Book Review: Whalesong by Miles Cameron

 So Many Thanks to Saga for providing me with an E-copy of this novel for me to read and review!

It really isn't any surprise, given that I really liked book one and two in this series that I really loved Whalesong! 

Whalesong takes off right after the end of book 2 Deep Black. While Cameron does give enough context that a reader could pick up book three independently, I think it's far more enjoyable to have read books 1 and 2. 

   So as this is book 3 in a series, there are going to be some minor spoilers, but I will attempt to not give away any of the excellent plot. 

     The set up in this book was a bit slower than the first two- Our crew is now free of their contract, and readers find them pursuing multiple different lives - some outside of service, and some taking on new roles across the universe. Up until about 40% I felt like I was actually missing some of the crew, but Cameron of course, brings things full circle  and the narrative really sped up at about 50%-  and if I am being honest, without the slower set up in the first half of the book, the second half would not have been as easy to follow.  I would not have had as much fun as I did with it. I will particularly say there is a moment when Zhao- a character who seemed to be basically a supporting character, rose to Main character status, and at that point, I just fell in love with her and the entire plot.  At that point, I found it hard to put down and I had to finish.  I did feel that this is an excellent series to turn into a TV drama (anyone listening?) 

    What can readers expect?

 - An extension of this Space Opera with introduction of some new players. Continued growth and development of characters we already know. 

 - Well written, pulse pounding action and battle scenes

 - An underlying very human love story

 - Hard Sci- Fi elements of insertion points, space fuel, space weapons, the realities of gravity and space travel and more. 

 - Military Sci-Fi elements- political intrigue, battle strategy, space weapons, alliances and spies.

 - Soft Sci-Fi elements focusing on deep character development, relationships, ethics and linguistics in a space setting. 

   Cameron had published this before, but it is getting a re-release from Saga Press with a gorgeous new cover series. I also liked the older covers, but these new covers really are eye grabbing and highlight the wonderful human element that plays out in all of these books.  This one is released August 4th, and I am sure I want a shelf copy! 

STATS

First Published  08/04/2026

Pages: 384

Available as an Audio Book : Most Likely - have not seen the audio yet. 

Trigger Warnings:  violence, murder, death, PTSD, vomit, blood, near death, AI systems gone rogue, aliens, treason. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)  

What is a Book Street Team? Should a reader join one?

 

 Years ago, it seems that readers and authors were fairly separate. Books came out, readers read them, and if they liked them they recommended them to their friends. Any kind of review that appeared in print was usually from a book critic employed by a newspaper or journal. The biggest way to know if a book was popular was probably to look at the sales numbers.  

With the rise of the internet, readers now have all sorts of platforms to share our own thoughts on books. 

We have review sites like Good Reads, Storygraph or Fable.

We have "Bookstagram" where influencers and authors share aesthetic images and short reviews. 

Reddit features all sorts of forums "recommend me a book"  and "tell me what you read this week"  which get thousands of contributions and reactions. 

We have blogs, like this one, and Youtube (booktube) and TikTok (Booktok). 

 Because of these avenues - readers reviews are now much more influential!

Authors have recognized this and in addition to giving readers some advanced copies for reading and review, many have started "Street Teams" to help promote their books! 

Street Teams are selected reader groups who are generally already a fan of the author.  They are super useful as they can create a lot of buzz for new books coming out, by posting similar content over a variety of platforms to their own followers, rather than just the people that may follow that author. 

In general a street team is going to be a hype squad for the author and their new book. It is a bit different than being just an ARC reader, where one reads the book and will post an honest review of it on various sites. 

Street team members can join on line groups with other fans, are often provided with approved graphics and even sometimes some signed bookplates that they go place into the books at their local shops. (Hopefully while filming this for more buzz). 

In exchange, readers on street teams usually get access to early reads, sneak peaks at new writing, and occasional swag from authors (finished copies, arc copies, apparel, book marks, stickers). Readers can use their membership on the Street Team as a "badge of honor" on socials, and many do! 

It sounds great!  BUT...

What if you end up not liking the book?  What if you find out the author overall isn't for you? Some authors want specific posts to go out at a specific time, if you are on Book tok or Book tube these posts may not go with the personal brand you're wanting to create on these platforms. Some authors are very specific about what and when to post, and if you are very creative, this may not feel genuine. Many authors very specifically do not want any sort of negative reviews, and are very specific about when a reader can post a 3 or lower review.  You can of course, stop participating, but the author was counting on you as part of the team.   Stopping mid-street team campaign is of course a bad look, and authors do talk to other authors. If the author uses a personal assistant service, they may rep for other authors and you may not get a second opportunity. 

And of course, you may be hugely disappointed in the swag category. Authors really do appreciate their street teams, but they aren't usually big publishing houses, so the very cool branded hoodie, hat or book tote may only go to one of the group, and it may not be you - even if you do post the most, or have the highest number of views etc. 

 I decided recently to join a Street Team for Ruby Dixon's upcoming Book - Villain Origin Story.  Let's chat about why I decided this would be right for me. 

Why did I decide this would be the one for me? 

 I've read well over 10 of Ruby Dixon's novels and while I have some favorites (and some non-favorites) I really love her stories and find them to be ridiculously relaxing between more serious reads.  I knew I was excited about her book, and would have no problem promoting it.  I would have promoted it without being on the team!  Having read so many of her prior works, I feel that this book is unlikely to go in a direction that would clash with my reader values. 

I know Ruby's stance on AI, and I am in agreement with her stance. (NO AI generated images) so I knew I'd be comfortable with making all my promotion clips and images human generated. 

Ruby Dixon is an author I already post about on socials so, suddenly promoting a new book is a natural progression, and doesn't take my social accounts in an unexpected direction- in other words, my viewers are expecting posts like this. 

I have had good interaction with her PA group and know that they are easy to work with.  They usually request creation of posts within a reasonable time frame, providing templates and key points about the books, but also allowing the creator to create their own creations as well. 

 Am I hoping for some amazing Ruby Dixon Swag?  WELL HECK YES!!!!!!!! Will it happen? It may not.  Ruby is wildly popular and I am sure a lot of folks joined up. But I know I've got a chance! 

 So, if you're going to join up on a street team - here are my thoughts. 

- Pick an author you know. Make sure you've really liked several of their books, so it's easy to promote them. 

- Make sure you agree with their creative stance and vision. Some Book tokkers were a little embarrassed recently when it was noted they were enthusiastically reviewing AI generated books, while stating that they were against AI.  You don't want your street team activity to damage your own brand on socials. 

-Read the expectations carefully.  If you are a busy parent with a career who likes to post occasionally, this may not be an opportunity that ends up being fun for you. 

If all of these things line up for you- Take the Plunge!  You'll get access to fan groups and get to meet lots of folks who like the same books you like!  Custom designed graphics can make post creation easy for those days when you don't feel the *Spark* and you'll get early access to a book you were likely going to read anyway. 

Have you joined a streeet team?  How was your experience? 

Book Review: Said the Dead by Doireann Ni Ghriofa

 

This book is a treasure.  It is an excellent combination of an interesting topic, brilliant writing, and clever imagination. 

In this mixed genre book readers experience something magical- part memoir, part history and part imaginative fiction, this mash up works to transport a reader across decades. 

In Cork, Ireland, a derelict Victorian mental hospital is being converted into modern apartments. Our writer, calling themselves "the reader" throughout, is inexplicably drawn to this building and it's history. 

The building itself seems to have called to her. 

Our modern reader takes on a task to discover what she can about the buildings inhabitants, the residents, workers and physicians all come under her careful scrutiny.  No stone is left unturned to discover the voices of these people- previously unheard. In this way, the inhabitants of this building are laid to rest as a new generation and building take over. 

The reader continues to live in the modern world, but is increasingly also "in" this Victorian timeframe, experiencing the daily lives of the mental hospital. 

The lines between past and present seem blurred, and as a reader myself, I did start to question the sanity

of "the reader" 

The reader does indeed follow the threads of existence to the very end, to give closure to all of us readers, and perhaps herself. 

      I had an advanced copy of this on Audio- as well as an Electronic version, and I read the entire thing immersively.  Highly recommend.  The audio is narrated by the author, so every phrase, and every inflection seem so pointed and perfect allowing a certain atmosphere to be created.  The print novel has actual photos from this asylum, which further immerse readers, and helped me to understand exactly how "the reader" could be so drawn to these persons, long dead, who spoke to her through history, photos and the barest of physical artifacts found at the demolition site! 

 

I did not expect to love this book, but by the end I was entranced.  This one is a must read. 

It asks focus and attention from the reader, but the reward is immense! 

Vibes alone- 5 stars! 

First Published :  9/2/26

Pages: 368

Available as an Audio Book :  Yes  ~ 9 hr 

Trigger Warnings: Death, misogyny, Irish politics, mistreatment, mental health,  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Harbour of Hungry Ghosts by Eliza Chan

 

I was delighted by Eliza Chan's Harbour of Hungry Ghosts. I feel like I've been reading more and more ghostly stories, despite my outer Space Theme, alas. I do not regret for one moment this one.  

Spoiler Free Summary: Because spoilers are just the worst! 

Kiamling is a young demon hunter. She's being trained under the very strict eye of her remaining family. (Demon hunting, of course, has risks!) Kiamling is certain that she's on top of things and finds the constant training and criticism to be exhausting. She's become prickly, angry, and suspicious of anyone offering good will. She knows the British are coming in droves to Hong Kong and she's not a fan, but she does take all opportunities to earn a buck off these dunderheads. 

During a Hungry Ghost Festival things go awry when the British officers fail to respect the local customs. A beast, unlike anything she's seen before is on the loose. It takes something precious to her, and leaves her vulnerable.  Can Kiamling conquer this beast? She'll need to figure it out first. As she's battling, it seems these creatures don't play by the old rules. To win, she'll have to rely on more than just herself. As a reader, I did finally sit down for a mega 3 hour reading session to finish this one, because I needed to know what happened ASAP. 

This is a unique and inventive "East Meets West" novel where frightening British fables mix with terrifying Chinese folklore. 

I loved the action scenes- on par with any RPG lit type novel,  a funky love triangle which IS safe for work and for young adults, and learning a little bit more about the intersection of British and Chinese culture. 

This is one to pop on your TBR.  It comes out July 28 and if the cover is as gorgeous as the cover on the E-galley, I am also going to love it for it's artistic cover! 

First Published :  7/28/26

Pages: 400

Available as an Audio Book :  Yes

Trigger Warnings: Death, monsters, brothels, kidnapping, paranormal happenings, law enforcement, drug use/abuse,  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review- Our Infinite and Inevitable ends by A. D. Sui

  I received an advanced copy of this book from ECW press.  I really like ECW because they are always producing some unusual titles with all sorts of perspectives.  I loved the Iron Garden Sutra from Sui, so I was down to try another one. 

  One thing that A. D Sui is- is original.  Their novels are not the same story with a new twist or different characters.  They are wholly unique and well realized each time and every time you get really superb writing that flows- making it easy to read even when slipping through unfamiliar and somewhat complex concepts and situations. 

We open up on "the Great Garbage Patch"  where Cas is working to try to save the world- literally- using s science to do this.  (This isn't part of Sui's imagination, this garbage patch exists. Click here for more info.)

Cas is exactly where she wants to be, far from her Ex- Yana who is a pharmaceutical researcher. The world is being taken by Storm by a new pharmaceutical, Deleria which allows users glimpses of alternate realities, and a future where some of Earth's problems may be solved. Cas is not immune to this drug and when Yana is killed in a blast and Cas is arrested as a possible domestic terrorist, Cas dives deeper in to Deleria until she's got to make a choice to spiral into a deleria delerium or to live in the now. 

This is a well put together book that reads more like a fast paced Cli-Fi thriller rather than Sci Fi, though there are Sci-Fi elements. It is a great one for book clubs as there is a lot to discuss from each chapter. 

For me this is not going to be my favorite A. D Sui book. Predictable because I am a SPACE SHIP Junkie, and this pretty much takes place on the mundane earth. For others looking for sharp discussion on the state of the Earth and climate, the pharma industry (side notes only) and sapphic relationships- this will likely be one they will want to pick up. 

  I'm unclear if this would qualify as a weird girl book, and I'm leaning towards no.  There are "girls" in the book and they are a bit weird, but it doesn't have that Weird girl vibe. That said, it does have a vibe and the vibe is definitely OK. 

First Published :  10/27/26

Pages: 312

Available as an Audio Book :  Maybe? 

Trigger Warnings: Death, Ecological disaster, law enforcement, drug use/abuse,  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: The Dragon Has Some Complaints by John Wiswell

 

Many Thanks to Astra House Publishing/DAW  for an advanced E-galley of this novel. All opinions are my own, of course. 

This novel comes out July 14 in the US and July 16 in the UK. We do have a cover battle situation. I really was a fan of the US cover... and then out of an abundance of curiosity - I looked up the UK cover and now... I'm torn.  Of course, because I had an E-galley, I don't really have any cover at this point in time.  ALAS, AlACK, ALAY. I will eventually remedy that but will I find that UK cover?  I want that UK Cover, and I want that US cover. And I do not have that kind of book money. 

John Wiswell is an author that can really- really tell a tale. I was sure that "Someone you can Build a Nest In"  was going to win the Hugo last year. It did not but it was definitely in contention. 

I then picked up Wearing the Lion- and proceeded to just groan with laughter and love for our main characters. 

So- when I saw this choice from DAW, I was primed to wonder - what the heck is John Wiswell up to with a straight up dragon story. 

Reader friends, this is a dragon story with so much. So So Much, Heart, humor, drama, tragedy and joy that I had a hard time containing my heart.  BUT... it didn't start out that way for me. 

    It starts off with this very cantankerous 3 headed dragon that used to be a 4 headed dragon. As a dragon, our Main dragon character is beastly.  They smell bad, act cowardly and sullen, and are grumpy. Their body is broken and messy. They have terrible breath, and--- no one likes them.  I didn't even like them. They are it seems in some sort of war time situation with some dragons being tamed and pampered battle steeds for a human settlement, and many more resisting working with the humans.  Humans, of course, seem to eff everything up. 

   To be honest, I may have put this one down at this point, but Wiswell, that smart feller- he then hooked me in as our main Dragon character - MDC... finds himself wholly rejected by the Dragon community and in desperation, finds himself rescued by the humans after a battle. Once rescued, he is assigned a DISASTER HUMAN, Raina. 

    Wiswell had the nerve, readers- to write a character that was SO fully relatable that I thus was fully sucked right in and had to know what was going to happen to Raina, even though... she was so relatable-that I had a hard time really LIKING her. I recognized all of the parts of me that I am not particularly proud of- on display, in a book- that was not about me... but yet, was it? I had a couple of uncomfortable chapters there.  

 SO we start off with me feeling like our MDC is so despicable that no dragon will host him, and our MFC Raina is such a disaster that her kind also sort of shun her. 

NORMALLY- as readers, we generally....feel the pangs of sorrow and understanding for those underdogs of the pages.  Wiswell created such wretched creatures that I felt like I'd likely flinch away from both the dragon and the human.  AND THEN... HE MADE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH BOTH OF THEM. 

What the what.  What did he put in this one. 

 Chapter after chapter, I started to love the fantastic disaster that Raina honestly is, and the transformation of our MDC (Garrodigh) from a miserable broken creature into a focused, magnificent fearsome dragon. These two magnificent and imperfect creatures take on invaders who seek to destroy them, and uncover a secret that is even more fantastical. 

I had so many reactions and hot takes that I do wish I'd done a series of "video reactions" as I was reading, but alas, I do work a full time job - not in publishing or media- so you get this word vomit here. 

I was locked in until the very end. I will freely admit, there's something... in this novel.  I laughed, and cringed, and cried enormous tears. I shared one passage with a friend- one passage- and she was suddenly sobbing too. (ONE PASSAGE, not the whole book- she didn't know anything but that one passage).  I'd love to share that with you, but but but the book isn't out yet. 

PUT THIS ONE ON YOUR TBR. 

Firstly because the story - as it unfolds is marvelous.  There is some quirky, amazing worldbuilding and dragon lore which I am sure Wiswell got from somehow real time dragon interaction- no way he just made that all up in his head- (Dragon sleeping habits have to be observed)  An inventive floating city, aloft on dragon magic (I mean, yes please!) and more. 

Secondly because so many of us have said we want to read stories that represent all kinds of people.  And this dragon fantasy- has organic inclusion of disability, trans persons, elderly persons, mental health struggles and more. So many novels attempt to be "representative" and it reads as inaccurate, forced or performative inclusion. Not this one. All of this just flowed in a way that made me say- of course, yes, this is the way of things. 

Will I be lining up on release day?  It will depend on my book money situation, but I will definitely definitely be cheering this one on no matter what. 

First Published :  7/14/26

Pages: 400

Available as an Audio Book :  yes 

Trigger Warnings: death, xenophobia, fire, fire injury, bullying, war, war injury,  Alcohol use, injury, miscommunication "trope", (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Black Hole Guns for Hire By Friday Strout

 Book pals, you may have noticed that I do not do a lot of Indie author reviews here.  I don't really read a lot of Indie published books. There are two reasons for this:  Firstly I do a lot of my reading via Audio-book, and secondly, I've been sent a lot of Indie works that weren't quite ready for readers- with an expectation that I will provide a 5 star review. That said- Indie's are so important. They often move us beyond what one of the Big Five publishers would consider "marketable" or "profitable" and provide readers with unique views and perspectives. 

   I felt that Black Hole Guns for Hire really did give me a different perspective, and I'm happy to recommend it - for certain readers. 

I was immediately smitten with the cover. It just screamed adventure, with a smidge of irreverence! If you are curious about the cover art (I was)  it was "made with Reedsy, a Designer based in New Zealand." 

   In short this story encompasses all sorts of current issues within an exciting space adventure. Lina Bho is captain of a Space Transport Junker. After retiring herself from the United Earth Marines, she's completing her transition with a rough and ready crew at the edges of the universe.  Things start out rough for Lina and crew, and only get rougher as the story evolves. They are stalked by pirates and aliens as they realize that the United Earth has stranded billions of people to control a rebel stronghold. Lina and her tight knit crew have only one chance, and a slim chance at that- to survive this. If you, like me, have to know what happens in this fast moving, lit-rpg type novel, you'll have to read to find out! 

    

      For me this novel did read a bit rough and ragged around the edges. I loved the diverse representation within the novel that was natural and not didactic or weird. I also enjoyed all the space battles, movements and machinations of the ships, and crew. I was less fond of the very stridently masculine tone of the novel, but that was possibly a "me" thing that may not affect other readers. Definitely a book to recommend for the Trans-rights readathon which occurs every March. I wouldn't wait til March to pick it up though, it comes out May 28th and I know it's one that will surprise and broaden reader's horizons! 

First Published :  5/28/26

Pages: 177

Available as an Audio Book :  possibly? 

Trigger Warnings: Violence, death, on page sexual content, alcohol use/abuse, war, gratituitous references to women's body parts (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Jitterbug by Gareth L Powell

 A big thanks to Net Galley and Titan Books for the Advanced reader copy of Jitterbug!  This comes out March 4th and I'm sure it will appeal to many Sci-Fi/Fantasy readers! 

The cover design is awesome! I love the depiction of space, the person in the vast void and the overall feel of the cover. It goes very well with the actual story line so that is also very cool.

  This will appeal to readers who have enjoyed Becky Chambers novels and those who have liked Adrian Tchaikovsky as well. 

    Readers are given a fast paced quasi-first contact story from multiple points of view. Our main character is a bounty hunter who was born within a new settlement that isn't bound by earth! He's accompanied by a rag-tag crew of folks who are all (of course) low key geniuses at their jobs. Each character has a backstory which is presented usually in a monologue form when the character themselves is ruminating on their life so far. I will admit that even with the backstories, I did find it a bit hard to feel a bit of attachment to any particular character. This is possibly due to the speed of the book itself. 

    As they travel, making deals and squeaking by their story is told through the bounty hunter, a government official, the actual space ship (it's sentient!!!) and a legendary space pirate that they pick up on the way. The crew and their "guests" are placed in an almost impossible situation and must make adjustments and choices rapidly, leading readers breathlessly catching up to the twist at the end which reveals quite a lot- and one I didn't particularly predict.

    This one would be perfect for a new adult audience looking for new Space based fantasy!  There's lot of action, compelling characters and surprising twists all the way through. 

First Published :  March 2026 

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book : Coming soon from Recorded Books   

Trigger Warnings: parental death, sibling death, murder, piracy, child death, (please note, most deaths are minor part of this novel, but they do occur), space battle, near death,  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

 

Book Review: Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews

  Many Thanks to Net Galley and  ACE publishing for a reader copy of Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews. 

LJ Andrews is well known in the romantasy world -  She's published a number of books independently and Broken Souls was picked up by Ace, a division of Penguin.  I personally had never read any of her novels, so when we saw this on Net Galley, my reading buddy and I both were granted a copy and did a buddy read. 

 Interestingly, i chose it because I thought it would something my buddy would just be all about, in the end, it was me who liked this book better!

NO SPOILER review-  BECAUSE SPOILERS ARE THE WORST! 

This is a romantasy inspired by Norse mythology and customs. 

Lyra has been stolen from her people, and hidden away as she possesses a certain magic that's prized above all others. She doesn't know about it or how it works, she just knows she needs to remain hidden.  She serves in the household of a Jarl and disguises tell tale markings with a special dye. All goes well until she's discovered in a raid and taken - along with her steadfast friend and protector - to a frightening kingdom. There, she learns to practice her craft, and finds herself strangely attracted and repelled by a guard who only speaks with his hands.  As time passes, raids on the area increase and tensions rise within the settlement. Lyra is forced to face who she is and could become, and to address her growing feelings for the guard. 

 For me personally, I enjoyed the story- it has a slow burn build up to a very frenzied last few chapters where much is revealed. There were some very satisfying moments where some truly terrible characters get their due. I'm definitely interested in reading book two.  My friend pointed out that it's also available as an audiobook, and I listened to a bit of it, and really loved the narrators. 

   If you like romantasy and haven't picked this one up- I'm sure it would be for you, it's got all the tropes we love- secret identities, forbidden love, a unique and easy to understand magic system that's rooted in Norse myth/practice, and a main man who will burn the world for his love. 

STATS

First Published :April, 2025

Pages: 480

Available as an Audio Book : Yes!

Trigger Warnings: violence, blood, bullying, Non-traditional relationships, on page sex.

Not a full list - please read responsibly.

Happy Publication Day!

   Book Two in the Ex Romana Series by Sophie Burnham is out in the world! 

BLOODTIDE  continues the adventure in an alternate world where the Roman Empire never fell. Apocalypse is coming, and unlikely alliances are being formed.

 I did receive an advanced reader copy from DAW- Astra House - and I can't wait to post up that review!

   This is a complex fantasy read which will appeal to readers who have wanted just a little more from their novels. Fully fleshed out characters, surprise twists and turns, and a storyline full of thought provoking moments.  And a story this complex is nothing with out some messy, complicated relationships! 

    And the COVER!  Design by Adam Auerbach   and illustrated by Simon Prades ( who is also know for his work for the New Yorker) - this one is a stunner!  

 Let me know if you pick this up!  Happy Reading! 

Book Review: A Pack for Winter by Eilana Lee

 Sometimes,  a reader needs a bit of a cozy read.  Life has been really tough for me in the past 2 months, and when I saw this adorable cover peeking out among all the thrillers and tell-alls on Net Galley, I decided to request it! I just could not with another piece of yearning speculative fiction. 

It may be the ridiculous piece of enjoyment that got me through that last two weeks. 

This cover is adorable. I couldn't ferret out who exactly designed it, so I hope there is an actual designer behind it. 

    This is classic Omegaverse.  If you aren't sure what that is, the linked post on reddit explains it well.  I personally, can only really tolerate so much omegaverse at a time.  It's an interesting concept and the fact that is started as fanfic, and evolved is super interesting to me. 

   Our story is one of Ivy, a dedicated teacher and omega finding her pack.  One day she's lugging a fish tank around for her students, and then next she's basically being courted by 2 alphas and a very special beta male. So special, she names her beta fish after her beta male.  (ok folks, that may be considered a spoiler, my huge apologies) 

 There is nothing entirely stressful in this novel. Ivy and her pack go through some adjustment issues, and issues with her Ex. and some jealous co-workers, but overall... it is a delightful progression of a relationship pack.   I admit I was hoping for more Christmas, but this book isn't really a Christmas novel even though Christmas happens in the novel. 

   I especially loved that many of the characters were from different backgrounds- this enriched the story without being the main focus. 

So, if you are looking for something that is VERY spicy (4+ chili peppers!) and very low stress, this is a read you'll want to pick up.  Recommended with a cup of hot cocoa, and a cozy warm blanket!

Many Thanks to NetGalley, Eliana Lee, and Putnam for the advanced copy. 

First Published : 12/17/2024

Pages: 336

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: mental health, jealousy, sexual content, emotional manipulation, bullying.

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly. 

Book Review: Your Knife, My Heart By K.M. Moronova

 Ok, so, there's no water theme here. 

I do like to dabble into the dark romance genre from time to time. 

I love the overblown intensity of emotion, the impossible situations, the deus ex machinas employed to "fix" things when everything goes so horribly wrong. 

So, enter an ARC copy of  Your Knife, My Heart. 

It is true that a very deluxe edition comes out in November, (perfect for gifting your romance loving reader)  but my copy came across as an ebook file on my reader. SO no super cool stabby sprayed edges, decorated case, or end papers. 

  I have a theory that often books that aren't the best get the sprayed edge treatment to boost sales.

  I was delighted that this one did not disappoint from the story standpoint!!!! 

  So, lets do a quick review with no spoilers, because as you know, I abhor a spoiler. 

This is the story of how Cameron and Emery come together in brutal circumstances. He's a lethal asset in an underground military group- but he's got a teensy problem- his partners keep ending up dead. Emery was shaped into a deadly assassin and when she's caught, she's given a "second chance" in the military group. Did she request this? Oh no... but she's a fighter and she's going to grab any chance for survival 

   Emery is predictably both frail appearing and extremely tough. Cameron's terrifying, but with a load of trauma, that possibly... just possibly Emery can be "the one" to heal.  Despite the predictable nature of the plot line, I can say I had a great time with this novel. Lots of morally gray to black characters, action, and some mild insanity interspersed with RoMAnCE. (sort of.) When I pick up a dark romance, I take a lot of pleasure in wondering how the plot line will be executed (no pun intended here.) I'm not looking for a novel that will permanently alter my world perspective, I'm just looking for a good time.  Moronova delivers that time in spades, and then leaves us breathless with a cliffhanger! 

So this is NOT a book club read, unless your club is dedicated to the Dark Romance genre ( my book club ladies would go for Ali Hazelwood  but not for this!) It's definitely one to enjoy with a decadent chocolate snack and a warm cozy set up. 

Giving this one 3 chili peppers out of 5.  Definitely a spicy book with lots of heart and passion. 

Many thanks to Net Galley and Bloom Books for sending this eARC my way. It was the perfect read in between some heavier non-fiction reads! STATS

First Published : 11/11/25

Pages: 304

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: death, drug use, blood, medical situations, violence, murder, Sex, Military type situations, mental health situations. 

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly. 

 

Book Review: Salvagia by Tim Chawaga

  I was very hesitant to pick this up when I saw it on NetGalley.  The cover was so cool and the premise was good, but would my own expectations get in the way? 

I am so glad I finally hit the request button and even more glad that Simon and Schuster sent me the Advanced Listener Copy.  Another Banger for 2025!

  I did a little digging about and it seems that Tim Chawaga is a debut novelist that works in tech, and does not live in Florida. Despite all that, he captured a lot of what is great about Florida and some of the less great as well. I sunk into this novel, and honestly, I slowed the narration down to the very regular 1.0 speed  because I didn't really want it to end. 

So- interlude to talk about the cover.  The design is credited to Jim Tierney. I peeped at his website and saw a ton of books I'd picked up because of the cover. Seriously!  I guess... if you want to sell me a book, get Tierney to make the cover? 

SPOILER FREE SUMMARY  because spoilers are for losers, and I'm a total winner. 

Triss is living in a future Florida that is mostly underwater. Triss is a diver and brings up thing slike air conditioners for money, but... also Salvagia - which is essentially nostalgic salvage. Just like nostalgic items are valued today for the story attached to them, salvagia increases in value similarly. 

We join Triss and the crew as they salvage a specific shoe, but after some issues with the crew, Triss discovers one of the most powerful family heads chained underwater, dead. This is a problem! The after math of this discovery leads our main character on a adventure all over Florida, with risky diving, even riskier space races with "atmo-breakers", interaction with semi-sentient machines, real estate schemes and more. Triss is caught between the Feds, the powerful Florida "families" and her obligations to her friend who's seeking a third way (you'll have to read to find out about the ways). Can Triss and company carve out a different way of living that is sustainable and free?  Well, obviously you'll need to read to find out. I do hope you'll read! 

   Things I loved about this book and want to highlight? 

- Really solid world building that is easily understood.  Chawaga starts with a foundation that many know well- Florida. On top of Florida an entirely different world is created with just enough of the old mixed in with the new that the reader can easily immerse themselves in this new Florida setting which is a comfortable combination of the old and the new.  

-I never could figure out the gender of many of the characters. This simultaneously bothered me and intrigued me.  I really wanted to know, and then I was left sitting in my thoughts about why was it so important that I know.  I liked that this novel wasn't "about gender"  but without being about gender, still gave me a lot to think about regarding gender in society. 

-Realistic while being futuristic.  I read a lot of romance, and I appreciate the genre because it is predictable to a T. (We get a happy ending, the heroine never dies in the villains clutches etc). In Salvagia I had a few moments when I realized that some places/characters were not going to be revived/reintroduced and as disappointing as it was to my heart, I liked it a lot because indeed, the world doesn't save everyone.

-Mechanical alligator.  Need I say more?  I think not. 

As a person who accidently came to live in Florida and love it for many of it's quirks and weirdness (It could be a little less weird these days!)  I really loved the imagined sunken cities, the salvagia and the typical freedom seeking folx depicted.  It seemed to capture the essence of Florida now and into the future. 

Highly recommend! 

STATS

First Published : August 2025

Pages: 272

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: Death, climate issues, blood, medical situations, violence.

Not a fully TW list, please read responsibly. 

Book Review: Cowboy It's Cold Outside by Maisey Yates 3/5 stars

 Every year in July, I like to read at least one Christmas novel.  It's hot, everything here is miserably humid and just reading about colder weather is very very welcome. 

So when I saw this very cute cover over at NetGalley,  I decided to request it! 

  I'll just say - there is nothing new under the sun in this romance.  That said, it delivers exactly what the cover promises! Generally when I read romance, I'm not looking for a stunning new life revelation, so this was perfect!  We have a FMC, Sheena  who is tough as nails, but also smart, sassy and sexy.  our MMC is Denver, and he's really been living lately mostly to make amends for his Father's mistakes- some of which directly affected Sheena and her family. 

  Sheena decides it's time to call in the favor that he's promised quite some time ago. She wants help starting up a business. Despite skepticism from his family, Denver knows he's going to offer that help.  What he doesn't know is that he's going to fall for Sheena as the season gets chillier! Sheena is just as caught off guard when she realizes she doesn't like seeing Denver with anyone but her! Yates digs into themes of family trauma, guilt, forgiveness and trust. All these complex emotions are of course resolved with a little bit of love, because this is a Happy Ever After ending book!  One kind of disappointment for me is that there isn't a whole lot of ranching being done at Four Corners Ranch, but that also gives the novel a very contemporary feel as there are fewer working ranches these days and more folks in that area branching out into viable business ventures, just like Sheena and Denver are doing.  I admit, I had real expectations of branding cattle, inspecting fence posts on horseback and other "ranchy" activities.  Despite the Holiday cover, I did kind of feel like the Holiday wasn't really the emphasis of the novel and so I did not get my usual Warm fuzzy Jingle Bell feeling from this one, which detracted from my joy, but might be just exactly what someone else wants, less holiday hoopla and more healing and growth! 

This is the ending of the Four Corners Ranch series, and as a newcomer to the series, I can attest that it isn't necessary to have read the other books in order. This comes out in October, and would make a good gift for the romance reader in your life, even if, of course, that romance reader is you! This looks like a perfect gift to top off a stocking! 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and Maisey Yates for this ARC.

STATS

First Published : Coming October 2025

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book :YES planned release on same day at the print novel. 

Trigger Warnings: parental death, drug use (not on page) alcohol,   As always this is likely not a complete list, so please read responsibly. 

Book Review: Canticle by Janet Rich Edwards 5 stars

  I picked this book up as part of Net Galley's Summer Camp reads!  I was immediately attracted to the cover, but I was not sure how I would feel about the book. It is historical fiction, and I'm very hit or miss on historical fiction.  But, I am a sucker for a good cover, and this is a really really nice cover! Though the more I gaze at it, the more the hand looks... kind of odd.  A little too large and doesn't quite match the person it's attached to.  I have not been able to unearth who did the cover, but... maybe I'll have a bit more time to seek it out soon.  I am hoping it isn't an AI piece. 

It's a debut novel for Janet Rich Edwards, and if you're a historical fiction type of reader, this is worth putting on your TBR. 

Spoiler free review- because Spoilers are just.. NOT IT. 

    Readers dive into the 13th century Bruges  where wealth is measured in wool and social station is highly prized and protected. We meet Aleys- a young girl who's prone to visions and deep passionate feelings, specifically related to the church. I'm unclear if she would have been prone to religiosity in a different time or if that was simply because that was what she had exposure to in her sheltered life.  Her only exposure to books is her Mother's richly illustrated psalter which Aleys covets. 

I imagine the psalter may have looked a bit like this:

Printer Of Teghen Die Strael Der Minnen, Printer, Prosper Louis Arenberg, and Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection. Alle die Epistelen end Euangelien metten sermonen vanden gheheelen iare. [Gouda Printer of Tegen die strael der minnen 23 June, 1484] Pdf. https://www.loc.gov/item/65058916/.

Aleys is smart, passionate, and also stubborn and proud. On the eve of her wedding (which would secure her and her families social standing) she runs to join a religious order. There she is tasked with an almost impossible seeming task and to make progress she must reexamine many of her notions about others, God, and her place in society. Change is afoot in the religious community (and the world as a whole).  Forces greater than Aleys and her local religious organizations are at play. Aleys must confront her place within this complex situation and, like all young people, make the choices that will determine her life.

   As a novel, this book does move at a leisurely pace, with a lot of room for Aleys, and the reader to reflect on religion, prayer, and community. (It is not a religious book, but a book about persons who were highly involved in the religious life at the time- so readers be assured, this is not a religious propaganda type of novel at all.) I found I enjoyed it best by absorbing a few chapters at a time. 

   Strengths of this novel are the richly detailed descriptions of life in that time period, and the insight into the Catholic church in that time period. I often felt as if I could step right into the Beguine's dormitory, or touch the wool prepared for the market. As a non-Catholic, the explanations regarding different orders and roles flowed easily and did not feel didactic.  Aleys herself is a compelling character, though I can't say she is particularly loveable, she was peculiar and interesting and I did want to read on to see how things would play out for her and the community.   This is an excellent read for book clubs as historical fiction is very book club popular, and this is a unique time period that isn't well represented in the historical fiction landscape. 

This book is scheduled to come out in December, just in time for holiday gifting!  While I have an electronic copy (Thank you to Spiegel and Grau and Net Galley for the advance reader copy)  I suspect this one may make it on to my wish list. (I'm on an economical book buying ban, but I know I can use all the holidays and birthdays for book hauls!!!  Hint hint!) 

Editing now to add that the audio book has come out, narrated by Lucy Rayner and she gives the book a great read without becoming distracting from the narrative! 

STATS

First Published : December 2, 2025 (Scheduled) 

Pages: 368

Available as an Audio Book : YES! 

Trigger Warnings: Medical content, fire, confinement, death Sexual assault, violence, sexism, mental illness,sexism, animal death - as always this is likely not a complete list, so please read responsibly. 

Book Review: The Night Birds By Christopher Golden 4/5 stars

 If you are looking for a suspense/thriller novel that doesn't rely on some of the usual thriller tropes and themes, this might be a book for you! 

I was so happy to be approved for the audiobook via Macmillan and NetGalley!  It fits right in to my Water 2025 theme, and, I could not resist the cover at all. 

(Cover art by Peter Bergting and Cover Design by Errick Nunnally)

To be 100% honest, I might have skipped over the title if I hadn't seen the cover. I'm not at all familiar with Christopher Golden, and the firs time I read the description, it... maybe didn't pique my interest, but darn it all, that cover! 

   In short (No spoilers!) Charlie and Ruby used to be an item, but, alas, many good things come to an end. Charlie's working for the state on a research project involving a partially submerge freighter ship with a team of characters who you'll come to love. As often happens in Galveston, a storm is brewing. Charlie's team part ways for the night, with Charlie intending on spending the night on the ship. Arriving at the dock he's confronted with Ruby- a very personal "blast from the past". She needs his help. She's got an infant in tow and obviously, they're running from something. So far this sounds exactly like a lot of thrillers you've read, indeed. I was settling in for this, when the novel took a macabre turn involving some very creepy beings, birds and lots of ritualistic behavior that had me floored. This novel has the suspense and the thrills but also come dripping in gore, pure terror, and dark creatures not of this world. There were some moments when I really felt I needed to look behind me while I was listening to this narration! While there aren't exactly "jump scares" in this gem, there are many moments which had me sort of sucking in a breath. I was surely engaged for all of it. In fact, I finished this in record time because  I HAD TO KNOW! 

  Overall, I had a lot of fun with this wild ride which takes place in a span of maybe 18 hours. It's well written and has a sort of cinematic feel to it, leaving the reader with very little time to catch a breath as the adventure rolls on. 

   The narrators for this adventure are Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins. I was never distracted by the narration, and felt that they did a great job with the super creepy, gory material! 

  This goes on sale May 6th.  I think it would make a great gift for Mother or Father's day - for the Right Mother and Father. (Mine will be getting some goat's milk soap- but others... might go for this wild ride of grim horror!)  

STATS

First Published  May 2025

Pages: 304

Available as an Audio Book : Yes

Trigger Warnings:  violence, murder, theme of abuse and loss, Supernatural killers, infant loss, natural disaster angry birds, 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)