Teaser Tuesdays - Whispers of Shadow & Flame

She firmed her voice so there would be no misunderstanding.
"It. Is. Over. It was a mistake I don't care to repeat."


(page 63, Whispers of Shadow & Flame by L. Penelope)


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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Lost Princess Returns - Release Day Book Review

It's the release day for The Lost Princess Returns!


The Lost Princess Returns (Uncharted Realms #5.5, The Chronicles of Dasnaria #4)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
More than two decades have gone by since Imperial Princess Jenna, broken in heart and body, fled her brutal marriage—and the land of her birth. She’s since become Ivariel: warrior, priestess of Danu, trainer of elephants, wife and mother. Wiser, stronger, happier, Ivariel has been content to live in her new country, to rest her battered self, and to recover from the trauma of what happened to her when she was barely more than a girl.

But magic has returned to the world—abruptly and with frightening force—and Ivariel takes that profound change as a sign that it’s time to keep a promise she made to the sisters she left behind. Ivariel must leave the safety she’s found and return to face the horrors she fled.

As Ivariel emerges from hiding, she discovers that her vicious brother is now Emperor of Dasnaria, and her much-hated mother, the Dowager Empress Hulda, is aiding him in his reign of terror. Worse, it seems that Hulda’s resurrection of the tainted god Deyrr came about as a direct result of Jenna’s flight long ago.

It’s up to Ivariel—and the girl she stopped being long ago—to defeat the people who cruelly betrayed her, and to finally liberate her sisters. Determined to cleanse her homeland of the evil that nearly destroyed her, Ivariel at last returns to face the past.

But this time, she’ll do it on her own terms.

What did I think of it:
I was all happy with how things were left in The Fate of the Tala, but this world and these characters are so awesome I was even happier finding out this short novel would release!

And what an amazing read!

Ivariel fled Dasnaria long ago and started a new life, but in this novel she returns to deal with her mother and her brother.

I loved seeing Ivariel together with Harlan, and to see how Ursula reacts to this long lost sister. And then they start plotting Ivariel's return to the Imperial palace and Ivariel meets Kral again!

Things happen in a different way than I expected, but in a good way. I was totally rooting for Ivariel to finally get the closure she needs to truly leave the past behind. I loved seeing some old faces return as well.

There were several points in this book that made me all emotional and sniffly. What a beautiful and intense story. You need this book, I tell you!

The ending was very satisfying and brings Ivariel's story full circle in a really cool way. I do see possibilities for some nice little novellas set in this world though, so Voodoo Bride and I will keep pestering Jeffe for at least a Zyr novella.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful and intense Fantasy read.


find buy links here

All Systems Red - Book Review

All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries #1)
by Martha Wells

What is it about:
In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.

But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn't a primary concern.

On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied 'droid—a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as "Murderbot." Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is.

But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.

What did I think of it:
I totally read this series out of order by reading the second novella last year for my Hugo reading without reading the first book. I loved the second book, so bought the first and read it in between other reads last year, but didn't review as I read it rather haphazardly. So time for a reread and time to maybe read the rest of the series as well, especially as there's now also a novel.

And this is such a fun and cool read!

I love Murderbot. It is an android with human components that hacked itself to be free from its owner's control. As it works for a group of scientists Murderbot has to decide who it is and how it wants to act towards humans.

Strange and dangerous things start happening and it's up to Murderbot to keep the humans it works with safe.

I loved the interaction between Murderbot and the humans, and I loved how Murderbot questions itself and the world and people around it. I will confess I could really relate to Murderbot. It has a worldview that's just as cynical as mine while it still cares for those put in its care as long as they're not being stupid about it.

All in all this is a great first novella in what I'm guessing will become a quest for Murderbot to find out who it is and what happened in its checkered past.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and suspenseful SF novella


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On McPig's Wishlist - Raybearer

Raybearer (Raybearer Series #1)
by Jordan Ifueko

The epic debut YA fantasy from an incredible new talent—perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi and Sabaa Tahir

Nothing is more important than loyalty.
But what if you’ve sworn to protect the one you were born to destroy?

Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by a mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady. The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to compete with other children to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince’s Council of 11. If she’s picked, she’ll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. That closeness is irresistible to Tarisai, who has always wanted to belong somewhere. But The Lady has other ideas, including a magical wish that Tarisai is compelled to obey: Kill the Crown Prince once she gains his trust. Tarisai won’t stand by and become someone’s pawn—but is she strong enough to choose a different path for herself? With extraordinary world-building and breathtaking prose, Raybearer is the story of loyalty, fate, and the lengths we’re willing to go for the ones we love.



Expected publication: August 18th 2020
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Black Sheep: A Space Opera Adventure - Book Review

Black Sheep: A Space Opera Adventure (Flight of the Javelin #1)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
An alien ship. Stolen colonists. All Throttle wanted was a vacation...

Fifteen years into a twenty-year voyage, war veteran Captain Throttle Reyne is looking forward to taking a break from dealing with malfunctions, glitches, and the hassles of monitoring a thousand colonists in cryo-sleep.

But when her colony ship breaks down in the middle of nowhere, Throttle and her crew must leave the colonists behind to search for help. They find a ship that's not only missing a crew… it's clearly not from their star system.

It's the discovery of a lifetime. All they need to do is tow the mysterious vessel back to their colony ship for further study and
Throttle won't ever have to work again. One problem. While they're away, the colony ship is stolen—with the colonists still on board.

Throttle gives chase to a lawless star system on the outer rim. To get their colonists back, they must take on the pirates and ganglords who will do anything—and sell anyone—to make a buck.

They play dirty. But Throttle and her crew play dirtier.

Strap on your restraints and experience the start of this new space opera thrill ride. It's perfect for fans of Jay Allan, Jennifer Foehner Wells, and Star Wars.

What did I think of it:
This is a really cool read!

Throttle and her crew are totally awesome, and I was hooked from the start. The action is almost non-stop, and there are some really tense and dangerous situations Throttle need to deal with. I was cheering her on to save her colonists and to save the day.

This story is gritty, intense, dirty, and oh so good!

The worldbuilding is terrific, and I could easily picture all the cool places that appear in this book. I also think this setting and this story would lend themselves really well for a rpg computer game, the likes of the Mass Effect trilogy. I'd play the shit out of it, I can tell you!

And the ending! OMG! I'm still reeling and I need the next book. You bet I'll be getting my greedy trotters on it once it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's a super cool Space Opera Adventure.


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Teaser Tuesdays - May Day

'Are you kidding me?' I say.
'What?' he asks, but Cam knows exactly what I mean. He just doesn't want me to say the words.


(page 47, May Day by Josie Jaffrey)


buy from amazon

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Twelve Kingdoms Reread: The Fate of the Tala - Book Review

When I started on this reread I was convinced I'd finish sooner, especially when I binge read The Chronicles of Dasnaria books in a week. But other books needed to be read as well, the world went weird, and other stuff happened that slowed down my reread, so that now it's June already!

Here is my review of the concluding novel in the series, and I have some happy news at the end as well.


The Fate of the Tala (The Uncharted Realms #5)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
The exciting conclusion of the story begun in The Mark of the Tala

An Uneasy Marriage,

An Unholy Alliance.

The tales tell of three sisters, daughters of the high king. The eldest, a valiant warrior-woman, conquered her inner demons to become the high queen. The youngest, and most beautiful outlived her Prince Charming and found a strength beyond surface loveliness.

And the other one, Andi? The introverted, awkward middle princess is now the Sorceress Queen, Andromeda—and she stands at the precipice of a devastating war.

As the undead powers of Deyrr gather their forces, their High Priestess focuses on Andi, undermining her at every turn. At the magical barrier that protects the Thirteen Kingdoms from annihilation, the massive Dasnarian navy assembles, ready to pounce the moment Andi’s strength fails. And, though her sisters and friends gather around her, Andi finds that her husband, Rayfe, plagued with fears over her pregnancy, has withdrawn, growing ever more distant.

Fighting battles on too many fronts, Andi can’t afford to weaken, as she’s all that stands between all that’s good in the world and purest evil.

For Andi, the time to grow into her true power has come...

What did I think of this:
*insert happy piggy flailing*

This book is so good!

This story is told from the viewpoint of Andi and with her taking the lead again everything is coming to a full circle. Danger and the enemy are looming and it will take not just Andi and her powers, but everyone to bring this all to a happy end.

I loved revisiting Andi, and loved seeing how she is growing into the power she discovered back in The Mark of the Tala. With both Dasnaria and the priestess of Deyrr closing in this story is full of suspense, danger, action, and emotion. As Andi fights to save her kingdom and the people she loves, she is thwarted from an unexpected source, and I was on the edge of my seat, even knowing Jeffe Kennedy wouldn't let something happen that would break my heart.

What she does do very well is getting me to sniffle and tear up at several moments. Seeing all the characters she made me fall in love with over the course of these books coming together and trying to turn the tide is powerful and emotional.

The conclusion of this book and these series is epic and wonderful!

There's one thing left unfinished, but overall this book is a perfect ending to a wonderful series, that I will keep rereading for sure.

Why should you read it:
Don't tell me you haven't started on this series yet after all my fanpiggying!


As for my happy news and that one unfinished thing:
Next week will see the release of The Lost Princess Returns, a short novel that deals with the last remaining problem, and that features Ivariel from The Chronicles of Dasnaria!

You bet I'm getting my greedy trotters on a print version as soon as I can!


Find buy links for The Fate of the Tala here, and for The Lost Princess Returns here

The Curse of Tenth Grave - Book Review

The Curse of Tenth Grave (Charley Davidson #10)
by Darynda Jones

What is it about:
As a part-time PI and full-time grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life:
Why can I see dead people?
Who is the hot supernatural entity following me?
How do I get gum out of my sister’s hair before she wakes up?

But, “How do I trap not one malevolent god, but three?” was never among them. Until now. And since those gods are on earth to kill her daughter, she has little choice but to track them down, trap them, and cast them from this dimension.

There’s just one problem. One of the three stole her heart a very long time ago. Can the Razer, a god of absolute death and destruction, change his omniscient spots, or will his allegiances lie with his brothers?

Those are just a few of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl running for her life, an innocent man who’s been charged with murder, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, and Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying-gods thing, we’re saved. If not, well…

What did I think of it:
This series continues to be fun.

I will confess I sometimes wonder why Charlie doesn't just ask Reyes all the questions she has about him and his actions, but their miscommunications can be entertaining, so I won't grumble about it.

The stakes are getting higher and higher though, even if I didn't know there are just three more books in this series I'd know we are building towards a big climax. This book felt more tense and suspenseful than the previous books.

I'm still very much in love with Cookie, and I really hope she'll get her own series, because I'd read the shit out of that!

All in all an enjoyable, fun, and suspenseful read. On to book eleven!

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and entertaining UF read.


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On McPig's Radar - Dealbreaker

I totally preordered this Pearl.


Dealbreaker
by L.X. Beckett

L. X. Beckett's Dealbreaker is the thrilling sci-fi sequel to Gamechanger, perfect for fans of Neuromancer and Star Trek

Ruby Whiting has done the impossible. She has proved that humanity deserves a seat at the galactic table. Well, at least a shot at a seat. Having convinced the galactic governing body that mankind deserves a chance at fixing their own problems, Ruby has done her part to launch the planet into a new golden age of scientific discovery and technological revolution.

However, there are still those in the galactic community that think that humanity is too poisonous, too greedy, to be allowed in, and they will stop at nothing to sabotage a species determined to pull itself up.


Expected publication: January 26th 2021 by Tor Books
preorder from bookdepository or amazon

Aurora Rising - Book Review

Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle #1)
by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

What is it about:
The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm
A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates
A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder
An alien warrior with anger management issues
A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

They're not the heroes we deserve. They're just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.

What did I think of it:
If you spend any time on #bookstagram and/or YA Facebook groups then Aurora Rising is a book you can't miss: It's everywhere, and it's as if everyone and their goldfish is in love with it. I will confess that I've had bad experiences with books that everyone is raving about (*cough* ACOTAR) so I pretty much tried to ignore this book for a long time. But finally I decided that experiences in the past are no guarantee for the future, so I should give Aurora Rising a try.

And this is a cool read.

I will confess that I'm not as in love as everyone else out there, because there are some YA tropes in this book that I really dislike: the ever popular "I like her, so I'll act like a jerk", the "girls being unnecessary jealous and bitchy at each other over a boy", and some other minor ones.

That being said: there's a lot to love about this book as well. I really enjoyed all the different characters, and apart from one of them (yup: jealous bitch girl) I also really liked all the different viewpoints in this book.

The squad and Auri get themselves in all kinds of trouble and discover secrets that lead them into even more trouble. I was very much entertained and curious to see where things would lead.

Some things do come to light in this book, but there's lots more to figure out and lots more trouble to escape from that makes me look forward to reading the next book.

All in all a very enjoyable and cool read.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool and action-packed YA SF read.


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Release Day Alert - Black Sheep

You bet I'll be reading this book as soon as I can fit it into my reading schedule.


Black Sheep: A Space Opera Adventure
by Rachel Aukes

An alien ship. Stolen colonists. All Throttle wanted was a vacation...

Fifteen years into a twenty-year voyage, war veteran Captain Throttle Reyne is looking forward to taking a break from dealing with malfunctions, glitches, and the hassles of monitoring a thousand colonists in cryo-sleep.

But when her colony ship breaks down in the middle of nowhere, Throttle and her crew must leave the colonists behind to search for help. They find a ship that's not only missing a crew… it's clearly not from their star system.

It's the discovery of a lifetime. All they need to do is tow the mysterious vessel back to their colony ship for further study and
Throttle won't ever have to work again. One problem. While they're away, the colony ship is stolen—with the colonists still on board.

Throttle gives chase to a lawless star system on the outer rim. To get their colonists back, they must take on the pirates and ganglords who will do anything—and sell anyone—to make a buck.

They play dirty. But Throttle and her crew play dirtier.

Strap on your restraints and experience the start of this new space opera thrill ride. It's perfect for fans of Jay Allan, Jennifer Foehner Wells, and Star Wars.


Buy from Amazon

The Cupid Fiasco - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Cupid Fiasco (The Cupid Guild #4)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
While trapped in a basement during an earthquake, sparks fly between co-workers Luce and Mat—too bad they’re sparks of rage.

So when Mat needs a fake girlfriend for a weekend engagement party in wine country, there’s no way Luce will say yes… is there?

It’s up to the Cupid Guild to show this salty pair how sweet it could be.

A sexy, standalone romance with a paranormal touch. This novella first appeared in Heart’s Kiss magazine, under the title “Before I Break.”

What did I think of it:
At a 100 pages this is the longest of the stories in this series, and sadly it is already the last. But this series goes out with a bang by using one of my favorite Contemporary Romance tropes: the fake relationship!

In this story Delilah from the Cupid Guild also has a more visible role than in the other stories. I liked seeing a bit more of her and of the couple from the previous book (Mat is the brother of the heroine from The Cupid Complication).

I loved the interactions between Mat and Luce, they're very different, but as they get to know each other they discover similarities, and they learn that there are things in their life that they need to let go of to grow.

All in all a great Romance to end this series with. I'll definitely reread these shorts, and Sullivan already ordered the second book in Penelope's Earthsinger Chronicles.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and very enjoyable Romance read


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The Cupid Complication - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Cupid Complication (The Cupid Guild #3)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
This just might be the worst day of my life.

I quit my job and walked out—without my purse, wallet, or keys. The good Samaritan who returns my stuff is none other than our friendly, neighborhood rock star. Did I say worst day? I meant best. But when this drummer’s dreams for the future are more than I can give, will that leave us playing out of tune?

Can the Cupid Guild bring this musician and his muse together in sweet harmony?

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I'm having so much fun with this series. The stories might be short, but L. Penelope manages to put so much in them.

In this book Charlotte is set up with rock star Micah after she just quit her job. Both stand at the crossroads wondering where to go next for different reasons, but as they get to know each other it might turn out that they have a lot in common.

Once again it's up to the Cupid Guild to steer things right and set the stage for a Happily Ever After.

Delightful and sweet!

Why should you read it:
This is such an adorable and sweet read.


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On McPig's Radar - You Should See Me in a Crown

When I heard about this book I immediately pre-ordered the paperback. If I had paid a little bit more attention I might have seen the paperback released a whole month after the hardcover which released on June 2nd! So now I'm counting the days until I can hold this pearl in my greedy trotters.


You Should See Me in a Crown
by Leah Johnson

Liz Lighty has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it's okay -- Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor.

But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls through, Liz's plans come crashing down . . . until she's reminded of her school's scholarship for prom king and queen. There's nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events, but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight she's willing to do whatever it takes to get to Pennington.

The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. She's smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Liz. But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true?


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Enemy Storm - Release Day Review

Enemy Storm (Chronicles of the Empire #3)
by Marcella Burnard

What is it about:
It's never a good day when a radioactive hunk of starship nearly drops on your head.

The Claugh Empire attacked Edie's planet fifteen years ago, murdered her parents, and left the teen for dead. So when a wrecked Claugh starship interrupts a salvage mission, she's torn between revenge and rescuing survivors—especially the stirring captain with an uncanny ability to rekindle her dead emotions. Something about him inflames the urge to come to terms with her past. But the mercenary in Edie doubts trusting a former enemy will bring her redemption or put old prejudices to bed.

When a new common enemy, hell-bent on wiping out humanoids, threatens to bury them all, the captain tries to convince her a mutual coalition might breach their political impasse—all for the greater good.

What did I think of it:
I totally reread the previous books in this series before picking up Enemy Storm, but this book is also perfectly readable as a standalone. That said: You want all of these books!

I fell in love with Edie from the start. She's smart, resourceful, and compassionate. When a Claugh starship crashes practically at her feet, she's ready to walk away, but it's her compassion that makes her stay and gets her involved with V'kyrri (To those who read the previous books: yes: V'kyrri is the hero! *happy dance*) and his mission. A mission that forces her to confront her past.

This is such a great book! It's gritty, and doesn't pull any punches. Even with a romance at the heart of it, this is an intense story, and Edie and V'kyrri have to make some very hard decisions.

I was hooked from the start and kept rooting for the both of them to make it through their ordeals, and to find love together. I loved their interactions, as well as the growing trust between them.

As with the other books in this series the world building is great: I could easily picture the alien worlds and creatures Edie and V'kyrri encounter.

All in all this is an amazing and gripping read. You bet I'll be keeping an eye out for more!

Why should you read it:
It's an intense and action-packed SF Romance


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Teaser Tuesdays - Deathless Divide

I swear, that girl would criticize God himself if he were to come down and grant her a few miracles. Still, she is right. I put my gun away.


(page 90, Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland)


buy from bookdepository

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Dear Martin - Book Musings

Dear Martin (Dear Martin #1)
by Nic Stone

What is it about:
Raw, captivating, and undeniably real, Nic Stone joins industry giants Jason Reynolds and Walter Dean Myers as she boldly tackles American race relations in this stunning debut.

Justyce McAllister is top of his class and set for the Ivy League—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. And despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out.

Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up—way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack.

What did I think of it:
This is a heartbreaking and powerful story.

I am aware of my privilege, and still I'm surprised by how dangerous it can be to be black, especially when cops get involved. Recent events made me pick up this book to educate myself further on the subject. This might not be a true story, but it is inspired by true events. It felt very current I must say.

I can advice anyone who wants to understand more about why black people have had enough, and how it feels to live in fear of the police even when you've done nothing wrong, to read this book. I'll be getting the next book - Dear Justyce - for sure!

Why should you read it:
It's hard hitting, eye-opening, and powerful.


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The Cupid Getaway - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Cupid Getaway (The Cupid Guild #2)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
When curiosity leads Renee to duck under the caution tape marking off the top floor of a college house party, she’s not quite prepared to find Milo. The popular girl and the solitary boy couldn’t be more different, so why does he make her broken heart feel whole again?

One night changes everything, but in the morning, the gulf between their lives looks impossible to cross. Can the Cupid Guild magnetize these opposites before their chance at a happily ever after runs out?

A quick, sexy, standalone romance with a paranormal touch. The story first appeared in Heart’s Kiss magazine, under the title “Before I Fall.”

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This book is just 46 pages long, but it delivers a perfect story in that space.

Renee stumbles upon Milo with a little help from the Cupid Guild. And do these two sizzle together! I once again was totally hooked.

Once again there are complications the Cupid Guild didn't account for, and which they need to take care of to give Renee and Milo a HEA.

This series is so yummy and addictive. I immediately bought the last two books, because I want more!

Why should you read it:
It's a yummy Romantic short.


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The Cupid Mixup - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Cupid Mixup (The Cupid Guild #1)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
The Montagne hotel might as well have been a castle, and he might as well have been the prince.

I met him in the bar late one night and it was obvious he was too much for me — too handsome, too charming, too rich. And while I could pretend I was a princess for a night, at the stroke of midnight, I ran away without giving him my name.

I didn’t leave my shoe behind, but I might have just lost my heart.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
Sullivan loved L. Penelope's Song of Blood & Stone and the novella from the same series, so when I saw that L. Penelope also wrote a series of romantic short stories I wanted to give those a try.

This first one is about 53 pages and is delicious!

The heroine is down on her luck, but small meddling by a member of the Cupid Guild lands her in a hotel where she meets a man with whom she clicks. I loved seeing these two lonely people connect and fall for each other. I was rooting for them to see past their differences and give in to their attraction.

The way to their HEA/HFN isn't a straight road though, because sometimes Cupid forgets how stubborn people can be.

All in all a wonderful short romantic read. I'm definitely going to read the other shorts in this series as well.

Why should you read it:
It's a delicious and cute Romantic read.


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Twelve Kingdoms Reread: The Dragons of Summer

If you're thinking: Wow, you are so slowing down on this reread! You're right. The closer I get the more I don't want this reread to end. This is such a great world and I love these characters all so much. I know I can just go reread again whenever I want, but still...

Anyway, here's the next book in my reread: The Dragons of Summer.


The Dragons of Summer (The Uncharted Realms #4.5)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
As unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women. A RITA(R) Award finalist for best romance novella of 2018.

(Formerly appeared in the Seasons of Sorcery anthology.)

What did I think of it:
So, it's difficult to give this novella a review.

I mean: Yes! It's a totally awesome story. The tension between Ursula and Harlan is sooo well done, and their problems feel realistic and are handled awesomely. And the danger that pops up and the resulting action are so cool! And the ending is so satisfying.

But I have to confess my owner and I suggested several things for this novella that got used for the danger that pops up and the resulting action. Maybe it's just me, but that makes me feel like I'm not the right person to review this. Maybe it's nonsense for me to think so, because I didn't write any of it, I just nudged some ideas toward Jeffe to use, and it was her who totally rocked that and wrote an awesome story.

Anyway, that's why this is more of an enthusiastic rave than a regular review. But I tell you: this is soooo good! Go read it!

And for those who have been paying attention and think: didn't you say you'd do at least one giveaway? Leave a comment on this post with a way to contact you for a change to win a digital copy of this novella. Open internationally to everyone who is legally allowed to enter, etc... I 'll pick a winner on June 10, 2020 and will contact that winner soon after.

Why should you read it:
It is an awesome Fantasy Romance Novella!


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Teaser Tuesdays - The Nightjar

She flushed. 'I think I'm having the weirdest night in my life. So forgive me if Elvis seems entirely plausible.'


(page 65, The Nightjar by Deborah Hewitt)


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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Breath of Dust & Dawn - Book Review

Breath of Dust & Dawn (Earthsinger Chronicles #1.5)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
This novella begins after the events of Song of Blood & Stone—it’s both an extended epilogue AND a prequel, so it’s advisable to read that novel first.

For Jasminda ul-Sarifor, the war may be over but her conflict is not. New, overwhelming duties leave her caught between two worlds but belonging to neither. She turns once more to Jack, hoping the bond that got them through the first battle is strong enough to weather a new storm.

For Jack, Jasminda’s struggles hit close to home. To help her find her way, he entrusts her with a tale from his past where, after another war, a young Jack Alliaseen must also adjust to new responsibilities. But his take a lethal turn when prisoners of war start showing up dead on his watch. With the aid of a mysterious young man destined to change his life forever, Jack must save the lives of those under his protection before it's too late.

As his story unfolds, will Jack’s memories help Jasminda conquer her present trials?

What did I think of it:
I loved Song of Blood & Stone, so I decided to pick up Breath of Dust & Dawn which is labeled as being set between Song of Blood & Stone and Whispers of Shadow & Flame.

And this novella does a great job of acting as a bridge between book 1 & 2 in this series while also being a very intriguing murder mystery.

It's set up as a story within a story. Jasminda is having a hard time being queen so Jack tells her a story to ease her worries. The story that Jack tells is a murder mystery as well as introducing the reader to the male lead character of the next book.

I loved returning to this world and very much enjoyed both the mystery and the glimpse into the life of Jasminda and Jack. I also liked getting a feel of Darvyn before I start on book two in this series.

All in all a very enjoyable novella. I will most definitely continue with this series.

Why should you read it:
This is a must read for everyone who enjoyed Song of Blood & Stone


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