Review: Secretly Yours

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hallie is a free-spirited gardener who never moved on from her high-school crush, and can't seem to find herself now that a loved one has passed. Julian is a hyper-focused and organized-to-a-fault professor who is attracted to his gardener, but doesn't remember where he knows her from. She needs help taking life by the reigns, and he needs help letting go of them. Opposites attract. Happily ever after.

I slept on this one before writing a review because I couldn't figure out why I didn't love it as much as I have Tessa's other books. It's a cute and funny rom-com like I was expecting, but I think what threw me was that it was written in third person. I didn't connect with the characters as much and found I kept getting confused on who's POV I was supposed to be in. 

Things I liked:

-Curvy female protagonist! Hallie was rocking her curvy figure without it defining her.

-The BANTER between Hallie and Julian was perfect.

-They both had flaws, saw them in each other, and grew. 

-Supporting cast was lovely and a great set up for the sequel.

-Setting (wine country) was immersive.

Things I wasn't a fan of:

-3rd person POV

-The letters weren't damning enough for the drama, nor were there enough of them for them to be play such a large role in the story IMO.

-The grand gesture was odd.

-<spoiler>3rd act break-up</spoiler>

Overall, I liked it and will read the second book following Julian's sister. Marriage of convenience and enemies to lovers? Count me in. 

View all my reviews on Goodreads.

Shattered Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Shattered Glass
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Glass Series (Also Chronicles of Ixia or Poison Study Series)
Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult
Page Count: 86 Pages (Kindle)
Published: April November 19th 2016 by Maria V. Snyder
Rating: 5/5

While trying to teach her adopted daughter, Reema, how to work with molten glass, Opal receives a letter from Master Magician Zitora Cowan requesting Opal's immediate help.

Zitora resigned from the Sitian Council over two years ago to search for her lost sister, and no one has heard from her since. The letter is probably a trick, but Opal refuses to pass up the opportunity to help her mentor, who may be in genuine trouble. Good thing Opal isn't that easy to fool. With her two soldier friends Nic and Eve providing backup, the three travel to a small town in the Jewelrose Clan. But can they rescue the Master Magician without being caught in the same trap?

My Review:

I can't believe that I never posted this review! Shattered Glass is an essential short story if you are reading the new Yelena/Study books. This one should be read before Dawn Study. Opal receives a message from Zitora that is most likely a trap, but she has no choice but to answer the call for help. Great short story with Opal and her friends from the Glass series. I was happy to find out where Zitora disappeared to and to spend a little time with Opal again.

I had the honour of working with Maria to create the cover for this novella and it was a dream come true for me. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to her daughter's friend Araella's medical expenses. Her world was shattered back in August when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer - she's just 18 years old! :(

My Rating: 5/5

You'll like this series if you liked

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas or Graceling by Kristin Cashore

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The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Forever Song
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: Blood of Eden #3
Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult
Page Count: 393 Pages (Hardcover)
Published: April 15th 2014 by Mira Ink
Rating: 5/5

Vengeance will be hers.

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

Monster.

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions - her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost - the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

THE FINAL HUNT IS ON.

My Review:

All the feels! The Forever Song was my favourite book in this series.


Allie is broken from losing Zeke, and now vengeance is the only thing driving her. The road to revenge is paved in blood and heartache and I loved every minute of it.


Sarren has a head start and he isn't making it easy to follow him, let alone beat him to Eden. Allie and her unconventional family have to figure out a way to beat the psychotic vampire before he unleashed his hell on earth.


Jackal drove the story for me with his sarcastic humour and unpredictable nature. It lightened the mood when Allie was on a rampage or getting her soul crushed. I didn't always agree with the choices that Allie made, but in the end she made me proud.


The story was well paced and the conclusion was great without being too conveniently wrapped up.

Fav. Quotes (minus the spoilery ones):

“I am proud of you, Allison Sekemoto,” he whispered as he drew back. “Whatever you decide, whatever path you choose to take, I hope that you will remain the same girl I met that night in the rain. The one decision for which I have no regrets.””  

“Oh, heads are going to roll for this. I’m going to set up a special lane and use their skulls for bowling balls.”

My Rating: 5/5

You'll like this series if you liked

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer or The Iron King by Julie Kagawa.

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The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Eternity Cure
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: Blood of Eden #2
Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult
Page Count: 434 Pages (Paperback)
Published: April 30th 2013 by Mira Ink
Rating: 4/5

In Allison Sekemoto's world, there is one rule left: Blood calls to blood

She has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie's birthplace in New Covington, what Allie finds there will change the world forever-and possibly end human and vampire existence.

There's a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago-and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries, if Allie can get to him in time.

Allison thought that immortality was forever. But now, with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further, and Allie must face another choice she could never have imagined having to make.

My Review:

Eternity Cure was another gripping read by Julie Kagawa. Allie comes into her vampire self in this book. The story picks up with her hunting down Kanin and Sarren. Allie is hardened from her experiences in The Immortal Rules. I liked hunter Allie. She wasn’t trying to be human but she retained her morals and her character was stronger because of it.

The mission to save Kanin was just the beginning, bringing Allie into the middle of a plagued city and a new enemy.

The Eternity Cure had a good mix of old and new characters and settings. We get some resolution from questions left unanswered in The Immortal Rules while Julie threw some curve-balls in I didn’t see coming. The ending had my gaw dropping to the floor, so make sure you have The Forever Song on deck because you're going to want to start it immediately!

Overall I liked this book a lot. It lost a star for me because I felt like the fictive bubble was burst for me with the characters dumb decision making near the end. I just felt like they could have ended up in the same place without the ignorance.

Fav. Quotes (minus the spoilery ones):

“'I don't believe in fate,' he said carefully, 'but... I do believe everything happens for a reason. That there is some plan, some meaning to this darkness we live in.'”  

“Next time you two decide to go on a bloody killing spree, at least send me an invitation so I know that you care.”

My Rating: 4/5

You'll like this series if you liked

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer or The Iron King by Julie Kagawa.

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Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Touch of Power
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Healer #1
Genre: Fantasy
Page Count: 390 Pages (Paperback)
Published: December 27 2011 by Mira Books
Rating: 5/5

Magician, heal thyself.

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....

My Review:

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Maria V. Snyder's writing. Whenever I'm asked for book recommendations her books are on the top of my list.

I read this series a while back and didn't have the time to review it, but I had it on my list and am finally taking the time because everyone should know how great Touch of Power is.

If you liked the Poison Study series you will undoubtedly like this one also. It's not set in the same world, but the blend of magic, medieval and adventure is the same.

Avry is a healer who is forced to hide her gift or face death. She gets wrapped up in a war not of her choosing and makes friends and enemies as she is brought on a dangerous journey to heal a dying prince. She is a great heroine that I was rooting for the whole time.

There are other powers that come into play, and magical elements that are unique to the world Maria created in this series. The love story that is started in Touch of Power is woven through delicately so that it doesn't overpower the plot but sucks you right in with all of the feels.

A great adventure story and the start of an amazing series. If you haven't already added this one to your to-read pile, you definitely should!

Fav. Quotes (minus the spoilery ones):

“Kerrick gave him a tight smile.
'You mean I'm not omnipotent?'
'You're not even semi-potent.'
'Is that even a word?' Kerrick asked.
'He probably means you're impotent,' I offered.”  

"I can't decide what's worse. Losing family members or not having a family member to lose."

My Rating: 5/5

You'll like this series if you liked

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, or Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch.

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*As a side note: I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but since I missed the publication date I purchased the whole series on amazon. 

Best. Decision. Ever!

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: Blood of Eden #1
Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult
Page Count: 485 Pages (Hardcover)
Published: April 24th 2012 by Harlequin
Rating: 5/5

MY VAMPIRE CREATOR TOLD ME THIS:

"Sometime in your life, Allison Sekemoto, you will kill a human being. The question is not if it will happen, but when. Do you understand?"

I didn't then, not really.

I DO NOW.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die…or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn’t easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

My Review:

Well, I can’t believe I waited this long to start such an amazing series. I am in love with The Immortal Rules.

In my defence I have been burned a couple of times by other authors and decided to wait until all three books in the trilogy were released before starting, and I guess the silver lining is now I don’t have to wait for the next one I can just dive right in.

The immortal rules is a story about an orphaned 17-year-old girl who is living her life in the outskirts of a walled-in city that is run by vampires. She scavenges, steals, and begs to keep herself alive with the other “unregistered” because she refuses to sell her blood to the monsters that run the city in exchange for food and shelter. Outside the walls the world is in ruins and swarming with “rabids” - infected people and animals that are zombie-like with a vampire flare. I don’t know how much more to say without major spoilers. It’s a vampire book with a Walking Dead feel.

Although it’s YA it’s not angsty or juvenile. Allie is a strong female lead that is bad-ass and like-able. The supporting characters are both lovable and loathable (yes I’m making up terms) making for a well-rounded cast to traverse the story with.

One thing I will say is that it took me a few chapters to realize that Kannin isn’t meant to be a love interest, but more of a mentor role. That may be obvious to others but I thought it was worth mentioning.

I loved the story and world-building. Julie Kagawa has been one of my favourite authors since her Iron Fey series and she didn’t disappoint with her take on vampires.

Fav. Quotes (minus the spoilery ones):

“You will always be a monster, there is no turning back from it. But what type of monster you become is entirely up to you.”  

"The closer you got to someone, the more it would destroy you when they were inevitably gone."

My Rating: 5/5

You'll like this series if you liked

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer or The Iron King by Julie Kagawa.

Cover Coverage

This series has had a couple cover makeovers.Which is your favourite?

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*As a side note: I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but since I missed the publication date I purchased a hardcover and man am I glad that I did!

Spectacle by Rachel Vincent

Title: Spectacle
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Menagerie #2
Genre: Fantasy
Page Count: 392 Pages
Published:  May 30th 2017 by Harlequin MIRA
Rating: 5/5

In this riveting sequel to New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent's acclaimed novel Menagerie, Delilah Marlow will discover that there is no crueler cage than the confines of the human mind…

When their coup of Metzger's Menagerie is discovered, Delilah and her fellow cryptids find their newly won freedom brutally stripped away as they are sold into The Savage Spectacle, a private collection of "exotic wildlife." Specializing in ruthless cryptid cage matches, safari-style creature hunts and living party favors, the Spectacle's owner, Willem Vandekamp, caters to the forbidden fetishes of the wealthy and powerful. At the Spectacle, any wish can be granted—for the right price.

But Vandekamp's closely guarded client list isn't the only secret being kept at the Spectacle. Beneath the beauty and brutality of life in the collection lie much darker truths, and no one is more determined than Delilah to strip the masks from the human monsters and drag all dark things into the light.

My Review:

I couldn't put this book down.

Delilah and the group of cryptids from Menagerie aren't free for long and this time their captor is wealthier and more intelligent than Metzger was. In a high-tech facility catering to the whims of the rich and powerful, they face a harsher reality and escape seems impossible.

I have read some reviews harping on how much this book resembled the first but personally, I found it much like the Hunger Games trilogy, where the similarities shone a light on a new set of issues and gave answers to some of my what if questions from the first book.

Spectacle was darker than Menagerie, but Rachel found a way to have a lot of the more trigger-sensitive scenes happen "off-camera." Although our characters suffer through many heart-wrenching ordeals before the final page.

Menagerie for me dealt with a society willing to overlook captivity so that they could satiate their curiosity and it explored the rights and wrongs of the treatment of captive creatures. Spectacle sunk deeper into those issues by exposing some of human nature's darker side. The average person would want innocent entertainment and parlor tricks, but when money strips away a person's consequences, the vile and those of broken conscience seek darker, crueler ways to get their thrills.

There was a definite arc to this one, the second half kept picking up speed until I could barely turn the pages fast enough. October is too far away for Fury!

My Rating: 5/5

You'll like this series if you liked

Shifter series by Rachel Vincent, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, or Room by Emma Donoghue (If you also like fantasy as well).

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