BLOOD ROSE REBELLION by Rosalyn Eves & DATING THE UNDEAD byJuliet Lyons:

Blood Rose Rebellion (Blood Rose Rebellion #1)

by Rosalyn Eves

The thrilling first book in a YA fantasy trilogy for fans of Red Queen. In a world where social prestige derives from a trifecta of blood, money, and magic, one girl has the ability to break the spell that holds the social order in place.

Sixteen-year-old Anna Arden is barred from society by a defect of blood. Though her family is part of the Luminate, powerful users of magic, she is Barren, unable to perform the simplest spells. Anna would do anything to belong. But her fate takes another course when, after inadvertently breaking her sister’s debutante spell—an important chance for a highborn young woman to show her prowess with magic—Anna finds herself exiled to her family’s once powerful but now crumbling native Hungary.

Her life might well be over.

In Hungary, Anna discovers that nothing is quite as it seems. Not the people around her, from her aloof cousin Noémi to the fierce and handsome Romani Gábor. Not the society she’s known all her life, for discontent with the Luminate is sweeping the land. And not her lack of magic. Isolated from the only world she cares about, Anna still can’t seem to stop herself from breaking spells.

As rebellion spreads across the region, Anna’s unique ability becomes the catalyst everyone is seeking. In the company of nobles, revolutionaries, and Romanies, Anna must choose: deny her unique power and cling to the life she’s always wanted, or embrace her ability and change that world forever.

What I thought:

Great first in a series. Took me a little bit to sink into this story, but once I did, I was hooked. I liked the world building and the heroine is fierce. The plot was complex and kept me interested. Excited to see where this story goes. Highly recommend for fantasy lovers. And there's a sprinkle of romance thrown in. *Swoons.*

Rating: **** (4 1/2 stars)

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dating The Undead (V-Date.Com #1)

by Juliet Lyons 

It’s Bridget Jones with vampires in this fresh and funny paranormal romance from debut author Juliet Lyons

When Silver Harris kisses sexy Irish vampire Logan Byrne on New Year's Eve, she knows other humans just won't suffice. Convinced she'll never see him again, she joins the uber-popular vampire dating site, V-Date.com.

What Silver doesn't know is that the site is more dangerous than she could ever imagined, and soon she's in over her head. When Logan returns, sparks fly and attraction sizzles, but they'll have to escape some very real demons if they have any chance of lasting forever.

What I thought:

Fun, fast read. Felt like a fresh take on vamp romance. Really liked the hero and heroine and enjoyed the banter between them. Not as crazy about the ending and I definitely could've done without the epilogue, but I definitely recommend this for romance readers who like a little bite in their books.
Rating: **** (3.5 stars)


*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What is your most anticipated book of 2017? I love comments. Leave me a comment and find me on twitter @chellypike. 

Happy reading,

Chelly

CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS by Lila Bowen

Conspiracy of Ravens (The Shadow #2)

by Lila Bowen

Monsters, magic and the supernatural combine in this sequel to Wake of Vultures, in which a young woman must defeat the evil hiding beneath the surface. 

Nettie Lonesome made a leap -- not knowing what she'd become. But now the destiny of the Shadow is calling.

A powerful alchemist is leaving a trail of dead across the prairie. And the Shadow must face the ultimate challenge: side with her friends and the badge on her chest or take off alone on the dangerous mission pulling her inexorably toward the fight of her life.

When it comes to monsters and men, the world isn't black and white. What good are two wings and a gun when your enemy can command a conspiracy of ravens?

Conspiracy of Ravens continues the exciting journey begun in Wake of Vultures as Nettie Lonesome discovers that she, and the world, are more than what they seem.

What I thought:

I reviewed WAKE OF VULTURES back in December. Click the title to see to the review, but--spoiler--I loved it. I jumped into CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS expecting more of the same, and I got more of the same--yay!--but the much slower version. 

Whereas Book 1 was a mile-a-minute thrill ride, Book 2 was a driving-behind-an-old-person not-so-thrilling ride. Book 1 was plot all the way. Book 2 is more of a character-driven story. There is plot, but it plods--literally, through the desert. The first 3/4 of this book is traveling to get to where the action happens, which leads to a lot of planning and explaining and not much doing. The last quarter of the book is fast and exciting, but I had to work to get there. I love the voice in this and still adore Rhett, so I will follow him into Book 3. 

Rating: *** 3 Stars

March is a slow reading month for me because of my day job, but here's what I have coming up soon:

What's on your Need-This-Now list? Any books have you counting days until release day? I love recommendations and comments. Let me know what you're reading and find me on Twitter @chellypike.

Happy Reading,

Chelly

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest reivew.

A CROWN OF WISHES by Roshani Chokshi

A Crown of Wishes (The Star-Touched Queen #2)

by Roshani Chokshi 

Gauri, the princess of Bharata, has been taken as a prisoner of war by her kingdom’s enemies. Faced with a future of exile and scorn, Gauri has nothing left to lose. Hope unexpectedly comes in the form of Vikram, the cunning prince of a neighboring land and her sworn enemy kingdom. Unsatisfied with becoming a mere puppet king, Vikram offers Gauri a chance to win back her kingdom in exchange for her battle prowess. Together, they’ll have to set aside their differences and team up to win the Tournament of Wishes—a competition held in a mythical city where the Lord of Wealth promises a wish to the victor.

Reaching the tournament is just the beginning. Once they arrive, danger takes on new shapes: poisonous courtesans and mischievous story birds, a feast of fears and twisted fairy revels.

Every which way they turn new trials will test their wit and strength. But what Gauri and Vikram will soon discover is that there’s nothing more dangerous than what they most desire.

What I thought:

I don't think it's a secret that I loved THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN. Loved. Like, I may have an unhealthy obsession with it and I don't care. I was so excited to get my hands on this book, but then I was so nervous to read it, because how could it be as good as TSTQ?

I know, crazy of me to doubt Roshani Chokshi, right? Right. OMG I raced through the beginning and then slowed down to savor the end, because nooooo... I didn't want it to end. I love Guari. She's kick-ass and fearless, and did I mention stubborn. <3 And Vikram... swoons. At first, the two of them together was like banging cymbals, so wrong and so right. And then it was perfect. 

Roshani's writing is beautiful. As in every word is a work of art. The world-building is so layered and the story is fascinating. It's official. I will devour everything she writes. 

And I can't recommend this book enough!

Rating: ***** 5 stars

Have you read ACOW? Are you dying to read it? What is your most anticipated book of 2017? I love comments. Leave me a comment and find me on twitter @chellypike. 

Happy reading,

Chelly

* I received an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review, but I had already pre-ordered it, so not sure if that matters.