Can't Wait Wednesday: Romanov by Nadine Brandes

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 Romanov by Nadine Brandes releasing May 7, 2019.

About the Book

From the author of Fawkes comes a magical take on the story of Anastasia Romanov.

The history books say I died.

They don’t know the half of it.

Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them . . . and he’s hunted Romanov before.

Nastya’s only chances of survival are to either release the spell, and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s never dabbled in magic before, but it doesn’t frighten her as much as her growing attraction for Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her . . .

That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.

Why I Need It

I've loved every Nadine Brandes book I've read and am excited that she's got another historical fantasy coming out soon. It should be a really interesting take on the Romanovs.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Top Ten Tuesday: Halloween Reads

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

This week's Top Ten is all about Halloween. I'm sharing some books that I think would be great to read around this time of year. Some are spooky, some are funny, but all of them are great.

House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo

Not much is scarier than a creepy, old house!

The Harbingers Series by Bill Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt, Alton Gansky

A collection of short stories that deals with spiritual warfare. And let me tell ya, some of these stories (Hybrids, in particular) are still giving me nightmares!

Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire

A collection of ghost stories following Rose Marshall, the ghost of Sparrow Hill Road.

Nightshades Trilogy by Melissa F. Olson

A gritty crime series featuring vampire baddies.

An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire

The October Days series is my favorite, but this book, for some weird reason, terrified me. I had to put it aside for a little while. It ended up being really good though.

Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn

A werewolf named Kitty. What more could you ask for?

The Brimstone Deception by Lisa Shearin

This urban fantasy series is quite funny and features a plethora of different supernatural creatures. This book, in particular, was a little scary for me because of the whole demon thing. I don't do well reading about demons, lol.

The Wishcraft Mystery Series by Heather Blake

This is an enchanting and humorous paranormal cozy series where it feels like Halloween all year round.

Afterlife with Archie Comics

Zombies invade Riverdale and infect some of our favorite town residents. I was able to read the first five comics in this series through Kindle Unlimited and really liked them. Definitely not something I'd normally pick up but it was an interesting twist on the familiar characters.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

How could I make this list and not put Harry Potter on it?

What are some of your favorite Halloween reads?

Review: A Search for Refuge: A Haven Manor Novella by Kristi Ann Hunter

About the Book

Margaretta Fortescue desperately needs to disappear from London society, and her only hope is to follow the rumors of another young woman who recently made a life for herself away from the glare of society. Her search leads her to the market town of Marlborough where, in spite of her efforts to avoid attention, she can’t seem to elude local solicitor, Nash Banfield.

All Nash wants is a quiet, sedate life—no risks or surprises. When Margaretta, clearly on the run and unwilling to answer questions, interrupts his solitude, his curiosity and his principles won’t let him leave this determined woman without assistance.

But will the truth of what Margaretta is running from be worth finally opening his heart up to a chance at love?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I recently read The Christmas Heirloom which featured a story by Kristi Ann Hunter. I absolutely loved it and wondered why I hadn't read more of her books. I thought I'd remedy that by starting the prequel to her Haven Manor series, A Search for Refuge. It was awesome! I read it as fast as I could and was sad when I reached the end. It was a quick read that had me instantly rooting for the characters – my favorite of which was Mrs. Lancaster. She was such a kind and generous lady, so sweet and helpful. The premise for this series is so intriguing and I can't wait to start A Defense of Honor. Highly recommended!

Five Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Emerald Illusion by J. Rodes

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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.

This week I'm featuring Emerald Illusion by J. Rodes which just released yesterday. I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this book and OH MY GOODNESS! It was awesome! You can find my review here. It's a book that I can't recommend highly enough and can envision myself rereading again and again.

About the Book

Abrielle used to dream of a different life. Adventure. Romance. Hope.
Not of Kansas.

Now, after the loss of her mother and a move she didn’t want to make, she’s lost the will to dream anymore, let alone believe in her father’s Somedays.

But a swirling wind, a wall of leaves, and a blinding darkness literally transform her world.

She and both of her brothers, Brogan and Matteaus, are swept from Kansas to someplace beyond—to a desert in which everything is watery-brown, including the sky and the light of the weak sun. Abrielle finds herself in the middle of a realm everyone had heard of but no one believed existed. Except this version is rundown and broken, void of color and hope. Not much different from her view of life in Kansas.

When she gathers her bearings, she discovers her youngest brother is missing, lost in a land that is foreign and dying. Finding Matteaus becomes her sole focus, but when she and Brogan meet a boy named Levi, who only adds more mystery to this world that shouldn’t exist, she finds out this kingdom is much more perilous than the children’s book ever told.
Matteaus is in great danger.

There is nothing safe about Oz.

Book Beginning

I used to dream of a different life. Adventure and wonder. Maybe a little romance - because at seventeen, I still hadn't been kissed. My dreams, they looked like crystal-clear lakes whose invitation to swim would never go unanswered, magnificent waterfalls thundering their authority, and craggy peaks daring me to take them on.

They didn't look like Kansas.

Friday 56 (55% on my Kindle)

Cue the flying monkeys. Wait. No. They were bad...weren't they?

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Emerald Illusion by J. Rodes

About the Book

Abrielle used to dream of a different life. Adventure. Romance. Hope.
Not of Kansas.

Now, after the loss of her mother and a move she didn’t want to make, she’s lost the will to dream anymore, let alone believe in her father’s Somedays.

But a swirling wind, a wall of leaves, and a blinding darkness literally transform her world.

She and both of her brothers, Brogan and Matteaus, are swept from Kansas to someplace beyond—to a desert in which everything is watery-brown, including the sky and the light of the weak sun. Abrielle finds herself in the middle of a realm everyone had heard of but no one believed existed. Except this version is rundown and broken, void of color and hope. Not much different from her view of life in Kansas.

When she gathers her bearings, she discovers her youngest brother is missing, lost in a land that is foreign and dying. Finding Matteaus becomes her sole focus, but when she and Brogan meet a boy named Levi, who only adds more mystery to this world that shouldn’t exist, she finds out this kingdom is much more perilous than the children’s book ever told.
Matteaus is in great danger.

There is nothing safe about Oz.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Oh my goodness! This book left me speechless! It's so amazing! I'm sitting here struggling to find the words to describe the absolute beauty that is this novel. It was unbelievably poignant. The message was so soul-stirring and will linger with me for a long time to come. It's something that I didn't know I needed at the time and I'll definitely treasure it.

I felt so connected to Abrielle right from the beginning. Her emotions became my emotions. She was likable and relatable and so very real. And the setting! I loved that this story took place in Oz, although a very different Oz than what we're familiar with. It was the perfect setting for this journey.

Once I reached the end, I wanted to immediately read it all again. It moved me and spoke to me like no other book has done in a long time. It's a book that everyone should read and I'll definitely be recommending it to everyone I know.

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

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Enclave by Thomas Locke

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 Enclave by Thomas Locke releasing November 20, 2018.

About the Book

It's been 50 years since the Great Crash and what was once America is now a collection of enclaves, governed on the local level and only loosely tied together by the farce of a federal government. Catawba, one of the largest and most affluent enclaves in the southern states, is relatively stable and maintains a successful business of trade with nearby enclaves, including the one at Charlotte Township. But when a new vein of gold is found beneath the feet of those in Catawba, it's only a matter of time before trouble finds them.

Now the future of Catawba may be in the hands of an untried 21-year-old trader named Caleb. And Caleb knows that if his secret were ever to come out, he would never see another dawn.

Why I Need It

I love dystopias so I'm always on the lookout for new ones. This one sounds like an interesting one. I'm super curious about what the Great Crash was and what life is like this "new America".

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: A Sparkle of Silver (Georgia Coast Romance #1) by Liz Johnson

About the Book

Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan's great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins' palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie's great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .

Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight as two charming characters get caught up in the adventure of uncovering the past and finding their way to an unexpected future.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

A Sparkle of Silver was such a delightful read. It combined a lot of things that I enjoy – great characters, sweet romance, an inspirational message, and a page-turning mystery. It's one of those books that once I reached the end, I was left with a big smile on my face. Now that doesn't mean things were all sunshine and roses. Real and serious issues were addressed. I had tears in my eyes many times. The characters' emotions were so authentic and it really felt like their struggles became my own. But the journey and the message were so hopeful. I often found it hard to tear myself away from this story.

Grandma Joy's struggle with dementia was heartbreaking. As some who's watched a loved one deal with the disease, she really tugged at my heartstrings. It's such a painful thing to see someone you love go through. Millie's care and worry for her grandma was endearing and relatable. She was such a determined young lady and wanted to make sure Grandma Joy had nothing but the very best.

A Sparkle of Silver was my first time reading anything by Liz Johnson and I enjoyed every second of it. I'm definitely gonna be checking out her previous books while I anxiously await book two! Highly recommended!

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

Five Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: A Search for Refuge: A Haven Manor Novella by Kristi Ann Hunter

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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.

This week I'm featuring a novella that I recently finished - A Search for Refuge by Kristi Ann Hunter. I loved it! It's free on all ebook retailers, if you want to check it out!

About the Book

Margaretta Fortescue desperately needs to disappear from London society, and her only hope is to follow the rumors of another young woman who recently made a life for herself away from the glare of society. Her search leads her to the market town of Marlborough where, in spite of her efforts to avoid attention, she can’t seem to elude local solicitor, Nash Banfield.

All Nash wants is a quiet, sedate life—no risks or surprises. When Margaretta, clearly on the run and unwilling to answer questions, interrupts his solitude, his curiosity and his principles won’t let him leave this determined woman without assistance.

But will the truth of what Margaretta is running from be worth finally opening his heart up to a chance at love?

Book Beginning

Marlborough, England

1804

Margaretta had used the word desperate many times in her life, but she'd never truly known the meaning until she stood in the open door of a mail coach, clutching an eight-month-old letter and praying that someone in this miniscule market town would know where the writer had gone when she moved on.

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

Margaretta's mouth dropped open as she looked in Mrs. Lancaster's kind, smiling eyes. The woman looked almost excited about putting Margaretta on the spot. Or was it the news she was expecting to hear that made her so happy?

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Suspicious Minds (Squeaky Clean Mysteries #2) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Rock and roll may never die, but the King is definitely dead . . . again.

To pay off some bills, crime scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire takes a job doing mold remediation, but she finds a surprise in the dilapidated home's crawlspace: Elvis, dead as a doornail and still wearing his blue suede shoes. How could she possibly keep her nose out of a case like this?

A sequel to the popular novel Hazardous Duty.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Suspicious Minds is book two in the Squeaky Clean Mystery series by Christy Barritt. It was a fun read full of humor, great characters, and a head-scratching mystery.

I'm always entertained when I pick up a Christy Barritt book. I'm immediately pulled into the story and have a difficult time putting it down. This one was no different.

I'm really loving the characters in this series, Gabby, Riley, Sierra – even Mrs. Mystery, Bill McCormick, and the new addition Chad Davis. They're such a fun group of people and I've really enjoyed getting to know them.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes cozy mysteries. I'm excited to check out the next book.

Four Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Wait for Me (Montana Rescue #6) by Susan 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 Wait for Me (Montana Rescue #6) by Susan May Warren releasing November 6, 2018.

About the Book

Pete Brooks can't believe he's waited an entire year for Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart by getting engaged to her ex-fiancé. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job have cost lives, and Pete isn't sure he wants to continue to work in Search and Rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward.

EMT Jess Tagg has returned to Montana to finally give her heart to Pete, but it seems he's no longer interested. When a terrible fight between them sparks an impulsive decision, she finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with Esme Shaw. And just when she thinks things couldn't get any worse, she and Esme are taken captive and into the untamed Montana wilderness--with murderous intent.

Now Pete and the other PEAK Rescue Team members are in a race against time, the elements, and the actions of a vengeful man. Pete will have to use everything he's learned to find Jess and Esme--and pray that his past mistakes don't cost him the life of the woman he can't stop loving.

Why I Need It

I'm bummed that this is the conclusion to the series but am so excited to finally get Jess and Pete's story. There's been a lot back-and-forth between them this whole series and I'm ready for them to settle things once and for all. Plus, it sounds like there's gonna be quite a bit of suspense that will keep me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait!

What upcoming release are you excited about?

$100 Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Code Giveaway!

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

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Review: House of Dark Shadows (Dreamhouse Kings #1) by Robert Liparulo

About the Book

Dream house . . . or bad dream?

When the Kings move from L.A. to a secluded small town, fifteen-year-old Xander is beyond disappointed. He and his friends loved to create amateur films . . . but the tiny town of Pinedale is the last place a movie buff and future filmmaker wants to land.

But he, David, and Toria are captivated by the many rooms in the old Victorian fixer-upper they moved into--as well as the heavy woods surrounding the house.

They soon discover there's something odd about the house. Sounds come from the wrong directions. Prints of giant, bare feet appear in the dust. And when David tries to hide in the linen closet, he winds up in locker 119 at his new school.

Then the really weird stuff kicks in: they find a hidden hallway with portals leading off to far-off places--in long-ago times. Xander is starting to wonder if this kind of travel is a teen's dream come true . . . or his worst nightmare.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

With it being October, I was in the mood for a bit of a spooky read and thought I'd try House of Dark Shadows. I don't read too many scary stories, mainly because I'm such a chicken where they're concerned, lol, but this one sounded really interesting so I thought I'd give it a chance.

It was really good! It was just the right amount of spooky for me. Not enough to give me nightmares, but there were definitely a few times when it gave me goosebumps. It's a page-turner, for sure. Once I started it, I had a hard time stopping. There was so much suspense and I never knew what would happen next. It was a lot of fun trying to figure out what was going on with the house alongside brothers Xander and David.

My only complaint is that there wasn't a satisfying ending. I know it's the first book in a series, but it felt like the story had just started going and then it ended with no resolution. It ended too soon for me. I definitely want to continue the series, but I'm just not the biggest fan of endings like this.

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: House of Dark Shadows (Dreamhouse Kings #1) by Robert Liparulo

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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.

This week I'm featuring a bit of a spooky read - House of Dark Shadows (Dreamhouse Kings #1) by Robert Liparulo.

About the Book

Dream house . . . or bad dream?

When the Kings move from L.A. to a secluded small town, fifteen-year-old Xander is beyond disappointed. He and his friends loved to create amateur films . . . but the tiny town of Pinedale is the last place a movie buff and future filmmaker wants to land.

But he, David, and Toria are captivated by the many rooms in the old Victorian fixer-upper they moved into--as well as the heavy woods surrounding the house.

They soon discover there's something odd about the house. Sounds come from the wrong directions. Prints of giant, bare feet appear in the dust. And when David tries to hide in the linen closet, he winds up in locker 119 at his new school.

Then the really weird stuff kicks in: they find a hidden hallway with portals leading off to far-off places--in long-ago times. Xander is starting to wonder if this kind of travel is a teen's dream come true . . . or his worst nightmare.

Book Beginning

THIRTY YEARS AGO

The walls of the house absorbed the woman's screams, until they felt to her as muffled and pointless as yelling underwater.

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

The top level of the stadium was lined with ornate columns. Above them, wood poles held canvas awnings, which flapped in the wind. He recognized this place.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love through the Generations

About the Book

In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

The Christmas Heirloom is a collection of four heartwarming holiday romance novellas following the journey of a brooch that's passed on down through the generations. It featured three authors I was familiar with and one that was new to me. It was such a delight to read and sure got me into the Christmas spirit!

Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter – Five Stars
Why haven't I read more of Kristi Ann Hunter's books? This was such a great story filled with a lot of laughs, so much heart, and quite a few tears too. It was witty and charming and unputdownable. I read it pretty much in one sitting. I didn't want to leave these characters for one second. The dowager was hands down my favorite. She had quite the feisty personality and in many ways reminded me of my own spunky grandma. This story definitely makes me want to go catch up on the rest of Hunter's books that I haven't read quite yet.

Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer – Four Stars
I've enjoyed many of Witemeyer's books so I was very excited to start Gift of the Heart. It was so good! The characters were great and so genuine. Ruth was such a strong and admirable woman. Naomi, her daughter, was a sweet and adorable little girl. And Bo! Oh my! What an all-around good guy he was! This story sure left me with a big smile on my face!

A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas – Four Stars
This was my first time reading anything by this author. It takes place in the late 1950's which I don't think I'd ever read a story set during that time period. I was unsure if I'd enjoy it because of that but I ended up liking it a lot. Fleeta was quite the interesting character, so fierce and determined. She's a tomboy who loves hunting and guns. She's different than the normal leading lady, but that's what made her so great and likeable. It took me a minute to get into this story, but once I did, I couldn't read it fast enough.

Because of You by Becky Wade – Five Stars
I'm not gonna lie, this story was the one I was most looking forward to. I've been loving the Bradford Sisters series and was excited to visit them again. This story is about Maddie Winslow who works at the chocolate shop, Sweet Arts, with her best friend Britt Bradford. It was really nice to get Maddie's story and to learn more about her. Her and Leo were easy to like and root for.

All in all, The Christmas Heirloom was an excellent collection. I really enjoyed all four stories and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes good, sweet romances.

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

Can't Wait Wednesday: Mark of the Raven (The Ravenwood Saga #1) by Morgan L. Busse

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 Mark of the Raven (The Ravenwood Saga #1) by Morgan L. Busse releasing November 6, 2018.

About the Book

Lady Selene is the heir to the Great House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person's dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. For the last hundred years, the Ravenwood women have used their gift of dreaming for hire to gather information or to assassinate.

As she discovers her family's dark secret, Selene is torn between upholding her family's legacy--a legacy that supports her people--or seeking the true reason behind her family's gift.

Her dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations, but who will also bring about the downfall of her own house.

One path holds glory and power, and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and execution. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?

Why I Need It

I've read Morgan L. Busse's Soul Chronicles series and loved it so much. When I saw this new series from her, I got super excited. It's sounds awesome! The dreamwalking gift is really intriguing and I'm really curious about what path Selene is going to take.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: Saturn Night Fever (Sylvia Stryker Space Case #3) by Diane Vallere

About the Book

Sylvia Stryker has found her footing in the Moon Unit Corporation--but it’ll take more than fancy dance moves to stay alive on this rescue mission to Saturn from national bestselling author Diane Vallere…

When amateur space sleuth Sylvia Stryker discovers details of her defense instructor's murder hidden inside her robot cat, she sets off on a new adventure that puts her on the wrong side of the rules. Good thing Neptune, the head of security for Moon Unit Corporation, is on her side this time! With his help, she hijacks a spaceship, assembles a crew, and takes on space pirates. But there’s more to this trek than expected and Sylvia’s focus on solving her friend’s murder might lead her into a trap. Between the truth and the lies is a galaxy of questions that lead to an unexpected answer.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Saturn Night Fever was another fantastic addition to this series! Sylvia and the gang are back in what is quite possibly the best installment yet. This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I can't get enough of it!

The mystery was great and kept me guessing until the end. There were so many twists and turns and I never knew what was gonna happen next. It was incredibly hard to put down. There was never a good place to stop. Each chapter ended with me desperately needing to know what would happen next. I can't recommend this series highly enough and am very eager for the next book!

Five Stars

$100 PayPal Cash or $100 Amazon Gift Code Giveaway!

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

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Ends 11/9/18

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Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Saturn Night Fever (Sylvia Stryker Space Case #3) by Diane Vallere

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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.

This week I'm featuring the latest installment in the Sylvia Stryker Space Case mysteries - Saturn Night Fever by Diane Vallere. This cozy mystery series is set in space and I'm loving it! It's so much fun and each book keeps getting better and better.

About the Book

Sylvia Stryker has found her footing in the Moon Unit Corporation--but it’ll take more than fancy dance moves to stay alive on this rescue mission to Saturn from national bestselling author Diane Vallere…

When amateur space sleuth Sylvia Stryker discovers details of her defense instructor's murder hidden inside her robot cat, she sets off on a new adventure that puts her on the wrong side of the rules. Good thing Neptune, the head of security for Moon Unit Corporation, is on her side this time! With his help, she hijacks a spaceship, assembles a crew, and takes on space pirates. But there’s more to this trek than expected and Sylvia’s focus on solving her friend’s murder might lead her into a trap. Between the truth and the lies is a galaxy of questions that lead to an unexpected answer.

Book Beginning

When Neptune said I fought like a girl, I did the only respectable thing. I hit him.

Friday 56 (57% on my Kindle)

Termination didn't mean losing his job. Termination was a fancy word for government-sanctioned murder.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Changeling (Sorcery and Society #1) by Molly Harper

About the Book

Sorcery and Society Book 1

“Witty and classic, Changeling had everything I wanted from a coming of age story: friendship, scandal, and a heroine learning to flex her magical muscles. If you liked Harry Potter, you will love CHANGELING!” —Kristen Simmons, critically acclaimed author of the Article 5 series

If 14-year-old Cassandra Reed makes it through her first day at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies without anyone discovering her secret, maybe, just maybe, she’ll let herself believe that she really does belong at Miss Castwell’s.

Except Cassandra Reed’s real name is Sarah Smith and up until now, she lived her whole life in the Warren, serving a magical family, the Winters, as all non-magical “Snipes” are bound by magical Guardian law to do. That is, until one day, Sarah accidentally levitates Mrs. Winter’s favorite vase in the parlor...

But Snipes aren’t supposed to have magical powers…and the existence of a magical Snipe threatens the world order dictated during the Guardians’ Restoration years ago. If she wants to keep her family safe and protect her own skin, Sarah must figure out how to fit into posh Guardian society, master her newfound magical powers and discover the truth about how an ordinary girl can become magical.

“Molly Harper’s Changeling is masterful fantasy—a spunky Cinderella story with a heroine who’s equal parts compassion, determination, and pure magical delight.” —Rachel Vincent, author of the Soul Screamers series and The Stars Never Rise

**Includes eight original illustrations!**

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Changeling was a really fun and cute read. I've enjoyed Molly Harper's previous books and was excited to check out her venture into the young adult genre. I had a blast reading it! It's a fairly quick read that kept my attention the whole way through.

Sarah/Cassandra was a great character. Her whole life is turned upside down when it's discovered that she has magic. She goes through a lot in the process – some good, some bad, but her attitude and resolve remained steady and I admired her strength through it all.

The world building and magic system was interesting. I've seen Changeling compared to Harry Potter multiple times and while I can kinda see the similarities, it's definitely it's own story and is different in a lot of ways. It's a really great read that I believe young adults and grown ups alike will enjoy. I'm really excited to find out what happens in the sequel!

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

Four Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Palace of Lost Memories (After the Rift #1) by C.J. Archer

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 Palace of Lost Memories (After the Rift #1) by C.J. Archer releasing October 9, 2018.

About the Book

From the author of the USA Today bestselling GLASS AND STEELE series comes this captivating new fantasy.

The king's magnificent palace was built in a matter of weeks. No one saw the builders, no villagers are allowed beyond the gilded gate, and only one servant has ever left. The haunted look in her eyes as she was recaptured by the palace guards is something Josie, daughter of the village doctor, has never forgotten.

For Josie, the palace is a mystery that grows more intriguing after she meets the captain of the guards, a man known only as Hammer, as mysterious and captivating as the palace itself. Whispers of magic fuel Josie's desire to uncover the truth, but an ordinary girl like her can only dream of ever being invited inside.

When the king decides to take a wife from among the eligible daughters of the noble families, the palace gates are finally thrown open and the kingdom's elite pour in. In a court where old rivalries and new jealousies collide, the king's favorite is poisoned and the doctor is summoned. As her father's assistant, Josie finally sees inside the lavish walls, but she soon learns the palace won't surrender its secrets easily, for not a single resident, from the lowest servant to the king himself, has a memory from before the palace existed.

In the search for the truth, Josie is drawn deeper into danger, and the answers she seeks might shake the very foundations of the kingdom.  

Why I Need It
This sounds like an interesting fantasy. I'm really intrigued about why no one has a memory from before the palace existed. Plus, with a cover like that, how can I resisit?

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: A Reason to Run (The Camdyn Series #1) by Christina Coryell

About the Book
All she wanted was to write a great love story — she had no idea she’d be writing her own.

Words rarely failed Camdyn Taylor. When life handed her complications, she buried herself in capturing them on paper and crafting a perfect narrative. The fact that her latest novel was currently sitting at the top of the bestseller lists let her know she had succeeded—not that anyone else noticed, since she hid behind a pen name.

It had been tempting to step away from the anonymity at times, but not on days like that one. Not when the humiliating video of Peter proposing was going viral and her name was spreading through peoples’ homes like wildfire. Her inclination to run felt justified, especially when she cloaked it with novel research. The change of scenery should offer the perfect quiet backdrop to finish the manuscript on time.

Of course, she hadn’t factored in an unintended clash with local bachelor Cole Parker. His charming smile and witty demeanor leave her intrigued, even though circumstances seem determined to keep him at arm’s length. Despite distractions, can the two of them find a common bond to tie everything together and construct the perfect story?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Oh my goodness, y'all! This book was amazing! I was completely hooked from the very first page and had a difficult time putting it down. I've been meaning to read it for awhile now and am kicking myself for not getting to it sooner.

I lost all track of time while reading this book. I became so completely engrossed in the story that when I looked up at the clock, I'd be shocked by how much time had passed. Now that's what I call a sign of a great book.

This story, these characters, the setting – I couldn't get enough of it. It made me laugh and it made me tear up. It's one of the best contemporary romances I've read lately. There's a real authenticity in Coryell's stories that I love so much and I can't wait to dive into the next book.

Five Stars