Tag Archives: Sarah Noffke

#Review – #Ren – Ren: The Monster Inside the Monster (Ren Series #3) by Sarah Noffke

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synopsis

Ren Lewis, who has faced every danger known to man, is about to meet a challenge he’s convinced has the power to undo him. When he discovers that his daughter, Adelaide, has been hiding a pregnancy he goes into hiding himself. Having a daughter was one catastrophe he struggled with. But now, being expected to welcome her baby into his home is not something Ren knows how to assimilate into his life. With a new ferocity he throws himself into his work in order to avoid family responsibility. And there’s enough work to keep him occupied with Vivian Bishop trying to infiltrate American homes, intent on controlling and manipulating their residents. Ren soon realizes that Vivian is his perfect enemy. She’s strategic, brilliant and stunningly beautiful.

In this third and final installment, the monster in Ren will have to do the unspeakable. He will have to evolve. Nothing in his life can be approached employing any of the strategies he’s used before. The evolution of Ren might be his undoing, but it might also be the one thing that brings him real happiness.

 

TBR

Goodreads

 

Buy Links

Amazon

 

kellys review

Ren is a LEGEND! Nothing more, nothing less. This is an incredibly epic story. This is one of my top favorite series EVER! Ren has made many appearances in Sarah Noffke’s books. He has always remained so mysterious but you know there is so much more going on with him. I ached to find out what made him the man he is. I asked and I received. So, enough about my random ramblings….here is my review.

Adelaide is pregnant!!!! She is having a baby and Ren is going to be a grandpa. Oh this is going to be a treat. Adelaide is so much like her father it’s not funny (well, maybe it is). Dahlia is handling everything with a grain of salt and has left for work. Ren has immersed himself into his work. Adelaide is trying to figure herself out. Ren is trying to find Vivian (our villain) and figure out her angle. Low and behold, he atually knows her from way back when. She was a student of his. Now there may be a mole within the Lucidites Institute. Ren and his department are on the lookout and Ren is working with Aiden on some new technology. In the meantime Adelaide has gone into labor and has had some complications. She is having issues with her emotions with the entire parenting issue.

These characters have evolved in the past stories and continue to evolve with this story. The characters become a part of you. A part of you that stays with you. As they work through their emotions (and they are tough but relatable emotions) it really makes you feel for them as if they are real people. For an author to evoke this feeling in you is absolutely priceless.

“Dahlia has just come around and accepted that I have a daughter. We’re back together. Adelaide makes sense in my life now. I mean, as much sense as a dog giving birth to kittens. But still I was starting to accept this bizarre fate I’ve been delivered. And now Adelaide has ruined it. Ruined it by breeding. By f***ing up her future. Weighing herself down with a burden. She had so much potential. The potential to become an elite agent for the Lucidites. But now, now she has a monster inside of her. One that’s going to f**k up our lives.”

“You think we’re cursed with these powers. I don’t disagree with you. But what you miss with your faulty reasoning is we’re not cursed with powers, we’re cursed to be great. That’s a lot of pressure. I get that. I feel that way, and yet I have to accept it.”

“I, Ren Lewis, was unselfish, maybe for the first time. It’s hard to know since selfless acts are about as easy to qualify as cloud shapes.”

In Revived, Lucidites book 3, Roya says “Most things aren’t awesome. The Milky Way is awesome. Niagara Falls is awesome. But a pair of shoes isn’t awesome. A side of fries isn’t awesome. Neither is a new hairdo or most other things that are described using that word.” Well, my friends…Ren is AWESOME! That is all there is to it. A huge round of applause to Sarah Noffke for finishing Ren’s series in the most epic way possible. A huge thank you for keeping me entertained! I am crossing my fingers hoping he continues to cameo in other stories. Perfection!

 

about the author

9830676

Sarah Noffke writes YA & NA sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian. She is the author of the Lucidites, Reverians, Ren, and Vagabond Circus series. She’s been everything from a corporate manager to a hippie. Her taste for adventure has taken her all over the world. If you can’t find her at the gym, then she’s probably at the frozen yogurt shop. If you can’t find her there then she probably doesn’t want to be found. She is a self-proclaimed hermit, with spontaneous urges to socialize during full moons and when Mercury is in retrograde. Sarah lives in Central California with her family.

#Review #NewRelease – Ren: God’s Little Monster by Sarah Noffke

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synopsis

Ren Lewis has the life he’s always wanted: the perfect woman and the perfect job as an agent for the Lucidites, fixing problems before they happen. And yet, he’s still miserable. He blames the monster buried inside of him for his problems. But what this redheaded Brit doesn’t realize is his life is about to be intensely transformed. Problems that he never could have fathomed begin to surface one at a time until his life quickly spirals out of control. Ren, who has never considered himself quite human, is about to learn just how flawed and vulnerable he really is. There just might be problems he doesn’t have answers for, villains he can’t defeat alone, and a heart in his chest that is actually capable of breaking. Readers witness a new side to this man, a side that will make him, if for only an instant, appear human. This powerful genius will meet his match. And she has the ability to do something special. She can break Ren Lewis.

TBR

Goodreads

kellys review

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*

Ren is baaaaack! And what a surprise! Oh. My. Gods. Ren is the snarky, red-headed man with the “I don’t care about anyone” attitude that we all love to hate. He does not disappoint…not even a little bit.

Ren is working for the Lucidites, the dream travelers who are all about helping humanity. Ren has come to terms that if he is going to have his “curse” he may as well use it for something good. He and Dahlia are working on their relationship. Both very much in love with themselves and in love with the misery they miss when they are without the each other. This is the only spoiler I am going to give. Are you ready for it? The bombshell??? Ren has a daughter! Adelaide! She is so much like her father. But Adelaide being in his life has upset Dahlia and their relationship is put to the test. Adelaide is a teenager but Ren takes her in to help her, not because he wants to have her in his life but he is afraid of the damage she can do with her powers if she is not taught. And so the journey begins with Ren and his daughter. In the midst of everything there are kidnappings occurring to other dream travelers and they are causing a chaos of sorts. Ren is trying to deal with his cases, his daughter, his love life, and his health. Ren is seriously put to the test but this story is so amazing! Witty, fun, and action packed! Can’t wait for more!!!!

“I’ve been in hiding for almost two decades,” I say. “So excuse me for not being around to tell you to slit your throat before you created a huge problem. It’s never too late and that’s my advice. You’re dangerous and should just off yourself and save us all the trouble.”

“You’re kind of fun, you know, like a snowball fight, chilly and piercing but still entertaining”

“I’m afraid of being out there,” she says, pointing to the window, meaning the world. I nod again. I acutely remember having those same fears. It’s hard being in a world that doesn’t understand me and that I can so easily break. It’s a wretched combination, like God was hoping I’d try and destroy his world and was just testing my self-control.

So, Ren has a daughter that is soooooo much like him. It’s incredibly endearing how they are wearing each other down. Ren is still Ren, but you see him starting to change…a softer, snarkier Ren.

Sarah Noffke, if you’re out there and reading this, I NEED MORE REN!

Melinda's Review

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

I absolutely LOVE Ren and was thrilled when I found out this was going to be a series. He is the guy you love to hate. He has attitude and does not hold back when he doesn’t like you or if he as something on his mind (just ask Aiden or John). He is in a good place right now he works for the Lucidites and has Dahlia but it is ingrained in him to be miserable. He wants more complicated files but due to his health issues Trey is keeping him away from high stress assignments. Did I tell you we get to see Dr. Raydon if you read Sarah Noffke’s series the Vagabond Circus you may remember him. Yes, Aiden and Roya form the Lucitites series also make an appearance. I love that Sarah entwines characters from her other series. Sorry got side tracked OK back the Review. Things are going good for Ren until someone comes knocking at his door and completely tilts Ren’s world. Dahlia leaves him and he is left to deal with what’s standing on his doorstep alone.

It was great to see a new side to Ren although we do not see it often when we do its great. Ren is trying to deal with his assignments and the changes in his life all while having Trey on him about his personal health issues. I cannot reveal much more without giving spoilers.  However, there are twists (oh sooo many great twists), great plot and even had me cracking up.  I love Ren and his snarky, sarcastic, and funny sides but enjoyed seeing his softer caring side in this book. I cannot wait for the next book I need to know who is behind Ren’s assignments and to know how things are going to go in his personal life.

A few of my favorite lines:

“What are you smiling about?” I say. “You’re kind of fun, you know, like a snowball fight, chilly and piercing but still entertaining.” She says. “I’m not fun at all. Ask anyone. They’ll tell you.”

“Well living on sleeping pills isn’t an option for you. So you have two alternatives. You can learn to dream travel properly so you don’t create disturbances while sleeping. Or you can off yourself. Your call,” I say. “You don’t have many friends, do you.”

“Happy people are the worst.” She says, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “The majority of them have no bloody reason for being happy. If most people really saw themselves for the rejects they are they’d wipe that stupid grin off their face.”

 

Buy-Links

Amazon

about-the-author

9830676

Sarah Noffke writes YA & NA sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian. She is the author of the Lucidites, Reverians, Ren, and Vagabond Circus series. She’s been everything from a corporate manager to a hippie. Her taste for adventure has taken her all over the world. If you can’t find her at the gym, then she’s probably at the frozen yogurt shop. If you can’t find her there then she probably doesn’t want to be found. She is a self-proclaimed hermit, with spontaneous urges to socialize during full moons and when Mercury is in retrograde. Sarah lives in Central California with her family.

Paralyzed (Vagabond Circus #2) by Sarah Noffke

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synopsis

When the worst case scenario befalls the Vagabond Circus, Zuma knows she must ensure it doesn’t fall to doom. Titus’s job is to guarantee the show goes on, while the acrobats seek to avenge and rescue. Jack has no idea that he’s about to levitate himself into a deadly situation, and only Zuma and Finley can save him from a threat unlike what most have ever encountered. In this second whimsical and dark installment of the Vagabond Circus tale, the reader learns just how the ringmaster, Dr. Dave Raydon, rescued everyone in his troupe and also brought love and treasures into their lives. The unveiling of this history only brings more mystery as the true enemy to Vagabond Circus is unveiled. Charles Knight isn’t an evil man with a deadly agenda. He’s the worst kind of human being and he won’t stop until he’s ruined everyone and everything that the ringmaster loves. Paralyzed is an episodic ride that unravels the pieces of this fantasy circus one act at a time.

 

TBR

Goodreads

 

kellys review

Oh. My. Gods. The circus is still in town! This is a one of a kind sequel with the perfect tragedy, mysterious villain, that is full of fragile moments of love, sacrifice, and pain, but with the most perfect ending that left me absolutely speechless. There were many moments that made me laugh, kept me on edge, and twisted my heart. Sarah Noffke writes tragedy so good it hurts. By the time the story gets to the end I was so twisted inside…and then left with my mouth hanging wide open! I sat here thinking “What did you do to me?” and while I sat contemplating the hate mail that I wanted to send to the author for another jaw dropping cliffhanger…I took a deep breathe and decided that I will wait (im)patiently for Released to come out because, in true Sarah Noffke fashion, the ending will blow you away!

While the Vagabond Circus is trying to grieve the death of the beloved ringmaster, Finley and Zuma chase after Jack who is going to Knight’s compound to try and avenge the ringmaster’s death. Zuma is extremely upset with Finley and is really trying to punish him. The constant banter between Finley and Zuma in the car ride and seeing them breaking down each others walls was the best. We are introduced to Zuma’s family and Jack’s family. Both are very different and incredible in very different ways. But the story, the story is so much more. It revolves around the entire circus. We get to see snippets about how the ringmaster’s death affect everyone. The tightrope is unraveling and people are feeling helpless everywhere. And so many secrets! Then Boom! THE END! And that’s when I became speechless.

“But what Zuma always discounted was that life didn’t continuously unfold in logical ways. Dave often reminded her of that. Life is full of magic and if you try and explain it all then you lose the opportunity for bewilderment, which is a beautiful thing, he often told her.”

“Zuma reasoned that it was only because in her purest of hearts she had to admit that loving Finley was completely and absolutely unavoidable. She hadn’t forgiven Finley and didn’t know when that would happen, but even after everything she knew she loved him. Loved him with something so pure that it couldn’t be stopped. She’d tried to stop herself from loving him, but it was like changing the rotation of the Earth or snuffing out stars with a single thought. It just couldn’t be done. Such things were the natural order of life. Predators hunt prey. Night precedes morning. Zuma loves Finley.”

“Today we remember the man who brought magic back to this world by lighting a spark in all of you. You are all his legacy. You are the magic of Vagabond Circus.”

I. Can. Not. Wait. For. Released.

Incredible series that is sure to suck you in like gravity. Be prepared to be mesmerized!

Ok, you read the review…what are you waiting for? Go get this book!

 

Buy-Links

Amazon

B&N

 

about-the-author

9830676

Sarah Noffke writes YA & NA sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian. She is the author of the Lucidites, Reverians, Ren, and Vagabond Circus series. She’s been everything from a corporate manager to a hippie. Her taste for adventure has taken her all over the world. If you can’t find her at the gym, then she’s probably at the frozen yogurt shop. If you can’t find her there then she probably doesn’t want to be found. She is a self-proclaimed hermit, with spontaneous urges to socialize during full moons and when Mercury is in retrograde. Sarah lives in Central California with her family.

Review – Paralyzed (Vagabond Circus Book 2) by Sarah Noffke

28536401

synopsis

When the worst case scenario befalls the Vagabond Circus, Zuma knows she must ensure it doesn’t fall to doom. Titus’s job is to guarantee the show goes on, while the acrobats seek to avenge and rescue. Jack has no idea that he’s about to levitate himself into a deadly situation, and only Zuma and Finley can save him from a threat unlike what most have ever encountered. In this second whimsical and dark installment of the Vagabond Circus tale, the reader learns just how the ringmaster, Dr. Dave Raydon, rescued everyone in his troupe and also brought love and treasures into their lives. The unveiling of this history only brings more mystery as the true enemy to Vagabond Circus is unveiled. Charles Knight isn’t an evil man with a deadly agenda. He’s the worst kind of human being and he won’t stop until he’s ruined everyone and everything that the ringmaster loves. Paralyzed is an episodic ride that unravels the pieces of this fantasy circus one act at a time.

Melinda's Review

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

If you have not read Suspended STOP right hear…Hurry go one click it …go now. You will want to read it first. Paralyzed starts were Suspended left off. What will the circus do without the glue that held it together is no longer there? How will the circus go on with the acrobats missing?

Jack took off on a mission and now it is up to Finley and Zuma to find him and save him. Jack has no idea what he is dropping in on. Finley knows but doesn’t want to let Zuma in on it. Zuma tries to get Finley to trust her enough to let her in. However, Finley struggles to let her help and allow her in because his past is a dark one.

There were a few secrets that Finley let Zuma in on that surprised me even. I have to say I loved the scenes with Zuma’s family. Her sister was a hoot and her brother oh my. All three of them are so different. I have to say the thing Zuma does to help protect Jack from his family’s hurtfulness had me shaking my head. What was she thinking? Poor Finley cannot catch a break. Meanwhile, back at the circus they are all grieving trying to deal with what is happening. Titus is trying to pull it together and go on but not sure how he can do it.

The ending all I can say is hold onto your Top Hat because things at the circus has been flipped upside down. Sarah has such a way of making you feel paralyzed and suspended in midair at the end of this one. I need to have the third book now!

A few of my favorite lines:

she was pretty certain over the next few days they were going to tear each other’s hearts in pieces when she knew all they wanted was to love one another.

“Why won’t you tell me what the curse was about?” she said, her voice suddenly calmer, restrained. “Because I’m and asshole, Zuma, that’s why,” Finley said.
Life is full of magic and if you try and explain it all then you lose the opportunity for bewilderment, which is a beautiful thing.

Zuma didn’t feel whole anymore but rather melted into the person beside her, like they were one. It was a terrifyingly freeing feeling and the point that those two ideas could exist as one confounded every part of both their beings. Zuma could see nothing. Feel nothing. But she had a knowingness so pure and rich she didn’t question it. She was his. And the person all around her belonged to her as much as she belonged to him. There were one.

it struck Zuma how loving Finley could be, especially for not having given affection all his life. It was like the act of unconditional love was somehow in his DNA. He was truly a marvel to her she realized as she watched him walk away.

Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QcT1kd

about the author

Sarah Noffke

Sarah Noffke writes YA & NA sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian. She is the author of the Lucidites, Reverians, Ren, and Vagabond Circus series. She’s been everything from a corporate manager to a hippie. Her taste for adventure has taken her all over the world. If you can’t find her at the gym, then she’s probably at the frozen yogurt shop. If you can’t find her there then she probably doesn’t want to be found. She is a self-proclaimed hermit, with spontaneous urges to socialize during full moons and when Mercury is in retrograde. Sarah lives in Central California with her family.

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