About the Book:
When Amelia Anderson’s best friend gets married and she finds herself the last single girl left in a room filled with couples, she wonders if it’s time to start dating again.
Enter the Dating Plan. Her helpful friends devise a plan to get her back out there and really, what could go wrong? They have a colour-coded binder to guide them, after all!
What ensues, however, is a string of dates so disastrous, it’s enough to have Amelia vowing to remain single forever.
The only bright side in this dismal dating experiment? Jake Johnson, her ex-boyfriend’s older brother, who keeps coming to her rescue. Making her feel safe, protected…special.
Jake has always been that guy for her. The one who represented everything she was scared to want, so she settled for what she thought she deserved. And now he’s back in her life and is stirring up all these feelings that she’s struggling to ignore. Amelia can’t forget that he’s off-limits for her.
But if that is true, why does it feel that in a sea of all these Mr Wrongs, he may actually be her Mr Right?
My Thoughts:
A dating plan, caring friends and one very curious and every present ex-boyfriend’s brother. What could go wrong with this formula?
Belinda Mary once again brings to us a wonderfully light-hearted romantic comedy, complete with mis steps, funny moments and a swoon worthy romance. I read this book as a part of the author’s ARC team and fell in love with it from the start. This was the kind of book that I read from start to finish in one go, with no stops on the way.
Amelia and Jake brought so much to this story, each with their own quirky thoughts and interesting personalities, with some help from friends we’ve known and loved and feel happy to meet again (this will make sense for those who have read Belinda Mary’s previous books)!
This is a wonderful read, fun and full of laughter, the right kind of book to come out of a reading slump or just to fall in love! Take a chance with our two wonderful MCs as they find love and happiness after a series of disasters of course!
About the Book:
Orphan. Slave. Drug dealer.
As a Demon-Owned human, in an Afterworld that literally has Hell and Heaven on Earth, I’m the lowest a being can be. My life is one of drudgery, degradation—and mortal danger. And that’s before I started dealing Angelescence. Unlike anything in existence, it’s a drug only I can produce, and everyone would kill for.
With decommission and execution closing in, I’m desperate to buy out my and my best friend’s Indentures. But upping my operations only gets me arrested, and my terrifying captor drags me to the Celestial Court—on a leash—to stand trial. My sentence?
Conscription to Celestial Academy.
As the most powerful nephilim in history, Godric is Heaven’s most ruthless soldier and assassin. And he’s been assigned with discovering the root of my unprecedented ability to capture Angel Essence.
We both hate our forced proximity—and each other. Especially since we’re seething with explosive emotions and cravings that neither of us ever thought to experience, and can’t possibly afford. Anything between us isn’t only forbidden, it’s disastrous. Potentially for all of existence.
But being embroiled in our passionate war becomes the least of our worries as he unearths even more terrible mysteries within me. Meanwhile, lethal trials loom at mid-term, and a devastating internal war as well as another Apocalypse are brewing…
…and I’m at the center of it all.
Are you a fan of Crescent City, The Mortal instruments and Zodiac Academy? Ever wished you found a book that merged their elements and magic?
Look no more! You have found your next book obsession!
One click now and dive into this binge-worthy, new-adult contemporary fantasy world, brimming with unforgettable characters, soul-searing enemies-to-lovers romance, agonizing slow-burn passion, edge-of-your-seat mystery and suspense—and apocalyptic stakes.
You will never want to leave.
The series is intended for mature readers 18 and above, for violence, language and explicit scenes.
Wen’s epic trials in the world of Celestials and Supernaturals continue in NULL, book 2 in the AFTERWORLD series.
My Thoughts:
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and here is my honest review.
I love reading fantasy fiction and the premise of this book drew me in. I liked the idea of supernaturals, angels, demons, magic all put together. The book started rather abruptly and it took me some time to understand what was happening. The setting of the book is a dystopian world that could do with a little more description, especially how this world came to be and the hierarchy of the people (both supernatural and human).
I did not easily connect with Wen, though I like that she was looking out for Sarah, her best friend and the one she considered family. I was not a huge fan of her snark nor did I enjoy reading about Godric as much as I would have liked. However, Lorcan, Jinny and some of the others more than made up for this.
The story did pick up about one-third in and started to get more interesting. This helped to read on and soon things started to make sense. Even though I was not a huge fan of Wen, I was interested in her story and origins. I wanted to know what would happen and the ending was a twist I didn’t see coming. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, NULL, and I hope that I get more answers to the background and characters.
About the Book:
‘I think people are afraid to dream because they don’t want to be disappointed,’ she told the Belgian guy . . .
But what if there was a way to co-create our dreams with the universe? And what if the universe responded to us in a tangible way?
At the tender age of seventeen, Baisakhi left her home to pursue higher studies abroad. Since then, she has dwelled in different continents―from Asia to Europe to Africa to South America to North and Central America―studying life through myriad mirrors of reality. She has lived with local families―eating their food, adopting their lifestyles, contributing to their economy, negotiating extreme realities and belief systems, and navigating diverse traditions and religions for several years to answer life’s most pertinent questions. Coming from a conservative family in India, she had to overcome all limitations to fly!
This book narrates the magical adventures and marvellous encounters of an ordinary girl who believes in extraordinary possibilities as she traverses the globe to fulfil her destiny. Life Is Abracadabra is peppered with true anecdotes of hope and faith, of meaningful coincidences and miracles that will make you perceive life from an altogether new dimension. It is about noticing the signs and synchronicities strewn on our paths and acting on them. Because when we do, life will be on our side too.
My Thoughts:
This review has been a long time coming!
I am so glad to have gotten the chance to read this book and join the author as she narrates some of her adventures and mis adventures, all the while maintaining hope and having faith in her dreams.
This book gives us glimpses into the author’s life as she navigates almost impossible situations, makes new friends, faces adverse conditions and comes out stronger in the end. This is a story of resilience, facing the impossible and strength, exploring new countries and learning life lessons along with new cultures.
I loved reading this book, even though some parts of it just scared me. The author’s experiences are unique (though it is possible that many have faced similar situations, but have not been able to talk about it). This book is a conversation starter, a chance for people to know that they are not alone, but also to know that the proverb “try and try until you succeed” actually works.
Without sounding as though she is preaching, Baisakhi shows us that there is indeed magic in the world. If there’s one thing I learnt from all this, it is that there is goodness in friendship and sometimes even strangers can become family (a kind of found family). Baisakhi’s journey is one to know about, one to learn from and I believe that though each person’s take away may differ, one thing will remain common, and that is the agreement that Life is indeed Abracadabra!
Book Blurb:
A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common.
Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.
Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.
Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads—Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?
But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?
My Thoughts:
Let me tell you a Funny Story about Daphne and Miles! This is a refreshing new romance that follows Daphne and Miles, brought together by the fact that their respective exe’s are engaged to each other. Wow! That is a lot to say and think about, the circumstances aren’t ideal, but jealousy and to some extent betrayal, can bring people together in the most unexpected of ways!
Thus begins the Funny Story! Daphne and Miles set out to prove that they are okay without their respective exes and end up spending more time with each other while figuring it out. This is a summer romance that has tropes of opposites attract, roommates (forced proximity to some extent), and friends to lovers. I loved reading this book which was a light, fun and breezy read, another perfect summer romance!
A quick read, I finished the book in one sitting and absolutely loved the banter between the MC’s. There is a little of everything and a whole lot of drama that is just fun to read! This is a wonderful summer read, perfect for fans of light romance and endings which just seem right!
This was a BOTM read for May 2024 with #obsessedbuddyreads!
About the Book:
‘A lovely mystery evocative of the period from a talented writer.’ Helena Dixon, bestselling author of the Miss Underhay mysteries
Someone’s been read their last rites…
1915, London: Working in the dusty bookshop that her Aunt Violet mysteriously inherited, Hannah Merrill is accustomed to finding twists in every tale. But discovering her beloved best friend Lily-Anne – with a paperknife through her heart – in the middle of the bookshop, is not a plotline she saw coming.
The case is anything but textbook. With the discovery of a coded German message, and Hannah’s instinct that Lily-Anne’s husband is keeping secrets, she determines to get to the bottom of it.
She can’t do it alone though. To crack this case, Hannah will need the enlist the help of her outrageous, opinionated, only-occasionally-objectionable Aunt Violet.
They think they’re making progress until one of their chief suspects is found dead. And Hannah realises that she is herself now in the murderer’s sights. Will the final chapter be the ending of a killer… or just a killer ending?
A totally addictive, WW1-set cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey, and Agatha Christie.
My Thoughts:
Murder in the Bookshop, as the title suggests is a murder mystery set in a bookstore against the backdrop of WWI. The story follows Hannah, the protagonist who manages her aunt’s bookstore and holds her own against men who try to put her down. What intrigued me about her was her tenacity and inquisitiveness. She also had an eye for detail, perhaps developed through her love for books.
When her best friend is found murdered with a knife in her chest, it is all Hannah can do to stay away from the investigation. As she starts to ask questions, she uncovers a plot that goes beyond just the murder in the bookshop with bigger implications to the on-going war itself.
With help from her Aunt Violet, a little crazy but an absolute delight to read about, she embarks on her own little investigation to find the truth. Though the story seemed to drag on a little in some parts, I enjoyed it on the whole. It is a typical cozy mystery, set to intrigue the readers with strong female main characters and a good plot. The story comes together in the end, providing closure and a satisfying conclusion. I recommend this book for fans of cozy mysteries set against a historical backdrop with layers that the readers slowly peel away!
About the Book:
Can the power of friendship save the day?
Get ready for a whirlwind adventure like no other in The Chambered Nautilus, the thrilling conclusion to Laura Segal Stegman’s enchanting Summer of L.U.C.K. trilogy. Best friends Darby, Justin, and Naz are facing their biggest challenge yet. After a year apart, they find themselves drifting away from each other at summer camp. But when the ghostly Leroy Usher’s carnival falls under mysterious turmoil, the trio reunites to answer his desperate call for help. The camp’s new attraction, the Chambered Nautilus ride, hides a magical secret that could change everything. As pieces of the Ferris wheel vanish, Darby, Justin, and Naz must rely on their wits and teamwork to locate Leroy Usher before it’s too late. Their unique bond is put to the ultimate test as they encounter one crisis after another. With expulsion from camp and the carnival’s existence on the line, the friends must persevere and unravel the mysteries surrounding Leroy Usher’s plea. Join them in a heart-pounding journey filled with friendship, courage, and the power of never giving up. Will they save the carnival and their cherished memories? Find out in this tale of adventure, discovery, and the true meaning of loyalty.
My Thoughts:
The Summer of L.U.C.K trilogy takes us through various adventures of Darby, Naz and Justin as they navigate summer camp, friendship and growth. Each of them learn more about themselves, learning lessons that help them be better.
This is trio’s last adventure together and they are against the clock to save Mr. Usher and the carnival, while learning the importance of friendship and trust in one another. Our main characters are almost teenagers, their interests have started to diversify, their priorities are changing and, while making new friends, they are on the verge of moving away from those that were there.
This book focuses on the thoughts that permeate the minds of each of our main characters and finally the bonds of friendship that remain in the end, no matter how different they all grow to be. They learn to accept each other as they are and also to allow more people into their group. Things can only be more fun with more people, and it is okay to share! I think Mr. Usher has some good messages for us in this book and the journey of discovering them, learning what a chambered nautilus is and finding out the secrets of the ride are what makes this story more exciting!
I loved the entire trilogy and watching the trio grow into who they are today. It’s a wonderful journey and with each finding their own space, either at camp or outside, it’s easy to trust that they will always be friends!
Synopsis:
Detectives of Autumn House is a novella by Manjima Misra. The novella features LGBTQIA+ detectives who solve a case related to intellectual property rights, fake job offer letters, and mysterious disappearances. The book is situated at the unique intersection of detective fiction and queer fiction.
My Thoughts:
This is generally not a genre I read very often, but I’ve enjoyed reading the author’s books in the past. This is a novella, a rather short and quick read revolving around the lives of 5 women who own a detective agency, thus working and living together. This novella focuses on the plot at hand, the mystery while also giving us insights into these characters, who they were, how they came to be where they are.
The changing timelines are not very clearly marked and this made me get confused each time. I was not sure whether the current plot is developing, or something from the past is being told. However, if this is put aside, the actual storyline was intriguing and unique.
This novella is written in the author’s unique style, one which I have come to enjoy. Do give Detectives of Autumn House a read!
About the Book:
Bound to a man she hates more than she ever thought possible…
Everything Morgan Pendragon knows and loves is gone as she wakes in the dangerous court of the Siabra. The man she was falling in love with is dead, and in his place is a man she barely knows. Surrounded by liars and knives in the dark, all Morgan wants to do is run the other way but Kairos Draven is determined to keep her by his side.
As Morgan and Draven’s lives become even more irrevocably entwined, little do they know the sins of the past are coming for them both…
My Thoughts:
Court of Claws, the second book in the Blood of a Fae series, starts off where the first ends and plunges right in, bringing us the story from the side of the Siabra. The title refers to Draven’s title of Prince and his place back at the kingdom of the Siabra.
In this part of the story, the focus is once again on Morgan and Draven as they navigate the new bonds forged and the court of the Siabra. For Morgan, this is a whole new experience and considering her limited exposure to the fae, the Siabra court and people are a revelation. Their customs, culture and rules are ones she doesn’t understand or agree with.
It is wonderful to read and know more about Draven in this book, who he is, how he becomes an assassin, why he leaves the kingdom of the Siabra and so on. I loved reading about Morgan and Draven’s interactions and Morgan’s eventual acceptance of their bond. The main question that arises is whether what they have is real or just something made up and forced.
Morgan grows as a person and character in this book, becoming more strong and learning to accept and use her powers. I loved reading about Draven’s sister Rychel, Crimson and the others in the court. They are endearing and play such important roles in this book, bringing the story together.
A wonderful continuation, Court of Claws adds a new dimension to the series, setting in motion events that forge the path towards the final battles and a conclusion to the story in the upcoming books.
About the Book:
The truth behind a teenage girl’s disappearance becomes something to conceal in a gripping novel about justice, lies, and impossible choices by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.
When nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing near the Utah-Arizona border, everyone has an opinion. Only Norma Gallagher, a search and rescue volunteer, knows the real story.
Norma’s already found Jill, huddled in a cave and terrified that her abusive boyfriend, Jake, will kill her. If he ever sees her again. To protect Jill from a dangerous man, Norma quietly delivers the girl to her grateful parents in California, even though she’s conflicted. Keeping Jill safe and hidden from Jake, the press, and the public will be their secret. But secrets can’t last forever.
Five years later, the disappearance stirs a new media frenzy when Jake is arrested for the murder of Jill Moss—and Norma knows he didn’t kill her. As Jake is about to stand trial, lust for retribution inflames public opinion and Jill’s family refuses to come forward, forcing Norma to make a life-changing decision.
What are the consequences if she stays silent? And what are the risks if she dares to finally tell the truth?
My Thoughts:
It has been a while since I read a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I have been a fan of her books for a long time and was interested by the premise of this book. A Different Kind of Gone is a welcome change to the author usual style of writing. The story follows Norma and Jill, women of different ages with different perspectives who form a strong bond due to unexpected circumstances.
Norma helps Jill escape and disappear from her abusive boyfriend. No-one knows that she is still alive except her parents. Five years later, events bring them back together with decisions to be taken. In this book, we see Norma grappling with her conscience, what is right and her need to help. There are many shades to her character and as her story is revealed through the book, it becomes easier to understand her. Despite her specific morals, she decides to deviate from the usual and help Jill out.
On the other hand, Jill is young and determined, initially a victim who slowly starts to realize that her situation is not okay and she has the power to change it. She can either speak up or move away and make a new life for herself. Having tried both, she finally chooses the latter and though this seems like running, it shows strength of character.
As always, Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books are interspersed with messages and learnings, told in a way that the reader doesn’t even feel like they are being preached to. The beauty of the story lies in the plot and the characters who drive it. I absolutely loved reading this book which focuses on the women in the story, the abuse they face and how they deal with it, coming out stronger for it and with bonds that last a lifetime.
Though the book is a little slow at the start, it moves to a steadier pace towards the middle and end. This book is worth reading, just like all the other books by the author, and I truly enjoyed it.
About the Book:
A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance.
Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again…
Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….
Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she’s ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.
My Thoughts:
I read this book as a part of the #obsessedbuddyreads Book of the Month for March.
I have read some of Ali Hazelwood’s books and have generally enjoyed them. This book was a welcome surprise in terms of the genre and style of writing. Though this is a romance novel, bringing in Vampyres and Werewolves as well as elements of conflict, corruption, sinister plots makes this a very interesting read.
The author has created characters here who are very different from her usual ones. Having stepped out of the usual, the result is indeed worth reading. The reader steps right into a world where Vampyres, Werewolves and Humans co-exist dealing with treaties and agreements to keep the peace. With Werewolves and Vampyres on the verge of war, what happens when a Vampyre Bride marries the Werewolve’s Alpha? This forms the main thread of the plot that unravels slowly as the story progresses.
I loved reading about Misery Lark and her strong personality, her interactions and decisions as well as her determination. It is inevitable that readers will also fall in love with Lowe Moreland and the connection that he has with Misery. Once the barriers of misunderstanding fall away and they all realize that their goals are aligned, an unexpected truce is formed which paves the way for the rest of this story.
I read this book in almost one sitting, devouring each page until the very end. The author seems to have experimented a little more with her style of writing in this book and it truly brings the reader closer to the characters and the world that she has created. This paranormal romance is truly worth the read and I recommend it to all those who enjoy the mix of genres!