E. Lockhart Author Page

The Story: I think everyone in the bookish spaces knows the story behind We Were Liars, to not spread the twist, that we knew there was one, but to keep it a secret, and I read it, and loved it, and have since loved all books that I've read by E. Lockhart and I can't wait to read more! 

Website

Series: We Are Liars.

We Are Liars: We Were Liars and her site, my review, my reread, Family of Liars and her site, my review,  We Fell Apart and her site, my review.

Stand Alone's: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks and her site, my review, Genuine Fraud and her site, my review, Again Again and her site, my review, The Pools and her site, my review.

Waiting on Wednesday #800, September 9th

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

Dive Bar at the End of the Road by Kelley Armstrong

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

Final Destination meets The Cabin at the End of the World in this supernatural horror from New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong, in which a series of car accidents traps a group of strangers at a dive bar.

A forested road at night, slick from the pounding rain and eerily illuminated by flashes of lightning. Just before midnight, a car swerves to avoid something—or someone—mysteriously standing in the road, only to slam into a fallen tree instead. In the pitch black, four more cars follow in a pileup no one can seem avoid.

Stumbling out of the wreckage, soaked from the rain and nursing various injuries, five strangers find themselves in a backwoods dive bar, waiting for daybreak and hoping for cell service. But as tensions rise and the storm rages on outside, the occupants of the dive bar start to notice that not everything is as it seems. Time is moving differently, and they quickly learn that going outside—whether to assist another accident victim or to hike for help—is a very bad idea.

There’s something in the woods, something that isn't natural. Could the figure in the road have been a warning? Or something more sinister? None of this is normal, and they'll need to work together to figure out what’s happening if they have any hope of surviving through the night.

Tales from the Territory by Travis Baldree

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

Read by the author, Travis Baldree.

From international bestseller Travis Baldree, Tales from the Territory is a beautiful collection of cosy fantasy tales, set in the much-loved world of Legends & Lattes.

There are many tales yet untold . . .

'GOBLINS & GREATCOATS': Chaos goblin Zyll is involved in a case of mistaken identity, where she solves a murder at an inn whilst simultaneously stealing all the cutlery.

'JUST A THIMBLEFUL': The sweet rattkin baker Thimble finds a new home for his soon-to-be famous cinnamon rolls.

'PAGES TO FILL': An act of mercy leads to a life-changing discovery for warrior orc Viv.

In 'MIROGRAPH', young succubus Tandri assists a university professor on a mysterious project where art and science collide.

In 'CAVALIERS & COFFEES', Viv, now the owner of Legends & Lattes coffee shop, discovers that imitation is not the highest form of flattery.

The Blood Queen by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:
In this stunning sequel to The Crimson Throne, Alyth and Samson must infiltrate the fae court to prepare to face the bloodthirsty army of the High Blade who is intent on destroying both the mortal and fae worlds. From the New York Times bestselling authors of the Witch and Hunter duology, Sara Raasch and Beth Revis, comes the conclusion to this incredible romantasy duology. Alyth and Samson finally know the identity of the High Blade, leader of the bloodthirsty Red Cap army, and it's someone they never suspected. They'll use every bit of courage, smarts, and luck they have to escape her grasp and flee to the fae court, where they hope to find aid in the fight against the Red Caps. But the fae princes have been apathetic since the Faerie Queen disappeared years ago at the hands of the High Blade. They seem unwilling to help. And if they find out Samson's true identity, he'll be killed and Alyth banished. Alyth and Samson can only depend on each other and their love as they navigate fae politics, try to win allies, search for the missing queen, and face down the greatest threat the two worlds have ever known.

Victorious by V.E. Schwab

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

The triumphant conclusion to the Villains trilogy from V.E. Schwab, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil.

Eli Ever. Victor Vale.

Two men, first best friends, then mortal enemies, each destined to be the other’s shadow.

One left standing—but the game isn't over yet

Against all the years—and the odds—a group of allies and archrivals meet on a chessboard set by an opponent they couldn’t have predicted….to see who will be victorious.

The Sixth Faction by Veronica Roth

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

The worldwide sensation as you’ve never seen it before. Step into a bold new Divergent series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth.

Beatrice Prior stands on the brink of a decision every person in her world must make: five factions, five futures, five lives.

She has a plan: she's going to make the bravest choice, and leave Abnegation behind to join Dauntless, even though it means leaving her family behind.

But when tragedy strikes at her Choosing Ceremony, everything changes—her world, her plans, even Beatrice herself.

Her ensuing decision thrusts her into the crosshairs of an underground rebellion, and into the path of a boy with secrets as dangerous as her own—a boy with only a number for a name.

One choice will change everything.

Lore Olympus: Volume 11 by Rachel Smythe

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

The finale of Lore Olympus has arrived! Witness Hades and Persephone’s modern, romantic reimagining in this gorgeously illustrated, Eisner Award–winning comic—now including a never-before-seen bonus short story!

“It’s time to set things right.”

The race is on to save the Mortal Realm, but tragedy strikes when Kronos hijacks Morpheus’s body and kidnaps Hades. Now alone and unsure of the right way forward, Persephone is called to a leadership meeting of the gods, only to find that Apollo can manipulate her powers. He claims the spectacle proves that in order to save humanity she must marry him.

Before Persephone can even consider this cursed deal, Hera steps forward with a different solution: She will offer herself to Kronos in order to gain access to old Tartarus, wherein they’ll be able to destroy the titan, save their captured friends, and restore Persephone’s control over spring. Though the plan is risky, the gods agree it is the only path, and watch as the two goddesses descend into the depths to confront Kronos.

Meanwhile, Hades awakens in his worst nightmare, transported back in time—and right into his father’s clutches. Tortured and made to feel small, Hades thinks there is no way to escape until he meets the prisoner Kronos has been using to control the other gods. With the young goddess’s help, Hades finally finds the strength to face the titan. Combined with Persephone and Hera’s efforts, they are able to end Kronos’s influence over Olympus once and for all.

But Kronos is not the only danger the gods face. Apollo is revealed to be receiving aid from Olympus’s original tyrant, Ouranos, and the Primordial God has come to collect on the debt that arrogant Apollo owes him. And if Ouranos is unleashed once more, it will be the end of everything . . .

Can Hades and Persephone find their way back to each other and stop Apollo before he destroys the realms in his dangerous quest for power?

This edition of Smythe’s original Eisner Award–winning webcomic Lore Olympus features a brand-new, exclusive short story from creator Rachel Smythe and brings the Greek pantheon into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.

This final volume collects episodes 261–280 of the #1 WEBTOON comic Lore Olympus.

This Shattered Tempest by Thea Guanzon

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

The highly anticipated conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Hurricane Wars trilogy makes landfall— and as the winds of war sweep through Lir, Talasyn and Alaric must confront the truth of their hearts and decide whether duty or desire will lead them forward.

When the storm swallows the world, who will be left standing?

Throughout their political marriage, Alaric and Talasyn struggled to resist the undeniable pull between them, even as rising tensions forced them on opposite sides of a looming war. Hand in hand, they vanquished the cataclysmic threat of the Moonless Dark—and started to hope for a future together.

That hope is shattered when a devastating attack sets off a chain of events that tears them apart once more. Now, as two rival nations prepare for a final, decisive clash, the Master of the Shadowforged Legion and the last Lightweaver fight to find their way back to each other. But the odds are stacked against them, and time is running out…

Is love enough to rewrite destiny? Can a new beginning rise from the ruins of the past? Or are Alaric and Talasyn doomed to meet as enemies on one last battlefield? This explosive third and final book brings the beloved Hurricane Wars series to a stunning conclusion—where passion and power collide, and the fate of a divided world hangs in the balance.

The Witch by Frieda McFadden

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

Some secrets don't die―they wait.

When Julia Barlow loses her job and her apartment, she has nowhere left to go but Pemberton, her family's sprawling seventeenth-century estate in rural Massachusetts. Officially, she's there to check in on her aging grandmother. Unofficially, she's hoping the old house will give her a place to disappear.

Instead, Pemberton begins to unravel her.

Every night, the grandfather clock stops at exactly 3:41 a.m. The lights flicker without warning. And a disembodied voice cries for help outside Julia's bedroom door.

As Julia digs into the house's dark history, she uncovers the story of a woman executed for witchcraft in 1692―and realizes the past may not be finished with Pemberton yet. When decades of family lies begin to surface, Julia must confront a terrifying truth: Pemberton may be haunted by women whose voices refuse to stay silent.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden comes The Witch, a chilling, twist-filled thriller about secrets―those we inherit, those we bury, and those people will burn to keep silent.

Devoured by Jordon Stephanie Gray

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

The breathtaking finale to the instant New York Times bestseller, Bitten!

Welcome back to the Wolf Queen’s Court.

Vanessa Hart is done being a victim. After the brutal winter massacre stole everything from her, she vows vengeance against her enemies once and for all—even if that means killing the boy she once loved...

Vanessa bides her time playing the role of a docile subject. But beneath her mask, she sharpens her powers, embracing the werewolf within while weaving a complicated web of lies, betrayals, and alliances to topple the throne.

Unfortunately, vengeance isn’t easy, and nothing in the Wolf Queen’s Court is ever as it seems. As the darkness of the castle bleeds into human society, it’s clear no one is safe. Cora’s vicious reign grows stronger by the day, Sinclair continues hiding deadly secrets, and Calix—the boy Vanessa might loathe most of all—is threatening her every plan.

With nowhere to run and no place to hide, Vanessa sheds the last of her humanity to play this lethal game of werewolves. And if she doesn’t win, the consequences will destroy her life—and the entire world as she knows it—forever.

The Scarlet Ball by Nghi Vo

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

From USA Today bestselling author Nghi Vo, this all-consuming tale of ballrooms and bloodshed weds The Gilded Age with the Gothic vision of Guillermo del Toro.

Pick a face, pick a fate.

Judith Ban, former convent girl, courtesan, and failed thief, is on the lookout for her next identity. The daughter of a Vietnamese adventuress and a French naval officer, she’s no stranger to risk, but she’s unprepared for the secrets of New York’s legendary Four Hundred, or for the women who build their power at the city’s heart through blood-soaked, gold-etched rituals of demonic marriage.

In exchange for enough wealth to outrun her past, Judith strikes a deal with the matriarch of the powerful Howard family: she will stand in for the missing Howard granddaughter, who was poised to make her debut when she disappeared. With Miss Iphigenia Marshall’s face stitched over her own, Judith is white, rich, and about to risk body and soul in the deadly games that determine which girls will find a match—and which will be devoured. If she can keep her wits and her life, her reward will be a husband with undreamt-of power who will be hers to command... so long as she can keep his infinite hungers fed. But to survive the season, Judith will have to seduce a storm in the shape of a man, before the night to which everything has been leading—the Scarlet Ball where the demons choose their brides.

A razor-sharp subversion of romance tropes and nightmare of manners, Vo's fusion of history and fantasy does for Edith Wharton what her acclaimed debut The Chosen and the Beautiful did for F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Find Me Where it Ends by Cassandra Khaw

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

A woman wakes up to find the black hound of Death at her front door in this hauntingly beautiful tale from USA Today bestselling author Cassandra Khaw.

Antigone is no stranger to death.

For the women of her family, death always comes in the form of a black dog.

When Antigone’s own black dog arrives, she isn’t afraid. She invites it inside, where it soon becomes a daily source of companionship and comfort. It also forces her to reflect on the life she’s led—the parts of herself she’s hollowed out for the sake of others, and the bone-deep exhaustion that’s hounded her every step.

Her Death’s arrival must be a sign, permission to finally let go. To rest. Because while mortality is inevitable, living is a choice.

But a good death comes at a price.

Hear the Dead by Ann Dávila Cardinal

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

One woman. A string of unsolved murders. Only she can hear the victims.

Elena Altieri never wanted to be famous, and certainly not at sixty-six years old. For over forty years she's been hiding from her New York City punk rock youth in the hills of Vermont, but now, the past is catching up with her in more ways than one. Not only is she losing her hearing, but the photographs she took of a recently deceased musician are going viral. Suddenly, she finds herself summoned back to the city for an exhibit celebrating her work and thrust into a world she'd hoped to keep locked away forever. A world where her best friend, Sin, is dead. 

At the exhibit, Elena hears the screams of a woman ringing among the hum of her tinnitus, and she's sure something horrible has occurred. But since no one else can hear them, she convinces herself it's just her damaged ears playing tricks. She tries to put the event behind her, but when the auditory visions continue whenever she touches something of Sin's, she becomes convinced she's hearing her friend's murder. Desperate for answers, she has no choice but dig into the past, and what she'll uncover will not only force her to reckon with her own fractured memories, but might prove that Sin, and other innocent women from their youth, were the victims of an unspeakable crime that only she can solve. Old punks never die, and Elena's going to prove that.

Edgy, mysterious, and full of heart, Hear the Dead is at once an inventive and biting story following one aging woman desperate to solve crimes from her past, and a thought-provoking meditation on friendship, justice, and what it means to remember who we are. 

The Pools by E. Lockhart

Expected Publication: October 6th, 2026
From Goodreads:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the We Were Liars series comes a love story full of simmering darkness and astonishing twists, following two teenagers whose lives are shattered by a shocking transformation.

Once, in a small New England town known for its hot springs, something terrible happened. Something that should have been a warning to stay away from the pools, if the stories were to be believed.

But no one is afraid of the water anymore, even if they should be.

When new girl Lexie meets golden boy Chester, their chemistry is undeniable. She’s running from a glittering life she won’t speak about. He’s hiding secrets of his own. Their connection feels bigger than both of them, despite their damage.

One frigid winter morning in that small New England town, five people go for a swim in the pools. Five people, including Chester. What happens there sends shock waves through the town, changing life as Lexie knows it forever.

October is shaping up to be another great month of releases! I've read a couple of them, and they were so good, and I can't wait for them all to be released! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Week 15 Review: We Were Liars

From Goodreads:
A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. 
Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

My first review of We Were Liars
My Review:
I had such a fantastic time reading this book! Going in knowing the big twist, and seeing how it was laid out was just so great! I forgot so much about this book, so I'm glad that I reread it, but I did remember the one main thing.

The whole mystery of Cadence and what happened that summer that she can't remember, oh, I felt so badly for her, the pain that was coming once she found out. I can't even imagine. But I had a really great time watching as she went on this journey.

That this is a family of liars, they aren't good or bad, they're just people, flawed, and I had a really good time as all the lies and secrets started to come to the surface. The mystery of this book is so well crafted, and the writing kept me engaged with the story, I had to keep reading and find out! 

Honestly, it's hard to write this review because I don't want to spoil the big reveal. It has been out for a while now, and most people know it by now. But I don't want to ruin the magic of the first time reading it, and watching the story unfold. It's just so good, and such a great book! 

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait to read more by E. Lockhart! 

Author: E. Lockhart

Series: We Were Liars #1
First Read: May 23rd, 2015

Read: April 12th, 2024
Source: Own
Reason Why: Rereading, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book!
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: May 13 2014

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 14 Review: Family of Liars

From Goodreads:

The prequel to We Were Liars takes readers back to the story of another summer, another generation, and the secrets that will haunt them for decades to come.

A windswept private island off the coast of Massachusetts.

A hungry ocean, churning with secrets and sorrow.

A fiery, addicted heiress. An irresistible, unpredictable boy.

A summer of unforgivable betrayal and terrible mistakes.

Welcome back to the Sinclair family.

They were always liars.

My Review:
I had such a fantastic time reading this book! We Were Liars was a phenonium, and I was excited to get more time with the same set up, but the parent's generation, because the events of this book do shape the parents, and why they are in We Were Liars.

The whole set up, when the Sinclair siblings were teenagers, was pretty interesting, because there used to be another sister, Rosemary, but she died, and the family is not dealing with it well, or at all, trying to forget her existence, basically. But then Caroline is seeing her ghost this summer, when all of this is going down.

I loved the way that this story was told, because it's Caroline telling it to Johnny, her son, after he's died, because the ghosts of this family really haunt her. I really enjoyed seeing the way it was told because of that, because she was a teenager, she got in trouble. The thing is, she survived it. But not everyone did. 

Things were building up to not be great, with her dad and uncle not really getting along because this family is into some shade things, and the guests that were brought to the island, and all the romantic trouble that happened there, I was on edge, because there were some red flags. Oh, but that ending? That was perfect and made this book fit with the first so well! Loved how that turned out! 

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait to read more by E. Lockhart! 

Author: E. Lockhart 
Series: We Were Liars #0
Read: April 1st, 2024
Source: Ebook.bike 
Reason Why: Loved the first book, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: May 3rd 2022

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Magical Readathon: Orilium Update 2

So I read my next book for Magical Readathon: Orilium, and it was Family of Liars which was for the prompt Conjuration, and I'll be reading The Legend of Dia next!

My Reading Journey:

Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis

Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription

Started On: April 1st 

Finished On: April 1st, 4:31 PM 

Pages Read: 192

Family of Liars by E. Lockhart 

Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration

Started On: April 1st

Finished On: April 1st, 9:12 PM

Pages Read: 336

Reread the Legend of Dia

Prompt Fulfilled: Lore

Started On: April 1st

Currently On: NA

Prompts Left: Alchemy, Artificery, Spells & Incantations, Art of Illusion, Conjuration, Animal Studies, Astronomy, Elemental Studies, Psionics & Divination, Shapeshifting, Demonology, Restoration, Elemental Studies, Shapeshifting, Animal Studies, Astronomy, Conjuration, Restoration, Lore, Astronomy, Inscription, Psionics & Divination, Restoration, Demonology, Lore, Animal Studies, Demonology, Restoration, Spells & Incantations, Lore, Astronomy, Alchemy, Art of Illusion, Spells & Incantations, Psionics & Divination, Conjuration, Lore, Alchemy, Restoration, Lore, Shapeshifting, Art of Illusion, Psionics & Divination, Lore

Read: 2

Pages Read: 528

Waiting on Wednesday #569, April 6th

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

An Unreliable Magic by Rin Chupeco

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

The second book in the A Hundred Names for Magic trilogy, an unforgettable alternative history fairy-tale series from the author of The Bone Witch about found family, modern day magic, and finding the place you belong.

Tala, Alex, and the rest of their friends are safe for now, but know the Snow Queen is still out there. They have to be prepared for when she eventually attacks—and all decide to do so in their own way.

When Ryker comes out of the woodwork, showing himself when he starts attacking American detention facilities and freeing refugees. And the Nameless Sword, a legendary weapon that according to Avalon legend, will make its wielder the most powerful warrior of their time turns up with her name on it, Tala's life gets messier...But when the Snow Queen arrives with an unlikely ally, the group will have to work together.

Kiss Hard by Nalini Singh

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh brings you a sinfully playful contemporary romance between two sworn enemies turned partners in crime...

Daniel Esera is a young god on the rugby field, a sexy and charming man who's got the world at his feet. There's just one problem: his sudden potent attraction to his number one nemesis--Catie River. No. Just no. Not happening.

Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she's not about to allow Danny "Hotshot" Esera to derail her plans. Too bad her body isn't cooperating. Even worse? Her heart might be coming along for the ride. No. Nope. Never.

The pair are united in their desire to remain enemies... until a stranger's reckless action threatens both their careers. Now, the only way out for Catie and Danny is to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.

Let the games begin. 

Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

Bestselling author Jennifer Estep continues her Gargoyle Queen epic fantasy series where magic reigns, alliances are tested, and a dangerous attraction could tear down a throne. . .

Crown princess. Clever spy. Powerful mind magier. Gemma Ripley of Andvari is all those things--and determined to stop an enemy from using magical tearstone weapons to conquer her kingdom.

Gemma's quest for answers leads her to a trade Summit between the various kingdoms. Among the other royals in attendance is Queen Maeven Morricone of Morta and her son, Prince Leonidas--Gemma's charming and dangerous nemesis.

Gemma knows that Maeven always has a long game in motion, and sure enough, the cunning queen invokes an arcane tradition that threatens the fragile truce between Andvari and the other kingdoms. Despite her best intentions, Gemma once again finds herself thrown together with Leo and battling her growing feelings for the enemy prince.

When a series of deadly attacks shatters the Summit's peaceful negotiations, Gemma realizes that someone wants to tear the royals down from their thrones--and that this enemy just might succeed. 

Seasonal Fears by Seanan McGuire

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

For everything there is a season.

Melanie has a destiny, though it isn’t the one everyone assumes it to be. She’s delicate; she’s fragile; she’s dying. Now, truly, is the winter of her soul.

Harry doesn’t want to believe in destiny, because that means accepting the loss of the one person in his life that gives his life meaning, that brings summer to his world.

So, when a new road is laid out in front of them—a road that will lead them through untold dangers toward a possible lifetime together—walking down it seems to be the only option.

But others are following behind, with violence in their hearts.

It looks like Destiny has a plan for them, after all….

Book of Night by Holly Black

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black makes her stunning adult debut with Book of Night, a modern dark fantasy of shadowy thieves and secret societies in the vein of Ninth House and The Night Circus

In Charlie Hall’s world, shadows can be altered, for entertainment and cosmetic preferences—but also to increase power and influence. You can alter someone’s feelings—and memories—but manipulating shadows has a cost, with the potential to take hours or days from your life. Your shadow holds all the parts of you that you want to keep hidden—a second self, standing just to your left, walking behind you into lit rooms. And sometimes, it has a life of its own.

Charlie is a low-level con artist, working as a bartender while trying to distance herself from the powerful and dangerous underground world of shadow trading. She gets by doing odd jobs for her patrons and the naive new money in her town at the edge of the Berkshires. But when a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie’s present life is thrown into chaos, and her future seems at best, unclear—and at worst, non-existent. Determined to survive, Charlie throws herself into a maelstrom of secrets and murder, setting her against a cast of doppelgangers, mercurial billionaires, shadow thieves, and her own sister—all desperate to control the magic of the shadows.

With sharp angles and prose, and a sinister bent, Holly Black is a master of shadow and story stitching. Remember while you read, light isn’t playing tricks in Book of Night, the people are.

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

From New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray—a summer house party turns into a thrilling whodunit when Mr. Wickham, one of literature’s most notorious villains, meets a sudden and suspicious end in this brilliantly imagined mystery featuring Jane Austen’s leading literary characters.

The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a house party, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.

Nearly everyone at the house party is a suspect, so it falls to the party’s two youngest guests to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcys’ eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. In a tantalizing fusion of Austen and Christie, the unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party—before an innocent person is sentenced to hang.

Claws for Suspicion by Deborah Blake

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

When someone from her past comes to town to cause trouble, Kari Stuart and her sassy kitten Queenie will have to work hard to protect the Serenity Sanctuary in this new Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery.

Kari Stuart is finally starting to relax into her role as the new owner of the Serenity Sanctuary and is looking forward to the various fun autumn activities in the beautiful Catskills town of Lakeview, like the annual Oktoberfest celebration. It's time for friends and quality bonding with handsome vet Angus McCoy. Until the unexpected arrival of her unpleasant ex-husband, Charlie Smith.

He comes bearing a shocking revelation--the paperwork on their divorce never went through, and they are still married. Worse yet, he thinks this entitles him to half of her lottery winnings--although he'll happily take partial ownership of the sanctuary instead. Kari isn't sure if he's telling the truth, or if it's just another one of Charlie's lies.

But things go from bad to worse when an unexpected death makes Kari the main suspect in a murder investigation. Will she and Queenie be able to find the real killer and keep the home they've built at the sanctuary safe, or is their string of luck finally tapped out?

Of Claws and Fangs by Faith Hunter

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter presents a stunning collection of stories from the world of shape-shifting vampire hunter Jane Yellowrock and beyond.

Collected together for the first time, this volume contains shorter works featuring heroines Jane Yellowrock and Nell Ingram, as well as a host of other characters from the Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series. Faith Hunter is "an expert at creating worlds filled with intriguing supernatural elements and exciting scenarios"* and her skills are on full display in this collection. From a vampire-filled Halloween evening in New Orleans to the searing tale of how a certain were-leopard first got his spots, this collection has something for everyone, and each story is sure to put the super in supernatural.

With eighteen stories in all, Of Claws and Fangs will enrich and entertain--it's a must-have for Faith Hunter's readers and all lovers of fantasy.

Heroic Hearts Anthology

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

An all-star urban fantasy collection featuring short stories from #1 New York Times bestselling authors Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, Charlaine Harris, Kelley Armstrong, and more . . .

In this short story collection of courage, adventure, and magic, heroes—ordinary people who do the right thing—bravely step forward.

But running toward danger might cost them everything. . . .

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher’s “Little Things,” the pixie Toot-Toot discovers an invader unbeknownst to the wizard Harry Dresden . . . and in order to defeat it, he’ll have to team up with the dread cat Mister.

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs’s “Dating Terrors,” the werewolf Asil finds an online date might just turn into something more—if she can escape the dark magic binding her.

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris’s “The Return of the Mage,” the Britlingen mercenaries will discover more than they’ve bargained for when they answer the call of a distress beacon on a strange and remote world.

And in #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong’s “Comfort Zone,” the necromancer Chloe Saunders and the werewolf Derek Souza are just trying to get through college. But they can’t refuse a ghost pleading for help.

ALSO INCLUDES STORIES BY Annie Bellet * Anne Bishop * Jennifer Brozek * Kevin Hearne * Nancy Holder * Kerrie L. Hughes * Chloe Neill * R.R. Virdid

Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

From the New York Times best-selling author of The Love Hypothesis comes a new steamy, STEMinist novella….

A scientist should never cohabitate with her annoyingly hot nemesis – it leads to combustion.

Mara, Sadie, and Hannah are friends first, scientists always. Though their fields of study might take them to different corners of the world, they can all agree on this universal truth: when it comes to love and science, opposites attract and rivals make you burn….

As an environmental engineer, Mara knows all about the delicate nature of ecosystems. They require balance. And leaving the thermostat alone. And not stealing someone else’s food. And other rules Liam, her detestable big-oil lawyer of a roommate, knows nothing about. Okay, sure, technically she’s the interloper. Liam was already entrenched in his aunt’s house like some glowering grumpy giant when Mara moved in, with his big muscles and kissable mouth just sitting there on the couch tempting respectable scientists to the dark side…but Helena was her mentor and Mara’s not about to move out and give up her inheritance without a fight.

The problem is, living with someone means getting to know them. And the more Mara finds out about Liam, the harder it is to loathe him…and the easier it is to love him.

I Kissed Shara Wheller by Casey McQuiston

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

From the New York Times bestselling author of One Last Stop and Red, White & Royal Blue comes a debut YA romantic comedy about chasing down what you want, only to find what you need...

Chloe Green is so close to winning. After her moms moved her from SoCal to Alabama for high school, she’s spent the past four years dodging gossipy classmates and a puritanical administration at Willowgrove Christian Academy. The thing that’s kept her going: winning valedictorian. Her only rival: prom queen Shara Wheeler, the principal’s perfect progeny.

But a month before graduation, Shara kisses Chloe and vanishes.

On a furious hunt for answers, Chloe discovers she’s not the only one Shara kissed. There’s also Smith, Shara’s longtime quarterback sweetheart, and Rory, Shara’s bad boy neighbor with a crush. The three have nothing in common except Shara and the annoyingly cryptic notes she left behind, but together they must untangle Shara’s trail of clues and find her. It’ll be worth it, if Chloe can drag Shara back before graduation to beat her fair-and-square.

Thrown into an unlikely alliance, chasing a ghost through parties, break-ins, puzzles, and secrets revealed on monogrammed stationery, Chloe starts to suspect there might be more to this small town than she thought. And maybe—probably not, but maybe—more to Shara, too.

Fierce, funny, and frank, Casey McQuiston's I Kissed Shara Wheeler is about breaking the rules, getting messy, and finding love in unexpected places. 

Family of Liars by E. Lockhart

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

The thrilling prequel to the TikTok phenomenon and #1 New York Times bestseller We Were Liars takes readers back to the story of another summer, another generation, and the secrets that will haunt them for decades to come.

A windswept private island off the coast of Massachusetts.

A hungry ocean, churning with secrets and sorrow.

A fiery, addicted heiress. An irresistible, unpredictable boy.

A summer of unforgivable betrayal and terrible mistakes.

Welcome back to the Sinclair family.

They were always liars. 

Some really great books starting off this month, some that I've already read and loved, and yeah, so excited for all these books to be out! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Week 22 Review: We Were Liars

From Goodreads:
A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. 
Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

My Review:
This book left me feeling a bit unsettled. And empty. And I'm not quite too sure what I feel about it, because of that, and because of the instruction that if anyone asked about the ending, to lie, when I want to put some of that in this review.

I don't know why I'm writing this review so soon after finishing reading it. I'm conflicted, and I think I should give it time to settle. But I need to get it out to settle, plus just to actually write the review. Yeah, conflicted!

This is the story about a girl, and her 3 closest friends, family, the Liars. And it takes place during two summers, the current year, and then the events of the summer 2 years ago. Because she can't remember most of what happened then. And this book is the mystery of her figuring it out.

I have to say, even if the ending gave me all these feelings, and even if some of the words in the synopsis are "destructive," "accident," and "secret," that the ending was kinda beautiful, in it's own way. Because it was stark, and honest, with everything revealed, with things making sense. Even if what the picture painted was what it was.

This is a book that really makes you think about things, like the casual wealth, choices, and yeah, it was a pretty meaningful book! And I might not know all of my feelings about this book, but I do know that I loved it!

Author: E. Lockhart
Read: May 23rd, 2015
Source: NetGalley
Reason Why: Sounded good, lots of people enjoyed it, and it's a SAC 2015 Book!
Publisher: Delecorte Press
Published: May 13 2014

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars