Can't Wait Wednesday: The Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright

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 The Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright releasing October 6.

SYNOPSIS

If walls could talk, what nightmare might they expose?

1879
When Eloise James's sister, Evania, goes missing after being admitted to an asylum, Eloise is determined to find her sibling but instead discovers evidence of dying patients and missing remains. Wannabe journalist Silas Dobbs has his own suspicions that something more nefarious is at work, and that black market sales may originate at the asylum. Together, they are intent on learning whether Evania is alive, or if her body has also been stolen. But unraveling a web of underground resurrectionists proves daunting, and the dead cannot share their secrets.

Present Day
Tilly Thompson is horrified to find historical human remains entombed in a wall of the Gothic mansion her grandfather just purchased, launching her into an investigation of the original owners' questionable past. The James family legacy harbors a darkness tightly woven through decades of secrets, but the past refuses to remain ensnared by silence. Will revealing the truth resurrect dangers best kept buried forever?

Jaime Jo Wright masterfully weaves a dual-timeline gothic suspense novel that brings together a haunting historical tale and a shadowy modern-day mystery. For fans of atmospheric thrillers, spooky reads, the Victorian era, creepy mansions, and dark family secrets.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Stricken (The Lost Sovereign Book 5) by Anna Hawke

SYNOPSIS
Stripped of his magic. Dying behind enemy lines. Forced to trust a woman with secrets of her own.

For centuries, Asher has fought rogues and protected the innocent, knowing that his magic demands a terrible price. His most recent mission is one he doesn't intend to survive: he will either end the madness or become the very thing he hunts.

Estelle has spent centuries resisting the tyrant’s rule, concealing her involvement from allies and enemies alike. When Asher is injured on a mission, she risks everything to save his life—including the secret that could bring ruin to the rebellion.

Hunted through enemy territory, they have no choice but to trust each other. With every mile, they draw closer—and begin to want more than either of them expected.

Some secrets are worth dying for. Others are worth surviving.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve really been looking forward to Asher’s story and, I’ve gotta say, Stricken did not disappoint. It’s my favorite of the series so far! It was raw and heartbreaking and incredibly compelling. I had a very hard time putting it down. I loved it so much!

I really liked Asher and Estelle. Asher had me very worried throughout the whole book, though. He was so close to going rogue and had essentially given up on everything and was putting himself in dangerous situations. My heart broke for him. Estelle was such a great counterbalance for him. Brave and loyal. A bright spot in the darkness.

I can’t say enough good things about this book or this series. If you’re a fan of closed-door paranormal romance, you’ll love it! With the way this book ended, the next book can’t come out soon enough! I can’t wait!

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

FIVE STARS

Review: Eon City Burnout: A Cyberpunk Anthology

SYNOPSIS

Millions of people call Eon City home. They live their lives in glittering skyrises, flitting from place to place in sleek hovercars, synced with a digital world that gives them everything they could ever want. A shimmering energy shield protects everything they hold dear from violent solar storms.

At least, that’s what Axoprime Corporation wants you to believe.

The truth is layered as deeply as the megacity, all the way through the Underground, into the deadly Depths themselves. A truth few have been able to uncover.

Until now.

Nine authors combine their talents to explore a world equal parts delightful and dangerous, full of stories—the stories of regular people from all walks of life who, when they find themselves wrapped up in the same sinister conspiracy, face a decision.

Will they look out for themselves, like they’ve always done?

Or will they put their lives in jeopardy to uncover the forces behind a devastating attack that threatens the entire city?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was an incredibly fast paced collection of connected cyberpunk stories written by nine different authors. I really enjoyed my time reading it. I didn’t want it to end!

The worldbuilding was great! It was detailed and immersive but never overwhelming. I felt like I was right there in the story beside all the characters. I thought it was really impressive how well the stories flowed together and connected. It was really cool!

I was familiar with and have read several of these authors' books, but there were a few new-to-me authors too. I’m excited to read more from them.

I highly recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys science fiction! I’m very eager to visit Eon City again.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Stricken (The Lost Sovereign Book 5) by Anna Hawke

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 Stricken (The Lost Sovereign Book 5) by Anna Hawke 

SYNOPSIS

Stripped of his magic. Dying behind enemy lines. Forced to trust a woman with secrets of her own.

For centuries, Asher has fought rogues and protected the innocent, knowing that his magic demands a terrible price. His most recent mission is one he doesn't intend to survive: he will either end the madness or become the very thing he hunts.

Estelle has spent centuries resisting the tyrant’s rule, concealing her involvement from allies and enemies alike. When Asher is injured on a mission, she risks everything to save his life—including the secret that could bring ruin to the rebellion.

Hunted through enemy territory, they have no choice but to trust each other. With every mile, they draw closer—and begin to want more than either of them expected.

Some secrets are worth dying for. Others are worth surviving.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

The ghost remained motionless.

Friday 56

The truth came out seconds later.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Story Between Us (Maple Lake Collection Book 1) by Susan May Warren & Sarah May Warren

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 The Story Between Us (Maple Lake Collection Book 1) by Susan May Warren & Sarah May Warren releasing September 29.

SYNOPSIS

Best friend’s older brother. The almost-kiss summer. And one bestselling manuscript that’s years overdue.

Livvie Fox has spent six years being too nice for New York publishing — bringing cupcakes to the man who stole her promotion, watching senior agents take credit for the books she fought for, smiling while the bestseller list ticks past her name and lands on someone else’s.

Then her agency drops the bomb: bestselling reclusive author Ian Rivers is two years past deadline. The contract is about to die. The agency is about to take a hit it can’t afford. And if Livvie can’t fix it, she’s the one out the door.

Someone like the woman who knew him before he was Ian Rivers.

Before the bestsellers. Before the funeral. Before the night on a Maple Lake dock when she told him exactly how she felt and he just stood there, frozen, while every star in northern Minnesota watched her heart break.

Nate Rivers shouldn’t open his door.

Not for the publisher. Not for the lawyer. Not for the woman who walked off his sister’s dock seven years ago and took half the world with her.

But Livvie Fox is back in Maple Lake. With stolen soup. With his sister’s name in her mouth. With a publisher’s deadline that could cost him the only house left where Emma still feels real.

The town is gearing up for the Flannel Festival. The maples are turning. The dogs already love her. And the chapter Nate has been refusing to write for three years is suddenly demanding a co-author.

Some what-ifs deserve a second chapter.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile (A Daughters of Genius Society Novel) by Angela Bell

SYNOPSIS

Margaret Kingsley's routine revolves around invention not investigation--until her ordered world springs a gasket.

London, England, 1895
Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters. While her fellow inspectors gallivant about London solving crimes, Margaret has been perfectly content assisting from the sidelines--until her expertise is needed to infiltrate the domain of London's most prolific inventor.

Charles Noble sacrificed his career as a musician to support his family after his father's stroke. Now he balances ledgers as a secretary by day and tends to his disabled father by night, but he can't pass up the chance to take a temporary job as event coordinator for a famous inventor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his mechanical empire. As strange occurrences cause Charles' event planning to collide with Margaret's case, the pair must unravel a plot of sabotage against the inventor's legacy while also investigating the sparks of attraction between them. 

Little Women meets Inspector Gadget in Angela Bell's witty romp of brilliant women, whimsical gadgetry, and sweet he-falls-first romance set in the Victorian era with themes of disability representation, women in STEM, light academia, and steampunk.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely adored this whimsical historical romance! This story was a lot of fun but also dealt with serious topics with grace. I really appreciated the chronic pain, invisible illness, and anxiety rep. They were described with such care and knowledge.

I was very intrigued by the comparison to Inspector Gadget and Little Women. It totally fit! Inspector Gadget was one of my favorite cartoons when I was a kid, so I loved all the gadgets! They were really neat!

I really liked both Margaret and Charlie. I thought they made a good pair. Charlie’s struggle with anxiety was very relatable. While I’m not usually a fan of “love at first sight," which is what happens when he first meets Margaret, I didn’t mind it all that much. I appreciated how honestly Margaret’s struggles were portrayed. I loved seeing her passion for her work. And I also loved seeing how loving and supportive her family was.

I loved the strong message of faith woven throughout the whole story. I highlighted so many passages! I can’t recommend this book highly enough! If you’re a fan of whimsical historical romances with a dash of mystery, don’t hesitate to grab a copy. You’ll love it!

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile (A Daughters of Genius Society Novel) by Angela Bell

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 Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile (A Daughters of Genius Society Novel) by Angela Bell. This was even better than I thought it would be. I adored it! 

SYNOPSIS

Margaret Kingsley's routine revolves around invention not investigation--until her ordered world springs a gasket.

London, England, 1895
Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters. While her fellow inspectors gallivant about London solving crimes, Margaret has been perfectly content assisting from the sidelines--until her expertise is needed to infiltrate the domain of London's most prolific inventor.

Charles Noble sacrificed his career as a musician to support his family after his father's stroke. Now he balances ledgers as a secretary by day and tends to his disabled father by night, but he can't pass up the chance to take a temporary job as event coordinator for a famous inventor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his mechanical empire. As strange occurrences cause Charles' event planning to collide with Margaret's case, the pair must unravel a plot of sabotage against the inventor's legacy while also investigating the sparks of attraction between them. 

Little Women meets Inspector Gadget in Angela Bell's witty romp of brilliant women, whimsical gadgetry, and sweet he-falls-first romance set in the Victorian era with themes of disability representation, women in STEM, light academia, and steampunk.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

March 29, 1895

London, England 

How was a lady supposed to discreetly conceal a grappling hook on her person, that was the question. And the answer, quite logically, was within the handle of a parasol.

Friday 56

As they entered the Invention Factory, the pair was greeted not by the rhythmic clanking of tools of the frenetic whirring of machinery, but by a familiar voice warbling a lively tune one would expect to come staggering out of a pub.

What have you been reading lately?