Showing posts with label K.M. Enright. Show all posts
Showing posts with label K.M. Enright. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Waiting on Wednesday #742, July 30th

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

Toni and Addie Go Viral by Melissa Marr
Expected Publication: August 12th, 2025
From Goodreads:
Mistakes Were Made meets Delilah Green Doesn't Care in a charming lesbian romance from New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr

Hot new author and her lead actress stun fans in a secret wedding―is it all a publicity stunt? Or something more…

On a whim―and hoping to pay off the hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt her grifter father left behind―Victorian history professor Toni Darbyshire sells her lesbian detective novel in a massive deal. Suddenly thrust into the overwhelming new world of publishing, plus a television adaptation, Toni’s life gets even more complicated when her one-night stand turned pen pal (and the namesake for her main character) shows up in person for casting of the show.

Aspiring actress Addie’s had a crush on the professor ever since she watched her lectures on the Victorian era to prep for a stage role. Now, getting cast in Toni’s TV series could be her big break. But Addie’s in over her head when promo pictures of their fake Victorian wedding go viral. She could lose more than just her heart … and her historically accurate underthings.

Alchemy and a Cup of Tea by Rebecca Thorne
Expected Publication: August 12th, 2025
From Goodreads:
USA Today, Sunday Times, and Indie bestselling author Rebecca Thorne brings the Tomes & Tea series to a delightful, cozy close for our beloved lesbian book- and tea- sellers.

Reyna and Kianthe have no trouble ruling the Queendom, battling evil alchemists, and rescuing adorable baby dragons, but can they save their town from the ravening influx of.... tourists?!?

On the night of her kidnapping, all Reyna wanted was a relaxing cup of tea. She didn’t expect to be dropped in a hidden cell, but what the hells. She’s flexible.

When Kianthe “rescues” her wife, she expects they’ll be back at New Leaf having tea by noon. But there’s a problem: an alchemy circle marred Reyna’s cell. What does a radical group of alchemists want with the Queendom’s newest sovereign… and why did they think they could get away with this?

To make matters worse, Kianthe and Reyna’s hometown is having its own problems. Word of New Leaf Tomes and Tea―and its celebrity owners―has finally spread, and tourists are flooding into Tawney. As their friends struggle with the sudden influx, Kianthe and Reyna have to face a bigger conundrum than rogue alchemists: the fact that closing their bookshop might be the only way to save their town.

Things can’t just be simple, can they?

Lord of Ruin by K.M. Enright 
Expected Publication: August 12th, 2025
From Goodreads:
'Dark, sexy, and twisty, this book will seize you by the throat and hold your attention to the very end' Andrea Stewart, author of Bone Shard Daughter, on Mistress of Lies

LOVE WILL BE THEIR RUIN

It has been six months since the failed coup led by Isaac De La Cruz, and Shan LeClaire is struggling under the mantle of Royal Blood Worker. Left with a dwindling blood supply and a ravenous nation whose thirst will drown them, Shan is forced to turn to darker means to fill the need. And that is only the start of the horrors her Eternal King asks of her.

Now Councillor to the King, Samuel is trapped in a labyrinthine world of politics and bylaws. Crushed by the knowledge that he can never change things from within, Samuel breaks from Shan, turning to her rebellious brother to help him rescue the disgraced Isaac de la Cruz from the King's dungeons.

Despite his newfound freedom, all is not well with Isaac. His actions have consequences, the dangerous magic he experimented with changing him from man to monster. But a monster might just be the only thing that can stand up to the Eternal King. Embracing the beast within, Isaac will see this broken nation shattered-even if it would cost the love of those he holds most dear.

Lord of Ruin is the addictive sequel to Mistress of Lies, a dark fantasy romance with sizzling spice, vampiric blood magic and cutthroat politics.

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter 
Expected Publication: August 12th, 2025
From Goodreads:
The first thrilling mystery in the new North Falls series from Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Girls and the Will Trent series.

Welcome to North Falls—a small town where everyone knows everyone. Or so they think.

Until the night of the fireworks. When two teenage girls vanish, and the town ignites.

For Officer Emmy Clifton, it’s personal. She turned away when her best friend's daughter needed help—and now she must bring her home.

But as Emmy combs through the puzzle the girls left behind, she realizes she never really knew them. Nobody did.

Every teenage girl has secrets. But who would kill for them? And what else is the town hiding?

Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer
Expected Publication: August 12th, 2025
From Goodreads:
New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer makes her adult debut with this irresistible and steamy fantasy about three characters whose paths will collide in surprising ways – two royals pushed into a political engagement, and the assassin tasked with hunting them down.

WARRIOR. King Maddox Kyronan’s fire magic has earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his kingdom is slowly burning. Ky’s only chance to save his people is to enter a marriage alliance with the neighboring nation of Astranza, and hope that the royal family’s power to manipulate the weather will help his land flourish once more. He just needs to ensure no one finds out how the blaze began.

PRINCESS. With war looming on the horizon, Princess Jory’s home needs the protection of the fearsome warrior king, but she is hiding a dangerous her family’s magic is fading. Tempting as it is to reject her duties and run away with her childhood friend, Asher, Jory knows that she is the kingdom’s last hope. When she meets her intended, Jory is surprised to discover that beneath Ky’s daunting exterior is a compassionate and sharp-witted man who sets her heart aflame. But what will he do when he realizes she's deceiving him?

ASSASSIN. Asher’s done what he must to survive, even if that means getting his hands dirty. Once a young nobleman in Astranza’s palace, where he and Jory caused mischief together, now he’s part of the Hunter’s Guild, employing much darker skills. When a lucrative job comes his way, Asher can’t say no—until he discovers the targets. Someone wants Ky and Jory dead. With the Guild watching, Asher must decide what he’s willing to do to protect the woman he loves.

A tale of three complex characters torn between chasing, betraying, and falling in love with each other, Warrior Princess Assassin marks the beginning of a thrilling new fantasy trilogy filled with enchantment, adventure, and passionate romance.

Dream by the Shadows by Logan Karlie
Expected Publication: August 12th, 2025
From Goodreads:
Beauty and the Beast meets Labyrinth in this YA romantic fantasy about a deadly dream world and the shadow-cursed girl who must venture its depths to save her family, all while she falls in love with the prince of darkness.

The Kingdom of Noctis is plagued by Corruption: a curse that spreads through dreaming. The Shadow Bringer rules from his castle in the Dream Realm, stealing souls one dreamer at a time. Only an elixir, taken every night before sleeping, can ward off the dreams and halt Corruption. But for some, the allure of the Dream Realm proves too strong.

Esmer Havenfall desperately wants to escape her dreadful village. When her sister, Eden, succumbs to Corruption and their elixir-dealing parents are accused of a horrific crime, Esmer’s life unravels into a nightmare. Then she dreams of the Shadow Bringer and learns that his sinister magic might be a part of her, too.

Enticed by the prospect of ending her kingdom’s curse and avenging her family, Esmer follows him deeper within the Dream Realm. But the prince of darkness has a haunted past, one that might change the fate of Esmer’s kingdom–and her heart–forever.

Lush and vividly imagined, this seductive gothic fantasy is filled with magic, secrets, and dreamy shadow-haunted romance.

Her Soul for a Crown by Alysha Rameera
Expected Publication: August 12th, 2025
From Goodreads:
For readers of Sarah J Maas, Scarlett St. Clair, and Tasha Suri's The Jasmine Throne, this epic, slow-burn romantasy inspired by Sri Lankan mythology follows a fierce orphaned young woman with an affinity for poisons and revenge who would do anything to end the reign of heartless rajas—even sell her soul to the most dangerous cursed god of all—the Blood Yakka, Reeri.

Anula Ramanayake of Anuradhapura calculated her ascent the moment she was orphaned—when her village burned in an endless war and the gods forsook her prayers. First, she would marry the raja. Then, she would poison him and take the throne for herself and her people. But when an unexpected coup thwarts her careful plans, Anula is left with one desperate option. She offers her soul to the cursed gods she renounced in exchange for the crown.

In the Second Heavens, Reeri the Blood Yakka, the most dangerous and powerful of his clan, hears her prayer. For eons, he's waited for such a valuable offering—one that could finally give him the chance to kill his divine tormentor and return his fellow Yakkas to their former glory on earth. Reeri accepts Anula's bargain, tethering them until their goals are achieved, or until they die.

As the war presses on, Anula must move quickly or lose her chance to become the first raejina. But while she is skilled at many things, especially in stopping hearts, the closer she grows to Reeri, the more she finds her own heart at risk. And when the time comes to fight enemies both human and divine, Anuradhapura and the Heavens will never be the same.

There's lots of books that I'm so interested in, I can't wait for them to be released! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Monday, July 28, 2025

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #738, July 28th

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 #737
Teaser Tuesday #745
WWW Wednesday #745
WOW #741
Will the Time Come #738
Third Sentence Thursday #728
Random Reads #714
First Lines Friday #741
Book Blogger Hop #407
The Reward Challenge Update #723
Wheel of TBR #270
How Well I Stuck to It #575
Wrote that Review Update #572


OK, so I got 35 posts in 7 days, and it was a pretty good week, but my dog, Jax, is having some health problems, and that's concerning. It's only been 1 1/2 years since we lost Dobby, and I'm not ready to go through that again, so I hope that he gets better. At least there's some really fantastic books coming out that I need to read to distract me. What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read Glorious Rivals, Immortal by Morning, and We Won't All Survive.

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.
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.
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.

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Week 30 Review: Lord of Ruin

From Goodreads:
LOVE WILL BE THEIR RUIN

It has been six months since the failed coup led by Isaac De La Cruz, and Shan LeClaire is struggling under the mantle of Royal Blood Worker. Left with a dwindling blood supply and a ravenous nation whose thirst will drown them, Shan is forced to turn to darker means to fill the need. And that is only the start of the horrors her Eternal King asks of her.

Now Councillor to the King, Samuel is trapped in a labyrinthine world of politics and bylaws. Crushed by the knowledge that he can never change things from within, Samuel breaks from Shan, turning to her rebellious brother to help him rescue the disgraced Isaac de la Cruz from the King's dungeons.

Despite his newfound freedom, all is not well with Isaac. His actions have consequences, the dangerous magic he experimented with changing him from man to monster. But a monster might just be the only thing that can stand up to the Eternal King. Embracing the beast within, Isaac will see this broken nation shattered-even if it would cost the love of those he holds most dear.

Lord of Ruin is the addictive sequel to Mistress of Lies, a dark fantasy romance with sizzling spice, vampiric blood magic and cutthroat politics.

My Review:
This book was so incredible to read! It was a fantastic sequel, and I had to know where the story was going to go! 

Author: K.M. Enright 
Series: The Age of Blood #2
Read: July 20th, 2025
Source: NetGalley 
Reason Why: Loved the first book, and its a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2025 Book, Sophomore Challenge Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Orbit 
Expected Publication: August 12th 2025
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Friday, July 25, 2025

Monthly ARC's Update 124

So I read my next book for Monthly ARC's and it was Among Ghosts by Rachel Hartman from the June list, and Lord of Ruin by K.M. Enright from the August list.

Here's the link to this month's post with my journey.

How it Works: 
This is my monthly ARC accountability challenge, to list out the books that I have as ARC's that are being published in the coming month, rounding them up at the start of the month, and seeing how well I did at the end, as well as rounding up the next month's books.    
  

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Phase Out Your TBR Update 9

So I've read my next book for the Phase Out Your TBR, and it was Lord of Ruin which is for the prompt Yellow 9 and I'll be reading The Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage 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
Currently On: Pages 0 of 400

Prompts Left: Yellow 12, Blue 12, Yellow Wild (Green 12), Yellow 6, Yellow 6, Green 9, Blue 9, Red 7, Yellow 7, Yellow 5, Yellow 10, Red 11
Books Read: 9
Pages Read:  2886

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Phase Out Your TBR Update 8

So I've read my next book for the Phase Out Your TBR, and it was Three Shattered Souls which is for the prompt Green 7 and I'll be reading Lord of Ruin 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
Currently On: Pages 0 of 464

Prompts Left: Yellow 12, Blue 12, Yellow Wild (Green 12), Yellow 6, Yellow 6, Green 9, Blue 9, Red 7, Blue 7, Yellow 7, Yellow 5, Yellow 10, Red 11
Books Read: 8
Pages Read:  2422

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Waiting on Wednesday #688, July 17th

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

Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Expected Publication: August 13th, 2024
From Goodreads:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes the thrilling conclusion to her beloved Flesh and Fire series…

The line between love and obsession has never been wider.

While Sera is finally free of Kolis and back with those she loves, not everything is calm. Memories of all she’s endured still haunt her, but Sera finally has hope for a future with the other half of her heart and soul. Nyktos desires, loves, and accepts every part of her—even the monstrous bits she still battles.

More than ever, Sera and Ash have everything under the realms to fight for, and Nyktos has no doubt Sera is fit to be the Queen of the Gods. But she must find that faith within herself if they hope to convince the other Courts to support them against Kolis and make Iliseeum and the mortal realm better, safer places for all.

But as Sera begins to piece together the importance of her bloodline and the true meaning behind the foreboding prophecy, it becomes clear that everything that has happened and is yet to come is much bigger than Kolis and his dark obsessions.

They cannot help but wonder exactly how much influence the Fates have had and what their ultimate goal is. What Sera does know for sure is that they can trust very few—including her.

A battle between the gods is brewing, and heartbreaking losses are imminent with the true Primal of Death strengthening. With a family of the heart willing to battle by their side, can Sera and Nyktos stop Kolis before he destroys the realms, or will it all disappear in a fiery inferno of blood and ash?

And the line between justice and vengeance has never been so thin.

Ghostsmith by Nicki Pau Preto
Expected Publication: August 13th, 2024
From Goodreads:
In this action-packed finale to the House of the Dead Duology, Wren and her friends put everything they know to the test as they battle the living and the undead to save their world.

Wren is still reeling from the revelation that the mother she thought was dead is actually the Corpse Queen, a ghostsmith with the terrifying power to control the undead. It was Wren’s own mother who created the iron revenants—an army of near unbeatable undead soldiers. When the iron revenants attack, no one in the Dominions will have the strength to stand in their way.

Now Wren, Leo, and Julian find themselves once more in the Breach, this time on the run from Wren’s father, who is determined to secure more power for himself and the House of Bone. The three are desperate to stop the upcoming war, but working together is easier said than done with Julian still furious about Wren double-crossing him. And to make matters worse, Wren is plagued by powerful new abilities that force her to reassess everything she knows about being a bonesmith.

When Wren’s long-lost twin brother shows up and vows to help her destroy the well of magic that feeds the iron revenants, she must decide if trusting him is worth potentially playing right into their mother’s hands.

After all, the dead might be dangerous, but it’s the living who can betray you.

Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright
Expected Publication: August 13th, 2024
From Goodreads:
Fate is a cruel mistress.

The daughter of a powerful but disgraced Blood Worker, Shan LeClaire has spent her entire life perfecting her blood magic, building her network of spies, and gathering every scrap of power she could. Now, to protect her brother, she assassinates their father and takes her place at the head of the family. And that is only the start of her revenge.

Samuel Hutchinson is a bastard with a terrible gift. When he stumbles upon the first victim of a magical serial killer, he's drawn into the world of magic and intrigue he's worked so hard to avoid - and is pulled deeply into the ravenous and bloodthirsty court of the vampire king.

Tasked by the Eternal King to discover the identity of the killer cutting a bloody swath through the city, Samuel, Shan and mysterious Royal Bloodworker Isaac find themselves growing ever closer to each other. But Shan's plans are treacherous, and as she lures Samuel into her complicated web of desire, treason and vengeance, he must decide if the good of their nation is worth the cost of his soul.

A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley
Expected Publication: August 13th, 2024
From Goodreads:
Ben Rosewood never meant to be bound to a vampire succubus, especially one as sexy-yet-terrifying as Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux, but he has to admit there are some fang-tastic perks….

Werewolf Ben Rosewood is happy with his life. One hundred percent. Everything is fine. His business, Ben’s Plant Emporium, is thriving, and he’s even expanding the shop. His anxiety disorder is…well, it’s been better, but that comes with the territory of running a business and having beastly urges every full moon, right? As for romance—who has the time? Though his family is desperate to see him settled, Ben is fine approaching forty as a single werewolf. But after drunkenly bidding on and winning a supposedly-possessed crystal on eBay one night, he finds himself face-to-face with a beautiful but angry vampire.

Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux is a rare breed—a vampire succubus born from two elite European bloodlines during medieval times. But thanks to an evil witch, she’s been stuck in a crystal since she was thirty, forced to obey orders from the possessor of the rock. Eleanora’s been dreaming of breaking the spell and severing the witch’s head for centuries. But did this witch really sell her to someone new, and for only ninety-nine cents?

Eleanora would claw this werewolf’s heart out and eat it, if only the binding spell would allow her to. But Eleanora and Ben soon realize they can help each other with both vengeful and less hostile needs. And why not have a little fun along the way?

The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
Expected Publication: August 13th, 2024
From Goodreads:
A socially awkward but determined phoenix keeper must partner with her longtime rival to save her beloved exhibit from falling into obscurity in this charming, romantic fantasy debut.

Aila is a little obsessed with phoenixes. As head phoenix keeper at a world-renowned zoo for magical creatures, her childhood dream of conserving critically endangered firebirds seems closer than ever. There's just one glaring her zoo's breeding program hasn't functioned for a decade. When a tragic phoenix-nabbing cripples the flagship program at a neighbouring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins.    

But saving a species takes more than stellar animal handling skills. Carnivorous water horses, tempestuous thunderhawks — Aila has no problem wrangling beasts. Inspiring zoo patrons? That's another story. Finding the courage to ask for help from the hot dragon keeper at a neighbouring exhibit? Virtually impossible. And don't get Aila started on her arch-rival from the glamorous leader of the zoo's wildly popular griffin show, who's convinced that Aila's beloved phoenix would serve better as a performer than a conservation exhibit.   

Aided by both friends and enemies, Aila must conquer her social anxiety if she is to restore her breeding programme. With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila's success isn't only a matter of keeping her the future of a species depends on her.

Kisses, Codes, and Conspiracies by Abigail Hing Wen
Expected Publication: August 13th, 2024
From Goodreads:
Tan Lee finds himself embroiled in an unusual love triangle, all while trying to defuse a heist, unravel a conspiracy, and navigate the most complicated babysitting assignment ever in this YA novel by national bestselling author Abigail Hing Wen.

After a magical kiss at Prom, best friends Tan Lee and Winter Woo agree to cool it off, a plan that goes awry when their parents jointly head off to Hawaii and leave Tan and Winter to babysit Tan's sister Sana together. If that isn't complicated enough, Tan's ex-girlfriend from Shanghai arrives on his doorstep with money stolen from her billionaire father and thugs on her heels.

Tan soon finds himself on the run, trying to out-manuever international hackers and protect his friends, family and sister - and his own heart.

Some really good books are coming out, from authors and series that I love, and I can't wait for them! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Week 21 Review: Mistress of Lies

From Goodreads:
Fate is a cruel mistress.

The daughter of a powerful but disgraced Blood Worker, Shan LeClaire has spent her entire life perfecting her blood magic, building her network of spies, and gathering every scrap of power she could. Now, to protect her brother, she assassinates their father and takes her place at the head of the family. And that is only the start of her revenge.

Samuel Hutchinson is a bastard with a terrible gift. When he stumbles upon the first victim of a magical serial killer, he's drawn into the world of magic and intrigue he's worked so hard to avoid - and is pulled deeply into the ravenous and bloodthirsty court of the vampire king.

Tasked by the Eternal King to discover the identity of the killer cutting a bloody swath through the city, Samuel, Shan and mysterious Royal Bloodworker Isaac find themselves growing ever closer to each other. But Shan's plans are treacherous, and as she lures Samuel into her complicated web of desire, treason and vengeance, he must decide if the good of their nation is worth the cost of his soul.

My Review:
Oh, wow, I utterly loved reading this book! The synopsis really had me intrigued, so I basically picked this one up as soon as I could. And I'm glad I did, because it was an amazing read! This world and the politics were just so intense!

Shan has been brought up in this world, but disgraced, and on the outside, since her mom was from another country, and her dad was paranoid and was working for the Eternal King and then was fired. So she's been considered lesser, which was really aggravating. But she still had humanity, even if she didn't really think about what it was like for the Unblooded like her twin brother.

Samuel has had to scrape and claw at almost nothing just to survive. He isn't a Blood Worker, but he has a dark and terrible power that he does his best to control. He knows what it's like to not really make it by in this world that doesn't care for the Unblooded, and he's angry about how unfair it is.

I had a great time watching them navigate the politics and the court, and work to uncover this murderer. They're working together to take down the system-but Shan's plan is the long game, with unpleasant parts for the moment. But oh, that reveal of who the killer was? Yeah, that was intense! And has me so excited to see what happens next! 

Absolutely loved reading this book, and I can't wait to continue on with this series! 

Author: K.M. Enright
Series: The Age of Blood #1
Read: May 24th, 2024
Source: NetGalley 
Reason Why: Sounded really good, and it's a a DAC Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Orbit 
Expected Publication: August 13th 2024
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Friday, May 24, 2024

Clean Sweep ARC Challenge Update 33

Ok, so I read my next book for Clean Sweep ARC Challenge, and it was Mistress of Lies and I'll be reading True Love and Other Impossible Odds next! 

My Reading Journey:

Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger
Started On: May 1st 
Finished On: May 1st, 11:35 AM
Pages Read: 396

Blood and Ruin by Rumer Hale
Started On: May 2nd
Finished On: May 2nd, 10:27 AM
Pages Read: 322

Godly Heathens by H.E. Edgmon
Started On: May 3rd
Finished On: May 3rd, 6:52 PM
Pages Read: 400

My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
Started On: May 4th
Finished On: May 4th, 10:25 PM
Pages Read: 512

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen
Started On: May 5th
Finished On: May 5th, 5:25 PM
Pages Read: 464

Blood and Wrath by Rumer Hale
Started On: May 6th
Finished On: May 6th, 11:17 AM
Pages Read: 384

Heiress Takes All by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Started On: May 6th
Finished On: May 6th, 9:01 PM
Pages Read: 368

One Killer Problem by Justine Pucella Winans
Started On: May 7th
Finished On: May 7th, 4:31 PM
Pages Read: 336

The Deer and the Dragon by Piper C.J
Started On: May 8th
Finished On: May 8th, 9:56 AM
Pages Read: 448

A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley
Started On: May 8th
Finished On: May 8th, 10:05 PM
Pages Read: 448

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
Started On: May 9th
Finished On: May 9th, 2:28 PM
Pages Read: 320

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le
Started On: May 10th
Finished On: May 10th, 10:42 AM
Pages Read: 384

I'll Be Waiting by Kelley Armstrong
Started On: May 10th
Finished On: May 10th, 2:15 PM
Pages Read: 336

Cursed Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber
Started On: May 10th
Finished On: May 10th, 10:09 PM
Pages Read: 512

Follow Her Down by Victoria Helen Stone
Started On: May 11th
Finished On: May 11th, 8:06 PM
Pages Read: 330

Traitor of Redwinter by Ed McDonald 
Started On: May 12th
Finished On: May 12th, 10:01 PM
Pages Read: 571

People Will Talk by Kieran Scott
Started On: May 13th
Finished On: May 13th, 8:43 PM
Pages Read: 320

Masquerade of the Heart by Katy Rose Pool
Started On: May 14th
Finished On: May 14th, 11:04 AM
Pages Read: 368

The Forest Grimm by Kathryn Purdie
Started On: May 14th
Finished On: May 14th, 2:43 PM
Pages Read: 352

Dead Girls Walking by Sami Ellis
Started On: May 15th
Finished On: May 15th, 10:41 AM
Pages Read: 368

Burning Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber
Started On: May 15th
Finished On: May 15th, 7:43 PM 
Pages Read: 480

Daughter of the Bone Forest by Jasmine Skye
Started On: May 16th
Finished On: May 16th, 11:13 AM
Pages Read: 432

Cursed at Dawn by Heather Graham
Started On: May 17th
Finished On: May 17th, 3:26 PM
Pages Read: 400

The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond
Started On: May 18th
Finished On: May 18th, 2:14 PM
Pages Read: 192

The Bloodless Princes by Charlotte Bond
Started On: May 18th
Finished On: May 18th, 4:26 PM
Pages Read: 176

To Love a Dark Lord by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
Started On: May 19th
Finished On: May 19th, 12:34 PM 
Pages Read: 272

The City in Glass by Nghi Vo
Started On: May 19th
Finished On: May 19th, 5:48 PM
Pages Read: 224

Sisters of Fortune by Anna Lee Huber 
Started On: May 19th
Finished On: May 19th, 10:00 PM
Pages Read: 416

Lady of Steel and Straw by Erica Ivy Rodgers
Started On: May 20th
Finished On: May 20th, 10:24 PM
Pages Read: 432

Darker by Four by June CL Tan
Started On: May 21st
Finished On: May 21st, 8:46 PM
Pages Read: 400

Zhara by S. Jae-Jones 
Started On: May 22nd
Finished On: May 22nd, 11:27 PM
Pages Read: 416

Girls Like Her by Melanie Sumrow
Started On: May 23rd
Finished On: May 23rd, 9:55 PM
Pages Read: 368

Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright
Started On: May 24th
Finished On: May 24th, 8:23 PM
Pages Read: 498

True Love and Other Impossible Odds by Christina Li
Started On: May 25th
Currently On: Page 0 of 400

Books Read: 33
Goal: 25 Books
Pages Read: 12829

First Lines Friday #680, May 24th

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!

"It should have been more difficult to assassinate her father. Not int he actual execution of it: that Shan had prepared for. Her father was a powerful Blood Worker and and once been considered the brightest of his generation. That had been many years ago, though, and Lord Antonin LeClaire had fallen quite fall indeed. But still, he had guards, magical wards and a lifetime of training at his disposal. And she had accounted for all these things."-Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright

Yeah, I just need to read more, that was pretty intense! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Clean Sweep ARC Challenge Update 32

Ok, so I read my next book for Clean Sweep ARC Challenge, and it was Girls Like Her and I'll be reading Mistress of Lies next! 

My Reading Journey:

Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger
Started On: May 1st 
Finished On: May 1st, 11:35 AM
Pages Read: 396

Blood and Ruin by Rumer Hale
Started On: May 2nd
Finished On: May 2nd, 10:27 AM
Pages Read: 322

Godly Heathens by H.E. Edgmon
Started On: May 3rd
Finished On: May 3rd, 6:52 PM
Pages Read: 400

My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
Started On: May 4th
Finished On: May 4th, 10:25 PM
Pages Read: 512

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen
Started On: May 5th
Finished On: May 5th, 5:25 PM
Pages Read: 464

Blood and Wrath by Rumer Hale
Started On: May 6th
Finished On: May 6th, 11:17 AM
Pages Read: 384

Heiress Takes All by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Started On: May 6th
Finished On: May 6th, 9:01 PM
Pages Read: 368

One Killer Problem by Justine Pucella Winans
Started On: May 7th
Finished On: May 7th, 4:31 PM
Pages Read: 336

The Deer and the Dragon by Piper C.J
Started On: May 8th
Finished On: May 8th, 9:56 AM
Pages Read: 448

A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley
Started On: May 8th
Finished On: May 8th, 10:05 PM
Pages Read: 448

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
Started On: May 9th
Finished On: May 9th, 2:28 PM
Pages Read: 320

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le
Started On: May 10th
Finished On: May 10th, 10:42 AM
Pages Read: 384

I'll Be Waiting by Kelley Armstrong
Started On: May 10th
Finished On: May 10th, 2:15 PM
Pages Read: 336

Cursed Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber
Started On: May 10th
Finished On: May 10th, 10:09 PM
Pages Read: 512

Follow Her Down by Victoria Helen Stone
Started On: May 11th
Finished On: May 11th, 8:06 PM
Pages Read: 330

Traitor of Redwinter by Ed McDonald 
Started On: May 12th
Finished On: May 12th, 10:01 PM
Pages Read: 571

People Will Talk by Kieran Scott
Started On: May 13th
Finished On: May 13th, 8:43 PM
Pages Read: 320

Masquerade of the Heart by Katy Rose Pool
Started On: May 14th
Finished On: May 14th, 11:04 AM
Pages Read: 368

The Forest Grimm by Kathryn Purdie
Started On: May 14th
Finished On: May 14th, 2:43 PM
Pages Read: 352

Dead Girls Walking by Sami Ellis
Started On: May 15th
Finished On: May 15th, 10:41 AM
Pages Read: 368

Burning Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber
Started On: May 15th
Finished On: May 15th, 7:43 PM 
Pages Read: 480

Daughter of the Bone Forest by Jasmine Skye
Started On: May 16th
Finished On: May 16th, 11:13 AM
Pages Read: 432

Cursed at Dawn by Heather Graham
Started On: May 17th
Finished On: May 17th, 3:26 PM
Pages Read: 400

The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond
Started On: May 18th
Finished On: May 18th, 2:14 PM
Pages Read: 192

The Bloodless Princes by Charlotte Bond
Started On: May 18th
Finished On: May 18th, 4:26 PM
Pages Read: 176

To Love a Dark Lord by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
Started On: May 19th
Finished On: May 19th, 12:34 PM 
Pages Read: 272

The City in Glass by Nghi Vo
Started On: May 19th
Finished On: May 19th, 5:48 PM
Pages Read: 224

Sisters of Fortune by Anna Lee Huber 
Started On: May 19th
Finished On: May 19th, 10:00 PM
Pages Read: 416

Lady of Steel and Straw by Erica Ivy Rodgers
Started On: May 20th
Finished On: May 20th, 10:24 PM
Pages Read: 432

Darker by Four by June CL Tan
Started On: May 21st
Finished On: May 21st, 8:46 PM
Pages Read: 400

Zhara by S. Jae-Jones 
Started On: May 22nd
Finished On: May 22nd, 11:27 PM
Pages Read: 416

Girls Like Her by Melanie Sumrow
Started On: May 23rd
Finished On: May 23rd, 9:55 PM
Pages Read: 368

Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright
Started On: May 24th
Currently On: Page 0 of 498

Books Read: 32
Goal: 25 Books
Pages Read: 12331