Hello, friends! It’s a little past the mid-year mark but I thought why not jump aboard the mid-year check-in train anyway? I’ve been seeing lots of these posts recently and well, compared to previous years, mine is probably not going to be very exciting but I still love this tag so here I am doing it anyway! 😂
As I’ve mentioned a time or three since I started blogging again last week, I’m still trying to find my reading groove after so much disruption this year, especially this past month. Hopefully, coming back to the community and surrounding myself with fellow book lovers will motivate me again. Plus, I’ve missed you all a lot! 💜 On that note, let’s get to The Mid-Year Check-In!
Hello, friends! I’m back and diving straight in with a blog tour review for The Third Daughter by Adrienne Tooley. Special thanks to the TBR & Beyond Tours team for organising the tour and including me in it!
Thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Click here or on the banner above to check out the rest of the fantastic bloggers on tour!
The Third Daughter Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Publication Date: 18 July 2023 Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Rep: Lesbian, Queer, Bi, Gay
Panda Rating: (3 pandas)
📖SYNOPSIS
A sweeping YA fantasy about legacy, betrayal, sisterhood, and politicizing emotion in the quest for power—all balanced by a slow-burn LGBTQ romance.
For centuries, the citizens of Velle have waited for their New Maiden to return. The prophecy states she will appear as the third daughter of a third daughter. When the fabled child is finally born to Velle’s reigning queen all rejoice except for Elodie, the queen’s eldest child, who has lost her claim to the crown. The only way for Elodie to protect Velle is to retake the throne. To do so, she must debilitate the Third Daughter—her youngest sister, Brianne.
Desperate, Elodie purchases a sleeping potion from Sabine, who sells sadness. But the apothecary mistakenly sends the princess away with a vial of tears instead of a harmless sleeping brew. Sabine’s sadness is dangerously powerful, and Brianne slips into a slumber from which she will not wake. With the fates of their families and country hanging in the balance, Sabine and Elodie hurry to revive the Third Daughter while a slow-burning attraction between the two girls erupts in full force.
A must-read for fans of the BookTok sensations Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson, and These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong.
TL;DR:The Third Daughter is an interesting start to a new duology(?) that I think holds a lot of potential. Tooley’s prose is compelling and it’s easy to become absorbed in the world she has created. Elodie and Sabine are complex, morally grey and not always the easiest to like or even empathise with at times but it makes their arcs even more engaging to follow and their characters feel more realistic. The book takes on a surprisingly darker tone that I wasn’t really expecting, especially in regard to faith and politics and how often and easily those two are mixed to the detriment of society. While I think there were elements that could’ve been written better to make the story even stronger, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where it goes next.
Happy Saturday, friends! Today I’m excited to shine a spotlight on The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams by Victoria Williamson. Special thanks to The Write Reads for having me on this massive tour!
Hi friends, as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours I’m shining a spotlight on The Alchemy of Moonlight by Dave Ferarro. The cover is definitely what caught my eye first—I love it!
Click the banner above or here to check out the other incredible bloggers on the blog tour!
The Alchemy of Moonlight Publisher: Page Street Kids Publication Date: 30 May 2023 Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Rep: LGBTQIA+, Black
📖SYNOPSIS
When Emile’s aunt declares he must marry or be disowned for being gay—he runs away to hide as a servant in Count Montoni’s mansion. In their service, Emile tends to the family who all suffer a strange affliction on the full moon. And after overhearing suspicious family arguments, he finds a body on the estate, drawing the attention of a handsome doctor as well as the count’s charismatic nephew, Henri.
Before Emile can sort out his affections or unravel the growing Montoni family mystery, his identity is revealed and his aunt comes to collect him.
When she arrives, Count Montoni forces everyone to depart to the remote Udolpho Castle—where there are no witnesses and no chance for escape. There, Emile realizes that he will have to risk his life to find the love he deserves—and survive the Montoni family.
⚠️CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS
Mentions of dead bodies, dismemberment, blood, homophobia
David Ferraro grew up in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where he was raised on a steady diet of comic books, horror movies and YA novels. He graduated with a B.A. in English and creative writing from St. Cloud State University, and currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his boyfriend and a very spoiled tortoise. He is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. His debut “The Alchemy of Moonlight” is set to be published from Page Street Kids in Spring 2023.
Yes, I’m a single dad who needs a nanny for the summer.
But hire the stranded runaway bride who shows up on my doorstep in a wedding gown with no references, no skills, and no experience?
No one is that desperate.
Except within twenty-four hours, down-on-her-luck Veronica Sutton manages to charm my kids, my family, and half the population of Cherry Tree Harbor into believing she’s perfect for the job.
And for me.
It’s not that I can’t see the appeal–those baby blue eyes? The endless legs? That mouth made for trouble? But I’ve got enough on my plate, raising two kids on my own and keeping the family business alive. I don’t have the time or the inclination to fall for an outspoken city girl.
So I should have kept my hands to myself.
Holding her in my arms was a big mistake. Even worse? Spending the night together. She ignites a possessive fire in me that I’m finding hard to snuff out.
But the most unforgivable? Growing attached to the sound of her laugh, the scent of her skin, and the way her body wraps around mine in the dark.
At the end of the summer, she’ll be gone.
And if I’m not careful, she might run away with my heart.
TL;DR:Tempt was a lot of fun and I picked it up on a whim the other day and devoured it in one sitting. This was my first book by MH but I really enjoyed her writing and I can see why people love her books and why she’s an often-recommended romance author. The characters were fun to read about, the supporting cast is everything I love in a small-town setting, the physical connection and sexual chemistry were undeniable, and I loved the bit of angst and tension that came with the “forbidden” aspect of the romance. While I do feel the sneaking around dragged a bit by the end, I still found this really enjoyable overall.
Yes, I’m a single dad who needs a nanny for the summer.
But hire the stranded runaway bride who shows up on my doorstep in a wedding gown with no references, no skills, and no experience?
No one is that desperate.
Except within twenty-four hours, down-on-her-luck Veronica Sutton manages to charm my kids, my family, and half the population of Cherry Tree Harbor into believing she’s perfect for the job.
And for me.
It’s not that I can’t see the appeal–those baby blue eyes? The endless legs? That mouth made for trouble? But I’ve got enough on my plate, raising two kids on my own and keeping the family business alive. I don’t have the time or the inclination to fall for an outspoken city girl.
So I should have kept my hands to myself.
Holding her in my arms was a big mistake. Even worse? Spending the night together. She ignites a possessive fire in me that I’m finding hard to snuff out.
But the most unforgivable? Growing attached to the sound of her laugh, the scent of her skin, and the way her body wraps around mine in the dark.
At the end of the summer, she’ll be gone.
And if I’m not careful, she might run away with my heart.
TL;DR: This book was the perfect “no think” read that delivered what I wanted when I picked it up. I really enjoy Melanie Harlow’s writing and this was an easy, relaxing and enjoyable read to breeze through. This single dad + nanny romance was admittedly a little too instalove for me and I wanted a bit more relationship development between Veronica and Austin before they jump into bed together but I did like their chemistry! Overall, this wasn’t my favourite but seeing as how I really enjoy Harlow’s writing, I’m definitely eager to pick up more books by her soon.
Special thanks to Jaqueline Snowe for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First Meet Foul Publication Date: 2 May 2022 Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Panda Rating: (4.5 pandas)
📖SYNOPSIS
Lorelei Romano thought junior year would be spent living with her best friend, having the best season of her life on the girls’ soccer team and enjoying time with her boyfriend. Instead, she was suddenly single and stuck living with her brother in the football house across the hall from the grumpiest football player on campus. The tight end might be easy on the eyes with his tree-trunk thighs and gorgeous thick hair, but the guy hates her on sight.
Luca Monroe doesn’t have time for feelings in his plan to get to the NFL to financially take care of his grandma. He had a rough life and can’t afford to veer off track—no matter how much his teammate’s sister tempts him. She’s a weakness he refuses to indulge, so keeping his distance is the only solution. He’d never betray his quarterback like that, and plus, every second of his day is focused on football.
But when Lorelei ends up in a fight for an internship with the guy who broke her heart, she teams up with Luca to wow her professor. The project brings the two together, and with that, their chemistry implodes. They agree to a friends-with-benefits arrangement. The rules are simple: no feelings and no one ever finds out.
Despite their own rules, feelings get involved. Lorelei refuses to be kept secret, and Luca always puts the football team first. However, when she walks away, Luca’s on defense. He either risks it all for the girl who’s become his everything or miss a chance of scoring real love.
⚠️CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS
Childhood abandonment, cheating (recounted), on-page sex, MCs almost get into a car accident
TL;DR:Just as I knew I would, I adored First Meet Foul to bits! The forbidden romance, mutual pining, sexual tension, friendships, family dynamics, THE SASSY GRANDMA, and the relatability of the characters combined to make a fun and entertaining sports romance! 😍 I’d highly recommend this if you love: the (anxious) grumpy x (confident) sunshine dynamic, a slow-burn forbidden romance (the MMC is the teammate/housemate of the FMC’s twin) between two athletes (soccer/football), all the pining, *intense* when-will-they tension, and simping. Lots of great simping, lol.
They couldn’t be more different, but wild-at-heart (and in bed) Rose and sweet-but-square Tyler have to make it through a romantic Valentine’s weekend to win the prize at the end – all while proving they’re certainly, definitely,really not the perfect match the dating app proclaims them to be… right?
Rose I went to my bestie’s over-the-top Valentine’s Day event alone, and when the first person I meet is straight-laced Tyler, I know I’m leaving alone, too. He’s all buttoned-up with nary a tattoo in sight, and he does math…for fun. In other words, definitely not my type. But when a dating app proclaims him my Perfect Match and offers up a pot of prize money if we spend a romantic weekend together, complete with an all-expenses paid luxury hotel and couples activities galore, I don’t need love as a motivator–that money will help save my fledgling, and failing, graphic design business. Now Tyler is looking at me like I’m the perfect box of chocolates, talking about indulging in one last fling before he settles down. Suddenly, I’m thinking Mr. All-Wrong-For-Me might be the perfect Mr. Right-Now.
Tyler I went to a Valentine’s Day singles’ event looking for love and left with Rose, whose vivacious attitude and sunset-hued hair sets her apart from every woman I’ve ever dated. Even if her curvy body stirs up a wilder side in me I’ve always kept under wraps, she’s definitely not what I’m looking for in a long-term partner… or so I thought. But somewhere between hiking with goats, getting our nails painted, and Rose’s lessons on new and inventive ways to share our heart-shaped bed, I’m wondering if she might be just what I never knew I always needed. But when she’s determined to part when our wild weekend is done, how can I convince her we might be a perfect match after all?
TL;DR:This opposites-attract romance was comforting, sweet and swoony! Rose and Tyler were ridiculously adorable together and I loved the feeling of safety and comfort that was present at the start of what’s obviously meant to be a healthy and loving relationship. Also, consent is so sexy and this was full of it! 😍Read this if you’re into opposites attract, straight-laced & shy accountant types X chaotic ‘act first, think later’ & confident artist types, “good boy” (mild) praise kink, and sweet, soft and steamy romance. This was a good fun time!
A PRINCE fighting to save a princess A SERJAH torn between duty and desire A PRINCESS willing to sacrifice everything A DECOY with nothing to lose A WORLD about to be torn apart
After his father’s latest punishment, Grayson isn’t at his full strength. Trapped in Ryden and surrounded by enemies, he knows escaping with Mia will be more complicated than anticipated. Tyrell is determined to claim Mia for himself, and Henri’s plans for the rest of Eyrinthia are more horrific than Grayson ever imagined. Despite the increased danger, he and Mia must return to Mortise and warn Desfan of what’s coming—even though it may already be too late.
In Mortise, the palace is still reeling from the brutal attack that left many dead and even more wounded. Regardless of the chaos, Desfan is determined to continue with his coronation. As serjan, he hopes to bring stability to his country and solidify the peace with Devendra. But things in Eyrinthia are always complicated. When Prince Liam reveals they may be facing dangers from old enemies, Desfan will have to decide what kind of ruler he will be.
Devastating news from home has left Clare broken. Despite her heartache, she must once again be Serene’s decoy when a terrifying report sends the princess on an unexpected mission to Zennor. Left at the palace, Clare helps Desfan build trust with the elite in Mortise while guarding a treasonous secret. Because as her grief transforms into a burning desire for vengeance, she is finally ready to embrace a new role—rebel.
Eyrinthia is consumed by uncertainty. Duty. Desire. Sacrifice. Every rebellion has its cost.
⚠️CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS
Graphic: Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Violence Moderate: Torture, Murder, Physical abuse, and War Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, and Drug use
**Note: as this is the fourth in a series where you must read the previous books to understand what’s going on, this review may contain mild spoilers for certain parts of the previous books, but I’ll try to keep it as vague and contained as possible!**
TL;DR:Royal Rebel was a great addition to the Fate of Erynthia series. The story continues to be action-packed, politically charged, and in this book, a new mystery full of sinister undertones is introduced and I absolutely cannot wait to know what happens next. It was a treat to reunite with the huge cast of characters and I loved how their relationships evolved—there are so many ships to ship! One thing is for sure: I’m ready for more!
Special thanks to Tordotcom for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Untethered Sky Publisher: Tordotcom Publication Date: 11 April 2023 Genre: Adult Fantasy
Panda Rating: (5 pandas)
📖SYNOPSIS
From World Fantasy Award-winning author Fonda Lee comes Untethered Sky , an epic fantasy fable about the pursuit of obsession at all costs.
A Most Anticipated in 2023 Pick for Polygon | Book Riot | Paste Magazine
Ester’s family was torn apart when a manticore killed her mother and baby brother, leaving her with nothing but her father’s painful silence and a single, overwhelming need to kill the monsters that took her family.
Ester’s path leads her to the King’s Royal Mews, where the giant rocs of legend are flown to hunt manticores by their brave and dedicated ruhkers. Paired with a fledgling roc named Zahra, Ester finds purpose and acclaim by devoting herself to a calling that demands absolute sacrifice and a creature that will never return her love. The terrifying partnership between woman and roc leads Ester not only on the empire’s most dangerous manticore hunt, but on a journey of perseverance and acceptance.
⚠️CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS
Animal death, death of family, child death, violence, graphic descriptions, gore, dismemberment
TL;DR:This was a complete departure from her famous Green Bone Saga trilogy but it was no less fantastic. Lee’s ability to pull readers into a story and wholly immerse them into a new world with vivid descriptions and detailed but not overwhelming world-building is, in my humble opinion, unmatched. Don’t expect a fast-paced story as this wasn’t action-packed, but it has more of a quiet ‘slice-of-life’ quality to it that I personally enjoyed. I loved following Ester’s journey as she trains to become a rukher with her roc, Zahra, and the friendships and life lessons she experiences over the course of several years; all culminating in a heartbreaking yet hopeful ending that had me all up in my feels. Pick it up if you love Lee’s work but also pick it up if you want a small taste of how amazing her work is!
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