Review: Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker

Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an audio ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.  Thank you to Macmillan Audio & Macmillan Young Listeners for providing me the opportunity to listen to this book early.  This book will be out on April 4, 2023.

I was initially drawn to the beautiful cover!  This has a little bit of everything.  It touches on social issues like race, cultural appropriation, LGBT issues, mental health and so much more.  Not only does the author present important topics to the reader in a way that makes you think, but we get a mystery and story full of magic, emotion, and characters you won't soon forget.  

There is alot going on in this book.  The audiobook has multiple narrators, and mulitple POVs.  The story is mainly told from the perspective of the twins Clem and Cris, but every once in a while we get the occasional POV from another character.   Having so many characters made it a little hard to follow at times especially when you are trying to keep track of the plot as well.  That being said,  I had a hard time putting this down.  I kept opting to listen to this instead of picking up the other book I am reading at the moment.  I found the characters engaging, the plot moved at a good pace, and the magic was intriguing.  I really liked the magic system and the concept of the magical community.   The twins both go through some things in the book but like all teenagers they struggle to reach for help despite having a support system in each other and their family.  They both have to struggle through some things before they are ready to face their problems and ask for help from their loved ones.  Their is alot of good discussion about family in this book, and I suspect we will see more in the future as Clem and Cris still have more obstacles to face down in the future.  

There are some dark moments in this book, and while I do feel it is appropriate for a YA reader I would recommend it for the older more mature reader.  This does end on a cliffhanger but I believe this is book one of a trilogy, and I'm anxious to get my hands on the next book.  I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.  There are alot of loose ends that need to be tied up and I expect that there is going to be some backlash based on the events that took place in this installment.  This is my first book by Terry J. Benton-Walker but it certainly will not be my last.  

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Excerpt Reveal: Fluke by Adriana Locke

 

   

FLUKE BY ADRIANA LOCKE

Release Date: April 10th Genre/Tropes: Fake ex-husband / Small Town Romance / Friends to Lovers / One Bed / He Falls First

Fluke, an all-new small-town romance, by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke is coming April 10th!

CHECK OUT AN EXCERPT BELOW!

Pre-order this fake ex-husband, small-town romance TODAY! https://amzn.to/3FCU3Uj

Add to Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61946841-fluke    

        

EXCERPT

   “Do you check your email?” she asks. “Yeah.” “Have you checked it today?” “Uh, no. I’ve been working all day.” She clears her throat, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “May I ask you to let me see your emails, please?” Excuse me? I press my lips together, curiosity getting the best of me, and pull my phone out of my pocket. “Jess?” “No, you may not see my emails.” Her hands go to her hips. “Please?” “What are you up to, Pip?” She reaches for my phone in a quick, bold move. Unfortunately for her, I’m quicker. I hold it up in the air and effectively out of her reach. “Please, don’t look at them. At least not with me standing here,” she says, hopping a whole foot off the ground to try to reach the device. I chuckle. “What did you do?” “Give it to me.” She hops again. “Now.” “Not a chance.” I swipe the screen and find my email app as she tries to tug my arm down. “Will you stop it?” “Jess,” she says, fake crying. She stops hopping. “Wait.” I laugh at her little pout. “You are so fucking cute.” “I hate you.” “You do not.” The app opens, and I scan my inbox. It’s the third message from the top that catches my attention. Plum, Pippa Re: SEEKING AN EX-HUSBAND   

   

  Blurb:   

  SEEKING AN EX-HUSBAND   I need a fake ex-husband. Let me explain … I may have let it slip to my new co-workers that I have an ex-husband. Now they’re fascinated with the details, specifically with him. Why wouldn’t they be? He’s gorgeous, has exceptional skills in the bedroom, and is determined to win me back. But there’s a problem. He doesn’t exist. The bigger problem? I have to produce him to save my job. This is where you come in. I’m seeking someone to play a smitten ex-husband for two weeks. You’ll need to remember our love story—details matter when it comes to romance! Please be prepared to travel in-state at a moment’s notice. We may be in close proximity and sharing a bed may be required. One more thing—kisses are required for optics as necessary. If this sounds interesting or, at the very least, entertaining, let me know. Signed, Your Future Ex-Wife   Buckle up for a steamy adventure between friends-turned-lovers in this new “fresh twist on a favorite trope!” take on fake dating, close proximity, and romance in the workplace from USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke.     

  About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances about the two things she knows best—big families and small towns. Her stories are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect combination of heart, heat, and humor.   She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden.   Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty-five years ago) and their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza.   Learn more at adrianalocke.com.

 

Connect w/Adriana: 

  Website: https://adrianalocke.com 

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoradrianalocke 

  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/booksbyadrianalocke 

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoralocke 

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoradrianalocke 

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8379774.Adriana_Locke 

  Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ivy7xd 

  Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/adriana-locke 

  Newsletter Signup: http://bit.ly/NewsletterAddy

Review: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided both a print and audio ARC of this book via Netgalley.  Thank you to Wednesday Books and Macmillan Young Listeners for the opportunity to read and review this early.  As always all opinions are my own.

The audio narrators were wonderful.  The did an amazing job brining Kitt and Iris to life.   I really enjoyed that we get alternating male and female dialogue where appropriate so if feels like they are having a conversation.   I mainly opted to listen to the audiobook and couldn't put it down once I started.  

I loved this!  I've been a fan of Ross' work for sometime so when I saw that she had a new YA Fantasy out I jumped on the chance to read it.  This follows Iris, and aspiring journalist who is struggling to keep things together after her brother leaves for the war front.  Iris is competing for a columnist position at a reputable newspaper with Roman Kitt.  Roman is handsome, rich, and put together; basically everything Iris is not.  They are opposites in everyway, but their opposition drives them to be better at their craft.  While Iris can't stand Kitt, what she doesn't know is that they are tied together in the most unusual way.  When Kitt wins the spot at the paper, Iris decides to become a war correspondent in an attempt to escaper her life that has fallen apart and to find her missing brother on the front.  Iris not only becomes a published writer, but she also finds so much more on the front than she was expecting.

I really love what Ross did with the mythology aspect in this.  I'm not sure if the myth is based on an actual myth or if she completely made it up.  Either way I really enjoyed that there was something otherworldly driving the war and a small magical and fantastical element to the plot.   I really liked the concept of the magical typewriters and I'd love to know where the 3rd one is.  I wonder if we'll ever find out.  This does heavily focus on the rivals to lovers trope, and while we do get the background myth that started the war I hope to get a bit more background or interaction with the gods in book 2.  I love mythology whether made up or based in ancient cultural myth and legend so I really appreciate when an author weaves that into their storyline.  

This is classified as YA, but it does have some more serious and mature themes.  This does end on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for the next book!  I'm so anxious to find out what happens next!  I loved the development of the relationship between Iris and Kitt and Iris and Carver.  I really loved Iris' character development throughout the book.  In the beginning I was wondering if she was going to throw in the towel, but she really snapped out of it and stepped up.  She was appropriately scared in the situations she was in, but she was also courageous, kind, and selfless.  As a correspondent she is supposed to write what she sees, but she was also respectful of the soldiers and wasn't just in it for a story.  While this was tense and serious at times, it also has light hearted moments as well.  The banter between Iris and Kitt is witty and their romance is fun.  

Content warnings: loss of a parent, addition specifically alcohol, PTSD, violence and injury due to war, non graphic intimacy

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Review: You Wouldn't Dare by Samantha Markum

You Wouldn't Dare by Samantha Markum
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

I'm not sure I was the right audience for this book.  Does that mean I'm getting old?  Maybe it does.  I think this is going to be perfect for teens and young readers.  

I was irritated with Junie the main character for the entire book.  She is really selfish, immature, irresponsible and dramatic making her unlikable.  She has a wonderful group of friends, and they put up with her antics instead of calling her on her BS.  Nothing is ever her fault and all of her bad decisions are turned into a joke.  She doesn't realize she is hurting people around her and in turn hurting herself.  I'm glad finally someone addressed her emotional issues with her dad, which was causing most of her ridiculous behavior.  While her character development arc did take a step in the right direction, for me it came too late in the game.  

While Junie took a long time to grow on me, I loved her group of friends.  She has a wonderful support system in her friends and family that no matter what will love her unconditionally.  While this was too dramatic for me, I do think there will be an audience out there who will love Junie and her antics.  

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Review: All the White Spaces: A Novel by Ally Wilkes

All the White Spaces: A Novel by Ally Wilkes
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Edelweiss+, however I ended up listening to the final version of the audiobook.  All opinions are my own.

From the description, this sounded like it would align with my reading tastes.  A little bit historical fiction with an interesting horror aspect.  Unfortunately, I wasn't drawn in by the slow pacing.  This follows Jonathan, who stows away on an expedition to Antarctica after the death of both of his brothers.  Jonathan's brothers both had dreams of going on Antarctic adventures, and Jonathan has decided to take up the mantel.  When the crew arrives in the dangerous Weddell Sea, disaster strikes and the expedition seems to be cursed.  

I did think that the use of the aurora as a device to prey on the fears of men was a good one.  You couldn't tell if there really was something supernatural out there or if the men on the crew were slowly descending into madness from the Antarctic temperatures and lack of provisions.  I thought that Wilkes did a good job developing the fear and fragility of the characters as they try to survive their situation.  

While I thought this was a well written book, this is a case of this style of slow build up isn't the type of book I prefer.  I never truly felt the tension and terror that the characters were feeling, I think that is because there were long periods of time between the events.  This is also very character driven, which is also no my preferred style.  I prefer faster paced plot driven books with a bit more action.  This is a great story of self discovery and survival.  

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Review: God Themselves by Jae Nichelle

God Themselves by Jae Nichelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an audio arc of this book via Netgalley, all options are my own. I kept seeing the cover of this and was immediately drawn to the book. I kept coming back to it and knew I needed to read it. I’m so glad that I did.

I really enjoyed this poetry collection. I really enjoyed that it was narrated by the author. I feel poetry is often more impactful when spoken and who better to speak it than the author. Her voice was a pleasure to listen to. As the author mentions in intro some of the poems are meant to be viewed as they have a visual impact. The audio is supposed to have a pdf for these poems, but I was able to grab a print copy from my library and follow along with the audiobook. There are some really cool visual poems in the print version but I really enjoyed listening to Nichelle speak her words.

This covers a lot of different topics and the length of the poems varies from a few words to a few pages. I found myself reflecting on many of the poems and you can really feel the author’s emotions and experiences in each of the poems. As you can tell my the title that there is a focus on God and religion throughout, so I would stay away from this collection if that is not your cup of tea. I didn’t feel it was preaching anything or disrespectful, only a reflection on the author’s own experience and feelings. This is geared toward a more audience based on some of the content and language.

Overall this was a solid collection and I’m so glad I followed my instincts to grab a copy of the audiobook. I was not disappointed with this beautiful collection of poems.

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Review: The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores

The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided print and an audio ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.  

This is a queer retelling of Rapunzel, which I don't think I knew when I requested this.  You don't often see Rapunzel retellings, though I have seen a few pop up recently.  All I knew going in that this was a queer fantasy with witches and vampires, I didn't really need any more to entice me.  I do love a good retelling though.  It has been a while since I've read the original Rapunzel, but I get the correlation.  The action and adventure parts more closely resemble the movie Tangled, which to be fair is probably the version of Rapunzel that people are most familiar with.

This follows former best friends Ava and Kaye who are both witches, except Ava is a vampire and Kaye is a vampire hunter in training.  Kaye's mother was killed on the same night Ava disappeared (the night she was turned), and they haven't spoken in years.  Ava has been held prisoner by her mother and her creepy husband, but she's had enough.  She is determined to escape and seek refuge with the Vampire Queen.  Meanwhile Kaye is doing everything she can to prove herself worthy of being a Flame Witch and hunter.  On the night Ava escapes, Kaye catches up to her and the two of them embark on a journey of self-discovery they didn't intend on.  Kaye has been taught to believe that vampires are only mindless killers, but Ava proves her wrong at every turn.  Together they must work together to fight against more dangerous beings and face devastating betrayals if they want to survive.

I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers, slow burn romance.  The romance is really clean so it is perfect for young adult readers.  There are vampires so there is blood.   While there aren't particularly graphic or gory scenes, there are vampires doing their thing and several fight scenes between the vampires and the witches so if that isn't your thing I'd steer clear.   The world building could have been a bit more detailed.  I find that the fast pace and the action packed scenes made up for that.  The story was entertaining and the romance wasn't over the top.  It is fairly slow burn as the friends reestablish trust in one another 

I really enjoyed the audiobook version of this.  I flipped between the ebook and the audiobook, but I  put in the most time on the audiobook.  I enjoyed both of the narrators and felt they did a good job brining Ava and Kaye, as well as the rest of the characters to life.  They brought emotion into the story where it belonged and I could feel the tension between the girls as the story progressed.  

I felt the ending was a rushed.  Things came together really quickly at the end and I felt like it really needed a few more chapters for it to be flushed out. While the ending was conclusive, it was a bit open ended.  I did get the feeling of closure, but I wouldn't be surprised if we see more of Ava and Kaye in the future.  

Overall, I loved this.  I didn't want to put this down once I picked it up.  

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