Words I Write Crazy: Lynsay Sands

Showing posts with label Lynsay Sands. Show all posts

Monday, August 4, 2025

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #739, August 4th

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date where we share what we read this past week, what we hope to read this week...and anything in between! This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well...you never know where that next "must read" book will come from!

What happened in the past week:

Weekly Memes:
It's Monday! What Are You Reading #738
Teaser Tuesday #746
WWW Wednesday #746
WOW #742
Will the Time Come #739
Third Sentence Thursday #729
Random Reads #715
First Lines Friday #742
Book Blogger Hop #408

Monthly ARC's September Round Up

Monthly Series August Round Up

Monthly ARC's Update 125

The Reward Challenge Update #724
Wheel of TBR #271
How Well I Stuck to It #576
Wrote that Review Update #573

Week 31 Reviews:

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping

Glorious Rivals

Immortal by Morning

We Won't All Survive

Murder Among the Stars

All We Lost Was Everything

Magical Readathon: Orilium:

Phase Out Your TBR:

Update 22 and Wrap Up

ARC August:

2025 Sign Up
Update 1

Update 2

Update 3

Random:
The Bookworm Revolution August 2025 TBR

Book Battle August 2025 TBR

Mur Lafferty Author Page

Karina Halle Author Page

OK, so I got 47 posts in 7 days, It was a rough week. Tuesday I was told that we were probably putting the family dog down soon, since his health was deteriorating. Wednesday, we almost did, but instead tried increasing the dose of his meds. He has a lump on his lungs, and congestive heart failure, and has been having trouble breathing, and is panting after the smallest of movements. The increase helped for a few days, but yesterday he started panting again. So we're probably putting him down Wednesday, since today's a holiday, and they're going to be busy tomorrow. If we can get appointment Wednesday. And it's hard, it's getting close to 2 years since we put Dobby down, so I'm struggling. It's just that we got Dobby and Winky, and Winky passed, Dobby remembered her. And then we adopted Jax a few months later. And when Doby passed, Jax remembered him. But we never got another dog, partially because Jax is reactive. So there's not a dog to remember Jax. There's Holly, but they don't get along very well, so I tried my best to keep them separated when he was with me. It hurts, that breaking of the chain.

So yeah, this week is going to be even worse, losing the doggie. He seems so alive still, but the way he's breathing, he can't go on like that. I'm going to miss him so much. At least there's some really good books that I need to read that will help. What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read Accomplice to the Villain and The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk!

Once Upon a Time meets The Office in Hannah Nicole Maehrer's laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain…and their unexpected romance.

REWARD OFFERED: Apprentice to The Villain wanted for treason (light), magical property damage (alleged), and one incident involving a weaponized scone (accurate). Frequently seen with a grumpy frog (crowned, judgmental). Answers to "Evie" or "Stop that."

Evie Sage didn't mean to become the right-hand woman to the kingdom's most terrifying villain. One minute, she was applying for an entry-level position that promised "light paperwork and occasional beheadings," and the next, she was knee-deep in magical mayhem, murder plots, and an entirely inappropriate crush on her brooding, sharp-jawed, walking disaster of a boss.

Now, with a magical prophecy unraveling, assassins showing up in the break room, and a suspicious amount of frogs wearing crowns, Evie has to figure out how to survive her job without setting the kingdom on fire—or her dignity, which is hanging by a very sarcastic thread.

Being evil-adjacent was never part of the five-year plan. But then again…neither was falling for The Villain.

A magical office comedy with grumpy bosses, snarky frogs, and definitely-not-feelings.

New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Carissa Broadbent returns with a brand new novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk.

Mische made the ultimate sacrifice to save those she loves – and plunged the world into an eternal night. Now, imprisoned by the gods and obsessed with revenge, Asar is desperate to find her again.

When a goddess offers them a final path to redemption – and back to each other – Asar and Mische embark on an extraordinary mission. Together, they must seize the power of the god of death so Asar may do the impossible: ascend to true divinity.

Their journey will take them through mortal and immortal realms, alongside both old friends and ruthless enemies. But as the underworld teeters on the brink of collapse and the gods prepare for a war, Asar and Mische must decide what they are willing to sacrifice for the power to defy death. In a game of vengeful gods and ancient betrayals, there are some debts that even love may not be able to repay.

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Week 31 Review: Immortal by Morning

From Goodreads:

Being an immortal rogue enforcer is never easy. But when human bones are found buried in a residential garden—and they happen to be discovered by your life mate—things get even more complicated in this latest installment of the Argeneau vampire series.

Crispinus Delacort is an immortal rogue enforcer and a homicide detective. But in his quiet city, he's more likely to be rounding up truant teens than investigating murders. So, when he learns that human bones have been found in the garden of a sprawling rural home, it's unexpected to say the least.

Abril Newman can't believe her bad luck when she discovers a body buried on the grounds of her boss's home, while chasing after Gina's mischievous lab Lilith. She was just supposed to be house-sitting for a few days! And then Detective Delacort arrives. She knows she shouldn't be thinking about love when there's a crime scene outside the door. But ignoring her attraction to gorgeous Crispin is easier said than done.

When Crispin realizes that a rogue is involved, he knows this won't be a simple investigation. Especially because he's so distracted by Abril's presence that all he wants is to kiss her senseless in every room of the manor. But he can woo her, solve the case, and stop a dangerous rogue by morning... right? All in a day's work.

My Review:

Author: Lynsay Sands
Series: Argeneau #37
Read: July 29th, 2025
Source: Ebook.bike
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2025 Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Avon
Published: July 29th 2025

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

WWW Wednesday #746, July 30th

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll read next?

Thanks to MizB of Should Be Writing now A Daily Rhythm for starting this meme! And thanks now to Taking on a World of Words for reviving it!

I'm currently reading We Won't All Survive, and I can't wait, I love her writing!

I read Immortal by Morning, and I absolutely loved it!

I'm going to be reading Realm of Thieves, and I can't wait, it sounds really good!

What about you guys? Happy reading!

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Phase Out Your TBR Update 18

So I've read my next book for the Phase Out Your TBR, and it was Immortal by Morning which is for the prompt Yellow Wild (Green 12) and I'll be reading We Won't All Survive next!

My Reading Journey:

Isle of the Emberdark by Brandon Sanderson

Prompt Fulfilled: Green 2

Started On: July 2nd

Finished On: July 2nd, 7:38 PM

Pages Read: 532

Tenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone

Prompt Fulfilled: Green 7

Started On: July 3rd

Finished On: July 3rd, 10:31 PM

Pages Read: 304

Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett

Prompt Fulfilled: Blue 12

Started On: July 4th

Finished On: July 4th, 3:48 PM

Pages Read: 317

The Mercy Makers by Tessa Gratton

Prompt Fulfilled: Green 5

Started On: July 5th

Finished On: July 5th, 11:07 PM

Pages Read: 560

The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray

Prompt Fulfilled: Red 5

Started On: July 6th

Finished On: July 6th, 10:03 PM

Pages Read: 336

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

Prompt Fulfilled: Red 5

Started On: July 10th

Finished On: July 10th, 11:27 PM

Pages Read: 178

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Prompt Fulfilled: Blue Wild (Red 12)

Started On: July 14th

Finished On: July 14th, 7:58 PM

Pages Read: 400

Three Shattered Souls by Mai Corland

Prompt Fulfilled: Green 7

Started On: July 16th

Finished On: July 16th, 10:03 PM

Pages Read: 512

Lord of Ruin by K.M. Enright

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 9

Started On: July 20th

Finished On: July 20th, 8:19 PM

Pages Read: 464

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay

Prompt Fulfilled: Blue 7

Started On: July 21st

Finished On: July 21st, 11:04 AM

Pages Read: 400

Sky on Fire by E.K. Johnston

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 12

Started On: July 22nd

Finished On: July 22nd, 6:28 PM

Pages Read: 272

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

Prompt Fulfilled: Red 7

Started On: July 23rd

Finished On: July 23rd, 11:47 AM

Pages Read: 535

The Nightblood Prince by Molly X. Chang

Prompt Fulfilled: Red 11

Started On: July 25th

Finished On: July 25th, 4:03 PM

Pages Read: 384

Diamonds & Deceit by Leila Rasheed

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 6

Started On: July 26th

Finished On July 26th, 8:37 PM

Pages Read: 420

The Deepest Night by Shana Abe

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 6

Started On: July 27th

Finished On: July 27th, 9:11 PM

Pages Read: 320

Our Vicious Descent by Hayley Dennings

Prompt Fulfilled: Blue 9

Started On: July 28th

Finished On: July 28th, 10:28 PM

Pages Read: 512

Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 10

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 2:59 PM

Pages Read: 432

Immortal by Morning by Lynsay Sands

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow Wild (Green 12)

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 7:38 PM

Pages Read: 368

We Won't All Survive by Kate Alice Marshall

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 7

Started On: July 30th

Currently On: Page 0 of 336

Prompts Left: Blue 12, Green 9, Yellow 5

Books Read: 18

Pages Read: 6577

Phase Out Your TBR Update 17

So I've read my next book for the Phase Out Your TBR, and it was Glorious Rivals which is for the prompt Yellow 10 and I'll be reading Immortal by Morning next!

My Reading Journey:

Isle of the Emberdark by Brandon Sanderson

Prompt Fulfilled: Green 2

Started On: July 2nd

Finished On: July 2nd, 7:38 PM

Pages Read: 532

Tenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone

Prompt Fulfilled: Green 7

Started On: July 3rd

Finished On: July 3rd, 10:31 PM

Pages Read: 304

Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett

Prompt Fulfilled: Blue 12

Started On: July 4th

Finished On: July 4th, 3:48 PM

Pages Read: 317

The Mercy Makers by Tessa Gratton

Prompt Fulfilled: Green 5

Started On: July 5th

Finished On: July 5th, 11:07 PM

Pages Read: 560

The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray

Prompt Fulfilled: Red 5

Started On: July 6th

Finished On: July 6th, 10:03 PM

Pages Read: 336

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

Prompt Fulfilled: Red 5

Started On: July 10th

Finished On: July 10th, 11:27 PM

Pages Read: 178

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Prompt Fulfilled: Blue Wild (Red 12)

Started On: July 14th

Finished On: July 14th, 7:58 PM

Pages Read: 400

Three Shattered Souls by Mai Corland

Prompt Fulfilled: Green 7

Started On: July 16th

Finished On: July 16th, 10:03 PM

Pages Read: 512

Lord of Ruin by K.M. Enright

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 9

Started On: July 20th

Finished On: July 20th, 8:19 PM

Pages Read: 464

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay

Prompt Fulfilled: Blue 7

Started On: July 21st

Finished On: July 21st, 11:04 AM

Pages Read: 400

Sky on Fire by E.K. Johnston

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 12

Started On: July 22nd

Finished On: July 22nd, 6:28 PM

Pages Read: 272

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

Prompt Fulfilled: Red 7

Started On: July 23rd

Finished On: July 23rd, 11:47 AM

Pages Read: 535

The Nightblood Prince by Molly X. Chang

Prompt Fulfilled: Red 11

Started On: July 25th

Finished On: July 25th, 4:03 PM

Pages Read: 384

Diamonds & Deceit by Leila Rasheed

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 6

Started On: July 26th

Finished On July 26th, 8:37 PM

Pages Read: 420

The Deepest Night by Shana Abe

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 6

Started On: July 27th

Finished On: July 27th, 9:11 PM

Pages Read: 320

Our Vicious Descent by Hayley Dennings

Prompt Fulfilled: Blue 9

Started On: July 28th

Finished On: July 28th, 10:28 PM

Pages Read: 512

Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 10

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 2:59 PM

Pages Read: 432

Immortal by Morning by Lynsay Sands

Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow Wild (Green 12)

Started On: July 29th

Currently On: Page 0 of 368

Prompts Left: Blue 12, Green 9, Yellow 7, Yellow 5

Books Read: 17

Pages Read: 6209

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Waiting on Wednesday #740, July 16th

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

Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Expected Publication: July 29th, 2025
From Goodreads:
Millions, hearts, and lives are on the line in this heart-stopping sequel to The Grandest Game by #1 bestselling author Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

Seven players arrived on Hawthorne Island, each with their own secrets and motivations to win the Grandest Game. Millions are at stake, but so are hearts—and lives. The players now must race to win the game, solve myriad mysteries, and survive the twists and turns of Glorious Rivals.

The stakes get higher, the game gets twistier, and everything heats up in this newest installment in the TikTok sensation Inheritance Games Saga.

Immortal by Morning by Lynsay Sands

Expected Publication: July 29th, 2025
From Goodreads:
Being an immortal rogue enforcer is never easy. But when human bones are found buried in a residential garden—and they happen to be discovered by your life mate—things get even more complicated in this latest installment of the Argeneau vampire series.

Crispinus Delacort is an immortal rogue enforcer and a homicide detective. But in his quiet city, he’s more likely to be rounding up truant teens than investigating murders. So, when he learns that human bones have been found in the garden of a sprawling rural home, it’s unexpected to say the least.

Abril Newman can’t believe her bad luck when she discovers a body buried on the grounds of her boss’s home, while chasing after Gina’s mischievous lab Lilith. She was just supposed to be house-sitting for a few days! And then Detective Delacort arrives. She knows she shouldn’t be thinking about love when there’s a crime scene outside the door. But ignoring her attraction to gorgeous Crispin is easier said than done.

When Crispin realizes that a rogue is involved, he knows this won’t be a simple investigation. Especially because he’s so distracted by Abril’s presence that all he wants is to kiss her senseless in every room of the manor. But he can woo her, solve the case, and stop a dangerous rogue by morning... right? All in a day’s work.

We Won't All Survive by Kate Alice Marshall

Expected Publication: July 29th, 2025
From Goodreads:
From the bestselling author of I Am Still Alive comes a new nail-biter that's part survival story, part murder mystery, and all thriller—perfect for fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson!

Two years ago Mercy Gray was hailed as a hero for saving lives during a mall shooting. She still carries souvenirs from that incident: the fragment of a bullet lodged in her back, a mountain of medical debt, and guilt for ignoring her sister’s warnings that the sweet boy next door was anything but.

When billionaire-turned-TV-host Damien Dare recruits Mercy to compete on his new survivalist reality show, she can’t turn down a chance at the whopping cash prize that could send her sister to college—but when she and the other contestants arrive at the off-grid location, something isn’t right. The set is empty. The gates close without warning, trapping them inside. Then one of them turns up dead. What appeared at first to be a tragic accident quickly transforms as more contestants start dying. With time and resources running low, surviving this show takes on a new meaning.

A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid

Expected Publication: July 29th, 2025
From Goodreads:
Return to the immersive, lush, and dreamlike world of the instantly bestselling dark academia fantasy A Study in Drowning as the aftermath of their first discovery pulls Effy and Preston on a final adventure and brings their haunting love story to its end in this stunning sequel and final book in the duology.

All stories come to an end.

Effy learned that when she defeated the Fairy King. Even though she may never know exactly what happened at Hiraeth, she is free of her nightmares and is able to pen a thesis with Preston on the beloved national fairy tale Angharad. She has finally earned a spot at the literature college, making her the first woman in history to enroll.

But some dreams are dangerous, especially when they come true. The entire university—and soon the entire nation—is waiting for her to fail. With the Fairy King defeated and Myrddin’s legacy exposed, Effy can no longer escape into fantasy. Who is she without her stories?

With Effy under threat, Preston is surprised to discover a rage simmering inside him, ringing in his ears like bells. He begins to dream of a palace under the sea, a world where he is king—visions that start to follow him even in waking.

As the war between Llyr and Argant explodes, Effy and Preston find themselves caught in the crossfire: Effy losing her dreams and Preston losing himself in his.

Are dreams ever truly just dreams?

You Belong Here by Megan Miranda

Expected Publication: July 29th, 2025
From Goodreads:
Memories fade, but on this campus, legacies are never forgotten…or forgiven. A new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Megan Miranda.

Beckett Bowery never thought she’d return to Wyatt Valley, a picturesque college town in the Virginia mountains steeped in tradition. Her roots there were Beckett’s parents taught at the college, and she never even imagined studying anywhere else—until a tragedy her senior year ended with two local men dead, and her roommate on the run, never to be seen again…

For the last two decades, Beckett has done her best to keep her distance. Then her daughter, Delilah, secretly applies to Wyatt College and earns a full scholarship, and Beckett can only hope that her lingering fears are unfounded. But deep down she knows that Wyatt Valley has a long memory, and that the past isn’t the only dangerous thing in town…

Wrath of the Dragons by Olivia Rose Darling

Expected Publication: July 29th, 2025
From Goodreads:
The second novel in Olivia Rose Darling's thrilling and steamy romantic fantasy series, following Fear the Flames.

In the explosive sequel to the bestselling romantasy Fear the Flames, two fated lovers must unite against warring kingdoms to defend their home and crowns from those who wish to destroy them.

Cayden Veles, renowned Demon Commander of Vareveth, overthrew the throne to save Elowen Atarah, the woman he searched for since childhood. Now he’s determined to fulfill his quest for revenge against her father, even if it means forcing the only person he’s ever wanted into a marriage of political convenience.

Elowen Atarah has everything she thought she’d ever want. Finally reunited with her dragons, she now has an army to enact vengeance, but as events transpire, she begins contemplating if she wants more. As her father’s only living heir, the Imirath throne is her right and destiny. But fighting and winning a war will require trusting Cayden Veles, her partner in crime and now king to her queen; the man she both longs for and doubts, especially after opening her heart only to become a pawn in his game.

Navigating the shifting allegiances amongst all the kingdoms of Ravaryn will require all their strategy and strength, with devastating and bloody attacks on one side and cutthroat diplomacy for alliances on the other. But Elowen and Cayden must find a way to stand strong within the power they’ve gained, or risk losing everything.

Delving deeper into a vast and ever-changing world, Wrath of the Dragons will take you on a journey filled with epic battles and a tender, angsty love for the ages.

Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes

Expected Publication: July 29th, 2025
From Goodreads:
A thrilling Norse mythology inspired contemporary romantasy sure to excite fans of The Vampire Diaries and Atlas Six.

Charlie Hudson just wants to get through junior year. Since the death of her twin sister two years earlier, she’s drifted through life, going through the motions at school and parties and even at home. The spark that once burned so brightly within her has all but flickered out.

Until her classmate goes missing in the forest, leaving nothing behind but a pair of shoes and strange symbols carved into a tree.

Drawn to the disappearances by forces she can’t explain, she finds herself investigating the mysterious, alluring newcomer in town, Elias Everhart. With piercing eyes and sharp wit, he dances around her questions, only intriguing her further. Elias has a secret. More than one.

But what Charlie doesn’t know is that those secrets will lead her to a place she never a world hiding in plain sight, made of magic, gods, and monsters - and a first love fated to fall apart.

In Emma Noyes's Soul of Shadow, truths and temptations lurk in the darkness, and for Charlie, the only thing more dangerous than facing her past, is the boy with the power to change her future.

A Mastery of Monsters by Liselle Sambury

Expected Publication: July 29th, 2025
From Goodreads:
Ninth House meets Legendborn in this thrilling first book in a dark academia fantasy series about a teen who’s willing to do anything to find her brother—even infiltrate a secret society full of monsters.

When August’s brother disappears before his sophomore semester, everyone thinks the stress of college got to him. But August knows her brother would never have left her voluntarily, especially not after their mother so recently went missing.

The only clue he left behind was a note telling her to stay safe and protect their remaining family. And after August is attacked by a ten-foot-tall creature with fur and claws, she realizes that her brother might be in more danger than she could have imagined.

Unfortunately for her, the only person with a connection to the mysterious creature is the bookish Virgil Hawthorne…and he knows about them because he is one. If he doesn’t find a partner to help control his true nature, he’ll lose his humanity and become a mindless beast—exactly what the secret society he’s grown up in would love to put down.

Virgil makes a proposition: August will join his society and partner with him, and in return, he’ll help her find her brother. And so August is plunged into a deadly competition to win one of the few coveted candidate spots, all while trying to accept a frightening reality: that monsters are real, and she has to learn to master them if she’s to have any hope of saving her brother.

Very Dangerous Things by Lauren Muñoz

Expected Publication: July 29th, 2025
From Goodreads:
A murder mystery game turns deadly in this YA whodunit by the author of Suddenly a Murder.

For fans of Karen M. McManus, Maureen Johnson, and Holly Jackson.

Everyone in town knows about the game. For decades, J. Everett High has staged an annual murder mystery to put its criminology students to the test. And this year, crime junkie Dulce Castillo is dead set on winning. When the game kicks off, the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse . . . except his death is not pretend.

It’s murder.

When the authorities open an investigation, all the evidence points to Sierra Fox, Xavier’s ex-girlfriend and Dulce’s ex-best friend. Claiming innocence and desperate to clear her name, Sierra begs Dulce to look past their bad blood and find the culprit.

After all, Dulce knows this school better than any investigator ever could, but she must use caution to solve this mystery. Because these historic halls are full of suspects with no shortage of motives. And in this game of cat and mouse, the other player kills.

Thorns & Fire by Helen Scheuerer

Expected Publication: July 31st, 2025
From Goodreads:
A golden thread joined them, a bond that went deeper than love – and it had nearly destroyed them.

Wren Embervale and Torj Elderbrock share a dark and bloody history. With Thezmarr on the brink of another war, and overwhelmed by the force of their feelings for one another, Torj discovers there is far more to their bond than mere passion. The legendary Warsword is determined to protect Wren at all costs, even if it means lying to her . . . Even if it means losing her forever.

Meanwhile, Wren is struggling to find her place in the world – both as an advanced student of alchemy at the ancient academy of Drevenor, and as one of the heirs to a lost kingdom. With the midrealms once again facing destruction, Wren must decide: loyalty or liberation? Legacy or love?

As new political players emerge, Wren discovers that her gift for alchemy is more powerful than she ever imagined – and that it could tear the kingdoms apart.

Will she and Torj find their way back to each other, or will the ancient magic that binds them become their undoing?

All Fun and Games by Honor Raconteur

Expected Publication: August 1st, 2025

From Goodreads:

It’s all fun and games until someone gets murdered.

Well, the Queen’s Own certainly isn’t having fun, because what’s worse than one case? Two, of course. And what’s worse than two? Whatever madness Jamie’s currently in.

The body count is rising, all the MO’s are different, and cleaning charms have wiped the murder scenes of clues. It’s hard to link the cases beyond the use of the charms, yet Jamie is sure there’s a connection. But what is it?

They need to figure out the answer fast, because the clues suggest one of their own might be next.

Last Seen by J.T. Ellison

Expected Publication: August 1st, 2025

From Goodreads:

From New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison comes a twisted psychological thriller about the bonds of family and the disconnect between memory and the truth.

Come here. Come closer.

Halley James knows her marriage is over. But she’s not prepared for the rest of her life to fall apart too.

No one can hear you. No one can help you.

She just lost her job at the forensics lab. Her dad needs emergency surgery. But the biggest blow comes back home in Marchburg, Virginia, where she discovers her mother didn’t actually die in a car crash. Her mom was murdered—and her father lied about it all these years.

I have nothing to hide from you. Are you hiding something from me?

Since she was six years old, it’s been Halley and her dad. Now, she doesn’t know what to believe. Desperate for the truth, Halley chases down a lead in Brockville, Tennessee. But all there is not as it seems. Brockville’s utopian charm hides a chilling darkness. And Halley’s search for answers threatens to expose an unspeakable reality.

The month is wrapping up with some really excellent books, and I'm so excited for them all to be released! I just love these authors and these series! What about you guys? Happy reading!

Monday, September 30, 2024

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #695, September 30th

What happened in the past week:

Weekly Memes:
It's Monday! What Are You Reading #694
Teaser Tuesday #702
WWW Wednesday #702
WOW #698
Will the Time Come #695
Third Sentence Thursday #685
Random Reads #671
First Lines Friday #698
Book Blogger Hop #364

Monthly ARC's November Round Up

Monthly Series October Round Up

Monthly ARC's Update 91

22 Books to Read in 2022 Update 19
The Reward Challenge Update #680
Wheel of TBR #227
How Well I Stuck to It #532
Wrote that Review Update #529

Week 39 Reviews:
Taminko and the Two Janitors

Mikoto and the Reaver Village

The Cold Light of Day

Don't Look Back

Twisted

Twisted Extended Epilogue

Nightstrider

Night Owls

The Memory Trees

Trial of the Sun Queen

A Dark and Starless Forest

The Highlander's Return

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society

Poison Ivy

Kill Joy

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng

The Jasmine Throne

A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer

Magical Readathon: Orilium:

SeasonAthon Academy:

Phase Out Your TBR:

Update 22 and Wrap Up

Becca's Spookoplathon:

Random:

The Bookworm Revolution October 2024 TBR

Adam Cesare Author Page

Sarah Hawley Author Page

OK, so I got 103 posts in 7 days, and yeah, I was reading a lot, I had to finish out my TBR's, which is why I'm a bit behind on blogging, but I'm slowly catching up when Jax lets me. But I'm excited for this week, because I have it off on vacation, so I'm going to relax, blog, read, and hang out with Jax, and I can't wait! What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read Schemes & Scandals!

It's Mallory Atkinson's first Christmas in Scotland. Victorian Scotland, that is. Also, as the twenty-first-century detective learns, Christmas really isn't a thing in Victorian Scotland. It's all about Hogmanay. But her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, treats her to an early gift of tickets to the event of the season: a Charles Dickens reading. There, they bump into Lady Inglis—the lovely widow who has sent Gray sexy letters trying to entice him back to her bed.

Lady Inglis introduces Mallory to Dickens—the meeting of a lifetime—but in return she wants their help. She's being blackmailed. Someone stole letters she wrote to another lover and is threatening to publish them.

Mallory isn't sure what to make of Lady Inglis, but no woman deserves that, so she insists on taking the case with or without Gray's help. Growing tension between them soon tells Mallory that Gray is hiding a secret of his own. She has until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer…and, hopefully, to put things right with Gray so they can enjoy the holiday together.

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Week 39 Review: The Highlander's Return

From Goodreads:

Graeme Gunn is a warrior through and through. Content for his brother William to hold the title of clan chief, he left home years ago, battling his way through Scotland as a mercenary. When news arrives of William's death, Graeme is forced to return to everything he left behind, including his brother's shy young widow, Annella Mackay. But the beautiful, determined woman he finds at the keep is nothing like the quiet virgin he remembers…

Annella Mackay once had hopes for a loving marriage, a dream that shattered when her husband abandoned her. Hiding her pain, she took on the responsibilities of both laird and lady for the Gunn clan with spirit. But when she learns her husband is dead, she realizes she finally has a chance at a new dream, and she won't let anything deter her plans. Not even Graeme, no matter how strong her attraction to the gruff and stubborn warrior…

It's a clash of will and passion unlike anything they've known, especially when Graeme decides to stay and claim his title. But as the clan faces the threat of a hidden enemy, Graeme and Annella must fight for their home together…and they realize they are also fighting for their love.

My Review:
It was a delight to read this book! I love Lynsay Sands writing, and this latest highlander romance was sweet, and of course hilarious because all Lynsay Sands books are, filled with fun and attempts on their lives! I just love her writing so much!

Annella is the daughter of the Annabel and Ross, the leads of the first book, so I'm glad that we got her story (and I'm wondering if her siblings will ever be the leads in a future book) and to see them as parents. That her first marriage ended up with her being left behind, basically being the one running the place as Lady and Laird, that run of independence, complicates matters a bit.

Graeme was interesting, he hasn't been home for a long time, and only briefly stopped in when his brother married, bt now he's brought back home his brother, and instantly has a connection with Annella when he sees her tending to a patient. I do wish the truth about how he wanted them to get married (but she wanted to go home) and he orchestrated attempts at trapping her that she unknowingly thwarted had come out. But they were good together!

I did guess who the bad guys were, just before things happened. I was wondering if they were working together or not, but it's a moot point given how things turned out, with one then the other being found out. But it was really entertaining to watch!

This was a really fantastic read, and I can't wait for whatever is next from Lynsay Sands!

Author: Lynsay Sands
Series: The Highland Brides #12
Read: September 24th, 2024
Source: Ebook.bike
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and it's a Historical Fiction 2024 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Avon
Published: September 24th 2024

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Becca's Spookoplathon Update 8

So I read my next book for Becca's Spookoplathon, and it was The Highlander's Return which was for the prompt Present, and I'll be reading The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society next!

My Reading Journey:

The Whispering Night by Susan Dennard

Prompt Fulfilled: Ghostface

Started On: September 19th

Finished On: September 19th, 10:29 PM

Pages Read: 384

The Shadows Rule All by Abigail Owen

Prompt Fulfilled: Most Recent Purchase

Started On: September 20th

Finished On: September 20th, 2:35 PM

Pages Read: 512

Taminko and the Two Janitors by Forthright

Prompt Fulfilled: Leatherface

Started On: September 21st

Finished On: September 21st, 4:03 PM

Pages Read: 490

Mikoto and the Reaver Village by Forthright

Prompt Fulfilled: Broomstick

Started On: September 21st

Finished On: September 21st, 10:37 PM

Pages Read: 490

The Cold Light of Day by Anna Lee Huber

Prompt Fulfilled: Seance

Started On: September 22nd

Finished On: September 22nd, 4:03 PM

Pages Read: 384

Nightstrider by Sophia Slade

Prompt Fulfilled: Poll Pick

Started On: September 23rd

Finished On: September 23rd, 2:48 PM

Pages Read: 537

A Dark and Starless Forest by Sarah Hollowell

Prompt Fulfilled: Pumpkin Carving

Started On: September 24th

Finished On: September 24th, 1:38 PM

Pages Read: 364

The Highlander's Return by Lynsay Sands

Prompt Fulfilled: Present

Started On: September 24th

Finished On: September 24th, 5:28 PM

Pages Read: 352

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner

Prompt Fulfilled: Chance Card

Started On: September 24th

Currently On: Page 0 of 352

Prompts Left: Dice Roll Roulette, Bone, Mood Read, Most Recent Purchase, Blood, Pentacle, Grady Hendrix, Spooky, Big Book, Go

Pages Read: 3513

SeasonAthon Academy Update 12

So I read my next book for SeasonAthon Academy, and it was The Highlander's Return which was for the prompt CHEM 1110, and I'll be reading Blood of the Old Kings next!

My Reading Journey:

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Prompt Fulfilled: ENGL 2130

Started On: September 3rd

Finished On: September 3rd, 10:03 AM

Pages Read: 336

The Debutantes by Olivia Worley

Prompt Fulfilled: BIOL 1050

Started On: September 3rd

Finished On: September 3rd, 4:18 PM

Pages Read: 352

One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite

Prompt Fulfilled: MLNG 2400

Started On: September 3rd

Finished On: September 3rd, 9:39 PM

Pages Read: 384

The White Guy Dies First Anthology

Prompt Fulfilled: ANTH 1500

Started On: September 4th

Finished On: September 4th, 11:03 AM

Pages Read: 311

Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston

Prompt Fulfilled: ENGL 3560

Started On: September 4th

Finished On: September 4th, 3:47 PM

Pages Read: 400

Aisle Nine by Ian X. Cho

Prompt Fulfilled: HIST 2510

Started On: September 6th

Finished On: September 6th, 7:48 PM

Pages Read: 272

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune

Prompt Fulfilled: ENGL 2010

Started On: September 10th

Finished On: September 10th, 11:03 AM

Pages Read: 400

Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh

Prompt Fulfilled: PHYS 1030

Started On: September 14th

Finished On: September 14th, 2:11 PM

Pages Read: 400

Marked by Stars by Forthright

Prompt Fulfilled: GEOL 1110

Started On: September 16th

Finished On: September 16th, 12:52 PM

Pages Read: 80

The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei

Prompt Fulfilled: ASTR 1010

Started On: September 17th

Finished On: September 17th, 3:56 PM

Pages Read: 400

The Enchanted Lies of Céleste Artois by Ryan Graudin

Prompt Fulfilled: GEOG 1030

Started On: September 18th

Finished On: September 18th, 12:04 PM

Pages Read: 544

The Highlander's Return by Lynsay Sands

Prompt Fulfilled: CHEM 1110

Started On: September 24th

Finished On: September 24th, 5:28 PM

Pages Read: 352

Blood of the Old Kings by Sung-il Kim

Prompt Fulfilled: FLNG 3120

Started On: September

Currently On: Page 0 of 368

Prompts Left: ESC 1500, HIST 2820, HIST 2850, REL 2120

Pages Read: 4231

Magical Readathon: Orilium Update 75

So I read my next book for Magical Readathon: Orilium, and it was and The Highlander's Return, was for the prompt Astronomy Q, and I'll be reading The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society next!

My Reading Journey:

After That Night by Karin Slaughter

Prompt Fulfilled: Elemental Studies Q

Started On: September 1st

Finished On: September 1st, 3:39 PM

Pages Read: 432

Fly with Me by Andie Burke

Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion O

Started On: September 1st

Finished On: September 1st, 10:18 PM

Pages Read: 384

A Scandal in Mayfair by Katharine Schellerman

Prompt Fulfilled: Elemental Studies D

Started On: September 2nd

Finished On: September 2nd, 3:17 PM

Pages Read: 320

The Exalted by Kaitlyn Sage Patterson

Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion O

Started On: September 2nd

Finished On: September 2nd, 9:48 PM

Pages Read: 384

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy O

Started On: September 3rd

Finished On: September 3rd, 10:03 AM

Pages Read: 336

The Debutantes by Olivia Worley

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations O

Started On: September 3rd

Finished On: September 3rd, 4:18 PM

Pages Read: 352

One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite

Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy O

Started On: September 3rd

Finished On: September 3rd, 9:39 PM

Pages Read: 384

The White Guy Dies First Anthology

Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration D

Started On: September 4th

Finished On: September 4th, 11:03 AM

Pages Read: 311

Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston

Prompt Fulfilled: Artificery O

Started On: September 4th

Finished On: September 4th, 3:47 PM

Pages Read: 400

Four Letter Word by Gretchen McNeil

Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration O

Started On: September 4th

Finished On: September 4th, 9:23 PM

Pages Read: 320

Crave by Tracy Wolff

Prompt Fulfilled: Lore O

Started On: September 5th

Finished On: September 5th, 12:46 PM

Pages Read: 575

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration Q

Started On: September 5th

Finished On: September 5th, 2:43 PM

Pages Read: 384

Odd Spirits by S.T. Gibson

Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion Q

Started On: September 5th

Finished On: September 5th, 5:01 PM

Pages Read: 200

Evocation by S.T. Gibson

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations Q

Started On: September 5th

Finished On: September 5th, 9:32 PM

Pages Read: 400

Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth

Prompt Fulfilled: Astronomy O

Started On: September 6th

Finished On: September 6th, 9:58 AM

Pages Read: 320

This Is Why We Lie by Gabriella Lepore

Prompt Fulfilled: Astronomy D

Started On: September 6th

Finished On: September 6th, 2:37 PM

Pages Read: 320

Aisle Nine by Ian X. Cho

Prompt Fulfilled: Artificery D

Started On: September 6th

Finished On: September 6th, 7:48 PM

Pages Read: 272

After That Night, A Scandal in Mayfair, and Eleanor & Park Read in Early Morning

Prompt Fulfilled: Looking for Answers

Started On: September 1st

Finished On: September 3rd, 7:20 AM

Pages Read: N/A

The Debutantes, The White Guy Dies First, and Amari and the Despicable Wonders Read in Early Morning

Prompt Fulfilled: Looking for Answers

Started On: September 3rd

Finished On: September 4th, 5:35 AM

Pages Read: N/A

Crave by Tracy Wolff, This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron, Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth Read in Early Morning

Prompt Fulfilled: Looking for Answers

Started On: September 5th

Finished On: September 6th, 6:03 AM

Pages Read: N/A

Tsumiku and the Enslaved Fox by Forthright

Prompt Fulfilled: Psionics & Divination O

Started On: September 7th

Finished On: September 7th, 8:41 PM

Pages Read: 478

Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal by Forthright

Prompt Fulfilled: Animal Studies O

Started On: September 8th

Finished On: September 8th, 9:39 PM

Pages Read: 450

The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling

Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion O

Started On: September 9th

Finished On: September 9th, 10:39 AM

Pages Read: 384

Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus

Prompt Fulfilled: Shapeshifting O

Started On: September 9th

Finished On: September 9th, 7:39 PM

Pages Read: 400

This Is Why We Lie by Gabriella Lepore, The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling, and Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus Read in Early Morning

Prompt Fulfilled: Looking for Answers

Started On: September 6th

Finished On: September 9th, 5:35 AM

Pages Read: N/A

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune

Prompt Fulfilled: Animal Studies O

Started On: September 10th

Finished On: September 10th, 11:03 AM

Pages Read: 400

A Dragon of Black Glass by James Rollins

Prompt Fulfilled: Look for an Atlas

Started On: September 10th

Finished On: September 10th, 8:48 PM

Pages Read: 608

Crush by Tracy Wolff

Prompt Fulfilled: Demonology Q

Started On: September 11th

Finished On: September 11th, 11:49 AM

Pages Read: 704

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune, A Dragon of Black Glass by James Rollins, and Crush by Tracy Wolff Read in Early Morning

Prompt Fulfilled: Looking for Answers

Started On: September 10th

Finished On: September 11th, 6:02 AM

Pages Read: N/A

Covet by Tracy Wolff

Prompt Fulfilled: Lore O

Started On: September 11th

Finished On: September 11th, 6:40 PM

Pages Re ad: 861

Katmere Academy: An Insider's Guide by Tracy Wolff

Prompt Fulfilled: Artificery Q

Started On: September 11th

Finished On: September 11th, 9:16 PM

Pages Read: 304

Court by Tracy Wolff

Prompt Fulfilled: Lore O

Started On: September 12th

Finished On: September 12th, 12:03 PM

Pages Read: 941

Charm by Tracy Wolff

Prompt Fulfilled: Demonology O

Started On: September 12th

Finished On: September 12th, 5:39 PM

Pages Read: 734

Cherish by Tracy Wolff

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations D

Started On: September 12th

Finished On: September 12th, 11:35 PM

Pages Read: 673

The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration Q

Started On: September 13th

Finished On: September 13th, 10:27 AM

Pages Read: 368

Crescent Wolves by G. Bailey and Regan Rosewood

Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration O

Started On: September 13th

Finished On: September 13th, 1:17 PM

Pages Read: 274

Court by Tracy Wolff, The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch, Crescent Wolves by G. Bailey and Regan Rosewood Read in Early Morning

Prompt Fulfilled: Looking for Answers

Started On: September 12th

Finished On: September 13th, 5:41 AM

Pages Read: N/A

Azure Dragons by G. Bailey and Regan Rosewood

Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription Q

Started On: September 13th

Finished On: September 13th, 4:48 PM

Pages Read: 272

Darker Than Midnight by Maggie Shayne

Prompt Fulfilled: Demonology D

Started On: September 13th

Finished On: September 13th, 10:19 PM

Pages Read: 400

Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh

Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration Q

Started On: September 14th

Finished On: September 14th, 2:11 PM

Pages Read: 400

Rogue Heart by Axie Oh

Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration O

Started On: September 14th

Finished On: September 14th, 9:45 PM

Pages Read: 357

The Church of Frendo by Adam Cesare

Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy D

Started On: September 15th

Finished On: September 15th, 3:49 PM

Pages Read: 448

The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel

Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy Q

Started On: September 15th

Finished On: September 15th, 8:14 PM

Pages Read: 352

The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick

Prompt Fulfilled: Animal Studies Q

Started On: September 16th

Finished On: September 16th, 10:21 AM

Pages Read: 254

Marked by Stars by Forthright

Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy O

Started On: September 16th

Finished On: September 16th, 12:52 PM

Pages Read: 80

Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh, The Church of Frendo by Adam Cesare, Marked by Stars by Forthright Read in Early Morning

Prompt Fulfilled: Looking for Answers

Started On: September 14th

Finished On: September 16th, 5:39 AM

Pages Read: N/A

Followed by Thunder by Forthright

Prompt Fulfilled: Astronomy O

Started On: September 16th

Finished On: September 16th, 3:47 PM

Pages Read: 94

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark

Prompt Fulfilled: Charm an Owlcat

Started On: September 17th

Finished On: September 17th, 10:03 AM

Pages Read: 213

The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei

Prompt Fulfilled: Look for an Atlas

Started On: September 17th

Finished On: September 17th, 3:56 PM

Pages Read: 400

Glass Houses by Madeline Ashby

Prompt Fulfilled: Astronomy D

Started On: September 17th

Finished On: September 17th, 8:23 PM

Pages Read: 288

The Enchanted Lies of Céleste Artois by Ryan Graudin

Prompt Fulfilled: Charm an Owlcat

Started On: September 18th

Finished On: September 18th, 12:04 PM

Pages Read: 544

This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron

Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration Q

Started On: September 18th

Finished On: September 18th, 3:38 PM

Pages Read: 320

Buried Deep and Other Stories by Anne Bishop

Prompt Fulfilled: Look for an Atlas

Started On: September 18th

Finished On: September 18th, 11:13 PM

Pages Read: 448

This is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations O

Started On: September 19th

Finished On: September 19th, 12:05 PM

Pages Read: 464

Killing Me Softly by Maggie Shayne

Prompt Fulfilled: Animal Studies D

Started On: September 19th

Finished On: September 19th, 3:45 PM

Pages Read: 384

The Whispering Night by Susan Dennard

Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration D

Started On: September 19th

Finished On: September 19th, 10:29 PM

Pages Read: 384

The Shadows Rule All by Abigail Owen

Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration D

Started On: September 20th

Finished On: September 20th, 2:35 PM

Pages Read: 512

Spy×Family, Volume 1 by Tatsuya Endo