Sophie Reads YA: May 2019

May Summary

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2018 Contemporary Romance Challenge

Review: Royals (Royals #1) by Rachel Hawkins

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Royals
Series: Royals #1
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Published May 3rd 2018 by Scholastic

Goodreads Synopsis
Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond.

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself.
Goodreads

Review
I simply adore any and all books that involve royalty, so when this book was announced, it was immediately preordered - though my copy went on a bit of a detour before it arrived. When Daisy's older sister - who's perfect, don't you know - becomes engaged to the Scottish Crown Prince, she is thrown into the spotlight, and soon finds herself in Scotland rather than at home in Florida. Coming to terms with all of the rules and regulations about becoming a member of the extended royal family, Daisy finds herself amongst the well to do, when she's the opposite. Luckily, Miles is at hand to help her understand just what is expected, but nothing happens smoothly, and there is a whole lot of drama with the Royals, particularly the twins Seb and Flora.

I flew through this book in one day, and it was actually the bank holiday weekend, and even though I sometimes get car sick, I wouldn't put it down as we went out for the day. The plot isn't that memorable, but that wasn't really necessary, as the characters were all wonderful, Daisy and Miles in particular, and they more than made up for it. Daisy was so real, and flawed, unlike her sister, and her attitude was lovely, especially once we got to know her more, and realise she was using it as a crutch to disguise her unease at the situation she was pushed into. The romance was unbelievably good! Such a slow burn that I wanted to scream at times, but it was all worth it in the end. The ending was a bit quick, but with book 2 now being confirmed, I can't wait to learn how everyone has been doing since leaving them in Royals (now called Prince Charming).

Dates Read:

May 6, 2018

Rating
5 Stars

Jenn Bennett

Waiting on Wednesday: Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett

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2018 Debut Author Challenge

ARC Review: The President's Daughter (The President's Daughter #1) by Micky O'Brady

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The President's Daughter
Series: The President's Daughter #1
Author: Micky O'Brady
Published April 24th 2018 by Curiosity Quills Press

Goodreads Synopsis
When her father is elected President, seventeen-year-old brainiac Alix Forrester is recruited into a covert branch of the Secret Service. They expect geeky, socially awkward Alix to be their inside girl, keeping an additional eye on her father without his knowledge—even though she and the President barely get along after a car accident that left her on crutches and kept her out of Harvard. If it wasn’t for Sam, Alix’s long-term crush and her father’s young personal assistant, her life would suck at an epic level—at least until she starts training with twenty-one-year-old Secret Service-genius Ian.

Their geeky connection over all things science has Alix crushing hard. As her injuries heal, Ian molds Alix into an elite spy. Their attraction grows, while the relationship with her father is going down hill: he even throws her out of the Oval Office in front of everyone. No matter what, when a series of assassination attempts threatens the President’s life, Alix and Ian get activated.

Rejected by the man she’s trying to save Alix hunts for the assassin, inadvertently handing Ian evidence pointing to Sam as the perpetrator. Despite her protests and pleas Ian has Sam arrested, ordering Alix to drop the case. Hurt by Ian’s actions Alix goes rogue to prove it can’t have been Sam. The boy who kissed her for the very first time cannot be out to kill her father. Racing against time Alix must overcome her own inadequacies and find the true assassin before Sam gets convicted for something he didn’t do—or before the President gets killed.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

When I first saw this book on NetGalley, I wasn't too sure what it would be like, but hoped it would be similar to Ally Carter's books, as I love them so much, and need so many other books like that. Being the daughter of the President, Alix's life has been quite sheltered, even more so when she is involved in a car accident that leaves her on crutches. Now, her father babies her, and won't let her even go to university, rather she is given a tutor for homeschooling. However, her tutor isn't just anyone, but rather a genius working with the Secret-Service, who is helping to recruit new agents, and thinks Alix would be the perfect recruit. With her intellect, and personal involvement and wish to protect the president, she is the perfect choice, though her father can never know, and neither can her crush and friend, Sam.

I really liked Alix. She was extremely clever, and had used her time after the accident to improve her intellect and try and prove to her dad she deserved to go to university. However, when he still won't let her go, she doesn't back down, and throws herself into her training under Ian. She seems to think her dad is embarrassed of her, and wants to do anything she can to prove she is 'worthy' of him, when the opportunity falls right into her lap. When her father is nearly killed in a series of attempts, Alix, rather than being worried/concern, throws herself into finding the culprit, and make sure the right person is caught. Ian was a fantastic character as well, all snarky and didn't let Alix use her privilege when she wasn't really trying. He and Alix connect as soon as they meet, and I loved how their relationship developed.

The plot was slightly predictable at times, but it was a really fast paced read, and I was definitely blown away by my previous expectations. I hadn't heard of the author until now, but I would be happy to read more of their work in the future.

Dates Read:

April 13-14, 2018

Rating
5 Stars

2019 New Release challenge

Review: The Queen’s Resistance (The Queen's Rising #2) by Rebecca Ross

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The Queen’s Resistance
Series: The Queen's Rising #2
Author: Rebecca Ross
Published March 7th 2019 by HarperCollins Children's Books

Goodreads Synopsis
The highly anticipated sequel to The Queen’s Rising!

Finally, Brienna is a mistress of knowledge and is settling into her role as the daughter of Davin MacQuinn, a disgraced lord who returned to Maevana to reclaim his house. Though she’d just survived a revolution, one that will finally return a queen to the throne, she faces another difficult challenge. She must prove herself trustworthy to the MacQuinns. But as Queen Isolde Kavanagh’s closest confidant, she’ll have to balance serving her father’s house as well as her country. And then there’s Cartier, a wholly separate but desirable factor in her new life.

Aodhan Morgane, formerly known as Cartier Évariste, is adjusting to the stark contrast between his pre-rebellion life in Valenia as a master of knowledge and his current one as the lord of a fallen house. During his castle’s restoration, he discovers a ten-year-old boy named Tomas, whose past and parentage are a complete mystery. So when Cartier’s former pupil Brienna is as taken with Tomas as he is, he lets his mind wander—what if he doesn’t have to raise him or his house alone?

As the Lannon trial rapidly approaches, Brienna and Cartier must put their feelings aside to concentrate on forging alliances, executing justice, and ensuring that no one interferes with the queen’s coronation. But resistance is rumbling among the old regime’s supporters, who are desperate to find a weakness in the rebels’ forces. And nothing makes a person more vulnerable than deep-seated love.
Goodreads

Review
I was blown away by book 1 on this series, The Queen's Rising, so knew that I would need to get my hands on book 2 as soon as possible, and ordered it as a birthday present to myself. Now that Isolde has been restored to her rightful position as queen, and Brienna is settling into her role as MacQuinn's adopted daughter, and mistress of knowledge, the bunch of characters we know and love might have been expecting that life could get to normal, and their wouldn't be too many issues to contend with. However, that isn't the case. Aodhan's - who we met as Cartier - whole house has been decimated, and trying to rebuild the Morgane family from the ashes of his ancestral home. While trying to come to terms with his new position as master of his house, and his feelings for Brienna, he discovers a young boy hiding in his home, who he takes under his care, and whom he and Brienna care for. No one knows who the boy is, though, and when his identity is revealed, both must do all they can to save him from the justice that is being served to so many others. Also, we have so many other characters, some new, some old, who are displeased with the restoration of the monarchy, and will do just about anything to ensure that our rag-tag bunch of characters fail in their efforts.

I loved how the character growth we saw in Brienna and Aodhan in book 1 developed so much more in this book. Both have distinct roles they now have to deal with, which are a lot harder than they may have expected, both mentally and physically. They need to rely on each other, for their strength, and we see how their attraction, which may have been physical and brief in The Queen's Rising, cements and strengthens, as they do. They are a true power couple, and every part of this book proves that. The whole aspect of found family, whether platonic or romantic love, is definitely explored here, in so many regards. Even without all of the action - which there was a lot of - I would've been happy to read a book that explored the characters coming together, and becoming a family, which they all are by the end of the book. The ending tied up everything perfectly, and I've already got my eye on Ross' next book. This is definitely a series for fantasy lovers!

Dates Read:

March 20-22, 2019

Rating
5 Stars

Sandhya Menon

Waiting on Wednesday: There's Something About Sweetie (Dimple and Rishi #2) by Sandhya Menon

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2019 Contemporary Romance Challenge

ARC Review: I Spy the Boy Next Door by Samantha Armstrong

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I Spy the Boy Next Door
Series: None
Author: Samantha Armstrong
Published May 25th 2019

Goodreads Synopsis
Four p.m. spy sessions are the highlight of Mallory Taylor’s day. Observing the boy next door—one with a body and an attitude to match—has her perched beside her window so often it can't be healthy.

When she finally convinces her mom to let her go to public school, Mallory comes face to face with her neighbor, Troy Parker. And he makes it clear he wants nothing to do with her. His rejection awakens a newfound tenacity and maybe even a touch of recklessness. But when Troy starts to show up when she needs him the most, Mallory can’t help but wonder if there’s more to him than he’s let on.

Taking chances, breaking rules, and following her heart is all new to Mallory. And no one warned her just how fickle hearts can be. When she discovers that Troy isn’t at all the guy she imagined him to be, secrets rise to the surface that will change her life forever.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

This book was so surprising. I'll admit that when I requested it on NetGalley, it was more of a cover lust request, and I wasn't entirely sure what it was about, but I felt it would be a cute contemporary read, but in reality, it was so much more! Mallory's parents have always been overprotected, and home-schooled her for as long as she can remember, but now she's managed to convince them to let her attend public school. Another selling point, at least for her, is that finally she'll be able to speak to her hot neighbour, Troy, who she's been spying on for the last 5 years. However, Troy doesn't seem to have any interest in getting to know her. Mallory isn't one to give up, however, and her persistence leads her to learn that there are other things at play, and Troy's main reason for not wanting to know her is because he's become resentful for her being the reason he had to move - but neither of them really know why that is. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and soon they fall for each other. I felt like their relationship was real, but neither character really held my attention too much, until we got towards the end, and the true backstory and history was revealed. There we got to see just why each of the main characters, and the other characters too - especially the parents - were acting the way that they were, and that pushed the book up to 4 stars. Some of the twists were expected, but the majority came out of the blue - for the most part everything was tied up, but some parts were dealt with so quickly, that I think a bit more of a lead up could've improved the book. All in all, an enjoyable and fast contemporary read.

Dates Read:

March 30, 2019

Rating
4 Stars

May

Stacking the Shelves: May 18th 2019

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2019 Contemporary Romance Challenge

Review: A Question of Holmes (Charlotte Holmes #4) by Brittany Cavallaro

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A Question of Holmes
Series: Charlotte Holmes #4
Author: Brittany Cavallaro
Published March 5th 2019 by Katherine Tegen Books

Goodreads Synopsis
The fourth book in the New York Times bestselling Charlotte Holmes series!

Charlotte Holmes and Jamie Watson think they’re finally in the clear. They’ve left Sherringford School—and the Moriartys—behind for a pre-college summer program at Oxford University. A chance to start from scratch and explore dating for the first time, while exploring a new city with all the freedom their program provides. But when they arrive, Charlotte is immediately drawn into a new case: a series of accidents have been befalling the members of the community theater troupe in Oxford, and now, on the eve of their production of Hamlet, they’re starting all over again. What once seemed like a comedy of errors is now a race to prevent the next tragedy—before Charlotte or Jamie is the next victim.
Goodreads

Review
This series has always been one of my favourites, and when I heard that there would be a fourth book, I decided to treat myself to a bit of a birthday present. Jamie and Charlotte have now graduated from school, and during the summer between leaving school and going to university, they decide to take a summer course at Oxford. No one really knows who they are there, and they can be themselves for once, without all of the drama and history crowding them. However, because they are Jamie and Charlotte, nothing can be simple, and they are soon dragged into their own mystery of a disappearance, a murder, and whole lot of secrets.

Charlotte takes the forefront with this book, as it's mostly from her perspective. I loved that part of the book, as the previous ones had all been from Jamie's point of view. I loved how much Charlotte has grown in the previous books, and she's now starting to see herself as someone worth loving, and worthwhile, rather than a waste like she had thought. This book also showed her softer side, and just how much she loves Jamie, as she allows herself to just enjoy being with him, without worrying about anything else.

The plot was enjoyable, but compared to the previous books, it wasn't as faced paced, or as life-or-death. I'm not sure really how I feel about that part, but I did still appreciate the mystery. The secondary characters were enjoyable, but not that rememberable. However, some of the twists were unexpected, and I loved how this book was primarily set in the UK, and it wasn't obvious that it had been written by an American, unlike a lot of books I've read. The ending was ok, but not really want I wanted, and that's the main reason I gave it 4 stars, rather than 5. I still do really love this series, and need more people to read it - and a UK publisher to pick them up!

Dates Read:

March 12-17, 2019

Rating
4 Stars

Casey McQuiston

Waiting on Wednesday: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

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2017 Flights of Fantasy Challenge

ARC Review: The Fallen Kingdom (The Falconer #3) by Elizabeth May

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The Fallen Kingdom
Series: The Falconer #3
Author: Elizabeth May
Published June 15th 2017 by Gollancz

Goodreads Synopsis
My name is Lady Aileana Kameron.

First the fae murdered my mother. Then they destroyed my world.

Then one of them killed me.

Now I'm fighting for more than revenge.

The long-awaited final book in the Falconer trilogy is an imaginative tour-de-force that will thrill fans of the series.
Aileana Kameron, resurrected by ancient fae magic, returns to the world she once knew with no memory of her past and with dangerous powers she struggles to control. Desperate to break the curse that pits two factions of the fae against, her only hope is hidden in an ancient book guarded by the legendary Morrigan, a faery of immense power and cruelty. To save the world and the people she loves, Aileana must learn to harness her dark new powers even as they are slowly destroying her.

Packed with immersive detail, action, romance, and fae lore, The Fallen Kingdom brings the Falconer's story to an epic and unforgettable conclusion.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

This series will always be a favourite of mine, and for some reason I've put off reviewing the final book, even though I devoured it when my copy arrived. Well, here goes. Now that Aileana has been reborn, and has powers, she needs to learn to rediscover her true self, and overcome her power, before it destroys her and the world around her. For most of the final instalment in the series, we see Aileana's internal battle between her past and her future. Her own struggles were nothing compared to the fight between Kiaran and Kadamach, between the light and the darkness. These two are one of my OTP's and I loved to see both sides to each character. No one in this series is can be described in the case of black or white, there are a lot of grey areas that we definitely see explored in this book. Derrick was as fantastic as always, and he will always improve the books, if that's even needed.

The plot was extremely fast paced in this book, which helped me fly through reading it, but sometimes my head seemed a bit battered all over the place with how fast it was. Even so, this was the best ending/finale to this series I could ever ask for, and whenever I go to Edinburgh, I always have an urge to revisit these books, so I definitely won't be parting from them any time soon. If you're a fanasty/fae book lover, and you haven't started this series yet, get a copy asap!

Dates Read:

June 15-19, 2017

Rating
5 Stars