BLOG TOUR: Pug Actually by Matt Dunn

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Pug Actually by Matt Dunn. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Matt Dunn for letting me be a part of this cute tour!

Title: Pug Actually

Author: Matt Dunn

Published by: MIRA

Released: June 29, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy through Netgalley from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: Not all heroes wear capes. Some of them wear collars. 

A Dog’s Purpose meets The Happy Ever After Playlist in this charming, pitch-perfect take on relationships as seen through the eyes of a wise pug named Doug, who is determined to play cupid to fix his owner’s love life with his own four paws.

Doug wants his rescuer, Julie, to be happy. He is loyal and loves her unconditionally—two things that can’t be said about Julie’s married boss and lover, Luke. Yet Julie is reluctant to break up, afraid to end up like her eccentric cat-owning neighbor. It’s a prospect that horrifies Doug, too.

Newly divorced Tom, on the other hand, is perfect for Julie. Everyone can see it—except for Julie and Tom. Doug is confident that with his help they will get over their initial animosity toward each other.

As Doug humorously navigates the quirks of human relationships, he knows he can’t give up on Julie—after all, being a “rescue” works both ways.  (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I'm a sucker for a book with a dog, so as soon as I saw that pug on the cover, I knew I had to read it. This was a cute story. Cute, cute, cute! It's written from the point of view of Doug the Dog, who is determined to give his owner Julie a happily ever after. Doug does his best to steer his owner to an ideal match. It's definitely a unique story, because I don't think I've ever read something entirely from the point of view of an animal.

This book is very sweet and fun. Julie hasn't made the best decisions when it comes to her love life. She's hooking up with her married boss, which isn't smart on any level. It does take Julie a little bit to smarten up and look for someone more suitable. She's scared of being alone for the rest of her life, but I don't know why she thinks a married man who has power over her is a good choice. She definitely needs a lot of help from Doug.

I do like Tom, and it was fun to see how Doug plays Cupid. This story is very cute, very fun. It has an adorable little dog. It's a great read if you're wanting something sweet. I'd definitely say pick it up.

Matt Dunn's romantic comedy novels include The Ex-Boyfriend’s Handbook (shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award and the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance), A Day at the Office (an Amazon #1 bestseller across several categories), Thirteen Dates (shortlisted for the Romantic Comedy of the Year Award), and Kindle #1 Bestseller At The Wedding. He’s also written about life and love for The Times, Guardian, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle, and The Sun.

Thank you for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Pug Actually by Matt Dunn. Thanks so much to MIRA and Matt Dunn for giving me the opportunity to read and review this cute little book. If it sounds good to you, I'd definitely grab it. Just look at that cute puppy!

SPOTLIGHT + PAPERBACK RELEASE: With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt

 I am excited to be a part of a Spotlight Tour celebrating the release of the paperback version of With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt! I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Algonquin Books and Caroline Leavitt for giving me the chance to share it with you!

Title: With or Without You

Author: Caroline Leavitt

Published by: Algonquin Books

Released: June 29, 2021 (Paperback Copy)

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis:  New York Times bestselling author Caroline Leavitt writes novels that expertly explore the struggles and conflicts that people face in their search for happiness. For the characters in With or Without You, it seems at first that such happiness can come only at someone else’s expense. Stella is a nurse who has long suppressed her own needs and desires to nurture the dreams of her partner, Simon, the bass player for a rock band that has started to lose its edge. But when Stella gets unexpectedly ill and falls into a coma just as Simon is preparing to fly with his band to Los Angeles for a gig that could revive his career, Simon must learn the meaning of sacrifice, while Stella’s best friend, Libby, a doctor who treats Stella, must also make a difficult choice as the coma wears on.

When Stella at last awakes from her two-month sleep, she emerges into a striking new reality where Simon and Libby have formed an intense bond, and where she discovers that she has acquired a startling artistic talent of her own: the ability to draw portraits of people in which she captures their innermost feelings and desires. Stella’s whole identity, but also her role in her relationships, has been scrambled, and she has the chance to form a new life, one she hadn’t even realized she wanted. 

A story of love, loyalty, loss, and resilience, With or Without You is a page-turner that asks the question, What do we owe the other people in our lives, and when does the cost become too great? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

Caroline Leavitt is the award-winning author of twelve novels, including the New York Times bestsellers Pictures of You and Is This Tomorrow. Her essays and stories have been included in New York magazine, Psychology Today, More, Parenting, Redbook, and Salon. She’s a book critic for People, the Boston Globe, and the San Francisco Chronicle, and she teaches writing online at Stanford and UCLA.

Thank you for checking out my Spotlight Post for With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt, celebrating the release of the paperback copy. If you like paperbacks, books, or stories, I'd definitely recommend giving it a read. Thanks so much to Algonquin Books and Caroline Leavitt for letting me be a part of this tour!

Reading Right Now! (301)

 This week was busy and it felt like Monday was forever ago, but at the same time, I can't believe it's Friday. I need to get to sleep earlier, but here I am after midnight writing this post. Anyway, that's not what you guys care about.

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

Dim Sum of All Fears (A Noodle Shop Mystery #2) by Vivien Chien -- So, this is Book 2 in a cozy mystery series featuring Lana Lee. She works at her parents' Chinese Restaurant located in Asia Village somewhere in Ohio. She always finds herself getting involved in solving crimes. This time, her new friend Isabelle and Isabelle's husband are killed in the shop next door. At first it looks like a murder/suicide, but other things might be at play. Lana is struggling with losing her friend and decides to find out what happened.

I like this. It keeps me entertained. I like the characters. I do wish for maybe a little more romance between Lana and Detective Trudeau, because they are just taking things very slow. I also enjoy the accuracy of the bickering sisters relationship. No one can push your buttons quite like a sister can. I have no idea who-done-it with this mystery. This is a good one. I'm over 60% finished, so I think I could have this one finished soon.

Also, the paperback copy I'm reading is really nice and floppy, and it's a mass market size paperback. It's so satisfying.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

BLOG TOUR: The House Guests by Emilie Richards

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The House Guests by Emilie Richards. I received a free electronic copy for honest review. Thanks so much to MIRA and Emilie Richards for letting me be a part of this thrilling tour and giving me the chance to read this one.

Title: The House Guests

Author: Emilie Richards

Published by: MIRA

Released: June 29, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: Two women. Two families. Two lifetimes' worth of secrets. 

In the wake of her husband’s sudden death, Cassie Costas finds her relationship with her teenage stepdaughter unraveling. After their move to historic Tarpon Springs, Florida, Savannah hates her new town, her school and most of all her stepmom, whom she blames for her father’s death. Cassie has enough to contend with as she searches for answers about the man she shared a life with, including why all their savings have disappeared.

When Savannah’s rebellion culminates in an act that leaves single mother Amber Blair and her sixteen-year-old son homeless, Cassie empathizes with the woman’s predicament and invites the strangers to move in. As their lives intertwine, Cassie realizes that Amber is hiding something. She’s evasive about her past, but the fear in her eyes tells a darker story. Cassie wonders what the woman living under her roof is running from…and what will happen if it finally catches up to her. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This hooked me very quickly and I enjoyed the journey it took me on. It was the perfect summer book of secrets to sink my teeth into. It was a story that kept my attention the whole way through. I wanted to know just what was going on and I did care about the mothers and children I was reading about.

This book had just the right amount of intrigue, but it was also a very human story. There were definitely secrets that were being kept.

I really enjoyed the writing style and the way the story progressed. Emilie Richards did a good job. I'd definitely read more of her books.

I'd definitely say give The House Guests by Emilie Richards a read. It's a good story and I don't think you'd be disappointed.

Emilie Richards is the USA Today bestselling author of seventy plus novels in several different genres including romance, mystery and women's fiction. Published in more than twenty-one countries and sixteen languages, her most recent novel is The House Guests, a June 2021 trade paperback and hardcover release from Mira Books. She's won the RITA from Romance Writers of America and multiple awards from RT Book Reviews, including one for career achievement. Ten of her books have been made into television movies in Germany. 

Emilie finds relationships of all kinds intriguing and perplexing, and exploring that great diversity of possibilities is her passion. Having lived in nine states and briefly in Australia, she's also determined to discover how the places we live help make us the people we are.

Right now Emilie divides her time between Sarasota, Florida and Chautauqua, New York, when she and her husband aren't visiting their four children and grandchildren.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The House Guests by Emilie Richards. Thanks so much to MIRA and Emilie Richards for letting me be a part of this fun tour. I'd definitely recommend grabbing this one and giving it a read. It's a great way to bring the suspense to summer.

Reading Right Now! (300)

 300! I can't believe that I've done 300 of these. I hope you enjoy them, because I do enjoy doing them. I know I don't have a huge audience, that I'm mainly doing this because I enjoy it, but I still thank every one of you that stick around.

So, What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

 

The One by John Marrs -- I got this book from Netgalley for honest review from the publisher quite a while ago and I also checked out a physical copy from my library. This has been out for a while, because I suck at reading review books on time. 

I've been interested in this book for a little bit. The premise is just so intriguing. Take a DNA test and find your perfect match, the person that is the perfect one for you genetically. I saw the Netflix show when it came out, and I enjoyed it, but I really wanted to see how the book was. This is different from the show. It has some of the same story lines, just done a little differently, but the book has so much more! The show really only focuses on three matches I guess. It's mainly focused on the founder of the company and how she got there, a married couple where curiosity about the test gets the better of one of them, and a cop who is matched with someone who is not all that she seems.

This book has 5 perspectives. That's a lot. And this book is wild, crazy. There's so much stuff going on. I will say, it's definitely not a love story. You might think it could be, but all of these matches seem to have one problem or another. It's really fun to read.

The only thing that's not too fun is, we follow five people and their chapters each happen in the same order. The chapters usually end with some kind of cliffhanger, and then you have to go through the other four perspectives before you get the answer. It's hard not to skip ahead to find out the answer (I might have done that, I couldn't help it).

I like it.

 

Neon Gods by Katee Robert -- I got this book for honest review from Netgalley and the Publisher and I'm really excited I got the chance to read it. This is already out. This is a Hades and Persephone Romance and it's HOT HOT HOT! It is addicting. Not something I would read in public, because you never know who's going to read over your shoulder. I'm really liking this. Not for the kiddies, just for the adults.

 

And that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading this weekend? 

Review: Mirka Andolfo's Mercy: The Fair Lady, the Frost, and the Fiend by Mirka Andolfo

 

Title: Mirka Andolfo's Mercy: The Fair Lady, the Frost, and the Fiend

Written and Illustrated by: Mirka Andolfo

Published by: Image Comics

Released: December 2020

Source: Library through Hoopla

 

Synopsis: MERCY, a goth-inspired, Victorian monster series explores topics of "otherness," damnation and redemption, and what it means to be a monster in a horror tale perfect for fans of Penny Dreadful, Crimson Peak, The Alienist, Parasol Protectorate, and Dark Shadows.

The new series by UNNATURAL's acclaimed creator MIRKA ANDOLFO is a gothic horror tale where mysteries and unspeakable sins are blend together in a unique and sensual way.

Washington State, late nineteenth century. During the frenzied historical era commonly known as the Klondike Gold Rush, a mysterious woman arrives in Woodsburgh, a small mining town close to the Canadian border.

It's been a few years since the Swanson mine was closed following the terrible accident that claimed the lives of so many men and women, included the owner's and the city it's still struggling in search for a new place on the map of the country.

Elegant and extraordinarily wealthy, Lady Hellaine arrives in the city accompanied by her faithful butler Goodwill and settles in one of the most luxurious mansions in town. A lifestyle that contrasts sharply with that of the majority of the population, forced to choose between humble crafts and illegal activities.

No one is aware of the reasons that led such a classy lady to move from Seattle to the small village, but her arrival certainly did not go unnoticed. Especially in the eyes of Lady Swanson, widow of the late mine owner and leading figure of the local bourgeoisie. Lady Hellaine's plans will bring her on a collision course with the powerful Lady Swanson, who, for reasons not entirely rational, distrusts the newcomer.

Meanwhile, the streets and surroundings of Woodsburgh are flooded in blood: a heinous creature is killing incautious citizens, wreaking havoc on their bodies. Enough to induce local authorities to impose a strict curfew after sunset.

And with the falling of the first snow, the "Woodsburgh Devil"'s fury seems to have even increased. What's the connection, if any, between this disturbing presence and the ivory-skinned stranger?

Who's Lady Hellaine, really? And what's her secret agenda? 

Collects MIRKA ANDOLFO'S MERCY #1-3  (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was very weird, but has beautiful artwork. Did I understand everything that was going on? No. Did I like looking at it? Yes. It almost had a Lovecraftian feel to it. It is very gory and gross. The story is interesting, but did get kind of confusing towards the end. I can't say I really understood all of it. The art was beautiful.
This is a very quick story too. It was contained in this one volume. It has a complete arc.
If you're a fan of horror, I'd definitely recommend checking this one out. It's pretty.

 

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5

Weird and Pretty

BLOG TOUR: Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey. I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for honest review. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and Kerry Winfrey for letting me be a part of this cute tour!

Title: Very Sincerely Yours

Author: Kerry Winfrey

Published by: Berkley Books

Released: June 15, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: A charming and heartwarming new romantic comedy by the author of Waiting for Tom Hanks, Kerry Winfrey.  

Teddy Phillips never thought she'd still be spending every day surrounded by toys at almost thirty years old. But working at a vintage toy store is pretty much all she has going on in her life after being unceremoniously dumped by her longtime boyfriend. The one joy that she's kept is her not-so-guilty pleasure: Everett's Place, a local children's show hosted by Everett St. James, a man whom Teddy finds very soothing . . . and, okay, cute.

Teddy finds the courage to write to him, feeling slightly like one of the children who write to him on his show. He always gives sound advice and seems like he has everything figured out--and he pretty much does: Everett has a great support system, wonderful friends, and his dream job. But there's still that persistent feeling in the back of his mind that something's missing.

When a woman named Theodora starts writing to Everett, he is drawn to her honesty and vulnerability. They continue writing to each other, all the while living their lives without meeting. When their worlds collide, however, they must both let go of their fears and figure out what they truly want--and if the future they want includes each other. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This is cute! Admittedly, a little bit of an odd crush to have, but I like that Teddy and Everett become pen pals, and then something more. The first thought that came to mind when I heard about the children's show Everett's Place was like a Blue's Clues situation. I just couldn't really imagine myself falling for Steve, writing to Steve. It's a me thing, but I don't tend to find childrens' television hosts attractive. Instead of being swept up in the magic of imagination, I just see grown people trying so hard to entertain children. That's a me thing though.

I thought this story was a good time. I can totally relate to being a grown-up and not knowing what to do with your life. I don't think Teddy should have any shame in working in a toy store, that sounds like a fun job. It does suck that Teddy's ex was such a jerk and that she tried so hard to make herself into what he wanted her to be. No girl needs that.

I liked how the relationship grew. I liked all the family that was introduced. This was just fun. I don't know if it's a romance that I'd swoon over, but it was very cute. I'd definitely say give it a read.

Kerry Winfrey writes romantic comedies for adults and teens. She is the author of Love and Other Alien Experiences, Things Jolie Needs to Do Before She Bites It, Waiting for Tom Hanks, and Not Like the Movies. When she’s not writing, she’s likely baking yet another pie or watching far too many romantic comedies. She lives with her husband, son, and dog in the middle of Ohio.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey. Thank you to Berkley Books and Kerry Winfrey for letting me be a part of this fun tour. I'd definitely recommend grabbing this one and giving it a read!

BLOG TOUR: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and India Holton for letting me be a part of this fun tour! Look for this one Tuesday.

Title: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels (#1)

Author: India Holton

Published by: Berkley Books

Released: June 15, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: A prim and proper lady thief must save her aunt from a crazed pirate and his dangerously charming henchman in this fantastical historical romance.

Cecilia Bassingwaite is the ideal Victorian lady. She's also a thief. Like the other members of the Wisteria Society crime sorority, she flies around England drinking tea, blackmailing friends, and acquiring treasure by interesting means. Sure, she has a dark and traumatic past and an overbearing aunt, but all things considered, it's a pleasant existence. Until the men show up.

Ned Lightbourne is a sometimes assassin who is smitten with Cecilia from the moment they meet. Unfortunately, that happens to be while he's under direct orders to kill her. His employer, Captain Morvath, who possesses a gothic abbey bristling with cannons and an unbridled hate for the world, intends to rid England of all its presumptuous women, starting with the Wisteria Society. Ned has plans of his own. But both men have made one grave mistake. Never underestimate a woman.

When Morvath imperils the Wisteria Society, Cecilia is forced to team up with her handsome would-be assassin to save the women who raised her--hopefully proving, once and for all, that she's as much of a scoundrel as the rest of them. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was such a fun time! I was initially pulled in by the really pretty cover (good job design team!). I love the wisteria purple color they used. GORGEOUS! I knew I had to read it once I read the synopsis. It just sounded like a lot of fun, and it was a lot of fun.

This book is pretty much a blast from start to finish. It has so much going on in it. There's thieves, pirates, regency romance! It has all the bells and whistles, it's fantastic. 

I had so much fun reading this. I'd say zany is a good word to describe it. You know you're in for a good time right with that opening scene, and it keeps up the good time throughout the whole book.

I can't wait to see what happens next. I like it a lot. More books like this one please.

India Holton lives in New Zealand, where she's enjoyed the typical Kiwi lifestyle of wandering around forests, living barefoot on islands, and messing about in boats. Now she lives in a cottage near the sea, writing books about unconventional women and charming rogues, and drinking far too much tea.

Thank you so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and India Holton for providing me with an advanced review copy and having me on the tour. Books like this are my candy, I want to read them all the time, and I want more of them! Look for this one on June 15.

BLOG TOUR: Legends of the North Cascades by Jonathan Evison

 I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Legends of the North Cascades by Jonathan Evison. I received a free advanced copy for honest review from the publisher. Thank you so much to Algonquin Books and Jonathan Evison for letting me be a part of this adventurous tour!

Title: Legends of the North Cascades

Author: Jonathan Evison

Published by: Algonquin Books

Released: June 8, 2021

Source: Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: Dave Cartwright has had enough. After three tours in Iraq he has come home to Vigilante Falls in Washington State only to find that he feels incapable of connecting to the people and the place that once defined him. Most days, his love for his seven-year-old daughter, Bella, is the only thing keeping him going. When tragedy strikes, Dave makes a dramatic decision: he will take Bella to live in a cave in the wilderness of the North Cascades.

So begins a compelling adventure, a story of a father and daughter attempting to cope with a breathtaking but harsh environment. Once they are settled in the cave, Bella retreats into a different world, that of a mother and son who had lived in that same space, but thousands of years before, at the end of last Ice Age. As the two dramas begin to merge, a timeless odyssey unfolds, both as a meditation on the perils of isolation and an exploration of humans' indelible struggle to survive.

Perfect for readers of Peter Heller's novels or Kristin Hannah's The Great Alone, Legends of the North Cascades is Jonathan Evison's return to sweeping, multicharacter narratives like his New York Times bestseller West of Here and is an immensely satisfying read. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This book was quite the ride and I definitely enjoyed going on the adventure. This novel explores a drastic decision Dave Cartwright has made about his life. Dave is suffering fro PTSD and finds his breaking point after a tragedy back home. He decides to leave society altogether and take his daughter Bella to live in the wilderness of the North Cascades.

Dave's decision doesn't make the most sense, but it's obvious that he's struggling. This journey really tests Dave and Bella. It could be tough to read at times, to understand Dave, but I did find myself glued to the story. It was an experience.

I didn't understand why Dave does all the stuff that he does, but I needed to know what was going to happen to him and his daughter. I have no real personal experience with PTSD, so I can't talk to how accurate that was. It was a compelling story though.

Legends of the North Cascades has a real kind of beauty to it. There's the beauty of finding where you belong, watching a father and daughter save each other, and just the beauty of the landscape. There's a danger that's mixed with all that beauty.

I thought this was a really well written and engaging story. I enjoyed my time reading it. I'd recommend it.

Jonathan Evison is the author of the novels All About Lulu, West of Here, The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving, This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance!, Lawn Boy, and Legends of the North Cascades. He lives with his wife and family in Washington State.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Legends of the North Cascades by Jonathan Evison. Thank you to Algonquin Books and Jonathan Evison for letting me be a part of this tour. I'd definitely recommend giving this a grab and  read.

BLOG TOUR: The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

 I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon. I received an advanced electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and H.E. Edgmon for letting me be a part of this tour.

Title: The Witch King (#1)

Author: H.E. Edgmon

Published by: Inkyard Press

Released: June 1, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: To save a fae kingdom, a trans witch must face his traumatic past and the royal fiancé he left behind. This debut YA fantasy will leave you spellbound.
Wyatt would give anything to forget where he came from—but a kingdom demands its king.
In Asalin, fae rule and witches like Wyatt Croft…don’t. Wyatt’s betrothal to his best friend, fae prince Emyr North, was supposed to change that. But when Wyatt lost control of his magic one devastating night, he fled to the human world.

Now a coldly distant Emyr has hunted him down. Despite transgender Wyatt’s newfound identity and troubling past, Emyr has no intention of dissolving their engagement. In fact, he claims they must marry now or risk losing the throne. Jaded, Wyatt strikes a deal with the enemy, hoping to escape Asalin forever. But as he gets to know Emyr, Wyatt realizes the boy he once loved may still exist. And as the witches face worsening conditions, he must decide once and for all what’s more important—his people or his freedom. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover. A good cover can definitely make me pick up and read a book. If you're looking for a diverse book, this is definitely the one. It was an interesting and entertaining read. It had a lot of stuff going for it.

This was fun. There was a lot of adventure in it. The writing was good, it had a lot of snark to it. The whole book was entertaining.

This book was also pretty dark. There was gore and death that happened during this grand adventure. The characters had to do a lot.

I really liked the found family element that happened in it. The characters were pretty good.

This was definitely a story. It was entertaining.

H.E. Edgmon was born in the deep south but has had many homes, dropped out of school to do gay stuff, and is at least a little feral.

In both their writing and daily life, they aim to center the voices of Indigenous people, trans people, and survivors of trauma. It is always their goal to make fascists uncomfortable.

They have an eccentric little family of their own design, several very sensitive pets, and a lot of opinions. They can most often be found on Twitter @heedgmon.

Thanks for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon. Thank you to Inkyard Press and H.E. Edgmon for letting me be a part of the tour. If this book sounds good to you, pick it up.

Review: Repo Virtual by Corey J. White

 

Title: Repo Virtual

Author: Corey J. White

Published by: Tordotcom

Released: April 21, 2020

Source: Electronic Review Copy through Netgalley and Physical Copy from Library

 

Synopsis: Corey J. White's debut novel Repo Virtual blurs the lines between the real and virtual in an action-packed cyberpunk heist story.
The city of Neo Songdo is a Russian doll of realities -- augmented and virtual spaces anchored in the weight of the real. The smart city is designed to be read by machine vision while people see only the augmented facade of the corporate ideal. At night the stars are obscured by an intergalactic virtual war being waged by millions of players, while on the streets below people are forced to beg, steal, and hustle to survive.

Enter Julius Dax, online repoman and real-life thief. He's been hired for a special job: stealing an unknown object from a reclusive tech billionaire. But when he finds out he's stolen the first sentient AI, his payday gets a lot more complicated. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I received an early electronic copy for honest review from the publisher.

The synopsis and idea of Repo Virtual really pulled me in. I heard a heist was going to happen and I was all for it. The futuristic sounding world really intrigued me too. It definitely had enough to hook me.

This was okay. It kept my interest, it kept me turning pages, but I didn't find myself enthralled. The world sounded interesting enough, but I don't know if I 100% understood it.

The characters were okay, but it felt like we only got the surface of them. It seemed that we learned more about how they identified themselves then who they really were, what made them tick.

I was also never sure of what the plan was for anything. The heist was announced and happened over the course of a day, there was hardly any planning that went into it. They just went full throttle into all the situations, but they were just going by the seat of their pants. I feel like I was supposed to care about them more, and I didn't. I also wasn't the biggest fan of the AI voice. I would have rather seen the AI through the other characters' eyes.

There were a lot of rambling bits in this, mostly coming from the AI about what it means to be. I just didn't really care that much. I found the AI's voice to be a little dull.

I thought this had a cool concept, it kept my interest. It wasn't exactly the kind of heist story I wanted though. It's a fine book, and I bet a lot of people will enjoy it. I just want a little something more when it comes to a heist story. Maybe less talking and more doing, but with a concrete plan in mind.

 

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.4/5

Not Bad 

 

Reading Right Now! (299)

 Another week pretty much over and it's already June!! I can't believe it.

So, what I'm Reading Right Now! is...

Bitten (The Otherworld #1) by Kelley Armstrong -- I've been eyeing this series forever and finally decided to start it. This first book is about Elena who is a werewolf. She was bitten (that whole situation is complicated) and she's the only female werewolf that exists. She's kind of struggling with where she wants to be, she's away from her pack by choice at the beginning of this, and then called back when a problem arises.

This does give me some Mercy Thompson Series feels, but Elena is a harder character and not as carefree as Mercy. I am enjoying it. It's 500+ pages, which I can't say I was expecting.

One thing that makes me excited about this series is that eventually we'll get to visit different creatures. The first two books are about Elena, but then we'll go to a new character that is a witch. I'm really intrigued by that. It kind of reminds me of The Nightworld Series by L.J. Smith, which I loved reading when I was younger. I need to go back and catch up with that series.

So, in conclusion, I have started yet another series.

Mirka Andolfo's Mercy: The Fair Lady, The Frost, and the Fiend (#1) by Mirka Andolfo -- This is a comic that I'm reading through Hoopla. I read Andolfo's other comic series, which I can't remember the name of, but it had a pig as the main character. When I saw another comic series by Andolfo, I wanted to check it out. This one is weird, very weird. It's got a Victorian feel to it. This new genteel lady comes to town, she's mysterious, but could she be dangerous? This feels very Lovecraftian to me. Andolfo's artwork is so good, so pretty. This story is pretty gory, but I'm enjoying it.

And that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading for the weekend?

BLOG TOUR: The Hunting Wives by May Cobb

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Hunting Wives by May Cobb. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. I've had my eye on this one for a little while, so I was pumped to get the opportunity to read it. Lipstick and Bullets, that is what catches my eye. Thank you so much to Berkley and May Cobb for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

Title: The Hunting Wives

Author: May Cobb

Published by: Berkley

Released: May 18, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy provided by Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: The Hunting Wives share more than target practice, martinis, and bad behavior in this novel of obsession, seduction, and murder. 

Sophie O’Neill left behind an envy-inspiring career and the stressful, competitive life of big-city Chicago to settle down with her husband and young son in a small Texas town. It seems like the perfect life with a beautiful home in an idyllic rural community. But Sophie soon realizes that life is now too quiet, and she’s feeling bored and restless.

Then she meets Margot Banks, an alluring socialite who is part of an elite clique secretly known as the Hunting Wives. Sophie finds herself completely drawn to Margot and swept into her mysterious world of late-night target practice and dangerous partying. As Sophie’s curiosity gives way to full-blown obsession, she slips farther away from the safety of her family and deeper into this nest of vipers.

When the body of a teenage girl is discovered in the woods where the Hunting Wives meet, Sophie finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation and her life spiraling out of control. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: The cover was the first thing that drew me to this book, and as soon as I read the synopsis, I was hooked. This was twisted and fun! I couldn't put it down once I started reading. I loved the premise of it and the thrill of it all. Sophie got pulled into a dangerous web, a sticky situation indeed.

This book kept me intrigued and entertained from the first page. I think May Cobb did a great job at writing an entertaining story. I was never bored, there was like a weird fascination that came with reading it.

The group of women that Sophie finds herself caught up in were not the nice girls, they were most definitely sharks in the water. Sophie swam right into their clutches.

I really liked the fast-paced mystery of this. It was such a steep slide from curiosity to craziness. 

I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read. If you want something thrilling and fun and questionable for your summer, pick it up. I can't wait to see what May Cobb comes out with next.

May Cobb earned her MA in literature from San Francisco State University, and her essays and interviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the Rumpus, Edible Austin, and Austin Monthly. Her debut novel, Big Woods, won multiple awards. A Texas native, she lives in Austin, Texas, with her family.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Hunting Wives by May Cobb. Thanks so much to Berkley and May Cobb for letting me be a part of this thrilling tour. I'd definitely recommend grabbing this one and giving it a read, it's a good time.