Book Review: Capturing the Devil (Stalking Jack the Ripper #4) by Kerri Maniscalco

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Young adult historical fiction mystery + romance
Length: 453 pages
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Release Date: September 10th, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In the shocking finale to the bestselling series that began with Stalking Jack the Ripper, Audrey Rose and Thomas are on the hunt for the depraved, elusive killer known as the White City Devil. A deadly game of cat-and-mouse has them fighting to stay one step ahead of the brilliant serial killer—or see their fateful romance cut short by unspeakable tragedy.

Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell have landed in America, a bold, brash land unlike the genteel streets of London they knew. But like London, the city of Chicago hides its dark secrets well. When the two attend the spectacular World’s Fair, they find the once-in-a-lifetime event tainted with reports of missing people and unsolved murders.

Determined to help, Audrey Rose and Thomas begin their investigations, only to find themselves facing a serial killer unlike any they’ve heard of before. Identifying him is one thing, but capturing him—and getting dangerously lost in the infamous Murder Hotel he constructed as a terrifying torture device—is another.

Will Audrey Rose and Thomas see their last mystery to the end—together and in love—or will their fortunes finally run out when their most depraved adversary makes one final, devastating kill?

BEST OF THE BUNCH.

Okay. I can officially say I’m glad I read this after being very frustrated with how book three went down. This was a solid ending that wrapped everything up liked it needed to be.

BUT FIRST. Let me just say, I do not appreciate why the marriage was postponed. I haaaaaaate stuff like that y’all. Hate. And that’s pretty much why it’s a four star. I think they should have gotten married and solved the murder together, married. There wasn’t angst adding the drama in.

Now, THOMAS CRESSWELL. Seriously one of my top bookish boyfriends. I can’t get over him. The sweet and precious moments between Thomas and Audrey Rose were written so beautifully. I swooned over and over at the writing. Lyrical and utterly romantic. Thomas is amazing. We won’t discuss Audrey Rose, though I will say this was the best version of her I’ve seen in the series. The least annoying.

I’ve seen some lower reviews for this because they wanted more of the mystery aspect. These books are romance books at their base. They really are. If you’re interested in them, definitely know that going in. My expectations went much better when I knew I was going to be getting a lot of romance (which we know I prefer anyways).

The plot line of this book kind of went: romance, romance, mystery, mystery, romance. It felt a little disjointed. There was a big focus on the romance, then it dove off into just about solving the murders, then the epilogue finished off the romance. It worked out okay, but I think they could have been combined better.

I’m satisfied and happy with this series and would still recommend it to those interested. I liked the historical fiction aspects and of course, THOMAS CRESSWELL. The writing is well done and even the frustrating moments don’t ruin the enchanting story it is.

Overall audience notes:

  • Young adult historical fiction romance + mystery
  • Language: very little light
  • Romance: kisses, make-outs, a little detailed love scene, another fade to black scene
  • Violence: very detailed descriptions of multiple murders, physical attacks

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Top Ten Tuesday: The Last 10 Books I Read With Single-Word Titles

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Happy Top Ten Tuesday!

I thought this was going to be more difficult than it turned out to be. They’re actually quite a few single word title books out there.

I went with the last 10 I read and what opinions I have about them! Some were great, some were closer to duds, but all could be something you might want to try reading.

Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard

I was happily surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this! It was great as an audio book. I thought it started off a bit slow, but by then end I was invested in the story.

Outlander (Outlander #1) by Diana Gabaldon

Yes, yes. I finally read this! Oooh man. And now I know that this year will be spent reading all of these (new 2020 goal alert). I love Claire and Jamie!

East (East #1) by Edith Pattou

This was unique and fun. I love how quick the chapters were and the multi-POV that kept things moving. It was a light romance with lots of mythical creatures. I definitely plan on reading West!

Confess by Colleen Hoover

I love everything CoHo writes. This is no exception. A romance set in downtown Dallas with lots of drama. A good book to binge in one evening.

Ashlords (Ashlords #1) by Scott Reintgen

I read this as an ARC! I picked it out because it was supposed to be reminiscent of The Scorpio Races. It did have some things that reminded me of that book (namely, the magical horses). I really enjoyed this one.

Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw

As my second Ernshaw book, I just don’t think the stories and I mix. I once again found myself a bit bored and waiting for something to happen. The romance needed more umph too.

Starsight (Skyward #1) by Brandon Sanderson

I loooooove Brandon Sanderson. It’s aaaaamazing. This series is great and I can’t believe I have to wait so long to read the next one!

Rebel (Legend #4) by Marie Lu

Didn’t know how I would feel about this one, but y’all. It was actually a great conclusion. I got the ended I NEEDED to be satisfied with June and Day’s story.

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

A suuuper short, quick book. An interesting concept. A bit odd and random too. I couldn’t connect with the story that well.

Imber (Thanatos Trilogy #1) by Tyffany Hackett

This was a Kindle Unlimited find! It was great. I enjoyed this YA fantasy. So much that I have the second book downloaded, I just need to get to it!

What’s the last single-word title book you read? Have you read any that are on my list? Lets talk in the comments!

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ARC Book Review: The Raven and the Dove (The Raven and the Dove #1) by Kaitlyn Davis

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 1/2
Audience: YA Fantasy retelling + romance
Length: 506 pages
Author: Kaitlyn Davis
Publisher: Self-published
Expected Release Date: March 9th, 2020
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Four fates collide in this avian-inspired, epic fantasy retelling of Tristan and Isolde perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Leigh Bardugo!

A princess longing to be free…

On the dawn of her courtship trials, Princess Lyana Aethionus knows she should be focused on winning her perfect mate, yet her thoughts wander to the open sky waiting at the edge of her floating kingdom. One final adventure calls. Upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a raven prince locked in a death match with a dragon.

A bastard aching to belong…

Reviled son of a dead king, Rafe would do anything for his beloved half-brother, Prince Lysander Taetanus, including posing as him in the upcoming courtship trials. When a dragon interrupts their secret exchange, he orders his studious sibling to run. After suffering a fatal blow, Rafe is saved by a beautiful dove who possesses forbidden magic, just like him.

Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart…

Unknown to the world above, on the foggy sea ten thousand feet below, a young king fights a forgotten war. He believes Lyana is the queen prophesied to save the world, and with the help of his favored spy, hidden deep in the highest ranks of the dove royal house, he will stop at nothing to have her.

Three shocking betrayals. Two star-crossed lovers. One unforgettable journey. If you like fierce heroines, brooding heroes, forbidden romance, and action-packed magical adventures with twists you’ll never see coming, don’t miss The Raven and the Dove!

Thank you to the author Kaitlyn Davis for providing an e-ARC through Netgalley. All opinions are my own!

IF YOU’RE A BIRD, I’M A BIRD.

Wait a minute, hold on, come support an indie author and get this book on your TBR! It has everything I’m looking for in a YA fantasy and the 500 pages really felt like nothing. Let’s get into this review.

It’s a Tristan and Isolde retelling, and if you’re not sure who those people are, please Google the story like I did after reading Sweet Black Waves and getting my heart ripped out. I love the way this version was written and like the twists Davis put on it. I could definitely see some of the similarities, but it swayed far enough away that this is it’s own novel, on a whole new fantasy level.

I am in love with my cinnamon rolls Rafe and Xander. These brothers are so tender, and kind. They’re loyal to one another and I appreciated the strong family bond they have. Lyana and Cassi were great friends too. I love that everyone had a support system with them. They brought the soft moments, and the hard ones together.

Ships were flying all over the place. This is a rare example of a sort of love triangle actually not bothering me. I know, I can’t believe I said it either. But really! This was so well done. You can see where [I think] the ships will eventually end, but I like how it flowed back and forth just enough to add intrigue and another layer to the story.

THE ENDING WAS WILD. Oh my goodness so much happened. It luckily didn’t end in a dramatic cliff-hanger. Enough happened though that the next book is definitely on my radar. I love how much action and characters came onto the scene. Betrayals were flying all around, people getting tossed off of worlds, INSANE. Oh, and did I mention, THIS WORLD HAS DRAGONS?

I liked the world-building as well. I still have a few questions, but I feel like those will be answered over other books so I’m not concerned. The way the world is set up with one group on land and one group in the air is CRAZY COOL. And the way the people become birds? I need someone to tell me more about that! I love the way the Houses are all split to different types of birds and their strengths. Everything was well thought out and I am so happy I picked this up!

Overall audience notes:

  • Young adult fantasy
  • Language: VERY little
  • Romance: some kisses, a no detail fade-to-black scene
  • Violence: dragons, fire, swords, earthquakes, magic, physical

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Monthly Reading Wrap-Up!: February 2020

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FEBRUARY.

What a month. I read so much romance. Not even sorry. I love reading romance. It’s so good.

I also re-read FOUR books. This is a whole new world for me. I maybe re-read one book in a month and I got sucked in by some of my favorites and it was fantastic.

It was a solid mix of 3 stars and higher. Got through some big books, and really enjoyed February as a whole. I’m excited for March where I’ll be reading some BIG books!

I linked the reviews that have been posted. The other reviews will be out in May/June!

  • Eleanor & Grey by Brittainy C. Cherry – (☆☆☆ 1/2)
  • A Temporary Marriage (The Fake Love Series #1) by Summer Dowell – (☆☆☆☆)
  • [Re-read] A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas – (☆☆☆☆☆)
  • Outlander (Outlander #1) by Diana Gabaldon – (☆☆☆☆)
  • [Re-read] The Winner’s Crime (The Winner’s Trilogy #2) by Marie Rutkoski – (☆☆☆☆☆)
  • A Heart so Fierce and Broken (Cursebreakers #2) by Brigid Kemmerer – (☆☆☆)
  • [ARC] Wild at Heart (Wild #2) by K.A. Tucker – (☆☆☆☆☆)
  • [Re-read] The Winner’s Kiss (The Winner’s Trilogy #3) by Marie Rutkoski – (☆☆☆☆☆)
  • P.S. I Like You by Kasie West – (☆☆☆☆☆)
  • [ARC] Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon – (☆☆☆☆☆)
  • The Fallen Kingdom (The Falconer #3) by Elizabeth May – (☆☆☆)
  • [Re-read] The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom #1) by Danielle L. Jensen) – (☆☆☆☆☆)
  • Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi – (☆☆☆)
  • All the Stars and Teeth (All the Stars and Teeth #1) by Adalyn Grace – (☆☆☆☆)
  • The Fine Art of Falling in Love by Ashley Shepherd – (☆☆☆☆)
  • Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard – (☆☆☆☆)
  • [Graphic Novel] Wires and Nerves (Wires and Nerves #1) by Marissa Meyer – (☆☆☆☆)
  • The Dragons of Nova (Loom Saga #2) by Elise Kova – (☆☆☆ 1/2)
  • [Graphic Novel] Gone Rogue (Wires and Nerves #2) by Marissa Meyer – (☆☆☆☆☆)
  • Love, Life, and the List by Kasie West – (☆☆☆☆)
  • The Defiant (The Valiant #2) by Lesley Livingston – (☆☆☆☆)
  • The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller – (☆☆☆☆☆)
  • The Traitor Queen (The Bridge Kingdom #2) by Danielle L. Jensen – (☆☆☆☆☆)
  • [ARC] Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett – undecided, will finish this on the 29th

Favorites this month: ACOWAR, Outlander, The Winner’s Crime and Kiss, Wild at Heart, The Bridge Kingdom and The Traitor Queen

Least favorites: A Heart so Fierce and Broken, The Fallen Kingdom and Emergency Contact

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