Storm of Ink and Blood by. Nisha J. Tuli | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Storm of Ink and Blood (The Nightfire Quartet, #3)

Author: Nisha J. Tuli

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 469

Publication Date: 10/4/24

Publisher: Second Sky

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Series

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Second Sky for giving me a chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!



Dark magic courses through Zarya’s veins—magic that could save countless lives… or doom her world.

Shattered by Rabin’s betrayal, Zarya vows to leave all thoughts of him behind. In the dangerous city of Ishaan, she joins an ancient struggle for freedom.

Ishaan is a city of violent contrasts. Nobles and scholars live in golden luxury. But thousands of vanshaj workers are born into magical slavery—in punishment for a crime forgotten centuries ago.

Zarya is outraged, and certain that the fate of the vanshaj is linked to her own forbidden magic. She joins a band of rebels battling for their freedom, and with Yasen at her side she throws herself into the fight.

On a deadly raid, Zarya uncovers the key to freeing the vanshaj for ever. But to use it, she must harness a power that could tear her apart.

Only one person can give Zarya the strength to reach her destiny. The one who ignited her magic. Who brings her more pleasure and more pain than any other. The last person she wants to see right now. Rabin.

With searing chemistry, a stunning world, and heart-racing action, The Nightfire Quartet is a fast-paced and addictive fantasy romance that’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent, and Rebecca Yarros. If you love slow-burning passion and razor-sharp banter, dive in to discover your new fantasy obsession.

Content Warning: violence

This is book three in The Nightfire Quartet and here are my thoughts:

Likes:

+ Zarya and her bestie Yasen are back and bringing the humor. I love their friendship and love that they would still follow each other anywhere even if Zarya has her Rabin.

+ Zarya is in a new city and helping a rebellion so it’s a new adventure for her. She gets a glimpse and some interaction with her half-siblings and it’s not the kind of reunion she was expecting. She’s also working on her powers to break the tattoo collars on the people who have them. I did like that they were somewhere new and we get to meet new characters.

+ The romance was rocky at the end of book two and so Rabin and Zarya needed to try again to make things work. Thing is Rabin has to get past her defenses and make it up to her. He is patient with her and they do have a few spicy scenes but I’m worried that her father will test their new found bond again. It does seem like this time they have really let each other in and they took steps to solidify their bond as best as they can but I am still suspicious about her dad and I question Rabin’s loyalty to him.

Dislikes:

~ This one might have been a tad bit too long. Zarya spends a lot of time trying to work on her magic and trying to break the tattoo collars and for the first few time it’s interesting but it got repetitive.

~ There were times I thought Zarya was just so naive about things and wish she had a little more growth.

My Thoughts:

I thought this was a good third book and I can’t wait to see how it ends.

Find me here: Instagram (bookstagram📚) | Twitter (X)

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read By This Author:

Fate of the Sun King (Artefacts or Ouranos, #3) by. Nisha J. Tuli | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rule of the Aurora King (Artefacts or Ouranos, #2) by. Nisha J. Tuli | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trial of the Sun Queen (Artefacts or Ouranos, #1) by. Nisha J. Tuli | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dance of Stars and Ashes (The Nightfire Quartet, #2) by. Nisha J. Tuli | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heart of Night and Fire (The Nightfire Quartet, #1) by. Nisha J. Tuli | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Most Anticipated Book Releases | October 2024

There are some exciting book releases coming up this month! 

This is what I’m looking forward to:

Version 1.0.0

The Ancient’s Game by. Loni Crittenden

The titles above are books I haven’t read but I think I also should showcase the arcs I read that are releasing this month. So here they are:

WOW, did I have a lot of October arcs or what?! 😱

What is your most anticipated book release this month?

Birthstone Book Covers: October – Opal | Tourmaline


The original creator of this book tag is Leslie @ Books Are The New Black so go check out her blog!

THE RULES

  • Mention the creator (Leslie @ Books Are The New Black ) and link back to me so I can see your post!
  • Pick 5+ book covers that match the current month’s Birthstone.
  • HAVE FUN!
  • Nominate people if you want!

Let’s find some book covers in this color:

I nominate everyone! It’s a fun and easy tag to do so try it out. ☺️

The Wild Huntress by. Emily Lloyd-Jones | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Wild Huntress

Author: Emily Lloyd-Jones

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 432

Publication Date: 10/1/24

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!


Dive into a lush, standalone fantasy, set in the same world as The Drowned Woods and The Bone Houses, about a deadly competition—perfect for fans of Holly Black and Erin A. Craig.

Every five years, two kingdoms take part in a Wild Hunt. Joining is a bloody risk and even the most qualified hunters can suffer the deadliest fates. Still, hundreds gamble their lives to participate—all vying for the Hunt’s life-changing prize: a magical wish granted by the Otherking.

BRANWEN possesses a gift no other human has: the ability to see and slay monsters. She’s desperate to cure her mother’s sickness, and the Wild Hunt is her only option.

GWYDION is the least impressive of his magically-talented family, but with his ability to control plants and his sleight of hand, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep his cruel older brother from becoming a tyrant.

PRYDERI is prince-born and monster-raised. Deep down, the royal crown doesn’t interest him—all he wants is to know is where he belongs.

If they band together against the monstrous creatures within the woods, they have a chance to win. But, then again, nothing is guaranteed when all is fair in love and the Hunt.

Content Warning: death, violence, illness

Emily Lloyd-Jones books are an auto-read for me so I couldn’t wait to read this one. Here are my thoughts:

Likes:

+ I was engrossed in this story right away. I love the storytelling and how we have three compelling characters with different backgrounds, talents and very different goals. Branwen wants to cure her mom’s illness, Gwydion wants to put his sister on the throne and Pryderi is heir to a throne but doesn’t want it. These three come together and join in the Wild Hunt so they can win and get any boon they want. Also, there is a very lovable and moody cat! I love how complex each character is.

+ The world-building is wonderful and magical. I was really immersed in the setting. It’s a world where humans and otherfolk live together so it’s filled with scary creatures, beasts and lots magic. There is political intrigue and drama as well.

+ The Wild Hunt section of the story was action packed. The three characters become a found family which was fun to see. But there are a few twists in this story that kept me on my toes. The story took me on an emotional rollercoaster.

Dislikes:

+ The romance isn’t the main part of this story but I was rooting for it until things fell apart. It resolves in the very end but for me, I did not agree with it. It really is heartbreaking what happens to these three characters on this quest.

My Thoughts:

I was definitely entertained by this story and it took me only two days to read. It has a group of characters that make a found family, a sprinkle of romance, lots of action and magic. I really love this world the author has created which is all part of her other books The Drowned World and The Bone Houses (I loved the Bone Houses a lot) – it would be fantastic to have more books set in this world. I hope to read more from this author!

Find me here: Instagram (bookstagram📚) | Instagram (crafts🎨) | Twitter (X) | Etsy (Shop)

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Book Review | The Bone Houses ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Hearts We Sold by. Emily Lloyd-Jones | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Drowned Woods by. Emily Lloyd-Jones | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

WWW Wednesday | 10/2/24

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Sam over on Taking on a World of Words.

The idea is pretty simple, every week you dedicate a post to the three W’s:

What are you currently reading?

What have you just finished reading?

What are you going to read next?

Happy October everyone! How are we all doing? I’m happy knowing Fall break starts in 2 days for my kids…woohoo! I got to read more books this week which is good. I finished my October arcs woohoo…and let me tell you I had a lot. I think I had to post 8 or 9 book reviews on Amazon yesterday because that many of them were released yesterday! Anyway here is what I’m reading, just read and will read soon.

What are you currently reading?

Stranger Skies by. Pascale LaCelle – 3% – very little progress

The Games Gods Play by. Abigail Owen – 19% – some progress, yay! Sometimes I take so long with my Kindle Unlimited books because the borrow time is so long!

The Whispering Night by. Susan Dennard – 7%

Reckless by. Lauren Roberts – 4% just got this one yesterday!

What have you just finished reading?

Eleven Houses by. Colleen Oakes – ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love & Lattes by. Beth Reekles – ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fangs for Nothing by. Steffanie Holmes – ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Quicksilver by. Callie Hart – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The Road of Bones by. Demi Winters – ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

What are you going to read next?

What are you reading right now?

Fangs for Nothing by. Steffanie Holmes | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Fangs for Nothing (The Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven, #2)

Author: Steffanie Holmes

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 586

Publication Date: 9/10/24

Publisher: Bacchanalia House

Categories: Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Mystery

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Bacchanalia House for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

He’s a hot, grumpy, reclusive vampire, and the last thing he wants is an interfering human tidying his castle…until her.

Lord Alaric Valerian has a problem. His mother is visiting his castle for the first time, but she doesn’t know that Alaric has filled every room with his centuries of artistic passions and creative pursuits.

Desperate, he hires professional organiser Winnie Preston to help him tame the mess. But Alaric isn’t prepared for bubbly, passionate Winnie to show up at his castle and ram a metaphorical stake through his cold, vampire heart. Winnie sets his fangs on edge, but the more closely he works with her, the more he wishes she could be his.

So when Alaric’s mother arrives with a new bride-to-be in tow, Alaric convinces Winnie to pretend to be his fiance. He may be causing all kinds of scandal in the vampire court by being engaged to a human, but at least he doesn’t have to give up his reclusive life.

But Winnie still doesn’t know Alaric’s a vampire, and Alaric didn’t count on Winnie’s meddling book club pinning him for a mysterious murder in the village. Will their maybe-not-so-fake-marriage survive once Winnie discovers the monster that lurks beneath his fangs?

Fangs for Nothing is a kooky, spooky, vampire romance full to the cauldron-brim with fake dating, a meddling smutty book club, murder and mystery aplenty, endless cups of tea, quirky characters, and a broody vampire with an ass so fine, Geralt of Rivia comes to him for fitness tips.


Content Warning: hoarding, trauma

I saw this book on NetGalley and loved the title and the color of the book so much so I decided to request it. Here are my thoughts:

Likes:

+ Winnie is an organizer because she grew up with a mom who is a hoarder. She takes a job to organize the clutter for Lord Alaric Valerian and she learns that he is more than what he seems. I liked seeing how Winnie experienced anxiety at the thought of clutter (totally relatable), but it has shaped who she is. She has a complicated relationship with her mother, but I thought that was good to see.

+ I did like the romance and there was a tiny bit of fake-dating in the story as well. There is a nice amount of spice too. I did like that even though it seems like a cozy, murder mystery of a book, there was danger when it came to the vampires. I mean, that’s why we love vampires right? So although Alaric comes off as this broody, artisitc, clutter-loving guy, he did bring out his vampire side when needed!

+ There is a big cast but I thought the ladies book club did a great job bringing the humor!

Dislikes:

~ It’s a bit too long. It’s under 600 pages so when I thought I would finish this in one day, it ended up being a couple of days because I lost some interest and put it down to read other books.

~ I wasn’t invested in the murder mystery part.

My Thoughts:

For the most part, I enjoyed this book because of Winnie and Alaric’s romance, plus the funny characters at the book club! There was more drama than I anticipated in this one and I do think it was too long and the murder mystery part fizzled out for me. But if you are looking for a Fall read with vampires, I think you would like this one.

Find me here: Instagram (bookstagram📚) | Instagram (crafts🎨) | Twitter (X) | Etsy (Shop)

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

New Book Releases This Week | 10/1/24

Happy book birthday to these new releases! Check out this list today:

Heir by. Sabaa Tahir

Prepare for the action-packed, ruthless, and romantic new fantasy from the #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award winning author Sabaa Tahir about love, legacy, and vengeance.

An orphan.
An outcast.
A prince.
And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

Growing up in the Kegari slums, AIZ has seen her share of suffering. An old tragedy fuels her need for vengeance, but it is love of her people that propels her. Until one hot-headed mistake lands her in an inescapable prison, where the embers of her wrath ignite.

Banished from her tribe for an unforgiveable crime, SIRSHA is a down-on-her-luck tracker who speaks to the earth, air, and water to trace her marks. Destitute, she agrees to hunt down a killer who has murdered children across the Empire. All she has to do is carry out the job and get paid. But then, she falls for a charismatic and inconvenient fugitive who keeps getting in her way.

QUIL is the crown prince of the Empire, nephew of a famed and venerated empress, but he’s loathe to pick up the mantle when his aunt steps down. As the son of the most hated emperor in the history of his people, he, better than anyone, understands that power corrupts. When a vicious new enemy threatens the survival of the Empire, Quil must ask himself if he can rise above his tragic lineage and be the heir his people need.

Beloved storyteller Sabaa Tahir masterfully interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with the burdens of power, the treachery of love and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed. Get ready for a dark and breathless journey that will captivate readers and that may cost these young people their lives―and their hearts. Literally.

Goodreads | Amazon

The Fate of Magic (Witch and Hunter, #2) by. Sara Raasch and Beth Revis

The breathtaking sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller Night of the Witch culminates with a sweeping romance and an epic battle to determine the fate of magic…and the world.

Fritzi is a champion. After escaping the clutches of Dieter Kirch, the sadistic leader of the witch hunters, Fritzi and Otto have taken refuge among the witches of the Black Forest. Fritzi is finally ready to assume her place on the council as the coven’s goddess-chosen champion. Plagued by distrust and self-doubt, Fritzi throws herself into her duty to serve the goddesses . . . until she uncovers a powerful secret that could mean the very undoing of magic itself.

Otto is a warrior. He swears himself to Fritzi as her bonded protector, certain the peaceful unity of a witch and hunter will heal the wounds he helped make. But as the horrifying plot that threatens the Black Forest’s magic comes to light, Otto will have to face his both his past and what it means to bind himself to a magic he does not fully understand.

Shadows loom. Truths are revealed. And as dangers new and old arise, Fritzi and Otto must stand together against everything that threatens magic—even if the biggest threat might be the very bond they share.

Goodreads | Amazon

The Dark Becomes Her by. Judi I. Lin

Perfect for fans of Ryan LaSala and Trang Thanh Tran: a sinister tale of the supernatural, sisterhood, and the shadows that rule our darkest desires, New York Times best-selling author Judy I. Lin takes her first foray into horror with Rick Riordan Presents

Ruby Chen has always played the part of the dutiful eldest daughter: excelling in school; excelling in piano lessons; excelling at keeping her younger sister, Tina, focused on extracurriculars meant to impress college admissions officers.

But when a ghost from the spirit world attacks the sisters in the middle of Vancouver’s Chinatown neighborhood, Ruby’s life is plunged into a darkness that no amount of duty can free her from. Overnight, Ruby’s sister seems to change. There are strange noises coming from her bedroom at all hours; and the once sweet, funny Tina has been replaced by something dark and unnatural.

As Ruby races to save her sister from demonic possession, she is thrown into an ancient battle over the gateway to the underworld. On one side, an evil traveling temple known for making dark wishes come true has returned to Chinatown after many years—intent on breaking down the gateway and unleashing the evil within. On the other side, the guardians who must stop them.

And in order to survive, Ruby must not only face the horror taking over her community, but must also confront the horror within herself.

Chinese and Taiwanese mythology get the Junji Ito treatment in this bone-chilling, propulsive story that takes the horrors of the Asian diaspora experience to a whole new level.

Goodreads | Amazon

Zodiac Rising (Descendants of the Zodiac, #1) by. Katie Zhao

At a secret Manhattan boarding school, the Descendants of the Chinese zodiac have hidden away since the source of their magic—the twelve zodiac statues—was vandalized and lost to time. Thus, a curse befell the Descendants, and they’ve lived as creatures of darkness . . . until now.

When the lost statues suddenly resurface and a powerful classmate is found dead, all signs point to foul play from the fae. The Descendants finally have the chance to take back what’s rightfully theirs and break the curse. To pull this deadly heist off, though, they must assemble an elite crew:

THE VAMPIRE: After a century of burning hunger, Evangeline is out for blood.

THE SHAPESHIFTER: Nicholas yearns to restore justice to his people—and make peace with his past.

THE MORTAL: Alice seeks the truth of her mysterious heritage, and this mission may be the key.

THE WEREWOLF: Tristan will do anything to break free from the monstrous wolf inside.

Only these four have the power to save the Descendants, but the wrath of the fae waits at every turn. One wrong move and the fate of their kind will come crashing down. . . .

Goodreads | Amazon

The Glass Girl by. Kathleen Glasgow


From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces comes a raw, heart-wrenching novel about a teenager facing down her struggles with alcohol—and the journey she must take to heal.

Everyone in fifteen-year-old Bella’s life needs something from her. Her mom needs her to help around the house, her dad needs her to not make waves, her ex needs her to not be so much. The only person who never needed anything from her was her grandmother—and now she’s dead.

There’s only one thing that dulls the pressure: alcohol. Vodka, beer, peppermint schnapps—alcohol smooths the sharp edges of Bella’s life. And what’s the big deal? Everyone drinks. Besides, Bella can stop whenever she wants. But after she gets blackout drunk at a Thanksgiving party and wakes up in the hospital, it’s time to face reality. And for Bella, reality means rehab.

Gorgeously written and deeply compassionate, Kathleen Glasgow’s The Glass Girl is a candid exploration of the forces pushing young women toward addiction—and what it really takes to help them get better.

Goodreads | Amazon

Deja Brew (Elemental Love, #3) by. Celestine Martin

In this spellbinding rom-com about a wish gone wrong, two opposites might just get a second chance at love, perfect for fans of New York Times bestsellers Payback’s a Witch and The Ex Hex.

Ex-celebrity chef Sirena Caraway has had the wackiest October ever. Her cooking powers are on the fritz, she failed to land a career-saving job, and she embarrassed herself at the town’s Halloween party. Just before midnight, she makes a desperate wish for a second chance to fix her life. The next morning Sirena wakes up and realizes that she’s repeating the entire pumpkin spice-flavored month. Even sweeter, she runs into Gus Dearworth, whose magic leaves her spellbound.

A former reality star, Gus moved to Freya Grove to rebuild his reputation and heal his broken heart, but his restless magic is tempting him to return to the spotlight. And his secret crush on Sirena is making him want to try something dangerous like fall in love again. When Sirena realizes he can help her fix her powers, Gus makes her a deal. If she’ll help decipher a mysterious cookbook in his collection, he’ll help get her magical groove back.

Every encounter offers a new adventure—from tasting menus, harvest mazes, and a growing attraction that’s taking on an irresistible enchantment of its own. But as the month winds down and the wish grows stronger, Sirena and Gus have a decision to make. Will their second chance be their happy-ever-after ending or a bittersweet memory?

Goodreads | Amazon

Nothing Like the Movies by. Lynn Painter

In this highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling Better than the Movies, Wes and Liz struggle to balance their feelings for each other with the growing pains of being a college student.

For a few beautiful months, Wes had his dream girl: strong-willed girl-next-door Liz. But right as the two were about to set off to UCLA to start their freshman year together, tragedy struck. Wes was left dealing with the fallout, which ultimately meant losing Liz in the process.

Flash forward months and months later and Wes and Liz find themselves in college, together. In a healthier place now, Wes knows he broke Liz’s heart when he ended things, but he is determined to make her fall back in love with him.

Wes knows Liz better than anyone, and he has a foolproof plan to win her back with the rom-com worthy big gestures she loves. Only…Liz will have none of it. Wes has to scheme like a rom-com hero to figure out how to see her. Even worse, Liz has a new friend…a guy friend.

Still, Wes won’t give up, adapting his clever plans and going hard to get Liz’s attention and win back her affection. But after his best efforts get him nowhere, Wes is left wondering if their relationship is really over for good.

Goodreads | Amazon

Three Things About Emmy Crawford by. Allison L. Bitz

Crohn’s disease, the paparazzi, and heartbreak can’t derail Emmy Crawford, the type-A daughter of a senator, from relentlessly pursuing her dreams in this coming-of-age novel perfect for fans of Lynn Painter and Rachel Lynn Solomon.

There are three things high school senior Emmy Crawford will accomplish, no matter what:

Taking nationals in debate this season.
Shielding her sister Issy from anything that could hurt her, especially her anxiety.
Representing her family well, since her mom may be the next president.

And nothing can get in Emmy’s way. Not Crohn’s disease, even if her gut has been acting up. Not the paparazzi, who snap any photos they can get of the daughters of a presidential candidate. And definitely not her feelings for Gabe Castillo, the only debater in DC who stands a chance at beating her—and who she used to be on secret kissing terms with, before he ghosted. When Gabe unexpectedly returns to the debate scene and Issy starts crushing on him, Emmy works harder than ever to keep her eyes on winning and off her aching heart and body, because the alternative means losing the three things that matter most.

Goodreads | Amazon

Best Hex Ever by. Nadia El-Fassi

A kitchen witch with a penchant for baking and a (literally) cursed love life meets someone who’s worth breaking a hex for in this sweet and spicy debut romance.

As a skilled kitchen witch, Dina Whitlock knows her way around a pastry recipe. In fact, she runs her very own London café serving magic-infused pastries for her loyal customers. But only a select few friends know about her magical abilities or the hex that has plagued her love life. It’s hard to fall in love when your partner is guaranteed to have a string of bad luck the second they start to have feelings for you.

Scott Mason is back from traveling the world and is excited to begin his new job as a curator at the British Museum. After leaving London to heal from a brutal breakup two years ago, Scott only now realizes how much he missed out on. Now that his best friend’s wedding is right around the corner, Scott is determined to be the most amazing best man ever, but he doesn’t expect to be bewitched by the maid of honor, who also happens to be the owner of his new favorite café and, more surprisingly, a witch?!

After a weekend in the countryside full of peculiar hedge mazes, palm readings by candlelight, and a midnight Halloween ritual, there’s no denying the chemistry between them. But there’s just one problem: The hex still holds, and Dina knows that Scott is in danger. In the past, she’s always cut her losses, but this time is different. Scott could be the one. Will Dina be able to undo the hex, before it’s too late?

Goodreads | Amazon

The Dagger and the Flame by. Catherine Doyle

From the number one bestselling author Catherine Doyle comes the most fiery enemies-to-lovers romantasy of the year. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo and Stephanie Garber.  

In the dark underbelly of a beautiful city, two rival assassins are pitted against each other in a deadly game of revenge, where the most dangerous mistake of all is falling in love…

In Fantome, a kingdom of cobbled streets, flickering lamplight, beautiful buildings, and secret catacombs, Shade-magic is a scarce and deadly commodity controlled by two enemy the Cloaks and the Daggers – the thieves and the assassins. On the night of her mother’s murder, 17-year-old Seraphine runs for her life. Seeking sanctuary with the Cloaks, Sera’s heart is set on revenge. But are her secret abilities a match for the dark-haired boy whose quicksilver eyes follow her around the city?

Nothing can prepare Sera for the moment she finally comes face-to-face with Ransom, heir to the Order of Daggers. And Ransom is shocked to discover that this unassuming farmgirl wields a strange and blazing magic he has never seen before… Among rumours of monsters stalking the streets and the rival guilds grappling for control of Fantome’s underworld, Sera and Ransom are drawn together by something more than just magic and must face a deadly choice – forgiveness or vengeance? Kiss or kill? Dagger or Flame?  

Goodreads | Amazon

The Wild Huntress by. Emily Lloyd-Jones

Dive into a lush, standalone fantasy, set in the same world as The Drowned Woods and The Bone Houses, about a deadly competition—perfect for fans of Holly Black and Erin A. Craig.

Every five years, two kingdoms take part in a Wild Hunt. Joining is a bloody risk and even the most qualified hunters can suffer the deadliest fates. Still, hundreds gamble their lives to participate—all vying for the Hunt’s life-changing prize: a magical wish granted by the Otherking.

BRANWEN possesses a gift no other human has: the ability to see and slay monsters. She’s desperate to cure her mother’s sickness, and the Wild Hunt is her only option.

GWYDION is the least impressive of his magically-talented family, but with his ability to control plants and his sleight of hand, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep his cruel older brother from becoming a tyrant.

PRYDERI is prince-born and monster-raised. Deep down, the royal crown doesn’t interest him—all he wants is to know is where he belongs.

If they band together against the monstrous creatures within the woods, they have a chance to win. But, then again, nothing is guaranteed when all is fair in love and the Hunt.

Goodreads | Amazon

The House at Watch Hill (Watch Hill Trilogy, #1) by. Karen Marie Moning

#1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning is back with a gripping, imaginative, and seductive new series in which a young woman moves to Divinity, Louisiana, to inherit a large fortune and a Gothic mansion full of mysteries and ominous secrets…

Zo Grey is reeling from the sudden death of her mother when she receives a surprising call from an attorney in Divinity, Louisiana, with the news she has been left an inheritance by a distant relative, the terms of which he will only discuss in person. Destitute and alone, with nothing left to lose, Zo heads to Divinity and discovers she is the sole beneficiary of a huge fortune and a monstrosity of a house that sits ominously at the peak of Watch Hill—but she must live in it, alone, for three years before the house, or the money, is hers.

Met with this irresistible opportunity to finally build a future for herself, Zo puts aside her misgivings about the foreboding Gothic mansion and the strange circumstances, and moves in, where she is quickly met by a red-eyed Stygian owl and an impossibly sexy Scottish groundskeeper.

Her new home is full of countless secrets and mystifying riddles, with doors that go nowhere, others that are impossible to open, and a turret into which there is no visible means of ingress. And the townspeople are odd…

What Zo doesn’t yet know is that her own roots lie in this very house and that in order to discover her true identity and awaken her dormant powers, she will have to face off against sinister forces she doesn’t quite comprehend—or risk being consumed by them.

Goodreads | Amazon

Storm of Ink and Blood by. Nisha J. Tuli

Dark magic courses through Zarya’s veins—magic that could save countless lives… or doom her world.

Shattered by Rabin’s betrayal, Zarya vows to leave all thoughts of him behind. In the dangerous city of Ishaan, she joins an ancient struggle for freedom.

Ishaan is a city of violent contrasts. Nobles and scholars live in golden luxury. But thousands of vanshaj workers are born into magical slavery—in punishment for a crime forgotten centuries ago.

Zarya is outraged, and certain that the fate of the vanshaj is linked to her own forbidden magic. She joins a band of rebels battling for their freedom, and with Yasen at her side she throws herself into the fight.

On a deadly raid, Zarya uncovers the key to freeing the vanshaj for ever. But to use it, she must harness a power that could tear her apart.

Only one person can give Zarya the strength to reach her destiny. The one who ignited her magic. Who brings her more pleasure and more pain than any other. The last person she wants to see right now. Rabin.

With searing chemistry, a stunning world, and heart-racing action, The Nightfire Quartet is a fast-paced and addictive fantasy romance that’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent, and Rebecca Yarros. If you love slow-burning passion and razor-sharp banter, dive in to discover your new fantasy obsession.

**RELEASE DATE: 10/4/24**

Goodreads | Amazon

There are so many books being released today and I’ve read almost more than half of these because I was blessed to get the arc.

Are you getting any new books this week?

Happy Reading!

Find me here: Instagram (bookstagram📚) | Twitter (X)

Books I Read/Avoided Because of the Hype | TTT | Top Ten Tuesday | 10/1/24

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. Please check out her website for more TTT topics!

This week’s topic is:

Books I Read/Avoided Because of the Hype

Hype books are something I usually steer clear of until a few months or a year later. But there are moments where I cave in. Here are some of the hyped books that I’ve read or avoided.

House of Flame and Shadow (Crescent City, #3) by. Sarah J. Maas – all her books are hyped and this one was entertaining but Crescent City is not my favorite series. Still I read her books as soon as they publish!

What’s on your TTT?

Find me here: Instagram (bookstagram📚) | Twitter (X) | Etsy (shop)

Top Ten Tuesday Topics:

SEPTEMBER~~
September 3: Books Involving Food (That are Not Cookbooks) (Submitted by Cathy @ WhatCathyReadNext and Hopewell’s Public Library of Life)
September 10: Books That Provide a Much-Needed Escape (bonus points if you tell us why!)
September 17: Ten Characters Authors Surprisingly Redeemed (which characters did you not like at first, but grew to love by the end of the book?) (submitted by Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse)
September 24: Books on My Fall 2024 To-Read List

OCTOBER~~
October 1: Books I Read/Avoided Because of the Hype (and did you make the right choice?)
October 8: Bookish Brags (or Confessions!) (what are you proud of or… not-so proud of in your bookish life?) (submitted by Lydia @ https://lydiaschoch.com)
October 15: Books I Was Assigned to Read in School (These can be books you loved or hated. Or just tolerated. Bonus points if you give us a tiny review of your thoughts!)
October 22: How My Reading Habits Have Changed Over Time (submitted by Lydia @ https://lydiaschoch.com)
October 29: Halloween Freebie

Goodreads Monday: Deja Brew by. Celestine Martin

Happy Monday!

Goodreads Monday is a weekly meme where you chose a random book from your Goodreads TBR and show it off. This meme is hosted by Budget Tales Book Blog.

Title: Deja Brews (Elemental Love, #3)

Author: Celestine Martin

Pages: 356

Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Publication Date: 10/1/24

Synopsis:

 In this spellbinding rom-com about a wish gone wrong, two opposites might just get a second chance at love, perfect for fans of New York Times bestsellers Payback’s a Witch and The Ex Hex.

Ex-celebrity chef Sirena Caraway has had the wackiest October ever. Her cooking powers are on the fritz, she failed to land a career-saving job, and she embarrassed herself at the town’s Halloween party. Just before midnight, she makes a desperate wish for a second chance to fix her life. The next morning Sirena wakes up and realizes that she’s repeating the entire pumpkin spice-flavored month. Even sweeter, she runs into Gus Dearworth, whose magic leaves her spellbound.

A former reality star, Gus moved to Freya Grove to rebuild his reputation and heal his broken heart, but his restless magic is tempting him to return to the spotlight. And his secret crush on Sirena is making him want to try something dangerous like fall in love again. When Sirena realizes he can help her fix her powers, Gus makes her a deal. If she’ll help decipher a mysterious cookbook in his collection, he’ll help get her magical groove back.

Every encounter offers a new adventure—from tasting menus, harvest mazes, and a growing attraction that’s taking on an irresistible enchantment of its own. But as the month winds down and the wish grows stronger, Sirena and Gus have a decision to make. Will their second chance be their happy-ever-after ending or a bittersweet memory?

Do you have plans to read this book? Let me know in the comments below!

Weekly Wrap Up | 9/29/24

Aloha friends!

Here we are, the last few days of September and it is October in 2 days. Are we ready for Halloween? I think I will be once my kids have fall break which is NEXT WEEK! 🥳 You don’t understand how I need this break – they need the break but I mean, I do too. I’ve been driving all over the place, feeling the whole single-parent life (hubby comes back in December) on level 10 it seems this whole month. I’m like a train that keeps on chugging but I need to take a little break soon, so fall break is going to be divine. My kids wants to watch The Wild Robot, so we have a movie date planned. It’s still hot here so maybe we will go to the beach. And best of all we just get to sleep in. I really, really, REALLY can’t wait.

This past week was just filled with a booked weekend, doctor appointments, and my daughter’s school carnival (which is like walking around in a sauna). My son is practicing his Winter recital piece so even though it’s fall, I am hearing Christmas music being played on the piano every night LOL. 🎃🎄

Anyway, I hope you all have a nice week!

Blog Posts:

Books I Read:

  • Eleven Houses by. Colleen Oakes

Currently Reading:

  • The Games Gods Play by. Abigail Owen
  • Love & Lattes by. Beth Reekles
  • Wisteria by. Adalyn Grace
  • Fangs for Nothing by. Stefanie Holmes

Shows/Movies/Music I Watched/Listened To:

  • Football

How was your week? Did you get a lot done? Watch anything good? Read any amazing books or books you didn’t finish? What are you reading?…Leave me a comment below!