Teaser Tuesday (39)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Wander Home (p.10 PDF)
      - Karen Wyle

Jack put an arm around her and drew her close. "That might have made things harder. Like waking up from a beautiful dream, and finding you're in pain."


Should Be Reading @ Wordpress

Hera: Queen of Gods

Hera couldn't care less what the other gods think, even when it's about her. And it often is. Frankly, Hera couldn't care less about anything, except doing her duty as queen - protecting order and defending the mortal world against any threats. But when the Fates go missing, Hera and a handful of other gods must temporarily become mortal to search the human world for the missing goddesses.

Hera finds that mortality begins to change her. It's not just the loss of her divine powers. She expected that. It's deeper somehow. It's affecting how she thinks, how she feels, what's important to her. And it gets much worse after she meets Justin, who defies every prejudice she once had
about mortals. At the worst possible time, and despite all her efforts, Hera's black-and-white world starts to unravel.

Torn between who she's becoming and who she needs to be in order to fulfill her duty, Hera must survive a horde of murderous creatures sent to exploit her new weakness. In the end, only Hera can stop a traitorous plot conceived by a secret alliance of ancient and new enemies, a plot that threatens to destroy not only the order Hera is sworn to protect, but all of existence itself.

*May Contain Spoilers*

I really wish I would have payed attention to the fact that Hera: Queen of Gods was the beginning of a series. Because I don't know how long I'll be able to wait for the next one to come out. T.D. Thomas astounded me with this novel. I couldn't put it down! Time rushed by as I flew through the (estimated) 536 pages. I've never read a book this long in so short of a time period. Needless to say, I loved it! 

Hera is Queen of Gods, so obviously she's a bit of a badass. And who can resist a main character like that? She selfless in her quest to save the worlds, willing to sacrifice many in order to save more. Hera demands respect, from other characters and readers. Readers may have a small problem connecting to her based on her single vision to save existence no matter what happens, but most readers will understand her point of view. Thus, bonding with her based on her ability to focus on what needs to be done. 

The book is told in Hera's point of view, but readers will love the supporting cast of characters! Hermes is incredibly entertaining. Artemis intrigues readers with her shape-shifting. Zeus will not only anger characters but also evoke strong emotion for what he goes through. Same goes for Athena. Readers may need tissues when it comes to Athena. 

And then there's Justin. The mortal who discovers he's a Dreamer and, therefore, can navigate and create Dreamlands. He's as selfless as Hera, though his motivation is love. He's an intense character to doesn't hesitate to help the Gods as they search for the missing Fates. Readers will connect with Justin based on his easy acceptance, his heroic personality, and his feelings for Hera. 

The plot and epilogue set up the characters for a sequel. Readers will be hoping T.D. Thomas is a very fast writer upon conclusion of this novel. Highly recommended for lovers of Young Adult! 

Rating: 4.5/5 Cups

Hera, Queen of Gods (Goddess Unbound)

Fallen

When Izzy went to bed, she never expected to awaken to disgrace. Of course, it felt wonderful ... warm hands on her flesh, rough stubbled skin on her cheek. It all seemed some wonderful dream. But that hardly mattered to the ton. To them, she was ruined, for Lord Eppingham Julian Rowley had been discovered in her bed, and she'd claimed him as her own. Why had she done it? Why had she brought ruination to her name and dishonor to her family --- dishonor that could only be erased by marriage?

She had not wanted to trap the handsome rake in wedlock. Though she might fall forever into his golden-brown eyes, marriage to any man was not something she sought. Nor had she acted from any true fear of the ton's disdain. It had been something in Julian's touch, his kiss. Something had called out for her to guard him, to place herself in the way of his ruin. If to save this man meant to be fallen, so be it. And in saving him, she just might save herself.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Celeste Bradley's novel Fallen swept me off of my feet with delight and laugh out loud dialogue. It is an absolutely amazing book full of relatable characters. 

Izzy, the main female character, is full of gumption. Readers will fall in love with her quick wit, her optimistic attitude, and her selflessness. She has a beautiful personality that no one will be able to resist, including her love interest. 

Julian, Lord Rowley, has had a tough childhood. Always being compared to his brother - who seemed perfect from birth to death. Julian tries to makes his family proud, but is constantly cast as the black sheep. He's a firm believer that love does not exist though he is generous and kind. He is a bit on the selfish side, but the supporting cast of characters help him evolve into the best man he can be. Readers will connect with him through his strive to be a good son and heir. The childhood troubles he survived will also tug on the hearts of readers, making the bond even stronger.

The plot brought Bradley's humor into full swing! From bantering to bargaining, this novel will have every reader laughing. It's a fresh look at how a lady (accidentally) finds a husband whose worth whatever it takes. Though the book's story is a bit long-winded (the characters are so stubborn!), it was well worth it. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

Fallen

WWW Wednesday (31)

A month of Wednesdays and what have we been reading!

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

01. Currently Reading:
About to start Fallen by Celeste Bradley. A historical romance the tempted me from the shelves. Couldn't resist. Don't blame me...

02. Recently Finished:
Royal Flush by Scott Bartlett. Hilarious comedic fiction novel that focuses on a King who needs a wife, but doesn't want one.

03. Reading Next:
Wander Home by Karen Wyle. This has been on my TBR for author review for a while and am dearly looking forward to it!