Ms Ali Cat: Ali Crean – Page 19 – Have Coffee Need Books

Book Blitz: Escape by Deana Birch

Escape by Deana Birch

ByMs Ali Cat: Ali Crean | On September 05,20 | 0 Comment

Title: Escape (The Covington Heights Crew #1)
Author: Deana Birch
Genre: Adult, Romance, Suspense
Release Date: 01 September 2020

Summary:

FROM POPULAR ROMANCE AUTHOR DEANA BIRCH

Book one in The Covington Heights Crew series

The only thing she has to give is exactly what they want.

The Covington Heights Crew has a funny way of protecting their own. With rapes from rival gangs and human trafficking riddling their poverty-stricken streets, they’ll keep the girls from their neighborhood safe—for a price. No money? No worries. They have quite creative payment plans.

Messed up? Yeah, they know. They’re criminals.

Twenty-one-year-old Fiona Thompson was happy to stay off the radar of the twisted drug dealers who encourage her mother’s habit. She’s sure that she can work her way out of Covington and find a better life for herself and her baby sister. But then she beeped. Loud.

Second-in-command Leo Ricci is a poser. The web of lies he’s spun for a life unravels every time he’s around Fiona—every day he’s trying to keep her safe and every second he’s avoiding his destiny.

When his missteps challenge the authority to which he’s pledged his allegiance and Fiona’s life is at stake, there’s only one solution—become the man he never wanted to be and leave the place that was saving him from a worse, but unavoidable fate.

Book It, Book Reviews, Fantasy Fiction, New Release, Urban Fantasy

Book Review: Faust University by M. Dalto Layne Bynum

Faust University by M Dalto and Laynie Bynum

ByMs Ali Cat: Ali Crean | On September 05,20 | 0 Comment

Title: Faust University
Author: M. Dalto and Laynie Bynum
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Faust University is an assemblage of so many Academy Reads; I don’t know where to start comparing. The book, tongue firmly in cheek, compares it’s invite process to Harry Potter; we can knock that one out. Then I was stuck thinking of Magicians by Lev Grossman, Wonderland Academy by Melanie Karsak, Celestial Academy by Sarah Biglow and Molly Zenk, and Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead as I read it. There were many times Faust Academy picked up on other Paranormal Academy novels before it. Still, when something works, it works for a reason, and the plot of Faust Academy has a lot of real estate. While I was often distracted by the similarities to previous novels I read, I enjoyed the narrative.

Eve gets an invite to a private university, and like magic, she is whisked away to this strange place. Upon arriving, she finds it bizarre and secretive, and even more discussions of sorcery are taking place, summoning and beast mastering, to name a few. She has an instant connection with her new friend, and all goes awry when the two find they have an even more substantial relationship.

Academy Romance, Book It, Book Reviews, Fae Romance, New Release, Reverse Harem, Urban Fantasy

Book Review: Ravage by Lacey Carter Andersen

Ravage by Lacey Carter Andersen

ByMs Ali Cat: Ali Crean | On September 04,20 | 0 Comment

Ravage by Lacey Carter Anderson — Ravage by Lacey Carter Andersen

Title: Ravage (Royal Fae Academy #1)
Author: Lacey Carter Andersen
Genre: Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There is being a badass and just being a bad character, and in Ravage, Esmeray is often a poorly written character who has crossed that fine line.

Revere introduces us to Esmeray and her mates: Bron Drake, Lucian Silver, and Dwade Luther…

–Dwade is still a nonsense name in my book and far from sexy. Should we Dwade into the swamp? Dwading in lakes is far better. See, that is what comes to mind when I hear Dwade. /tangent–

…And we learn about the sexy, no-no-relationship situation the three men are keeping from Rayne and Esmeray; no one knows that Esmeray is their mate. But now Rayne has been murdered, and Esmeray is at the Royal Fae Academy, and keeping the sexy Dark Fae from doing what comes naturally to her without spilling their guts is proving impossible to Bron, Lucian, and Dwade.

Book It, Book Reviews, New Release, Sports Romance

Book Review: Internship with the Devil by Jaqueline Snow

Internship with the Devil by Jaqueline Snow

ByMs Ali Cat: Ali Crean | On September 03,20 | 0 Comment

Title: Internship with the Devil (Shut Up and Kiss Me #1)
Author: Jaqueline Snowe
Genre: Sports Romance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you yearn for slow-burn romances, then Internship with the Devil is the book for you.

Grace Turner needs an internship to finish her degree, but she can’t believe her bad luck when she finds that the good looking, bad-spirited, former football player, with a chip on his shoulder, Brock Anderson, is her boss. Worse, he’s pigeon-holed her as incompetent on-sight.

One of the things Jaqueline Snow does in this book is to focus on relationship growth and character development. While this is good in a lot of ways, I found that it bogged down the pacing. Even though the interactions were snappy and sassy, the relationship status was monotonous. I needed something more than this forward constant. Maybe, I’m not a slow-burn romance girl, but late-late pay-off feels like a tease instead of a reward.

Blog Tour, Book It, New Release

Blog Tour: Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover

Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover

ByMs Ali Cat: Ali Crean | On September 02,20 | 0 Comment

Title: Heart Bones
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 19 August 2020

Summary:

Their bond is too intense to ignore.

Heart Bones, the unforgettable contemporary romance that will pull on your heartstrings and show you the power of hope by #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover is available now!

From #1 New York Times bestselling author of Verity and Regretting You.

Beyah comes from a life of poverty and neglect; Samson from a family of wealth.

When the two find themselves spending the summer as neighbors, they soon realize money is one of the few things they don’t have in common.

Their bond is too intense to ignore, but with only ten weeks separating them from the start of their new lives on opposite ends of the country, Beyah and Samson decide to stay in the shallow end of a summer fling.

What they don’t realize is that a rip current is coming and it’s about to drag both their hearts out to sea.

Book It, Book Reviews, New Release

Book Review: Cry Wolf by Romy Lockhart

Cry Wolf by Romy Lockhart

ByMs Ali Cat: Ali Crean | On September 02,20 | 0 Comment

Title: Cry Wolf (Claimed by Wolves #1)
Author: Romy Lockhart
Genre: Reverse Harem, Paranormal, Rom-Com
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all, I thought this was a stand-alone, boohoo! I just signed up for a series; I don’t know how I feel about being drafted into that despite really liking Cry Wolf. Why do all of you authors write series!? Here is some feedback, sometimes we need a one and done.

That said, this book is super good. I love the characters. Maggie O’Brien is a liar–she didn’t start that way, but she was pinned to be one and ran with it. When she makes up a fib that she has a husband and three show up, she can’t even back peddle because no one will believe the woman who tells tall tales when she starts contradicting herself. And to be fair, these men feel like they are hers anyway, so why shouldn’t she keep them?

Oh, Maggie! She’s a hoot! I love reading books where the heroes can be a bit of an everyday Joe in bed, and Lukas gets to play that guy at first. Hurrah! Thank you, Romy Lockhart for writing a real guy.

Book Blitz, Book It, New Release

Release Blitz: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

ByMs Ali Cat: Ali Crean | On September 01,20 | 0 Comment

Title: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: 01 September 2020

Summary:

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, the second book in the thrilling and captivating A Blood and Ash Series by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, is available now.

Is Love Stronger Than Vengeance?

A Betrayal…

 Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice….

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

Book Blitz, Book It, New Release

New Release: The Anti-Boyfriend by Penelope Ward

The Anti-Boyfriend by Penelope Ward

ByMs Ali Cat: Ali Crean | On August 31,20 | 0 Comment

Title: The Anti-Boyfriend
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 31 August 2020

Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.

At first, my neighbor Deacon frustrated me.

Sure, he was great-looking and friendly.

But our walls were thin, and on occasion, he’d bring women to his place and keep me awake while he “entertained” them.

As a single mother to an infant, I didn’t appreciate it.

So, finally it was my turn.

When my daughter wouldn’t stop wailing one night, Mr. Manwhore came knocking on my door.

Miraculously, at the sound of his voice, Sunny stopped crying. And when he held her…she eventually fell asleep in his arms.

Deacon was rough on the exterior, but apparently on the inside? Mr. Single-and-Ready-to-Mingle was a baby whisperer.

After that night, we became friends.

He’d go for coffee runs. Come over to chat. Normal friend stuff.

But over time, our conversations ran deeper. We got closer.

Until one night we crossed the line.

Our friendship turned into a complicated mess.

I’d gone and fallen for a guy who’d sworn off commitment and kids.

I knew Deacon was starting to care for me too, even though Sunny and I didn’t fit into any plan he’d ever imagined for himself.

He was wrong for me—so wrong that I’d dubbed him the “anti-boyfriend.”

Then why did I wish more than anything that I could be the one woman to change him?

Book It, Book Reviews, Trailer Reveal

Book Review & Trailer Launch: Pistouvi by Merwan and Gatignol

Pistouvi by Merwan and Gatignol

ByMs Ali Cat: Ali Crean | On August 31,20 | 0 Comment

Title: Pistouvi #1
Author/Illustrator: Merwan and Gatignol
Pages: 192
Release Date: 28 October 2020
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s impossible not to fall for the schemes of this little fox and his friend Jeanne. Pistouvi truly is a modern-day Winnie the Pooh with his desire to fill his belly, while Jeanne much desires adventure. With help from the Wind, and keeping an eye out for the farmer, these two continue to battle those troublesome birds.

I appreciate the artwork of this graphic novel. I found the fox adorable, and I enjoy the way they birds were portrayed. There is something about the design that suggests all birds, despite breed, have the same quality of snooty birdness. All the characters are uniquely illustrated, making the story very interesting to read. This vignette of tales is a complete story that will have you smiling at this pair’s antics. I highly recommend you check out Pistouvi Volume 1.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advance copy of this book.

Book Blitz, Book It, New Release

New Release: Always Crew by Tijan

Always Crew by Tijan

ByMs Ali Cat: Ali Crean | On August 31,20 | 0 Comment

Title: Always Crew (Crew #3)
Author: Tijan
Genre: New Adult Romance
Release Date: 25 August 2020

Summary:

Always Crew, the all-new emotional and angsty finale of the Crew series by New York Times bestselling author Tijan is available now!

For the longest time, I was Bren Monroe.
I lived in Roussou, California.
I had no parents, no brother, but I had a crew.

Then things started to change.
I never planned for any of it.
I didn’t think I’d fall in love.
I didn’t think I’d have a relationship with my brother again.
I didn’t think that he’d come back.

Now I’m in Cain.
My crew is in college.
They’re growing, going through their own things.
And here I am, figuring out my life.

There’s always hurdles and obstacles to overcome.
That was never my hardship.
That was my regular.
But living? Being content? Being happy?
Those were my challenges now.

Everything was going well…

Until it wasn’t. Again.

A/N: Always Crew is the conclusion of the Crew Series, and a 106k novel.