dan's bookshelf: all en-US Sat, 12 Apr 2025 11:56:44 -0700 60 dan's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg The Co-op 203578886 By that logic, hate and construction may as well be condemned.

LaRynn Lavigne and Deacon Leeds had one short and contentious summer fling when they were teens.
Certainly nothing to build a foundation on.
But a decade later, when their grandmothers have left them with shared ownership of their dilapidated Santa Cruz building, they're thrust back together and have to figure out how to brace up the pieces.
LaRynn has the money, but to access her trust, she has to be married.
Deacon has the construction expertise, but lacks the funds.
A deal is struck: Marry for however long it takes to fix up the property, collect a profit, and cut ties.
Thrust into a home without walls, they quickly learn that it's easy to hide behind emotional ones, even in a marriage. But, with all the exposure and pitfalls that come with living with the opposite sex (and none of the perks) they'll also have to learn what it means to truly co-operate as a team.

The Co-op is a steamy story about restoration and renovation, and uncovering all the things that build character within ourselves. It's about the never-ending construction project that partnership is, and finding enjoyment at every stage.]]> 352 Tarah DeWitt 1250329388 dan 3 it-was-good
"I love you and I know I don't always…I've been trying to show you. I thought it was more important to show you, first, and I promise I'm going to keep doing that. But I also wanted to say it first."I feel raw when the words hang between us. Raw, and a little sick.

"I know you do,"she says simply, smiling shyly."You've been showing me. With your patience and your trying. Your partnership."She catches her breath and inches up to my face, kissing me sweetly."And I love you. I plan to keep showing you, too."

Synopsis:

LaRynn Lavigne and Deacon Leeds were teenage lovers until it all came to an abrupt, heartbreaking end.

A decade later, their grandmothers left them a share ownership of their building, forcing LaRynn and Deacon to face each other. Unfortunately, they have bigger problems than to bicker with each other: Deacon has construction expertise but lacks the funds whilst LaRynn has the money but has to be married to access it.

To rebuild the decaying building and moving on with their lives, they agree to marry until the property is fixed, collect the profit and part ways like before. However, being thrust into an apartment with no doors or walls proves to be harder to hide themselves behind.

Review:

First of all: what the fuck of a name is LaRynn?

I just know her French grandmother is turning in her grave.

The plot was good and I must remind they’re both 26 y.o.. Of course you can say late 20s we should have enough maturity to not have this kind of miscommunication and be able to speak of our feelings. I’m right there with you � however, any self-aware late 20s y.o. knows what we have in maturity is balanced by equal amount of immaturity/inability to communicate our feelings/emotions.

Thus, unlike many people who gave low stars to this book, I understand the miscommunication trope in this book. Do I like it? No. But I understand it. Especially due to the past traumas both LaRynn and Deacon suffered at the hands of their parents (one of them can even be qualified as child emotional abuse).

Mind you, the miscommunication trope and the inability of them sitting down and actually discuss what happened a decade earlier is the reason I did not gave 4 stars. Regardless of how incapable of expressing emotions they might be at the beginning, they do eventually managed to express their feelings several times. It’s only logical that a discussion of what happened between them should arise.

I don’t particularly think any of them would have been able to actually trust each other again without having that conversation.

[spoilers removed]

Another thing was how the audience has glimpses of what happened a decade earlier but, since the main characters never address it, the audience never really understands what happened nor what led to it. You might guess it, but still. It’s a timeline that it’s constantly brought up in the beginning and then just dropped.

Because they never really addressed their past, the “let’s bury the hatchet� feels incomplete.

However, I did enjoy reading it � it was fast-paced and easy.

The characters were incredibly flawed, yet made it more realistic and understanding to the reader. Was LaRynn a bit of a brat? Yes. However, she was born into privilege and, though she had a rough childhood regarding her parents, she still was born into money and never really learned how to appreciate it.

Once they started to get along, it was really great � almost perfect. Deacon’s crash out when he thought he might never have her was *chef’s kiss* and, from then on, they had almost the perfect relationship. ]]> 3.59 2022 The Co-op
author: Tarah DeWitt
name: dan
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/12
date added: 2025/04/12
shelves: it-was-good
review:
� 3.75
"I love you and I know I don't always…I've been trying to show you. I thought it was more important to show you, first, and I promise I'm going to keep doing that. But I also wanted to say it first."I feel raw when the words hang between us. Raw, and a little sick.

"I know you do,"she says simply, smiling shyly."You've been showing me. With your patience and your trying. Your partnership."She catches her breath and inches up to my face, kissing me sweetly."And I love you. I plan to keep showing you, too."

Synopsis:

LaRynn Lavigne and Deacon Leeds were teenage lovers until it all came to an abrupt, heartbreaking end.

A decade later, their grandmothers left them a share ownership of their building, forcing LaRynn and Deacon to face each other. Unfortunately, they have bigger problems than to bicker with each other: Deacon has construction expertise but lacks the funds whilst LaRynn has the money but has to be married to access it.

To rebuild the decaying building and moving on with their lives, they agree to marry until the property is fixed, collect the profit and part ways like before. However, being thrust into an apartment with no doors or walls proves to be harder to hide themselves behind.

Review:

First of all: what the fuck of a name is LaRynn?

I just know her French grandmother is turning in her grave.

The plot was good and I must remind they’re both 26 y.o.. Of course you can say late 20s we should have enough maturity to not have this kind of miscommunication and be able to speak of our feelings. I’m right there with you � however, any self-aware late 20s y.o. knows what we have in maturity is balanced by equal amount of immaturity/inability to communicate our feelings/emotions.

Thus, unlike many people who gave low stars to this book, I understand the miscommunication trope in this book. Do I like it? No. But I understand it. Especially due to the past traumas both LaRynn and Deacon suffered at the hands of their parents (one of them can even be qualified as child emotional abuse).

Mind you, the miscommunication trope and the inability of them sitting down and actually discuss what happened a decade earlier is the reason I did not gave 4 stars. Regardless of how incapable of expressing emotions they might be at the beginning, they do eventually managed to express their feelings several times. It’s only logical that a discussion of what happened between them should arise.

I don’t particularly think any of them would have been able to actually trust each other again without having that conversation.

[spoilers removed]

Another thing was how the audience has glimpses of what happened a decade earlier but, since the main characters never address it, the audience never really understands what happened nor what led to it. You might guess it, but still. It’s a timeline that it’s constantly brought up in the beginning and then just dropped.

Because they never really addressed their past, the “let’s bury the hatchet� feels incomplete.

However, I did enjoy reading it � it was fast-paced and easy.

The characters were incredibly flawed, yet made it more realistic and understanding to the reader. Was LaRynn a bit of a brat? Yes. However, she was born into privilege and, though she had a rough childhood regarding her parents, she still was born into money and never really learned how to appreciate it.

Once they started to get along, it was really great � almost perfect. Deacon’s crash out when he thought he might never have her was *chef’s kiss* and, from then on, they had almost the perfect relationship.
]]> The Art of Scandal 58505444 "Love would be so much easier if it were perfect..."

On the night of her husband Matt’s fortieth birthday, Rachel Abbott receives a sexy, explicit text from her husband that she quickly realizes was meant for another woman. Divorce is inevitable, and Rachel is determined not to leave her thirteen-year marriage empty handed. Meanwhile, Matt, a rising star mayor with his eye on the White House, can’t afford a messy split in the middle of his reelection campaign. They strike a deal: Rachel gets one million dollars and their lavish house in the wealthy DC suburb of Oasis Springs, as long as she keeps playing the ideal Black trophy wife until the election.

Then Rachel meets Nathan Vasquez, a very handsome, very lost twenty-six-year-old artist, and their connection makes Rachel forget about being the perfect politician’s wife. As Rachel reawakens Nathan’s long-dormant artistic aspirations, their attraction becomes impossible to resist. But secrets are hard to keep in a town like Oasis Springs, and Nathan has a few of his own. With the risk of scandal looming and their hearts on the line, they’ll have to decide whether the possibility of losing everything is worth taking a chance on love.

The Art of Scandal is a sizzling, conversation-starting debut about rekindling passion, the transformative power of art, and finding love in unexpected places.]]> 320 Regina Black 1538722771 dan 0 to-read 3.72 2023 The Art of Scandal
author: Regina Black
name: dan
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Falling Off the Cliff (Full Throttle, #1)]]> 200531125
Destiny takes the wheel, steering Kamari into Thiago’s orbit, but her open disdain and closely guarded heart warn her to stay away. Enchanted by her charms, Thiago is intent on melting her freezing barriers and tearing down the walls shielding her heart.

When Kamari agrees to help him save his future by being his fake girlfriend, the unexpected happens, triggered by a game of lies, secrets and desire.

As they plunge towards the finish line, the race veers offtrack and neither of them are ready to fall off the cliff.]]> 484 Kanitha P. dan 0 to-read 3.57 Falling Off the Cliff (Full Throttle, #1)
author: Kanitha P.
name: dan
average rating: 3.57
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Fire Keeper (Storm Runner, 2)]]> 50358282 448 J.C. Cervantes 1368042376 dan 3 it-was-nice
“Yes. I'm ready to die.�


I have to keep reminding myself the main character is around 14 y.o., otherwise they're fucking dumb decision making would've gotten to me.

The reason it took me so long to finish reading this book is mostly because of the narration: being inside a brain of a 13/14 y.o. boy is not the best of narrative choices (this is 1st POV) but, for some reason, Zane seems to be either dumber than most 14 y.o. or I'm overestimate teenage boys and their intelectual capacity.

The first part of the book is really good: engaging and intriguing. However, I think people rely too much on Rick Riordan's approach to humour for teenage/young men (such as Percy or Magnus) because there's a lot of similarities but, unlike Uncle Rick, it doesn't work quite so well with Zane.

The plot is really interesting but the execution leaves the reader disengage and bored. The high stakes don't feel like high stakes and, honestly, some things are just too fucking convenient.

The world building it better developed than the first one; I think the author really dug into Mayan mythology and made space to incorporate so many of Mayan culture in this one. However, the humour felt forced and the execution felt slightly worse than the first.

I'll still continue with the series but I'll take a little time before I read the 3rd and final instalment in the series.]]> 4.17 2019 The Fire Keeper (Storm Runner, 2)
author: J.C. Cervantes
name: dan
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/06
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves: it-was-nice
review:
� 3.25

“Yes. I'm ready to die.�


I have to keep reminding myself the main character is around 14 y.o., otherwise they're fucking dumb decision making would've gotten to me.

The reason it took me so long to finish reading this book is mostly because of the narration: being inside a brain of a 13/14 y.o. boy is not the best of narrative choices (this is 1st POV) but, for some reason, Zane seems to be either dumber than most 14 y.o. or I'm overestimate teenage boys and their intelectual capacity.

The first part of the book is really good: engaging and intriguing. However, I think people rely too much on Rick Riordan's approach to humour for teenage/young men (such as Percy or Magnus) because there's a lot of similarities but, unlike Uncle Rick, it doesn't work quite so well with Zane.

The plot is really interesting but the execution leaves the reader disengage and bored. The high stakes don't feel like high stakes and, honestly, some things are just too fucking convenient.

The world building it better developed than the first one; I think the author really dug into Mayan mythology and made space to incorporate so many of Mayan culture in this one. However, the humour felt forced and the execution felt slightly worse than the first.

I'll still continue with the series but I'll take a little time before I read the 3rd and final instalment in the series.
]]> <![CDATA[The Strawberry Patch Pancake House (Dream Harbor, #4)]]> 213186396 Fall in love with the brand new spring romance set in Dream Harbor, from the bestselling author of The Pumpkin Spice Café.

As a renowned chef, single-dad Archer never planned on moving to a small town, let alone running a pancake restaurant. But Dream Harbor needs a new chef, and Archer needs a community to help raise his daughter, Olive.

Iris has never managed to hold down a job for more than a few months. So when Mayor Kelly suggests Archer is looking for a nanny, and Iris might be available, she shudders at the thought. But in need of money she reluctantly agrees.

As Archer and Iris get used to their new roles, is it possible that they might have more in common than they first thought, or is Olive just determined to play match-maker�

Tropes:

� single dad
� forced proximity
� slow burn
� found family
� one bed]]> 361 Laurie Gilmore 0008713340 dan 2 it-was-nice
“The mayor saw them in a dream.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Archer as he arrives in Dream Harbor, after giving up his career as a world-renowned chef in Paris to take care of his newfound daughter, Olive, whose mother died. Moving from being a fuckboy with toxic relationships, an unreliable routine and a chef in envied restaurants to being a single dad, chef of a pancake diner and follow the routine of a five-year-old is something he never imagined, or wished, for himself.

Iris has barely managed to hold a job for more than a few months so, when she is proposed to babysit Olive, she reluctantly accepts. She was never motherly and children scare her but the job proposal comes with a good pay and a place to live.

As both Iris and Archer get used to their new roles, they find they have more in common than expected and, in the light-dimmed kitchen, they might just get closer.

Review:

Although I did enjoy the book, I think it should’ve gone through a few more rounds of editing.

Iris� and Archer’s personalities did not shine through � only in bare moments.

Their relationship, although cutesie at the outside, it did not hold substance with barely any build-up, tension or angst for their precarious situation. I wish there hadn’t been so insta-lust and, given the circumstances, it would’ve been nice to see a little bit more development in [their personalities and in] their relationship. There was barely any chemistry and, though the banter was cute, it didn’t hold any substance and it was superficial and shallow.

I felt disconnected from the story for most of the book, merely enjoying how quick and easy it was to read. It served mostly as a distraction than anything else. It definitely fell short, especially compared to the others in the series.

Oliver, Archer’s daughter, acted a little bit older than a 5 year old. There were times I actually forgot she was that young. I think the author wanted to use Olive as a vehicle for Iris and Archer to get closer and have some “funny� moments with the child but, making a 5y.o. act much older did a disservice to the story/book.

[spoilers removed]

Overall, the entire book/story felt rushed. I would’ve preferred if the book was slightly longer and had substance in each area. The book is fast-paced, and the reader can get through everything fairly quickly and easily. It helped a little bit of the reading slump I find myself. It’s a light, fluffy read that lacked substance but managed to serve its purpose. ]]> 3.96 2025 The Strawberry Patch Pancake House (Dream Harbor, #4)
author: Laurie Gilmore
name: dan
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2025
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/01
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: it-was-nice
review:
� 2.75
“The mayor saw them in a dream.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Archer as he arrives in Dream Harbor, after giving up his career as a world-renowned chef in Paris to take care of his newfound daughter, Olive, whose mother died. Moving from being a fuckboy with toxic relationships, an unreliable routine and a chef in envied restaurants to being a single dad, chef of a pancake diner and follow the routine of a five-year-old is something he never imagined, or wished, for himself.

Iris has barely managed to hold a job for more than a few months so, when she is proposed to babysit Olive, she reluctantly accepts. She was never motherly and children scare her but the job proposal comes with a good pay and a place to live.

As both Iris and Archer get used to their new roles, they find they have more in common than expected and, in the light-dimmed kitchen, they might just get closer.

Review:

Although I did enjoy the book, I think it should’ve gone through a few more rounds of editing.

Iris� and Archer’s personalities did not shine through � only in bare moments.

Their relationship, although cutesie at the outside, it did not hold substance with barely any build-up, tension or angst for their precarious situation. I wish there hadn’t been so insta-lust and, given the circumstances, it would’ve been nice to see a little bit more development in [their personalities and in] their relationship. There was barely any chemistry and, though the banter was cute, it didn’t hold any substance and it was superficial and shallow.

I felt disconnected from the story for most of the book, merely enjoying how quick and easy it was to read. It served mostly as a distraction than anything else. It definitely fell short, especially compared to the others in the series.

Oliver, Archer’s daughter, acted a little bit older than a 5 year old. There were times I actually forgot she was that young. I think the author wanted to use Olive as a vehicle for Iris and Archer to get closer and have some “funny� moments with the child but, making a 5y.o. act much older did a disservice to the story/book.

[spoilers removed]

Overall, the entire book/story felt rushed. I would’ve preferred if the book was slightly longer and had substance in each area. The book is fast-paced, and the reader can get through everything fairly quickly and easily. It helped a little bit of the reading slump I find myself. It’s a light, fluffy read that lacked substance but managed to serve its purpose.
]]> Gods of Jade and Shadow 36510722 The Mayan god of death sends a young woman on a harrowing, life-changing journey in this one-of-a-kind fairy tale inspired by Mexican folklore.

The Jazz Age is in full swing, but Casiopea Tun is too busy cleaning the floors of her wealthy grandfather’s house to listen to any fast tunes. Nevertheless, she dreams of a life far from her dusty small town in southern Mexico. A life she can call her own.

Yet this new life seems as distant as the stars, until the day she finds a curious wooden box in her grandfather’s room. She opens it—and accidentally frees the spirit of the Mayan god of death, who requests her help in recovering his throne from his treacherous brother. Failure will mean Casiopea’s demise, but success could make her dreams come true.

In the company of the strangely alluring god and armed with her wits, Casiopea begins an adventure that will take her on a cross-country odyssey from the jungles of Yucatán to the bright lights of Mexico City—and deep into the darkness of the Mayan underworld.

Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9780525620754]]> 338 Silvia Moreno-Garcia dan 5 god-tier
“Words are seeds, Casiopea. With words you embroider narratives, and the narratives breed myths, and there's power in the myth. Yes, the things you name have power.�

“He'd fallen in love slowly and quietly, and it was a quiet sort of love, full of phrases left unsaid, laced with dreams.�

The fact that this book is not more hyped is beyond me and I will never fully comprehend it.

The story begins with Casiopea Tun, an eighteen-year-old girl stuck in her grandfather’s large mansion cleaning the floors and taking care of him. For the longest time, Casiopea has dreamt of the outside world and of being free, but her grandfather and her mother’s side of the family aren’t bound to make that happen and, at every turn, they prefer to chain Casiopea a little bit more to the house to make sure she never, ever, leaves.

However, one day, when everyone left her behind, Casiopea’s anger rises and she opens a wooden chest that her grandfather has specifically told her not to touch. By opening it, Casiopea frees the spirit of the Mayan god of death, Hun-Kamé, who requests her help in recovering his throne from his traitor brother, Vucub- Kamé. To fail would mean the end of Casiopea’s life but success could make her wildest dreams come true. To succeed, Casiopea and Hun-Kamé have to adventure through the jungles of Yucatán, the bright city of Mexico City and in the depth of darkness of Xibalba.

The story is based on Mayan mythology and folklore as well as Mexican folklore.

I’m completely and utterly fascinated � and obsessed � with Mayan mythology/culture so for me this book was a long want of mine. Frankly, ever since I have started reading the books in the Rickverse and from Read Riordan Presents, I have wanted to read something along those genres. It didn’t have to be exactly like Percy Jackson, just a combination between the mortal world with the Central and South American civilizations.

This story is amazing.

First and foremost, this story happens in the 1920s, therefore, the reader needs to be cautious when reading. It is just ignorant to try to match the 21st century way of thinking with the 20th century. I’m saying that now because I heard a lot of people complain how Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s books incorporate misogyny, discrimination and so on. The two books I’ve seen of her, two of them are in the 1900s. It is just not doable to put our way of thinking now and apply it to a different century or even decade.

That being said...

At first, Casiopea appears to be naïve and completely pure but that is not how she truly is. Of course, she still is an 18 year-old girl living in 1927, she is not going to be wicked-minded and she is not the most experienced girl when it comes to life outside her grandfather’s house. But she has felt anger, disappointment and hurt. She is not as naïve as she appears at first because she has been dealing, quite literally , with the venomous snakes she calls family for most of her life � she knows people can be deceiving, mean, bad, greedy and tricky.

She is not pure and naïve in the literal sense of the words but she is still a young woman who hasn’t seen or experienced much of the world outside those four walls. The town she lives in is also under the power of her grandfather, so it is a small town where everyone looks at her through the lenses of her family.

What I loved most how the taste she got when she started experiencing the world with Hun-Kamé didn’t change who she was at her core. She was still kind, honest and she had a gentle sweetness to her that I can’t quite describe. Of course, she had character development and growth but it was mostly about how she felt more liberty and she started to do things for her, and not because of her grandfather, mother, cousin or anyone else.

Hun-Kamé, being a god, especially the god of Xibalba, was everything I ever hoped he’d be. He started as cold-hearted yet fair god, not once did he mistreated Casiopea or anyone who didn’t deserve to be pressed on. He understood Casiopea’s mistrust in the early beginnings and took it as fair. The whole darkness aura and powerful energy surrounding him was one that I took immense pleasure reading. The author described him perfectly � not only physically, but emotionally, psychologically and his aura and energy are everything I ever thought a god of Xibalba would be.

His character development was the greatest of the two of them. At the end, we can see how far Hun-Kamé has come since he first emerged from that wooden chest and how the influence of someone as kind and gentle as Casiopea can have on a god of death and darkness.

Their relationship was also one of the most satisfying slow burns that I’ve ever seen. At first, the reader doesn’t even know if the pair will be anything more than a platonic bond. Despite loving the romance, I would’ve been perfectly okay if nothing romantic happened between them � that’s how good their dynamic was.

Thankfully, the author did include a romantic feature and, boy was it good.

Their relationship development was slow but steady. I’m sure a lot of people would disagree and say that their relationship developed in the matter of days but the truth is that romantic development and growth doesn’t happen at the same rhythm for everyone. Their relationship was so intense in terms of energy but so innocent, kind and gentle.

I loved how the story was created and how the plot developed throughout the story. Vucub-Kamé was one of the person villains/antagonists that I’ve seen in a while. The side characters also added a lot of layers and a lot of background to the gods and to the Mayan culture. Speaking of, the inclusion of a lot of elements of Maya culture was one of the best things of this book. The way that Moreno-Garcia writes is beautiful, visually and lyrically. Although I do love when books have simple writing, the fact that Moreno-Garcia added such passion, such detail to the writing made the books so much better.

The ending is a non-romantic ending but it leaves room for so much more. In fact, in my head, I already created multiple different romantic endings. However, although I would’ve loved to actually see in writing them ending up together in the future, I think that the beautiful thing about the ending of this book is exactly how much space it leaves for us to construct their future ending. It felt like the author didn’t add a dot, but a dot and comma, leaving us, the readers, to fulfil the rest as we wish.

Overall, I’m so glad I didn’t pay much attention to the negative reviews. I bought this because I was “desperate� for a fiction book on any civilization of the Americas and it could’ve been a miss but it revealed to be one of the best and most satisfying reads of 2021.




Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate ]]> 3.87 2019 Gods of Jade and Shadow
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: dan
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2021/10/26
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: god-tier
review:
� 5
“Words are seeds, Casiopea. With words you embroider narratives, and the narratives breed myths, and there's power in the myth. Yes, the things you name have power.�

“He'd fallen in love slowly and quietly, and it was a quiet sort of love, full of phrases left unsaid, laced with dreams.�

The fact that this book is not more hyped is beyond me and I will never fully comprehend it.

The story begins with Casiopea Tun, an eighteen-year-old girl stuck in her grandfather’s large mansion cleaning the floors and taking care of him. For the longest time, Casiopea has dreamt of the outside world and of being free, but her grandfather and her mother’s side of the family aren’t bound to make that happen and, at every turn, they prefer to chain Casiopea a little bit more to the house to make sure she never, ever, leaves.

However, one day, when everyone left her behind, Casiopea’s anger rises and she opens a wooden chest that her grandfather has specifically told her not to touch. By opening it, Casiopea frees the spirit of the Mayan god of death, Hun-Kamé, who requests her help in recovering his throne from his traitor brother, Vucub- Kamé. To fail would mean the end of Casiopea’s life but success could make her wildest dreams come true. To succeed, Casiopea and Hun-Kamé have to adventure through the jungles of Yucatán, the bright city of Mexico City and in the depth of darkness of Xibalba.

The story is based on Mayan mythology and folklore as well as Mexican folklore.

I’m completely and utterly fascinated � and obsessed � with Mayan mythology/culture so for me this book was a long want of mine. Frankly, ever since I have started reading the books in the Rickverse and from Read Riordan Presents, I have wanted to read something along those genres. It didn’t have to be exactly like Percy Jackson, just a combination between the mortal world with the Central and South American civilizations.

This story is amazing.

First and foremost, this story happens in the 1920s, therefore, the reader needs to be cautious when reading. It is just ignorant to try to match the 21st century way of thinking with the 20th century. I’m saying that now because I heard a lot of people complain how Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s books incorporate misogyny, discrimination and so on. The two books I’ve seen of her, two of them are in the 1900s. It is just not doable to put our way of thinking now and apply it to a different century or even decade.

That being said...

At first, Casiopea appears to be naïve and completely pure but that is not how she truly is. Of course, she still is an 18 year-old girl living in 1927, she is not going to be wicked-minded and she is not the most experienced girl when it comes to life outside her grandfather’s house. But she has felt anger, disappointment and hurt. She is not as naïve as she appears at first because she has been dealing, quite literally , with the venomous snakes she calls family for most of her life � she knows people can be deceiving, mean, bad, greedy and tricky.

She is not pure and naïve in the literal sense of the words but she is still a young woman who hasn’t seen or experienced much of the world outside those four walls. The town she lives in is also under the power of her grandfather, so it is a small town where everyone looks at her through the lenses of her family.

What I loved most how the taste she got when she started experiencing the world with Hun-Kamé didn’t change who she was at her core. She was still kind, honest and she had a gentle sweetness to her that I can’t quite describe. Of course, she had character development and growth but it was mostly about how she felt more liberty and she started to do things for her, and not because of her grandfather, mother, cousin or anyone else.

Hun-Kamé, being a god, especially the god of Xibalba, was everything I ever hoped he’d be. He started as cold-hearted yet fair god, not once did he mistreated Casiopea or anyone who didn’t deserve to be pressed on. He understood Casiopea’s mistrust in the early beginnings and took it as fair. The whole darkness aura and powerful energy surrounding him was one that I took immense pleasure reading. The author described him perfectly � not only physically, but emotionally, psychologically and his aura and energy are everything I ever thought a god of Xibalba would be.

His character development was the greatest of the two of them. At the end, we can see how far Hun-Kamé has come since he first emerged from that wooden chest and how the influence of someone as kind and gentle as Casiopea can have on a god of death and darkness.

Their relationship was also one of the most satisfying slow burns that I’ve ever seen. At first, the reader doesn’t even know if the pair will be anything more than a platonic bond. Despite loving the romance, I would’ve been perfectly okay if nothing romantic happened between them � that’s how good their dynamic was.

Thankfully, the author did include a romantic feature and, boy was it good.

Their relationship development was slow but steady. I’m sure a lot of people would disagree and say that their relationship developed in the matter of days but the truth is that romantic development and growth doesn’t happen at the same rhythm for everyone. Their relationship was so intense in terms of energy but so innocent, kind and gentle.

I loved how the story was created and how the plot developed throughout the story. Vucub-Kamé was one of the person villains/antagonists that I’ve seen in a while. The side characters also added a lot of layers and a lot of background to the gods and to the Mayan culture. Speaking of, the inclusion of a lot of elements of Maya culture was one of the best things of this book. The way that Moreno-Garcia writes is beautiful, visually and lyrically. Although I do love when books have simple writing, the fact that Moreno-Garcia added such passion, such detail to the writing made the books so much better.

The ending is a non-romantic ending but it leaves room for so much more. In fact, in my head, I already created multiple different romantic endings. However, although I would’ve loved to actually see in writing them ending up together in the future, I think that the beautiful thing about the ending of this book is exactly how much space it leaves for us to construct their future ending. It felt like the author didn’t add a dot, but a dot and comma, leaving us, the readers, to fulfil the rest as we wish.

Overall, I’m so glad I didn’t pay much attention to the negative reviews. I bought this because I was “desperate� for a fiction book on any civilization of the Americas and it could’ve been a miss but it revealed to be one of the best and most satisfying reads of 2021.




Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate
]]> Velvet Was the Night 59018627
1970s, Mexico City. Maite is a secretary who lives for one thing: the latest issue of Secret Romance. While student protests and political unrest consume the city, Maite escapes into stories of passion and danger.

Her next-door neighbor, Leonora, a beautiful art student, seems to live a life of intrigue and romance that Maite envies. When Leonora disappears under suspicious circumstances, Maite finds herself searching for the missing woman—and journeying deeper into Leonora’s secret life of student radicals and dissidents.

Meanwhile, someone else is also looking for Leonora at the behest of his boss, a shadowy figure who commands goon squads dedicated to squashing political activists. Elvis is an eccentric criminal who longs to escape his own life: He loathes violence and loves old movies and rock ’n� roll. But as Elvis searches for the missing woman, he comes to observe Maite from a distance—and grows more and more obsessed with this woman who shares his love of music and the unspoken loneliness of his heart.

Now as Maite and Elvis come closer to discovering the truth behind Leonora’s disappearance, they can no longer escape the danger that threatens to consume their lives, with hitmen, government agents, and Russian spies all aiming to protect Leonora’s secrets—at gunpoint.]]> 281 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 1529417953 dan 4 demigod-tier
“She loved the characters she found between the printed pages, and she suffered bitterly with them.�

“She had loved without restraint, and he'd left a stain upon her soul.�

Synopsis:

Set in '70s Mexico, the story follows Maite, a secretary who, lacking romance and excitement in her own lives, lives for the latest issue of Secret Romance. The city boils with student protests and political unrest but, even that, Maite dreams with stories of passion and danger.

It's when her next-door-neighbour disappears under suspicious circumstances, Maite finds herself in a quest to search for the woman whose life she envied - and, by doing that, she dives deeper into the her neighbour's secret life of dissidents and radicals.

However, there's someone else searching for the neighbour. At the mandate from his boss, Elvis, an eccentric criminal who works for a squad dedicated to squashing political activists, yet he loathes violence and what to hear 50s-70s rock 'n' roll. As Elvies searches for the missing woman, he observes Maite from afar - and grows more obsessed about this woman who shares his love for music.

As Maite and Elvis join forces to discover the truth behind the missing woman's disappearance, they cannot longer escape the dangerous threat looming above their heads with hitmen, Russian spies an governments agents.

Review:

This is a political thriller, filled with action and intensity, it's still a story about two lonely hearts and even lonelier souls who, underneath, desire for someone who can understand them.

The writing is atmospheric, lush and fully immersive. The beginning is slow, and the reader is not entirely sure where it's heading but, as Elvis and Maite become in contact with each other and the missing woman's case further becomes embroiled in Maite's life.

I don't think this book was particularly high stakes - quite low for the type of political thriller but, then again, it's not sold as a political action/mystery but a thriller that develops slowly.

The characters were interesting and intriguing with a storyline that, although slow, still captivates your attention and curiosity. The blend of historical political climate in Mexico during this period to the fiction is one of the best things this author knows how to do. It creates a fully immersive atmosphere where the reader lives, hears and breathes '70s Mexico.

It was my 2nd Silvia Moreno-Garcia book and, though I read it 3 years before writing this review, I still remember how delighted I was at the end and how she added the glimmer of hope and satisfaction.



Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate ]]> 3.28 2021 Velvet Was the Night
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: dan
average rating: 3.28
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2022/11/09
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: demigod-tier
review:
� 4.75
“She loved the characters she found between the printed pages, and she suffered bitterly with them.�

“She had loved without restraint, and he'd left a stain upon her soul.�

Synopsis:

Set in '70s Mexico, the story follows Maite, a secretary who, lacking romance and excitement in her own lives, lives for the latest issue of Secret Romance. The city boils with student protests and political unrest but, even that, Maite dreams with stories of passion and danger.

It's when her next-door-neighbour disappears under suspicious circumstances, Maite finds herself in a quest to search for the woman whose life she envied - and, by doing that, she dives deeper into the her neighbour's secret life of dissidents and radicals.

However, there's someone else searching for the neighbour. At the mandate from his boss, Elvis, an eccentric criminal who works for a squad dedicated to squashing political activists, yet he loathes violence and what to hear 50s-70s rock 'n' roll. As Elvies searches for the missing woman, he observes Maite from afar - and grows more obsessed about this woman who shares his love for music.

As Maite and Elvis join forces to discover the truth behind the missing woman's disappearance, they cannot longer escape the dangerous threat looming above their heads with hitmen, Russian spies an governments agents.

Review:

This is a political thriller, filled with action and intensity, it's still a story about two lonely hearts and even lonelier souls who, underneath, desire for someone who can understand them.

The writing is atmospheric, lush and fully immersive. The beginning is slow, and the reader is not entirely sure where it's heading but, as Elvis and Maite become in contact with each other and the missing woman's case further becomes embroiled in Maite's life.

I don't think this book was particularly high stakes - quite low for the type of political thriller but, then again, it's not sold as a political action/mystery but a thriller that develops slowly.

The characters were interesting and intriguing with a storyline that, although slow, still captivates your attention and curiosity. The blend of historical political climate in Mexico during this period to the fiction is one of the best things this author knows how to do. It creates a fully immersive atmosphere where the reader lives, hears and breathes '70s Mexico.

It was my 2nd Silvia Moreno-Garcia book and, though I read it 3 years before writing this review, I still remember how delighted I was at the end and how she added the glimmer of hope and satisfaction.



Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate
]]> Certain Dark Things 60668680
Atl needs to escape the city, the rival narco-vampire clan pursuing her. Her plan doesn't include Domingo, but she finds herself warming up to the scrappy young man and his undeniable charm. As the trail of corpses stretches behind her, local cops and crime bosses both start closing in.

Atl and Domingo stand little chance of making it out alive before the city devours them—but they are determined to try...]]> 256 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 1529415624 dan 4 demigod-tier
“There is a phrase, atl tlachinolli, ‘the water that scorches the earth.� My name means ‘water� but it is also war.�

Synopsis:

Set in Mexico City, in an alternative present, Domingo, a lonely garbage-collecting young man tries to survive the heavily policed streets when Atl collides into his life. The Aztec descendant vampire is smart, beautiful and dangerous so, of course, Domingo is enamored. But Atl needs to escape the city, for she is being hunted by a rival vampire gang and her plan doesn't include a slow human but his personality ends up charming her, even as the pile of corpses behind her keep rising.

Review:

It's hard to make vampire book appealing - this is me saying when I literally lived the hype of Twilight and of the vampire books of the 2000s/early 2010s.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia manages to give a well saturated genre and mythical creature a breath of freshness, blending the old genre with a slightly diverse, reshaped cast of characters and storyline. Its action-packed pace is an addicting read with intriguing plotlines and nuanced and, somewhat, unexpected characters, particularly the protagonists.

Unlike most of her books, I wouldn't say this fits the noir or thriller genre - it fits urban fantasy with still deep and dark themes but a lighter approach to them.

One of the best things about this book is the creation of a diverse cultures and societies of vampires in the world and its incorporation within the story without seeming too info-dumped or too complicated to follow. The author grants each one an equal space to shine and the conflict between those cultures is what incites the entire storyline alive.

Perhaps of the incorporation a completely new society and cultures leads to the author not complicating the main plot too much. Instead, Silvia Moreno-Garcia leaves the plot simple and fast-paced, without the common complexity that often follows her novels. However, that particular choice does not interfere with the story in a negative light - instead, it shifts the attention that a greater, more complex plot would have to the characters and the vampiristic societies she created.

The two protagonists are opposite of each other: Atl being rough and naturally dark and violent whilst Domingo is soft, gentle and naïve. Surprisingly, those are the exact characteristics that make them attracted (Domingo immediately and Atl after a while) to each other.

Overall, even though I'm writing this review two years later, I still look upon this book with delightfulness and satisfaction.



Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate ]]> 3.52 2016 Certain Dark Things
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: dan
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2023/06/16
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: demigod-tier
review:
� 4.75
“There is a phrase, atl tlachinolli, ‘the water that scorches the earth.� My name means ‘water� but it is also war.�

Synopsis:

Set in Mexico City, in an alternative present, Domingo, a lonely garbage-collecting young man tries to survive the heavily policed streets when Atl collides into his life. The Aztec descendant vampire is smart, beautiful and dangerous so, of course, Domingo is enamored. But Atl needs to escape the city, for she is being hunted by a rival vampire gang and her plan doesn't include a slow human but his personality ends up charming her, even as the pile of corpses behind her keep rising.

Review:

It's hard to make vampire book appealing - this is me saying when I literally lived the hype of Twilight and of the vampire books of the 2000s/early 2010s.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia manages to give a well saturated genre and mythical creature a breath of freshness, blending the old genre with a slightly diverse, reshaped cast of characters and storyline. Its action-packed pace is an addicting read with intriguing plotlines and nuanced and, somewhat, unexpected characters, particularly the protagonists.

Unlike most of her books, I wouldn't say this fits the noir or thriller genre - it fits urban fantasy with still deep and dark themes but a lighter approach to them.

One of the best things about this book is the creation of a diverse cultures and societies of vampires in the world and its incorporation within the story without seeming too info-dumped or too complicated to follow. The author grants each one an equal space to shine and the conflict between those cultures is what incites the entire storyline alive.

Perhaps of the incorporation a completely new society and cultures leads to the author not complicating the main plot too much. Instead, Silvia Moreno-Garcia leaves the plot simple and fast-paced, without the common complexity that often follows her novels. However, that particular choice does not interfere with the story in a negative light - instead, it shifts the attention that a greater, more complex plot would have to the characters and the vampiristic societies she created.

The two protagonists are opposite of each other: Atl being rough and naturally dark and violent whilst Domingo is soft, gentle and naïve. Surprisingly, those are the exact characteristics that make them attracted (Domingo immediately and Atl after a while) to each other.

Overall, even though I'm writing this review two years later, I still look upon this book with delightfulness and satisfaction.



Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate
]]> The Beautiful Ones 60672260 From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic comes a sweeping romance with a dash of magic.

They are the Beautiful Ones, Loisail’s most notable socialites, and this spring is Nina’s chance to join their ranks, courtesy of her well-connected cousin and his calculating wife. But the Grand Season has just begun, and already Nina’s debut has gone disastrously awry. She has always struggled to control her telekinesis—neighbors call her the Witch of Oldhouse—and the haphazard manifestations of her powers make her the subject of malicious gossip.

When entertainer Hector Auvray arrives to town, Nina is dazzled. A telekinetic like her, he has traveled the world performing his talents for admiring audiences. He sees Nina not as a witch, but ripe with potential to master her power under his tutelage. With Hector’s help, Nina’s talent blossoms, as does her love for him.

But great romances are for fairytales, and Hector is hiding a truth from Nina � and himself � that threatens to end their courtship before it truly begins. The Beautiful Ones is a charming tale of love and betrayal, and the struggle between conformity and passion, set in a world where scandal is a razor-sharp weapon.]]> 304 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 1529416140 dan 4 demigod-tier
BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: November, 2023
Theme: Read a Book From a Comfort Author ´

* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

“She was a goddess at whose feet he worshipped, and to cease in his adoration of her would imply he had spent a decade following a false idol.�

I can truly say that there is yet a book from Silvia Moreno-Garcia to disappoint me.

Synopsis:

The story is set around the Beautiful Ones, Loisail’s most notable socialites (Bridgerton with French names and Mexican history surrounding it) and the story follows Antonina � Nina, for short � as she attempts to join the ranks of a highly intricate and ruled-filled society under the wings of her well-connected cousin and his viper of a wife.

In there, Nina is going to meet Hector, a telekinesis� performer who caotures Nina’s heart as soon as she lies eyes on him. However, Hector harbours a well kept secret and harbours second intentions. Until, that is, those second intentions lead to revelations and developments he had never forseen.

Review:

It is incredibly weird to read a Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s book that is mostly focused on romance. Her other books that I’ve read so far ( Gods of Jade and Shadow, Velvet Was the Night and Certain Dark Things ) have had romance as a side plot, more something that develops as the main plot evolves rather than the main source of focus.

As always, the characters are complex, a product of positive and negative traits that made them realistic and three dimensional. It makes you relate to them or their struggles and, even if you harbour no sympathy for certain characters, you can understand their motivation and behaviour.

The atmosphere is, as always, emersive as it allows you to be completely present in the story to the point that it almost makes you miss your bus stop ( not me, though *evades stare* ).

Due to some personal struggles, the relationship between the characters hit me harder than it would have, even though the themes were not exactly the same, it still trigged negative feelings. It made it harder to read this book, yet I still couldn’t wait for the next break in work to read it.

My heart broke whilst reading this but, at the same time, it was necessary.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia does not know how to write a bad book.



Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate ]]> 3.94 2017 The Beautiful Ones
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: dan
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2023/11/19
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: demigod-tier
review:
� 4.75

BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: November, 2023
Theme: Read a Book From a Comfort Author ´

* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

“She was a goddess at whose feet he worshipped, and to cease in his adoration of her would imply he had spent a decade following a false idol.�

I can truly say that there is yet a book from Silvia Moreno-Garcia to disappoint me.

Synopsis:

The story is set around the Beautiful Ones, Loisail’s most notable socialites (Bridgerton with French names and Mexican history surrounding it) and the story follows Antonina � Nina, for short � as she attempts to join the ranks of a highly intricate and ruled-filled society under the wings of her well-connected cousin and his viper of a wife.

In there, Nina is going to meet Hector, a telekinesis� performer who caotures Nina’s heart as soon as she lies eyes on him. However, Hector harbours a well kept secret and harbours second intentions. Until, that is, those second intentions lead to revelations and developments he had never forseen.

Review:

It is incredibly weird to read a Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s book that is mostly focused on romance. Her other books that I’ve read so far ( Gods of Jade and Shadow, Velvet Was the Night and Certain Dark Things ) have had romance as a side plot, more something that develops as the main plot evolves rather than the main source of focus.

As always, the characters are complex, a product of positive and negative traits that made them realistic and three dimensional. It makes you relate to them or their struggles and, even if you harbour no sympathy for certain characters, you can understand their motivation and behaviour.

The atmosphere is, as always, emersive as it allows you to be completely present in the story to the point that it almost makes you miss your bus stop ( not me, though *evades stare* ).

Due to some personal struggles, the relationship between the characters hit me harder than it would have, even though the themes were not exactly the same, it still trigged negative feelings. It made it harder to read this book, yet I still couldn’t wait for the next break in work to read it.

My heart broke whilst reading this but, at the same time, it was necessary.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia does not know how to write a bad book.



Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate
]]> The Daughter of Doctor Moreau 75293480
“This is historical science fiction at its best: a dreamy reimagining of a classic story with vivid descriptions of lush jungles and feminist themes. Some light romance threads through the heavier ethical questions concerning humanity.”� Library Journal (starred review)

“The imagination of Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a thing of wonder, restless and romantic, fearless in the face of genre, embracing the polarities of storytelling—the sleek and the bizarre, wild passions and deep hatreds—with cool equanimity.”� The New York Times (Editors � Choice)

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, Time, NPR, Polygon, Tordotcom, Paste, CrimeReads, Booklist

Carlota Moreau: A young woman growing up on a distant and luxuriant estate, safe from the conflict and strife of the Yucatán peninsula. The only daughter of a researcher who is either a genius or a madman.

Montgomery Laughton: A melancholic overseer with a tragic past and a propensity for alcohol. An outcast who assists Dr. Moreau with his experiments, which are financed by the Lizaldes, owners of magnificent haciendas and plentiful coffers.

The hybrids: The fruits of the doctor’s labor, destined to blindly obey their creator and remain in the shadows. A motley group of part human, part animal monstrosities.

All of them live in a perfectly balanced and static world, which is jolted by the abrupt arrival of Eduardo Lizalde, the charming and careless son of Dr. Moreau’s patron, who will unwittingly begin a dangerous chain reaction.

For Moreau keeps secrets, Carlota has questions, and, in the sweltering heat of the jungle, passions may ignite.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is both a dazzling historical novel and a daring science fiction journey.]]> 304 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 0593355350 dan 4 demigod-tier
BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: March, 2024
Theme: Read a New Release from 2023
* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

“If she’d been a siren luring him to the bottom of the sea, he would have followed. If she’d been a gorgon he’d have let himself be turned into stone.�

As always, Silvia Moreno-Garcia publishes an astonishing novel.

Synopsis:

The story begins with Carlota Moreau, a young woman growing up in a distant estate in the Yucatán peninsula. Her father, Doctor Moreau, is scientist that dedicated most of his life searching for a cure to a terrible illness: human flaw. Then, we follow Montgomery Laughton, a British young man that bears as much melancholy as he drinks and, due to a gambling debt, he is presented with an opportunity to pay such debt � as long as he works for Doctor Moreau.

In the estate, Montgomery is confronted with a reality he never thought possible: hybrids. Part humans, part animal; fruits of the doctor’s experiments and destined to blindly obey their creator.

All live in harmony until Eduardo Lizalde, the Dr. Moreau’s patron’s son whose careless action begin a dangerous chain reaction capable of dooming them all.

In the meantime, betrayals are felt and secrets begin to be uncovered.

Review:

I absolutely love the whimsical, gorgeous and wonderful world that Silvia Moreno-Garcia creates each time. From the wonderful, emersive writing to the complexed, in depth characters. One thing we can always count on is how atmospheric her stories are. The usage of real life, historical conflicts and events so carefully and flawlessly woven into the fictional story is amazing.

Regarding the ending, I was a bit afraid the author wouldn’t do the normal “open ending� she normally does, leaving a thread of hope for the future but right in the last paragraph, there it was. The single thread of hope, in faded gold, perfectly tying a story to an untold ending.

I know this book suffered some not-so-positive reviews but I think the slow pace, then sudden chain reaction of events perfectly mirrors life and how quickly and unexpected conflicts can arise.

Each time I read a book from this author, I’m afraid it’ll ruin the notion I had that she is one of my favourite authors but each time those worries are silenced.

Truly, an auto-buy author for me.



Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate ]]> 3.60 2022 The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: dan
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/03/21
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: demigod-tier
review:
� 4.25

BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: March, 2024
Theme: Read a New Release from 2023
* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

“If she’d been a siren luring him to the bottom of the sea, he would have followed. If she’d been a gorgon he’d have let himself be turned into stone.�

As always, Silvia Moreno-Garcia publishes an astonishing novel.

Synopsis:

The story begins with Carlota Moreau, a young woman growing up in a distant estate in the Yucatán peninsula. Her father, Doctor Moreau, is scientist that dedicated most of his life searching for a cure to a terrible illness: human flaw. Then, we follow Montgomery Laughton, a British young man that bears as much melancholy as he drinks and, due to a gambling debt, he is presented with an opportunity to pay such debt � as long as he works for Doctor Moreau.

In the estate, Montgomery is confronted with a reality he never thought possible: hybrids. Part humans, part animal; fruits of the doctor’s experiments and destined to blindly obey their creator.

All live in harmony until Eduardo Lizalde, the Dr. Moreau’s patron’s son whose careless action begin a dangerous chain reaction capable of dooming them all.

In the meantime, betrayals are felt and secrets begin to be uncovered.

Review:

I absolutely love the whimsical, gorgeous and wonderful world that Silvia Moreno-Garcia creates each time. From the wonderful, emersive writing to the complexed, in depth characters. One thing we can always count on is how atmospheric her stories are. The usage of real life, historical conflicts and events so carefully and flawlessly woven into the fictional story is amazing.

Regarding the ending, I was a bit afraid the author wouldn’t do the normal “open ending� she normally does, leaving a thread of hope for the future but right in the last paragraph, there it was. The single thread of hope, in faded gold, perfectly tying a story to an untold ending.

I know this book suffered some not-so-positive reviews but I think the slow pace, then sudden chain reaction of events perfectly mirrors life and how quickly and unexpected conflicts can arise.

Each time I read a book from this author, I’m afraid it’ll ruin the notion I had that she is one of my favourite authors but each time those worries are silenced.

Truly, an auto-buy author for me.



Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate
]]> Signal to Noise 60321142 A beautiful new edition of Moreno-Garcia's stunning debut, featuring an illustrated cover by legendary artist Jim Tierney

Mexico City, 1988. Long before iTunes or MP3s, you said "I love you" with a mixtape. Meche, awkward and fifteen, discovers how to cast spells using music, and with her friends Sebastian and Daniela will piece together their broken families, and even find love...

Two decades after abandoning the metropolis, Meche returns for her estranged father's funeral, reviving memories from her childhood she thought she buried a long time ago. What really happened back then? Is there any magic left?]]> 352 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 1786186446 dan 3 it-was-nice
BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: June, 2024
Theme: Read a Book from a Comfort Author
* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

-------------------------------------------------------

First time I ever give a 3 star rating to this author and all because of that damned awful main character.

Synopsis:

The story starts with Meche, an awkward fifteen year old, and her friends, Sebastian and Daniela as they learn how to cast spells using music to piece together their ‘broken� lives.

Two decades later, Meche returns to her hometown she abandoned for her father’s funeral, reviving old memories and feelings. Can magic be gone or is there still some lingering?

Review:

My “low� rating (I mean low because I’ve never given a 3 star to this author before) is not because of the setting, the atmosphere, the writing or the structure. It is because of Meche.

I really liked the setting of Mexico City in the late 80s and the contrast between those who were wealthy (or reasonably well in life) and those who lived in poor areas. I liked how relatable the struggles of teenagers (and adults) were depicted, it added a sense of reality to the action of Meche and her friends later on with magic.

However, from half of the book forward, Meche was a difficult character to like. She was real and raw � which is one of the things I love about this author’s writing, how raw and honest and, sometimes, crude characters and situations are described � but that doesn’t mean I have to like her.

I get annoyed at characters A LOT , it’s a fact, but there is very few that I’ve wanted to actually get physically violent towards like Meche. Obviously, I understand her personality and attitude came from her childhood, home situation and lack of acceptance/bullying/visibility in high school. Teenage years are difficult, hormones are running high and, when someone has the desire to be liked and seen, like Meche, the fact that she is not can cause these teenagers to act out.

Very little excuses the way she treated her friends. From the beginning, I mostly thought she only liked Daniela because of convenience and because she was wealthy. She didn’t; she actually cared for her friends but, damn, did she not show it. Her inner dialogue was only *me, me, me, me* and no one dared say otherwise. She ordered Daniela around like a little servant and thrived on the fact that Daniela was non-confrontational and a people-pleaser.

Her clashes with Sebastian was what drove to want to physically throw a punch. She was entitled, narcissist, egotistical, unaware and envious of everything Sebastian could conquer and she did not. Instead of dwelling on her feelings, she used her clung to rage to belittle him, make him feel inferior. It became a battle of egos.

Not saying Sebastian was a saint; but Sebastian acted like a teenager. Meche acted like a narcissist, envious, self-claimed superior person who viewed everything below her. Everyone had to like the same type of music and artists she did, otherwise their tastes were below her. Everyone had to feel as miserable as her about their appearance, otherwise she’d make them feel like that.

Thankfully, the book is divided in two timelines because I honestly think I would’ve DNF’ed if it didn’t.

It’s not as if she’s much better in the present. She clung to anger towards her childhood friends and her parents instead of actually going to therapy.

THIS IS A CHARACTER THAT DEFINITELY NEEDS THERAPY.

Not even joking.

And I’m not even going to comment how reckless she was with magic and its impact and effect. [spoilers removed]

She was only a teenager with issues but that is merely an explanation, not a justification for her poor attitude and actions.

Not even sure why Daniela and Sebastian ever talked to her in real life and tried to connect with her. That’s either loyalty or brainwashing.

Overall, it had every piece of magic the author always does. But I couldn’t overlook how Meche did almost everything reprehensible and did not reflect on herself or changed. She stayed the same and apologised for nothing.



Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate ]]> 3.74 2015 Signal to Noise
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: dan
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2024/06/25
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: it-was-nice
review:
� 3.50

BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: June, 2024
Theme: Read a Book from a Comfort Author
* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

-------------------------------------------------------

First time I ever give a 3 star rating to this author and all because of that damned awful main character.

Synopsis:

The story starts with Meche, an awkward fifteen year old, and her friends, Sebastian and Daniela as they learn how to cast spells using music to piece together their ‘broken� lives.

Two decades later, Meche returns to her hometown she abandoned for her father’s funeral, reviving old memories and feelings. Can magic be gone or is there still some lingering?

Review:

My “low� rating (I mean low because I’ve never given a 3 star to this author before) is not because of the setting, the atmosphere, the writing or the structure. It is because of Meche.

I really liked the setting of Mexico City in the late 80s and the contrast between those who were wealthy (or reasonably well in life) and those who lived in poor areas. I liked how relatable the struggles of teenagers (and adults) were depicted, it added a sense of reality to the action of Meche and her friends later on with magic.

However, from half of the book forward, Meche was a difficult character to like. She was real and raw � which is one of the things I love about this author’s writing, how raw and honest and, sometimes, crude characters and situations are described � but that doesn’t mean I have to like her.

I get annoyed at characters A LOT , it’s a fact, but there is very few that I’ve wanted to actually get physically violent towards like Meche. Obviously, I understand her personality and attitude came from her childhood, home situation and lack of acceptance/bullying/visibility in high school. Teenage years are difficult, hormones are running high and, when someone has the desire to be liked and seen, like Meche, the fact that she is not can cause these teenagers to act out.

Very little excuses the way she treated her friends. From the beginning, I mostly thought she only liked Daniela because of convenience and because she was wealthy. She didn’t; she actually cared for her friends but, damn, did she not show it. Her inner dialogue was only *me, me, me, me* and no one dared say otherwise. She ordered Daniela around like a little servant and thrived on the fact that Daniela was non-confrontational and a people-pleaser.

Her clashes with Sebastian was what drove to want to physically throw a punch. She was entitled, narcissist, egotistical, unaware and envious of everything Sebastian could conquer and she did not. Instead of dwelling on her feelings, she used her clung to rage to belittle him, make him feel inferior. It became a battle of egos.

Not saying Sebastian was a saint; but Sebastian acted like a teenager. Meche acted like a narcissist, envious, self-claimed superior person who viewed everything below her. Everyone had to like the same type of music and artists she did, otherwise their tastes were below her. Everyone had to feel as miserable as her about their appearance, otherwise she’d make them feel like that.

Thankfully, the book is divided in two timelines because I honestly think I would’ve DNF’ed if it didn’t.

It’s not as if she’s much better in the present. She clung to anger towards her childhood friends and her parents instead of actually going to therapy.

THIS IS A CHARACTER THAT DEFINITELY NEEDS THERAPY.

Not even joking.

And I’m not even going to comment how reckless she was with magic and its impact and effect. [spoilers removed]

She was only a teenager with issues but that is merely an explanation, not a justification for her poor attitude and actions.

Not even sure why Daniela and Sebastian ever talked to her in real life and tried to connect with her. That’s either loyalty or brainwashing.

Overall, it had every piece of magic the author always does. But I couldn’t overlook how Meche did almost everything reprehensible and did not reflect on herself or changed. She stayed the same and apologised for nothing.



Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Mexican Gothic
� Silver Nitrate
]]> Mexican Gothic 60007818
Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.

Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness.

And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.]]> 301 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 1529402689 dan 5 demigod-tier
BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: December, 2024
Theme: Read a Book You Were Uncertain About

* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

“The world might indeed be a cursed circle; the snake swallowed its tail and there could be no end, only an eternal ruination and endless devouring.�

I should know I should never doubt Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

“One could construct a hundred different narratives, it didn’t make them true.�


Synopsis:

The story is set in 1950s Mexico, and follows Noemí Taboada, a 20-something year old socialite, when she receives a hectic letter from her newly wed cousin, Catalina, pleading Noemí to come rescue her from her husband, who she claims is poisoning her.

Catalina’s visions of relentless, restless ghosts and haunting grounds has Noemí sceptical and suspicious. Now it is time for Noemí to enter the haunting beautiful old mansion and face those ghosts herself, or is her cousin just being dramatic as she was as a child?

Review:

I was sceptical about this book even before I started my Silvia Moreno-Garcia journey. After reading Gods of Jade and Shadow and following her backlist, I kept my idea that, because of the topics addressed in the plot and the hype it got online, Mexican Gothic might not be my cup of tea. Which would be fine, after all, not everything an author touches is gold.

Except if that author is Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Rick Riordan.

The author writes in a beautiful prose without being too purple writing or too flowery that you cannot understand what the author means. It is just the right amount of beautiful constructed phrases with more direct, less flowery ones.

The plot is well crafted and thought-out. Although the reader can figure out,at least, a part of what happens by halfway, the plot takes turns and twists that, although not entirely shocking, they’re well detailed and crafted. It takes normal, ordinary things from daily life and gives it a disturbing, creepy twist. One thing I loved in particular about this plot was that, even in the second to last chapter, the reader discovers a new layer of the family story (which links with the plot).

Noemí is a strong-willed, practical woman but extremely self-absorbed. She is vain and relies on things she can control in a world of men � her appearance and desirability. In fact, there are several passes where she curates her appearance carefully. She is curious and unquestionably stubborn, which makes her a target the moment she slowly tries to uncover the Doyle’s madness and constantly attempts to break their strict rules. She’s brave but cannot make sense of the illusions and visions she experiences.

The family which Catalina has married into, the Doyle family, is as mysterious as the house and the reader finds everything as Noemí discovers. Virgil, the cousin’s husband, is an attractive man, full of charm to enchant everyone around him. Florence is the dutiful daughter that keeps the house in order and rigid about rules (much to Noemí dismay). Howard is the old father, the patriarch of the house and, despite his illness, still manages to creep Noemí. Francisc is the grandson, closest to Noemí’s age, and the introvert, shy young man that speaks in low, insecure volume.

All of these characters are important for the plot; each plays its own part in the development of the storyline and/or the reasoning behind some characters� choices. I was suspicious of everyone and every single of their actions and the more the plot developed, the more “scared� I was for Noemí.

There was definitely scenes that were hard to read, particularly because of their content or description but I think it brought realism, haunting scenario to the story.

The haunting scenes are meant to be disturbing, disgusting and morbid.

It’s not a horror book, in the sense that I didn’t feel scared, but I felt uneasy and my skin crawled in some scenes. It’s truly a gothic book with horror themes. The imagery of horror is set mostly by the mindset of the master of the house’s whole objective.

There is a romance side plot in this book, which didn’t surprise me but made me happy (mostly because the character I thought was actually good turned out to be good) and made a really well pairing with Noemí. The romance is developed slowly, mostly based on trust earned throughout time and spent quality time. It doesn’t overshadow the main plot but it does add sweetness to the disturbing bitterness of the latter.

As always, Silvia Moreno-Garcia did what she does best and delivered a well crafted story, filled with morbid details and storylines and complex characters.


Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Silver Nitrate ]]> 3.68 2020 Mexican Gothic
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: dan
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/07
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: demigod-tier
review:
� 5

BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: December, 2024
Theme: Read a Book You Were Uncertain About

* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

“The world might indeed be a cursed circle; the snake swallowed its tail and there could be no end, only an eternal ruination and endless devouring.�

I should know I should never doubt Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

“One could construct a hundred different narratives, it didn’t make them true.�


Synopsis:

The story is set in 1950s Mexico, and follows Noemí Taboada, a 20-something year old socialite, when she receives a hectic letter from her newly wed cousin, Catalina, pleading Noemí to come rescue her from her husband, who she claims is poisoning her.

Catalina’s visions of relentless, restless ghosts and haunting grounds has Noemí sceptical and suspicious. Now it is time for Noemí to enter the haunting beautiful old mansion and face those ghosts herself, or is her cousin just being dramatic as she was as a child?

Review:

I was sceptical about this book even before I started my Silvia Moreno-Garcia journey. After reading Gods of Jade and Shadow and following her backlist, I kept my idea that, because of the topics addressed in the plot and the hype it got online, Mexican Gothic might not be my cup of tea. Which would be fine, after all, not everything an author touches is gold.

Except if that author is Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Rick Riordan.

The author writes in a beautiful prose without being too purple writing or too flowery that you cannot understand what the author means. It is just the right amount of beautiful constructed phrases with more direct, less flowery ones.

The plot is well crafted and thought-out. Although the reader can figure out,at least, a part of what happens by halfway, the plot takes turns and twists that, although not entirely shocking, they’re well detailed and crafted. It takes normal, ordinary things from daily life and gives it a disturbing, creepy twist. One thing I loved in particular about this plot was that, even in the second to last chapter, the reader discovers a new layer of the family story (which links with the plot).

Noemí is a strong-willed, practical woman but extremely self-absorbed. She is vain and relies on things she can control in a world of men � her appearance and desirability. In fact, there are several passes where she curates her appearance carefully. She is curious and unquestionably stubborn, which makes her a target the moment she slowly tries to uncover the Doyle’s madness and constantly attempts to break their strict rules. She’s brave but cannot make sense of the illusions and visions she experiences.

The family which Catalina has married into, the Doyle family, is as mysterious as the house and the reader finds everything as Noemí discovers. Virgil, the cousin’s husband, is an attractive man, full of charm to enchant everyone around him. Florence is the dutiful daughter that keeps the house in order and rigid about rules (much to Noemí dismay). Howard is the old father, the patriarch of the house and, despite his illness, still manages to creep Noemí. Francisc is the grandson, closest to Noemí’s age, and the introvert, shy young man that speaks in low, insecure volume.

All of these characters are important for the plot; each plays its own part in the development of the storyline and/or the reasoning behind some characters� choices. I was suspicious of everyone and every single of their actions and the more the plot developed, the more “scared� I was for Noemí.

There was definitely scenes that were hard to read, particularly because of their content or description but I think it brought realism, haunting scenario to the story.

The haunting scenes are meant to be disturbing, disgusting and morbid.

It’s not a horror book, in the sense that I didn’t feel scared, but I felt uneasy and my skin crawled in some scenes. It’s truly a gothic book with horror themes. The imagery of horror is set mostly by the mindset of the master of the house’s whole objective.

There is a romance side plot in this book, which didn’t surprise me but made me happy (mostly because the character I thought was actually good turned out to be good) and made a really well pairing with Noemí. The romance is developed slowly, mostly based on trust earned throughout time and spent quality time. It doesn’t overshadow the main plot but it does add sweetness to the disturbing bitterness of the latter.

As always, Silvia Moreno-Garcia did what she does best and delivered a well crafted story, filled with morbid details and storylines and complex characters.


Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Silver Nitrate
]]> <![CDATA[Silver Nitrate: a dark and gripping thriller from the New York Times bestselling author]]> 215776868 New York Times bestselling author of The Daughter of Doctor Moreau and Mexican Gothic comes a fabulous meld of Mexican horror movies and Nazi occultism: a dark thriller about the curse that haunts a legendary lost film--and awakens one woman's hidden powers.

Montserrat has always been overlooked. She’s a talented sound editor, but she’s left out of the boys� club running the film industry in �90s Mexico City. And she’s all but invisible to her best friend, Tristán, a charming if faded soap opera star, though she’s been in love with him since childhood.

Then Tristán discovers his new neighbor is the cult horror director Abel Urueta, and the legendary auteur claims he can change their lives—even if his tale of a Nazi occultist imbuing magic into highly volatile silver nitrate stock sounds like sheer fantasy. The magic film was never finished, which is why, Urueta swears, his career vanished overnight. He is cursed.

Now the director wants Montserrat and Tristán to help him shoot the missing scene and lift the curse . . . but Montserrat soon notices a dark presence following her, and Tristán begins seeing the ghost of his ex-girlfriend.

As they work together to unravel the mystery of the film and the obscure occultist who once roamed their city, Montserrat and Tristán may find that sorcerers and magic are not only the stuff of movies.]]> 318 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 1529418062 dan 4
“You made a haunted house out of your own flesh and bones.�

“Even if the darkness never ended and swallowed him whole, he'd still run to her.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Montserrat, a talented sound editor that, because of her gender, she is overlooked from the boys� club in the film industry in �90s Mexico. Tristán, her best friend and with whom she’s been in love since childhood, is a washed-out actor who only seeks her when he’s single.

Tristán discovers his new neighbour is the cult horror director, Abel Urueta, who’s desire for the old days leads to reveal a Nazi occultism magic embedded into a volatile silver nitrate film reel. Urueta swears he is cursed because the film was never finished.

Montserrat and Tristán believed they were indulging an old man with big dreams and harmless action until Montserrat notices the presence of a dead Nazi and Tristán begins to see the ghost of his dead ex-girlfriend.

They have to work together to unravel the mystery of the film and the obscure occultism that roamed the world.

Review:

As always, Silvia Moreno-Garcia only knows how to write great stories with intriguing storylines, complex characters with paradoxes.

The book is medium-paced, steadiness and consistency are perfect for this type of genre. The topic of Nazi occultism is an area understudied and � often � overlooked but it can explain the mentality in which many “ordinary� people ended up believing in the nonsense of a “superior race�.

As a historian at heart, I believe the author used the perfect combination between fiction and non-fiction to fill the story. It’s a fine line and, though the book relied a lot on the magical element, it did not forget its origins and it displayed delicately historical accurate facts through its storytelling.

That being said: if you are not a person who really liked History or can’t really grasp the historical fiction/non-fiction in a book, this won’t be for you.

In terms of the romance (which is a subplot), I think it felt too rushed towards the end and underdeveloped. They’re in their late 30s and have been best friends since childhood � of course they know the truest, rawest versions of the other and it’s often the instant in which they throw to each other’s faces through insults or half joking, half not jokes.

[spoilers removed]

Mind you, Tristán is a vain, self-absorbed man who has been forced out of most of his acting career because of a scandal and a car accident. This is a man who’s deeply traumatized, and he definitely should invest in a better therapist because, man, they ain’t helping shit. Montserrat, perhaps because she’s a woman in a boys� club, has this hardened personality of having to deal with that AND Tristán’s own arrogance.

Ideally, these two shouldn’t even be friends, nevertheless lovers. However, the idea of someone having seen and known you at your worst still being capable of loving you and knowing how to deal with your quirks and flaws is somewhat poetic.

Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic ]]> 3.48 2023 Silver Nitrate: a dark and gripping thriller from the New York Times bestselling author
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: dan
average rating: 3.48
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves:
review:
� 4.75
“You made a haunted house out of your own flesh and bones.�

“Even if the darkness never ended and swallowed him whole, he'd still run to her.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Montserrat, a talented sound editor that, because of her gender, she is overlooked from the boys� club in the film industry in �90s Mexico. Tristán, her best friend and with whom she’s been in love since childhood, is a washed-out actor who only seeks her when he’s single.

Tristán discovers his new neighbour is the cult horror director, Abel Urueta, who’s desire for the old days leads to reveal a Nazi occultism magic embedded into a volatile silver nitrate film reel. Urueta swears he is cursed because the film was never finished.

Montserrat and Tristán believed they were indulging an old man with big dreams and harmless action until Montserrat notices the presence of a dead Nazi and Tristán begins to see the ghost of his dead ex-girlfriend.

They have to work together to unravel the mystery of the film and the obscure occultism that roamed the world.

Review:

As always, Silvia Moreno-Garcia only knows how to write great stories with intriguing storylines, complex characters with paradoxes.

The book is medium-paced, steadiness and consistency are perfect for this type of genre. The topic of Nazi occultism is an area understudied and � often � overlooked but it can explain the mentality in which many “ordinary� people ended up believing in the nonsense of a “superior race�.

As a historian at heart, I believe the author used the perfect combination between fiction and non-fiction to fill the story. It’s a fine line and, though the book relied a lot on the magical element, it did not forget its origins and it displayed delicately historical accurate facts through its storytelling.

That being said: if you are not a person who really liked History or can’t really grasp the historical fiction/non-fiction in a book, this won’t be for you.

In terms of the romance (which is a subplot), I think it felt too rushed towards the end and underdeveloped. They’re in their late 30s and have been best friends since childhood � of course they know the truest, rawest versions of the other and it’s often the instant in which they throw to each other’s faces through insults or half joking, half not jokes.

[spoilers removed]

Mind you, Tristán is a vain, self-absorbed man who has been forced out of most of his acting career because of a scandal and a car accident. This is a man who’s deeply traumatized, and he definitely should invest in a better therapist because, man, they ain’t helping shit. Montserrat, perhaps because she’s a woman in a boys� club, has this hardened personality of having to deal with that AND Tristán’s own arrogance.

Ideally, these two shouldn’t even be friends, nevertheless lovers. However, the idea of someone having seen and known you at your worst still being capable of loving you and knowing how to deal with your quirks and flaws is somewhat poetic.

Others Reviews on Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Books:
� Gods of Jade and Shadow
� Velvet Was The Night
� Certain Dark Things
� The Beautiful Ones
� The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
� Signal to Noise
� Mexican Gothic
]]> <![CDATA[The Pumpkin Spice Café (Dream Harbor, #1)]]> 139391940 A spicy small-town romance and TikTok phenomenon, perfect for fans of Hannah Grace and Stephanie Archer.

When Jeanie's aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor's gossip at all costs. But Jeanie's arrival disrupts Logan's routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Will Jeanie's happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won't fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes�

The Pumpkin Spice Café is a cozy romantic mystery for fans of Gilmore Girls, with a grumpy x sunshine dynamic, a small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!

Tropes:

� grumpy x sunshine
� small town
� found family
� spicy]]> 373 Laurie Gilmore 0008610665 dan 3 it-was-good
“Somewhere along the way, she’d forgotten to figure out who she was or what she wanted to be when she grew up.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Jeanie as she inherits the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor. Jeanie, who had grown bored of her desk job, jumped at the opportunity of a new challenge and a change of life/career.

She meets Logan, the timid local farmer who avoids the town’s gossip at all costs, and disrupts his routine. He wants nothing to do with her and wants to continue to live in peace in her farmhouse and go to town as discreetly as he can but he finds an inexplicable attraction � not only physical � to her.

Jeanie’s optimistic attitude and Logan’s grumpiness might not seem a match at first sight but, as they get to know each other closer, their lives might be disrupted even further.

Review:

Apparently, there is a bit of a divisiveness regarding this book.

Though I agree the “I love you� happens rather fast, (after reading the following books in the series as I’m writing this) I noticed it’s something that happens in this series.

The book has a little mystery within and has autumn vibes. It attempts to create the same magical small-town dynamic as in ‘Gilmore Girls� .

The characters were fine, nothing extraordinary but also nothing for people to complain endlessly. I wish there had been a little bit more development in their characters and, especially, in their relationship.

The third act break-up is stupid (as it always is) and, though I understood Logan’s reasoning, it still didn’t make sense a 30 y.o. man be so scared. The miscommunication only originated from the necessity of these characters not knowing how to deal with their own insecurities and emotions, which to that point, I say “go see a therapist, please�.

One thing I must say is: the dialogue is often unrealistic and, not sure how to phrase it but could’ve benefited from a few rounds of editing.

However, I really liked Jeanie’s journey of self-discovery and how she prioritized herself, even when Logan’s insecurity caused them to break up.

I wish the book hadn’t been so rushed in almost every single area. But it serves the purpose of giving the reader a quick and easy read (pro tip: if you’re in a reading slump, it might help you).

The best character is, of course, the cat.
]]> 3.36 2023 The Pumpkin Spice Café (Dream Harbor, #1)
author: Laurie Gilmore
name: dan
average rating: 3.36
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/25
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: it-was-good
review:
� 3.50
“Somewhere along the way, she’d forgotten to figure out who she was or what she wanted to be when she grew up.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Jeanie as she inherits the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor. Jeanie, who had grown bored of her desk job, jumped at the opportunity of a new challenge and a change of life/career.

She meets Logan, the timid local farmer who avoids the town’s gossip at all costs, and disrupts his routine. He wants nothing to do with her and wants to continue to live in peace in her farmhouse and go to town as discreetly as he can but he finds an inexplicable attraction � not only physical � to her.

Jeanie’s optimistic attitude and Logan’s grumpiness might not seem a match at first sight but, as they get to know each other closer, their lives might be disrupted even further.

Review:

Apparently, there is a bit of a divisiveness regarding this book.

Though I agree the “I love you� happens rather fast, (after reading the following books in the series as I’m writing this) I noticed it’s something that happens in this series.

The book has a little mystery within and has autumn vibes. It attempts to create the same magical small-town dynamic as in ‘Gilmore Girls� .

The characters were fine, nothing extraordinary but also nothing for people to complain endlessly. I wish there had been a little bit more development in their characters and, especially, in their relationship.

The third act break-up is stupid (as it always is) and, though I understood Logan’s reasoning, it still didn’t make sense a 30 y.o. man be so scared. The miscommunication only originated from the necessity of these characters not knowing how to deal with their own insecurities and emotions, which to that point, I say “go see a therapist, please�.

One thing I must say is: the dialogue is often unrealistic and, not sure how to phrase it but could’ve benefited from a few rounds of editing.

However, I really liked Jeanie’s journey of self-discovery and how she prioritized herself, even when Logan’s insecurity caused them to break up.

I wish the book hadn’t been so rushed in almost every single area. But it serves the purpose of giving the reader a quick and easy read (pro tip: if you’re in a reading slump, it might help you).

The best character is, of course, the cat.

]]> <![CDATA[Assassin's Creed - Renegado (Assassin’s Creed, #5)]]> 17793962 Sem família, é protegido por um tutor misterioso que o treina de modo a fazer dele um assassino letal. Consumido pela sua sede de vingança, Haytham embarca numa demanda por retaliação, confiando em ninguém e questionando tudo o que lhe é mais próximo.]]> 313 Oliver Bowden 9896375178 dan 0 3.42 2012 Assassin's Creed - Renegado (Assassin’s Creed, #5)
author: Oliver Bowden
name: dan
average rating: 3.42
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: physical-tbr, currently-reading
review:

]]> Viagem a Itália 40242584 Viagem a Itália é, como o próprio nome indica, uma descrição da viagem que o autor empreendeu a Itália, entre 1786 e 1788, e que constituiu uma peça marcante no seu percurso estético e filosófico.

«Quando, em 3 de Setembro de 1786, Goethe não regressa das termas de Karlsbad a Weimar, mas, em vez disso, parte em segredo e incógnito para Itália, está apenas a levar à prática uma decisão pessoal adiada e um imperativo cultural de que nenhum homem de letras, intelectual ou artista pode prescindir a partir de meados do século XVIII. A Itália tornara-se, para a aristocracia já desde o século XVIII, e para a burguesia culta no seguinte, no objectivo último e incontornável do grand tour europeu.»

A Itália, para Goethe, simbolizava o sul quente e apaixonado, por oposição a um norte frio e cauteloso, um lugar onde o passado clássico, embora devastado, se mantinha vivo numa sequência de espaços e num inventário de símbolos e de hábitos para os quais procurou significado, redescobrindo-se nas interpretações que foi criando no seu percurso.]]> 528 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 9722536079 dan 0 to-read, physical-tbr 3.80 1816 Viagem a Itália
author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
name: dan
average rating: 3.80
book published: 1816
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves: to-read, physical-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[In Good Company (Pembroke Hills, #1)]]> 228569777
Callahan Hastings is relentless when it comes to getting what he wants, and what he wants is me–to be his private chef in the Hamptons for the summer.

My dream job served to me on a silver platter by one of the wealthiest members of Pembroke Hills Country Club.

The only catch? He’s my ex-boyfriend’s older brother with a reputation for being as charming as he is cunning.

But Cal doesn’t take no for an answer. He draws you in with flirty smiles and extravagant promises.

I should have seen him coming, but I didn’t. I should have stayed away, but I couldn’t.

His playful touches and burning gaze have ignited a fire in me. The more I resist him, the more irresistible he becomes.

I've always known there's an expiration date on the job–an expiration date on us.

But leaving isn't going to be easy with Cal on his knees, begging me to stay...]]> 386 Kat Singleton 1958292184 dan 0 to-read 4.09 In Good Company (Pembroke Hills, #1)
author: Kat Singleton
name: dan
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Worst Wingman Ever (The Improbable Meet-Cute, #2)]]> 200034606
Holly is dealing with the impending death of her grandmother and still reeling from a bad breakup. One bright spot: a Valentine’s Day card on Holly’s windshield—even if it wasn’t meant for her. An amusing mistake soon turns into a lovely exchange of anonymous notes, little acts of kindness, and a growing affection between two strangers. What happens when one of them has to say goodbye?]]> 61 Abby Jimenez 166251963X dan 0 to-read 3.99 2024 Worst Wingman Ever (The Improbable Meet-Cute, #2)
author: Abby Jimenez
name: dan
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Fall Risk 223199392 Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.]]> 82 Abby Jimenez 1662529082 dan 0 to-read 4.12 2025 The Fall Risk
author: Abby Jimenez
name: dan
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Phantasma (Wicked Games, #1) 204593914 Caraval meets Throne of the Fallen in this spicy dark romantasy where a necromancer needs help from a dangerous phantom to win a deadly competition, only to find their partnership puts her at risk of breaking the game’s most vital rule: don't fall in love.

When Ophelia and her sister discovers their mother brutally murdered, there is no time to grieve: Ophelia has inherited both her powerful death-driven magic and enormous debt on their home. Circumstances go from dire to deadly, however, when Ophelia’s sister decides to pay off the loan by entering Phantasma—a competition where most contestants don’t make it out alive and the winner is granted a single wish.

The only way to save her sister is to compete. But Phantasma is a cursed manor, with twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, and filled with enticing demons and fatal temptations. Ophelia will need to face nine floors of challenges to win... if her fears don’t overtake her first.

When a charming, arrogant stranger claims he can protect and guide Ophelia, she knows she shouldn’t trust him. While Blackwell may not seem dangerous, appearances can be deceptive. But with her sister’s life on the line, Ophelia can’t afford to turn him away. She just needs to ignore the overwhelming, dark attraction drawing them closer and closer together.

Because in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart.]]> 497 Kaylie Smith 1538769255 dan 0 currently-reading 4.06 2024 Phantasma (Wicked Games, #1)
author: Kaylie Smith
name: dan
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> Pride and Prejudice 13584792 Pride and Prejudice is a keepsake to be read and treasured.

First published in 1813, Pride and Prejudice is one of the most popular and beloved British novels of all-time, maintaining its allure for contemporary readers everywhere and selling millions of copies worldwide! Jane Austen’s novel tells the story of the five unmarried Bennet sisters, daughters of a humble country squire, as they deal with the issues of marriage, manners, and upbringing in English country life. Now available as part of the Word Cloud Classics series, Pride and Prejudice is a must-have addition to the libraries of all classic literature lovers.



About the Word Cloud Classics series:

Classic works of literature with a clean, modern aesthetic! Perfect for both old and new literature fans, the Word CloudClassics series from Canterbury Classics provides a chic and inexpensive introduction to timeless tales. With a higher production value, including heat burnished covers and foil stamping, these eye-catching, easy-to-hold editions are the perfect gift for students and fans of literature everywhere.]]> 320 Jane Austen 1607105543 dan 0 4.47 1813 Pride and Prejudice
author: Jane Austen
name: dan
average rating: 4.47
book published: 1813
rating: 0
read at: 2025/03/21
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: to-read, trying-again-later-maybe
review:

]]> Leviathan 91953 'The life of man, solitary, poore, nasty, brutish, and short'

Written during the chaos of the English Civil War, Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan asks how, in a world of violence and horror, can we stop ourselves from descending into anarchy? Hobbes' case for a 'common-wealth' under a powerful sovereign - or 'Leviathan' - to enforce security and the rule of law, shocked his contemporaries, and his book was publicly burnt for sedition the moment it was published. But his penetrating work of political philosophy - now fully revised and with a new introduction for this edition - opened up questions about the nature of statecraft and society that influenced governments across the world.]]> 736 Thomas Hobbes 0140431950 dan 0 to-read 3.71 1651 Leviathan
author: Thomas Hobbes
name: dan
average rating: 3.71
book published: 1651
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Mirrored Heavens (Between Earth and Sky, #3)]]> 60656015 The interwoven destinies of the people of Meridian will finally be determined in this stunning conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse’s Between Earth and Sky trilogy.

Even the sea cannot stay calm before the storm. —Teek saying

Serapio, avatar of the Crow God Reborn and the newly crowned Carrion King, rules Tova. But his enemies gather both on distant shores and within his own city as the matrons of the clans scheme to destroy him. And deep in the alleys of the Maw, a new prophecy is whispered, this one from the Coyote God. It promises Serapio certain doom if its terrible dictates are not fulfilled.

Meanwhile, Xiala is thrust back amongst her people as war comes first to the island of Teek. With their way of life and their magic under threat, she is their last best hope. But the sea won’t talk to her the way it used to, and doubts riddle her mind. She will have to sacrifice the things that matter most to unleash her powers and become the queen they were promised.

And in the far northern wastelands, Naranpa, avatar of the Sun God, seeks a way to save Tova from the visions of fire that engulf her dreams. But another presence has begun stalking her nightmares, and the Jaguar God is on the hunt.]]> 597 Rebecca Roanhorse 1534437703 dan 0 to-read 4.21 2024 Mirrored Heavens (Between Earth and Sky, #3)
author: Rebecca Roanhorse
name: dan
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Just Don't Fall (Sweater Weather, #1; Appies, #1)]]> 196602272 Before Logan Barnes was hockey’s hottest bad boy, he was my brother’s best friend � and my first crush. Oh, yeah—and the guy who ghosted me and broke my teenage heart.

Now Logan is back in Harvest Hollow, but not willingly. Recovering from an injury (and some bad press), he’s stuck playing for our minor league team.

Which means I’ll be working with him almost daily.

As the hockey team's social media manager, it’s my job to wrangle all the guys into filming TikTok trending videos. But Logan doesn’t want to be wrangled.

Turns out � neither does my heart.

Because my old crush never died.

And when Logan becomes my accidental fake boyfriend, those old feelings flare hot enough to melt the ice.

But this is all totally one-sided. Totally fake. Isn't it?

No matter what signals he seems to be giving me or how real things start to feel, I know Logan’s not home for good.

I survived Logan leaving me once. But this time, I’m not so sure my heart will recover…]]> 334 Emma St. Clair dan 0 to-read 3.95 2023 Just Don't Fall (Sweater Weather, #1; Appies, #1)
author: Emma St. Clair
name: dan
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> A Tempest of Tea 208197252 King Arthur meets Peaky Blinders with vampires. The novel follows a gang of outcasts in a deadly heist led by Arthie Casimir to save her tearoom—which fronts an illegal blood house, where local vampires can purchase fresh blood. Publication of the first novel is set for Fall 2022; Josh Adams at Adams Literary did the two-book deal for world English rights.]]> 336 Hafsah Faizal 1529098947 dan 4 demigod-tier
“It's tea time, Scoundrels!�

“That was the nature of man; born to nurture, determined to destroy.�

“Let me bleed for you.�

“Every good love story starts with a bullet to the heart.�

“The dark is no place for a dove.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Arthie Casimir, a criminal mastermind and collector of secrets, as her infamous tearoom (illegal bloodhouse for vampires at night) is threatened by the masked monarch. Unable to save her tearoom alone, she gathers a crew of mischiefs and polar opposites of each other.

However, the problem with gathering a crew from a group of strangers is not everyone might be on her side or even playing of the same goal. As the heist in a vampire society unfolds, the crew sees itself in the midst of a dangerous conspiracy the threatens the entire world.

Review:

As always, Hafsah has written a world of alluring, mesmeric and daunting vampire world whilst reminding us of her origins (Arawiya).

Both Jin, Laith and Matteo exuded charm and flamboyance in different fonts . Jin's nonchalance and snarky remarks serve to hide his grief whilst Matteo's sassy and confidence in his appeal is a compensation for his condition. Laith is mysterious, thus using it as the fountain of his confidence to mask his guilt. Arthie is entirely mistrustful of anyone, sometimes including Jin, and believes everyone either owes her, is useful for her and, therefore seems to have no other value, all to mask to hide the pain of her past, the weight of her secrets and the insecurity in herself.

Flick, my sweetest baby, is probably the realest person in the entire crew. She is as you see. Naivety and blissful ignorance due to her privileged life pours from her but it doesn't affect her kindness, gentleness and curiosity.

The plot is, as always, deeply crafted, the writing is easy but immersive, captivating and somewhat bewitching with fast-paced short chapters. The plot gradually becomes more and more political as the story develops. It dives into the impact and consequences of colonialism and imperial power/influence as well as discrimination, genocide and war crimes.

Although I absolutely understood the purpose of Arthie as a character, it made it difficult to like her the same as the other characters: her guilt and secrets make her detach from making connections with people and, thus, more often than not, she sees them as discardable and, if they have no use for her, then she doesn't even care. I understood the purpose of this character's actions but it made

The plot twists and betrayals were wrecking but I loved them, I just wanted to keep reading. Some were predictable, others not but they hit the right emotions and were beautifully written as well.

I found it particularly misleading the low rating and how some reviews/critics were unfair towards the plot. However, I will agree with the critique: “author who basically writes adult books but ages the characters down�. Hafsah would make such a success in the Adult genre.

This book, in particular, was a lot of more sexual tension packed than We Hunt the Flame and We Free the Stars . I'm not saying it needed a sex scene because IT DOESN'T but it would've probably given her more freedom to write more intimate non-sexual scenes if she wasn't constrained to the boundaries of YA genre - which publishers/editors sometimes force authors to stay in.

One thing that I would also critique would be the exaggerated use of purple prose. It doesn't happen a lot but, specifically when the author is trying to paint the image/vocalise the feelings of grief, despair, anger or sadness originated from colonialism/political actions, it becomes a bit off-handed. It's beautiful the first two lines but the more you force purple prose on a row, the less impactful.

Others Reviews on Hafsah Faizal's Books:
� We Hunt The Flame
� We Free The Stars ]]> 3.45 2024 A Tempest of Tea
author: Hafsah Faizal
name: dan
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/11
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: demigod-tier
review:
� 4.75
“It's tea time, Scoundrels!�

“That was the nature of man; born to nurture, determined to destroy.�

“Let me bleed for you.�

“Every good love story starts with a bullet to the heart.�

“The dark is no place for a dove.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Arthie Casimir, a criminal mastermind and collector of secrets, as her infamous tearoom (illegal bloodhouse for vampires at night) is threatened by the masked monarch. Unable to save her tearoom alone, she gathers a crew of mischiefs and polar opposites of each other.

However, the problem with gathering a crew from a group of strangers is not everyone might be on her side or even playing of the same goal. As the heist in a vampire society unfolds, the crew sees itself in the midst of a dangerous conspiracy the threatens the entire world.

Review:

As always, Hafsah has written a world of alluring, mesmeric and daunting vampire world whilst reminding us of her origins (Arawiya).

Both Jin, Laith and Matteo exuded charm and flamboyance in different fonts . Jin's nonchalance and snarky remarks serve to hide his grief whilst Matteo's sassy and confidence in his appeal is a compensation for his condition. Laith is mysterious, thus using it as the fountain of his confidence to mask his guilt. Arthie is entirely mistrustful of anyone, sometimes including Jin, and believes everyone either owes her, is useful for her and, therefore seems to have no other value, all to mask to hide the pain of her past, the weight of her secrets and the insecurity in herself.

Flick, my sweetest baby, is probably the realest person in the entire crew. She is as you see. Naivety and blissful ignorance due to her privileged life pours from her but it doesn't affect her kindness, gentleness and curiosity.

The plot is, as always, deeply crafted, the writing is easy but immersive, captivating and somewhat bewitching with fast-paced short chapters. The plot gradually becomes more and more political as the story develops. It dives into the impact and consequences of colonialism and imperial power/influence as well as discrimination, genocide and war crimes.

Although I absolutely understood the purpose of Arthie as a character, it made it difficult to like her the same as the other characters: her guilt and secrets make her detach from making connections with people and, thus, more often than not, she sees them as discardable and, if they have no use for her, then she doesn't even care. I understood the purpose of this character's actions but it made

The plot twists and betrayals were wrecking but I loved them, I just wanted to keep reading. Some were predictable, others not but they hit the right emotions and were beautifully written as well.

I found it particularly misleading the low rating and how some reviews/critics were unfair towards the plot. However, I will agree with the critique: “author who basically writes adult books but ages the characters down�. Hafsah would make such a success in the Adult genre.

This book, in particular, was a lot of more sexual tension packed than We Hunt the Flame and We Free the Stars . I'm not saying it needed a sex scene because IT DOESN'T but it would've probably given her more freedom to write more intimate non-sexual scenes if she wasn't constrained to the boundaries of YA genre - which publishers/editors sometimes force authors to stay in.

One thing that I would also critique would be the exaggerated use of purple prose. It doesn't happen a lot but, specifically when the author is trying to paint the image/vocalise the feelings of grief, despair, anger or sadness originated from colonialism/political actions, it becomes a bit off-handed. It's beautiful the first two lines but the more you force purple prose on a row, the less impactful.

Others Reviews on Hafsah Faizal's Books:
� We Hunt The Flame
� We Free The Stars
]]> <![CDATA[A Steeping of Blood (Blood and Tea, #2)]]> 56233551 The epic conclusion to the #1 bestselling A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal; the gritty fantasy duology about an orphan girl and her crew who get tangled in a heist with vampires, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows.

She's had her tea, now she's out for blood.

White Roaring is sharpening its fangs after the deadly night that left the city in shambles. The press are dead, the public calls for justice, vampires are in danger, and amid the turmoil, the Ram announces a celebration.

Still reeling from the bloodshed, Arthie Casimir has no time to mourn the death of anyone, let alone her own. She has no time for love, either, but it had saved her life. As Arthie navigates new emotions and new allies, she must reassemble her scrambled crew and scrape what little they have left to fight one last time � and she will need to face the ghosts of her past to do it.

In Ceylan.

After the jaw-dropping ending of #1 bestselling A Tempest of Tea, Arthie and her crew still have plenty of hearts to break and crimson-red secrets to uncover. Hafsah Faizal crafts a deliciously twisty and seductive sequel that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.]]> 352 Hafsah Faizal 1529097118 dan 0 to-read 4.36 2025 A Steeping of Blood (Blood and Tea, #2)
author: Hafsah Faizal
name: dan
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[First-Time Caller (Heartstrings, #1)]]> 213243908 A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle-inspired love story from beloved author B.K. Borison.

Aiden Valentine has a secret: he's fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore's romance hotline, that's a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight.

Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job; an incredible family; and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life-or lack thereof—she begins to question if she's as happy as she thought. Maybe a little more romance wouldn't be such a bad thing.

Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending... even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final call between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.]]> 448 B.K. Borison 0593641191 dan 0 to-read 4.09 2025 First-Time Caller (Heartstrings, #1)
author: B.K. Borison
name: dan
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Hate Mail 195427537 Naomi and Luca have been pen-pals since fifth-grade. Well, more like bitter rivals caught in an epic battle of insults and verbal jousting...

But what starts as a hilarious chain of hate filled letters, slowly develops into a friendship spanning coasts and years. That is until one day, years later, when the letters suddenly stop.

It’s been two years since Naomi last heard from Luca. Two years since the letter that changed everything.

But when a new envelope turns up out of the blue at her desk at the local news station, Naomi is determined not to let Luca have the final word.]]> 385 Donna Marchetti dan 0 to-read 3.90 2024 Hate Mail
author: Donna Marchetti
name: dan
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The City in Glass 209431009 In this new standalone, Hugo Award-winning author Nghi Vo introduces a beguiling fantasy city in the tradition of Calvino, Mieville, and Le Guin.

A demon. An angel. A city that burns at the heart of the world.

The demon Vitrine—immortal, powerful, and capricious—loves the dazzling city of Azril. She has mothered, married, and maddened the city and its people for generations, and built it into a place of joy and desire, revelry and riot.

And then the angels come, and the city falls.

Vitrine is left with nothing but memories and a book containing the names of those she has lost—and an angel, now bound by her mad, grief-stricken curse to haunt the city he burned.

She mourns her dead and rages against the angel she longs to destroy. Made to be each other’s devastation, angel and demon are destined for eternal battle. Instead, they find themselves locked in a devouring fascination that will change them both forever.

Together, they unearth the past of the lost city and begin to shape its future. But when war threatens Azril and everything they have built, Vitrine and her angel must decide whether they will let the city fall again.

The City in Glass is both a brilliantly constructed history and an epic love story, of death and resurrection, memory and transformation, redemption and desire strong enough to burn a world to ashes and build it anew.]]> 224 Nghi Vo 1250348285 dan 0 to-read 3.94 2024 The City in Glass
author: Nghi Vo
name: dan
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Child Thief 6308379 not Neverland. Fourteen-year-old Nick would have been murdered by the drug dealers preying on his family had Peter not saved him. Now the irresistibly charismatic wild boy wants Nick to follow him to a secret place of great adventure, where magic is alive and you never grow old. Even though he is wary of Peter's crazy talk of faeries and monsters, Nick agrees. After all, New York City is no longer safe for him, and what more could he possibly lose?

There is always more to lose.

Accompanying Peter to a gray and ravished island that was once a lush, enchanted paradise, Nick finds himself unwittingly recruited for a war that has raged for centuries—one where he must learn to fight or die among the "Devils," Peter's savage tribe of lost and stolen children.

There, Peter's dark past is revealed: left to wolves as an infant, despised and hunted, Peter moves restlessly between the worlds of faerie and man. The Child Thief is a leader of bloodthirsty children, a brave friend, and a creature driven to do whatever he must to stop the "Flesh-eaters" and save the last, wild magic in this dying land.]]> 483 Brom 0061671339 dan 0 to-read 4.08 2009 The Child Thief
author: Brom
name: dan
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Left of Forever 217388096 An emotional, spicy, second-chance romance from USA Today bestselling author Tarah DeWitt.

This time, they'll get it right.

Wren and Ellis Byrd fell in love as kids, had their son Sam when they were only teenagers, and built a life together in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon. They were made for one another…until they fell apart.

Now divorced and in their 30s, Wren runs the bakery in town, while Ellis works as a firefighter. They live separate lives, though they are hardly off each other’s minds.

When Sam gets accepted into college and the pair help him move in together, Ellis convinces Wren to take an extended road trip back to Spunes with him to see if they can give their relationship one last chance. Amid the gorgeous scenery of the California coastline, dreamy destinations, and a great deal of long-yearned-for proximity, Wren starts to think it just might be possible. But the two still have to contend with their tumultuous past in order to move forward. And when spoken words fail, sometimes the written word must bridge the gap.
Will they make the most of what’s left of forever? Or will they let each other go for good?

Brimming with big feelings and packed with steam, Left of Forever is bestseller Tarah DeWitt at the top of her game.]]> 336 Tarah DeWitt 1250329442 dan 0 to-read 4.61 2025 Left of Forever
author: Tarah DeWitt
name: dan
average rating: 4.61
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Os Persas: A Era dos Grandes Reis]]> 199601128
Por isso, o renomado professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones lança um novo olhar sobre os reis Ciro, o Grande, Xerxes, Dario, seus herdeiros � os aquemênidas � e seu governo, cujo coração era a cidade de Persépolis. Ao detalhar as relações e intrigas familiares, assim como a realidade dos persas do século VI a IV a.C., o historiador evidencia por que essa foi a era dos grandes reis.

“Uma história nova, esplêndida, bem fundamentada e envolvente dos grandes reis persas que combina um storytelling exuberante com uma erudição excepcional. (...) O resultado é uma tour de force.� Simon Sebag Montefiore, autor de Os Románov, Jerusalém e Titãs da história

“Sempre vívido, muitas vezes desafiador, este é um mergulho muito bem-vindo a um dos maiores impérios e culturas do mundo antigo. Altamente recomendado.� Adrian Goldsworthy, autor de Em nome de Roma]]> 416 Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones 9899138428 dan 0 4.00 2022 Os Persas: A Era dos Grandes Reis
author: Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
name: dan
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/03
shelves: currently-reading, physical-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love (Love's Academic, #1)]]> 200555182
Beth Pickering is on the verge of finally capturing the rare deathwhistler bird when Professor Devon Lockley swoops in, capturing both her bird and her imagination like a villain. Albeit a handsome and charming villain, but that's beside the point. As someone highly educated in the ruthless discipline of ornithology, Beth knows trouble when she sees it, and she is determined to keep her distance from Devon.

For his part, Devon has never been more smitten than when he first set eyes on Professor Beth Pickering. She's so pretty, so polite, so capable of bringing down a fiery, deadly bird using only her wits. In other words, an angel. Devon understands he must not get close to her, however, since they're professional rivals.

When a competition to become Birder of the Year by capturing an endangered caladrius bird is announced, Beth and Devon are forced to team up to have any chance of winning.Now keeping their distance becomes a question of one bed or two. But they must take the risk, because fowl play is afoot, and they can't trust anyone else—for all may be fair in love and war, but this is ornithology.]]> 384 India Holton dan 3 it-was-nice
“All may be fair in love and war, but this is ornithology. Cheating is practically one of our scientific principles.�

Synopsis:

The story follows rival ornithologists, Beth Pickering and Devon Lockley, through England in a hunt for a rare magical bird.

Their first encounters of each other were not the best: Devon literally swept him and stole the magical bird from Beth’s hands, stealing her helicopter parasol in the process. Whilst Beth vows to keep distance from the scoundrel, Devon has never been more smitten and struggles to work beside her when they decide to team up and win Birder of the Year. Problem: there can only be one winner. But they cannot trust anyone else.

Review:

The synopsis calls it a reminiscent Indiana Jones but the vibes were more ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them� due to the countless magical birds that appeared and/or mentioned throughout the book.

This to say, I did not care much for the birds after a while. Sure, at the beginning it was interesting and, regardless, props to the author for taking the time to invent so many different magical birds.

The rivals-to-lovers trope is supposed to present here but it really isn’t. The two main characters are really smitten by each other at first sight and, though I wouldn’t call it love, it’s definitely more than attraction.

Halfway through, I thought the book was coming to an end. Imagine my surprise when I realised I still had 40% to go. The story could’ve been chopped and it would’ve dragged as much. It was fast-paced but, somehow, it managed to drag. It felt repetitive at some points and the constant moving around aimlessly seemed to had nonsense to the rivalry and competition plotline.

A very prominent trope is an innocent/naïve, inexperienced young woman and player/wiser, experienced man. Normally, that trope doesn’t bother me because it can be realistic, depending on the circumstances, but it made each attempt of Beth standing up for herself silly. [spoilers removed]

The story borders hilarious, unserious and silly to serious, heavy topics but it wasn’t always done well. This is mostly due to the narration, which is Third-Person Omniscient Narrator (corresponds to a third-person narrator but is unrelated and non-present in the cast). The narrator always attempted to make a joke or ‘hilarious� moment from a serious conversation. It can work but it has to be done very well and that wasn’t always the case in this story.

Sure, the book is meant to be absurd and hilarious/funny but there are parts that are ‘wtf?� moments for me. [spoilers removed]

I really loved the first two books of the Dangerous Damsels series ( The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and The League of Gentlewomen Witches ) ( We do not speak of the third book ).

I really hope the second book in this instalment is going to be better because I genuinely am entertained and find most of the her writing and plot hilarious.]]> 3.90 2024 The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love (Love's Academic, #1)
author: India Holton
name: dan
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/17
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: it-was-nice
review:
✨️ 3.25
“All may be fair in love and war, but this is ornithology. Cheating is practically one of our scientific principles.�

Synopsis:

The story follows rival ornithologists, Beth Pickering and Devon Lockley, through England in a hunt for a rare magical bird.

Their first encounters of each other were not the best: Devon literally swept him and stole the magical bird from Beth’s hands, stealing her helicopter parasol in the process. Whilst Beth vows to keep distance from the scoundrel, Devon has never been more smitten and struggles to work beside her when they decide to team up and win Birder of the Year. Problem: there can only be one winner. But they cannot trust anyone else.

Review:

The synopsis calls it a reminiscent Indiana Jones but the vibes were more ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them� due to the countless magical birds that appeared and/or mentioned throughout the book.

This to say, I did not care much for the birds after a while. Sure, at the beginning it was interesting and, regardless, props to the author for taking the time to invent so many different magical birds.

The rivals-to-lovers trope is supposed to present here but it really isn’t. The two main characters are really smitten by each other at first sight and, though I wouldn’t call it love, it’s definitely more than attraction.

Halfway through, I thought the book was coming to an end. Imagine my surprise when I realised I still had 40% to go. The story could’ve been chopped and it would’ve dragged as much. It was fast-paced but, somehow, it managed to drag. It felt repetitive at some points and the constant moving around aimlessly seemed to had nonsense to the rivalry and competition plotline.

A very prominent trope is an innocent/naïve, inexperienced young woman and player/wiser, experienced man. Normally, that trope doesn’t bother me because it can be realistic, depending on the circumstances, but it made each attempt of Beth standing up for herself silly. [spoilers removed]

The story borders hilarious, unserious and silly to serious, heavy topics but it wasn’t always done well. This is mostly due to the narration, which is Third-Person Omniscient Narrator (corresponds to a third-person narrator but is unrelated and non-present in the cast). The narrator always attempted to make a joke or ‘hilarious� moment from a serious conversation. It can work but it has to be done very well and that wasn’t always the case in this story.

Sure, the book is meant to be absurd and hilarious/funny but there are parts that are ‘wtf?� moments for me. [spoilers removed]

I really loved the first two books of the Dangerous Damsels series ( The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and The League of Gentlewomen Witches ) ( We do not speak of the third book ).

I really hope the second book in this instalment is going to be better because I genuinely am entertained and find most of the her writing and plot hilarious.
]]> <![CDATA[Lights Out (Into Darkness, #1)]]> 201017011 “I don’t need another kink.�

That thought pops into my head whenever I pull up my favorite social media app, but alas, every time I scroll, I learn something new about myself, and another one is born. And yes, I know I’m responsible for what the algorithm shows me, but I’m trying to ignore that fact.

Lately, my feed has been dominated by masked men. I’ve favorited videos with them dressed in full cosplay, decked out in futuristic military apparel, and wrapped up like ghouls.

But more than anything else, my FYP is filled with shirtless men wearing ghost masks. Bonus points if they’re heavily tattooed, wielding a knife, or covered in fake blood. At night, I dream about being chased by them, of them catching me and doing deliciously dark things to my more than willing body.

I never could have guessed that by sending one drunken text, those dreams would become my new reality.

Lights Out is a fast-paced dark romance with a morally grey male lead. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book. ]]> 338 Navessa Allen dan 2
“I didn’t want him morally grey. I wanted someone with a soul as black as night. Someone who would burn the world down for me and not lose a single minute of sleep over it.�

The first 50% were really good. Josh, the male main character, was hilarious, somewhat down to earth and loving. In fact, his personality was really the only thing that kept me going and, even though I DNFed it, I still struggle with that decision BECAUSE of his personality.

After the mafia part was involved, it lost a bit of its charm and it was an unnecessary addition. This story would've benefited from being short and sweet. Instead, the story dragged and the relationship didn't seem to appeal to me anymore.

Which is a shame because I was loving Josh. But I cannot keep reading books where the only interest, the only thing keeping me engaged, is ONE of the main characters.

There's too many books to read (and things to do) for me to waste time on it. Even though it's someone as Josh (*whispers* I love you)

It's been sitting on my pile for weeks without being touched. For a romance book, that's a lot. It was time to go.]]> 4.17 2024 Lights Out (Into Darkness, #1)
author: Navessa Allen
name: dan
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2025/02/19
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves: not-terrible-just-not-good-enough
review:
✨️ 2.75
“I didn’t want him morally grey. I wanted someone with a soul as black as night. Someone who would burn the world down for me and not lose a single minute of sleep over it.�

The first 50% were really good. Josh, the male main character, was hilarious, somewhat down to earth and loving. In fact, his personality was really the only thing that kept me going and, even though I DNFed it, I still struggle with that decision BECAUSE of his personality.

After the mafia part was involved, it lost a bit of its charm and it was an unnecessary addition. This story would've benefited from being short and sweet. Instead, the story dragged and the relationship didn't seem to appeal to me anymore.

Which is a shame because I was loving Josh. But I cannot keep reading books where the only interest, the only thing keeping me engaged, is ONE of the main characters.

There's too many books to read (and things to do) for me to waste time on it. Even though it's someone as Josh (*whispers* I love you)

It's been sitting on my pile for weeks without being touched. For a romance book, that's a lot. It was time to go.
]]> Not Safe for Work 218372272 Rival engineers dabble in personal chemistry while at a tropical company retreat in this smart, zippy romcom.

Engineer Trishara Malik once dreamed of being the first woman of color to smash the glass ceiling at WMC Purcell, but after years of dealing with white male privilege and blatant nepotism, she watches her hard-earned promotion go to her nemesis, Rafe Gallagher—the boss’s son. Teetering on the edge of burnout, Tris is stunned when she’s picked to attend WMC's corporate leadership retreat in Hawaii. It’s a chance to revive her stalled career and compete for a coveted spot in an executive training program—plus, three weeks in paradise! The only downside? Rafe is her co-attendee.

Tris plans to avoid Rafe entirely, but when she arrives in Maui, a booking error has them stuck sharing the honeymoon suite. Sure, it’s not all torture. Rafe is a smoldering ten—okay fine, an eleven—but after years of competition, they can barely stand being in the same time zone. As they vie against each other during aptitude tests and team-building exercises, Tris begins to realize Rafe might not be the villain after all. With her dreams at stake, can she learn to trust the man who might have been standing in her corner all along?]]> 352 Nisha J. Tuli 1538759268 dan 0 to-read 4.26 Not Safe for Work
author: Nisha J. Tuli
name: dan
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Lavash at First Sight 195888833
Twenty-seven-year-old Nazeli “Ellie� Gregorian enjoys the prestige of her tech marketing job but is sick of the condescending Patagonia-clad tech bros, her micromanaging boss, and her ex-boyfriend, who she’s forced to work with every day. When Ellie’s lovingly overbearing parents ask her to attendPakCon—a food packaging conference in Chicago—to help promote their company and vie to win an ad slot in the Superbowl (no big deal), she’s eager for a brief change and a delicious distraction.

At the conference, she meets witty, devil-may-care Vanya Simonian. Ellie can’t believe how easy it is to talk to Vanya and how much they have in common—both Armenian! From the Bay Area! Whose families are into food! Their meet-cute is cut short, however, when Ellie’s parents recognize Vanya as the daughter of the owners of their greatest rival, whose mission (according to Ellie’s mother) is to whitewash and package Armenian food for the American health-food crowd.

Sworn as enemies, Ellie and Vanya must compete against each other under their suspicious parents' scrutiny, all while their feelings for each other heat to sizzling temps.]]> 304 Taleen Voskuni 0593547322 dan 0 to-read 3.62 2024 Lavash at First Sight
author: Taleen Voskuni
name: dan
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Rage of Dragons (The Burning, #1)]]> 41952489
Everyone else is fodder, destined to fight and die in the endless war. Young, gift-less Tau knows all this, but he has a plan of escape. He's going to get himself injured, get out early, and settle down to marriage, children, and land. Only, he doesn't get the chance. Those closest to him are brutally murdered, and his grief swiftly turns to anger. Fixated on revenge, Tau dedicates himself to an unthinkable path. He'll become the greatest swordsman to ever live, a man willing to die a hundred thousand times for the chance to kill the three who betrayed him.]]> 535 Evan Winter 031648976X dan 0 to-read, physical-tbr 4.30 2017 The Rage of Dragons (The Burning, #1)
author: Evan Winter
name: dan
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/12
shelves: to-read, physical-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Reign & Ruin (Mages of the Wheel, #1)]]> 50607309 “All magic is beautiful,� she said, “and terrible. Do you not see the beauty in yours, or the terror in mine? You can stop a heart, and I can stop your breath.�

She is heir to a Sultanate that once ruled the world. He is an unwanted prince with the power to destroy.

She is order and intellect, a woman fit to rule in a man's place. He is chaos and violence and will stop at nothing to protect his people.

His magic answers hers with shadow for light. They need each other, but the cost of balance may be too high a price. Magic is dying and the only way to save it is to enlist mages who wield the forbidden power of death, mages cast out centuries ago in a brutal and bloody war.

Now, a new war is coming. Science and machines to replace magic and old religion.

They must find a way to save their people from annihilation and balance the sacred Wheel—but first, they will have to balance their own forbidden passion. His peace for her tempest, his restlessness for her calm�

Night and day, dusk and dawn, the end, and the beginning. ]]> 420 J.D. Evans 1951607015 dan 0 to-read 4.17 2020 Reign & Ruin (Mages of the Wheel, #1)
author: J.D. Evans
name: dan
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Inanna (Sumerians, #1) 62844125
Stories are sly things…they can be hard to catch and kill.

Inanna is an impossibility, the first full Anunnaki born on Earth. Crowned the goddess of love by the twelve immortal Anunnaki who are worshipped across Sumer, she is destined for greatness.

But Inanna is born into a time of war. The Anunnaki have split into warring factions, threatening to tear the world apart. Forced into a marriage to negotiate a peace, she soon realises she has been placed in terrible danger.

Gilgamesh, a mortal human son of the Anunnaki, and notorious womaniser, finds himself captured and imprisoned by King Akka who seeks to distance himself and his people from the gods. Arrogant and selfish, Gilgamesh is given one final chance to prove himself.

Ninshubar, a powerful warrior woman, is cast out of her tribe after an act of kindness. Hunted by her own people, she escapes across the country, searching for acceptance and a new place in the world.

As their journeys push them closer together, and their fates intertwine, they come to realise that together, they may have the power to change to face of the world forever.]]> 474 Emily H. Wilson 1803364408 dan 0 to-read 4.02 2023 Inanna (Sumerians, #1)
author: Emily H. Wilson
name: dan
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Crossroads (Haven River Ranch, #1)]]> 203420369 A sweeping small-town romance about love, loss, and a Montana legacy from USA Today bestselling author Devney Perry.

I met West Haven when I was eight years old. He taught me to play poker when I was nine, and we made paper airplanes together when I was eleven. He kissed me when I was sixteen. He was the best part about my family’s summer vacations to Montana. He was the boy who stole my heart. I was twenty-three when life ripped us apart.

Years later, I’m breaking my vow and returning to the ranch, not as a guest but its new owner. West might want me gone, but even he has to admit the only way to save his family’s legacy is with my help.

It’s not easy working side by side and facing those old memories. But this situation is only temporary. We’re at a crossroads. And as long as I don’t let myself fall in love with West Haven again, maybe this is our chance to put those ghosts to rest. Maybe this time we’ll finally be able to say goodbye.]]> 300 Devney Perry 166251879X dan 4 great-stuff
“Collisions on crossroads. West and I were nothing but collisions on crossroads.�

“Time vanished. The years between us melted away. The mistakes, the regrets, turned to ash. A century wouldn’t dull this fire. Not with Indya.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Indya Keller as she buys a large resort accommodating ranch in Montana, a beloved place she and her parents used to spend their yearly vacations. But that place is not only filled with love and cherished memories, it also harbours heartbreak, grief and sorrow.

West Haven, the son of the (former) owner, discovers his father no longer owns the ranch through the mouth of the person he wished he could forget. His legacy and inheritance has disappeared in a blink of an eye and he cannot comprehend overwhelming emotions whenever he sees Indya.

West doesn’t trust Indya but Indya only wants to restore the ranch to its former glory before leaving Montana forever. Can they finally find closure in each other or is their presence (and love) too strong to handle?

Review:

As always Devney Perry has done it again.

I really enjoyed the constant “time travel� where we’d see Indya’s and Wes� relationship as they grew up. I saw some criticism regarding how most of the romance was in the past tense (and poorly developed since Indya spent mostly just one week per year). I do agree there should’ve been a slightly more development, not particularly specified (in words) in the story but hinted. The idea two people could fall in love with each other with only one week per year of seeing each other is slightly unrealistic.

However, I do not read romance books for its realism otherwise this story � as it is � wouldn’t have worked in the real life.

I really liked the dynamic and complexity of the storyline, particularly Indya’s relationship with her father’s situation and it all played out in her buying the ranch.

I wish there had been a far more deep appreciation over Indya’s hard work and struggle to revive the ranch to its former glory whilst modernise it without forgetting its roots. I completely understand the initial shock and initial mistrust (though I think it was slightly exaggerated), but the moment change started to happen, there should’ve been a more appreciation over Indya’s efforts.

I’ve seen some reviews criticise Indya for always pulling rank and saying she was “the boss� and owner. Those people forget how everyone disrespected, mistreated and disregarded Indya from the moment (and before) she introduced herself. Pulling ranks and saying she was the boss/owner was a way for the staff to show respect they did not give her initially. [spoilers removed]

West’s mother, Lily, is a complicated issue. Though I understand her reasoning as to why she did not talk to Wes� father, Curtis, and has a difficult relationship with Jax, Wes� brother, I have mixed feelings.

[spoilers removed]

One thing I despised was how everyone expected Indya to know every single local gossip/situation/lore and blamed her when she made choices unknowingly.

I loved how there isn’t a third-act break-up. Instead, we have an understanding partner that, although is hurt, confused and conflicting, they talk it out (like mature adults) and find love and understanding in their differences and their actions.

Overall, I think it was a really well written story � typical Devney Perry cowboy/ranch story. Don’t expect anything out of the box this author usually writes. If she isn’t an author that you particularly enjoy or don’t find most of her books entertaining, then this book might not be for you.]]> 4.12 2024 Crossroads (Haven River Ranch, #1)
author: Devney Perry
name: dan
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/05
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves: great-stuff
review:
� 4.25
“Collisions on crossroads. West and I were nothing but collisions on crossroads.�

“Time vanished. The years between us melted away. The mistakes, the regrets, turned to ash. A century wouldn’t dull this fire. Not with Indya.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Indya Keller as she buys a large resort accommodating ranch in Montana, a beloved place she and her parents used to spend their yearly vacations. But that place is not only filled with love and cherished memories, it also harbours heartbreak, grief and sorrow.

West Haven, the son of the (former) owner, discovers his father no longer owns the ranch through the mouth of the person he wished he could forget. His legacy and inheritance has disappeared in a blink of an eye and he cannot comprehend overwhelming emotions whenever he sees Indya.

West doesn’t trust Indya but Indya only wants to restore the ranch to its former glory before leaving Montana forever. Can they finally find closure in each other or is their presence (and love) too strong to handle?

Review:

As always Devney Perry has done it again.

I really enjoyed the constant “time travel� where we’d see Indya’s and Wes� relationship as they grew up. I saw some criticism regarding how most of the romance was in the past tense (and poorly developed since Indya spent mostly just one week per year). I do agree there should’ve been a slightly more development, not particularly specified (in words) in the story but hinted. The idea two people could fall in love with each other with only one week per year of seeing each other is slightly unrealistic.

However, I do not read romance books for its realism otherwise this story � as it is � wouldn’t have worked in the real life.

I really liked the dynamic and complexity of the storyline, particularly Indya’s relationship with her father’s situation and it all played out in her buying the ranch.

I wish there had been a far more deep appreciation over Indya’s hard work and struggle to revive the ranch to its former glory whilst modernise it without forgetting its roots. I completely understand the initial shock and initial mistrust (though I think it was slightly exaggerated), but the moment change started to happen, there should’ve been a more appreciation over Indya’s efforts.

I’ve seen some reviews criticise Indya for always pulling rank and saying she was “the boss� and owner. Those people forget how everyone disrespected, mistreated and disregarded Indya from the moment (and before) she introduced herself. Pulling ranks and saying she was the boss/owner was a way for the staff to show respect they did not give her initially. [spoilers removed]

West’s mother, Lily, is a complicated issue. Though I understand her reasoning as to why she did not talk to Wes� father, Curtis, and has a difficult relationship with Jax, Wes� brother, I have mixed feelings.

[spoilers removed]

One thing I despised was how everyone expected Indya to know every single local gossip/situation/lore and blamed her when she made choices unknowingly.

I loved how there isn’t a third-act break-up. Instead, we have an understanding partner that, although is hurt, confused and conflicting, they talk it out (like mature adults) and find love and understanding in their differences and their actions.

Overall, I think it was a really well written story � typical Devney Perry cowboy/ranch story. Don’t expect anything out of the box this author usually writes. If she isn’t an author that you particularly enjoy or don’t find most of her books entertaining, then this book might not be for you.
]]> Savor It 195790899
Sage Byrd has lived in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon (not to be confused with Forks, Washington) her entire life. She's learned to love her small world, with the misfit animals on her hobby farm, and her friendships with the town’s inhabitants. But when her 5-year relationship ends and her ex, town-golden-boy Ian, suddenly gets engaged, Sage needs a win―something that will convince everyone to stop pitying her all the time, and to put Ian in his place. The Festival of Spunes, the town’s annual summer competition, would be the perfect opportunity. She just needs a partner.

Fisher Lange was a hotshot chef in New York City until the loss of his sister left him numb, grieving, and responsible for his teenage niece Indy. When Fisher loses his Michelin star along with his love of cooking, his boss sends him and Indy to Spunes on a much-needed summer sabbatical to consult on a restaurant opening. But when clashes with the townspeople threaten his last chance to redeem himself and a kiss with his new neighbor Sage leads to dating rumors, a strategic alliance might just be the best way to turn things around.

A deal is struck. Sage will improve Fisher’s image in the eyes of the town and remove the roadblocks he is facing with the restaurant, and Fisher will be Sage’s partner for the competition. But as their pact quickly turns into steamy rendezvous, emotional wounds begin to heal, and the pair tries to savor every moment, they start to realize that summer is racing by much faster than they would like...

Filled with spicy summer fun, small-town charm, and Big Feelings, this highly anticipated romcom is Tarah DeWitt’s best yet.]]> 336 Tarah DeWitt 1250329426 dan 3 it-was-good
"Don't worry so much about the clouds that you miss the flowers at your feet."
“You once told me you thought you were a lot of nots. I want you to know that to me, you're everything. I love that you're full of terrible puns that you're not afraid to follow with profound wisdom. You're all the shapes made perfectly to hold me, and you're all my favorite colors.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Fisher Lange, a somewhat-of-a-big-deal chef in New York that has fallen from grace. The loss of his sister has left him grieving and responsibly for his teenage niece. When Fisher hits rock bottom, his boss decides to give him one last opportunity and sends Fisher for a summer to consult on the new restaurant developments on the small town of Spunes, Oregon.

There he meets Sage Byrd, a local who lives in her small world in her hobby farm with misfits animals. After ending a 5 year-relationship with the town’s golden boy, everyone feels pity for her and she needs it to stop � particularly after said golden boy becomes engaged less than a year of dating someone else.

Being an outsider, Fisher runs into problems with the townspeople who threaten his last chance of redemption and Sage is purposely ambushed by his ex-boyfriend fiancée, an alliance is form to improve Fisher’s image and Sage’s troubles.

However, it’s not long before a strategic alliance becomes a rendez-vous where emotional wounds start to heal and, with the clock ticking down the days, summer might be the only time they have left to enjoy.

Review:

The book throws you a bit into a deep and offers little explanation, a part from dwelling into the characters� feelings. Only then does the reader start to get a sense of what happens as the story progresses.

I really liked the chemistry between Sage and Fisher, although I do think it was slightly uneven. There were times where the chemistry was evident, burning ardently and filled with tension whereas there were times where it felt like it was stagnant, leading to nowhere as if they hadn’t just kissed or had sex.

I really liked the camaraderie between them but couldn’t understand the reason they trusted each other SO fast.

I really liked the message of the book: do not worry for the future, be present in the present because each moment is a gift. [spoilers removed]

There was a balance between light-hearted and emotional scenes. Sage is definitely more at touch with her own feelings and Fisher haven’t really allowed himself to process the grief. However, I wish there had been more intimate non-sexual moments between Sage and Fisher where there could’ve seen a development between them and the feelings.

One of the things that threw me off was the constant reminder of excuses that could’ve easily been solved if Fisher had been more in touch with himself, his grief and his cooking. Using his teenage niece as an excuse to go back to New York is eye-roll worthy.

Overall, it was a good read, it was entertaining and it did well to pass the time. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a small town romance with a little steam (not a lot actually), touching and funny moments.]]> 3.87 2024 Savor It
author: Tarah DeWitt
name: dan
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/26
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves: it-was-good
review:
� 3.5
"Don't worry so much about the clouds that you miss the flowers at your feet."
“You once told me you thought you were a lot of nots. I want you to know that to me, you're everything. I love that you're full of terrible puns that you're not afraid to follow with profound wisdom. You're all the shapes made perfectly to hold me, and you're all my favorite colors.�

Synopsis:

The story follows Fisher Lange, a somewhat-of-a-big-deal chef in New York that has fallen from grace. The loss of his sister has left him grieving and responsibly for his teenage niece. When Fisher hits rock bottom, his boss decides to give him one last opportunity and sends Fisher for a summer to consult on the new restaurant developments on the small town of Spunes, Oregon.

There he meets Sage Byrd, a local who lives in her small world in her hobby farm with misfits animals. After ending a 5 year-relationship with the town’s golden boy, everyone feels pity for her and she needs it to stop � particularly after said golden boy becomes engaged less than a year of dating someone else.

Being an outsider, Fisher runs into problems with the townspeople who threaten his last chance of redemption and Sage is purposely ambushed by his ex-boyfriend fiancée, an alliance is form to improve Fisher’s image and Sage’s troubles.

However, it’s not long before a strategic alliance becomes a rendez-vous where emotional wounds start to heal and, with the clock ticking down the days, summer might be the only time they have left to enjoy.

Review:

The book throws you a bit into a deep and offers little explanation, a part from dwelling into the characters� feelings. Only then does the reader start to get a sense of what happens as the story progresses.

I really liked the chemistry between Sage and Fisher, although I do think it was slightly uneven. There were times where the chemistry was evident, burning ardently and filled with tension whereas there were times where it felt like it was stagnant, leading to nowhere as if they hadn’t just kissed or had sex.

I really liked the camaraderie between them but couldn’t understand the reason they trusted each other SO fast.

I really liked the message of the book: do not worry for the future, be present in the present because each moment is a gift. [spoilers removed]

There was a balance between light-hearted and emotional scenes. Sage is definitely more at touch with her own feelings and Fisher haven’t really allowed himself to process the grief. However, I wish there had been more intimate non-sexual moments between Sage and Fisher where there could’ve seen a development between them and the feelings.

One of the things that threw me off was the constant reminder of excuses that could’ve easily been solved if Fisher had been more in touch with himself, his grief and his cooking. Using his teenage niece as an excuse to go back to New York is eye-roll worthy.

Overall, it was a good read, it was entertaining and it did well to pass the time. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a small town romance with a little steam (not a lot actually), touching and funny moments.
]]> Forget Me Not 61618737 An ambitious wedding planner must work with her grumpy florist ex, whose heart she broke, on the most high-profile wedding of her career, in this spicy and emotional romance from popular fanfic author Julie Soto.

He loves me; he loves me not...

Ama Torres loves being a wedding planner. But with a mother who has been married more times than you can count on your fingers, Ama has decided that marriage is not the route for her. But weddings? Weddings are amazing. As asmall business owner, she knows how to match her clients with the perfect vendor to give them the wedding of their dreams. Well, almostperfect�

Elliot hates being a florist, most of the time. When his father lefthim the flower shop, he consideredit a burden, but he’s stuck with it. Just like how he’s stuck with the way he proposed to Ama, his main collaborator and girlfriend (or was she?) two years ago. But flowers have grown on him, just like Ama did. And flowers can’t run off and never speak to him again, like Ama did.

When Ama is hired to plan a celebrity wedding that will bring her business national exposure, there's a catch: Elliot is already contracted to design the flowers. Things are not helped by the two brides, who see the obvious chemistry between Ama and Elliot and are determined to set them up, not knowing their complicated history. Add in a meddling ex-boss, and a reality TV film crew documenting every step of the wedding prep, and Ama and Elliot's hearts are not only in jeopardy again, but this time, their livelihoods are too.]]> 341 Julie Soto 1538740885 dan 4 great-stuff
“You may think everything ends one day, but you haven’t had ‘everything� with me.�

Eliott is an amazing man, quite the blueprint for all men. Still caring even when angry and heartbroken.

Wish the Ama went to the therapy so she could save Eliott and herself a lot of heartbreak. She pissed me off sometimes of how traumatised by her mother's constant marriages she was but kinda refused to do any self-introspection.

[spoilers removed]]]> 3.94 2023 Forget Me Not
author: Julie Soto
name: dan
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/06
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: great-stuff
review:
� 4.5
“You may think everything ends one day, but you haven’t had ‘everything� with me.�

Eliott is an amazing man, quite the blueprint for all men. Still caring even when angry and heartbroken.

Wish the Ama went to the therapy so she could save Eliott and herself a lot of heartbreak. She pissed me off sometimes of how traumatised by her mother's constant marriages she was but kinda refused to do any self-introspection.

[spoilers removed]
]]> Not Another Love Song 201627074 Two string players fight their attraction for each other as they compete for center stage in this spicy and emotional romance.

Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne are both musical prodigies, but each has had very different paths to success. Xander was born into classical music royalty, while Gwen had a natural ear for music that was nurtured by a kind shop owner.

After Gwen performs at his friend’s wedding, she’s mortified when she realizes Xander has no clue who she is—despite having worked together for a year at the Pops Orchestra. But she’s more furious that he arrogantly critiques her performance.

When Gwen is offered the role of First Chair of the orchestra, something Xander had secretly coveted for years, their existing hostility goes up a notch. But their respect for each other's music is undeniable, and their onstage chemistry off the scale. As they begin to explore their feelings for one another, suddenly they're box office dynamite and the fragile romance that's growing between them is in danger of being crushed beneath a publicity stunt...]]> 384 Julie Soto 1538740915 dan 4 demigod-tier
“It’s simple, really. It’s about a cello that fell in love with a violin.�

I need this book injected into my veins, the cello scene needs to happen in my life and I refuse to accept anything LESS than a version of Xander/Alex

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.]]> 4.05 2024 Not Another Love Song
author: Julie Soto
name: dan
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/02
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: demigod-tier
review:
� 4.75
“It’s simple, really. It’s about a cello that fell in love with a violin.�

I need this book injected into my veins, the cello scene needs to happen in my life and I refuse to accept anything LESS than a version of Xander/Alex

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
]]> I Think Olive You 211113858
When he gains an inherited stake in an old Italian olive grove, on the brink of failure, Matteo finds the perfect opportunity to carve out his own future. He leaves America behind for the sun and seduction of an Italian summer.

One ill-fated Vespa incident later Matteo finds himself handlebar-to-face with the fiery Giuliana. The two hit it off despite Matteo’s awful driving and share a scorching night with no promises for tomorrow. But they are fated for another collision, this time one of past and present.

Giuliana is the owner of the farm he’s desperate to take for his own, and thinks Matteo is a volunteer coming to help until the harvest. Unwilling to give up this chance at his future—or her—he plays into the misunderstanding until it’s a full-on ruse.

As Matteo learns more about Giuliana, past feuds, and where he belongs, he will have to decide which is more important: legacy or letting love grow.]]> 298 Tristen Crone dan 3 it-was-good
"I can't stop thinking about you. You haunt me. The feel of your skin, the sound of your moans. I remember it all and it's torture. Tell me you think about it too. Put me out of my misery."

Synopsis:

The story follows Matteo as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grief, and purpose.

As part of his inheritance, Matteo is part owner of an Italian olive grove on the brink of failure and, to make sure he doesn’t lose the rest of his inheritance, he has to make sure it DOES fail so he can acquire it for his belated father’s company.

One Vespa incident and Matteo finds himself face-to-face with Giuliana, an Italian through and through. After a scorching night of no promises, they think they’re done with each other but, this time, the past and the present are haunting them as Giuliana reveals to be the other owner of the farm and believes Matteo is the volunteer she has been expecting.

Unwilling to give up his inheritance and a chance of a future, he decides to take full use of that advantage. However, the more he leans about Giuliana, past feuds, his father and himself, he has to decide what he truly wants: his legacy or love.

Review:

I’m going to be honest: I didn’t have much expectations for this book but the cover was really pretty and it got me.

I’m glad I gave this a chance.

Not only is an Italian filled book, it’s about about grief and self-discovery. It’s focused on romance, sure, but the constant presence of a mental illness and unattended grief are real topics that I wish were addressed more often in THIS manner.

I identified a lot with Matteo and “the voices in his head�. I felt heard and seen and I can’t explain to you enough how depressing it is to have those constant voices in your head, bringing you down.

Anyway,

I think the author did it splendid job at portraying it and I’m surprised it didn’t get as much traction on the online book community. It’s such a shame.

The romance is really well written, although I wish the book was longer with more scenes between Matteo and Giuliana � the author wrote them so well, their dynamic and their bond but some were short and I wish it explored more of the growing love between them � which is probably the reason it didn’t get a higher score.

I also wish the conflict wasn’t played out as it was. I think it was a bit of an excuse to create a long-term tension and to make them part ways without having to explain a big deal. Not saying it was badly written, it was just insufficient for me.

[spoilers removed]

Regardless, I absolutely loved this book up until the conflict (third-act-break-up) and I’m looking forward to explore more of this author’s works, past and future.

I recommend this book to anyone who has dealt or is dealing with grief, mental illness, “voices in their heads that tell them they’re not good enough� and anyone who loves a sexy time in Italy.]]> 3.00 2024 I Think Olive You
author: Tristen Crone
name: dan
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/15
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: it-was-good
review:
� 3.75

"I can't stop thinking about you. You haunt me. The feel of your skin, the sound of your moans. I remember it all and it's torture. Tell me you think about it too. Put me out of my misery."

Synopsis:

The story follows Matteo as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grief, and purpose.

As part of his inheritance, Matteo is part owner of an Italian olive grove on the brink of failure and, to make sure he doesn’t lose the rest of his inheritance, he has to make sure it DOES fail so he can acquire it for his belated father’s company.

One Vespa incident and Matteo finds himself face-to-face with Giuliana, an Italian through and through. After a scorching night of no promises, they think they’re done with each other but, this time, the past and the present are haunting them as Giuliana reveals to be the other owner of the farm and believes Matteo is the volunteer she has been expecting.

Unwilling to give up his inheritance and a chance of a future, he decides to take full use of that advantage. However, the more he leans about Giuliana, past feuds, his father and himself, he has to decide what he truly wants: his legacy or love.

Review:

I’m going to be honest: I didn’t have much expectations for this book but the cover was really pretty and it got me.

I’m glad I gave this a chance.

Not only is an Italian filled book, it’s about about grief and self-discovery. It’s focused on romance, sure, but the constant presence of a mental illness and unattended grief are real topics that I wish were addressed more often in THIS manner.

I identified a lot with Matteo and “the voices in his head�. I felt heard and seen and I can’t explain to you enough how depressing it is to have those constant voices in your head, bringing you down.

Anyway,

I think the author did it splendid job at portraying it and I’m surprised it didn’t get as much traction on the online book community. It’s such a shame.

The romance is really well written, although I wish the book was longer with more scenes between Matteo and Giuliana � the author wrote them so well, their dynamic and their bond but some were short and I wish it explored more of the growing love between them � which is probably the reason it didn’t get a higher score.

I also wish the conflict wasn’t played out as it was. I think it was a bit of an excuse to create a long-term tension and to make them part ways without having to explain a big deal. Not saying it was badly written, it was just insufficient for me.

[spoilers removed]

Regardless, I absolutely loved this book up until the conflict (third-act-break-up) and I’m looking forward to explore more of this author’s works, past and future.

I recommend this book to anyone who has dealt or is dealing with grief, mental illness, “voices in their heads that tell them they’re not good enough� and anyone who loves a sexy time in Italy.
]]> The Thrashers 217387802 Either you're in or you're out.

Welcome to the Thrashers, the elite friend group at New Helvetia High.

They’re everything everyone wants to be.

Jodi Dillon was never meant to be one of them. Julian, Lucy, Paige, and the infamous Zack Thrasher are rich, sophisticated, and love attention. Jodi feels out of place, but Zack’s her childhood best friend, so she’s in.

Then Emily Mills, who desperately wanted to be a Thrasher, dies—and the whispers about the Thrashers begin. As Emily’s journal surfaces, detectives close in, and Jodi faces an impossible choice: betray her friends or protect herself.

But as eerie messages and strange occurrences escalate, it becomes clear—Emily isn’t done with them yet.

A twisty thrill-ride of unforgettable drama and suspense that "encapsulates the vulnerability of adolescents playing adult games" (Ali Hazelwood) from USA Today bestselling author Julie Soto, The Thrashers will keep you up at night desperate to read just one more page.

"A tour-de-force YA debut from Julie Soto." - Alexa Donne

"For fans of Karen McManus and Kara Thomas, The Thrashers had me holding my breath, sweaty-palming my e-reader, and dying to flip each page to see what would happen next." - Susan Lee

"Expertly plotted and full of flawed, morally gray characters you still can't help rooting for, The Thrashers is one of the best books I've read this year." - Evelyn Skye]]> 352 Julie Soto 125037717X dan 0 to-read 4.40 2025 The Thrashers
author: Julie Soto
name: dan
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Rose in Chains (The Evermore Trilogy, #1)]]> 221179254 This beautiful DELUXE EDITION hardcover featuring gorgeous sprayed edges with stenciled art is only available for a limited first print run and while supplies last. This is a stunning special edition you will want to add to your collection.

YOUR NEXT ROMANTASY OBSESSION!

The war is over, the dark forces have won, and the hero who was supposed to save them is dead.

Captured as her castle is overrun by the enemy, Briony Rosewood knows that the world as she knows it is changed forever. The dark forces of Bomard have won and her people, the Eversuns, face imminent servitude, imprisonment or death. Her brother, fated to be heir twice over and unite the warring kingdoms, is dead.

Stripped of her Mind Magic and her freedom, Briony and the other survivors are quickly auctioned off to the highest bidders in an auction � and as the heir-apparent’s sister, she fetches the highest price.

After a fierce bidding war, she’s sold to none other than Toven a high ranking Bomardsun � and her long-time and ill-fated infatuation. Scion of a family known for their cruel control of Heart Magic, the Hearsts are ruthlessly ambitious, and Briony knows they will use her however they can to further their own interests.

Yet despite the horrors of her new world and the role she must learn to play within it, all is not lost. Help � and hope � may yet arise in the most unlikely of places…]]> 464 Julie Soto 1538771225 dan 0 to-read 4.59 2025 Rose in Chains (The Evermore Trilogy, #1)
author: Julie Soto
name: dan
average rating: 4.59
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Homegrown Magic 215362543 A delightful queer romantic fantasy full of friends-to-lovers chemistry, found family, rival family drama, and cozy garden magic from two acclaimed YA authors making their debut in the adult space.

Yael Clauneck is the only scion of an obscenely wealthy banking family with its fingers in every pie in the realm. They’re on the precipice of a predetermined life when they flee their own graduation party, galloping away in search of…well, they’re not sure, but maybe the chance to feel like life can still be a grand adventure.

Margot Greenwillow—talented plant witch, tea lover, and greenhouse owner—has never felt further from adventure in her life. She’s been desperately trying to keep what remains of her family's magic remedies business afloat. So when her childhood friend and former crush, Yael, rides back into her life, she’s shocked. But perhaps this could be a good thing. After all, Margot could use an assistant in the greenhouses.

Yael has no experience or, honestly, practical skills, but they’re delighted to accept. They can lay low for a while, flirting with Margot while they figure out what to do next. Meanwhile, Margot has plans of her own—but plans are notoriously unreliable things, unlikely to survive a swiftly blooming mutual attraction, not to mention the machinations of parents determined to get their heir back . . . no matter the cost.]]> 368 Jamie Pacton 0593873653 dan 0 to-read 3.54 2025 Homegrown Magic
author: Jamie Pacton
name: dan
average rating: 3.54
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Lamplighter 178619817 304 Crystal J. Bell 1635830982 dan 0 to-read 3.75 2024 The Lamplighter
author: Crystal J. Bell
name: dan
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Alchemy of Secrets: A Novel 222706197 The HOTLY ANTICIPATED adult debut novel by the beloved, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING author of the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series

It starts with a class in an old movie theater.

Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor. Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real. When she tracks down a local legend named the Watch Man, who can supposedly tell you when you’ll die, the world finally makes sense. Except that the Watch Man tells her she will die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds an ancient object called the Alchemical Heart.

With the clock ticking, Holland is pulled deeper into this magical world in the heart of Los Angeles—and into the path of a magnetic stranger. Everything about him feels like a bad idea, but he promises Holland that her sister sent him to protect her. As they chase clues and stories that take them closer to the Alchemical Heart, Holland realizes everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can’t figure out whom to trust, not even the Alchemical Heart will save her.]]> 336 Stephanie Garber 125078915X dan 0 to-read 4.65 2025 Alchemy of Secrets: A Novel
author: Stephanie Garber
name: dan
average rating: 4.65
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Air Awakens (Air Awakens, #1) 23127048 A library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable magic bond...

The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.

Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all—the Crown Prince Aldrik—she finds herself enticed into his world.

Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she’s known, or eradicate her magic and remain as she’s always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla’s indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.]]> 342 Elise Kova 1932549935 dan 4 great-stuff BookClub: Cat & Dan *
Month: January, 2025
Theme: Elemental Magic

* BookClub Cat & Dan is just a "book club" where me and Cátia pick up a prompt previously chosen, each finds a book to fit and then, randomly choose one to "force" ourselves to either read the book or broaden our horizons (or, at least, that's what we tell ourselves to make ourselves feel better) .

------------------------------------------------

“They were sending her to war, so she would go and become something they had every right to fear.�


Synopsis:

The story follows Vhalla Yarl, a library apprentice, that has spent half of her life in the library of the Empire’s capital. Like every one else, she has been taught to fear sorcerers and the Tower, the sorcerers� quarters, is a place she never wished to be in. That is, until she unknowingly saved the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of the world, the Crown Prince Aldrik.

It is by that seemingly small gesture that Vhalla finds herself entrenched in the sorcery world, making her question everything � herself, the empire, society, friendships. Now she must decide: embrace her power or eradicate it and remain as she was before. Who she always has been.

Every day of indecision is a step closer to danger and she will find out just how much her indecision will cost her.

Review:

Damn.

There is something about 2010s YA fantasy books that truly have a richness to it that 2020s YA fantasy books try to reach but very few achieve.

Was it the best fantasy book I read? No.

Was it really good? Yes.

I think the key is coming to it with low, nearly non-existing expectations, almost even negative ones, and you’ll be surprise with how much you’ll enjoy yourself.

This was an incredibly quick read. The pages flew as I read them and I finished them in three nights, pretty much. The story was fast paced, easy-to-read simple writing with no major purple prose. Basically, the author didn’t try to reach beyond her scope (with this one) � made it simple, easy and entertaining.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say the development of the bond between Vhalla and Aldrik wasn’t what entertained me the most. It was really well done; it was a slow burn that, at some point, I wondered if anything was even going to happen in this book.

The story felt so similar to ‘Avatar� in some ways � the usage of elemental magic with different regions representing different ‘elements� [spoilers removed]. Regardless of the similarities, it didn’t feel like a cheap copy � it felt inspired, sure, but not a copy.

The plot differs from ‘Avatar� quite a lot. It is a YA novel from the 2010s so it does use a lot of normal YA tropes/clichés. However, it doesn’t make it any less good.

The world building was slow, in the sense that is not explained to you in the first few pages. It’s laid out gradually as the plot develops and the need for the reader to know the context of X or Y grows.

Which, I believe, it’s a smart choice.

I’m constantly tired of having to power through 50 or more pages of almost only world building before the actual main plot starts and I can start enjoying the characters.

The character development is gradual and steady. Vhalla starts as a naïve know-it-all, insecure about herself, and by the end, she has acquired knowledge [outside of books], has understood context and complexity and has found strength within herself.

Most side characters were interesting and kept you engaged as they interacted with the main character. Aldrik, the love interest, was surprising at the third interaction. I loved how the author didn’t make him a total asshole throughout 70% of the story and then completely changed him. No. She made him complex whilst remaining through to the idea he is reserved, always an asshole but caring.

I completely loved how some things that I often see on YA fantasy books were ignored for the sake of, well, me and my sanity.

I will not read the 2nd book right away because I’m afraid that too much YA in a grow is going to break the magic this book created but I’ll definitely continue this series and I can’t wait to see how Vhalla, and Aldrik, manage everything.]]> 3.96 2015 Air Awakens (Air Awakens, #1)
author: Elise Kova
name: dan
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/08
date added: 2025/01/10
shelves: great-stuff
review:
BookClub: Cat & Dan *
Month: January, 2025
Theme: Elemental Magic

* BookClub Cat & Dan is just a "book club" where me and Cátia pick up a prompt previously chosen, each finds a book to fit and then, randomly choose one to "force" ourselves to either read the book or broaden our horizons (or, at least, that's what we tell ourselves to make ourselves feel better) .

------------------------------------------------

“They were sending her to war, so she would go and become something they had every right to fear.�


Synopsis:

The story follows Vhalla Yarl, a library apprentice, that has spent half of her life in the library of the Empire’s capital. Like every one else, she has been taught to fear sorcerers and the Tower, the sorcerers� quarters, is a place she never wished to be in. That is, until she unknowingly saved the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of the world, the Crown Prince Aldrik.

It is by that seemingly small gesture that Vhalla finds herself entrenched in the sorcery world, making her question everything � herself, the empire, society, friendships. Now she must decide: embrace her power or eradicate it and remain as she was before. Who she always has been.

Every day of indecision is a step closer to danger and she will find out just how much her indecision will cost her.

Review:

Damn.

There is something about 2010s YA fantasy books that truly have a richness to it that 2020s YA fantasy books try to reach but very few achieve.

Was it the best fantasy book I read? No.

Was it really good? Yes.

I think the key is coming to it with low, nearly non-existing expectations, almost even negative ones, and you’ll be surprise with how much you’ll enjoy yourself.

This was an incredibly quick read. The pages flew as I read them and I finished them in three nights, pretty much. The story was fast paced, easy-to-read simple writing with no major purple prose. Basically, the author didn’t try to reach beyond her scope (with this one) � made it simple, easy and entertaining.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say the development of the bond between Vhalla and Aldrik wasn’t what entertained me the most. It was really well done; it was a slow burn that, at some point, I wondered if anything was even going to happen in this book.

The story felt so similar to ‘Avatar� in some ways � the usage of elemental magic with different regions representing different ‘elements� [spoilers removed]. Regardless of the similarities, it didn’t feel like a cheap copy � it felt inspired, sure, but not a copy.

The plot differs from ‘Avatar� quite a lot. It is a YA novel from the 2010s so it does use a lot of normal YA tropes/clichés. However, it doesn’t make it any less good.

The world building was slow, in the sense that is not explained to you in the first few pages. It’s laid out gradually as the plot develops and the need for the reader to know the context of X or Y grows.

Which, I believe, it’s a smart choice.

I’m constantly tired of having to power through 50 or more pages of almost only world building before the actual main plot starts and I can start enjoying the characters.

The character development is gradual and steady. Vhalla starts as a naïve know-it-all, insecure about herself, and by the end, she has acquired knowledge [outside of books], has understood context and complexity and has found strength within herself.

Most side characters were interesting and kept you engaged as they interacted with the main character. Aldrik, the love interest, was surprising at the third interaction. I loved how the author didn’t make him a total asshole throughout 70% of the story and then completely changed him. No. She made him complex whilst remaining through to the idea he is reserved, always an asshole but caring.

I completely loved how some things that I often see on YA fantasy books were ignored for the sake of, well, me and my sanity.

I will not read the 2nd book right away because I’m afraid that too much YA in a grow is going to break the magic this book created but I’ll definitely continue this series and I can’t wait to see how Vhalla, and Aldrik, manage everything.
]]> <![CDATA[Knives, Seasoning, and a Dash of Love]]> 210365296 In this spicy workplace romance, a hotheaded celebrity chef finds himself drawn to his inexperienced new hire. But when her bubbly attitude collides with his sharp edges, can they handle the heat, or will their love be a recipe for disaster?

Alexander Chen is one of the most talented chefs to ever grace the culinary world of French haute cuisine. He rules his kitchen with an iron fist and fiery temper, so it's no secret that if you can't handle the heat, he'll gladly toss you out with the trash. As one of the first Chinese-American chefs to claw his way to the top, he has a lot to prove and a massive chip on his shoulder.

But he wasn't always like this. Eden Monroe, his newly hired sous chef—who may or may not have (definitely) embellished a lot on her resumé to land herself the job—knew him back when he still went by his real name, Shang. He used to be sweet and helpful and definitely not the second coming of the devil himself.

Eden won't say anything, though, no matter how hot her curiosity burns. Especially if it could cost her this job, which she needs if she has any hope of hiring a private detective to find something she lost long ago.

All she has to do is fly under the radar. It's just a shame that she and her new boss butt heads more often than they fulfill orders. But what happens when things finally boil over, and they discover the feelings between them are spicier than they ever imagined?]]> 360 Katrina Kwan 1039012418 dan 0 to-read 3.57 2023 Knives, Seasoning, and a Dash of Love
author: Katrina Kwan
name: dan
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 2024 on ŷ 195342176 2024 on ŷ should make an interesting and varied catalogue of books to inspire other readers in 2025.

For those of you who don't like to add titles you haven't actually 'read', you can place 2024 on ŷ on an 'exclusive' shelf. Exclusive shelves don't have to be listed under 'to read', 'currently reading' or 'read'. To create one, go to 'edit bookshelves' on your 'My Books' page, create a shelf name such as 'review-of-the year' and tick the 'exclusive' box. Your previous and future 'reviews of the year' can be collected together on this dedicated shelf.

Concept created by Fionnuala Lirsdottir.
Description: Fionnuala Lirsdottir
Cover art: Paul Cézanne, The House with the Cracked Walls, 1892-1894
Cover choice and graphics by Jayson]]> Various dan 3
✔️ Complete the Me, Myself & I bookclub

✔️ Do the Dan & Cat Reading Challenge

� Complete the Dan & Cat Reading Challenge

✔️ DNF more (total of 8 books DNF'ed)

✔️ Finish (or DNF), at least, 10 series (26 series finished/DNF'ed)

✔️ Read more Adult books (89%)

� Try more diverse genres

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Reviews of books from the 2024 ‘Me, Myself & I� bookclub:

� January: Read a Comfort Book
Percy Jackson and The Chalice of the Gods

� February: Read a Book from a Finished Series
We Free The Stars

� March: Family (Mãa) Picks Next Read
The Daughter of Doctor Monreau

� April: Finish a Romance Series
A Love By Design

� May: Read an Autobiography
The Half of It: A Memoir

� June: Read a Book from a Comfort Author
Signal to Noise

� July: Read a Historical Non-fiction
The Republic of Pirates: Being The True and Surprising Story of the Pirates of the Caribbean and The Man Who Brought Them Down

� August: Read a Book from a Favourite Author
Just For The Summer

� September: Read a Book from the Assassin’s Creed series
Assassin’s Creed: Unity

� October: Finish an Unfinished Series
A Sky Beyond The Storm

� November: Finished Any Left Over Books
Red Seas Under Red Skies

� December: Read a Book You Were Uncertain About
Mexican Gothic


❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️


Reviews of books from the 2024 ‘Dan & Cat� bookclub:

� January
The Prison Healer

� February
Charlie, Love and Clichés

� March
Cemetery Boys

� April
The Trouble With Hating You

� May
Chosen: The Fifth Season
DNF’d early on, very soft DNF, not in the right mindset to read. Preferred DNF’ing and trying later than forcing myself to read and hating it.

� June
Desire or Defense

� July
Teach Me

� August
The Atlas Six

� September
One Summer in Santorini

� October
Chosen: Hotel Magnifique
DNF’d early on, very soft DNF, not in the right mindset to read. Preferred DNF’ing and trying later than forcing myself to read and hating it.

� November
Chosen: Dance of Thieves
DNF’d early on, very soft DNF, not in the right mindset to read. Preferred DNF’ing and trying later than forcing myself to read and hating it.

� December
Done and Dusted


❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️


Series Finished in 2024

� Dirty Air by Lauren Asher
� The Secret Scientists of London by Elizabeth Everett
� Knockemout by Lucy Score
� A League of Extraordinary Women by Evie Dunmore
� Ladies Most Scandalous by Manda Collins
� Dangerous Damsels by India Holton
� Line of Duty by Tessa Bailey
� Sands of Arawya by Hafsah Faizal
� Compromise Me by Samanthe Beck
� Summersweet Island by Tara Sivec
� Jamison Valley by Dedvney Perry
� Angel Sands by Carrie Elks
� The Edens by Devney Perry
� Chestnut Springs by Elsie Silver
� The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
� Lovelights by B.K. Borison
� Fitzpatrick Christmas by Catherine Walsh
� Part Of Your World by Abby Jimenez
� McCade Brothers by Samanthe Beck
� Queen's Cove by Stephanie Archer
� Wedding Dare by Multiple Authors
� An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Series DNF'ed in 2024

� Love In The City by Jen Morris
� Shaking Up by Helena Hunting
� City of Stars by Clara Elroy

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Previous Years on GoodReads

� 2021 on GoodReads
� 2022 on GoodReads
� 2023 on GoodReads ]]> 4.15 2024 2024 on ŷ
author: Various
name: dan
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/31
date added: 2025/01/02
shelves:
review:
� 97 books read (89 read, excluding DNFs), with an average ranting of 6,68 which rounds to a 3.5

✔️ Complete the Me, Myself & I bookclub

✔️ Do the Dan & Cat Reading Challenge

� Complete the Dan & Cat Reading Challenge

✔️ DNF more (total of 8 books DNF'ed)

✔️ Finish (or DNF), at least, 10 series (26 series finished/DNF'ed)

✔️ Read more Adult books (89%)

� Try more diverse genres

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Reviews of books from the 2024 ‘Me, Myself & I� bookclub:

� January: Read a Comfort Book
Percy Jackson and The Chalice of the Gods

� February: Read a Book from a Finished Series
We Free The Stars

� March: Family (Mãa) Picks Next Read
The Daughter of Doctor Monreau

� April: Finish a Romance Series
A Love By Design

� May: Read an Autobiography
The Half of It: A Memoir

� June: Read a Book from a Comfort Author
Signal to Noise

� July: Read a Historical Non-fiction
The Republic of Pirates: Being The True and Surprising Story of the Pirates of the Caribbean and The Man Who Brought Them Down

� August: Read a Book from a Favourite Author
Just For The Summer

� September: Read a Book from the Assassin’s Creed series
Assassin’s Creed: Unity

� October: Finish an Unfinished Series
A Sky Beyond The Storm

� November: Finished Any Left Over Books
Red Seas Under Red Skies

� December: Read a Book You Were Uncertain About
Mexican Gothic


❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️


Reviews of books from the 2024 ‘Dan & Cat� bookclub:

� January
The Prison Healer

� February
Charlie, Love and Clichés

� March
Cemetery Boys

� April
The Trouble With Hating You

� May
Chosen: The Fifth Season
DNF’d early on, very soft DNF, not in the right mindset to read. Preferred DNF’ing and trying later than forcing myself to read and hating it.

� June
Desire or Defense

� July
Teach Me

� August
The Atlas Six

� September
One Summer in Santorini

� October
Chosen: Hotel Magnifique
DNF’d early on, very soft DNF, not in the right mindset to read. Preferred DNF’ing and trying later than forcing myself to read and hating it.

� November
Chosen: Dance of Thieves
DNF’d early on, very soft DNF, not in the right mindset to read. Preferred DNF’ing and trying later than forcing myself to read and hating it.

� December
Done and Dusted


❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️


Series Finished in 2024

� Dirty Air by Lauren Asher
� The Secret Scientists of London by Elizabeth Everett
� Knockemout by Lucy Score
� A League of Extraordinary Women by Evie Dunmore
� Ladies Most Scandalous by Manda Collins
� Dangerous Damsels by India Holton
� Line of Duty by Tessa Bailey
� Sands of Arawya by Hafsah Faizal
� Compromise Me by Samanthe Beck
� Summersweet Island by Tara Sivec
� Jamison Valley by Dedvney Perry
� Angel Sands by Carrie Elks
� The Edens by Devney Perry
� Chestnut Springs by Elsie Silver
� The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
� Lovelights by B.K. Borison
� Fitzpatrick Christmas by Catherine Walsh
� Part Of Your World by Abby Jimenez
� McCade Brothers by Samanthe Beck
� Queen's Cove by Stephanie Archer
� Wedding Dare by Multiple Authors
� An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Series DNF'ed in 2024

� Love In The City by Jen Morris
� Shaking Up by Helena Hunting
� City of Stars by Clara Elroy

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Previous Years on GoodReads

� 2021 on GoodReads
� 2022 on GoodReads
� 2023 on GoodReads
]]> <![CDATA[Red Seas Under Red Skies (Gentleman Bastard, #2)]]> 1473780
The Sinspire is the ultimate gambling house. No-one has stolen so much as a single coin from it and lived. It's the sort of challenge Locke simply can't resist...

...but Locke's perfect crime is going to have to wait.

Someone else in Tal Verarr wants the Gentleman Bastards' expertise and is quite prepared to kill them to get it. Before long, Locke and Jean find themselves engaged in piracy. Fine work for thieves who don't know one end of a galley from another.]]> 628 Scott Lynch 0575079673 dan 5 great-stuff BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: November, 2024
Theme: Finish Any Left Over Book

* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

------------------------------------------------

Locke Lamora meets piracy? Sign me up!

Ocean's 11 meets Pirates of the Caribbean.

Synopsis:

The story follows Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen almost immediately in the aftermath of the previous book, The Lies of Locke Lamora . They have to flee their city and the wreckage left of their home until they settle in Tal Verrar. In it is the richest and most difficult target yet: the Sinspire, a luxurious gambling house from which no one has ever stolen and lived to tell the tale.

It is the type of crime Locke thrives for but his plans are halted when someone else wants their expertise. Left without choice, Locke and Jean are forced to embark in a journey they never dreamed: piracy.

Review:

Right away, the prologue is a sneak peak to a chapter/scene that halfway through the book and it’s meant to enthral the readers to commit to the story and it works. It caught me off guard and I couldn’t rest until I got to that particular scene.

I must say, Red Seas Under Red Skies is not, in any way, superior or inferior than The Lies of Locke Lamora . However, I did enjoy reading the first book more.

The second book retained most of the elements that made the first book rise to fame while replacing other elements with improved, newer factors.

“When you can't cheat the game, you'd best find a means to cheat the players.�


I was pleased to see that the same storytelling method of the previous book was adopted for the first half of this book as well, by shifting between present and past time frames through the past being called “Reminiscent� to fill the 2 years gap before the beginning of the book.

As always, wondering how the hell they’re going to execute their plans, the heists, get out of the jammed situations, etc. is one of the most enthralling parts of the books. The lies, heists, ever constant schemes are filled with eloquent, yet humorous dialogues and actions.

The second half of the book took a completely different turn, adopting an atmosphere of naval warfare, seafaring and, of course, piracy. The lies and schemes continue despite spending most of their time on a ship. Piracy and anything nautical can be boring because there isn’t much world building (because, you know, you’re surrounded by water) but the author managed to make it fun as problems never end for the Gentleman Bastards. The time is also spend with action scenes that, in my opinion, are superior than the majority of the previous book.

As always, despite it all, the best part of the book is the brotherhood between Locke and Jean, which was deepened even more this book. The depth of the bond can be truly seen through the story and the banter is slightly better as the friendship and loyalty deepen. It’s their friendship that truly breathes life into the book and their schemes.

“I want to hug you. And I want to tear your gods-damned head off. Both at once."
"Ah, near as I can tell, that’s the definition of 'family' right there.�


The new addition of characters fill the void left by the ones from the previous book and city. Zamira Drakasha, the pirate captain, and her first mate, Ezri Delmastro, are both fantastic, compelling and strong willed female characters.

Once again, the writing was fantastic with eloquent, detailed descriptions but more tamed in in the superfluous information. The story was well crafted, with captivating and, at times, hilarious dialogues, heart-wrecking and thrilling moments and, of course, swashbuckling and heart-warming moments.

Other Reviewed (by me) Gentleman Bastard's Books
� The Lies of Locke Lamora ]]> 4.28 2007 Red Seas Under Red Skies (Gentleman Bastard, #2)
author: Scott Lynch
name: dan
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/14
date added: 2025/01/02
shelves: great-stuff
review:
BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: November, 2024
Theme: Finish Any Left Over Book

* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

------------------------------------------------

Locke Lamora meets piracy? Sign me up!

Ocean's 11 meets Pirates of the Caribbean.

Synopsis:

The story follows Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen almost immediately in the aftermath of the previous book, The Lies of Locke Lamora . They have to flee their city and the wreckage left of their home until they settle in Tal Verrar. In it is the richest and most difficult target yet: the Sinspire, a luxurious gambling house from which no one has ever stolen and lived to tell the tale.

It is the type of crime Locke thrives for but his plans are halted when someone else wants their expertise. Left without choice, Locke and Jean are forced to embark in a journey they never dreamed: piracy.

Review:

Right away, the prologue is a sneak peak to a chapter/scene that halfway through the book and it’s meant to enthral the readers to commit to the story and it works. It caught me off guard and I couldn’t rest until I got to that particular scene.

I must say, Red Seas Under Red Skies is not, in any way, superior or inferior than The Lies of Locke Lamora . However, I did enjoy reading the first book more.

The second book retained most of the elements that made the first book rise to fame while replacing other elements with improved, newer factors.

“When you can't cheat the game, you'd best find a means to cheat the players.�


I was pleased to see that the same storytelling method of the previous book was adopted for the first half of this book as well, by shifting between present and past time frames through the past being called “Reminiscent� to fill the 2 years gap before the beginning of the book.

As always, wondering how the hell they’re going to execute their plans, the heists, get out of the jammed situations, etc. is one of the most enthralling parts of the books. The lies, heists, ever constant schemes are filled with eloquent, yet humorous dialogues and actions.

The second half of the book took a completely different turn, adopting an atmosphere of naval warfare, seafaring and, of course, piracy. The lies and schemes continue despite spending most of their time on a ship. Piracy and anything nautical can be boring because there isn’t much world building (because, you know, you’re surrounded by water) but the author managed to make it fun as problems never end for the Gentleman Bastards. The time is also spend with action scenes that, in my opinion, are superior than the majority of the previous book.

As always, despite it all, the best part of the book is the brotherhood between Locke and Jean, which was deepened even more this book. The depth of the bond can be truly seen through the story and the banter is slightly better as the friendship and loyalty deepen. It’s their friendship that truly breathes life into the book and their schemes.

“I want to hug you. And I want to tear your gods-damned head off. Both at once."
"Ah, near as I can tell, that’s the definition of 'family' right there.�


The new addition of characters fill the void left by the ones from the previous book and city. Zamira Drakasha, the pirate captain, and her first mate, Ezri Delmastro, are both fantastic, compelling and strong willed female characters.

Once again, the writing was fantastic with eloquent, detailed descriptions but more tamed in in the superfluous information. The story was well crafted, with captivating and, at times, hilarious dialogues, heart-wrecking and thrilling moments and, of course, swashbuckling and heart-warming moments.

Other Reviewed (by me) Gentleman Bastard's Books
� The Lies of Locke Lamora
]]> <![CDATA[A Sky Beyond the Storm (Ember Quartet #4)]]> 57638757 Prepare for the jaw-dropping finale of Sabaa Tahir's beloved New York Times bestselling An Ember in the Ashes fantasy series, and discover: Who will survive the storm?

Picking up just a few months after A Reaper at the Gates left off...

The long-imprisoned jinn are on the attack, wreaking bloody havoc in villages and cities alike. But for the Nightbringer, vengeance on his human foes is just the beginning.

At his side, Commandant Keris Veturia declares herself Empress, and calls for the heads of any and all who defy her rule. At the top of the list? The Blood Shrike and her remaining family.

Laia of Serra, now allied with the Blood Shrike, struggles to recover from the loss of the two people most important to her. Determined to stop the approaching apocalypse, she throws herself into the destruction of the Nightbringer. In the process, she awakens an ancient power that could lead her to victory--or to an unimaginable doom.

And deep in the Waiting Place, the Soul Catcher seeks only to forget the life--and love--he left behind. Yet doing so means ignoring the trail of murder left by the Nightbringer and his jinn. To uphold his oath and protect the human world from the supernatural, the Soul Catcher must look beyond the borders of his own land. He must take on a mission that could save--or destroy--all that he knows.]]> 516 Sabaa Tahir 0008411697 dan 2 BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: December, 2024
Theme: Finish An Unfinished Series

* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

------------------------------------------------

“Emifal firdaant. May death claim me first.�


Synopsis:

The War is upon them. The long-imprisoned jinns wish for revenge, creating havoc in each and any village but the Nightbringer has a second agenda. Commandant Keris Venturia declares herself Empress and goes toe-to-toe with the Blood Shrike, her sister and her nephew, the true Emperor.

Laia has allied with the Blood Shrike and she is determined to stop the apocalypse from coming, throwing herself into discovering everything she can to destroy the Nightbringer. Elias has fully embraced his role as Soul Catcher, memories and feelings forgotten until he receives a curious visit that allows him to look beyond the borders of his own land.

Together, Laia, Elias and Helene are part of a prophecy: of doom or salvation, they do not know.

Review:

I often if the reason some of the YA’s characters have bothered me so much as of late is because I’m outgrowing the YA genre. Then, I read other YA fantasies that really intrigue and captivate me and then I realise: I’m outgrowing the “let’s make this main character (curiously almost always the female main character *eye roll* ) as annoying as possible and then claim her as a strong, flawed warrior�.

You can make a fmc as a strong, flawed warrior without making her absolute stupid.

I absolutely loved the first book, An Ember in the Ashes , and I was so enthralled in the second, A Torch Against the Night until the last 50 pages. However, for A Reaper at the Gates , the only main character that saved the book was Helene (the Blood Shrike) and her part of the story. For A Sky Beyond The Storm , the entire plot of each side was interesting but Laia really made me question.

Laia started as this amazing, strong, traumatised and courageous character. Sure, she made mistakes even then but they were based on her naïvety and her exploring the world around her. Even in the second book, her mistakes were realistic decisions and actions based on the amount of information she had.

She went from searching the rebels for support to a slave of The Commandant, enduring each insult and scar. She ran away and freed her brother from the most secure prison. She was an inspiration for everyone, for she was brave, kind and, even against all adversities, she remained strong. Broken and bruised, but strong.

In here, the fourth and last book, she was anything but. She turned into this Mary Sue , earning powers that “cDzԱԾԳٱ� helped her survive the entire book. She acted careless, reckless and plain stupid.

Sure, the emotions are running high, she suffered further trauma but it doesn’t excuse how plain stupid she was, especially because her caution is what would’ve shorten the entire book and they would’ve saved the world before any of those unnecessary deaths occurred. [spoilers removed]

Being such an inspiration and front leader of the war, she has responsibilities most do not have but she often ignored them to cry over random, strangers� dead corpses and completely forgoing her task.

For Elias, though the whole Soul Catcher thing pisses me off a lot, I can understand the reason his character took so much time falling into the right pieces. However, I wish most of the book wasn’t Elias mopping and giving me whiplash between “yes, emotions� and “no, heartless� .

Helene, aka Blood Shrike. Also known as my baby and the person that saved this entire series for me. Hard to believe I actually didn’t like her in the first book. I loved to see a more emotional side of her, whilst she remained calculated and a true warrior, due to her role as a leader.

Regarding the plot, due to Laia’s constant recklessness, the story dragged further than necessary. Like I mentioned before, her actions were crucial for the end of the war but she preferred to play and act stupid than following advices and thinking properly.

I always loved the romance between Elias and Laia but there was a discrepancy in the story that feel flat. [spoilers removed] Furthermore, the constant focus on Laia’s and Elias� romance and “how much they loved each other� took away from the real opportunity to properly develop the romance between Helena and Avitas.

The final battle� Well, it was good in some senses and bad in others. And I’m not even comment on the unnecessary deaths. [spoilers removed]

The world building is unique � and if not unique, then definitely amazingly crafted � in YA genre but, because of the constant “convenient� plot points for Laia, it created many questions that did not answer. [spoilers removed]

[spoilers removed]

Everything was always convenient for Laia and fuck all for the rest (mainly Helene).

[spoilers removed]

Unfortunately, it brought such an amazing story to a bland end.

Reviews for the rest of 'An Ember In The Ashes' series
� An Ember In The Ashes
� A Torch Against The Night
� A Reaper At The Gates ]]> 4.24 2020 A Sky Beyond the Storm (Ember Quartet #4)
author: Sabaa Tahir
name: dan
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2020
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/28
date added: 2025/01/02
shelves: not-terrible-just-not-good-enough
review:
BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: December, 2024
Theme: Finish An Unfinished Series

* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

------------------------------------------------

“Emifal firdaant. May death claim me first.�


Synopsis:

The War is upon them. The long-imprisoned jinns wish for revenge, creating havoc in each and any village but the Nightbringer has a second agenda. Commandant Keris Venturia declares herself Empress and goes toe-to-toe with the Blood Shrike, her sister and her nephew, the true Emperor.

Laia has allied with the Blood Shrike and she is determined to stop the apocalypse from coming, throwing herself into discovering everything she can to destroy the Nightbringer. Elias has fully embraced his role as Soul Catcher, memories and feelings forgotten until he receives a curious visit that allows him to look beyond the borders of his own land.

Together, Laia, Elias and Helene are part of a prophecy: of doom or salvation, they do not know.

Review:

I often if the reason some of the YA’s characters have bothered me so much as of late is because I’m outgrowing the YA genre. Then, I read other YA fantasies that really intrigue and captivate me and then I realise: I’m outgrowing the “let’s make this main character (curiously almost always the female main character *eye roll* ) as annoying as possible and then claim her as a strong, flawed warrior�.

You can make a fmc as a strong, flawed warrior without making her absolute stupid.

I absolutely loved the first book, An Ember in the Ashes , and I was so enthralled in the second, A Torch Against the Night until the last 50 pages. However, for A Reaper at the Gates , the only main character that saved the book was Helene (the Blood Shrike) and her part of the story. For A Sky Beyond The Storm , the entire plot of each side was interesting but Laia really made me question.

Laia started as this amazing, strong, traumatised and courageous character. Sure, she made mistakes even then but they were based on her naïvety and her exploring the world around her. Even in the second book, her mistakes were realistic decisions and actions based on the amount of information she had.

She went from searching the rebels for support to a slave of The Commandant, enduring each insult and scar. She ran away and freed her brother from the most secure prison. She was an inspiration for everyone, for she was brave, kind and, even against all adversities, she remained strong. Broken and bruised, but strong.

In here, the fourth and last book, she was anything but. She turned into this Mary Sue , earning powers that “cDzԱԾԳٱ� helped her survive the entire book. She acted careless, reckless and plain stupid.

Sure, the emotions are running high, she suffered further trauma but it doesn’t excuse how plain stupid she was, especially because her caution is what would’ve shorten the entire book and they would’ve saved the world before any of those unnecessary deaths occurred. [spoilers removed]

Being such an inspiration and front leader of the war, she has responsibilities most do not have but she often ignored them to cry over random, strangers� dead corpses and completely forgoing her task.

For Elias, though the whole Soul Catcher thing pisses me off a lot, I can understand the reason his character took so much time falling into the right pieces. However, I wish most of the book wasn’t Elias mopping and giving me whiplash between “yes, emotions� and “no, heartless� .

Helene, aka Blood Shrike. Also known as my baby and the person that saved this entire series for me. Hard to believe I actually didn’t like her in the first book. I loved to see a more emotional side of her, whilst she remained calculated and a true warrior, due to her role as a leader.

Regarding the plot, due to Laia’s constant recklessness, the story dragged further than necessary. Like I mentioned before, her actions were crucial for the end of the war but she preferred to play and act stupid than following advices and thinking properly.

I always loved the romance between Elias and Laia but there was a discrepancy in the story that feel flat. [spoilers removed] Furthermore, the constant focus on Laia’s and Elias� romance and “how much they loved each other� took away from the real opportunity to properly develop the romance between Helena and Avitas.

The final battle� Well, it was good in some senses and bad in others. And I’m not even comment on the unnecessary deaths. [spoilers removed]

The world building is unique � and if not unique, then definitely amazingly crafted � in YA genre but, because of the constant “convenient� plot points for Laia, it created many questions that did not answer. [spoilers removed]

[spoilers removed]

Everything was always convenient for Laia and fuck all for the rest (mainly Helene).

[spoilers removed]

Unfortunately, it brought such an amazing story to a bland end.

Reviews for the rest of 'An Ember In The Ashes' series
� An Ember In The Ashes
� A Torch Against The Night
� A Reaper At The Gates
]]> O Hobbit 62075530
Esta é a história de como um Baggins viveu uma aventura
e deu por si a fazer e a dizer coisas totalmente inesperadas...

Bilbo Baggins goza de uma vida confortável, calma e pouco ambiciosa. Raramente viaja mais longe do que a despensa ou a adega do seu buraco de hobbit, em Fundo-do-Saco. Mas a sua tranquilidade é perturbada quando, um dia, o feiticeiro Gandalf e uma companhia de treze anões aparecem à sua porta, para o levar numa perigosa aventura. Eles têm um plano: saquear o tesouro guardado por Smaug, O Magnífico, um dragão enorme e muito perigoso�

Bilbo, embora relutante, junta-se a esta missão, desconhecendo que nesta viagem até à Montanha Solitária vai encontrar um anel mágico e uma estranha criatura conhecida como Gollum.

Situado no mundo imaginário da Terra Média, O Hobbit, o prelúdio de O Senhor dos Anéis, vendeu milhões de exemplares em todo o mundo desde a sua publicação em 1937, impondo-se como um clássico intemporal e um dos livros mais adorados e influentes do século xx.]]> 328 J.R.R. Tolkien 9897776095 dan 0 to-read, physical-tbr 4.44 1937 O Hobbit
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: dan
average rating: 4.44
book published: 1937
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: to-read, physical-tbr
review:

]]> Perdidos na Babilônia 31681250 435 Peter Lerangis 9896486824 dan 0 to-read, physical-tbr 4.50 2013 Perdidos na Babilônia
author: Peter Lerangis
name: dan
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: to-read, physical-tbr
review:

]]> Together We Burn 55148022
But disaster strikes during their five hundredth anniversary show, and in the carnage, Zarela’s father is horribly injured. Facing punishment from the Dragon Guild, Zarela must keep the arena—her ancestral home and inheritance —safe from their greedy hands. She has no choice but to take her father’s place as the next Dragonador. When the infuriatingly handsome dragon hunter, Arturo Díaz de Montserrat, withholds his help, she refuses to take no for an answer.

But even if he agrees, there’s someone out to ruin the Zalvidar family, and Zarela will have to do whatever it takes in order to prevent the Dragon Guild from taking away her birthright.

An ancient city plagued by dragons. A flamenco dancer determined to save her ancestral home. A dragon hunter refusing to teach her his ways. They don't want each other, but they need each other, and without him her world will burn. ]]> 354 Isabel Ibañez 1250803357 dan 0 to-read 3.77 2022 Together We Burn
author: Isabel Ibañez
name: dan
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Os Grandes Mistérios da História (Portuguese Edition)]]> 56529050 0 Canal Historia 989724512X dan 0 to-read, physical-tbr 4.12 Os Grandes Mistérios da História (Portuguese Edition)
author: Canal Historia
name: dan
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: to-read, physical-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Kiss the Stars (Falling Stars, #1)]]> 48889053
A single mother.
An up-and-coming drummer with a sordid past.
Their paths never should have crossed.
But when a senseless crime rocks Mia West’s entire world, she agrees to spend the summer hiding out at her rock-star brother’s mansion in Savannah until the storm blows over.
What she never expected was the gorgeous, brooding drummer living in the guest house.
His darkness a lure.
His gaze a trap.
She knows better than to go after what will hurt her most.
Leif Godwin has two focuses in his life: his band, Carolina George, and seeking retribution for what was stolen from him.
Mia was never supposed to be a part of the equation.
Her eyes an appeal.
Her body a temptation.
Touching her is nothing but a sin.
But will loving her destroy them all . . .]]> 390 A.L. Jackson 1946420433 dan 0 to-read 3.98 2020 Kiss the Stars (Falling Stars, #1)
author: A.L. Jackson
name: dan
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Shielded (Shielded, #1) 42281684 For fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Furyborn comes a thrilling new fantasy about a kingdom ravaged by war, and the princess who might be the key to saving not only those closest to her, but the kingdom itself, if she reveals the very secret that could destroy her.

The kingdom of Hálendi is in trouble. It's losing the war at its borders, and rumors of a new, deadlier threat on the horizon have surfaced. Princess Jennesara knows her skills on the battlefield would make her an asset and wants to help, but her father has other plans.

As the second-born heir to the throne, Jenna lacks the firstborn's--her brother's--magical abilities, so the king promises her hand in marriage to the prince of neighboring Turia in exchange for resources Hálendi needs. Jenna must leave behind everything she has ever known if she is to give her people a chance at peace.

Only, on the journey to reach her betrothed and new home, the royal caravan is ambushed, and Jenna realizes the rumors were wrong--the new threat is worse than anyone imagined. Now Jenna must decide if revealing a dangerous secret is worth the cost before it's too late--for her and for her entire kingdom.]]> 432 KayLynn Flanders 0593118545 dan 0 to-read 3.86 2020 Shielded (Shielded, #1)
author: KayLynn Flanders
name: dan
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[As Mil E Uma Noites - Volume I]]> 35917424 Entre 1704 e 1717, o orientalista francês Antoine Galland publicou em 12 volumes pela primeira vez numa língua europeia «As Mil e Uma Noites». Apesar de Galland ter baseado a primeira parte da sua tradução no manuscrito (quase) completo mais antigo que se conhece (séc. XIV), mudou significativamente o texto, alterando de forma drástica várias histórias, fazendo acrescentos a seu gosto, introduzindo histórias que nunca tinham feito parte das versões manuscritas e depurando todas as partes impudicas.

«As Mil e Uma noites» são um conjunto de histórias populares recolhidas por autor anónimo que teriam sido alegadamente escritas em persa e posteriormente traduzidas para árabe. Dos manuscritos persas, se existiram realmente, nada sobreviveu, mas dos árabes sobrevivem vários documentos possivelmente copiados de uma mesma versão primordial em árabe que se perdeu também ela.

Cada documento tem variações e disparidades � cada copista terá acrescentado ou interpretado mal a seu bel prazer � apesar de haver um corpo comum surpreendentemente semelhante entre as várias versões, sobretudo nas mais antigas.

Quem redigiu e copiou as suas histórias não seria versado nos cânones das belas-letras da língua árabe, e tudo leva a crer que este livro não agradaria nada aos leitores cultos, sendo muito possivelmente as suas histórias destinadas a serem contadas publicamente perto dos mercados, como ainda hoje acontece, por exemplo, na Praça Jemaa el-Fnaa em Marraquexe, e em saraus domésticos.

O seu tom coloquial lembra os contos tradicionais portugueses, mas sem terem sido recolhidos por intelectuais e sem peias: as histórias são fantásticas, eróticas, violentas, apaixonantes e apaixonadas, cheias de lições morais e problemáticas filosóficas, de conselhos para melhor viver e amar. No corriqueiro de histórias para entreter reside a sabedoria milenar de vários povos e de uma antiguidade que nos é, ainda assim, ao mesmo tempo estranha e próxima.

Talvez por isso as histórias de «As Mil e Uma Noites» estejam na base de muita da grande literatura universal por nos terem dado o imaginário da literatura fantástica oriental.

Hugo Maia, tradutor e antropólogo, estudou língua, história e cultura árabes, preparou a primeira tradução feita em Portugal, a partir dos manuscritos árabes mais antigos, menos embelezada e filtrada pelo imaginário ocidental, mais pura, sobretudo mais fiel. Um marco na história da edição no nosso país e um texto fundamental da literatura universal.]]> 404 Anonymous 9899971561 dan 0 to-read, physical-tbr 4.09 1300 As Mil E Uma Noites - Volume I
author: Anonymous
name: dan
average rating: 4.09
book published: 1300
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: to-read, physical-tbr
review:

]]> The Lover 181478167 During a brutal winter, a young woman longing for love finds more than she expected in the woods, in this wickedly sensuous short story by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic.

Judith knows her sister, Alice, is the pretty one—but that doesn’t stop her from wishing for love. When a handsome and gentlemanly hunter appears in their village, seeking lodging from the cold, she believes her lover has finally arrived. He does, indeed, choose to stay—but as Alice’s husband, not her own. When another stranger comes out of the woods, looking every bit a vagrant, he offers Judith something mysterious and enticingly strange. Against reason and decency, she welcomes both men into her life, in different ways. As forbidden longings ensnare each of them, an unrelenting winter storm and an evasive wolf on the prowl have everyone on edge…and ravenous. By spring thaw, will any of their hungers be satisfied?]]> 43 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 1662517157 dan 0 great-stuff 3.80 2023 The Lover
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: dan
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at: 2024/12/28
date added: 2024/12/28
shelves: great-stuff
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Seducing the Bridesmaid (Wedding Dare, #3)]]> 18744937 A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint�

She has a plan. He’s about to change it.

Regan Wakefield is a headhunter in both name and personality: driven, motivated, and unafraid to pursue what—and who—she wants. Naturally, she’s thrilled when her friend's wedding offers her an opportunity to score Logan McCade, the practically perfect best man. Unfortunately, groomsman Brock McNeil keeps getting in her way, riling her up in the most delicious of ways. But Brock’s smooth southern charm isn't part of the plan...so how exactly did they end up having searing-hot sex?

Regan may pretend the erotic electricity sparking between them is merely a distraction, but Brock knows better. She refuses to see beyond the devil-may-care façade he presents to the world, while he sees straight through hers. Changing her mind—and getting under her skin—is a challenge he can’t resist. And when he wins, Brock will do whatever it takes to convince Regan that the best man for her is him.

Grab the rest of the Wedding Dare series!

� Dare to Resist by New York Times bestselling author Laura Kaye
� Baiting the Maid of Honor by New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey
� Falling for the Groomsman by New York Times bestselling author Jen McLaughlin, w/a Diane Alberts
� Best Man with Benefits by USA TODAY bestselling author Samanthe Beck]]> 131 Katee Robert 162266728X dan 0 3.78 2014 Seducing the Bridesmaid (Wedding Dare, #3)
author: Katee Robert
name: dan
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at: 2024/12/27
date added: 2024/12/27
shelves: not-terrible-just-not-good-enough
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Baiting the Maid of Honor (Wedding Dare, #2)]]> 18744922 A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint�

He’ll own her from the very first touch.

Julie Piper and Reed Lawson have nothing in common. She’s a people-pleasing sorority girl hiding behind her perfect mask. He’s a take-no-prisoners SWAT commander who isolates himself from the world. But when they’re forced together at their friends� posh destination wedding, one thing is clear—Reed wants Julie more than he wants his next breath. Which is why he’s not about to stand by when she’s dared to seduce another man.

Julie wants neat, tidy sex, so she could get back to what she does best—making everybody else happy. She never expected to slip into a dark bedroom and have her mind blown by rough, demanding hands, and a sinfully filthy mouth—neither of which belong to the best man.

One night should have been all Reed needed to get the blond temptress out of his system, but when one taste is nowhere near enough, he’ll be forced confront the effects of his hellish past. One that may push Julie away forever... just when he realizes he can't live without her.]]> 127 Tessa Bailey 1622667263 dan 0 it-was-nice 3.95 2014 Baiting the Maid of Honor (Wedding Dare, #2)
author: Tessa Bailey
name: dan
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at: 2024/12/23
date added: 2024/12/26
shelves: it-was-nice
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare, #1)]]> 18780774 A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint�

She’s the one that got away. He’s the one she can’t forget.

Photojournalist Christine Forsythe is ready to tackle her naughty little to-do list, and who better to tap for the job than a hot groomsman? But when she crashes into her best friend’s older brother, Christine realizes her list needs updating. And fast. Tyler Dresco took her virginity during the best night of her life, then bolted. Now that they’re trapped together at a destination wedding, she’s going to get her revenge.

Tyler has never forgiven himself for how completely he lost control all those years ago. Being in Christine’s arms had felt right…until he realized what he’d taken from her in the hallway of a cheap motel. And oh, how she’s making him pay for it now. The insatiable heat between them has only grown stronger, but every time things heat up, Christine walks away.

With every encounter, things go a little bit further until Christine’s caught in her own trap of seduction. And before their time’s up, Tyler’s not the only one wanting more�

Grab the rest of the Wedding Dare series!

� Dare to Resist by New York Times bestselling author Laura Kaye
� Baiting the Maid of Honor by New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey
� Seducing the Bridesmaid by New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert
� Best Man with Benefits by USA TODAY bestselling author Samanthe Beck]]> 157 Diane Alberts 1622667271 dan 0 it-was-nice 3.74 2014 Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare, #1)
author: Diane Alberts
name: dan
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at: 2024/12/20
date added: 2024/12/26
shelves: it-was-nice
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lost and Lassoed (Rebel Blue Ranch, #3)]]> 207611511 She thrives in chaos. He prefers routine. The only thing they have in common? How much they hate each other.

From the author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the highly anticipated next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance in which enemies turn to lovers when they're forced to work together during one hot summer.

Teddy Andersen doesn’t have a plan. She’s never needed one before. She’s always been more of a go with the flow type of girl, but for some reason, the flow doesn’t seem to be going her way this time.

Her favorite vintage suede jacket has a hole in it, her sewing machine is broken, and her best friend just got engaged. Suddenly, everything feels like it’s starting to change. Teddy’s used to being a leader, but now she feels like she’s getting left behind, wondering if life in the small town she loves is enough for her anymore.

Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He doesn’t know what’s taking care of his family’s 8,000 acre ranch, or parenting his spunky six-year-old daughter, who is staying with him for the summer. Gus has always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he has to admit that he can’t manage everything on his own. He needs help.

His little sister’s best friend, the woman he can’t stand, is not who he had in mind. But when no one else can step in, Teddy's the only option he’s got. Teddy decides to use the summer to try and figure out what she wants out of life. Gus, on the other hand, starts to worry that he’ll never find what he needs.

Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. As new feelings start to simmer below the surface, they must decide whether or not to act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned?]]> 313 Lyla Sage 0593732456 dan 0 great-stuff 4.33 2024 Lost and Lassoed (Rebel Blue Ranch, #3)
author: Lyla Sage
name: dan
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at: 2024/12/17
date added: 2024/12/26
shelves: great-stuff
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Teach Me (There's Something About Marysburg #1)]]> 59648545 Their lesson plans didn't include love. But that's about to change...

When Martin Krause arrives at Rose Owens's high school, she's determined to remain chilly with her new colleague. Unfriendly? Maybe. Understandable? Yes, since a loathsome administrator gave Rose's beloved world history classes to Martin, knowing it would hurt her.

But keeping her distance from a man as warm and kind as Martin will prove challenging, even for a stubborn, guarded ice queen. Especially when she begins to see him for what he truly is: a man who's never been taught his own value. Martin could use a good teacher--and luckily, Rose is the best.

Rose has her own lessons--about trust, about vulnerability, about her past--to learn. And over the course of a single school year, the two of them will find out just how hot it can get when an ice queen melts.]]> 261 Olivia Dade 1945836016 dan 2 BookClub: Cat & Dan *
Month: July, 2024

* BookClub Cat & Dan is just a "book club" where me and Cátia pick up a book from the 24 previously selected each month and have to "force" ourselves to read a book.

-------------------------------------------------------

Will it ever come a day where I give a star rating higher than 3 stars to a book in this godforsaken reading challenge?

Synopsis:

The story begins with Rose Owen being told her that not only will the number of the classes she’ll be teaching next year will be reduced, the class she most enjoys and most gratifying will be given to someone else. Someone new.

Martin Krause’s arrival at his new high school couldn’t be more involved in admin’s drama and personal disappointment. Rose, being the person some of his classes from removed from, is determined to give him the cold shoulder.

However, keeping her distance from a man as warm and kind as Martin is revealed to be impossible, especially when she starts to realise he was never taught to see his own value. These two may be two of the most beloved teachers but each have their own lessons to learn and, over the course of the school year, can they prove to be as good students as they are teachers?

Review:

The writing was simple, easy to understand and follow. I liked how the structure was over the course of an entire school year and not a few weeks (like most books) so you can clearly see the development was long and more in touch with what would be in the real life (though I don’t read fiction for its accuracy towards real life, I still appreciate it).

The development of the characters as couples and as individuals was nice. Their arcs were really touching as well. Rose is a self-claimed ice queen, whose words such as ‘vulnerability� and ‘letting past be the past� give her a rash. Martin is a man whose importance of his existence and his value were never acknowledged.

Their development targetted exactly where their vulnerabilities, past traumas/unresolved issues which meant seeing some ugly scars and finding strength to stand up for themselves or for what they want.

The reason why this is not a 4 star is because they are in their 40s and Rose hasn’t addressed her own issues. Martin, neither. But Martin is someone out of a divorce with someone who didn’t love him enough to acknowledge his value as well as a past similar to such mentality. Rose has dated and has put herself out there many times over the years and her issues were never rooted in something Martin could do, [spoilers removed]

We all have our unresolved issues that haunt us forever but we need to fight against our demons, otherwise they will rule our lives. A forty-something year old prefering to not do it instead of fighting for something she wants is just... idk, the way it was written didn't sit right.

Reviews of books from the 2024 ‘Dan & Cat� bookclub:
� January
The Prison Healer
� February
Charlie, Love and Clichés
� March
Cemetery Boys
� April
The Trouble With Hating You
� May
Still reading
� June
Desire or Defense ]]> 3.75 2019 Teach Me (There's Something About Marysburg #1)
author: Olivia Dade
name: dan
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2019
rating: 2
read at: 2024/07/01
date added: 2024/12/26
shelves: not-terrible-just-not-good-enough
review:
BookClub: Cat & Dan *
Month: July, 2024

* BookClub Cat & Dan is just a "book club" where me and Cátia pick up a book from the 24 previously selected each month and have to "force" ourselves to read a book.

-------------------------------------------------------

Will it ever come a day where I give a star rating higher than 3 stars to a book in this godforsaken reading challenge?

Synopsis:

The story begins with Rose Owen being told her that not only will the number of the classes she’ll be teaching next year will be reduced, the class she most enjoys and most gratifying will be given to someone else. Someone new.

Martin Krause’s arrival at his new high school couldn’t be more involved in admin’s drama and personal disappointment. Rose, being the person some of his classes from removed from, is determined to give him the cold shoulder.

However, keeping her distance from a man as warm and kind as Martin is revealed to be impossible, especially when she starts to realise he was never taught to see his own value. These two may be two of the most beloved teachers but each have their own lessons to learn and, over the course of the school year, can they prove to be as good students as they are teachers?

Review:

The writing was simple, easy to understand and follow. I liked how the structure was over the course of an entire school year and not a few weeks (like most books) so you can clearly see the development was long and more in touch with what would be in the real life (though I don’t read fiction for its accuracy towards real life, I still appreciate it).

The development of the characters as couples and as individuals was nice. Their arcs were really touching as well. Rose is a self-claimed ice queen, whose words such as ‘vulnerability� and ‘letting past be the past� give her a rash. Martin is a man whose importance of his existence and his value were never acknowledged.

Their development targetted exactly where their vulnerabilities, past traumas/unresolved issues which meant seeing some ugly scars and finding strength to stand up for themselves or for what they want.

The reason why this is not a 4 star is because they are in their 40s and Rose hasn’t addressed her own issues. Martin, neither. But Martin is someone out of a divorce with someone who didn’t love him enough to acknowledge his value as well as a past similar to such mentality. Rose has dated and has put herself out there many times over the years and her issues were never rooted in something Martin could do, [spoilers removed]

We all have our unresolved issues that haunt us forever but we need to fight against our demons, otherwise they will rule our lives. A forty-something year old prefering to not do it instead of fighting for something she wants is just... idk, the way it was written didn't sit right.

Reviews of books from the 2024 ‘Dan & Cat� bookclub:
� January
The Prison Healer
� February
Charlie, Love and Clichés
� March
Cemetery Boys
� April
The Trouble With Hating You
� May
Still reading
� June
Desire or Defense
]]> A Fire in the Sky 205822553 New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan returns to the high-stakes, sweeping world of dragons, romance, and drama first evoked in her bestselling young adult Firelight series, in a brand-new epic adult romantasy series.

Dragons are extinct. Witches are outcast. Magic is dying.

But human lust for power is immortal.

Dragon fire no longer blisters the skies over Penterra, but inside the lavish palace, life is still perilous…especially for Tamsyn. Raised in the glittering court alongside the princesses, it's her duty to be punished for their misdeeds. Treated as part of the royal family but also as the lowliest servant, Tamsyn fits nowhere. Her only friend is Stig, Captain of the Guard...though sometimes she thinks he wants more than friendship.

When Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands, descends on her home, Tamsyn’s world becomes even more dangerous. To save the pampered princesses from a fate worse than death, she is commanded to don a veil and marry the brutal warrior. She agrees to the deception even though it means leaving Stig, and the only life she’s ever known, behind.

The wedding night begins with unexpected passion—and ends in near violence when her trickery is exposed. Rather than start a war, Fell accepts Tamsyn as his bride...but can he accept the dark secrets she harbors—secrets buried so deep even she doesn’t know they exist? For Tamsyn is more than a royal whipping girl, more than the false wife of a man who now sees her as his enemy. And when those secrets emerge, they will ignite a flame bright enough to burn the entire kingdom to the bone.

Magic is not dead...it is only sleeping. And it will take one ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny to awaken it.]]> 336 Sophie Jordan 0063399997 dan 0 to-read 3.59 2024 A Fire in the Sky
author: Sophie Jordan
name: dan
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Elven Days of Christmas 204344588
While searching the national forest, Piper is led to a beautiful spruce by way of magic. Well, not actual magic—magic, of course, doesn’t exist—but it sure feels magical when she hears the voice of her deceased mother floating on the wintery winds, telling her just which tree to chop.

Unfortunately, that very tree actually is quite magical, and accounting for it is the last task that half-elf Kol needs to complete before turning in his annual reports to the Elven Perennial Association. When he discovers the pilfered spruce, he simultaneously finds that the only way to return order to the forest is to endure a human holiday alongside a grumpy and overburdened woman who does not want him around.]]> 274 A.K. Caggiano dan 0 to-read 4.15 2023 The Elven Days of Christmas
author: A.K. Caggiano
name: dan
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Shadow Crosser (The Storm Runner, #3)]]> 57007821 Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents J.C. Cervantes' epic finale to the Storm Runner trilogy, a tale of mystery, magic, and mayhem featuring gods from both Maya and Aztec mythology, now in paperback.


"J. C. Cervantes is about to take you on a trip you will never forget, through the darkest, strangest, and funniest twists and turns of Maya myth. You will meet the scariest gods you can imagine, the creepiest denizens of the Underworld, and the most amazing and unlikely heroes who have to save our world from being ripped apart."--Rick Riordan


Zane Obispo has been looking forward to his training at the Shaman Institute for Higher Order Magic, and not only because it means he'll be reunited with his best friend, Brooks. Anything would be better than how he has spent the last three months: searching for the remaining godborns with a nasty demon who can sniff them out (literally). But when Zane tracks down the last kid on his list, he's in for a surprise: the "one" is actually a pair of twins, and they're trying to prevent a mysterious object from falling into the wrong hands.


After a shocking betrayal, Zane finds himself at SHIHOM sooner than expected. Even more shocking is the news that the Maya gods have gone missing. The bat god, Camazotz, and Ixkik' (aka Blood Moon) have taken them out of commission . . . and the godborns are their next target. The only thing the villains need now? The object that the twins possess.


Zane knows the godborns aren't strong enough yet to stand up to Zotz, Ixkik', and their army. There might be a way to save the gods, but it involves locating a magical calendar that can see across time and space . . . not to mention traveling more than thirty years into the past.


In The Shadow Crosser, Zane and his friends embark on their most treacherous mission yet--a mission that, with one blunder, could change history as we know it, and worse, destroy the universe.


Complete your middle grade fantasy collection with these best-selling fan favorites:

The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan Presents Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Rick Riordan Presents Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
Rick Riordan Presents Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia


]]> 432 J.C. Cervantes 1368055494 dan 0 to-read, physical-tbr 4.23 2020 The Shadow Crosser (The Storm Runner, #3)
author: J.C. Cervantes
name: dan
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves: to-read, physical-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1)]]> 22055262
Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.

Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.]]> 400 Victoria E. Schwab 0765376458 dan 0 to-read 4.04 2015 A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1)
author: Victoria E. Schwab
name: dan
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Snowed In (Fitzpatrick Christmas, #2)]]> 195487194
Christian’s fed up of being on his own every Christmas. He doesn’t mind being alone , but he hates his family’s sad eyes and soft tones as they sit around coupled up. Because he’s actually, totally, fine.

So when Megan literally bumps into Christian in a Dublin pub, they come up with a pact to see them through the holiday season. They’re going to be the very best fake dates for each other, ever .

Rules are drawn up, a contract is signed on a wine-stained napkin. They will sit through each other’s family gatherings and be outrageously in love until freed from their annual obligations. After all, it’s only for a few weeks.

But with everyone home for the holidays, two big families to deal with alongside old friends, old flames and old feelings, things are bound to get messy. And when a snowed-in cabin and a little Christmas magic are added to the mix, anything could happen�

A swoonworthy and utterly gorgeous romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud and fall completely in love. Fans of Emily Henry, Sophie Kinsella and Abby Jimenez won’t be able to put this down!]]> 384 Catherine Walsh 1837906653 dan 0 it-was-good 4.08 2023 Snowed In (Fitzpatrick Christmas, #2)
author: Catherine Walsh
name: dan
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at: 2024/12/15
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves: it-was-good
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Christmas Tree Farm (Dream Harbor, #3)]]> 207668463 From the author of the viral TikTok sensation, The Pumpkin Spice Café, comes the only spicy grumpy x sunshine Christmas romcom you need this year!

Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.

Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor taking a break from his life in California. And most importantly, taking a break from his latest run of disastrous dates.

After a run in with Kira in her fields, Ben has no intention of offering to help the grumpy owner set up her tree farm, despite the fact she’s clearly got no idea what she’s doing.

Kira knows she should stop being so stubborn, but her farm is not all cute and cozy like people always show on social media, it’s borderline dangerous with no heating, and she’d rather no one saw it.

But somehow fate finds Ben at Kira’s farm once more, and as Kira watches him swing an ax at the first tree, she finds herself appreciating his strength and questionning why she refused help in the first place..

The Christmas Tree Farm is a spicy romantic mystery for fans of Gilmore Girls with a HEA guaranteed!

Tropes:

� grumpy x sunshine
� small town
� forced proximity
� one bed]]> 356 Laurie Gilmore 0008610746 dan 0 it-was-good 3.66 2024 The Christmas Tree Farm (Dream Harbor, #3)
author: Laurie Gilmore
name: dan
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at: 2024/12/05
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves: it-was-good
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Percy Jackson e a Ira da Deusa Tríplice]]> 220581103
Percy Jackson, agora no último ano do liceu, precisa de três cartas de recomendação dos deuses gregos para entrar na Universidade de Nova Roma. E uma coisa que Percy sabe é que os deuses gregos não fazem nada de graça. Ganhou a primeira carta ao recuperar o cálice de Ganimedes. Agora, a deusa Hécate ofereceu a Percy outra oportunidade - tudo o que ele tem de fazer é tomar conta do seu tourão, Gale, e do seu mastim do inferno, Hecuba, durante a semana do Halloween, enquanto ela está fora.

Percy, Annabeth e Grover instalam-se na mansão aparentemente interminável de Hécate e começam a familiarizar-se com os animais exigentes e assustadores. O trio foi avisado para não tocar em nada, mas enquanto Percy e Annabeth estão nas aulas, Grover não resiste a beber uma poção com sabor a morango no laboratório. A poção transforma-o numa cabra gigante e frenética e, depois de ter andado pela casa a danificar tudo o que via e de ter desmaiado, Gale e Hecuba fogem.

Agora, os amigos têm de encontrar os animais de estimação de Hécate e, de alguma forma, restaurar a casa, tudo antes de Hécate regressar no sábado. Será precisa muita sorte, astúcia de semideuses e alguns velhos e novos amigos, para apanhar os animais e repor a ordem.]]> 328 Rick Riordan 9895812256 dan 0 to-read, physical-tbr 4.48 2024 Percy Jackson e a Ira da Deusa Tríplice
author: Rick Riordan
name: dan
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves: to-read, physical-tbr
review:

]]> ѱ徱ٲçõ 204271587 ѱ徱ٲçõ. Guiando-se pelos princípios da razão e da conduta ética, Aurélio registava, no século II, a necessidade de rejeitar paixões para agir com lucidez.

O caráter intimista e confessional destas reflexões, aliado à exortação da introspeção, da prática da virtude, da lealdade e da perseverança, constitui, ainda hoje, uma fonte para o entendimento do pensamento estoico, sendo, também, um texto fundamental - e dos mais lidos e influentes - da filosofia ocidental.]]> 208 Marcus Aurelius 9897848002 dan 0 to-read, physical-tbr 4.00 180 ѱ徱ٲçõ
author: Marcus Aurelius
name: dan
average rating: 4.00
book published: 180
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves: to-read, physical-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking]]> 54369251
But Mona’s life is turned upside down when she finds a dead body on the bakery floor. An assassin is stalking the streets of Mona’s city, preying on magic folk, and it appears that Mona is his next target. And in an embattled city suddenly bereft of wizards, the assassin may be the least of Mona’s worries…]]> 306 T. Kingfisher 1614505241 dan 0 to-read 4.03 2020 A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking
author: T. Kingfisher
name: dan
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Mistletoe and Mr. Right (Moose Springs, Alaska, #2)]]> 49169370 How the moose (almost) stole Christmas.

Lana Montgomery is everything the quirky small town of Moose Springs, Alaska can't stand: a rich socialite with dreams of changing things for the better. But Lana's determined to prove that she belongs...even if it means trading her stilettos for snow boots and tracking one of the town's hairiest Christmas mysteries: the Santa Moose, an antlered Grinch hell-bent on destroying every bit of holiday cheer (and tinsel) it can sink its teeth into.

And really...how hard could it be?

The last few years have been tough on Rick Harding, and it's not getting any easier now that his dream girl's back in town. When Lana accidentally tranquilizes him instead of the Santa Moose, it's clear she needs help, fast...and this could be his chance to finally catch her eye. It's an all-out Christmas war, but if they can nab that darn moose before it destroys the town, Rick and Lana might finally find a place where they both belong...together.]]> 400 Sarah Morgenthaler 1492693162 dan 0 it-was-good 3.55 2020 Mistletoe and Mr. Right (Moose Springs, Alaska, #2)
author: Sarah Morgenthaler
name: dan
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at: 2024/12/08
date added: 2024/12/14
shelves: it-was-good
review:

]]> The Hollow and the Haunted 205762626 In this darkly magical, romantic YA fantasy debut, a closeted teenage psychic in small-town Washington foresees the death of his sworn enemy, and is forced to work with him to save his life. Sparks fly, but the dead are restless, and some ghosts don't want to stay buried...

Perfect for fans of The Raven Cycle, Cemetery Boys and Sixteen Souls.

Sixteen-year-old Miles Warren hails from a long line of psychics. Resigned to a life in the (not especially profitable) family business, Miles is perfectly happy, thank you very much―except for the part where he's constantly exhausted from long nights digging up graves, hiding his sexuality from his family, and unable to fulfil his dream of going to art school one day. Perfectly happy.

But Miles' comfortable routine is interrupted when has a premonition of a violent supernatural murder. He soon discovers that the victim is none other than Gabriel Hawthorne, whose family have a mysterious, decades-long feud with Miles' own. Gabriel is everything Miles expects from a Hawthorne―rude, snobbish, and irritatingly good-looking―but Miles isn't just going to stand by and let someone murder him. The two form an uneasy alliance, trying to solve Gabriel's murder and prevent it from taking place.

The odds are against them; death premonitions are notoriously hard to alter. As they uncover secrets about their families' feud and dark magic swirls around the pair, Miles is horrified to realize that he doesn't hate Gabriel as much as he's supposed to. He might even like him.

Too bad Gabriel is almost certainly going to die.]]> 384 Camilla Raines 1803369973 dan 0 to-read 4.17 2024 The Hollow and the Haunted
author: Camilla Raines
name: dan
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Swift and Saddled (Rebel Blue Ranch, #2)]]> 195532965
The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career.

When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can’t seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she’ll never see him again... except it turns out he’s her new boss.

Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family’s ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. It’s too bad she wants absolutely nothing to do with him outside of work. Ada is convinced the pull she feels toward Wes will go away, but Wes can’t stop thinking about her. Even though walls are coming down around Rebel Blue, Ada’s walls are firmly in place.

Can they make it through this project without giving in? Or will they both put their dreams on the line for a chance at love?]]> 320 Lyla Sage 059373243X dan 0 great-stuff 3.91 2024 Swift and Saddled (Rebel Blue Ranch, #2)
author: Lyla Sage
name: dan
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at: 2024/12/02
date added: 2024/12/09
shelves: great-stuff
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Always Only You (Bergman Brothers, #2)]]> 177704674
Ren has known Frankie Zeferino was a woman worth waiting for since the moment they met. She’s a master of deadpan delivery, has a secret heart of gold, and a rare one-dimpled smile that makes his knees go weak. But as long as Frankie’s the team’s social media manager, she’s off limits.

Frankie is a self-admittedly blunt, grumbly grump, but even she isn’t immune to sunshiney Ren Bergman. Who could be, when he’s a six-foot-three hunk of happy with a hockey player’s physique? Maybe in the past, Frankie would have gone for a guy like him, but since being burned too many times by people who learn about her diagnoses and see a problem, not a person, she’s wised up.

After waiting years for the right time to make his move, Ren learns Frankie plans to leave the team to pursue a new career. But what he didn’t anticipate is how hard he’ll have to work to convince her to let him have his shot at winning her heart.]]> 384 Chloe Liese 0593642376 dan 0 great-stuff 3.81 2020 Always Only You (Bergman Brothers, #2)
author: Chloe Liese
name: dan
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at: 2024/04/16
date added: 2024/12/06
shelves: great-stuff
review:

]]> The Bewitching 220458657 Three women in three different eras encounter danger and witchcraft in this eerie multigenerational horror saga from the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic.

“Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches�: That was how Nana Alba always began the stories she told her great-granddaughter Minerva—stories that have stayed with Minerva all her life. Perhaps that’s why Minerva has become a graduate student focused on the history of horror literature and is researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure author of macabre tales.

In the course of assembling her thesis, Minerva uncovers information that reveals that Tremblay’s most famous novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by a true story: Decades earlier, during the Great Depression, Tremblay attended the same university where Minerva is now studying and became obsessed with her beautiful and otherworldly roommate, who then disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

As Minerva descends ever deeper into Tremblay’s manuscript, she begins to sense that the malign force that stalked Tremblay and the missing girl might still walk the halls of the campus. These disturbing events also echo the stories Nana Alba told about her girlhood in 1900s Mexico, where she had a terrifying encounter with a witch.

Minerva suspects that the same shadow that darkened the lives of her great-grandmother and Beatrice Tremblay is now threatening her own in 1990s Massachusetts. An academic career can be a punishing pursuit, but it might turn outright deadly when witchcraft is involved.]]> 368 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 0593874323 dan 0 to-read 4.37 2025 The Bewitching
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: dan
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: União (Assassin's Creed #7)]]> 25788687
EU FUI DERROTADA, ENGANADA E TRAÍDA.
ASSASSINARAM O MEU PAI � E EU TEREI
A MINHA VINGANÇA, CUSTE O QUE CUSTAR!
� ÉLISE DE LA SERRE.

1789: A magnífica cidade de Paris assiste à alvorada da Revolução Francesa. As ruas de pedra pintam-se de vermelho, do sangue daqueles que se erguem contra a aristocracia opressora. Mas a justiça revolucionária tem um preço...
Numa era em que a cisão entre ricos e pobres é gigantesca e o país se divide internamente, um homem e uma mulher lutam para vingar tudo aquilo que perderam. Arno e Élise são depressa arrastados para a batalha centenária entre Assassinos e Templários � num mundo com perigos mais letais do que alguma vez teriam imaginado.

INTRIGA, SANGUE E TRAIÇÃO OCUPAM AS RUAS DE PARIS.
AS BATALHAS DA REVOLUÇÃO COMEÇARAM, MAS HÁ QUEM
TENHA UMA MAIOR SEDE DE VINGANÇA...]]> 352 Oliver Bowden 9896378088 dan 3 it-was-nice BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: September, 2024
Theme: Read a Book From a Favourite Author
* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

------------------------------------------------

Favourite character? Mr. Weatherall.

Synopsis:

The story begins a little bit before 1789, as Paris sees the darn of the French Revolution. The division between the rich and the poor are accentuated each year.

Arno and Élise, two young man and woman who have lost it all, are drawn into a centuries-old battle between the Assassins and the Templars.

Review:

First of all, I must comment once again how beautifully written and incorporated the historical events are with the fictional story. As always, it is done in such as seamlessly manner that it is not regarded as info-dumping. In this case, the incorporation of the French Revolution without making it the centre of the story but also without discard it as a side event that didn’t influence the story was amazing, truly well done and in congruence with the Assassin’s Creed series.

There is a lot of action, a lot of typical things that one would love in an Assassin’s Creed book, perfectly balanced with romance and political intrigue.

Before I start my reviewing of the characters, we have to remember, when criticising, that the book is written from a particular perspective � it’s not only first person POV, but it’s also a journal entry. It gives a partial, highly biased perspective and description of events.

Élise was both a character that I admire and that annoys me: she’s an entitled brat, tempestuous, often unaware of the consequences of her actions and, when she is aware, she’s just reckless and doesn’t particularly care. There’s often a lack of understanding or empathy, blended with a bit of arrogance from her social status and even an overvalue of her own skills and intelligence.

Do I hate her? No. It’s quite the opposite. I think she’s a perfectly flawed character, a sort of tragic hero or an anti-hero who attempts to be a hero but falls into the traps of their own lack of ability to change and improve oneself.

I’m confident if she were a man, she’d be adored amongst the fandom and revered as a tragic hero. But she’s a woman, so she’s often hated.

That doesn’t mean I agree or condone everything she says and/or does. [spoilers removed]

[spoilers removed]

Although the ending was predictable, it was still sad. I wish there were more entries from Arno’s journal and not just a reflection on what he had just read from Élise’s journal.

With the Haytham’s sister’s storyline, a lot more could’ve been done to mend or shorten the bridge between Assassins and Templars but Élise gives it two seconds of thought every once in a while and then forgets about it.

Despite it there being a love story, there is little evidence that leads me believe Élise and Arno actually fell in love with each other when they were kids. We’re only told they played together, with barely any descriptions of what happens and then suddenly, we’re supposed to expect they actually loved each other? Bro.

Personally, in terms of plot and story-telling, this book might be weakest for me. It was not a bad book, by any chance, but it was a bit disappointing in some aspects.]]> 3.77 2014 Assassin's Creed: União (Assassin's Creed #7)
author: Oliver Bowden
name: dan
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/03
date added: 2024/11/30
shelves: it-was-nice
review:
BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: September, 2024
Theme: Read a Book From a Favourite Author
* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

------------------------------------------------

Favourite character? Mr. Weatherall.

Synopsis:

The story begins a little bit before 1789, as Paris sees the darn of the French Revolution. The division between the rich and the poor are accentuated each year.

Arno and Élise, two young man and woman who have lost it all, are drawn into a centuries-old battle between the Assassins and the Templars.

Review:

First of all, I must comment once again how beautifully written and incorporated the historical events are with the fictional story. As always, it is done in such as seamlessly manner that it is not regarded as info-dumping. In this case, the incorporation of the French Revolution without making it the centre of the story but also without discard it as a side event that didn’t influence the story was amazing, truly well done and in congruence with the Assassin’s Creed series.

There is a lot of action, a lot of typical things that one would love in an Assassin’s Creed book, perfectly balanced with romance and political intrigue.

Before I start my reviewing of the characters, we have to remember, when criticising, that the book is written from a particular perspective � it’s not only first person POV, but it’s also a journal entry. It gives a partial, highly biased perspective and description of events.

Élise was both a character that I admire and that annoys me: she’s an entitled brat, tempestuous, often unaware of the consequences of her actions and, when she is aware, she’s just reckless and doesn’t particularly care. There’s often a lack of understanding or empathy, blended with a bit of arrogance from her social status and even an overvalue of her own skills and intelligence.

Do I hate her? No. It’s quite the opposite. I think she’s a perfectly flawed character, a sort of tragic hero or an anti-hero who attempts to be a hero but falls into the traps of their own lack of ability to change and improve oneself.

I’m confident if she were a man, she’d be adored amongst the fandom and revered as a tragic hero. But she’s a woman, so she’s often hated.

That doesn’t mean I agree or condone everything she says and/or does. [spoilers removed]

[spoilers removed]

Although the ending was predictable, it was still sad. I wish there were more entries from Arno’s journal and not just a reflection on what he had just read from Élise’s journal.

With the Haytham’s sister’s storyline, a lot more could’ve been done to mend or shorten the bridge between Assassins and Templars but Élise gives it two seconds of thought every once in a while and then forgets about it.

Despite it there being a love story, there is little evidence that leads me believe Élise and Arno actually fell in love with each other when they were kids. We’re only told they played together, with barely any descriptions of what happens and then suddenly, we’re supposed to expect they actually loved each other? Bro.

Personally, in terms of plot and story-telling, this book might be weakest for me. It was not a bad book, by any chance, but it was a bit disappointing in some aspects.
]]> <![CDATA[Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch, #1)]]> 195530544
For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy� Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape.

Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her.

Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?]]> 346 Lyla Sage 0593732421 dan 4 great-stuff BookClub: Cat & Dan *
Month: December, 2024

* BookClub Cat & Dan is just a "book club" where me and Cátia pick up a book from the 24 previously selected each month and have to "force" ourselves to read a book.

-------------------------------------------------

I don’t normally review romances in here, especially if I loved it (which seems counterintuitive).

Synopsis:

The story begins with Clementine “Emmy� Ryder returning to her hometown and her family’s ranch in Meadowlark, Wyoming. She has always had a to-do list to accomplish but after a serious accident shook her world, she has no choice but to return home. We then meet Luke Brooks, the small town’s most notorious player, resident bad boy and most desired bachelor. Unofficially adopted by Emmy’s family, Luke has spend most of his childhood antagonising her alongside her brothers.

Years later without properly seeing her, Emmy walks unknowingly into Luke’s bar and he can’t take his eyes off her and, against his better judgement, he starts to feel like he wants to do more than just look. Emmy has issues that she needs to resolve without no one knowing and Luke’s presence makes it difficult to deal with it alone.

Review:

Emmy and Luke were perfect for each other from the beginning. They’re very similar in some aspects and balance each other in others. Emmy definitely benefited from Luke’s calm and soft demeanour and Luke benefited from Emmy’s faith in him.

Personally, I do think Luke contributed more for the development of the relationship than Emmy but that is mostly because Emmy was trying to work out her own troubling issues and Luke, though also with his issues, was an already mature, decided and level-headed man. He had insecurities throughout the book but, when it mattered, he didn’t let those insecurities drive him away from Emmy.

That is not to say Emmy didn’t contribute. She gave Luke the reassurance he needed in the most trying times and stood by him when necessary.

The writing is nice and I don’t have anything in particular bad to say. I would’ve liked it to see it a little bit more polished but it’s nothing to preoccupy.

The only person I didn’t like was Gus, Emmy’s oldest brother. He was entitled, self-absorbed, selfish, demanding, aggressive and authoritarian. [spoilers removed]

It didn’t make me excited for reading his book, which is unfortunate because I know it’ll be with Teddy and I love her.

Overall, it was a really good, great book. I don't understand many of the reviews who speak of an "atrocious" writing, say "they're a bunch of horny teenagers" and "chapter 5 and they're already having sex". It seems a bit of ill-tongue or it seems we read different books. They only have sex after the 50% mark and, before that, they only have a heavy make-out session. I've always been a fan of "if you don't like smut, then why read books with smut or even read the smut part?". I also don't know what the problem of this "generation of readers" is because they complain constantly about petnames like sugar, princess and others. Like, do you hate happiness?

This is a typical romance book with smut but it allows for topics to be developed in 300-and-something pages. I wish Emmy's issues were approached differently, mostly because I think her overcoming them would've been even more impressive. [spoilers removed]

Overall, it was really good and it deserved the hype it got.]]> 3.91 2023 Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch, #1)
author: Lyla Sage
name: dan
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/30
date added: 2024/11/30
shelves: great-stuff
review:
BookClub: Cat & Dan *
Month: December, 2024

* BookClub Cat & Dan is just a "book club" where me and Cátia pick up a book from the 24 previously selected each month and have to "force" ourselves to read a book.

-------------------------------------------------

I don’t normally review romances in here, especially if I loved it (which seems counterintuitive).

Synopsis:

The story begins with Clementine “Emmy� Ryder returning to her hometown and her family’s ranch in Meadowlark, Wyoming. She has always had a to-do list to accomplish but after a serious accident shook her world, she has no choice but to return home. We then meet Luke Brooks, the small town’s most notorious player, resident bad boy and most desired bachelor. Unofficially adopted by Emmy’s family, Luke has spend most of his childhood antagonising her alongside her brothers.

Years later without properly seeing her, Emmy walks unknowingly into Luke’s bar and he can’t take his eyes off her and, against his better judgement, he starts to feel like he wants to do more than just look. Emmy has issues that she needs to resolve without no one knowing and Luke’s presence makes it difficult to deal with it alone.

Review:

Emmy and Luke were perfect for each other from the beginning. They’re very similar in some aspects and balance each other in others. Emmy definitely benefited from Luke’s calm and soft demeanour and Luke benefited from Emmy’s faith in him.

Personally, I do think Luke contributed more for the development of the relationship than Emmy but that is mostly because Emmy was trying to work out her own troubling issues and Luke, though also with his issues, was an already mature, decided and level-headed man. He had insecurities throughout the book but, when it mattered, he didn’t let those insecurities drive him away from Emmy.

That is not to say Emmy didn’t contribute. She gave Luke the reassurance he needed in the most trying times and stood by him when necessary.

The writing is nice and I don’t have anything in particular bad to say. I would’ve liked it to see it a little bit more polished but it’s nothing to preoccupy.

The only person I didn’t like was Gus, Emmy’s oldest brother. He was entitled, self-absorbed, selfish, demanding, aggressive and authoritarian. [spoilers removed]

It didn’t make me excited for reading his book, which is unfortunate because I know it’ll be with Teddy and I love her.

Overall, it was a really good, great book. I don't understand many of the reviews who speak of an "atrocious" writing, say "they're a bunch of horny teenagers" and "chapter 5 and they're already having sex". It seems a bit of ill-tongue or it seems we read different books. They only have sex after the 50% mark and, before that, they only have a heavy make-out session. I've always been a fan of "if you don't like smut, then why read books with smut or even read the smut part?". I also don't know what the problem of this "generation of readers" is because they complain constantly about petnames like sugar, princess and others. Like, do you hate happiness?

This is a typical romance book with smut but it allows for topics to be developed in 300-and-something pages. I wish Emmy's issues were approached differently, mostly because I think her overcoming them would've been even more impressive. [spoilers removed]

Overall, it was really good and it deserved the hype it got.
]]> <![CDATA[Finn Rhodes Forever (The Queen's Cove #4)]]> 123300493 398 Stephanie Archer 1777978076 dan 0 demigod-tier 4.10 2023 Finn Rhodes Forever (The Queen's Cove #4)
author: Stephanie Archer
name: dan
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at: 2024/11/21
date added: 2024/11/28
shelves: demigod-tier
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (Dream Harbor, #2)]]> 210163133 From the author of the Sunday Times bestseller and viral TikTok phenomenon, The Pumpkin Spice Café, comes a brand new spicy romance set in Dream Harbor!

When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues� she just need someone to help her out.

Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help!

Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells�

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is a cozy romantic mystery with a HEA guaranteed!

Tropes:
� opposites attract
� small town
� forced proximity
� he falls first]]> 348 Laurie Gilmore 0008641587 dan 0 great-stuff 3.68 2024 The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (Dream Harbor, #2)
author: Laurie Gilmore
name: dan
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at: 2024/11/25
date added: 2024/11/28
shelves: great-stuff
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Hopeless (Chestnut Springs #5)]]> 200862972
I’m the outcast bartender, a shy girl from the wrong side of the tracks.

He’s thirty-five and all man, and I’m twenty-two and all� virgin.

He’s also my fiancé. Correction: my fake fiancé.

We start out as a bet. He doesn’t believe that anyone holds my last name against me. So he offers me his to prove a point.

It’s win-win. He gets a break from his concerned family’s prying, and I get a chance to shed my family’s reputation while I save up to ditch this small town.

He says all I have to do is wear his ring, follow his lead, and pretend I can’t keep my hands off of him in public.

But it’s what happens between us in private that blurs all those carefully drawn lines.

It’s what transpires behind closed doors that doesn’t feel like pretending at all.

This engagement was supposed to be for show. This agreement? It has an end date.

He once told me he’d never fall in love.

And yet here I am, head over heels for my fake fiancé.]]> 386 Elsie Silver 0349437742 dan 0 demigod-tier 3.98 2023 Hopeless (Chestnut Springs #5)
author: Elsie Silver
name: dan
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at: 2024/11/28
date added: 2024/11/28
shelves: demigod-tier
review:

]]> Power Play (D.C. Stars, #2) 218022571 Divorced, feeling stuck in her professional life and terrified of reentering the world of dating, she’s decided she’s going to work on something she can control: learning how to be good in the bedroom.
Enter Liam Sullivan.
The star NHL goalie might not be a people person, but he's the perfect teacher. He knows what he's doing behind closed doors, and with a little convincing, he agrees to be Piper's guide.
Things between them are casual and easy. Something they can both benefit from. And when a road trip to Vegas has Piper and Liam waking up from a night they can’t remember with matching wedding rings, they decide to figure out how much more fun they can have as husband and wife.
It’s just for the hockey season.
It doesn’t mean anything.
But as the clock ticks down on their fake-marriage-with-benefits, can Piper and Liam make it work in the real world? Or will their relationship be a power play straight to disaster?]]> 514 Chelsea Curto dan 0 to-read 4.01 2024 Power Play (D.C. Stars, #2)
author: Chelsea Curto
name: dan
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[King of Wrath (Kings of Sin, #1)]]> 62802896 She’s the wife he never wanted…and the weakness he never saw coming.<.b>

Ruthless. Meticulous. Arrogant.

Dante Russo thrives on control, both personally and professionally.

The billionaire CEO never planned to marry�
until the threat of blackmail forces him into an engagement with a woman he barely knows.

Vivian Lau, jewelry heiress and daughter of his newest enemy.

It doesn’t matter how beautiful or charming she is. He'll do everything in his power to destroy the evidence and their betrothal.

There’s only one problem: now that he has her...he can't bring himself to let her go.

***
Elegant. Ambitious. Well-mannered.

Vivian Lau is the perfect daughter and her family’s ticket into the highest echelons of high society.

Marrying a blue-blooded Russo means opening doors that would otherwise remain closed to her new-money family.

While the rude, elusive Dante isn't her idea of a dream partner, she agrees to their arranged marriage out of duty.

Craving his touch was never part of the plan.

Neither was the worst thing she could possibly do: fall in love with her future husband.

King of Wrath is a steamy billionaire/arranged marriage romance. It contains explicit sexual content, profanity, and mild violence. Recommended for mature readers only.<.i>]]> 383 Ana Huang 0349436320 dan 0 to-read 4.03 2022 King of Wrath (Kings of Sin, #1)
author: Ana Huang
name: dan
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Dollmakers 199793668
In the country called One, dollmakers are vital members of the community. An artisan’s doll is the height of society’s accomplishments, while a guard’s doll is the only thing standing between the people of One and the vicious, cobbled monstrosities that will tear apart any structure—living or dead, inanimate or otherwise—to add to their horde.

Apprentice Shean of Pearl is a brilliant dollmaker. With her clever dolls, she intends to outsmart and destroy the Shod, once and for all—a destiny she’s worked her whole life toward accomplishing. But when the time comes for her dolls to be licensed, she’s told her work is too beautiful and delicate to fight. A statement that wounds and infuriates her; the Shod killed everyone she loved. How could her fate be anything but fighting them?

In an attempt to help her see a new path for herself, Shean’s mentor sends her on a journey to the remote village called Web, urging her to glean some wisdom from Ikiisa, a reclusive and well-respected guard dollmaker. But Shean has another if she can convince the village of Web of her talents, the Licensor Guild will have to reconsider and grant her a guard’s license. And what better way to convince them than challenging Ikiisa and instating herself as the official dollmaker of Web? Once she’s done that, proving her dolls� worth in the fight against the Shod will be simple. As simple, that is, as calling the Shod to Web...]]> 388 Lynn Buchanan 0063308266 dan 0 to-read 3.81 2024 The Dollmakers
author: Lynn Buchanan
name: dan
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Daydream (Maple Hills, #3) 199798652
When his procrastination lands him in a difficult class with his least favorite professor, Henry Turner knows he’s going to have to work extra hard to survive his junior year of college. And now with his new title of captain for the hockey team—which he didn’t even want—Henry absolutely cannot fail. Enter Halle Jacobs, a fellow junior who finds herself befriended by Henry when he accidentally crashes her book club.

Halle may not have the romantic pursuits of her favorite fictional leads, but she’s an academic superstar, and as soon as she hears about Henry’s problems with his class reading material, she offers to help. Too bad being a private tutor isn’t exactly ideal given her own studies, job, book club, and the novel she’s trying to write. But new experiences are the key to beating her writer’s block, and Henry’s promising to be the one to give them to her.

They just need to stick to their rule book.

Oh, and not fall in love.]]> 433 Hannah Grace 1668026252 dan 0 demigod-tier 3.92 2024 Daydream (Maple Hills, #3)
author: Hannah Grace
name: dan
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at: 2024/11/15
date added: 2024/11/14
shelves: demigod-tier
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Trust in Me (Wait for You, #1.5)]]> 17860217
Cameron Hamilton is used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women. But when Avery Morgansten comes crashing into his life � literally � he finally meets the one person who can resist his soulful baby blues. But Cam’s not ready to give up � he can’t get this feisty and intriguing girl out of his head.

Avery has secrets, secrets that keep her from admitting the feelings Cam knows she has for him. What will it take to help him break down her barriers and gain her trust? Or will he be shut out of Avery’s life, losing his first real shot at the kind of love that lasts forever?]]> 352 J. Lynn dan 5 demigod-tier
How did I know? From Avery’s perspective, you can already tell that Cameron is a sweet guy, filled with sarcasm and sassiness but he became so affectionate with Avery and I fell in love with Cameron. Cameron’s perspective is a blind perspective on what Avery was dealing with � even though he had an idea from the beginning �, a perspective in which we find ourselves very often, without knowing what the other person is suffering and we make quick judgments or give up on trying to understand them. I loved Cameron from the very beginning I read the first book and I fell more in love with him now because, even though Avery would often push him back, he somehow always found himself attracted to her. It was a kind of love that I found fascinating and the one that truly touches my heart and soul the most.

I don’t have much to say about the story in his book - since it’s pretty much the same as the first book, just a different perspective -, I can say that we find out more about Cameron’s life, his thoughts and reasons behind his actions towards Avery. I don’t normally enjoy reading romance books but this story marked my life and I hold this story very dear to my heart.

If you have read the first book, I recommend you reading this one. It gives you a different perspective on the story and it makes Cameron even more gentle and sweet to the reader’s eyes. I hope we can all find a Cameron in our lives.]]> 4.23 2013 Trust in Me (Wait for You, #1.5)
author: J. Lynn
name: dan
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2020/10/14
date added: 2024/11/11
shelves: demigod-tier
review:
I read the first book “Wait For You� around 2015 and just recently found out that there was a book told from Cameron’s perspective � I knew I had to read it. Truthfully, I loved the first book so I knew I was going to love this book.

How did I know? From Avery’s perspective, you can already tell that Cameron is a sweet guy, filled with sarcasm and sassiness but he became so affectionate with Avery and I fell in love with Cameron. Cameron’s perspective is a blind perspective on what Avery was dealing with � even though he had an idea from the beginning �, a perspective in which we find ourselves very often, without knowing what the other person is suffering and we make quick judgments or give up on trying to understand them. I loved Cameron from the very beginning I read the first book and I fell more in love with him now because, even though Avery would often push him back, he somehow always found himself attracted to her. It was a kind of love that I found fascinating and the one that truly touches my heart and soul the most.

I don’t have much to say about the story in his book - since it’s pretty much the same as the first book, just a different perspective -, I can say that we find out more about Cameron’s life, his thoughts and reasons behind his actions towards Avery. I don’t normally enjoy reading romance books but this story marked my life and I hold this story very dear to my heart.

If you have read the first book, I recommend you reading this one. It gives you a different perspective on the story and it makes Cameron even more gentle and sweet to the reader’s eyes. I hope we can all find a Cameron in our lives.
]]> <![CDATA[Wait for You (Wait for You, #1)]]> 17314430 Some things are worth waiting for�

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing�

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so� so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet�

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for�]]> 386 J. Lynn dan 5 demigod-tier
The story follows Avery, a freshman in college with a tragic event in her past. We can read Avery’s thoughts and actions and, even though I read the book 5 years ago, I’m pretty sure we can guess from the beginning why she acts the way she does. We find the truth more or less around the middle of the book but, if you paid attention to the way her actions are described, the reason behind her “weirdness� is not going to be a surprise. She meets Cameron right at the beginning of the book and he becomes affectionate with her right there. The part I love the most about this book is that is not completely focused on the romance. Avery is dealing with her own issues and, even though she loves Cameron’s company and their relationship keeps evolving, she doesn’t really allow herself to be free as much as she’d like. This book is, then, about her healing process, it’s about her with a little bit of Cameron to the mix. Clearly, the message I took from this book is that no matter how much someone loves you, your healing has to come from within, but we should allow people to come into our lives and trust they’re going to help us.

The first time I read the book it was borrowed and just recently book my own copy. That’s how much I loved the book. A few years from now I will re-read the book and I will enjoy it even more than I did the first time. I recently read the second book of this story, Cameron’s side of the story, and I loved it.

The author had a sensitive and careful touch whenever she mentioned some of the issues portrayed in this book and I cannot thank her enough to make it as believable as possible. I feel like these issues are often exaggerated or undervalued in books, giving a false sense of what dealing with these issues really is and portrays a wrong idea of what people go through. It is a beautiful book about healing, trust and love.]]> 4.14 2013 Wait for You (Wait for You, #1)
author: J. Lynn
name: dan
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/11/11
shelves: demigod-tier
review:
I read this book around 2015 and it’s a story that I still hold dear to my heart and soul.

The story follows Avery, a freshman in college with a tragic event in her past. We can read Avery’s thoughts and actions and, even though I read the book 5 years ago, I’m pretty sure we can guess from the beginning why she acts the way she does. We find the truth more or less around the middle of the book but, if you paid attention to the way her actions are described, the reason behind her “weirdness� is not going to be a surprise. She meets Cameron right at the beginning of the book and he becomes affectionate with her right there. The part I love the most about this book is that is not completely focused on the romance. Avery is dealing with her own issues and, even though she loves Cameron’s company and their relationship keeps evolving, she doesn’t really allow herself to be free as much as she’d like. This book is, then, about her healing process, it’s about her with a little bit of Cameron to the mix. Clearly, the message I took from this book is that no matter how much someone loves you, your healing has to come from within, but we should allow people to come into our lives and trust they’re going to help us.

The first time I read the book it was borrowed and just recently book my own copy. That’s how much I loved the book. A few years from now I will re-read the book and I will enjoy it even more than I did the first time. I recently read the second book of this story, Cameron’s side of the story, and I loved it.

The author had a sensitive and careful touch whenever she mentioned some of the issues portrayed in this book and I cannot thank her enough to make it as believable as possible. I feel like these issues are often exaggerated or undervalued in books, giving a false sense of what dealing with these issues really is and portrays a wrong idea of what people go through. It is a beautiful book about healing, trust and love.
]]> <![CDATA[The Wedding Witch (The Ex Hex, #3)]]> 75663738 276 Erin Sterling 0063297590 dan 0 it-was-good 3.68 2024 The Wedding Witch (The Ex Hex, #3)
author: Erin Sterling
name: dan
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at: 2024/11/11
date added: 2024/11/11
shelves: it-was-good
review:

]]> Bet The Farm 55283321
But there’s one problem, and it’s not her lactose intolerance.

Jake Milovic.

The brooding farmhand has inherited exactly fifty percent of Brent Farm, and he’s so convinced the city girl can’t work the land, he bets she can’t save it in a summer.

Determined to prove him wrong, Olivia accepts what might be the dumbest wager of her life.

His strategy to win seems simple: follow her around, shirtlessly distracting her between bouts of relentless taunting. And it’s effective—if his dark eyes and rare smiles aren’t enough to sidetrack her, the sweaty, rolling topography of the manbeast’s body would do the trick.

What they don’t know: they’ll have to weather more than each other.

Mysterious circumstances throw the farm into disarray, and with the dairy farm in danger, Olivia and Jake have to work together. But when they do, there’s more to fear than either of them imagined.

Because now their hearts are on the line, and the farm won’t be the only casualty if they fail.]]> 296 Staci Hart dan 0 it-was-nice 3.65 2021 Bet The Farm
author: Staci Hart
name: dan
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at: 2024/10/03
date added: 2024/11/11
shelves: it-was-nice
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Rubinrot (Edelstein-Trilogie, #1)]]> 6325285
Bis sie sich eines Tages aus heiterem Himmel im London um die letzte Jahrhundertwende wiederfindet. Und ihr klar wird, dass ausgerechnet sie das allergrößte Geheimnis ihrer Familie ist. Was ihr dagegen nicht klar ist: Dass man sich zwischen den Zeiten möglichst nicht verlieben sollte. Denn das macht die Sache erst recht kompliziert!]]> 345 Kerstin Gier 3401063340 dan 0 to-read 4.26 2009 Rubinrot (Edelstein-Trilogie, #1)
author: Kerstin Gier
name: dan
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Midnight Library 52578297
When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change.

The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren't always what she imagined they'd be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger.

Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?]]> 288 Matt Haig 0525559477 dan 3 great-stuff BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: February, 2021
Theme: Underrated Book Whose Story Intrigues You

* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

This book was mentioned by BookRoast in one of her videos and I was intrigued by the story of living different versions of you, different lives that you could’ve lived if you have made different choices. I believe that is something that we can all relate. When we’re in a bad place mentally, whether it is just temporarily or we’ve been there for a while, we end up wondering how our lives would be if we had made different choices. And this book explores that beautifully.

The story begins with Nora Seed is someone who has been depressed for a long while. As she grew up, more regrets of decision she made weight on her. She feels like people who she loved or cared, stopped caring for her and abandoned her. However, she doesn’t blame them for leaving her, she blames herself. She continuously sees herself as the problem as she was the one who made the decisions and, therefore, her punishment of being abandoned was legitimate. After one hell of a day, Nora makes a decision and she finds herself in what is called The Midnight Library. There, Nora is confronted with the possibility of changing her life for a new one. However, she must search within herself as she travel through the Midnight Library “to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place�.

The story is clearly original. There have been some books and movies that might have made up stories that are similar but this book has a story that I haven’t read before. I won’t explain what the Midnight Library is because some people might consider it spoiler BUT I will say that the way that the author decides to use the Midnight Library as a reference to a certain state of life is clearly something unique. I liked how original/unusual that concept was and how the author played beautifully well, from the endless books with countless lives from which Nora had to choose to the lives themselves. Most of the story is the reader following Nora as she jumps from life to life. I understand that it might be boring for some readers because, even though you’re reading different lives, Nora doesn’t learn a lesson after each of them. Or better, she does but she doesn’t realize it. She only realizes it later. Therefore, even though I understand those readers� feelings towards the continuous repetition of the lesson that is at the core of the story, I think that the story itself wouldn’t have add the same impact and it wouldn’t have been written so beautiful and, perhaps, it wouldn’t have been relatable as much as it was, if Nora had learned the “core lesson� after the third life. It is the continuous *subtle* repetition of the lesson that makes this story believable, relatable and accurate. We, humans, don’t always learn a lesson after the first mistake, after the first error, no, sometimes we continue to make that mistakes, perhaps through different ways, until we learn the lesson. That is way that reading through the countless lives Nora lived didn’t bother me at all.

The writing was simple but beautiful. From time to time, the author decides to add more beauty to Nora’s thoughts and descriptions. It was easy to follow, it was always flowery, which probably made the story easier to enjoy.

The lesson that Nora learns is beautiful and it really did helped me because I need to be reminded of that from time to time. It is easy to regret every decision we make, it is easy to regret what we didn’t become, what we didn’t experiment, what we didn’t experience, what we didn’t do or say. It is easy to look at our current lives and blame ourselves for having a bad life, for being stuck, for being less than what we wanted. It is easy to blame us and praise the other lives as if they were perfect and our current life is the one with flaws, unhappiness, pain, grief, bad moments. What is hard is to look at our current life and realize that it is perfect just the way it is: with imperfection.

No life, and I mean no life, is completely perfect, completely sadness free, pain free, grief free. All those things are part of every single life. It is because we feel all those negative things that we are able to feel and appreciate all the good things. It is hard to look at the decision we made and not think about them as regret but see them as opportunities in which we might have escaped an ending we might have not enjoyed in this life. I understand regret. I understand what it is like to want to go back in time and change certain events by making other decisions. But we can’t. Life doesn’t have a rewind button but it does a play button. Our current life is amazing if we look at it from an overall perspective. If we could step outside of our bubble, our point of view, and climbed high and looked down, we would be so proud of whom we have become, of the decisions we have made, what we overcame and where we’re leading.

I’ll leave here a excerpt from the book: “The paradox of volcanoes was that they were symbols of destruction but also life. Once the lava slows and cools, it solidifies and then breaks down over time to become soil � rich, fertile soil. She [Nora] wasn’t a black hole, she decided. She was a volcano. And like a volcano she couldn’t ran away from herself. She’d have to stay there and tend to that wasteland. She could plant a forest inside herself.�.

Don’t give up on yourself. I promise, if you fight for yourself, you’ll live a wonderful live.

If you’re close to give up life, or you’re used to regret every decision you make, or if you have the tendency to wonder how your life would be different without those decisions, maybe read this book. I hope it will give you a little bit of hope, a little bit of faith and, who knows, your own Midnight Library.


Reviews of books from the 2021 ‘Me, Myself & I� bookclub:
� DaVinci Code
� Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland + Through The Looking Glass and What Alice Found There
� Dead Poets Society
� A Woman Is No Man
� Firekeeper’s Daughter
� Sold
� Thousand Splendid Suns
� A Torch Against The Sun
� The Ex Hex
� Legendborn
� The Bear and The Nightingale ]]> 3.96 2020 The Midnight Library
author: Matt Haig
name: dan
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2021/03/08
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves: great-stuff
review:
BookClub: Me, Myself & I *
Month: February, 2021
Theme: Underrated Book Whose Story Intrigues You

* BookClub Me, Myself & I is just a "book club" where I pick up a prompt each month and I have to "force" myself to read a book that fits that prompt.

This book was mentioned by BookRoast in one of her videos and I was intrigued by the story of living different versions of you, different lives that you could’ve lived if you have made different choices. I believe that is something that we can all relate. When we’re in a bad place mentally, whether it is just temporarily or we’ve been there for a while, we end up wondering how our lives would be if we had made different choices. And this book explores that beautifully.

The story begins with Nora Seed is someone who has been depressed for a long while. As she grew up, more regrets of decision she made weight on her. She feels like people who she loved or cared, stopped caring for her and abandoned her. However, she doesn’t blame them for leaving her, she blames herself. She continuously sees herself as the problem as she was the one who made the decisions and, therefore, her punishment of being abandoned was legitimate. After one hell of a day, Nora makes a decision and she finds herself in what is called The Midnight Library. There, Nora is confronted with the possibility of changing her life for a new one. However, she must search within herself as she travel through the Midnight Library “to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place�.

The story is clearly original. There have been some books and movies that might have made up stories that are similar but this book has a story that I haven’t read before. I won’t explain what the Midnight Library is because some people might consider it spoiler BUT I will say that the way that the author decides to use the Midnight Library as a reference to a certain state of life is clearly something unique. I liked how original/unusual that concept was and how the author played beautifully well, from the endless books with countless lives from which Nora had to choose to the lives themselves. Most of the story is the reader following Nora as she jumps from life to life. I understand that it might be boring for some readers because, even though you’re reading different lives, Nora doesn’t learn a lesson after each of them. Or better, she does but she doesn’t realize it. She only realizes it later. Therefore, even though I understand those readers� feelings towards the continuous repetition of the lesson that is at the core of the story, I think that the story itself wouldn’t have add the same impact and it wouldn’t have been written so beautiful and, perhaps, it wouldn’t have been relatable as much as it was, if Nora had learned the “core lesson� after the third life. It is the continuous *subtle* repetition of the lesson that makes this story believable, relatable and accurate. We, humans, don’t always learn a lesson after the first mistake, after the first error, no, sometimes we continue to make that mistakes, perhaps through different ways, until we learn the lesson. That is way that reading through the countless lives Nora lived didn’t bother me at all.

The writing was simple but beautiful. From time to time, the author decides to add more beauty to Nora’s thoughts and descriptions. It was easy to follow, it was always flowery, which probably made the story easier to enjoy.

The lesson that Nora learns is beautiful and it really did helped me because I need to be reminded of that from time to time. It is easy to regret every decision we make, it is easy to regret what we didn’t become, what we didn’t experiment, what we didn’t experience, what we didn’t do or say. It is easy to look at our current lives and blame ourselves for having a bad life, for being stuck, for being less than what we wanted. It is easy to blame us and praise the other lives as if they were perfect and our current life is the one with flaws, unhappiness, pain, grief, bad moments. What is hard is to look at our current life and realize that it is perfect just the way it is: with imperfection.

No life, and I mean no life, is completely perfect, completely sadness free, pain free, grief free. All those things are part of every single life. It is because we feel all those negative things that we are able to feel and appreciate all the good things. It is hard to look at the decision we made and not think about them as regret but see them as opportunities in which we might have escaped an ending we might have not enjoyed in this life. I understand regret. I understand what it is like to want to go back in time and change certain events by making other decisions. But we can’t. Life doesn’t have a rewind button but it does a play button. Our current life is amazing if we look at it from an overall perspective. If we could step outside of our bubble, our point of view, and climbed high and looked down, we would be so proud of whom we have become, of the decisions we have made, what we overcame and where we’re leading.

I’ll leave here a excerpt from the book: “The paradox of volcanoes was that they were symbols of destruction but also life. Once the lava slows and cools, it solidifies and then breaks down over time to become soil � rich, fertile soil. She [Nora] wasn’t a black hole, she decided. She was a volcano. And like a volcano she couldn’t ran away from herself. She’d have to stay there and tend to that wasteland. She could plant a forest inside herself.�.

Don’t give up on yourself. I promise, if you fight for yourself, you’ll live a wonderful live.

If you’re close to give up life, or you’re used to regret every decision you make, or if you have the tendency to wonder how your life would be different without those decisions, maybe read this book. I hope it will give you a little bit of hope, a little bit of faith and, who knows, your own Midnight Library.


Reviews of books from the 2021 ‘Me, Myself & I� bookclub:
� DaVinci Code
� Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland + Through The Looking Glass and What Alice Found There
� Dead Poets Society
� A Woman Is No Man
� Firekeeper’s Daughter
� Sold
� Thousand Splendid Suns
� A Torch Against The Sun
� The Ex Hex
� Legendborn
� The Bear and The Nightingale
]]> The Princess Bride 21787
As a boy, William Goldman claims, he loved to hear his father read the S. Morgenstern classic, The Princess Bride. But as a grown-up he discovered that the boring parts were left out of good old Dad's recitation, and only the "good parts" reached his ears.

Now Goldman does Dad one better. He's reconstructed the "Good Parts Version" to delight wise kids and wide-eyed grownups everywhere.

What's it about? Fencing. Fighting. True Love. Strong Hate. Harsh Revenge. A Few Giants. Lots of Bad Men. Lots of Good Men. Five or Six Beautiful Women. Beasties Monstrous and Gentle. Some Swell Escapes and Captures. Death, Lies, Truth, Miracles, and a Little Sex.

In short, it's about everything.]]> 429 William Goldman 0345418263 dan 0 to-read 4.27 1973 The Princess Bride
author: William Goldman
name: dan
average rating: 4.27
book published: 1973
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]]> A Council of Dolls 62645211 From the mid-century metropolis of Chicago to the windswept ancestral lands of the Dakota people to the bleak and brutal Indian boarding schools, A Council of Dolls is the story of three women, told in part through the stories of the dolls they carried.

Sissy, born 1961: Sissy’s relationship with her beautiful and volatile mother is difficult, even dangerous, but her life is also filled with beautiful things, including a new Christmas present, a doll called Ethel. Ethel whispers advice and kindness in Sissy’s ear, and in one especially terrifying moment, maybe even saves Sissy’s life.

Lillian, born 1925: Born in her ancestral lands in a time of terrible change, Lillian clings to her sister, Blanche, and her doll, Mae. When the sisters are forced to attend an “Indian school� far from their home, Blanche refuses to be cowed by the school’s abusive nuns. But when tragedy strikes the sisters, the doll Mae finds her way to defend the girls.

Cora, born 1888: Although she was born into the brutal legacy of the “Indian Wars,� Cora isn’t afraid of the white men who remove her to a school across the country to be “civilized.� When teachers burn her beloved buckskin and beaded doll Winona, Cora discovers that the spirit of Winona may not be entirely lost.

A modern masterpiece, A Council of Dolls is gorgeous, quietly devastating, and ultimately hopeful, shining a light on the echoing damage of Indian boarding schools, and the historical massacres of Indigenous people.]]> 304 Mona Susan Power 0063281090 dan 0 to-read 4.02 2023 A Council of Dolls
author: Mona Susan Power
name: dan
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2023
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]]> Where They Last Saw Her 209419483
All they heard was her scream.

Quill has lived on the Red Pine reservation in Minnesota her whole life. She knows what happens to people who look like her. Just a girl when Jimmy Sky jumped off the railway bridge and she ran for help, Quill realizes now that she hasn’t ever stopped running. As she trains for the Boston Marathon early one morning out in the woods, she hears a scream. When she investigates, she finds tire tracks and a lone, beaded earring.

Things are different now for Quill than when she was a lonely girl. Her friends Punk and Gaylyn are two women who don’t know what it means to quit; she has her loving husband, Crow, and two beautiful children who challenge her to be better every day. So when she realizes another woman has been stolen, she is determined to do something—and her first stop is the group of men working the pipeline construction just north of their homes.

As Quill closes in on the truth behind the missing woman in the woods, someone else disappears. In her quest to find justice for the women of the reservation, she is confronted with the hard truths of their home and the people who purport to serve them. When will she stop losing neighbors, friends, family? As Quill puts herself, her family, and everything she’s built on the line to make a difference, the novel asks searing questions about bystander culture, the reverberations of even one act of crime, and the long-lasting trauma of being invisible.]]> 336 Marcie R. Rendon 0593974875 dan 0 to-read 3.85 2024 Where They Last Saw Her
author: Marcie R. Rendon
name: dan
average rating: 3.85
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]]> 1666 203106152 A Fictional Recounting of the Survival Story of Patawomeck Tribe of Virginia

The story has been remembered within the Patawomeck tribe for generations, but is largely unknown outside of the tribe until now. Author Lora Chilton, a tribal member through the lineage of her father, has created this powerful fictional retelling.

The story follows three Indigenous Patawomeck women who lived through the decimation of their tribe by land hungry colonists in the summer of 1666, the massacre of their men, the harrowing march south where they and their children were sold and transported to Barbados via slave ship, and, eventually, their brave escape back to Virginia. It is because of these women that the tribe is in existence to this day.

This work of historical fiction is based on oral tradition, interviews with tribal elders, written colonial records and extensive research by the author, including study of the language. The book uses Indigenous names for the characters and some Patawomeck words to honor the culture and heritage that was erased when European colonization of the Americans began in the 16th century.]]> 201 Lora Chilton 196057311X dan 0 to-read 4.24 2024 1666
author: Lora Chilton
name: dan
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2024
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