Romance
Golden Boy #BookReview
The Golden Boy
St. Mary’s Academy
Seven Steps & Audrey Rich
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 24th 2018
Summary:
Meg has it made. She has money to spare, attends an exclusive private school with the best film production program in the country, and, to top it off, she has a super-hot boyfriend. But when her father’s business goes under, and her boyfriend cheats on her with a ditzy cheerleader, the only way she can maintain her perfect life is to figure out a way to stay in school.
When a fellow student offers to pay her tuition, Meg jumps at the chance. She only has to tell one tiny white lie to someone she’s never met.
How hard could that be, right?
Until she discovers she must deceive Julius ‘Hercules’ Samson, the school quarterback with a heart of gold. Even worse, he’s determined to sweep her off her feet.
Can Meg go through with the plan to save her future, even if it means ruining Julius’?
Inspired by Megera (Meg) from the story of Hercules, The Golden Boy is a poignant, emotional, young adult contemporary romance about a teen girl’s hard choices, loss, and love.
St. Mary’s Academy is a young adult contemporary romance series that brings classic fairytale characters to life in a modern day, high school setting. It’s filled with angsty heroines, hot heroes, and drama galore. St. Mary’s Academy Shorts are shorter stories from within the St. Mary’s Academy universe.
Buy this book today because you’ve never read a fairytale quite like this.
Buy on:
MY TAKE
***My apologies everyone! I scheduled this post for 8 today… it should have gone live at 8am but I goofed when scheduling and I must have clicked 8pm instead. I was out of the house all day and didn’t realize it wasn’t live until I sat down to check my socials.***
As most of you already know after the countless fairytale and mythology retellings that I have reviewed on this blog… I’m an absolute sucker for them. I love reimaginings and retellings because they give a fresh take on stories that have been around for ages. This story was no different in that respect. It was a reimagined Hercules tale and you’ll have to excuse me for playing “Zero to Hero” on repeat while I write this review… and ya know any references to this movie that I might unintentionally slip into this review – which was a retelling in itself.
This story was extra cute, and I managed to finish reading it in a little over an hour, so you can imagine it is not a particularly long book. But what is included is a fresh take on the demigod story (one where all participants are human and most attendees are in highschool). There are some cute nods to the Hercules mythos but it is a story all on its own that has merely borrowed these characters and worked them into a cute highschool drama.
Yes there is romance… quite a bit of it, as you might expect from looking at the cover so if that’s not your thing then this is not the book for you. There were a few typos and grammatical mishaps but nothing too life altering and they did not affect my ability to read the book.
All in all, I’d say I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the premise ❤
4.5 Quills
It gave me all the feels and had me giggling at an inappropriate time seeing how everyone was asleep as I should have been. Also, quite in love with the Once Upon a Time feel this story had with all the intertwining fairytale characters like Ariel and Prince Eric. I definitely want to read more from this author(s) and this series!
About the Authors 
Seven Steps –
“Let me be that I am and seek not to alter me.”
–William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing.
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. One of my mentors (you know who you are) often reminds me of my first foray into the world of literary fiction. It was a lively story about a bee’s journey to find a pot of missing honey. He says that I have improved since then. I think that he’s right.
I am a working wife and mother, as well as a devoted owner of a beautiful cat named Rosie. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, thrifting, and anything that reminds me of my childhood.
My favorite genres are Sweet Romance, Science Fiction, Dystopian and Historical.
Author Links:
Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook
Audrey Rich is a New York City transplant living in South Florida, who writes sweet YA and NA Contemporary Romances and is an avid reader of novels where love conquers all.
She’s married to her own happily-ever-after Hero, is an inactive CPA, and a stay-at-home mom homeschooling her teenage daughter, while also missing her son, who is away at college.
Audrey enjoys volunteering with children of all ages at church, especially the enthusiastic teenagers, and teaching the Junior Achievement curriculums at local middle and high schools. She also loves to travel with her family.
Author Links:
Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook│Instagram│Amazon Page
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Blog Tour Organized by:
The Cobbogoth Series Review + #Giveaway!
Uncovering Cobbogoth
Cobbogoth Series
Book #1
Hannah L. Clark
Norah Lukens needs to uncover the truth about the fabled lost city of Cobbogoth. After her archaeologist uncle’s murder, Norah is asked to translate his old research journal for evidence and discovers that his murder was a cover-up for something far more sinister.
When she turns to neighbor and only friend James Riley for help, she realizes that not only is their bitter-sweet past haunting her every step, but James is keeping dangerous secrets. Can Norah discover what they are before it’s too late to share her own.
My Take:
5 Quills
The Lemorian Crest
Cobbogoth Series
Book #2
Hannah L. Clark
After being raised from infancy in Boston, Mass., Noria (a.k.a Norah Lukens) has no idea what to expect upon entering New Cobbogoth, where she never would have guessed that paths of light can make you vanish; doors can lead to realms both near and far; myths and legends are actual history; a mere kiss can seal two souls as one; and, of course, a stone is never “just a stone.” Her Uncle Jack’s stories never could have prepared her for the magical and dangerous place her native realm is turning out to be.
When the Gihara’s promises begin to crumble, her best friend and soul-mate Jamus (a.k.a. James Riley) is in more danger than ever. Then when his father Lylend abandons her to search for an ancient relic called The Lemorian Crest and she is taken captive by the very people she’s risked everything to save, Noria begins to lose faith in the Cobbogothian gods and the mission they sent her home to accomplish.
Only when a series of new friendships and loyalties are forged in the most peculiar of places, does Noria dare hope again. Hope for Jamus’ safety, for their future together, and for the survival of the entire Cobbogothian race.
My Take:
I’m not sure how it is at all possible that this book is better than part 1, but it is. Once again I am in awe of the author’s ability to make me fall in love with a story and the characters involved. I had really high expectations for this book especially coming right off my high from book 1, but this threw those expectations right out of the water. It’s everything you would hope for from a sequel and so much more.
I was so happy to see the growth of these characters and witness and their transformations. This is truly a spectacular story. If I’m honest though, I was slightly worried that this book may fall flat. I was scared that while book one was an amazing high, that the author wouldn’t be able to follow through. I was scared that there would be too many inconsistencies and the story wouldn’t progress but all it did was pull me in. I’m definitely hooked on the series, I think the author is absolutely amazing, I am obsessed with these characters, and I cannot wait for book 3. I definitely need to know where the story is going to go, I need the resolution almost as much as Norah/Noria does!
About The Author
Hannah L. Clark lives with her husband and two children in the Rocky Mountains. She has always known she would be a storyteller. In 2006 she graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in English and immediately began writing her first novel.Uncovering Cobbogoth was Clark’s first book in the seven book Cobbogoth series—a YA fantasy series based on her mythological brain-child, The Legend of the Cobbogothians. It was released in May 2014 through Cedar Fort Publishing. Book 2 in the series, The Lemorian Crest will be released in Summer 2015.
Clark loves running, mythology, singing while playing the guitar, herbal tea, escaping into imaginary worlds, and being with her peeps. Like her heroine Norah, she also kind of believes that trees might have souls, but must clarify that she has never hugged a tree. The closest she has ever come to that kind of bizarre behavior was the time she hugged the pillars outside Harry Potter Land. Which, all things considered, is not bizarre at all if one takes into account how exquisitely happy she was to finally be there.
Enter The Giveaway Here
Thanks for stopping by,
Tour Organized By:
“I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”
Holly Hearts Headlines Book Review + #Giveaway
Holly Hearts Headlines
Holly Hearts Hollywood
Book #2
Kenley Conrad
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Publisher: Swoon Romance
ASIN: B013D07ZEC
Pages: 185
My Rating: 4.5
Book Description:
Holly Hart has it all: designer clothes, affluent friends, a recording contract, and she’s dating the biggest pop star in America.
It’s too bad he can’t be seen with her in public. It’s even worse that he seems so very cozy with Lacey, the girl who seems to enjoy stealing Holly’s dream and taking all the credit for their platinum-selling album.
And Lacey? Well she couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, but that hasn’t stopped her from basking in the glow of the fame and fortune that comes with pretending to be Holly.
Yet, Holly signed a contract vowing to never reveal her true identity as the girl behind the hit songs. Her record label doesn’t want anyone to know their teen dream is really a chubby, insecure girl from Iowa.
Holly needs to focus on finals. She can’t let herself be distracted by the extremely hot and talented Grayson Frost or his prevailing attachment to Lacey. This is the deal Holly made, and she has to honor it no matter how much she hates it.
As if that’s not enough pressure, her grandparents have come to stay, her mom is dating a guy who makes his own deodorant, Shell Shocked Records want Holly to distance herself from Grayson, and she’ll probably end up failing Driver’s Ed.
In a town full of gossip and secrets, Holly wonders just how much longer she can continue to live a double life.
When the media gets a little too close for comfort, both Holly and Lacey are at risk. Soon Holly realizes her dream isn’t only about her and if she is to ever be truly happy, she’ll need to find a way past her insecurities.
Filled with laugh out loud and hold your breath moments, Holly Hearts Headlines is the follow-up to Holly Hearts Hollywood by Kenley Conrad.
My Take:
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. When I first came across it, I was intrigued but slightly skeptical. It seemed like something that had already been done… a blatant reproduction. Luckily for me it was none of those things. Sure it had elements of previously told stories but it definitely can stand up on its own.
When I first started reading book 1, I didn’t know how I would feel about the writing style having just come off a read in a similar journal format but it started to grow on me and I found that the author did a very good job at describing the world through Holly’s eyes.
As for the characters, I actually liked them all. I liked how human the author made them, flaws and all. But I especially liked how the author had them interact with each other.
I am genuinely looking forward to reading the next installment. So much has happened since I was first introduced to Holly and friends that it’s impossible not to be invested in how their story plays out!
About The Author
Enter The Giveaway Here
The Finn Factor by Rachel Bailey Review + #Giveaway
The Finn Factor
Rachel Bailey
It’s been twelve months, three days, and eleven hours since accounting student Scarlett Logan made it past a second date. A pitcher of mojitos in hand, she employs her supreme graphing skills to narrow things down to one horrifying explanation. Kissing. Clearly someone needs to teach her how to kiss properly. Like, say, her best friend and roomie, Finn Mackenzie. He’s safe, he’s convenient, and yeah, maybe just a little gorgeous.
Finn knows exactly why Scarlett’s boyfriends are disappearing quickly. Him. Not a single guy she’s brought home is nearly good enough. And he’ll be damned if he lets some loser give her “kissing lessons.” No. He’ll do the honors, thank you very much. The moment their lips touch, though, everything turns upside down. But Scarlett deserves the one thing Finn can’t give her. And if he doesn’t put an end to the sexy little shenanigans, he’ll teach Scarlett the hardest lesson of all…heartbreak.
My Take:
4.5 Quills
About The Author
Wicked Series by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie Spotlight + #Giveaway! #TipsySpooktacular
Witch & Curse
Wicked Series
Books 1 and 2
Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
ISBN: 978-0760783207
Pages: 672
Goodreads Rating: 3.59
Book Description:
Holly Cathers’s world shatters when her parents are killed in a terrible accident. Wrenched from her home in San Francisco, she is sent to Seattle to live with her relatives, Aunt Marie-Claire and her twin cousins, Amanda and Nicole.
In her new home, Holly’s sorrow and grief soon give way to bewilderment at the strange incidents going on around her. Such as how any wish she whispers to her cat seems to come true. Or the way a friend is injured after a freak attack from a vicious falcon. And there’s the undeniable, magnetic attraction to a boy Holly barely knows.
Holly, Amanda, and Nicole are about to be launched into a dark legacy of witches, secrets, and alliances, where ancient magics yield dangerous results. The girls will assume their roles in an intergenerational feud beyond their wildest imaginations…and in doing so, will attempt to fulfill their shared destiny.
Wicked Series
Books 3 and 4
Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
Publisher: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 9780760789407
Pages: 655
Goodreads Rating: 3.87
Book Description:
Complete text of Legacy and Spellbound in a single volume.
Holly Cathers is not the same person she was almost a year and a half ago. After discovering her connection to an ancient legacy of witches, Holly has accepted her destiny as a descendant of the House of Cahors. She is determined to end an intergenerational feud that has plagued her family for centuries.
Holly will have to overcome unworldly obstacles as she battles to protect her loved ones — including Jer, a member of the rival House of Deveraux and her one true love. A war of magical proportions is being waged, and Holly is at the center of it all.
Lives will be lost, and sacrifices will have to be made…
Resurrection
Wicked Series
Book 5
Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
Release Date: July 7, 2009
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 402
Goodreads Rating: 3.95
Book Description:
Who is Alex Carruthers? That is the question Wicked fans have been asking for nearly six years. Spellbound, the fourth and seemingly final book in the Wicked series, originally published in 2003, left readers on the edge of their seats with a classic cliffhanger ending. But now, as new fans of the bind-up editions of the series begin to ask the same question, the true and final conclusion to the Wicked series will emerge. And all their questions will be answered in this heart-stopping, magical adventure about witches, destiny, and the beyond.
throughout California and lived in Japan for three years. When she was sixteen, she dropped out of high school to become a ballet dancer in Cologne, Germany, and later relocated to Frankfurt Am Main.Eventually she returned to California and graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at San Diego with a degree in Communications. Soon after, she began to write; her first sale was a young adult romance novel titled Teach Me to Love.
She and Debbie Viguié co-authored the New York Times bestselling series Wicked for Simon and Schuster. They have continued their collaboration with the Crusade series, also for Simon and Schuster, and the Wolf Springs Chronicles for Delacorte (2011.) She is also the author of the young adult horror series Possessions for Razorbill. She has sold many novels and book projects set in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Saving Grace, Hellboy, and Smallville universes.
Debbie Viguié is the New York Times Bestselling author of more than three dozen novels including the Wicked series co-authored with Nancy Holder. In addition to her epic dark fantasy work Debbie also writes thrillers including The Psalm 23 Mysteries, the Kiss trilogy, and the Witch Hunt trilogy. Debbie also plays a recurring character on the audio drama, Doctor Geek’s Laboratory. When Debbie isn’t busy writing or acting she enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, visiting theme parks.
