Tuesday, 9 July 2019

Batch Reviews #15

Defy Me (Book #5 of Shatter Me Series) by Tahereh Mafi (✮✮✮✮✮ - 5/5 stars)
Publishing Date: April 2, 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 368

My Review: I put off reading this for a few months because I knew I would devour it instantly and wanted to set aside time for myself to just savor it. I was able to read it all in one sitting and I'm already feeling the withdrawal and wanting the next book. I was a bit hesitant when Mafi announced the return of these books, but as I said in my previous review for Restore Me, I love this world and the characters that Mafi has created, so she can do no wrong in my eyes. This picks up after the insane finale from the last one, and I don't want to say too much to spoil, but you do get Kenji's POV now which is awesome. I loved seeing the other characters through his eyes. And if you thought you loved Juliette and Warner before, you'll love them even more in this book. The risks they take, the strength that they both have is simply astounding. I ship them even more (how is that even possible?) now, and I can't wait to see how it all ends next book. This installment was an easy 5 stars.

Available for purchase:
Indigo/Chapters - Kobo - Amazon - Kindle - Book Depository


Queen of Ruin (Grace & Fury #2) by Tracy Banghart (✮✮✮✮✮ - 5/5 stars)
Publishing Date: July 2, 2019
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 336

My Review: **This is the sequel to Grace and Fury - you can find my full review here! Please proceed knowing that there are some slight spoilers** If you read my previous review for the first book, you'll know that I absolutely loved the first book. As someone who isn't reading as much YA fantasy as before, I loved this historical fantasy duology. It was such a strong feminist text in my opinion, so my expectations for the second installment were quite high. I'm happy to report that Banghart did not disappoint. The book opens with both sisters reuniting on the island, only to separate once again to do what was best for their loved ones. I loved seeing Serina kind of take charge of everything at Mount Ruin. I also really liked seeing her relationship with Val grow as well. She truly becomes a leader among all the women of Mount Ruin. On the other hand, you see Nomi teaming up with Malachi to deal with Asa. You also seeing her change as well, and how she adapts to wanting to guard her heart a little closer. I really loved this sequel and thought it was such a satisfying conclusion to the overall duology. It is hands down one of my favorite YA historical fantasy series and I can't recommend it enough! You've got strong female leads and really supportive male counterpoints, what more do you need?

Available for purchase:
Indigo/Chapters - Kobo - Amazon - Kindle - Book Depository
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader's copy from Hachette Canada in exchange for consideration/review. All opinions are my own.


Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey (✮✮✮✮✮ - 5/5 stars)
Publishing Date: June 11, 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 400

My Review: This was my first book by Tessa Bailey, and friends, I love her writing so much! I really did not know what to expect going into this book, but from the very beginning, I fell in love with it. It opens with Travis Ford hitting rock bottom after returning to his hometown because his baseball career has ended, and his best friend Stephen's younger sister, Georgie, comes over to give him a bit of a wake-up call. I knew I liked her right away, because she mentions "I just bought a house. My own house. I'm not a kid anymore, but even if I was? I'd have my shit together more than you do. And I'm a children's birthday party clown--let that sink in" (Chapter 1). She is such a unique female lead, but also super relate-able at the same time. Both Georgie and Travis are dealing with other people's perceptions of them, and certain expectations. They have both been pigeonholed a certain identity their whole life: child & a player. And they both want to be more than that. I loved seeing them fall in love with one another and just bring out the best in one another. Bailey's writing is funny, sweet, and incredibly honest and authentic. I loved that she was able to capture both of their inner struggles and anxieties in a way that made me appreciate the characters a lot. Her books are also quite steamy ;) Like I said, this was my first Tessa Bailey book, but it won't be my last. There is also another book to come which follows a character we were introduced to in this one, so I can't wait to get my hands on that one. This was the perfect summer RomCom and I would highly recommend you go out and get yourself a copy. It was so much fun!

Available for purchase:
Indigo/Chapters - Kobo - Amazon - Kindle - Book Depository

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