House Of Roots And Ruin By: Erin A. Craig

 

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A modern masterpiece, this is a classic Gothic thriller-fantasy from bestselling author Erin A. Craig, about doomed love, menacing ambition, and the ghosts that haunt us forever.

In a manor by the sea, one sister is still cursed.

Despite dreams of adventures far beyond the Salann shores, seventeen-year-old Verity Thaumas has remained at her family’s estate, Highmoor, with her older sister Camille, while their sisters have scattered across Arcannia.

When their sister Mercy sends word that the Duchess of Bloem—wife of a celebrated botanist—is interested in having Verity paint a portrait of her son, Alexander, Verity jumps at the chance, but Camille won’t allow it. Forced to reveal the secret she’s kept for years, Camille tells Verity the truth one day: Verity is still seeing ghosts, she just doesn’t know it.

Stunned, Verity flees Highmoor that night and—with nowhere else to turn—makes her way to Bloem. At first, she is captivated by the lush, luxurious landscape and is quickly drawn to charming, witty, and impossibly handsome Alexander Laurent. And soon, to her surprise, a romance . . . blossoms.

But it’s not long before Verity is plagued with nightmares, and the darker side of Bloem begins to show through its sickly-sweet façade. . . .

 I finally got my hands on this baby. And it is a beautiful baby at that haha. I wound up with the B&N copy with the gorgeous purple sprayed edges. And between that and the beautiful inside cover and flower printed chapter headers. I loved flipping through the pages.

I went back and did a re-read of House of Salt and Sorrow before starting this one. It had been an age since I had gotten my hands on the ARC of it (Back in 2019) and I really wanted to refresh myself before I tried to jump back into this world. And I'm delighted I did. There were so many small details I forgot. (I think, in theory, you could read each of these as a stand-alone. But I think they are better when read together)

And going back to remember things that may or may not play a part in this new story was something I was glad I did. Plus I just really enjoyed just seeing all the things I missed my first read-through.

The world that both books are set in, is such a creepy and dark one at times. And as Craig did in HOSAS, this book left me guessing until the very last page. It had so many twists and turns, and even when I thought I had one figured out... She would hit me with a whole different twist. Or spin things from that point in a way I didn't expect it to continue going.

Verity was an interesting character. One that I found myself immediately loving. (Shocker I know, me, actually liking a FMC haha)

But I really did like her. She was complex and fierce when she wanted to be. And seeing her discover herself and find that inner strength after so much tragedy in her life. It made for a very intricate and interesting arc as her story progressed.

And then let's talk about Alex. I adored this boy from the start. He was the sweetest and kindest person. And treated Verity in a way that helped her grow and find herself, but also was sweet and romantic. And gave me all the good fuzzy feelings. And oh man. The rest of his story is so interesting and absolutely crazy. But I won't go into details so I don't ruin that part of the story for anyone.

But let's talk about the craziness that happens in this book in general. There are some absolutely insane moments and some characters that may actually be crazy. And Craig did a spectacular job of riding the line between creepy and just plain dark.

I cannot suggest this more to anyone who likes a little sinister and eerie.

I give HOUSE OF ROOTS AND RUIN

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Soul In Darkness By: Wendy Higgins

I cannot tell y'all how excited I am to the chance to read and review this book early. I want to give a huge thank you to Wendy for getting this pretty sent out.
And I highly suggest all of you go out and grab yourselves a copy when it hits shelves February 12, 2019

I know the tear has just started too, but this has been my favorite 2019 has brought so far haha

Wendy is one of those authors for me that I rarely even need to read the book description to know I will be buying her next book. She could put a wrinkled napkin with some writing on it in my hand, and I would probably gush over it haha
I've gotten the chance to meet Wendy a few times now (She was actually the first author I ever went to a book signing for too)

But she is one of the nicest and most adorable people I have met. So don't think my review is bias or anything haha

People travel from afar to the small isle in the Aegean Sea hoping for a single glimpse of Princess Psyche. Their adoration for the mortal woman is so all-consuming that citizens begin to shower her with the very gifts and offerings they once left at the alter of Venus, goddess of love and beauty. 

But gods are known for their jealousy.

Cupid, the god of love, takes pleasure in causing strife and mischief in the lives of humans. He uses love as a weapon, humoring in the weakness of people at the whims of their feelings. When his mother Venus approaches him about punishing the human girl who dares to steal her offerings and affections from the people, Cupid gladly accepts. 

Psyche's punishment is to be given to a mysterious creature who only comes to her in the dark of night under the pact that she will never lay eyes on him. She is terrified of this stranger, who the oracle described as a serpent. Her mate, however, is masterful in his dealings with his bride. He takes his time, morphing her fears into different sensations completely. 

Based on the Roman/Greek mythology of Cupid and Psyche by Lucius Apuleius, New York Times bestseller Wendy Higgins brings the tale to life, weaving layers that show exactly how a sacrificial lamb can be enchanted by an unseen monster.

Awww this book. I always look forward to one of Wendy's stories. She writes the most amazing ones. Especially these re-tellings. Between this now, and the The Great Hunt duet. I cannot wait to see where her awesome head will go on the next retell.

But where to start on this actual book. It's easy to say it's designed wonderfully. Since the basis of it is already laid out so well. But the way Wendy spun it. How she created it into her own story was great. She gave so much more depth and feeling to these ancient characters. And I loved getting swept up in this book. And boy did I.
Less then 2 days pretty much is all it took. And that was having to work and sleep mixed into my reading time haha.

My favorite thing about this book by far was Psyche herself. If you've read the actual tale of her and cupid.... she was a kind hearted beautiful girl. But this version and expansion of her just made it that much better. She was fierce and strong. And so kind and caring. And you couldn't help but want to cheer for her with each accomplishment. And gasp at each challenge. Maybe because she's a mortal in this story. And that mortality shines though and can be relatable. She isn't some crazy mystic being the way any of the immortals are. And she still has those human characteristics that allow us to show sympathy and relate.

Cupid wasn't so bad either haha. I loved his personality, the quick whit and charm he shown. And yet how protective and loyal he could be to those he loved. Plus he's a God of love after all. He has that whole hot and brooding thing going for him too haha.

But also something else I really enjoyed in this book. Was the sense of looking deeper than what you can see. To trust yourself and your instincts. And not let what other tell you, or even your own mind sway you. That even when we have an option of something in out heads, it doesn't make it so.
That idea of blind love. That actions and our feelings are so much more powerful then our opinions.

All in all. I have to say this book just had it all for me. The romance, suspense, cunning, and the flow of just an amazing story.

I cannot wait for this book to be out so everyone can get the chance to read it. It should be one that's at the top of your to buy list ❤

I without a doubt give SOUL IN DARKNESS
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Cruel Prince By: Holly Black

)

Y'all ready for my next audio review? Because this has been the book that pulled me- from my slump.

And good news, Book 2 THE WICKED KING comes out today! (1-8-19)

Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

(Original Review Written Jan 3, 2019)

Oh! My! Goodness!!!

So I have had this book on my to-read list for a while now. My Audible wish list too (since I tend to like these fantasies on audio more most of the time)

And finally had a decent amount of credits built up and this book was on the 2-for-1 credit sale. So of course.... I finally downloaded it haha.

And I'm so glad I did. I'm just sad I have 5 more days until the next one comes out now still haha.

I started this one while on my way home to Florida for New Years. And played it the entire drive there and halfway back. Along with some headphone time between haha. I just didn't want to stop listening. The story itself was so good. And the narrator was amazing. I loved her portrayal of Jude. And her voice was just perfect for the character and story.

Also. The story itself was so detailed and fast paced. I kept just waiting to hear what was going to happen. And this book left me constantly guessing and trying to predict everything that was going to happen.

And then there is Jude and Cardan. And the whole cast of characters to be honest, that made this story so good in my eye.

All of them added so much to it. Offering little tidbits here and there. Showing how their individual personalities played so well together and helped to shape who they became or reacted with one another.

But specifically I want to talk Cardan and Jude. Duh haha.

I know it's become common knowledge I don't usually take well to female characters. And there were definitely things about Jude I disliked through the story. But I really did enjoy her character. She was feisty and strong willed, and just a plain ol' bada** haha.

I loved that even when she was at her most scared she used that to fuel her determination on.And then would comeback twice as strong to any of her adversaries, all the while being quick and cunning.

But the thing I liked the most about her I think,was her determination. She got knocked down so many times. And even when she was scared to death, she just revised her plan, and kept going. She admitted to her fears, and then learned from them.

While also showing that she could sometimes be vulnerable too. That sometimes even the strongest person has regular character flaws, or can be vulnerable to matters of the heart and family.

And I appreciated that in a character.

She didn't always make the right choices either. Sometimes she let her head or heart rule her actions (And these were the moments that just made me want to smack her haha) But I enjoyed that flaw in her, smacking aside.

So often these main characters in these fantasy stories are portrayed as these smart and instant-heroes. They just know what to do and how to do it with no training or guidance. And then there is Jude, who, while has had some of both, is still just a teenage girl. Trying to figure her way in the world. And making decisions that may be good or bad, even at times reckless and hasty. And I really really liked that. That she had flaws, was flawed.

And then we have Cardan... *Sigh*

He's such a complex thing. One that took me a bit to unravel as I listened to this audio actually. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out plot points and charter motives. It's typically my superpower of sorts haha. But this boy had me taking my time trying to fit each piece with the next. Every time I had him pegged down (Or what I thought was having him pegged) Something would change, and I'd be reevaluating my original guess.

And I liked that. I like the plot points or characters that can stump me. It happens so little for me sometimes with how overly-analytically I look at books most of the time.

But I think the thing that constantly tripped me up with Cardan was I could never figure out his motives. He could be cruel and vengeful one moment, and then completely docile and almost kind in others. And I couldn't decide which was the true prince, and which was an act he was putting on.

I liked that he was multidimensional. It added a lotto his part in the story. And why the ending is so gasp worthy I think (Even though I did have that part figured out haha)

I just wish we would have gotten more of him through the story. There would be times the story centered around the drama with him. And then we would get these huge breaks where he would maybe just be there in passing. And I think that caused the reader to lose some of the feelings they needed to build for him. To really be able to sympathize. It probably wasn't until about halfway through that you really start to see the pieces fit, and begin to really understand him and his motives, or lack there of at times too. And I just wish he played a bigger part through more of the book.

And I want to just touch really quick on a couple of the other characters. Like Vivi, Taryn, Locke, even Madoc and Dain.

They add so much to this story. I honestly couldn't believe how well Holly was able to write such complex characters as them in such a small amount of time. It takes so much development to give us characters like them. And each of them played such big parts in this story. And I didn't feel like any of them was underdeveloped or rushed. There was so much behind the scenes things happening with all of them. And none of the plot was ever lost. And I just really want to say how much I appreciated that in the story. It made all the betrayals and shocks that much more powerful when they happened.

And one last thing.... Locke... GAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Ok, I think I'm done haha

This book was just perfect. And I cant wait for book 2 to be out!

I give THE CRUEL PRINCE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Day Launch: The Prince (Wicked Trilogy 3.5) By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Hey guys!!

I'm so excited to get to help share the release and a super fun excerpt from Jennifer L. Armentrout's new Novella, THE PRINCE, from her Wicked Trilogy.

You all will just fall in love with Brighton and The super swoony Summer Prince. I guarantee it. 😉😉😉

Also, if you haven't already.... Be sure to checkout my review of THE PRINCE

Find My Review Here

From #1 New York Times Bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, comes THE PRINCE, a new novella in her Wicked Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure to grab your copy today!

From #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes a new story in her Wicked series…

She’s everything he wants….

Cold. Heartless. Deadly. Whispers of his name alone bring fear to fae and mortals alike. The Prince. There is nothing in the mortal world more dangerous than him. Haunted by a past he couldn’t control, all Caden desires is revenge against those who’d wronged him, trapping him in never-ending nightmare. And there is one person he knows can help him.

She’s everything he can’t have…

Raised within the Order, Brighton Jussier knows just how dangerous the Prince is, reformed or not. She’d seen firsthand what atrocities he could be capable of. The last thing she wants to do is help him, but he leaves her little choice. Forced to work alongside him, she begins to see the man under the bitter ice. Yearning for him feels like the definition of insanity, but there’s no denying the heat in his touch and the wicked promise is his stare.

She’s everything he’ll take….

But there’s someone out there who wants to return the Prince to his former self. A walking, breathing nightmare that is hell bent on destroying the world and everyone close to him. The last thing either of them needs is a distraction, but with the attraction growing between them each now, the one thing he wants more than anything may be the one thing that will be his undoing.

She’s everything he’d die for….

 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon Canada

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 EXCERPT:

Did it make you a bad friend if you were completely, a hundred percent envious of that friend? Yes? No? Kind of? I figured it was somewhere in between. That’s what I was mulling over as I watched Ivy Morgan brush thick, red curls over her shoulder, laughing at something her boyfriend Ren Owens had said to her. At least I wasn’t envious of that—their love. Okay, well, that wasn’t entirely true. Pretty sure anyone who was as single as me would be envious of all that warm and fuzzy that was passed back and forth with each long look or casual brush of skin. The two could barely tear their gazes away from one another to eat the dinner we’d grabbed at the cute little diner inside the shopping center on Prytania Street. I honest to God couldn’t be happier for them. They’d been through so much—way more than two people should ever have to go through to be together, and here they were, stronger and more in love than ever, and they deserved that happiness. But their epic love story wasn’t the source of a current case of the green-eye monster that was sitting on my shoulder. Ivy was just such a… badass. Even right now, relaxed in the chair, surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights with her hand in Ren’s and her belly full of a cheeseburger deluxe and crinkle fries and half of my tater tots, she could kick ass and take names along with addresses, telephone numbers, and social security numbers. If the proverbial poo hit the fan, you called Ivy or Ren. If you needed to know what streets Royal intersected with, you called… me. Or if you needed coffee or fresh beignets but were currently busy, you know, saving the world, you’d call me. The three of us were all members of the Order, a widespread organization that was literally the only thing that stood between mankind and complete, utter enslavement and destruction by the fae. And not the super cute fae found in Disney movies or some crap like that. Humans thought they were on top of the food chain. They were wrong. The fae were. The only thing pop culture got right about the fae was their slightly pointy ears. That was it. The fae were more than just beings from another world—the Otherworld—they were capable of glamouring their appearance to blend in with humans. But all Order members, even me, were warded at birth against the glamour. We saw through the human façade to the creature that lurked beneath.
 

About Jennifer L. Armentrout:

# 1 New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.  

Website | Facebook | Twitter

   

1001 Dark Nights: The Prince (Wicked Trilogy 3.5) By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Hey y'all! 👋👋👋

I'm so excited to get to share my review of THE PRINCE, a new novella from Jennifer L. Armentrout's awesome Wicked Trilogy. Available August 14th!!!

I need to give a huge thank you to Jen and the amazing team over at Inkslinger PR for getting this ARC sent out for review. And for how great you treat us bloggers.Y'all are the best 😘😘

Plus let me just tell you. Jen is one of my favorite authors.And any time I get the opportunity to read one of her books, I jump on it. They are so good.

I've gotten to meet Jen a few times now, and she is such a fun person to talk to.

(Apollycon 2017)

And if you haven't read her Wicked Trilogy yet, I can't suggest a more fun set of books.

They have all the amazing paranormal-ness of a YA but are set in a much more romancey NA/adult feel. And freaking stellar!!!

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes a new story in her Wicked series… 

She’s everything he wants…. 

Cold. Heartless. Deadly. Whispers of his name alone bring fear to fae and mortals alike. The Prince. There is nothing in the mortal world more dangerous than him. Haunted by a past he couldn’t control, all Caden desires is revenge against those who’d wronged him, trapping him in never-ending nightmare. And there is one person he knows can help him. 

She’s everything he can’t have… 

Raised within the Order, Brighton Jussier knows just how dangerous the Prince is, reformed or not. She’d seen firsthand what atrocities he could be capable of. The last thing she wants to do is help him, but he leaves her little choice. Forced to work alongside him, she begins to see the man under the bitter ice. Yearning for him feels like the definition of insanity, but there’s no denying the heat in his touch and the wicked promise is his stare. 

She’s everything he’ll take…. 

But there’s someone out there who wants to return the Prince to his former self. A walking, breathing nightmare that is hell bent on destroying the world and everyone close to him. The last thing either of them needs is a distraction, but with the attraction growing between them each now, the one thing he wants more than anything may be the one thing that will be his undoing. 

She’s everything he’d die for…. 

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Oh.my.goodness!!!!

I have no words. Like none haha.

I need more right this minute. Like right now haha

I was so up for a fun little story set in Jens Wicked world. But I didn't realize just how far this book would suck me in. I liked Brighton well enough through the series. But she was always a little uptight and too serious for me. And then we get this book. And now I see her in such a completely new way. And I really like that. She's not quite on Ivy's level of bada** but Brighton has her own brand of it though this book. And I really loved this new reckless vengeful side to her.

Plus how can you not love the Prince? He is one swoony Fay. And he's such a broody mystery still.

There's so much to him we don't know about since the end of the last Wicked book. But the more we learn the more I really like the guy. He's sweet and protective. And did I say swoony? Haha.

I just really enjoyed this book though. Its obviously a short one. But so much happens in it. And Jen did an amazing job of the transition between characters. And still giving us some familiar faces.

Especially everyone's favorite Brownie *cheers loudly*

Because it cant be a Wicked series book without Tink.

And hes back in all of his magnificently hilarious glory. Still giving us some much needed comic relief while also being quite sweet and insightful.

Hes one of my favorite secondary characters Jen has ever written. And I love it that she found a way to really include him in the book too.

Overall. This book had running through so many different emotions. And I couldn't help but pull an almost all nighter trying to finish this baby up. Its seriously one of those you will not want to put down. And then possibly throw across the room when you finish from the extra ragy rage at the ending haha (just in case you were worried. No kindles died in the making of this review 😂😂😂 )

But I can't make it clear enough how much ya'll need to go pick up a copy of this one once it releases. It's the best start to the new fall reading season for sure 😉😉

I give THE PRINCE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

To Kill A Kingdom By: Alexandra Christo

I am so excited to get to share my review with all of you today of TO KILL A KINGDOM.

It has been one of my favorite reads this summer, and any time I get to do a plug for an audio makes it an even better day.

I highly suggest anyone wanting to start this book to go over and grab the audio from somewhere like Audible. It makes the story so much better, and FYI, the narrators on this one are freaking amazing.

Any time I have a high fantasy like this, the best way to read them I've discovered, is to listen to the audio. It just brings so much life to the stories.

But even if you're a traditional book reader. You still need to go pick this baby up. I'm telling you. It will so be worth it. Hit up the closest book store or library as soon as you can! 😉😉😉

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?

I have been dying for a good fantasy book for so long. and had been holding onto my latest audio credit until I found the perfect one.

And last week I fianlly decided to give this baby a chance, when I knew I wouldn't be able to read for a good week. because I was having Lasik surgery on my eyes.

And let me just tell you. this one drew me on so fast.

And not just because it's a lose version of a retelling of The Little Mermaid or anything like that. (Which I mean, did pull me in when I first read the description when the book first released)

But this story just pulls you in so quickly. Lira and Elian are such well developed and relatable characters. And the narrators for both did such an amazing job bringing them to life. I found myself rooting for them and their family and friends.

And I liked how the romance in this book wasnt forced or happened to quickly. It was such a slow build that made the payoff much more worth it.

Also, there is so much sarcasm and whitty-ness almost between all the characters. they all tease and poke fun. But yet still care and are willing to lay down their lives for each other at the same time. And I loved the dynamics that were built between them all.

I especially loved how well developed and likable most of the main secondary characters were. Like Elian's crew and Lira's cousin. They weren't just bare basics and thrown in there to beef up the story. Each of them offered so much to the book as a whole. And I can really appreciate when an author can do things like that.

Plus... This book is just such a fun and imaginative fantasy story. I truly enjoyed listening and finding put what was going to happen next. And was in awe of the great world building done. I obviously didn't have a map like most hard copies of fantasy books would have. And yet I could still picture perfectly the track the characters made through the story. And all the different kingdoms, and the things that made them unique.

This story was just such a thrilling pull you in kinda story. And even in my groggy and sore state after my surgery I still found myself wanting to pop in my headphones and find out what the next chapter held.

And once I was cleared to drive again mid week. This book has been my constant companion for the driving I do for work. 

I without a shadow of a doubt give TO KILL A KINGDOM

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Off The Ice (Juniper Falls #1) By: Julie Cross

I need to give a huge thank you to Entangled Teen for sending out a copy of this awesome book for review. Ya'll over there are amazing, and I can't tell you how appreciated it is all you do for us bloggers 💙💙💙

All is fair in love and hockey…

Claire O’Connor is back in Juniper Falls, but that doesn’t mean she wants to be. One semester off, that’s what she promised herself. Just long enough to take care of her father and keep the family business—a hockey bar beside the ice rink—afloat. After that, she’s getting the hell out. Again.

Enter Tate Tanley. What happened between them the night before she left town resurfaces the second they lay eyes on each other. But the guy she remembers has been replaced by a total hottie. When Tate is unexpectedly called in to take over for the hockey team’s star goalie, suddenly he’s in the spotlight and on his way to becoming just another egotistical varsity hockey player. And Claire’s sworn off Juniper Falls hockey players for good.

It’s the absolute worst time to fall in love.

For Tate and Claire, hockey isn’t just a game. And they both might not survive a body check to the heart.

Oh man. Where to start on this book *sigh*

I can't pass up a sports romances as I've made super clear in other reviews. Especially the hockey ones. They are my kryptonite haha. Although I do have to admit I do typically go for more of the NA's or just regular ol' sports romances vs a YA like this.

But I'm so glad I dove into this one.

It was such a good story. And was so much more emotional than I was expecting. And hit really close to home for me.

I know some that follow my reviews may know. But my mom got sick a couple years back now. And when It happened I had to put my life on hold to get her through surgeries, doctors appointments, physical therapy. All of it. And it took a lot out of me. And I had to halt things like school. So I guess what all that means is, that I could relate so much with Claire in ways.

And not just that but just her personality and drive. And loyalty. I found she was so similar tome. And that really gave me this rare look at a character I could fully Empathize with. And I think that was the biggest thing that pulled me into this book.

Don't get me wrong. The story itself was absolutely amazing. And the characters were so well written and mature for a bunch of dumb high schoolers haha.

But once I had related. It just made the book connect in such a deeper way, and I found myself pulling for Claire and Tate.

And Tate in general. His story was just as good as Claire's. And he's by far one of my favorite contemporary YA heroes.

There was just something about that boy. How real and raw he seemed. And I think that drew me in more. Made me want to cheer so much for him and Claire and see things work out.

Plus, there was actually hockey in this sports romance. I get so tired of books that brand themselves as sports books and then have no sports in them. And there was a really good balance of sports and the rest of the story. It made me a happy hockey nerd for sure haha.

Just everything about this book was perfect. And I don't use that word often unless I really enjoyed every aspect of a book. And that is exactly what happened in this one.

I'm so glad I took a chance on it

And can without even a shadow of a doubt give OFF THE ICE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐