Orion's Curse by Amy Bartelloni

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RATING: 4.5 STARS

I read this book without having read Andromeda (the first book in the series). With that said, it was a great book. It can be read on it's own, but I feel like I would have loved this, giving it 5 stars, if I had more of the background before diving in. 

We follow the lives of Malachi, Anyon, Jade and Sera, watching them take on so many life challenges after their world is torn apart by President Vice. They face their histories unearthing, friendships and love is tested all while rebuilding their lives in a new camp. This story creates a balance between emotion and science that I don't usually see in this genre, making it a lot more enjoyable, and creating a scene where you feel present in what's taking place. 

I strongly recommend this novel to anyone interested in dystopian stories. It brought a lot to the table, and is fantastically written. I'm going to go back and read Andromeda now, and can't wait to see what Amy brings in the next segment. 

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.) 

The Kiss by Erica M. Christensen

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Rating: 4 STARS

The Kiss is the debut novella from Erica M. Christensen. It's a New Adult contemporary romance story that introduces us to Addison (Addi). This poor girl has the life she's grown accustomed to, ripped out from under her, her job, her home, her fiance. All gone. So, she heads home to Iowa from Los Angeles to live with her Mom. 

While home, she gets in touch with some of the friends she grew up with. Friendships are tested, relationships are strained, bombs are dropped. It feels like a rough go for dear Addi, and life just isn't ready to sort itself out for her yet. That is until she gets a beer dumped on her in a bar on New Year's Eve by Sexy Tattooed Man. 

I cannot wait to read more of this story. It ends on a fantastic note, and definitely leaves you wanting more. The only point that brought this down for me was during the reading. I felt like the relationship that was being explored needed more depth, deserved more depth. With that said, once I got to the end, I understood what was happening. As a result, it brought the book up from 3.5 stars, to 4. 

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)