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Coming Soon · Pre-Order · Review

Playing with Hellfire: A Paranormal Romance (Sin Demons Book 1) by Mila Young & Harper A. Brooks – My Review

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Title: Playing with Hellfire: A Paranormal Romance (Sin Demons Book 1)

Author: Mila Young & Harper A. Brooks

Release Date: September 24th 2020

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Demons

The devils aren’t in the details.
They’re in my bed…

When my warlock foster father trades me to demons for his outstanding debts, I find myself in Hell on Earth. I’m thrust into a supernatural underground crime ring I can’t get out of, eternally bound in a contract I never made.

Three hot-as-hell demons stand in between me and my freedom.

A tattooed, brutish Hellhound shifter. An incubus with the power to bend wills on command. And the heir to Lucifer’s throne—the original sin demon, Pride, himself. I have to find a way out of the deal before they devour me, body and soul.

But I’m no angel. There’s something inside me, something that craves the chaotic darkness these demons possess.

Escaping may mean giving in to Hell’s more sinful temptations. But playing with fire only hurts if you get burned…

Bestselling authors Mila Young and Harper A. Brooks have brought the heat with this fiery and sinful paranormal romance. It’ll leave you burning up for more! Scroll up and 1-click to give into your darkest temptations today!

Playing with Hellfire is book one in a demon romance trilogy.

Sinfully wicked read! 

Aria finds herself in a situation she didn’t ask to be in. She is owned by not one but three demons. She struggles with wanting to escape to be entranced by these three men. 

Right from the start I was hooked. There’s a bit of mystery surrounding Aria and I wanted to know more about her. I love that she’s cunning, witty and puts on a brave face even when she’s feeling anything but. Then we get to these demon men and oh my! I can’t make up my mind who I like more. They’re all sexy as sin! I can’t choose!

Miss Brooks and Miss Young brought the heat in those sex scenes! Hotness! Along with those scenes is a very good story plot. There’s action and danger. It’ll have your pulse racing. 

This is such a guilty pleasure read. I devoured this whole book in one sitting. Yeah it was that good. I like the collaboration between Miss Brooks and Miss Young. I look forward to the next book! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author Featuring Rebecca Rivard

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Rebecca Rivard! Her latest release, Pursued: A Vampire Syndicate Paranormal Romance (The Vampire Syndicate Book 1) is set to release on October 1st 2020.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

As a teenager, I read way too many romances, little realizing I was actually preparing for a career. After a detour through various genres, I returned to my first love. In 2017, I became a USA Today bestselling author, proving dreams really can come true.

My Fada Shapeshifter Series was voted Best Shifter Series of 2018 in the Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Awards, and Saving Jace was chosen Best Shifter Book of 2018. Charming Marjani received the 2020 PRISM Award for Best Urban Fantasy Romance.

My vampire novella Ensnared: Star (Vampire Blood Courtesans) was a Night Owl Reviews Top Pick. I’ve also won awards in poetry and literary fiction, most of which featured—of course!—a romance in some way. 

How long have you been writing?

A looong time! I started out writing plays for my dolls in second grade, which I presented in class. I believe they were all of two (handwritten) pages long, lol. From there I could only go up…

Describe a typical writing day.

I write at least five days a week. Typically I walk or do yoga (I’ve been a yoga teacher for 20 years), then check my social media, maybe read the newspaper. I usually get going around nine-thirty or ten. Unless I’m on a deadline, in which case I often work before breakfast.

I write three or four hours a day. The rest of the time is spent on marketing, interacting with readers, or just enjoying a good book. I read several books a week as well as a couple of newspapers. Mainly I read romances—contemporaries, historical, and of course, paranormal romance. I also love a good mystery.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Ooh, good question! For my Fada Shapeshifter Series, I was writing (unpublished) contemporary romances when I started kicking around an idea about a human man who captures a fae queen. Then one day, my husband and I were at our favorite swimming hole in a park on the Susquehanna River. I was gazing at a crevice next to the stream when the idea for a water shapeshifter clan came to me.

The human became a shapeshifter alpha who, to save his clan, takes the sun fae queen prisoner…and the Fada Shapeshifter Series was born. Ten books later, the series is still going strong!

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special?

This is so hard! I fall a little in love with all my characters. They become real people to me, and I feel I have to get their story down—and make sure they get their HEA.

But if I had to choose, right now I’m loving Gabriel, the dark, sexy billionaire vampire in my upcoming Vampire Syndicate release, Pursued (out Oct. 1!). He’s smart, protective, a little dominating…the kind of man who hits all my buttons.

When you’re writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc) scene, how do you get in the mood?

That depends. For emotionally draining scenes, music can help. “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls and “The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed always get me in the mood. For a fight, I might act it out in my office.

Right now I’m loving music from the 365 Days film (another mafia romance), especially the Everybody Loves an Outlaw band. The songs are so perfect for my current vampire mafia romances.

For sexy scenes, I just try to picture myself in the scene. If it turns me on, hopefully it will turn my readers on, lol. If I’m stuck, I might read a few other scenes—my own or another authors. Sometimes my husband gets roped in for “inspiration.” He doesn’t seem to mind…

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

It just kind of happens. I introduce new characters, plot twists… I’m always trying to think outside the box. For example, my Fada Shapeshifters are a species I created—part-fae, part-human, part-animal.

I’ve had readers tell me they googled the Fada, thinking they were a “thing.” I’m like, nope, I made them up! But I love that they seem that real to people.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

As a matter of fact, on October 1 I’m kicking off the Vampire Syndicate Series, a new vampire mafia romance trilogy. The Vampire Syndicate Trilogy features three rich—and smokin’ hot—brothers who are heirs to one of the world’s most powerful vampire syndicates.

In the first book, Pursued, all hell has broken loose in the Kral Vampire Syndicate. The middle brother has gone missing and their father leaves town to hunt for him. The youngest brother is sent to investigate another lead, leaving Gabriel, the oldest, to hold down the fort in New York City.

Then, the woman Gabriel loved and lost three years ago chooses that moment to return. Is he suspicious? Hell, yeah.

Here’s the series blurb:

The Vampire Syndicate

They call us the Dark Angels: Gabriel, Zaquiel and Rafael.
We’re brothers. Princes. Billionaires.
The richer-than-sin heirs to one of the world’s most powerful vampires.
But we’re not vampires, we’re dhampirs. Half-human, half-vampire, with panty-melting good looks.
The media love us.
Vampires hate us.
And Slayers, Inc. will do anything to take us down.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Write a little every day! I had years when I was raising my kids and working full-time that I wrote as little as 100-200 words a day. But write 100 words a day, 5 days a week for 50 weeks and you’ll end up with a 50,000-word novel. 

As a paranormal romance author, I’d also encourage letting your imagination run wild. PNR authors don’t have to write what we know, and I find that incredibly freeing.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

If you crave dark, dominating vampires, try my new Vampire Syndicate Series or check out the two books I have in the Vampire Blood Courtesans Series.

If steamy paranormal romance about shifters and fae is your jam, check out my Fada Shapeshifters. I’m thrilled that the series has won so many awards, including the PRISM Award for Best Urban Fantasy Romance and two Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Awards (Best Shifter Series & Best Shifter Book).

 

Thank you Rebecca Rivard for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out and pre-order her newest release, Pursued today!

~Synopsis~

THE VAMPIRE SYNDICATE ROMANCES
When darkness falls, the monsters come out to play…

Twilight meets 365 Days in this hot new paranormal romance series from USA Todaybestselling author Rebecca Rivard!

They call us the Dark Angels: Gabriel, Zaquiel and Rafael.
We’re brothers. Princes. Billionaires.
The richer-than-sin heirs to one of the world’s most powerful vampires.
But we’re not vampires, we’re dhampirs. Half-human, half-vampire, with panty-melting good looks.
The media love us.
Vampires hate us.
And Slayers, Inc. will do anything to take us down.

PURSUED
Mila
I knew Gabriel was dangerous, the eldest son and heir to a Syndicate Primus. You think a Mafia don is scary? You should meet Gabriel’s father.
But I thought I could play with fire without being burned.
Now I’m on the run from the Syndicate. Hungry, alone. Not knowing who to trust.
Until the night the vampires hunt me down…

Gabriel
I let Mila run from me once. Now she’s back—right when all hell breaks loose in the Syndicate.
Yeah, I’m suspicious. I know she’s keeping secrets from me.
But this time, I have the upper hand.
Mila’s mine now.
Bound to me by a blood oath that only I can break.
I’ll never let her leave.

A steamy second-chance, forbidden lovers paranormal romance.

THE VAMPIRE SYNDICATE ROMANCES
Three powerful brothers and the women they’ll do anything to have—and hold.

A fast-paced new vampire romance series from PRISM award-winning author Rebecca Rivard.

USA TODAY bestselling author Rebecca Rivard read way too many romances as a teenager, little realizing she was actually preparing for a career. She now spends her days with dark shifters, sexy fae, and other magical creatures.

InD’Tale Magazine calls her work, “Steamy, spellbinding romance with phenomenal pacing,” and the Paranormal Romance Guild says, “There is sex and suspense and everything you could hope for in a shifter book. I can’t wait for more!”

Five of her books have been awarded the prestigious Crowned Heart Review from InD’Tale Magazine, and the FADA SHAPESHIFTER SERIES was voted Best Shifter Series in the Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Awards. Her books have also won first place in contests such as the prestigious PRISM Awards (CHARMING MARJANI) and the PRG Reviewer’s Choice Awards (SAVING JACE).

She also has books in the VAMPIRE BLOOD COURTESANS SERIES, and her novella “Ensnared: Star” was a Night Owl Reviews Top Pick.

Sign up for Rebecca Rivard’s newsletter at her website (rebeccarivard.com) and be the first to hear about new releases and read exclusive teasers from the books. As a thank you, Rebecca will gift you with a steamy short story (‘Lir’s Lady’).

For more about my vampire romances, including Pursued: A Vampire Syndicate Romance, go here.

https://rebeccarivard.com/vampires/

You can see all of my Fada Shapeshifter books here, including series order.

https://rebeccarivard.com/shapeshifters/

Come out hang out with me and my Wild Hearts on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/655091701366112/

I’m also on Instagram where I love posting pics about my various worlds.

https://www.instagram.com/rebecca.rivard/

 

Coming Soon · Pre-Order · Review

The Hollow Places: A Novel by T. Kingfisher – My Review

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Title: The Hollow Places: A Novel

Author: T. Kingfisher

Release Date: October 6th 2020

Genre: Horror Suspense

A young woman discovers a strange portal in her uncle’s house, leading to madness and terror in this gripping new novel from the author of the “innovative, unexpected, and absolutely chilling” (Mira Grant, Nebula Award–winning author) The Twisted Ones.

Pray they are hungry.

Kara finds the words in the mysterious bunker that she’s discovered behind a hole in the wall of her uncle’s house. Freshly divorced and living back at home, Kara now becomes obsessed with these cryptic words and starts exploring this peculiar area—only to discover that it holds portals to countless alternate realities. But these places are haunted by creatures that seem to hear thoughts…and the more one fears them, the stronger they become.

With her distinctive “delightfully fresh and subversive” (SF Bluestocking) prose and the strange, sinister wonder found in Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, The Hollow Places is another compelling and white-knuckled horror novel that you won’t be able to put down.

I went into this book not sure what I was expecting. Strange portal and terror? Ok I’m in! This book is one twisted ride! As the story went on, it only got creepier and creepier. Some parts were truly terrifying. I found myself fascinated with the mystery of the portal. I got a bit of sci-fi vibes along with the horror. The banter between Kara and Simon was good and had me smiling. Gotta smile even though you’re creeped out right? 

This author is new to me and I enjoyed her story telling as well as her writing style. I will look for more books by her. This was a strange, fantastic and creepy read that will give you the chills. If you’re a fan of those kinds of reads, this book is for YOU! I give this 4 stars!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Coming Soon · Pre-Order · Review

Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman – My Review

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Title: Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic

Author: Alice Hoffman

Release Date: October 6th 2020

Genre: Occult Horror

In an unforgettable novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.

Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Unnamed Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you back.

When Maria is abandoned by the man who has declared his love for her, she follows him to Salem, Massachusetts. Here she invokes the curse that will haunt her family. And it’s here that she learns the rules of magic and the lesson that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Love is the only thing that matters.

Magic Lessons is a celebration of life and love and a showcase of Alice Hoffman’s masterful storytelling.

Magic Lessons is a hauntingly beautiful origin story. Maria Owen’s story.

This book. Everything about it was phenomenal and heart wrenching and I was there for it. Maria’s journey wasn’t an easy one. She endured so much. My chest tightened with each loss she faced. Through it all, she had her magic. Always magic. It both helped and hurt her.

I have a deep love for the Owens family. To read Maria’s origin story was amazing. The beginning is a little slow but you’re in for a ride. Be patient. Its so worth it! I loved the dark vibe of the story. Those were different times. A dark time for anyone suspected in the “Unnamed Arts”. Maria suffered tremendous losses but she also knew happiness and love. The characters were so well written, I wanted to know about all them all. They all piqued my interest in one form or another. I read deep into the night to finish. I had to know! I was invested. The highly emotional scenes caused me heartbreak and tears. This book was everything I had hoped for and more! It was fantastic. I will carry this story close to my heart. I give this 5 stars. 

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Coming Soon · Review

The Nesting by C.J. Cooke – My Review

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Title: The Nesting

Author: C.J. Cooke

Release Date: September 29th 2020

Genre: Psychological Fiction

The woods are creeping in on a nanny and two young girls in this chilling modern Gothic thriller.

Architect Tom Faraday is determined to finish the high-concept, environmentally friendly home he’s building in Norway—in the same place where he lost his wife, Aurelia, to suicide. It was their dream house, and he wants to honor her with it.

Lexi Ellis takes a job as his nanny and immediately falls in love with his two young daughters, especially Gaia. But something feels off in the isolated house nestled in the forest along the fjord. Lexi sees mysterious muddy footprints inside the home. Aurelia’s diary appears in Lexi’s room one day. And Gaia keeps telling her about seeing the terrifying Sad Lady. . . .

Soon Lexi suspects that Aurelia didn’t kill herself and that they are all in danger from something far more sinister lurking around them.

I struggled on how I was going to write my review and also how I felt about the book. I will start with what I liked about it and go from there.

I loved the Nordic folktales. Those stories were not only interesting, they were a bit haunting which added a vibe to the story. I also loved how the local people believed in them and had their superstitions. Gaia was smart and cute. Probably my favorite character.

I truly wanted to like this story but right from start it was kind of doomed for me. I expected a lot more thriller than what I got from this story. The story seemed uneven. It starts off with a pretty strong event. It seemed to be building towards an explosive ending but it fell way flat for me. In no way did I feel this was a thriller. It seemed like a bunch of secrets and points of views that added up to a bunch of nothing. A lot of the story could have been cut down and most scenes taken out. The story didn’t find its way until the end. The end was ok. I didn’t love this story but I also didn’t hate it. I give this 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Coming Soon · Pre-Order · Review

To Tell You the Truth: A Novel by Gilly Macmillian – My Review

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Title: To Tell You the Truth: A Novel

Author: Gilly Macmillian

Release Date: September 22nd 2020

Genre: Psychological Thrillers

“A spellbinding book about a missing child, and about the life of a writer. Bold, suspenseful, and impossible to put down. This one will stay with me for a long time.” — Samantha Downing, #1 internationally bestselling author of My Lovely Wife

The acclaimed author of The Nanny and What She Knew—hailed by stalwarts including Ruth Ware, Liane Moriarty, Rosamund Lupton, Tess Gerritsen, and Shari Lapena—returns with another serpentine thriller that cleverly blends atmosphere, tarnished memories, mystery, and twisty secrets from the past into a potent, intense read that will leave you questioning everything you believe.

To tell you the truth . . . everybody lies.

Lucy Harper’s talent for writing bestselling novels has given her fame, fortune and millions of fans.  It’s also given her Dan, her needy, jealous husband whose own writing career has gone precisely nowhere.

Now Dan has vanished. But this isn’t the first time that someone has disappeared from Lucy’s life. Three decades ago, her little brother Teddy also went missing and was never found. Lucy, the only witness, helplessly spun fantasy after fantasy about Teddy’s disappearance, to the detectives’ fury and her parents’ despair. That was the start of her ability to tell a story—a talent she has profited from greatly.

But now Lucy’s a grown woman who can’t hide behind fiction any longer. The world is watching, and her whole life is under intense scrutiny. A life full of stories, some more believable than others. Could she have hurt Teddy?  Did she kill Dan?  Finally, now, Lucy Harper’s going to tell the truth.

Cross her heart.

And hope to die.

This is the first book I’ve read from Gilly Macmillan and it won’t be my last. Right from the beginning, the story draws you in. I stayed up late once I started because I couldn’t put it down. I was hooked! It switches back and forth between the present and the past. Or does it? There was a dark vibe that settled over me, urging me on. I happily obliged. I was curious about Lucy. She had secrets that seemed to burden her. I admit I didn’t know who to trust. Everyone seemed shady. The author kept me guessing till the very end. I did not see ANY of that coming!!! The whole book was one twisty ride and the ending gave me mixed feelings and maybe that was the goal.

The book as a whole is enjoyable and thrilling. It will have you on the edge of your seat. The writing was great. The characters were great. I look forward to reading more from this author!! I give this 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Coming Soon · Review

Killing Song (The Legacy Book 3) by Luna Joya – My Review

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Title: Killing Song (The Legacy Book 3)

Author: Luna Joya

Release Date: August 18th 2020

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

One more kill and she’s free. But only if she doesn’t fall in love first.

Love destroys. Zaida has lived by that motto for centuries as a siren and the faerie queen’s most lethal assassin. So keeping things strictly professional with the sexy human she’s working with on the FBI’s paranormal task force shouldn’t be a problem. Except it is.

Former Army Ranger Zimm isn’t a big fan of love either. Losing everything and everyone will do that to a guy. Keeping his hands off the badass, sword-happy siren who’s helping him track down a murderous demon should be easy. But it isn’t.

If Zaida and Zimm have any hope of claiming their happily ever after, they’ll have to catch a killer, outwit immortal royalty, and face off against an evil magical organization. And then there’s the little matter of the last hit the queen has ordered Zaida to carry out in exchange for her freedom. The target? Zimm.

Seems like everything’s about to get supernaturally complicated.

If you like Thea Harrison, Darynda Jones, Jennifer L. Armentrout, or Christine Feehan, this steamy paranormal romance is for you. Get it now.

Just when I think I have a favorite book by Luna Joya, she comes out with Killing Song. 

Fantastic world building! Strong female characters who kick butt! A sizzling page turner!

These two piqued my interest in book two and I was thrilled that this book was their story. I loved the chemistry between them and that sexy heat…oh my! Along with the action and magic, there’s a wide range of emotions being felt. It’s safe to say this is my favorite so far….until the next one! 

This is a highly entertaining read! This story pulls you in fast and doesn’t let go, even after you’ve finished. I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Coming Soon · Review

When No One Is Watching: A Thriller by Alyssa Cole – My Review

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Title: When No One Is Watching: A Thriller

Author: Alyssa Cole

Release Date: September 1st 2020

Genre: Urban Life, Psychological Fiction

“From the first page of WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING, I felt like I was right there in the gentrifying Brooklyn neighborhood, filled with sharply etched characters and dialogue that zings. Then bam!  I was knocked over by the momentum of an intense psychological thriller that doesn’t let go until the final page. This is a terrific read.” – Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author

Rear Window meets Get Out in this gripping thriller from a critically acclaimed and New York Times Notable author, in which the gentrification of a Brooklyn neighborhood takes on a sinister new meaning…

Sydney Green is Brooklyn born and raised, but her beloved neighborhood seems to change every time she blinks. Condos are sprouting like weeds, FOR SALE signs are popping up overnight, and the neighbors she’s known all her life are disappearing. To hold onto her community’s past and present, Sydney channels her frustration into a walking tour and finds an unlikely and unwanted assistant in one of the new arrivals to the block—her neighbor Theo.

But Sydney and Theo’s deep dive into history quickly becomes a dizzying descent into paranoia and fear. Their neighbors may not have moved to the suburbs after all, and the push to revitalize the community may be more deadly than advertised.

When does coincidence become conspiracy? Where do people go when gentrification pushes them out? Can Sydney and Theo trust each other—or themselves—long enough to find out before they too disappear?

Intriguing. Riveting. Chilling. 

These are the words I have to describe this book.This is my first Alyssa Cole read and I was not disappointed. The story is riveting, engaging, and thought provoking. The subject matter is important and relevant in today’s world. 

I went in with no expectations of trying to figure out anything. I wanted to start and see where the story took me and took me it did! One wild ride. Strange and unexplainable things were happening and nothing was making sense. The more she looked into things the more she put herself in danger. 

This book had me on the edge of my seat towards the end. It really had my pulse racing. Many twists I didn’t see coming and appreciated. After I was done I kind of sat there thinking wooooow. Mind blown. It’s safe to say this author has a new fan. 

The writing is excellent as well as the characters. Wonderful and engaging read from beginning to end. I will look into other works by Miss Cole. I highly recommend this book! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Coming Soon · Review

These Vengeful Hearts by Katherine Laurin – My Review

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Title: These Vengeful Hearts

Author: Katherine Laurin

Release Date: September 8th 2020

Genre: Young Adult

A thrilling novel about a secret society and the dangers that lie in wait for anyone brave enough to join—perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus, Kara Thomas, and Maureen Johnson.

Whenever something scandalous happens at Heller High, the Red Court is the name on everyone’s lips. Its members deal out social ruin and favors in equal measure, their true identities known only by their leader: the Queen of Hearts.

Ember Williams has seen firsthand the damage the Red Court can do. Now, she’s determined to hold the organization accountable by taking it down from the inside. But will the cost of revenge be more than she’s willing to sacrifice?

Between the cover and the blurb, I was excited to read this book. A secret society? Yes, please! The story takes place in a high school setting. We meet Ember who has plans on taking down the Red Court. Can she pull it off?

I had really high hopes for this read. It was all there but it didn’t quite deliver. There were a lot of places where I was kind of bored. The story is good but I wish there was a bit more darkness to it. Again, this is just my opinion. The characters were good. I had some favorites. I really liked that they had more to them than at first glance. Some of them even surprised me towards the end! I wasn’t sure how I felt about the ending but there was one aspect of it that I really liked and it had me fist pumping and saying “Yes!”. Yes, I totally did it. 

As a whole, this is a good book. I would recommend to friends. I just needed more. If there is a second, I would love to read it because I am invested in some of these characters. I give this 3 stars. 

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Coming Soon · Review

White Ivy: A Novel by Susie Yang – My Review

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Title: White Ivy: A Novel

Author: Susie Yang

Release Date: September 8th 2020

Genre: Asian American Literature

A dazzling debut novel about a young woman’s dark obsession with her privileged classmate and the lengths she’ll go to win his love—from prizewinning Chinese American author Susie Yang.

Ivy Lin is a thief and a liar—but you’d never know it by looking at her.

Raised outside of Boston, Ivy’s immigrant grandmother relies on Ivy’s mild appearance for cover as she teaches her granddaughter how to pilfer items from yard sales and second-hand shops. Thieving allows Ivy to accumulate the trappings of a suburban teen—and, most importantly, to attract the attention of Gideon Speyer, the golden boy of a wealthy political family. But when Ivy’s mother discovers her trespasses, punishment is swift and Ivy is sent to China, and her dream instantly evaporates.

Years later, Ivy has grown into a poised yet restless young woman, haunted by her conflicting feelings about her upbringing and her family. Back in Boston, when Ivy bumps into Sylvia Speyer, Gideon’s sister, a reconnection with Gideon seems not only inevitable—it feels like fate.

Slowly, Ivy sinks her claws into Gideon and the entire Speyer clan by attending fancy dinners, and weekend getaways to the cape. But just as Ivy is about to have everything she’s ever wanted, a ghost from her past resurfaces, threatening the nearly perfect life she’s worked so hard to build.

Filled with surprising twists and offering sharp insights into the immigrant experience, White Ivy is both a love triangle and a coming-of-age story, as well as a glimpse into the dark side of a woman who yearns for success at any cost.

After I finished this book, I had to take some time to reflect. The ending and the book as a whole had me feeling conflicted. The story is a well written one. Some parts that had me shaking my head and I think it had to do more with the characters actions rather than the story. The story was really good! I loved reading about how Ivy grew up, her experiences and how they shaped her into the person she ended up becoming. On the other hand, I didn’t agree with a lot of the choices she made and cringed at most of them and I think that’s what had me conflicted. All that being said, this is a great story. The author has a great storytelling style and I think the story challenges us in a way. I highly enjoyed it. I look forward to what Miss Yang comes out with next. I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*