Review : Bookish and the Beast

Bookish and the Beast by Ashely Poston

(Once Upon a Con #3)

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Retelling, Young Adult, 

Goodreads: Click

Purchase Link: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Walmart eBooks 

Pages: 288

Published: August 4th 2020 by Quirk Books

In the third book in Ashley Poston's Once Upon a Con series, Beauty and the Beast is retold in the beloved Starfield universe.

Rosie Thorne is feeling stuck—on her college application essays, in her small town, and on that mysterious General Sond cosplayer she met at ExcelsiCon. Most of all, she’s stuck in her grief over her mother’s death. Her only solace was her late mother’s library of rare Starfield novels, but even that disappeared when they sold it to pay off hospital bills.

On the other hand, Vance Reigns has been Hollywood royalty for as long as he can remember—with all the privilege and scrutiny that entails. When a tabloid scandal catches up to him, he's forced to hide out somewhere the paparazzi would never expect to find him: Small Town USA. At least there’s a library in the house. Too bad he doesn’t read.

When Rosie and Vance’s paths collide and a rare book is accidentally destroyed, Rosie finds herself working to repay the debt. And while most Starfield superfans would jump at the chance to work in close proximity to the Vance Reigns, Rosie has discovered something about Vance: he’s a jerk, and she can’t stand him. The feeling is mutual.

But as Vance and Rosie begrudgingly get to know each other, their careful masks come off—and they may just find that there’s more risk in shutting each other out than in opening their hearts. 

Its amazing that I haven't picked this book up sooner. I've loved the previous two books and have read them multiple times because I enjoyed them so much and I just know this is now gonna be a new favorite. I would defiantly love to do a reread of this book after rereading the previous two and just read them in order. Okay I know its just an excuse but that's really just how much I enjoyed it. I loved the characters and how the author shaped and made these characters her own. Usually retellings can be overdone and this book managed to be unique in its own way. If you haven't had a change I highly recommend you lovely readers check this book out. 

Review : The Princess and the Fangirl

The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashely Poston

(Once Upon a Con #2)
Genre: Contemporary, Retelling, Young Adult, Romance,

Goodreads: Click

Purchase Link: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Walmart eBooks 

Pages: 320

Published: April 2nd 2019 by Quirk Books

The Prince and the Pauper gets a modern makeover in this adorable, witty, and heartwarming young adult novel set in the Geekerella universe by national bestselling author Ashley Poston.

Imogen Lovelace is an ordinary fangirl on an impossible mission: save her favorite character, Princess Amara, from being killed off from her favorite franchise, Starfield. The problem is, Jessica Stone—the actress who plays Princess Amara—wants nothing more than to leave the intense scrutiny of the fandom behind. If this year's ExcelsiCon isn't her last, she'll consider her career derailed.When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible. That's easier said than done when the girls step into each other's shoes and discover new romantic possibilities, as well as the other side of intense fandom. As these "princesses" race to find the script-leaker, they must rescue themselves from their own expectations, and redefine what it means to live happily ever after.

Imogen is a fangirl trying to save her favorite character Princess Amara. Meanwhile Actress Jessica Stone is happy about the idea of her character dying off and has pretty much made it clear. When a case of switched identities happen at a panel of ExcelsiCon Jessica isn't happy about it. But when leaks of the script of Starfield sequel leaks Jessica's career can be on the line if shes blamed. She needs to find the person behind this but with all the panels and shows she'll need a double to take her place. Imogen steps up in helping out and gets to see for a short while into Jessica's world, while Jessica solves the mystery of who is leaking the script.

Love love Loved this book. Almost as much as I liked the book Geekerella. I loved how the author took the basic of Prince and the Pauper and turned it into something amazing with it. This was such a unique take and I loved seeing what the author could do for it. TBH I'm not a fan of prince and pauper which is why it took a bit of time for me to pick this book up, but knowing who wrote this and after loving the previous one I knew I finally had to pick it up. I was not disappointed this book exceeded my expectation. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing how everything turned out in the end. I thought it was interesting seeing how both girls got to see the other side of each other's lives and finding their own HEA. It was a pretty cute book, I enjoyed it.

Review : Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe

Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa De La Cruz

Genre: Romance, Christmas, Retelling, Holiday, Adult,

Goodreads: Click

Purchase Link : Amazon | BN | Kobo

Pages: 240
Published October 17th 2017 by St. Martin's Press

 Darcy Fitzwilliam is 29, beautiful, successful, and brilliant. She dates hedge funders and basketball stars and is never without her three cellphones—one for work, one for play, and one to throw at her assistant (just kidding). Darcy’s never fallen in love, never has time for anyone else’s drama, and never goes home for Christmas if she can help it. But when her mother falls ill, she comes home to Pemberley, Ohio, to spend the season with her dad and little brother.

Her parents throw their annual Christmas bash, where she meets one Luke Bennet, the smart, sardonic slacker son of their neighbor. Luke is 32 and has never left home. He’s a carpenter and makes beautiful furniture, and is content with his simple life. He comes from a family of five brothers, each one less ambitious than the other. When Darcy and Luke fall into bed after too many eggnogs, Darcy thinks it’s just another one night stand. But why can’t she stop thinking of Luke? What is it about him? And can she fall in love, or will her pride and his prejudice against big-city girls stand in their way?

Darcy is successful women who moved out of her hometown Pemberly, Ohio to NYC and hasn't been back for a while. After a phone call about her mothers poor health she is back during christmas time to spend the holiday. She doesn't have time for relationships when shes working 24/7 but doesn't expect to fall in love during this short time.

You know what as a lover of Jane Austen books I knew I Just has to get my hands on this book and let me tell you this book doesn't disappoint. First off its gender swapped so its a whole new outlook, then there is plenty of things to seem very different but also got that main story line/plot of the book to make it clear its a Pride and Prejudice retelling (Yea I know its pretty clear in the title) . The reason I point that out there are plenty of books out there that advertise being a Pride and Prejudice retelling and clearly aren't and it seems like such a waste. Anyways I loved the characters, getting to know them and seeing the differences from which this book was inspired from. So a message for you Austin fans from one to another I recommend you lovely readers to check this book out especially during this holiday season.

Review : The Season

The Season by Jonah Lisa Dyer

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Sport, Retelling, New Adult, Chick Lit

Goodreads: Click

Purchase Link: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Pages: 326

Published July 12th 2016 by Viking Children's

She can score a goal, do sixty box jumps in a row, bench press a hundred and fifty pounds…but can she learn to curtsey?

Megan McKnight is a soccer star with Olympic dreams, but she’s not a girly girl. So when her Southern belle mother secretly enters her in the 2016 Dallas debutante season, she’s furious—and has no idea what she’s in for. When Megan’s attitude gets her on probation with the mother hen of the debs, she’s got a month to prove she can ballroom dance, display impeccable manners, and curtsey like a proper Texas lady or she’ll get the boot and disgrace her family. The perk of being a debutante, of course, is going to parties, and it’s at one of these lavish affairs where Megan gets swept off her feet by the debonair and down-to-earth Hank Waterhouse. If only she didn’t have to contend with a backstabbing blonde and her handsome but surly billionaire boyfriend, Megan thinks, being a deb might not be so bad after all. But that’s before she humiliates herself in front of a room full of ten-year-olds, becomes embroiled in a media-frenzy scandal, and gets punched in the face by another girl.

The season has officially begun…but the drama is just getting started. 

Really I wasn't sure if I'd like this book I mean its about debutants and no. But I heard about it being a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice and I just had to see a couple chapters at least though. Those few chapters turned into the whole book and to say I devoured it is a good way to describe it. I loved the characters and I Megan's character, she was quirky, unique and interesting. She pretty much has a hard time holding her tongue and would do anything for her family or at least her father which is why she ended up in this debutant situation. I loved that once she set her mind to something she went full force, without loosing her self. Meaning after all the parties and dresses that she had to go through she set lines and boundaries and learned to get through things her own way rather then letting the people ahead of everything fully change her. That just wasn't her style she made sure her true self was shown in every dress and action. I loved how kick butt she was and that she was gutsy. She truly is a great character and I enjoyed her. Overall if you know the point of Pride and Prejudice then you'll know what this book is mainly about with a few twists and overall I found myself really enjoying this book.

Review : Yellow Brick War

Yellow Brick War by Danielle Paige

(Dorothy Must Die #3)

Goodreads : Click
Published March 15th 2016 by HarperCollins

Once upon a time, there was a girl from Kansas named Dorothy.

You might know her as the Girl Who Rode the Cyclone. She ended up in Oz, where she became friends with the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. But the temptation of magic was too much for her. She let it change her. Her friends became twisted versions of their former selves.

The magical land of Oz is now a dark and menacing place.

My name is Amy Gumm. Tornadoes must have a thing about girls from Kansas, because I got swept away on one too. I also landed in Oz, where Good is Wicked, Wicked is Good, and the Wicked Witches clued me in to my true calling:

Assassin.

The only way to stop Dorothy from destroying Oz—and Kansas—is to kill her. And I’m the only one who can do it.

But I failed. Others died for my mistakes. Because of me, the portal between the worlds has been opened and Kansas and Oz are both in danger. And if I don’t find a way to close it?

Dorothy will make sure I never get to go home again. 

I knew it was a mistake to read this book before the last one is out. I actually thought that this book was the last one which is why I started this series. I first thought that this book was a trilogy. When I did end up finding out that there was another book after, I was already in deep and wasn't about to stop now. I'll just reread the books that way my mind is refreshed when the next books come out. 

If you haven't started this series you really are missing out on something great. I loved that this book didn't revolve around romance like I come across in many young adult books. I mean there is a tiny bits but it isn't centered about the books. The main goal is to get rid of Dorthy and that was that. I loved that there was so much going on. I mean I loved the first book, the second book was OK, didn't do much for me, then there's this book so much going on and I just couldn't put it down. This might be my favorite book out of the series. I loved getting to see the change in different characters. I enjoyed seeing Amy have that internal battle with herself when it came to power and how it was changing her. Overall fantastic highly recommend you lovely readers check out this book!

Review : Dorothy Must Die

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

(Dorothy Must Die #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Retelling, Fiction, Magic, Young Adult, Adventure, Witches,

Goodreads : Click

Pages: 452 

Purchase Link: Amazon | B&N
Published April 1st 2014 by HarperCollins

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado - taking you with it - you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little bluebirds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still a yellow brick road - but even that's crumbling.

What happened? Dorothy.
They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm - and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission.

Amy is a trailer trash nobody whoes life just sucked. Then in comes a freak tornado and like the Wizard of Oz she once watched with her mother, she was no longer in Kansas but Oz. Unlike the movie there was no happy munchkins and everything seemed like crap, on top of that Dorothy is somehow the bad guy and Dorthy is under the wings of the wicked witches. Amy is some how left with one mission: Killing Dorthy.

I gotta admit I tried picking up this book many times before and this book just didnt do it for me. Then I found out that my local library had an audiobook and it was the right choice for me. Everything seemed more colorful and lively listening to the readers voice.

I loved how topsy turvey things was in this book. I loved how nothing is as it seems and I kept getting surprised with each reveal. I loved that there were plenty going on to keep me hooked. This book was a gorey and interesting at times. This book ... or audio book was hard to stop once I started it. Thankfully I have the next book with me so after this review I'm going straight forward I need to know what happens next.

All I'm going to leave you with is that this book is fantastic and I loved it. Highly recommend you lovely readers to check out this book!

Owl Crate & Everland Review

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you lovely readers about a great bookish subscription service called OwlCrate. For those of you who have not heard of this service, its $29.99 + S&H. Thing is is you use this special code NEWMEMBER you'll be able to knock off a bit of cash. Every month there is a different theme in each box you can expect:

• Hardcover book 
• 3-5 quality bookish items.

This months OwlCrate theme is Steam Punk and out of the 3 months of using this service I have to tell you that this box is my favorite and I had use for each and every item in this box. As for the book, it was called Everland by Wendy Spinale. So here's what I got:

I wish I got a better shot of that ring but its really cute, it based of The Infernal Devices. It was designed by Sparks Emporium.

Then there's the Skeleton Key by Crystal Compass Designs. Soon as I saw that necklace I put it on straight away. It has a long chain and its super cute and I loved it.

The other key item, is from Elope. It's labeled Metal Accessories, its a broach or pin. I'm thinking I might put it on a hairclip because I don't use pins much but I'm in love with that key and it needs to be used and shown off. The details are incredible.

Some other items that came in the box was the steamp punk inspired nails wraps. I don't use them often and find them pricey in general and was glad to have gotten them in this box. Also there is like 2 weeks worth of nail wraps, so basically when I instantly ruin on while putting on or so I can go for the back ups which is handy. Also there is a link to how to put them on so that's helpful.

Temporary Flash Tattoos based off the book was also included in the box in the shapes of Cogs, Wings and such. So cute.

The last bookish item recieved was the Art Print by Creative Daffodil Studios as a tribute to J.M. Barrie. Its a Peter Pan inspired print.

Continue reading to see the review to this fantastic book I received in this book.

Anyways should any of you decide to subscribe please use this referral link I'd appreciate it! Referral Link Click Here

Everland by Wendy Spinale

Genre: Fantasy, Retelling, SteamPunk, Romance, Young Adult, Fairy Tales, Historical Fiction, Dystopia

Goodreads: Click

Purchase Link: Amazon | B&N

Pages: 320

Published May 10th 2016 by Scholastic Press

London has been destroyed in a blitz of bombs and disease. The only ones who have survived are children, among them Gwen Darling and her siblings, Joanna and Mikey. They spend their nights scavenging and their days avoiding the ruthless Marauders -- the German army led by Captain Hanz Otto Oswald Kretschmer.

Unsure if the virus has spread past England's borders but desperate to leave, Captain Hook hunts for a cure, which he thinks can be found in one of the survivors. He and his Marauders stalk the streets snatching children for experimentation. None ever return. Until the day they grab Joanna. As Gwen sets out to save her, she meets a daredevil boy named Pete. Pete offers the assistance of his gang of Lost Boys and the fierce sharpshooter Bella, who have all been living in a city hidden underground. But in a place where help has a steep price and every promise is bound by blood, it will cost Gwen. And are she, Pete, the Lost Boys, and Bella enough to outsmart Captain Hook?

Last night I refused to go to sleep until I had finished this book. It was that good.

I loved this book it was so imaginative, fun, and enjoyable. I loved when I can come across retelling, even better if its steampunk another genre I don't really come across. When I do I'm never disappointed. I loved this book. There is so much to love, the characters, the fact that you'll get different point of views from multiple characters including Hook. I thought this was a really great reimagining of a classic. There was plenty of action going on from the very start to draw the readers in. I want write more about this book on why I loved it to much but you should see for your self. Bump it to the top of your TBR list you'll be happy you did.

Review : Stitching Snow

Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis Genre: Dystopia, Retelling, Fairy Tales, Romance, Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure Goodreads: Click Purchase Link: Amazon Pages: 338 Published October 14th 2014 by Disney-Hyperion Synopsis: Essie lives in Thanda that's known for its mines. To help save a couple minors lives shes fixed up a couple of droids to do the job and does cage fighting on the side for money. Things start to get complicated when a ship crash lands near by rather then getting the authorities she helps the pilot Dane so that he can leave quietly. Little did she expect to get kidnapped and sent back to her home where she willingly left with the help of a few people. There is nothing but corruptions and death by the hands of her father the King and his wife where she came from. Review: I really enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of Lunar chronicals I think you'll enjoy this book.If you enjoy a kick butt princess with brains then then this book is for you. I loved getting to know Essie's characters. I loved that even if there was the love interest Dane I wasn't over the top being a romance.I loved that when there were times of trouble she always make sure to keep her and her words of wisdom to help others. I loved that there was always something going on to keep things interesting and to keep the readers on their toes. Overall a great story I really enjoyed it!

Review : Cruel Beauty

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Fairy Tales, Retelling, Mythology, Magic, Paranormal, Demons
Pages: 342
Purchase Link : Amazon

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle—a shifting maze of magical rooms—enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

Review:

This book was quite unexpected. I absolutely love retelling. This was a interesting and unique take on Beauty and the Beast. Not at all how I thought it would turn out which made it more fun and entertaining. I loved that there was so much going on, I loved getting to know their own little tales. There is so much twists and turns that'll keep the readers on their toes. I look forward to checking out the next book I hear that its a Little Red Riding Hood retelling.

Scarlet

"I think I realized that I would rather die because I betrayed them, than live because I betrayed you."

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer ( The Lunar Chronicles #2)
Stars: 5 of 5
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Young Adult, fantasy, Dystopia, Fairy Tales, Retelling, Steampunk, Romance
Pages: 464

Summary:

Cinder is locked up with the intention of breaking out, with the help of an inmate she goes on a search for a women who helped her escape. Maybe she can help her know more about herself and how to work with her powers.

Scarlets grandmother is missing and no one wants to help. Everyone knows her grandmother is crazy and she probably just ran away. Scarlet knows theres something wrong when her grandmother just leaves without a trace and not contact her. With the help of a stranger, Scarlet will go find her grandmother but will find herself in trouble.

(Anyone else find this a wee bit creepy?)

My thoughts

Of all the fairy tales Red Riding Hood was my favorite and I love how the author retells these fairy tales in a unique way. I mean I've read many remakes of many fairy tale and none come close to this Lunar Chronicles series. I love that these retelling of fairy tales have a unique twist of dystopian era and Syfi.

When I heard about this book I was a little worried because I cinders story hasn't ended. I thought that this book was just going to be Scarlets view and I was relieved to find that this story goes back and forth between Scarlet and Cinder to know whats going on. I liked how the author made this complex story that someone managed to merge into one another.

I loved how fast paced this book was, loads of action and fighting. Theres almost always something going on. I liked how pushy Scarlet was and how she stood her ground, when she wanted to find her grandmere and no one was doing anything about she did whatever it took to find her grandmere. I wish I could've seen more with the relationship between Wolf and Scarlet though like I got to see with Kai and Cinder.

With this last picture I just wanted to show off my nails, they arent anything special but because I was bored I decided to paint my nails the same color as the cloak and the sparkling silver reminds me of the Lunars. So I painted the tips of my nails the sparkling silver and on one nail painted a crescent  I'm not quite sure if you can see it from that picture tho.

Oh and I wanted to share this with you, I just figured this out its a prequel to Scarlet on Wolf its called The Queens Army.

Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

"Even in the Future the Story Begins with Once Upon A Time." - Cinder by Marissa Meyer 

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Stars: 5 of 5
Format: Paperback
Genre:  Young Adult, Diastolic, Romance, Fairy tales, Science Fiction Retelling.
Pages: 390

Summery

Theres nothing special about Linh Cinder, shes just young cyborg mechanic who lives with her step mother, two sisters and her best friend android, Iko. When her sister fall ill, she is blamed by her Step mother and sister and gets sent away to be used as a testing subject so her step mother wont have to deal with her anymore.

Slowly information about a past she remembers nothing of starts to resurface revealing her true self. On top of that she keeps crossing paths with the soon to be emperor of Beijing and end up with a romance that was destined to never be.

My thoughts.

I liked this book so much I was too much that I've already started writing half this review before it even finished. I just wanted to say the imagery is amazing. Other then reading my other hobby includes Painting/Sketching and this book has enough descriptions to get me actually itching to draw a picture of what Cinder could possibly look like or the other characters  I love the twist and turns that occur in this book. I've read a lot of adaptions to the Cinderella story and most of them where predictable and this wasn't, I love that I keep getting surprised of what is going to happen next. There is no other Cinderella adaption like this. Even the ending got me curious of what happens next, Thank goodness Scarlet (The next book in this Lunar Chronicles) is out and my library is already in process to get it to me before the end of the week.

(Written after book was read) There is so much to like about this book from the imagery  the way its fast paced, I liked how well the characters were written. I liked that it had a different setting with the whole Dystopia thing, normally when I find a book that's dystopian its based where the US was this book is based in Beijing. With this book what I ended up getting is a book wit humans, cyborgs, androids and aliens. I'm not a big fan of Aliens I believe I've mentioned that before, the only other book I've read with aliens was In The After. Most of what I've come across in this book is different from what I normally read, so this book was kind of out of my reading comfort zone.

What I also liked about this book is that it didn't go overboard with romance or that whole love at first sight kind of thing, you can tell there was a interest between the prince and Cinder but it was subtle. Too many YA books go overboard with the romance and this just has a little touch of if which I appreciate. It wasn't over the top and it wasn't too little, it was just enough romance thrown in.

My favorite character had to be Iko, yea she only lasted like half the book but that "glitch" she had gave her a great and funny personality. I almost kept forgetting that she was an android, even Iko would almost forget. "I have a glitch, too. Sometimes I forget that I'm not human. I don't think that happen to most androids." (That was from the short story Glitch which is a special bonus in the book. If you would like to check out the Prequel Glitch  Click Here ) She is the most girlish robot I've ever heard and I like the little comments she says in the book.

(Illustration by Goni Montes)