WWW Wednesday – FEBRUARY 26, 2020

Dear book-lovers,
Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme is hosted by Taking on a World of Words. The idea of this meme is to answer three W questions, which are: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? *Note. Click on the book’s title to check it on Goodreads.

CURRENTLY READING:

Let’s start with book of my kind of new year’s resolution, I decided that this year I have to read about 10 classics, so at the beginning of February I started my first one – The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo. Sadly, it’s not going too well, I have read only 2 chapters (I’m on page 23). But I guess it’s because English language is not my mother-tong and in this book the language is a tad bit old and complicated, mostly the complication is added by French words, obviously, I have no clue about French language 🙈 (I only speak Latvian, English, Russian and a bit Finnish). Due to language I feel a bit bored and don’t have desire to pick the book up, I just simply choose something more exciting instead.

The story and characters in Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame have resonated with succeeding generations since its publication in 1831. It has tempted filmmakers, and most recently animators, who have exploited its dramatic content to good effect but have inevitably lost some of the grays that make the original text so compelling.

From Victor Hugo’s flamboyant imagination came Quasimodo, the grotesque bell ringer; La Esmeralda, the sensuous gypsy dancer; and the haunted archdeacon Claude Frollo. Hugo set his epic tale in the Paris of 1482 under Louis XI and meticulously re-created the day-to-day life of its highest and lowest inhabitants. Written at a time of perennial political upheaval in France, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is the product of an emerging democratic sensibility and prefigures the teeming masterpiece Les Misé rables, which Hugo would write thirty years later.

He made the cathedral the centerpiece of the novel and called it Notre-Dame de Paris. (It received its popular English title at the time of its second translation in 1833.) Hugo wrote that his inspiration came from a carving of the word “fatality” in Greek that he had found in the cathedral. The inscription had been eradicated by the time the book was published, and Hugo feared that Notre-Dame’s Gothic splendor might soon be lost to the contemporary fad for tearing down old buildings. Notre-Dame has survived as one of the great monuments of Paris, and Hugo’s novel is a fitting celebration of it, a popular classic that is proving to be just as enduring.

Also at the beginning of February I started reading one of my most anticipated books of 2020 – A Heart So Fierce and Broken (Cursebreakers #2) by Brigid Kemmerer. Unfortunately, I’m simply disappointed. It’s breaking my heart to see Prince Rhen and I just don’t believe in what is written on the pages of this book. He wouldn’t do that. Nope. I don’t believe you. I hate it. I put this book down after reading about half of it, 254 pages (I read them in two days), and I still haven’t had enough courage to get back to it. Don’t get me wrong, Lia Mara and Grey’s story is intriguing and all, but I just can’t accept the things that are happening with Rhen.

Find the heir, win the crown.
Win the crown, save the kingdom.

Harper has freed Prince Rhen from the curse that almost destroyed his kingdom. But all is not well; rumours are rife that there is a rival heir with a stronger claim to the throne and that ‘Princess’ Harper of Disi is nothing but a fraud.

Grey has fled the castle carrying a terrible secret. When he is discovered by soldiers and returned to Ironrose by force, Grey’s allegiances begin to shift. And as he grows closer to an enemy princess, he is forced to decide whether he will stand against Rhen for the crown he never wanted.

Now let’s get to much happier news 😉 I’m taking part in three week #behindthebookreadalong on Instagram organized by the author for her debut novel – Sky in the Deep (Sky in the Deep #1) by Adrienne Young. This is second week of the readalong, and we are reading chapters 17-31. And surprise, surprise, on Monday I already read all the chapters in one sitting 🙈 That’s how much I like it. This book was on my TOP 30 books of 2019, so there should be no surprise here 😂 The readalong is great because Adrienne shares so much of her feelings, experience, inspiration and writing process for this book and answers all of our questions in the weekly live chat on Instagram, also there will be a giveaway at the end of it all. Find more information about behind the book readalong on Adriene’s IG account here.

Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient, god-decreed rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: train to fight and fight to survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield-her brother, fighting with the enemy-the brother she watched die five years ago. Eelyn loses her focus and is captured.

Now, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan settling in the valley, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved Aska clan, which is rumored to have been decimated by the same horde. She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend who tried to kill her the day she was captured. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one.

Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and find a way to forgive her brother while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life killing.

Last night I started reading a review copy of a YA sci-fi dystopian novel sent to me by the author – Alien Minds (Dimension Drift #1) by Christina Bauer.  I’m 17% into the story, and it’s hard to say whether I like it or not because the story itself is intriguing, however the writing is not that great, it’s a bit simplistic or basic, even though there are all those sci-fi language elements as well to make it more (not sure how to explain it, maybe it’s just juvenile or something), but at the end I kind of got used to it. So I just have to keep reading to make my mind up.

On my seventeenth birthday, I wake up in the hospital to find I just survived a sketchy-but-terrible accident. My perfect-looking parents say I live an ideal life inside the Boston dome. And although my swoon-worthy guard, Thorne, looks totally familiar, he says we don’t have a history.

What a bunch of crap.

I don’t remember anything—not even my real name—but I can still tell when someone’s lying. From what I figure out, my dystopian overlords wiped my memory, leaving only my super science skills behind. Now, instead of expecting me to scream for revenge, the government demands that I build new tech that will launch an apocalypse against anyone who isn’t perfect.

So I nod. Say yes. And scheme to blow the whole thing up.

My memory may be gone, but my sass remains intact. I round up a team of teenage scientists to take down the nasty-ass government without getting ourselves killed. Only trouble is, I must accomplish all this while avoiding my growing attraction to Thorne, who may or may not be an alien. Something tells me that protecting my heart from my hottie guard might be the most dangerous adventure of all …

RECENTLY FINISHED:

Let’s just look at my last five books that I finished last week and at the beginning of this week, starting from the older to more recent read.

This book was emotional and RAW read, I basically skipped sleeping the night when I started this book, so I kind of read it in one sitting (to understand all of this better you should know that it’s 700 pages, so basically it took me all night and half a day before I got to get some sleep), except for some snack breaks. I don’t eat when I read. I loved it. Now you probably just want to know the name of this book 😉 And here comes a contemporary romance with my favourite hate-to-love trope – Devious Lies (Cruel Crown #1) by Parker S. Huntington. This book took apart my heart and the assembled it back together like an IKEA bookshelf. (4.5 stars)

*Note. In one review on Goodreads (this review annoyed me a bit) I read that the person was unhappy that female MC went for her boyfriend’s brother. So I want to make it clear that it is NOT so, he was her best friend’s brother. I think that that’s kind of a huge difference.

From USA Today bestselling author Parker S. Huntington comes an enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance full of revenge and a dash of fate.

“She could enjoy her pretty, perfect world a little longer. Soon enough, everything she owned would be mine.”

I had a plan to escape the friend zone.
Step one: sneak into Reed’s room.
Step two: sleep with him.

But when the lights turned on, it wasn’t familiar blue eyes I saw.
These were dark, angry, and full of demons.
And they belonged to Reed’s much older brother.

Four years later, Nash Prescott is no longer the help’s angry son.
I’m no longer the town’s prized princess.

At twenty-two, I’m broke, in need of a job.
At thirty-two, he’s a billionaire, in need of revenge.

Who cares if my family ruined his?
Who cares if he looks at me with pure loathing?
Who cares if every task he assigns me is designed to torture?

I need the money.
Simple as that.

I’ll suffer his cruelty in silence, knowing there’s one thing he wants more than revenge…
Me.

Note: This is a 145,000-word standalone in the Cruel Crown world. Welcome to Eastridge. Enter if you dare.

Next book was a re-read, actually this time around I listened to an audio book and loved it. The narrators were great, the story was great, the writing was great and the characters, hmm… This author writes amazing male characters, but this time I wasn’t a fan of the male MC (he wasn’t bad, just not as perfect as usual), but female MC was cool. So this was a fun, sweet and entertaining romance comedy with a bit of heart-break, steam and drama – The Foxe & the Hound by R.S. Grey, narrators: Luci Christian and Joe Arden. (4.75 stars)

When your life is a hot mess at twenty, it’s cute. At twenty-seven… well, not so much.

It’s just that my lofty dreams—making it as a real estate agent, paying rent on time, showering daily—have stayed just that: dreams. Oh, and love? I’ve decided love might be a little ambitious for me at the moment. Instead, I’ve settled for the two guys who will never leave me: Ben & Jerry.

That is until Dr. Adam Foxe takes up residence as the town’s new vet.

With his strong jaw, easy confidence, and form-fitting scrubs, it’s not long before every housewife in Hamilton is dragging neglected tomcats in for weekly checkups.

Like everyone else, I’m intrigued. Even after I spoil my chance at a good first impression, he still offers me a proposition I can’t refuse: play his girlfriend at a family function and he’ll hire me as his real estate agent. Welcome to love in the 21st century.

It’s too bad I underestimated Adam’s irresistible charm and the undeniable attraction that burns between us. The day he pins me to the wall and silences me with a kiss, the line between reality and ruse begins to blur. Every teasing touch brings me to my knees. Every kiss promises more.

It looks like my hot mess of a life is about to get a little hotter.

Last week I also finished the second book in fantasy romance series about fey, actually it’s a spin of series of another series that I read couple of years ago. The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2) by Julie Kagawa. Let’s see, what I thought about it, in nutshell, I can say that it was entertaining and fun read, with romance, adventure and some sword fighting action. (3.75 stars)

IN THE REAL WORLD, WHEN YOU VANISH INTO THIN AIR FOR A WEEK, PEOPLE TEND TO NOTICE

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as “normal” as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for—his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he’s forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, “normal” simply isn’t to be. For Ethan’s nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan’s and Keirran’s fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan’s next choice may decide the fate of them all.

The next one sitting read was an ARC of a very dark and twisted contemporary romance, bunch of trigger warnings for this one. But I was enthralled, addicted and intrigued by this guilty pleasure read (I’m not masochist, so there were a few scenes that were harder to accept but I don’t get triggered by books, so it was fine). It is a first book in a series and ended on kind of a cliffhanger (I need next book now 🙈) – The Rise of Saint by Bella J. Review for this book is coming next week (4.5 stars).

~ Mila ~

Killer. Monster. Thief.

That’s what he is. The one who stole me. The man who ripped me from a life I thought was mine. There was no negotiating. No choice to be made. And no. Way. Out.

He says my whole life has been a lie. I believe him.

He says he’s addicted to my tears. I believe him.

He says once I give him what he wants, he’ll let me go…

I don’t believe him.

~ Saint ~

Orphan. Fighter. Secret.

That’s what she is. The woman I took. The woman they tried to hide from me but failed. Now she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. At my side. And at my mercy.

The blood that runs through her veins makes me her king. But to me she’s nothing but a means to an end. A way for me to feed my vengeance.

Once she gives me what I want I’ll let her go back to her miserable, mundane life. But for now, she’s mine to play with…

until she breaks.

The last book that I finished this week was a first book in NA paranormal romance series about fae. It was an interesting read but sometimes it felt like there was too much from ACOTAR by Shara J. Maas. The male MC’s name was even Rayth, he was fae and the night king of Summer/Night court. The female MC was human and his mate. She was kidnapped from human world and brought to the fae realm. Doesn’t this scream ACOTAR? Otherwise, it was an entertaining story with some danger, action and romance, so I’m intrigued enough to want to read the next book. The Night King (Captive Mates #1) by Dyan Chick (3.25 stars).

Monsters are real.

And one of them says I’m his mate.

One second I was a perfectly normal college student out with my friends. The next thing I knew, I was in the Faerie Realm. A place that’s not supposed to exist. I have no idea how I got here and no idea how I’m going to get home. All I know is that I was sold to the Night King as a slave and the delusional (but sexy) Fae King says I’m his mate. Like that’s supposed to get me in his bed.

The worst part is, the longer I stay, the more appealing the brutal Night King starts to look. He’s rough and growly and dangerous. Oh so dangerous. He really is a monster. One who isn’t used to not getting his way.

And if I’m not careful, I’m going to end up giving in before I figure out a way out of this nightmare.

READING NEXT:

It’s very rare that I know what I’m going to read next, but in this case I have to finish an ARC by tomorrow evening, so today I’m going to start reading a suspenseful dark romance Owned by Hi by Raven Amor.

Lillianna would do anything for her dad. But the bond of family can be a knife that cuts deep. Her father owed a lot of money. In the ultimate betrayal, he bartered Lilliana as his payment.

Traded to her brother’s best friend. The man who she once loved, her childhood prince.

Malachi Kingston is now the monster who stole her freedom.

Yet as secrets from the past surface, and the pair battle against their darkest desires.

Blood will be spilled. Heart will be broken. Bullets will fly and lives lost.

Also this week I have to read and review a rock star contemporary romance – Treyton (Savage Beasts #2) by J. Nathan.

STANDALONE #2 in the Savage Beasts rock star series.

Treyton Collins is Savage Beasts’ drummer.
He’s the band’s resident bad boy with the
tattoos and tongue ring to prove it.
And though his big personality hides secrets and
his smile conceals a troubled past,
no woman has yet to be immune to Treyton’s charm.
That’s why he’s fascinated by the one who is…

Brielle Patrick is Savage Beasts’ publicist.
She couldn’t be any more different than Treyton.
She’s business suits and he’s torn jeans.
She’s bossy and he’s fun-loving.
She’s got an attitude and he can’t stand it.
And, her latest publicity stunt left her on the outs with the band.
But, if nothing else, Brielle is persistent.
And she’ll prove it by spending the summer on tour with the band.
She’s convinced herself she’s there to keep Treyton out of trouble.
But that isn’t the only reason she’s overseas for two months.
She’s searching for something her life is missing.

Is it possible she could find it when she least expects it?
With the guy she least expects to find it with?

One more book that I should read this week is a YA dystopian The Aviary (The Uncaged #1) by Emily Shore. This book tries to bring awareness to sex-trafficking themes, so I guess here must be added trigger warnings as the book will look at heavy topics.

“Gentlemen, we have a special treat for you today. Feast your eyes on this pure-blooded beauty!”

Sixteen-year-old Serenity has spent her entire life in hiding to protect her from this exact moment. In a world where beauty is bought and sold on the streets like a corporate commodity, Serenity’s natural assets are more like liabilities. Despite her parents’ best efforts, she’s been taken—ripped from her home and the only life she’s ever known—to find herself on sale to the highest bidder. And that bidder? Enigmatic and dangerous, Luc is the director of The Aviary—an elite museum where girls are displayed as living art by day…and cater to the lascivious whims of the highest bidder by night. In this elaborate and competitive world, girls go by names like Raven and Nightingale, and will stop at nothing to become top Bird.

Luc comes to idolize Serenity’s purity and aims to turn her into his grandest exhibit of all time—The Swan. In no time, she becomes one of the most coveted exhibits in Aviary history. When she discovers Luc holds the key to finding her parents, she must learn to play The Swan to perfection…to win his heart and earn his trust. But she doesn’t anticipate falling for him in the process. Now she faces an impossible choice: escape The Aviary and lose her only chance at finding her parents—or become Luc’s Swan for good and lose her identity forever.

Tell me in comments – What books have you recently read, are currently reading or plan to read next? You can also share your WWW post link here in comments 😉

Happy reading,
Lady of Bookland