Happiness is...Spring

SPRING

~ The Easter Bunny made it to my doorstep this year :-)

~ Because of our wacky winter weather and early rains - the flowers are already starting to bloom.

~ With spring comes pollen and the dogs tracking it all in - something that doesn't make me happy lol but Indy's feet look cute sooooo...

~ That big hole (3" round) in the tree is a Pileated Woodpecker nest. They had all but disappeared from my area during the house building boom a few years ago, since construction tore down most of their wooded habitat. But they've started to come back and since I leave most of my yard natural - I guess they decided to make my yard home. I'm super excited!

Review: Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Kaz's crew are the only ones who might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first. ~ Goodreads


Source: ARC provided by the publisher

Review:

*smacks myself in the head for not reading sooner*
 
Last year, Macmillan sent this awesome Six of Crows promo/ARC package out to bloggers and I was excited to read it but thought I needed to read the Grisha trilogy first.

Fast forward a year and I’m trying to clean out those long ignored arc’s and TBR books so I decided to give this one ago. I had since learned that this takes place in the Grisha universe but stands on its own.

This book is fan-freaking-tastic on so many levels that I don’t know where to begin so I’ll just break it down so this isn’t a incoherent, flail review.

World building: I was a tad confused at first. Bardugo just plunges you into the dark, magic filled world of Ketterdam without much formality. It was disorienting but it really isn’t all that complicated once you get the feel of the story. And whatever it lacks in background information – it more than makes up for with detailed descriptions that make you feel like you are right there. You experience the fear – wonder – and horror that the characters are feeling in each new surrounding.

Characters: Six of Crows is a multiple pov, character driven novel. Often with multiple pov’s, some characters are more developed than others or the shift to another pov is jarring, but not in this case. It was hands down the best multiple pov book I’ve ever read. Each character built upon and expanded the story – rather than competing or distracting.

And what wonderful, diverse, complex characters they are!

Brought together for the ultimate heist, some willingly, others not so willingly, the six teens have to learn to work together despite their baggage and man is it fascinating.

I am in awe and bow down to Leigh Bardugo for writing not one, not two…but SIX characters that are equally compelling and for writing such intricate relationships between them all.

Kaz, Inej, Nina, Jesper, Helvar and Vaneck were humorous, heartbreaking and bone chilling cold at times but you always have empathy and understanding of their actions.

Plot: I’m not going to say too much here because it’s twisty and glorious – better to just go in cold turkey. I will say that this story was fun!, refreshingly original, and had me at the edge of my seat the whole time.

Romance: There are several romance(s)/potential pairings going on in this book. But I promise none of them are cliche. They’re vital to the story arc and so beautifully and subtly written that I would recommend this book to both romance and non-romance lovers alike.

This goes way beyond looks, rock hard abs or lust. Every relationship is complex and meaningful.

Overall: So basically, I would recommend Six of Crows to everyone I know – young or old. It’s the whole package. Interesting characters, smart story, kickass action sequences, diversity. And a special shout out to the girl power and friendships here!

The only warning I have is that this is a violent world. Very bad things have happened in the past to the main characters and the author pulls no punches – but it shapes who they are now and they’re future actions. 

And they do bad things now. It’s graphic at times. But I didn't feel that it was gratuitous. It fits the harsh realities of kids living on the street and the things you need to do to survive. And they are survivors - despite the lack of options - the characters have agency. It was all SO well done.

Personally, I LOVED every single thing about this book – but if you’re sensitive about that there’s your heads up. Six of Crows is a mature YA when it comes to violence.

Six of Crows is part of my Blogger Shame reading challenge hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Blogger Shame Review Challenge Progress  

  3/12 books

Friday Fast Five: Mini reviews….Romance, Mystery, Sci-fi, fantasy, NA….

Enter an alternate 1920's world of magic and adventure in this gripping, new adult, fantasy romance...

Orphaned and alone, Jasminda is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where her magical abilities are feared. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive – an injured spy who steals her heart.

Jack’s mission behind enemy lines nearly cost him his life but he is saved by the healing power of a mysterious young woman. Together they embark on a perilous journey straight into the heart of a centuries-old conflict.

Thrust into a hostile society, Jasminda and Jack must rely on one another even as secrets jeopardize their bond. As an ancient evil gains power, Jasminda races to unlock a mystery that promises salvation.

The fates of two nations hang in the balance as Jasminda and Jack must choose between love and duty to fulfill their destinies and end the war.
New Adult. Recommended for readers 17+. ~ Goodreads

Source: Purchased

Quick thoughts: Awesome cover and premise! After an promising start, filled with intrigue and magic – things kind of fell into a generic forbidden romance and less exciting tale without much world building, with predictable heroes and villains and outcome. Not awful but not as exciting or original as I had hoped.




Time-travel tour guide Reegan McNamara's job—taking eager tourists to whenever they want to go—is usually a breeze. A trip back to 2020 to watch a world-changing speech seems no different, until a woman runs away from his tour group before the jump home. Now her tycoon husband is demanding her safe return—or Reegan will lose more than just his job.

P.I. Saul Kildare's business is running on borrowed time. Due to a messy break with the police, he can't get a referral to save his life. When an enigmatic stranger bangs on his door one night and promises a windfall for a missing-person case, it seems too good to be true. But the two men have an immediate connection, and Saul can't pass up the chance to spend more time with Reegan, even if he's clearly hiding something.

Saul knows he shouldn't trust Reegan, and Reegan knows he can't get involved with Saul. But as their attraction evolves into feelings neither can deny, will they have the strength to take a leap of faith—together? ~ Goodreads

Source: Purchased

Quick thoughts: Ignore the generic, naked torso cover – because this book was so much fun! Easy to understand sci-fi/time travel, great romance with sarcastic banter, well developed side characters. I only wish this was a series. There was so much more to explore!



When the weather outside starts cooling down, inside the dorm things are heating up. Can these college roommates fall in love without going out of bounds?

Beaten and heartbroken, Jesse Cole is placed in a new dorm room after his last roommate attacked him. Just wanting to be left alone to heal in peace, he's shocked when tall, dark and dangerous-looking Nick Moretti walks in.

Nick doesn't have time to tiptoe around his new roommate—he's too busy working in order to pay for school. But something about Jesse brings out his protective instincts. As their cautious friendship grows and becomes loaded with sexual tension, he wants to make Jesse comfortable.

Enter the perfect plan: a line of tape down the center of the room. Boundaries established.

But as innocent movie nights become hours-long temptation marathons, and whispered chats from across the room delve into straight-up dirty territory, crossing the line has never been so satisfying. ~ Goodreads

Source: Purchased

Quick thoughts: Sweet romance but one I felt like I’ve read hundreds of times before. (& for me – A.J. Cousins Off Campus did it better) but still recommend.


 

KaveMan is a London graffiti artist--world famous, wealthy, brilliantly creative. And Laurel Xavier hates him.
Laurel, a laid-off city planner, is bitter from compromising her dreams and still losing her sensible job. So when she gets a glimpse of the mysterious KaveMan, whose dream is apparently painting others' property in her hometown of New Haven, she's determined to find him, unmask him, and ruin his so-called career--even if it means losing some shoes and self-respect in the process.

But why does chasing KaveMan make her feel more alive than she's felt in years?

KaveMan isn't used to sharing his real self, let alone his real name. But when he's caught by Laurel Xavier, he starts to realize the one woman he yearns to whisper his secrets to is someone who would scream his identity from the highest rooftop. That would mean the end of his work, his passion. It can't ever happen.

Unfortunately, he bloody well can't seem to stay away from her. ~ Goodreads

Source: Copy provided in exchange for an honest review

Quick thoughts: What a fun story! The way these two fought their attraction was hilarious. I went into panic mode when I saw that this book had over 40 chapters!, and while it is a tad too long, many of the chapters are less than a page long (269 total pages) and the story flew by thanks to the humor, action and romance. 



In Love in the Time of Murder, the Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives face their toughest case yet. Delilah, or Dee as she wishes everyone would just call her already, is the granddaughter of one of the knitting detectives and her life is in a bit of a shambles. She finally manages to pry herself away from her husband’s clutches, move out on her own, and start her own business. But then her estranged husband is murdered and she’s the number one suspect. The Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives aren’t about to let one of their own get sent to the slammer and jump at the chance to search for the true killer. As if Dee doesn’t have enough problems, the knitting detectives decide that Delilah being a widow is the perfect opportunity to find her a new man and decide to put their matchmaking skills to use. Will Dee end up in prison for a murder she didn’t commit or will she be taking another walk down the aisle? ~ Goodreads

Source: Copy provided in exchange for an honest review

Quick thoughts: I’ve enjoyed this cozy mystery/romance series but this installment was a dnf for me.

The heroine, Dee, comes from an abusive relationship and when she comes home to family - the Gray-Haired Knitting Club – they are all controlling, interfering busy bodies. As is her new love interest – Tommy. He literally picks her up and carried her away, another time lets himself into her house, puts his hand on her shoulder possessively when talking to other men. Sure he’s a nice guy but NOPE. That’s the last thing she needs in her life. I didn't find the ladies quirky or cute this time around - even of their intentions are good. I just couldn’t go on reading that. I made it to the 50% mark. The mystery was fun – what I read of it.

#BookMail

Occasionally, I get unsolicited books for review form publishers. This batch looks pretty good – gorgeous covers!

Have you read any of these books yet?

The cover of Pearl is so beautiful in person.

The publisher note with Lily and the Octopus had an ominous message – asking the reader to let them know what I thought – or if I needed a hug O_o

Golden is book #3 in Melissa de la Cruz’s Heart of Dread trilogy. I have only read the 1st book so far.

I’ve heard fantastic things about The Way You Used to Be.



Goodreads summaries and links:

Pearl by Deirdre Riordan Hall

Run fast and run far, unless you’re fearless. Unless you’re courageous. I’m not, but I’d like to be.
Pearl Jaeger is seventeen and homeless after drugs, poverty, and addiction unraveled the life she shared with JJ, her formerly glamorous rock star mother.

This moment of happiness is fleeting; someone will take it from me.

When tragedy brings a chance to start over at an elite boarding school, she doesn’t hesitate. Yet the only salvation comes from an art teacher as troubled as Pearl, and she faces the stark reality that what she thought she wanted isn’t straightforward.

I trace the outline of my reflection in a window. I am no more than a replica of my mother. This is not the self-portrait I want to paint.

Through the friendships she forms at school—especially with Grant, a boy who shows Pearl what it means to trust and forgive—she begins to see a path not defined by her past. But when confronted with the decision to be courageous or to take the easy way forged by her mother’s failures, which direction will Pearl choose?

Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley

Combining the emotional depth of The Art of Racing in the Rainwith the magical spirit of The Life of Pi, Lily and the Octopus is an epic adventure of the heart.

When you sit down with Lily and the Octopus, you will be taken on an unforgettable ride.
The magic of this novel is in the read, and we don’t want to spoil it by giving away too many details.
We can tell you that this is a story about that special someone: the one you trust, the one you can’t live without.

For Ted Flask, that someone special is his aging companion Lily, who happens to be a dog.
Lily and the Octopus reminds us how it feels to love fiercely, how difficult it can be to let go, and how the fight for those we love is the greatest fight of all.

Remember the last book you told someone they had to read?

Lily and the Octopus is the next one.

Golden (Heart of Dread #3) by Melissa de la Cruz

The action-packed finale to the Heart of Dread series

In this epic conclusion to the trilogy, Nat and Wes go on a journey to find the Rift, save the source of magic and defeat the Drau, the pirates, and the RSA—but at a great sacrifice. Wes is dying, and as he's rotting the Drau will let the rot "cleanse" the source of magic, dooming Wes forever. Nat and Wes discover that the source of the magic lies in the Drakon—the key to the Blue, the protector, the soul of the world. But in order to close the Rift, a great sacrifice is needed. Nat must decide to sacrifice her beloved drakon in order to save the world, and to save Wes. In the words of the sylphs, death is life, and now the worlds can be reborn again.

The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith

Eden was always good at being good. Starting high school didn’t change who she was. But the night her brother’s best friend rapes her, Eden’s world capsizes.

What was once simple, is now complex. What Eden once loved—who she once loved—she now hates. What she thought she knew to be true, is now lies. Nothing makes sense anymore, and she knows she’s supposed to tell someone what happened but she can’t. So she buries it instead. And she buries the way she used to be.

Told in four parts—freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year.

*Thank you to Simon & Schuster, Skyscape, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Review: The Winner’s Kiss (The Winner’s Trilogy, #3) by Marie Rutkoski

War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it with untrustworthy new allies and the empire as his enemy. Though he has convinced himself that he no longer loves Kestrel, Arin hasn’t forgotten her, or how she became exactly the kind of person he has always despised. She cared more for the empire than she did for the lives of innocent people—and certainly more than she did for him.
At least, that’s what he thinks.

In the frozen north, Kestrel is a prisoner in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for a way to escape, she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they’ve done to her.

But no one gets what they want just by wishing.

As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover that the world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and they are caught in between. With so much to lose, can anybody really win? ~ Goodreads



Source: ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Review:

SPOILER FREE!

FEAR.

I always go into the ending of a trilogy with fear these days. I have been disappointed so many times that I don’t really read many series anymore.

But I’m here to tell you that you can pre-order and read this book without any fear!

First I’ll tell you what The Winner’s Kiss doesn’t do.

~It doesn’t throw in a whole new cast of characters that shove your favorites out and short change their story.

~ It doesn’t suddenly add new plot threads just to add silly twists and shock value. (although both twists and shock are in abundance – but they makes sense to everything we’ve read prior!)

The Winner’s Kiss is about consequences. If you thought The Winner’s Crime was painful…well then, hold on to that Kleenex box and blankie!

The first half is SO FREAKING INTENSE that I was yelling at my Kindle, then gasping with shock, then grabbing my husband’s arm with relief. Yeah – he was laughing at me - but what fun it was to be that invested in a story again! I haven’t felt that for a long time – maybe since I read book #2.

So the consequences…I don’t want to spoil anything about this book. Just know that everything that has happened since The Winner’s Curse comes full circle. There’s plenty of guilt and blame to go around and Rutkoski puts poor Arin and Kestrel through the wringer – both emotionally and physically. I did want to yell at them a  few times but...

But it’s all worth it.

The Winner’s Kiss was everything I had hoped it would be and I’m completely satisfied with how she tied it all together and the ending.

WHEW!

Review: Flirting with Fire (Hot in Chicago #1) by Kate Meader

Savvy PR guru Kinsey Taylor has always defined herself by her career, not her gender. That is, until she moved from San Francisco to Chicago to be with her fiancé who thought she wasn’t taking her “job” of supporting him in his high-powered career seriously enough—and promptly dumped her for a more supportive and “feminine” nurse. Now, as the new assistant press secretary to Chicago’s dynamic mayor, she’s determined to keep her eye on the prize: no time to feel inferior because she’s a strong, kick-ass woman, and certainly no time for men.

But that all changes when she meets Luke Almeida, a firefighter as searingly sexy as he is quick-tempered. He’s also the second oldest of the Firefightin’ Dempseys, a family of foster siblings who have committed their lives to the service—if Luke’s antics don’t get him fired first. When Luke goes one step too far and gets into a bar brawl with the Chicago Police Department, Kinsey marches into Luke’s firehouse and lays down the law on orders from the mayor. But at Engine Co. 6, Luke Almeida is the law. And he’s not about to let Kinsey make the rules. ~ Goodreads

Source: TalkSupe – THANK YOU!!!!

Review: I had read Melting Point – a novella from the Hot in Chicago series – and LOVED it! LOVED! Braine from Talk Supe was kind enough to loan me the previous book – Flirting with Fire (because she’s awesome like that) and I’m happy to say it was just as good.

Flirting with Fire started out as your standard hot firefighter/feisty girl trope but turned into a really strong romance with lots of sexy times and real life complications.

I gotta say, I wasn’t a fan of Luke’s alpha male posturing in the beginning. That’s just not a turn on for me but I was pleased at how well Meader developed him into something more without making him overly angsty and tortured. I grew to adore him. He is tough and alpha but he’s also willing to make the BIG gesture to win over the girl. Sa-woon.

Kinsey was his perfect foil. Strong, self reliant yet willing to support Luke (& his family) and do the right thing even if it cost her.

Both of them have loved and lost, but make themselves vulnerable to each other, knowing that this is more than just a fling.

I think what I love about this series most - more than the romances – is the sense of family and how the love interests become part of that extended family. It’s written really well. Even though I know each Dempsey firefighter is going to get their story, it doesn’t feel like sequel bait.

Fun, sexy and sweet – I definitely recommend this series for anyone looking for romance with heart.

________________________________________________________________________________

Flirting with Fire is part of my Blogger Shame reading challenge hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup to clear out those older books that keep getting pushed aside because...Ooh! New! Shiny!

Blogger Shame Review Challenge Progress  

  2/12 books

Happiness Is....

Just sharing a few things that make me happy...

Salt Flakes - I got these Falksalt Sea Salt Flakes from William and Sonoma on clearance. I don't usually use salt but these flakes melt right into your food and add a really nice flavor! You don't need much - just a pinch. The lemon one doesn't taste that lemony but the rosemary is delish on meat!

Artichokes - I haven't been able to find a good artichoke in over a year. (Look for artichokes that are tightly closed and feel heavy for their size). Everyone is so intimidated by them but they're super easy to cook in the microwave. Just chop off the top 1/3 and stuff thinly sliced garlic and lemon in the leaves, I also pour a little lemon cooking wine over the top - put in a microwave safe dish with about 1/2 cup of water - cover and cook on high for about 5 minutes per artichoke. Poke the bottom with a knife - it should slide in easily - to check if their done.

Harvest Grains Blend from Trader Joe's -  Easy to cook in just a few minutes. Adds a little variety to the usual couscous/quinoa side dish.

Urban Accents Mandarin Ginger Dryglaze - I originally bought this to glaze tofu (one of the suggested uses) and bleh. You can't cook the tofu long enough to melt the glaze and it ended up being a lumpy, salty mess. But then I used it on a pork tenderloin and YUM!

Farmers Market finds! I love my local farmers market in the winter/spring. That's our peak season in FL.

Beekman Vanilla Honey -  We just got a new local cheese shop in town and I decided to give this honey a try and OMG this stuff is good! I put it in everything - cottage cheese, tea, oatmeal. They have savory blends too but I'm not sure what I would use it for. They have some interesting recipes on their website I might try

House of Cards S4

House of Cards – Season 4 – Netflix

My musings on S4…

I’ve binge watched House of Cards every year since S1 and this was the first year I wasn’t looking forward to it. Season 3 was beyond boring with very little to show for it or look forward to by the end. Nevertheless, I grabbed my chips and dip (HoC required binge food) and jumped in.

Season 4 plunges in head first and doesn’t let up until after the halfway point. It is draw droppingly good – and shocking. The only thing worse than being an enemy of Claire and Francis – is when they turn that venom on each other. Yeah – it gets pretty ugly.

The show runners did a good job tying in previous story lines and weaving in past characters while dropping in several shocking events that I didn’t see coming.

The addition of a young power couple – vying for the republican presidential nomination, while Frank struggles to get the democratic party's nom, adds a nice contrast – showing the aging Frank and his cold marriage to Claire in stark contrast with the virile, Instagram friendly family.

There are a few missteps. The show occasionally gets caught up in other characters story arcs that don’t lead anywhere, develop other characters – just to toss them aside, and under develop stories that could lead to a deeper understanding of our leads. Especially the arc involving Claire’s mother. Instead, most of these twists are just to get Claire and Frank from point A to B.

Every time I finish a season of this show I wonder where it could possibly go next. The writers throw EVERYTHING! - balls to the wall each season and I fear that it will become so far fetched that I won’t be able to continue. Season 4 certainly hits that mark. It has jumped the shark. Claire and Frank have done things that (I hope) are unforgivable and couldn’t ever happen in real life. (again…I hope) Yet. I still find it to be compulsively watchable.

Have you guys watched it yet? What do you think of S4?

Review: Clutch: A Novel by Lisa Becker

clutch: a novel is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit romance chronicling the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer who compares her unsuccessful romantic relationships to styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks a lot of Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to discover the “Clutch” or someone she wants to hold onto. ~ Goodreads


Source: Copy provided in exchange for an honest review

Review:
I enjoyed reading Becker’s Click Trilogy. She has a real knack for writing about the modern age dating experience with honesty and wit.

Clutch was a cute read but lacked the emotional punch I need to connect or root for the characters.

Caroline, a handbag designer and entrepenuer, and Mike, her best friend and bar owner, move to LA after graduating Yale. We follow both, but mostly Caroline’s, dating life while she looks for *the one*.

Each chapter is named after a handbag that relates to the guy she’s dating, which was a fun touch. The problem, for me, was that there were SO many guys that I stopped caring. I was pretty clued in, almost immediately, that these idiots weren’t going to last. So to wait for Caroline to get up to speed, and know that there was going to yet another one, got to be frustrating.

When we finally made it to the *Clutch – the one* – it was so abrupt that I kept looking for more pages or an epilogue. Without giving too much away – we got to see Caroline’s aha moment but not the guys and I was left wondering why now? And there was really no logical reason for it to take this long.

Despite this one just missing the mark for me, I enjoy Becker’s writing, and quite a few reviewers gave it high marks for humor. So maybe check out a few more reviews first. For fans of dating mishap stories/quick romantic reads/chick-lit.

Music: DNCE–Cake by the Ocean

DNCE – CAKE BY THE OCEAN

DNCE is an American pop rock band that formed in 2015. The group consists of members Joe Jonas, Jack Lawless, Cole Whittle, and JinJoo Lee. ~ YouTube | Website

Way more pop than my typical music picks – but a good pre-summer song. What do you guys think?

*Warning – F Bombs ahead…

~ FWIW 2016 Spotify Playlist 

Review: Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop

For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they’re willing to tolerate—both within themselves and within their community...

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs… ~ Goodreads

Source: ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Review:
Marked in Flesh is the fourth installment in The Others series by Anne Bishop. You absolutely need to read the previous books first, and in order, before starting this one.

I was on the fence as to whether I would continue this series. The previous book, Vision in Silver, felt more like of a set up and filler but Marked in Flesh has me fully immersed again.

The conflict between the humans and the Others, The Elders, the other cassandra sangue's, and of course Simon and Meg start intertwining in a way that finally gets the story moving forward and it's both frightening and hopeful.

Reading this series makes my blood boil with hatred towards the humans – maybe not the side I should be taking lol but I hated them with the hate of a thousand suns!! I’m totally rooting for the werewolves, vampires and even the ancient elders to burn them to the ground.

This is a fictional urban fantasy world but it’s hard not to see the parallels to our own current behavior in regards to the things (people) we fear and our treatment of the planet.

Obviously, IRL. humans aren’t at war with shifters and vampires for the earth’s resources – but it’s easy to see how Mother Nature always wins in the end. Even though Bishop is never heavy handed about the message – it’s clear that she’s warning us to look at how we treat each other and our planet. All while delivering a fantastic story with some of the best character development and kick ass world building out there right now!

My one minor quibble - there wasn't enough Meg and Simon. But there never is enough for me. BUT - Let's just say things are happening on that front!

I can't wait for the next (and final?) book in the series.

Clearing the shelves giveaway!

I really need to clear my bookshelves so I’m going to be having a few of these types of giveaways until I make a dent.

Winner can choose any 3 books from this pile.

US only – just leave your name and email in the Rafflecopter form below. Winner will be announced Sunday on this form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Music: Kaleo - Way Down We Go

Way We Go is my favorite song by Kaleo - an Icelandic/indie pop/rock/folk band - but you should check out the other songs on their YouTube channel. Gorgeous!

Kaleo Music – YouTube

For What It's Worth 2016 Playlist on Spotify