Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Worlds Collide (Worlds Collide Trilogy Book 1) by Clint Hall

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Worlds Collide (Worlds Collide Trilogy Book 1) by Clint Hall. I was lucky enough to read an e-ARC of it and loved it! It's a definite contender for book of the year.

SYNOPSIS

Five worlds at war. Only one can survive.

Ten thousand years ago, five cosmic beings—a dragon, a phoenix, a serpent, a lion, and a wolf—set their worlds on an inevitable collision course. Each civilization was given one command: destroy the rival worlds, or crash into them and die.

As the planets draw near to each other, the moment of final reckoning is at hand. In a galaxy filled with starfighters and superweapons, magic and manipulation, planet-killing devices and mechanized legions, five heroes must defend their homeworlds against overwhelming odds.

But when prophecy and destiny collide, a far greater power begins to stir—one that challenges everything they’ve been told.

Oaths will be broken. Chains will be shattered. Champions will rise. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance as these heroes discover whether any world deserves to survive.

The War of the Creators has begun.

Perfect for fans of Red Rising, The Expanse, and mythic sci-fi epics, Worlds Collide blends high-stakes interplanetary war with a legendary, fate-driven mystery—where the final battle may not be what it seems.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Song was the perfect warrior, a living weapon, forged by the fire of the Great Cosmic Dragon. She had dedicated her life to saving her world by destroying its enemies.

Friday 56

The smoke from the funeral pyre lifted into the night sky, fading into the distant stars.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: You Had Me at Bigfoot: A Daphne Drew Mystery by Nancy Campbell Allen

SYNOPSIS
Rookie journalist Daphne and war photographer Clark investigate a missing maid and rumors of Bigfoot sightings—uncovering danger, buried lies, and unexpected romance deep in the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

Rookie investigative journalist Daphne Drew is finally on assignment—though it’s not exactly the hard-hitting story she imagined. Sent to cover a high-society wedding at an opulent Pacific Northwest lodge, Daphne expects floral arrangements and champagne flutes, not whispered rumors of a missing maid . . . or reports of Bigfoot sightings.

She’s not alone. Tagging along is Clark Finklestine-Henry, a decorated war photographer with a haunted past—and a camera sharp enough to catch more than just candid reception shots. Together with their loyal dogs, Daphne and Clark begin to suspect something much darker is lurking in the forested shadows of the hotel grounds.

As wedding guests arrive and tension simmers beneath the surface, Daphne and Clark uncover a tangled web of lies, legends, and lost fortune—one that ties the vanished maid, some returning friends, and the infamous DB Cooper together in a mystery that’s anything but folklore.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I had a blast reading this fun and entertaining mystery. It had me laughing out loud in spots and putting my detective hat on in others.

Things got off to a bit of a rocky start between Daphne and Clark after a hilarious and slightly embarrassing first meeting. But I thought they made a great team after getting over that initial run in. I really liked them both. I loved Daphne’s aunt Hannah. She was quite the character. I also adored the dogs. It was great seeing Daphne warm up to them.

The mystery was good. I had my suspicions about who the guilty party was early on, but there were plenty of other suspects, which had me second-guessing things.

I was a little bummed that there wasn’t more Bigfoot, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless. I really liked all the nods to Nancy Drew and Scooby Doo. I’m hoping there are many more books to come in this series. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Murders in the Marquee (Murder Most Fowl Mysteries Book 1) by Dana Mentink

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Murders in the Marquee (Murder Most Fowl Mysteries Book 1) by Dana Mentink releasing September 1.

SYNOPSIS

In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good.

In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.

Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.

Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: A Hearthful of Hatchlings (Healer of Dragons Book 1) by Gabrielle Landi

SYNOPSIS

A grumpy hermit healer, the boy who will do anything to make her smile, and the injured baby dragons they care for.

After being blamed for a tragedy she couldn't prevent, healer Celia Carrington fled to the mountains and built a life caring for injured baby dragons. Since no one believes dragons exist, her world is warm, cozy, and quiet--until it's no longer a secret.

When shopkeeper Darian Emberlin finds the baby dragon hidden in Celia's shopping basket, his chivalry--and curiosity--insist he offer to help her. Celia may say she wants him to leave her and the hatchlings in peace, though he suspects he's just too much for her grumpy heart...but that was before they discovered he could understand the dragons.

As Celia and Darian care for the dragons, their growing bond kindles something neither expected--hope. But in a world where magic is illegal and dragons are merely a legend, can the bond they forge withstand the flames?

A HEARTHFUL OF HATCHLINGS is the first in the HEALER OF DRAGONS cozy fantasy romance series, with fated mates, dragon riding, and a reverse grumpy sunshine romance with a golden retriever man and the strong woman determined to ignore the fact that he falls first.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a cute, fun, and quick read. I really enjoyed it. I liked that it featured the reverse grumpy-sunshine trope. It was a lot of fun.

I thought the baby dragons were absolutely adorable. They were my favorite part of the book.

Celia was a bit of a grump, but I admired her devotion to the dragons. And the more I got to know her, the more likable she became. Darian was sweet, helpful, and curious about the dragons. I enjoyed seeing the trust between them grow.

With the way this story ended, the next book can’t come out soon enough! I recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet and cozy fantasy.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: A Hearthful of Hatchlings (Healer of Dragons Book 1) by Gabrielle Landi

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring A Hearthful of Hatchlings (Healer of Dragons Book 1) by Gabrielle Landi

SYNOPSIS

A grumpy hermit healer, the boy who will do anything to make her smile, and the injured baby dragons they care for.

After being blamed for a tragedy she couldn't prevent, healer Celia Carrington fled to the mountains and built a life caring for injured baby dragons. Since no one believes dragons exist, her world is warm, cozy, and quiet--until it's no longer a secret.

When shopkeeper Darian Emberlin finds the baby dragon hidden in Celia's shopping basket, his chivalry--and curiosity--insist he offer to help her. Celia may say she wants him to leave her and the hatchlings in peace, though he suspects he's just too much for her grumpy heart...but that was before they discovered he could understand the dragons.

As Celia and Darian care for the dragons, their growing bond kindles something neither expected--hope. But in a world where magic is illegal and dragons are merely a legend, can the bond they forge withstand the flames?

A HEARTHFUL OF HATCHLINGS is the first in the HEALER OF DRAGONS cozy fantasy romance series, with fated mates, dragon riding, and a reverse grumpy sunshine romance with a golden retriever man and the strong woman determined to ignore the fact that he falls first.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

What was the point of having baby fire dragons if they couldn't even keep your house warm?

Friday 56

Celia picked up a piece of bacon and put it in her mouth.

Darian smirked. That was one way to avoid answering the question.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Don't Cross the Blue Line: A Contemporary Hockey Romance (The Blue Ox Boys Book 2) by Susan May Warren & Sarah May Warren

SYNOPSIS

What happens when you discover your anonymous pen pal is the hockey player you've been secretly writing a book about—and you're trapped in a mall with thieves?

⭐ A Secret Identity Hockey Romance That Will Steal Your Heart ⭐

Everly Hart has mastered the art of hiding. As E.J. Hartley, she writes heart-pounding thrillers. As Sutton Blake, she pens sweet hockey romances about players who are valued for who they are, not just what they achieve. Both identities are secrets—especially from her father, Blue Ox Assistant Coach Hart.

Her current project? Blue Line Redemption—a romance about Beckett 'Blue Line' Benson, the disgraced center she can't stop thinking about. He's her ultimate book boyfriend. Her muse. Her fantasy hero. And he has absolutely no idea.

But there's one reader who truly sees her work. For six months, Beckett has been writing thoughtful fan mail to Sutton Blake's publisher address. The scandal-plagued hockey star finds solace in her stories about heroes who matter for who they are, not what they do. If only someone could see him that way in real life.

When a charity gala elevator malfunction traps them in darkness, Everly and Beckett are devastatingly honest with each other—without exchanging names. He confesses about 'this romance author I'll never meet' who makes him feel seen. She realizes with growing panic: he's been writing to ME.

Weeks later, a blizzard locks them in an abandoned mall during a charity event. Awkward? Yes. Survivable? Maybe. Until thieves break in for a heist. Suddenly Everly's thriller-writer brain kicks into overdrive as they dodge criminals, hide in the old rink, and bicker their way through escape attempts. It's hilarious. It's terrifying. It's definitely not the meet-cute either of them planned.

As danger escalates and secrets spill, they must outsmart thieves, survive a Minnesota blizzard, and decide if they can trust each other—and their feelings.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a fun and suspenseful read! It had a good amount of humor and more suspense than I was expecting. There was also a sweet and swoony romance, a lot of depth, and a wonderful message of faith too. I absolutely adored this book!

I really liked both Everly and Beckett. She’s an author with two pen names. And the inspiration for her upcoming hockey romance is Blue Ox defenseman Beckett Benson. Beckett was super likable and endearing. He’s a reader who’s been sending secret fan mail to one of Everly’s pen names. Neither one knows the real identity of the other. Not yet, at least. The two have a past. A not-so-great one. But I loved seeing them reconnect and was rooting so hard for them.

I loved this book so much and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, lightly suspenseful read with a lot of heart and a strong message of faith. I can’t wait for book three.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Miss Beresford and the Beast (Daughters of Somerset Book 1) by Mimi Matthews

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Miss Beresford and the Beast (Daughters of Somerset Book 1) by Mimi Matthews releasing August 25.

SYNOPSIS

A spirited Victorian beauty with a fondness for fairytales unwittingly falls under the power of a beastly, scandal-plagued nobleman in the first book in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s new Daughters of Somerset series.

Charlotte Beresford has spent far too long under the iron rule of strict governesses and unflinching finishing school teachers. When she’s offered a brief window of freedom—an invitation to spend the summer with a recent acquaintance in a remote corner of Yorkshire, far from societal expectations—she jumps at the chance. Never mind that her new friend is odd, their chaperone questionable, and the village rumored to be cursed. Charlotte knows how to look after herself. All she must do is show a friendly face, keep her wits about her, and—above all—avoid the derelict manor house that stands on the edge of the moors…

Battle-scarred and bad tempered, Magnus Sterling never intended to return to England, let alone Yorkshire. But now he’s inherited the title, it’s his responsibility to settle his late father’s affairs. It should be simple enough to do without riling up the superstitious locals. Indeed, they don’t even need to know that the infamous son of the equally infamous Earl of Eversleigh is back on British soil. Magnus will keep to himself, and to the crumbling manor house, and for once in his miserable life avoid any cloud of scandal. A straightforward enough plan, or so he believes, until he catches sight of the bold, auburn-haired intruder infiltrating the grounds of his estate…

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?