It's Monday! What Are You Reading #735, July 7th

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 #734
Teaser Tuesday #742
WWW Wednesday #742
WOW #738
Will the Time Come #735
Third Sentence Thursday #725
Random Reads #711
First Lines Friday #738
Book Blogger Hop #404

Monthly ARC's Update 122

The Reward Challenge Update #720
Wheel of TBR #267

How Well I Stuck to It #572
Wrote that Review Update #569

Week 27 Reviews:

The Revenant Games

The Death Mask

The Savior's Champion

The Savior's Sister

Across the Green Grass Fields

Where the Drowned Girls Go

In Mercy, Rain

Skeleton Song

Lost in the Moment and Found

Mislaid in Parts Half-Known

Stillhouse Lake

The Pairing 

Mirage City

Swallowing Darkness

Divine Misdemeanours

A Shiver of Light 

Terrors at the Gate

Isles of the Emberdark

Tenderly, I Am Devoured 

Bitter Spirits

Magical Readathon: Orilium: 

Update 43

Update 44

Update 45

Camp SeasonAthon: 

Update 14 and Wrap Up

Phase Out Your TBR: 

Phase Ten July 2025 Sign Up

Update 1

Update 2

Update 3

Update 4

Update 5

Random:

Book Battle July 2025 TBR

Margie Fuston Author Page

OK, so I got 38 posts in 7 days, and it was a pretty good week, though I have been sucked into playing a mobile game, and having less time for reading, let alone blogging, since I'm about a week behind right now, but I'm catching up! What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read Through Gates of Garnet and Gold! 

A fan-favorite character returns in this action-packed instalment of the Hugo Award-winning Wayward Children series.

After Nancy was cast out of the Halls of the Dead and forced to enroll at Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children, she never believed she'd find her door again, and when she did, she didn't look back. She disappeared from the school to resume her place in the Halls, never intending to return.

Years have passed. A darkness has descended on the Halls, and the living statues who populate them are dying at the hands of the already dead. The Lord and Lady who rule the land are helpless to stop the slaughter, forcing Nancy to leave the Halls again, this time on purpose, as she attempts to seek much-needed help from her former schoolmates.

But who would volunteer to quest in a world where the dead roam freely?

And why are the dead so intent on adding to their number?

Week 27 Review: The Pairing

From Goodreads:

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston's latest romantic comedy, two bisexual exes accidentally book the same European food and wine tour and challenge each other to a hookup competition to prove they're over each other—except they're definitely not.

Theo and Kit have been a lot of things: childhood best friends, crushes, in love, and now estranged exes. After a brutal breakup on the transatlantic flight to their dream European food and wine tour, they exited each other's lives once and for all.

Time apart has done them good. Theo has found confidence as a hustling bartender by night and aspiring sommelier by day, with a long roster of casual lovers. Kit, who never returned to America, graduated as the reigning sex god of his pastry school class and now bakes at one of the finest restaurants in Paris. Sure, nothing really compares to what they had, and life stretches out long and lonely ahead of them, but—yeah. It's in the past.

All that remains is the unused voucher for the European tour that never happened, good for 48 months after its original date and about to expire. Four years later, it seems like a great idea to finally take the trip. Solo. Separately.

It's not until they board the tour bus that they discover they've both accidentally had the exact same idea, and now they're trapped with each other for three weeks of stunning views, luscious flavors, and the most romantic cities of France, Spain, and Italy. It's fine. There's nothing left between them. So much nothing that, when Theo suggests a friendly wager to see who can sleep with their hot Italian tour guide first, Kit is totally game. And why stop there? Why not a full-on European hookup competition?

But sometimes a taste of everything only makes you crave what you can't have.

My first review of The Pairing
My Review:


Author: Casey McQuiston
First Read: February 22nd, 2024

Read: June 30th, 2025 
Source: Own/Library
Reason Why: Rereading, and it's a SAC 2025 Book! 
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 
Published: August 6th 2024

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Camp SeasonAthon Update 16 and Wrap Up

So I read my final book for Camp SeasonAthon, and it was The Pairing which was for the prompt Picnic, and yeah, I read some really fantastic books, and I can't wait for the next round! 

My Reading Journey:

Framed in Death by J.D. Robb

Prompt Fulfilled: Art Studio

Started On: June 4th

Finished On: June 4th, 11:42 AM

Pages Read: 368

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

Prompt Fulfilled: Tennis Court

Started On: June 6th

Finished On: June 6th, 7:27 PM

Pages Read: 416

The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet by Lindz McLeod

Prompt Fulfilled: Garden

Started On: June 7th

Finished On: June 7th, 3:41 PM

Pages Read: 304

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers

Prompt Fulfilled: Forest

Started On: June 8th

Finished On: June 8th, 9:33 PM

Pages Read: 160

When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur

Prompt Fulfilled: Theatre

Started On: June 9th

Finished On: June 9th, 10:48 AM

Pages Read: 400

Turns of Fate by Anne Bishop

Prompt Fulfilled: Dance

Started On: June 15th

Finished On: June 15th, 8:49 PM

Pages Read: 528

The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling

Prompt Fulfilled: Music

Started On: June 23rd

Finished On: June 23rd, 11:31 AM

Pages Read: 352 

A Tarnished Canvas by Anna Lee Huber

Prompt Fulfilled: Basket Weaving

Started On: June 24th

Finished On: June 24th, 2:49 PM

Pages Read: 400

No Body No Crime by Tess Sharpe

Prompt Fulfilled: Archery

Started On: June 26th

Finished On: June 26th, 6:03 PM

Pages Read: 304

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston

Prompt Fulfilled: Pottery Barn

Started On: June 26th

Finished On: June 26th, 11:38 PM

Pages Read: 400

That Devil, Ambition by Linsey Miller

Prompt Fulfilled: Stables

Started On: June 27th

Finished On: June 27th, 10:43 P M

Pages Read: 416

The Savior's Champion by Jenna Moreci

Prompt Fulfilled: Assembly Hall

Started On: June 29th

Finished On: June 29th, 11:48 PM

Pages Read: 671

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

Prompt Fulfilled: Lake

Started On: June 29th

Finished On: June 29th, 11:37 PM

Pages Read: 301

The Paring by Casey McQuistin 

Prompt Fulfilled: Picnic

Started On: June 30th

Finished On: June 30th, 11:13 AM

Pages Read: 432

Prompts Left: None Left!

Read: 14

Pages Read: 5020

Camp SeasonAthon Update 15

So I read my next book for Camp SeasonAthon, and it was Stillhouse Lake which was for the prompt Lake, and I'll be reading The Pairing next! 

My Reading Journey:

Framed in Death by J.D. Robb

Prompt Fulfilled: Art Studio

Started On: June 4th

Finished On: June 4th, 11:42 AM

Pages Read: 368

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

Prompt Fulfilled: Tennis Court

Started On: June 6th

Finished On: June 6th, 7:27 PM

Pages Read: 416

The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet by Lindz McLeod

Prompt Fulfilled: Garden

Started On: June 7th

Finished On: June 7th, 3:41 PM

Pages Read: 304

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers

Prompt Fulfilled: Forest

Started On: June 8th

Finished On: June 8th, 9:33 PM

Pages Read: 160

When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur

Prompt Fulfilled: Theatre

Started On: June 9th

Finished On: June 9th, 10:48 AM

Pages Read: 400

Turns of Fate by Anne Bishop

Prompt Fulfilled: Dance

Started On: June 15th

Finished On: June 15th, 8:49 PM

Pages Read: 528

The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling

Prompt Fulfilled: Music

Started On: June 23rd

Finished On: June 23rd, 11:31 AM

Pages Read: 352 

A Tarnished Canvas by Anna Lee Huber

Prompt Fulfilled: Basket Weaving

Started On: June 24th

Finished On: June 24th, 2:49 PM

Pages Read: 400

No Body No Crime by Tess Sharpe

Prompt Fulfilled: Archery

Started On: June 26th

Finished On: June 26th, 6:03 PM

Pages Read: 304

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston

Prompt Fulfilled: Pottery Barn

Started On: June 26th

Finished On: June 26th, 11:38 PM

Pages Read: 400

That Devil, Ambition by Linsey Miller

Prompt Fulfilled: Stables

Started On: June 27th

Finished On: June 27th, 10:43 P M

Pages Read: 416

The Savior's Champion by Jenna Moreci

Prompt Fulfilled: Assembly Hall

Started On: June 29th

Finished On: June 29th, 11:48 PM

Pages Read: 671

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

Prompt Fulfilled: Lake

Started On: June 29th

Finished On: June 29th, 11:37 PM

Pages Read: 301

The Paring by Casey McQuistin 

Prompt Fulfilled: Picnic

Started On: June 30th

Currently On: Page 0 of 432

Prompts Left: None Left!

Read: 13

Pages Read: 5020

Waiting on Wednesday #687, July 10th

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

Arkangel by James Rollins

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:
From the #1 New York Times master of international thrillers comes the story of a global hunt across the top of world, pitting nation against nation, as ancient myths of a lost continent prove all too real. The execution of a Vatican archivist within the shadow of the Kremlin exposes a conspiracy going back three centuries—to the bloody era of the Russian Tsars. Before his murder, he manages to dispatch a coded message, a warning of a terrifying threat, one tied to a secret buried within the Golden Library of Tsars, a vast and treasured archive that had vanished into history. As combative forces race for the truth behind this death and alarming discovery, Sigma Force is summoned to aid in the search—not only for this missing trove of ancient books, but to follow a trail far into the Arctic, to search for the truth about a lost continent and a revelation that could ignite a global war. But Sigma Force has its own difficulties at home after an explosive attack on the National Mall—one aimed at the heart of their covert agency—has left them vulnerable and exposed. The growing conflict—both on Russian soil and deep in the Arctic—will reignite a centuries-old war between the newly resurgent Russian Orthodox Church and the Vatican, while sabers rattle across the nations of the Arctic Circle, threatening to turn those icy seas into a fiery conflagration. Facing enemies on all sides, it will be up to Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force to unravel a mystery going back millennia—and uncover the truth about a lost civilization and an arcane treasure that could save the planet…or destroy it.  

Cast in Atonement by Michelle Sagara

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:

In the City of Elantra, only one holds the key to peace—or eternal darkness.

At the end of three long wars, Bellusdeo is the last of her kind, the sole surviving female Dragon in the City of Elantra. When she appears one evening on the doorstep of her former roommate, Corporal Kaylin Neya, her demeanor is dreadful—more so than what’s expected of the Dragons’ notoriously tempestuous temperament. Kaylin’s new roommate, Mrs. Erickson, is quick to see the reason for Bellusdeo’s despair—the eight ghosts of the Dragon’s dead sisters, chained to her and unseen. Pleading for release, revenge and, above all, peace.

Now Kaylin and Mrs. Erickson must embark on a perilous journey, from the hallowed halls of the Academia to the depths of forbidden magic, to confront the very essence of mortality itself. Can Kaylin help release the untapped power within Mrs. Erickson to save Bellusdeo’s sisters…or will unlocking the past plunge the realm into an unfathomable darkness forever?

Dark Restraint by Katee Robert

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:
Ariadne Vitalis is in trouble. She's betrayed her father―and his benefactor―and now she's left to rely on the questionable mercy of Olympus to keep her safe. As with everything in this city, mercy comes with a price. For Ariadne, that means a marriage to Dionysus. She has no choice but to agree, even if there's only one man she's ever wanted―a man she's feared just as much as she desires. The Minotaur never had any illusions about Minos's plans. He was willing to get his hands dirty as long as the old man kept his word―at the end of this, the Minotaur would be given Ariadne as a reward. Nowhere in that deal was her walking down the aisle to a different man. She's meant for him, and he means to have her. Ariadne knows better than to encourage the Minotaur. Her relationship with her new fiancé might be more friendship than burning passion, but she is all too aware of how much fiery passion can hurt. She and the Minotaur are no good for each other. She can never forgive him for what he's done, and he can never change. But when his hands are on her body and his wicked words are whispered in her ear, she might just be willing to let all of Olympus burn…

Fire and Bones by Kathy Reichs

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:
It’s never easy working fire scenes, Tempe thinks. Called to Washington, DC, to analyze the victims of a building set ablaze amid mysterious circumstances, she sees all her misgivings justified. The building site is in Foggy Bottom, a neighborhood with a colorful past and present, and the property’s ownership becomes even more suspicious when Tempe delves into its past. The pieces start falling into place strangely and quickly, and, sensing a good story, Tempe teams with a new ally, telejournalist Ivy Doyle. Soon the duo learns that back in the thirties and forties the home was the hangout of a group of bootleggers and racketeers known as the Foggy Bottom Gang. Though interesting, this fact seems irrelevant—until the son of a Foggy Bottom gang member is shot dead at his farm in Fairfax County, Virginia. Coincidence? Targeted attacks? So many questions. As Tempe and Ivy dig deeper, an arrest is finally made. Then another Foggy Bottom Gang-linked property burns to the ground, claiming one more victim. Slowly, Tempe’s instincts begin pointing to the somehow, her moves since coming to Washington have been anticipated in advance, and every path forward seems to bring with it a lethal threat.

Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:

Ada Lamarr may have gotten to the spaceship wreck first, but looter’s rights won’t get her far when she’s got a hole in the side of her ship and her spacesuit is almost out of air. Fortunately for her, help arrives in the form of a government salvage crew—and while they reluctantly rescue her from certain death, they are not pleased to have an unexpected passenger along on their classified mission.

But Ada doesn’t care—all that matters to her is enjoying their fine food and sweet, sweet oxygen—until Rian White, the government agent in charge, starts to suspect that there’s more to Ada than meets the eye. He’s not wrong—but he’s so pretty that Ada is perfectly happy to keep him paying attention to her—at least until she can complete the job she was sent to pull off. But as quick as Ada is, Rian might be quicker—and she may not be entirely sure who’s manipulating who until it’s too late…

A phenomenally fun novella that kicks off a trilogy of sexy space heists and romantic tension, Full Speed to a Crash Landing is packed with great characters and full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.

Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:

From the bestselling author of the Truly Devious books, Maureen Johnson, comes a new stand-alone YA about a teen who uncovers a mystery while working as a tour guide on an island and must solve it before history repeats itself.

The fire wasn’t Marlowe Wexler’s fault. Dates should be hot, but not hot enough to warrant literal firefighters. Akilah, the girl Marlowe has been in love with for years, will never go out with her again. No one dates an accidental arsonist.

With her house-sitting career up in flames, it seems the universe owes Marlowe a new summer job, and that’s how she ends up at Morning House, a mansion built on an island in the 1920s and abandoned shortly thereafter. It’s easy enough, giving tours. Low risk of fire. High chance of getting bored talking about stained glass and nut cutlets and Prohibition.

Oh, and the deaths. Did anyone mention the deaths?

Maybe this job isn’t such a gift after all. Morning House has a horrific secret that’s been buried for decades, and now the person who brought her here is missing.

All it takes is one clue to set off a catastrophic chain of events. One small detail, just like a spark, could burn it all down—if someone doesn’t bury Marlowe first.

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:

Theo and Kit have been a lot of things: childhood best friends, crushes, in love, and now estranged exes. After a brutal breakup on the transatlantic flight to their dream European food and wine tour, they exited each other's lives once and for all.

Time apart has done them good. Theo has found confidence as a hustling bartender by night and aspiring sommelier by day, with a long roster of casual lovers. Kit, who never returned to America, graduated as the reigning sex god of his pastry school class and now bakes at one of the finest restaurants in Paris. Sure, nothing really compares to what they had, and life stretches out long and lonely ahead of them, but—yeah. It's in the past.

All that remains is the unused voucher for the European tour that never happened, good for 48 months after its original date and about to expire. Four years later, it seems like a great idea to finally take the trip. Solo. Separately.

It's not until they board the tour bus that they discover they've both accidentally had the exact same idea, and now they're trapped with each other for three weeks of stunning views, luscious flavors, and the most romantic cities of France, Spain, and Italy. It's fine. There's nothing left between them. So much nothing that, when Theo suggests a friendly wager to see who can sleep with their hot Italian tour guide first, Kit is totally game. And why stop there? Why not a full-on European hookup competition?

But sometimes a taste of everything only makes you crave what you can't have.

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:

A dark retelling of the Brothers Grimm's Goose Girl, rife with secrets, murder, and forbidden magic

Cordelia knows her mother is unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms, and her mother doesn't allow Cordelia to have a single friend—unless you count Falada, her mother's beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him. But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t sorcerers.

After a suspicious death in their small town, Cordelia’s mother insists they leave in the middle of the night, riding away on Falada’s sturdy back, leaving behind all Cordelia has ever known. They arrive at the remote country manor of a wealthy older man, the Squire, and his unwed sister, Hester. Cordelia’s mother intends to lure the Squire into marriage, and Cordelia knows this can only be bad news for the bumbling gentleman and his kind, intelligent sister.

Hester sees the way Cordelia shrinks away from her mother, how the young girl sits eerily still at dinner every night. Hester knows that to save her brother from bewitchment and to rescue the terrified Cordelia, she will have to face down a wicked witch of the worst kind.

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:

From the creator of the viral TikTok videos about the sunshine assistant to the evil villain and their unexpected romance comes the second book in the hotly-anticipated fantasy romance series.

Readers can't wait to get their hands on a

'I have never been so hyped for a book before '

'I will be buying this book so quickly even the dragon will be spooked!! '

'OMG finally!! I can't wait to have it in my hands!'

'As soon as it is out, I am going to run to buy it!! Cannot wait. '

' Giggling. Kicking my feet. I can't wait to read this! '

' I love this series so much , I've been hooked since the beginning. I'm so excited for the book .'

' I love Evie and the Villain so I NEED it .'

A Scandal in Mayfair by Katharine Schellman

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:

Sometimes danger lurks in plain sight, and in the cutthroat London Season socialite Lily Adler must race against time to catch a killer.

Fans of Bridgerton will delight in this Regency-era mystery featuring an intrepid sleuth, plenty of intrigue, and a touch of romance.

London, 1817. The London Season is beginning once more, and Lily Adler’s return to her home on Half Moon Street feels different this year. No longer a recent widow, she has a life and friends waiting for her. Lily also has new responsibilities in the form of her protégée Amelia, the sister of her longtime friend Jack Hartley, who is escaping her own brush with scandal and murder.

It doesn’t take long for Lily’s growing reputation as a lady of quality who can discreetly find what is missing or solve what is puzzling to bring a desperate young woman to her doorstep. But helping her means unraveling a tangled web of family secrets. Soon, a missing will, a dead body and the threat of blackmail leave Lily facing danger every way she turns. 

The glittering society of Mayfair conceals many secrets, and the back alleys of London hide even more. Lily Adler will need to find the connection between them quickly if she wants to stop a killer before it’s too late.

Queen of Dreams by Kit Rocha

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:

Three lovers with unbridled hope, uncanny dreams, and ancient powers join forces against the greatest evil in the world in a scorching fantasy by the authors of Consort of Fire.

Ash waited three thousand years for a consort who could break the Betrayer’s chains. Instead of one lover, he found Sachi and Zanya—the primordial powers that embody creation and destruction, reborn as humans. Now, his ancient enemy has returned to threaten everything he loves.

In the wake of her dazzling manifestation, Zanya seethes with magic and restless energy. Her command of the Endless Void will be a potent weapon in the coming war. To harness it, she’ll need to embrace the darkness within—but the scars of the past are holding her back.

Sachi’s unprecedented connection to the Dream deepens, leading her beyond the veil of reality…and into the heart of the Betrayer’s stronghold. Torn from her lovers, Sachi must use all her wit and cunning to survive the Betrayer’s treacherous court. Because he doesn’t simply want her. He covets the slumbering power she possesses—and plans to take it for his own.

Even if it ends their world.

Ami by S. Jae-Jones

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:
When the Pillar blooms, the end of the world is not far behind. Li Ami was always on the outside—outside of family, outside of friendships, outside of ordinary magic. The odd and eccentric daughter of a former imperial magician, she has devoted her life to books because she finds them easier to read than people. Exiled to the outermost west of the Morning Realms, Ami has become the sole caretaker of her mentally ill father, whose rantings and ravings may be more than mere ramblings; they may be part of a dire prophecy. When her father is arrested for trespassing and stealing a branch from the sacred tree of the local monastery, Ami offers herself to the mysterious Beast in the castle, who is in need of someone who can translate a forbidden magical text and find a cure for the mysterious blight that is affecting the harvest of the land. Meanwhile, as signs of magical corruption arise throughout the Morning Realms, Jin Zhara begins to realize that she might be out of her element. She may have defeated a demon lord and uncovered her identity as the Guardian of Fire, but she’ll be more than outmatched in the coming elemental battle against the Mother of Ten Thousand Demons… unless she can find the other Guardians of Dawn. Her magic is no match for the growing tide of undead, and she needs the Guardian of Wood with power over life and death in order to defeat the revenants razing the countryside. The threat of the Mother of Ten Thousand Demons looms larger by the day, and the tenuous peace holding the Morning Realms together is beginning to unravel. Ami and Zhara must journey to the Root of the World in order to seal the demon portal that may have opened there and restore balance to an increasingly chaotic world.

Lady MacBeth by Ava Reid

Expected Publication: August 6th, 2024
From Goodreads:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ava Reid comes a reimagining of Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare’s most famous villainess, giving her a voice, a past, and a power that transforms the story men have written for her.

The Lady knows the stories: how her eyes induce madness in men.

The Lady knows she will be wed to the Scottish brute, who does not leave his warrior ways behind when he comes to the marriage bed.

The Lady knows his hostile, suspicious court will be a game of strategy, requiring all of her wiles and hidden witchcraft to survive.

But the Lady does not know her husband has occult secrets of his own. She does not know that prophecy girds him like armor. She does not know that her magic is greater and more dangerous, and that it will threaten the order of the world.

She does not know this yet. But she will.

Wow, the start of the month is just stacked in books that I'm so hyped for! I love these authors and the series, and I can't wait for these new releases! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Week 8 Review: The Pairing

From Goodreads:

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston's latest romantic comedy, two bisexual exes accidentally book the same European food and wine tour and challenge each other to a hookup competition to prove they're over each other—except they're definitely not.

Theo and Kit have been a lot of things: childhood best friends, crushes, in love, and now estranged exes. After a brutal breakup on the transatlantic flight to their dream European food and wine tour, they exited each other's lives once and for all.

Time apart has done them good. Theo has found confidence as a hustling bartender by night and aspiring sommelier by day, with a long roster of casual lovers. Kit, who never returned to America, graduated as the reigning sex god of his pastry school class and now bakes at one of the finest restaurants in Paris. Sure, nothing really compares to what they had, and life stretches out long and lonely ahead of them, but—yeah. It's in the past.

All that remains is the unused voucher for the European tour that never happened, good for 48 months after its original date and about to expire. Four years later, it seems like a great idea to finally take the trip. Solo. Separately.

It's not until they board the tour bus that they discover they've both accidentally had the exact same idea, and now they're trapped with each other for three weeks of stunning views, luscious flavors, and the most romantic cities of France, Spain, and Italy. It's fine. There's nothing left between them. So much nothing that, when Theo suggests a friendly wager to see who can sleep with their hot Italian tour guide first, Kit is totally game. And why stop there? Why not a full-on European hookup competition?

But sometimes a taste of everything only makes you crave what you can't have.

My Review:


Author: Casey McQuiston
Read: February 22nd, 2024
Source: NetGalley 
Reason Why: Love her writing and it sounded really great, and it's a SAC 2024 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 
Expected Publication: August 6th 2024

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Cliterature Readathon Update 5

So I read my next book for Cliterature Readathon, and it was The Pairing which was for the prompt LGBTQ+ Romance, and I'll be reading The Darkest Destiny next! 

My Reading Journey:

The Damned by Laura Thalassa 

Prompt Fulfilled: Take Part in a Sprint

Started On: February 19th 

Finished On: February 19th, 1:56 PM

Pages Read: 364

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Prompt Fulfilled: Illustrated Cover

Started On: February 19th

Finished On: February 19th, 10:01 PM

Pages Read: 416

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

Prompt Fulfilled: A New to You Author

Started On: February 20th

Finished On: February 20th, 10:38 PM

Pages Read: 424

The Renegade Akseli Cyborg by Dianne Duvall

Prompt Fulfilled: Your Favourite Trope

Started On: February 21st

Finished On: February 21st, 8:13 PM

Pages Read: 440

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

Prompt Fulfilled: LGBTQ+ Romance

Started On: February 22nd

Finished On: February 22nd, 3:43 PM

Pages Read: 432

The Darkest Destiny by Gena Showalter

Prompt Fulfilled: Poll Pick

Started On: February 22nd

Currently On: Page 0 of 204

Prompts Left: POC Author, 5 Star Prediction, Share Your TBR

Read: 5

Pages Read: 2076

Cliterature Readathon Update 4

So I read my next book for Cliterature Readathon, and it was The Renegade Akseli Cyborg which was for the prompt Your Favourite Trope, and I'll be reading The Pairing next! 

My Reading Journey:

The Damned by Laura Thalassa 

Prompt Fulfilled: Take Part in a Sprint

Started On: February 19th 

Finished On: February 19th, 1:56 PM

Pages Read: 364

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Prompt Fulfilled: Illustrated Cover

Started On: February 19th

Finished On: February 19th, 10:01 PM

Pages Read: 416

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

Prompt Fulfilled: A New to You Author

Started On: February 20th

Finished On: February 20th, 10:38 PM

Pages Read: 424

The Renegade Akseli Cyborg by Dianne Duvall

Prompt Fulfilled: Your Favourite Trope

Started On: February 21st

Finished On: February 21st, 8:13 PM

Pages Read: 440

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

Prompt Fulfilled: LGBTQ+ Romance

Started On: February 22nd

Currently On: Page 0 of 432

Prompts Left: POC Author, 5 Star Prediction, Poll Pick, Share Your TBR

Read: 4

Pages Read: 1644

Week 31 Review: Red, White and Royal Blue

From Goodreads:

A big-hearted romantic comedy in which the First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales after an incident of international proportions forces them to pretend to be best friends...

First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep's genius granddaughter, they're the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations.

The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. Alex is busy enough handling his mother's bloodthirsty opponents and his own political ambitions without an uptight royal slowing him down. But beneath Henry's Prince Charming veneer, there's a soft-hearted eccentric with a dry sense of humor and more than one ghost haunting him.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. And Henry throws everything into question for Alex, an impulsive, charming guy who thought he knew everything: What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

My first review of Red, White and Royal Blue
My Review:

Man, I had a really great time reading this book again! I loved it the first time, but the movie is coming out soon, so I needed a refresher. And it was interesting to see what quotes from the trailer were in this book! So excited to see what changes they make!

I adore Alex and Henry! They're such a cute couple, and though their beginnings were rough with Henry being in a bad place after his dad's death, and subsequent ill feelings afterwards, things come to a head at the royal wedding. The resulting damage control, and all that time they spend with one another, really getting to know one another, was just so great! 

Alex is aiming to get into politics, to be the youngest senator in modern history. His public persona is this cool guy, which means that he hides things like that he wears glasses, and the effort that he puts into things. It was really great to watch his journey, in reaction to everything that was going on in this book! 

This book was also a what if kind of scenario, if the one election had gone differently. Watching from afar, it was frustrating, and honestly, even more so, when I read something like this that shows what could've been if things had lined up just a little bit differently. But that ending was just so satisfying! 

This was such a fantastic read, and I can't wait to read more by Casey McQuiston! 

Author: Casey McQuiston 
First Read: June 23rd, 2022

Read: August 4th, 2023
Source: Own 
Reason Why: Love her writing and it's a SAC 2023 Book! 
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: May 14th 2019

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Magical Readathon: Orilium Update 27

So I read my next book for Magical Readathon: Orilium, and it was Red, White & Royal Blue which was for the prompt Lore O, and I'll be reading The Book That Wouldn't Burn next!

My Reading Journey:

Sanctuary With Kings by Kathryn Moon

Prompt Fulfilled: Dragon Riding License 1

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 2:40 PM

Pages Read: 512

Timeless by Josephine Angelini

Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration D

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 6:12 PM

Pages Read: 410

Master of Souls by Rena Barron

Prompt Fulfilled: Elemental Studies D

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 9:53 PM

Pages Read: 432

Naramauke by Lily Sparks

Prompt Fulfilled: Psionics & Divination D

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 10:39 PM 

Pages Read: 105

Steel Tide by Natalie C. Parker

Prompt Fulfilled: Impling

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 11:22 PM

Pages Read: 448

Stormbreak by Natalie C. Parker

Prompt Fulfilled: Impling

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 10:55 AM

Pages Read: 432

North and South, Part 1 by Gene Luen Yang, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, Illustrated by Gurihiru 

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations O

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 11:44 AM

Pages Read: 80

North and South, Part 2 by Gene Luen Yang, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, Illustrated by Gurihiru 

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations O

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 12:16 PM

Pages Read: 80

North and South, Part 3 by Gene Luen Yang, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, Illustrated by Gurihiru 

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations O

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 1:10 PM

Pages Read: 80

Tomes Apprentice by Honor Raconteur

Prompt Fulfilled: Dragon Riding License 2

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 3:31 PM

Pages Read: 269

First of Tomes by Honor Raconteur

Prompt Fulfilled: Dragon Riding License 1

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 6:02 PM

Pages Read: 289

Master Tomes by Honor Raconteur

Prompt Fulfilled: Dragon Riding License 2

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 8:16 PM

Pages Read: 268

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Prompt Fulfilled: Artificery O

Started On:July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 11:23 PM

Pages Read: 384

How the Multiverse Got Its Revenge by K. Eason

Prompt Fulfilled: Psionics & Divination Q

Started On: July 31st

Finished On: July 31st, 10:23 AM

Pages Red: 416

A Game of Gods by Scarlett St. Clair

Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy D

Started On: July 31st

Finished On: July 31st, 1:29 PM

Pages Read: 592

Rogue Darkness by Dianne Duvall

Prompt Fulfilled: Impling

Started On: July 31st

Finished On: July 31st, 4:22 PM

Pages Read: 375

The Defiant by Lesley Livingston

Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription Q

Started On: July 31st

Finished On: July 31st, 7:41 PM

Pages Read: 416

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Prompt Fulfilled: Shapeshifting D

Started On: July 31st

Finished On: July 31st, 10:27 PM

Pages Read: 314

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion Q

Started On: August 1st

Finished On: August 1st, 9:46 AM

Pages Read: 368

Shards of Glass by Michelle Sagara 

Prompt Fulfilled: Elemental Studies Q

Started On: August 1st

Finished On: August 1st, 8:12 PM

Pages Read: 512

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion Q

Started On: August 2nd

Finished On: August 2nd, 7:25 AM

Pages Read: 128

Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot

Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy O

Started On: August 2nd

Finished On: August 2nd, 10:50 PM

Pages Read: 368

Masters of Death by Olivie Blake

Prompt Fulfilled: Psionics & Divination O

Started On: August 3rd

Finished On: August 3rd, 12:58 PM

Pages Read: 452

Decay Like Gold by Sara Raasch

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations D

Started On: August 3rd

Finished On: August 3rd, 7:12 PM

Pages Read: 120

Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire

Prompt Fulfilled: Artificery Q

Started On: August 3rd

Finished On: August 3rd, 9:01 PM

Pages Read: 160

Retribution Rails by Erin Bowman

Prompt Fulfilled: Astronomy Q

Started On: August 4th

Finished On: August 4th, 9:36 AM

Pages Read: 384

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Prompt Fulfilled: Lore O

Started On: August 4th

Finished On: August 4th, 10:12 PM

Pages Read: 423

The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence

Prompt Fulfilled: Demonology O

Started On: August 5th

Currently On: Page 0 of 639

Prompts Left: Alchemy Q, Inscription O, Inscription D, Artificery D, Spells & Incantations Q, Impling, Elemental Studies O, Shapeshifting O, Animal Studies O, Astronomy O, Astronomy D, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Impling, Apothecary Keeper 1, Apothecary Keeper 2, Inscription O, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Conjuration O, Conjuration Q, Lore Q, Lore D, Impling, Animal Studies O, Animal Studies Q, Animal Studies D, Demonology O, Demonology Q, Demonology D, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Impling, Impling, Dragon Riding License 1, Dragon Riding License 2, Alchemy O, Alchemy Q, Art of Illusion O, Lore O, Impling, Impling, Dragon Riding License 1, Dragon Riding Licence 2, Alchemy O, Alchemy Q, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Restoration D, Impling, Impling, Dragon Riding License 1, Dragon Riding License 2, Shapeshifting O, Shapeshifting Q, Art of Illusion O, Art of Illusion D, Psionics & Divination O, Impling

Read: 27

Pages Read: 8817

Magical Readathon: Orilium Update 26

So I read my next book for Magical Readathon: Orilium, and it was Vengeance Road which was for the prompt Astronomy Q, and I'll be reading Red, White & Royal Blue next!

My Reading Journey:

Sanctuary With Kings by Kathryn Moon

Prompt Fulfilled: Dragon Riding License 1

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 2:40 PM

Pages Read: 512

Timeless by Josephine Angelini

Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration D

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 6:12 PM

Pages Read: 410

Master of Souls by Rena Barron

Prompt Fulfilled: Elemental Studies D

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 9:53 PM

Pages Read: 432

Naramauke by Lily Sparks

Prompt Fulfilled: Psionics & Divination D

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 10:39 PM 

Pages Read: 105

Steel Tide by Natalie C. Parker

Prompt Fulfilled: Impling

Started On: July 29th

Finished On: July 29th, 11:22 PM

Pages Read: 448

Stormbreak by Natalie C. Parker

Prompt Fulfilled: Impling

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 10:55 AM

Pages Read: 432

North and South, Part 1 by Gene Luen Yang, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, Illustrated by Gurihiru 

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations O

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 11:44 AM

Pages Read: 80

North and South, Part 2 by Gene Luen Yang, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, Illustrated by Gurihiru 

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations O

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 12:16 PM

Pages Read: 80

North and South, Part 3 by Gene Luen Yang, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, Illustrated by Gurihiru 

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations O

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 1:10 PM

Pages Read: 80

Tomes Apprentice by Honor Raconteur

Prompt Fulfilled: Dragon Riding License 2

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 3:31 PM

Pages Read: 269

First of Tomes by Honor Raconteur

Prompt Fulfilled: Dragon Riding License 1

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 6:02 PM

Pages Read: 289

Master Tomes by Honor Raconteur

Prompt Fulfilled: Dragon Riding License 2

Started On: July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 8:16 PM

Pages Read: 268

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Prompt Fulfilled: Artificery O

Started On:July 30th

Finished On: July 30th, 11:23 PM

Pages Read: 384

How the Multiverse Got Its Revenge by K. Eason

Prompt Fulfilled: Psionics & Divination Q

Started On: July 31st

Finished On: July 31st, 10:23 AM

Pages Red: 416

A Game of Gods by Scarlett St. Clair

Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy D

Started On: July 31st

Finished On: July 31st, 1:29 PM

Pages Read: 592

Rogue Darkness by Dianne Duvall

Prompt Fulfilled: Impling

Started On: July 31st

Finished On: July 31st, 4:22 PM

Pages Read: 375

The Defiant by Lesley Livingston

Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription Q

Started On: July 31st

Finished On: July 31st, 7:41 PM

Pages Read: 416

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Prompt Fulfilled: Shapeshifting D

Started On: July 31st

Finished On: July 31st, 10:27 PM

Pages Read: 314

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion Q

Started On: August 1st

Finished On: August 1st, 9:46 AM

Pages Read: 368

Shards of Glass by Michelle Sagara 

Prompt Fulfilled: Elemental Studies Q

Started On: August 1st

Finished On: August 1st, 8:12 PM

Pages Read: 512

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion Q

Started On: August 2nd

Finished On: August 2nd, 7:25 AM

Pages Read: 128

Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot

Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy O

Started On: August 2nd

Finished On: August 2nd, 10:50 PM

Pages Read: 368

Masters of Death by Olivie Blake

Prompt Fulfilled: Psionics & Divination O

Started On: August 3rd

Finished On: August 3rd, 12:58 PM

Pages Read: 452

Decay Like Gold by Sara Raasch

Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations D

Started On: August 3rd

Finished On: August 3rd, 7:12 PM

Pages Read: 120

Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire

Prompt Fulfilled: Artificery Q

Started On: August 3rd

Finished On: August 3rd, 9:01 PM

Pages Read: 160

Retribution Rails by Erin Bowman

Prompt Fulfilled: Astronomy Q

Started On: August 4th

Finished On: August 4th, 9:36 AM

Pages Read: 384

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Prompt Fulfilled: Lore O

Started On: August 4th

Currently On: Page 0 of 423

Prompts Left: Alchemy Q, Inscription O, Inscription D, Artificery D, Spells & Incantations Q, Impling, Elemental Studies O, Shapeshifting O, Animal Studies O, Astronomy O, Astronomy D, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Impling, Apothecary Keeper 1, Apothecary Keeper 2, Inscription O, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Conjuration O, Conjuration Q, Demonology O, Lore Q, Lore D, Impling, Animal Studies O, Animal Studies Q, Animal Studies D, Demonology O, Demonology Q, Demonology D, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Impling, Impling, Dragon Riding License 1, Dragon Riding License 2, Alchemy O, Alchemy Q, Art of Illusion O, Lore O, Impling, Impling, Dragon Riding License 1, Dragon Riding Licence 2, Alchemy O, Alchemy Q, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Restoration D, Impling, Impling, Dragon Riding License 1, Dragon Riding License 2, Shapeshifting O, Shapeshifting Q, Art of Illusion O, Art of Illusion D, Psionics & Divination O, Impling

Read: 26

Pages Read: 8394

First Lines Friday #638, August 4th

First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. We encourage all of our fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

-Grab your current read(s)
-Share the first line(s)
-Include the title and author so that other FLF participants can add the book to their TBR Lists!

"On the White House roof, tucked into a corner of the Promenade, there's a bit of loose paneling right om the edge of the Solarium. If you tap it just right you can peel it back enough to find a message etched underneath, with the tip of a key or maybe a stolen West Wing letter opener."-Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Yeah, this seems like fun, and I can't wait to reread this book! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #577, June 27th

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 #576
Teaser Tuesday #584
WWW Wednesday #584
WOW #580
Will the Time Come #577
Third Sentence Thursday #567
Random Reads #553
First Lines Friday #580
Book Blogger Hop #246

Monthly ARC's Update 15
The Reward Challenge Update #562
Wheel of TBR #109
How Well I Stuck to It #414
Wrote that Review Update #412

Week 25 Reviews:
This Woven Kingdom

Malice

Daughter of the Redwinter

Girls of Storm and Shadow

Girls of Fate and Fury

Nora Goes Off Script

Sorrow's Knot

The Defiant Heir

Red, White and Royal Blue

Dig Two Graves

As the Shadow Rises

Into the Dying Light

Be the Serpent

Such Dangerous Seas

Whatever-You-Want-A-Thon:

Update 38

Update 39

Update 40

Update 41

Update 42

Update 43

Update 44

Update 45

Update 46

Update 47

Update 48

Update 49

Update 50

Update 51

Update 52

Update 53

Update 54

Update 55

Update 56

Clear Your S**t Readathon: 

Update 5

48-Hour Mini Star Hop Readathon: 

June 2022 Sign Up

Update 1

Update 2

Update 3

Update 4

Update 5

Update 6

Update 7

Update 8

Update 9 and Wrap Up

Random:

Ali Hazelwood Author Page

OK, so I got 56 posts in 7 days, and it was a pretty busy weekend with the readathons, and I read some fantastic books, so it was a pretty great week! And this coming week, I'm going to have the doggies with me every night, even during the week, so that's going to be really great! I can't wait! What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read whatever I want! 

Week 25 Review: Red, White & Royal Blue

From Goodreads:

A big-hearted romantic comedy in which the First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales after an incident of international proportions forces them to pretend to be best friends...

First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep's genius granddaughter, they're the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations.

The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. Alex is busy enough handling his mother's bloodthirsty opponents and his own political ambitions without an uptight royal slowing him down. But beneath Henry's Prince Charming veneer, there's a soft-hearted eccentric with a dry sense of humor and more than one ghost haunting him.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. And Henry throws everything into question for Alex, an impulsive, charming guy who thought he knew everything: What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

My Review:
I had such a great time reading this book! The idea of a romance between the royalty of England and the First family of the US, but make it gay, it's such a squee kind of story, the one you can't help but devour! I had such a great time reading it!

Alex was confident in his own skin. He knew what he wanted, to be a politician, to be able to help people, and he was a lot of fun to read about. And his frenemy with the prince was so adorable to read, I couldn't wait to see things turn romantic! 

There was a lot going on, between them having to pretend to be best buddies at the beginning when they ever so weren't, and his mom running for reelection. Falling in love-and with a guy, when he hadn't known he was not fully straight-was a bit of a surprise to him. But oh, was it fun to read! 

Of all the parts of their relationship, I think my favourite was the quotes that they sent at the end of their emails of various romantic statements. Though the drama in the way that they were outed was not fun, I'm glad that they got through it, and had a future that they were looking forward to! 

I had a really great time reading this book, and I can't wait to read more by Casey McQuiston! 

Author: Casey McQuiston 
Read: June 23rd, 2022
Source: Ebook.bike 
Reason Why: Love her writing and it's a DAC Book and a SAC 2022 Book! 
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: May 14th 2019

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars