Book Review | LOVE, LIES, AND CHERRY PIE by Jackie Lau

LOVE, LIES, AND CHERRY PIE
BY JACKIE LAU | PUBLICATION: MAY 7, 2024
ATRIA/EMILY BESTLER BOOKS | GENRE: ROMANCE
RATING: ★★★✬

____________________________________________________________________

Jackie Lau, author of the “full of heart” (Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author) The Stand-Up Groomsman, returns with a charming rom-com about a young woman’s desperate attempts to fend off her meddling mother…only to find that maybe mother does know best.

Mark Chan this. Mark Chan that.

Writer and barista Emily Hung is tired of hearing about the great Mark Chan, the son of her parents’ friends. You’d think he single-handedly stopped climate change and ended child poverty from the way her mother raves about him. But in reality, he’s just a boring, sweater-vest-wearing engineer, and when they’re forced together at Emily’s sister’s wedding, it’s obvious he thinks he’s too good for her.

But now that Emily is her family’s last single daughter, her mother is fixated on getting her married and she has her sights on Mark. There’s only one solution, clearly: convince Mark to be in a fake relationship with her long enough to put an end to her mom’s meddling. He reluctantly agrees.

Unfortunately, lying isn’t enough. Family friends keep popping up at their supposed dates—including a bubble tea shop and cake-decorating class—so they’ll have to spend more time together to make their relationship look real. With each fake date, though, Emily realizes that Mark’s not quite what she assumed and maybe that argyle sweater isn’t so ugly after all…

____________________________________________________________________

LOVE, LIES, AND CHERRY PIE by Jackie Lau is a charming quest for love, life, and the unexpected turns that come with both. The novel follows Emily Hung, a woman in her thirties who is under pressure from her mother to settle down and get married. In an attempt to appease her mother, Emily and ugly-argyle-sweater Mark engage in a fake dating escapade, complete with convincing photographs. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to realize that their feelings might not be so pretend after all.

The charm of the book lies in its relatable characters and the realistic portrayal of family dynamics. Emily and Mark, both mature and career-focused individuals, navigate the complexities of dating in a way that many will find familiar. The meddling of Emily's family adds a layer of humor and authenticity to the story, resonating with readers who have experienced similar familial interactions.

The novel also touches on personal growth and self-discovery, particularly through Emily's journey as a writer. Her evolution as an artist, gaining confidence as she switches genres, is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the importance of advocating for creative professions.

With subtle tributes to "Pride and Prejudice," LOVE, LIES, AND CHERRY PIE serves as a homage to classic literature and a celebration of the writing community. It's a heartwarming tale that reminds us of the unpredictability of love and the beauty of embracing life's surprises. Whether you're a fan of romance, humor, or stories about personal growth, this book is a slice of literary joy that's aims to satisfy.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:

   

Jackie Lau studied engineering and worked as a geophysicist before turning to her first love of writing. She is now the author of over twenty romantic comedies including Donut Fall in Love and The Stand-Up Groomsman. When she’s not writing, she enjoys gelato, gourmet donuts, cooking, hiking, and reading. She lives in Toronto with her husband. Find out more at JackieLauBooks.com.

Photograph by Emily Ding.

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster CA for the eARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

Read more →

Book Review | THE TEMPTATION OF MAGIC by Megan Scott

THE TEMPTATION OF MAGIC
BY MEGAN SCOTT | PUBLICATION: AUGUST 27, 2024
HARPERCOLLINS | GENRE: SCI FI & FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★

____________________________________________________________________

Nicole Palmer has needed to study the supernatural art in a local Cornish manor for years. Encoded in it is the last message from her mother on how to stay safe from The Wake—the organization that governs all supernaturals. As an Empyreal, Nicole has the ability to hunt and kill dangerous creatures, making her invaluable. But if her power was ever triggered, they would find her, use her, and then kill her.

Like they did her mother.

Securing an undergraduate research role to study the collection, Nicole discovers her greatest enemy—one of The Wake’s Empyreals. Kyan McCarter is their best hunter, stationed at the manor to track and kill a deadly creature, but when they realise a painting’s been stolen by his prey, Nicole and Kyan are forced to work together to find it.

As the creature threatens to expose Nicole’s power, her tenuous alliance with Kyan threatens her heart. If Kyan finds out what she is, he’ll hunt her next—or risk execution. No one disobeys The Wake and survives. Especially not when the art they’re seeking holds the key to a conspiracy that could get them both killed, and change the lives of creatures, and humans, forever.

____________________________________________________________________

Empyreal Book I

THE TEMPTATION OF MAGIC marks a captivating debut for the Empyreal Series, weaving a picture of fantasy, intrigue, and romance that promises to enthrall readers. The novel introduces us to Nicole Palmer, an Empyreal with the rarest shapeshifting ability, who finds herself pursued by the Wake, a clandestine organization that reigns over the supernatural realm.

Scott's dedication to research is evident, with each mythological element feeling authentic and well-founded. Her narrative prowess shines as she blends classic and innovative fantasy elements to create a world that offers a fresh perspective specifically both innovative and respectful of the traditions it draws from. I concur with the critics and fans alike, the book has an exceptional world-building, with a lore that is both meticulously detailed and seamlessly integrated into the story. Scott crafts a universe where magical beings are a norm, yet she elevates the narrative by introducing the Empyreals, adding a layer of depth and mystery to the lore. The ingenious use of art as a conduit for hidden secrets and messages is a stroke of genius, providing a unique angle to the fantasy genre.

Character development is one of the novel's strongest suits, with each persona meticulously fleshed out, ensuring readers remain invested in their fates. Nicole's determination and resourcefulness complementing Kyan McCarter's perceptiveness and reluctance. Their chemistry is tangible, evolving naturally amidst the perils they face together. The romance within the pages is both steamy and filled with longing, satisfying those who yearn for a love story that is both intense and believable.

The plot is a labyrinth of twists and turns, each chapter drawing the reader deeper into the enigmatic world Scott has created. The book concludes on a note that is both satisfying and tantalizing, perfectly setting up the anticipation for the subsequent instalment. The intelligent storytelling, combined with the vivid descriptions and masterful plot construction, solidifies this debut as a must-read.

This novel is a spellbinding blend of mythology, art history, and romance. It invites readers to step into a realm where the secrets are as profound as they are perilous, hidden beneath the surface of a reality painted with a magical brush. For those who seek an escape into a world of fantasy, THE TEMPTATION OF MAGIC is your portal to the extraordinary.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:

   

Megan Scott is twenty-six-years-old, from the North West of England and a lover of art and the ancient world. She received her BA and MA in Art History and Classical Civilization, and both subjects inspired her debut novel, The Temptation of Magic. When she’s not writing or on Pinterest, she’s trying to read as much as her nana, or paint something she doesn’t want to ceremoniously burn in the garden.

*Thanks to HarperCollins for the eARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

Read more →

Book Review | CULTURED by D.P. Lyle

CULTURED
BY D.P. LYLE | PUBLICATION: MAY 2, 2023
OCEANVIEW PUBLISHING | GENRE: MYSTERY
RATING: ★★★✬

____________________________________________________________________

Money, sex, power. Jonathon Lindemann offers it all—just don’t mind the missing girls.

Jake Longly, ex-pro baseball player turned restauranteur, is back where he belongs: relaxing on the beach in front of his restaurant in Gulf Shores, Alabama. His peace is interrupted, however, when he receives a call from his private investigator father—April Wilkerson has gone missing from Lindemann Farms, the rustic, yet posh, resort built by self-help and financial guru Jonathon Lindemann.

Lindemann, founder of The Lindemann Method (TLM), recruits wealthy people to join his program, charging a hefty entry fee but in return promising huge financial gains and self-enlightenment. Jake’s celebrity status makes him the best person for the case.

When Jake and his girlfriend, Nicole, go on an undercover visit to Lindemann Farms, some suspicious activity makes them wonder about the legitimacy of TLM. Soon, a private conversation with one of the girls hired to work at the resort reveals their unorthodox, and immoral, recruitment methods.

As the layers peel away, darker edges appear. Does Jonathon truly make money for his investors, or is he a scam artist? Is April merely the latest in a series of missing young women? Jake and Nicole need to find her, and soon, before TLM catches wind of their true reasons for visiting the farm.

____________________________________________________________________

The Jake Longley series has been captivating readers with its blend of mystery and humor. For those new to the series, me included, CULTURED offers a seamless entry point, providing just enough backstory to acquaint readers with the world of Jake Longley without overwhelming them with past narratives.

At the heart of CULTURED is Jake Longley himself, a former Major League Baseball pitcher turned bar and restaurant owner. His peaceful retirement in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is interrupted when his father, Ray, enlists his help to find a missing young woman, April Wilkerson. The search leads Jake and his girlfriend, Nicole, to the Lindemann Farm, home to The Lindemann Method (TLM) and its charismatic founder, Jonathan Lindemann.

The farm, with its serene facade, hides more than it reveals. As Jake and Nicole delve deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and questionable practices, suggesting that April's disappearance might be part of a larger, more sinister puzzle. The narrative is skillfully told from Jake's perspective, with strategic shifts that offer glimpses into the hidden layers of the story.

CULTURED has a light-hearted approach to the detective genre. The novel doesn't take itself too seriously, allowing for a reading experience that is predominantly entertaining. The ease with which Jake and his team unravel the mystery makes for a smooth and pleasant read, with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning.

While CULTURED may not delve into profound thematic depths, its strength lies in its vivid descriptions and the fun, almost playful nature of the investigation. It's a novel that doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is: a delightful escape into a world of intrigue and charm.

For those who have followed Jake Longley's adventures from the beginning, CULTURED is a satisfying continuation of the series. For newcomers, it's an invitation to explore the earlier books, promising more of the wit and mystery that makes the series appealing.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:

   

D.P. Lyle is the Edgar, Macavity, and Benjamin Franklin Award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction books. Cultured is the sixth in his best-selling Jake Longly Thriller Series. Earlier books in the series were finalists for the Shamus Award, Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award, and the USA Best Book Award, and were included on Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of the Year list. Lyle has authored 20 books, been a consultant to numerous novelists and screenwriters of popular TV shows, served as co-host of Crime and Science Radio, and currently hosts the Criminal Mischief podcast series. He lives in Orange County, California.

*Thanks to Oceanview Publishing and Edelweiss for the ebook

in exchange for this unbiased review.

Read more →

Book Review | THE ASTROLOGY HOUSE by Carinn Jade

THE ASTROLOGY HOUSE
BY CARINN JADE | PUBLICATION: JULY 16, 2024
ATRIA BOOKS | GENRE: THRILLER
RATING: ★★★✬

____________________________________________________________________

A group of wealthy Manhattanites escape to an astrology-themed retreat, where simmering resentments and long-held secrets lead to a shocking death in this fresh, twisty, and suspenseful debut in the vein of Liane Moriarty and Katy Hays.

Margot needs a minute. She’s been working eighty-hour weeks as a newly minted partner at her law firm. She’s disconnected from her brother, the only family she has left. And she’s still not pregnant after years of trying.

Stars Harbor Astrological Retreat promises rest, relaxation, and wisdom for Margot and her friends. With Instagram-worthy views and nightly astrology readings in an impeccably restored waterfront Victorian house, this getaway should be nothing but idyllic fun. For Margot’s brother, Adam, it’s the perfect opportunity to rekindle the romance that fuels his writing. But his wife, Aimee, hides the darkness of her past with a beautiful social media feed. Their friend, Farah, is a successful doctor who cannot admit that she’s losing control.

Yet no one holds a greater secret than their astrologer host, Rini. She has a plan for all of her guests, and one of them won’t be leaving Stars Harbor alive.

____________________________________________________________________

A Stellar Debut Thriller

Carinn Jade's debut novel, THE ASTROLOGY HOUSE, is a celestial journey into the lives of four intertwined couples seeking solace and wisdom at the Stars Harbor Astrological Retreat. With a backdrop of astrological mystique, the narrative unfolds, revealing that the stars may hold more than just secrets of personality and fate; they also mirror the tumultuous storms brewing within the retreat's walls.

The novel's structure is a constellation of multiple points of view, each character shining distinctly against the night sky of the plot. The reader navigates through the intricate web of relationships and astrological lore, guided by a helpful "cheat sheet" that illuminates the sun and moon houses, providing context to the cosmic interplay at work.

Jade masterfully maintains a simmering tension throughout the story, akin to the quiet before a storm, leading to a crescendo of revelations that upend expectations. The characters, each flawed and complex, are the true north of the narrative, their imperfections charting a course through the suspenseful tale.

An evaluation of human nature through the lens of the stars, THE ASTROLOGY HOUSE is persuading us that, much like the unpredictable weather, our lives and relationships are subject to forces beyond our control, influenced by the unseen energy of the universe.

As a debut, Jade's novel is a promising glimpse into the author's literary talent. Readers will find themselves eagerly anticipating the next alignment of Jade's storytelling prowess with the celestial bodies of intrigue and drama.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:

   

Carinn Jade is a lawyer, writer, and cohost of the Pop Fiction Women podcast. Her essays have been published in The New York Times, DailyWorth, and Motherwell. She has attended the GrubStreet Novel Generator, Yale Writers’ Conference, and the Northern California Writers’ Retreat. Carinn grew up on the North Fork of Long Island and lives with her family in New York City. The Astrology House is her first novel.
Photograph by Erin Schiffman

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster CA for the egalley
in exchange for this unbiased review.

Read more →

Blog Tour | PERCEPTION CHECK by Astrid Knight

About the Book:

PERCEPTION CHECK
BY ASTRID KNIGHT | PUBLICATION: 24 MAY 2022
GENRE: FANTASY

Her favorite tabletop roleplaying game is real, and her kidnapped childhood best friend is trapped in a far off land. Will she be able to save her? Let's roll initiative!

Violet Spence wants nothing more than to have a normal life. After witnessing her childhood best friend get abducted by monsters, that’s easier said than done. At twenty-three years old, Violet cannot seem to move past that fateful night ten years ago. Her only solace is Mages of Velmyra, a tabletop roleplaying game filled with goblins, fairies, and all-powerful magicians. But of course, that’s all fantasy.

Or, so she thought. As it turns out, the land of Velmyra is very real and the home of the monsters that took her best friend.

With the help of her friends (and the creator of the game itself), Violet must navigate the once-fictional creatures and powerful mages of Velmyra to retrieve a set of ancient relics—all in the hopes that the journey will lead her back to her friend. But for Violet, fighting monsters and magic workers doesn’t seem nearly as terrifying as confronting her own demons. And she’ll soon realize fighting the battle within herself can be just as tough as those fought against demigods.

Perception Check is the magical first installment of the Mages of Velmyra Saga, great for fans of Dungeons and Dragons, Critical Role, and The Magicians. With endearing and hilarious characters, an exploration of mental health and trauma, LGBTQ+ representation, gut-wrenching twists, and a whirlwind of an ending, you will never want to leave the world of Velmyra.

NOTE: Perception Check deals with the topics of mental health (specifically depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidality) with mentions of childhood sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and animal violence.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORYGRAPH

"Honestly this novel made my inner nerd so happy."
-A Reader Lives a Thousand Lives
"With endearing and hilarious characters, an exploration of mental health and trauma, LGBTQ+ representation, gut-wrenching twists, and a whirlwind of an ending, you will never want to leave the world of Velmyra."
-elementarymydear

[BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:

    

Astrid Knight is an author and storyteller with a love of fantasy and all things strange. A graduate of Adrian College, Astrid has served as a contributing writer for anthologies such as In the Wake of the Kraken and Welcome to Simmins, Detective Spencer. She is best known as the writer of the Mages of Velmyra Saga. They are also a co-founder and player on the RPG Twitch channel, Atlaran Adventuring Company. To get all news on the Mages of Velmyra Saga or any other projects Astrid is involved in, follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @AstridKWrites. You can also find them on their website, astridknight.com.

*Content sent by @TheWriteReads for this blog's publication. This is a free ad.

Read more →

Blog Tour | SONGLIGHT by Moira Buffini

About the Book:

SONGLIGHT
BY MOIRA BUFFINI | PUBLICATION: SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
HARPERCOLLINS | GENRE: YA FANTASY

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Songlight is an extraordinary debut from a renowned screenwriter. A cinematic masterpiece in storytelling, the explosive first book in the Torch Trilogy – the hottest release of the decade!

They are hunting those who shine . . .

Don't be deceived by Northaven's prettiness, by its white-wash houses and sea views. Many of its townsfolk are ruthless hunters. They revile those who have developed songlight, the ability to connect telepathically with others. Friends, neighbours, family will turn on each other in an instant. Lark has lived in grave danger ever since her own songlight emerged. Then she encounters a young woman in peril, from a city far away. An extraordinary bond is forged. But when power is everything, how will they survive?

An extraordinary new trilogy from an award-winning, internationally acclaimed screenwriter, Songlight promises to set the world alight!

AMAZON

> " This book and its characters will possess your heart and tear at your very soul."
-Claire Reviews
"It’s excellently well written, perfectly paced and the world building is just amazing."
-Hannah
"I didn’t want to put this book down and leave it."
-Sarah Reads


TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:

     

Moira Buffini is one of the UK’s leading playwrights and screenwriters. Most recently she wrote the screenplay for The Dig (directed by Simon Stone), which earned her a Bafta nomination, and co-created and showran the Hulu TV series Harlots, which ran for three seasons. Moira’s other film work includes Jane Eyre (directed by Cary Fukanaga) Tamara Drewe (directed by Stephen Frears) and Byzantium (directed by Neil Jordan). She has also written four plays for the National Theatre, including Welcome to Thebes (Writers Guild Award nominee), and Dinner (Olivier nominee), which later transferred to the West End. Her other plays include Handbagged, for which she won an Olivier Award.

*Content sent by @TheWriteReads for this blog's publication. This is a free ad.

Read more →

Book Review | THE LAND OF LOST THINGS by John Connolly

THE LAND OF LOST THINGS
BY JOHN CONNOLLY | PUBLICATION: SEPTEMBER 19, 2023
ATRIA/EMILY BESTLER BOOKS | GENRE: FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★★

____________________________________________________________________

Twice upon a time - for that is how some stories should continue . . .

Phoebe, an eight-year-old girl, lies comatose following a car accident. She is a body without a spirit, a stolen child. Ceres, her mother, can only sit by her bedside and read aloud to Phoebe the fairy stories she loves in the hope they might summon her back to this world.

But it is hard to keep faith, so very hard.

Now an old house on the hospital grounds, a property connected to a book written by a vanished author, is calling to Ceres. Something wants her to enter, and to journey - to a land coloured by the memories of Ceres's childhood, and the folklore beloved of her father, to a land of witches and dryads, giants and mandrakes; to a land where old enemies are watching, and waiting...

The Land of Lost Things.

_____________________________________________________________________

The Stories That Bind

John Connolly's THE LAND OF LOST THINGS articulately illustrates the boundless realms of imagination and the profound impact of storytelling. This novel is not just a journey through the fantastical world of Elsewhere but also a deep dive into the human experience, encapsulating the essence of life's myriad facets—joy, sorrow, courage, and hope.

Connolly crafts a narrative that is as intricate as it is enchanting, weaving a tale within a tale that captivates the reader's mind and heart. The protagonist, Ceres, embodies the strength and resilience of a mother's love, a theme that resonates deeply with anyone who has faced the trials of parenthood and that keen pain of loss.

The novel's rich language and vivid descriptions invite readers to lose themselves in a world where the lines between reality and fiction blur, highlighting the power of stories to provide solace and understanding in times of hardship. Connolly's work is a celebration of the written word and its ability to connect us to the most profound parts of ourselves and others.

THE LAND OF LOST THINGS is a reflection on the stories we tell and the lives we lead. It reminds us that every life is a story worth telling, filled with its own unique spirit and hope. For those who cherish complex narratives and the magic that language holds, Connolly's novel is a treasure trove of inspiration and a beautiful reminder of the enduring bond between readers and writers.

The Book of Lost Things
The Museum of Literary Souls

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:

    

John Connolly is the author of the #1 internationally bestselling Charlie Parker thrillers series, The Book of Lost Things and its sequel The Land of Lost Things, the Samuel Johnson Trilogy for younger readers, and (with Jennifer Ridyard) the Chronicles of the Invaders series. He lives in Dublin, Ireland. For more information, see his website at JohnConnollyBooks.com, or follow him on Twitter @JConnollyBooks. Photograph by Mark Condren

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster CA for the printed ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

Read more →