Showing posts with label BYOB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BYOB. Show all posts

Monday, January 14, 2019

Spartan Heart by Jennifer Estep


New school year, same old problems...

At Mythos Academy, everyone knows exactly who I am: Rory Forseti, Spartan girl and the daughter of Reapers.

Even though I fought alongside my cousin Gwen Frost to save the mythological world from Loki and his evil Reapers of Chaos, I’m still the most hated girl at the academy because of all the horrible things my parents did. I had hoped that this school year would be different, but the other kids just won’t let me forget about my parents.

But something strange is going on at the Colorado academy. First, I run into a Viking guy who dislikes me more than most. Then I notice some odd artifacts in the Library of Antiquities. And worst of all, I start hearing rumors about a new group of Reapers who can summon mythological monsters.

I might be the most hated girl at Mythos Academy, but I’m also the only one who can save it...

Add to Goodreads –


Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah☆☆☆☆
The mythological warriors in the Mythos Academy stories offer a welcome reprieve from the myriad of Urban Fantasy vampire and werewolf stories. A spinoff from the original Mythos Academy books, Gwen’s cousin Rory begins this first Colorado book as a grieving social outcast before finding her place and growing into her potential.

I have to admit that Rory grew on me. She’s a little bit wet and a little bit maudlin at the start of the book. Self-pity doesn’t look good on anyone and Rory is wallowing at the beginning of her story. But as Rory’s confidence grows, she quickly becomes more interesting and more likeable. I like the team around Rory and I look forward to watching the characters and relationships grow as the series progresses.

This is good young adult urban fantasy writing. The genre tropes are pretty familiar and there isn’t anything particularly remarkable about the story, but it is well written. I love Jennifer Estep’s adult writing and while this lacks the complexity of her mind blowing Kill the Queen, this is still decent quality young adult storytelling with a strong female lead.

My one issue with this book is with Rory’s Aunt Rachel. At the start of the story, Rachel is 27 and Rory’s new caregiver. She’s described as more of a big sister than a parent. Which makes sense considering the ten-year age gap. However, through the rest of the book she comes across as a maternal matron who chaperones school dances and prepares healthy balanced meals. It doesn’t work for me. Aunt Rachel is supposed to be younger than Taylor Swift. She’s the same age as Selina Gomez. The domestic maternal thing really, really doesn’t work.


Erica☆☆☆☆
Spartan Heart is the first in the Mythos Academy: Colorado series. However, it is a spinoff of the Mythos Academy series. While it's possible to read as new, I do believe that it would cause massive confusion, as events that happened in the previous series were mentioned almost on every page.

I would not call this the debut in a brand-new series, as a new series to me means the reader can just pick it up, with no backstory ever told elsewhere. This is a continuation, set in another campus of the Mythos Academy. I suggest reading from Touch of Frost onward.

Having read Touch of Frost almost eight years ago, I was rusty on what had happened, but Estep does a good job on jarring memories without doing too much info-dumpage. Gwen's cousin is the narrator, Rory, who lost her parents, discovering they were Reapers.

Rory is carrying a ton of guilt, even if she helped the good side win a battle in the never-ending war against the Reapers in the previous series. She has to face her peers on the first day of school, when no one trusts her. Not only has she lost her parents, her faith in her abilities to accurately judge a person's character, but she has no one on the planet on her side, worrying about her welfare, except for her aunt.

Spartan Heart was nothing but endless fast-paced action, from page to page, with a bit of everyday life thrown in, but mostly it gave a rundown on what happened in the previous series and how it connected into the current situation.

Reapers are stealing artifacts, and Rory gets caught up in the action.

Rory has a reluctant love interest, where I am beyond thankful there isn't even a hint of insta-love. However, the enemy’s banter was a bit forced, as it also felt irrational. If anything, Ian would have seen Rory as a kindred spirit, not hated her on sight. So the romance angle simply felt forced to me.

While I do believe young adults will find the novel beyond exciting, I will admit that I believe I'm not the target audience anymore. Had I read this almost a decade ago, when I first read Touch of Frost, I would have been captivated, but today I'm a different sort of reader. This doesn't invalidate the novel, just that it wasn't exactly my cup of tea anymore.

There was a bit too much going on at all times for me to truly relax and fall into the story. Like Rory didn't even get to catch her breath before she was being attacked by more mythological beasties. One battle would be over, yet another would start three pages later, in an endless loop, feeling redundant after several battles. As this was book one, I knew Rory would come out on the surviving end, so that took away from some of the heart-stopping action.

Recommended to fans of the author. New readers, I strongly suggest against reading this without reading the original series first.

Young Adult Age-range: 13+, parental discretion as there is nonstop fantasy violence.




JENNIFER ESTEP is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

She is the author of the following series:
The Elemental Assassin Series
The Crown of Shards Series
The Mythos Academy Spinoff Series
The Mythos Academy Series
The Bigtime Series
The Black Blade Series


Connect with Jennifer

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Brought to you by


Sarah and Erica reviewed their personal copy of Spartan Heart (Mythos Academy: Colorado #1) by Jennifer Estep for this post.

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Turning 16 by Perie Wolford & Michelle Doering Audiobook Review


Sam never liked his birthdays because not a single one of them was happy... When he turned 1, he fell face-down into his birthday cake; when he turned 5, he broke his left arm and when he turned 7, he broke his right arm and his left leg; when he turned 12, his house caught fire. Now Sam is about to turn 16 and he is dreading the day. The only birthday wish he has is for Jake who is the Mr. Popular of Arcadia High to even acknowledge his existence, or better yet give him a happy-birthday kiss. But Sam knows that it’s not gonna happen. Or is it?

Inspired by the 1985's classic film Sixteen Candles, this book is a dose of light and heartwarming comedy, that's going to put a smile on your face and make you giggle all the way through. It's also a touching love story, so get those tissues ready!

Audiobook Details
Length: 3 hrs, 8 mins
Narrator: Michael Pauley

Add to Goodreads –


Book 1
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes


Ebook** Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

**Note: This book has been re-released as Sam Dorsey and His Sixteen Candles.



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela☆☆☆☆
Tooooooo cute! In preparation for audiobook month, I was perusing the young adult titles in the Romance Package for a final title to round out our blog’s Saturday posts. I was actually looking for a standalone title, preferably M/M, when I stumbled on Turning 16. As someone who grew up on John Hughes’ movies, I was all over the Sixteen Candles reference that occurs in the audio sample; that it was narrated by Michael Pauley was a bonus. So when I sat down to write my review, you can imagine my surprise to learn that this is not only the first book in the series, but that it’s also undergone some changes since originally released and is now titled Sam Dorsey and His Sixteen Candles, which is an even better name. With that said, it doesn’t appear as though the overall story itself has changed, just some rebranding with a new title and cover, and as nice as the new look is, I’m not sure that it calls to the child of the 80s in me as much as the former cover does with its nod to the iconic scene in the movie, when Jake is leaning against his car. But as I’m not the target audience, the new covers are probably better suited for today’s teens who aren’t reminiscing for the 80s. Sorry for the word vomit but trying to suss out what book was what on Goodreads made this a bit of nightmare.

As for actual story, Turning 16 spans about a week, beginning the day of Sam’s 16th birthday in 1985. While most teens look forward to their sweet sixteen because it’s a milestone birthday, birthdays tend to bring nothing but bad luck for Sam, and this year it seems that Sam’s misery is going to be dragged about a bit as his birthday party must be postponed due to extended family issues. As we navigate the hazards that arise on Sam Dorsey’s birthday, it’s easy to see why he feels as though his birthdays are cursed. And yet… it appears that the universe might have a little bit of good in store for Sam when his crush begins to show some interest in him. Add to that, there’s also a budding new friendship with Mitch. And not only is Sam beginning to fantasize about him, but Mitch is rather persistent in them spending time together and in keeping Jake away from Sam. But as Sam thinks Jake and Mitch are both straight (maybe a little bi on Jake’s part), this sudden interest from two fronts makes it hard for him to figure out if he wants the guy he’s been crushing on for years, or does he want the guy who seems to be genuinely interested in him? And Sam’s biggest dilemma… When did everyone figure out he was gay when he worked so hard to keep it a secret!?!?!

As for the narration, I really enjoyed Michael Pauley’s performance in this one. I will admit that there was a couple of times when I got confused as to who was speaking because the level of vocal distinction I’m used to from Pauley’s performance wasn’t present in this audiobook, but this appears to be one of his early works. I was impressed by Pauley’s crooning… I so did not see that coming and I may have fangirled a little bit during those scenes – OHMIGOD!!! I also have to commend Pauley being spot-on with the teenage angst. Honestly, it’s hard to believe that this is same guy whose voice is so full of tension that it pulls me to the edge of my seat during romantic suspense and thrillers. But Pauley did an excellent job of making Turning 16 a delightful treat to listen to, complete with all of Sam’s awkwardness that I think Perie Wolford & Michelle Doering intended.



Perie Wolford

Perie Wolford is an optioned and produced screenwriter, author of the bestselling gay series Sam Dorsey & Gay Popcorn.

Connect with Perie

Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Michelle Doering

Hey... Hey you... Yes you! You Sir/Ma'am, are awesome. I myself, also enjoy dabbling in the fine art of awesomery, so why not join me on my vast literary adventures?

Connect with Michelle

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Instagram  ~  Goodreads



Michael has well over 50 audio book titles currently available for purchase on Audible.com. He is versed in multiple styles and genres including fiction (novels and short stories) ranging from romance to science fiction to crime dramas to thrillers; business strategy books; health and wellness books; and even an occasional children's book.

Authors that Michael has worked with include JA Sanchez, Chris Adkins, Chris McMullen, Julie Harper, Matt Larkin, Jamie Sheffield, Shelly K Wall, Stacy Lynn Carroll, Michelle Howard, Delaney Diamond, Devan Sagliani, Kennedy Layne, and many, many more.

Fans of Michael's narration are welcome to follow him on social media.

Connect with Michael

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram


Brought to you by


Angela utilized her Audible Romance Package subscription to access an audiobook copy of Turning 16 (Sam Dorsey and Gay Popcorn #1) by Perie Wolford & Michelle Doering, narrated by Michael Pauley to listen to and review for this post.

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Hickville Redemption by Mary Karlik


A 30 year old mystery…
A 15 year old sleuth.

Freshman Mackenzie Quinn wants nothing to do with the mysterious death of Cassidy Jones. But when her crush, Braden McGuire, declares he’s determined to uncover the truth, she is drawn into the cold case. The problem is her dad is the number one suspect. Things look pretty hopeless until her best friend, Travis Barns, loans her the secret diary of Cassidy Jones. His only stipulation is that she not share it with anybody else. But when her jealous boyfriend finds and exposes the diary, secrets come to life that could ruin MacKenzie’s whole family.

Can she find a way to clear her father’s name and atone for her own mistakes before it’s too late?

Add to Goodreads –


Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica☆☆☆☆
Mackenzie's best and only friend, Travis, likes her but is too scared to do anything about it. When Mackenzie starts dating Braden, and the two of them investigate the death 30 years prior of high school student Cassidy, who was Travis' aunt, things between them become difficult.

This story gives us angst and teenage drama in the here and now, and Cassidy's struggles as a teenager in the 80s.

There are unintended consequences when Travis gives Mackenzie his aunt's diary to read. I like that the mistakes and behaviour of these characters are age appropriate. They are young and just learning about life and they muck up as teens do. I thought this was pretty realistic.

Hickville Redemption is a really well done, engaging young adult romance and a mystery thrown in, and I devoured it happily. You don't need to read the previous Hickville High stories to enjoy this one, but the previous books are all worth reading too.

Age recommendation: 13+ years.


Also Available in the Hickville High Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

For reviews & more info, check out our Welcome to Hickville High post.


Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

For reviews & more info, check out our Hickville Confessions post.



Following a career as a nursing instructor, award-winning author, Mary Karlik earned an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania. A native Texan, Mary loves horses, dogs, cats, country music, and small town diners. Although she has recently relocated in northern New Mexico, her heart remains in the Lone Star state.

Connect with Mary

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram


Brought to you by


Veronica reviewed her personal copy of Hickville Redemption (Hickville High #3) by Mary Karlik for this post.

Friday, January 12, 2018

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas


In the next installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, follow Chaol on his sweeping journey to a distant empire.

Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.

His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica—the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.

But what they discover in Antica will change them both—and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.

Add to Goodreads –


Book 6
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Jordan☆☆☆☆☆
When I first heard that Chaol was going to have his own book, Tower of Dawn, I was mildly intrigued, but not certain it would captivate me the same way Aelin’s story has. I was wrong. Sarah J. Maas is such a phenomenal writer that I’m pretty sure she could write about a paper bag and I’d still somehow find myself obsessed. She makes me laugh, cry, and sometimes I do both at the same time when I’m reading her beautiful stories.

I loved being able to get a new look into Chaol’s character and deeper understanding of the Valg. I was immediately drawn into the story and I couldn’t put it down! It was a whole new perspective on a character I never imagined would somehow find himself to his own book, but a pleasant surprise in the end! Tower of Dawn had me ready to reread all the previous books in the Throne of Glass series because I just couldn’t let go of this world once I was back in it. I am now more than ready to finally see what happens when Aelin, Chaol, and Dorian reunite in book #7. Let the waiting begin! Also, if you’re in need of a fix while waiting for book #7, definitely check out Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series!

FIVE STARS for Sarah J. Maas’ Tower of Dawn!



Sarah J. Maas is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series and A Court of Thorns and Roses series, as well as a USA Today and international bestselling author. Sarah wrote the first incarnation of the Throne of Glass series when she was just sixteen, and it has now sold in thirty-five languages. A New York native, Sarah currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and dog.

Connect with Sarah

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Brought to you by


Jordan reviewed her personal copy of Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas for this post.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Alpha Unleashed by Aileen Erin


Tessa McCaide has had it up to here with supernaturals. As the only half witch/half alpha werewolf around, she’s the obvious choice for ambassador to the humans when the magical communities seek to escape the shadows for good.

But coming out isn’t as easy as sending a press release. Vampire attacks are all over the news as the power-hungry witches play with dangerously dark magic and Tessa can’t promise any human safety when she and her friends are so busy battling for their lives.

Luciana leads the corrupt witches, and even though she failed to steal Tessa’s magic, she’s just getting started on her crusade for magical domination. Countless covens are turning dark, and if their demonic summoning isn’t stopped, it could mean the end of everything.

Tessa’s allies, including her mate Dastien, are ready to fight, but they’re no match for Luciana’s power. A little help (and ancient Inca mojo) from Tessa’s cousin, Claudia, may give the side of good a chance if she can make it home in time, but stopping the war is no longer an option.

When witches and wolves fight, no one wins. Only time will tell who will still be standing after the last spell is cast.

Add to Goodreads


Book 5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Jordan☆☆☆
I have read all the previous books in the Alpha Girl series by Aileen Erin. I have easily grown to appreciate this series and all the characters in this series! Book #5, Alpha Unleashed, switches back to Tessa from book #4, Bruja, which focuses on Claudia and her journey in Peru. Personally, I think if you wanted to you could just skip book #4, unless you're really invested in Claudia's character and want to know more about her. I will say that this last one kind of felt a little anti-climactic compared to what I was expecting. I just felt like everything was finally coming to a head with Luciana and then it was over. However, I did enjoy seeing how Tessa and Dastien's relationship has grown over these past few books, but I wish it didn't feel like they were moving at such a snail’s pace. I guess I had high expectations and unfortunately, this one didn't quite live up to them.

Even after failing to successfully steal Tessa's magic, Luciana has not given up and she's just getting started. Luciana's demonic summoning must be stopped or it could be the end for everyone. Tessa and her friends are ready to fight back, and with a little help from Claudia, Tessa's cousin, they may just be able to win if she can make it home in time.

All in all, I enjoyed Alpha Unleashed, but I definitely didn't like it as much as I liked Becoming Alpha, book #1, which has been my favorite so far. The past two books just really haven't wowed me much. However, I am slightly curious about the next book, which will feature Meredith and her mate, Donovan. Overall, I'd give Alpha Unleashed 3.5 stars.



Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd—from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

Connect with Aileen

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Brought to you by


Jordan reviewed her personal copy of Alpha Unleashed (Alpha Girl #5) by Aileen Erin for this post.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Playing the Player by Lisa Brown Roberts


Trina Clemons needed the money. Why else would she - the most organized, prepared student in school - spend the summer as a nanny and partner with the biggest slacker ever? Now she's ready to tackle nannyhood with her big binder of research and schedules. Just don't ask her about the secret job of "fixing" the bad habits of a certain high school player...

Slade Edmunds prefers easy hook-ups, and Trina is definitely not his type. She's all structure and rules, while Slade wants to just have fun. Fortunately, Trina has no idea about the bet Slade made with his best friend that he can totally get her to unwind by the end of summer...

Then the weirdest thing happens. There's chemistry. A lot of it. But nothing gets between a boy and a girl like a big, fat secret...

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains a straight/gay BFF bromance, an irresistibly kissable bad boy, a good girl who wants to be kissed, some epic babysitting fails, and the occasional f-bomb.

Add to Goodreads



Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica☆☆☆☆☆
5 Angsty Stars

Lisa Brown Roberts is a favorite of mine in the young adult genre, finding her teen characters to be realistic role models, and the narrators of Playing the Player are no different. As an adult reading this genre, I believe teens will devour this book, as well as a more mature audience.

Trina is a hard-working, serious girl, who's as equally flawed as she is good. A well-rounded, human character with pain and hopes and dreams.

Slade is a slacker who has no idea what he wants out of life. He's a down-to-earth, uninspired charmer who can wrap anyone around his finger. But no matter how big of a player he comes off to be, he has a good heart and a conscience.

Trina and Slade create the perfect balance as they get to know one another on the pages of the novel. A bit of a love-hate, push-pull chemistry and tension as they partner in their nanny duties. Both have a secret that will hurt the other's feelings, creating delicious angst that rides along the journey with the characters, both feeling guilty.

As the driving force between the couple, the kids were a hoot, the BFFs were the voices of reason, and the parents were trying their best, even if unconventionally. All around, Playing the Player was a good story, with strong characters, and the budding romance of a sweet crush.

I read the book in one sitting, a few times experiencing a gamut of emotions: heart-clenching, gut-twisting, and barks of sharp laughter at the awkward encounters.

Recommended to fans of the Young Adult genre.

Young Adult age-range: 13+



Lisa Brown Roberts still hasn’t recovered from the teenage trauma of nearly tweezing off both eyebrows and having to pencil them in for an entire school year. This and other angst-filled memories inspire her to write YA books about navigating life’s painful and funny dramas, and falling in love along the way.

Her almost forever home is Colorado, though she occasionally pines for the days when she lived within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean. Her house is full of books, boys, four-legged prima donnas, and lots of laughter.

Connect with Lisa

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Brought to you by


Erica reviewed her personal copy of Playing the Player by Lisa Brown Roberts for this post.

Monday, January 23, 2017

Alpha Divided by Aileen Erin


Life has been crazy since Tessa McCaide moved to Texas. She’s gone from being a normal-ish girl with visions to a super-powered werewolf. She’s fought off vampires and broken a nearly unbreakable curse. And she’s got a hot mate, Dastien Laurent, to keep her busy.

Things are looking up until the full moon ceremony rolls around. Before Tessa can strengthen her bond with Dastien, the local coven crashes the gates, demanding that Tessa—their heir apparent—be returned. If the pack wants to avoid a war with the witches, handing Tessa over is the only option.

Tessa doesn’t want to cause an all-out fight, but joining a dark-magic coven isn’t on her to-do list, especially if embracing her magic side means parting with Dastien. When the coven leader tries to control Tessa with dark-magic, Tessa realizes she has to dismantle the coven or prepare the pack for war. Either choice will change her life—and her world—forever.

Add to Goodreads


Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Jordan☆☆☆☆
I read Aileen Erin's two previous books in the Alpha Girl series and they've all been enjoyable easy, quick reads! The story really builds upon each book, so I'd highly recommend reading the previous books in order to fully enjoy the series. So far, book #1, Alpha Girl, has been my favorite, but there's still time for that to change.

The third book, Alpha Divided, pretty much picks up where Avoiding Alpha (book #2) left off. Tessa and Dastien attempt to finally do the bonding ceremony at the full moon, but before they complete it Luciana, the local coven leader, interrupts their ceremony. Tessa must go spend time at the local coven in order to avoid a war between them and her pack. However, the last thing she feels like doing is separating from her mate, Dastien, when she doesn't trust the coven leader one bit.

I've really enjoyed Aileen Erin's Alpha Girl series so far and I look forward to seeing how Tessa and Dastien's story continues! I'd give Alpha Divided 4 stars.



Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd—from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

Connect with Aileen

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Brought to you by


Jordan reviewed her personal copy of Alpha Divided (Alpha Girl #3) by Aileen Erin for this post.

Friday, January 20, 2017

The Queen B* and the Homecoming King by Crista McHugh


The Queen B*, Alexis Wyndham, has only three rules when it comes to dating the star quarterback, Brett Pederson:

1. No obligations to spend every waking moment with each other.
2. No public displays of affection while at Eastline High.
3. And absolutely, under no circumstances, will she ever go to the Homecoming dance.

But as her life is completely upended time and time again, she begins to wonder if some rules are meant to be broken.

Add to Goodreads


Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica☆☆☆☆☆
5 coming-of-age stars.

Alexis is transforming before the reader's eyes. Turning from a hard young woman who refuses to compromise, to the version of herself Brett brings out – compassion and empathy. The ability to see a situation from more than just her perspective. She is learning how justice may be blind, but it's blinding her to everything outside of herself.

The truth may be black and white, but the emotions are hidden in the shades of gray. No longer closed off, Alexis is feeling more about everything and everyone in her life, learning how to compromise.

Brett isn't at the forefront of this installment, as through Alexis we see where their friends and family's lives are headed as well. Comfortable in their place in one another's life, Alexis is no longer fighting Brett's pull. She takes up a supportive role in her boyfriend's life, showing she is more than a protector and pessimist.

The characters are flawed but teeming with realistic human emotion. Heavy subject matter is explored in this novel and the previous one, done so in a manner in which it is realistic for the target age group – scary things which happen to teens every day, showing how resilient and strong they can be when faced with these situations. This may be a guide and comfort to those who may have experienced the same.

After reading all three books in a singular sitting, I am pleased overall and left wanting more. I look forward to reading more by this author, and highly recommend it to young adults and their more mature counterparts. We adults need to feel that spark of warmth only a budding crush can bring on.

Young Adult age-range: 13+. Parental discretion due to a handful of profanity/hate speech (realistically shown). Kissing. Heavy subject matter dealing with assault/bullying.


Also Available in The Queen B* Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Confessions of a Queen B* post.


Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our The Queen B* Strikes Back post.



Crista McHugh is an award-winning author of fantasy and romance who writes heroines who are smart, sexy and anything but ordinary. She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.

She is an active member of the Romance Writers of America (including the Greater Seattle Chapter and the Seattle Eastside Chapters), and Romance Divas.

Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she’s had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.

And she’s also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)

Connect with Crista

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Brought to you by


Erica reviewed her personal copy of The Queen B* and the Homecoming King (The Queen B* #3) by Crista McHugh for this post.