Human Rites by Juno DawsonFantasyJuly 1, 2025, by Penguin Books Review by Kate I read all three of the books in Her Majesty’s Royal Coven trilogy in a week, and Human Rites was an excellent conclusion to a spectacular trilogy. For me, one of the best things about these books is the way that Juno Dawson writes. It feels so cinematic, as if I’m watching a movie playing in my head. There’s just the right amount of description to let me imagine the settings, people and emotions Continue Reading
Review: Passion Project by London Sperry
Passion Project by London SperryContemporary Romance April 8, 2025, by Penguin Books Review by Melanie Let me be very upfront before I get into the real bones of this book that this book may not be for everyone. It is, as some would term it, a Sad Girl Romance ™. (I don’t know who coined that phrase, it certainly wasn’t me). It is also a CAPITAL S Slow Burn romance - there is an open door sex scene but the first kiss doesn’t even occur until 70% in so again, if all that is not your Continue Reading
Audio Review: Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor
Age of Vice by Deepti KapoorCrime FictionJanuary 3, 2023Penguin Audio Review by Jen Most books that are made into films aren’t as good as the book. There are some exceptions, but the majority just don’t live up to the book. The Age of Vice would make a GREAT film. A better film than it was a book. The story is set in India. It has all the makings of a huge epic movie. Family drama, corruption, sex, violence, enormous wealth and profound poverty. It follows several characters Continue Reading
Audio Review: Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
Our Missing Hearts by Celeste NgAsian American LiteratureOctober 4, 2022Penguin Audio Review by Jen I’ve always been a bit of a news junkie and as part of that, have paid attention to politics. I actually used to work in news until I got so burned out by the bad news. I was in DC on 9/11, that did me in. It’s tough these days. Constant chaos, angry voices, and spending a few minutes on social media is the equivalent of doom scrolling for me. If you’ve watched, listened to or read Continue Reading
Angela’s Minis- Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao and A Spindle Splintered by Alix E Harrow
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay ZhaoIron Widow #1Young Adult LGBT FantasySeptember 21, 2021, by Penguin TeenARC This cover, y'all. Absolutely gorgeous. It sets my cover-loving heart on fire. There was so much buzz about this book on Twitter that I couldn't help but go looking for a blurb. So when I saw it described as "Pacific Rim meets Handmaid's Tale" I knew I just had to read. I would say the description is right on the money. Iron Widow introduces Wu Zetian, an 18-year-old woman who is Continue Reading
Review: Ride It Out by Cara McKenna
Ride it Out by Cara McKeena (Desert Dogs #4) Romantic Suspense Released: September 19, 2017 Intermix Reviewed by Mandi This has been an up and down series for me. I liked book one and two quite a bit, I didn't care for book three and this one ended up being just okay. It starts strong. Jeremiah Church, who goes by Miah is still reeling from his father's murder. His father was killed, and then the barn he was in was set on fire, to make it look like an arson. The druggie hired to kill Continue Reading
Review: A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas
A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas Lady Sherlock, #2 Historical Fiction/Mystery September 5, 2017 Penguin Favorite Quote: “I never thought I’d say this, Charlotte Holmes-or even think it. But I wish to God I’d never met you.” Reviewed by Tori Being shunned by Society gives Charlotte Holmes the time and freedom to put her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. As “Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective,” aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, she’s had great success helping Continue Reading
Review: Beauty Like the Night by Joanna Bourne
Beauty Like the Night by Joanna Bourne (Spymasters #6) Released: August 1, 2017 Historical Romance Berkley Reviewed by Mandi Severine de Cabrillac, orphan of the French revolution and sometime British intelligence agent, has tried to leave spying behind her. Now she devotes herself to investigating crimes in London and finding justice for the wrongly accused. Raoul Deverney, an enigmatic half-Spaniard with enough secrets to earn even a spy's respect, is at her door demanding help. Continue Reading
Review: Touch of Frost by Jo Goodman
Touch of Frost Released: June 6, 2017 Historical Romance Berkley Reviewed by Mandi The hero's name is Remington Frost - what a great name. And he lives up to it - he starts off a little grumbly and mysterious and he turns into a lovely fellow who cares so much for the heroine. We start on a train, as our heroine, Phoebe is leaving New York and her theater career, to head west to be with her sister. Phoebe is very familiar with the theater, having worked behind and in front of the Continue Reading
Review: Cold Reign by Faith Hunter
Cold Reign By Jane Yellowrock Series: Jane Yellowrock, #11 Urban Fantasy May 2, 2017 ACE Reviewed by Tori Favorite Quote: ME? CRAZY? I Should Get Down Off This Unicorn And Slap You. Jane Yellowrock is back and badder than even in the eleventh installment of Faith Hunter's bestselling urban fantasy series-Jane Yellowrock. Already a force most won’t reckon with, she has increased her power and prestige as the Enforcer for the MoC of New Orleans-Leo Pellister-and the unintentional Continue Reading