Review: All That Glows by Ryan Graudin

Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.

When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.

It is not secret that I absolutely adore Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series. It’s like one of my all-time favorites, so I was so excited for this new faery book!

Emrys is a bas-ass faery guardian who has been tasked with protecting England’s prince, Richard. Which isn’t a particularly easy task. I really liked Emrys. She is loyal to her queen, Mab, but also becomes loyal to Richard. I appreciated her forwardness to get stuff done instead of waiting for things to come to her and those she loves.

Richard. My British book boyfriend with a sexy accent! At first he comes across as a total party boy but he is really different underneath. He cares so much for his younger sister and the responsibilities he has are just so overwhelming. OH, I loved his adorable nickname for Emrys. He’s a big sweetheart.

Breena is Emrys oldest friend who she could trust no matter what and I liked her wise thoughts on important matters. Anabelle, Richard’s sister, was so cute and so supportive of her big brother.

There were so many twists and turns, and even huge deceptions that I did notttt see coming at all. This book definitely kept me on my toes at all times. Towards the end, I was super positive that I knew how the book ended but oh no, she tricked me! The writing is really flowy and easy to read. The romance started kind of fast but the cuteness made up for the fast start. They were both willing to give up their lives for each other. I loved it.

If you love faery stories, be sure to give this one a try. I loved that this is a standalone, but I’ve heard that there is a companion novel in the works…yes please!

Favorite Swoon-worthy Quote: Richard leans down, closing the gap between us, drawing me into him. Our lips meet, smooth and seamless. There’s a nameless desire in the way he kisses me. I feel it rising in me as well, swelling like clear, triumphant note. He pulls me close, his kiss growing deeper, a never-ending crescendo. This – this is something else. It reaches deep inside me. Sparks my soul.

Rating: 4.5/5 Tar Heels! 

Review: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…

"There are only twenty-six letters in the English alphabet. You would think there would only be so much you could do with twenty-six letters. You would think there were only so many ways those letters could make you feel when mixed up and shoved together to make words. However, there are infinite ways those twenty-six letters can make a person feel…"

This book was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

So my blogger friends, I am going to attempt to review this books without any spoilers at all! Which is kind of hard. But I want everyone to experience this book with fresh eyes and an open heart. It is just that amazing and wonderful.

Sydney was a top-notch heroine in every single way. I really loved everything about her. I admire her and how she dealt with every single situation. She is considerate and one of the kindest people I have ever come across while reading a book. OH, and very talented. She is someone I wish I could be like

Ridge was the epitome of perfection. His name, his talent, his feelings and his characteristics…perfection. Granted, he did make me want to smack him in the head but my god most of the time I wanted to give him a great bear hug and never let go. He is the most amazing ‘good’ boy I’ve ever read about. I usually am all for the bad, tattooed men but in this case…hell no. Ridge was flawless in my mind.

As always in a Colleen Hoover novel, I adore the secondary characters. Warren was such a great friend to Ridge and eventually to Sydney. Beyond loyal and hilarious, I’d love a friend like him. Maggie, not telling who she is, was also great. I respected the hell out of her and wish I could live my life one day like she does.

Colleen has the greatest knack for ripping your heart out and making you laugh all at the same time. Her writing is so relatable and loveable. Again, perfection, which seems to be a theme throughout this review… The plot, which is not given away much at all in the synopsis, thank goodness, was excellent. The way and the timing of how she reveals important things is spot-on and wonderful. One very special thing about this book, the songs sung by Griffin Peterson, added immensely to my enjoyment of this book. It was the icing on the perfection cake. And the romance. Not going to say anything but this – perfection times infinity.

Please, please read this book when it releases tomorrow. If you love Colleen’s books, love books in general or just have feelings, you’ll adore this book. Promise!

Rating: 5/5 Tar Heels!