters are so real and so complex. While the characters might have their flaws and their baggage, you know that by the end of the book, things will be better. You know by the end of the book that the characters have made it past their darkest moments or faced their fears and some of those nearly debilitating emotions.

I loved how visceral and vivid this book was. It came to life in my mind and I was transported. I’m a country music fan, so I really loved this. I could see the concerts in my mind, and I could feel the electric atmosphere. It was like I was there, watching it, experiencing it. It felt so real, like something that I could actually go buy tickets for and go see. My ONLY complaint is that I can’t actually listen to the songs. While I love these kinds of books that follow singers, I do think that they end up lacking something. While the songs that Erin has created are excellent and evoke emotions, I desperately wish they were real, that I could listen to them the way she probably hears them in her head. Even though I couldn’t truly hear the songs, I knew without a doubt how Clay and Annie sounded – the way he puts on a show and the kind of music, and the sound of her band. I can image just how incredible they sound together.

I really need these characters to be real, because I think I’m forming an unhealthy obsession. I get why my Twitter feed was filled with this book a year ago. This book hook, line and sinks you faster than you can comprehend. It’s been days, and I’m suddenly in a frenzy about my love for this book, and I’ve never wanted something to be so real, so badly.

I loved the character relationships, the budding tension, romantic and otherwise. I loved the chemistry between everyone, especially Annie and Clay. I loved how she didn’t put up with his shit and gave it as much as she got it. Despite everything she’d gone through, she saw the light in things, in opportunities, in life. She has her own fears and demons, but she doesn’t allow them to hold her back. She just channels everything she’s experienced and felt into her passion, her music. It’s admirable.

I loved Clay’s journey as well. He’s basically country music’s Number One Heartthrob, but he has some major issues. He kind of embodies what fame can do to a person at a young age, and he doesn’t handle the spotlight as well as Annie. He knows how to push it all down until he can’t anymore, he knows how to flip the switch to turn on the Heartthrob personality, but he doesn’t know how to live, he basically just exists.

Together, Annie and Clay throwback to some of the greats, and they even emulate them. Heidi Newfield’s – Johnny And June instantly came to mind while reading this book. Listen to it and tell me that it doesn’t make you want something epic, and Annie and Clay are epic.

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Shit, I’m in love with this book. I’m going to be shoving this at people for a long time. This book just makes you feel everything.

I’m easily an Erin Hahn fan now, and I cannot wait to read her next book More Than Maybe and I’m thrilled I have an eARC of it. I’m already planning on reading it next month. I can’t wait, and I have a friend legit yelling at me to read it as soon as possible…though if she had her way, I think she would take my current read, toss it, and put More Than Maybe into my hands. I’m also really excited because Annie and Clay are mentioned and I’m assuming the characters from You’d Be Mine and More Than Maybe will carry over to her 2021 publication Never Saw You Coming. That title alone makes me so excited it’s ridiculous.

I definitely, 100% recommend you read this book. Even if you’re not a country music fan, it’s about figuring out who you are, what you want, and learning that the world isn’t out to get you, that there are people who care about you. It’s about finding those who love you and who will be honest with you, who will be there through the good and the bad times. The backdrop of a summer country music tour is brilliant, fun and full of swoony moments, but this book is so much more than just that and you should reall, really read it. More Than Maybe comes out July 21, 2020 so you have time to read You’d Be Mine before its release!

Spotlight Post: The Dreamland Series by E.J. Mellow

Hey ya’ll, this post is up late, and I apologize! I legit fell asleep last night before I could schedule it, so better late than never. *Throws pretty covers to appease the masses* Enjoy!

I thought it was time for another Author Spotlight, since it’s been a hot minute since I’ve done one. A few years ago, I stumbled upon The Dreamer on someone’s Instagram feed. The cover is what drew me in, and I think you can see why. It’s stunning, and while it’s pretty on a screen, it’s ever more gorgeous in person. I think I might have done a cursory glance at the synopsis, but I pretty much bought it for the cover alone.

I’m kind of bummed that I read this book prior to consistently writing reviews, so I only have my Goodread’s rating to go by – 4 stars – but I honestly don’t remember specifics. Though, my friend Mo over on MorrBooks has a lovely review posted to Goodreads. I read through her review, and more of the book came back to me. She’s given me permission to share her review here, so if you’re interested, you can click – here – to see a spoiler free review of the first book

I’ve been thinking about picking this series up again, the second book keeps staring at me from my shelf, and I may just have to pick it up.

I definitely recommend checking out this series, and if you do, let me know!

Without further ado, here are the books in the Dreamland Series!


the dreamerThe Dreamer (Dreamland #1)

Molly hasn’t slept well since the night of her twenty-fourth birthday. Being struck by lightning might have something to do with it, but then again, her chicken did look a little undercooked at dinner. Whatever the culprit, her life quickly catapults from mundane to insane as, night after night, Molly is transported through her once dreamless sleep to a mysterious land illuminated by shooting stars.

There she meets the captivating but frustrating Dev, and together they discover Molly possesses a power coveted by his people—the ability to conjure almost anything she desires into existence. Seduced by the possibilities of this gift, Molly shifts her attention from waking life toward the man, the magic, and the world found in her dreams.

But Molly must ask herself—does something truly exist if you only see it when you close your eyes?

Faced with the threat of losing everything—her job, best friend, boyfriend, and most importantly, that little thing called her sanity—Molly will learn just how far she’ll go to uncover what is real and what is merely a figment of her imagination.


the dreamcatcherThe Dreamcatcher (Dreamland #1.5)

He captured hearts and now he’s captured the spotlight.

Experience The Dreamcatcher, a novella comprised of scenes from The Dreamer told from Dev’s point of view, as well as seven extra scenes that did not appear in book one!

*This is a companion piece to The Dreamland Series and is to be read after The Dreamer for story consistency and spoilers.*

 


the divideThe Divide (Dreamland #2)

Molly finally uncovers the truth about the strange dreams that plagued her sanity for weeks. Now destined to accept a clandestine role, Molly must find the strength and courage buried deep to push forward and succeed.

With the help of Dev, the roguish blue-eyed man of her dreams—whose dark past resurfaces to haunt him—Molly prepares to test the limits of her newly awakened powers and set right a world on the edge of being consumed by nightmares.

But when an unknown shadow stalks her every step and a shocking revelation about her ancestry comes to light, Molly may find herself forced to make a decision that could leave her alone in the dark and standing on the wrong side of a divide.


the destinedThe Destined (Dreamland #3)

 I searched for you in the stars tonight.
But I found none
that burned as bright as you.

—Part of a letter from Dev to Molly

With the loss of Terra’s greatest weapon, the war against darkness escalates rapidly, and time is on no one’s side. While Dev struggles to keep his home and hope alive, Molly and Rae find themselves forced to confront a desperately kept secret and quickly learn that a life-altering sacrifice is the asking price to restore order.

Nightmares, betrayal, the fate of two worlds, and one man’s hunger for vengeance lead Molly down a twisted and dark path she fears she might never come back from. Cornered into making a heart-wrenching decision, Molly teeters between deliverance and damnation. Who is worth saving most—a nation or the one she loves?


I think…I think that I’m going to be finishing this series now. If you see reviews for these books in the coming months, you’ll know I gave into temptations and read them.

Book Review: Curse Breaker (Kingdom of Runes #2)

curse breakerTitle: Curse Breaker

Author: Audrey Grey

Pub. Date: August 12, 2019

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5


All magic has a price.

Haven survived the Devourers, but she isn’t any closer to breaking the curse. Meanwhile, her forbidden magic rages brighter and more dangerous every day.

To control her powers and stand a chance against the Shade Queen, Haven made a bargain with two enemy immortals. Now her waking hours are spent fighting alongside the Sun Lord, but her dreams belong to the Shade Lord.

Only the closer she ventures into the wicked Shadow Kingdom the more her magic shows itself—and the more she struggles with whom to trust. The golden but wounded Sun Lord or the darkly charismatic Shade Lord.

Both are off-limits.

And both have the ability to save her . . . or destroy her.

With the Shade Queen closing in and Bell’s time nearly up, Haven will sacrifice everything to break the curse—but will it be enough to stop the mortal realm from falling into darkness forever?


This will be a spoiler free review.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It had everything, magic, secrets, steamy moments, friendship, heartache, loss and triumph. But for some reason I don’t feel that same intense desire to read the next one.

I’m definitely going to, without a doubt, I do need to know what happens next.

Plus, I want more Archeron, Haven and Stolas.

But something about this book has left me struggling to write this review.

I think I know what my main issue is, but it’s also a couple of little things.

And I just want to reiterate, again, that I did enjoy this book. I think it holds up comparatively to the first one, and the progression of the plot makes sense, and something much larger is bound to happen. I love this world that Grey has created, and I love the nod to Norse Mythology and the Gods. I love how I never have to struggle to picture and imagine the world she’s created. It just comes to life in my mind. I still love the cast of characters and their chemistry with each other. I love the sass, snark and sexual tension between Archeron, Haven and Stolas.

But with that being said, I’m also highly freaking annoyed at the sexual tension between Archeron, Haven and Solas. I’m also annoyed that I still don’t know much about Stolas. All part of the intrigue, I guess. Personally, I’m more interested in Stolas as a love interest, but I don’t know. I think he’s got better chemistry with Haven, understands her on a deeper level. Archeron feels more surface, like a first great love. The kind that burns hot and bright and ends in a wreck. Now, I could be totally wrong, and maybe he and Haven make it out to the other side. I don’t doubt their feelings for each other, but I think one of them harbors stronger feelings than the other. I know it’s basically two books of sexual tension between Archeron and Haven, but this book felt kind of lacking in it, despite the few steamier moments – I’ll touch on pacing in a moment. I don’t know, I guess I wish it had taken a little longer, more build up. What Archeron ends up doing, whether that was really his goal all along, almost feels like a girl belting “I love you” to her crush for the first time and her crush doesn’t even know she has feelings. Meaning, I think it felt rushed.

Also, I was kind of annoyed at Bell’s whole relationship in this book. It was very Beauty and the Beast, and the way it ended kind of pissed me off. Why did I have to care and then that happened. I get why, but I feel strung along. I mean, and maybe it has yet to be seen, but it kind of feels like it didn’t really add anything to the story, it was just a plot device.

Let me backtrack just a bit, I think my biggest issue is the pacing.

It just felt off in this book. Too much happened, too quickly. I was legit able to breeze through this book in like, 3.5 hours. The stakes were high, and yet, the group accomplished everything so quickly. I don’t want to say easily, since Haven risked her life for each time – which is another thing that kind of annoyed me, but I digress. A lot does happen in this book, and while I appreciate the quick read, I do kind of wish it had been a little longer, so the pace could have been a little slower. I wish it had been a little bit more difficult for the group to get the things they needed. While it wasn’t easy, and they had to face a lot, they managed to completely each task fairly promptly, though never unscathed.

I went ahead and read the synopsis for book 3, and I’m excited. I don’t know when I’ll be able to get it, seeing as how Amazon isn’t shipping books in any sort of expediate manner due to everything going on, but as soon as I can, I’ll be buying and diving into King Maker and I couldn’t be more excited.

If you’re looking for an exciting fantasy series and you enjoy Sarah J. Maas, then you should definitely check out the Kingdom of Runes series – books 1 through 3 are currently out, so binge read away!

 

 

Writing Update #14

Well, the world kind of broke…just a bit…this past month.

Or maybe it’s just a massive glitch in the simulation.

Whatever you want to call what March has been, I think we can all agree it’s been a hell of a month…emphasis on * hell *.

Being stuck inside and told to stay home unless absolutely necessary is brutal. I take so many walks – which I probably should have been doing prior to all of this. Hindsight is 20/20. So you would think that I’d have all the time in the world to write…

But I haven’t really been in the mood to write…well, I should specify…write my SF WIP.

A while ago, maybe this time last year I wrote this scene that I’ve always really loved, but I didn’t really have a story for it. It was solely just this scene. I also had this other story concept that I really wanted to try to expand. I wrote it years ago, sitting on a plane on the tarmac waiting for a storm to blow over so we could take off. I sat there staring out the window, typing furiously on my phone while inspiration struck.

I don’t know if I’m just twisted enough, or if it’s just pure inspiration to pull from current events, but I started working on this Dystopian Virus story and I’m already 3,000 words into it.

I don’t have a full plot scoped out or even planned. I’m just writing and finding the words and the story. There’s literally no pressure.

It’s amazing.

I’ve been working on my SF WIP for so long now, that I don’t really ever draft anymore. Well, draft brand-new worlds. NaNoWriMo is really the only exception, and the occasional shiny new idea that won’t leave me alone.

I’m still working on mashing these two ideas together, but they really seem to be working. Maybe they were supposed to go together all along. I don’t want to give too much away about this WIP, but it starts with a virus, humans have to survive and there’s a bit of a zombie/undead element to it. So, it kind of wraps a lot of things I like to read about. I really enjoy SF stories, hence my SF WIP, and I really love survival shows, like The Walking Dead, or Lost.

I’ve told one person about this idea for a WIP and they seemed intrigued.

I honestly don’t know if it’s going to go anywhere other than Shiny New Idea Status. I really shouldn’t even be working on this since I wanted to have my SF WIP revisions done by the end of the month, but I could not focus.

I would sit down to work on my SF WIP and would just stare at my screen. I’d read and re-read sentences and my brain kept sliding back this new Dystopian WIP.

Hell, maybe it’s a coping mechanism, I don’t know. But the words poured out of me last night, and I was up until almost 3 before I realized that I’d lost track of time writing. It feels like it’s been so long since I just got lost in the act of writing, coming up with new characters, a new world, with basically zero planning. I don’t even really know my character’s motivations or backstory. I’m creating it as I go – my preferred method of writing. I pants my way through the damn story until I get to the end and I hope it make sense.

I think, I’m going to work on this new WIP until it’s out of my system. I think I need a break, a reminder of why I love writing. With so much going on, I think a reset and enjoyment are much needed. And right now, I’m really loving this MC I’m creating. She’s cocky, foul mouthed, raised by a hard ass military man…and I can’t wait to find out what her purpose is.

Book Review: The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom #1)

the bridge kingdomTitle: The Bridge Kingdom

Author: Danielle L. Jensen

Pub. Date: August 13, 2019

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5


What if you fell in love with the one person you’d sworn to destroy?

Lara has only one thought for her husband on their wedding day: I will bring your kingdom to its knees. A princess trained from childhood to be a lethal spy, Lara knows that the Bridge Kingdom represents both legendary evil – and legendary promise. The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom controls all trade and travel between lands, allowing its ruler to enrich himself and deprive his enemies, including Lara’s homeland. So when she is sent as a bride under the guise of fulfilling a treaty of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture the defenses of the impenetrable Bridge Kingdom.

But as she infiltrates her new home – a lush paradise surrounded by tempest seas – and comes to know her new husband, Aren, Lara begins to question where the true evil resides. Around her, she sees a kingdom fighting for survival, and in Aren, a man fiercely protective of his people. As her mission drives her to deeper understanding of the fight to possess the bridge, Lara finds the simmering attraction between her and Aren impossible to ignore. Her goal nearly within reach, Lara will have to decide her own fate: Will she be the destroyer of a king or the savior of her people?


This will be a spoiler free review.

Rivals to lovers?

Check.

Contractual marriage that no one wants?

Check.

Falling for each other despite their plans?

Double check.

I’m kind of kicking myself for waiting to read this. I’ve been out on Audible for ages now, but for whatever reason, I refused to listen to it. I wanted a physical copy. I have one, but now I have to wait for September to read a physical copy of book 2…

Guess who is going to be downloading the Audible version?

Me.

It’s a good thing I have a bunch of free credits.

I loved every minute of this book. I could not put it down, and really hate the fact that I have to wait to find out next. I wish the whole series was already out.

I will say that I found it a bit predictable, but I didn’t mind. Enough happened that I wasn’t expecting, and enough happened that filled me with dread, excitement and giddiness, that it all kind of balanced out.

I also read a lot (if that’s not obvious) and I find reading plots to be easy a lot of the time. But if you read the synopsis, I’m sure you can piece together how this book plays out.

Though, with that being said, you could be like me, and not actually read the synopsis and just dive into the book, not knowing or expecting anything. I think the last time I read the synopsis, was probably when this book first came across my radar.

I loved this book. I loved the characters, and the world. Oh my god, the world. The only thing I had trouble picturing was the bridge. Like, I have this fuzzy image, but I’m still not 100% sure of what it’s supposed to look like. Everything else…oh boy. I kind of want to step inside this book and see it all. I can’t wait to explore more of it in the next books. We only get to see a small slice of it, and there is so much more I want to see.

I’m really excited to dive into book 2, next month. For sure, I’m listening to it. I can’t wait. The wait for book 3 is going to be torture.

The characters.

Ugh, I’m a sucker for rivals/enemies to lovers.

Give me that tension!

The chemistry between Lara and Aren is * chef’s kiss * perfect in my opinion. I loved how they played with each other and got on each other’s nerves. I also really loved how their relationship progressed. I love watching characters learn to trust one another.

Basically, the whole cast of characters were great, and I can’t wait to have more of them as well – especially with how this book ended. I’m so ready for that tension. If I didn’t have a few other books ahead on my TBR, I’d jump to book 2 right now. I’m anticipating it that much.

This was my first Danielle L. Jensen book, and I think I picked a good one. I’ve been dying to read Dark Shores and having read The Bridge Kingdom has amplified that. I like her writing style – full of snarky dialogue, gorgeous descriptions and some pretty steamy scenes. This is definitely Upper YA/New Adult – if you’re good with Sarah J. Maas, then you shouldn’t think that this is too scandalous.

I don’t think this book is indie or self pubbed, but it kind of feels like it is. I don’t mean that as a bad thing! Recently a lot of my favorite fantasy has been coming from self pubbed authors or indie pubbed. It doesn’t feel as mainstream or as formulaic. Yeah, I read the plot of this one, but it doesn’t feel like the standard YA fantasy and I love that. This book starts off with a bang – I wasn’t expecting it – and it just keeps going. You see this new world through Lara’s eyes, and watch her understanding change and grow. You see Aren’s world for what it is, and not what the world thinks it is. You get to be with these characters and go on their journey with them, feeling what they feel. This is definitely a new favorite – something I know I’m saying a lot in 2020 – and I’m so excited to see what happens next. I need to know what happens next.

 

Currently Reading and Watching #13

Honestly, I’ve been playing more Animal Crossing: New Horizons more than anything.

It’s taking over my life.

Image result for animal crossing new horizons gif

I have been reading, and I’ve read a lot of good books this month, but you’ll have to wait until my monthly wrap up post to find out what. I’ve also started a new show, and I’m kind of really into it.


BOOKS:

The Bridge Kingdom – Danielle L. Jensen

I legit just finished this, and I’m going to be downloading the audiobook since I cannot wait until September for the paperback copy. I’m kicking myself for waiting so long to read this. Rivals to Lovers, contract marriage, betrayals, and a fantastic fantasy world…it’s everything I want in a fantasy book. Definitely recommend and keep an eye out very soon for a full spoiler free review.

You’d Be Mine – Erin Hahn

I’m starting this today, and I’ve heard great things. I’m excited to finally get to it. I’ve read a lot of high fantasy lately, so a quick contemporary will be a nice change of pace.


SHOWS:

Heartland (Netflix)

I started this after I finished season 1 of Virgin River. I didn’t actually expect to get hooked on it, but I am. I love the plot line, of bad boy on probation who turns out to be a giant softy and slowly falls for the farm girl. I like the whole cast of characters and I’m trying to not blow through it, make it last, even though there are 17 seasons.

The Walking Dead (Live TV)

Negan is still a fave. As is Daryl and Judith. I do not care about Carol or Michonne. Honestly, I think I’m just tired of their plot lines, and the fact that Michonne has been missing like all season, I kind of forgot about her character’s journey.

Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist (Live TV)

You should be watching this show. It’s so much fun, and even with some heavier emotional topics, it still manages to make you feel warm and fuzzy. I love it.

Grey’s Anatomy (Live TV)

If I weren’t so invested, I’d probably give up this show. It has to be coming to an end…with the way they’re legit writing characters into the ground and fucking up years of growth…It’s a shame. It doesn’t even feel like Grey’s anymore. It feels like someone is writing bad fan fic of the show.

Outlander (Live TV)

I hate Roger. I hate Bonnet (or whatever tf his name is). They’re both so damn annoying. Roger overreacts to everything and gets so pissy whenever things don’t go his way. Bonnet is just tired. Get rid of his character. Other than that, I’m enjoying this season, despite how slow it’s been.

Homeland (Live TV)

I only watch this because my dad does, and holy crap Carrie Mathison is so annoying and so whiny. Even my dad doesn’t like her. Her character doesn’t even make sense anymore. I’ve watched enough of the show over the years to get the general gist of her story, but damn. It’s not even believable anymore.

Castlevania (Netflix)

I’ve been dying for this to come back on…so I can’t tell you why I haven’t finished the latest season yet. Other than maybe I’m trying to not blow through it. I really like this show, so I’m surprised that I haven’t just binged it.

I Feel Stuck

Figuratively and pretty literally.

I struggled a bit to figure out what to write about for today’s post.

When I planned all my posts at the beginning of the month it was supposed to be my “Books I’m taking with me to Apollyon” …but in light of everything going on right now it’s been canceled.

While I know it’s the best for everyone and the health of humanity, I’m freaking bummed as hell and a little annoyed. I get the why, it just sucks, and it feels really unfair.

If we weren’t at the beginning of a YA Dystopian – gotta have a sense of humor, even if it’s a bit morbid, I’d go up in a ball of anxiety otherwise – I’d be headed to Apollycon on Thursday. Sigh.

So, then I had to come up with a new post idea last week, and I thought I’d do an Author Spotlight because it’s been a hot minute since I’ve done one.

Well, it’s totally not a valid excuse, but I got a Nintendo Switch Lite and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and I procrastinated big time. Before I knew it, it was midnight and I still hadn’t chosen an author. So, I’m pushing that post back a week, and you’re left with this rambling mess of a post that serves no purpose other than an excuse to actually post a post.


Honestly, though, I’m feeling uninspired and unmotivated. I’m sure everything going on in the world doesn’t help, but I really just think I’m in a rut. But then I feel conflicted because as much as I want to exist in other people’s worlds – thank goodness I’m not in a book slump – I do want to write.

But then I sit in front of my screen and do nothing but stare at it. I won’t get into too much of a writing update, since that post is going up later this week, but it’s been hard. I’ve been able to do a little bit of revising, but not as much as I hoped.

I guess it also really doesn’t help that I got a Switch Lite and AC New Horizons, because it’s made me so freaking unproductive. I know me and give me a few more days of obsessively playing and I’ll most likely get bored. When I was contemplating buying a Switch, I realized I hadn’t bought myself a gaming system since the OG grey brick of a DS. I split the cost of that thing with my brother. It was the first gaming system I’d purchased. My upgraded DS Lite (? Honestly, idk what it was called, but it was like a light turquoise blue) was a Christmas gift years ago. Dropping what was probably over $300 dollars – for the Lite, AC New Horizons, Stardew Valley and the stupid Online Membership – freaking hurt. I actually had a little post purchase anxiety and nearly took it back to the store, and if we weren’t social distancing, I might’ve, but I didn’t want to be out any more than I needed to.


Speaking of social distancing, I hate it.

Hate. It.

My mom jokes that I didn’t leave the house before we weren’t supposed to. But before, I knew I could leave and go anywhere, anytime I wanted, and it didn’t matter. Now, there’s a freaking wall, and the fear of someone berating or belittling me for running a quick, necessary errand is like a looming grey cloud. Now, when I have had to run quick errands, all my experiences have been good, and cautions and utilized tons of hand sanitizer and a 6-foot personal space bubble. Though, I guess I never realized how expensive my grocery store across the street is, when we’re in the middle of a pandemic, people panic buying and when they’re not running all their usual sales.

Never in my life, or my parent’s life, have they had a $500+ grocery bill.

Yes, you read that right.

$518.34.

Now, we were lucky enough to be able to afford that, and on any other given trip, the average weekly grocery trip comes in at about $180, hardly much more than that. The only time I gets more expensive than that, is the grocery trip leading up to our family beach vacation, but we tend to buy a lot of meat and buy food for a lot of people. That trip usually comes in at around $300 and we’re feeding at least 13 people.

You might be thinking, ‘well, meat and essentials prices are going to jacked tf up, due to panic buying’. I’d say ‘you’re right, but it wasn’t either of those things that screwed the bill.

 

– You know, I didn’t plan on going off about my grocery bill in this post, but I guess I’m still a bit heated or blown away…honestly, I’m not entire sure.

 

What screwed the bill were the few non-essential toiletry/bathroom items we purchased. The only exception being the Tylenol – I expected that to be jacked. But Fiber Gummies and Contact Solution?? Roughly $17 for the gummies (We bought 2, and they’re usually like $11-$12) and almost $13 for the contact solution (again, we bought 2, and they’re usually like $8)…plus the $20 for the Tylenol and a few other non-essentials added over $100 to the total. I’ll also add that none of these items were scare on the shelf. None of them.

Price gouging at its finest.

The hamburger meat was ~$8 per pound.

I can’t wait for the waves of panic buying to stop and products come back to the shelves. It might be a while, but hey, we’re stocked up just enough to last us if we get put on lockdown. Eventually though, depending on how long this last, we’ll have to go to the store again, especially for fresh produce – because if I eat nothing but frozen stuff for a month, I’ll need to buy bigger pants. I’m just going to have to go to a different store, because I do not want another $500 grocery bill. That hurt.

Okay, this is where I’m going to sign off. I’m going to turn on Animal Crossing and probably blow another hour before I even realize what time it is. I hope you all are doing well and staying sane. If you can/are able, go outside and take a walk. Even if it’s for 5 minutes in front of your house. Staying cooped up inside all day is no good. Walks have been my release and it’s helped so much. I feel less trapped.


Actually, one final note – I’m planning on hosting a giveaway at the beginning of April, so keep an eye out for that. There will be multiple winners, and whatever I can fit in a Medium flat rate box – books, ARCs, book box swag and Con swag – will be sent to the winners! The only caveat is I don’t know when I’ll be able to ship – it’ll depend on everything else that’s going on. But if you are interested, keep your eyes peeled!

Book Review: Found (The Will of Yggdrasil #5)

foundTitle: Found (The Will of Yggdrasil #5)

Author: Sara C. Roethle

Pub. Date: February 6, 2020

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5


The old gods have returned, and there will be hell to pay.

Previously the Bitter Ashes Series.

Now that Yggdrasil has been regrown, Madeline must face the old gods’ judgment. She shouldn’t exist, and they know it. The world has been irreparably changed, and perhaps the Vaettir no longer have a place in it. Madeline had thought that once she destroyed her rival she would be safe. Now she knows just how wrong she was.

Madeline will face the ultimate trial, outwitting the All Father himself. Will she survive to see her daughter grow up, or will time and fate be irreparably damaged, throwing not just earth, but all worlds into chaos?


This will be a spoiler free review.

I can’t believe I’ve read the last book in this series.

I can’t believe that I got so sucked in and invested all because of Elise Kova.

Remind me to thank her.

Overall, I’ve really enjoyed this series, and I thought that this was a pretty good ending to Maddie’s story. Pretty much everything is tied up, and what isn’t is minor and probably left open for you to imagine what comes next. A lot happens in this book, and while that’s not a bad thing overall, I do have some issues.

The first issue being that it felt like two books mashed into one. It felt like the first 50% was one book, with a lot of the fluff missing, and then the second 50% was another book with fluff missing. There were basically two arcs in this book, and they felt rushed.

Okay, yes, they ultimately tie into each other, and make sense (which isn’t surprising since it’s a series) but I wouldn’t have been mad if there had been a sixth book.

Stuff was just so rushed in this book.

My second issue is, can Maddie just choose both Alaric and Mikael…I mean jfc. I feel like this series very much makes you choose Team Alaric or Team Mikael, and honestly, I’m team Mikael. I don’t know what it is, or if I just have a soft spot for Vikings, but I just like him so much more. Maddie has pretty deep connections with everyone in her life, and she is one of those female characters, who guys just want to flock around and protect. That’s great and all, but they’re all so snarky, and sarcastic and just giant dorks, that I end up liking them all. I’m still totally Team Mikael, but honestly, there are practically so many guys to choose from. It’s a little ridiculous.

And my final issue, the very ending, how it all goes down. Like, wtf. As the ending to the whole series and everything that has happened, it’s pretty good and justified…mostly. But again, I think my main issue with the ending was the pacing. Everything happened too fast, too quickly for me to really feel the emotional weight and consequences.

I just needed this whole book to slow the hell down or be longer. I don’t know. I just needed more time.

I’m kind of sad to now be done with this series, these characters. I’m definitely going to miss them. On a happier note, I’m really excited to give the author’s other books a go! I’m excited to dive into Tree of Ages, which would most likely be the next one I read. If you’re looking for a urban fantasy (I guess that’s what I’d call it) with some more mature themes, hot men, Gods, magics and battles for humanity all while learning to accept yourself and not fear who you are, and finding your family, you might want to check out this series. It pretty much has everything, so you can’t go wrong.

 

 

Book Review: The Stone of Sorrow (Runecaster #1)

the stone of sorrowTitle: The Stone of Sorrow (Runecaster #1)

Author: Brooke Carter

Pub. Date: April 7, 2020

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5


In a land of myth and ice, seventeen-year-old Runa Unnursdóttir is not the runecaster her clan has been hoping for. She spends her days daydreaming of sailing away and exploring the world instead of studying the runes and learning her spells. The villagers consider her odd, in looks and in manner. She’s nothing like her talented sister, Sýr, keeper of the sacred moonstone that ensures the village’s continued survival. But when a rival clan led by an evil witch raids the village and kidnaps her sister, Runa is forced to act. With a fallen Valkyrie by her side, and the help of a gorgeous half-elf Runa is not quite sure she can trust, the apprentice must travel to the site of an ancient runecasting competition to try to win back the magical gem. But the journey will not be easy; the three unlikely companions encounter malevolent and supernatural creatures at every turn. Somehow, Runa must summon the courage and strength to face her destiny, a destiny she never wanted. Or die trying.


This will be a spoiler free review. Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the next one. I’m interested to see what’s next for Runa. It was a pretty quick read and I kept wanting to turn the page to find out what happened next.

I didn’t go into this book with really any expectations. I saw it on NetGalley, liked the cover, the synopsis sounded interesting, so I requested it. Honestly, the Norse/Viking elements sold me instantly. I liked Runa, I liked Oski and I liked Einar. I liked their connections and relationships. I did find Runa a little annoying at the beginning, but as she gained confidence and a purpose, I ended up really liking her character. Not going to lie, I had a little trouble picturing Oski and a little trouble picturing Einar as well. But the world the author created was easy to picture and I really liked how it encompassed a bunch of different terrains. It definitely lent to the fantasy element of this book and how their world works.

While I did enjoy this book, there’s something about it that I’m finding a little hard to put into words. Something that bothered me just a little bit.

For whatever reason, Norse Mythology in YA always falls a bit short for me? Like, too much is either skimmed over or included. The plots tend to progress way too quickly, and relationships go from 0 to 100 pretty quickly. I guess I was just left wanting more? I know there are more books, I’m assuming this is going to be a trilogy, so I know there is more story to tell. It just felt like this plot progressed so fast. Like, nothing annoys me more, than journey’s in books, happening in practically a blink of an eye, or vast amounts of land being covered in mere days.

Yes, it’s fantasy, suspend your disbelief, I get it. And true, I don’t know how large this island they live on is, but I’m assuming maybe two weeks pass between the inciting incident and the climax, and yet, they’ve traveled all over this damned island…

I don’t buy it.

There’s also moments in this book where things aren’t what they seem, but it’s more convoluted than, for example,

the strawberry isn’t a strawberry, but a banana…but really, it’s not a banana either, but an orange

…and I’m just left with, why couldn’t we have just gone from strawberry to orange and not done this whole weird work around?

There were just moments in this book that I didn’t get why they were the way they were.

I think ultimately, to narrow it all down to one thing, I found the pacing too fast. I want journey books to be longer. I definitely don’t think this is a bad book by any means. I liked the story, just wasn’t the biggest fan of the writing style. I loved Runa’s character growth and her relationships with her friends and family. Runa was probably my favorite aspect of this book, which is amazing, since I honestly thought I was going to end up not liking her. It’s because of Runa’s character growth and how the story ended, that makes me a bit excited for the next book.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this book, despite my few ‘issues’. If you’re looking for a quick, Norse Mythology/Viking inspired story, about learning to love and accept yourself then you may want to check this out. It’ll be out April 7, so mark your calendars!

 

 

Book Review: Forged (The Will of Yggdrasil #4)

forgedTitle: Forged (The Will of Yggdrasil #4)

Author: Sara C. Roethle

Pub. Date: February 5, 2020

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5


Lovers torn apart by time. A tree regrown from the beginning.

Previously the Bitter Ashes Series.

What do the Morrigan, a necromancer, and an ancient Viking have in common? Nothing, except for a common goal: Defeat Estus once and for all, and rescue their loved ones trapped in the past.

New alliances are formed, old friends may be lost, but will balance be restored once and for all?


This will be a short, spoiler free review.

To be honest, I don’t know what to say at this point that would inadvertently be a spoiler.

I’m still annoyed about a certain thing that Maddie is dealing with, and ultimately, it’s just going to make things harder.

I’m such a Mikael fan. Like, I like him more than I like Alaric. Why can’t he be the love interest? I guess I have a thing for big tough on the outside, soft on the inside Vikings. I do love his and Maddie’s friendship. So, that’s a plus.

Things are starting to pick up and fall into place. Battles are getting ready to be fought and potentially won. Maddie and Alaric are tested, and new alliances and friendships are forged. Actually, quite a lot happens in this book, and I can’t talk about any of it without spoilers.

I definitely liked this book better than book 3, and I’ve already bought the final book in this series. I’ll get to find out how it all ends very soon.

I’m still really glad that I got into this series, because it’s low pressure, I can just lay in my bed at night, reading and get lost in a story. I love that. I love that I really don’t have to think too critically, and I can just enjoy these books.

If you haven’t yet, make sure you check out Fated, book 1 in The Will of Yggdrasil series!