Recent Reads: Vows of Betrayal by Jessa York

Vows of Betrayal by Jessa York  

Series: The Sovrano Mafia Empire Book 1
Publication Date:  June 12, 2025

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Freebie during Stuff Your Kindle day

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Stefan

I promised myself.

I’d never touch her again.

A woman like her will never fit into my world.

No.

A woman like her will never—want—to fit into my world.

And something deep inside of me wants that for her.

Normal.

Nice.

Ordinary.

Because there is nothing normal, nice, or ordinary about my world.

Letting her go is the only thing I can do.

It may just be the one and only selfless thing I’ve ever done in my life.

But—when I see her about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder—I’m suddenly left with only one choice.

Whether she likes it or not.

Review: 

I grabbed this as a freebie and decided to give it a try since it was on the shorter side at novella length (140 pages). I knew going in that it was the start of a series, but given the length, I was expecting more of a prequel-style introduction.

Instead, the book jumps right into the deep end, with Stefan encountering Francesca at an auction before flashing back in time. I kept expecting the story to circle back to that opening scene by the end and give us some resolution, but instead it ends on a cliffhanger.

Overall, I thought the story was fine, and there was a fair amount of spice pretty quickly. I enjoyed Stefan and Francesca's banter and playful interactions, and I liked getting to meet some of the family members. There’s actually a lot packed into the 140 pages, but I found myself wanting more time with the characters and the story. Everything moved pretty quickly, and I think a little more development would have made it more satisfying.

I know it’s book one and there are more in the series but I’m not sure this one hooked me enough to pick up the next books.

Back to School Round-Up with Penguin Young Readers

Today we are showcasing Back to School with titles from Penguin Young Readers. Many thanks to Penguin for letting me review some of these amazing titles. 

Here are three of their Children's book releases that are out now!

Take a look!

Forty the Fortune Teller by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Kevin Cornell
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication Date:  February 24, 2026 

About the Book:

What's a fortune teller to do when she's dropped on the ground half-finished when the bell rings to mark the end of recess? Make friends and save the day, that's what! 

In this hilarious graphic novel-style picture book, Forty the Fortune Teller, along with her friends Potato Chip and Basketball convince a team of chewed-up chewing gum to help repair the playground slide so that the kids at school won't get hurt.  

This story is totally wacky, totally adorable, and a perfect read-aloud for a storytime.

  

Rating:

Review: 

What a cool concept for a book - a fortune teller. I have not thought about those in years! The books end-pages even teach you how to make one!

This was a fun read. The illustrations are colorful and plentiful, with lots of little scenes and fun details filling each page. The story about Forty the Fortune Teller is cute and a little silly, and some of the fortunes are sure to make kids laugh. 

I also loved the way the book encourages spelling and counting practice thought Forty, even though it doesn't feel like a lesson. It also does a good job highlighting the importance of teamwork and helping others. 

There was a lot packed into this story, making it feel more substantial than a typical picture book. It was a fun and adorable read.

About the Author

Drew Daywalt is the author of many books, including the blockbuster #1 New York Times bestselling The Day the Crayons Quit and its sequels, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, as well as The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, illustrated by Adam Rex; Twinkle Twinkle Little Kid, illustrated by Molly Idle; The Wrong Book, illustrated by Alex Willmore; and many more. He lives in California with his wife, two children, and multiple pets. 

You can visit Drew Daywalt at DrewDaywalt.com

The Crayons' Book of Manners by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books

Publication Date: May 19, 2026

About the Book

The Crayons are ready to learn how to polite. But what do they need to know? When to say please and thank you? How to eat neatly? What to do when they have to (uh-oh!) burp? This laugh-out-loud addition to the Crayons mini book series will teach children their manners as they giggle at the Crayons' missteps.

Rating:

Review:  

This was a cute addition to the Crayons series. I like the simple illustrations and the way each page focuses on the Crayons and their bad manners. 

I think one of the best opportunities for learning comes from discussing what the Crayons are doing versus what the text is telling us they should be doing. While I liked the focus on manners, I would have preferred to see the Crayons correct each incident as it happened rather than having everything resolved with an “I’m sorry” at the end. 

I also wasn’t a fan of “my bad” being used as an apology, especially in a book meant to teach young children about good manners. But any book about manners is welcome and the Crayons are good teachers of what not to do. 

About the Illustrator 

Oliver Jeffers makes art and tells stories. His books include How to Catch a Star; Lost and Found, which was the recipient of the prestigious Nestlé Children's Book Prize Gold Award in the UK and was later adapted into an award-winning animated film; and the New York Times bestsellers Here We Are, What We'll Build, Stuck, This Moose Belongs to Me, and Once Upon an Alphabet. He is also, of course, the illustrator of the #1 smash-hit Crayons series, written by Drew Daywalt. His fine art is world-renowned, and his dip-art exhibitions are much-sought-after events. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Oliver now splits his time between Belfast and Brooklyn, New York. 

You can visit Oliver Jeffers online at OliverJeffers.com or follow him on Instagram @OliverJeffers.

Pencil & Eraser: New Friends Rule by Jenny Alvarado

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: January 6, 2026

About the Book

Pencil and Eraser complement each other perfectly, like any best buds should. Who else could help Pencil when she messes up her drawings in art class? But what if she didn't make any mistakes? Enter Ruler, a new friend who can easily help Pencil keep her lines straight, without any need to ever erase again...

When these school supplies learn a green crayon has gone missing, Pencil insists her new bud Ruler join their quest to save them. The two hit it off immediately, building off each other’s wacky ideas. And as the sole voice of reason, Eraser quickly starts to feel like the odd one out. With Stella and the rest of the students due back form lunch any minute, and each of their plans to rescue Green a bigger disaster than the last, can our dynamic duo learn to work as a trio before it’s too late?

Rating:

Review: 

I really enjoyed this book! The school supply characters were adorable, and I loved following Pencil, Eraser, and Ruler on their adventure to find Green Crayon. 

The graphic novel format and little jokes that break up the chapters make this feel like a great choice for beginner and early readers. I also loved the themes of finding new friends, values of friendship, trying new things, and learning about teamwork. 

The story was funny and entertaining, and I have to admit it even made me excited for school supply shopping again even though I don't need to any more. I can only imagine it will get young readers excited too.

About the Author

Jenny Alvarado is an author and illustrator of books for kids. She lives in Palm Bay,
Florida with her family. Making friends doesn’t always come easy to her, but she is so happy when she makes new ones. 

You can find more of her work at www.JennyABooks.com or follow her @JennyABooks on social media 

Building the Book Pile #526

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi everyone ~ Happy Sunday.

The week was pretty boring - lots of work, lots of meetings, and I am tired. Some of the students are already getting sick - so I am really trying not to catch anything so early in the school year. 

In my spare time, I finished Alchemised and have started a few other books. I am working on a cross stitch pattern that will be a witchy bookmark and I hung out  with some friends and we had pizza on Saturday night. 

How was your week?

• Currently watching: F1 is BACK! after summer break
• Still...Currently reading: Hellbound by Stephanie Binh & Monsieur Pain by Roberto Bolano
• Currently listening to: Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro (I took a break)

Linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: Vows of Betrayal by Jessa York (Adult)

Back to School Round-Up with Penguin Young Readers (Youth)

Books Received Recently...  

For Review From Publishers 

Tree Daddy by Molly Harper

Amazon First Reads

The Getaway by Kieran Scott

The Spider Silk Scarf: A Short Story by Ana Reyes 

From the Author

The Directive Detectives: The Freedom Trail Directive: File 001 by G. Savo

Time Lines by Giulio Antonio Savo

Sisters of Twelve by Giulio Antonio Savo

Reviews and Such

Recent Reads:  For the Love of the Quest: A Novel by Alexandra Ammon Parthun (Adult) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recent Reads: Whale, That Was Unexpected by Casey Lyall (Youth) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Recent Reads: Whale, That Was Unexpected by Casey Lyall,

Source: From Librarything Early Reviews program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Whale, That Was Unexpected by Casey Lyall, Illustrated by Kathryn Durst

Publisher: Tundra Books

Publication Date:  June 30, 2026 

 

Format: Hardback

Rating:

Synopsis: 

Stoic seafarer Maude and her canine sidekick Claude head out to fish as they have done every day for many years. But this time, something unexpected happens. (Maude hates it when something unexpected happens.)

They get swallowed by a whale. What does one do when one is swallowed by a whale? Throw a farewell party, I guess. (Maude loves a good party.)

Hilarity ensues as more and more creatures get swallowed and Maude has to keep changing her party plans. (Maude does not love crowds.)

Will Maude and the whale part ways, or is this the end? (Maude would prefer it if we could hurry this up.)

Okay, okay. Read on to find out.

Review: 

Old Maude is a bit of a grump, and she heads out on her boat with her dog, Claude. Unfortunately, their normal outing takes an unexpected turn when they are eaten by a whale. Once they find themselves inside the whale, they decide there’s really only one thing to do: have a farewell party. Of course, things don’t go quite as planned. More and more animals crash their goodbye plans, forcing Maude and Claude to start the party over a few times.

Such a cute and silly book! It’s definitely a little macabre in the sense that the story revolves around the possibility of Maude and Claude dying inside a whale, but somehow it manages to make the whole situation feel playful and fun rather than scary. The rhyming scheme is especially enjoyable, and I think reading it aloud and gradually picking up the pace would make it even more entertaining for young readers. There’s a great rhythm to the story that feels like it would lend itself really well to an animated, energetic read-aloud.

My favorite part, though, was the breaking of the 4th wall. Maude and the narrator actually talk to each other, which adds a fun layer of humor and gives readers another reason to giggle. 

Overall, this is a quirky, funny story. It has just enough silliness and dark humor to make it memorable, and I think it would be especially fun to share as a read-aloud.

Early Reader Review: For the Love of the Quest by Alexandra Ammon Parthun

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

For the Love of the Quest: A Novel by Alexandra Ammon Parthun 

Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  August 11, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC/ Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

The search for King Arthur’s Excalibur invites danger…and potentially love in this sapphic historical romance perfect for fans of Cat Sebastian and Freya Marske.

Lady Edith Darling is supposed to live a quiet life in her family’s manor. She is not supposed to go unchaperoned on a quest to find Excalibur. But Edith won’t let that stand in her way, especially not when she's on this mission to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish. Determined to prove her grandmother right, Edith packs her satchel with Arthurian legends, pastries, and her grandmother’s ashes, and runs off to hire a mercenary. 

Thomasin Shaw leads the most feared gang in London. For years, she had the constabulary safely in her pocket, until a scandal involving the chief inspector’s wife was brought to light. Now he’s demanding an enormous sum of money–without which Thomassin will lose the protection of the police along with her criminal empire. But when the rich Lady Edith waltzes into her life seeking an escort for a treasure hunt, Thomasin sees a willing kidnapping victim and a massive ransom.

As Edith’s clues lead them to underground chambers booby-trapped with arrows, doors locked with arcane puzzles, and even Arthur’s fabled round table, Thomasin finds herself swept up in the quest, and in Edith herself. Edith is also drawn to Thomasin, despite the ruthless mask she wears. But the chief inspector won’t let Thomasin forget her crimes, and Edith’s father is intent on bringing her home. Every legendary quest has an ending, but finding Excalibur might not be enough to make this a happy one.

Review: 

If you’re looking for a cozy romance with a fun-filled adventure, this is a great read. We follow Edith, who is determined to have an adventure, even though that’s not exactly the norm for a lady. Thomasin, a gang leader, agrees to help Edith on her quest for Excalibur in exchange for a share of the treasure. Along the way, Thomasin finds herself falling for Edith, and their relationship slowly blooms as they navigate the quest together.

There is some violence and death along the way, but together, these two can tackle anything. Edith brings her knowledge and understanding of the lore, while Thomasin relies on her brute strength, cunning, and impressive survival instincts.

I really liked this book. It felt like a warm hug. Edith and Thomasin have alternating POV chapters, which gives us a chance to see into both of their minds and watch their feelings develop from both perspectives. The quest itself was a lot of fun, and the ancient riddles and traps added just enough chaos to keep the story moving at a steady pace.

The romance is a slow burn, and I thought it built beautifully. I liked both of the main characters, and I enjoyed the balance between the cozy atmosphere and the adventure. There was just enough drama, danger, and violence to make the quest exciting without taking away from the warm, comforting feel of the story.

Overall, this was a really fun read, and I think readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, slow-burn romance, and a good adventure will really enjoy it.

Building the Book Pile #525

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi everyone ~ Happy Sunday.

I haven't been great about regular weekly wrap posts nor have I been great about blogging lately. So sorry about that. I am still here and reading blogs in between work things. Students are officially back on campus and so I have been coming home more exhausted than normal - making it hard to blog and read. But I am trying my best.

Work is picking up - lots of meetings and prepping for companies to come to campus. I am meeting lots of new students and feel like things are moving along well. 

Cooper cat is still here.. he is looking more and more haggard but nothing else has really changed. He is covered in lumps and bumps but seems happy and comfortable. He asks for lots of snuggles now. 

I have been working my way through Alchemised - I am about 700 pages in and enjoying it. I read Manacled, so I think that is why I am liking it. Also knowing it is going to rip out my heart soon. For the Love of the Quest is adorable, I am half way through and would already recommend it. Full review to come later but it is has been a warm hug so far.

At home we continue kitchen reno/ move. Our next big piece is an outside thing so we might have to wait until spring to have the time and money to do it - so we are working on little cosmetic things inside on the part we have finished now. Today I will be working on some drywall mudding and we have some light switches to rewire.  There are more than enough finishing things to get done on side 1... so I am not mad about waiting longer for the rest. 

How was your week?

• Currently watching: Random murder mystery recaps on Netflix
• Still...Currently reading: Alchemised by SenLinYu and For the Love of the Quest: A Novel by Alexandra Ammon Parthun
• Currently listening to: Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro

Linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads:  For the Love of the Quest: A Novel by Alexandra Ammon Parthun (Adult)

Recent Reads: Whale, That Was Unexpected by Casey Lyall (Youth)

Recent Reads: Vows of Betrayal by Jessa York (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

For Review From Publishers 

Cards on the Table by Lana Harper & Jilly Gagnon

A Deal in Death (Immortal Desires #2) by Jaclyn Rodriguez

Daisy: A Novel by Katie Cotugno

Whale, That Was Unexpected by Casey Lyall

Stuff Your Kindle Freebies

Reviews and Such

Early Reader Review: Pumpking Apocalypse by M.D. Payne (MG)⭐⭐⭐

Monthly Re-Cap: July 2026

Recent Reads: Wretched Mage by Juliana Pinheiro (Adult)  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Early Reader Review: Raise the Bar by Fernanda Frick H. (MG/GN) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading!