Ingrid Paulson

I'll admit that I chose Valkyrie Rising because I was looking for something a little bit different than what I had been reading. I was intrigued by the setting and definitely by the idea of the plot. The rich setting of Norway sounded like a perfect place to weave a tale. Plus I mean, Valkyries? Kick-ass female warriors? Yes please. I was ready to be wowed.

It didn't take me long to totally adore Ellie, the main character. Constantly in the shadow of her older brother, Ellie is overprotected and unsure of herself. All she really wants is for something exciting to happen. Something new. She gets her wish! When the action picks up, and the Valkyries come into play, it's hard to stop reading. I loved watching Ellie discover her true self and couldn't help but root for her to embrace it.

Oh, and the romance of course! I can't forget to share that. I won't spoil, but I will say that this was such a sweet build up. Slow, steady, and downright adorable. This is the type of love that grows and begs to be fulfilled. I found myself wanting to shake Ellie and let her know that the perfect guy was right in front of her if only she looked! I won't delve too far, since I want you to discover it for yourself, but it's so worth it.

The setting was perfection, the plot was evenly paced, and to be honest I read through Valkyrie Rising so quickly that I was left wishing I had another book in my hands to follow it up with. It looks like this is shaping up to be a series, and I sincerely hope so! I found a lot to love in Ingrid Paulson's writing. This was a breath of fresh Norse air, and I can't wait for more.… (mere)

Elsa, Warrior Princess, finds herself in Norway. Who doesn't love a Norse mythology book? Apparently me.

You are looking at an average teen drama. Romance, eye-rolling dialogue, angst and self-doubt. Elsa is spending the summer with her kick-ass grandmother in Norway. Conveniently, her crush is tagging along by way of her big brother. Can you feel the tension? I know I could. When she arrives she begins to discover the power within her. Elsa is a Valkyrie, and a pretty powerful one, just like her grandmother. When the town is in trouble, she and her grandmother team up to save the world. Lots of potential here to tell an interesting story but it got lost in the teen angst. A pity, because I saw glimpses of a good story along the way. But Ellie's character was too whiny and meek for me, and her transformation fell flat. Loki and her grandmother were interesting, but the rest just missed the mark.

In the end, it was just ok. 2 stars.… (mere)

Why I Loathe Sterling Lane was so much fun to read! It's got everything in it that makes enemies-to-lovers so much fun to read: snarky comebacks, laugh out loud one-upmanship, surprise kisses, and partial public nudity--really, what more could one want? ;)

When Harper and her 537 Rules (yes, she capitalizes it--Every. Time.) meet chronic rule-breaker and smoother-than-a-politician truth stretcher Sterling, brace yourself for impact. Their prank war was absolutely epic (and really makes me want to do some experimenting with a classic British Mini Cooper and Mini Moe #2's future dorm room--though if that one didn't work, I'd be beyond bummed. Surely the author did her research there?) I loved that Sterling, Cole, Kendall, and Parker were able to help Harper to finally loosen up and start living her life--almost as much as I adored the fact that his competition with Harper in turn inspired Sterling to start making more of an effort in life. A true example of opposites bringing out the best in each other. As Kendall puts it, "The two of you are just--bizarrely, diametrically opposite, but that makes you fit together somehow."

Truth.

I will absolutely sign up to see whatever Ms. Paulson has in store for us next! Her unique writing style kept me turning the pages, highlighting passages and reading out loud to random passersby, dying to see what Harper and Sterling Lane were going to do next.

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.… (mere)