Cover2CoverBlog

Aug 23, 2026

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!

Aug 22, 2026

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

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

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.

Aug 19, 2026

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.

Aug 16, 2026

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!

Aug 13, 2026

Early Reader Review: Raise the Bar by Fernanda Frick H.

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

Raise the Bar by Fernanda Frick H.
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication Date: August 25, 2026

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis:

A debut graphic novel about one girl’s weightlifting dreams and how far she’ll go for them, from a popular Chilean animator.

Sam Sanchez might not have a coach or proper equipment, but she’s going to become Chile’s first weightlifting gold medalist. She just knows it.

When there’s an opportunity to train at the high-performance center with her weightlifting hero and Olympic gold medalist Eva Dos Santos . . . well, Sam can’t let that opportunity pass. Even if it means going behind her parents’ back.

As she makes friends (and a rival) during training and tries to qualify for the Pan American Games, she’ll find out how far hard work and perseverance can take her and just how much weight she’s able to hold.

Review:

I really really loved this graphic novel. The story follows Sam, who wants to be a weightlifter and that has been her dream for a long time. Her parents just don't get it and want her to be normal. When she has the chance to train with one of the best, she jumps at it with the agreement that if she doesn't medal she will just be done with it all together.

This was such a good story, brought to life through engaging art and text in such a lovely way. The artwork was bold, vibrant, and easy to follow, and the amount of text was perfect for a graphic novel.

The story was both inspiring and heartfelt. Following Sam pursuing her dream, it doesn't shy away from the anxiety, pressure, and setbacks that come with being an athlete. I especially appreciated the addition of the generational story/ reasoning for the parents wanting her to be normal woven in, which added depth and even more emotions.

This was a motivational read that made me tear up at times, so excited for Sam and her accomplishments and revelations about herself. The themes of hard work, determination, resilience, and learning from failure are presented in a way that felt genuine ad encouraging. It's the kind of story that reminds readers that success isn't always a straight path and that perseverance matters.

I think this will be a fantastic read for middle-grade and teen readers. It's fun, uplifting, and packed with meaningful lessons. A wonderful graphic novel with memorable characters, strong emotional moments, and beautiful artwork. Overall a great graphic novel read!

Aug 6, 2026

Recent Reads: Wretched Mage by Juliana Pinheiro

Wretched Mage by Juliana Pinheiro
Series: Wretched Mage #1
Publication Date: May 28, 2025

Format: Ebook
Source: From Booktrovert

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis:

Wretched Mage is the first book in a complete romantic fantasy duology where Beauty and the Beast meets The Witcher, featuring magical courts, dangerous curses, a forbidden mage kingdom, and a slow-burn romance. With forced proximity, forbidden love, a morally gray hero, and open-door romance, it's perfect for readers who love immersive worlds and books such as Kingdom of the Wicked, Servant of Earth and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Jane Darling thought taking over her family’s trade and attending a merchant fair would be her greatest challenge, until she stepped off at the wrong train station and was seized by a monstrous creature. When she realised she had unknowingly trespassed into the land of the mageborn, where magic and its people live in secrecy, it was already too late.

She is sentenced to remain there for a year under the watch of the loathsome lord of the estate, Reagan, only to discover he too is bound by a sentence from the same court that seeks to hold her captive. With her family’s livelihood at risk, Jane is determined to plot her escape, but leaving their territory can be a deadly task, especially for a human.

As she relies on Reagan to learn how to keep herself safe from monsters and violent mages, Jane realises his situation is far more dire than she believed. When a forbidden romance ignites between them, Jane begins to seek answers about Reagan’s fate. But he keeps secrets even from his own staff, and with his political enemies turning their attention to her, even the most tenacious and well-protected human might not survive long enough to see the end of her sentence.

Review:

I absolutely loved this story. As someone who loves Beauty and the Beast retellings, I really enjoyed the way this one blended familiar elements with a rich magical world, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance.

The story follows Jane, she is trying to get to the city to help her father with his trade business while he is home and ill with her sister. On the way, Jane accidentally stumbles into a hidden magical realm and is forced to remain there for a year while the mageborn determine whether her arrival was truly an accident. During her sentence, she's bound to Reagan, a grumpy, beastly lord who is just as unhappy about the arrangement as she is. Their relationship starts off full of tension and hostility toward one another.

Jane is stubborn, as many fantasy heroines are, but she's also curious, observant, and determined. I loved watching her attempts to escape and the way she constantly challenged Reagan. Reagan, meanwhile, is mysterious, broody, and the perfect grump for Jane to unravel. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic felt earned, and the forced proximity and banter were handled so well that I found myself looking forward to every interaction between them. Their slowly evolving relationships was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The supporting cast was just as fun though. There was such a strong sense of found family that added warmth to an otherwise dark and brooding story. The relationships between the characters felt genuine, and their loyalty and appreciation for one another made the world feel even more alive.

What I think was the real winner here was the world-building. While Reagan's curse is an important part of the story, the true focus is the kingdom itself: its politics, its history, and the looming threat hanging over it (which the curse ties into yes, but the mystery of it all is kept for a while). The cities, the people, and the political tensions felt just as important as the main characters, creating a setting that was immersive and incredibly compelling. The magic system took me a little while to fully understand, but as more pieces fell into place, I really enjoyed the revelations and twists toward the end.

There were a few moments where the writing read a little younger than I expected, but it never took away from the glee I had while reading. Overall, this was a richly imagined fantasy with memorable characters, fantastic romantic tension, and a world I can't wait to return to. If you enjoy Beauty and the Beast retellings, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, and fantasy with strong political intrigue, I would definitely recommend picking this one up.