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?