Hi ya'll,Okay, I’ve been told its bad form to rate your own book. However, it seemed wrong to release this bad boy without saying something about how I feel. So, with that***clears throat*** I'm excited, nervous and just plain tickled to introduce you to some imaginary people I love.If you’ve done any beta reading for me, you know I write (and adore) young adult paranormal romance complete with purple prose and superfluous description. My favorites include characters that do a lot of longing [...]

Quick review:Cover: A little to cartoony Rating:PG-13 Thumbs Up:4.5Overall: Different in a good wayCharacters: Well donePlot: Legend meets and changes real livesPage Turner: Yes Series Cont.? If there is more Recommend:YesBook Boyfriend: GreySUMMARY (50 words or less)The moral of the story here is don’t judge a book by its cover. If I had, I would not have read. It made the book appear more juvenile than it is. The beginning was interesting but a little slow. But hang in there. It soars from t [...]

More reviews at Mrs. ReaderPantsREVIEW: So here's the thing: I usually know a 5-star book within the first couple of chapters. A 5-star book is, first and foremost, a page-turner. I have to care about the characters, who cannot annoy me or seem fake or typical. A 5-star book is unique and stands strong above books that are simply "good." Five-star books do not have to be best-sellers, but they are written in such a way to appeal to any reader, despite his or her genre preference. Put simply, fiv [...]

OK ANY book that quotes Monty Python is a WINNER in my 'book'!"We shall say 'ni' again to you if you do not appease us."This is a REALLY fabulous YA story and this YA is a very adult YA. I wouldn't worry about teens reading it, but there is some racy undertones."Bite your lip. It's hot. Makes me want to go kick some Viking ass."The story revolves around Birdie, who has had a less than stellar life. It's so nice to see a somewhat younger character still set today that hasn't been born with a silv [...]

CoverIsn't this cover amazing? I loved having this image of Birdie in my mind's eye as I read, and I could totally see this cover girl throughout the story, surviving through what the author put her through. Whatever artist created this is incredible. I bow to you, whoever you are. Your talent is mind-blowing.What I loved about the book:In one word: Birdie. Her character is so simple, yet so complex it just about blew my mind. She's hilarious and wounded deeply, a survivor I couldn't help but pu [...]

Let me start by saying this was a REALLY good book. I was hooked from page one and couldn't put it down! The story flows so well and keeps the reader entertained!Birdie is a homeless teenager trying to turn her life around when an unexpected (or so she thinks) windfall comes her way. Grey is from a well-to-do family who wants to get to know her. Little do they know their lives are about to be changed forever.Julie Reece created characters who are believable and lovable. I wanted to know more abo [...]

I would like to thank J.Taylor publishing for providing me with an ARC copy of this book for review.Summary from : She should have run. Now, she’ll have to fight. Eighteen year old Birdie may be homeless, but she’s surviving, that is until a mysterious guy throws money in the air like a crazy game show host, and she grabs some with the idea she’ll be able to buy dinner that night. In that singular moment, unassuming Birdie becomes the girl in everyone’s viewfinder. Thugs want to kill her [...]

WoW! I can't believe that this is a stand alone! I could definitely do with some more of this book that's for sure. First of all, I want to thank the amazing Julie Reece and J.Taylor Publishing for providing me with an ARC ebook. I was utterly blown away when I received it and I am totally grateful to be given the opportunity to read it before the release date. I was not disappointed one bit. This book had me captivated, enthralled, swept away and blown away. Julie Reece's ability to weave a sto [...]

I absolutely LOVED this book. It would be a great introduction to the fantasy Genre for YA lovers. The fantasy is enough to keep the story rolling without needing to warp your mind that special way needed in some fantasy novels. Although it didn’t have the intensity or angst that are usually in my 5 star books, I enjoyed it from start to finish so it was really a no brainer.Birdie is 18yo girl who is homeless and living on the streets alone. She encounters Jeff early on in the story when he lu [...]

Take one likeable, relatable girl with a crappy background, one swoon-worthy dude who has just the right amount of strength and just the right amount of give-a-damn, one quirky-if-eccentric mentor, and one shedload of heritage revelations that leads the cool girl and cute guy to an unavoidable pinnacle moment in a certain history—with girl battling every one of her demons and fears along the way—and you pretty much have Crux.I think that’s everything. There are so many aspects to this tale [...]

I'm still in bliss from reading Crux by Julie Reece. I have to say that Ms. Reece has to be one of the most talented authors on the planet. I know I'm gushing right now, but I loved this book that much.Reading Birdie's story was like catching up with an old friend. Birdie rocks my socks, and Grey (the male lead) is sizzling hot. I loved his fierce loyalty to Birdie, especially because she was so real with insecurities most women have and some that broke my heart.Birdie thought her life was hard [...]

I was given the chance to read this book as part of the 'Read to Review' group and the reason I chose this particular one was because of the cover! Wasn't sure about the synopsis or the title but there was something about the cover that grabbed me - - - THANK GOD!I have never read a story like this, it was a breath of fresh air, a refreshing change and a story that I really didn't want to endI fell instantly in love with the characters, Birdie, Grey, Kate, Scud, Jeff and even Fenris I loved them [...]

Captivating - loved it ❤️

I absolutely loved this book.Okay, I should preface what is to come with the disclaimer that I read this as a BETA before it was submitted for publication and loved it then, so I took little risk in reading the final version. I already knew it was a kick-ass read. My opinion has not changed.Crux is an YA Urban Fantasy (romance) featuring a down, but not out homeless girl, Rebecca Orin--who everyone calls Birdie. She's got spunk, sarcasm, and street sense. The kind of female lead I just love to g [...]

Crux is a Young Adult, Paranormal Romance/Fantasy written by Julie Reese. I read this as a ARC R2R with Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics! As always, a special thank you to the mods and author for allowing me to participate.4.5 stars!AN EPIC and RIVITING ADVENTURE for ALL fantasy or paranormal romance readers!The Rundown:Birdie is about as down on her luck as an eighteen year old can get. Homeless and hungry she walks alone down a busy street thinking about the direction her life h [...]

Julie Reece’s CRUX is a refreshing and gritty young adult novel with glimmers of the paranormal, glimpses of the historical, and more than a dash of romance and mystery.When homeless eighteen-year-old Birdie stumbles across a mysterious stranger giving away money, her life is forever changed. Now people are trying to kill her, and she must do the one thing she never thought she could do: trust strangers, particularly Grey Mathews. And that’s just the beginning as Birdie is ensnared into a pa [...]

What a surprise this book turned out to be and not just because I liked it so much. I read "Urban Fantasy", but what I got was more of a crossover between Fantasy and Urban Fantasy. Confused? If you're a nerd like me, you know there's a big difference, and this one was a crossover. What a cool idea, and what a fabulous cast of characters!Birdie's opening scene is crazyme random rich guy starts throwing around wads of cash, pleading for those fortunate people who scramble for the bills to do more [...]

So, what did I think about Crux? Um ::taps finger against chin:: How best to say this it was awesome!Let’s start with “the boy”. Grey Mathews. Um. Yumminess? Grey is this super protective guy. It’s clear he’s like that around almost everyone, but for Birdie, he’s seriously protective. Almost too much, which leads to both the romantic element of the book as well as quite a bit of conflict. I like that this isn’t an “I fall in love with you” “you love me back” and their relat [...]

*Sigh* I love Grey!! Really I do. Well this book is. Different.Never read anything like it Wait. Nope. Never.It's a story about Birdie- well Rebecca. Who happens to be a descendant from ancient Viking kings. She alone reaps the power of the Allum an amulet which holds great power and only she can vanquish all the spirits that return and reak havvock in the present world. Grey becomes her guardian however it is forbidden to cross the lines of friendship however with their growing feelings they po [...]

The main girl, Birdie, is given an ultra-cool quest involving an amulet, a mystical war and tonnes of cash. She's smart, witty, funny, nice and really down to Earth. You can just imagine her giving the other snotty witches the look when she walks in the room:And there's this guy called Grey - and as soon as you read his description, you're all:And even though she has next to nothing to do with the main plot, this random girl - Izzy - torments Birdie constantly because she's totally gonna end up [...]

I'll admit, I squealed when I got an ARC of Crux by Julie Reece--I'm a huge fan of Cassandra Clare's YA urban fantasy series, and I was anxious to dive into Reece's contribution to the genre.Add in that it's set in Atlanta--as opposed to, say, New York or London--and I was bouncing in my seat.The synopsis only gives readers a tiny hint of what's contained in Crux, the key word being "heritage." This is where the fantasy part takes over from the urban element and readers are asked to suspend thei [...]

I really enjoyed this book and just could not put it down. I even read it in the car during a 4 hour drive despite my motion sickness. The story flowed really well and kept me entertained throughout. Birdie was very believable and I loved her character. All of the characters were developed and believable, even peripheral characters. I really enjoyed the back story of Birdie being a homeless teenager. I thought the author did a wonderful job in handling that. Birdie was tough, funny, and street s [...]

I was given this book through the Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics R2R for an honest review, thank you.(view spoiler)[The story held my attention from start to finish. I didn’t want to put it down. The author expertly wove a contemporary romance together with Nordic Kings, homelessness and the mysterious ‘Snatcher.’ If it wasn’t one thing it was another that Birdie, the female protagonist had to face.Birdie, aka Rebecca Orin, is an 18 year old homeless girl who had been li [...]

Julie Reece’s Crux is a fabulous read! This novel was suggested to me by a friend and I must say I’m very appreciative of the recommendation. The characterizations are excellent and the entire plot follows a very coherent story line which includes danger, suspense and romance. The mystery begins in the very first chapter when Birdie meets a strange character she calls Jeff, and is immediately catapulted into a strange web of events with roots extending back into Norse Mythology. It is an act [...]

A refreshingly good YA novel. What I didn't like:The legend this book was based upon seemed underexplained- it needs a bit more fleshing out to make it more interesting.There were things that Birdie was too smart to not have seen coming, like:her dog wasn't a normal dogwho Jeff wasWhat I liked:the humor was done really well and made me chuckle out loud quite a few times.her inner monologue irritated and amused me at different times-made Birdie feel more real.her indecisiveness when it came to Gr [...]

So so so good!! Seriously more people need to read Julie Reece!! She writes the most unique stories, full of strong and hilarious characters, actually makes you care about side characters (!!!!), and the romances are everything you need in life.Please take my word for it, because she is awesome.

I believe in 1/2 stars. needs to get on that there ban wagon.Anyhoo 4.5 stars from me!!*Warning! Contains Spoilers!!*Birdie lives on the streets, and a run-in with a wacko leaves her with more than she ever had - and an amulet that takes her on acid trip-like 'journies'. What she sees, however, are secret hints of what she'll need to lift an ancient viking curse. But she won't go it alone.Enter Grey Matthews, her Guardian.Let me just say if I was an 18-yr-old, I'd have a major crush. Hot, rich, [...]

I received a copy of this book for review as part of a blog tour. I didn't really know what to expect from it, I think I thought it was more a thriller kind of thing. I didn't read the blurb again before I started to read it and I was just blown away. The book kicks off almost immediately and doesn't slow down until the very end. It is so much more than the blurb would lead you to believe. Birdie's parents died when she was young and she has went from foster home to foster home until, at the age [...]

Also posted on Lovey Dovey BooksJulie Reece's fantastic debut novel, Crux, is action-packed and has the sweetest romance I've read so far this summer! Birdie's anything but a meek girl ready to back down when faced with a challenge. No, she's the strong heroine readers dream of and she's ready and willing to take on an impossible task.Birdie's story is one of a kind. It only takes one moment for her life to change, for the better and the worse. She goes from homeless to college enrollment, and f [...]

Okay where to begin with this review. Man oh man I would like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to J Taylor Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC copy of Crux. I have to say that this is a story that grips you right from the start. I will try and do this review without giving any spoilers. It is going to be very hard because I LOVED every aspect of this book and I need more from Julie.Birdie is 18 years old and is homeless just trying to survive. She is on the streets one day when she sees this man [...]