Vanilla Queens Dream Reads #3 & Giveaway

With just a few days until the release of Boundless; one of our most anticipated reads. We have our copies pre-ordered and just are nervously waiting for our postman to arrive with our beautiful copies. We thought we’d do a joint post on our thoughts on the series so far. If you haven’t read the series already, our post may contain a few spoilers.

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfil her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

Favourite book in the series so far.

Rachel: I’m so torn, because I loved the development of Tucker and Clara’s romance in Unearthly, but I think Hallowed is my favorite so far. The story is fleshed out so much more in Hallowed and we get so many answers. Plus, there’s conflict with the romance and MAJOR sadness. I know, how can I love sadness in a book? Well, it’s just that my emotions were pulled all over the place and it really made me feel!!

Jasprit: Unearthly. This book seriously knocked my socks off. I remember at the time I was super crazy with work, I had about a million other things going on, but every second I got I spent with this book. I remember all my Goodreads friends were on this huge high, as the release of Hallowed was just around the corner and once again I was totally out of the loop (the story of my life). But I managed to devour my copy in two days and was left wanting so much more.

What do you like most about the Unearthly series?

Rachel: I love the characters and relationships, they’re so well done. Each character is facing their own personal dilemma, whether they’re human or part-angel, and the depth this brings out in them is fascinating. The romance is pulling me in every direction, because this is one hell of a love-triangle! I’m not a fan of love-triangles, but for some reason it works in this series. I’m going to be torn up with either choice that’s made, because I’m attached to both Christian and Tucker. The angel world and lore is also quite good and the plot is compelling. I just find that this story stands out in every way when compared to other angel stories.  

Jasprit: I like the fact that it’s so different from the paranormal angel books out there. I remember at the time I was going through my long term paranormal funk, where I was suffering from a complete paranormal burnout, so I was super wary about giving Unearthly a try. But Cynthia Hand just took the angel aspect to a whole another level, she surprised me profusely that I wanted more of Cynthia’s work straight away. Also for the first time ever, there was a love triangle that didn’t have me cringing.

Who do you want Clara to end up with?

Rachel: In Unearthly, hands down I was Team Tucker all the way! Christian commits the one of the biggest of guy/boyfriend blunders in Unearthly: He leaves Clara, his date, at the prom to take his ex-girlfriend home!!! MORON!! So, at that point I crossed him off my list, and Tucker took up residence in my heart completely. Cynthia Hand had to go and blow all this out of the water in Hallowed. I got to know Christian better and it was evident that he and Clara together would make a perfect match.  With all that said, Tucker is still my first choice, but only by a hair! My heart is going to break for whoever is not picked. Oh, the heartache that’s sure to come!    

Jasprit: This is so tough! In Unearthly I was all team Tucker, with his dimple/dimples and teasing demeanour what’s not to love? But then in Hallowed Christian just seriously upped his game, all this charm, wit and loveable side emerged that I didn’t even know existed. He completely rocked the boat that I felt so torn between Tucker and Christian. But if I’m forced to choose then I’m going for Tucker.

Favourite cover:

Rachel: Well, it’s going to be an Aussie cover, obviously! They’re gorgeous. The Aussie Boundless cover is my favorite. Just as a side note, wasn’t Clara’s hair blond in Hallowed? The Aussie cover shows it red. Maybe I’m wrong. 

Jasprit: The Aussie series is just gorgeous, Aussie covers always seem to shine above the rest, and I definitely think they’ve outdone themselves. The US covers are a close second; I love how they’re themed so similarly. And lastly the UK covers, in comparison to the others I have no clue what’s going on here. My all time favourite cover has to be the Aussie Boundless cover; I could stare at it all day.

Aussie covers

UK covers

US covers

What are you most looking forward to in Boundless?

Rachel: Answers! I have to know how this whole purpose thing will work out. Is Angela evil? What about Clara’s brother? And, most importantly: Who does Clara end up with?!! I’m on pins and needles, here!

Jasprit: Like Rachel said I need ANSWERS! Hallowed didn’t end in a major cliffhanger or anything, but there’s still so much that I need to know. But my main priority is finding out who Clara is going to end up with, Tucker or Christian. The suspense is just killing me!

Who else is excited for Boundless? We've decided to give away one copy to one of our lucky followers, the giveaway is international as long as The Book Depository ships to you. Full list of countries can be found here. And the giveaway will be open for a week. Good luck everyone! Until then you can enjoy watching the Boundless trailer below.

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