Can't Wait Wednesday: When Sorrows Come (October Daye #15) by Seanan McGuire

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 When Sorrows Come (October Daye #15) by Seanan McGuire releasing September 14. I preordered this one as soon as I could. This is my favorite urban fantasy series right now and I'm so eager to see where things go in this installment. (And, FINALLY, the wedding!) Not gonna lie, though. The title has me a little worried. It sounds so ominous!

About the Book

Toby's getting married! Now in hardcover, the fifteenth novel of the Hugo-nominated, New York Times-bestselling October Daye urban fantasy series.

It's hard to be a hero. There's always something needing October "Toby" Daye's attention, and her own desires tend to fall by the wayside in favor of solving the Kingdom's problems. That includes the desire to marry her long-time suitor and current fiancé, Tybalt, San Francisco's King of Cats. She doesn't mean to keep delaying the wedding, it just sort of...happens. And that's why her closest friends have taken the choice out of her hands, ambushing her with a court wedding at the High Court in Toronto. Once the High King gets involved, there's not much even Toby can do to delay things...

...except for getting involved in stopping a plot to overthrow the High Throne itself, destabilizing the Westlands entirely, and keeping her from getting married through nothing more than the sheer volume of chaos it would cause. Can Toby save the Westlands and make it to her own wedding on time? Or is she going to have to choose one over the other?

Includes an all-new bonus novella!

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Carved in Stone (The Blackstone Legacy Book #1) by Elizabeth Camden

About the Book

Gwen Kellerman is an heiress to the infamous Blackstone family, whose history of scandal nearly destroyed her. She now lives a quiet life at the idyllic college founded with her family's fortune and hopes to keep the tragedies of her past safely behind her.

Patrick O'Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He's proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law office. All that changes when he accepts a case to challenge the Blackstones' legacy of greed and corruption by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery.

Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw coming. Now, as they navigate a burgeoning attraction, Patrick is the only one who can save Gwen from new danger on the horizon.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Carved in Stone was another fascinating historical romance from Elizabeth Camden. I love the way she always brings to light little-known historical facts and weaves them into a truly compelling read. I know I always say that about Camden's books, but it bears repeating. I love learning about these things that I probably never would've known otherwise.

This book really reiterated the fact that appearances can be deceiving. It was a good reminder to not be so quick to judge someone else just because they come from a different background or have a different opinion.

This story had a bit of a slow start for me, but it wasn't long before I became completely invested in it and couldn't read fast enough. I enjoyed getting to know the complicated Blackstone family and highly recommend this book to fans of historical romance.

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

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Dead Ringer (Truth Seekers #1) by Susan Sleeman

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 Dead Ringer (Truth Seekers #1) by Susan Sleeman.

About the Book

She was hiding from her past…

When a local woman goes missing and Sheriff Blake Jenkins delivers her blood sample to DNA expert Emory Steele for analysis, Blake discovers Emory is a dead ringer for the missing woman. Blake’s gut says the woman is related to Emory. But Emory rejects the notion, requiring a DNA test before she’ll concede that she does indeed have a twin sister she never knew about.

Now she’ll do anything to see it come to light.

Emory joins Blake in a search for her missing sister, but when an attempt is made to abduct Emory as well, they begin to think the abduction is related to Emory’s birth parents. Blake vows to keep her under his watch until they discover what this maniac is looking for and bring him to justice. But Emory balks at him wanting to keep her under constant surveillance as she’s struggling to come to grips with a former brutal attack, and she wants nothing to do with a man who might want to get close to her. When it becomes clear that Blake is the only one who can keep her safe, will she let him get close enough to do so?

Book Beginnings

Blood-infused water circled the shower drain in Caitlyn Abbott's bathroom and disappeared. Like Caitlyn. Like her life. Like everything she touched.

"This is your last chance, Caitlyn." Her captor lurked in the shadows, his large nose seeming even bigger in an otherwise unremarkable face. "Tell me where she is, or I swear I'll kill you before the night's out."

Friday 56

She stepped into her spare room. Everything was upturned, the closet emptied of clothing, and the mattress slashed. Torn open. Mutilated.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: To Love a Prince (True Blue Royal #1) by Rachel Hauck

About the Book

Daffodil Caron is not a princess, even though she once dreamed of being one. After all, she grew up as a playmate to royal princes, running through the halls of Perrigwynn Palace and dining with the queen. But the day she stumbled upon a royal secret, everything changed.

Flash forward eighteen years, and Daffy’s living a sweet, non-royal life. A skilled art curator for the Royal Trust, she has friends, a flat in the heart of the city, and a handsome, successful fiancée. The last person on her mind is Gus, a prince she once called her best mate.

HRH Prince Augustus is no longer “Prince Pudgy,” as caricaturized by the press, he’s charming and gorgeous, possessing a world-famous smile. But when he’s jilted at the altar by an American heiress as millions of people around the world watched, the spare heir to Lauchtenland’s ancient House of Blue escapes, finding solace on a Florida beach.

A year as a regular bloke allows him to rethink his purpose. He’s half decided his calling is to pour pints at a tiki bar, rather than serving his country and the Family.

Until an accident on the beach with a Frisbee changes his course.

Despite his long hair and beard, Daffy recognizes her prince, and their childhood friendship is renewed. She assures Gus Lauchtenland needs him, giving him the courage to return home.

When Daffy and Gus find themselves on assignment to Hadsby Castle in preparation for his brother’s wedding, their friendship blooms into affection.

But Gus cannot, will not, trust his heart again. Daffy’s engaged. And she also remains a royal family outcast because she knows the Queen’s secret.

When affection grows into love and secrets are exposed, trust is destroyed. Gus must choose which is stronger: the lies of his past or the hope of his future. And Daffy must face every fear to prove she will forever love a prince.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Royalty romances are always hit or miss for me, but this one sounded so good. Plus, I've been hearing such great things about it that I had to check it out. And I'm so glad I did! It was fantastic! It's one of the best books I've read this year.

This story completely enchanted me. I fell into it and didn't want to come back out. It's one of those stories that made the real world fade away. And this is gonna sound weird, but I don't know how else to describe it, but it felt like a big ole hug in book form. I loved everything about it. I stretched the ending out as long as I could because I didn't want it to end. Thank goodness there's another book in this series. I don't want to say goodbye to these wonderful characters.

If you're a fan of romance, this modern-day fairy tale is a must-read. I seriously can't recommend it highly enough. I want to say so much more, but I'm struggling to find the right words. Just trust me and go pick up a copy of it now. It is so incredibly good.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Between Family (The City Between #9) by W.R. Gingell

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 Between Family (The City Between #9) by W.R. Gingell releasing August 31.

About the Book

When someone tries to threaten me by telling me they know my name, I take that personally.

G’day. I’m not really a pet anymore, but you might as well keep calling me Pet. It’s not like I’m gunna tell you my name anyway. And if I sound stroppy, well, I am. First, I was threatened. Now, someone has cut off my house from the human world and left my emotional support vampire on the human side. On the inside, it’s just me and an emotionally compromised fae; outside, a closed arena in the world Behind, where everyone is out to kill us and a few of that everyone might actually be capable of it.

Yep. The Heirling Trials have begun, and it seems like it’s either be king or be dead when it comes to the world Behind…

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: A Mother's Strength (Wander Canyon #4) by Allie Pleiter

About the Book

Will finding her son a friend

lead to forever love?

Single mom Molly Kane will do anything to help her son overcome his anxieties—including enlisting former police officer Sawyer Bradshaw to give him golf lessons. Sawyer’s a loner, yet he quickly forms a bond with little Zack. And with Molly. But protecting Zack means Molly must keep her heart off-limits from Sawyer, even as her little boy draws them together…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Wander Canyon

Book 1: Their Wander Canyon Wish
Book 2: Winning Back Her Heart
Book 3: His Christmas Wish
Book 4: A Mother's Strength

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was such a heartwarming read. It's the fourth book in the Wander Canyon series, and even though I highly recommend reading the previous installments because they were so good, this one can be enjoyed perfectly fine by itself.

I really admired Molly and her willingness to try anything, even if it seemed outlandish, to help her son Zack with his anxiety. It was so great to see a parent fight for their child like that.

I could definitely relate to Zack. I've dealt with anxiety for pretty much as long as I can remember, so I really felt for the little guy and was rooting for him.

I liked Sawyer right from the very beginning. He had an air of mystery to him that had me so curious to find out more about him. He was definitely struggling with some things, but you could tell that he was a genuinely good guy. And, I've gotta say, his connection with Zack was so sweet. It was great watching him find ways to help Zack cope with his anxiety.

All in all, this was a wonderful read that really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved it and can't wait to visit the charming town of Wander Canyon again.

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

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: To Love a Prince (True Blue Royal #1) by Rachel Hauck

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 To Love a Prince (True Blue Royal #1) by Rachel Hauck. Royalty romances are usually hit or miss for me, but this one is fantastic! 

About the Book

Daffodil Caron is not a princess, even though she once dreamed of being one. After all, she grew up as a playmate to royal princes, running through the halls of Perrigwynn Palace and dining with the queen. But the day she stumbled upon a royal secret, everything changed.

Flash forward eighteen years, and Daffy’s living a sweet, non-royal life. A skilled art curator for the Royal Trust, she has friends, a flat in the heart of the city, and a handsome, successful fiancée. The last person on her mind is Gus, a prince she once called her best mate.

HRH Prince Augustus is no longer “Prince Pudgy,” as caricaturized by the press, he’s charming and gorgeous, possessing a world-famous smile. But when he’s jilted at the altar by an American heiress as millions of people around the world watched, the spare heir to Lauchtenland’s ancient House of Blue escapes, finding solace on a Florida beach.

A year as a regular bloke allows him to rethink his purpose. He’s half decided his calling is to pour pints at a tiki bar, rather than serving his country and the Family.

Until an accident on the beach with a Frisbee changes his course.

Despite his long hair and beard, Daffy recognizes her prince, and their childhood friendship is renewed. She assures Gus Lauchtenland needs him, giving him the courage to return home.

When Daffy and Gus find themselves on assignment to Hadsby Castle in preparation for his brother’s wedding, their friendship blooms into affection.

But Gus cannot, will not, trust his heart again. Daffy’s engaged. And she also remains a royal family outcast because she knows the Queen’s secret.

When affection grows into love and secrets are exposed, trust is destroyed. Gus must choose which is stronger: the lies of his past or the hope of his future. And Daffy must face every fear to prove she will forever love a prince.

Book Beginnings

Let's begin here...

1938

Dalholm, Northton, Lauchtenland

It's said in the north country of Lauchtenland that the sea has a song and love blooms from the earth the same as flora and fauna. It perfumes the air and touches lives in ways no one quite understands.

Friday 56

If she started even the smallest explanation, Daffy feared the whole blooming thing would spill out. And she could not risk it. Even with the prince she worried she might fall into a contemplative moment and reveal her secret. What she knew about the queen. But just imagining the shock on his face was enough to buy her silence.

What have you been reading lately?