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Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Rise (Order of the Krigers, #1) in Books

Jan 23, 2020

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Well, now that school's over, time to get back into the swing of things... I think. But really, I'd like to apologize to anyone and anybody I've bothered because of the lack of motivation over here (the slump is real and it's horrible, and I think 2.5 years of "consistent" blogging is finally catching up and smacking me upside the head).

Moving on, but fair warning: this review might be short.

I feel like Rise falls a little short but I really can't do much comparing aside literally one book (Cage of Deceit). The first book in the Order of the Krigers series starts off a little slow and draggy lots of preparing for Kaia to step into the role of a Kriger, so there is plenty of walking, talking, and training going on for awhile. But despite the feel of slowness and dragginess, I actually found a lot of the talking really interesting, because the world Jennifer Anne Davis builds in her newest series is just intriguing to learn about. It also helps that Kaia has this interest of learning as much as she can about the Krigers.

But anyways, while Rise felt like a slow start to the series, I don't think Jennifer Anne Davis will fail to deliver in future books. In fact... I think the slowness of the first book will be well worth it.

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/blog-tour-rise-by-jennifer-anne-davis-arc-review-and-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>

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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Meg and Jo in Books

Mar 19, 2020

Meg and Jo

Virginia Kantra | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry

6.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

A modern retelling of Little Women, MEG AND JO looks at the four March sisters in present day. We have Meg, a mom of twins, married to a man who works at a car dealership. Jo, an aspiring writer, who works in New York City at a restaurant and writes a food blog. Their sisters, Beth and Amy, flit in the background--Beth is pursuing her musical dreams and Amy is chasing fashion in Paris. But when the girls' stalwart mom gets sick, they must come home for the holidays to help at the family farm. There they will learn lessons about family, sisterhood, and following their dreams.

This one grew on me. It's not as jarring as I expected to see the girls in real time--I actually enjoyed that aspect. What's odd is that while the modern setting exists, there are a lot of outdated gender norms. Meg has to be the perfect mom who refuses help from everyone; the girls' father is basically worthless, etc. It's hard to overcome at first.

But I eventually took to Meg and Jo. I liked Jo's feisty nature, even if some of the problem/distance with her chef/boyfriend seemed a bit contrived. And I could identify with Meg, who felt like the weight of the world was on her shoulders (twin moms unite).

Overall, this is a sweet and funny story. It's silly at times, but also heartwarming. I enjoyed seeing where Kantra tweaked the plot (there's a piece with the March patriarch that I particularly enjoyed). It's no Eligible--perhaps my favorite modern retelling of all--but it's a fun read. I've heard there may be a second book featuring Beth and Amy, and I would certainly read it. 3.5 stars.

Kudos

Merissa (13718 KP) rated Healer (Havenhart Academy #1) in Books

Apr 27, 2020

Healer (Havenhart Academy #1)

R.L. Merrill | 2020 | Paranormal, Romance

8.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

HEALER is the first book in the Havenhart Academy series. Delaney is our main female and she is given bad news within the first few paragraphs of the first page! Things can only look up for her, surely? Serendipity, luck, whatever you want to call in ensures she applies for a job at Havenhart Academy. She is interviewed by Damien Preston and sparks fly.

This was a great start to the series, with characters and situations getting, and maintaining, your attention. These characters are written in such a way as you will care for them, and about what happens to them, in a very short space of time. Havenhart Academy itself is a great place with a real sense of family/community, where you can be accepted for just who you are. The connection between Delaney and Damien is there for all to see, even if they say they can't act upon it. I adored their story and how they bolster each other when needed.

With a contemporary setting, the world-building is just the amount you need without it being too much. Most of it is character-based which is absolutely spot-on for this story. The pacing is slow and smooth, meaning you get the most from this story. There are a multitude of characters here, most of whom I want to know more about, so I guess it goes without saying that I really can't wait for the next book to come out.

A stunner of a book and I can't wait to see who is up next! Absolutely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *