My Thoughts: The Great Pursuit by Wendy Higgins

The Great Pursuit
(Eurona Duology #2)
by Wendy Higgins
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Publication Date: March 7th 2017
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 496
ISBN: 9780062381361
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Edelweiss Review Copy | Library Book

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Lochlanach has traded the great beast for something far more terrible, a Lashed enemy veiled in beauty, deception, and a vengeance passed down through generations: Rozaria Rocato. And she’s offering the hunter Paxton Seabolt power and acceptance he could never receive in his homeland. Pax must decide how far he’s willing to go under her tutelage, knowing she is the opponent of Princess Aerity Lochson.

In a land where traditionalists dread change, the Lochlan throne must contend with mysterious foes and traitors, while attempting to keep revolt at bay. As dire circumstances strike the royal family, matters of the castle are left in Aerity’s hands. It's time to put aside her fears and grasp the reign, taking actions that have the potential to save or destroy her people.

One hunt has ended, but the pursuit for love and justice continue. In this sequel to The Great Hunt from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins, political intrigue and romance intensify in another thrilling fantasy. Princess Aerity embraces a quest for identity and passion before making the ultimate sacrifice for her kingdom. (Goodreads)

The Great Pursuit is the second book in the Eurona duology by Wendy Higgins, and is also a series that I was determined to read this year. I actually read The Great Hunt back when it was first released in 2016, but somehow forgot to follow up with The Great Pursuit when it came out in 2019. I am thrilled to have finally finished this series!

Last month I re-read The Great Hunt to refresh the story in my brain before starting this, and I’m glad I did, because not only was there a lot to the story that I had forgotten, but it also reminded me about everything I enjoyed when I read the book the first time. This book not only has an interesting storyline, but also has a great group of characters as well!

The Great Pursuit picks up right where The Great Hunt leaves off, and the adventure starts the moment you open the book. (I don’t want to give too much away and spoil anything in the story, so please excuse the vagueness in this review. Ha!) I very much enjoyed reading the story from the two main characters, Paxton and Aerity, viewpoints, and I really loved them both. The story is very fast paced, and full of action and adventure, and a few twists and turns as well! It all wraps up very nicely at the end, and made for a very enjoyable read.

Overall, if you’re looking for a quick fantasy series to check out, you should definitely look into the Eurona duology! The story was interesting, and with only 2 books in the series, it makes for a really quick read. I am now looking forward to reading more books by Wendy, and I’m thinking that I need to start her Sweet series soon! (The books have been sitting on my shelf for too long!)

Waiting on Wednesday #335 - The Kiss Collector & My Favorite Half-Night Stand

Kiss Collector
by Wendy Higgins
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Publication Date: December 18th 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780062795212

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When seventeen-year-old Zae Monroe gets cheated on by the only guy she’s ever loved, then watches her parents' marriage crumble, she decides to forget about relationships and turn the tables on the boys of the world. It’s time to take what she wants, and what she wants are kisses. Athletes, musicians, poets, and bad boys—their lips are all on her agenda, and it's time to collect.

Zae proposes a contest with her friends to see who can kiss the most boys during spring break. But what starts as a harmless competition leads to a downward spiral she can’t seem to break free of. As family, academic, friend, and guy drama come to a head, Zae is forced to face the reasons behind her boy angst, and starts to wonder if she was wrong about the male race...or at least some of them. (Goodreads)

You guys! Does this book sound super cute, or what??
I love a good contemporary story, and I can't wait to dive into this one!

My Favorite Half-Night Stand
by Christina Lauren
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Publication Date: December 4th 2018
Publisher: Gallery Books
ISBN: 9781501197406

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From the New York Times bestselling author that “hilariously depicts modern dating” (Us Weekly) comes a sexy romantic comedy about online dating, and its many, many fails.

With a world-famous speaker at their university, Millie Morris and her four woefully single male colleagues make a pact that they’ll all find dates. Unfortunately, Millie has more success helping them make matches online than she does navigating the onslaught of lewd pics in her own feed. But when she creates a fictional name for a new account, Millie finds herself vying for the online attention of a man she sees every day in the flesh. (Goodreads)

Christina Lauren books are quickly becoming some of my most favorite reads!
I love that they put out books so quickly as well so that we don't have to wait 

very long for new ones!!
I can't wait to read this newest book ASAP!!

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

Review: The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins

The Great Hunt
(Eurona Duology #1)
by Wendy Higgins
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Publication Date: March 8th 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9780062381330
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Retelling
Source: Edelweiss

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“Aerity…” Her father paused as if the words he was forming pained him. “I must ask you to sacrifice the promise of love for the sake of our kingdom.”

She could only stare back, frozen.

When a strange beast terrorizes the kingdom of Lochlanach, fear stirs revolt. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.

Princess Aerity knows her duty to the kingdom but cannot bear the idea of marrying a stranger…until a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention. There’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.

Paxton is not the marrying type. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast—but the princess continues to surprise him, and the perilous secrets he’s buried begin to surface.

Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale “The Singing Bone,” New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, and a princess willing to risk all to save her kingdom. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
The Great Hunt is the very first book that I've ever read by the talented Wendy Higgins. I have been wanting to read something by her for forever, and I actually have her Sweet trilogy sitting on my shelf, just waiting for me to start it. Now that I've read The Great Hunt and know how awesome her writing is, I'm really looking forward to reading more by her soon!

There are so many characters that I love in this story. Aerity, princess of Lochlanach, was a wonderful princess. She was very much head-strong and determined, and willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her kingdom. Paxton was also very strong-willed, and was willing to do whatever he needed to do to keep his family safe and provided for. Aerity and Paxton didn't exactly get off to a great start, but once they did, they were a really great team. I loved both of these characters, and for so many different reasons.

There were also a lot of secondary characters in the novel that I loved as well, like Aerity's cousin, Wyneth, and her sister, Vixie, and Paxton's brother, Tiern. They were all so well written! And with as many characters as you will love, the story also comes a few that you will grow to hate. Read the book so you can meet these characters, I dare you to.

The storyline for the book was very creative. The idea that magic was illegal and that there were strange beasts terrorizing the kingdom definitely kept me entertained. This story was inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale “The Singing Bone,” which I have not read, but having read this retelling, I definitely want to check out in the future, as well as some of their other tales. I'm definitely curious!

Overall; The Great Hunt was a very entertaining read! I enjoyed the characters and the storyline so much, and I'm anxiously awaiting the second book in this duology, which is currently unnamed, but due to release in 2017. I also can't wait to get started on Wendy's Sweet trilogy as well, and I hope it's great!!

Waiting On Wednesday #207 - The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins

The Great Hunt
by Wendy Higgins
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: March 8th 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780062381330



Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Kill the beast. Win the girl.

A strange beast stirs fear in the kingdom of Lochlanach, terrorizing towns with its brutality and hunger. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.

Princess Aerity understands her duty to the kingdom though it pains her to imagine marrying a stranger. It would be foolish to set her sights on any particular man in the great hunt, but when a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention, there’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.

Paxton is not keen on marriage. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast and protecting his family—yet Princess Aerity continues to challenge his notions with her unpredictability and charm. But as past secrets collide with present desires, dire choices threaten everything Paxton holds dear.

Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale, “The Singing Bone,” New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, outlawed magic, and a princess willing to risk all to save her people. (Goodreads)

Squeeeeee!! I absolutely love retellings, and this one sounds awesome!!
I have all of Wendy's previous books, but I haven't had a chance to read them yet.
I've heard great things, and I'm hoping to get to them soon!
The Great Hunt sounds absolutely fantastic! I can't wait to have it in my hands! :)

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**