Miss R finished the leadership camp. She was invited by the head of the camp to join his Junior Explorers group when she’s 14 (next year). She is very excited to have gotten that invitation!
I also confirmed that Miss R will be doing wrestling this school year (not too thrilled about that).
Miss R also got thrown off the horse she was riding during her Saturday lesson. She’s fine (some whiplash, a sprained wrist, and a huge bruise on her hip). The horse had gotten stung by a wasp, bucked, and then bolted. She got thrown off when he made a sharp turn. He is also all right (no lasting issues from the sting).
For the week of August 2nd through August 8th
It is one week until Mr. Z moves into his dorm. We started boxing up stuff that he wasn’t using and will finish packing over the weekend.
It was the last week of Miss R doing camp at the barn. She is thankful that she can sleep past 7:30 a.m. lol.
For the week of August 9th through August 15th:
We moved Mr. Z into his dorm this week. It was uneventful, and he seems to be getting along with his roommate.
I did Miss R’s back-to-school shopping (clothes and supplies). We also picked up a few things for Mr. Z (we went back over the weekend to drop off some he forgot).
For the week of August 16th through August 22nd:
I finally got to try 7 Brew and Guthrie’s Chicken. I loved 7 Brew but was not too fond of Guthrie’s.
Mr. Z started classes on the 17th. His first class is also his furthest class (a 5-minute shuttle ride or a 15-minute walk).
Miss R has her sneak peek (for school) later on this week. She meets the teachers, gets her schedule, and confirms transportation. We are also talking to the wrestling coach to get a sports physical form.
Miss R also got her hair done. She did red chunks with her natural color, brunette. It looks really good.
For the week of August 23rd through August 29th
School started this week.
And since we are on the subject of school, Mr. Z is loving college. He’s acclimated pretty well.
Miss R is loving school. The school is doing something different. They are splitting science and social studies into different semesters. Right now, Miss R is in science. Next semester, she will be in social studies. I think it is a good way to get the kids used to that kind of schedule shift for high school.
Miss R isn’t loving the bus ride, though. Her route got changed because that driver retired. So, two routes were combined, and they have a new driver. On the first day of school, she was 10 minutes late getting there (they start at 7:20, and the bus got there at 7:30). But it was the ride home that got parents complaining (not me, though). Miss R was dropped off at 3:10ish (her regular time). The rest of the route took almost 1 1/2 hours to drop off because the driver got lost. Thankfully, the assistant principal will be driving with that driver until he gets the hang of the route.
Books I Read:
Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series by Susan Stoker: I have 7 books left out of 15, which isn’t bad considering I started it late in July.
A Seabrook Family Saga by Christine Donovan: Well, this is a jump in genres…lol. Going from romantic suspense to Regency England romance (one of my favorite romance genres to read). There are 7 books in this series, but since they are all under 200 pages, I’ll probably zip right through them.
Sapphire Falls series by Erin Nicholas: And I return to contemporary romance. There are 10 books in the series plus a ton of novellas, so the total number of books in the series comes out to 19. I was only able to get 7 from KU and got 2 for free. So, 9 in total. I expect these books to be fast reads, and I should be finished with what I have for the series by mid-to-late next week.
Miss R had camp from Monday to Thursday (Barn owner canceled Friday due to extremely hot weather).
We are in the middle of a heat wave. It is so hot that Miss R’s barn put off all lessons until Monday, at the latest.
We had my best friend, Mrs. H, over on the 4th of July. She has just moved to NC (lives 45 mins from me) and is my oldest friend. We’ve been friends since we were 12, and we’re both turning 50 in the next year.
For the week of July 5th through July 11th:
We are still in a heat wave, but the dangerous heat has gone away, for now.
Mr. Z got his final bill in for college. They were missing some of his federal loans, but he should be all set once the college applies them. He forgot to do something on the FAFSA website (watch a 30-minute video and take a quiz). According to App State and FAFSA, the next time App State refreshes its server (which it does often), they will be applied.
Miss R is having a relaxing week off from helping at the barn/lessons. But starting next week, she will begin lessons with her new trainer and counseling at camp.
We attended a meeting for the police leadership camp that Miss R is attending in 2 weeks. This is a wonderful program (Miss B attended it when she was in 7th grade and it was just starting).
Mrs. H came and hung out at my house for a little while this week. We went out and had Mexican (which she loves but normally doesn’t have because her husband doesn’t like it). We made plans to see each other next week, with me driving to her place.
I took Biscuit to the vet this week. She is small (weighs almost 8lbs) but healthy. She got her 3-year rabies vaccine and her 1-year distemper/panleukemenia vaccine. I was told that next year they will be giving her the 3-year distemper/panleukemia vaccine (which they haven’t done before).
For the week of July 12th through July 18th:
Miss R was a counselor at her barn’s horse camp again.
She also asked her new instructor about having lessons twice a week. The instructor said we can either pay (unsure how much that would cost) or she can work at the barn to pay for the 2nd lesson. She said she’d work at the barn. This kid is a horse girl through and through… lol.
For the week of July 19th through July 25th:
We’re still having awful heat and humidity. I don’t think we’ve had a day where it’s been under 90. I am so looking forward to fall!!
Because of the heat, Miss R has been having lessons either super early (between 8-9) or in the evening (7pm).
Miss R also switched instructors because the one she’s been with for almost 6 years is moving to Virginia to be with her daughter. The instructor she has now is tough but fair. She plans on having Miss R show in the fall (too hot for the horses to show right now).
Mr. Z is in the final weeks before we move him into his dorm. His tuition is fully paid for (thanks to a student loan and 2k more in grants). We just have to get him packed, and he’ll be all set.
For the week of July 26th through July 29th:
Miss R started her leadership camp with our local police department today. Our department has been doing this since 2017/2018 (can’t remember). The SROs handpick the kids who attend. Miss R has been looking forward to it. They do everything from CSI to mock car stops/arrests to various demonstrations (taser, K9, etc.), as well as field trips (local aviation museum, movie theater, and a state park).
Books I Read:
Mob Boss Series by Michelle St. James
Ruthless (book 1):
Triggers
Abduction and Captivity
Dubious Consent / Dark Romance Dynamics
Organized Crime and Violence
Murder and Death
Explicit Sexual Content
My thoughts: I enjoyed this book, even though it felt a little far-fetched in places and Angelica got on my nerves. I felt bad for Nico, but he seemed too soft (aka nice) to run a Mafia family. He and Angelica had insane chemistry, but I kept wondering whether it was real or StockholmSyndrome. I guess I’ll have to see in the next books!!
My Thoughts: I liked Fearless better than Ruthless (go figure). Nico and Angel’s chemistry was still off the charts and made for some very steamy sex scenes. The kidnapping storyline was interesting, but once body parts started arriving in the mail, I lost interest. I felt for poor Daniel, the only innocent one in this whole series. I am not a fan of cliffhangers, and this book was no exception.
My Thoughts: This was a whirlwind of a book. Once a hit was taken out on Angel and Nico came back from the dead, it was super fast. There were times when it seemed the storyline was running on fumes (mainly towards the end), but overall I enjoyed it. The end was predictable and sweet.
Triggers:Taken from the official trigger and content warnings listed by the author.
Violence, Harm & Trauma
Assault and violence
Murder and execution
Mass death and war
Kidnapping
Amputation and branding
Descriptions of blood
Nightmares about traumatic events
Child-Related Themes
Child abuse
Threats involving a baby or child
Childbirth
Social & Interpersonal Themes
Misogyny
Forced marriage
Use of the word “savage”
Mental Health & Substance Use
Suicide and suicidal ideation
Underage drinking
Profanity
My Thoughts: This was a great start to a series. I loved the plot but felt it could have been developed more in places. A couple of twists took me by surprise, especially the one revealed in the memory. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series once it is either free or on KU.
My Thoughts: I had been waiting a long time to read this book. It has been on my TBR since 2018. I have read other Willow Rose books, enjoyed them, and expected no less from this one—I loved it. There are dual storylines (Emma and Astrid/Sebastian) that offer no clue as to how they are connected. The author revealed that connection very slowly. When the big reveal happened—the killer and motive behind the killings—I was shocked. I am looking forward to reading the next book!!
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, even though it broke my heart in places. There are three interconnected storylines, one of which is told through flashbacks. I figured out who Patrick was fairly early, but I didn’t figure out who Helle was or who the old lady was, and that surprised me. I thought the book’s ending was sad, and I didn’t get any real sense of closure.
My Thoughts: Another book I enjoyed. I figured out who the killer was, since the author made it very clear. But the motive wasn’t clear until almost the end of the book, which surprised me. I liked the secondary storyline with Lisa, even though it grossed me out. I loved that Emma turned what happened to her into bestselling books. I also liked that she took Victor seriously and had him help Sophia. Of course, I am curious to see if and how Lisa will get caught.
My Thoughts: This was a doozy of a book, and I don’t even know where to begin. It was written as a locked-room murder mystery that paid homage to Agatha Christie. I did enjoy the book, but I got confused by the multiple POVs (6-7). I was truly surprised when everything was revealed at the end. I was not expecting what was revealed. As with the other books, Emma is central to the storyline and helps solve what happened/who the killer was. I am very interested in reading the next book because I believe it will address the aftermath of this one.
My Thoughts: Another Willow Rose book I enjoyed. The author split the storyline into three parts: the killer’s parents, Emma’s investigation, and one of the killer’s victims, rescued fairly early in the story. The author had me doubting what was going on with the killer, and I was surprised when the big twist was revealed. I didn’t see it coming at all.
My Thoughts: In my opinion, this is the darkest of all the Willow Rose books that I have read so far. Like the other books, this book has two storylines: Emma’s vacation, the murders on the ship, and the past, focusing on the twins. I was completely shocked by the killer’s identity (it isn’t who you think) and the reason why.
Child abuse (sexual-no details; told through flashbacks)
Drugging
Loss of memory
My Thoughts: If I thought the previous book was the darkest, this was the scariest. It touched upon fears I have as a parent. I would not, in any way, like to live in this universe. The police are incompetent, as are the medical personnel. There are three storylines in the book: Emma’s, Mads (past and present), and the numerologist. I liked how the author connected everything. I also liked that two characters from a previous series were secondary characters in the book. I wasn’t surprised by the ending, but I was surprised by the epilogue.
My Thoughts: This book paid a strange homage to The Wizard of Oz. The killer was obsessed with the movie and used his victims to portray various characters (Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion). As with her other books, this one was fast-paced and had a plotline with more twists than anything. There were three storylines: Emma (present), Louise (past and present), and Bjarke Lund/Jesper Melander (past and present). I loved how the author tied all three storylines together. She doesn’t hide who the killer is, but she does hide his accomplice. The reveal of the accomplice shouldn’t have been a surprise, but it was. Oh, and the numerologist from Easy As One Two Three appears as a secondary character (a counselor helping Maya with her amnesia).
My Thoughts: This wasn’t my favorite book in the series. Emma really got in over her head when she questioned the Gardai over the murders, and that put a huge spotlight on her and Morten. I did not like how Morten treated Emma throughout the book. Violet’s storyline also broke my heart. Now, I kinda figured out the partenage of the murder victims about halfway through the book, but I was only halfway right. As for the murderers themselves, I did feel bad for them, but my sympathy only went so far. By the end of the book, I was just glad that Emma and Morten were able to get out of Ireland without being arrested.
My Thoughts: This is the weirdest book in the Emma Frost series. Up until now, the crimes were rooted in reality, but this book went full-on paranormal. There were hints in the previous books (Victor), so I shouldn’t have been surprised when the author chose the route she did. But besides being weird, it was actually fun to read. I loved that the author fleshed out Victor, and I loved that he made a friend. I also loved that Maya started sleuthing on something totally different. I do wonder whether this supernatural aspect of the book will carry over into the remaining books. Guess I’ll have to see!!
References to unexplained scientific or paranormal events
Some blood and non-graphic descriptions of deceased bodies
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, and the supernatural/paranormal elements worked well in this series. The author wove them seamlessly into the thriller/mystery angles. This book was a fast read compared to the others. It also ended on a cliffhanger, which I didn’t like. There was some light shed on Skye and her origins, as well as more children like her in the community. I did wonder about Victor and whether he was a foundling of some sort. I cannot wait to read the next book. I hope the author is able to resolve at least some of the storylines not resolved in this book.
Death from exposure (freezing/hypothermia-like symptoms)
Psychological distress
Fear for a child’s safety
Death of multiple adults
Content Warnings
Crime scene investigations
Corpses
Autopsy discussions
Cold- and winter-related deaths
Police investigation
Emotional distress
Parents fearing the loss of a child
Hospital scenes
Medical procedures and treatment
Suspense and prolonged tension
Small-town secrets
Conspiracy and deception
Grief and mourning
Blood (limited)
Descriptions of deceased bodies (non-graphic to mildly graphic)
References to infectious disease or unexplained medical conditions
Anxiety and panic
Peril
Themes of justice and revenge
My Thoughts: I thought this was a fitting ending to this series. The author managed to wrap up almost everything in this book. I still had questions about who Maya’s father was, and I wasn’t thrilled with Morten’s actions, but otherwise I was pretty happy with how everything ended. The paranormal storyline was merged with Lisa (the mayor )’s old storyline from a few books back, and Lisa, well, she delivered. As for Emma, Victor, Skye, and Maya’s storyline, I was hooked. I almost wished there were an epilogue showing what happened a few years later. I will be keeping an eye out for more books in the series, but given that this book was published in 2020, I highly doubt there will be one.
The Black Parade series by Kyoko M: I only read the first book, which I got for free from Amazon. I’d have to pay for the rest, and since I’m cheap, I’m waiting for it to go on KU or become free.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed reading The Black Parade, but I almost DNF’d it after the 2nd act (it’s split into three acts). The book seemed to go on and on before it finally ended. I liked Jordan and Michael’s romance, especially that it wasn’t insta-love. There was a lot of graphic violence that I wasn’t fond of, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of reading it.
The Velvet Rooms series by Linnea May: As with most of the books I read, I got this book for free from Amazon. And, also like most of the books I read, I am waiting for the rest of the series to go on KU/free.
My Thoughts: This was a good book and reminded me of an explicit Pretty Woman. It wasn’t a fast read and took me two days. There are some very explicit sex scenes (see above), and most of the book takes place in the sex club, with cutaways to Elene and Damon’s personal and professional lives. I liked the HEA and can’t wait to read the next book.
Bridgewater County series by Vanessa Vale: I was only able to read the first book in the series, which I had gotten for free from Amazon. You have to buy the rest of the series, so I am waiting for those books to go either free or on KU.
My Thoughts: So, I am not a huge fan of ménage romances. Yes, I will read them, and yes, I do enjoy them, but I do not like the dynamics involved. But in Ride Me Dirty, I was pleasantly surprised. I was also pleasantly surprised that this book wasn’t all just sex. Instead, it focused on Kate’s stress, her job, her nasty ex, and her feelings about getting involved with Sam and Jack.
Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series by Susan Stoker: Again, it’s the end of the month, and I am finding myself reading another 15-book series. So, like last month, I will be continuing the series into August. I am also pretty excited because I have read and enjoyed Susan Stoker’s books in the past.
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed reading this book. The love story between Mack and Daxton was adorable and very realistic, well, besides the whole serial killer angle. I loved that Mack had diarrhea of the mouth. It made for some pretty interesting conversations. And Daxton was amazing. He was respectful, funny, and when Mack went missing, was willing to burn the world down to find her. The ending of the book was also perfect!!
My Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this book. Cruz and Mickie were complex characters. They both had baggage from previous relationships that made them wary about getting involved. Cruz was undercover in the same MC where Mickie’s sister was being set up to be a club whore, which was a little crazy. There is explicit sex (which I didn’t mind). The end of the book was insane. I want to drop some spoilers but won’t. Just be prepared to have your tissues out.
My Thoughts: Another great book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series!! The author did a great job of telling the story through Corrie’s observations. Since she’s blind, the author used smell, hearing, and touch to convey emotions. I loved that Corrie was super independent, but what I loved more was Quint and his love for Corrie. When things went sideways at the end of the book, I was more upset for him than I was for Corrie. I figured Corrie, who was always thinking two steps ahead, would figure something out, and she did. Their romance wasn’t a slow burn; it was Instalove (yuck), but it was sweet. And the sex scenes were amazing. Overall, a great book!!
Threats to life due to environmental circumstances
My Thoughts: I was surprised that I was able to read this book in one sitting. Then I reread the blurb and saw that it is technically a short story. Anyway, it was a good read. I liked the sparks between Laine and Weston. Their relationship moved fast (think Insta-love fast), but it was believable. When Laine went to the property and fell into the old well because she was trying to help the dog, it was believable too. I loved how Weston knew something was wrong and acted on it, instead of waiting. I also liked that we got to see Daxton/Mack, Cruz/Mickie, and Quint/Corrie in this book.
References to the kidnapping and murder of a sibling
Rape (mentioned in a flashback)
Torture (mentioned in a flashback)
My Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised by this book. When I first started reading this book and read about Beth’s phobia and what caused it, I was afraid that the author was going to gloss over everything. So, when the focus of the book, well besides Cade and Beth’s romance, was Beth’s agoraphobia, I was pleased. I liked that the author chose not to have Beth be mysteriously cured. I liked that she chose to get in-patient treatment at a facility that was dedicated to helping people with agoraphobia. And let’s talk about Cade. He was perfect but imperfect at the same time (when he confronted Beth after the 2nd fire). I loved watching their love bloom and survive. Oh, and the sex scenes were very spicy.
My Thoughts: This book tells Hayden and Boone’s story, and it really is quite a story. Both characters carry a lot from their pasts: Hayden was emotionally and psychologically abused growing up, while Boone witnessed domestic violence as a kid and teen. At first, I felt unsure about how they met, especially since Boone’s ex accused him of domestic violence, but I moved past that pretty quickly. I enjoyed seeing Hayden go from hiding her femininity to embracing it. I didn’t fully connect with Boone, but that’s okay—I don’t always need to relate to every main character. The sex scenes were fantastic, and I loved watching Hayden slowly become more comfortable and open with Boone. What really stood out to me was how the story explored healing and trust. Both Hayden and Boone had to face their past traumas and learn to be vulnerable with each other, which made their journey feel genuine and meaningful. Seeing Hayden reclaim her sense of self and Boone work to break old patterns gave the book a deeper message about empowerment and the chance to build healthier relationships after tough experiences.
My Thoughts: This is another great book in the series. It was fun to see Dean get caught off guard by Adeline, and I enjoyed watching Adeline slowly open up to him. The way the author handled the service animal debate, especially the restaurant scene, was really well done. I also appreciated how Adeline’s epilepsy was part of the story without taking over the plot. I guessed who her stalker was pretty early, but it didn’t spoil the suspense. The ending was just right for the story.
My Thoughts: This was the sweetest book in this series. I loved Sophie and Chief (Roman )’s relationship. Yes, it might have gotten off to a rough start when Chief overheard part of a conversation that made it seem like Sophie was taking advantage of people of color/people who didn’t have much money (she wasn’t). But once they cleared the air on that, the romance was on. Now Chief did have some issues of his own (OCD and trauma from a childhood that consisted of poverty and racism), but again, he was able to work them out. Sophie also had trauma (bullying as an adult and a child due to her severe stutter), but unlike Chief, she was able to come to terms with it. I loved that the author included Navajo terms, phrases, and superstitions into the book. There was a turn towards the paranormal towards the end (starting with Sophie getting carbon monoxide poisoning and ending after the ritual). Still, it was written in a way that was respectful of Navajo culture. And speaking of the end, it was amazing. I liked seeing Sophie and Chief getting their happy ending.
Monthly Playlist (I use songs featured in the book, if there are any, along with a playlist generated by ChatGPT).
Mr. Z finished his internship this week. I can’t tell you how happy I am that this is over. With gas prices shooting up and it taking $50 to fill my car’s half tank, I am thankful I won’t be driving 15 minutes each way to drop him off/pick him up. He learned a lot from the internship and is now interested in IT (still wants to major in history in college).
Miss R was sick at the beginning of the week. She was running a temp and just didn’t feel great.
I had my sleep study on Saturday. Normally, the clinic doesn’t do sleep studies on weekends, but they are short-staffed and have people working weekends. I now know what kind of mask I will be using for my sleep apnea (I have central apnea).
Mr. Z was able to register for classes at the end of the week. He meets with an advisor on Monday to see if the classes he picked will stay. His classes: 1st year seminar, Wellness Literacy, Historical Studies, Writing Inquiries, and Social Science.
Week of May 3rd through May 9th:
It’s my birthday this week. I am now 40-something (late 40-something…lol).
Mr. Z met with his advisor, and his schedule didn’t change. He was pretty happy. All he has left to do is send them his final transcripts, send the transcripts from CVCC (community college), sign the health form waiver, send over his vaccine records, and take out a student loan to cover the rest of his tuition.
Miss R had field day on Tuesday. She had a blast (they let the kids keep their phones, so we got details on every event she participated in).
Miss R also had her spring chorus concert on Thursday. Her grade sang “Don’t Worry Be Happy” (she had a solo) and “Shake It Off,” with a 6th/7th/8th-grade compilation of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/It’s a Wonderful Life” at the end of the show.
Week of May 10th through May 16th:
Mr. Z had his banquet, which signaled the end of his internship.
Miss R has her EOG (end-of-grade) testing on Wednesday and Friday.
Miss R went to the orthodontist on Monday and was finally able to pick out colors for her bracket band. She went with red.
Mr. Z went to the FAA building in Charlotte and got his drone license.
Week of May 17th through May 23rd:
Mr. Z had his senior awards night on Monday. He got cords for his academy (computer science), was recognized for getting his FAA license (for the drone), was a founding member of the HS’s esports team, and earned a Platinum rating on his ACTs.
Miss R passed her EOG’s. She was a little worried about math, but the teacher pulled her aside and told her that only 7 kids had passed the EOG (including her).
Miss R had her 6th-grade awards ceremony on Thursday. She made the AB Honor Roll (for the year) and received an award for Most Likely to be the Sheriff in a Western (LOL).
Mr. Z graduated on Friday!!!
Miss R was accepted into a leadership camp sponsored by our local police department (SROs run it). She can’t wait to attend.
Week of May 24th through May 28th (split week due to this post going live on the 28th)
Memorial Day here was rainy and cool. But I am not complaining, because we need the rain (we are under water restrictionsdue to drought).
I also had to get used to not waking up at 5:00 am (easier said than done).
Books I Read:
Geek Girl Mysteries by Sherry D. Ficklin: I got the first book in this series for free, and I am waiting for the other books to either go free or be added to KU. I also started this book the last week of April and didn’t finish it in time for my April 2026 Wrap-Up.
Playing with Fire (Book 1): This book stood out after a long series binge. As a YA mystery with a touch of romance, it offered a refreshing storyline. Farris’s character was memorable—snarky, strong, and vulnerable. While the cybercriminal’s identity was clear early, Farris’s method for discovering it was impressive. The book left me eager to read the rest of the series; it’s worth picking up if you’re looking for engaging YA mysteries.
The Districts series by Orion Enzo Gaudio: Another book that I got for free, and another series that I am either waiting for the rest of the books to become free or show up on KU.
EMP (Book 1): An engaging introduction to the series. It introduces multiple intertwined plotlines and characters. I am left curious about several matters, such as whether the president survived and the whereabouts of the First Lady. I expect these questions will be resolved in future books.
Daughters of the People series by Lucy Varna: I have been interested in this series for years, but never had a reason to read it (it had been sitting on my TBR for a while). So far, I like it and will be reading the rest of the books in the series (they were on KU as of this post).
The Prophecy (Book 1): This was an excellent series debut. It moved quickly, yet paused enough for meaningful character development. I appreciated Maya and Dierdre’s dynamic and their engagement with the other Daughters. Maya and James’ relationship evolved naturally from beginning to end. Several pivotal characters appeared, including those leading into the next book. The ending of The Prophecy was chaotic and intriguing, raising more questions than it answered. Normally, I prefer clarity, but this ambiguity was effective. The author thoughtfully added a glossary, which clarified terms used throughout the series.
Light’s Bane (Book 2): This book starts shortly after the events in The Prophecy. Like the first book, the author doesn’t skimp on action. At the same time, she builds Dani and Dave’s relationship, complicating matters as the head of The Shadow People wants peace (even though his brother doesn’t). Around halfway through, a twist hinted at in book 1 is revealed, and because it involves Dani and her parentage, I felt shock and sympathy for her. When the truth comes out, Dani’s anger toward Rebecca feels entirely justified, and I share in her frustration. The end, just as chaotic as the first book, had a funeral scene that gave me chills and left me feeling unsettled. Finally, the author hints at who book 3 will focus on, and I am really looking forward to it.
The Enemy Within (Book 3): This book is Indigo and Bobby’s love story. While I liked the book (and loved the second-chance romance), I did get a little grumpy about everything else that is going on. For instance, I thought Rebecca’s reaction to what Bobby did (the tattoo) and blaming it on Indigo was insane. Similarly, Bobby’s digging into Indigo’s past by asking her mother about her nightmares rather than asking Indigo felt off. Moving on, the whole storyline with India—her jealousy over Indigo having a husband (which made zero sense), her commitment to The Eternal Order, and her relationship with Bobby’s friend—was almost too much.
Tempered (Book 3.5): This is Hawthorne and Aaron’s story. I liked Hawthorne—she took zero crap from anyone and had a soft side reserved for Lali, her granddaughter. In contrast, I wasn’t so fond of Aaron; not believing Hawthorne about her age was understandable, but telling others she was crazy was awful. The things he said to her face (calling her delusional, etc.) made me want to go into the book and smack him. However, he did redeem himself, mostly because of how he treated Lali (Aaron was her puppy… lol) and because he admitted he was wrong about everything. The Eternal Order appeared when Hawthorne’s niece tried to kidnap Lali to raise her in the Order, and the assassin also showed up. Overall, it was a fast, good read.
In All Things, Balance (Book 4): This was Moira and Tom’s book, set right before, during, and after Bobby’s kidnapping. I loved Moira—a badass with a foul mouth and a kind soul, whose actions were fierce and touching. Tom, in contrast, frustrated me. He understood the Daughters’ customs but refused to follow them, leading Moira and Naomi (another Daughter) on, which unsettled me. Things worked out in the middle, aside from his bullheadedness, which almost got him killed. When Moira revealed what happened to her daughters during the Easter Massacre, my heart broke for her. The book ended in a shocking way after the Assassin’s actions, and the author set up the next book with Jerusha and Drew, leaving me eager for more.
Sanctuary (Book 5): This is Jerusha and Drew’s book. Fast-paced and heavy on the sex, Sanctuary was set mostly in Turkey. I loved Jerusha and Drew’s relationship. The Oracle’s connection to the head of the Shadow People explained a lot. Heads-up for sensitive content: Jerusha was subjected to repeated sexual assault for 10 days by Marcus, the younger brother of the Shadow People leader. The end was interesting, as the author didn’t reveal the next couple.
Saturn Society series by Jennette Marie Powell: I was only able to read the first book in this series (which I got for free). I am waiting for the rest of the books to either go on KU or become free themselves.
Time’s Enemy (Book 1): I felt somewhat ambivalent about this book. It started off strong, but towards the middle of the book (when he was saving Charlotte as a child), my interest waned. The rest of the book featured Tony moving back and forth in time, each time altering the future. I realized who Violet was early on, but her storyline frequently shifted. She moved from having amnesia to searching for her birth parents to knowing who she was, which made the plot harder to follow and didn’t seem to contribute much.
Beyond the Eyes series by Rebekkah Ford: As with 95% of the books I read, I got this for free (either from a newsletter or found on a blog I follow).
Beyond the Eyes (Book 1): I was ambivalent towards this book. I enjoyed Paige’s relationship with her friends. In contrast, I disliked anything involving Matt and Brayden and the insta-love. I also found the bullying subplot with Ashley unnecessary. Furthermore, I wish the author had explained where the dark beings came from. Paige’s premonitions were discussed repeatedly in the first few chapters, but the visions only appeared twice and lacked an explanation. Lastly, the ending seemed rushed, and the explanation about what happened to the ring didn’t sit right with me.
Hollywood Alphabet series by M.Z. Kelly: I almost cried when I saw how many books were in this series (26). But I am determined to continue finishing the series (the books are on KU). So here goes nothing.
Hollywood Assassin (Book 1): This was an outstanding start to the series. I appreciated Kate’s witty humor, even during setbacks. Her moral compass was uncompromising—she’d risk termination rather than distort the truth. I admired her commitment to the unexpected case she dove into. That case was wild, packed with unpredictable twists that left me reeling. The reveal of the antagonists stunned me, especially the last-minute surprise villain. Kate’s best friend, Natalie, was hilarious; I laughed out loud every time she appeared.
Hollywood Blood (Book 2): This was a strong sequel in the series. Typically, the second book diminishes the first’s momentum, but not here. The story was chaotic from start to finish, and I enjoyed every moment. Kate skillfully assembled the mystery of how Myra knew Karma and the cause behind the deaths surrounding Karma. Myra was disturbingly evil, yet I sympathized with her. It seems she would have been deeply traumatized without meeting Azareal or suffering psychological and sexual abuse from him. Azareal’s true identity shocked me; the reveal was entirely unexpected. The final two chapters delivered a major twist.
Hollywood Crazy (Book 3): This book occurs several months after Hollywood Blood. After Kate’s apartment exploded at the end of the previous book, she now lives with Natalie (who is separated from her husband) and other roommates. The roommates—and the thin walls—had me laughing uncontrollably. Conversely, I was fascinated by the investigation into the double murder. The plot was intricate and unpredictable, and Kate’s final revelation of the culprit and motive stunned me. A compelling secondary storyline involves Kate, her late father, and the circumstances of his death. I was genuinely taken aback by what was uncovered.
Hollywood Dirty (Book 4): I enjoyed reading this book. It unfolds several months after Hollywood Crazy, and Kate’s life grows even more chaotic. She is tasked with reopening a cold case after glaring inconsistencies in the original investigation come to light. This book consistently made me laugh. Nana’s antics provided essential comic relief amid Kate’s inquiry into Jezzy’s murder. I was stunned by what she discovered and surprised that earlier investigators overlooked so much. The plot involving Kate’s biological mother took an unexpectedly painful direction, revealing clues about the man who killed Kate’s father. The story became even stranger when Kate tracked him down and learned he was dating her adoptive mother. The finale is packed with surprises. What I appreciated most was that Jezzy’s death involved multiple people, not just one. There was also a devastating twist I never anticipated. I am eager to read book 5!
Hollywood Enemy (Book 5): This book is set shortly after HollywoodDirty. I enjoyed the two main narratives: Kate’s search for the Artist and her being pursued by her biomother’s stalker. The FBI case she investigated captivated me. A serial killer inspired directly by a painting from a mentally ill artist was compelling. I appreciated how the author withheld the true culprit (well, in a way, he revealed it, but I didn’t recognize it until I finished the book). The stalker, who seemed like a literal chameleon, fascinated me. You never knew where or when he would emerge. The way the author wove both narratives together was impressive. The two twists at the end of the book stunned me and broke my heart.
Hollywood Forbidden (Book 6): Set three months after the tragic events of Hollywood Enemy and on Catalina Island, this book examines healing from grief and navigating life after trauma. It also delves into cults, specifically a sex cult, highlighting perseverance and the instinct to protect others. With dual plotlines, it tracks crime and investigation concurrently. I found the investigation engaging, though I was frustrated by the two officers assigned to help Kate. Kate’s decision to help search for the girls felt compelling, given that her best friend’s niece was missing. The investigation proved challenging, and I appreciated that. Kate fought for every clue. I also enjoyed the storyline about Grace and the missing girls, admiring her ingenuity and determination to help the younger girls. Her decisive actions at the end saved Sissy and her friends. The conclusion was somewhat predictable (the antagonists were apprehended), yet it also offered surprises. The ending seamlessly set up the next book.
Hollywood Games (Book 7): This book unfolds shortly after Hollywood Forbidden and delivers a thrilling ride. Kate and her friends (Mo, Natalie, and company) return energized after their “vacation.” While Kate investigates the murder of a former rapper turned reality star with a new partner (who has a phobia of dead bodies and aspires to act), she faces escalating turmoil in her personal life. The pace is relentless from the first page, and the author maintains strong momentum. A secondary storyline quickly intertwines with the main plot (FYI: blackmail has its limits). There’s also a thread about a cold case linked to the house where Kate is temporarily staying. And Kate’s ongoing romance with McCade, the cowboy sheriff from Catalina Island, adds depth. The plot twists are intense, and the ending is truly jaw-dropping.
Hollywood Homicide (Book 8): This story is set a few months after Hollywood Games. The book is tightly constructed and moves briskly, stirring heartbreak and humor in equal measure. I found myself laughing with Natalie, Mo, Nanna, and other unforgettable characters, even as emotional moments emerged. The plot follows Kate as she confronts her mental health, various relationships, and her career. I empathized with Kate, who felt pressure from all directions, both personally and professionally. Still, even at her lowest, she stayed committed to the case. I found it smart that the author sent Kate to a therapist; her sessions brought visible relief and helped her recover her incisive, boundary-pushing spirit. I enjoyed how she unraveled the case and outmaneuvered both the head of Section One and Jessica, who seems especially vindictive. I’m also intrigued by how her working relationship with Pearce will evolve. I was not surprised by the identity of the murderer or the location of the body in the cold case.
Monthly Playlist (I use songs featured in the book, if there are any, along with a playlist generated by ChatGPT).
The first half of the week was full of appointments. I had my initial appointment with the Pulmonary Dr. (I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and need a C-Pap machine).
I also went and visited my grandcats: Bug (who lived with us for 2 years along with his mom) and Coco (aka Coutore/the girls rescue kitten they adopted last Saturday). I also took in their mail/packages, topped off the cats’ water, fed both cats wet food, made sure the dry food dispenser was working, and cleaned the litterboxes. And, of course, I left my purse there, so BK, Miss R, and I went back to get it.
We had a surprise visitor late Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning. An unknown man came onto my porch and was looking at either my leaf blower, my air conditioner, or the charger for BK’s electric car. He kept his face covered because we have a sign that says “monitored by Ring audio and visual“. Gotta love wanna-be thieves. He got scared off when BK turned on the living room light and banged on the front window. But, I’m sure he’ll be back…sigh.
Miss R learned an important lesson about internet safety. She had lent her Instagram account to a school “friend“. Said “friend” posted very inappropriate pictures there, which were then shared on her Facebook. A friend of the family saw them and immediately called me. After talking to Miss R, we spent a few hours trying to delete the accounts (the girl kept undoing the deletes). We finally were able to move them all (6 of them!!) off her account, and Miss R changed her phone number, password, and put up 2-step verification. Like I said, a lesson learned.
For the week of April 5th through April 11th:
It’s spring break here, so all school-aged kids in my household were home from school for the week.
For the week of April 12th through April 18th:
Mr. Z officially has 2 weeks left of his internship. To be honest, I will not miss driving him to and from the hospital Monday-Friday.
Mr. Z also decided that he wants to go to the prom. And, boy, tickets are expensive ($50 for stag, $100 for a couple). He will be wearing a black tux with red lining. He is going stag.
Miss R rode a new horse this week, and she loved riding it. But, tacking her up was another thing. The horse wouldn’t let Miss R put the bit in her mouth, and if she got it in, the horse slipped the bridle off her head. It took two experienced people (her instructor and the barn owner’s daughter) to get the bit in.
Miss R had her unofficial chorus concert on Friday. I didn’t go, but I heard from friends who did that the kids did an amazing job.
Mr. Z had in impormto meeting with his drone class (which is why I didn’t get to go to the concert). I ended up waiting almost 2 hours for the class to finish (it was supposed to be 10-15 mins).
Miss R had a sleepover with one of her best friends. She also spent all day Saturday and almost all day Sunday with this friend.
For the week of April 19th through April 25th:
Mr. Z got his cap and gown this week!! He didn’t get his cords or his stole, but I think he’s getting them at Senior Night.
Mr. Z went to his prom, and he had a blast. He actually got up and danced (which surprised his father and me).
My best friend came up to visit on Sunday. We were able to catch up on a lot. I plan on driving down to visit her once school is out.
Books I Read:
Montana Promises Series by Vella Day (I wasn’t able to finish the last book by the end of March):
Burning Seduction (Book 5): I believe this is the last book in this series (but there are other series in the same universe). This book centers on Charlotte and Trent’s relationship, with a murder investigation as its backdrop. I loved how their relationship progressed. I also loved the little catch-ups that the author threw in about the other Montana Promises couples. There was an interesting secondary storyline with Harmon (Trent’s brother), and I can’t wait to see if he has his own book (I need to look).
The Valkyrie Series by J.K. Hawk:
The Nameless Survivor (Book 1): If you like a book told through diary entries and interoffice memos, this is the book for you. While I usually don’t enjoy this format, I did enjoy this book. However, some parts were difficult—such as the depiction of child rape in Mia’s recollections—and I was uncomfortable with the age difference between the survivor (whose name wasn’t given) and Mia, who was 15-16 years old, as it seemed to be at least 20-30 years. Other than that, it was a good read.
The Surviving Son (Book 2): This book didn’t live up to the first. My main issue was that the only person who could cure the virus was inexplicably allowed to leave on a risky search for The Nameless Survivor’s son in Northern New England. The timeline was also muddled, as Abel was described inconsistently as either a six-year-old or a teenager. I wasn’t satisfied with the portrayal of The Nameless Survivor, now renamed Adam. Most frustratingly, the ending left Stephanie and Abel’s fate unresolved, leaving the conclusion feeling incomplete.
The Imp series by Debra Dunbar (I was able to get almost the entire series on KU. There are 5 books that were not on KU or not on Amazon).
A Demon Bound (Book 1): This was an engaging book with a unique twist on the genre. Sam, an imp who has lived on Earth for 40 years as a slumlord, is drawn into a murder mystery when a werewolf blackmails her into trying to kill the rogue angel targeting her kind. The book is fast-paced, witty, and decidedly tongue-in-cheek.
Satan’s Sword (Book 2): Another engaging book that centers onSam and her friends. In this book, Sam had to bail her foster brother, Dar, out of hot water with a higher-up demon. All she has to do is get an ancient artifact and deliver it to said demon. Sam is also dealing with a serial killer who is taking ears as trophies and has moved from the homeless to children. This book was funny, a little gross (there was a lot of gore), and just an overall good read. I am very interested to see what happens in the next book with Sam’s new title, the elves, the demon trying to kill Sam, and the vampires.
Elven Blood (Book 3): In this book, Sam must work for an Elven Lord to track down a unique elf/demon hybrid and bring it to the Elven lands, dead or alive. If successful, the Lord will resolve her demon problem. I found this book as enjoyable as the first two, and it was a quicker read. The plot had interesting twists, especially regarding the hybrid, and I liked Sam’s interactions with the Ruling Council of Angels.
Devil’s Paw (Book 4):Sam, for once, doesn’t have anyone wanting to kill her. She is content doing impish things (having lots of sex and causing mischief). But things go sideways when Gregory (the angel) is convinced that Sam is behind the murder of an angel and several demons (because of her devouring ability). I loved this book. It was a little faster-paced than the previous three books and featured much more action. I loved Sam’s interactions with Gregory, but I didn’t love how he treated her. I also loved that Sam’s emotional maturity has come so far in just three books and that she has developed strong morals. I was a little surprised and upset by the ending. But saying that, I can’t wait to read book 5 and see what shenanigans Sam gets into in Hel.
Imp Forsaken (Book 5): This book centers on Sam and Gabe (Gregory’s younger brother), split between Sam’s recovery in Hel after Gregory’s banishment and Gabe’s investigation into an angel rebellion in Aaru. The narrative alternates between their experiences: Sam’s struggle to heal/recover her powers, her violent encounters with powerful beings, and her leadership in a violent rebellion; Gabe’s efforts to uncover the source of unrest among the angels. The story is marked by intense violence and significant character development. I enjoyed seeing how Sam’s experiences shaped her, and I am eager to see her reunited with Gregory.
Angel of Chaos (Book 6): The book follows the Nephilim, Sam, and Gregory (revealed as Archangel Michael), focusing on the chaos Sam creates. It features significant violence and both physical and spiritual sex. The author expands on why angels cannot procreate. Another side of Gabe emerges, as hinted at in Imp Forsaken. Harper, a mortal, was enthralled and impregnated by an angel against her will, which led to anger and trust issues. The ending was expected, and Sam’s absorption of others into her household was intriguing. I’m curious about the Kingdom of Lies and Sam’s deals with sorcerers Kirby and Gabe.
Kingdom of Lies (Book 7): This book picks up a few months after Angel of Chaos. Sam’s quest to retrieve a dangerous, modified gem for a sorcerer becomes more perilous when a greedy demon uses the gem’s power to grow stronger. Meanwhile, Sam manages her relationship with Gregory, the tensions in her household, and the mystery of gates opening to other dimensions. Kingdom of Lies is fast-paced, plenty violent, but light on sex. The snark level is high (I love Sam’s sense of humor and her skewed moral compass). The author does something interesting by exposing humans to demons, angels, and other supernatural beings. I was slightly disappointed that the gate closings didn’t get more time, but that would probably take another book. I’m eager to see where Exodus (the next book) will go.
Exodus (Book 8): As the angel rebellion peaks and the Ruling Council pressures Sam to leave while elves advance on humans, chaos erupts. In response, Sam welcomes all refugees into her household (most of them on temporary status). She plans to defend Aaru alongside Gregory and his brothers using her Lows. The ensuing battle is tense and well described; plot twists unfold logically yet remain surprising. Ultimately, the conclusion is impactful, as Sam’s allies prove formidable.
Queen of the Damned (Book 9): This book starts several months after the events in Exodus. The angels (and Sam) are still locked out of Aaru and trying to get back in. Soon after, Sam learns someone has kidnapped three of her Lows. The investigation is chaotic, but she eventually uncovers the culprit—a very odd figure, like Mr. Rogers with an Ancient twist. The Ancient who took the Lows is unsettling, but ultimately seems fine. As she continues, Sam discovers the Ancients have awoken and want to return to Aaru—a storyline that is both humorous and a bit sad. Later, a surprising twist involving Harper’s angel baby daddy brings the plot full circle and adds a bittersweet note. At the very end, Samael is revealed to be alive. Overall, the book was a compelling, enjoyable read—I couldn’t put it down.
The Morning Star (Book 10): This book concludes Sam and Gregory’s journey, focusing on Samael’s rumored return after a 2-billion-year absence. When this rumor proves true, Sam tries to unite the Ancients and demons to avert war on Earth, all while raising Lux, an adorable Angel of Order. The fast-paced, hilarious story delivers well-written twists. Although I had anticipated the Samael reveal back in book 8, the actual revelation and the intense ending twist exceeded expectations. Lux’s biological sire wants him back, but Sam stands firm, and she discusses Lux’s safety with Remiel. The author delivers an astonishing final twist that powerfully concludes the series.
With This Ring (Book 11): Several months after The Morning Star, Sam is adapting to her new life, balancing committee responsibilities and personal milestones, including serving as a bridesmaid in Amber/Irix’s wedding. Her adopted angel Lux brings unexpected chaos by taking his ring-bearing role literally. Amid challenges—humans wielding powerful weapons, strict immigration rules, evasive elves, and a zombie onslaught—Sam is overwhelmed but ultimately solves everything in her signature chaotic style. This chaos, paired with her indifference to rules and deep love for Lux and her found family, grounds her and makes the book a joy to read. The hilarious sex toy scene exemplifies the humor, keeping me laughing throughout.
A Crown of Imp and Bone (Book 12): I expected this to be the last book, but the author announced book 13, which I’m eager to read. In this installment, Sam faces her most dangerous challenge, juggling wedding preparations and a quest for peace after Lux steals the Seelie Queen’s ring—breaking a historic contract and threatening humans. Sam’s mission plunges her into conspiracies: rescuing kidnapped Seelie girls, investigating mysterious towers, battling the Wild Hunt, Unseelie King for help, and a climactic fight. For the first time in the series, I genuinely feared for Sam’s survival.
Monthly Playlist (I use songs featured in the book, if there are any, along with a playlist generated by ChatGPT).
It’s been five whole months since the last murder in Cedar River, Texas, and Juni Jessup and her sisters Tansy and Maggie have been humming along when disaster strikes again.
Their struggling vinyl records shop/coffee nook, Sip & Spin Records, is under pressure from predatory investors, though the Jessup sisters aren’t ready to face the music and admit defeat. But the night after their meeting, the sketchy financier is killed outside their shop during a torrential Texas thunderstorm that washes out all the roads in and out of town. Now the sisters find themselves trapped in Cedar River with a killer, and Juni is determined to solve the case.
When the river spits out an unexpected surprise, Detective Beau Russell asks for Juni’s help, never predicting her investigation will spin her into danger. Up until now, the Jessup sisters have been playing it by ear, but with the whole town watching, can they catch a killer before he strikes again?
First Line:
I’ve never witnessed a murder before.
Rhythm and Clues by Olivia Blacke
Important details about Rhythm and Clues
Pace: Fast
POV: 1st person (Juni)
Content/Trigger: Rhythm and Clues contains themes of alcohol consumption, dead bodies, grief & lossdepiction, car accident, murder & attempted murder, physical assault, and flooding. Please read carefully if any of these triggers you.
Language:Rhythm and Clues contains mild swearing and language that might offend some people.
Series: This is the 3rd book in The Record Shop Mysteries and can be read as a standalone.
Sexual Content: There is no sexual content in Rhythmand Clues.
Setting: Rythm and Clues is set in Cedar River, Texas.
My Review:
Over the past few months, I have read cozy mysteries that take place in various places. But a vinyl record shop/coffee nook wasn’t even on my radar for cozy mystery settings. I can check it off because Rhythm and Clues is set in such a place. That was one of the main reasons I decided to review the book. Not because of the mystery or because it was in Texas (which weirdly is a huge deciding factor in some of the books I read) but because it features a vinyl record store.
Rhythm and Clues is the third book in The Record Shop Mysteries series. It can be read as a standalone, but I strongly suggest reading the first two books to gain an understanding of the different relationships in the book. I wish I had because I needed clarification on the love triangle presented.
The main storyline of Rhythm and Clues centers around the murder of a financier in front of Juni and her sisters’ shop. The story also focuses on Juni’s relationships (love and otherwise) and her investigation into the death. I found the storyline engaging, often funny, and a little twisty (the murderer did surprise me).
I liked Juni, but she managed to get into trouble. As I read the book, I realized there was no holding her back when investigating the murder. She was going to find out who killed Zack, even if it meant putting herself up as bait and possibly getting hurt.
I found the mystery angle of Rhythm and Clues to be a little twisty, which surprised me. In my experience, cozy mysteries are usually written with a particular character in mind, and twists are not the norm. But, in this case, I was genuinely surprised by not only who the murderer was but also the motives behind the murder (minor spoiler: it was an accident). A smaller side mystery about handles mannequins also started about the mid-book. I did figure out where that one was going, but how it tied into the main mystery was revealed at the end of the book.
Juni’s relationships were a huge part of the Rhythm and Clues storyline. Her relationships were the bedrock of the storyline. Those personal relationships helped her with investigating Zack’s murder. She got information out of people that the police would have had to fight for.
Juni’s love life was also a significant part of the storyline. For a good part of the book, she was in a love triangle. Since I hadn’t read the previous two books, I was confused. There is a resolution to the love triangle, but I was a little disappointed with who she picked.
The end of Rhythm and Clues was perfect for the book. I liked how the author revealed who Zack’s murderer was and the reasons behind it. The author also showed the fallout from the murder. The author also left some room open for book four.
Many thanks to Saint Martin’s Press, Saint Martin’s Paperbacks, NetGalley, and Olivia Blacke for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Rhythm and Clues. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
If you enjoy reading books similar to Rhythm and Clues, then you will enjoy these books:
In April Asher’s new Supernatural Singles novel, a witch takes a stroll on the wild-ish side, sparking an alert that saddles her with her very own Guardian Angel…who happens to be her secret crush―and new roommate.
Olive Maxwell much prefers teaching about the supernatural world to taking part in it and leaves the magical shenanigans to her two sisters―the Prima-Apparent and Bounty Hunter-In-Training. But after assigning her college students a project designed to nudge them outside their comfort zones, Olive realizes that she’s never once stepped a toe over her own…and it’s about time that changed. Her first trip into the unknown? Moving in with her long-time crush―and friend…tattooed, motorcycle-riding, and pleasantly pierced, Baxter Donovan.
Bax Donovan, Guardian Angel not-so-extraordinaire, has acquired so many black marks on his record it looked like a scantron sheet. He’s given one last chance to keep his Guardian wings intact, a high-profile Assignment he knows all too well. Olive is usually as low-risk as it got. Hell, she wrote the safety manual. But something landed her on the Guardian Affairs radar and his guess was it had something to do with the heart-pounding stunts she’s determined to check off her Dare I Docket list.
Keeping Olive out of trouble is about to be his toughest assignment yet, and not because he’s forced to shake the dust off his feathers and embrace his inner aerialist. He’s at real risk of shattering the only Guardian Angel Code of Conduct Rule he’s yet to Don’t fall in love with your Assignment. And he isn’t so sure that’s a bad thing.
If love didn’t play by the rules, why should they?
First Line:
Committing a felony had never looked so appealing to Olive Maxwell.
Not Your Crush’s Cauldron by April Asher
Important things you need to know about Not Your Crush’s Cauldron:
Pace: Medium
POV:3rd person (Olive and Bax).
Trigger Warnings: There are no trigger warnings in Not Your Crush’s Cauldron.
Language: There is moderate swearing in Not Your Crush’s Cauldron. There is also language used that might offend some people.
Setting:Not Your Crush’s Cauldron is set in New York City.
Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):
Olive is the youngest of the Maxwell triplets. After watching her sisters find true love and their true purpose in their lives (one is the Prima-Apparent and the other is a Bounty Hunter in Training), she is content to teach magic at her local college. But, when she assigns her students an assignment intended to make them go outside their comfort zone, she decides to do it with them. The first thing on her list is moving in with Bax, her longtime crush and friend.
Bax is a guardian angel who isn’t very good at his job. His record has more black marks than any other angels in the department. To keep his career, Bax is given a low-risk assignment. To his shock, his assignment is Olive. What Bax wasn’t counting on was Olive trying things outside her comfort zone. He soon begins accompanying her on different outings and fighting his growing attraction to her. One of the three rules of his department is not to get involved with their charge.
As Olive and Bax spend more time together, their attraction grows. But with Olive being Bax’s charge, he cannot make a move on her. Will Olive push Bax out of his comfort zone? Will Bax be able to control his feelings for Olive until his assignment is over? Or will he risk losing his wings for her?
Characters:
Olive Maxwell and Bax Donovan are the main characters in Not Your Crush’s Cauldron. Having been introduced to Olive in the previous book (I haven’t read the entire series, just book 2), I did think that she was pretty mellow and less low-key than her sisters. I felt there was nothing wrong with playing it safe, having outfits for certain days of the week, or having schedules for everything. That’s how she liked her life. I got grumpy during the college party scene where she overheard unkind remarks about her. But, it did get her thinking, and she decided to join the assignment with her students. Bax joining her was an enjoyable addition to the list.
Bax Donovan was an interesting character for me to read. At first, I thought I had him pegged as a slightly bad GuardianAngel who only went through the motions at his job. And I was partially right about that. Bax didn’t exactly put himself out there with his charges (the gargoyle wing scene did make me laugh and wince). But the more I read about him, the more I understood him. He liked Olive and maybe loved her early on in the book. But he had to put aside those feelings when assigned her (because of the rules). On top of that, he had to deal with a father who was borderline mentally and emotionally abusive to him. It was a lot, and he tended to deal with that by shutting down and internalizing it.
The characters from the other books do make an appearance in this one. I loved that they didn’t overtake Bax and Olive’s story. Instead, they added depth to the main storyline. There was one character (Harper) who I would love to see a book about. There were sparks between her and a certain werewolf, and I need to see if that will go anywhere (I hope!!)
My review:
I was excited when I got the widget for Not Your Crush’s Cauldron. I had enjoyed reading the previous book (Not Your Exes Hexes) and planned to read this one if/when it went on KU. So, to say I was excited is an understatement. I couldn’t wait to read this book.
The main storyline of Not Your Crush’s Cauldron centers around Olive and Bax, their romance, Bax’s assignment, Olive’s assignment, and Olive’s attempt to push her limits. It was a well-written, funny, and very hot storyline. I did get sad in spots because of different things that were brought up as the book went on. Examples are:
Bax’s father (who I couldn’t stand).
Olive’s fear of living outside her comfort zone.
The guardian angel conundrum.
But don’t let that stop you from reading this book!! The author interwove those themes throughout the book with tact.
The romance angle of the book was scorching hot. Now, the author did wait to have Olive and Bax have sex until well past the middle of the book. But, by then, the sexual tension had built up, and when they did have sex, it was explosive. I was surprised by Bax’s piercings (an angel with penile and nipple piercings?!?). I should have been because it was talked about up to them having sex. And, of course, the makeup sex was perfect (because each romance novel has hot makeup sex).
I loved the fantasy angle, too. The author did a great job creating a universe where all supernatural beings were out and accepted. The magic was used casually and wasn’t over the top. Even Bax’s guardian angel status (wings included) was treated normally. I loved it!!!
Several secondary storylines involved Olive’s sisters that were interwoven into her storyline. Instead of taking over (and I was afraid they would), the author kept them in the background. Each was wrapped up by the end of the book.
I do want to touch on Bax’s storyline with his father. Michael, his father, was a vast douchecanoe. I couldn’t believe what he said to Olive (at the college party or the Guardian Angels headquarters). He was such an asshat that he went out of his way to try and get Bax fired. Why? Because he couldn’t deal with his son being a guardian angel instead of a warrior. I did like how both Bax and Olive dealt with him. But I do wish that there was a resolution to that storyline. It was the only one that was left up in the air.
The end of Not Your Crush’s Cauldron was perfect. I loved how the author wrapped up Bax and Olive’s love story. I liked that Olive came to her senses and understood why Bax couldn’t tell her about his assignment. And I appreciated that Bax gave her space to do so. I hope there will be a book 4 (as mentioned at the top of this review). I would love to see Harper get her HEA.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin, NetGalley, and April Asher for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Not Your Crush’s Cauldron. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
If you enjoy reading books similar to Not Your Crush’s Cauldron, then you will enjoy these books:
Other books by April Asher
Suggested Playlist (feel free to add songs or remove songs)
Private investigator Hailey Arquette’s job to locate a woman’s fiancée is complicated when she succeeds. The problem—he is now a spirit who can’t identify his killer.
FBI agent Trenton Briner has his hands full. His long time psychic friend has taken on a mouthy sidekick, a teenager with no caution and no sense of vulnerability. He knows there’s more to both young women, but can’t define their unique abilities, until he catches the teen red-handed.
Hailey knows the crime scene evidence didn’t add up. Animal fur, a human and cougar’s tracks beside the victim, and a seemingly invisible killer open her psychic world to new and deadly possibilities.
Can the trio find common ground before the unseen assassin stalking them strikes one of their own?
First Line:
The soft ditty Clarence Burke hummed while heading to his car haled the chittering of two nearby squirrels that stopped to stare.
Unlikely Justice by Reily Garrett
Important things you need to know about the book:
Pace: The pace of Unlikely Justice goes between medium and fast.
POV:Unlikely Justice has a 3rd person POV (Haley, Casper, and Trenton).
Series: Unlikely Justice is the 3rd book in the Haley Arquette Murder Files. While you can read this as a standalone, I recommend reading the first two books to understand backstories.
Trigger/Content Warning:Unlikely Justice has trigger and content warnings. If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:
Rape (hinted at)
Slut Shaming
Cheating (recounted)
Drugging
Blood & Gore Depiction
Dead Bodies & Body Parts
Dismemberment
Mutilation
Needles
Grief & Loss Depiction
Murder & Attempted Murder
Organized Crime
Physical Assault
Torture
Animal Attack
Sexual Content: There is no sexual content in Unlikely Justice.
Language: There is mild to moderate swearing in Unlikely Justice.
Setting:Unlikely Justice is set in and around Hamchet, Texas.
Age Range: I recommend Unlikely Justice to anyone over 21.
Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):
Haley is surprised when an upstanding citizen in Hamchet goes missing. She is even more surprised when his ghost appears, asking her for help finding his killer. But there is a problem: Clarence (the spirit) cannot remember who his killer is or why he was killed. But the clues (animal fur, animal footprint with human footprints) don’t make sense. Haley needs to use her growing psychic powers and rely more on Casper and her unconventional family to help solve this case. But that involves keeping Casper’s abilities hidden from Trenton, her childhood friend, and the FBI agent determined to uncover Casper’s secrets.
Main Characters
Haley—I liked her character in this book. Because Haley knew Clarence and his fiancee, so she was determined to help him the best she could. I liked that her psychic powers seemed to be growing. I loved her relationship with Casper. It was a big sister/little sister dynamic, and I liked that Haley knew better than to try and rein in Casper. As for Haley and Trenton, I saw what happened at the ending coming from book 1. I am surprised that it took the author until book 3 to make it happen.
Casper—She is truly one of my favorite all-time characters. I loved her in The Guardians series. I like that the author showed that there was more to her than her psychic abilities. I loved that she acted like a teenager (well, one who can phase through things and talk to the dead). It was nice seeing that side of her. But I also appreciated the side of her that was badass.
Trenton—I wasn’t expecting Trenton to make much of an appearance in this book (he was on the sidelines in the second book). I was pleasantly surprised that he was more involved with this case (even though Haley and Casper didn’t want him to be). I got a kick out of how easily Casper needled him. I also got why he wanted to know more about her. Trenton knew something different about her but couldn’t place his finger on it.
My review:
Reily Garrett is an auto purchase author for me. I love her books. So, I was super excited when she contacted me to read and review Unlikely Justice. This book more than lived up to my expectations.
The main plotline of Unlikely Justice revolves around Haley’s current case, Casper’s investigation into the school she attends, and Trenton trying to keep up with them both/trying to figure out Casper and her family. The storyline was well-written and well-fleshed out. I had a moment of wondering how Haley’s case and Casper’s investigation were connected. Then, boom, the author explained it.
I giggled at how off-balance Trenton was with Casper (as I mentioned above). She liked messing with him and took it to new heights in this book. Having Simon do his ghostly antics on an unknowing Trenton made me laugh out loud while reading. I also loved how Casper turned the direction of his questioning regarding her family. Trenton did come in handy during the last part of the book.
The mystery angle of the book was well-written. While I figured out one aspect of it (where the fur and footprints came from), I was surprised at who was behind everything. It was a huge twist, and I was left sitting with my mouth open. This person went to extreme lengths to hide their identity from everyone and almost got away with their revenge. This person is also tied to what was happening at Casper’s school. Oh, speaking of that, another twist involving Casper and another student took me by surprise. It also made me wonder what series that person came from or if this will be another series in this universe.
The end of Unlikely Justice was interesting. I can’t get into it because of spoilers, but I liked how the author revealed everything. The author also had a cliffhanger that involved Haley and Casper. I cannot wait to read Phantom Reunion!
Many thanks to Reily Garrett for allowing me to read and review Unlikely Justice. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
If you enjoy reading books similar to Unlikely Justice, then you will enjoy these books:
“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.” – Oscar Wilde
Carrying the burden of truth on her shoulders Paige Hanson makes a decision that will change the course of her settlement’s history. Broken and bruised from the last few years of her life she has very little left to lose and is willing to burn it all down to avenge those who fell before her.
The one thing keeping her grounded though is her love for her son. But is love enough to prevent her from making the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good?
First Line:
Out of all the safe houses we move through, this one is my least favorite.
Maternal Instincts by S.M. Thomas
Important things you need to know about the book:
Pace: The pace of Maternal Instincts is fast-paced.
POV:Maternal Instincts are told from Paige’s (and sometimes Ryle’s) 1st person POV.
Series: Maternal Instincts is the 3rd book in the Paige Hanson series.
Trigger/Content Warning:Maternal Instincts have trigger and content warnings. If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:
Child Abuse
Abandonment
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Dead Bodies
Medical Expermintentation
Medical Procedures
Needles
Pandemic
Death of a parent
Death of a spouse
Death of a friend
Grief
Captivity & Confinement
Gun Violence
Murder & Attempted Murder
Conscription
Sexual Content: There is no sexual content in Maternal Instincts.
Language: There is moderate swearing in Maternal Instincts.
Setting:Maternal Instincts is set on Earth 2.
Age Range: I recommend Maternal Instincts to anyone over 21.
Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):
After two years on the run, Paige is tired. She is tired of being a wanted criminal, and she is even more tired of being separated from her son. All she wants is to stay in one place long enough to find a cure for the pandemic ravaging the planet. But things change when her latest safe house is leaked to the government, and she is forced to run. Taken captive by the people hiding her, Paige is given the opportunity to create a cure. But with the government and her mother’s people closing in on her, will Paige be able to generate the cure? Or will everything that Paige went through be for nothing?
Main Characters
Paige Hanson: I liked that the author had Paige show another facet of her character. The author showed her as a flawed person deeply affected by her upbringing. This had been hinted at in the first two books, and the author showcased it here. She was also traumatized by what happened at the end of Body Count, and that trauma contributed to all of her decisions in Maternal Instincts (including how she went about getting the cure).
My review:
I had been looking forward to reading Maternal Instincts. I wanted to see where this book would take Paige and how everything would end up. I wasn’t let down. Maternal Instincts were everything that I thought it would be and then some.
Starting two years after the events of Body Count, the author doesn’t waste any time throwing Paige into the thick of things. The author also occasionally takes a break from Paige and switches to Ryle’s POV. What she revealed there was exciting and made me wonder if there was another series in the work. But, the focus of the book was kept on Paige.
The mystery/thriller angle of the book was well written. I liked that I couldn’t figure out Paige’s endgame, and the author kept me guessing.
The end of Maternal Instincts was eye-opening and heartbreaking. I can’t say much more than that. There were two deaths that I didn’t see coming. Both were shocking, but both were warranted. I also wish Paige could have gotten the happy ending that she deserved.
Many thanks to S.M. Thomas for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Maternal Instincts. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
A rebellious young heroine begins a voyage of self-discovery in the third novel of an epic fantasy series set in the world of Viridian Deep, from the legendary author of the Shannara saga.Auris’s adoptive sister Char has always been the baby of the family—a position that grates on Char, especially when everyone insists on telling her exactly what to do and how to do it. But Char is certain that her headstrong, impulsive behavior, the quality her family sees as her greatest weakness, is actually her greatest the willingness to instantly brave danger and leap to the rescue when anyone she loves is threatened. Char knows she will never grow into the woman she was meant to be under her family’s loving but repressive eye, so a month before she turns fifteen, she runs away and joins a Human pirate crew in the warm southerly regions of her world. Then, three years into her pirate career, her captain—the man she is convinced she loves—is captured by the leaders of the slave trade he has been fighting. When Char leaps in to rescue him, she finds herself thrust into an adventure that will uncover secrets she never suspected about herself, one that will maybe, finally, teach her to look before she leaps.
First Line:
In the late-night hours of the second day of the full moon, I slip from my concealment to begin my latest mission.
Sister of Starlit Seas by Terry Brooks
Important things you need to know about the book:
Pace: The pacing of Sister of Starlit Seas varies throughout the book. It started at a medium pace, slowed down while Char was discovering her Merrow side, picked back up during her journey back home, and stayed at a medium fast pace until the end of the book. Usually, I wouldn’t like it when the pace changes up like it did, but in this case, it worked.
POV:Char tells Sister of Starlit Seas in the first person point of view.
Series:Sister of Starlit Seas is the third book in the Viridian Deep series. You can read this book as a standalone. But, as I always do, I suggest reading the first two books before picking this one up. That way, you can understand Char’s relationships.
Trigger/Content Warning:Sister of Starlit Seas has trigger and content warnings. If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:
Slavery (graphic, on and off page)
Depression (minor to moderate, on and off page)
Boating Accident (moderate, on page)
Bullying (minor, on page)
Violence (moderate to graphic, on and off page)
Death (moderate to graphic, on and off page)
Grief (moderate, on page)
Stillbirth (minor, off page)
Sexual Content: There is no sexual content in Sister of Starlit Seas. There are a few kissing scenes, but it doesn’t go beyond that.
Language: There is no swearing or offensive language in Sister of Starlit Seas.
Setting:Sister of Starlit Seas takes place in The Kingdom of Man and The Kingdom of Fae. There are also underwater scenes in the Merrow territories.
Tropes:Chosen One, Orphan, Good vs. Evil, Magic, Growing Up, Mythical Beings, Self-Discovery
Age Range: I recommend Sister of Starlit Seas to anyone over 16.
Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):
At the age of fifteen, Char ran away from her family. A headstrong girl, Char left her family because she felt smothered. Traveling south, Char eventually joined a pirate crew headed by a Human and lived what Char thought was her best life. Everything was fine until one night, on a daring solo mission to rescue the captain of the ship she was on (who she thought she loved). Char was captured. Tortured by repeated and prolonged dunks in the ocean, Char is amazed when she changes into a fabled being called a Merrow. She is immediately taken in by the Merrow community living in the sea. But her changing brings her more questions than answers. The only two people who could answer those questions were her adoptive mother and biological mother. With her adoptive mother dead, Char realizes that she will need to find her birth mother. She also realizes that her journey must start where she left- her home. Can Char get answers to her questions? Will she find her biological mother?
Main Characters
Charlayne (Char): I will not lie; I found Char annoying and immature for over half of the book. But I also liked her. She was loyal, tried her best to keep her promises, and was, for the most part, a good friend (she had to be reminded at specific points about being a better friend). I enjoyed seeing her character grow throughout the book. By the end of Sister of Starlit Seas, she was a little more mature, less annoying, and definitely less reckless. She learned a few life lessons in her travels that stuck with her.
My review:
I got very excited when browsing NetGalley and seeing Sister of Starlit Seas. See, I loved Terry Brooks in high school and had read The Sword of Shannara so many times that I did have passages memorized. Seeing that it was on Random House and it was a wish, I decided to do it. I had a 50/50 chance of getting it. So, I was thrilled when I got the email saying it had been granted. I couldn’t wait to read this book.
The main storyline in Sister of Starlit Seas centers around Char and her quest to find answers. It was a well-written storyline. I liked that Char wasn’t perfect and had the same issues as a late-age teenager (unrequited love, hormones all over the place, self-involved, and annoying). If I am to be honest, she reminded me of a combination of my sixteen and eighteen-year-old. I liked that the storyline changed as the book went on. It went from an answer about who she was to why her adoptive mother made her forget to a search for her mother to the end game (I can’t say what because of spoilers). The author did that seamlessly.
I loved the fantasy angle of Sister of Starlit Seas. The author took the Merrow myth and incorporated it into the storyline. I was like Char; I thought Merrow and mermaids were identical. Nope, they are not. The use of magic was very understated. I can only think of one scene where magic could have been used. But that didn’t bother me. To me, fantasy isn’t all about magic. It is about the world and beings in that world, too.
The end of Sister of Starlit Seas was a little bittersweet. I was very upset over some of the things the author did, but at the same time, I understood why he chose to write that way. I also saw a little hint that maybe another book will feature Char.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Del Rey, NetGalley, and Terry Brooks for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Sister of Starlit Seas. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
If you enjoy reading books similar to Sister of Starlit Seas, then you will enjoy these books:
The third and final delightful installment in the Merriwell Sister’s Regency rom-com series. Miss Venus Merriwell has been waiting for her prince to come since the tender age of fourteen. She wants a man who is selfless, academic like her, and free from all the wretched vices her gambler father enjoyed far too much before he left the Merriwell sisters practically destitute. Unfortunately, after a slew of romantic disappointments, there is still no sign of that prince at twenty-three and the only one true love of her life is the bursting-at-the-seams orphanage in Covent Garden that she works tirelessly for. An orphanage that desperately needs to expand into the empty building next door. For Galahad Sinclair, gambling isn’t just his life, it’s in his blood. He grew up and learned the trade at his grandfather’s knee in a tavern on the far away banks of the Hudson in New York. But when fate took all that away and dragged him across the sea to London, it made sense to set up shop here. He’s spent five years making a success out of his gaming hell in the sleazy docks of the East End. Enough that he can finally afford to buy the pleasure palace of his dreams—and where better than in the capital’s sinful heart, Covent Garden? The only fly in his ointment is the perfect building he’s just bought to put it in also happens to be right next door to the orphanage run by his cousin’s wife’s youngest sister. A pious, disapproving and unsettling siren he has avoided like the plague since she flattened him five years ago… While Venus and Galahad lock horns over practically everything, and while her malevolent orphans do their darndest to sabotage his lifelong dream, can either of them take the ultimate gamble—and learn to love thy neighbor?
First Line:
“Do we have an accord, Mr. Sinclair?”
Never Wager with a Wallflower by Virginia Heath
Important things you need to know about the book:
Pace: The pacing for Never Wager with a Wallflower is medium. It could have been done with a faster storyline, especially towards the end. But overall, it worked. There was some slight lag towards the end, but it didn’t affect how I liked the book.
Series:Never Wager with a Wallflower is the 3rd (and last) book in the Merriwell Sisters trilogy. While you could technically read this book as a standalone, I recommend not doing so. I did, and I got turned around references to the other books. I also couldn’t keep the characters straight (other than Vee and Gal) in my head. I plan on reading the other two books as soon as I can.
Trigger/Content Warning:Never Wager with a Wallflower has trigger and content warnings. If any of these trigger you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:
Classism (moderate)
Poverty (moderate)
Abandonment (moderate)
Child Abuse (moderate)
Gambling Addiction (moderate)
Alcohol Consumption (minor)
Pregnancy (moderate)
Childbirth (minor)
Chronic Illness (minor)
Death of grandparent (moderate)
Death of parent(s) (minor)
Murder (moderate)
Sexual Content: There is sexual content in Never Wager with a Wallflower. Some are implied, but most were on page. It was not graphic.
Language: There is no swearing in Never Wager with a Wallflower. There is era-appropriate offensive language.
Setting:Never Wager with a Wallflower is set in London, England.
Tropes:Happy Ending, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, The Misunderstanding, Opposites Attract, Rivals, Emotional Scars, Everyone Can See It
Age Range: I recommend Never Wager with a Wallflower to anyone over 21.
Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):
Miss Venus Merriwell knows what she wants in a husband. She wants someone intellectual, selfless, and who doesn’t have any gambling vices. She also wants a husband who will be passionate about the exact causes as she is like the rundown, overcrowded orphanage she has taught at for the past four years. It badly needs repairs and to be expanded to the building next door. But, if she has to settle, she will. That is why she is trying to catch the eye of London’s dryest, self-involved Lord. Forget a love match; she knows that marrying him will be safe.
Galahad Sinclair is Vee’s enemy. He represents everything that she despises. He runs a gambling hell on the docks of the East End and enjoys needling her every chance he gets. With their clashes fueling family gossip, Vee and Gal are thrown together at every opportunity. When Vee starts to get close to Gal, she sees someone different from the facade he shows everyone. But, when a secret that Gal has comes to the surface, will it kill their blossoming romance?
Main Characters
Venus Merriwell: I liked her, but man, did she have tunnel vision. Her world consisted of her sisters and their families, balls where she would look for prospective suitors, and the orphanage where she tirelessly worked. Her disdain for Gal caught me off because she was sweet with everyone else. There was a point in the book where I wanted to shake her (itwas right after she found out Gal had bought the building next door). She was nasty to him, and I couldn’t believe what she said to the boy she had with her. That was almost enough to change my mind about her. But she more than made up for her attitude a few chapters later. I also liked that she loved to read, and Shakespeare was her favorite author. Of course, reading his plays gave her somewhat of an unrealistic view of romance (her journal entries showed that).
Galahad Sinclair: I loved him. Yes, he did some shady things at the beginning of the book. But, I stress this: he had no way of knowing that Vee wanted that building for herself. I liked that the author slowly (and sometimes at a turtle’s pace) had Gal reveal things about himself that saddened and horrified me. Some items, I guessed at, but others shook me. There were points in the book where I did think he made his bed (the whole building fiasco), but he did try to apologize.
My Review:
I enjoyed reading Never Wager with a Wallflower. But I felt a little out of sorts while reading it. This book is the third and last book in the trilogy. I missed a lot of background by not reading the first two books. But I did enjoy Vee and Gal’s very bumpy relationship. That had me on my toes for the entire book.
I loved that the author had journal entries by Vee from 14 to the present day. I liked seeing her thoughts on different situations (from boobs that won’t stop growing to her feelings about Gal). It also gave me good insight into her life growing up, what her father did to her and her sisters, and other storylines that kept popping up in the book.
The main storyline, the love story between Vee and Gal, was well written. As stated above, it was a bumpy enemy to lovers/forced proximity romance. Sometimes, I wondered when the romance would start and Vee’s animosity would end. But that made for a fun read. I also liked that Gal was very much in tune with his feelings for Vee and realized what they were early in the book. On the other hand, Vee fought her feelings until the end of the book.
The orphanage storyline was a little meh to me. While it allowed Gal to explain his formative years to Vee, it didn’t do anything but cause issues between those two. I thought Vee went overboard with her reaction to Gal buying the building next door. The meltdown that she had and the things she said to him was awful.
The end of Never Wager with a Wallflower was okay. It was a little drawn out. I was also weirded out that everyone was okay with what they walked into. I liked the epilogue, but I got confused by it. I had to reread it to understand what was going on.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin, NetGalley, and Virginia Heath for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Never Wager with a Wallflower. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
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Escape Into Reading 