Year: 2021

Review | Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists: A Graphic History of Women’s Fight for Their Rights

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A feminist comic book history of women’s rights, from the ancient world to modern times, in a giftable, visually stunning package.

August 26, 2020, marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted American women the right to vote. And while suffrage has been a critical win for women’s liberation around the world, the struggle for women’s rights has been ongoing for thousands of years, across many cultures, and encompassing an enormous variety of issues. Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists is a fun, fascinating, and full-color exploration of that important history, tracing its roots from antiquity to show how 21st-century feminism developed. Along the way, you’ll meet a wide range of important historical figures and learn about many political movements, including suffrage, abolition, labor, LGBT liberation, the waves of feminism, and more.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I really enjoyed every aspect of this graphic novel, from the message, delivery and art. This graphic covered so much of women throughout history who had impacts on the rights of women, while also covering a diverse range of subjects in short, consumable vignettes. I would love if there were more put out by this author since I know this was likely scraping the surface on women and individuals who have made an impact. I also really enjoyed that it covered diverse individuals all over the world, not just in the U.S. – that was a really nice thing to incorporate into it.

Happy reading!

Book Blitz | The Truth Keeps Silent by A.V. Asher

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The Truth Keeps Silent
A.V. Asher
(Truth and Lies Duet, #1)
Publication date: May 8th 2021
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Where do you run when everything has been stripped away?

Starting over hasn’t gone well for Mercedes Elliott. After making the biggest mistake of her life, moving halfway across the world felt right at the time. But six months later, she’s isolated, dependent on a dangerous relationship with her boyfriend, Jason Marsh, and no closer to rebuilding her once promising legal career. Running low on hope, Mercedes secretly reaches out to the one man she never thought she’d see again.

Former British Intelligence officer Alec McKinley always regretted letting Mercedes slip through his fingers. So when she invites him for coffee, he jumps at the chance to see her. Warm, funny, and still stunningly beautiful, Mercedes draws Alec in as much as ever. But despite her cheerful smile, he can’t ignore the pain hiding in her eyes.

After Jason’s obsession with Mercedes comes to a violent head, she finds herself unable to escape his suffocating grasp. That is, until Alec makes an unexpected offer that could be Mercedes’s saving grace.

But accepting that offer comes at a cost. Being near Alec ignites a flame she thought had burned out long ago. And when they realize Jason is not the man they thought he was, she and Alec uncover a stunning truth about the past that will change everything between them.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“I’m sorry,” she choked.

Alec’s head snapped up. “Why are you sorry?”

“Because I got you involved in this. That wasn’t my intention when I called you.”

“Stop. You didn’t do anything wrong.” His eyes were alight with emotion, but she didn’t flinch from him. Instead, she found herself unable to look away. “Christ, you’ve nothing to apologize for. You understand you’re the victim here, right?”

She nodded. Another tear escaped, creating a path down her cheek.

Alec’s eyes softened, and he wiped it away with a lingering stroke of his thumb. Mercedes touched his hand, turning her cheek into his palm. The warmth of his hand soothed and seared her all at once.

Closing her eyes, she breathed him in. Please don’t let me go.

“You have to leave him.” Alec’s voice was brimming with torment.

Mercedes’s eyes snapped open, and she pulled away. Panic welled in her chest. “I can’t.”

“Yes, you can.”

“He’ll find me. It’s embarrassing how fast he is at tracking me down. He knows everything I do. I mean, he plants listening devices in my hospital room, for God’s sake.”

“I can help you.” Alec’s fingers tightened on hers. “We can get you out of here. Give you a safe place to recover. When you’re ready, we’ll get you home. Declan and I already have people ready to go.”

Her heart sank. “Dec knows too?”

“Aye, he does. You’re pretty much family, you know? A McKinley twice removed, if you will.” His mouth quirked in a smile, and she couldn’t help smiling, which made her wince.

“Why would you do this?”

His amiable smile faded, and his jaw tightened. A sadness crossed behind his eyes as he looked at their intertwined hands. His thumb swept back and forth against her wrist, sending thrills of electricity through her with each stroke.

Alec swallowed. “I can’t leave you here. At least not without giving you a choice.”

Author Bio:

American writer AV Asher (Avie) was one of those kids always who got in trouble for reading in class. She has been creating stories since childhood, but only recently began writing them down. The Truth Keeps Silent is Avie’s debut novel. The second book in the duet, The Lies That Shatter, is expected to be released in the Autumn of 2021. Avie lives in Northern Nevada with her husband and three children.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


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Review | The Case of the Somewhat Mythic Sword by Garth Nix

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Sir Magnus Holmes, cousin to the more famous Sherlock, is asked to investigate the appearance of an otherworldly knight carrying a legendary sword in the cellar of a Victorian London pub.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

This was my first real exposure to Garth Nix’s writing, even though I have a couple of his books on my TBR and I did enjoy this spin on the Holmes family as well as his writing style. The story does start off rather jarringly as you are dropped smack dab in the middle, getting a vignette really. Perhaps an introduction would have helped, but it was still enjoyable and a fun mini-adventure.

Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag | 2021

DeAnne4 Comments

Hey everyone! I figured it had been a while since I had done a tag, so I wanted to do one today. I have no idea where this one originated, but I figured it was the right time of year to do it!

Best book you’ve read so far in 2021 – This one is by far Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston. I absolutely fell in love with it and definitely see myself reading it again in the future!

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021 – This one was hard for me because as of yet I haven’t read that many sequels this year, but I would probably say the conclusion to the Nightschool series.

New release you haven’t read yet but want to – I obviously can’t answer all of them, but picking one it pretty hard. Looking at the stack I have next to me though – I would say The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He.

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year – Probably going to go with Riley Sager’s new one, Survive the Night.

Biggest Disappointment – Season 12 of canon Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I felt like it was unnecessary.

Biggest Surprise – The Girl from the Sea – I knew I was going to love it, but I didn’t know how much.

Favorite New Author – Going to have to go with B.B. Alston on this one.

Newest Fictional Crush – Eh, don’t really have one unless you count one of the characters I’m writing.

Newest Favorite Character – Cici from Cici’s Journal – she made lots of mistakes, but it was so fun reading from her perspective.

A book that made you cry – Where Hope Comes From by Nikita Gill.

A book that made you happy – Just Pretend by Tori Sharp, I saw a lot of myself in that one.

The most beautiful book you’ve acquired this year – Mythopedia, hands down – it is gorgeous.

What books do you need to read by the end of the year – Heh…heh….all of them? I really need to get through those I’ve picked in my TBR card game though.

So that’s it! What are some of your answers to these questions? Happy reading!

Review | The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf

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I am a dark spirit, the ghost announced grandly. I am your inheritance, your grandmother’s legacy. I am yours to command.

Suraya is delighted when her witch grandmother gifts her a pelesit. She names her ghostly companion Pink, and the two quickly become inseparable.

But Suraya doesn’t know that pelesits have a dark side—and when Pink’s shadows threaten to consume them both, they must find enough light to survive . . . before they are both lost to the darkness.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

As soon as I found out this had to do with Malay folklore and culture I wanted to pick it up. I loved learning about the different supernatural beings featured in that culture as the story went on and also really enjoyed the themes of friendship, families (and how experiences can make them different) and grief. All of these played a part in Suraya’s story where we saw a lot of growth in her as well as a bit of adventure when they came up against someone who didn’t have the best of intentions. There are definitely some darker parts to this when it comes to some of Pink’s actions, but that just added more to the story regarding what a pelesit is. While I don’t have any real knowledge of Malay folklore, it’s stories like this that make me want to learn more.

Happy reading!

Review | The Beautiful Things Shoppe by Philip William Stover

DeAnne1 Comment

Their collections may clash but their hearts are a perfect match.

Moving to eclectic New Hope, Pennsylvania, and running The Beautiful Things Shoppe is a dream come true for elegant and reserved fine arts dealer Prescott J. Henderson. He never agreed to share the space with Danny Roman, an easygoing extrovert who collects retro toys and colorful knickknacks.

And yet here they are, trapped together in the quaint shop as they scramble to open in time for New Hope’s charming Winter Festival.

Danny has spent years leading with his heart instead of his head. The Beautiful Things Shoppe is his chance to ground himself and build something permanent and joyful. The last thing he needs is an uptight snob who doesn’t appreciate his whimsy occupying half his shop.

It’s only when two of New Hope’s historic landmarks—each as different as Danny and Prescott—are threatened that a tentative alliance forms. And with it, the first blush of romance. Suddenly, running The Beautiful Things Shoppe together doesn’t seem so bad…until Danny’s secret threatens to ruin it all.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

After reading The Hideaway Inn (the first book in the series) I definitely wanted to pick this one up as well, and I’m not disappointed that I did. This is definitely hate to love and what a fun time it was, while also being really genuine and exploring those moments where someone may not be ready to share their full selves with someone, and overcoming that. I felt it was a really enjoyable story with some wonderfully crafted characters. I would definitely read more in the series if any more were to come out.

Happy reading!

Cover Reveal | Playing it Safe by Amy Andrews

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Playing it Safe
Amy Andrews
Published by: Entangled: Brazen
Publication date: TBA
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

When an intense attraction develops between Donovan, a professional rugby player who believes he can only embrace his true self once his professional sports career is over, and Beckett, who is out and proud and not looking for a guy who isn’t, sparks fly. But what will happen when their tryst is exposed?

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Author Bio:

Amy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling, double RITA nominated, Aussie author who has written seventy plus contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets. Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.

At sixteen she met a guy she knew she was going to marry and several years later she did. They have two grown kids who have flown the coop for distant shores which enables their travel fetish.

She loves good books and great booze although she’ll take mediocre booze if there’s nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!

She’s just taken a sea change and gets to create stories whilst overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean.

To keep up with her new releases you can join her mailing list here – http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newsletter.html

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter / Bookbub


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Kindle Deals | 6/15

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Hey all! Another kindle deals post coming your way. I found some good deals so I had to share. Make sure to double check the prices where you are just in case they are different.

City of the Plague God ($2.99) – Thirteen-year-old Sikander Aziz has to team up with the hero Gilgamesh in order to stop Nergal, the ancient god of plagues, from wiping out the population of Manhattan in this adventure based on Mesopotamian mythology.

The Tea Dragon Society ($3.49) – From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever After comes The Tea Dragon Society, a charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons.

After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives — and eventually her own.

House of Earth and Blood ($2.99) – Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.

With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom-and the power of love.

Happy reading!

Cover Reveal | Honorable Rogue by Linda J. Parisi

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Honorable Rogue
Linda J. Parisi
(Blood Rogue, #2)
Publication date: July 13th 2021
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

There is the blood and can only ever be the blood. So how can love survive in a world of pain?

As a Roman gladiator and slave, vampire Hunter Pierce only knew death and destruction. Never love.

Dr. Victoria Roberts only knew love and safety, never fear or death, until the day her life was shattered with a home invasion that destroyed her world.

Now Hunter and Tori’s worlds collide, with Blood Rogues continuing to menace both human and vampire alike.

Tori is in danger and it’s all Hunter’s fault. To keep watch of the clever doctor, the vampire enlists

her to aid in finding a cure for Nirvana, the dangerous poison rogue vampires are using to kill.

When Tori is kidnapped, Hunter faces his corrupt former master and a race against the clock to save his own life.

But can a vampire who has only watched out for himself risk his life, and his immortality, for the love of a human?

Can a woman who has lost everything rebuild her shattered heart with a man who thinks he hasn’t got one?
​
Only love, trust, and an Honorable Rogue can save them all.

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Author Bio:

As a major in biochemistry with a minor in English literature, Linda has always tried to mesh her love of science with her love of the written word. A clinical research scientist by day and NJRW Golden Leaf award winning author by night, she creates unforgettable characters and puts them in untenable situations, much to their dismay. Choices always matter and love conquers all, so a happy-ever-after is a must. Linda is the current Treasurer of Liberty States Fiction Writers. She has served on the boards of other writing organizations, and loves to teach the craft of writing at worshops and conferences. She lives in New Jersey with her husband John, son Chris, daughter-in-law Sara, and Audi, a Cocker Spaniel mix who had her at woof!

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter


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Review | The Avalon Chronicles Vol 1: Once in a Blue Moon

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When Aeslin Finn was a little girl, her parents read to her from a magical book called The Avalon Chronicles. But that was a long time ago. Now a teenager, Aeslin is about to discover just how magical she and that book really are. Transported to the world of Avalon, she discovers a kingdom in need of a Dragon Knight – and the last dragon, Blue Moon, is waiting for her!

Rating: 3 out of 5.

While I felt this was a good start to a new series, it didn’t quite live up to what I was expecting. I really liked the premise and the twist regarding the books, but while the beginning and ending went really fast for me, the middle dragged a bit. I didn’t really feel like I could connect with many of the characters and their motivations. Still, for someone looking for a hero’s journey type fantasy quest in a graphic novel, they would probably really enjoy it. For me it was just ok and I probably won’t be continuing with the series.

Happy reading!