By Lydia Kealy *potential spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read it, so turn back your horses now* I think I’m late to the party with cowboy romance, but better later than never! Swift & Saddled was a great follow up to book 1 in the Rebel Blue Ranch series (Done and Dusted), and dareContinue reading “Lyla Sage – Swift & Saddled”
Author Archives: amiekealy
Lyla Sage – Done & Dusted
By Amie Kealy *potential spoilers for those who haven’t read it, so turn your horse around if you don’t wish to run into any barrels!* It’s official – I am in my cowboy romance era!! As a rule of thumb, I generally steer away from straight romance novels, unless I’m in the mood for a trashy,Continue reading “Lyla Sage – Done & Dusted”
Stephanie Garber – Caraval Series
By Amie Kealy *beware of entering Caraval as there may be spoilers galore and unfavourable feelings for those who step inside* After falling in love with Once Upon a Broken Heart, I couldn’t wait to read Stephanie Garber’s debut series Caraval. And I have to say, I don’t know if it’s because the last two books I read before this seriesContinue reading “Stephanie Garber – Caraval Series”
Amie Kaufman- The Isles of the Gods
By Lydia Kealy *Please note there are spoilers below…* ‘I wished we’d had more time, Selly. I wanted to teach you dance.” I’m going to say it – I think this is one of the best books I’ve read recently! After finishing An Ember in the Ashes series, I really hit a reading slump. IContinue reading “Amie Kaufman- The Isles of the Gods”
Ava Reid – A Study in Drowning
By Amie Kealy *potential spoilers for those who haven’t read it* Readers of Ninth House and The Folk of the Air will love this book! I absolutely devoured this book – I couldn’t put it down, and when I had to, it lingered in my mind as though I were still traversing the sea of fictional pages. A perfect blendContinue reading “Ava Reid – A Study in Drowning”
Sabaa Tahir – An Ember in the Ashes (books 2-4)
By Amie Kealy *potential spoilers for those who haven’t read it* What can I say, other than I’m SO pleased I finally know how this series ends! It’s only been about 4 years but I got there in the end. If you haven’t read my review on An Ember in the Ashes, go back andContinue reading “Sabaa Tahir – An Ember in the Ashes (books 2-4)”
Holly Black – The Prisoner’s Throne
By Lydia Kealy *be wary of entering Elfhame, for there are spoilers ahead. Should you wish not to be ensorcelled, turn your eyes away now* If you’ve read my sister’s review of the Folk of the Air trilogy, then you’ll know we LOVE all things Elfhame and are obsessed with Cardan and Jude! The Prisoner’s Throne, however,Continue reading “Holly Black – The Prisoner’s Throne”
Sabaa Tahir – An Ember In The Ashes
By Amie Kealy I read the first 3 books in this series years ago before the 4th book came out. I will admit, the reason why I never read book 4 was because I found the 3rd book quite dull and hard to get through. But I decided to give the series another go because IContinue reading “Sabaa Tahir – An Ember In The Ashes”
Holly Black – The Folk of the Air
The following letter was delivered to Elfhame by the High King’s messenger from one of the court members, Amie Kealy *be wary of entering Elfhame, for there are spoilers ahead. Should you wish not to be ensorcelled, turn your eyes away now* I loved this series the first time I read it years ago and I think IContinue reading “Holly Black – The Folk of the Air “
Amber V Nicole – The Book of Azrael and The Throne of Broken Gods
By Amie Kealy *potential spoilers for those who haven’t read it* I picked this book up after watching a review that said it would be the next best thing you’d read, declaring that any fantasy lovers who liked brooding males would not be able to put this down. I could, in fact, put it down.Continue reading “Amber V Nicole – The Book of Azrael and The Throne of Broken Gods”
SenLinYu – Manacled
By Amie Kealy *spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read it* *trigger warnings: rape, self harm, abuse and violence* I’m not really a massive Harry Potter fan but I’d read reviews about how this book is one of those books that you can’t stop thinking about… And after having a serious book hangover from Normal People, IContinue reading “SenLinYu – Manacled”
Sally Rooney – Normal People
By Amie Kealy *contains spoilers and heartache* I didn’t really know much about this book but I heard an audio of the TV programme on a reel on Instagram, and the quote from the reel made me add it to my to buy list straight away. I think because I had no expectations going intoContinue reading “Sally Rooney – Normal People”
Sarah J Maas – House of Flame and Shadow
By Amie Kealy *potential spoilers for those who haven’t read it* Check out my review on Crescent City and ACOTAR here first! I’ve been patiently waiting for this book to come out for the last 2 years and I have to say I felt a little disappointed by it. I don’t know if it’s becauseContinue reading “Sarah J Maas – House of Flame and Shadow”
Hannah Kaner – Godkiller
Blessed by Amie Kealy *potential spoilers ahead* For anyone who loves gods, folklore, and quest narratives, this book is definitely for you! Wrote in a split narration between our four main characters, the human vs gods elements and overall world-building of the book was reminiscent of the Wickerman and Vikings. The novel begins in aContinue reading “Hannah Kaner – Godkiller”
Lauren Roberts – Powerless
By Lydia Kealy Think Throne of Glass meets Hunger Games. Welcome to my new favourite ‘trial’ book! Powerless by Lauren Roberts was a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s take on the ‘trial’ trope that is popular in the Young Adult/Adult literature at the moment. I found Roberts’ take on the trope reallyContinue reading “Lauren Roberts – Powerless”
Shelby Mahurin- The Scarlet Veil
By Amie Kealy *potential spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read it* I had high hopes for this book after loving Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove series but I must say, it was rather disappointing. From the random introduction of vampires, the slow plot development, and the lack of action throughout the book, it was toughContinue reading “Shelby Mahurin- The Scarlet Veil”
Amanda Hocking – The Trylle Series
By Amie Kealy *potential spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read it.* Having just finished reading Crescent City 2, I had a major book hangover that I needed to get over – and the Trylle series by Amanda Hocking was just what I needed. A light, easy, and fast-paced read, each book in the trilogyContinue reading “Amanda Hocking – The Trylle Series”
Rebecca Yarros – Iron Flame
Recovered correspondence from Lydia Kealy, avid reader. So, I’m sure many of you have been waiting for the book review of one of the highly anticipated sequels of this year: Iron Flame. Warning: this review contains spoilers, so please stop reading now if you haven’t read the book yet! I should start by saying thatContinue reading “Rebecca Yarros – Iron Flame”
Jennifer L Armentrout – Flesh & Fire series
By Amie Kealy *potential spoilers for BOTH Flesh & Fire and Blood & Ash series* I recommend reading my review on Blood and Ash before reading this review as it will help contextualise the Flesh and Fire series! I read the Blood and Ash series a few years ago and really enjoyed it, although IContinue reading “Jennifer L Armentrout – Flesh & Fire series”
Leigh Bardugo- Ninth House & Hell Bent
– Amie Kealy, Days of Lethe, class of 23 *beware before taking the descent, spoilers ahead* One of my favourite tv shows of all time is Supernatural, a show centred on brotherly love and their quest to hunt demons. And Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House and Hell Bent is Supernatural given book form! I love anythingContinue reading “Leigh Bardugo- Ninth House & Hell Bent”
Stephanie Meyer – Midnight Sun
By Amie Kealy Having first read Twilight when I was 11, I was somewhat dubious as to whether re-reading it as a 25-year-old would make me question my adolescent obsession, which is why I decided to read Midnight Sun instead. Midnight Sun is the Twilight told from Edwards’ point of view and we get some insight into his history that we were unableContinue reading “Stephanie Meyer – Midnight Sun”
Stephanie Garber – A Curse for True Love
By Amie Kealy *Beware, spoilers ahead. Tread carefully, those who dare to read.* As I may have mentioned in my previous review on Once Upon a Broken Heart and The Ballad of Never After, I’ve been waiting not-so-patiently for A Curse of True Love to be released. And it was definitely worth the wait! Although fromContinue reading “Stephanie Garber – A Curse for True Love”
Chloe Walsh- Binding 13
By Amie Kealy *spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read it – but if you haven’t, I suggest you do* Having read high fantasy book after high fantasy book after high fantasy book, I was in the mood for a good, eat-your-heart-out romance, and Binding 13 certainly scratched that itch! I spent the entire weekend gettingContinue reading “Chloe Walsh- Binding 13”
Gabi Burton- Sing Me to Sleep
*please be aware that this review may contain spoilers…* If you loved The Cruel Prince and your heart longs for the sea, then this one is for you! The romance in this book is very similar to the relationship we see in Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince and I’m definitely here for it! Except in Sing MeContinue reading “Gabi Burton- Sing Me to Sleep”
Evelyn Skye – The Hundred Loves of Juliet
*potential spoilers for those who haven’t read it.* By Amie Kealy After reading the blurb for this book, I was immediately drawn in by the modern take on Romeo and Juliet and the promise of unrequited love and tragedy. And whilst the prose was well-written and the overall storyline a reinvention of what is arguablyContinue reading “Evelyn Skye – The Hundred Loves of Juliet”
Stephanie Garber- Once upon a broken heart and The Ballad of Never After
By Amie Kealy *Beware, spoilers ahead. Tread carefully, those who dare to read.* Where do I begin with this book review, other than with the fact that I CAN’T WAIT for 24th October when the final instalment of the trilogy is released! Having never read any Stephanie Garber books before, I was looking forward to readingContinue reading “Stephanie Garber- Once upon a broken heart and The Ballad of Never After”
S.T.Abby – The Mindf*ck Series
By Lydia Kealy *This review contains spoilers for those who haven’t read the books yet* I was really excited to read the Mindf*ck series after seeing a raving review about it on Instagram, but I must confess, this series did not live up to expectations… I took a step outside of my ‘comfort’ zone withContinue reading “S.T.Abby – The Mindf*ck Series”
Jennifer L. Armentrout – The Blood and Ash series
By Amie Kealy *potential spoilers for those who haven’t read it yet.* The Blood and Ash series is definitely one I would recommend for anyone looking for a fresh take on standard fantasy tropes paired with juicy romance and a male protagonist whose cocky arrogance almost makes us want to hate him. With secondary charactersContinue reading “Jennifer L. Armentrout – The Blood and Ash series”
Sarah J Maas: House of Earth and Blood & A Court of Thorns and Roses
By Amie Kealy House of Earth and Blood As a major fan of all of her works, I was thrilled and excited to read her first adult novel House of Earth and Blood from her new Crescent City series. Maas sets the world of her novel far into the future, creating a universe in which mortals struggle to surviveContinue reading “Sarah J Maas: House of Earth and Blood & A Court of Thorns and Roses”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter twenty-one. Lawrence. I walk back over, black coffee in hand, and can’t help but memorise every line of Paige’s face. The soft curve of her ear hidden underneath her hair, the gentle shape of her lips, the foggy expression in those pure blue eyes, as if her thoughts are a chain around her neck,Continue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter twenty. Paige. We walk in silence for the first five minutes. My feet carry me aimlessly, following a straight path down the road to wherever it is that Lawrence is taking us. Part of me wants to ask where we’re going and what we’re doing, but the other part of me is screaming toContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter nineteen. Paige. Despite my earlier bravado of seizing life by the horns and putting myself out there, it backed fired with my text being left on seen. I waited all of ten minutes last night for a response from Lawrence before deciding to get a grip of myself and go to sleep. But IContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter eighteen. Lawrence. It’s early morning before I know it, my back in muted agony at having sat hunched on this swing for the last few hours. The sun peaks behind the clouds, too shy in the cobwebs of the night to appear in its entirety. I made the decision last night to give PaigeContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter seventeen. Lawrence. ‘Your inability to follow orders is becoming rather tiresome’, Anchor doesn’t so much as bother to look in my direction as he slams the door and prowls to his desk, where I stand patiently, readying for my verbal execution. ‘I don’t know what has gotten into you, but this little act ofContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter sixteen. Paige. It’s been 7 days, one whole week, and I’ve heard nothing from Lawrence. Not to be one of those girls, but why hasn’t he messaged me? And yeah, I guess I could message him, but surely if he was really interested, he’d reach out first? And I know it’s silly to obsessContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter fifteen. Lawrence. If I were an addict, and the ecstasy of drugs actually worked on my Reaper body, I would imagine that this is what being high for a mortal feels like. Infinite and intoxicating. Numbing disorientation. It is everything and nothing all at once. And a sick part of me could never not-reap,Continue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter fourteen. Lawrence. Sirens. Shouts. Mayhem. I wake to sounds of chaos as flashing lights drive past our building, distress alarms being activated on every floor of our office. Without little thought, I’m up and out of bed, dressed and opening my door to see what’s happening. Elodie is already making her way down toContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter thirteen. Lawrence I don’t want that. I want to, I need to, be seen when I’m still here so I know that I mattered. Paige’s words rattle in my head all the way back to Reaper HQ. And I can’t help but feel like I failed her in some way. She started opening up to meContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter twelve Paige. I know doing this is a good way to push myself out of my comfort zone but being with Lawrence is almost like a completely separate, yet entirely comfortable, zone of itself. And that scares the life out of me. That’s why I pulled my hand of out his; why I abruptlyContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter eleven Lawrence Yes, meeting Paige to watch a film is certainly not within the remit of my duties, yet I cannot seem to bring myself even close to feeling guilty about it. I wait all of two minutes before deciding to head to the park; it would be impolite of me to get thereContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter ten Paige I can’t sleep, despite the fact that I’ve been lying in bed now for at least an hour. My mind keeps going back to that text I sent Law and how he still hasn’t replied. I think it’s just about time that I throw either my phone, or myself, or maybe evenContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter nine Lawrence. You would think sitting on top of one of the Egyptian pyramids would become tiresome eventually, what with the endless grains of sand finding their way into one’s eyes and mouth, the sun almost blisteringly hot, but it has yet ceased to amaze me. I think it has to do with theContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Unmoored
She felt unmoored, unsteady and she wanted so desperately be to fixed, permanent. There was a time in her life when Nelly knew resolutely what she wanted her life to be like, to feel like; what meaning she could derive from the mere act of breathing, from standing under the sun. There was a timeContinue reading “Unmoored”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter eight Lawrence It’s late and I’m thinking about Paige again- although again seems a little bit of a lie since she’s all I’ve been thinking of since I left her alone in that empty, hollow room of hers. I get out of my work clothes, putting on a tatty black t-shirt and joggers. AsContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter seven Paige It hurts. And I can’t make it go away. And when I say it hurts, maybe that’s an inaccurate description of how I’m currently feeling- it’s more that everything feels too loud, too intense and I’m starting to collapse in on myself. And it gets like this sometimes, in my head IContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Void
She felt jaded in a way she never thought she’d feel. The thing was, even though Nelly had heard it countless times before, she still thought adulthood was this big, thrilling adventure. But she was wrong. It was filled with uncertainty, and heartache, and all manner of things she just couldn’t fix, no matter howContinue reading “Void”
Kiss
Nora was nervous; she couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this way- butterflies swirling around in her stomach, knees barely able to hold her up standing. She felt like she had so much riding on this- she was already so invested and they’d only been talking for around two weeks. It was probablyContinue reading “Kiss”
Mindfulness
Nelly had read somewhere that if you practiced being mindful for at least 10 minutes a day, then your mental health could improve by great amounts. By being able to create a space of safety, where negativity wasn’t permitted, it makes our minds more able to handle stress and overwhelming situations. The mindfulness ritual, ifContinue reading “Mindfulness”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter six Lawrence I told her she could call me Law as a way of getting her used to the idea of me- in the cosmological sense. Although Lawrence is my actual name, Law is more fitting: I carry out the law of the universe, and thus it is that I am named so. IfContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”
Thus with a Kiss
Chapter five Paige Although I do have a somewhat unhealthy penchant for coffee, having two within the space of a few hours is almost overkill, even for me. That being said, there’s no way I could turn Lawrence down without massively regretting it later, so I guess I’ll just have to roll with it. IContinue reading “Thus with a Kiss”