Can't Wait Wednesday: Augmented (The Hybrid Series Book 3) by Candace Kade

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Augmented (The Hybrid Series Book 3) by Candace Kade releasing September 16. I just finished reading Hybrid, the second book in the series, and am so excited for this one!

About the Book

Lee Urban must win to survive.

After being sentenced to the banned list, half of the Asian Federation believes Lee Urban is a ticking time bomb that could end the world as they know it. They’re willing to do anything to erase her existence and silence her voice before she can take a stand.

There’s only one way to fight back: enroll in the Race to the Clouds. Winning the competition would garner global media attention and give Urban the coverage she needs to dismantle the enhancement programs. Unfortunately, it also happens to be the deadliest event of the year.

With less time to train than her rivals, Urban and her team must find a way to best the competition. But as enemies close in, riots erupt, and her homeland teeters on the brink of civil war, one thing is certain—she’s running out of time. Not just for herself, but for every Natural she represents.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: What the Sea Brings by Beverly Twomey

About the Book
The law of the sea is give and take, ebb and flow. Long ago, it took Lynnette's brother. Now, it's brought her a friend. Or is he an enemy?

Hidden away in an island cove, the Convent of Saer is a peaceful place guarded by mermaids, filled with endless sunlight and brightly clothed nuns. Despite the beauty around her, ten-year-old Lynnette is terribly lonely. In the midst of a frightening storm, she prays for a friend. The next morning, a half-drowned boy washes ashore.

Maddox is not what she expected. Clearly distrustful from the start, the eleven-year-old stranger cries too much and is skeptical of the Convent’s beliefs. If that weren’t bad enough, he’s the son of an emperor who wants to conquer Saer. When a royal guard arrives to track down the prince, Lynette and Maddox’s newfound friendship is put to the test. Lynnette must confront the Convent’s fear, protect her home, and face her own past before the friend the sea gave her is taken away.

Inspired by The Little Mermaid and Redwall, What the Sea Brings is a cozy middle grade fantasy that explores the importance and hardships of family, friendship, and faith.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

I adored this beautiful and emotional story. It truly touched my heart. While it had a bit of a slow start, I felt like the pace built at just the right speed. Never too fast or overwhelming. And never boring. I was hooked!

I loved the writing style. I felt completely immersed in the story. The world and the characters came to life. I felt like I could picture everything in crystal-clear clarity, which doesn’t always happen for me.

Lynette and Maddox were both extremely likable and easy to root for. Their friendship was really sweet. I liked that we were given both of their points of view.

I highly recommend this gentle and cozy middle grade story of grief, loss, forgiveness, and friendship. I wish I had read a book like this when I was growing up. It’s a very encouraging and relatable story.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Quarter Labyrinth (Into the Labyrinth Book 1) by Victoria McCombs

About the Book

EVERY FOUR YEARS, THE LABYRINTH AWAKENS. It shifts location, resets its deadly puzzles, and demands a new game. The rich pay for clues to find it and keys to get in, while the poor fight for entrance. This year, the first to reach the center wins control over the renowned trade vessels. Strange, because Ren specifically remembers her father—the captain—promised her those ships. But her father had the misfortune of going missing before revealing Ren as his hidden heir. And she’s never actually met him. Only through scraps of letters she keeps in a trunk, promising he’d return to the island for her someday.

There isn’t time for her father to explain. Ren has until sundown to find the labyrinth and get inside before its entrance is sealed.

Even if she makes it through the gate, she must race against others who are just as determined as she is—and far deadlier. Then there’s the Labyrinth Wolves. And the Stone Gods. And the son of her father’s enemy who takes a personal interest in Ren. She will fight for her birthright through wits, strength, and perhaps a bit of luck to be the one at the helm with her future begins.

May you find yourself in the labyrinth.
At least, may you not lose yourself.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Y’all! This book was so good! I loved it! The first sentence grabbed me and didn’t let go. In fact, I’m still thinking about this story. I probably will be for a long time.

The labyrinth was an intriguing, mysterious, foreboding, and wondrous place. And it was also quite possibly the only way for Ren to claim her rightful inheritance and, possibly, even figure out what happened to her missing father.

I admired Ren’s determination and spunk. She was very stubborn at times and set on doing things her own way, but she was also a very likable heroine who was easy to root for.

Clark was a great guy. His steadfast devotion and loyalty to Ren was endearing. I loved seeing his kind heart.

Leif was a bit of a mystery, but I was very eager to learn more about him.

This was an exciting and heart-pounding read. I never knew what would happen next. It definitely kept me on my toes! The labyrinth was dangerous and always changing. I loved it and am so anxious for book two! If you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy, grab a copy of this book! I highly, highly recommend it!

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Hybrid (The Hybrid Series Book 2) by Candace Kade

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Hybrid (The Hybrid Series Book 2) by Candace Kade. I'm really enjoying it so far! 

About the Book

Lee Urban's search for truth could destroy everything.

After narrowly surviving several attempts on her life, Lee Urban retreats into hiding, seeking refuge with her family for the Lunar New Year. But the relaxing holiday turns into a heist when someone crashes the party with intel on the hybrid’s identity.

Driven by desperation, Urban accepts a position within the elite Dragons AI team, a high-stakes gamble that will propel her into the heart of the turbulent West. As she follows the elusive clues to the hybrid, the journey takes her closer to uncovering the truths about her own origins and the odd circumstances surrounding her adoption.

Tensions between the Enhanced and Naturals grow increasingly violent, and the Western Federation teeters on the brink of civil war. Urban's choices threaten to tear her family apart, and the secrets she unearths just might shatter the delicate balance of society.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Urban aimed straight for the dragon. The creature's bulbous eyes and enormous fangs grew larger as she pulled hard on the throttle of her motorcycle.

Friday 56

"We can't always choose our family." Uncle Chang nodded at Lucas, who had collapsed in a fit of hysterical laughter on stage. "But we can choose to make the most of the family we have."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Blonde Who Came in From the Cold by Ally Carter

About the Book

An action-packed, second-chance rom-com about two rival spies who must join forces in order to stay alive, from New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.

Ten years ago, they joined the CIA.

Six years ago, he left the game.

Five years ago, they fell in love.

One year ago, she ran out into the cold with absolutely no intention of ever coming back.

And two minutes ago, they woke up, bloody and bruised and handcuffed together in the dark.

They don’t know where they are. They don’t know how they got there. And they have absolutely no idea who is after them or what this nameless, faceless villain wants.

The only thing that’s clear is that, after ten years of covers and chemistry, secrets and lies, these two rival spies have been sucked into their greatest mission yet, and now they’re going to have to team up to stay alive. (If they don’t kill each other first.)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a super fun romantic comedy. Full of hilarious laugh-out-loud moments and exciting high-stakes action, this book was nearly impossible to put down.

There are two POVs, Alex and King, and also two timelines, the present and the past, which starts ten years ago when they first met and became spies and leads up to the present time. I thought it was really fun to see how their relationship evolved over time and to see all their ups and downs.

Speaking of their relationship, Alex and King had amazing chemistry. Their banter was so much fun. They made a great, albeit reluctant, team.

I will say that while I really enjoyed seeing their past and present, there were a few times where I had a hard time keeping track of which timeline we were in and who the narrator was. But, other than that, this was an absolute joy to read. While it is the second book in the series, I believe it can stand alone okay. Although, you might miss out on some of the fun of how the two books are connected.

NOTE: This is a closed-door romance that includes some strong language.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills releasing September 9. 

About the Book

A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy.

When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone.

Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina.

Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Burning Justice (Chasing Fire: Alaska Book 6) by Lisa Phillips

About the Book

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.
THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

She's been searching for her father for fifteen years...

Maria Sanchez has spent her entire career as a CIA operative searching for her father, and she’s not going to let some tough, arrogant former-soldier-turned-hotshot stand in her way.

His life was upended on a single fateful mission...

After being betrayed, branded a traitor, and declared dead, Kane Foster has a lot prove—and he’s not going to let his team—or his country—down. Even if he has to douse the sparks between him and his feisty teammate. Because some things are more important than love.

Now someone tell that to his heart…

As the smoke clears on this pulse-pounding series, buried truths will be uncovered and loyalties tested in this sizzling finale to the Chasing Fire: Alaska romantic suspense series.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Burning Justice was a great conclusion to the Chasing Fire: Alaska series. It didn’t take long for things to heat up, and the story was moving at a lightning-fast pace. I could hardly keep up!

Things with the militia group finally came to a head, which I was very eager, and a little nervous, to see.

I loved getting to know Kane and Maria better. They were such a great pair!

This has been a great series. Exciting, action-packed, and full of danger with strong messages of faith and characters who were easy to root for. I really hope there’s another Chasing Fire series coming soon! If you're a fan of swoony, action-packed romantic suspense, you'll love this series. Be sure to start with book one.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS