ARC, fantasy, Four Star Book, middle grade

BLOG TOUR! The Dark Lord Clementine ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

The new face of big evil is a little . . . small.

Dastardly deeds aren’t exactly the first things that come to mind when one hears the name “Clementine,” but as the sole heir of the infamous Dark Lord Elithor, twelve-year-old Clementine Morcerous has been groomed since birth to be the best (worst?) Evil Overlord she can be. But everything changes the day the Dark Lord Elithor is cursed by a mysterious rival.

Now, Clementine must not only search for a way to break the curse, but also take on the full responsibilities of the Dark Lord. As Clementine forms her first friendships, discovers more about her own magic than she ever dared to explore, and is called upon to break her father’s code of good and evil, she starts to question the very life she’s been fighting for. What if the Dark Lord Clementine doesn’t want to be dark after all?

– Goodreads

Thank you to Netgalley and Algonquin Young Readers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Also thanks for inviting me on the blog tour! All views and opinions are my own.

This book was so adorable! And it has…

Thanks, giphy!

What I liked:

The Dark Lord Clementine is such an adorable Middle Grade novel about coming of age, choosing your path, and stickin’ to your guns!

Clementine has been training since she was born to be the next Dark Lord. But Clem has some secrets. She takes care of animals, grows flowers instead of poisons, and maybe, just maybe, she doesn’t want to be so dark.

Clementine has to make some tough choices that will shape her entire life. She handles it with such grace, especially for a 12 year old girl! She’s such a good example of being unsure of yourself, but making a decision and sticking to it.

I feel like she is such a strong role model for young girls. She is trained to be bad, but shows that goodness always wins.

What I didn’t like:

The start was a little slow for me. I wasn’t interested until about 30% in, but then I couldn’t put it down!

Would I recommend?

Oh, for sure! Such a great read, especially for young girls! I’ve already recommended it to my friend, Sarah!

Until next time…

adult, Five Star Book, LGBT, Memoir

Over the Top Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Who gave Jonathan Van Ness permission to be the radiant human he is today? No one, honey.

The truth is, it hasn’t always been gorgeous for this beacon of positivity and joy.

Before he stole our hearts as the grooming and self-care expert on Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, Jonathan was growing up in a small Midwestern town that didn’t understand why he was so…over the top. From choreographed carpet figure skating routines to the unavoidable fact that he was Just. So. Gay., Jonathan was an easy target and endured years of judgement, ridicule and trauma—yet none of it crushed his uniquely effervescent spirit.

Over the Top uncovers the pain and passion it took to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance that Jonathan is today. In this revelatory, raw, and rambunctious memoir, Jonathan shares never-before-told secrets and reveals sides of himself that the public has never seen. JVN fans may think they know the man behind the stiletto heels, the crop tops, and the iconic sayings, but there’s much more to him than meets the Queer Eye.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll come away knowing that no matter how broken or lost you may be, you’re a Kelly Clarkson song, you’re strong, and you’ve got this.

– Goodreads

Yall. I cannot tell you how excited I was for this book.

Thanks, Giphy!

What I liked:

O.M.G. JVN. He’s just everything. I love him with every ounce of my being.

But man, has he been through some struggles. I won’t divulge what’s in the book, but I just wanted to cry for him. He’s been thrown so many curveballs and faced so many challenges, but he pulled through and became such a beautiful soul who is helping so many other people.

I think Chapter 1 is what hit me the hardest. I know. I was crying at work. Jonathan talks about wondering if people would love all his parts after the book. Everyone sees the bubbly, happy, loving JVN. That’s who people want to see. But what about when he’s had a bad day, running late, not feeling well? People still expect to see the Jonathan they see on Queer Eye. He talks about loving all of his parts. That hit home. There are so many parts of me that I struggle with, so knowing I’m not alone in that really moved me. I mean, of course everyone has struggles, it’s just not pushed in your face. Everyone wants to show the perfect Instagram part of their lives, not what’s really under the surface. Over the Top made me want to come to terms with those not so pretty parts of me, learn to embrace them, and show them.

Jonathan was really thrown some shit in life. I can’t image how he got through it being the person he is today. I honestly don’t think I could have. This just makes me love him so much more.

Also, I totally recommend the audio because who doesn’t want to listen to Jonathan tell them his life story for 5 hours? It was so ah-ma-zing!

What I didn’t like:

Uhm, nothing! This novel made me laugh and cry. Perfection.

Would I recommend?

Oh 1000%. If you need a pick me up, read this. If you’ve faced struggles and want to know you aren’t alone, read this. If you need to learn how to get more involved with your self-care, read this. If you just love Queer Eye, read it!

Until next time…

adult, contemporary, mystery, Romance

Verity Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: Verity
  • Author: Colleen Hoover
  • Publisher: Hoover Ink
  • Publish Date: December 7, 2018
  • Book Form: Ebook
  • Pages: 333
  • Genre: Thriller, Romance, Mystery, Contemporary
  • Rating: ★★★★★

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s recollection of what really happened the day her daughter died.

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.

A standalone romantic thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover.

-Goodreads

I just….

Actual footage of me finishing this book. Thanks, giphy!

What I liked:

Everything?! Okay, so this isn’t CoHo’s normal genre. But like, can it be?! She did this romantic, suspense, mind-eff so freaking well. I didn’t know who was good. I didn’t know who was bad. I didn’t know who was crazy. Was the kid crazy? Maybe. Was Verity crazy? Most definitely. But Jeremy and Lowen? PROBABLY! I don’t know what I just read. I don’t know what’s real. I’m rambling. I finished this book a week ago and I’m STILL thinking about it. This is one of the best books I have ever read, hands down. It’s so twisty, and weird, and intriguing, and just… perfect.

What I didn’t like:

Nothing. I liked it all. I still don’t know who is good and bad. Or who is crazy. Maybe I’m just crazy.

Would I recommend?

Hell. Yes. Please read this book! I have to know. Are you #teamletter or #teammanuscript?

Me? Manuscript all the way!

Until next time…

ARC, fantasy, Historical Fiction, three star book, ya

The Lady Rogue ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

The Last Magician meets A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue in this thrilling tale filled with magic and set in the mysterious Carpathian Mountains where a girl must hunt down Vlad the Impaler’s cursed ring in order to save her father.

Some legends never die…

Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.

Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.

Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it.

– Goodreads

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon Pulse for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When I started this book I was like, this is gonna be a 4.5 star! Then it was just like….

Thanks, giphy!

What I Liked:

So, I understand this is not the normal genre for Jenn Bennett. It is the first book I’ve read by her, but I would give her contemporaries a change.

The beginning of this book was SO GOOD. I was instantly thrust into this old world, old way of travel. The main character, Theodora, was likeable and her companion, Huck, even more so. I was so enthralled by this adventure they were going on. I liked probably 70% of the book. The adventure was interesting, looking for Vlad the Impaler’s ring was interesting, the side characters were interesting!

What I didn’t like:

The last 30%? I felt like there was about to be resolution, then there would be issue. After issue. After issue. I felt like the ending just drug on and on, which made this book feel much longer than it’s 384 pages. I think I spent a week reading this novel. I was just so ready for it to end but couldn’t find the umph to keep going. I did finish. I was glad I did. The characters were still likeable and interesting, but the plot just kind of never resolved for me. It was quite disappointing since I was raving about the book at the start.

Would I recommend?

Eh, I don’t know. I would probably warn people the end didn’t live up to the start. I don’t know that it’s completely worth it to read.

Until next time…

ARC, fantasy, Five Star Book, ya

The Babysitter’s Coven ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Adventures in Babysitting meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this funny, action-packed novel about a coven of witchy babysitters who realize their calling to protect the innocent and save the world from an onslaught of evil.

Seventeen-year-old Esme Pearl has a babysitters club. She knows it’s kinda lame, but what else is she supposed to do? Get a job? Gross. Besides, Esme likes babysitting, and she’s good at it.

And lately Esme needs all the cash she can get, because it seems like destruction follows her wherever she goes. Let’s just say she owes some people a new tree.

Enter Cassandra Heaven. She’s Instagram-model hot, dresses like she found her clothes in a dumpster, and has a rebellious streak as gnarly as the cafeteria food. So why is Cassandra willing to do anything, even take on a potty-training two-year-old, to join Esme’s babysitters club?

The answer lies in a mysterious note Cassandra’s mother left her: “Find the babysitters. Love, Mom.”

Turns out, Esme and Cassandra have more in common than they think, and they’re about to discover what being a babysitter really means: a heroic lineage of superpowers, magic rituals, and saving the innocent from seriously terrifying evil. And all before the parents get home.

– GOodreads

Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was so excited to get an arc of this book, and man. It did not disappoint!

Thanks, Giphy!

What I liked:

This was such a fast, intriguing debut novel. Esme and her bff, Janis, are fashion queens. I loved the descriptions of their outfits and the names for them. They’re just trying to get through high school then make their way out of their small town. Then something crazy happens. Esme learns she has telekenesis and things.get.cray. I was a babysitter when I was younger, so I loved that so much of the book revolved around that. I loved the magic and spells. Cassandra was iffy at times, but in the end I really liked her! The friendship between Janis and Esme reminded me of me and my highschool friends. We still talk to this day, and I feel like that’s the relation ship they have!

What I didn’t like:

Like I said, Cassandra, a fellow witch, was annoying at times but in the end turned out great!

Would I recommend?

Yes, yes, yes! This is a perfect fall/Halloween book! Curl up with it, a PSL, and a nice blanket and you’re in for a good time! This was a super fast read that kept me intrigued the whole way through. I can’t wait to see what happens to our Sitters in book 2! (Coming fall 2020. SO FAR AWAY!)

Until next time…

ARC, contemporary, Five Star Book, ya

WWW Wednesday!

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

I’ve seen this post floating around a lot of the book blogs I follow, so I figured I’d join in on the fun!

The three W’s are:
– What are you currently reading?
– What did you recently finish reading?
– What do you think you’ll read next?

What am I currently Reading?

Second in Command by Sandi Van

This is a story told in verse about a kid who gets put in charge of his two younger siblings when his mom gets deployed and his dad works long hours. It’s an ARC!

What did I recently finish reading?

The Babysitter’s Coven by Kate Williams

Five star read! Perfect for Halloween coming up! Review tomorrow!

What will I read next?

The Beauty of the Moment by Tanaz Bhathena

This cover drew me in! I love all the artwork. This is also an ARC and I’m trying to get all caught up. I’m super behind, I know.

What are your three W’s? Do you have any thoughts on mine? Let me know below!

Until next time…

ARC, contemporary, Four Star Book, ya

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Co-written by sisters Maika and Maritza Moulite, and told in epistolary style through letters, articles, emails, and diary entries, this exceptional debut novel captures a sparkling new voice and irrepressible heroine in a celebration of storytelling sure to thrill fans of Nicola Yoon, Ibi Zoboi and Jenna Evans Welch!

When a school presentation goes very wrong, Alaine Beauparlant finds herself suspended, shipped off to Haiti and writing the report of a lifetime…

You might ask the obvious question: What do I, a seventeen-year-old Haitian American from Miami with way too little life experience, have to say about anything?

Actually, a lot.

Thanks to “the incident” (don’t ask), I’m spending the next two months doing what my school is calling a “spring volunteer immersion project.” It’s definitely no vacation. I’m toiling away under the ever-watchful eyes of Tati Estelle at her new nonprofit. And my lean-in queen of a mother is even here to make sure I do things right. Or she might just be lying low to dodge the media sharks after a much more public incident of her own…and to hide a rather devastating secret.

All things considered, there are some pretty nice perks…like flirting with Tati’s distractingly cute intern, getting actual face time with my mom and experiencing Haiti for the first time. I’m even exploring my family’s history—which happens to be loaded with betrayals, superstitions and possibly even a family curse.

You know, typical drama. But it’s nothing I can’t handle.

– Goodreads

Thank you to Netgalley and Inkyard Press for a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I instantly fell in love with this epistolary style novel full of magic and spells!

Thanks, Giphy!

What I liked:

As I said, I love epistolary style novels! It’s such an intriguing way to convey a story. Once I realized the novel was written in that way, I was all in.

I loved the setting being Haiti. I’ve never read a book based in Haiti or written by someone of Haitian descent. I loved learning about the land and the way of life of those who live there. It was so interesting. I also loved the use of French and Creole language! I love with languages other than English are featured in a book.

The story was interesting and easy to follow. I enjoyed the mix of magic in with reality. It made you believe that magic is real! And maybe it is! Who knows? I also appreciated that her mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and that it was a central theme to the story. My grandpa was also diagnosed early and succumbed to the disease, so it’s nice to have that representation.

What I didn’t like:

I felt the ending was rushed. There was so much going on and it all wrapped up at once. I felt the story could have benefited from an extra 50 or so pages. It’s already at 432, but the story went by so fast It didn’t feel that long!

Would I recommend?

Yes! I love reading about places I’ve never been. The magic and setting were amazing!

Until next time….

ARC, fantasy, Five Star Book, ya

Tiger Queen ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: Tiger Queen
  • Author: Annie Sullivan
  • Publisher: Blink
  • Publish Date: September 10, 2019
  • Pages: 320
  • Book Form: Physical/E-ARC
  • Genre: Fantasy, YA
  • Rating: ★★★★★

In the mythical desert kingdom of Achra, an ancient law forces sixteen-year-old Princess Kateri to fight in the arena to prove her right to rule. For Kateri, winning also means fulfilling a promise to her late mother that she would protect her people, who are struggling through windstorms and drought. The situation is worsened by the gang of Desert Boys that frequently raids the city wells, forcing the king to ration what little water is left. The punishment for stealing water is a choice between two doors: behind one lies freedom, and behind the other is a tiger.

But when Kateri’s final opponent is announced, she knows she cannot win. In desperation, she turns to the desert and the one person she never thought she’d side with. What Kateri discovers twists her world—and her heart—upside down. Her future is now behind two doors—only she’s not sure which holds the key to keeping her kingdom and which releases the tiger.

– GOodreads

Thank you to Blink and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I LOVE Annie Sullivan! She is super sweet. Her second novel did not disappoint. It was an amazing retelling of The Lady, Or the Tiger.

Thanks, Giphy!

What I liked:

This was such a fierce novel! I loved the training and fight scenes. I felt like I was watching it happen! I love a strong female lead! I also liked the setting was the desert. It’s not something I have read before and I loved being transported there!

The back and forth with the romance was amazing! As always, Annie’s books are clean, so this is perfect for a younger teen!

The story was intriguing and hooked me right from the beginning. I have never read The Lady, Or the Tiger, but I definitely want to now! I’d love to see where Annie drew her inspiration.

At about 30% in, I thought I knew what the outcome was going to be. I was so wrong, and I loved the ending!

Also – myself and my fellow Words and Whimsy modmins are in the acknowledgements. I am so so thankful and grateful to Annie for that! She is the sweetest person, and I love supporting someone like that!

What I didn’t like:

I can’t think of anything I didn’t like! The story was interesting, the pacing was great, the characters were likable. I loved it all!

Would I recommend?

Yes! This is a story anyone can enjoy. It’s also great for younger teens since it is a clean read!

Until next time…

fantasy, Five Star Book, LGBT, ya

King of Scars Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: King of Scars
  • Author: Leigh Bardugo
  • Publisher: Imprint
  • Publish Date: January 29, 2019
  • Book Form: Ebook / Audio
  • Pages: 527
  • Genre: Fantasy, YA
  • Rating: ★★★★★

Nikolai Lantsov has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country’s bloody civil war—and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, the young king must find a way to refill Ravka’s coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army.

Yet with every day a dark magic within him grows stronger, threatening to destroy all he has built. With the help of a young monk and a legendary Grisha Squaller, Nikolai will journey to the places in Ravka where the deepest magic survives to vanquish the terrible legacy inside him. He will risk everything to save his country and himself. But some secrets aren’t meant to stay buried—and some wounds aren’t meant to heal.

– Goodreads

Sorry for being absent for a month. First we had family over for labor day, then my husband was sick, then my baby had double ear infections. It’s been a wild month. But I’m back with book reviews! I’ve read a few so far this month! But first we’ll pick up with a book I finished in August and was obsessed with – King of Scars!

Thanks, giphy!

What I liked:

Okay. First off, I have to say Leigh is my Queen and I will forever love her. If she publishes a grocery list, I’ll read it. I just.love.her.so.much.

Why did I wait so long to read this? Part of it was I was sad that I wouldn’t have another Leigh book to read and I didn’t want to run out of her amazing stories. Dumb, I know. I won’t do it again.

I fell in love with Nikolai in the Shadow and Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology. I was so excited to dive into his book and his backstory. The banter was amazing. I loved getting an insight to his thoughts and feelings. And the budding romance. I am SHIPPING.

The story was action packed. It followed two story lines – Nikoli and Nina. More on that later. Both stories were intriguing and I just wanted to keep reading to find out what happened with each. I love being in the Grishaverse. The world building and descriptions are so on point. If I could choose a fictional world to live in, it would definitely be with the Grisha.

Also – THAT ENDING. WHAT?!?!?!?! No spoilers, obviously, but I have theories on what will happen. Message me to know more. I’d love to talk about your theories, too!

What I didn’t like:

So. I mentioned earlier that the novel followed two story lines. I felt like I was reading two books combined into one. Maybe it was just me selfishly wanting another book by Leigh, but I thought it would be better if Nina’s story was a separate book. They didn’t seem to cross over at all. But Leigh is a master and I’m sure she will make them come together in the most amazing way possible in book two!

Also, I started with the audio and quickly switched to ebook. I felt like I wasn’t getting the full effect of the novel. Just a personal preference I guess.

Would I recommend?

Duh. Yes. I recommend Leigh’s books whenever I can. She is a master storyteller and I can’t wait for her next book!

Until next time…

ARC, Horror, LGBT, mystery, three star book, ya

Wilder Girls ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

It’s been eighteen months since the Raxter School for Girls was put under quarantine. Since the Tox hit and pulled Hetty’s life out from under her.

It started slow. First the teachers died one by one. Then it began to infect the students, turning their bodies strange and foreign. Now, cut off from the rest of the world and left to fend for themselves on their island home, the girls don’t dare wander outside the school’s fence, where the Tox has made the woods wild and dangerous. They wait for the cure they were promised as the Tox seeps into everything.

But when Byatt goes missing, Hetty will do anything to find her, even if it means breaking quarantine and braving the horrors that lie beyond the fence. And when she does, Hetty learns that there’s more to their story, to their life at Raxter, than she could have ever thought true.

– Goodreads

Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Unpopular opinion: I really enjoyed this book.
….until the last two – three chapters.

Thanks, giphy!

What I liked:

So I had heard pretty meh reviews about this book. It was good until about halfway in, or the ending was bad, or whatever. I still went in with a pretty open mind, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book until the end.

It’s a medical mystery, which I love. There’s something making the Raxter island sick, and no one can figure out what it is. There’s a doomed boarding school on the island. They’ve been cut off for a year and a half. The Navy sends supplies periodically. The girls learn to survive. I absolutely loved that aspect.

The first chapter grabbed my attention and I did not want to put this book down. I was mad when I had to work and couldn’t read. I was right there along side the girls trying to figure out what was making the whole island sick. It was a fast paced story and I read it in about 4.5 hours total.

On another note, I think this would make a super cool movie if they revised the ending!

What I didn’t like:

The chapters were long. I like to stop reading at the end of the chapter, so sometimes I was struggling to stay awake and find an ending point. That’s just a personal preference.

They described wounds the girls got.. and it was gross. Even for me as a nurse.

There was, what felt like to me, a weird random romance that didn’t really make sense.

Some of the characters seemed super petty, but they are also teenage girls so i guess that’s to be expected? It was just a turn off for me.

And then the ending. It just seemed like there was no resolution. You figure out what was making everyone sick, but you never saw the aftermath. I want to know what happened after they found out! And I want to know other things which I won’t say here because ~spoilers~. It just left me wanting.

Would I recommend?

Ugh, what a tough question. I guess I would, but I would tell them that the ending was not what you want. Like, it was a super good book up until the last few chapters. The last few chapters is why I gave a 3.5 star rating instead of four. Just sooo disappointing.

Until next time…