Can't Wait Wednesday: She Will End This by Colleen Coble & Rick Acker

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 She Will End This by Colleen Coble & Rick Acker releasing November 10.

SYNOPSIS

True crime writer Britt Olsen knows the minds of monsters. She never expected to share their DNA.

A simple DNA test shatters everything Britt believes about her past. The father she loved was not her biological parent, and the mother she trusted has spent decades hiding her CIA past. Worse, Britt's real father is a disgraced Mossad assassin known in the intelligence underworld as Abaddon.

Before Britt can process the truth, violence strikes.

Five-year-old Willow Hamilton--the president's granddaughter--is kidnapped, and Abaddon becomes the prime suspect. Determined to help rescue the child, Britt joins forces with FBI Special Agent Stein Nordahl, a man who has spent years hunting the assassin responsible for his own father's death.

As the search intensifies, Britt and Stein uncover a web of secrets that reaches deep into the intelligence world. Forced on the run through the unforgiving Pacific Northwest wilderness, they face deadly ambushes, corrupt agents, and betrayals from people they thought they could trust.

But time is running out for Willow.

To save the girl and stop Abaddon's catastrophic plans, Britt must confront the darkest question of all--whether she is defined by the blood in her veins or the choices she makes.

Because the world's most dangerous assassin has finally come looking for his daughter.

And in a battle shaped by secrets, betrayal, and faith, Britt must decide what kind of legacy she will claim.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: A Christmas Like This (The Maple Lake Collection | Falling for Flannel Book 4) by Jessica Kate

SYNOPSIS

She doesn’t believe in Christmas. He doesn’t believe in giving up on her.

Holly Evans has thirty-seven dollars in the bank, a foam chicken hat on her head, and one last shot at the screenwriting career she’s been clinging to since she was twenty-one. The offer? A small-town Christmas rom-com. Six-week deadline. And a producer who didn’t want her thriller about Santa losing his magic—but loved the idea as a romance.

There’s only one tiny problem. Holly is the least Christmassy person in the Western Hemisphere. She’s an Aussie. She wouldn’t know a snow angel if she tripped over one. Not to mention her family hasn’t done a real Christmas dinner since the divorce.

Enter Joe Winters. Maple Lake, Minnesota. Tourism consultant. Christmas personified. The guy who once got fired for decorating the public bathroom as Santa’s Official Bathroom. His career is on the line too—he needs Maple Lake to land as a streamer Christmas-movie filming location, and he needs Holly to fall in love with the town badly enough to write it into her script.

She came to write a love story. She didn’t plan on starring in one.

But Joe’s picture-perfect Christmases hide something. And the more Holly digs, the more she wonders what Mr. Mistletoe is really protecting.

She’s spent a decade convincing herself she doesn’t need Christmas. He’s spent a decade convincing the rest of the town to believe harder. Six weeks. One Aussie screenwriter pretending to feel the magic. One small-town tourism guy quietly carrying more than he lets on. And a script that’s about to start writing itself.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

First Line: “Holly Evans had thirty-seven dollars in the bank and a foam chicken hat on her head when the last voice she wanted to hear called out her name.”

This was such a sweet and heartwarming Christmas romance! I loved being back in Maple Falls. It’s one of my favorite fictional towns in recent memory. It's so cozy and welcoming.

Holly is a bit of a Grinch when it comes to Christmas. But she's going to have to find some holiday spirit some way, since she has a Christmas script to write. Her livelihood depends on it. Enter Joe Winters. He has an abundance of Christmas spirit. His joy for the holiday was infectious. I liked him instantly. He was a bit absentminded and didn’t always make the best first impression, but he was so relatable. So lovable. It took a bit to warm up to Holly, but I loved seeing her experience the joy of Christmas.

Even though this is book four in the series, it stands alone perfectly fine. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys small-town, faith-filled romances. I loved it.

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

FIVE STARS

Review: The Time Door (The Eternities Book 1) by Shannon McDermott

SYNOPSIS

A reckless last mission on Mars, a crusade for justice on Earth . . .

Reuben Jackson is the only one who still cares about Mars. In the shambles of the Great Collapse, Earth has abandoned the Mars explorers to their fate. But Reuben will make a stand for the Mars team—even against the powerfully united politicians and scientists. In too deep, he discovers hidden conspiracies and unexpected allies.

As the conflict mounts on Earth, time runs down on Mars. Left to face Mars alone, Commander Donegan Moynihan and his team have no hope of surviving after their supplies are gone. Willing to accept a quicker death than starvation, the explorers strike out on a dangerous mission. They venture deep inside the ancient volcano of Arsia Mons, into perils and secrets long buried. What they discover would move mountains on Earth—but will it be enough to save themselves?

Amazon / Enclave Publishing Store / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I loved this book so much! I was immediately pulled in, and it still hasn’t let me go. I’m still thinking about it. As soon as I finished it, I wanted to start it all over again.

I liked that this book took place on both Earth and on Mars. It was really interesting seeing what was going on in both places and following along with all the characters. There were several different POVs, but they never got confusing.

Earth was going through a great economic collapse, and things were pretty dire. It was dire on Mars too. With all the trouble on Earth, the researchers on Mars had pretty much been abandoned. I didn’t have a clue how anything was going to be resolved. This was not a predictable read by any means, which I loved.

There were times when I’d forget that I was reading a book. I was so fully immersed. It felt so real. If you’re a fan of science fiction, don’t hesitate to grab a copy of this book. It was so good! I’m very eager to read the sequel!

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

FIVE STARS

Friday Book Snippets: The Time Door (The Eternities Book 1) by Shannon McDermott

Friday Book Snippets is a weekly blogging event co-hosted by Anne@HeadFullofBooks and Olivia at Bemused and Bookish. Directions: Share two snippets (a sentence or short paragraph) from a. the book's beginning and b. page 56 (or another page) in the book you are currently reading. No spoilers, please.

This week I'm featuring The Time Door (The Eternities Book 1) by Shannon McDermott

SYNOPSIS

A reckless last mission on Mars, a crusade for justice on Earth . . .

Reuben Jackson is the only one who still cares about Mars. In the shambles of the Great Collapse, Earth has abandoned the Mars explorers to their fate. But Reuben will make a stand for the Mars team—even against the powerfully united politicians and scientists. In too deep, he discovers hidden conspiracies and unexpected allies.

As the conflict mounts on Earth, time runs down on Mars. Left to face Mars alone, Commander Donegan Moynihan and his team have no hope of surviving after their supplies are gone. Willing to accept a quicker death than starvation, the explorers strike out on a dangerous mission. They venture deep inside the ancient volcano of Arsia Mons, into perils and secrets long buried. What they discover would move mountains on Earth—but will it be enough to save themselves?

Book Beginning / First Line

Night covered Mars. Stars pricked the black sky, cold points of light, and the moon opened wide a bright eye.

Snippet from 54%

"You know, Killiam, we could use a new plan."

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Pride and Practicality by Pepper Basham

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 Pride and Practicality by Pepper Basham releasing November 3.

SYNOPSIS

In a world ruled by reputation, compassion may be the most scandalous act of all. Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James looking for a low-spice, witty Regency romance. "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a reader in possession of a good humor, must be in want of a Pepper Basham book--and Pride and Practicality is one of her best." --Karen Witemeyer

Arianna Reeves knows how quickly admiration can turn into exile. One poorly placed trust, one disastrously charming rake, and she is no longer society's darling--but its favorite cautionary tale.

Now returned home--uninvited and unmistakably whispered about--Arianna is determined to make amends with her estranged family and do something useful with her thoroughly ruined life. Even if polite society would prefer she did it at a very great distance from anyone respectable.

Thomas Bridges, a principled clergyman with an inconvenient habit of thinking for himself, is already walking a narrow line. His congregation expects propriety, his mother expects matrimony, and both have very firm opinions about his future. Thomas, however, would prefer a life guided by conviction . . . even when it proves impractical.

When Arianna repeatedly--and quite disruptively--crosses his path, Thomas faces a dilemma no sermon prepared him for. She is not at all what she ought to be: not dull, not foolish, and--most dangerously--not someone he can overlook, but a kindred spirit who shares his passion for service and his troubling habit of defying society's expectations . . . all with good intentions, of course.

As their forbidden acquaintance deepens into something far more perilous than friendship, Arianna and Thomas must decide: preserve their reputations, or risk them entirely for the good of others—--and their own hearts.

Because in a society that measures worth by perfection, choosing grace, mercy, and love may cost them everything--and give them more than they ever hoped to find.

In Pride and Practicality, Pepper Basham delivers a Regency rom-com brimming with lively banter, heartfelt charm, and just enough mischief to keep propriety on its toes. With a kisses-only romance that sparkles with chemistry and a story rich in faith, humor, and second chances, this delightful tale invites readers to laugh, sigh, and fall in love with a romance that is as meaningful as it is joyful.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Karabos (The Timebound Duology Book 1) by Lyndsey Lewellen

SYNOPSIS

Enter a dangerous game of magic beetles, buried secrets, and shifting time.

Winslet Nubek knows bugs better than she knows people. The sixteen-year-old, homeschooled entomologist is determined to earn her place among the ancient and dangerous ranks of magical insect hunters. With her father’s failing mines pushing them toward bankruptcy, winning the Tournament of Scarabs becomes her only shot at securing her dream and saving her family from ruin. But when she touches a forbidden time scarab before the competition begins, she’s left with a mark she can’t explain and trips into the past she can’t control. Forced to hide her mistake, Winslet enters the tournament with a growing fear of being discovered. As her secrets grow, so do her slips through time.

Rafe Stormholt charts maps like other people write diaries, but his own future isn’t his to navigate. He needs the tournament prize to keep his grandfather’s company out of treacherous hands. After the preliminaries go awry, Rafe ends up on a team of academic misfits, including the bug girl he’s already judged as a liability. But when he’s dragged into the past alongside her, Rafe uncovers truths that shatter the faith his family has held for generations.

Bound by a time-slipping curse, Winslet and Rafe must navigate the tournament’s perilous trials while unraveling a conspiracy buried centuries deep. As enemies close in and the past begins to bleed into the present, they’ll have to decide what they’re really fighting for and what they’re willing to lose to win.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Karabos was such a unique, compelling, and unputdownable read. I loved it so much! It was fast-paced and has one of the best opening lines I’ve read in a while. I was hooked immediately.

The worldbuilding was fantastic. It felt familiar yet was unique too. It was never overwhelming, which I appreciated. I was able to slip right in and feel at home. I loved the Indiana Jones and Mummy vibes.

I really liked Winslet and Rafe. They had a bit of a grumpy-sunshine thing going on, which was a lot of fun. I loved seeing them get to know each other and understand each other better. I thought it was really cool that Winslet was homeschooled. I loved seeing her supportive family. I also really liked Rafe and Winslet’s teammates. They were a great group.

I really appreciated seeing how strong Winslet’s faith was in the face of so much adversity. It was really inspiring! It had me thinking about what I would do in her situation.

This book took some turns that I didn’t see coming, and with that ending, I’m so looking forward to the next installment! It can’t come out soon enough. I’ve read some really great books this year and this one is near the top. I can’t say enough good things about it. I highly, highly recommend it!

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

FIVE STARS

Review: The Secrets of Everlight (Shattered Kingdoms Book 1) by Julie Hall

SYNOPSIS

A thief turned spy must unravel an assassination plot against the fae prince by disguising herself as a princess competing for his heart in this entrancing romantasy by USA Today bestselling author Julie Hall.

For nineteen years, Rowan has fought to survive: first on the streets scavenging for scraps, then bound by a decade-long contract to a corrupt master. She longs for freedom but spends her days stealing from the highborn to pay off her servitude.

When a mysterious fae buys her contract, Rowan seizes her chance to escape. But her freedom comes at a price: she must uncover the assassin targeting Prince Dryden of the Ember Kingdom. To do so, she will pose as a princess among the royals competing for his hand in marriage.

Thrust into a world of silks and finery, Rowan has just weeks to master her role while hunting a killer hidden in plain sight. Eavesdropping and sneaking through gilded halls may come naturally, but the bonds she forms with the other princesses—and Dryden’s growing interest in her—are complications that threaten to unravel everything.

As whispers of danger beyond the kingdom rise, Rowan realizes the stakes are far greater than she imagined. And every stolen glance with the prince pulls her closer to a desire that could cost her not only her future but the kingdom itself.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I’m a big fan of Julie Hall’s Life After series, so when I first heard about this book, I was really excited. And, I’ve gotta say, I enjoyed it! I was invested right from the start and couldn’t read fast enough.

Rowan was a sympathetic character. I was fully in her corner and rooting her on. She was thrown into a situation that was so foreign to her, but I thought she adapted well. I liked seeing the growth she experienced from beginning to end. I really liked Neo. The chemistry between him and Rowan was off the charts!

I don’t want to say too much because of spoilers, but there was something that I think was supposed to be a shocking reveal, but it was actually really obvious. And it kinda made Rowan seem a bit clueless since she didn’t figure it out, which did not fit her character at all. But other than that, this was an enjoyable read. Well, except for that ending! I need the next book ASAP!

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

FOUR STARS