Shifted Desires by Addison Carmichael | Is it Meant To be or Not To Be?

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own!*

Title: Shifted Desires

Author: Addison Carmichael

Published: September 15th, 2019

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Werewolf

Series: Prequel and novella to Hunter (Book 4 in the Sons of the Alpha series)

GOODREADS | AMAZON

     Synopsis:  Randolyn Summers keeps a sharp eye and her photo lens on the werewolf Zachary King. She intends to set the stage to befriend him and earn his trust in order to discover the location and human identity of his alpha creator. Then she'll destroy him, his alpha, and his entire monstrous kind for good.

What Randi didn't count on is discovering the truth about were-kind, and the unspeakable thought of falling in love with one.

   To make sure I don't confuse you, this is a novella and prequel that sets up for the final book in Carmichael's Sons of the Alpha series. You don't have to read it to understand and enjoy the other books, but I love reading them as they give extra easter eggs and engaging characters!


   Honestly, I was just as pleased with this one as all the others in the series so far!

Addison did a great job of introducing us to new characters and making us want to know more, as well as where she takes them.

The characters were funny and I really loved reading about them, their development together, and now I can't wait to see where they go in the next book. The author makes sure there are so many easter eggs in each book that it's hard to not pick one of these books up to see your past favorite characters!

The next book, Hunter, is going to be the last in the series and while I'm excited for it I'm also sorry to see this series end!
A wonderful new edition to this paranormal romance series, that Carmichael crafted seamlessly with her skill <3

The plot and the whole story was intriguing and built with creative characters.



[My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟]

Have you read this series? Thoughts on extra prequels or novellas that give easter eggs in a series??


Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel

A Werewolf Kind of Christmas | Excerpts + Giveaway

A Werewolf Kind of Christmas
by A.L. Kessler
Genre: Christmas Paranormal Romance

Print Length: 56 pages
Publisher: Blood & Ink Press
Publication Date: December 11, 2018


 With war hanging in the balance, Erin has one chance to stop it: Find her fated mate with the alpha of the rival pack, Tristen Kerr. But when the mating mark doesn't appear Erin has to stall while trying not to fall for the alpha she can't have. Meanwhile, her father has his own plans to take over Tristen's pack. While romance blooms between the two they fight to keep the war away and hope for a Christmas miracle.


**Only .99 cents!!**



Goodreads | Amazon

A.L. Kessler is a paranormal romance and steampunk author residing in Colorado Springs. Since she was a teenager she's loved weaving stories and spinning tales. When she's not at the beck-and-call of the Lord and Lady of the House, two black cats by the names of Jynx and Sophie, playing with her daughter, or killing creepers and mining all the things with her husband, she's either reading, participating in NaNoWriMo, or writing in her Blog Writing Rambles.

"Here, lass, let me have your jacket."
She slipped off the fleece jacket and the scarf and handed them to him. "Thank you. I'm Erin Heyn, I'm here to meet Tristan Kerr, alpha of the Monarch pack."
He let out one of the sexiest chuckles she'd ever heard, and for a moment she found herself wishing that she could spend the holidays with the wolf in front of her instead of some cold-hearted alpha.
"I know exactly who you are. Erin Heyn, daughter of Chris Heyn, alpha of Ridge Pass Pack. As alpha, I welcome you to the Monarch Pack territory."
She couldn't help but smile. "You came out yourself to get my bags, as alpha?"
"Well yeah, it's kind of the gentleman-y thing to do." He motioned to the fire. "Come, warm up."
They walked to the fire together and sat down. "Why does that surprise you?"
"My father would have just sent someone else out is all." She sat on the floor in front of the fire and watched the flames. She was hoping this was going to work out. Hoping for the mark, if she was honest with herself. Even though it wasn't her idea, it was probably the only way she was ever going to get away from her pack.
"Most of the pack that's here for the holidays are out shopping before the storm gets too bad." He sat down next to her. "Before we even think about taking this further, I want to know something."
Her heart skipped a beat. Take this further? Were they just going to jump right into this? She messed with the hem of her shirt. "What would you like to know?"
"That he isn't twisting your arm in this."
What could she say? She didn't have a choice in coming, but what happened if Tristan found out she was lying?
"Erin?" he prompted after a few minutes.

$10 Amazon Gift Card 

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Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass by Mariko Tamaki | Graphic Novel Review

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own!*

Title: Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass

Author: Mariko Tamaki
Illustrator: Steve Pugh

Published: September 3rd, 2019

Genre: Comic, Graphic Novel, Teen, Superheroes, and villains

AMAZON | GOODREADS 


  Synopsis: Harleen is a tough, outspoken, rebellious kid who lives in a ramshackle apartment above a karaoke cabaret owned by a drag queen named MAMA. Ever since Harleen's parents split, MAMA has been her only family. When the cabaret becomes the next victim in the wave of gentrification that's taking over the neighborhood, Harleen gets mad.

When Harleen decides to turn her anger into action, she is faced with two choices: join Ivy, who's campaigning to make the neighborhood a better place to live, or join The Joker, who plans to take down Gotham one corporation at a time.

Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass is at once a tale of the classic Harley readers know and love, and a heartfelt story about the choices teenagers make and how they can define—or destroy—their lives. This is the first title in DC's new line of original graphic novels for middle grade and young adult readers.

A peak at the graphic novel!

  The dialogue in this graphic novel was spot on, Tamaki did a great job at capturing Harley's personality and voice- I even read it in her accent in some parts!
This Harley Quinn was more quirky and fun-loving, though clearly wanted to stick up and defend people close to her.


It was exciting to see who all showed up at Gotham High: Poison Ivy, the Joker, and a more dark and brooding character as well! ;)

  Ivy was the confident and courageous friend that worked just great with Harley, she was angrier but also very active and encouraging Harley to take a stand as well.

 When Joker showed up, I liked the parts with him and was eagerly turning pages to find out if he would ever take that mask off. This joker was more of a trouble-maker and had a mask over his face, he runs into Harley and they form a kind of alliance if you want to call it that.


  Harley was torn in this graphic novel, and I think Tamaki did a great job of showing this in her decisions and expressions. Harley was very much breaking glass in this story! :D

 This graphic novel I think is more teen, not middle-grade, but not really adult either. The plot progressed nicely and was narrated by our very own Harley Quinn, which made it all the more funny and unique.
 'Cause, of course, Harley explains things in her own kind of way.


 There was a huge plot twist in the last several pages that really caught me by surprise. It made it even more interesting of a read, especially everything that happened afterward! There was a lot intertwined in the last few pages, a lot explained, and even more hinted at!
 I'm really looking forward to the next installment, so I can find out what happens next!



[My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐][3.5 stars!]


Have any of you heard of this read yet??
Who's your favorite DC character??


Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel

The Kindred Woods by Erin Forbes | Foxes, Ice, Fire & More!

*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, my thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Title: Fire and Ice Book 3: The Kindred Woods

Author: Erin Forbes
Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Series: Fire and Ice series 

Genre: Fantasy, YA, Magic

Published: May 1st, 2019


AMAZON | GOODREADS



   Synopsis:  “Doubt and fear are enemies of the strongest warriors and queens, and only the foolish are immune. When there is nowhere else to turn, these demons must be faced with a lethal sword.”

The return of the Lost Dreamer brings change to the lives of the Elementals. His reappearance sends a shockwave across the Gifted realm.

How can a child vanish without a trace, and return after the passing of a decade?

The Hanley twins are crowned with the full attention of their peers. The end of summer brings the beginning of their second year at the Academy for Gifted Youth. Nothing remains simple; life will never be the same.

Mysteries unfold and questions are answered. The Lennox clan must conceal the dark truth of their past. Alice soon discovers a secret. Her knowledge holds power—and danger, too.

 I really wish I'd gotten ahold of this book when I was younger, it's just one of those books that leave you with an impression. And I know it's one that while I enjoy it now I would've loved it immensely if I'd found it even sooner!



 In this third installment, we follow the Hanley sisters with their close friends as they try to uncover sinister plots against the Realm of Aisling and their school for the Gifted. The girls have grown up a bit, but are still very curious and noble in wanting to help everyone.
 
 Alice has more control over her flames, Emery seems to not have as much control over the ice, and their little fox guardian and friend makes multiple appearances to help them out! (My favorite parts usually had an appearance with him!)

 I also really enjoyed seeing how the relationships had developed between the four Elementals and the other side characters. Especially someone who starts getting rather close to Alice ;)
As well as some new interesting side characters.

  Forbes' writing is so very whimsical it's almost like lyrics in some parts, it gives the fantasy a new depth in her world as well as her characters.


I'll definitely be giving a copy of this series to some younger friends of mine for Christmas!! 😀


[⭐⭐⭐][3.5 stars!]


Is there a series that you enjoy, but wish you'd fallen in love with sooner?? When you were at a different point in your life maybe??


Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel

Love, Heather by Laurie Petrou | The Perfect Blackmail

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own!*

Title: Love, Heather

Author: Laurie Petrou

Published: October 8th, 2019

Genre: New Adult, YA, Revenge, Thriller, Suspense, Drama, Realistic Fiction

AMAZON | GOODREADS | BARNES AND NOBLE


  Synopsis:  What you see isn't always what you get.

 Stevie never meant for things to go this far. When she and Dee--defiant, bold, indestructible Dee--started all this, there was a purpose to their acts of vengeance: to put the bullies of Woepine High School back in their place. And three months ago, Stevie believed they deserved it. Once her best friend turned on her, the rest of the school followed. Stevie was alone and unprotected with a target on her back. Online, it was worse.

 It was Dee's idea to get them all back with a few clever pranks, signing each act Love, Heather--an homage to her favorite 80's revenge flick. Despite herself, Stevie can't help getting caught up in the payback, reveling in every minute of suffering. And for a while, it works: it seems the meek have inherited the school.

 But when anonymous students begin joining in, punishing perceived slights with increasingly violent ferocity, the line between villain and vigilante begins to blur. As friends turn on each other and the administration scrambles to regain control, it becomes clear: whatever Dee and Stevie started has gained a mind--and teeth--of its own. And when it finally swallows them whole, one will reemerge changed, with a plan for one final, terrifying act of revenge.

  This hit deep y'all.  

 Revenge and thrilling read that was perfect for October! I'm excited by all the suspense and thriller-filled books I've gotten to read this fall (like 3 LOL)!
 

 Our main character, Stevie is growing up in the 80s and 90s when technology is really affecting somethings in high schools, like cyber-bullying for instance. This book highlights perfectly the spiral teens go through and the hardships of navigating it. A great read for not just YAs, but also adult readers for sure! [Warning: There is bullying, cyberbullying, toxic female friendships, etc.]
 

 Laurie Petrou did amazing weaving everything (especially the plot twists!!) and Stevie's character was out of this world! She was so concrete and perfect for the role she played. 
 The plot is initially what drew me in, but then Stevie hit the nail on the head with a hammer and I was stuck.
 *shrugs* I really didn't mind either, this is a quick and riveting read that ends with you still wanting more.

If you love mysteries and teen drama movies with a punch, this is perfect for you.


[My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐][4 stars!]


Have you read this book yet?? Do you like to read thrillers or books with lots of suspense??

Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel

Fall Spooks & Reads

 How has your October been? Are you feeling the fall feels yet?

 This month has been spooktacular, but my reading progress has slowed immensely! Does anyone else have this problem? Below are some reading challenges that will hopefully encourage me to get some more reading done!!


ℙ𝕦𝕞𝕡𝕜𝕚𝕟 𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝕃𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖 ~ 𝕒 𝕙𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕝𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
𝕁𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕆' 𝕃𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕤 ~ 𝕒 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕤𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕞𝕤 ''𝕗𝕒𝕝𝕝!''
ℂ𝕠𝕫𝕪 𝕊𝕨𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤 ~ 𝕒 𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕞-𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜
ℂ𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕡 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕗𝕦𝕝 𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕤 ~ 𝕒 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕗𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕔𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣
𝕊𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕕 ℂ𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕝𝕖𝕤 ~ 𝕒 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖
𝔾𝕚𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕄𝕦𝕘𝕤 ~ 𝕒 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥'𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕠𝕣 𝕒 𝕟𝕖𝕨 𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦
𝕊𝕡𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕪 𝕄𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕤 ~ 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕗𝕚𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖: 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕡𝕪, 𝕠𝕣 𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕠𝕣
ℍ𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟 ~ 𝕒 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 ℍ𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟-𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕤 (𝕘𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥𝕤, 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕤, 𝕖𝕥𝕔.)


Fall Reads I Suggest To Everyone:


The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake


Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

RoseBlood by A. G. Howard

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie

What are some spooky reads or fall reads you're in love with right now?

I'm currently reading The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkein and Love, Heather by Laurie Petrou~



Thanks for reading loves have a lovely day!!
~Books with Noel <3

Best Kept Secrets by Tracey S. Philips | A Thriller Hunt!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own!*

Title: Best Kept Secrets

Author: Tracey S. Phillips

Published: October 8th, 2019

Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller

AMAZON| GOODREADS



  Synopsis: Best friends tell each other everything.

Even their deepest, darkest secrets--pinky promise.

Right?

Morgan Jewell and Fay Ramsey are enjoying their last summer together before college. Fay is shy, with a controlling mother, and Morgan is the perfect, wild, loud-mouthed yang to Fay's ying. But when Fay is found dead, Morgan's entire world crumbles.

Years later, Morgan is still haunted by the abrupt end to her best friend's life. She knew Fay held a secret in those final days, but Morgan, now a homicide detective, has failed to make a picture out of the crooked puzzle pieces she left behind. Nothing makes sense. The leads have run dry. Until she's called to the scene of a murder: a woman whose body is left mangled, too similar to Fay's to ignore.

Could it be? Morgan vowed to do right by Fay. This is the case she's been waiting for to set her back on the killer's trail. But the closer she gets, the harder it forces her to confront the memories of herself and her best friend. What was her secret? What got her killed? Maybe Morgan didn't know her at all.

   I'm still deciding on the rating! 

 I really liked certain parts where Morgan showed a glimpse of Fay, and the synopsis had pulled me in for the fall feels. I love to read thrillers in the fall 💛🍁

 The plot seemed to go way different than expected, but still in range and I stayed up a bit later to find out what happened next. There was a pov shift that at first was weird and interesting, and I'd wanted to see where it would go. 

The said character that we start to see more of is more unsettling as we go on, but this character also has some intriguing flashbacks and memories that reveal more with each turn of the page.

  
  Character-wise, Morgan didn't connect for me but I did still like her as a protagonist. 
Donnie was wonderful, and I really wish that Rob and Morgan had ended up together somehow! 
There were very few characters that I cared for, and the other pov character was definitely not one. I wasn't sure at first what role she was playing, but eventually, it clicked!

 
  This book is about two women that each has kept secrets very well, and parts of their lives with those secrets are now enter-twining. One is a detective hunting for the murderer of her best friend, and the other holds some very dark secrets and harsh past.
 
A page-turning thriller for a cozy day in fall!


[⭐⭐⭐] [3 stars!]



Have any of you heard of this suspenseful book yet??
What did you think?

What are you currently reading my lovelies??? 🍂


Have a lovely day!!
~Books with Noel

Finale by Stephanie Garber | It's The END!!!

Title: Finale

Author: Stephanie Garber

Publication: May 7th, 2019

GENRE: YA, Fantasy, Romance

Series: Caraval (1st book), Legendary (2nd book) [Click on titles for a link to reviews!]

AMAZON | GOODREADS


  Synopsis:  A love worth fighting for. A dream worth dying for. An ending worth waiting for.

It’s been two months since the Fates were freed from a deck of cards, two months since Legend claimed the throne for his own, and two months since Tella discovered the boy she fell in love with doesn’t really exist.

With lives, empires, and hearts hanging in the balance, Tella must decide if she’s going to trust Legend or a former enemy. After uncovering a secret that upends her life, Scarlett will need to do the impossible. And Legend has a choice to make that will forever change and define him.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. There are no spectators this time—only those who will win, and those who will lose everything.

Welcome, welcome to Finale. All games must come to an end…

 In this finale to the Caraval series, we get points of view of both sisters Tella and Scarlett (which I relaly liked). Though I wished the rumors had been true that there'd been chapters with Legend's pov, there sadly wasn't :(

 While we're on the topics of characters...

• I loved Jacks 😍

• I was more disappointed and irritated with Legend in this book though in the previous books I'd liked him

• I was still rooting for Scarlett and Julian

• Gotta say I have mixed feelings about Paradise though...

The plot was wonderful and the world was just as inviting and clever as before!

 My only probably with this book (besides how cold Legend felt), was more of that I had a ton of questions to do with Legend's backstory, the world and such- and they were left unanswered. While things were tied up yes, I wanted to know a lot more than what we were given.
Did anyone else have that?


Especially with the ending- which I loved, don't get me wrong- but I NEED TO KNOW MORE!!!


Overall though: it was mostly satisfying, I loved the heart-fluttering moments with the romance even the love triangle between Jacks-Tella-Legend, and I liked seeing how both sisters had progressed!


[My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟[[4.5 stars!]


Have any of you read this book or the series yet??
What did you think??


Have a lovely day!! <3
~Books with Noel

One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake | When the Sequel is Better Than the Original

Title: One Dark Throne

Author: Kendare Blake

Published: September 19th, 2017

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Book 2 to Three Dark Crowns (review here)

AMAZON | GOODREADS


Synopsis: The battle for the Crown has begun, but which of the three sisters will prevail?

With the unforgettable events of the Quickening behind them and the Ascension Year underway, all bets are off. Katharine, once the weak and feeble sister, is stronger than ever before. Arsinoe, after discovering the truth about her powers, must figure out how to make her secret talent work in her favor without anyone finding out. And Mirabella, once thought to be the strongest sister of all and the certain Queen Crowned, faces attacks like never before—ones that put those around her in danger she can’t seem to prevent.

In this enthralling sequel to Kendare Blake’s New York Times bestselling Three Dark Crowns, Fennbirn’s deadliest queens must face the one thing standing in their way of the crown: each other.

     This is the sequel to Blake's Three Dark Crowns, which had been riveting and presented the author's writing style very well, but I did not care for the first book very much.
 There had been for numerous reasons for why that you can find in that review (linked above), but I had been ready to not finish the series and just dive into another.

  However, I picked up this one One Dark Throne, because a fellow bookish friend told me that if I wanted to DNF the series I needed to get further in first.
 And heck, am I glad I listened to them!

This is one of those rare cases where the sequel was infinitely better than the first book!


I was already head-over-heels for the scary-to-think-about plot and world, and I already had favorite characters from when I read the first book.
My favorite characters stayed the same, and a few characters were actually redeemed for me too!

 Katherine and Arisnoe are my absolute favorite girls! Mirabella I still can not stand, even though her character did get better in this one. Joseph was... I suppose redeemed for some, but I still hated him.
 We actually had a few character deaths that both surprised me and made me sad, and reappearances of others that had me cheering and beyond excited to see what chaos they would bring!

As a darker YA fantasy, this book's elements and characters have different depths and stakes- but it was impossible for me to put down this time!


 The plot takes place not long after the first book ends, so we see how each sister is adjusting and preparing to kill the other- as well as how our side characters are dealing with how much each queen has changed. (Changed for the better in Mirabella's case, changed but still the same for Arisnoe, and changed where I want to cry but I still love her for Katherine.)
 
  The side characters have changed themselves in terms of priorities and in some cases which sister they support, but otherwise, it's now an intense battle to the death.


There are some creepy tones that fit well for the spooky season- so if you've read the first book already definitely pick this up this fall!!


[My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟] [4 stars!]


Have any of you read this series yet?? Where did you get to in the series and what did you think??

Is this on your TBR or have you heard of it at all??


Thanks for reading!! <3
~Books with Noel

All of Me by Emily Duvall | A Book of Romantic Fiction

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own!*

All of Me by Emily Duvall 
Publication date: May 29th, 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
AMAZON | GOODREADS 

Synopsis: Maren Cole survived adolescence by relying on her intellect, but has never felt more different as an adult. The diagnosis she received as a person with Autism makes functioning in a fast-paced city with bright lights and big sounds a challenge. Forget about dating. Forget marriage. She would like to survive the conversation. Independence has never been more isolating or confusing and is complicated by a situation that puts her directly in the path of arrogant lawyer Caleb Allan.

Caleb isn’t interested in anyone except himself and his legal career. The one person he doesn’t need to spend time with is the awkward Maren Cole, but their interactions are unavoidable when she has the potential to push his career ahead. Forced to confront the fact that she’s unlike anyone he’s ever met, Caleb knows to fall for her will destroy his work. He may also lose his heart to a woman who may never fully love him back.

 This book overall I really enjoyed; I loved Maren's character and her developments- I loved almost everything! Guys I'm having such a hard time with this review right now!

 There was one reason I couldn't rate this book 5 stars, and that was because of Caleb and the romance (so technically two reasons).


 Don't get me wrong, I loved it and was rooting for them.
BUT Caleb just kept going back and forth, they'd have a fight that they never mentioned again and acted like didn't happen- but it was a seriously huge fight!
 It's like the author forgot about it or changed her mind. 

 In the end, I obviously wanted them together, but I couldn't help but think that Caleb deserved being without Maren and that she deserved so much better and should've kept walking away.
 It would've helped had there been some more apologizing and begging on his part, but there wasn't as much redeeming him as I'd hoped. 
Not after what he put Maren through- multiple times!

 Was it too much to ask for a little more redemption for the love interest that went so well with her? Instead, he made us hate him and want him to die. -_-
 And Maren was on my nerves every time she ran back to him and stuff, which really did not help at all. 

 So on one hand- I loved it and I wish I could overlook these things so badly, but I really can't. If it had gone about a different way it would be a favorite and I'd re-read it again! So on the other hand: I suggest this book if you're craving a romance and a new adult read, and can overlook these things. 



   My Rating: [🌟🌟🌟] [3 stars!]



Have any of you heard of this book?? What are you willing to overlook in a romantic read, and what are you not?


Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel

Re-reads, Reading Plans, & Retellings ~ Noel likes the letter ''R''

It's been a while loves!


 I've posted a book tour or a book review once in a while, but that's been it for a bit... for those of you wondering why I moved last weekend and have been settling in!
 Now I'm having to get used to busier mornings, and sometimes busy evenings as well- my schedule is definitely getting fuller. 😅


How have you all been doing??


I've been stopping by to check your posts when I can also please keep Grace's family in your prayers, for those who don't know she was a lovely and kind blogger who passed away recently.

I figured I'd share some things to keep you guys updated! 💛 It seems I've been liking the letter ''R'' lately...

I've been re-reading quite a bit this year, and I made plans to re-read some more books soon as well! 

- Enchanted Forest by Emory R. Frie (the next in the series is out, so I need to recap)

- Lovestruck by Kate Watson (this one isn't technically as re-read as I never finished, but it's on the list)

- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (I FINALLY read Siege and Storm this past month for a buddy read, and discovered that I just wanted to go back to book one where we had more of the Darkling *sighs*)

- Dream A Little Dream by Kiersten Gier (I actually hope to re-read this whole series, but we're starting with a small goal lol)

  I realized it's been for-bloody-ever since I shared any Reading Plans with you guys!!

So in August, I finished:

And My Reading Plans for the Fall are:

- Read as many retellings as I can (scroll down)

- Read as many sequels as I can

- Finish as many series or get as far in as I can


September ~ October ~ November TBR:

These are all reads I plan to get into for the fall!! I'll have a different TBR for winter though ;)

My List of Retellings to read by the end of 2019!!


What's I've read so far and progress for the 2019 Retelling Reading Challenge_

𝕭𝖊𝖆𝖚𝖙𝖞 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕭𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖙 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
𝕾𝖊𝖙 𝖎𝖓 𝖆 𝕱𝖔𝖗𝖊𝖎𝖌𝖓 𝕮𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖙𝖗𝖞 Bewitched In Oz by Laura J. Burns
𝖂𝖔𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗𝖑𝖆𝖓𝖉 Through The Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter
𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖆𝖑𝖔𝖓𝖊 The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson
𝕬𝖜𝖆𝖗𝖉-𝖜𝖎𝖓𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌
𝖔𝖓𝖊 𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖉 𝖙𝖎𝖙𝖑𝖊
𝕭𝖗𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖊 𝖔𝖗 𝕬𝖚𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖓 Austenland by Shannon Hale
𝕹𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖛𝖊 𝕬𝖒𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖓
2019 𝕽𝖊𝖑𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖊
𝕰𝖌𝖞𝖕𝖙𝖎𝖆𝖓
𝕲𝖗𝖊𝖊𝖐
𝕯𝖊𝖇𝖚𝖙
𝕹𝖔𝖗𝖘𝖊
𝕬𝖘𝖎𝖆𝖓
𝕴𝖓𝖉𝖎𝖊 Enchanted Forest by Emory R. Frie
𝕾𝖍𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖘𝖕𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖊
𝕽𝖚𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖆𝖓
𝖂𝖊𝖆𝖕𝖓 𝖔𝖓 𝖈𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖗
𝕻𝖊𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝕻𝖆𝖓 Wendy Darling Vol. 1 Stars by Colleen Oakes
500+ 𝖕𝖆𝖌𝖊𝖘
𝖘𝖊𝖙 𝖎𝖓 𝖘𝖕𝖆𝖈𝖊
𝖒𝖎𝖉𝖉𝖑𝖊 𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖓 The Wrath and The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
10+ 𝖞𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖘 𝖔𝖑𝖉 Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
𝕭𝖗𝖔𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕲𝖗𝖎𝖒𝖒 The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

Other Retellings Read So Far:

Heir by Addison Carmichael

Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler

Never Ever by Sara Saedi

The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson

The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Total Progress: _16/22

 So this was my kind-of wrap up to let you guys know what I recently read and I'm doing next!

 And I have several book reviews I need to get out for you guys lol 😅😬




How has your August been? Are you excited for the fall months to finally be here??


Have a lovely day and thanks for reading loves!!
~Books with Noel