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)


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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!

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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