BLOG TOUR: Trashlands by Alison Stine

I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Trashlands by Alison Stine! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Alison Stine for letting me be a part of the tour.

 

 

Title: Trashlands

Author: Alison Stine

Published by: MIRA

Released: October 26, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads      Amazon

 

Synopsis: From the author of Road Out of Winter, winner of the 2021 Philip K. Dick Award, comes a resonant, visionary novel about the power of art and the sacrifices we are willing to make for the ones we love 

A few generations from now, the coastlines of the continent have been redrawn by floods and tides. Global powers have agreed to not produce any new plastics, and what is left has become valuable: garbage is currency.

In the region-wide junkyard that Appalachia has become, Coral is a “plucker,” pulling plastic from the rivers and woods. She’s stuck in Trashlands, a dump named for the strip club at its edge, where the local women dance for an endless loop of strangers and the club's violent owner rules as unofficial mayor.

Amid the polluted landscape, Coral works desperately to save up enough to rescue her child from the recycling factories, where he is forced to work. In her stolen free hours, she does something that seems impossible in this place: Coral makes art.

When a reporter from a struggling city on the coast arrives in Trashlands, Coral is presented with an opportunity to change her life. But is it possible to choose a future for herself?

Told in shifting perspectives, Trashlands is a beautifully drawn and wildly imaginative tale of a parent's journey, a story of community and humanity in a changed world. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: The first thing that grabbed my attention about this book was the cover. I loved the colors and tones. It really conveyed this bleak world. The next thing that caught my attention was the synopsis. Everything about it sounded super interesting, and I was hooked.

This presented a very interesting, and bleak world. We've destroyed everything, and trash has become treasure. It's bleak, but I do love a bleak book.

This is also told in multiple POV's, with some shifting timelines. I enjoyed the way that it was told. I was interested in all the perspectives.

This was a very engaging read. I enjoyed the time I spent in this story. I'd definitely look for this one on the shelves and give it a read.

 

 

 

Alison Stine grew up in rural Ohio and now lives in Colorado. Her first novel, Road Out of Winter, won the 2021 Philip K. Dick Award. Recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and National Geographic, she has been published in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and elsewhere. 

 

 

Thank you so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Trashlands by Alison Stine. Thank you to MIRA and Alison Stine for letting me be a part of the tour! I'd definitely recommend checking this one out.

 

 

BLOG TOUR: How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino

 I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Algonquin Young Readers for letting me be a part of this tour!

Title: How Do You Live?

Author: Genzaburo Yoshino

Published by: Algonquin Young Readers

Released: October 26, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads      Amazon

 

Synopsis: Anime master Hayao Miyazaki’s favorite childhood book, in English for the first time.  

First published in 1937, Genzaburō Yoshino’s How Do You Live? has long been acknowledged in Japan as a crossover classic for young readers. Academy Award–winning animator Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle) has called it his favorite childhood book and announced plans to emerge from retirement to make it the basis of a final film.
How Do You Live? is narrated in two voices. The first belongs to Copper, fifteen, who after the death of his father must confront inevitable and enormous change, including his own betrayal of his best friend. In between episodes of Copper’s emerging story, his uncle writes to him in a journal, sharing knowledge and offering advice on life’s big questions as Copper begins to encounter them. Over the course of the story, Copper, like his namesake Copernicus, looks to the stars, and uses his discoveries about the heavens, earth, and human nature to answer the question of how he will live.
This first-ever English-language translation of a Japanese classic about finding one’s place in a world both infinitely large and unimaginably small is perfect for readers of philosophical fiction like The Alchemist and The Little Prince, as well as Miyazaki fans eager to understand one of his most important influences. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: What an interesting little book. I really love how it has influenced so many creators. I'm glad I got to experience the story for myself. I had actually never heard of this book before I got the email about it. I love having the ability to read books from different writers and perspectives that may have been hidden to me before.

This book tells a story, and through that initial story, it imparts all kinds of lessons. I liked the way it all worked. It definitely made me think.

I'd definitely recommend having this book on your shelves. It's very thought provoking.

Genzaburō Yoshino (1899-1981) was a Japanese writer and publisher. In 1935, he became director of a collection of educational books for young people. Yoshino stepped in to write How Do You Live? when Yūzō Yamamoto, the expected writer, fell ill. Since its debut as a novel and guide to philosophy for young people, How Do You Live? has been re-edited and republished more than eighty times, a reflection of the changing times and culture in Japan.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino. Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for letting me be a part of this tour! This one is great to add to your shelves.

BLOG TOUR: Holly Jolly Cowboy by Jessica Clare

 So, I know that Halloween hasn't yet passed, but I'm bringing a little Christmas to the page. I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Holly Jolly Cowboy by Jessica Clare! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and Jessica Clare for letting me be a part of this tour.

Title: Holly Jolly Cowboy

Author: Jessica Clare

Published by: Berkley Books

Released: October 26, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Jessica Clare comes a Christmas romance about a cowboy grinch and the woman who stole his heart. 

Local waitress Holly Dawson needs a better paying job to cover her sister's college tuition. Given that it's Christmas and she's broke as a joke, she's feeling pretty bah-humbug. New jobs are hard to come by in a town as small as Painted Barrel, especially as the town dropout.

When Holly's offered a job at the Flat C Ranch to clean and cook for the cowboys that work there, it seems like a dream come true...except for one thing. Her nemesis, the incredibly handsome (and annoyingly arrogant) Adam Calhoun works there. It doesn't matter that he loves dogs more than people, or that he's a war veteran. No Christmas spirit can save that particular grinch.

When the rest of the ranch hands go out of town for the holidays, Holly and Adam will be forced to work closely together. No sweat. Holly can deal with Adam. And if she doesn't kill him first, she just might fall in love. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This story is very cute. I had a good time reading this. Our main man, Adam, is a grinch. It says so right in the synopsis, and he is very grumpy in this story. He definitely had some groveling he had to do.

I'm not in the Christmas spirit yet, but this book did bring me some Christmas cheer. I really enjoyed Holly's story. She has a lot of determination.

I also really liked the ranch setting, which was made even sweeter when they were left alone at it when everyone else went home for the holidays. Nothing is better then that particular trope.

I thought this was very cute and romantic. It was definitely a good time.

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Clare writes under three pen names. As Jessica Clare, she writes erotic contemporary romance. As Jessica Sims, she writes fun, sexy shifter paranormals. She also has a third pen name, because three is more fun than two. As Jill Myles, she writes a little bit of everything, from sexy, comedic urban fantasy to fairy tales gone wrong. She lives in a teeny tiny town in North Texas that has no Starbucks, which is a cruel and unusual punishment. She spends her time with her husband, pets, and Keurig. Because, coffee.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Holly Jolly Cowboy by Jessica Clare. Thank you to Berkley Books and Jessica Clare for letting me be a part of the tour. Pick this one up for a little Christmas Cheer!

Reading Right Now! (316)

 So, I never mentioned that I was taking part in a readathon called Spoopathon, which is all about escaping from a haunted house. You follow a path, you read books, it's very Halloweeny, and I'm having fun. I now have just one more prompt and I escape!!

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

A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstrong -- So, I actually just finished this one, but I still wanted to mention it. It was so good!! It's a gothic, time travel romance, with some ghosts. It's main focus is on the romance. I just really liked it. It's like a fantasy dream kind of thing. It just made me happy while I was reading it. I did get a Review Copy though Netgalley, but I picked up a physical copy from my library. The paper smelled very nice in this one. You know what I'm talking about.

Desperate Measures (Wicked Villains #1) by Katee Robert -- This one is a very heavy romance. The kind of romance that you don't want people looking over your shoulder while you're reading it. I've been hearing about this series a lot on booktube and bookstagram, and I wanted to check it out for myself. It starts pretty much from the first page. I'm blushing.

Strange the Dreamer (#1) by Laini Taylor -- This is what I'm planning to start next. I'm supposed to be buddy reading this with my friends Ke-sha and Alyssa. I have been doing an awful job at that. Ke-sha has already finished. Alyssa is a good chunk of the way through. I'm a bad buddy reader. I've heard so much about Laini Taylor and never read anything, so I guess I should start. Don't really know a lot about this one either.

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

BLOG TOUR: A Harvest of Love (Promise Glen #3) by Marta Perry

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for A Harvest of Love by Marta Perry. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Marta Perry for letting me be a part of this tour!

Title: A Harvest of Love (Promise Glen #3)

Author: Marta Perry

Published by: Berkley

Released: October 26, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: A determined widow and a single father learn that love is about taking chances and turning over new leaves in the quaint Amish community of Promise Glen, from national bestselling author Marta Perry. 

When widowed shop owner Dinah Hershberger is unceremoniously charged with safely escorting an infant to his uncle, she finds herself torn. Jacob Miller is everything Dinah could want in a partner--he's kind, handsome, strong--and nothing she can ever have. As much as she yearns to help the new family adjust, each minute Dinah spends with Jacob and the baby leaves her heart more vulnerable and her head more certain that the secret she hides makes a future with the Miller men impossible.

Jacob has long admired Dinah for her strength and independence, but it's her generosity of spirit that tempts him like never before. With Dinah at his side, Jacob opens himself up to the daunting new world of fatherhood, but how can he pursue his feelings for her when his life is in such disarray? After the disappointments of her first marriage, she deserves better than what Jacob can offer.

But love has a surprise in store for these two troubled hearts, and happiness is within reach if only they can grasp it, making Promise Glen their own promised land. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was a cute story. It's not the type of thing that I usually read, but I did enjoy myself. I guess I should clarify and say it's not the type of book that I usually read now. When I was younger, I definitely devoured books like this. I would grab up Amish romances and just read them to my heart's content. It was such a romanticized way of life. All the Amish boys sounded so cute and good.

I liked the quiet romance in this between Dinah and Jacob. They were a couple that had to work through some things in order to shine together. I also liked that it was a blended family kind of story. This wasn't a first love story, but rather finding love again.

It was a good time. If you're a fan of these kinds of stories, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read.

Marta Perry is the author of more than seventy inspirational romance novels, including the Promise Glen series, the Pleasant Valley series, and the Keepers of the Promise trilogy.

Thank you for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for A Harvest of Love by Marta Perry. Thanks so much to Berkley and Marta Perry for letting me be a part of the tour! If this one sounds good to you, I'd definitely recommend picking it up and giving it a read.

BLOG TOUR: The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke

I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. As soon as I saw this book being offered for review, I jumped at the chance. It called to me. Thank you so much to Berkley Books and C.J. Cooke for letting me be a part of this tour!

 

 

Title: The Lighthouse Witches

Author: C.J. Cooke

Published by: Berkley Books

Released: October 5, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: Two sisters go missing on a remote Scottish island. Twenty years later, one is found--but she's still the same age as when she disappeared. The secrets of witches have reached across the centuries in this chilling Gothic thriller from the author of the acclaimed The Nesting.  

When single mother Liv is commissioned to paint a mural in a 100-year-old lighthouse on a remote Scottish island, it's an opportunity to start over with her three daughters--Luna, Sapphire, and Clover. When two of her daughters go missing, she's frantic. She learns that the cave beneath the lighthouse was once a prison for women accused of witchcraft. The locals warn her about wildlings, supernatural beings who mimic human children, created by witches for revenge. Liv is told wildlings are dangerous and must be killed.

Twenty-two years later, Luna has been searching for her missing sisters and mother. When she receives a call about her youngest sister, Clover, she's initially ecstatic. Clover is the sister she remembers--except she's still seven years old, the age she was when she vanished. Luna is worried Clover is a wildling. Luna has few memories of her time on the island, but she'll have to return to find the truth of what happened to her family. But she doesn't realize just how much the truth will change her. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: It's the Season of the Witch! I was so excited to get my hands on this book. So many things about it grabbed me. It's a perfect Halloween read, and I'm glad I got to enjoy it.

That synopsis was the first thing that really grabbed me. I had to see what was happening with the story inside. There is so much mystery and lore within these pages. I really enjoyed the whole thing, all of it.

This is told in two different timelines, the now and then. We get the story of a mother doing anything and everything she can to find her two missing daughters. We also get the remaining daughter in the present time, unraveling the mystery of her sister who has reappeared. The story just really caught my attention.

I found the idea of wildings to be really interesting. It reminded me a lot of the stories of fey and the changeling children they leave behind, but I'd never heard of a witch version before.

I really enjoyed this one and I need to read more by C.J. Cooke. This book has a really nice mix of mystery, suspense, and some creepiness. I'd definitely add it to your fall stack.

 

C. J. Cooke is an award-winning poet and novelist published in twenty-three languages. She teaches creative writing at the University of Glasgow, where she also researches the impact of motherhood on women's writing and creative writing interventions for mental health.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke. Thank you to Berkley Books and C.J. Cooke for letting me be a part of the tour and giving me the chance to read and review this one. I'd definitely recommend adding this one to your fall reading list.

BLOG TOUR: The Keeper of Night (#1) by Kylie Lee Baker

 I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Keeper of Night (#1) by Kylie Lee Baker. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and Kylie Lee Baker for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Keeper of Night (#1)

Author: Kylie Lee Baker

Published by: Inkyard Press

Released: October 12, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: Death is her destiny. 

Half British Reaper, half Japanese Shinigami, Ren Scarborough has been collecting souls in the London streets for centuries. Expected to obey the harsh hierarchy of the Reapers who despise her, Ren conceals her emotions and avoids her tormentors as best she can.

When her failure to control her Shinigami abilities drives Ren out of London, she flees to Japan to seek the acceptance she’s never gotten from her fellow Reapers. Accompanied by her younger brother, the only being on earth to care for her, Ren enters the Japanese underworld to serve the Goddess of Death… only to learn that here, too, she must prove herself worthy. Determined to earn respect, Ren accepts an impossible task—find and eliminate three dangerous Yokai demons—and learns how far she’ll go to claim her place at Death’s side. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: The first thing that grabbed me about The Keeper of Night was that cover. It caught my eye and I had to know what kind of story was contained within its pages. Then the synopsis just made me even more excited about the story inside. I'm a fan of these kinds of stories and I love how this one incorporated Shinigami.

This was a story that I just got sucked into. I really loved the voice of Ren, the struggles she goes through. It's also a very dark, and a tad depressing tale, but I was just captivated by it. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

That ending was a shock that I just wasn't ready for. I need to know what happens next.

I really enjoyed this book. I really liked the voice of our main character Ren. I just found it to be a story that I couldn't put down. I'd definitely say give it a read.  

Kylie Lee Baker is the author of The Keeper of Night. She grew up in Boston and has since lived in Atlanta, Salamanca, and Seoul. Her writing is informed by her heritage (Japanese, Chinese, and Irish), as well as her experiences living abroad as both a student and teacher. She has a BA in creative writing and Spanish from Emory University and a master of library and information science degree from Simmons University.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Keeper of Night (#1) by Kylie Lee Baker. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and Kylie Lee Baker for letting me be a part of this great tour. I'd definitely add this one to your reading list.

Reading Right Now! (315)

 Well, well, well, the end of the week already. That's a good thing. So, what I'm Reading Right Now! is...

Persephone Station by Stina Leicht -- This was 95% a cover read, 5% because it was sci-fi. Just look at the cover, it is very pretty. Umm... the story inside is not impressing me all the way. I'm over 300 pages into it, and I find myself confused some of the time. It's a very surface level story. Here's a planet, it's full of resources that an evil company wants. Here's a crew of mercenaries with a ship, they do some mercenary stuff, and suddenly they are hired to protect the native, hidden species of the land from the evil corporation. I'm just not finding myself immersed in the story. I feel like the world building and character development are not all the way there.

I've read much better space operas'. It's probably not fair, but I can't help but compare it to the space opera series I'm making my way through, The Expanse. The Expanse has been so good so far, and Persephone Station is just not hitting that bar. It's a cool idea, but it needs more development. I need more then just surface level and confusion.

The cover is really cool though.

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

BLOG TOUR: God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen (Royal Spyness #15) by Rhys Bowen

 I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen (Royal Spyness #15) by Rhys Bowen. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Rhys Bowen for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen (Royal Spyness #15)

Author: Rhys Bowen 

Published by: Berkley

Released: October 12, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads      Amazon

 

Synopsis: Georgie is back and hanging the stockings with care when a murder interrupts her Christmas cheer in this all-new installment in the New York Times bestselling Royal Spyness series from Rhys Bowen.

Georgie is excited for her first Christmas as a married woman in her lovely new home. She suggests to her dashing husband, Darcy, that they have a little house party, but when Darcy receives a letter from his aunt Ermintrude, there is an abrupt change in plans. She has moved to a house on the edge of the Sandringham estate, near the royal family, and wants to invite Darcy and his new bride for Christmas. Aunt Ermintrude hints that the queen would like Georgie nearby. Georgie had not known that Aunt Ermintrude was a former lady-in-waiting and close confidante of her royal highness. The letter is therefore almost a royal request, so Georgie, Darcy, and their Christmas guests: Mummy, Grandad, Fig, and Binky all head to Sandringham.

Georgie soon learns that the notorious Mrs. Simpson, mistress to the Prince of Wales, will also be in attendance. It is now crystal clear to Georgie that the Queen expects her to do a bit of spying. There is tension in the air from the get-go, and when Georgie pays a visit to the queen, she learns that there is more to her request than just some simple eavesdropping. There have been a couple of strange accidents at the estate recently. Two gentlemen of the royal household have died in mysterious circumstances and another has been shot by mistake during a hunt. Georgie begins to suspect that a member of the royal family is the real target but her investigation will put her new husband and love of her life, Darcy, in the crosshairs of a killer. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this fun and cozy mystery series, so I was very excited to check out the latest installment. I was not disappointed in this addition to the series.

I really like following Georgie, seeing her solve mysteries, and seeing where life takes her. Rhys Bowen has given Georgie such a fun voice, and I'm always happy to see her on the page. I think the mysteries that come Georgie's way are entertaining, and of course, dangerous.

I also really like the Royal aspect of it. Georgie is distant in line for the throne, and the Queen always has a job for her to do.

I also really liked how this was set at Christmas time. That's fun.

The mystery was intriguing and I liked seeing Georgie solve it. I also am so happy that Georgie and Darcy are newly married. Just too cute.

This is a really fun series that I'd definitely recommend starting. I love that there are so many books, because it means I get to spend a lot of time and grow with these characters. If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this out.

Rhys Bowen, a New York Times bestselling author, has been nominated for every major award in mystery writing, including the Edgar®, and has won many, including both the Agatha and Anthony awards. She is the author of the Royal Spyness Mysteries, set in 1930s London, the Molly Murphy Mysteries, set in turn-of-the-century New York, and the Constable Evans Mysteries, set in Wales. She was born in England and now divides her time between Northern California and Arizona.

Thank you so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen. Thanks so much to Berkley and Rhys Bowen for letting me be a part of the tour! This is a series I'd definitely recommend giving a read.

BLOG TOUR: Luminous by Mara Rutherford

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Luminous by Mara Rutherford! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for honest review. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and Mara Rutherford for letting me be a part of the tour.

Title: Luminous

Author: Mara Rutherford

Published by: Inkyard Press

Released: October 5, 2021

Source: Free Electronic Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: Liora has spent her life in hiding, knowing discovery could mean falling prey to the king's warlock, Darius, who uses mages' magic to grow his own power. But when her worst nightmare comes to pass, Darius doesn't take her. Instead, he demands that her younger sister return to the capital with him. To make matters worse, Evran, Liora's childhood friend and the only one who knows her secret, goes missing following Darius's visit, leaving her without anyone to turn to.

To find Evran and to save her sister, Liora must embrace the power she has always feared. But the greatest danger she'll face is yet to come, for Darius has plans in motion that will cause the world to fall into chaos--and Liora and Evran may be the only ones who can stop him. 

A witch who must learn to harness her power--or risk losing her loved ones forever. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I love the cover of Luminous, that's what first caught my eye about this book. I was further hooked when I knew it involved witches, magic, and peril! 

One of the best parts about this book was the magic, how it all worked and the secrecy that surrounded everything. I really enjoyed all the thought that went into that and learning about it.

I thought this was a really solid book. I definitely enjoyed my time reading it. I was always wondering what was going to happen next. It had a really good pace to the story.

There is also some romance in here, which I wasn't mad at. It's YA romance, so nothing scandalous. Liora did have a lot of tension with Darius, but he's not the best guy. She's also got a thing for Evran who is much more sweet.

I liked this. I'm definitely going to have to read the author's previous works because I've heard great things about them. This was a good time. 

Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. Originally from California, Mara has since lived all over the world along with her Marine-turned-diplomat husband. A triplet born on Leap Day, Mara holds a Master's degree in Cultural Studies from the University of London.

Thank you so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Luminous by Mara Rutherford. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and Mara Rutherford for letting me be a part of this tour! If this one catches your fancy, I'd definitely recommend picking it up and giving it a read.

Reading Right Now! (314)

 I feel like the reading has been pretty good this week. I've finished one book and started on another.

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

Murder Lo Mein (A Noodle Shop Mystery #3) by Vivien Chien -- This is a cozy murder mystery series that follows Lana Lee. She works at her family's Chinese Restaurant located in a place called Asia Village. Asia Village has had a lot of tragedy lately (MURDERS!) and Lana Lee has gotten into the habit of trying to solve these crimes.

This is Book #3 in the series and I really enjoy them. They are fun. I like Lana, I like her family and friends, I'm a little invested into her are they/aren't they relationship with Detective Trudeau. They are a good time.

And I finished a book this week, so I thought I'd mention it.

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix -- This book was chaotic, crazy, a little unnerving, and a wild ride. This is my third Grady Hendrix book and I do enjoy them. This one had the feel of his previous book, We Sold Our Souls, at least to me. It started out full throttle in the first couple chapters. My criticism was that I couldn't really keep all the characters straight, the Final Girls. I would have to think for a minute about who was who. And I also wish that their backstories, the terrible crimes, had been covered in the beginning. I know that they are based off of classic horror movies characters, but I'm not that knowledgeable about every movie. 

A very fun book though. It definitely had me hooked and racing towards the end. I've got two more Grady Hendrix fiction books on my pile, and I'm excited for them.

And that's my little wrap up and what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

Review: Of Curses and Kisses (St. Rosetta's Academy #1) by

 

Title: Of Curses and Kisses (St. Rosetta's Academy #1)

Author: Sandhya Menon

Published by: Simon Pulse

Released: February 18, 2020

Source: Library

 

Synopsis: The first novel in a series set at an elite international boarding school, that’s a contemporary spin on Beauty and the Beast. 

Will the princess save the beast?

For Princess Jaya Rao, nothing is more important than family. When the loathsome Emerson clan steps up their centuries-old feud to target Jaya’s little sister, nothing will keep Jaya from exacting her revenge. Then Jaya finds out she’ll be attending the same elite boarding school as Grey Emerson, and it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. She knows what she must do: Make Grey fall in love with her and break his heart. But much to Jaya’s annoyance, Grey’s brooding demeanor and lupine blue eyes have drawn her in. There’s simply no way she and her sworn enemy could find their fairy-tale ending…right?

His Lordship Grey Emerson is a misanthrope. Thanks to an ancient curse by a Rao matriarch, Grey knows he’s doomed once he turns eighteen. Sequestered away in the mountains at St. Rosetta’s International Academy, he’s lived an isolated existence—until Jaya Rao bursts into his life, but he can't shake the feeling that she’s hiding something. Something that might just have to do with the rose-shaped ruby pendant around her neck…

As the stars conspire to keep them apart, Jaya and Grey grapple with questions of love, loyalty, and whether it’s possible to write your own happy ending. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This book was cute and I enjoyed it. I liked this Beauty and the Beast inspired tale. Grey made a good beast and Jaya made an okay Belle. I liked Grey more than I liked Jaya, but she did grow on me as the book progressed.

I didn't really like Jaya's motivations. They were all about revenge for dirty dealings that happened years ago between their families. It just seems a very cruel thing to trick someone into falling for you just so you can break their heart. It's not Belle-like behavior. She is also all about family honor alllll the time, which she embraced in such a severe way. I won't say I understood that totally.

I enjoyed the incorporation of the rose brooch, but I didn't think it made the most sense for Jaya to wear it everywhere, especially when it had rubies constantly falling out of it. 

I liked the setting of St. Rosetta's. It seemed like a fun place to go to school, if you are rich enough for it.

Grey was the character I sympathized with the most. He's a very sad and lonely soul. I liked seeing his journey. He did mope a lot, but considering his past and present family stuff, I'll give him a pass.

This was a sweet book, very cute. I'd definitely read more in this series. It's just kind of fun and easy.

 

 BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

It's Cute 

BLOG TOUR: Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper

 I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Lana Harper for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Payback's a Witch

Author: Lana Harper

Published by: Berkley

Released: October 5, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word in this fresh, sizzling rom-com by Lana Harper. 

Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one—in part because she hasn't been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. Her self-imposed exile has a lot to do with a complicated family history and a desire to forge her own way in the world, and only the very tiniest bit to do with Gareth Blackmoore, heir to the most powerful magical family in town and casual breaker of hearts and destroyer of dreams.

But when a spellcasting tournament that her family serves as arbiters for approaches, it turns out the pull of tradition (or the truly impressive parental guilt trip that comes with it) is strong enough to bring Emmy back. She's determined to do her familial duty; spend some quality time with her best friend, Linden Thorn; and get back to her real life in Chicago.

On her first night home, Emmy runs into Talia Avramov—an all-around badass adept in the darker magical arts—who is fresh off a bad breakup . . . with Gareth Blackmoore. Talia had let herself be charmed, only to discover that Gareth was also seeing Linden—unbeknownst to either of them. And now she and Linden want revenge. Only one question stands: Is Emmy in?

But most concerning of all: Why can't she stop thinking about the terrifyingly competent, devastatingly gorgeous, wickedly charming Talia Avramov? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was fun and I enjoyed reading it. I love books with witches and magic, plus a cute rom-com element. This is a perfect Halloween read. It's a good time book.

Lana is the author of four YA novels about modern-day witches and historical murderesses. Born in Serbia, she grew up in Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria before moving to the US, where she studied psychology and literature at Yale University, law at Boston University, and publishing at Emerson College. She recently moved to Chicago with her family.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper. Thanks so much to Berkley and Lana Harper for letting me be a part of the tour. If this one sounds good to you, definitely pick it up.

Reading Right Now! (313)

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

Caliban's War (The Expanse #2) by James S.A. Corey -- Yes, I'm still reading this chonker, but I'm not far off from the end. I'm really enjoying it. I had no trouble jumping right back into the world. Crazy stuff is happening in space, and our Crew all the time. I do appreciate how this one has a little more downtime in it. It's not as breakneck as the first one was, which I kind of like, because the first one was a bit exhausting.

We have some new characters in this one. I don't know if there are any real standouts, but they are interesting to follow. Prax is a scientist whose daughter has been kidnapped. Bobbie is a Martian Marine who has just watched her whole team get slaughtered by something. Avarasala is a politician who is playing the game. And then we still have Holden and Crew. This also takes place one year after the events of the first book.

I still haven't watched the show, but I really do want to.

And that's what I'm Reading Right Now! I'm not sure which book I want to pick up next. I haven't played my Deck of TBR Game yet, but I suck at sticking to that anyway. Maybe I'll pick up a reasonable size book because I need a little break from the big books. What are you Reading Right Now?