Fangirl Faction

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Release Promo & Review: Untying the Knot by Meghan Quinn

“Your heartbeat is the cadence of my life, and without it in my palm, I’m an aimless wanderer.”

UNTYING THE KNOT, a brand new steamy, witty, emotional romance full of heart and humor from USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn, is Now Available in all formats! Dive into this romantic comedy sure to keep you on your toes. One-click your copy today!

https://mybook.to/UntyingTheKnot

About UNTYING THE KNOT:

A spin-off from the #1 Amazon bestsellers, A Not So Meet Cute and So Not Meant To Be, USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn brings you a heart-warming, yet hilarious full-length novel on what life is like after the happily ever after.

Ryot Bisley is my husband.

Yes, the former third baseman for the Chicago Bobbies and absolute heart throb of the Windy City. That Ryot Bisley.

The first time I ran into him, he was grumpy, a horrific host, and left me on his sofa with nothing but a nylon baseball flag to use as a blanket.

The second time, he reluctantly bought me dinner, stared at my chest the entire night, and still sported that permanent frown.

The third time . . . well, that was a game changer. His smile captured me, his teasing charmed me, and his touches excited me.

So when he was called up to the majors that didn’t stop us from knocking it out of the park and all the way down the aisle.

Eleven years later…I’d love to say we’re happy as ever but the man who sent me dirty text messages every day is long gone and Mr. Frowny Face is back.

He’s so focused on trying to build a life after baseball that he doesn’t see the life we’ve already created together. . .so I make the hard decision and serve him divorce papers.

Problem is…my husband refuses to accept those papers. Instead, he has a new game plan that makes untying the knot of our marriage a little tricky. And just when I thought I wanted to be traded . . . he's slowly, tantalizingly roping me back in.

https://mybook.to/UntyingTheKnot

REVIEW

Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.

Wow. This book packed such a huge wallop of emotions. The feels, man. Seriously, this book is intense. It will knock you right in the feels.

This book was much different from your typical contemporary romance book. This book is told in alternating timelines. The past shows the reader how Ryot and Myla got together and fell in love. The present shows the reader how they are navigating an impending divorce and how Ryot tries to win Myka back. It really was constructed beautifully and worked immensely well for this story. Meghan Quinn's writing style shines through with her trademark humor and witty banter. The plot of the story is so engaging and, quite frankly, addicting. The world-building was vivid and made me sink right into the story.

I love how Quinn always writes exceptional and unforgettable characters. Ryot and Myla were no different. Their characters were fleshed out really well and they had some excellent character growth. I felt that Myla's character had more depth than Ryot's character but Ryot made up for that with plenty of emotion. I loved how relatable Ryot and Myla were. It was easy to step into their shoes. I also loved seeing familiar characters from other books. I always love seeing those easter eggs. All of the characters in this book were memorable and distinct.

Ryot really made me swoon, you guys. He is for reals book boyfriend material. I love the way that he treated Myla and the things that he did for her. He was so considerate, patient, kind, and so romantic. He was her person and it showed. Not only that but their chemistry was off the charts. They had this deep connection that was unmistakable. It was so easy to root for this couple throughout this story.

Overall, this was such an emotional and memorable story that I just couldn't put down. I didn't anticipate getting so overcome with this story, but I legit had tears by the end. If you enjoy stories with plots that hook you, characters that you just can't get out of your head, and top-notch storytelling then you will want to pick this one up!

Jason Clarke and Stella Hunter narrate this sexy romance in duet and bring Ryot and Myla to life! You won't want to miss this audiobook and all the heat and emotions they bring to it. One-click your copy and get your newest eargasm today!

https://mybook.to/UntyingTheKnot

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ABOUT MEGHAN QUINN:

USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Never miss another NEW RELEASE, text READ to 474747.

Connect w/ Meghan:

Website: https://authormeghanquinn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanquinnbooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn

Thursday, November 17, 2022

SCIFIMONTH 2022 | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Aurora's End (The Aurora Cycle #3) by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

SCIFIMONTH BANNER ARTWORK by Simon Fetscher

Title: Aurora's End

Series: The Aurora Cycle #3
Author: Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: November 9, 2021
Pages: 512
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Source: Audiobook
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

The squad you love is out of time. Prepare for the thrilling finale in the epic, best-selling Aurora Cycle series about a band of unlikely heroes who just might be the galaxy's last hope for survival.

Is this the end?

What happens when you ask a bunch of losers, discipline cases, and misfits to save the galaxy from an ancient evil? The ancient evil wins, of course.

Wait. . . . Not. So. Fast.

When we last saw Squad 312, they working together seamlessly (aka, freaking out) as an intergalactic battle raged and an ancient superweapon threatened to obliterate Earth. Everything went horribly wrong, naturally.

But as it turns out, not all endings are endings, and the te4am has one last chance to rewrite thirs. Maybe two. It's complicated.

Cue Zila, Fin, and Scarlett (and MAGELLAN!): making friends, making enemies, and making history? Sure, no problem

Cue Tyler, Kal, and Auri: uniting with two of the galaxy’s most hated villains? Um, okay. That, too.

Actually saving the galaxy, though?

Now that will take a miracle.

It has been a terribly long time since I have wept so profusely while reading a book. A long time since a book has lodged so deeply into my bones and consumed every part of me. This book is going to give me a substantial book hangover that I don't think I'm ready for. Lock down your emotions before starting this series because it will tear you to pieces.

To say that I am impressed with the overall plot of this book and the series as a whole would be a gross understatement. I was positively delighted! The entire premise for this series is exciting and the authors executed it brilliantly. Kaufman and Kristoff's combined writing style is one that I will forever be a fan of. It is so relatable and smooth. It is packed with humor, clever dialogue, and all the feels. Kaufman and Kristoff infuse this story with so much raw emotion. This book packs such an emotional wallop that it's not even funny. I feel emotionally spent after finishing this book. So much so that I feel I may need to physically recover with a good sleep. I suppose that making the reader feel so intensely is only a testament to their writing skill. The world-building is just phenomenal. Totally atmospheric and engrossing.

Squad 312 is squad goals, my friends. Describing the way that these characters make me feel is like trying to describe why the sky is blue. It's more of a feeling or a litany than a simple string of words. These characters are so distinct and lifelike. They fly off the page with such ease. The relationships between this cast of characters are so complex and deep. Each character has profound character development that strengthens the overall chemistry the characters share. There is a lot of heartbreak and a lot of bittersweet joy in the end for these characters. They really did have the perfect endings and I couldn't have imagined things turning out any different for them. Their endings were very fitting. In all honesty, I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters.

I couldn't have been more pleased with the romance in this book. The challenges and obstacles that the couples in this book had to overcome were intense. When my favorite pair became a reality in the story I swear I felt like a fratboy at a football game while I rooted for them. I won't name any names since that could be potentially spoilery but the bonds between these characters were written in such beautiful detail.

Overall, this is the kind of book you want to clutch to your chest and profess your undying love for. And this book damn well deserves it. With multi-faceted characters that are relatable and profound, an out-of-this-world plot that delivers on every level, and storytelling that you just feel a kinship with, the Aurora Cycle series should be at the top of your TBR. I am still in awe of this book and series and I am still astounded by the amount of emotion that it coaxed from my black heart. If you want all the feels then this is a book series that you desperately need. I am wishing on every star in the sky that this co-authoring duo decides to co-write another book series together. Preferably another science fiction series, but I'm not picky. As long as they work their magic, I am there for it.

This series really hit me in the feels! What was the last book or series that did the same to you? Bonus points if it's a SciFi book!

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Release Blitz: A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The only one who can save Sera now is the one she spent her life planning to kill.

A Light in the Flame, the much-anticipated second installment of the captivating Flesh and Fire series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, is now available!

The truth about Sera’s plan is out, shattering the fragile trust forged between her and Nyktos. Surrounded by those distrustful of her, all Sera has is her duty. She will do anything to end Kolis, the false King of Gods, and his tyrannical rule of Iliseeum, thus stopping the threat he poses to the mortal realm.

Nyktos has a plan, though, and as they work together, the last thing they need is the undeniable, scorching passion that continues to ignite between them. Sera cannot afford to fall for the tortured Primal, not when a life no longer bound to a destiny she never wanted is more attainable than ever. But memories of their shared pleasure and unrivaled desire are a siren’s call impossible to resist.

And as Sera begins to realize that she wants to be more than a Consort in name only, the danger surrounding them intensifies. The attacks on the Shadowlands are increasing, and when Kolis summons them to Court, a whole new risk becomes apparent. The Primal power of Life is growing inside her, pushing her closer to the end of her Culling. And without Nyktos’s love—an emotion he’s incapable of feeling—she won’t survive her Ascension. That is if she even makes it to her Ascension and Kolis doesn’t get to her first. Because time is running out. For both her and the realms.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vRjQlR

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/LightFlameJLA

Nook: https://bit.ly/3s0PNr8

Apple Books: https://apple.co/37PAgUa

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3vX5GzE

Paperback and Hardcover

Amazon Paperback: https://rb.gy/1vnghg

Amazon Hardcover: https://rb.gy/pzlk2g

Barnes and Noble Exclusive Special Edition Paperback: https://rb.gy/9winko

Barnes and Noble Hardcover: https://rb.gy/y7rg3r

Audio

Amazon: https://rb.gy/nssgbo

Barnes and Noble: https://rb.gy/zonrqx

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3vmskCD

About Jennifer L. Armentrout

#1 New York Times and #1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. She spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Border Jack Apollo. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was an Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over a hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.

Connect with Jennifer L. Armentrout

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2xSL7u5

Instagram: @jennifer_l_armentrout http://bit.ly/33GWn8R

Twitter: @JLArmentroutnews http://bit.ly/2QvDYpT

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dnOSIi

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2U5Jemy

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2U2Fe63

TikTok: @jenniferlarmentrout

Stay up to date with Jennifer by joining her mailing list: https://bit.ly/2qBce5m

Website: https://jenniferlarmentrout.com

For more information about Blue Box Press, visit: https://theblueboxpress.com

New Release: Untying the Knot by Meghan Quinn

“Your heartbeat is the cadence of my life, and without it in my palm, I’m an aimless wanderer.”

https://mybook.to/UntyingTheKnot

About UNTYING THE KNOT:

Ryot Bisley is my husband.

Yes, the former third baseman for the Chicago Bobbies and absolute heart throb of the Windy City. That Ryot Bisley.

The first time I ran into him, he was grumpy, a horrific host, and left me on his sofa with nothing but a nylon baseball flag to use as a blanket.

The second time, he reluctantly bought me dinner, stared at my chest the entire night, and still sported that permanent frown.

The third time . . . well, that was a game changer. His smile captured me, his teasing charmed me, and his touches excited me.

So when he was called up to the majors that didn’t stop us from knocking it out of the park and all the way down the aisle.

Eleven years later…I’d love to say we’re happy as ever but the man who sent me dirty text messages every day is long gone and Mr. Frowny Face is back.

He’s so focused on trying to build a life after baseball that he doesn’t see the life we’ve already created together. . .so I make the hard decision and serve him divorce papers.

https://mybook.to/UntyingTheKnot

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Description automatically generated with medium confidence

ABOUT MEGHAN QUINN:

Never miss another NEW RELEASE, text READ to 474747.

Connect w/ Meghan:

Website: https://authormeghanquinn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanquinnbooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn

Thursday, November 10, 2022

SCIFIMONTH 2022 | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Aurora Burning (The Aurora Cycle #2) by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

SCIFIMONTH BANNER ARTWORK by Simon Fetscher

Title: Aurora Burning

Series: The Aurora Cycle #2
Author: Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: May 5, 2020
Pages: 495
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance
Source: Audiobook
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

Our heroes are back… kind of. From the bestselling co-authors of the Illuminae Files comes the second book in the epic series about a squad of misfits, losers, and discipline cases who just might be the galaxy’s best hope for survival.

First, the bad news: an ancient evil—you know, your standard consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal—is about to be unleashed. The good news? Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They’ve just got to take care of a few small distractions first.

Like the clan of gremps who’d like to rearrange their favorite faces.

And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be, who’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri.

Then there’s Kal’s long-lost sister, who’s not exactly happy to see her baby brother, and has a Syldrathi army at her back. With half the known galaxy on their tails, Squad 312 has never felt so wanted.

When they learn the Hadfield has been found, it’s time to come out of hiding. Two centuries ago, the colony ship vanished, leaving Auri as its sole survivor. Now, its black box might be what saves them. But time is short, and if Auri can’t learn to master her powers as a Trigger, the squad and all their admirers are going to be deader than the Great Ultrasaur of Abraaxis IV.

Shocking revelations, bank heists, mysterious gifts, inappropriately tight bodysuits, and an epic firefight will determine the fate of the Aurora Legion’s most unforgettable heroes—and maybe the rest of the galaxy as well.

Holy fucking shit! I am so glad that I waited for this entire series to be complete before I started reading it because I would have been in utter agony waiting for book three after reading this book. The best kind of agony, because you love something so deeply and can't possibly fathom waiting for more, but agony nonetheless. And what a soul-shattering conclusion this book has. If you need me, I'll be picking up the splintered fragments of my soul for the foreseeable future. Nothing to see here.

At the heart of my current emotional state lies the simplest of truths: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff can tell one hell of a story together. The amount of emotion that they have elicited from me from reading this series alone is a testament to their superior writing skills. These authors will make you feel so passionately and so completely that their stories become embedded in your bones. Their stories sink down into the very marrow of you and change you. Their combined writing style is one that I absolutely fell in love with. Their stories flow seamlessly and their narration is truly top-notch. They are the masters of brilliant dialogue and interesting situations.

The plot of this book really got kicked up to eleven. There were so many revelations and plot twists that I was getting metaphorical whiplash. And quite frankly, it was damn amazing. Reading this book was a profound experience. And I listened to this on audiobook so it felt like I was embedded into this world. The audiobook production of this book is unparalleled in its awesomeness. It's truly one of the best that I have listened to. On top of the clever and mind-blowing plot, the world-building in this series is phenomenal. Absolutely atmospheric and totally engrossing.

It feels sort of redundant saying this again since I said something to this effect in my review of the first book in this series but these characters truly imprinted on my soul. I don't think that there is any other more adequate way to describe the way these characters made me feel. They are seriously everything. These characters are so distinct with original and unique personalities. They have desires, flaws, past traumas, and everything in between. Nothing is left out of their character development. These characters have been crafted with such expert detail. Since this is the case, they are very realistic and so easy to connect with. Each and every one of these characters will spark a fire inside you that will continue to burn long after you have read the last words. These characters are the stuff that fan art and obsession are made of. And I mean that in the best possible way.

I loved the romance in this book. Kal and Auri become ever closer in this book but their bond is something that they may have to fight for. That's vague as hell but circumstances in the book prevent me from saying more than that. Spoilers and all. And there is a potential pairing in this book that seems to be developing that I am definitely rooting for. I won't spill the beans but I will say that their chemistry, bantering, and sexual tension had me shipping them hardcore. The enemies-to-lovers vibe that was wafting off of them was divine. And there was another potential pairing that I am hoping for, though it didn't see as much screen time in this book. I am still optimistic though.

Overall, this is a book that is going to fray your emotions. This is such a gripping story that sinks its claws into you and won't let you go. If you are a fan of exciting stories with cleverly concocted plots and complex characters that will become your new book babies then this series should be your next read. This series is going to be your next obsession. I guarantee it. Thank the Maker(s) that book three just came out and I don't have to wait for the conclusion.

This book really shocked me with its intensity! What was the last book that did the same to you? Bonus points if it's a SciFi book!

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

SCIFI MONTH 2022 | TOP TEN TUESDAY: Sci-Fi Series I Want To Start

SCIFIMONTH BANNER ARTWORK by Simon Fetscher

Top Ten Tuesday Sci-Fi Month Edition!

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. It was created by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week there is a different question for book bloggers to ponder over.

This week's topic is Series I’d Like to Start/Catch up on/Finish. I put a Sci-Fi Month spin on it:

SCI-FI SERIES I WANT TO START

~~~~~

I could have chosen way more than ten but these are the series that stood out most in my mind. So many books so little time! Gah!

Which sci-fi series would you love to start? Do you have any sci-fi series that you need to finish? Have you read any of the titles above? Feel free to leave the link to your Top Ten Tuesday post!

Thursday, November 3, 2022

SCIFIMONTH 2022 | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle #1) by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

SCIFIMONTH BANNER ARTWORK by Simon Fetscher

Title: Aurora Rising

Series: The Aurora Cycle #1
Author: Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: May 7, 2019
Pages: 473
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Source: Audiobook
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

From the internationally bestselling authors of THE ILLUMINAE FILES comes an epic new science fiction adventure.

The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm

A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates

A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder

An alien warrior with anger management issues

A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

They're not the heroes we deserve. They're just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.

I am not sure that I can adequately put into words the love I have for this book. My little sci-fi fangirl heart is exploding right now. This book truly has it all. A ragtag group of misfits, found family, a creepy space anomaly, mystery and suspense, government conspiracies, and just a whole lot of awesome.

This book really throws you into the thick of things straight off the bat and I couldn't have been happier. The opening scene really brings the reader into the story effortlessly. It is both entertaining and immensely intriguing. The reader just seriously wants to know more. That's one of the things I loved best about this book. That it just grips you and keeps you engaged and wanting more.

The plot of this story is excitingly clever and very well planned out. I loved connecting all the dots and seeing all the pieces fit together. There is still enough mystery and interest at the end to make the reader crave the next book desperately. The entire premise of this series has my fangirl heart on the verge of overload. I connect so hardcore with it. The world-building is legit amazing. It is atmospheric and realistic. I've never been in space but the authors had me totally immersed in it with their depiction of it. The writing voice of these two authors is one that truly speaks to me. I am so comfortable in their narration. Kaufman and Kristoff truly complement each other with their writing styles. They have created something unique and unparalleled with their combined storytelling that I can't help but praise.

These characters captured the very essence of my soul. I can't express how much I love them. Each of the main characters had their own voice in the story and I am so thankful for that. I adore stories with multiple POVs and this book is so much better for it. Each character had a distinct personality that really made them stand out. Each character was unique and had a magnetism that made them jump right off the page and come alive. While there is still a lot to learn about some of the characters, they all had an astounding amount of character development. I loved the friendship and found family that the main characters had with each other. This group of characters is definitely #squadgoals and I can't wait for their connection to deepen in the next books.

There are a few budding romances in this book that I regretfully can't talk about because that would probably be too spoilery. One will make you fangirl, one will warm your heart, and another will probably make you throw your book across the room by the end. But you will definitely feel and that's what matters. I can't wait for more in the romance department with these characters.

Overall, Kaufman and Kristoff are masterful storytellers that bring you into a breathtaking world that will delight you and incite a riot in your soul. If you want a book that will fascinate you, keep your heart on lockdown, keep you perched on the edge of your seat, and will completely consume your soul then this is the right book for you. This series is the mark of excellent storytelling with an original and interesting premise and characters that feel like family. You don't want to pass this one up!

This book really exceeded my expectations and completely blew me away! What was the last book that did the same to you? Bonus points if it's a SciFi book!