Monstrous Beauty

Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

ISBN: 978-0-374-37366-5

Pages: 295

Appearance: 

Summary: 

Monstrous Mermaids

Vengeful Ghosts

Century-Old Curse

When fierce mermaid Syrenka falls in love with a human named Ezra, she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land. The choice comes with horrific and deadly consequences. 

Generations later, seventeen-year-old Hester knows that love and death are inextricably linked for the women in her family. Is it an un-diagnosed genetic defect, or a curse? Hester's solution is to avoid love altogether, until she meets an enigmatic stranger names Ezra and feels drawn to him in a way she can't explain or resist. Ezra may be able to help her tease apart the strands of her family's strange history; Ezra knows a things or two about curses. 

The answers Hester seeks are waiting in the graveyard, in the crypt, and the bottom of the ocean-but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and the tragedy so long ago.

Monstrous Beauty is a dark and brilliantly plotted thriller about sacrifice, enduring love, and hope.

SPOILER ALERT! 

Haven't really read a lot of mermaid stories, but I fell in love with the story immediately. There's so much pain and defeat in the story, you'll definitely be moved to tears. Well not tears, but your heart will clench in pain.  Syrenka is so...doomed. That sounds incredibly depressing, but hey, I'm telling the truth. She's beautiful, men (mer and human alike) love her, she's perfect. And the queen goddess lady of the sea, N something, hates her because of that. Thus as a result, she uses her evil magic to twist Syrenka's "dying wish" so to speak. 

The curse literally gave me shivers. N totally twisted Syrenka's plea, it's scary. As a result, all the people who died because of Syrenka are now spirits tied to the earth. *shudders* And Syrenka's child Marijou? Something like that, carries on the curse of her mother which is to die within weeks of birthing a child and having this deep connection to Ezra, the man Syrenka gave up her tail for. 

Okay, Syrenka's most current living descendant is Hester. She is determined to figure out why the women of her family have been dying and how to break that curse so she can have a shot at love. 

Along the way, she meets Ezra who always seems to be lurking around the caves. And yeah, he's a ghost. Everything about Syrenka unfolds from there. She gets kidnapped by N who apparently is also les because I think she wanted to make Hester her sex slave...yeah...weird queen of the sea...

Anyway, the story's really involved, really spooky, and really good! So you people should go check it out! Peace! 

“She wanted a smile that was meant only for her.” 

“There is no satisfaction in eternity,' she said. 'There is only loss.” 

“She looked out across the water and allowed the feeling of longing to wash over her, spill into the crevices of her soul, and fill her completely.”

“What an ephemeral thing human will is, to be manipulated by a couple of drops of hormones!” 

4 out of 5 stars

Foreverly Obsessed,

Riv

The Big Cat Trilogy

The Golden Leopard by Lynn Kerstan

ISBN: 0-431-41057-2

Pages: 370

Appearance:

Summary:

Lady Jessica Carville wants nothing to do with men after having her heart betrayed. Despite society's disapproval, she has found fulfillment and success as a dealer of rare antiquities for Christie's auction house in London. The last thing she needs is for the scoundrel who once cast her aside to rear his handsome head.

Despite her best efforts, Lord Hugo Duran's sudden return from India piques Jessica's curiosity--as does his tempting offer. He needs her expertise on a quest to locate a priceless artifact that is rumored to have been smuggled into England--a quest full of daring adventure, dangerous intrigue, and unbridled passion.

"I have never trusted you, Duran. But somehow, I cannot say why, I have always believed in you."

~Jessica

"I'm sorry, princess. But think of it this way. I will never again lie to you. And this is the last time, my word on it, that I will ever you."

~Duran

"That's not it. Dogs are fine. Rabbits and ducks and hedgehogs acceptable. Parrots will do and even, if you must, a monkey. But as soon as I've melted down the one in that box Jessie, I don't care to be in company, not ever again, with a cat."

~Duran

"I have many regrets. But falling in love with you has never been, will never be, among them."

~Duran

The Heart of the Tiger by Lynn Kerstan

ISBN: 0-451-41085-8

Pages: 365

Appearance:

Summary: 

One of the most beautiful women in all of England, Mira Holcombe has received countless marriage proposals and turned them all down. She trusts no man ever since the Duke of Tallant laid claim to her family's land and then viciously brutalized her. Her only desire is to destroy him...until his younger brother stirs an unexpected passion in her heart.

Newly returned from India, Michael Keynes also has reasons for bringing the duke to ruin. But he is unprepared for the powerful distraction that Mira presents. Though he longs to succumb to the heat that burns between them, he will need more than whispered promises to win Mira's confidence and free her from the dark secrets that torment her wounded soul.

"Just look at that. we might be two entierly different species. Mine is a...a noddle, and yours is a mahogany log."

~Mira talking about skin color

The Silver Lion by Lynn Kerstan

ISBN: 0-451-41116-1

Pages: 373

Appearance:

 

Summary: 

The daughter of scandal, Helena Pryce lives life on the fringes of Society, where she tirelessly fights for social reforms. Derek Leighton, Earl of Varden, is thoroughly ensconced in the world of privilege-until his quest for adventure nearly destroys him. Tormented by his failures and thwarted in love, he take refuge in a run-down castle to lick his wounds-and plot his revenge...
But when a corrupt politician threatens England's security, Helena storms Varden's castle to convince him to use his experience and connections to stop the man. Her passion unleashes both of their wildest desires, drawing them together in unbridled pleasure-just as danger threatens to tear them apart.

So this is my combined review of the Big Cat Trilogy. So let's get started. 

The Golden Leopard: I think this is my favorite couple of the series. Jessica and Duran seem to go so well together and the sparks that fly between them make it an interesting story. Duran also has this death sentence that is hanging over his head, and he doesn't know if he can actually live to spend the rest of this life with Jessica. Also, because of their past, Jessica has been hurt and doesn't want to risk herself again, but she can't help but fall for him all over again. I don't know about you, but that just strikes me as cute.

Heart Of the Tiger: Okay, the second book wasn't as interesting in my point of view as the first one. BUT, I still liked the story line and the characters. Mira is really headstrong which makes sense because of her past. Either way, she is an amazing character and I love her. Michael's pretty cool too. I guess the reason I didn't like this one as much as the first one...I don't really know. But I guess, everything just felt so rushed. It's probably just me...

The Silver Lion: Kinda a middle book for me. TBH, I was a bit...shocked? The first book had slim to no "making love" scenes. The second book, ehh...The third...I think it was the third chapter or something and BAM! She (Helena) even knew how to use contraceptive methods...wow girl...wow. As far as the story line goes, I didn't really get the "corrupt politician" that was mentioned in the blurb summary on the back of the book, but it was interesting. I guess by the third book, I wasn't really paying much attention to things...heh...

Overall: It was an eh-eh okay trilogy. I can't say it's one of my favorites, but I don't completely hate it either. You really don't need to read the books in order cause the only "linkage" that the books have to one another are the characters that have had their happily ever after are mentioned a couple of times. The second and third book are a bit more connected character-wise while the first is just...there. The stories were interesting, I just didn't really click with the books.

3 out of 5 stars

Foreverly Obsessed,
Riv

My Stubborn Heart (Excerpt)

Excerpt from My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade: Prologue


The last excerpt I put up was Lover Awakened and I put it up after the review. So, for my second excerpt, I thought I'd switch things up. Since I still have a long list of books to review, typing up the excerpt was easier since I could write the reviews on the plane but I had to return the book before the trip. So here's a snippet of the prologue which I thought was a great opening to the book. Maybe this will make the book seem more interesting and you'll want to check it out. I highly recommend it! I'll try to have the review up by the end of this week to mid-next week before camp starts! Enjoy~

Read my review here: My Stubborn Heart (coming soon!)

There once was a girl who'd been praying for a husband since fourth grade. Over the years she'd prayed for his health, his happiness his protection, and-okay- sometimes his good looks. She'd prayed that she would meet him when she was meant to.

Except that she hadn't.

She'd been avidly expecting and watching for him for all this time, from the fourth grade straight up to the age of thirty one. And though she tried hard to be positive, the truth was that she'd grown tired of waiting. Tired of dating. Tired of breaking off just two bananas from the bunch at the grocery store. Tired of the singles group at church. Tired of living alone.

Worse, she was beginning to doubt that her nameless, faceless husband existed at all. Maybe, late at night in her kid bed, her college, her adult single woman bed, she'd been praying for someone who wasn't coming. Ever.

... (skipped some paragraphs)

There once was a mother who'd been praying double hard for her son ever since he'd stop praying for himself.

... (skipped some paragraphs)

In the years since, he'd retreated inside himself to a place where none of his family or friends could reach him. So his mother prayed. She prayed that God wouldn't forget about him, this son of her, who's gained and lost the world in just a third of his lifetime. She prayed that God would send someone who could find him and save him from his prison of grief. And she prayed that maybe, somehow, in time, his heard would soften and he'd find love again.

Funny thing about prayers. God hears them. But you just never know if, when, or how He's going to answer them.

Foreverly Obsessed, 

Riv

FINALS ARE OVERRRRRRRRRRRRR

Hey guys!! GUESS WHAT??
You guessed it! FINALS ARE FINALLY OVER! Took my last one at 10:30 am this morning. Whoo! I'm currently extremely hyper and I can't stop smiling and jumping all over the place.

That's me in cat form...

But in all seriousness, I'm utterly relieved. Come to think of it, I didn't really study like I was supposed to so I hope I did okay...my biggest worry is actually French...Haha, better enjoy not studying for finals while it lasts because there is no way I'll survive next year without studying my butt off. 

So, yesterday was my little sister's birthday, she finally turned 6 and believe me, I mean it when I say finally. She's always saying: When I turn 6 I will (insert good girl action). It's Day 1 and nope, I haven't seen any change. The first thing she wants when she gets home is what? Good ol'TV. Yeah, not much change yet. (You have no idea how distracting it is to type with a spazztic cat on top, but you guys will probably have a hard time reading it...sorry.) So...just wanted to give a little shout out to her: 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU ANNOYING LITTLE CHILD! 

But yeah...school almost over? Who's excited for summer??

I know it's not Music Monday, but here's some summer music~

Foreverly Obsessed,

Riv

Wattpad Wednesday: Ten Reasons Not to Die

Ten Reasons Not to Die by RiceLover

Pages: 17 Wattpad Pages

Appearance:

Summary: 

"Give me ten days and I'll give you ten reasons not to die," Evan paused, "And if I can't change your mind by then, you can go jump off that cliff." 

Hey guys~ So it's my second Wattpad Wednesday post. This is a short story/novella (it's got chapters but it's short so whadda call it?) Anyway, it's super cute and I think a really good inspirational story. 

First of all, lemme just say that I love the cover. It used to be different the last time I looked at it (I finished this a while ago), but the new one seems to dramatic, the girl's falling and you can't see where she's going to end up. So props for the cover. (Random dramatic gif)

Second of all, the plot is super duper duper cute. 10 days for 10 reasons not to die. If he fails, then Remy (the girl) will die. OMG! Is it just me, or is this just really romantic and cute and AHH! *fangirl moment* The plot is absolutely adorable, I have no other words to describe it.

This story is kind of like the unseen girl gets noticed by the popular guy and he tries to save her/he is secretly in love with her. It's that type of plot, maybe it's new to you, but I've seen it a couple of times, but LoveRice made this extra special in my opinion. 

The ending, oh gods, can we just take a minute of silence to appreciate the beauty of the ending? It's in the POV of an unknown person and takes place in one of the most memorable events one can ever have in their lifetime. I just wish I could know who the unknown person is, but who cares? It's a beautiful ending, some might say it's cliched, but when I read it, I just felt super satisfied.

Definitely recommend the story, it's a light read and a very very very satisfying ending. 

4 out of 5 stars

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED (CLICK IT), HERE'S THE LINK FOR THE STORY:

TEN REASONS NOT TO DIE

Foreverly Obsessed,

Riv

Music Monday: Closer Faster by Against the Current/Masquerade by Unknown

Closer Faster by Against the Current

I really liked the upbeatness (is that a word? Well it is now) of the song. The lyrics I think are really cute. My favorite line:

When the butterflies, came to life, by your side~

I just thought it was cute. Hehe ... Anyways, I think it's a great song and it's a pretty good upbeat look at life right now with finals starting Wednesday...WAAAA

4.5 out of 5 stars

Double song? 

I was listening to this while studying for French Finals.

I think this is a really good reminder of how society works to the point where people have to pretend that they're doing okay when they're really not. For some reason, I can't stop listening and it's really touched me.

5 out of 5 stars

Hope you guys liked the choices for this week. I was feeling twinsy (another made up word) so I decided to do two songs. That's it for today~ 

Foreverly Obsessed,

Riv

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Freaky Friday (2) Ivory's Fashion Show

Hey guys! So I just went to Petco with my parents and we bought some super cool things for Ivory. Thought I'd upload a picture for this week's Freaky Friday post.

Here's a little pink dress that says: Born To Be Wild

Little Floral Collar to add to her collection of collars

And lemme just say she looks SO FREAKING CUTE! Sadly...I think I scared her when I put the dress on her cause she's like frozen in spot and she won't eat anything.  I'M SO SORRY BABY!! Please forgive me? Maybe she'll be better tomorrow. Hopefully. Keep those fingers crossed!! Just remembered, the last day of finals are next week...I probably should get studying. See y'all~ 

Foreverly Obsessed,

Riv