Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Review: S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett




 S.T.A.G.S. is dark and delicious with twists and turns throughout. It's definitely a page-turner that kept my rapt attention. The main character, Greer, is smart and honest. She's new to Saint Aidan the Great boarding school, also known as S.T.A.G.S., on scholarship. She's basically ostracized by the upper class student body until she mysteriously receives an invitation to an exclusive weekend to join one of the school's most elite cliques for a retreat of "huntin' shootin' fishin'." After having been ignored for a full term she just can't resist taking them up on the invite. Little does she know just how dangerous and treacherous this weekend will truly be. Although we are let in on the secret of how the weekend takes a bad turn, the journey of getting there is no less intriguing or the events that take place no less surprising. 

S.T.A.G.S. was absolutely captivating! It's a young adult thriller reminiscent of Pretty Little Liars with a bit of Gossip Girl and Hunger Games mixed in. It touched on quite a few subjects such as social conventions, entitlement, the downfalls of technology, etc. Although delivered in an easy, quick read, it still really gets you thinking. It's clever, thrilling, and a bit eerie. I don't read a lot of thrillers but if I can find more like this one, then I'm in! 


** I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. **



Friday, March 9, 2018

Review: Turquoise Mountain by Diane J. Reed

He’s a fierce protector of his land & sacred heritage—and only a strong woman can capture his wild heart…
Dillon Iron Feather is dangerous and he knows it. Hardened by his championship fighting career, he returns to his remote Colorado ranch to heal, only to discover that city girl Tessa Grove is determined to stake her claim to the old mine she inherited on a corner of his land. Stubborn to the bone, Tessa soon digs up precious gems from deep within the earth to use in her custom-made jewelry business. But those stones turn out to be sacred, and sparks fly as they begin to guide her to the secret chambers of Dillon’s heart…

My Review: 

I instantly felt transported while reading Turquoise Mountain. This book has so much atmosphere and this wonderful mystical aspect that I have come to love and expect from Reed's writing. She's always able to make every page feel like magic. It just really felt like something special from the very beginning and had me completely captivated. I loved the feisty heroine and when she meets Dillion for the first time it was hysterical and such fun. I've always enjoyed a story where the characters did not get along upon first meeting, yet later fall in love. What can I say? I don't like things to be too easy. It definitely wasn't too easy for Tessa and Dillion as they face many obstacles together as they get to know each other and fall in love. They have this slow burn sizzling chemistry that's super hot! There's definitely more to it than that though. I really liked that the story was just as much about the culture and suspense as it was the romance. It's certainly a unique story and unlike anything else that I have read. I have had the pleasure of reading some of Reed's other books and was pleasantly surprised with some of the small details that connected with another series of books. Don't worry if you haven't read the other books you won't be in the dark, but it definitely added to the interest level for me. I absolutely loved Turquoise Mountain and I cannot wait to read the next book and find out more about these fascinating brothers. Highly recommended!!!

** I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**