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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Tall, Dark and Wolfish (Westfield Wolves, #2) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Rating: 3.75
Lord Benjamin, the youngest of the Westfeld brothers, is a broken werewolf. He can no longer change in the light of the full moon. Horrified at himself, he seeks out a healer—a witch, although he isn't sure he believes in them—and comes across the beautiful Elspeth Campbell. But in order to let Elspeth heal him, he has to tell her everything. And spilling his guts to a beautiful Scottish girl isn't the easiest thing in the world.
Elspeth isn't quite sure what to think of Lord Benjamin… especially when her sister witch, a seer, claims that he will take her away from them forever. She vows not to leave them, but when she meets him… she begins to have second thoughts. Falling in love with him hadn't been part of the plan.
Tall, Dark, and Wolfish was really cute. I adored Elspeth: she was a fun, stubborn, slightly sarcastic character who was strong in herself. And Benjamin… poor broken Benjamin who lost his wolf-ness. I loved their interactions and I loved their dialogue. I especially liked the interactions between Ben and Will, his brother. They're just… great.
The writing was satisfactory… but the accents were great. Elspeth and her witch sisters spoke in their Scottish accents, and it was written with the accent. Although it was a little hard to read at first, you can catch onto the sound of their voices quickly, and it adds to the character.
I was pleased at the plot: at first I was wondering how Dare would stretch the limited romantic plot into a full length novel, but there were a lot of aspects and sub-plots that were woven in, making it an exciting fun story.
Although, all things considered, it was just a tad sappy. But not enough to make me put it down. I think I read it through from beginning to end in about four hours.
Content/recommendation: some language, some sex. Ages 18+
Lord Benjamin, the youngest of the Westfeld brothers, is a broken werewolf. He can no longer change in the light of the full moon. Horrified at himself, he seeks out a healer—a witch, although he isn't sure he believes in them—and comes across the beautiful Elspeth Campbell. But in order to let Elspeth heal him, he has to tell her everything. And spilling his guts to a beautiful Scottish girl isn't the easiest thing in the world.
Elspeth isn't quite sure what to think of Lord Benjamin… especially when her sister witch, a seer, claims that he will take her away from them forever. She vows not to leave them, but when she meets him… she begins to have second thoughts. Falling in love with him hadn't been part of the plan.
Tall, Dark, and Wolfish was really cute. I adored Elspeth: she was a fun, stubborn, slightly sarcastic character who was strong in herself. And Benjamin… poor broken Benjamin who lost his wolf-ness. I loved their interactions and I loved their dialogue. I especially liked the interactions between Ben and Will, his brother. They're just… great.
The writing was satisfactory… but the accents were great. Elspeth and her witch sisters spoke in their Scottish accents, and it was written with the accent. Although it was a little hard to read at first, you can catch onto the sound of their voices quickly, and it adds to the character.
I was pleased at the plot: at first I was wondering how Dare would stretch the limited romantic plot into a full length novel, but there were a lot of aspects and sub-plots that were woven in, making it an exciting fun story.
Although, all things considered, it was just a tad sappy. But not enough to make me put it down. I think I read it through from beginning to end in about four hours.
Content/recommendation: some language, some sex. Ages 18+
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Falling in Books
May 10, 2018
Emma Montague has just left the hustle and bustle of life and work in New York City and has moved to Westport, CT. She has left her job as a banker, to slow down a bit and try her hand at interior design. It's something she has always been passionate about and has a great eye for it as well. She finds a house that has a lot of potential, on the beach and the landlord, Dominic is willing to compromise on the changes she has in mind for the cute cottage. Emma sees something in Dominic that she has never seen in any man before. But, they come from two totally different worlds. Emma is from England and left there to pursue a life in the United States and Dominic has barely left Westport. A relationship between these two would never work. Would it?
I love Jane Green books. They are always so emotional and I can always find a way to connect the story and characters to something that is going on in my life. This book was no exception. It was very emotional and the last few chapters had me crying like a baby.
Emma and Dominic have the type of relationship we all wish we could have. They met and had an instant connection Their love for each other and for Dominic's son, Jesse is almost instantaneous. When an unexpected visitor comes to town, Emma thinks that her relationship with Dominic will be over just as quickly as it started. But Dominic is firm in his feelings for Emma and nothing will change that.
Another book for me that was impossible to put down. I may get in trouble from the library for the tear-soaked pages I left behind, but it would be well worth it. If you have never read a book by [a:Jane Green|12915|Jane Green|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1392141074p2/12915.jpg], you don't know what you're missing and I suggest you pick one up right away.
I love Jane Green books. They are always so emotional and I can always find a way to connect the story and characters to something that is going on in my life. This book was no exception. It was very emotional and the last few chapters had me crying like a baby.
Emma and Dominic have the type of relationship we all wish we could have. They met and had an instant connection Their love for each other and for Dominic's son, Jesse is almost instantaneous. When an unexpected visitor comes to town, Emma thinks that her relationship with Dominic will be over just as quickly as it started. But Dominic is firm in his feelings for Emma and nothing will change that.
Another book for me that was impossible to put down. I may get in trouble from the library for the tear-soaked pages I left behind, but it would be well worth it. If you have never read a book by [a:Jane Green|12915|Jane Green|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1392141074p2/12915.jpg], you don't know what you're missing and I suggest you pick one up right away.
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Steam: A Homecoming Hearts Novel #4 in Books
Apr 19, 2018
a great, one sitting read
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.
This is book 4 in the series, but you do not need to have read the others for this one to make sense. They can be all read as stand alones. I have only read one and tow to date.
I LOVED books one and two, but for me, this one did not quite hit the spot that they did.
Don't get me wrong, it's a great read, and I read it in one sitting. My first instinct when starting to write this is 4 stars, and I cannot seem to budge off that! And *insert wailing* I don't know WHY!!
Trent is sent home, to get his act together after punching a photographer. Ashby ran half way across the world to find himself some space after a break up. The two immediately have a connection but Trent is straight, right??
Like I said, it's a great read, some sexy spots, some emotional spots and some cute St Bernard puppy spots. It just....ARGH!!!
I loved Trent, and what he was trying to do with his dad. He understood that Dad was maybe not in the best of places, and Trent hadn't helped that by not coming home sooner. I loved Ashby, and all his little quirks! Loved the Harry Potter response to everyone!
I HATE it when I can't figure out what doesn't work for me, you know I do, but it's really bothering me her more so that usual! I love Ms Welch's work, she writes great stories with believable characters in real life situations. Her characters are quirky and unique, she spins a good, well written, well delivered tale.
Before I go off on a tangent, I'll just say this. You should read these books. They are really excellent,just this one didn't quite hit that spot that Scorch and Spark did.
BUT!!!
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 4 in the series, but you do not need to have read the others for this one to make sense. They can be all read as stand alones. I have only read one and tow to date.
I LOVED books one and two, but for me, this one did not quite hit the spot that they did.
Don't get me wrong, it's a great read, and I read it in one sitting. My first instinct when starting to write this is 4 stars, and I cannot seem to budge off that! And *insert wailing* I don't know WHY!!
Trent is sent home, to get his act together after punching a photographer. Ashby ran half way across the world to find himself some space after a break up. The two immediately have a connection but Trent is straight, right??
Like I said, it's a great read, some sexy spots, some emotional spots and some cute St Bernard puppy spots. It just....ARGH!!!
I loved Trent, and what he was trying to do with his dad. He understood that Dad was maybe not in the best of places, and Trent hadn't helped that by not coming home sooner. I loved Ashby, and all his little quirks! Loved the Harry Potter response to everyone!
I HATE it when I can't figure out what doesn't work for me, you know I do, but it's really bothering me her more so that usual! I love Ms Welch's work, she writes great stories with believable characters in real life situations. Her characters are quirky and unique, she spins a good, well written, well delivered tale.
Before I go off on a tangent, I'll just say this. You should read these books. They are really excellent,just this one didn't quite hit that spot that Scorch and Spark did.
BUT!!!
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
RPGMP3 (211 KP) rated Bears vs Babies in Tabletop Games
Apr 20, 2018
Cool Idea (1 more)
Monsters Eating Babies
Can Get Frustrating (1 more)
Winner Is Usually Obvious Very Early
You Get To Build Monsters (And Eat Babies)
I Kickstartered this game when it was released despite not really loving Exploding Kittens beyond the art and the concept. The large draw was that I did not have any other game in my collection that I could pet and stroke when I was stressed and who doesn't like building monsters?
To be honest, this is a decent game with some strategy elements. The main issue is that the winner generally becomes evident early on in the game when they take a large number of points and wipe out everyone else's monsters and it become difficult for everyone else to catch up if the leader plays to obstruct.
The art is cute and sometimes rather disturbing, especially in the NSFW expansion (which should certainly not be used with kids at the table unless you want some deep and terrible conversations about schlongs). The monsters you make are funny and you can get a little attached to them. Sadly, that is a bad strategy as they can be wiped out in the Baby War at any point when someone provokes one of the baby armies and they kill everyone.
One of the biggest frustrations with this game is that sometimes you get to a point where you have nothing but legs and nothing else. All you want is a head or a cool body to attach all your legs to. You don't want to waste a turn diving in the discard for a head so you keep drawing more legs until you can hardly hold all your cards. At the end of the game you realize the Dave has all the heads and you hate him. Screw you, Dave!
Overall, its OK, You won't play it all the time, but it can be fun with a beer in the right crowd.
To be honest, this is a decent game with some strategy elements. The main issue is that the winner generally becomes evident early on in the game when they take a large number of points and wipe out everyone else's monsters and it become difficult for everyone else to catch up if the leader plays to obstruct.
The art is cute and sometimes rather disturbing, especially in the NSFW expansion (which should certainly not be used with kids at the table unless you want some deep and terrible conversations about schlongs). The monsters you make are funny and you can get a little attached to them. Sadly, that is a bad strategy as they can be wiped out in the Baby War at any point when someone provokes one of the baby armies and they kill everyone.
One of the biggest frustrations with this game is that sometimes you get to a point where you have nothing but legs and nothing else. All you want is a head or a cool body to attach all your legs to. You don't want to waste a turn diving in the discard for a head so you keep drawing more legs until you can hardly hold all your cards. At the end of the game you realize the Dave has all the heads and you hate him. Screw you, Dave!
Overall, its OK, You won't play it all the time, but it can be fun with a beer in the right crowd.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated 99% Faking It in Books
Mar 21, 2019
Characters (2 more)
Writing Style
Plot line
Every now and then, I love to read a good young adult romance. A romance that is young, and innocent. So, I was browsing through Netgalley and saw this one, and fell in love with the synopsis and the cover (I mean, seriously. How adorable is that cover? I can just feel the hug he's giving her!). I grabbed it up. I'm super glad I did, too, because I have a new author to read more work by, and characters that have stolen my heart for the long haul.
I loved the way Chris Cannon chiseled these characters. They are true-to-life and came alive within the story. I felt more like I was watching a movie on the big screen than I was reading a book. Lisa and Matt reminded me a lot of some of the kids I used to know in high school. Lisa had a crush on a guy who just wanted to be friends.....or so she thought. Friend zone happened a lot back in my day at school!
Watching Lisa and Matt together in this read was super fun. They were witty and so cute. I loved watching them realize their feelings for each other, and their banter with each other was fun. The sparks flew but nothing was over the top, and Lisa and Matt would be great characters for any young adult (or adult!) to read.
Chris Cannon has a beautiful talent. The way she weaves the story together, even though it is the second in her Dating Dilemmas series, I wasn't overly confused by the happenings surrounding Lisa and Matt's story. I felt a part of these young people's lives and had so much fun reading it! I definitely recommend this book with 4 stars and am looking forward to reading book 1 and other books by this author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I loved the way Chris Cannon chiseled these characters. They are true-to-life and came alive within the story. I felt more like I was watching a movie on the big screen than I was reading a book. Lisa and Matt reminded me a lot of some of the kids I used to know in high school. Lisa had a crush on a guy who just wanted to be friends.....or so she thought. Friend zone happened a lot back in my day at school!
Watching Lisa and Matt together in this read was super fun. They were witty and so cute. I loved watching them realize their feelings for each other, and their banter with each other was fun. The sparks flew but nothing was over the top, and Lisa and Matt would be great characters for any young adult (or adult!) to read.
Chris Cannon has a beautiful talent. The way she weaves the story together, even though it is the second in her Dating Dilemmas series, I wasn't overly confused by the happenings surrounding Lisa and Matt's story. I felt a part of these young people's lives and had so much fun reading it! I definitely recommend this book with 4 stars and am looking forward to reading book 1 and other books by this author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Pet Sematary (2019) in Movies
May 13, 2019
Pet peeve
#petsematary is a dire #remake of an already bad #film. Its drab, lifeless & should never of been #reanimated. I had high hopes for this film because it feels like its been a while since the last mainstream horror movie so as I felt genuinely excited but after the first 15 minutes this feeling had quickly been replaced with sheer #fear there was still well over an hour left to go till i could leave. Before we hit the negatives ill give you my positives that saved the movie from being a total walk out. First - #johnlithgow is great as always but mostly wasted largely because of the terrible script he's been given to work with. Second - the running theme of #death is great & the film portrays how all living things fear it so much rather well (it also handles #grieving & guilt #trauma surrounding #death well too but its ultimately far to brief). Now the bad - the movie feels nasty & cheap to look at visually, cgi is bad, make up design is lazy, the camerawork feels awkward & strangely zoomed in just a bit to close to everything, theres weird #90s era motion blur on everything fast moving, acting is laughable/cheesy & scenes go on far to long as does build up to key scenes that have an anticlimactic pay off. If you've seen the original or the trailer for that matter the film becomes highly predictable killing all suspense & what little atmosphere the film conjures up is ruined by naff & bland set design. I honestly cant recomend anyone wasting their time on this highly forgettable film unless your a big fan of really #adorable #cats then this one in this is a clear 10/10 on the #cute scale. An uninspired lazy cash grab & there are a million horror films out there that tell almost the same story way better. #odeon #odeonlimitless #horror #gore #stephenking #scary #cat #animal #pet #classic #retro #cultclassic #80s #filmbuff #filmcritic #zombie
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Intentionally - Single by Taylor Grey in Music
Jun 6, 2019 (Updated Jun 6, 2019)
Taylor Grey is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Northern California. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Intentionally” single.
“Intentionally, you made me fall for you. Knock me off my feet, okay how cruel and kind of you. It’s chemical how much I need you. Metaphorically, I can’t move. I guess it feels like I’m stuck on you. Baby, I don’t know how you get me in the way you do.”
‘Intentionally’ tells an adorable tale of a young woman who is head-over-heels in love with her new beau. Apparently, they’ve been together for only one week, and he is already talking about marrying her.
Later, she admits that he thinks she’s cute and she considers him to be a cool individual. Even though he seems a little crazy, she needs him and is into everything he does.
‘Intentionally’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with a commercial pop aroma.
“I’ve had this song in my back pocket for over a year and a half. Always playing it live at shows, just waiting for the right moment to officially release it. Now, on the Four Corners Tour with The Vamps, couldn’t be a better time to do so.” – Taylor Grey
Her likable sound is reminiscent of @Zara Larsson and @Nina Nesbitt . A gifted entertainer, she burst onto the music scene in 2016, the same year she started her undergraduate degree at Stanford University.
Since then, she has been building a name for herself as a prolific recording artist by navigating today’s contemporary pop landscape with authenticity and vulnerability that is impossible not to cheer on.
Her “Intentionally” single was produced by Nico Stadi (Justin Bieber, Lindsey Stirling). Also, it was mixed and mastered by Grammy-nominated producer Imad Royal (The Chainsmokers, Panic! At The Disco).
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/taylor-grey-intentionally/
“Intentionally, you made me fall for you. Knock me off my feet, okay how cruel and kind of you. It’s chemical how much I need you. Metaphorically, I can’t move. I guess it feels like I’m stuck on you. Baby, I don’t know how you get me in the way you do.”
‘Intentionally’ tells an adorable tale of a young woman who is head-over-heels in love with her new beau. Apparently, they’ve been together for only one week, and he is already talking about marrying her.
Later, she admits that he thinks she’s cute and she considers him to be a cool individual. Even though he seems a little crazy, she needs him and is into everything he does.
‘Intentionally’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with a commercial pop aroma.
“I’ve had this song in my back pocket for over a year and a half. Always playing it live at shows, just waiting for the right moment to officially release it. Now, on the Four Corners Tour with The Vamps, couldn’t be a better time to do so.” – Taylor Grey
Her likable sound is reminiscent of @Zara Larsson and @Nina Nesbitt . A gifted entertainer, she burst onto the music scene in 2016, the same year she started her undergraduate degree at Stanford University.
Since then, she has been building a name for herself as a prolific recording artist by navigating today’s contemporary pop landscape with authenticity and vulnerability that is impossible not to cheer on.
Her “Intentionally” single was produced by Nico Stadi (Justin Bieber, Lindsey Stirling). Also, it was mixed and mastered by Grammy-nominated producer Imad Royal (The Chainsmokers, Panic! At The Disco).
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/taylor-grey-intentionally/
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Summer I Became a Nerd (Nerd, #1) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
If you're looking for a light, fluffy, nerdy contemporary romance then this is the book for you. It's the perfect book if you have a book hangover or just to get your mind off of things.
After being embarrassed in the 6th grade, our main character decides to hide the fact that she likes comic books. Instead, she puts her effort into becoming popular and a cheerleader. Although she still reads comics, she buys them digitally and only reads them in the secrecy of her room so that no one will catch her. That all changes one day when the final issue of one of her favourite comics is printed... only in paper and her issue is back-ordered for weeks. Maddie must go to the local comic store to buy the issue in person and risk being seen by someone she knows.
This book follows Maddie on her journey of acceptance, being true to who she is, and learning how to treat others. I personally related to Logan, the boy who works in the comic book shop, a lot more than I did to Maddie. As a proud nerd, I don't have a problem telling people that I like video games, comic books, roleplays, cons, sci-fi, etc. If your friends don't accept you for who you truly are, then they aren't your true friends. At times, the way that Maddie treated the people in her life was pretty bad and she tended to be incredibly selfish so I couldn't connect to her as much, but I could completely see how others might if they've faced the same fear of being open about a certain aspect of themselves.
Overall, this cute, fluffy book was the perfect read between my two series binges. I consider contemporaries to be great palate cleansers that help you easily transition between a world-building heavy high-fantasy and your next read, get over a book hangover, or just refresh your reading if you're in a book slump.
After being embarrassed in the 6th grade, our main character decides to hide the fact that she likes comic books. Instead, she puts her effort into becoming popular and a cheerleader. Although she still reads comics, she buys them digitally and only reads them in the secrecy of her room so that no one will catch her. That all changes one day when the final issue of one of her favourite comics is printed... only in paper and her issue is back-ordered for weeks. Maddie must go to the local comic store to buy the issue in person and risk being seen by someone she knows.
This book follows Maddie on her journey of acceptance, being true to who she is, and learning how to treat others. I personally related to Logan, the boy who works in the comic book shop, a lot more than I did to Maddie. As a proud nerd, I don't have a problem telling people that I like video games, comic books, roleplays, cons, sci-fi, etc. If your friends don't accept you for who you truly are, then they aren't your true friends. At times, the way that Maddie treated the people in her life was pretty bad and she tended to be incredibly selfish so I couldn't connect to her as much, but I could completely see how others might if they've faced the same fear of being open about a certain aspect of themselves.
Overall, this cute, fluffy book was the perfect read between my two series binges. I consider contemporaries to be great palate cleansers that help you easily transition between a world-building heavy high-fantasy and your next read, get over a book hangover, or just refresh your reading if you're in a book slump.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Deal Breakers (Dealing with Love #1) in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Devyn and Riley are best friends-- they survived four years of college together. Devyn is focused on graduation and the paid internship that awaits her. Riley is headed to grad school, but he had fun in college as well, including a string of non-serious girlfriends. Riley's not exactly known for monogamy. However, before they head their separate ways, Devyn has one request of Riley - she wants him to help her lose her virginity (yes, seriously). She doesn't want to head into the next phase of her life a virgin and she thinks Riley is the perfect person to assist. Riley is thrilled to help, of course, and plans a special evening. But will that special night change everything for Devyn and Riley?
First of all, I don't know why I keep reading these "New Adult" books. This genre apparently exists on stereotypes and tropes and the ending is basically transparent. In my defense, I picked it up after reading two tough books, with a lot of murder and darkness. Sometimes you just need a fluff book to lighten things up.
For instance, sample dialogue: "I may have just jizzed in my pants a little. How can a woman this hot possibly know football? I think I'm in love." We're not even going to talk about all the things wrong with this.
Still, this book was more compelling than some of the recent New Adult books I've read. If you like New Adult, you'll enjoy this book - it's a fast read and somewhat cute. If you're like me and still adjusting to the genre, you'll roll your eyes at a good deal of the plot and dialogue, but potentially still enjoy the quickness and silliness of it all. 2.5 - 3 stars depending where you fall on the spectrum
(I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
First of all, I don't know why I keep reading these "New Adult" books. This genre apparently exists on stereotypes and tropes and the ending is basically transparent. In my defense, I picked it up after reading two tough books, with a lot of murder and darkness. Sometimes you just need a fluff book to lighten things up.
For instance, sample dialogue: "I may have just jizzed in my pants a little. How can a woman this hot possibly know football? I think I'm in love." We're not even going to talk about all the things wrong with this.
Still, this book was more compelling than some of the recent New Adult books I've read. If you like New Adult, you'll enjoy this book - it's a fast read and somewhat cute. If you're like me and still adjusting to the genre, you'll roll your eyes at a good deal of the plot and dialogue, but potentially still enjoy the quickness and silliness of it all. 2.5 - 3 stars depending where you fall on the spectrum
(I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Dana (24 KP) rated The Rose and the Dagger in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I thought this series was going to be longer. Why did it have to end when I just started it?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought I was going to be in a major reading slump for a while after reading ACOMAF, but this book proves that I'm not! Yay!
I liked how the characters developed in this book. (If you can't tell, that is one of the main things I judge on whether I enjoyed the book or not.) Shazi and Khalid are so adorable and will go to the ends of the earth for each other, but not in an overbearing or controlling way. As it says in the book they don't belong to anyone. They belong together. I feel like that is a good way to look at them. They care so deeply for each other, but they are still independent and are able to function without the other (for the most part).
I wanted to see more of Despina in this book. The parts we did get to see her in, though, were awesome! Girl power!
I loved getting to know Irsa, Shazi's sister, because she showcased another side of Shazi that wasn't shown much in the first book. We get to see her interacting with the family she loves so much, and I really appreciate that.
The plot was also super fun. I won't post any spoilers, but it moved along very nicely and it wasn't predictable to me!
I was lucky enough to get to meet Renee Ahdieh at YA'llWest this year, and she is so sweet! She honestly cares about her readers and her writing!!
The only thing I'm bummed about is that my picture I took with her disappeared from my phone, so that's a bummer!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book series, including the cute short stories, to just about anyone. They have the fairy tale-esque vibe to them while still being very independent and powerful! I am so glad I was convinced to pick up this series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought I was going to be in a major reading slump for a while after reading ACOMAF, but this book proves that I'm not! Yay!
I liked how the characters developed in this book. (If you can't tell, that is one of the main things I judge on whether I enjoyed the book or not.) Shazi and Khalid are so adorable and will go to the ends of the earth for each other, but not in an overbearing or controlling way. As it says in the book they don't belong to anyone. They belong together. I feel like that is a good way to look at them. They care so deeply for each other, but they are still independent and are able to function without the other (for the most part).
I wanted to see more of Despina in this book. The parts we did get to see her in, though, were awesome! Girl power!
I loved getting to know Irsa, Shazi's sister, because she showcased another side of Shazi that wasn't shown much in the first book. We get to see her interacting with the family she loves so much, and I really appreciate that.
The plot was also super fun. I won't post any spoilers, but it moved along very nicely and it wasn't predictable to me!
I was lucky enough to get to meet Renee Ahdieh at YA'llWest this year, and she is so sweet! She honestly cares about her readers and her writing!!
The only thing I'm bummed about is that my picture I took with her disappeared from my phone, so that's a bummer!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book series, including the cute short stories, to just about anyone. They have the fairy tale-esque vibe to them while still being very independent and powerful! I am so glad I was convinced to pick up this series!