Recent Reads: Wild Eyes by Elise Silver

Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver  

Series: Rose Hill #2
Publisher: Bloom Books
Publication Date:  September 3, 2024 

 

Format: Audobook
Source:  Bought/Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A rugged mountain town seemed like the perfect escape from a life in shambles. But on day one I ran full tilt into the world’s hottest single dad and now all my plans are ruined.

As a chart-topping country singer with a recent streak of bad press it’s hard to find any peace. But I find it in Rose Hill. With a little boy and a little girl who steal my heart just as thoroughly as their dad.

Weston Belmont.

The man is a shameless flirt. He oozes confidence and masculinity in a way that’s downright distracting. And in bed? He’s addictive.

Everything with him is wild and impulsive and I’m desperate to regain some control.

But no one has supported me like West does. And no one has ever made me feel as loved as he does either.

So, while my brain says settling down with a small-town horse trainer is impossible… my heart says I’m right where I belong.

Still, my life as a celebrity haunts me. It has the power to pull us apart.

I can see in his eyes that wants me to stay. And I want that too.

But I know better than anyone that we don’t always get what we want.

Review: 

It was the first line that secured this book on my TBR list... "The sun is shining, the lake is sparkling, and there's another f***ing tourist on the side of the road trying to get a selfie with a bear."

Returning to the charming small-town of Rose Hill introduced in book one, Wild Eyes weaves a fresh story with new characters while still tying into the larger series in a satisfying way. I loved seeing familiar threads connect across the books—it adds an extra layer of depth to the world Silver is building.

This romance hit so many of my favorite tropes: forced proximity, small-town life, mutual emotional damage, and that irresistible dynamic where he falls first. Weston and Skylar’s chemistry is undeniable, and the dual point of view gives readers a full emotional picture of their journey. I especially appreciated how we got to see inside both of their heads as they navigated their vulnerabilities and growing feelings.

I loved the inclusion of West’s kids. Their scenes added both heart and humor, with several laugh-out-loud moments that brought warmth to the story. The parenting aspect didn’t just round out West’s character, it elevated the relationship and character growth for both of them.

I listened to the audiobook version and have to shout out the narrators, who brought both Skylar and Weston to life beautifully. Their performances captured the emotional nuance and spark of this story perfectly.

If you enjoy small-town romances with emotional depth, strong character dynamics, and a bit of humor, Wild Eyes is such a fun ride.

Early Reader Review: The Enemy's Daughter by Melissa Poett

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

The Enemy's Daughter by Melissa Poett

Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Publication Date:  May 6, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A stunning reimagining of Tristan and Isolde set in a dystopian world woven with magic. An addictive debut YA enemies-to-lovers romantasy—perfect for fans of Rebecca Ross and Sarah Underwood as well as books like Curious Tides, The Hurricane Wars, and Belladonna.

It’s been thirty-seven years since the Republic was destroyed. Now two settlements—the five clans and the Kingsland—fight for control of the untainted land. Though the five clans are outnumbered, they’ve finally struck, killing Kingsland’s brutal leader.

In the war that follows, Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer, risks her life to help injured soldiers. But when she stops an attack from Tristan, a Kingsland assassin, his soldiers shoot her with a poisoned arrow. As Isadora lies dying, Tristan does the unimaginable: He offers to save her life using a rare magic.

In choosing to live, Isadora is unknowingly bound to the mysterious Tristan. Worse, even acknowledging the attraction between them allows him to glean fragments of her memories and the very knowledge he needs to destroy the five clans. But their magical connection works both ways. So to save her people, Isadora will have to open her heart to her most cunning enemy. Because in a race for ultimate survival, she’ll need to destroy Tristan and his people first.

Review: 

This YA fantasy/romantasy has a compelling premise and solid pacing once it finally gets going, but it struggles with world-building and emotional depth. The beginning is rough, both slow and a bit confusing, so readers might have to push through to reach the stronger parts, especially the interactions between Isadora and Tristan.

Isadora is a healer from a patriarchal society where women are expected to be submissive, and this theme is front and center throughout the book. While it’s an important element of the story, it’s delivered in such an obvious and repetitive way that it starts to feel heavy-handed. Her father, in particular, is so awful that it’s easy to hate him, which makes the ending feel a bit rushed and unsatisfying. After everything she goes through, I was hoping for a stronger resolution to that part of her story.

Tristan is from the enemy territory of  Kingsland. He fits the brooding romantic lead role well enough, though he doesn’t show much character growth as the book progresses. Their instant connection leans more swoony than believable, but it’s fun to read if you enjoy that kind of romantic tension.

The central idea, two enemies magically bound with access to each other’s thoughts and memories, is an intriguing one and adds tension and stakes to the romance. I just wish there had been more context early on to ground the story. The world-building was a bit lackluster.  The magic system, political structure, and the post-Republic world all could have used more development.

Overall, this is a quick read with a familiar but enjoyable trope at its heart. Readers who like an enemies-to-lovers/ insta-love romance and don’t mind a few shortcuts in character and world-building will probably find it entertaining, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its deeper themes. 

Building the Book Pile #486

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Good Evening

I hope everyone had a lovely week and weekend.

 Here is why my post is so late today....

Meet Emma, the newest addition to our family. 

She is about 3months old, about 7lbs, and a Boston Terrier mix... we think maybe with Chihuahua. So tiny.  

I picked her up, with my dad's help on Saturday and so today has been a full day of her learning about us and her furry brothers. Our pup, Charlie, is doing ok with it, helping her learn things. Cooper, our older cat... is not impressed, but he is eating so that is good.  

How was your week last week, any plans for this week?

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader review: The Enemy's Daughter by Melissa Poett (YA) 

Recent Reads: Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

For Review:

 

A Sky so Hollow by Craig Montgomery - from the author for review. 

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: Anything by Rebecca Stead (Youth)- 5 stars

Early Reader Review: You Aren't a Dog Owner Until... by Jason Chatfield (Adult, GN) - 5 stars

Early Reader Review: Don't Disturb the Pirate by Rhiannon Findlay (Youth) - 4 stars

Blog Tour: Review - Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes (Adult) - 4 stars

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! 

Blog Tour: Review - Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes

Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes 

Publisher: The Book Guild
Publication Date:  April 28, 2025 

 

About the Book: 

19th-century England. Benjamin Gerard Waldorf, the Duke of Waldorf, has resigned himself to a life of duty and responsibility. But when an antique cameo unexpectedly transports him 200 years into the future, his world is turned upside down. 

Isabella Souza Kato, a struggling writer in London, is grappling with creative block after a painful breakup. Just as she’s ready to give up on love, a chance encounter with a man claiming to be from the 1800s alters her life completely.

As they navigate the complexities of time, culture, and their own hearts, Benjamin and Isabella must confront their fears and insecurities if they want to find a future together.

Will Benjamin find a way back to his rightful place, or will he choose to forge a new path with Isabella?

Rating: 

 

This lighthearted, time-travel romance was a charming escape with a fun premise and a steady pace that kept me turning pages. Benjamin, the Duke of Waldorf, accidentally stumbles into the modern world via an antique cameo/ pendant, and the outcome is an entertaining fish-out-of-water story full of sweet moments and cultural clash.

Benjamin (Ben) is a likable and surprisingly adaptable MMC ... maybe too adaptable at times. It was a bit hard to believe that someone from the 1800s would accept modern norms (and smartphones!) so quickly, but I get that it helped the story keep moving. Isabella (Bella), our FMC, a kind-hearted writer recovering from heartbreak, meets Benjamin and just… lets him stay in her flat. No big deal. Her immediate trust felt a bit unrealistic, but she’s so warm and hopeful that it’s hard not to root for her. 

The romance between them is sweet and sincere, and I especially enjoyed the “book within a book” element as Bella navigates her writer’s block. That added a fun, meta twist.

Where it fell a little short for me was in the time travel mechanics and emotional depth. For the time travel elements - there wasn’t much explanation of how the cameo worked, or how Ben’s family came to have such a powerful trinket (there was some, but not a lot). This left the ending feeling a bit rushed and vague. I wanted just a bit more substance and resolution there. 

It also fell a little short for me in the emotional depth area. There were plenty of moments that should have packed more of a punch—especially considering the time travel, the clash of worlds, and both characters’ personal struggles—but they often felt glossed over. The story stayed on the lighter side, which made it fun and easy to read, and there was even a nice spicy bit, but it also meant that some of the more emotional beats didn’t fully land. A bit more character development and vulnerability could have made their journey feel richer and more impactful.

Overall, though, this was an enjoyable and whimsical read. If you’re looking for a cozy, low-angst romance with a touch of magical realism and a bit of spice, this one delivers.

About the Author

Stefany Nunes is a Brazilian writer with degrees in Letters and Brazilian law. She’s been an avid reader for as long as she can remember, and with her passion for romance novels, she often created stories in her mind without ever putting them on paper. After moving to London with her husband, inspired by the city's atmosphere, she finally found the courage to fulfil her dream of writing.

Find the Author

Instagram | TikTok

Early Reader Review: Don't Disturb The Pirate by Rhiannon Findlay

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

Don't Disturb The Pirate by Rhiannon Findlay 

Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS Kids | Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Publication Date:  May 1, 2025 - TODAY!

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Synopsis: 

From the author of Don't Disturb the Dragon, comes an ARRG-some next installment!

Oh no—naughty puppy Patch has run away! Can YOU help find him? As you search, remember not to disturb the pirate. If you hear a Yo Ho Ho, a cannon's boom, or fierce AHOYS along the way, turn and run from all that noise!

Sneak over, under, round and through the book, just remember. . .don't disturb the PIRATE!

Review: 

Don't Disturb the Pirate! is a cute and quick children's book that takes young readers on a playful adventure to find a runaway puppy. The twist? We have to sneak around quietly so we don’t bother the pirate!

This interactive story invites kids to explore the island alongside the young main character, looking for clues hidden throughout the illustrations. One of the standout spreads lets readers help find the pieces to pack a bag for the journey—adding an extra layer of fun and engagement.

With its charming mix of sneaking, searching, and surprises, this book is perfect for kids who love puppies, pirates, or a good party. The vibrant illustrations and seek-and-find elements will keep little ones entertained from start to finish. Parents will also enjoy that it is a shorter read, that involves being as quiet and sneaky as possible. This would be a good on for bedtime.

Early Reader Review: You're Not a Real Dog Owner Until… by Jason Chatfield & Scott Dooley

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

You're Not a Real Dog Owner Until… by Jason Chatfield & Scott Dooley 

Series: You're Not a Real ____ Until ...

Publisher:  Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: April 29, 2025  

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

The definitive reflection of what it is to be a dog owner/parent, from dog park politics to inevitable messes and all the fun and love in between. Written and illustrated by two of The New Yorker magazine's best-loved cartoonists, You're Not a Real Dog Owner Until... is a must for any dog lover.

This book presents a delightful collection of observations about having a dog from award-winning comedian/cartoonist duo Scott Dooley and Jason Chatfield. These hilarious cartoons pair New Yorker-style illustrations with relatable details about having a dog. For example, you're not a real dog owner until...

•  You have to nix the word "walk" from your vocabulary as if it holds dark magical powers.

•  There are dog park friends who you only know by their dog’s name.

•  You've had to mediate a cease-fire between your dog and the Roomba.

•  Your dog has "protected you loudly" from thousands of "potential intruders" who've dared to walk past your front door (Most often during Zoom calls).

•  Your dog eats a healthier, more balanced and nutrient-rich diet than you have ever eaten in your life.

•  You have a voice you only use with your dog

•  You also have a voice for your dog.

A cross between The Far Side and For Dummies, this series offers insights into worlds we live in, whether it's where you live, what you love or even who you are, the "You're Not a Real..." series lets you know you're not alone in doing things some may think are crazy that are totally normal to you and your tribe!

Review: 

This adorable collection of comics is a love letter to life with dogs—full of sweet, funny, and oh-so-relatable observations that will make any dog owner smile (and maybe tear up a little too). From the quirks of different breeds to the unique bond between dogs and humans, each page offering a moment of joy or.... reflection. Sometimes hitting a bit too close to home.

The illustrations are charming yest simple, and it was fun to see all the different depictions of dogs and their owners. Some comics felt like they were pulled straight from my own life, while others will definitely strike a chord with fellow dog lovers depending on their experiences. There's also a mini story threaded throughout that quietly builds to a heartfelt moment—it’s subtle but powerful, and it definitely tugged at my heartstrings.

This is a super quick, easy read that’s perfect for picking up when you need a smile. I’d absolutely recommend it as a giftable book for any dog owner or animal lover. It’s a lovely little celebration of the joy (and occasional chaos!) our four-legged friends bring into our lives.

Early Reader Review: Anything by Rebecca Stead

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

Anything by Rebecca Stead, Illustrated by Gracey Zhang 

Publisher:  Chronicle Books
Publication Date:  April 29, 2025 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Newbery Medalist Rebecca Stead’s first picture book is a transporting tale about the power of an honest wish, the courage to speak it out loud, and the imagination to bring it to life.

What’s more powerful than a secret wish? A wish you say out loud.

Anything paints a tender picture of a father and daughter moving into a new home. Dad brings a birthday cake for the new apartment to celebrate their new beginning and tells his daughter she can wish for anything (or, more precisely, “three Anythings”). Over the course of the day, she wishes for some of her favorite things, including a rainbow and “the biggest slice of pizza in the whole world."

But she keeps some of her wishes inside. Because what she really wants is to go back home to their old apartment, with its big blue bathtub and space in the closet for hide-and-seek. When she finally admits this last wish, her dad takes her on a journey, and by the book’s final pages, she is home . . . in every way that matters.

Pairing an enchanting story from Rebecca Stead (author of the Newbery Medal-winning When You Reach Me) with delightful artwork from Gracey Zhang (illustrator of the Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning Lala’s Words), Anything is pure magic. A story that will resonate with every young reader, it is a powerful reminder that sometimes making a wish is a way of telling ourselves we're ready for something new.

SINGLE PARENT BOOK FOR This book is perceptive and relatable, inspired by Rebecca Stead’s childhood living half-time with her dad. Rebecca wanted to write a book about a father and daughter finding each other in the world of the imagination and has been crafting this one for nearly twenty years.

BIG Change can feel hard or even scary. This book about moving is for anyone facing new beginnings or uncertainty and the emotions that come with navigating the unknown, from fear and anxiety to excitement and hope. It’s a reassuring and uplifting read that shows a child—and her dad—using their imaginations and emotional connection to make room for something new.

FATHER-DAUGHTER This is a heartwarming portrait of a beautiful father-daughter relationship built on love and trust. By the end of the story, she follows his example of generosity and is able to grant his wish, however small. This pitch-perfect ending will stay with readers long after the last page turns.

Perfect facing change, new beginnings, or uncertainty (such as moving, divorce, loss, or grief)Parents seeking a comforting, uplifting book to share with children. Educators and therapists looking for resources to coach young readers through challenges and change Father’s Day or birthday gift for dad. Fans of Rebecca Stead books, including When You Reach Me, The List of Things That Will Not Change, and The Lost Library Fans of Gracey Zhang books, including Lala’s A Story of Planting Kindness, When Rubin Plays, and the many award-winning titles she has illustrated

Review:

 This beautifully crafted children’s book captures the essence of change—its initial uncertainty and the blossoming hope that follows. The narrative follows a little girl navigating the intimidating feelings of change, perfectly mirrored by the artwork that evolves from a subdued greyscale to a vibrant, rich palette. This transformation is not just visually stunning; it symbolically represents the journey from fear to optimism.

At the heart of the story is the extraordinary bond between a loving father and his imaginative daughter. From the very beginning, her father’s support is palpable as he encourages her to make wishes, offering a world where she can choose “anything.” His ability to adapt and provide reassurance provides not only comfort but also an empowering message: even when change seems overwhelming, there is beauty and possibility waiting on the other side.

This book is an inspiring resource for children experiencing uncertainty—whether due to big life changes or moving to a new place. It gently reassures young readers that while change can be scary, it also opens up a world of color, opportunity, and personal growth. A must-read for families seeking a heartfelt story that celebrates resilience, love, and the magic of possibility.

Building the Book Pile #485

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Good Morning!

I hope everyone had a lovely week and weekend up to this point! 

 Here is my weekly recap:

Monday- Thursday : I was in the office for work Mon-Thurs this week and it was pretty relaxed. I had a number of meetings and we watched some Cricket IPL - each of my teammates picked a team after March Madness brackets when bad and we have been competing internally with a sport we all just learned. My team is not doing well. On Thursday evening, we went out for drinks with some of my partners friends, it was a fun time but we got home later than anticipated... and forgot to drop my car off at the garage...

Friday: I was WFH but needed to get up early with my partner to do and drop that car off. I just needed an inspection, so nothing crazy. It got done. The day was full of chores and emails and the sun was out which was really nice. Then when we picked up the car in the evening we stopped by our local pub for dinner.

Saturday: We had so many errands to run this weekend, the first stop - our local United Ag, to buy a mower. We have had 3 used (like buy off FB marketplace used) ride mowers and I am so tired of them lasting a year and breaking bc they are so old, so we bit the bullet and bought new FINALLY this year. ...MY mower should be dropped off next week, which is good because it looks like the lawn needs it. After that we popped over to Hobby Lobby and Runnings, for some art supplies for my partners next class and for some treats for the chickens and grabbed Chipotle for lunch (it is my favorite!). In the evening, my hubs hosted a Zoom art party for me (my bday is Tuesday) and my family and friends all came and we painted/ drew and had a blast!

Sunday - Since yesterday was so packed....today, I think we will head to the grocery store and I plan to read for as much of the day as I can. I have 2 books to wrap up if I want my TBR to stay on track for the month. I have been slacking. I also signed up for JIAM 2025 Audiobook challenge for June... I have quite a few audiobooks stacking up and would love to have a designated time to bounce through them 😊

How was your week last week, any plans for this week?

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: Anything by Rebecca Stead (Youth)

Early Reader Review: You Aren't a Dog Owner Until... by Jason Chatfield (Adult, GN)

Early Reader Review: Don't Disturb the Pirate by Rhiannon Findlay (Youth)

Blog Tour: Review - Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

For Review:

 

Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party by Katie Risor  - From Edelweiss for review.

The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren - from the publisher for review. 

Have you missed anything lately?

Blog Tour: The Best Wrong Move by Lily Parker (Adult) -5 stars

Blog Blast: Just Another Meet Cute by Jenn P. Nguyen (YA) - Excerpt and Giveaway

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! 

Blog Blast: Just Another Meet Cute by Jenn P. Nguyen

Just Another Meet Cute by Jenn P. Nguyen 

Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date:  May 20, 2025

 

B&N

iBooks

About the Book

Boy saves girl stuck on a disastrous hike. What could go wrong? So. Much.

Just Another Meet Cute is the joyful and funny story about what happens when you realize you’re dating the wrong twin.

When seventeen-year-old Nina Riley gets saved by a super cute Knight-in-Faded-Khakis just as she lands in an embarrassingly ‘ahem’ sticky situation during the most disastrous hike known to man, she wasn’t exactly looking for a meet cute. She really just needed some peace and quiet from her complicated family. Unfortunately, he disappears before she can properly thank him or get his number. All she has is his name (Ian Nguyen) and a navy jacket with a dog keychain, a gym card, and laundromat receipt. But a meet cute is a meet cute. And armed with years of watching Veronica Mars and a techy cousin, it should be simple enough for Nina to find the boy of her dreams, right? But when she finally tracks him down, he’s different than she thought ―right down to his name. Ryan is just as cute as she remembers, but the chemistry isn’t there like it was before. After a few dates, she meets Ryan’s family: his sweet grandma, his enthusiastic sisters, and his twin brother ―​​​​​​​―Ian.

    “Are you sure we’ve never met before? Because you look very familiar.”

    “No, I don’t think so.” His eyes flickered down to my empty coffee cup still on the seat between us. “Nina. That’s a pretty name. Now I’m sure I would have remembered you.”

    Except he didn’t.

    Narrowing my eyes, I searched his face for something—anything—but he continued to give me a small polite smile.

    Then two things hit me at once.

    First, maybe he didn’t recognize me because of my makeup. I mean, I was wearing more than I usually did. A lot more. I barely recognized myself when I looked in the mirror this morning. Plus, on my hike, I wore those huge sunglasses that covered half my face. And my hair was in a ponytail.

    Second, if he didn’t remember me . . . then maybe this was my chance to make another first impression. A better one. Like WAY better. It wouldn’t even be hard. I was already off to a pretty good start. This was practically the definition of a rom-com meet cute, one that would make it into the theaters.

    I mean, sure, I planned the whole thing, but a meet cute was still a meet cute, right? And it’s not like I planned the crazy car. That was a happy coincidence.

    “So . . .”

    I straightened on the bench. “Yes?”

    Kicking his left foot at the sidewalk, Ryan jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. “I was thinking, after we talk to the police do you—do you want to get some ice cream with me? I know this place nearby that makes awesome homemade waffle cones. It’s the least I could do, since you saved my life.”

    For a split second, as he gazed down at me with such an earnest expression on his face, a pang of guilt seeped into my gut. He was such a nice guy, both now and on the hike. He probably wouldn’t mind if I told him the truth. After all, the more I lied to him now, the worse it was going to get.

    But when I opened my mouth, nothing came out.

    The thing is, it wasn’t every day that I got a chance to rewrite history. Instead of being the weird girl he met on the hike who got injured and wet her pants, I could be the cool girl from the coffee shop. The one who knew about Spider-Man comics and liked mystery novels. The one who went around saving people and probably had her entire life planned out. And definitely didn’t have any family issues. The girl I always wished I could be, at least for a little bit.

    And this was something I was definitely going to take advantage of.

    Plus, technically, I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Not really. I was just tweaking our meet cute story a teensy bit. If he didn’t remember me, then it wasn’t really my fault.

    I gave him a bright smile. “Make it a double scoop and you’ve got yourself a date."

About the Author

Jenn Nguyen fell in love with books in third grade and spent the rest of her school years reading through lunchtime and giving up recess to organize the school library. She has a degree in business administration from the University of New Orleans and still lives in the city with her husband. Jenn spends her days reading, dreaming up YA romances, and binge watching Korean dramas all in the name of 'research'.

Find the Author

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

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Print copy of Just Another Meet Cute + Swag

 

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