Author: Veronica Porras (TTB)

I am a thirty-something living in Southern California. I blog about books, read, and live life as best as I can.
Adult Fantasy, NA Fantasy, New Adult Fantasy, Reviews, Special Review

Book Review: Till Death by Miranda Lyn (#1 in The Ever Sky Series)

Veronica Porras (TTB)

About Book:

Till Death by Miranda Lyn is the first book in The Ever Sky Series. Till Death is a standalone novel but will be a part of a series of standalone novels that are connected.

Goodreads Summary:

Long ago, Requiem was plagued by war and abandoned by the gods but Death saved the suffering people, giving each soul a hundred years of immortality. With that grace, he also sent two Maidens. One of Life, for healing and comfort, and one of Death, the only person in the world with the ability to kill.

Generations later, the Life Maiden is missing and Princess Deyanira is nothing more than a trained weapon. A hunter. A murderer wrenched into Death’s dark court to have the name of her next victim seared onto her palm.

She is the enemy of this land. But, when she’s given the chance to bring peace through marriage and finally show her father’s kingdom her worth, she is viciously tricked into marrying the wrong man, ruining the future of the damaged realm. Her only hope to give something back to the world is to find the missing Life Maiden.

Now, eternally bound to her enemy and dragged into the dark burlesque show her new husband is bound to, she must fight to keep herself free. And her heart. Especially when she becomes the hunted.

Review:

Where do I even begin. This book took me for a whirlwind of a ride and I have been dying to give you all my thoughts! I am going to try my best to keep this as spoiler free as possible, but just in case my vagueness doesn’t feel so vague, you have been warned.

Deyanira is the MC we wanted… and needed! The beginning of her journey is tough as she is born to be the death maiden. Her first kill was her mother’s life and her father, the king, has never let her forget it. Her life’s duty is not just to kill those Death tells her too, but she is also the first Death Maiden to be royalty. Her duties as princess and death maiden have been at odds several times, for which she ultimately pays the price for. Her desire to do her duty as both leads her down a path that unravels everything she has ever known and begins on a journey of self discovery and growth.

We, of course, have a male main character that plays his part very well in the enemies to lovers arc. The tension between them is so palpable, even those around them can clearly see it, and we can feel it too! The delicious tension between the two characters builds in such a way that makes the “lovers” party oh so satisfying to see happen!

I have not enjoyed a standalone novel as much as this one in a while. I was a little skeptical at first, but it did its job well and Miranda broke it apart in many acts that it felt like I was reading a series of books and not a standalone novel. Nothing felt rushed and the pace was great! At one point in the story, I personally felt it dragged a little but that is the only “fault” I found. This is the only reason I knocked it down half a point.

I hope you pick up this book today. I can guarantee you won’t regret it!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Disclaimer: I want to thank Miranda Lyn and The Realm Studios for an advanced reading copy. My review is 100% honest and my own thoughts.

Adult Fantasy, NA Romance, New Adult Fantasy, Reviews, Smutty

Book Review: A Light in the Flame (Flesh & Fire #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Goodreads Summary:

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.

Review:

The cliffhanger at the end of A Shadow in the Ember (ASITE) had me reeling, trying to connect all of the dots between what we learned in that book and what we have learned so far in the Blood & Ash series. Some of you (or most likely most of you) will know that the Flesh & Fire series is a prequel to the Blood & Ash Series. That saying, this has definitely filled in some knowledge gaps, but at the same time brought up a lot of questions that remain unanswered.

A Light in the Flame (ALITF) starts off right where we were left off at the end of ASITE. We learn more about the prophecy and the consequences of both Sera’s and Nyktos’ actions. To be truthful, this entire book had me holding my breath, waiting for the next big reveal to drop. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and seemed to not give me a moment of rest. There were some moments when things slowed down a bit, but overall it was an anxiety-ridden ride that I loved.

I do want to address that some have an issue with JLA’s writing style and her storytelling. If you are that person who has not liked her past books and are holding out to see if this will be the one that gets you to love her, then I suggest not to read this one either. I myself am a fan and do acknowledge a few issues with her writing style at times, but overall I enjoy her stories and the way she writes them. I throughly enjoy her novels and this is one I devoured within a span of a few days.

ALITF did not disappoint and was a solid second book in the Flesh & Fire prequel series of the FBAA universe. If you’ve enjoyed the FBAA series, I believe you will also enjoy this book. You may even be like me and be more Team Daddy Nyktos than Team Casteel (but we still love him dearly).

Rating: 5 out of 5

Editor Letter, Random

End of the New Year, But Same Old Me

Veronica Porras (TTB)

The last time I wrote to you was at the start of the year 2021 and we are less than a month away from the end of 2022 and the start of 2023.

As you last checked in on me, I was re-reading ACOWAR because ACOSF was going to come out in February… I laugh at that Veronica since I have not only read ACOSF but read HOEAB and HOSAB (aka Crescent City series). Yes, the Sarah J. Maas addiction is alive and thriving.

I am currently partaking in Rosebud’s Realm Maas-Read-Along. We just finished re-reading the TOG series and are onto ACOTAR in the new year.

I am also in the middle of reading A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I am utterly amused that she used the phrase ‘Daddy Nyktos‘ in the book. She definitely follows the fandom closely.

I hope to make my review of ALINF my first comeback review after not actively reviewing books on here since 2018.

Until the next time…

Editor Letter

New Year, Same Me

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Hello. Veronica Here.

Did your jaw drop to see a post from The Talking Bookworm? Mine did as well and I am the one writing this.

I am the classic example of letting life get too busy, but in the stillness that we inherited in 2020 and now that has come with us into 2021, I’ve decided to start posting again.

Yes, I still read on my spare time, but it is nowhere in the numbers it used to be. I don’t read 100+ books a year. More like 15-20 on average in the last couple of years. Lots of rereads which is now leading me into discovering lots of new gems that were published in the last couple of years that I have been MIA.

I started the year with a ACOTAR re-read as “A Court of Silver Flames” comes out in February. I am currently on ACOWAR, a hundred pages from the end.

I guess a new thing about me is that I’ve gotten into video games. While I can’t call myself a gamer since I only play on the Nintendo Switch, Animal Crossing and Legend of Zelda: Breathe of the Wild were my top games for 2020. I am currently playing Octopath Traveler.

2021 was supposed to be my big 3-0 year. I had plans to do a lot of things… but alas… the world had other plans.

You can expect to start seeing more from me in the coming months. I may review some old favorites again, or some new stuff. We shall see.

I hope everyone is being safe and well. It is important to be mind and body healthy during these trying times.

Editor Letter

Update

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Hello Everyone.

It has been some time since Liz or I posted something on the blog. Both of us have gone through major life events and needed to take a hiatus.

For many that do not know, I am now married and my one year anniversary is coming up on the 24th of this month. I can say that so far it’s been great being married. I was lucky enough to marry someone who is my other half, my Étienne. Yes, very corny but it is the truth.

Now, onto the blog. I will be planning on restarting doing reviews again, but I will be much slower than before. Please only except a few reviews a month at most.

Thank you to everyone who still follows us, you guys are the real MVP. I wish everyone a Happy Belated New Year.

Reviews, ya contemporary

Book Review: If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say by Leila Sales

Veronica Porras (TTB)

 

Goodreads Summary:

Before we go any further, I want you to understand this: I am not a good person.

We all want to be seen. We all want to be heard. But what happens when we’re seen and heard saying or doing the wrong things? What then?

When Winter Halperin—former spelling bee champion, aspiring writer, and daughter of a parenting expert—gets caught saying the wrong thing online, her life explodes. All across the world, people knows what she’s done, and none of them will forgive her.

With her friends gone, her future plans cut short, and her identity in shambles, Winter is just trying to pick up the pieces without hurting anyone else. She knows she messed up, but does that mean it’s okay for people to send her hate mail and death threats? Does she deserve to lose all that she’s lost? And is “I’m sorry” ever good enough?

First and foremost a novel about public shaming in the internet age, If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say is also an exploration of the power of words, the cumulative destructiveness of microaggressions, and the pressing need for empathy.

Review:

Let’s get started.

I’m not sure if I liked how cyberbullying and racism was dealt with in this book. Maybe my perspective is different because I am a part of the minority, but in my eyes the main character didn’t fully realize the wrongness in her comment, but then I also don’t think cyber-bullying people is the key to making a person realize their wrong doing. That just leads to them becoming a victim too. Most of the book dealt with Winter being a victim, than about racism. I wish more had come out of the severed friendship with one of her friends. Then we could have really talked about racism. It was nice though that she realized that it is not easy for those that don’t look a certain way. That scene at the gas station I applaud.

Overall, I think it was a good attempt at raising awareness, but it felt short. This won’t stop me from reading future books by Leila as I like some of her past novels, I just don’t like how she handled the sensitive topics in this one.

Rating: 2.5 of out 5

Note: I received this ARC as part of Miss Print’s ARC Adoption Program.

WWW

WWW (March 28th)

Veronica Porras (TTB)

www_wednesdays4

W.W.W. Wednesday’s used to be hosted by Should Be Reading. She’s stopped hosting it since 2014, but I thought I would give it a go again. To play along all you have to do is answer three simple questions: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish? What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish?

I feel like re-reading ACOWAR doesn’t count, but I will mention it nonetheless.

What do you think you’ll read next?

I’m thinking of reading Ally Carter’s new book.

What are you currently reading?

Editor Letter

Happy 5th Anniversary

Veronica Porras (TTB)

I have no words to describe the milestone The Talking Bookworm has hit. Even though this last year was slower than normal, life made both Liz and I very busy, but we are still here. I’m finally back in the states and settled. I’ve been doing lots of re-reading in the past few months which is why there have been no new reviews from me. Either way, I wanted to acknowledge that TTB has hit 5 years… and counting. Thank you all who have been with us. We wish you all Happy Reading (and a Happy New Year)!

 

Vero Signature copy

Giveaway

Blog Tour: Covetous (The Marked Mage Chronicles, Book #2) Giveaway

Veronica Porras (TTB)

 

 

 

Book
Info:

Title:
Covetous
Series:
The Marked Mage Chronicles, Book #2
Author:
Victoria Evers
Genre:
Paranormal
Romance
Release
Date:
July 14, 2017
 


Heaven Wants Me Dead.
Hell Wants Me As Their Weapon.
And I’m in Bed With A Devil.


I was just your average seventeen-year-old girl, until I was Marked. Some may sell their souls; mine was taken. Not only are angelic hunters out to kill me, but Hell’s deadliest Mage—the devilishly charming Crown Prince of Lust—is just as desperate to get his hands on me…again. No, he doesn’t want me dead. This seductive trickster only has one thing on his mind: making me his new blushing bride.


He can call me his “mate” all he wants. I’m not about ready to sign my soul away into eternal damnation, no matter how gorgeous he may be. But after two months on the run, I realize I can’t escape the ugly truth. If I wish to fight another day, I may just have to make a deal with the worst kind of devil. The kind that loves me.


I thought I knew what rock bottom was, but this is only the beginning. As the great poet once said, “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.”
Goodreads / Amazon 
$0.99 Release Sale!
 
EXCERPT:
 
“Talk about bad timing,” laughed Sam. 


I rolled over on my mattress to see him staring out my side window. “What is it?”


“Your new neighbor’s just arrived.”


Hanna had spent most of the past hour stealing looks, hoping for even a glimpse of the guy in question with no such luck. Despite the humor in Hanna’s horrible timing, I still groaned. The view in question looked literally right out into the neighboring window not ten feet away, guaranteeing zero privacy. So it was official. I’d have to keep my window shades permanently pulled from here on out. 


“Sure it’s not just one of the movers? They’re all pretty young,” I said.


Sam chuckled. “Trust me; this guy isn’t dressed for the job. He’s not really dressed, period.”


“What?” Curiosity got the better of me. I climbed off the mattress, joining my friend at the window. 


Sam sidled aside and flipped on the light switch to admire my new setup as I went to the music dock, using its location below the window as an excuse to steal a casual look across the way. I didn’t even have to make a song selection. As soon as I touched the radio, Arctic Monkeys’ “Do I Wanna Know” suddenly started playing. I scooped up my phone, which was synced with the device, searching for the song in question. Since when was this on my playlist?


“What’s wrong?” asked Sam, clearly noting my bafflement.


Before I could so much as articulate a single syllable, my eyes instinctively shot up to the window at the sight of movement across the way. That building heat in my chest roared to life, making my knees out-and-out buckle.


Sam wasn’t kidding. My new neighbor wasn’t wearing much of anything, apart from a pair of black jeans that hung dangerously low, revealing the chiseled V-shaped section of his lower abdominals that rivaled Apollo himself.  


I outright gawked, feeling my phone slip from my limp fingers. It clattered on the hardwood, but I didn’t care. I just kept staring.


This couldn’t be.


This couldn’t be.This couldn’t be.


My new neighbor slipped on the matching black dress shirt in his hands, but didn’t bother buttoning it. Instead, he simply rolled the cuffs up his sleeves just enough to display the black metallic tattoos brandishing his left arm.


“You okay?” Sam reiterated.


I didn’t move—couldn’t move.


My neighbor.


He all so casually looked up, not the least bit surprised to find me ogling at him, and straightened the collar to his opened shirt. That taut frame flexed as he raised his arms, lazily resting them on the top of the opened window. A slow, devious smile pulled at his lips.


Finally regaining control over my body, I stumbled back a step, still unable to peel my eyes away from him. I whirled, preparing to bolt for the door. I was cut short though, smacking into something—hard. 


Sam. 


I’d run right into him.


“Geez!” he yelped.


My momentum toppled us over, and I landed on top of him as he smacked down on the area rug.


“Owww.” He winced with a laugh, and I rolled off him with an apology. “What’s with you?”


Ding dong!


Shit!


He couldn’t possibly have gotten over here that fast… 


I shot up from the carpet, ignoring Sam’s insistency, and raced for the staircase.


“Don’t answer the—” I rounded the banister, just in time to see my Aunt Jenna pull the front door open. Crashing to a halt at the bottom of the landing, I was paralyzed in place as magnetic icy eyes and bleached blonde hair greeted me on the other side of the entryway.


“Hello, lovely,” Blaine purred. 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
 
VICTORIA EVERS is a debut paranormal fiction
writer who feels really awkward referring to herself in the third person….
When she’s not vacationing in Narnia, you’ll probably find her reading,
watching horror movies, spending time with her AMAZING family, or daydreaming
about the newest story in her head.
Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

 

 

Other

My Ideal Reading Space

Veronica Porras (TTB)

The ideal reading space. We fantasize about it.

We think we are content burrowed in our beds when we read, but we all dream about that reading space that will stop us from changing positions every five minutes, and where we can quietly sit and admire our book collection.

The ultimate reading space is my adult fantasy. Most people dream about other things, but what I want is the perfect reading space. My own little nook of happiness.

After some careful thought, I have built my ideal reading space, and here is what it would consist of:

Isn’t this bookcase beautiful? I’ve always wanted something like this. Whenever I walk into furniture stores, I always drool over these type of bookcases. They’re so grand and majestic.

Next, we need somewhere to read. And I think the sectional  below would be perfect for my reading space. It goes well color wise with the bookcase, but it’s also made for ultimate reading capability. Peak reading could get done on this sectional.

Next we need lighting because we all need to get through those last 100 pages right? And I think this modern lamp would be a nice touch. Especially because it would provide the perfect lighting to our all-nighter session needs. No need to hold your book in an awkward way for light to hit the pages.

And lastly we need a throw blanket for the sectional. Because we get cold. And we need another bookish item apart from the books. Also, the throw blanket speaks the truth. ❤

I’ve embedded links on the pictures just in case you’d like to know where to find each specific piece. The bookcase and sectional I found on Arhaus.com. They have beautiful furniture that I only wish were in my home. And the blanket came from Society6, obviously.

Now, tell me, what would you have in your ideal reading space? If you’ve done a similar post or would like to share what you would love to have in your ideal reading space/library, please leave a comment below! I would love to see them and add more things to my want list for my future reading space.