Review: A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas

Series: A Wicked Thing #1
Genre: YA, fairy tale, romance 
Release date: February 24th 2014
Length: 337 pages

Rhiannon Thomas's dazzling debut novel is a spellbinding reimagining of Sleeping Beauty and what happens after happily ever after.

One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairy tale.

Her family is long dead. Her "true love" is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept.

As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her. With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run.

Rhiannon Thomas weaves together vivid scenes of action, romance, and gorgeous gowns to reveal a richly imagined world … and Sleeping Beauty as she’s never been seen before. 

My rating: ★★★★

 *I listened to the audiobook*

When I asked on Instagram how people experienced this book, I received “weird” and “different” as a response. It made me a little nervous and worried, because the reviews on Goodreads aren’t splendid either. But I already bought it on Audible, so I had to give it a chance.

First of all, saying this is a retelling is wrong. It’s just continues the story of The Sleeping Beauty we all know so well (with the slight change that it starts where she’s kissed). I think that’s why people end up being disappointed. They expect to know what will happen. So, NO, this is not a retelling, but more like… a continuation or a re-imagination.

The storyline had his ups and downs, but it was definitely way better than I expected! I liked the storyline a lot and yes, it was “different” like people said, but it was a good different. It has some romance, friendship, betrayals and deaths.

And the characters are very interesting! Aurora is confused about how to proceed with her life (100% understandable if you wake up after 100 years), but she’s very brave too. Rodrick is a blushing sweetheart, Finnegan was more interesting that I could have imagined and Tristan is complicated and irresistible at the same time. Trust me, although there are not only one, or two, but THREE interesting hot guys, there’s no love triangle (or square?) going on. Every guy fit perfectly in the story.

This first book in the Wicked Thing series is a very promising start and I cannot wait to find more about the characters and how everyone will react after that big ending. I also feel like there will be an epic sci-fy twist with the magic and the dragons (!!). February can’t come any faster!

I hope you all won't look too much at those 1 or 2 start reviews and still will give this book a chance. It might surprise you and make you love it more that you can ever expect!

Review: Yours Truly/Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher

Series: standalone
Genre: YA, romance, mystery, contemporary
Release date: October 7th 2014
Length: 288 pages
 
Dear Mr. S. Harris,
Ignore the blob of red in the top left corner. It's jam, not blood, though I don't think I need to tell you the difference. It wasn't your wife's jam the police found on your shoe.
I know what it's like.
Mine wasn't a woman. Mine was a boy. And I killed him three months ago exactly.
Zoe has an unconventional pen pal--Mr. Stuart Harris, a Texas Death Row inmate and convicted murderer. But then again, Zoe has an unconventional story to tell. A story about how she fell for two boys, betrayed one of them, and killed the other.

Hidden away in her backyard shed in the middle of the night with a jam sandwich in one hand and a pen in the other, Zoe gives a voice to her heart and her fears after months of silence. Mr. Harris may never respond to Zoe's letters, but at least somebody will know her story--somebody who knows what it's like to kill a person you love. Only through her unusual confession can Zoe hope to atone for her mistakes that have torn lives apart, and work to put her own life back together again.
Rising literary star Annabel Pitcher pens a captivating second novel, rich with her distinctive balance between humor and heart. Annabel explores the themes of first love, guilt, and grief, introducing a character with a witty voice and true emotional resonance.

My rating: ★★★★

“That's not how you're going to live, Bird Girl. Not on my account. Spread those strong wings of yours. Fly.”

When I saw this book in the store I was immediately drawn to it because of the cover. After reading the blurb I realized this was "Ketchup Clouds", a book that has been sitting on my tbr for ever.
I decided to buy it and on my way home I started reading it immediately.

When I saw it was in letter form I started getting annoyed because I was NOT in the mood for this kind of book. But I'm SO glad I continued reading, because although it's in letter form, there are still conversations. And it's written perfectly. It reads so easily (I read this one in a day and a half!) and the anticipation to know what happened is very enjoyable.

But.. as much as I loved the story of Zoe, I have to admit that the big reveal was a little disappointing. I saw it coming and I don't know why I kept hoping for something big. I also don't really like that the ending was so open. I mean, a million things could still have happened and... we will never know. I'm left with too many question to be satisfied about this book.

“I never realized there was so much of it,' Sandra muttered. 'Hours. I feel every minute.” 

 

The title of this book has been changed from "Ketchup Clouds" to "Yours Truly"

 

Review: Yes, Please by Amy Poehler

Series: standalone
Genre: non-fiction, memoir, humor
Release date: October 28th 2014
Length: 329 pages

In Amy Poehler’s highly anticipated first book, Yes Please, she offers up a big juicy stew of personal stories, funny bits on sex and love and friendship and parenthood and real life advice (some useful, some not so much), like when to be funny and when to be serious. Powered by Amy’s charming and hilarious, biting yet wise voice, Yes Please is a book full of words to live by.

My rating: ★★★

*I listened to the audiobook.

I'm not sure if three stars is the correct rating for me. To be honest I'm not 100% sure of what I think about this (audio)book.
The beginning where she talked about writing this book was very funny and I certainly enjoyed that part. But then... I don't know... it's not that it was boring, but it wasn't very exciting either. I guess memoirs aren't really my thing.

I did loved the way she read her own book. Because she did not only read it, she made it a personal audio and I loved that. I guess that's what kept me listening. She's definitely something.

So if you enjoy Amy and haven't read this book yet, you totally should. But listen to the audiobook and experience the whole thing!

Review: Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: The Dark Elements #2
Genre: NA, romance, urban fantasy, demons, angels
Release date: October 21st 2014
Length: 464 pages

Every touch has its price.

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…

My rating: ★★★★

I'm going to keep this review short because most of it has already been said in my review of the first book. There was one mayor bonus though: plenty of Supernatural references, which I loved!

“You’re an ass,” I spat, picking up the shirt.
He chuckled. “And it’s a fine ass, I’m told.”  

But yep, Jennifer did it again. And she's the only one who's able to make me question my OTP. In White Hot Kiss I was TOTALLY Team Roth. I barely liked Zayne.. But oh god, I can't believe I'm saying this... Zayne wasn't that bad in this one... was he? Of course Roth is still hot AF, but... just... UGH. She made me hesitate a few times, and I wanted to punch myself for that. I can now say, with absolutely no hesitation at all, that I'm truly in love with Roth. I knew there was so much we didn't know from him and I loved that.

“I know exactly how he looks at you and you do, too … Because it’s the way I look at you.”

Most of the book, unlike the first one, is focused on the relationship between Layla and Zayne. There were lots of swoon-worthy moments and that's why I hesitated a few times. But in the end, I can't imagine a healthy relationship between those two. The whole kissing thing is definitely a problem (although.... there are some other areas to kiss *grins*) and I just couldn't imagine a good future for them. I most definitely ship Zayne and Stacey!! Now, that would be one hell of a couple!

“I don’t deserve you.”
“See, that’s where you’re wrong … That’s where you’ve always been wrong. You deserve everything.”

Anyway, like the first book, this one was funny and addictive!  It definitely a bit darker than the first book and it's a bit more fast-paced. They were plenty plot twists, but again, some of the were predictable. Especially the ending. I kind of guessed the biggest plot twist so I wasn't that impressed. Nevertheless, it still made me excited to read the third and final (!!) book of this trilogy!
I mean, I would have read it anyway, cause you know: ROTH! (duhh :D)

“I want you so badly it’s like a hunger that gnaws at me endlessly. It doesn’t go away … You have no fucking clue.”
“Then do something about it,” I whispered.”

Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: The Dark Elements #1
Genre: NA, romance, urban fantasy, demons, angels
Release date: February 25th 2014
Length: 400 pages
One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne… it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

My rating: ★★★★+0.5 

“Free will, huh? Damn. It is a bitch.’ And then he smiled at me, a real smile, revealing those deep dimples. ‘I lost myself the moment I found you.” 

My voice broke, and my heart...

Everyone who knows me a little, knows I'm obsessed with JLA's books. And again, she managed to suck me into one of her words with no problem. You barely need your imagination because everything is so detailed and awesome. I basically flew over the pages and I loved every single part of it!

Layla was a very likable main character! I liked reading in her POV. Some of her thoughts were hilarious and she definitely made me laugh out loud a few times. She's exactly how I imagined her to be before I started. Knowing JLA, I didn't not expect less than a strong female character who can defend herself like a badass. And the supernatural twist to her was amazing.

“People with the purest souls are capable of the greatest evils. No one is perfect, no matter what they are or what side they fight for.”

In the very beginning we meet Roth, but he's that big unknown guy and tbh I was unsure about him. Oh yeah, he was mysterious and all, but still. Then we meet Zayne and I was completely captured by him. I thought immediately "YES, that's my guy". He was super sweet with Layla and the fact that they couldn't kiss (you know, deathly kiss and all) made their relationship so interesting and exciting. I couldn't wait to have more scenes between them.

But then Roth barges in again and I'm like "Zayne who?". CAUSE HOLY SHIT THAT GUY IS HOT. Zayne completely vanished from my mind. Can you imagine a mix of Warner (of the Shatter Me series) and Daemon (from the LUX series)? Well, that's Roth. Freaking perfect if you ask me. Roth and Layla became my OTP instantly. Because... just ...

His lips caressed mine again, nibbling and clinging to them until they parted on a gasp. He deepened the kiss with a thrust of is tongue [...] The kiss - it was everything I could've imagined a kiss to be and then some. Sublime. Explosive [...]

"See,' he murmured in a  thick voice, and he let go, this fingers trailing over my cheeks. "Your life isn't about all you can't do. It's about what you can do."

"Your tongue is pierced," I say dumbly.

A wicked gleam filled his gaze. "That's not the only thing pierced."

 
SEE WHAT I MEAN?! How the hell can you resist him? So yeah, obviously after that mind-blowing kiss I was basically craving for more of Roth! And there's plenty of him in this book! I loved every moment he had with Layla. The chemistry between them is so good. I. Just. Love. Him. So. Freaking. Much. And oh hell, don't even get me started on his abs and tattoos *swoons forever*

"You undo me. You have no idea how you undo me."

Like I said, the book is funny and addictive. It has its slow and fast-paced moments, amazing side-characters (Stacy is the BEST), plus a good amount of plot twists. I'm not going to say that all the plot twists are unexpected, but generally the plot is well-thought. And the ending? Geez, it almost killed me. BECAUSE JUST NO. NO. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Ugh, god. Why do I always end up like a mess after books like this? The ending is terribly good and made me cry and slam my face into my book. In a way, I expected something big to happen, but NOT THIS. So, mayor tip: make sure you have the second book ready. You'll need to know what will happen. Really. I'm serious. Deadly serious.

“At some point, Roth had gotten hold of my cell and replaced Zayne's name with Stony and listed his own number under Sexy Beast. What a tool.”

Review: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #0.1-0.5
Genre: YA, fantasy, magic, short stories
Release date: March 4th 2014
Length: 448 pages

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions.
They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

My rating: ★★★★★

“I love you,” he repeated, shaking her again. “I have for years. But if I asked you to pick, you’d choose Arobynn, and I. Can’t. Take. It.” 

“You’re a damned idiot,” she breathed grabbing the front of his tunic. “You’re a moron and an ass and a damned idiot." He looked like she had hit him. But she went on, and grasped both sides of his face. “Because I’d pick you.”

 

I'm going to try to keep this short. Basically this book almost killed me of feels... Maas is a brilliant author and she managed to portray Celeana just like I imagined her while reading ToG.

The Celeana that we know from Throne of Glass (and after) was very different in The Assassin's Blade. But absolutely not in a bad way. She was forced to change and grow up faster (I always forget how young she actually is :o ) due to betrayal and pain. She went through a mayor character development, but it doesn't feel rushed at all. Every novella tells one "story", but they connect each other perfectly which I loved a lot. And I'm so thankful for this book because now I feel like I understand more of her decisions that she made in 'the present'.

I'm not going into the plot of this book because if you read Throne of Glass, you'll understand why. It's not necessary for me to try to convince you to read this book. Once you read ToG and you loved it, then you'll want to know everything about the world Celeana lives in. You'll want to know about her past and about her dear Sam.

 "She would tuck Sam into her heart, a bright light for her to take out whenever things were darkest." 

Oh Sam... Although you already ship Celeana with either Chaol or Dorian, you won't be able to resist loving Sam. He's even better than I imagined him. I love him so much, despite the fact you know what will happen to him. And it hurts so freaking much when it comes to it. It crushed me and I felt my heart broke for him ♥ I cried... SO MUCH. I didn't want to grow so attached to him, but I couldn't help myself. And now I'm left her with all those feels.... ugh *cries some more*

To conclude everything: this book is brilliant. The side-characters, the world, the romance, the writing .... is perfect. It's probably everything you want it to be and more. If you loved ToG than you certainly should read this book! It's so worth it. And don't forget keeping some tissues close to you.

"My name is Sam Cortland, and I will not be afraid." 

Review: Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley

Series: Magonia #1

Genre: YA, fantasy, romance

Release date: April 28th 2015 

Length:  320 pages

Maria Dahvana Headley's soaring YA debut is a fiercely intelligent, multilayered fantasy where Neil Gaiman's Stardust meets John Green's The Fault in Our Stars in a story about a girl caught between two worlds . . . two races . . . and two destinies.

Aza Ray Boyle is drowning in thin air. Since she was a baby, Aza has suffered from a mysterious lung disease that makes it ever harder for her to breathe, to speak—to live. So when Aza catches a glimpse of a ship in the sky, her family chalks it up to a cruel side effect of her medication. But Aza doesn't think this is a hallucination. She can hear someone on the ship calling her name.

Only her best friend, Jason, listens. Jason, who's always been there. Jason, for whom she might have more-than-friendly feelings. But before Aza can consider that thrilling idea, something goes terribly wrong. Aza is lost to our world—and found, by another. Magonia.

Above the clouds, in a land of trading ships, Aza is not the weak and dying thing she was. In Magonia, she can breathe for the first time. Better, she has immense power—but as she navigates her new life, she discovers that war between Magonia and Earth is coming. In Aza's hands lies fate of the whole of humanity—including the boy who loves her. Where do her loyalties lie?

My rating: ★★★

DNF: 60%

It's very rare that I don't finish books.  But sadly sometimes it happens. And it's such a shame it happened with this one. It has a gorgeous cover and it started so so so good...

I listened the audiobook and the narrator is amazing by the way. She voiced everything perfectly (or from what I read). Even the singing was perfectly done. But it's actually the plot I had a "problem" with. Let me explain:

The book can actually be split in two parts. The first part is where Aza is still on earth. This part is actually pretty similar to The Fault In Our Stars. It has a contemporary theme and is very emotional, hopeful and just beautiful. I was completely into it and I was so curious about her and Jason. They are a perfect combination and I couldn't wait to find out what happens with their relationship/friendship. Aza was also amazing. I could connect easily with her character and it was so beautifully written that I already imagined myself putting this book on my favorites shelve.

But then something big happened and the genre of this book switched to fantasy. The level of Headley's fantasy was something I've never seen before. I'm sure that a lot of people would think it's brilliant, but to me if felt just weird. The world where Aza is magically cured is just.... yeah weird. I don't have another word for it. So much things didn't make sense and I couldn't relate with Aza at all anymore.  I actually couldn't imagine what was happening in my head. It was that foreign to me... So weird, because that never happened to me before...

So, if you're into fantasy then you should totally go for it. It's the most unique book ever, that's for sure! I just couldn't continue with it because it isn't my type of book... This is probably the perfect example for a "It's not you, it's me..." situation. Oh well, I'll get over it :) Who knows? Maybe I'll try it again later!

Review: Ten Tiny Breaths by KA Tucker

Series: Ten Tiny Breaths #1
Genre: NA, romance, drama, contemporary
Release date: September 24th 2015
Length: 288 pages

Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D. Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair. But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

My rating: ★★+0.5

For some reason, I expected to be blown away with this book. And sadly it didn't happen. It was partly my fault though. I expected way too much from it.

“Just breathe. Ten tiny breaths … Seize them. Feel them. Love them.”

It had a slow start and I couldn't connect with the main character, Kacey. She was so bitchy and full of anger. She was also way younger than I thought! She acted little kid, but acted like she wanted to punch basically everyone. I hated that. Her sister was nicer, but she also didn't acted like she should for age. I seriously thought she was ten or so! After realizing she was closer to 16, I felt kind of weirded out...

Trent was very intriguing in the beginning. But after a while he started to get a little boring. He's nice and all, but just... average. He had nothing special. He also felt a little predicable. Of course he was sexy and all that, but still... like I said, nothing special.

“I don't hate you. I could never hate you. Give me your heart, Kacey. I'll take everything that comes with it.”

The plot was slow and I kept waiting for the big moment. I felt less and less excited about the book and I couldn't wait for it to end. And then - idiot that I am - I read the blurb of the prequella and I just ruined it even more for myself. I knew the biggest spoiler (although I already had my suspicions) so the rest of the book felt boring and I wanted to roll my eyes constantly.
The only parts I really enjoyed were the ones with Storm. Because she's amazing and she's the perfect combination of sassy and badass.

Because I spoiled myself I will never know what I would actually have thought about this book. It's a pity, because now I'm also not motivated at all to continue with this series... I must say, the writing was good! KA Tucker did an amazing job. But yeah... the plot would have needed a bit more attention though...

The book has a gorgeous cover by the way!

Review: The Heir by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection #4

Genre: YA, romance, dystopia

Release date: May 5th 2015 

Length:  342 pages

Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon—and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible.

But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection—no matter how fervently she protests.

Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, one entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her . . . and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.

My rating: ★★★★

“You can be brave and still be feminine. You can lead and still love flowers. Most importantly, you can be queen and still be a bride.”

To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect from this book. To me, the story of America was over and it sounded a little weird to have two more books. But that didn’t stop me for being excited for this book!

I finished the whole book in less than one day and I don’t know Kiera managed to keep me interested, because Eadlyn was a bitch during 70% of the time. Like…

She’s spoiled, immature, selfish and thinks that she can do whatever she wants because she’s going to be queen. “I was Eadlyn Schreave. No one was more powerful than me.” *rolls eyes* During the first part of the book I wanted to throw my book across the room. Thank God, Kiera gave her a little character development, because I almost couldn’t handle it. So yes… after a while she started to grow on me... But that didn’t stop her for making dumb decisions that made me cringe... Ugh, well she’s not evil and I don’t hate her… I just don’t really like her either.

“I’m not sure anyone knows what they’re looking for until they find it.”

I think the thing that really kept me interested were the boys. Because who the hell wouldn’t want 35 guys fighting for you? (RIGHT EADLYN?!!) Right from the beginning I liked Kile a lot. He’s the silent bookworm with big dreams that stole my heart even before Eadlyn realized he was worth her time. I also like Hale and Henri! I’m actually very curious to find out more about them. Eadlyn doesn’t really interacts a lot with them and since we only have one POV, I’m dying to find out what the guys really think about the whole Selection and Eadlyn herself.

The plot of this book is actually really good and addictive (that’s why I managed to read it in one day)!  We get glimpses of how much the country has changed since America and Maxon married. The little moments with America and Maxon were really nice. I also really liked reading about their 3 other kids! They were so cute (and so much different than Eadlyn)! My favorite brother was Ahren. In my opinion, he was the best side character. I would have loved to read more about him though.

“When you know who matters most to you, giving things up, even yourself, doesn’t really feel like a sacrifice.”

Oh and that ending!!! Ohmygod, what a cruel cliffhanger! In some way it was a little unnecessary drama. But in the other way it was needed, otherwise (I think) a lot of people wouldn’t have continued reading this series (due to Eadlyn’s bitch-personality). I guess we’ll have to wait for book 5 to see if it was really worth it.

So overall, it was a pretty good read. Too bad for the lack of switch in POV, but Kiera’s writing style is still very addictive. And concerning Eadlyn… well I guess you have to read the book yourself to find out if you like her or not. A lot of people have mixed opinions. But if you enjoyed the previous three books, than I definitely recommend that you continue with this series!

"There are some things you don't learn about yourself until you let someone else into the most intimate places of your heart."

Review: Ricochet by Keri Lake (+ Giveaway!)

Series: standalone

Genre: adult, dark, romance, suspense, contemporary

Release date: July 9^th 2015 

Length:  /

The only sure way to destroy a man is to take what he cannot live without.

Three years ago, I had everything. A beautiful wife. A son. A reason for living.
Until a ruthless task force, assembled under Mayor Michael Culling, with a brutal strategy to make the streets of Detroit ‘safe’, ripped away everything I loved in a deadly hunt called The Culling.
They tried to kill me, too. I wish they had. Now I'm cursed by the memories of that night, and the words I whispered to my dying wife.
A promise—to avenge the wrong and set it right.
I’m no longer Nick Ryder. I’m a masked vigilante. Faceless. Loveless. Fearless. A man with nothing left to lose—one who's seen the dark and violent truth behind the city’s flawless veneer.
Michael Culling doesn’t know who I am. Or what I want. All he knows is that I’ve kidnapped his beautiful wife.
An eye for an eye—isn’t that how the saying goes? And Aubree Culling is the perfect pawn to destroy him.
If she doesn’t destroy me first.

WARNING: Not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to graphic violence, sex and strong language. Trigger warning for self-harm. 

My rating: ★★★★+0.5

*ARC provided by author in exchange of an honest review*

“Except, monsters did exist. They didn’t hide under the bed, though. They stormed through the fucking door and stole away everything we loved. To defeat a monster, I had to become one.” 

 

I’ve never read anything like this one before and I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading it. It’s the first book I read written by Keri, and at first – like we all have when starting something by an unknown author – I had doubts about the development of the plot (to me plot- and character development is very important). The gorgeous book cover and mysterious blurb caught my attention of course, but I was scared that it wouldn’t be more exciting than that. Usually darker romances is all about sex and the bad boy, but holy shit, this one is so well-developed and freaking badass! Even before finishing the first chapter I was completely into it. The suspense and the urge to figure out the little dark secrets about the two main characters is just irresistible!

‘For a sadistic, loveless bastard, you got a heart of gold, Nick.”

I was extremely pleased that this book was in two point of views. It gave the whole book a special touch. I don’t think it would have been the same if it was only in the POV of Aubree or only of Nick. Keri played it very well with switching it up. And taking about our two main characters: THEY WERE PERFFFFFFF. I never thought I would be able to connect with a dark character like Nick. He’s being haunted by his past and that makes his mysterious, unpredictable and very dangerous. And yet, he captured me completely. He made me swoon after only a few chapters. And Aubree? 100% badass. She’s not what I expected at all and I like that her character was as strong developed as Nick. Her character has so much depth and her past was so interesting!

“What made me a good man has turned me into a killer. Love.” 

Both characters are their own are already awesome but… Nick and Aubree together?? AIR PLEASE! They have a palpable and strong attraction to each other and their first time was oh so freaking hot! 
Oh my god! I was on the train while reading it (worst idea ever haha) and I’ve never been so grateful for air conditioning!! I ship them so hard and I loved every single moment between them! I cried, laughed, squealed and swooned.  They are definitely one of the hottest couples I’ve read about in a long time.

“How far do you want to go?”  - “Until you feel free.”

So hell yes, I definitely recommend this book! The dark aspects in the books are creepy, disgusting and freaking amazing. And the ending! OHMYGOD! I would have NEVER expected this and my mind was completely blown. Just amazing. Please read this book!! You will not ever regret it!

“You’ll destroy me, Aubree. And I won’t stop you.”

Keri, you definitely convinced to read more dark romances. I hope you will write more of this genre, because I’m totally loving it!

Now, excuse me, but I’m going to buy all the books written by Keri. I need more of her amazing writing style.

Buy your copy here: Amazon US / Amazon UK /  Barnes & Noble /  Kobo / iTunes

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