Category: reviews

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But you cannot fix someone. In the end, if they can be fixed at all, they must do the repairs themselves.”

Cassandra Clare

Synopsis:

Cordelia Carstairs has lost everything that matters to her. In only a few short weeks, she has seen her father murdered, her plans to become parabatai with her best friend, Lucie, destroyed, and her marriage to James Herondale crumble before her eyes. Even worse, she is now bound to an ancient demon, Lilith, stripping her of her power as a Shadowhunter.

After fleeing to Paris with Matthew Fairchild, Cordelia hopes to forget her sorrows in the city’s glittering nightlife. But reality intrudes when shocking news comes from home: Tatiana Blackthorn has escaped the Adamant Citadel, and London is under new threat by the Prince of Hell, Belial.

Cordelia returns to a London riven by chaos and dissent. The long-kept secret that Belial is James and Lucie’s grandfather has been revealed by an unexpected enemy, and the Herondales find themselves under suspicion of dealings with demons. Cordelia longs to protect James but is torn between a love for James she has long believed hopeless, and the possibility of a new life with Matthew. Nor can her friends help—ripped apart by their own secrets, they seem destined to face what is coming alone.

For time is short, and Belial’s plan is about to crash into the Shadowhunters of London like a deadly wave, one that will separate Cordelia, Lucie, and the Merry Thieves from help of any kind. Left alone in a shadowy London, they must face Belial’s deadly army. If Cordelia and her friends are going to save their city—and their families—they will have to muster their courage, swallow their pride, and trust one another again. For if they fail, they may lose everything—even their souls.

My Review:

Once again I don’t know how Cassandra Clare does it. Such a complex cast of characters, yet I feel like I know and love them ALL. An even more complicated mystery. Everyone interconnects and small clues are scattered about. Yet she managed to keep my attention the whole 752 pages with her poetic writing, amazing chemistry between characters, and great character arcs. The banter between the merry thieves and between couples made my heart happy the whole way. I laughed, I cried, and I almost flung the book across the room. (It’s so massive, that throwing it would’ve caused more damage to my room than to it, so I decided against it). If you haven’t caught up with this series, what are you waiting for? It’s absolutely amazing!

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, and all opinions on this blog are my own.

Life Update:

I’m currently reading Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun and really enjoying it. This series is hilarious and I highly recommend it as a palette cleanser in between more serious books.

I’ve been recently getting used to life as a stay at home mom, after leaving my job of 9 years as a 911 Dispatcher. It’s been tough getting used to sleeping at night like regular people for one. Being a regular person with a regular schedule is definitely an adjustment.

I’ve been enjoying the little things, like coffee in the mornings while I catch up on social media posts and cuddle with the dog on the couch. Also, my husband and I recently started playing pickle ball. He has been whooping my butt lately, but I’m getting better. I’ve been trying to be more present with the kids, especially on the way back from school when they take turns telling me all about their days.

I’ve been trying to heal and take it easy. One day at a time. I can’t heal 9 years of trauma in a few months. So I’ve been practicing being gentle with myself and giving myself grace.

How about you? How is life? Share anything you would like to share in the comments!

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Synopsis from Goodreads:

She’s got his back. 
Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindergarten teacher than somebody who could kill you with a wine bottle opener. Or a ballpoint pen. Or a dinner napkin. But the truth is, she’s an Executive Protection Agent (aka “bodyguard”), and she just got hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton from his middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker.

He’s got her heart. 
Jack Stapleton’s a household name—captured by paparazzi on beaches the world over, famous for, among other things, rising out of the waves in all manner of clingy board shorts and glistening like a Roman deity. But a few years back, in the wake of a family tragedy, he dropped from the public eye and went off the grid.

They’ve got a secret. 
When Jack’s mom gets sick, he comes home to the family’s Texas ranch to help out. Only one catch: He doesn’t want his family to know about his stalker. Or the bodyguard thing. And so Hannah—against her will and her better judgment—finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend as a cover. Even though her ex, like a jerk, says no one will believe it.

What could possibly go wrong???
Hannah hardly believes it, herself. But the more time she spends with Jack, the more real it all starts to seem. And there lies the heartbreak. Because it’s easy for Hannah to protect Jack. But protecting her own, long-neglected heart? That’s the hardest thing she’s ever done.

My Review:

I’ve been in love with Katherine Center’s books for a while, but this one is definitely a new favorite. I fell in love with Hannah and Jack and their easy chemistry. I went into this one completely blind, which has become my new favorite way to read books. I didn’t even read the synopsis, because I knew as long as Center wrote it I would read it. This is a story about found family and self discovery. About knowing your worth. But mostly it was a hilarious fun ride packed with action and banter. Read it! You won’t regret it.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, and all opinions on this blog are my own.

Visit my Etsy to support my small business.

Visit my Pango Book Store to buy my used books.