Showing posts with label New Adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Adult. Show all posts

Aug 22, 2025

Early Reader Review: The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren 
Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  August 26, 2025



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
A Middle Eastern legend get a magically romantic modern makeover perfect for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

A young woman must find a way to end the curse on her heart before it claims her forever in this delightfully witty fantasy romance.

Sare Silverbirch has already had her heart broken three times. A fifth heartbreak will stop her heart forever. Such is the nature of the curse she was born under, which forces her to live a life without letting anyone get too close.

When her mother dies unexpectedly and her heart breaks for the fourth time, Sare begins to urgently question the curse. Where did it come from? Why her? And rather than accept it, could there be a way to break it?

Her questions lead her to Istanbul where she meets Leon, a seer who helps her track down the mysteries of her mother’s past. But Sare’s heart is a fragile thing and their blossoming romance poses a great risk to her survival. Especially when she discovers that her fate is in the hands of celestials beyond this earthly realm.

Now the heavens are stirring, for they have a stake in Sare’s destiny—and they don’t like their plans being overturned.

The Book of Heartbreak is a dazzling, haunting romantasy sure to break—and mend again—the hearts of readers everywhere.
Review: 

Let’s be very clear here - this cover is stunning, and the synopsis holds so much promise. Unfortunately, this book ended up being a struggle for me. I wanted to put it down just a couple of chapters in, but pushed on, thinking maybe I was in a book hangover and not giving it a fair shot. In the end, though, it still fell short. Of course, other readers may have a very different experience.

The premise is intriguing: Sare is cursed to die when she experiences heartbreak, and on her fifth heartbreak, she will die forever. After her fourth heartbreak, she travels to Istanbul to search for her past, where she meets Leon.

Curses, Istanbul, Middle Eastern legends - sign me up, right? It had all of these elements, but somehow it still missed the mark.

I did enjoy that this story brought me to a new setting and introduced new stories and mythology. I appreciated the diversity in my reading, but I felt the author didn’t fully embrace it. I wanted more vivid descriptions of Istanbul and its culture, and more of Sare’s experience of change when she arrived. These elements seemed vital to her journey of self-discovery and learning about her family and past, but they were glossed over.

The book is tagged as adult romantasy, though to me it leaned more toward young adult or new adult fantasy. While there is a romance, it doesn’t feel central to the story, and honestly, the book works without it.

As for the characters: Sare often read as an angsty teen, even though she was nearly 18, and she never really grew out of that persona. I also never felt I had a clear sense of Leon - he came across as clingy from the moment they met, which gave me the ick. He was supposed to be the swoony love interest, but I just didn’t feel it. Munu, the celestial guide, was easily my favorite. She added humor with her dramatics and her sudden appearances to warn Sare.

Overall, I struggled to get through this one. While the ending does pick up and offers an okay resolution, I still came away feeling pretty meh.

With its unique premise, fresh Istanbul setting, and touches of Middle Eastern legend, this romantasy may appeal to readers looking for something different in the genre.

Jun 25, 2024

Recent Reads: Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher


Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date:  April 26, 2022



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Paperback
Source: Bought/Own


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
After years of seeing her sisters suffer at the hands of an abusive prince, Marra—the shy, convent-raised, third-born daughter—has finally realized that no one is coming to their rescue. No one, except for Marra herself.

Seeking help from a powerful gravewitch, Marra is offered the tools to kill a prince—if she can complete three impossible tasks. But, as is the way in tales of princes, witches, and daughters, the impossible is only the beginning.

On her quest, Marra is joined by the gravewitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon. Together, the five of them intend to be the hand that closes around the throat of the prince and frees Marra's family and their kingdom from its tyrannous ruler at last.

Content Warnings: This book contains - childbirth, miscarriage, references to abortion, domestic violence and abuse, references to suicide, infant death, references to cannibalism, as well as violence against women and murder/killing.

Review: 
I have heard great things about this book and grabbed it during my birthday shopping trip. It did not disappoint, but also what the heck did I just read - it was such a crazy ride!

Marra is the 3rd daughter/ princess. Her oldest sister, as one does, marries a prince to a neighboring kingdom to secure safety for her family and their land, but sadly dies during her time there. The family decide that the 2nd sister will now marry the prince to keep their safety. Marra realizes that her eldest sister didn't just die but was killed, and now her other sister is being abused. She is determined to free her sister, by the only way she knows she can, by killing the prince. 

Marra collects the help of a dust-wife, who is a witch of sorts, a godmother, a guy that was trapped in a goblin market, a bone dog that she created, and a demon chicken (my favorite) to go with her on this errand.

I really liked this twisted, dark, and strange fairy-tale esq thing of a book. It was so dark and odd and I LOVED the chicken (best quotes on p.82 of the paperback edition). Marra is stubborn but determined to do anything in her power, and with the help of others to save her sister. What I liked about this take was that, there wasn't this air of 'she isn't like most girls' or that she needed a man to do the job. (Yes, they picked up a man but his 'need' had not been determined yet). I liked the sisterly love element of this fairy tale. 

I also really liked this world building and the explanations for things, i.e. " some things come into being once its inevitable that they will exist" mentality. The author was really good at giving the reader enough to set a stage but also allowing for the mind to wander and make things possible on its own. In some books, that doesn't work, here it did wonderfully. 

This book is a stand-alone though, so I could have gone for something weightier, it still worked. I will note that the book has a pretty slow start as it sets the stage. Overall this was a macabre adventure that was just what I needed.

Dec 22, 2023

Recent Reads: Zodiac Academy- The Awakening by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti


The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti 
Series: Zodiac Academy #1
Publisher: Dark Ink Publishing
Publication Date: August 2, 2019 



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
You have been selected to attend Zodiac Academy, where your star sign defines your destiny.

If you're one of the Fae, elemental magic is in your blood. And apparently it's in ours. As twins born in the month of Gemini, we're a rare breed even in this academy of supernatural a-holes.

Changelings were outlawed hundreds of years ago but I guess our birth parents didn't get the memo. Which means we're totally unprepared for the ruthless world of Fae.

Air. Fire. Water. Earth.

No one has ever harnessed all four of them, until we arrived. And it hasn't made us any friends so far.

As the rarest Elementals ever known, we're already a threat to the four celestial heirs; the popular, vindictive bullies who happen to be some of the hottest guys we've ever seen. It doesn't help that they're the most dangerous beasts in the Academy. And probably on earth too.

Our fates are intertwined, but they want us gone. They've only got until the lunar eclipse to force us out and they'll stop at nothing to succeed.

We never knew we had a birthright to live up to but now that we do, we intend to claim our throne.

We can't expect any help from the faculty when it comes to defending ourselves. So if the dragon shifters want some target practice, the werewolves want someone to hunt or the vampires fancy a snack then we have to be ready. But we've been looking after each other for a long time and fighting back is in our blood.

Today's horoscope: totally screwed.
Review: 
Booktok made me do it... I have Book 2 on my Kindle now but I am not sure... we will see.

This book follows the Vega twins - as they are pulled from the mortal world into the Zodiac Academy. They are the missing heirs of the throne to this world and they had no idea, but life in the real world is rough on them and this come with an inheritance if they can pass the school. That is all they want, they don't care about this place or their throne. There are already back-up heirs in place to take it once they graduate. Turns out they are all a-holes who now have it out for the girls but they are stronger than they realize in a lot of ways. They are pulled into this school knowing nothing but coming in with the ability to wield a lot of power. 

This was so much cringe but I feel somewhat invested now. I hated the power dynamics of the groups. I also hated the heirs, they were all a-holes and I am not sure the emenies to lovers hype and trope will be worth it. I want to know waht happens to the Vegas though. The plot overall was ok, gripping at soome points, the writing was pretty bad but the stroy was enough to keep me going. I wish we sould have gotten more about their real world lives before being thrown into Zodiac. I think that would make me more invested in them overall. 

I found it really hard to tell them apart even with the chapter headers they needed more distinguishable personalities and maybe those will come with time... we will see.  

That being said, twins being pulled into a magical fae worls that they have been missing from to retake their thrown is pretty epic an idea. Iliked that they are thrown into the school, but the world is all new and they are thrown in without any information about anything. Was this a high school ? I can't tell. At times it felt like too much for me as a reader, so I was able to experience (seemingly) what they were - far too many creature - vampires, werewolves, dragons, pegasus, sirens, fae... like geeez). Aside from all the heir cringe, and writing cringe.. there was also cringe around the teachers... do not like. I wanted them to take more responsibility for these girls to help guide them. 

Mar 4, 2022

Early Reader Review: Chef's Kiss by Jarrett Melendez, Danica Brine (Illustrations), Hank Jones, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Chef's Kiss by 
Jarrett Melendez, Danica Brine (Illustrations), Hank Jones, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Publisher: Oni Press
Publication Date:  April 12, 2022



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Watch things start to really heat up in the kitchen in this sweet, queer, new adult graphic novel! 

Now that college is over, English graduate Ben Cook is on the job hunt looking for something…anything…related to his passion for reading and writing. But interview after interview, hiring committee after hiring committee, Ben soon learns getting the dream job won’t be as easy as he thought. Proofreading? Journalism? Copywriting? Not enough experience. It turns out he doesn’t even have enough experience to be a garbage collector! But when Ben stumbles upon a “Now Hiring—No Experience Necessary” sign outside a restaurant, he jumps at the chance to land his first job. Plus, he can keep looking for a writing job in the meantime. He’s actually not so bad in the kitchen, but he will have to pass a series of cooking tests to prove he’s got the culinary skills to stay on full-time. But it’s only temporary…right? 

When Ben begins developing a crush on Liam, one of the other super dreamy chefs at the restaurant, and when he starts ditching his old college friends and his old writing job plans, his career path starts to become much less clear.

Chef's Kiss is a New Adult  graphic novel with LGBTQ+ characters and an adorable pig that is so cute and fun. The story follows Ben Cook, a college grad now looking for work. He majored in English and is a writer but finding a writing job without any experience has been a struggle. He is dodging calls from his parents and trying to make living on his own really work. He stumbles upon a cook position and having to make anything work, decides to try it out. 

The story is a lot about self improvement, self confidence, finding your passion, and learning that it is ok to change your mind. Yes, there is a romance, and it is adorable but it isn't the focus of the story, just a lovely added bonus. 

Ben is really fearful about his love for this new position, he is very nervous throughout the book about doing the right thing and his parents approval, but while that was one of the conflicts, the main conflict was passing the Head Chef's challenges to keep the job. I found that the parent struggle was not built up enough to make me fully engage with it. However, the Head Chef and his pet pig were a wonderful conflict, the chef is big, mean, and honestly a bit abusive verbally. I know that might turn off some readers, but I think it is a front that he puts up for some reason, at least that is how it feels, because he is able to have some heartfelt moments in the story too. 

Overall, this was a really adorable graphic novel. The text was well balanaced with the illustrations, the color and details were wonderful, and I really loved the story. I think so many can relate to trying to find parental approval, and trying so hard to find a job that is right for us. 


About the Authors

About Jarret Melendez
Jarrett Melendez grew up on the mean, deer-infested streets of Bucksport, Maine. A longtime fan of food and cooking, Jarrett has spent a lot of his time in kitchens, oftentimes as a paid professional! Jarrett is a regular contributor to Bon Appetit and Food52, and is the author of The Comic Kitchen, a fully illustrated, comic-style cookbook. When not cooking and writing about food, Jarrett usually writes comic books (like this one, Chef's Kiss!) and has contributed to the Ringo-nominated All We Ever Wanted, Full Bleed, and Murder Hobo: Chaotic Neutral. He is currently writing a graphic memoir for Oni Press.

Jarrett lives in Somerville, MA, with his partner, Stuart, and their collection of Monokuro Boo plush pigs. 

About Danica Brine
Danica Brine is walking sass in a leather jacket, forged in the icy lands of New Brunswick, Canada. From her waking hours to the moment she slumps over asleep at her desk, Danica can be found with a drawing tool in her hands. Her work has been featured on the covers of Wayward, Elephantmen, Exorsisters, and Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor. She's also contributed artwork to All We Ever Wanted, featured in the New York Times, and The Comic Kitchen. When not working as a comic artist, she illustrates children's books for a Canadian French-language publisher.

Danica lives in Moncton, NB, Canada, with her husband, Nick, and their shiba inu, Taro. 

About Hank Jones
Hank Jones is a colorist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He loves comics, movies, and really loves video games. He also enjoys a nice cup of coffee during a rainy day.

About Hassan Otsmane-Elhao
Hassan is a British-Algerian letterer who has worked on comics like Quantum & Woody, Red Sonja, First Knife, and more. He's also the editor of the Eisner-winning PanelxPanel magazine, and the voice behind Strip Panel Naked.

Nov 29, 2021

Blog Blast: Excerpt & Giveaway! The Journey by Kelsey Ketch

The Journey by Kelsey Ketch
(Death Island, #1)
Publication date: November 25th 2020
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, New Adult

About the Book 

With her family name tainted by her great-grandfather’s crimes, Meriden Cummings could only dream of fleeing her oppressive life. Then she unearthed a piece of tanned skin, and her blood revealed an ancient map adorned with Mayan glyphs, launching her on the journey of a lifetime. However, she finds herself bound to the map, and there is a cost to her newfound freedom. One that will torment her mind as well as her soul.

After being shanghaied by pirates, Gregory Wilson escapes to a small English village where he runs into an obnoxious auburn-haired beauty. When he learns she is about to set sail on dangerous waters, he signs up to join her crew, hoping to defend her from the pirates seeking her great-grandfather’s treasure. But, will he be able to protect her from the ghost that haunts her or the curse running through her veins?


Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Only 99¢ for a limited time!


[Meriden]

Tucker barked at something that had recently washed up onto the shore. Curious, I walked toward the obvious tangled mess. “What do you have there?”

I pushed him aside and grabbed the green and grey mass. I peeled off the debris and seaweed and rinsed the mud and sand off in the Mouth of the Severn. From the mess appeared an object, which I could only describe as an elaborate golden coin, about four inches in diameter. Yet, the slightest touch caused three outer rings of glyphs—similar to the ones painted on the map—to rotate around a sitting man with a long headdress, bowl, and club. His face profiled, and his legs crossed. The most outer ring consisted of nineteen complicated glyphs, including an eagle’s head, a goat-like face, and a demon face; the middle ring held twenty square glyphs with three curls underneath, some depicting things like hands, skulls, and faces; and the innermost ring had a series of dots and lines—much like Roman numerals—that counted up to thirteen. On the other side of the coin, the same skeletal figure from the map sat in the center while nine teetered glyphs were spaced out along the outer rings—five on the outer ring and four in the middle. Among the glyphs of the middle ring were four arrows pointing in what I would call the cardinal directions. Overlapping the middle and inner rings were three large arrows. Much like a compass pointing north, east, and west. And to the south, two skulls faced each other, leaving a microscopic gap.

My mind spun with disbelief. This had to be related to Death Island. I was sure of it. But how? And where did it come from? How did it get here?

The breeze carried my hair off my shoulder, a shiver ran down my spine, and goose bumps unraveled across my arms when I sensed a presence nearby. I turned to spy a man as pale as ash with a beard as white as snow watching me. Black veins stretched throughout his exposed flesh. His eyes nothing but two black pieces of coal. The mere sight of him made me jump in my own skin, nearly causing me to drop the Mayan coin as I gasped in fright. In an attempt to regain my composure, I took my eyes off the man for a second to steady myself, only for them to fall back on the gardener, or ghost, I met at the Railings’ home.


About the Author

Kelsey Ketch is a young-adult/new-adult author, who works as a Wildlife Biologist and Data Analyst. During her free time, she can often be found working on her latest work in progress. She also enjoys history, mythology, traveling, and reading.

Find the Author 

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram



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Aug 13, 2021

Blog Tour: Review - On the Seventh Day by Mark Wilson



On the Seventh Day by Mark Wilson
Publisher:  Paddy's Daddy Publishing
Publication Date:  March 7, 2021



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

About the Book
God is furious.
He has run out of patience with humans and decided that our time is over.

We've had our chance and it's back to the drawing board.

Mo, and Jay, best friends who've screwed up in the past, beg him for one more chance to get the humans back on track. 
Alongside Mr Saluzar, the head of a global charity foundation, and Nick, The Fallen Angel, they hurtle towards Armageddon and their one chance to prove God wrong.

They have seven days to save us.

Disclaimer: Violence, indications of rape, suicide,  and a lot of blasphemy.

I was not sure what I was going to get into with this book. I read the blurb and was interested but very concerned about how religious this one was going to be. With the understanding that some of it was going to be focused on religion I was going to give it a show...and it did not disappoint. This book is not for those that are easily offended, not for those that want a light story about religion, nor for those that are overly religious. This book was a harsh, violent, cursing depiction of God and his belief that the world is s*** and it should all be destroyed, that no one is worthy of Heaven and so he is going to end it all. 

The story is told in by a few different storylines running at once. There is Nick (Lucifer) telling the story of creation and his downfall to a bartender, one that focuses on Miriam and Mr. Saluzar, as well as the larger plot focused one that follows Jay (Jesus) and Mo (Moses) as they attempt to have a second coming and prove to God that the human race should be saved and that they are worthy.

I really enjoyed the alternating perspectives of this story. It gave the background needed to fully grasp how off-the-deep-end Stewart (God) has gone and how much his wrath comes into play. It shows another side/ story for Lucifer, and the overarching plot of the second coming.

What I found very realistic, although we will probably never know, was the way that Jay and Mo are recieved by the world. They attempt to show humans miracles, what it is like to be without, what it means to really be saved... and half the population go absolutely nuts. There are non-believers that not only don't believe but also riot, there are mass suicides, skeptics, social media nay-sayers. It follows a lot of the same trajectory as normal news. In a way it is a sad social commentary.

For me as a non-religious person, I found this book to be funny. The cynicism is strong, the blasphemy is prominent, and the re-imagining is actually really clever. This book is a rollercoaster of weird and over the top. I said that it isn't for the faint of heart, but they should probably read it as well. It is a lot, but it is also very telling. There are undertones of 'we all f***ed up and we need to fix it' that I think everyone should hear.

About the Author 

Mark Wilson is the author of twelve works of fiction and one non-fiction memoir. He also writes Crime Thrillers under the pseudonym, C.P. Wilson

Mark's short story 'Glass Ceiling' won first prize in May, 2015 on Spinetingler's Short story competition and will be included in Ryan Bracha's Twelve Nights at Table Six. dEaDINBURGH reached the quarter finals of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2014 and was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, 2015.

Mark currently teaches Biology in a Fife secondary school and writes in his spare time, in lieu of sleep.


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Apr 28, 2021

Blog Tour: Review - How to be a Badass Vigilante by Michael Anderle




Praise for HOW TO BE A BADASS VIGILANTE Series

“Once again, I find myself in a reader’s paradise with this ‘Bad Ass’ series!” Alicia G., reviewer

“A different twist to the fantasy world. The main character is feisty, fun, loyal & honorable. A theme I love in Michael’s stories.” Kathleen R., reviewer

“A number of unexpected plot twists form a novel solution. Action galore as usual.” Kevin S., reviewer

“It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently, but also provides top-rate plots, characters, and excitement in their stories.” — Jim N., reviewer


About the Book
Publisher : Lmbpn Publishing (February 10, 2021)
Language : English
Paperback : 274 pages
ISBN-10 : 1649714467
ISBN-13 : 978-1649714466

Sunopsis:
Virtutis gloria merces

Translation: Glory is the reward of valor

When given power, what would you be willing to sacrifice for the greater good?

Fed up with playing the normal game, recent university graduate, ex-cum laude, ex-soccer star, ex-popular and mostly broke Kera MacDonagh changed her life when she read 'How to be a Badass Witch' and shockingly, the spells worked.

She barely made it out of the first few weeks of on-the-job training before her powers got her in trouble.

Hunted as a magical vigilante, the Kims sacrificed to keep her safe.

Kera hunts criminals in the darkness of LA, but will she be able to hide the signature of her powers, too?

Having made the decision to come clean with a boyfriend, she must now live with the results.

With everything happening, Kera is balancing her sanity as well. Will magic be enough to help her come out on top?

Of course, she hopes. Because the other way lies madness.

You can purchase How To Be A Badass Vigilante: Book One at the following Retailers:
        


Rating:

Review:

How to be a Badass Vigilante is the second series in the How to be a Badass Witch storyline. It follows Kera as she learns more about the powers she has and uses them to fight the crime in her neighborhood under the shroud of the Motorcycle Man name. This is the first book in the next phase of the series, however you get enough of a background to not completely need to read the How to be a Badass Witch series first, although I would have liked to for even more context throughout.

Kera is a very strong character she is stubborn but courageous. It seems like she is consistently finding herself in no-so-great situations. She is able to work her way out of most of them but almost always at the expense of those around her, which I was not always trilled by. At times she read as a strong, defiant, force to be reckoned with, and other times she seemed overly 'woe-is-me'. I think as a main character she is interesting enough to read about but I liked the interplay of other characters alongside her most.

As noted, while following mostly Kera's story, is also told from the POVs of those around her. There is Stephanie - who works with her and is learning more, Chris - her boyfriend of sorts, Pavla - another witch, and then a storyline following some of the US coven higher-ups, Lovecraft and LeBlanc. I really enjoyed having the multiple point of view to read in, it pushed the story along and the side-quest of Lovecraft and LeBlanc was interesting, made me very upset for those poo new witches and wizards out there, and it was a bit foreboding. 

I mostly enjoyed Pavla and her inner conflict with having to help Kera but also to assess her abilities. I won't say more here and ruin anything, but it added a good amount of depth that I felt the book needed. 

Overall, this was a good book and I would like to continue the series. I think Kera has a long way to go and there are a lot of people that want to ensure she doesn't get there. If you like magic, witches, urban fantasy, this book is a good one to grab. It is on the shorter side and a pretty light read. 


About the Author

Michael Anderle was born in Houston, TX. A very curious child, he got into trouble — a lot. What to do with an inquisitive mind when he was grounded? Read!

For his first 20 years, he mostly read Science Fiction and Fantasy. In the last 10 years, he has enjoyed Urban Fantasy and Military Fiction. With this background, he created The Kurtherian Gambit series, a well-selling and fan-loved collection of stories. Fans have propelled these stories beyond Anderle’s wildest imagination and Anderle says they should get all of the credit for sharing with friends, family and occasionally the random person on the street.

Find the Author



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3 Winners will receive a Copy of BADASS VIGILANTE Book One by Michael Anderle.
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WEEK ONE
APRIL 19th MONDAY JeanBookNerd SPOTLIGHT
APRIL 20th TUESDAY BookHounds SPOTLIGHT
APRIL 21st WEDNESDAY Lady Hawkeye INTERVIEW
APRIL 22nd THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books GUEST POST
APRIL 23rd FRIDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
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APRIL 26th MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
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APRIL 30th FRIDAY Emelie's Books REVIEW
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Jun 23, 2017

Recent Reads: The Secret Art of Being A Grown-Up by Bridget Watson Payne

The Secret Art of Being a Grown-Up: Tips, Tricks, and Perks No One Thought to Tell You
The Secret Art of Being a Grown Up: Tips, Tricks, and Perks, No One Thought to Tell You By Bridget Watson Payne
Publisher:  Chronicle Books
Publication Date:  April 4, 2017



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format:  Hardback
Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program and Chronicle Books in exchange for review. This in no way alters my


Rating:
 


 


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Hello, grown-ups of all ages! Eclectic, bite-sized bursts of advice meet quirky illustrations in this playful guide to feeling like the grown-up we all wanted to be as a kid. From thoughts on the best way to open a champagne bottle to a short list of the kitchen tools you actually need, these tips and tricks reveal secrets that are attainable, not intimidating. Anyone can make a life upgrade using these insights alongside the traits they already have—their wits, creativity, and enthusiasm. This engaging guide is the perfect gift for recent grads, first-apartment dwellers, and anyone who's ready to grow up, one step at a time.
Review: 
I was so excited to receive this book in the mail! I am a "grown-up" I guess but there is always more to learn and I have a younger sister who will be graduating high school much sooner than I would like to admit. I had seen this book popping up and I wanted to read it to see what it was all about. It was WONDERFUL! I adored it and here is why...

The book is easy to read - the tips and tricks are presented as 2 page spreads with illustrations. The text is all different sizes and the images are all visually appealing.

The book has resourceful information and good information - the tips focus on money, what you need, how to live a full life, and how to love yourself.

It has some great advice - "You 100% deserve to be loved" is my favorite and great advice for all ages.

Even as an already 'grown-up' person, I really appreciated this book, it was clever and presented in a way that younger ... almost grown-ups will really be able to take about 10 minutes and read it all. It is quick, wonderfully presented and I think that graduates everywhere should be getting a copy.

Oct 14, 2016

Release Day Blast: Bittersweet by Tyffani Clark Kemp

Hello Book Lovers
Today I wanted to let you know about a book that is releasing TOMORROW... Take a peek

Title- Bittersweet
Series- The Kaveesh #1
By Tyffani Clark Kemp
Publication Date- October 15th


She'd reconciled her life without him. His return would be Bittersweet.


Welcome to Mother Cora’s, where the offspring of the Kaveesh learn to coexist with humans.


One hundred and twenty years ago, the Kaveesh came to Earth to save the dying planet from a disease that gorged itself on anything in its wake. Buildings crumbled to dust. Soil and plant life were consumed. Two-thirds of the Earth’s population perished.


The only thing the Kaveesh asked in return was to help save their dying race. Breeding programs began and the half-breeds were born.


Lirabel is a half-breed and an overachiever. Despite a few setbacks, she’s scheduled to graduate early from Mother Cora’s and become the Half-breed Ambassador to the Humans.


Enter Jonas. They were best friends until he broke her heart and disappeared five years ago. Now, he’s back, but Lirabel couldn’t care less. There are more important things to worry about…


Like finishing her last year of school and becoming ambassador. Or the half-bred students losing control of their Kaveesh strengths who are being sent into quarantine. Or how the breeding programs are still up and running.


And somehow, Jonas’ bittersweet return is connected to it all.