Showing posts with label Shelby Mahurin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shelby Mahurin. Show all posts

Monday, April 21, 2025

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #724, April 21st

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 #723
Teaser Tuesday #731
WWW Wednesday #731
WOW #727
Will the Time Come #724
Third Sentence Thursday #714
Random Reads #700
First Lines Friday #727
Book Blogger Hop #393
Monthly ARC's Update 111
The Reward Challenge Update #709
Wheel of TBR #256
How Well I Stuck to It #561
Wrote that Review Update #558

Week 16 Reviews:

Phase Out Your Seriesathon: 

Magical Readathon: Orilium: 

Phase Out Your TBR: 

Random:

OK, so I got 64 posts in 7 days, and I've been doing a lot of reading, and family dinners and falling behind on blogging, but I'm about where I should be now. I have a bit over a week to go hard, and I'm then looking forward to taking things maybe a little slower. What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read whatever I want! 

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Week 16 Review: The Shadow Bride

From Goodreads:
In the thrilling conclusion of the duology set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Serpent & Dove series by Shelby Mahurin, a vampire and the woman who tried to kill him prove that true love can conquer anything, even Death. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Mass.

Célie's life is over. She took her final breath trying to save the people she loves—including the powerful and enigmatic vampire king, Michal, who refused to let her go. When Célie wakes, she cannot walk in the sun; she can hear her friends' heartbeats and she craves their blood. Michal has cursed her to the eternal existence of a vampire.

But Célie isn't the only dead roaming the earth. Her sister, Filippa, has returned as a shadow of her former self, and other revenants are rising from their graves intent on revenge. The fragile balance between life and death has broken, awakening an even darker force—and he is coming for Célie, ready to claim her as his Bride. With the fate of their world at stake, Célie and Michal must set aside their searing attraction to mend the veil and right the balance, once and for all.

My Review:


Author: Shelby Mahurin
Series: The Scarlet Veil #2, Serpent and Dove Universe #5
Read: April 14th, 2025 
Source: Edelweiss 
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: Harper Collins 
Published: March 25th 2025
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Monday, April 14, 2025

Phase Out Your TBR Update 19

So I've read my next book for the Phase Out Your TBR, and it was The Shadow Bride which is for the prompt Yellow 4, and I'll be reading Daughter of No Worlds next! 

My Reading Journey:

The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy 
Prompt Fulfilled: Red 5
Started On: April 1st
Finished On: April 1st, 7:29 PM
Pages Read: 496

My Stolen Crown by Steffanie Holmes 
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 6
Started On: April 2nd
Finished On: April 2nd, 2:04 PM 
Pages Read: 384

My Broken Crown by Steffanie Holmes 
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 4
Started On: April 2nd
Finished On: April 2nd, 10:03 PM
Pages Read: 376

My Savage Empire by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 8
Started On: April 3rd
Finished On: April 3rd, 3:04 PM
Pages Read: 398

Mistress of Bones by Maria Z. Medina 
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 9
Started On: April 3rd
Finished On: April 3rd, 8:34 PM
Pages Read: 336

No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 7
Started On: April 4th
Finished On: April 4th, 10:46 AM
Pages Read: 264

The Nightshade God by Hannah Whitten
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 12
Started On: April 4th
Finished On: April 4th, 8:39 PM
Pages Read: 480

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 5
Started On: April 7th
Finished On: April 7th, 10:48 AM
Pages Read: 351

XOXO by Axie Oh
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 7
Started On: April 7th
Finished On: April 7th, 7:43 PM
Pages Read: 352

ASAP by Axie Oh
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 7
Started On: April 8th
Finished On: April 8th, 8:25 PM
Pages Read: 352

Fearless by Lauren Roberts
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 5
Started On: April 9th
Finished On: April 9th, 12:28 PM
Pages Read: 608

She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick 
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 6
Started On: April 9th
Finished On: April 9th, 2:18 PM
Pages Read: 354

The Stolen Bride by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe 
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 10
Started On: April 10th
Finished On: April 10th, 2:03 PM
Pages Read: 282

Petals on the River by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 4
Started On: April 12th
Finished On: April 12th, 3:03 PM
Pages Read: 560

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Prompt Fulfilled: Red 12
Started On: April 12th
Finished On: April 12th, 11:08 PM
Pages Read: 384

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao
Prompt Fulfilled: Red 7
Started On: April 13th
Finished On: April 13th, 12:04 PM
Pages Read: 400

Fireworks by Katie Cotugno 
Prompt Fulfilled: Red Wild (Red 5)
Started On: April 13th
Finished On: April 13th, 10:11 PM
Pages Read: 336

Seoulmates by Susan Lee
Prompt Fulfilled: Blue 9
Started On: April 14th
Finished On: April 14th, 10:28 AM
Pages Read: 320

The Shadow Bride by Shelby Mahurin
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 4
Started On: April 14th
Finished On: April 14th, 11:03 PM
Pages Read: 624

Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
Prompt Fulfilled: Blue 7
Started On: April 17th
Currently On: Page 0 of 550

Prompts Left: Green 5, Blue 2
Books Read: 19
Pages Read: 7609

Magical Readathon: Orilium Update 33

So I read my next book for Magical Readathon: Orilium, and it was The Shadow Bride which was for the prompt Alchemy, and I'll be reading My Best Friend's Honeymoon next!


My Reading Journey:

The Summer I Ate the Rich by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite
Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration
Started On: April 1st
Finished On: April 1st, 10:28 AM
Pages Read: 400

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

My Stolen Crown by Steffanie Holmes 
Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration
Started On: April 2nd
Finished On: April 2nd, 2:04 PM 
Pages Read: 384

My Secret Heart by Steffanie Holmes 
Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration
Started On: April 2nd
Finished On: April 2nd, 6:27 PM
Page Read: 386

My Broken Crown by Steffanie Holmes 
Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration
Started On: April 2nd
Finished On: April 2nd, 10:03 PM
Pages Read: 376

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

Mistress of Bones by Maria Z. Medina 
Prompt Fulfilled: Demonology
Started On: April 3rd
Finished On: April 3rd, 8:34 PM
Pages Read: 336

No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally
Prompt Fulfilled: Apothecary Keeper 1
Started On: April 4th
Finished On: April 4th, 10:46 AM
Pages Read: 264

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

Of Mice and Murder by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion
Started On: April 5th
Finished On: April 5th, 1:47 PM
Pages Read: 266

Pride and Premeditation by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion
Started On: April 5th
Finished On: April 5th, 7:17 PM
Pages Read: 308

Memoirs of a Garroter by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion
Started On: April 6th
Finished On: April 6th, 2:52 PM
Pages Read: 278

Prose and Cons by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion
Started On: April 6th
Finished On: April 6th, 6:19 PM
Pages Read: 288

A Novel Way to Die by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion
Started On: April 6th
Finished On: April 6th, 10:35 PM
Pages Read: 286

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription
Started On: April 7th
Finished On: April 7th, 10:48 AM
Pages Read: 351

XOXO by Axie Oh
Prompt Fulfilled: Lore
Started On: April 7th
Finished On: April 7th, 7:43 PM
Pages Read: 352

ASAP by Axie Oh
Prompt Fulfilled: Lore
Started On: April 8th
Finished On: April 8th, 8:25 PM
Pages Read: 352

Fearless by Lauren Roberts
Prompt Fulfilled: Apothecary Keeper 2
Started On: April 9th
Finished On: April 9th, 12:28 PM
Pages Read: 608

She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick 
Prompt Fulfilled: Demonology
Started On: April 9th
Finished On: April 9th, 2:18 PM
Pages Read: 354

Dead River by Cyn Balog
Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription
Started On: April 9th
Finished On: April 9th, 8:38 PM
Pages Read: 256

Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite
Prompt Fulfilled: Animal Studies
Started On: April 10th
Finished On: April 10th, 8:03 AM
Pages Read: 112

The Stolen Bride by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe 
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy
Started On: April 10th
Finished On: April 10th, 2:03 PM
Pages Read: 282

Nightingale by Amy Lukavics
Prompt Fulfilled: Lore
Started On: April 10th
Finished On: April 10th, 9:36 PM
Pages Read: 352

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

Pretty Girls Make Graves by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy
Started On: April 11th
Finished On: April 11th, 4:38 PM
Pages Read: 370

Brutal Boys Cry Blood by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy
Started On: April 11th
Finished On: April 11th, 11:47 PM
Pages Read: 424

Petals on the River by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Prompt Fulfilled: Bog Cataloger
Started On: April 12th
Finished On: April 12th, 3:03 PM
Pages Read: 560

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Prompt Fulfilled: Apothecary Keeper 1
Started On: April 12th
Finished On: April 12th, 11:08 PM
Pages Read: 384

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao
Prompt Fulfilled: Shapeshifting
Started On: April 13th
Finished On: April 13th, 12:04 PM
Pages Read: 400

Fireworks by Katie Cotugno 
Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription
Started On: April 13th
Finished On: April 13th, 10:11 PM
Pages Read: 336

Seoulmates by Susan Lee
Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration
Started On: April 14th
Finished On: April 14th, 10:28 AM
Pages Read: 320

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
Prompt Fulfilled: Psionics & Divination
Started On: April 14th
Finished On: April 14th, 3:48 PM
Pages Read: 576

The Shadow Bride by Shelby Mahurin
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy
Started On: April 14th
Finished On: April 14th, 11:03 PM
Pages Read: 624

My Best Friend's Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner
Prompt Fulfilled: Bog Cataloger
Started On: April 15th
Currently On: Page 0 of 304

Prompts Left: Artificery, Spells & Incantations, Astronomy, Elemental Studies, Elemental Studies, Animal Studies, Astronomy, Spells & Incantations, Astronomy, Conjuration, Elemental Studies, Animal Studies, Animal Studies, Demonology, Spells & Incantations, Conjuration, Elemental Studies, Alchemy, Spells & Incantation, Psionics & Divination, Conjuration, Elemental Studies, Alchemy, Restoration, Shapeshifting, Art of Illusion, Psionics & Divination, Restoration
Read: 33
Pages Read: 12227

Magical Readathon: Orilium Update 32

So I read my next book for Magical Readathon: Orilium, and it was Arcana Academy which was for the prompt Psionics & Divination, and I'll be reading The Shadow Bride next!

My Reading Journey:

The Summer I Ate the Rich by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite
Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration
Started On: April 1st
Finished On: April 1st, 10:28 AM
Pages Read: 400

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

My Stolen Crown by Steffanie Holmes 
Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration
Started On: April 2nd
Finished On: April 2nd, 2:04 PM 
Pages Read: 384

My Secret Heart by Steffanie Holmes 
Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration
Started On: April 2nd
Finished On: April 2nd, 6:27 PM
Page Read: 386

My Broken Crown by Steffanie Holmes 
Prompt Fulfilled: Restoration
Started On: April 2nd
Finished On: April 2nd, 10:03 PM
Pages Read: 376

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

Mistress of Bones by Maria Z. Medina 
Prompt Fulfilled: Demonology
Started On: April 3rd
Finished On: April 3rd, 8:34 PM
Pages Read: 336

No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally
Prompt Fulfilled: Apothecary Keeper 1
Started On: April 4th
Finished On: April 4th, 10:46 AM
Pages Read: 264

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

Of Mice and Murder by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion
Started On: April 5th
Finished On: April 5th, 1:47 PM
Pages Read: 266

Pride and Premeditation by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion
Started On: April 5th
Finished On: April 5th, 7:17 PM
Pages Read: 308

Memoirs of a Garroter by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion
Started On: April 6th
Finished On: April 6th, 2:52 PM
Pages Read: 278

Prose and Cons by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion
Started On: April 6th
Finished On: April 6th, 6:19 PM
Pages Read: 288

A Novel Way to Die by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Art of Illusion
Started On: April 6th
Finished On: April 6th, 10:35 PM
Pages Read: 286

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription
Started On: April 7th
Finished On: April 7th, 10:48 AM
Pages Read: 351

XOXO by Axie Oh
Prompt Fulfilled: Lore
Started On: April 7th
Finished On: April 7th, 7:43 PM
Pages Read: 352

ASAP by Axie Oh
Prompt Fulfilled: Lore
Started On: April 8th
Finished On: April 8th, 8:25 PM
Pages Read: 352

Fearless by Lauren Roberts
Prompt Fulfilled: Apothecary Keeper 2
Started On: April 9th
Finished On: April 9th, 12:28 PM
Pages Read: 608

She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick 
Prompt Fulfilled: Demonology
Started On: April 9th
Finished On: April 9th, 2:18 PM
Pages Read: 354

Dead River by Cyn Balog
Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription
Started On: April 9th
Finished On: April 9th, 8:38 PM
Pages Read: 256

Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite
Prompt Fulfilled: Animal Studies
Started On: April 10th
Finished On: April 10th, 8:03 AM
Pages Read: 112

The Stolen Bride by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe 
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy
Started On: April 10th
Finished On: April 10th, 2:03 PM
Pages Read: 282

Nightingale by Amy Lukavics
Prompt Fulfilled: Lore
Started On: April 10th
Finished On: April 10th, 9:36 PM
Pages Read: 352

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

Pretty Girls Make Graves by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy
Started On: April 11th
Finished On: April 11th, 4:38 PM
Pages Read: 370

Brutal Boys Cry Blood by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy
Started On: April 11th
Finished On: April 11th, 11:47 PM
Pages Read: 424

Petals on the River by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Prompt Fulfilled: Bog Cataloger
Started On: April 12th
Finished On: April 12th, 3:03 PM
Pages Read: 560

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Prompt Fulfilled: Apothecary Keeper 1
Started On: April 12th
Finished On: April 12th, 11:08 PM
Pages Read: 384

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao
Prompt Fulfilled: Shapeshifting
Started On: April 13th
Finished On: April 13th, 12:04 PM
Pages Read: 400

Fireworks by Katie Cotugno 
Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription
Started On: April 13th
Finished On: April 13th, 10:11 PM
Pages Read: 336

Seoulmates by Susan Lee
Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration
Started On: April 14th
Finished On: April 14th, 10:28 AM
Pages Read: 320

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
Prompt Fulfilled: Psionics & Divination
Started On: April 14th
Finished On: April 14th, 3:48 PM
Pages Read: 576

The Shadow Bride by Shelby Mahurin
Prompt Fulfilled: Alchemy
Started On: April 14th
Currently On: Page 0 of 624

Prompts Left: Artificery, Spells & Incantations, Astronomy, Elemental Studies, Elemental Studies, Animal Studies, Astronomy, Spells & Incantations, Astronomy, Conjuration, Elemental Studies, Animal Studies, Animal Studies, Demonology, Spells & Incantations, Conjuration, Elemental Studies, Alchemy, Spells & Incantation, Psionics & Divination, Conjuration, Elemental Studies, Alchemy, Restoration, Shapeshifting, Art of Illusion, Psionics & Divination, Restoration
Read: 32
Pages Read: 11603

Phase Out Your TBR Update 18

So I've read my next book for the Phase Out Your TBR, and it was Seoulmates which is for the prompt Blue 9, and I'll be reading The Shadow Bride next! 

My Reading Journey:

The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy 
Prompt Fulfilled: Red 5
Started On: April 1st
Finished On: April 1st, 7:29 PM
Pages Read: 496

My Stolen Crown by Steffanie Holmes 
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 6
Started On: April 2nd
Finished On: April 2nd, 2:04 PM 
Pages Read: 384

My Broken Crown by Steffanie Holmes 
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 4
Started On: April 2nd
Finished On: April 2nd, 10:03 PM
Pages Read: 376

My Savage Empire by Steffanie Holmes
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 8
Started On: April 3rd
Finished On: April 3rd, 3:04 PM
Pages Read: 398

Mistress of Bones by Maria Z. Medina 
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 9
Started On: April 3rd
Finished On: April 3rd, 8:34 PM
Pages Read: 336

No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 7
Started On: April 4th
Finished On: April 4th, 10:46 AM
Pages Read: 264

The Nightshade God by Hannah Whitten
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 12
Started On: April 4th
Finished On: April 4th, 8:39 PM
Pages Read: 480

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 5
Started On: April 7th
Finished On: April 7th, 10:48 AM
Pages Read: 351

XOXO by Axie Oh
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 7
Started On: April 7th
Finished On: April 7th, 7:43 PM
Pages Read: 352

ASAP by Axie Oh
Prompt Fulfilled: Green 7
Started On: April 8th
Finished On: April 8th, 8:25 PM
Pages Read: 352

Fearless by Lauren Roberts
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 5
Started On: April 9th
Finished On: April 9th, 12:28 PM
Pages Read: 608

She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick 
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 6
Started On: April 9th
Finished On: April 9th, 2:18 PM
Pages Read: 354

The Stolen Bride by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe 
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 10
Started On: April 10th
Finished On: April 10th, 2:03 PM
Pages Read: 282

Petals on the River by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 4
Started On: April 12th
Finished On: April 12th, 3:03 PM
Pages Read: 560

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Prompt Fulfilled: Red 12
Started On: April 12th
Finished On: April 12th, 11:08 PM
Pages Read: 384

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao
Prompt Fulfilled: Red 7
Started On: April 13th
Finished On: April 13th, 12:04 PM
Pages Read: 400

Fireworks by Katie Cotugno 
Prompt Fulfilled: Red Wild (Red 5)
Started On: April 13th
Finished On: April 13th, 10:11 PM
Pages Read: 336

Seoulmates by Susan Lee
Prompt Fulfilled: Blue 9
Started On: April 14th
Finished On: April 14th, 10:28 AM
Pages Read: 320

The Shadow Bride by Shelby Mahurin
Prompt Fulfilled: Yellow 4
Started On: April 14th
Currently On: Page 0 of 624

Prompts Left: Green 5, Blue 2, Blue 7
Books Read: 18
Pages Read: 6985

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Waiting on Wednesday #722, March 12th

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

The Deathly Grimm by Kathryn Purdie 
Expected Publication: March 25th, 2025
From Goodreads:
The spellbinding sequel to Kathryn Purdie's bestselling dark fairytale, where our main characters must return to the forest—and its monsters.

The story hasn't ended yet.

After surviving the Forest Grimm and defeating the Wolf, Clara and Axel have made it back to their village, the one place they can be safe behind the forest's borders. But when the forest itself begins luring in more villagers, it's clear that Clara and Axel have only treated the symptoms of the forest's curse, not the cause—and it's getting worse.

Burdened with visions of the past and learning to navigate her fragile new relationship with Axel, Clara finds herself entering the forest with Axel yet again to discover the truth once and for all: the identity of the murderer who caused the curse. As they fight murderous woodsmen with incomprehensible riddles, ladies who will drag you into an eternal dance, and ghosts with the power to wield the forest against them, Clara and Axel realize the stakes are higher than ever. If they don't survive the dark, deadly twists of the forest once more, not only will they never escape, they may also no longer have a home to escape to.

Romantic, eerie, and beautiful, The Deathly Grimm is the triumphant conclusion to Kathryn Purdie's bestselling Forest Grimm duology.

The Shadow Bride by Shelby Mahurin 
Expected Publication: March 25th, 2025
From Goodreads:
In the thrilling conclusion of the duology set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Serpent & Dove series by Shelby Mahurin, a vampire and the woman who tried to kill him prove that true love can conquer anything, even Death. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Mass.

Célie’s life is over. She took her final breath trying to save the people she loves—including the powerful and enigmatic vampire king, Michal, who refused to let her go. When Célie wakes, she cannot walk in the sun; she can hear her friends’ heartbeats and she craves their blood. Michal has cursed her to the eternal existence of a vampire.

But Célie isn’t the only dead roaming the earth. Her sister, Filippa, has returned as a shadow of her former self, and other revenants are rising from their graves intent on revenge. The fragile balance between life and death has broken, awakening an even darker force—and he is coming for Célie, ready to claim her as his Bride. With the fate of their world at stake, Célie and Michal must set aside their searing attraction to mend the veil and right the balance, once and for all.

Exquisite Ruin by Adrianne May 
Expected Publication: March 25th, 2025
From Goodreads:
In this darkly romantic reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom.

In this deadly maze, the most dangerous thing may be the passion between them.

Sadaré wakes in a labyrinth, remembering nothing except that she is a powerful sorceress. Her only companion is a hostile immortal named Daesra—beautiful, dangerous, and demonic—who bound his divine soul for power and revenge.

Despite their animosity, the two have no choice but to work together to reach the center and defeat the monster who prevents their escape. But the longer they wander, the more deadly and alive the maze becomes—and the more Sadaré finds herself drawn to Daesra in ways she can't explain.

As sorceress and demon develop a tenuous truce, the labyrinth gives Sadaré glimpses of their shared history of passion and pain that make her question everything she knows. Unlocking the secrets of her past may be the only way to survive and heal their entwined fates—but as she learns more about the betrayals that brought them to the labyrinth, Sadaré begins to fear that the monster at the center could be Daesra ... or even herself.

Summer in the City by Alex Aster
Expected Publication: March 25th, 2025
From Goodreads:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Alex Aster comes her adult debut novel Summer in the City—a swoony, fast-paced rom-com set in New York City in which a screenwriter and a sexy tech CEO go from lovers to enemies and back to lovers again…

Twenty-seven-year-old screenwriter Elle has the chance of a lifetime to write a big-budget movie set in New York City. The only problem? She’s had writer’s block for months, and her screenplay is due at the end of the summer. 

In a desperate attempt at inspiration, Elle ends up back in the city she swore she would never return to, in an apartment she could never afford (floor-to-ceiling windows, skyline views, and a new coffee shop to haunt included). It’s the perfect place to write her screenplay…until she realizes her new neighbor is tech “Billionaire Bachelor” Parker Warren, her stairwell hookup from two years ago. It’s been a lovers-to-enemies situation ever since. 

When seeing him again turns into a full night of hate-fueled writing, Elle realizes her enemy/twisted muse might just be the key to finishing her screenplay... if she can stand being around her polar opposite. She writes anonymously, and he’s on the cover of every business magazine. He frequents fancy red carpeted events, and she doesn’t like leaving her emotional support five block radius. 

One summer. One wall apart. He needs to fake a buzzy relationship during his company’s precarious acquisition. She needs to write a movie around a list of NYC locations. Both need a break from their unrelenting schedules, and a chance to rediscover the skyscraper glimmering, pizza crusted, sunlit charms of the city.  

Summers always end, and so will this agreement. It’s all pretend. Promise. 

Until it isn’t.

Some really good books coming out at the end of the month, I'm so excited for them to be released! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Monday, October 2, 2023

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #643, October 2nd

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 #642
Teaser Tuesday #650
WWW Wednesday #650
WOW #646
Will the Time Come #643
Third Sentence Thursday #633
Random Reads #619
First Lines Friday #646
Book Blogger Hop #312
23 Books to Read in 2023 Update 8
The Reward Challenge Update #628
Wheel of TBR #175
How Well I Stuck to It #480
Wrote that Review Update #477

Week 39 Reviews:
Claws and Contrivances 


Random:

OK, so I got 56 posts in 7 days, I had a really great week, I read so much, and I'm pretty tired. But I have this week off, so that's great! Plus next Monday, so I have 6 workdays plus the weekends off, so that's nice! What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read The Sunlit Man!

#1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson shows us a future in the Cosmere universe where a perpetual planetary wanderer must decide whether to keep running, or stay and make a difference on a struggling planet.

Years ago he had comrades in arms and a cause to believe in, but now the man who calls himself Nomad knows only a life on the run. Forced to hop from world to world in the Cosmere whenever the relentless Night Brigade gets too close, Nomad lands on a new planet and is instantly caught up in the struggle between a tyrant and the rebels who want only to escape being turned into mindless slaves—all under the constant threat of a sunrise whose heat will melt the very stones. Unable to understand the language, can he navigate the conflict and gain enough power to leap offworld before his mind or body pay the ultimate price?

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Week 39 Review: The Scarlet Veil

From Goodreads:
A dark and thrilling vampire romance set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Serpent & Dove series.

Six months have passed since Célie took her sacred vows and joined the ranks of the Chasseurs as their first huntswoman. With her fiancé, Jean Luc, as captain, she is determined to find her foothold in her new role and help protect Belterra. But whispers from her past still haunt her, and a new evil is rising—one that Célie herself must vanquish, unless she falls prey to the darkness.

My Review:
I just loved reading this book! I'm really glad that I reread the Serpent & Dove series, since this is a spin off, and was able to dive straight into this book! It was really great to follow Célie's story, she played such a role in that trilogy!


Absolutely loved reading this book and I can't wait for more! 

Author: Shelby Mahurin 
Series: The Scarlet Veil #1
Read: September 25th, 2023 
Source: Edelweiss 
Reason Why: Love her writing and this world, and it's a Historical Fiction 2023 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: September 26th 2023
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Friday, September 29, 2023

Monthly ARC's Update 51

So I read my next book for Monthly ARC's and it was A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid and The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin from the September list, and Night of the Witch Sara Raasch and Beth Revis from the October 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.    
  

Monday, September 25, 2023

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #642, September 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 #641
Teaser Tuesday #649
WWW Wednesday #649
WOW #645
Will the Time Come #642
Third Sentence Thursday #632
Random Reads #618
First Lines Friday #645
Book Blogger Hop #311
Monthly ARC's Update 50
The Reward Challenge Update #627
Wheel of TBR #174
How Well I Stuck to It #479
Wrote that Review Update #476

Week 38 Reviews:
The Heiress

Magical Readathon: Orilium: 

SeasonAthon Academy: 

Pick-Pong-A-Thon: 

Becca's Spookoplathon: 
Update 15

OK, so I got 44 posts in 7 days, and yeah, this was a week. I hustled, because I have a lot of books that I want and need to fit in before the end of the month, and I'm a bit tuckered by that. And Dobby hasn't been doing well. 

The day that he had his annual vet check up in July, I noticed when I took him out that his pee was red, which turned out to be blood. At that appointment, she booked his 6th cancer surgery for 2 weeks later. She also tested his blood, and prescribed some meds, and that if he still had whatever was causing it, then the surgery would have to be postponed. 

Day of the surgery, pee was tested and was fine, so he had the surgery. But he was still peeing blood, and I thought maybe it was a side effect of his post surgery meds. But a month later, late August, he was still peeing blood. So he was given a different kind of med then last time. Still peeing blood. Then 2 weeks ago, a new type of med. Still. And at this point, an infection is probably ruled out, so it's most likely crystals in his urine. And his attitude is normal, but his behaviours, he's drinking more water. And he's an old man at 15 1/2. 

So last Thursday, he got a sample drawn, and it's going in for testing, that we won't get back until sometime this week. I had them Friday night to Sunday afternoon. Saturday night, he wakes up to go pee multiple times in the night, wanting to go out right after coming in, even though he was getting into position to pee, he wasn't really going. So that was not a good night, with little sleep and little patience and fear about how much longer we're going to have him with us. 

Because besides this problem, there's the cancer. It doesn't spread, but it's aggressive, which is why he's had 4 surgeries in the fall for the last 4 years. But there's already a lump in the area again, a month after this past one. Previously it took until December/January for it to come back, so this is not a good sign. he's my first dog, he's my old man, we got him just before my 14th birthday, I've had him in my life longer then I haven't. Losing him is going to be devastating, and I'm crying now just thinking of it. He's my silly weirdo butt who sometimes frustrates me, but he's the one that gives me all the kisses and cuddles. 

So yeah, also dealing with all those emotions this week. Hopefully we find out specifical what's causing this, and how to treat it and he gets better. What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read Aftermarket Aftermath!

Seanan McGuire's New York Times -bestselling and Hugo Award-nominated urban fantasy InCryptid series continues with the thirteenth book following the Price family, cryptozoologists who study and protect the creatures living in secret all around us

Mary Dunlavy didn't intend to become a professional babysitter. Of course, she didn't intend to die, either, or to become a crossroads ghost. As a babysitting ghost, she's been caring for the Price family for four generations, and she's planning to keep doing the job for the better part of forever.

With her first charge finally back from her decades-long cross-dimensional field trip, with a long-lost husband and adopted daughter in tow, it's time for Mary to oversee the world's most chaotic family reunion. And that's before the Covenant of St. George launches a full scale strike against the cryptids of Manhattan, followed quickly by an attack on the Campbell Family Carnival.

It's going to take every advantage and every ally they have for the Prices to survive what's coming—and for Mary, to avoid finding out the answer to a question she's never wanted to where does a babysitting ghost go when she runs out of people to take care of?

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Week 38 Reviews: Serpent & Dove, Blood & Honey, Gods & Monsters



From Goodreads:
Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all. 

From Goodreads:
The hotly anticipated sequel to the New York Times and IndieBound bestseller Serpent & Dove—packed with even steamier romance and darker magic—is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Dames Blanches, Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church—fugitives with nowhere to hide.

To elude the scores of witches and throngs of chasseurs at their heels, Lou and Reid need allies. Strong ones. But protection comes at a price, and the group is forced to embark on separate quests to build their forces. As Lou and Reid try to close the widening rift between them, the dastardly Morgane baits them in a lethal game of cat and mouse that threatens to destroy something worth more than any coven.

From Goodreads:
The spellbinding conclusion to the New York Times and IndieBound bestselling trilogy Serpent & Dove. This stunning fantasy take on French witches and forbidden love is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.

Evil always seeks a foothold. We must not give it one.

After a heartbreaking loss, Lou, Reid, Beau, and Coco are bent on vengeance more than ever before—and none more so than Lou.

But this is no longer the Lou they thought they knew. No longer the Lou that captured a chasseur's heart. A darkness has settled over her, and this time it will take more than love to drive it out.

My first review of Serpent & Dove, Blood & Honey, Gods & Monsters
My Review:
Well, I had to reread this series! I know I just read Gods & Monsters last year, but it's been a minute since I read the first two, and the first book in the spin off series is coming out, so I had to do a reread! And I'm so glad I did, because this series is just so good!



I had a really great time rereading this series, and I can't wait to read The Scarlet Veil! 

Author: Shelby Mahurin 
Series: Serpent & Dove #1, 2, 3
First Read: November 26th, 2019, July 16th, 2020, March 8th, 2022
Read: September 21st, 21st, 21st, 2023
Source: Own
Reason Why: Rereading, and they're Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book and Gods & Monsters is a End of Series 2023 Book!
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: September 3rd 2019, September 1st 2020, July 27th 2021

Serpent & Dove: 
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars








Blood & Honey:
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars








Gods & Monsters:
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Third Sentence Thursday #632, September 21st

Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!


Third Sentence Thursday is a weekly meme which likes to watch fireworks especially while eating a cookie!
1) Take the book you are currently reading and open it to a random page. Share the third full sentence on that page. (If there isn't a third one – like at the end of a chapter or a blank page – you can share the third sentence of the book or just choose another random page.) Feel free to share more than one sentence, if you feel the need to do so.
2) Review this sentence anyway you want (funny and silly reviews encouraged)
3) Post a link to your sentence at Words I Write Crazy (This Blog)
4) Visit one or two of the other blogs to check out their third sentences!

"Like the incense the Archbishop burned during Mass, but more acrid." -Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin, page 29.

So not a pleasant smell? Must reread more! What are your guy's 3rd lines? Link up below!

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday #641, August 23rd

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

Bad Luck Vampire by Lynsay Sands 
Expected Publication: September 26th, 2023
New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands returns in this latest chapter of the Argeneau series with an immortal who is having a bit of bad luck while trying to woo his life mate...

Alasdair MacKenzie has never once considered himself unlucky in all the centuries he's been an immortal rogue enforcer. Not until he meets Sophie. Finding the beautiful, smart, and funny woman who is his life mate is great luck, actually. But meeting her at a wedding full of Argeneaus, not to mention his own busybody uncles determined to "help him claim his woman," is bad luck. And the fact that Sophie is someone else's date? Well that's just the next level of unlucky.

From the way her gaze travels over his body like a caress to the electric zing whenever they innocently touch...he has to have her! He'll keep his hands off Sophie until her date is over. After that all bets are off and he'll pull out all the stops to win her for eternity. Great plan--until he gets hit by a car. And then he's poisoned. Is his luck that bad, or is someone out to stop this immortal from claiming Sophie as his life mate?

The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin
Expected Publication: September 26th, 2023
From Goodreads:
A new darkness is rising in Belterra. This dark and thrilling vampire romance—set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Serpent & Dove series—is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.

Six months have passed since Célie took her sacred vows and joined the ranks of the Chasseurs as their first huntswoman. With her fiancé Jean Luc as captain, she is determined to find her foothold in her new role and help protect Belterra. But whispers from her past still haunt her, and a new evil is rising—one that Célie herself must vanquish, unless she falls prey to the darkness.

Spider and Frost by Jennifer Estep
Expected Publication: September 26th, 2023
From Goodreads:
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep delivers an epic team-up featuring beloved characters from her Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and her Mythos Academy young adult series. This crossover novella, Spider and Frost, mixes magic and mythology in an action-packed adventure. Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Rick Riordan.

WHEN AN ASSASSIN . . .

My name is Gin Blanco, and I’m on vacation. Sort of. As the assassin the Spider, it’s hard for me to completely relax, but I’m determined to enjoy a scenic train ride and a nice, quiet lunch before heading back home to Ashland.

My plans change when Gwen Frost boards the train. The girl says she’s heading back to Mythos Academy, the fancy private boarding school, but I can’t shake the feeling that Gwen is hiding something—and is in far more trouble than she realizes.

. . . MEETS A CHAMPION

My name is Gwen Frost. I might have saved the world from Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos, but I’m still chasing down Reaper villains. It’s all part of being the Champion of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.

I’ve been assigned to protect some mythological artifacts that are being transported via train to Mythos Academy, but some Reapers are hot on my trail, and they’ll do anything to recover the artifacts—and kill me.

Also on the train is Gin Blanco, who claims to be the owner of the Pork Pit barbecue restaurant. My psychometry magic keeps whispering that there’s more to her than meets the eye, although I can’t tell if Gin is a friend, an enemy, or something else entirely.

Note: Spider and Frost is a 28,000-word crossover novella between the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and the Mythos Academy young adult series. It is told from the points of view of Gin Blanco and Gwen Frost.

Spider and Frost takes place after the events of Last Strand, book 19 in the Elemental Assassin series.

A Grim and Sunken Vow by Ashley Shuttleworth
Expected Publication: September 26th, 2023
From Goodreads:
Arlo and her friends must decide how far they’re willing to go to depose a cruel ruler in this third book in the Hollow Star Saga that’s The Cruel Prince meets City of Bones.

The die is cast.
The era of Spring is over.

Riadne’s bloody coup on the Summer Solstice changed Arlo’s life forever. In one fell swoop and a fool’s bargain, she lost both her family and free will to the newly crowned High Queen. Now, with Arlo forced to use her powers as Luck’s Hollow Star to help summon the rest of the seven deadly sins, Riadne stands closer than ever to achieving her dark goals.

And Arlo isn’t the only one trapped in a frightening new role. Her ex-Fury girlfriend, Nausicaä, is determined to do whatever it takes to stay by Arlo’s side, even if that means becoming Riadne’s pet assassin. Aurelian and Vehan, torn apart, struggle to survive on their own.

Meanwhile, Celadon has been revealed as Riadne’s illegitimate son—and heir to both Spring and Summer, the ultimate offense in the faerie world. But the High Prince has secret plans of his own, plans made all the more complicated when the beautiful and deadly immortal Hunter Lethe takes an interest in him…

Five budding legacies will need more than luck if they hope to stand a chance against the greatest adversary the Courts have faced. For nothing’s more dangerous than a faerie tale… except the one who tells it, and maybe what they’re going to need is no longer that story’s hero but its villain.

Find Him Where You Left Him Dead by Kristen Simmons
Expected Publication: September 26th, 2023
From Goodreads:
AT DAWN HE’LL BE GONE AND YOU’LL BE HERE FOREVER.

Kristen Simmons's masterful breakout horror novel that's "Jumanji but Japanese-inspired" (Kendare Blake) about estranged friends playing a deadly game in a nightmarish folkloric underworld.

“A nightmare I didn’t want to end.” —Terry J. Benton-Walker • “Absorbing.” —C. L. Herman • “Bone-chilling.” —Lauren Shippen • “Unforgettable.” —Margaret Rogerson• “Twisted.” —Lish McBride • “Won't let me sleep!” —Chelsea Mueller • "Full of surprises." —C. J. Redwine • “Intense.” —Kendare Blake

Four years ago, five kids started a game. Not all of them survived.

Now, at the end of their senior year of high school, the survivors—Owen, Madeline, Emerson, and Dax—have reunited for one strange and terrible reason: they’ve been summoned by the ghost of Ian, the friend they left for dead.

Together they return to the place where their friendship ended with one goal: find Ian and bring him home. So they restart the deadly game they never finished—an innocent card-matching challenge called Meido. A game without instructions.

As soon as they begin, they're dragged out of their reality and into an eerie hellscape of Japanese underworlds, more horrifying than even the darkest folktales that Owen's grandmother told him. There, they meet Shinigami, an old wise woman who explains the rules:

They have one night to complete seven challenges or they'll all be stuck in this world forever.

Once inseparable, the survivors now can’t stand each other, but the challenges demand they work together, think quickly, and make sacrifices—blood, clothes, secrets, memories, and worse.

And once again, not everyone will make it out alive.

Foul Heart Huntsman by Chloe Gong
Expected Publication: September 26th, 2023
From Goodreads:
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends comes the second book in the captivating Foul Lady Fortune duology following an immortal assassin in 1930s Shanghai as she races to save her country and her love.

Winter is drawing thick in 1932 Shanghai, as is the ever-nearing threat of a Japanese invasion.

Rosalind Lang has suffered the worst possible fate for a national spy: she’s been exposed. With the media storm camped outside her apartment for the infamous Lady Fortune, she’s barely left her bedroom in weeks, plotting her next course of action after Orion was taken and his memories of Rosalind wiped. Though their marriage might have been a sham, his absence hurts her more than any physical wound. She won’t rest until she gets him back.

But with her identity in the open, the task is near impossible. The only way to leave the city and rescue Orion is under the guise of a national tour. It’s easy to convince her superiors that the countryside needs unity more than ever, and who better than an immortal girl to stir pride and strength into the people?

When the tour goes wrong, however, everything Rosalind once knew is thrown up in the air. Taking refuge outside Shanghai, old ghosts come into the open and adversaries turn to allies. To save Orion, they must find a cure to his mother’s traitorous invention and take this dangerous chemical weapon away from impending foreign invasion—but the clock is ticking, and if Rosalind fails, it’s not only Orion she loses, but her nation itself.

Secrets Never Die by Vincent Ralph
Expected Publication: September 26th, 2023
From Goodreads:
Secrets Never Die is a creepy thriller from New York Times bestselling author Vincent Ralph about four teens who all have secrets that are coming back to haunt...and terrorize.

We call it the Dark Place. I don’t know who built it or when but, for us, it’s special.

Every year Sam Hall and his friends hold funerals for their secrets in an abandoned hut in the woods that they call the Dark Place. But this year, their secrets are coming back from the dead...to terrorize them.

Sam is a former child star whose career went up in flames – literally. And no one, not even his best friend knows why. His friends each hold a secret pertaining to the night. A secret they would all like buried.

Now someone from the past is blackmailing them with their dangerous secrets. Sam isn’t sure who he can trust, who’s watching him – or how far he’s willing to go to bury the past once and for all.

When you’re alone in the dark, some things won’t stay hidden.

September is rounding out the month really great, and I'm so excited for all of them to be out! I think I got most of these as ARC's and I've read a fair amount and they were so good! What about you guys? Happy reading!