It's Monday! What Are You Reading #575, June 13th

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 #574
Teaser Tuesday #582
WWW Wednesday #582
WOW #578
Will the Time Come #575
Third Sentence Thursday #565
Random Reads #551
First Lines Friday #578
Book Blogger Hop #244

Monthly ARC's Update 13
The Reward Challenge Update #560
Wheel of TBR #107
How Well I Stuck to It #412
Wrote that Review Update #410

Week 23 Reviews:
Amari and the Night Brothers

Amari and the Great Game

Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches

Rise of the Catalyst 

The Wife Upstairs 

Hide

Foundation

Enclave

I Kissed Shara Wheeler

Royal Wedding

Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day

Nothing But Blackened Teeth

Book of Night

The Proof is in the Poison

Whatever-You-Want-A-Thon: 

Update 11

Update 12

Update 13

Update 14
Update 15

Update 16

Update 17

Update 18

Update 19

Update 20

Update 21

Update 22

Update 23

Update 24

Clear Your S**t Readathon: 

Update 3

Random:

Casey McQuiston Author Page

OK, so I got 42 posts in 7 days, and yeah, I read some really great books, and some exciting/terrifying news is I put in an adoption application for a doggie of my own. I might not be approved, they might not think myself and the doggie could get along. So I might not get this dog, but I've started the process to have a doggie of my own! So fingers crossed that things work out! What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read The Inadequate Heir and The Calm Before the Storm.

Return to the world of The Bridge Kingdom in this sensuous fantasy full of romance and intrigue that is perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Silver Flames.

A soldier raised as heir to an empire, Zarrah is motivated by two truths. The first is that the Veliant family murdered her mother. And the second is that her pursuit of vengeance will put every last one of them in their graves.

The Endless War between Maridrina and Valcotta has raged for generations, leaving thousands of Zarrah's people dead and countless more orphaned. So when she's given command of the contested city of Nerastis, Zarrah is prepared to do whatever it takes to destroy the Maridrinian forces who oppose her. And to kill the Veliant prince who leads them.

Yet a chance encounter with an anonymous, and handsome, Maridrinian causes Zarrah to question whether the violence she's perpetrated is justice or a crime. And as she continues to meet the nameless man each night, she finds common ground - and fiery passion - in his arms.

But when identities are revealed, Zarrah must decide whether to embrace a chance at peace…or march to the drums of war.

Set in the world of The Bridge Kingdom series, The Calm Before the Storm is six chapters of extra content that take place after the events of The Traitor Queen and The Inadequate Heir.

Ithicana has been liberated from the Maridrinians, but not everyone holds peace in their hearts. Revered by some as a savior and despised by others as a curse upon the kingdom, Lara must navigate treacherous waters as she resumes rule alongside her husband, Aren. Her only certainty is the bond between them, but long overdue conversations will put the strength of their marriage to the test. They must decide what their future will hold, all while dark clouds gather in the south. A storm that no nation, not even the Bridge Kingdom, will escape unscathed.

Week 23 Review: Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches

From Goodreads:

A witchy, atmospheric lesbian contemporary romance set in Salem—from the acclaimed author of Fans of the Impossible Life. Perfect for fans of Nina LaCour and Becky Albertalli.

Seventeen-year-old Eleanor is the least likely person in Salem to believe in witchcraft—or think that her life could be transformed by mysterious forces. Ostracized by her classmates after losing her best friend and first love, Chloe, Eleanor has spent the past year in a haze, vowing to stay away from anything resembling romance.

But when a handwritten guide to tarot arrives in the mail at the witchy souvenir store where Eleanor works, it seems to bring with it the message that magic is about to enter her life. Cynical Eleanor is quick to dismiss this promise, until real-life witch Pix shows up with an unusual invitation. Inspired by the magic and mystery of the tarot, Eleanor decides to open herself up to making friends with Pix and her coven of witches, and even to the possibility of a new romance.

But Eleanor's complicated history in Salem continues to haunt her, and she is desperate to keep Pix from finding out the truth. Eleanor will have to reckon with the old ghosts that threaten to destroy everything, even her chance at new love.

Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches is an atmospheric and romantic coming-of-age about learning to make peace with the past in order to accept the beauty of the present. 

My Review:
This was a really fantastic read! I was a little worried about it, with the whole ostracization situation. But it was just was just so easy to read! I loved watching Eleanor go from being a loner, to slowly being a part of this coven, a bit befuddled that she was. 

Between each chapter, we would get a card from the Major Arcana, in order, with the journey you would go on, and how it related to the chapter that was coming. It was such a great part of this story! How it fit with her relationship with Pix and the coven, and the ups and downs and emotional moments, I loved reading it! 

I was curious what kind of magic that they'd use. And it wasn't magic in the way of magic systems, but of a way of putting intentions into the universe, in a way. So that was fun to read. They just want to make the world a better place! 

The whole situation of what happened in her past, oh, I was so scared what it was going to turn out to be. I'm so socially awkward, and I just want to avoid awkward situations. So once we learned what happened, it was so much easier to finish out the rest of the book.

I had a fantastic time reading this book, and I can't wait to read more by Kate Scelsa! 

Author: Kate Scelsa
Read: June 5th, 2022
Source: Edelweiss
Reason Why: Sounded really good, and it's a SAC 2022 Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Published: May 31st 2022 

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Monthly ARC's Update 13

So I read my next book for Monthly ARC's and it was Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches by Kate Scelsa from the May 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. 

Whatever-You-Want-A-Thon Update 9

I read my next book for Whatever-You-Want-A-Thon, and it was Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches which got me 325 points, and I'll be reading Rise of the Catalyst next! 

My Reading Journey:

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

Points: On a Previous TBR, LGBTQ+, Join Sprints

Started On: June 1st

Finished On: June 1st, 7:39 PM

Pages Read: 352

You'll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus

Points: Favourite Genre, Different Format, 2021 Release, Complete a Personal Goal

Started On: June 2nd

Finished On: June 2nd, 9:00 AM

Pages Read: 336

Go Fetch! by Shelly Laurenston

Points: Under 300 Pages, Cozy Reading Time, Hybrid Genre, Join Sprints, Continue the Series

Started On: June 2nd

Finished On: June 2nd, 5:25 PM

Pages Read: 255

Here Kitty, Kitty by Shelly Laurenston

Points: Cozy Reading Time, Hybrid Genre, Join Sprints, Continue the Series

Started On: June 2nd

Finished On: June 2nd, 8:49 PM

Pages Read: 308

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

Points: Cozy Reading Time, Join Sprints, BLUE on the Cover

Started On: June 3rd

Finished On: June 3rd, 7:32 PM

Pages Read: 384

Broken Throne by Victoria Aveyard

Points: Cozy Reading Time, Favourite Genre, Join Sprints, Purple Cover, Weapon on the Cover

Started On: June 3rd

Finished On: June 3rd, 11:37 PM

Pages Read: 480

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston  

Points: Cozy Reading Time, Recently Hauled, Host Fave, Less Read Genre, Diversity, Quarter of Goal

Started On: June 4th

Finished On: June 4th, 5:57 PM

Pages Read: 416

Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston  

Points: The, An, Of, A, And, Cozy Reading Time, Guilt-Free Activity, Host Fave, Less Read Genre, Diversity

Started On: June 4th

Finished On: June 4th, 10:29 PM

Pages Read: 400

Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches by Kate Scelsa

Points: Cozy Reading Time, Join the 48 HR Readathon, Favourite Genre, LGBTQ+, Bingo

Started On: June 5th

Finished On: June 5th, 10:24 AM

Pages Read: 336

Rise of the Catalyst by Honor Raconteur

Points: Under 300 Pages, Cozy Reading Time, Join the 48 HR Readathon, Hybrid Genre

Started On: June 5th

Currently On: Page 0 of 261

Points: 2525

Books Read: 9

Pages Read: 2866

Prompts Left: Borrow a Book, One Word Title, Last Letter, First Letter, Poll, Half of Goal, Three Quarters of Goal, Goal

Whatever-You-Want-A-Thon Update 8

I read my next book for Whatever-You-Want-A-Thon, and it was Amari and the Great Game which got me 250 points, and I'll be reading Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches next! 

My Reading Journey:

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

Points: On a Previous TBR, LGBTQ+, Join Sprints

Started On: June 1st

Finished On: June 1st, 7:39 PM

Pages Read: 352

You'll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus

Points: Favourite Genre, Different Format, 2021 Release, Complete a Personal Goal

Started On: June 2nd

Finished On: June 2nd, 9:00 AM

Pages Read: 336

Go Fetch! by Shelly Laurenston

Points: Under 300 Pages, Cozy Reading Time, Hybrid Genre, Join Sprints, Continue the Series

Started On: June 2nd

Finished On: June 2nd, 5:25 PM

Pages Read: 255

Here Kitty, Kitty by Shelly Laurenston

Points: Cozy Reading Time, Hybrid Genre, Join Sprints, Continue the Series

Started On: June 2nd

Finished On: June 2nd, 8:49 PM

Pages Read: 308

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

Points: Cozy Reading Time, Join Sprints, BLUE on the Cover

Started On: June 3rd

Finished On: June 3rd, 7:32 PM

Pages Read: 384

Broken Throne by Victoria Aveyard

Points: Cozy Reading Time, Favourite Genre, Join Sprints, Purple Cover, Weapon on the Cover

Started On: June 3rd

Finished On: June 3rd, 11:37 PM

Pages Read: 480

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston  

Points: Cozy Reading Time, Recently Hauled, Host Fave, Less Read Genre, Diversity, Quarter of Goal

Started On: June 4th

Finished On: June 4th, 5:57 PM

Pages Read: 416

Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston  

Points: The, An, Of, A, And, Cozy Reading Time, Guilt-Free Activity, Host Fave, Less Read Genre, Diversity

Started On: June 4th

Finished On: June 4th, 10:29 PM

Pages Read: 400

Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches by Kate Scelsa

Points: Cozy Reading Time, Favourite Genre, LGBTQ+,

Started On: June 5th

Currently On: Page 0 of 336

Points: 2200

Books Read: 8

Pages Read: 2530

Prompts Left: Borrow a Book, Spooky Book, One Word Title, Last Letter, First Letter, Poll, Half of Goal, Three Quarters of Goal, Goal

Waiting on Wednesday #572, April 27th

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

A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong

Expected Publication: May 31st, 2022
From Goodreads:

In this series debut from New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong, a modern-day homicide detective finds herself in Victorian Scotland—in an unfamiliar body—with a killer on the loose.

May 20, 2019: Homicide detective Mallory is in Edinburgh to be with her dying grandmother. While out on a jog one evening, Mallory hears a woman in distress. She’s drawn to an alley, where she is attacked and loses consciousness.

May 20, 1869: Housemaid Catriona Mitchell had been enjoying a half-day off, only to be discovered that night in a lane, where she’d been strangled and left for dead . . . exactly one-hundred-and-fifty years before Mallory was strangled in the same spot.

When Mallory wakes up in Catriona's body in 1869, she must put aside her shock and adjust quickly to the reality: life as a housemaid to an undertaker in Victorian Scotland. She soon discovers that her boss, Dr. Gray, also moonlights as a medical examiner and has just taken on an intriguing case, the strangulation of a young man, similar to the attack on herself. Her only hope is that catching the murderer can lead her back to her modern life . . . before it's too late.

Outlander meets The Alienist in Kelley Armstrong's A Rip Through Time, the first book in this utterly compelling series, mixing romance, mystery, and fantasy with thrilling results. 

Rise of the Catalyst by Honor Raconteur

Expected Publication: May 31st, 2022
From Goodreads:

Follow Arwen Arnoult, a no-nonsense visually-impaired magical retrieval expert who uses her magical senses to uncover the truth behind magical artifacts. When she’s approached by the director of the Boston Museum with a mysterious mask, she and her companion, Flo McGrath, are baffled by its energy and origins. But they’re not ready to give up, sending them off on a journey towards the U.S. Southwest to return it to where it belongs…maybe.

One ancient mask with earth-bending powers searching for a bearer. One magical retrieval expert who is determined to seal it back in its tomb.

At the moment, both are failing at their goals, but Arwen is not about to be bested. So what if she doesn’t know what culture it’s from or where to put it back. She’s smarter than a semi-sentient mask. Hopefully. But if the thrice-cursed mask breaks out of her seal one more time, she’s melting it with prejudice, magical backlash be damned.

At the Quiet Edge by Victoria Helen Stone

Expected Publication: May 31st, 2022
From Goodreads:

Abandoned by her fugitive ex-husband, Lily Brown is rebuilding her life on the edge of a Kansas town that still feels the sting of his crimes. Lily lies low, managing the isolated storage facility where she lives with her twelve-year-old son, Everett, and planning a better future for them both. That requires keeping secrets. Everett has them too.

After breaking into a storage unit, Everett finds photographs and news clippings of five girls missing for decades. For Everett, it’s an adventure and a tempting mystery to solve. But digging further into a stranger’s obsession is putting Everett and his mother in the crosshairs of a killer.

Then Lily’s ex resurfaces from the shadows. Just as suddenly, an attentive new man enters Lily’s life. And a suspicious detective, responding to reports of a prowler, watches every move Lily makes. It’s getting harder for Lily to know who to trust―or whose secrets pose the most frightening threat of all. 

Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches by Kate Scelsa

Expected Publication: May 31st, 2022
From Goodreads:

A witchy, atmospheric lesbian contemporary romance set in Salem—from the acclaimed author of Fans of the Impossible Life. Perfect for fans of Nina LaCour and Becky Albertalli.

Seventeen-year-old Eleanor is the least likely person in Salem to believe in witchcraft—or think that her life could be transformed by mysterious forces. Ostracized by her classmates after losing her best friend and first love, Chloe, Eleanor has spent the past year in a haze, vowing to stay away from anything resembling romance.

But when a handwritten guide to tarot arrives in the mail at the witchy souvenir store where Eleanor works, it seems to bring with it the message that magic is about to enter her life. Cynical Eleanor is quick to dismiss this promise, until real-life witch Pix shows up with an unusual invitation. Inspired by the magic and mystery of the tarot, Eleanor decides to open herself up to making friends with Pix and her coven of witches, and even to the possibility of a new romance.

But Eleanor’s complicated history in Salem continues to haunt her, and she is desperate to keep Pix from finding out the truth. Eleanor will have to reckon with the old ghosts that threaten to destroy everything, even her chance at new love.

Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches is an atmospheric and romantic coming-of-age about learning to make peace with the past in order to accept the beauty of the present. 

Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez

Expected Publication: May 31st, 2022
From Goodreads:

Eighteen-year-old Zarela Zalvidar is a talented flamenco dancer and daughter of the most famous Dragonador in Hispalia. People come for miles to see her father fight in their arena, which will one day be hers.

But disaster strikes during their five hundredth anniversary show, and in the carnage, Zarela’s father is horribly injured. Facing punishment from the Dragon Guild, Zarela must keep the arena—her ancestral home and inheritance —safe from their greedy hands. She has no choice but to take her father’s place as the next Dragonador. When the infuriatingly handsome dragon hunter, Arturo Díaz de Montserrat, withholds his help, she refuses to take no for an answer.

But even if he agrees, there’s someone out to ruin the Zalvidar family, and Zarela will have to do whatever it takes in order to prevent the Dragon Guild from taking away her birthright.

An ancient city plagued by dragons. A flamenco dancer determined to save her ancestral home. A dragon hunter refusing to teach her his ways. They don't want each other, but they need each other, and without him her world will burn.

Some really great books coming out, some that I've already read and loved, and some that I'm dying to read! What about you guys? Happy reading!