Apr 16, 2024

Building the Book Pile #447

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

April is my birthday month ... celebrations have begun!
Yesterday, I was given a dollar amount and time to book shop to my hearts content. I ended up grabbing 15 new books and the Kingfisher Lego set from B&N. 

Then we got home and I took a nap and then we had Lego time while watching MotoGP. 

Next week I am away at a conference... so I am not sure how much reading will get accomomplished. 



Coming up on the Blog


Recent Reads: Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

TBD


Books Received Recently...  
What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!

Apr 11, 2024

Recent Reads: Bride by Ali Hazelwood 2

Bride by Ali Hazelwood  
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date:  February 6, 2024



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: 
A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance.

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.
Review: 
This was one of my most anticipated books this year. I have loved all of Ali Hazelwoods other books and was excited for her to get into a paranormal/fantasy romance. I am also a big fan of books about vampires so this just fed into that as well. 

Misery Lark is no stranger to her father putting her in crap situations to maintain political ties. She was once the vampyre child held hostage by the humans, and now she is stuck in an arranged marriage to the Alpha of the werewolf pack. She just sees it all as her duty at this point but she has a missing friend that she might be able to find in were territory while she is there, so she is doing it. During their time together Misery and her Alpha, Lowe, learn more about each other and fall for one another. A great enemies to lovers romance. 

I really liked the overall plot of this book, Misery was so focused on duty that she failed to see the real politics happening around her. She was a very broken character that finds herself in her new ...freedom ... that isn't freedom. The characters overall were fun to read. I liked the way that Hazelwood built up their cultures and background in a modern-esq world. It felt kind of like Buffy for a bit there. 

I liked the characters for their honesty. I liked the plot for its mystery, twists and turns, and I liked the world because of the paranormal elements. Overall, this was a great read and I would love a sequel if it is offered up. 

I felt like this lived up to the hype, but I know it won't be everyone cup of team. I read it practically in a day because I coudln't stop thinking about it when I wasn't reading and I love a book that has that hold on me.

Apr 9, 2024

Early Reader Review: Saving Delicia by Laura Gehl

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

Saving Delicia: A Story about Small Seeds and Big Dreams by 
Laura
Gehl, 
Illustrated by Patricia Metola
Publisher: Flyaway Books
Publication Date:  April 9, 2024



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: 
When the last delicia tree is in danger of extinction, a young girl creates a seed bank as a surprise for Old Otis, whose stories have inspired her. Kari’s favorite parts of summer are eating juicy fruit from the delicia tree and listening to stories from Old Otis. But now the last remaining delicia is in danger. What if this beloved tree dies out? Is there anything one girl can do? With inspiration, information, and a pocketful of seeds, Kari sets out to craft a surprise for Otis―and for the future. This tender story celebrates the connections between generations, emphasizing that small steps can have a big impact when one looks beyond the present. An author’s note about seed banks around the world is included.
Review: 
Children's book are wrecking me lately... dang it. 

This book is all about seed saving and it is super cute, albeit a little sad. 

I love the title "Small Seeds and Big Dreams" it is lovely. 

The book is very colorful and is about Kari and Cookie, listening to Old Otis' stories about the wonderful Delicia trees, but there is only one now because of a disease. Kari takes it upon herslef to collect all sorts of seeds and wait until she can plant all the trees.

Super cute, super sustainable, I love this so much. The book will teach young readers about plant disease, seed storage and seed banks. That said the Delicia tree isn't a real tree, maybe the author could have found a real example, but either way it hits just right. The story was lovely, but we lose some trees and Old Otis along the way... the story honors them well but as a children's book is a bit quick to move on. 

I think that this would be a great addition to any library, so lovely. Great read for Spring.

Apr 8, 2024

Recent Reads: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer  
Series: Assistant to the Villian #1
Publisher:  Entangled Publishing: Red Tower Books
Publication Date:  August 29, 2023 


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: 
Once Upon a Time meets The Office in Hannah Maehrer’s laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain…and their unexpected romance.

ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem, terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer—naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain—and his entire nefarious empire—out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.
Review: 
I read this book after Bride and fully expected a weird book-hangover and that this one would not be a good next read - but it kept me reading. There were parts that were funny and others that were a bit cringe. Overall though, it was a good read.

Assistant to the Villain follows Evie a girl living in a small town of a kingdom plagued with a Villain who is always trying to best the King. One day she meets him, although she doesn't realize who it is, and he offers her a job to become his assitant.  Evie is sarcastic and blunt, and the Villain isn't used to people talking back to him, or anyone that isn't scared of him really, so Evie is refreshing. Together they work to thwart the King in a number of ways, leading to awkward encounters, and a budding romance.

This book is so confusing, it is supposed to be for adults, but does not read that way at all. It reads more Middle Grade/Young Adult than anything. It has a fair amount of violence, blood, and death, but I am not sure there are adult concepts outside of that. The romance was pretty meh on this front.

The overall plot focuses on the grumpy/sunshine romance trope. It is full of quirky dialogue and very chat-heavy but sets up a cozy world that the characters thrive in. The characters although funny and entertaining are pretty one note, there wasn't too much development of them and they feel pretty flat. Really, the dialogue kept this alive for me. The more I think about my reading experience with this book, the more I just focus on the banter and weird circumstances and I avoid thinking about the characters as a whole or the plot... so if you like some good chatty chat and a female main character that is always trying to go above and beyond for her job - this could be for you.

All that said - I did not realize this was a TikTok series at all that was made into a book... so strange, now I need to go find it.

Apr 7, 2024

Building the Book Pile #446

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Reviews this past week didn't go as planned. I was going to write them through the week and ...that didn't happen, so I wrote them today for this up-coming week.

Welcome to April... here in NH we got another foot of now on Thursday and by Tuesday it is supposed to be in the high 50sF. 🙄 I am getting to be over this...I would like spring to get here now. 

I started me veggie seedlings at the end of March and they are looking good. I am getting excited to be outside more... once the snow cuts it out. 

I haven't been reading this week all that much. Mostly just spring cleaning and playing World of Warcraft (which helps my anxiety). Hopefully next week is more reading-friendly. 


Coming up on the Blog


Recent Reads: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (Adult)

Early Reader Review: Saving Delicia by Laura Gehl (Youth)

Recent Reads: Bride by Ali Hazelwood (Adult)


Books Received Recently...  
 

Fortune Tellers by Lisa Greenwald - for review from the publisher.

It is my b-day month so I am going to try to be good
and wait for gifting...
Have you missed anything lately?

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

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!

Apr 3, 2024

Lovely Wicked Things by Trisha Wolfe


Lovely Wicked Things by Trisha Wolfe
Series: Hollow's Row #3
Publisher:Lock Key Press
Publication Date:  
February 3, 2024 


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: 
Halen:
I’ve created a monster. When past and present collide, the fallout feels like the death of my morality. Every time I look into Kallum’s clashing, feverish eyes, I see a dark omen—the threat of what we’ll do to each other if our desires run wild.

While the Hollow’s Row case comes to a head, a new heinous player enters the scene. As the Alchemist threatens the town, I’m torn between a promise to help my friend, and my loyalty to Kallum—the man who has sacrificed everything for me.

I’ve created a monster—but he’s my monster. And if I can’t control Kallum’s chaotic nature, I’ll lose him…just as I’ve lost everyone I’ve loved.

There could be a future for us, but only if we don’t damn ourselves first.

Kallum:
The moment Halen St. James crashed my world, I made a vow to harbor her darkness, the lovely spark who ignited my black soul. But now, it’s time for Halen to finally step out of her shadows.

I would do—and have done—anything to keep her mine. I’ve become a villain to protect her. Even from herself.

When she looks into my eyes with recognition, I’m a man reborn, redeemed by her cleansing fire. Only there’s a vital piece of our story missing, and without it, I’ll always fear losing her—a primal fear that provokes the demon within.

The truth lies somewhere in the murky marsh waters, where killers and philosophers intwine, obscuring ancient wisdoms and feasting on the sweetest nectar. 
I was created for her, to devour her heartbreak, and she was designed for me, the muse to the devil himself.

Content warnings: 
Mention of loss of loved ones/grief 
Mention of SA / Violence / gore
Murder / detailed crime scenes
Knife / sharp object / blood play / breath play
Occult references and rituals 

Review: 
This is book 3 of the Hollow Row series with Halen and Kallum. In the first two books they are helping catch a very creepy ritualistic murderer. This is the conclusion/ wrap up of the case and their time together and a full unraveling of all the dark secrets they are both keeping. 

I enjoyed this series, it got really weird and increasingly dark as it moved on. In this last book, I felt like it was too wordy at times when I wanted more action and movement from the plot. The ending was ultimately pretty obvious but still very fun. 

I still really liked Kallum and his dark, broody persona. And Halen was eerily broken and wonderful throughout the series. I think that this was a great representation of a female main character that was both strong but also suffering. She was doing her best to hold herself together through deaths in her family, murders, chasing a murderer, and then also dealing with Kallum's creepy/hotness. 

I liked that the plot continued to be driven by the occult/ philosphy worlds in a way that allowed them to be played together. It was interesting and a very weird take. Sometimes it got a bit bogged down though because both can be so deep but also so vague for broader audiences. 

I am glad that I finished out the series, it was very entertaining and I like what the author has done. That said if you aren't into spicy, weird, dark, occult things, this one will not be for you.

Apr 1, 2024

Monthly Re-Cap & TBR Pile (April)



Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Here is the progress from March

Throne of Glass is a buddy read so we are taking our time with that one. Otherwise I did pretty well!



~~Books I Read in March 2024~~  
 





 TBR for April

  • Wild About You by Kaitlyn Hill - review
  • Beastly Beauty by Jennifer Donnelly - review
  • The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers by Samuel Burr- review
  • Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
  • Where the Dark Stands Still by AB Poranek
  • continuing Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
How was your March reading?  

Feel free to share it in the comments below! I would love to know what you are reading!