PrettyGalsRead

Thank you to the publishers at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for allowing me to read an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review! Title: Lakesedge

Author: Lyndall Clipstone

Read: April 2021

Rating: 5/5 ✰’s

”I let the power burn through me. Let it burn away all of the helplessness and uncertainty in one brilliant flare before it dims, settling back into the barest glimmer.”

This book was everything I hoped for in a YA, gothic romance. It was dark, eerie, and will have you hooked after page one!

Violeta was my favorite type of heroine. Loyal, determined to protect the ones she wants, and the keeper of secrets we are desperate to find out. Rowan was brooding, sad, angry and HOT. I also liked seeing how vulnerable he was was around Violeta and his determination to protect her made me swoon.

The world building was beautiful. Dark and mysterious, grey and murderous. Exactly what you’d expect from this type of story.

The author is amazing at giving a piece of the puzzle but leaving just enough open for another plot twist that left me completely stunned. I’m quite surprised this is a debut novel and I’m officially a fan of Lyndall!

“Come on Gwyn-darling—let’s take a break from training. You’ve done amazing today. I’m proud”

Thank you to the author, the publisher and TBRandbeyondtours for allowing me to be apart of this tour!

Title: Of Silver and Shadow

Author: Jennifer Gruenke

Read: December 2019

Rating: 5/5 ✰’s

“But Markus was their mother’s son. Rebellion swam in his blood”

Wow! That’s all I can say for a moment... Ok

I’m back haha. I actually stayed up late to keep reading this! This book was amazing. I love how the story dives into action from the very beginning and the world descriptions were beautiful! I thought the concept of “The King’s Children” was creative and very interesting. The magic was amazing, the characters were phenomenal and I enjoyed each POV - Darek gave me serious Rowan Whitethorn vibes when we first met him haha

If you read my reviews you know how much I love slowburns, forbidden romances and the enemy-to-lover scenarios which this book tackled beautifully haha. I love when I can actually enjoy the main character(s) without wanting to strangle them. Ren was probably my favorite. she was awesome!

This book also made me laugh. I love banter and this story had plenty of it. That made me smile in the way that The Gilded Wolves did.

Favorite Quotes:

“You think with your heart. And hearts are dreadfully weak things. Yet without them, we’d all be dead.”

“It wasn’t never. And then the things they felt would no longer be dangerous, and they wouldn’t have to hide.”

“Can I ask what brought on this change of heart? He questioned. Because you’re still here, Ren thought. No matter how hard I try to get rid of you.”

Book Info:

Of Silver and Shadow by Jennifer Gruenke

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Publishing Date: February 16, 2021

Synopsis:

Ren Kolins is a silver wielder—a dangerous thing to be in the kingdom of Erdis, where magic has been outlawed for a century. Ren is just trying to survive, sticking to a life of petty thievery, card games, and pit fighting to get by. But when a wealthy rebel leader discovers her secret, he offers her a fortune to join his revolution. The caveat: she won’t see a single coin until they overthrow the King.

Behind the castle walls, a brutal group of warriors known as the King’s Children is engaged in a competition: the first to find the rebel leader will be made King’s Fang, the right hand of the King of Erdis. And Adley Farre is hunting down the rebels one by one, torturing her way to Ren and the rebel leader, and the coveted King’s Fang title.

But time is running out for all of them, including the youngest Prince of Erdis, who finds himself pulled into the rebellion. Political tensions have reached a boiling point, and Ren and the rebels must take the throne before war breaks out.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Shadow-Jennifer-Gruenke/dp/1635830540/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RPTRKHHTF4E8&dchild=1&keywords=of+silver+and+shadow+jennifer+gruenke&qid=1607112042&sprefix=of+silver+and+shadow%2Caps%2C1305&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/of-silver-and-shadow-jennifer-gruenke/1133209308?ean=9781635830545

Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Silver-Shadow-Jennifer-Gruenke/9781635830545?ref=grid-view&qid=1607112122807&sr=1-3

Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/of-silver-and-shadow/9781635830545-item.html?ikwid=jennifer+gruenke&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=6245dfd413e8248491aa7c639d1bd3df

jurdan // 727 words // lboh masterlist // masterlist I don’t like, love this drabble, because my Jurdan is a bit rusty and I haven’t read the books in a hot minute, but it is what it is. I hope you enjoy it all the same! Thank you to the anon who requested it! 

“Bunnies don’t lay eggs,” Cardan said, drily, matter of factly, “even in Faerie. That makes no sense.” It was hard for Jude not to laugh at the expression on his face. It was harder not to laugh that, of all the things that were in their reality living in Faerie, that bunnies laying eggs made the least sense of anything he’d ever heard. The High King looked absolutely unamused and skeptical, like perhaps the queen was making up stories just to annoy him. 

lboh masterlist // masterlist  warnette // 780 words

He had been staring at the back of her head for the last five minutes despite hopelessly wanting to catch her attention long enough to see what color her eyes were today. The young woman in line in front of him had been laughing seconds ago and Aaron Warner had decided it was the best sound he had ever heard in all of his existence. 

I will update this list every month with my favorite read of the month. 😊

January - Where Dreams Descend (ARC)- Janella Angeles

February - Dark Triumph - Robin Laflares

March - Crescenty City - Sarah J Maas

April- From Blood and Ash - Jennifer L. Armentrout

May - Flames of Chaos - Amelia Hutchins

June - The Bridge Kingdom - Danielle L Jensen

July - Den of Vipers - K.A. Knight

August - Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (ARC) - Jennifer L. Armentrout

September - Blood and Honey - Shelby Mahurin

October - TBA

November - TBA

🍂👻September is right around the corner and I don’t know about you guys, but I am ready for FALL! 🍂🎃

Fall is my FAVORITE season and since I am anxious to get into spooky season, I thought I’d share 8 spooky(ish) book recs and some delicious Starbucks drinks to go along with them! 

These are in no specific order!

1.Hunting Prince Draucla by Kerri Maniscalco - Nothing says Halloween or spooky like Dracula right? The SJTR series is one of my absolute favorites, and this is the second book in the series. Read the synopsis HERE!

Starbucks Drink: For this book, I’ve decided that the ‘Frappula’ would be an amazing choice. This drink is a white chocolate mocha Frappuccino layered on a bed of dark mocha syrup and drizzled with strawberry sauce, and topped with whipped cream!

2. Blood an Honey by Shelby Malhurin - The second book in the Serpent and Dove series is sure to the perfect book for the spooky season. One word, WITCHES! Blood and Honey will be released on September first, which is perfect timing for fall reading! This series is perfect in every way! Read the synopsis HERE.

Starbucks Drink: Since Blood and Honey is about witches, It’s only right that my drink rec be witch themed! The ‘Winifred Sanderson’ (That’s right, Hocus Pocus fans) is on Starbuck’s Secret Menu meaning all you have to do is give them the ingredient instructions and they’ll make it for you. This drink is a Grande Green Tea Frappuccino with one pump of white mocha and one pump of peppermint syrup. Finally add some crushed strawberry inclusions on top of the whip cream and you have your witchy drink!

3. Hades by Carly Spade - Even though this list is about Halloween themed books, we’ve got to add a bit of romance right? In this book, Hades is a brooding, sad God who honestly just needs some love. And boy does he find it! Don’t worry, even though Romance is the main theme of the book we still get to see the underworld, and I promise you’ll love it! Read the synopsis HERE.

Starbucks Drink: ‘The Devil’s Drink’ seemed like a great choice for this book! Dark with a splash of romance. This drink is Strawberry Cream Frappuccino, add 6 pumps of strawberry syrup and half of a serving of java chips and mix well. Add some soy whipping cream, the remaining half of the java chips and chocolate drizzle on top. Yum!

4. Horrid by Katrina Leno - I haven’t read this book yet, but after reading the synopsis on Goodreads, I was instantly intrigued. A mystery, and childhood home that is very creepy! Sound perfect for spooky season! Read the synopsis HERE!

Starbucks Drink: The Sally is inspired by ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’ and is perfect for fans of creepy, eerie and mysterious drinks. ;) How do you order this delicious drink? All you need is a vanilla bean Frappuccino base blended with Matcha powder to give it a green hue. Ask for caramel drizzle in the cup and strawberry puree on top or blended in. Top it off with whipped cream, more caramel drizzle and dehydrated strawberries (if your Starbucks has them) or the aforementioned strawberry puree.

5. Circus of the Dead by Kimberly Roth - A cursed island? A scary circus full of mysterious murders? Yes, please! This series has been on my TBR for quite a while and I can’t wait to read it this fall. It has a healthy dose of everything spooky and I’m hopeful it’ll be a favorite of mine! Read the synopsis HERE!

Starbucks Drink: The first thing that came to mind for this book was Starbuck’s Masquerade Party Drink. Sounds fun right? I actually had this drink about 3 years ago and it was delicious! Dark chocolate lovers will love it. It’s made with dark cocoa, brownie pieces, white chocolate chips, and a red berry sauce made from raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries.

6. Bone Criers Moon by Kathyrn Purdie - Another awesome book about witches! Magic, bones, enemies-to-lovers (because who doesn’t love that troupe?} all mixed together makes this a perfect book to read with a delicious drink! Read the synopsis HERE!

Starbucks Drink: A super popular drink during Halloween season is The Witch’s Brew and It’s perfect for Bone Criers Moon! This drink is made with a mixture of orange crème flavor, green chia seeds and topped with whipped cream and green sugar sprinkles.

7. A Deadly Education by Noami Novik - A school for the magically gifted, powers, monsters and dark magic in one book? I for one can’t wait to read this highly anticipated book. It’s set to release on September 29th which means it’ll be the perfect October read! Read the synopsis HERE!

Starbucks Drink: The Phantom is a pretty odd drink, but it’s perfect for this theme and also great for fans of the color black! Haha This is a chilled, blended drink made from coconut milk, mango and pineapple essence, Starbucks crème Frappuccino syrup, and what the brand calls “ghoulish lime slime.”

8. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco - I am reading an ARC of this book right now and I am seriously hooked! Witches that are secretly living among humans, forbidden dark magic, a prince of hell, and the murders of women! Sounds amazing right? This book will be released on October 27th and is the perfect read to wrap up the spooky season! Read the synopsis HERE!

Starbucks Drink: For this story, I’ve picked a pretty magical drink. The Crystal Ball starts with a crème-based Frappuccino and is infused with peach flavor and turquoise sparkles that create an enchanting marbling effect. Topped with one of three different candy gems that represent a wild prediction about the drinker’s future.

And there we have it! I hope you guys enjoy these books and these tasty drinks! Feel free to reach out to me and let me know your thoughts on each story and each drink! Happy Reading and Happy Drinking everyone!

🤍📖 Prettygalsread presents: 5 Anticipated reads for 2021! 🤍📖

2020 has been a stressful, and chaotic year. One thing has kept my spirits up are the amount of fanstic books that were released and some amazing reveals for books that will be released in 2021! I’ve decided to pick 5 (even though there are wayyyy more than that haha) books that I am really excited for that will be released in 2021.

🤍🔥A Court of Silver Flames - Sarah J Maas: It’s no secret that I am a huge Sarah J Maas fan. A Court of Thorns and Roses is my all time favorite series. I won’t spoil anything for the people who haven’t read the series yet, but I will say I have been waiting for Nesta and Cassian’s book for years! I can’t begin to describe how excited I was when Sarah released a title and official release date back in June. Now we just wait for a cover reveal *squeals* A Court of Silver Flames will be released on January 26, 2021 and is now available for preorder. Below I have added the official synopsis from Bloomsbury.

“Nesta Archeron has always been prickly – proud, swift to anger and slow to forgive. And since the war – since being made High Fae against her will – she’s struggled to forget the horrors she endured and find a place for herself within the strange and deadly Night Court. The person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred, winged warrior who is there at Nesta’s every turn. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. And when they are forced to train in battle together, sparks become flame.As the threat of war casts its shadow over them once again, Nesta and Cassian must fight monsters from within and without if they are to stand a chance of halting the enemies of their court. But the ultimate risk will be searching for acceptance – and healing – in each other’s arms.”

Read my Reviews for the A Court of Thorns and Roses series below.

ACOTAR

ACOMAF

ACOWAR

ACOFAS

💙🎪 When Night Breaks - Janella Angeles: Back I’m January I was approved for an Advanced Readers Copy of Where Dreams Descend. I adore books about carnivals, circuses, etc. The world setting, the romance and the mystery of certain events sucked me in and I finished the book in one day! I was immediately ready for the next book. Recently Janella revealed the cover and title of book two and I was estatic! When Night Breaks will be released on June 8, 2021! Below I have added the official synopsis from Wednesday Books.

“The competition has come to a disastrous end, and Daron Demarco’s fall from grace is now front page news. But little matters to him beyond Kallia, the contestant he fell for who is now lost to this world and in the hands of a dangerous magician. Daron is willing to do whatever it takes to find her. Even if it means embarking on a dark and treacherous journey, risking more than just his life, with no promise of return. After awaking in darkness, Kallia has never felt more lost. Especially with Jack by her side, the magician with who has the answers but cannot be trusted. Together, they must navigate a dazzling world where mirrors show memories and illusions shadow every corner, one ruled by a powerful game master who could all too easily destroy the world she left behind – and the boy she can’t seem to forget. With time running out, Kallia must embrace her role in a darker destiny, or lose everyone she loves, forever.”

Read my review for Where Dreams Descend HERE

🧡🐺 Rule of Wolves - Leigh Bardugo: The Grishaverse is one of the most creative and uniquely written book worlds I’ve read. The Six of Crows duology and King of Scars both have a special place in my heart. A few weeks ago, I attended Leigh’s virtual book tour where she announced the the release date, title and cover reveal for book 2 of King of Scars. Rule of Wolves will be released March 30, 2021! Below I’ve added the official synopsis from Goodreads.

“The Demon King. As Fjerda’s massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king’s gift for the impossible. The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost. The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall.”

Read my review King of Scars HERE

❤️⛵️Namesake - Adrienne Young: In March I received an ARC of Fable and I fell in love with it. I had never read anything by this author before and I totally questioned myself as to why that was once I was done with the book! Book 2 already has a released date and book cover and I’m hoping to read it very soon! This book will have you feeling as mf joker actually on the sea. Namesake will be released on March 16, 2021! Below I’ve added the official synopsis from Barnes and Noble.

“Trader. Fighter. Survivor. With the Marigold ship free of her father, Fable and its crew were set to start over. That freedom is short-lived when she becomes a pawn in a notorious thug’s scheme. In order to get to her intended destination she must help him to secure a partnership with Holland, a powerful gem trader who is more than she seems. As Fable descends deeper into a world of betrayal and deception she learns that her mother was keeping secrets, and those secrets are now putting the people Fable cares about in danger. If Fable is going to save them then she must risk everything, including the boy she loves and the home she has finally found.”

Read my review of Fable HERE

🤎🧝🏽‍♀️Witches Steeped in Gold - Ciannon Smart: Ok, I am sooo ready to have this book in my hands. A book about Jamaican Witches? YES PLEASE! Not only is the cover beautiful but the synopsis sounds amazing and I have no doubt this will be one of my favorites series. Witches Steeped in Gold will be released on April 20, 2021! I have added the official synopsis from Google books below.

“Trust no witch … Iraya Adair has spent her life in a cell. Heir of an overthrown and magically-gifted dynasty, she was exiled from her home on the island nation of Aiyca when she was just a child. But every day brings her closer to freedom - and vengeance. Jazmyne Cariot grew up dressed in gold, with stolen magic at her fingertips. Daughter of the self-crowned doyenne, her existence is a threat to her mother’s rule. But unlike her sister, Jazmyne has no intention of dying to strengthen her mother’s power. Sworn enemies, the two witches enter a deadly alliance to take down the woman who threatens both their worlds. But revenge is a bloody pursuit, and nothing is certain - except the lengths Iraya and Jazmyne will go to win this game. Two witches. One motive. And a very untrustworthy alliance.”

—————

There are soooo many more books I’m highly anticipating and I’ll probably do more of these posts in the upcoming weeks! My waiting for release and TBR (to be read) lists are overflowing but I can’t complain haha. What book releases are you guys most excited for? @highqueenofelfhame

feysand // 1,205 words // fluff // masterlist 

based on the following prompts: “can you do the “i think the bruise matches my eye color” for feysand please” // “When I said scars are kinda sexy, I didn’t mean you should get one right away…” for feysand from @sleeping-and-books // An accidental brush of lips followed by a pause and going back for another, on purpose for Feysand thank you make it either enemies to lovers or friends to lovers either way I will be satisfied from @starseternalnighttriumphant

The look on his best friend’s face told Rhysand that she wasn’t particularly happy with him at this moment in time. With her arms folded over her chest and a storm brewing in her gray eyes, he was pretty sure he was in trouble and would be begging for forgiveness one way or another at some point in the near future. He hoped it would end up tipping in his favor and all would be well, but with the way she was glaring he wasn’t really sure. Feyre was mad enough to not immediately tend to the wounds that peppered his face and that usually meant he was in more trouble than he really cared to be in. 

Hi! There are 5 ways I get ARCs.

- I get most of my ARCs through Netgalley! I suggest following their Instagram page because they give tips on how to update your profile. The more detailed your profile is, the better the chances are you’ll get approved for an ARC.

- Emailing the publishers. Although it doesn’t always work, it doesn’t hurt to email the publishers asking to be apart of their ARC team or asking for a specific book. Make sure you link the places where you leave your reviews. (goodreads, your blog, tumblr, Instagram, etc) If there is a specific ARC you want visit the publishers website. Usually at the bottom of the site they’ll have instructions, links or contact info for how to obtain ARCs.

- I also signed up to receive emails for blog tours on TBRandbeyond! You’ll have to fill out a form and they will email you with upcoming blog and Instagram book tours. If the book interests you, you’ll fill out a form. If they choose you, you will be sent a physical or e-copy ARC and you’ll participate in the tour. PLEASE make sure you participate! If you get an arc but do not leave your review on your assigned date, they’ll ban you from future tours.

- Sometimes authors reach out to me via Goodreads, Facebook and Instagram asking me to review their book for an HONEST review. It’s so important to be honest in reviews because it truly helps the author. There are groups on Facebook for indie authors and new authors who are looking for ARC readers. I am also apart of a few ARC teams for authors which means I automatically get their up coming books to read and review before release.

- Goodreads giveaways. So I have NEVER won a goodreads giveaways, even though I’ve entered at least 500 lol but I know tons of people who have entered and won. So it’s always worth a shot!

Also it’s seriously hard getting physical ARCs these days unless you’re already known by publishers or have been apart of an ARC team for awhile. A lot of publishers pre accept people for ARCs who they have worked with a lot in the past. It’s usually bloggers who have a very popular blog or high following. I’d say 70% of ARCs these days are e-copies.