Showing posts with label Danielle L. Jensen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Danielle L. Jensen. Show all posts

Monday, September 15, 2025

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #745, September 15th

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 #744
Teaser Tuesday #752
WWW Wednesday #752
WOW #748
Will the Time Come #745
Third Sentence Thursday #735
Random Reads #721
First Lines Friday #748
Book Blogger Hop #414
Monthly ARC's Update 131
The Reward Challenge Update #730
Wheel of TBR #277
How Well I Stuck to It #582
Wrote that Review Update #579

Week 37 Reviews:

Random:

OK, so I got 46 posts in 7 days, it was a pretty quiet month. I've been reading a lot, and playing my mobile game, and blogging has fallen behind about 2 weeks, so I'm trying to catch up, but it's going to take a minute. What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read whatever I want! 

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Week 37 Review: Scorched Earth

From Goodreads:
The thrilling finale in Danielle L. Jensen's Dark Shores series, which Sarah J. Maas calls "everything I look for in a fantasy novel."

Lydia and Killian escaped their enemy's grasp, but not without consequences. While they race to destroy the blight, Lydia fights an internal war against the Corrupter's influence knowing defeat means death for those she loves. Tormented by a battle that can't be won with blades, Killian must find the queen they risked everything to rescue without falling prey to Corrupter's weapons, both living and dead.

Teriana and Marcus thwarted assassination, but now must live with the dark truths that have been revealed. As Teriana hunts for allies, she must face the dire circumstances of her imprisoned people, driving her to strike a dangerous deal with the Empire. Consumed by guilt over his crimes, Marcus embarks on an ambitious campaign to save those he condemned, which risks him becoming the conqueror the Empire desires him to be.

With the blight consuming everything in its path and the Empire crushing everyone who stands before it, Reath is falling beneath the tide of evil. Secrets will be revealed that break hearts even as they forge new alliances, but only the greatest sacrifices of all will turn the tide in the battle for the liberty of every nation on Reath.

My Review:


Author: Danielle L. Jensen 
Series: Dark Shores #4
Read: September 7th, 2025
Source: NetGalley
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and it's a End of Series 2025 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2025 Book, RR Book and WoW Book!
Publisher: Tor Teen
Published: August 5th 2025
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Magical Readathon: Orilium Update 18

So I read my next book for Magical Readathon: Orilium, and it was Scorched Earth which was for the prompt Alchemy D, and I'll be reading The Housemaid's Secret next!

My Reading Journey:

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration Q
Started On: September 1st 
Finished On: September 1st, 10:04 AM
Pages Read: 329

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
Prompt Fulfilled: Demonology Q
Started On: September 1st
Finished On: September 1st, 12:04 PM
Pages Read: 480

The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan 
Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration Q
Started On: September 1st
Finished On: September 1st, 4:48 PM
Pages Read: 320

The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy by Erin Edwards
Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations D
Started On: September 1st
Finished On: September 1st, 10:03 PM
Pages Read: 336

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription O
Started On: September 2nd
Finished On: September 2nd, 3:27 PM
Pages Read: 544

Out of Air by Rachel Reiss
Prompt Fulfilled: Elemental Studies O
Started On: September 2nd
Finished On: September 2nd, 8:01 PM
Pages Read: 304

Vipers and Virtuosos by Sav R. Miller
Prompt Fulfilled: Astronomy Q
Started On: September 3rd
Finished On: September 3rd, 1:03 PM
Pages Read: 416

Oaths and Omissions by Sav R. Miller
Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription O
Started On: September 3rd
Finished On: September 3rd, 5:38 PM
Pages Read: 404

Arrows and Apologies by Sav R. Miller
Prompt Fulfilled: Shapeshifting Q
Started On: September 3rd
Finished On: September 3rd, 9:41 PM
Pages Read: 400

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration O
Started On: September 4th
Finished On: September 4th, 12:36 PM
Pages Read: 321

The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik
Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration O
Started On: September 4th
Finished On: September 4th, 4:28 PM
Pages Read: 391

The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik
Prompt Fulfilled: Lore Q
Started On: September 4th
Finished On: September 4th, 9:47 PM
Pages Read: 416

Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations O
Started On: September 5th
Finished On: September 5th, 12:32 PM
Pages Read: 640

Imaginary Numbers by Seanan McGuire
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy D
Started On: September 5th
Finished On: September 5th, 2:18 PM
Pages Read: 400

Calculated Risks by Seanan McGuire
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion D
Started On: September 5th
Finished On: September 5th, 7:35 PM
Pages Read: 400

The Stars Are Dying by Chloe C. Peñaranda
Prompt Fulfilled: Shapeshifting O
Started On: September 6th
Finished On: September 6th, 4:03 PM
Pages Read: 412

The Night is Defying by Chloe C. Peñaranda
Prompt Fulfilled: Shapeshifting O
Started On: September 6th
Finished On: September 6th, 10:48 PM
Pages Read: 432

Scorched Earth by Danielle L. Jensen
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy D
Started On: September 7th
Finished On: September 7th, 8:36 PM
Pages Read: 752

The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden
Prompt Fulfilled: Artificery Q
Started On: September 8th
Currently On: Page 0 of 327

Prompts Left: Alchemy O, Alchemy Q, Alchemy D, Inscription Q, Inscription D, Artificery O, Artificery Q, Artificery D, Spells & Incantations O, Spells & Incantations Q, Art of Illusion O, Lore O, Astronomy O, Astronomy D, Elemental Studies Q, Elemental Studies D, Animal Studies O, Animal Studies Q, Astronomy O, Astronomy Q, Astronomy D, Restoration O, Restoration D, Spells & Incantations O, Alchemy O, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Restoration D, Conjuration D, Demonology O, Lore O, Lore D, Animal Studies O, Animal Studies Q, Animal Studies D, Demonology O, Demonology D, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Restoration D, Spells & Incantations O, Conjuration Q, Alchemy O, Alchemy Q, Art of Illusion O, Art of Illusion Q, Spells & Incantations O, Psionics & Divination O, Psionics & Divination Q, Psionics & Divination D, Lore O, Alchemy O, Alchemy Q, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Shapeshifting O, Shapeshifting D, Art of Illusion O, Art of Illusion Q, Psionics & Divination O, Artificery O, Artificery D 
Read: 18
Pages Read: 7947

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Magical Readathon: Orilium Update 17

So I read my next book for Magical Readathon: Orilium, and it was The Night is Defying which was for the prompt Shapeshifting O, and I'll be reading Scorched Earth next!

My Reading Journey:

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration Q
Started On: September 1st 
Finished On: September 1st, 10:04 AM
Pages Read: 329

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
Prompt Fulfilled: Demonology Q
Started On: September 1st
Finished On: September 1st, 12:04 PM
Pages Read: 480

The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan 
Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration Q
Started On: September 1st
Finished On: September 1st, 4:48 PM
Pages Read: 320

The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy by Erin Edwards
Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations D
Started On: September 1st
Finished On: September 1st, 10:03 PM
Pages Read: 336

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription O
Started On: September 2nd
Finished On: September 2nd, 3:27 PM
Pages Read: 544

Out of Air by Rachel Reiss
Prompt Fulfilled: Elemental Studies O
Started On: September 2nd
Finished On: September 2nd, 8:01 PM
Pages Read: 304

Vipers and Virtuosos by Sav R. Miller
Prompt Fulfilled: Astronomy Q
Started On: September 3rd
Finished On: September 3rd, 1:03 PM
Pages Read: 416

Oaths and Omissions by Sav R. Miller
Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription O
Started On: September 3rd
Finished On: September 3rd, 5:38 PM
Pages Read: 404

Arrows and Apologies by Sav R. Miller
Prompt Fulfilled: Shapeshifting Q
Started On: September 3rd
Finished On: September 3rd, 9:41 PM
Pages Read: 400

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration O
Started On: September 4th
Finished On: September 4th, 12:36 PM
Pages Read: 321

The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik
Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration O
Started On: September 4th
Finished On: September 4th, 4:28 PM
Pages Read: 391

The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik
Prompt Fulfilled: Lore Q
Started On: September 4th
Finished On: September 4th, 9:47 PM
Pages Read: 416

Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Prompt Fulfilled: Spells & Incantations O
Started On: September 5th
Finished On: September 5th, 12:32 PM
Pages Read: 640

Imaginary Numbers by Seanan McGuire
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy D
Started On: September 5th
Finished On: September 5th, 2:18 PM
Pages Read: 400

Calculated Risks by Seanan McGuire
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion D
Started On: September 5th
Finished On: September 5th, 7:35 PM
Pages Read: 400

The Stars Are Dying by Chloe C. Peñaranda
Prompt Fulfilled: Shapeshifting O
Started On: September 6th
Finished On: September 6th, 4:03 PM
Pages Read: 412

The Night is Defying by Chloe C. Peñaranda
Prompt Fulfilled: Shapeshifting O
Started On: September 6th
Finished On: September 6th, 10:48 PM
Pages Read: 432

Scorched Earth by Danielle L. Jensen
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy D
Started On: September 7th
Currently On: Page 0 of 752

Prompts Left: Alchemy O, Alchemy Q, Alchemy D, Inscription Q, Inscription D, Artificery O, Artificery Q, Artificery D, Spells & Incantations O, Spells & Incantations Q, Art of Illusion O, Lore O, Astronomy O, Astronomy D, Elemental Studies Q, Elemental Studies D, Animal Studies O, Animal Studies Q, Astronomy O, Astronomy Q, Astronomy D, Restoration O, Restoration D, Spells & Incantations O, Alchemy O, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Restoration D, Conjuration D, Demonology O, Lore O, Lore D, Animal Studies O, Animal Studies Q, Animal Studies D, Demonology O, Demonology D, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Restoration D, Spells & Incantations O, Conjuration Q, Alchemy O, Alchemy Q, Art of Illusion O, Art of Illusion Q, Spells & Incantations O, Psionics & Divination O, Psionics & Divination Q, Psionics & Divination D, Lore O, Alchemy O, Alchemy Q, Restoration O, Restoration Q, Shapeshifting O, Shapeshifting D, Art of Illusion O, Art of Illusion Q, Psionics & Divination O, Artificery O, Artificery Q, Artificery D 
Read: 17
Pages Read: 6745

Monday, August 25, 2025

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #742, August 25th

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 #741
Teaser Tuesday #749
WWW Wednesday #749
WOW #745
Will the Time Come #742
Third Sentence Thursday #732
Random Reads #718
First Lines Friday #745
Book Blogger Hop #411

Rachel Hartman's Seraphina meets The Priory of the Orange Tree in Lady Dragon, a sapphic YA romantasy from A.M. Strickland.

Since the last war between humans and dragons left the leaders of both species slain—the last human king of Andrath and the legendary dragon queen—both queendoms have been living under a tentative truce: only women will sit on the throne of Andrath, the dragons will have free passage through the human lands . . . and if men ever try to retake the throne, the draconic realm will retaliate.

Samansa and Kirek are two new leaders coming of age in war-scarred lands—Samansa a reluctant human princess and Kirek the favored contender for the draconic queenship. Per tradition, Kirek must undergo the distasteful task of using a mysterious gem called the Heartstone to shift into human form and maintain the strained ties between the species . . . and study human weaknesses, a new and secret task she's been given by her queen. As the princess and the dragon girl grow closer, they are sent to investigate a potential breach of the treaty and encounter a plot that could reignite an even bloodier war. While fighting to maintain the peace their ancestors fought for and uncovering centuries-old secrets, Samansa and Kirek must grapple with betraying their clashing nations . . . or their unexpected feelings for each other.

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Week 34 Review: The Twisted Throne

From Goodreads:
A commander who bled to defend her people, Ahnna is haunted by two beliefs. The first is that she failed to protect Ithicana from invasion. And the second is that saving her homeland means leaving it behind forever.

The Maridrinians left Ithicana in ruins and its people impoverished. So when the wealthy kingdom of Harendell claims her as a bride for its crown prince, Ahnna is prepared to do whatever it takes to gain influence as the future queen. And to control the gold that comes with the throne.

Yet Ahnna swiftly discovers that beneath the beautiful surface of Harendell's court is a dark underbelly built upon schemes, duplicity, and the pursuit of power. The only individual who holds himself above the politics is not her future husband, but his infuriating half brother, James. And as she begins to question whether Harendell is the ally it claims to be, Ahnna finds herself drawn into a forbidden attraction to the wrong prince.

As deadly plots tighten around her, Ahnna must decide whether saving her people will be achieved as a bride...or as a blade.

My Review:


Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Series: The Bridge Kingdom #5
Read: August 16th, 2025 
Source: Own
Reason Why: Love her writing and this world, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2025 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Del Rey
Published: April 8th 2025
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Monday, August 18, 2025

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #741, August 18th

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 #740
Teaser Tuesday #748
WWW Wednesday #748
WOW #744
Will the Time Come #741
Third Sentence Thursday #731
Random Reads #717
First Lines Friday #744
Book Blogger Hop #410
Monthly ARC's Update 127
The Reward Challenge Update #726
Wheel of TBR #273
How Well I Stuck to It #578
Wrote that Review Update #575

Week 33 Reviews:
Only Rogue Actions

OK, so I got 40 posts in 7 days, and it was another quiet week, the first full week without Jax, and it's hard, getting used to the new normal, because I really only saw him on the weekends, only had 2 nights where I could've, would've had him, but don't. But I've also laughed. Mainly, because I got to be there, I got to say goodbye, that's really helped, this is the first out of the 3 that I've gotten that. What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read nothing planned! 

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Week 33 Review: Tarnished Empire, Dark Shores, Dark Skies, Gilded Serpent




From Goodreads:
DEFIANCE IS TREASON. TREASON IS DEATH.

A siege is laid against the last resistance to the Senate's rule. As the battle rages, a commander, a soldier, and a rebel will decide how far they are willing to go for victory.

THE COMMANDER

Marcus is forced to choose between destroying the rebel forces and liberating his legion. He must face the true cost of being a leader. And an oppressor.

THE SOLDIER

Agrippa sets his sights on glory to fill the deepening void within him. He discovers that the price of fame might not just be paid in blood, it might be paid by his heart.

THE REBEL

Silvara joins the rebel forces to fight against the legions who would see her family dead. While she dreams of being a warrior, she finds her sharpest weapon is seduction. But to defeat the Empire, she'll have to betray the young man who now has her heart.

Inspired by the harsh world of ancient Rome, readers are obsessed with this martial tale of fiery romance, friendship, and enmity. Told from three points of view, TARNISHED EMPIRE is filled with twists you'll never see coming but will keep you turning the pages all night.

TARNISHED EMPIRE is set in the world of Danielle L. Jensen's DARK SHORES. But readers new to the world can begin here.

Piracy, blackmail, and meddling gods meet in Dark Shores, a thrilling first novel in a fast-paced new YA fantasy series by Danielle L. Jensen.

A PIRATE WITH A WILL OF IRON
Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense, a ship beholden to the Goddess of the Seas. Her people are born of the waves, and they alone know how to cross the impassable oceans between East and West. 

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET
Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his only family, and even they don't know the secret he's been hiding since childhood.

A DANGEROUS QUEST
When a power-hungry ruler captures Teriana's crew and threatens to reveal Marcus's secret unless they help him conquer the unknown West, the two are forced into an unlikely–and unwilling– alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.

From Goodreads:
A RUNAWAY WITH A HIDDEN PAST
Lydia is a scholar, but books are her downfall when she meddles in the plots of the most powerful man in the Celendor Empire. Her life in danger, she flees west to the far side of the Endless Seas and finds herself entangled in a foreign war where her burgeoning powers are sought by both sides.

A COMMANDER IN DISGRACE
Killian is Marked by the God of War, but his gifts fail him when the realm under the dominion of the Corrupter invades Mudamora. Disgraced, he swears his sword to the kingdom's only hope: the crown princess. But the choice sees him caught up in a web of political intrigue that will put his oath – and his heart – to the test.

A KINGDOM UNDER SIEGE
With Mudamora falling beneath the armies of the Corrupter, Lydia and Killian strike a bargain to save those they love most—but it is a bargain with unintended and disastrous consequences. Truths are revealed, birthrights claimed, and loyalties questioned—all while a menace deadlier and more far-reaching than they realize sweeps across the world.

From Goodreads:
From ​bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen comes a thrilling new novel in the Dark Shores world, a series that Sarah J. Maas called "everything I look for in a fantasy novel."

THEIR BATTLES ENDED IN VICTORY

Lydia returns to Mudaire to enter training at the healing temple. But instead of fighting to save lives, she's convinced she is doing more harm than good. She delves into the history of the gods only to discover a truth that will change her life forever.

His birthright as commander of the Royal Army is finally in his grasp, but Killian feels anything but victorious. Burdened by his past, he embraces the darker side of his mark―and in doing so, risks starting a war.

BUT THE WAR HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN

Having defeated the tyrant Urcon, Marcus struggles to form a lasting alliance with the Arinoquians. But he is plagued by the knowledge that there is a traitor among his friends, and it could cost him everything that he's fought for.

Torn between her growing allegiance to the Thirty-Seventh legion and her need to liberate her people, Teriana finds herself mired in a web of secrets. She embarks upon a path that will either save everyone she loves―or put them all in their graves.

My first review of Tarnished Empire, Dark Shores, Dark Skies, Gilded Serpent 
My Review:



Author: Danielle L. Jensen 
Series: Dark Shores #0.5, 1, 2, 3
First Read: April 9th, 2021, May 18th, 19th, 2020, April 15th, 2021
Read: August 9th, 9th, 9th, 10th, 10th, 2025
Source: Ebook.bike, Own
Reason Why: Rereading, and they're Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2025 Book! 
Publisher: CLA, Tor Teen
Published: January 26th 2021, May 7th 2019, May 5th 2020, April 27th 2021

Tarnished Empire:
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars








Dark Shores:
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars








Dark Skies:
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars








Gilded Serpent: 
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Waiting on Wednesday #741, July 23rd

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

Kingdom of Tomorrow by Gena Showalter
Expected Publication: August 5th, 2025
From Goodreads:
From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes a fusion of modern and fantastical worlds, where a young woman must navigate a secret society, uncover a shocking enemy…and resist an undeniable attraction.

Twenty-year-old Arden Roosa knows only Ourland. Two worlds split and stitched together, with broken pieces from each, statues of fallen gods, and heavenly artifacts that are worshipped…or feared.

But nothing is more fearsome than the night.

A strange madness haunts the darkest hours, turning innocents into gleeful killers. Arden does her best to stay safe, until she reads a book written about her life―The Book of Arden―and everything changes.

Forced to join Fort Bala Royal Academy, Arden is paired with the ruthless High Prince Cyrus Dolion. But while he trains her for combat against a mystical adversary, she can’t deny the sparks burning between them.

If her panic attacks and war games aren’t enough, Arden is also tapped to join the Tome Society, rumored guardians of an invisible library with books that foretell the future. But the more she learns about the society, the less she understands about Ourland, the gods…and the person she’s destined to be.

Scorched Earth by Danielle L. Jensen
Expected Publication: August 5th, 2025
From Goodreads:
The thrilling finale in Danielle L. Jensen's Dark Shores series, which Sarah J. Maas calls "everything I look for in a fantasy novel."

Lydia and Killian escaped their enemy’s grasp, but not without consequences. While they race to destroy the blight, Lydia fights an internal war against the Corrupter’s influence knowing defeat means death for those she loves. Tormented by a battle that can’t be won with blades, Killian must find the queen they risked everything to rescue without falling prey to Corrupter’s weapons, both living and dead.

Teriana and Marcus thwarted assassination, but now must live with the dark truths that have been revealed. As Teriana hunts for allies, she must face the dire circumstances of her imprisoned people, driving her to strike a dangerous deal with the Empire. Consumed by guilt over his crimes, Marcus embarks on an ambitious campaign to save those he condemned, which risks him becoming the conqueror the Empire desires him to be.

With the blight consuming everything in its path and the Empire crushing everyone who stands before it, Reath is falling beneath the tide of evil. Secrets will be revealed that break hearts even as they forge new alliances, but only the greatest sacrifices of all will turn the tide in the battle for the liberty of every nation on Reath.

Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Expected Publication: August 5th, 2025
From Goodreads:
THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES

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.

The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent
Expected Publication: August 5th, 2025
From Goodreads:
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.


The Blonde Who Came in From the Cold by Ally Carter
Expected Publication: August 5th, 2025
From Goodreads:
Ten years ago, they joined the CIA.

Six years ago, he left the game.

Five years ago, they fell in love.

One year ago, she ran out into the cold with absolutely no intention of ever coming back.

And two minutes ago, they woke up, bloody and bruised and handcuffed together in the dark.

They don’t know where they are. They don’t know how they got there. And they have absolutely no idea who is after them or what this nameless, faceless villain wants.

The only thing that’s clear is that, after ten years of covers and chemistry, secrets and lies, these two rival spies have been sucked into their greatest mission yet, and now they’re going to have to team up to stay alive. (If they don’t kill each other first.)

Zomromcom by Olivia Dade
Expected Publication: August 5th, 2025
From Goodreads:
Teaming up with your neighbor during a zombie outbreak is a no-brainer, but if it turns out he’s a vampire . . . the stakes couldn’t be higher, in this infectious new paranormal romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Spoiler Alert.

When Edie Brandstrup attempts to save her sweet, seemingly harmless human neighbor from the first major zombie breach in two decades, she’s stunned to be saved by him—and his ridiculously large sword—instead. As it turns out, he's actually a super-old, super-surly vampire. But for all her neighbor's newly revealed cynicism and lethality, Gaston "Max" Boucher (yes, Gaston) is unexpectedly protective. He wants her to stay in his safety bunker until the breach is resolved. Edie can’t risk more innocent people getting killed, though—and Max won’t let her save them alone.

As they unravel a sinister conspiracy to set zombies loose on the world (again), the duo meet a host of lovable allies and discover they're not the only ones willing to fight for the future of humanity. Despite the awful timing, Edie finds herself falling for the vampire who’s helping her save the world . . . but all their dangerous plans could end their future before it even begins. As she and Max battle side by side, Edie must decide whether having a love worth living for also means having a love you'd die for—and, in a world that grows deadlier by the minute, whether that’s a risk she’s willing to take.

Mistress of Bones by Maria Z. Medina 
Expected Publication: August 5th, 2025
From Goodreads:
"Like stepping into one of my favorite RPGs." - Susan Dennard, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlands series

An epic, multi-POV debut fantasy perfect for fans of The Bone Shard Daughter and Six of Crows, where a necromancer trying to resurrect her sister gets embroiled in bigger, world-ending plans instead.

Necromancer Azul del Arroyo only wants one thing: to steal her sister back from Death by reclaiming her sister’s bones. But the Emissary of the Lord Death will do anything to stop her, no matter how alluring he finds her . . .

As their paths collide, they’re drawn into a deadly game of pawns and power with a count who begrudgingly works for a child king, a faceless witch who transforms the bones of gods into dreams she can peddle, and a long-lost half-brother with a secret of his own—and soon realize the fate of the lands is hanging in the balance.

For long ago the gods raised the continents, binding them with their own bones to keep humanity alive. But in an era when the gods’ sacrifice has been forgotten, Death might not be the only resentful god Azul must defy.

Swashbuckling, grand, and tragically romantic, Mistress of Bones is a can't-miss start to a duology about love, loss, and, of course, death.

August is kicking things off with some pretty excellent books! I've read a few and they were so good, and I love these authors and series, and I can't wait for them all to be out in the world! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Monday, May 26, 2025

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #729, May 26th

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 #728
Teaser Tuesday #736
WWW Wednesday #736
WOW #732
Will the Time Come #729
Third Sentence Thursday #719
Random Reads #705
First Lines Friday #732
Book Blogger Hop #398
Monthly ARC's Update 116
The Reward Challenge Update #714
Wheel of TBR #261
How Well I Stuck to It #566
Wrote that Review Update #563

Week 21 Reviews:

Phase Out Your Seriesathon: 

Clean Sweep ARC Challenge: 

24 Hours of Reading Reading: 

OK, so I got 40 posts in 7 days, and it as a pretty good week, it went by so fast, and had a pretty good birthday-cuddling with the pets. It was weird because I didn't see anyone in person, but that's pretty normal for me when I'm not going into work. What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read whatever I want! 

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Week 21 Review: A Cursed Carved in Bone

From Goodreads:
A shield maiden fights to break the shackles of prophecy—and to overcome the betrayal of the man who broke her heart—in this searing conclusion to the Norse-inspired fantasy romance duology that began with the bestselling A Fate Inked in Blood.

The secret of her divine heritage revealed, Freya finds herself on a path that will see thousands of lives lost to the magic in her blood. Desperate to avoid this dark fate, she risks an alliance with Skaland's greatest enemy to seek answers from the seer who foretold her future—the same seer who sent Bjorn to kill her.

While Freya still seethes with rage over Bjorn's betrayal, the blood oaths that bind her demand that she keep him close as she hunts for a way to avert the looming war. Her magic draws her to the front lines of an old enmity, embroiling her with Nordeland's Unfated—children of the gods who serve the king she was raised to fear. The same king who, unlike Bjorn, is now willing to fight at her back. For despite the desire that burns hot between Bjorn and Freya, his growing distrust of her chosen path threatens to drag them further apart.

As war approaches, gods and mortals must choose their weapons. Yet the fiercest battle will be the one Freya wages within herself. With the magic of two goddesses burning in her veins, she must weave the threads of destiny to decide her own fate: Will she be the shield that protects her people or the curse that destroys them?

My Review:


Author: Danielle L. Jensen 
Series: Saga of the Unfated #2
Read: May 17th, 2025
Source: Bought 
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and it's a End of Series 2025 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2025 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Del Rey 
Published: May 13th 2025
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Phase Out Your Seriesathon Update 45

So I've read my next book for the Phase Out Your Seriesathon, and it was A Curse Carved in Bone which is for the prompt Free, and I'll be reading The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam next! 

My Reading Journey:
Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong
Prompt Fulfilled: Features Major Event
Started On: January 18th
Finished On: January 18th, 2:28 PM
Pages Read: 441

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Prompt Fulfilled: Title has J, Q, X, Z-X
Started On: January 21st 
Finished On: January 21st, 9:41 PM
Pages Read: 554

Memories of Ash by Intisar Khanani 
Prompt Fulfilled:  Last Letter First
Started On: January 22nd
Finished On: January 22nd, 4:28 PM
Pages Read: 355

Surrender of the Brutal King by Eliza Raine and Rose Wilson
Prompt Fulfilled: Trio Of Trilogies Trilogy 1 Book 1
Started On: January 27th
Finished On: January 27th, 4:31 PM
Pages Read: 205

Sacrifice of the Brave King by Eliza Raine and Rose Wilson
Prompt Fulfilled: Trio Of Trilogies Trilogy 1 Book 2
Started On: January 27th
Finished On: January 27th, 8:26 PM
Pages Read: 289

The Dryad Storm by Laurie Forest
Prompt Fulfilled: Big Book
Started On: January 28th
Finished On: January 28th, 9:47 PM
Pages Read: 752

Return of the Vengeful Queen by C.J. Redwine 
Prompt Fulfilled: Finish
Started On: January 30th
Finished On: January 30th, 11:04 AM
Pages Read: 400

I Am the Dark that Answers When You Call by Jamison Shea
Prompt Fulfilled: All 5 Vowels In Title
Started On: January 31st
Finished On: January 31st, 2:00 PM
Pages Read: 336

The Bond That Burns by Briar Boleyn
Prompt Fulfilled: 75% Cover Must Be Fav Color
Started On: February 13th
Finished On: February 13th, 4:27 PM
Pages Read: 583

Sweet Obsession by Katee Robert
Prompt Fulfilled: Exactly 2 POVS
Started On: February 13th
Finished On: February 13th, 8:42 PM
Pages Read: 336

Charming Devil by Rebecca Kenney
Prompt Fulfilled: Excited For
Started On: February 14th
Finished On: February 14th, 2:17 PM
Pages Read: 384

The Dragon King by Penelope Barsetti
Prompt Fulfilled: Favorite Color
Started On: February 14th
Finished On: February 14th, 11:41 PM
Pages Read: 436

Gabriel's Rapture by Sylvain Reynard
Prompt Fulfilled: No If, Of, And, An, But, Or, The
Started On: February 16th
Finished On: February 16th, 11:46 AM
Pages Read: 449

Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver
Prompt Fulfilled: Trio Of Trilogies Trilogy 3 Book 1
Started On: February 19th
Finished On: February 19th, 2:41 PM
Pages Read: 416

Chaos King by Kacen Callender
Prompt Fulfilled: BIPOC Rep
Started On: February 19th
Finished On: February 19th, 9:31 PM
Pages Read: 400

Everybody Wants to Rule the World Except Me by Django Wexler
Prompt Fulfilled: Building
Started On: March 1st
Finished On: March 1st, 7:17 PM
Pages Read: 384

Shadow's Heart by Kresley Cole
Prompt Fulfilled: Pub In Last 3 Months
Started On: March 8th
Finished On: March 8st, 6:41 PM
Pages Read: 386

Lessons With the Mothman by Kathryn Moon
Prompt Fulfilled: 6 Or More Colors
Started On: March 12th
Finished On: March 12th, 7:58 PM
Pages Read: 295

The Battle Drum by Saara El-Arifi
Prompt Fulfilled: Trio Of Trilogies Trilogy 2 Book 1
Started On: March 15th
Finished On: March 15th, 10:25 PM
Pages Read: 560

The Ending Fire by Saara El-Arifi
Prompt Fulfilled: Trio Of Trilogies Trilogy 2 Book 2
Started On: March 16th 
Finished On: March 16th, 9:17 PM
Pages Read: 512

Holy Terrors by Margaret Owen
Prompt Fulfilled: Finish A Series
Started On: March 24th 
Finished On: March 24th, 12:21 PM
Pages Read: 560

Rebel in the Deep by Katee Robert 
Prompt Fulfilled: LGBTQIA+ Rep
Started On: March 24th
Finished On: March 24th, 2:27 PM
Pages Read: 352

The Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman
Prompt Fulfilled: Complete
Started On: March 25th
Finished On: March 25th, 3:42 PM
Pages Read: 512

Seduced by a Rogue by Amanda Scott
Prompt Fulfilled: Backlist
Started On: March 28th
Finished On: March 28th, 5:19 PM
Pages Read: 373

Blacksouls by Nicole Castroman
Prompt Fulfilled: Black & White Cover
Started On: March 31st
Finished On: March 31st, 2:01 PM
Pages Read: 400

The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy 
Prompt Fulfilled: Wheel Spin 1
Started On: April 1st
Finished On: April 1st, 7:29 PM
Pages Read: 496

My Savage Empire by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: 3 Or More POVS
Started On: April 3rd
Finished On: April 3rd, 3:04 PM
Pages Read: 398

The Nightshade God by Hannah Whitten
Prompt Fulfilled: Multi POV
Started On: April 4th
Finished On: April 4th, 8:39 PM
Pages Read: 480

Of Mice and Murder by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: 5 Or More Books 1
Started On: April 5th
Finished On: April 5th, 1:47 PM
Pages Read: 266

Pride and Premeditation by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: 5 Or More Books 2
Started On: April 5th
Finished On: April 5th, 7:17 PM
Pages Read: 308

Memoirs of a Garroter by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: 5 Or More Books 3
Started On: April 6th
Finished On: April 6th, 2:52 PM
Pages Read: 278

Prose and Cons by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: 5 Or More Books 4
Started On: April 6th
Finished On: April 6th, 6:19 PM
Pages Read: 288

A Novel Way to Die by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: 5 Or More Books 5
Started On: April 6th
Finished On: April 6th, 10:35 PM
Pages Read: 286

Fearless by Lauren Roberts
Prompt Fulfilled: New
Started On: April 9th
Finished On: April 9th, 12:28 PM
Pages Read: 608

Alchemy and a Cup of Tea by Rebecca Thorne
Prompt Fulfilled: Cozy
Started On: April 11th
Finished On: April 11th, 10:49 AM
Pages Read: 320

Poison Flower by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Disability Rep
Started On: April 16th
Finished On: April 16th, 4:17 PM
Pages Read: 620

Express Male by Elizabeth Bevarly
Prompt Fulfilled: Starts & Ends With Same Letter
Started On: April 17th
Finished On: April 17th, 6:48 PM
Pages Read: 376

Much Ado About Murder by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: 5 Or More Books
Started On: April 18th
Finished On: April 18th, 12:28 PM
Pages Read: 230

Crime and Publishing by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Animal
Started On: April 18th
Finished On: April 18th, 3:51 PM
Pages Read: 238

The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy
Prompt Fulfilled: Wheel Spin 2
Started On: April 19th
Finished On: April 19th, 5:58 PM
Pages Read: 528

Reluctant Witch by Melissa Marr
Prompt Fulfilled: Rep
Started On: April 26th
Finished On: April 26th, 1:28 PM
Pages Read: 320

Children of Fallen Gods by Carissa Broadbent
Prompt Fulfilled: Random Number
Started On: April 27th
Finished On: April 27th, 3:38 PM
Pages Read: 636

Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh
Prompt Fulfilled: In Progress
Finished On: May 1st, 6:19 PM
Pages Read: 432

Silver and Lead by Seanan McGuire
Prompt Fulfilled: Single POV
Started On: May 4th
Finished On: May 4th, 2:17 PM
Pages Read: 400

A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L. Jensen
Prompt Fulfilled: Free
Started On: May 17th
Finished On: May 17th, 10:38 PM
Pages Read: 416

The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam by Megan Bannen
Prompt Fulfilled: Want To Visit
Started On: May 25th
Currently On: Page 0 of 432

Prompts Left: Nature, Adapted, Colourful Cover, People, Small Book, TBR Vet, Title has J, Q, X, Z-J, Title has J, Q, X, Z-Q, Title has J, Q, X, Z-Z, Translate, In Progress, Series You Avoid 1, Series You Avoid 2, Poll Pick, TBR Vet By Pub Date, Birthday Month
Books Read: 45
Pages Read: 19122