Bad Cree by Jessica Johns

/

Available now

As the anniversary of her sister’s death approaches, Mackenzie finds herself plagued with strange and disturbing dreams. After a nightmare where she has to battle a murder of crows, she awakens to find the severed head of a crow in her hands. As the nights go on, her dreams become more vivid and she finds herself bringing objects from the dream world into the waking world. Her dreams keep sending her to her family’s favorite camp site, and to a memory that has disturbed Mackenzie for years. When her dreams become too disturbing to handle alone, she finds herself back home for the first time in years.

Her family, still grieving the loss of Sabrina, Mackenzie’s sister, and the recent loss of her kokum, comes together to discover what is behind her disturbing dreams and how to keep her safe.

This is a fascinating story. Mackenzie is a compelling character who is burdened by the grief of her sister’s death and her guilt over not going home for the funeral. Growing up, Mackenzie was always surrounded by family. From camping trips to late night card games and cousin sleepovers, Mackenzie has always been surrounded by her family. But Sabrina’s sudden death and Mackenzie’s behavior created a rift that’s she’s unsure of how to heal. Johns does an incredible job of expressing the different ways that we grieve and how that impacts our relationships with others.

When she returns home, Mackenzie discovers that her mother, aunts, and cousins have more experience with the mysteries of dreams and the supernatural than she realized. I really loved learning more about Cree culture and the myths that were shared in the story. Many of the women all had some type of special gift and it was a bit sad to hear how they felt the need to keep it secret, especially when it became clear that they needed everyone’s knowledge to solve the mystery and keep everyone safe.

I was a bit surprised to find a horror novel that was more of a slow burn and character driven. I found it very well written, the story very compelling, and the characters very interesting and realistic.

If you would like to add this amazing book to your shelf, you can find ordering information by clicking here or on the book cover above.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own. This post may contain links, including Amazon Associate Links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases.

The Villa by Rachel Hawkins

/

Available now

If you are new to Rachel Hawkins as a thriller writer, I am so jealous! This is a true gift for those that seek their thrills between the pages. I read this nearly a year ago and I still think about how cleverly it comes together.

I love a book about a Book. One that requires the Other to become something magnificent. That book that lets you believe that you may own such a Book and the adventures that could be found both between the pages and by simply owning it. That’s The Villa. It’s about Emily and Chess, and their inseparable friendship, even into adulthood. It’s about the lengths we go to as adults to hang on to those friendships that shape us and define us humans.

Emily and Chess, have been friends for years. The type of friends that should transcend everything. When they find themselves renting a villa in Italy for a much needed vacation and chance at reconnection, they discover the villa is the home to a legacy far deeper than either woman believed. Found in the villa’s library is a journal from the time the villa was home to some of rock and roll’s most famous murders.

This one is so good! Hawkins is so skilled at amping up the tension until you can’t possibly believe it will all work out and then, deliver a twist so sharp you can’t but help to be humbled by her skill. I loved this book. It’s full of complicated, sympathetic characters; kind of? Or at least, not feel guilty for supporting. There are some very real reasons for Emily to do what she does. While Chess was who I thought she would be, I was still shocked by the ending and fully invested in the story and characters. This is also one of those magical books that gives you two compelling stories: we get the complicated relationship between Emily and Chess and the intriguing story or what actually happened at the villa all those years ago.

It’s so, so good!

If you’d like to add this incredible thriller to your collection, you can find ordering information here or click on the cover. As always, this post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Affiliate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own.

The Nightmare Man by J. H. Markert

/

Available now

CW: child abuse, murder, torture, alcoholism, self harm, suicide

Buckle up! This is a dark one!

Ben Bookman is a successful thriller writer, crafting terrifying stories that have caused nightmares in readers across the world. His latest novel, The Scarecrow, was written in a frenzied haze in a single weekend at his grandfather’s home and its creation, and story, have caused a rift in his marriage. During a book signing at his local bookstore, a man claims that Ben has stolen his nightmare, destroying his life and driving him to take his own life right there in the store.

Not too far away, Detective Winchester Mills has been called to the scene of a horrifying murder. An entire family, minus the young daughter who was luckily found alive, have been found brutally murdered at their murder matches a murder found within Ben Bookman’s latest book.

As the police begin their investigation, it’s discovered that Ben’s books seem to inspire a copycat killer that has been terrorizing the area for years. As the investigation goes deeper into Ben’s life and childhood, dark and disturbing secrets about his family, their ties to a psychiatric hospital, and Ben’s own mental stability come to light. Detective Mills also has his own secrets to protect. His own nightmares and sleep troubles have plagued his life for years, causing a rift between himself and his only daughter, and now exacerbated by the latest string of killings.

As Ben looks more and more like the prime suspect, he tries to uncover what actually happened to him during that hazy weekend at his grandfather’s house. A house that contains a room off-limits to everyone; a room full of books with no words.

Whew this is a dark one! The murders are quite brutal and inventive in their cruelty, but the real horror comes from the town’s connections to the Oswald Asylum and how Bookman’s family was shaped by their time spent at Blackwood mansion. Ben Bookman grew up wealthy with a well-respected grandfather who specialized in treating sleep disorders. After Ben’s younger brother went missing as a child, his parents died tragically in a car crash, leaving him and his sister alone as young adults. Amanda, Ben’s wife, really dislikes Blackwood and is very vocal about how unsettling and disturbing she has always found the mansion. Within the mansion is The Atrium. The Atrium was off-limits to everyone and required explicit permission from Robert, the grandfather, to enter. Ben knows that he wrote his latest book in The Atrium, but has no memory of doing so, and, something happened in that room that caused their longtime nanny to abruptly quit. Located on Blackwood’s property is the Oswald Asylum. Robert built the asylum on his property and dedicated his life to treating those with sleep disorders and apparently worked a little too closely with local law enforcement to place patients there instead of jail. As the story unfolds, we discover that a startling amount of people connected to the murders received treatment for sleep disorders at Oswald as children. It also begins to feel like there is more to everyone’s dreams than anyone wants to fully admit.

This is a very dark, very compelling and complex thriller. There’s this incredible blend of supernatural elements and the very real brutality of humanity that keeps you guessing all the way until the end.

It has all my horror favorites: a creepy house, a disturbing hospital, mysterious books, and every single person having a secret to protect.

If you would to add this amazing book to your shelf, you can order it here or click on the cover above.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own. This post may contain links, including Amazon Associate Links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases.

The Drift by C.J. Tudor

/

Available January 31, 2023

CW: child death, fatphobia, viral pandemic, violence

Buckle up! This is a wild one! Told through multiple POVs, The Drift is a story of survival in a world overrun with a deadly, zombie-like virus. A charter bus carrying wealthy private school students crashes during a blizzard, and the passengers slowly begin to realize that it may have been intentional. A cable car full of passengers on their way to the Retreat is stuck halfway up the mountain, also with a blizzard raging outside. At the Retreat, the storm seems more of an inconvenience, as they have generators and food stores. But electrical issues are causing headaches and tensions between the various inhabitants are beginning to reach a breaking point.

As the three groups face the deadly challenges before them, dark secrets from their pasts are revealed and cause even more strife and pit people against each other. Every person has a secret to hide and is willing to kill to survive.

This is one doozy of a book! It’s incredibly tense and violent with graphic descriptions of gore and trauma. My only complaint is the amount to casual fatphobia found throughout the entire story; I found that far worse than the violence. There is A LOT of fatphobia, please read with care. I will admit, I began to wonder to when the twist was going to be revealed, as this is a thriller, and it’s worth the wait! This is one of those stories that there isn’t a single character that you have any reason to care for. Every single person is horrible. Every single person has something to hide: an evil agenda, a person to protect, a grudge to be avenged. Every. Single. Person, Absolutely sucks. And also, there is a viral pandemic going on that causes people to become zombie-like and I understand the desire to survive in a world that would be just fine with you not being in it anymore. But the payoff at the end is, begrudgingly, earned. I was very surprised for the twist in events and found it very deftly done.

If you would like to add this book to your shelf, or add it your Library Holds Lists, you can click on the book cover or here, for ordering information. I was fortunate enough to read this title early through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases. If you stuck around this long, did your read it? Love it? Hate it? Leave a comment and start the conversation.

White Horse by Erika T. Wurth

/

Available now

CW: murder, child abuse, child sexual abuse, parental death, suicide

This one is really, really good. It’s part horror, part thriller, and is my favorite type of story: one that feels incredibly true to life. Kari has always believed that her mother abandoned her at just two days old, and with her father suffering brain damage after an accident, hasn’t been able to be a traditional parent to her. When Debby, her best friend and cousin, finds a bracelet belonging to Kari’s mother in an attic, Kari is forced to confront the bitterness and anger she feels towards her mother. That is, until she touches the bracelet and begins to see visions of her mother and her mother’s past. Now convinced there is more to her mother’s disappearance than she was led to believe, Kari must use the bracelet and face her mother’s past.

I really love a story with complicated and realistic relationships. Kari and Debby are absolute best friends and have been through so much together and would go to the ends of the earth for each other. Debby’s husband Jack? He hates Kari with a passion. This really complicates Kari and Debby’s relationship, and Debby’s ability to help Kari on her quest to discover her mother’s real fate. Kari’s Aunt Squeaker doesn’t always give her straightforward answers about her mother and the power behind the bracelet, which frustrates Kari to no end. Her father isn’t able to answer questions about the past and Kari is still processing the grief of losing her best friend as a teenager. As if that isn’t enough, Kari’s favorite bar might possibly go up for sale and she wants to buy it but is terrified of the commitment. There is so much working against her at every turn, and it’s rarely the mystical that impedes her; it’s the people around her and their complicated relationships. How do you focus on following your mother’s ghost and having visions when your best friend won’t speak to you because you blew up at her husband again? How do you focus on bank loans and financial planning when you’re potentially hunting a killer? It’s the inclusion of all the normal that really made the book special. It draws you in and makes you root for Kari’s success, and closure about her mother’s disappearance, because you want Kari to buy the bar and live a happy life.

Kari is also a huge fan of Stephen King and there are some top-notch references to the author and his books. Truly a delight.

I absolutely loved this one. It was my November pick for Book of the Month and I’m really glad they included it as a selection because I haven’t seen this book get the love it greatly deserves.

If you’d like your own copy of this book, you can order it online here, click on the book cover above, or sign up for Book of the Month with my link.

As always, this post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases.

The Year of No Goals

/

Did anyone else flip their calendar to November, blink, and then find themselves completely burnt out and realizing that it’s 2023? Just me? Doubtful.

We are one of those families that combines Thanksgiving and Christmas into one day-long celebration. For my side of the family to get together, half of us need to travel several hours - completely doable but not enjoyable - and the other half need to prepare to host us. Between jobs, kids, spouse’s families, and other seasonal travel, it just makes sense to get together once and allow some breathing room in our schedules.

Friends, there doesn’t seem to be breathing room anymore. The Kid is now in high school and is the busiest he’s ever been. Balancing his activities with planning holiday parties for the fire department, Library, Thanksmas, getting everything in line for us to travel, performances at our local theater, holiday parties, and last minute shopping completely consumed all of our time. It’s gotten to the point where my yearly timeline for everything has moved up three months. I seriously hope to have all of our gift shopping done by August 1. I am that eager for less stress that I have already started brainstorming gifts for next year.

Even on vacation at the end of December, a vacation where we literally did nothing but eat, sleep, and lay around on the couch, I didn’t seem to get any reading done. Last year, I read over a dozen of novellas and made a (small) dent in my BOTM books. This year, I read 2 great books and could barely focus on them, even with nothing else that required my focus. When I can’t read, my favorite thing in the world, I know it’s time for a change.

Needless to say, if you are one of those people who have decided that you are tired/ashamed/overwhelmed by not meeting your reading goal for 2022, let’s pretend to make coordinating witty bookish t-shirts. I began last year with a simple book log that I completely abandoned by the end of January. I wanted to analyze my reading selections and make it a point to diversify my reading. I wanted to know my genre breakdowns and total page count. I wanted to know how many books were purchased versus arcs versus library loans. Why? I don’t know! It sounded fun and fancy and I could show all two of you my colorful graphs.

It didn’t happen. There are no graphs and no pat on the back for reading more authors who don’t look or live like me. I know I did my best to read as widely as I could and to focus more on the books I was excited about. I know I was better about not finishing books I didn’t enjoy and encouraged the Library Kids to do the same.

So what about this year? I don’t know. I know I really want to read more of what I own. From where I’m sitting, I can see my BOTM books and thirteen haven’t been read. That’s nearly a whole year of purchases! I’m behind on my Black Dagger Brotherhood that I absolutely adore and don’t post about because you have to read them from the beginning and this far into the series, I can’t say anything without spoiling the previous books. But seriously, they are such an escape from the real world and I can’t wait for Lassiter’s book! I have a bookcase in my office of all my romance novels and there are at least 20 books still to be read. Truly, there are nearly 1,000 unread books on the e-reader. Yep, nearly 1,000 books that I was excited about in the moment, found a great deal on, or was sent as an advanced reader copy. This year, I’d like to learn more about tarot and deepen my yoga practice. I have so many beer styles I want to learn to brew and make a whole new line of jams and jellies from the orchard. Many books have been purchased and only a few have been read on those subjects. This also doesn’t feel like something that should have any type of goal attached to it.

I also think this is the year that I don’t attempt any kind of reading goal or try to attempt to track my reading. And I think that’s fine. I think we have enough to worry about. Besides, I turned 40 last week and I’m really, really over things that don’t add joy into my life.

As always, you do you. If reading goals, checklists, bingo cards, reading challenges and journals bring you joy, wonderful! I love this for you, sincerely.

Holiday Book Gift Guide: Action and Adventure Books for Kids

/

If you have a kiddo who loves a bit of adventure, maybe with a dash of danger, here are some of the most popular books getting checked out at my Library. All of these books contain kids, and maybe a couple of dogs, that set out to see our big wide world or, even better, are tasked with saving it. Click on the covers for ordering information and more about each book. Happy Reading!

Holiday Book Gift Guide: 9 Spooky Middle Grade Books That I Love

/

Here’s a post from October with my favorite middle grade spooky books for your young spooky book fan!

It’s Spooky Reading Season! These are some of the most popular books going out at the Library right now, and, they also happen to be some of my favorite middle grade horror novels. I’ve done my best to add in any content warnings that I remember from my reading, but as always, you may want to preview before handing these off to kids. All are super spooky but some contain more humor than spook so there should be something for everyone.

CW: Parental death, grief, bullying, threats to children

Eleven year-old Ollie has been dealt a tragic blow that is affecting her relationships at home and at school. When a magical book finds it’s way to her through troubling means, Ollie becomes obsessed with the book and the characters found within. Ollie’s obsession becomes reality when a class field trip takes her to the graves of the very people she is reading about.

Now, Ollie and two of her classmates must battle unimaginable forces to save themselves and the lives of their classmates.

CW: Violence, Mild Violence, Discrimination, Disability

From the Publisher: When Ned and his identical twin brother tumble from their raft into a raging river, only Ned survives. Villagers are convinced the wrong boy lived. Across the forest that borders Ned’s village, Áine, the daughter of the Bandit King, is haunted by her mother’s last words: “The wrong boy will save your life, and you will save his.” When the Bandit King comes to steal the magic Ned’s mother, a witch, is meant to protect, Áine and Ned meet. Can they trust each other long enough to cross a dangerous enchanted forest and stop the war about to boil over between their two kingdoms?

Barnhill is an excellent writer and crafts beautifully written fantasy stories about family and friendship.

Charlie Hernández loves the myths and stories his abuela told him growing up. When he begins to turn into something similar to a creature from one his favorite stories, Charlie knows he’s in for an adventure. Charlie is quickly thrown into a world of brujas, magic, monsters, and danger!

This is a great pick for kids who are looking for action, adventure, and lots of magic!

CW: Cruelty to Animals, Mild Language, Mild Violence

When Mup’s father is kidnapped by witches, Mup and her mother must set off on a journey to rescue him from the evil queen who has outlawed magic. This evil queen also happens to be her grandmother…

For readers who love a character on a magical journey, as well as family and political drama.

CW: Parental death, majority of the book takes place in a funeral parlor, kid danger and peril

When Molly’s neglectful father passes away, Molly returns to her mother’s home to collect her inheritance. What she finds, is a brother who doesn’t want her around and his business partner who really wants her to leave. But Molly is persistent and she has a plan to get what she wants.

What she doesn’t anticipate is the business she so badly wants a stake in is a mortuary for monsters.

Yep. She’s about to find out the supernatural is all around her and she and her brother will have to work together to keep the monsters safe.

CW: death of a grandparent, racism, segregation, harassment, gun violence

After the death of their grandmother, eleven year-old twins Jezebel and Jay begin training in root work with their uncle. Their family has crafted small potions and charms for their community for generations but when a dark force begins to threaten their home and community, Jez and Jay discover their magic goes far deeper.

An excellent story that weaves history, culture, magic, and mystery seamlessly.

Portal fantasy! When her parents go missing after a series of mysterious letters are delivered to their home, Emily must gather her courage and clues to rescue them. Emily discovers a parallel London, full of magic, mystery, and the fae.

This is book 1 in a 3 book series so if your Reader loves it, there are more books!

A funnier take on the spooky tale

This is a much lighter and funnier take on the spooky story. Will Hunter is dealing with his parent’s divorce, a move to a new town, and a brand new school. On top of all that stress, he seems to be the only one who notices all the spooky stuff in his town. There are monsters where his teachers should be and weird stuff all over the town’s streets. Luckily for Will, he makes friends with the school outcasts and together, they work to solve the mystery of the super spooky shenanigans.

This book is a ton of fun and has a mysterious secret narrator!


This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases.


Holiday Book Gift Guide: Silly Kid Edition

/

I am That Aunt who always gives books as gifts. I’m a big believer in letting kids read whatever they want and trusting them to pick books that are a good fit in both reading level and content. This means that books with unicorns that poop cupcakes and main characters named Fart will always be bought when asked for.

If you have young readers who like their books full of silliness and loads of laughs, here are some of my favorites! You can click on the book covers for ordering information.

Ame Dyckman is one of my go-to authors for both gifts and storytime books. All of her books are hilarious and kids really, really love them. In You Don’t Want a Unicorn, readers discover that owning a unicorn is not just a lot of work, some of the clean up is quite interesting. I’ve read this to kids Prek-5th and all loved it.

 

I read this to every class that came for Library visits at the end of the school year and they loved it! The bookmobile is back in town and one kid is so excited to see the Librarian and get a new book. Unfortunately, it’s a new Librarian who doesn’t let him pick a book because it’s a “girl” book. He also can’t have the cat book because it’s only for cats, the dog book is apparently only for dogs, and next thing you know, all sorts of critters and creations are lounging and reading books meant just for them. That is, until a dinosaur walks up and demands a book about ponies! No one says no to a dinosaur.

You must use a fun dinosaur voice when reading this book. It’s a delightful requirement.

 

Hilarity ensues when it’s nearly time for Grandma’s arrival, but the house still needs cleaned and a sneaky cat, who really doesn’t want a bath, keeps interfering with the family’s chore list.

 

Pig the Pug is one of our most popular series and Pig is especially naughty on the night he should be the nicest! This greedy little Pug finds himself on a wild adventure in Santa’s sleigh.

 

This book is perfect for fantasy and adventure readers who love fart jokes. Fart, along with his fellow apprentices, impersonate their masters to embark on a quest for the king of the realm. The quest? Finding the Golden Llama and it’s magical fart.

So many farts.

 

Will and his mother have just moved to a new town after his parent’s divorce and everything is going wrong. The town seems way too excited about Halloween with all the weird decorations, his dog goes missing, school seems full of monsters, and actually, there seems to be monsters everywhere! But only Will seems to be the one noticing, until he meets two new friends who also have some insider knowledge on why the town is so spooky.

Very funny, very charming, and one of the best funny/spooky books out there for kids.

 

Look, becoming a zombie after eating a weird school lunch is NOT going to stop Tulah from auditioning for the fall musical! How do you keep becoming a zombie a secret? Just follow Tulah on her zany adventures to keep her secret double life from ruining middle school.

 

If a fairytale was turned upside down and then inside out, you’d get Moldlylocks and the Three Beards. Princess Pink is a muddy sneakers and adventure loving thrill seeker who finds her way to The Land of Fake-Believe through a portal in her fridge…

It’s super silly and full of very colorful illustrations.

 

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Fantasy Quickie: Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk

/

Available now

CW: homophobia, magical violence, aversion therapy

Even Though I Knew the End is a magically charged noir thriller that doesn’t hold any punches. Helen, a private investigator and warlock who sold her soul to save her brother’s life, is quietly putting her affairs in order so Edith, her longtime love, will be able to live out her dream of moving to California. When someone offers her one last job-a job that could get Helen her soul back, she can’t refuse.

Discovering the identity of the White City Vampire, a prolific and magical serial killer, places Helen and everyone she loves in danger. Helen and Edith race against time to save their lives, their souls, and their love.

Coming it at just 133 pages in the print version, Polk does a masterful job at creating an interesting and intricate alternate 1930’s Chicago. There’s romance, pain, magic, mystery, and a stark look at the hate and discrimination the queer community faced then, and now. It’s a brilliant story that I hope becomes the start of a new magical mystery series.

Grab our tissues, you’re going to need them.

If you’d like to add this magical sapphic mystery to your shelf, you can click on the cover or here for ordering information.


As always, this post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Mystery Quickie: Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen

/

Available now:

CW: physical assault, homophobia, police brutality, suicidal ideation

It’s 1952 and Evander “Andy” Mills is in a tragic place when he meets a woman who not only knows his history, but sees it as the selling point in selecting him as the private investigator looking into the death of her beloved wife. Irene Lamontaine was the wealthy head of a fancy soap empire until her mysterious death at her home that her wife Pearl, believes was actually murder.

Entering Lavender House feels like walking into a fantasy. Andy struggles to believe that it’s possible to live a life as openly and freely as the family and staff of Lavender House. Everyone who lives and works at Lavender House is queer. Together, they have created a sanctuary where they can openly love and live together.

As Andy investigates Irene’s death, he is drawn in deeper and deeper into the intimate lives of the family and the Lamontaine empire and discovers a world full of secrets.

I was instantly swept up in the beauty of Rosen’s writing. The characters are written with such love and care that you can feel their hearts breaking over and over again as they are faced with the discrimination and limitations that society throws at them. The story felt perfectly paced with enough twists and turns to keep you immersed in the mystery, but not so many as to feel contrived.

This is an excellent novel and I look forward to reading many more books from this author.

If you would like to add this incredible book to your collection, you can click on the cover or here for ordering information.

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Middle Grade Horror Review: Mine by Delilah S. Dawson

/

Available now

Reader Friends, kids these days don’t understand how good they have it. Mine by Delilah S. Dawson is legit scary!

CW: ghostly harm to children, very strained parental/child relationship, the dog is fine at the end

From the Publisher:

Lily Horne is a drama queen. It's helped her rise to stardom in the school play, but it's also landed her in trouble. Her parents warn her that Florida has to be different. It's a fresh start. No theatrics. But this time, the drama is coming for her.

The Hornes’ new house is awful. The pool is full of slime, the dock is rotten, and the swamp creeps closer every day. But worst of all, the house isn't empty . . . it's packed full of trash, memories, and, Lily begins to fear, the ghost of the girl who lived there before her.

And whatever is waiting in the shadows wants to come out to play.

Mine is extremely creepy and chilling. Lily and her parents have moved to swampy Florida, thousands of miles from her beloved Colorado, to live in a house that was too good of a deal to pass up. The reason it’s such a good price? The former tenant was a hoarder and the house is bursting at the seams with all of the trash and delivery boxes. Because the state of the house is so overwhelming, and the family’s storage container hasn’t shown up yet, the already tense relationship Lily has with her parents is at a near breaking point. We know something happened in Colorado that forced the family to move suddenly, and we’re led to believe Lily feels it’s her fault throughout the entire book. Lily’s dad starts his new job immediately and it’s up to Lily and her mom to clean out the mountains of trash and turn their disaster of a house into a home. So when creepy things start happening in the house, Lily’s parents have zero patience for her drama and insist it’s all in her head. Lily spends most of the story feeling ignored, hurt, and betrayed by her parents actions. Lily feels like a character that many kids will be able to relate with. She has to move unexpectedly, leave her friends behind, and finds herself alone and terrorized by a ghost that no one believes is there. Lily is also a smart and determined kid who knows she’s the only one who can save herself and she does.

If you have a middle grade reader who loves horror, this book is perfect. It’s chilling, atmospheric, and very creepy. If you’d like a copy of your own, you can find ordering information here:

As always, this post may contain affiliate links and I may earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions and mistakes are my own.


The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling

/

Available now

Welcome back to Graves Glen! This time, we get to see the witchy and romantic adventures of Gwyn Jones, cousin to Vivi from book #1, The Ex Hex. Gwyn is the owner of Something Wicked, a witchcraft shop that appeals to the many tourists that flock to Graves Glen each fall for the many festivals and fairs. She’s currently apprenticing three “baby witches” from the local witch college and is living a genuinely happy life.

Then Llewellyn “Wells” Penhallow shows up. That’s right, Rhys’s brother who couldn’t be bothered to come to Vivi and Rhys’s wedding. Not only does he show up in Graves Glen, he has the audacity to open a similar store directly across the street from Gwyn. When their competitiveness takes a steamy turn, Gwyn and Wells find themselves in quite the predicament.

As Gwyn and Wells fight their attraction to each other, Gwyn finds her magic fritzing out more and more, especially now that a mysterious newcomer is in town. Can Wells and Gwyn work together to find a cure for her magical woes? Can they work together without destroying the town or Vivi’s honeymoon?

This book is so much fun! Gwyn and Wells play perfectly off of each other and the banter is top notch. Wells and Gwyn kind of know each other from college so while they have some history, it’s definitely more memorable for one of them than the other. Wells is a very straight laced scholar who likes to talk in a very classic and old fashioned way. Gwyn, has a more fun loving and open personality and she loves to poke fun at Wells’ suits and old-timey phrases. One of the best parts of this book is when Gwyn discovers that Wells is a truly talented filthy talker. Absolutely amazing dirty talk. It comes out of nowhere and lands quite the punch. These two just have stellar chemistry and they were a true joy to hang with.

In The Kiss Curse, we get a little more information about Rhys and Wells’ relationship with their father and other brother, Bowen. I really like how Sterling has crafted this tight knit family of Gwyn, Vivi, and Gwyn’s mom Elaine, but the Penhallows are very divided and can barely stand each other. I just found it really interesting how Gwyn immeadiately knows Vivi and Elaine have her back and Wells is just like, well my family is full of dicks so I guess I’m on my own…except for Bowen-I think there’s a preview for book 3 going on here. I think it all shows how the ladies want to protect and preserve their community and the Penhallows have been raised to see as a legacy and status symbol. Simon Penhallow is a true dirtbag and I’m hoping the next book really puts him in his place.

We also get to see Gwyn take on the responsibility of three “baby witches” and the friendship and admiration they all have for each other was great. Such a fun and funny dynamic between the four of them.

The Kiss Curse is an absolute delight and I loved every page. If you’d like to add this incredibly book to your shelf, you can click on the book cover for ordering options.

As always, the post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases. These are also my opinions, and all mistakes are completely my fault.

Spec Fic Quickie: The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monáe

/

Available now

I am very late getting to this one so I’m sure you have already heard how amazing and original this collection is. It’s all true. This collection of interconnected short stories is wildly imaginative and thought provoking. The world building is complex and detailed and absolutely terrifying. It’s a dark look at what our future could be, but, as depressing as it sounds, it also feels very possible. Now, I am not going to pretend to understand all the complexities that these authors put to paper so I apologize in advance for what I get wrong.

In this world, memories are everything. Memories are collected and analyzed and those whose memories are deemed deviant, are sent for Counseling, and molded into the type of citizen that Little Delta deems suitable for living there. It’s a world of great oppression and a rebellion that is gaining traction in their quest for freedom. It’s a world that is full of surveillance technology and power hungry government.

It was very interesting and I really enjoyed it, even the places I had to reread several times because I struggled with it making sense.

You can click on the cover image for ordering information and as always, this post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links and I may earn from qualifying purchases.

A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera

/

Available now

This! This is the perfect romance novel! I know I just said this not too long ago, but now this book has my vote for the world’s best historical romance novel. I love this book so much that I know this is going to be a bit rambling but trust me, it’s amazing and everyone should read it. Now. Read it now. The incomparable Adriana Herrera has given us an incredible heroine with the character Luz Alana. Luz is the heir to a rum distilling empire where the workers are just as valued as the rum itself. Along with her sister and two best friends, Luz sets sail for Paris to showcase her rum at the Exposition Universelle where she discovers that her booth has been overtaken by two annoyingly attractive men and their whisky.

James Evanston Sinclair, Evan, if he finds you worthy, is determined to take over the family whisky distillery and turn it into something that will overshadow his father’s disgusting and devious behavior. When he discovers that a gorgeous and powerful force has boldly called him out for disturbing her rum display, Evan is immediately captivated. When he sees the incredibly rude treatment she receives from the sea of men around them, Evan is instantly angry and becomes invested in seeing her become successful at the exposition.

Luz has sailed to Paris to secure her family’s future and build her empire. Evan has traveled to Paris to destroy his father and rebuild his family’s name. They didn’t plan to fall in love…

But it’s a Romance and that’s what they’re going to do! This book is absolutely everything that I love in a romance. There’s incredible banter. Luz and Evan spar back forth constantly and it’s so hot! So hot. They have incredible chemistry and I found myself squealing and reading lines out loud to the Hubs. Evan is obsessed with keeping her happy and is incredibly protective but knows that he has to let her fight her own battles so she can earn the respect of the buyers and wholesalers. But, he really wants to mess a few of them up. Very satisfying.

Readers, Luz complained twice about hating corsets and the man goes and has a new bra designed for her so she’s more comfortable. I mean, the audacity of being such an amazing man.

Every single character is interesting and I would read an entire book about them falling in love. Even the gentleman that works as Evan’s master blender-why hasn’t Evan seen him smile before now? What’s his story? I want to read it. I also want to read the books about Luz’s two best friends and even one set far in the future for her sister Clarita. There were so many juicy little moments where looks were shared and characters made connections that Herrera has to have plans for these characters, right? I’m very hopeful.

The writing is absolutely incredible and it’s so seamlessly plotted that you find yourself flying through the pages. I read the first 90% in one sitting and couldn’t wait to finish it. Luz, Manuela and Aurora have fierce and fabulous friendship. They all play off each other so well and I really loved getting to see their devotion for each other.

This book is absolutely fantastic and I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you’d like to add this book to your collection, you can find ordering information here:


As always, this post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions and mistakes are my own.




Romance Quickie: The Rivals of Casper Road by Roan Parrish

/

Available now

This covers says it all!

It’s a Halloween Romance!!! I know that was Monday but I just got my hands on this one. Reader Friends, this one is so sweet and cute I just can’t stand it! Bram is a nature loving, dog loving, motorcycle riding rugged snack who has moved to Garnet Run to heal his broken heart after a horrible break up. Across the street is a grumpy, straight laced, no-nonsense architect who wants things done Just So named Zachary. Bram is also scared of all things spooky and Zachary is obsessed with horror films. They also happen to live on a street that has a notoriously competitive Halloween decorating contest.

Prank wars!

Small town!

A tight-knit queer community!

It’s so soft and sweet and funny and I loved it so much. SO much! Go grab it before it’s gone in print or pick it up in digital-it’s also at my Library so it’s probably at yours.

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Resting Witch Face (Stay a Spell #5) by Juliette Cross

/

Happy Halloween and do I have a huge treat for you! Today is the release day for one of my most anticipated books of the year. I fell in love with the Stay a Spell series with the first book, Wolf Gone Wild, and the series continues to deliver super hot romance set in a well-crafted magical world.

Resting Witch Face (Stay a Spell, #5)Resting Witch Face by Juliette Cross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

CW: gore, violence
Friends, this book opens with a literal bang! We have been witness to the potent tension between Jules and Ruben for many books now and, in Resting Witch Face, the fifth book in the Stay a Spell series, we finally learn the history behind the longing and animosity. What we also get is more insight into the governing council of all supernatural beings and its history and power structure.

As Jules and Ruben travel the world, meeting with the leaders of the various covens to petition the inclusion of the werewolves into their guild, they are forced to come to terms with their attraction to each other and the complexities behind the failure of their relationship years before. Overcoming distrust, dealing with the effects of their gifts, and the constant need to balance work and family is a lot for any couple to grapple with, let alone two of the most powerful and respected members of their covens. There are real, complex reasons that their relationship collapsed in the past and Cross does an excellent job of showing two people who genuinely want to repair the damage and forge a new path forward.

Resting Witch Face is a hot, second-chance romance, full of political intrigue and danger. Cross is known for her dirty talking heroes and Ruben is no exception. This book is full of incredible banter, angst, and intense longing. I really, really loved it.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own.


View all my reviews

If you’re interested in adding this amazing book to your collection, you can click on the cover for ordering information.

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

/

Available now

Have you read so far down the spooky book lists that you can no longer sleep and jump at every unknown noise?

Just me?

Ok, well here is the cutest book about a vampire that I have ever read. Garlic lives in a village of vegetable people and helps out in the garden of Witch Agnes. Garlic is always running a little late, tends to bump into things, and is just kind of anxious and stressed all the time. She would really love it if she could just stay in her garden all day and tend to her little garlic bulbs.

One day, her fellow villagers notice smoke coming from the chimneys of an abandoned castle. But when they ask Witch Agnes about the castle, she tells them a scary tale of a vampire who used to live there. Now, if anyone is going to go find out if their neighbor is indeed a bloodthirsty vampire, it only makes sense that Garlic be the one to go. She has a natural defense against vampires and because she can’t stand to let her friends down, she agrees to go.

What ensues is the cutest thing you will read this week.

I promise.

The art is just as beautiful as the friendships found within and I really loved how adorable the story was. I found this book through a cozy fantasy booktok account and immeadiately put it on hold from the Library. It’s also now in next month’s book order because I just can’t wait to share this with the Library Kids.

If you want to add this adorable graphic novel to your collection, you can click on the book cover for ordering information. As always, this post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, and I may earn from qualifying purchases.