Paved with good intentions by Peter McLean

Series: War for the Rose Throne (#5)

Format: 265 pages, Paperback

Published: January 15, 2026 by Arcadia

Fantasy/own

This takes place after the previous books, and yes I did miss Priest. But you do not have to have read those to understand this one. It is a new chapter.

Eline kills her husband because he was a controlling, abusive ahole. But then she also realises that she killed her husband and this is bad. The Queen's Men show up and offer her a deal and it is a bad deal, but it is better than being hanged.

Take a job at a local brothel and solve who killed a Duke.

Little bit of mystery, thriller in a dark fantasy setting. The world feels very bleak. But Eline is tougher than she thinks and grows a lot in this book.

I liked it.

Eline is a mother, a wife, and a survivor. But her life is about to change dramatically. Following an act of horrific - if righteous - vengeance, Eline is blackmailed into the service of the Queen's Men. She knows it will be a hard life of violence and fear. But Eline will do what it takes to survive, and to protect her children . . . and if she's lucky, she won't die in the process.

But the Queen's Men aren't just asking her to risk herself. They're asking her to risk everything she knows and loves. And if she fails . . . civil war and the deaths of everyone she loves will be just the beginning.

Audio: The Gate of the Feral Gods by Matt Dinniman

By: Matt Dinniman

Narrated by: Jeff Hays

Series: Dungeon Crawler Carl, Book 4

Length: 18 hrs and 3 mins

Release date: 09-16-21

Publisher: Audible Studios

Scifi, fantasy, action/own

What do I love most about this series? I have no idea. Maybe it is Donut writing in all caps, I can hear her voice in my head still. Maybe it is the total craziness, probably.

How to explain this one, well as insane as previous books. Feral gods, camel people, Carl blowing things up, people thinking Carl is crazy....Carl probably is crazy. Donut being the best cat in the world. I have seen these tees with Donut riding Mongo, and omg I want one!!!

Carl trying to take it all down from the inside. How, I have no idea. He is a tiny human being used as entertainment for trillions and trillions.

These are fun!. These has to be listened to as audiobook. THIS IS PRINCESS DONUT SPEAKING. When you know you know.

Obviously amazing narration

You failed a quest less than five minutes after you received it. Now that’s talent.

A floating fortress occupied by warrior gnomes. A castle made of sand. A derelict submarine guarded by malfunctioning machines. A haunted crypt surrounded by lethal traps. It was supposed to be easy. One bubble. Four castles. Fifteen days. Capture each one, and the stairwell is unlocked.

Here's the thing. It's never easy. Carl and his team can't go it alone. Not this time. They must rely on the help of the low-level, I-can't-believe-these-idiots-are-still-alive crawlers trapped in the bubble with them. But can they be trusted?

Welcome, Crawler. Welcome to the fifth floor of the dungeon.

The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman

Series: Book 3,  Dungeon Crawler Carl

Release date: 05-14-21

Length: 16 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher: Audible Studios

Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy

Narrated by: Jeff Hays, The Critical Drinker

I just realised I am 5 books behind on reviewing, oops. Ok Carl, make it fast

Carl and Donut enter a new level. This time there are trains, and stations filled with monsters, and trains filled with monsters. Did I mention monsters?

They will make crazy plans. Donut will be Donut. They will make a new friend, and Carl´s rep for being crazy will get worse. I mean this man is trying to save as many as he can!

Honestly, I can not explain this craziness. It is funny, it is wild, it is a ride you will not want to leave.

Oh and the narration is great

The top ten list is populated. The sponsorship program is open. The difficulty is ramping up. The first three floors were nothing compared to what Carl and Donut now face.

The Iron Tangle. An impossibly-complicated subway system built out of the world's subterranean railway systems, all combined and then tied together into a knot. Up is down. Down is up. Close is far. The cars are filled with monsters, the railway stations are less than safe, and the exit is always just a few stops away.

But there is hope. For the first time, the crawlers are all working together. The loot is better than ever. And the secret to unraveling it all may be hidden in the pages of a seemingly-useless book. Welcome, crawlers. Welcome to the fourth floor of the dungeon.

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jaqueline Harpman

Original title: Moi qui n'ai pas connu les hommes

Format: 188 pages, Paperback

Published: January 1, 2019 by Vintage

Sci-fi/fiction/dystopia/own

This book was amazing and just blew me away in its quietness. Its prose was lyrical, and I had as many questions going in as going out. That I understand is something that people would have an issue with. But for me it just made the book better.

It starts with an unnamed character being in a dungeon prison with 39 other women. They have been there for almost 15 years. They have fuzzy memories how they ended up there, they have been drugged and she was only a little child while the rest were women.

They are not alone to touch each other. There are guards patrolling outside the bars. They get whipped if they do something wrong. And they have no idea where they are or why.

It is a dystopic nightmare. No one is speaking to them, time has no meaning. One tried to hang herself but was stopped. Someone is always watching. The years tick by.

And then the questions start piling up. Wtf is going on? Why? And things happen that have me questioning more things. This is actually the sort of book that makes me want to analyze it and write about it. I actually think I have to read it again and take notes on everything.

Honestly simply amazing. It might not blow you away at once, but it will reach a point where you just need to know. And then when you do, you realise that this book is fantastic

“Survival is never more than putting off the moment of death.”

“Perhaps, somewhere, humanity is flourishing under the stars, unaware that a daughter of its blood is ending her days in silence.”

For a very long time, the days went by, each just like the day before, then I began to think, and everything changed’

Deep underground, thirty-nine women live imprisoned in a cage. Watched over by guards, the women have no memory of how they got there, no notion of time, and only vague recollection of their lives before.

As the burn of electric light merges day into night and numberless years pass, a young girl - the fortieth prisoner - sits alone and outcast in the corner. Soon she will show herself to be the key to the others' escape and survival in the strange world that awaits them above ground.

TMST

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating,

5/26/2026 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Summer? (June-August)

Omg I have one for once!!!!!! I am dyyyyyyying to read this one

Other than that I will try and work on the pile of books I have at home

6/2/2026 What are your favorite beach reads?

6/9/2026 What’s your favourite board/card game? 

6/16/2026 Have you ever been surprised by a book that you didn't expect to enjoy?

6/23/2026 Do you have any summer plans? If not, what would you like to do?

6/30/2026 Mid-Year Check-In: What books have you loved so far in 2026?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole´s Movie review: The sheep detectives

Title: The Sheep Detectives

Length: 1h 49m

Released: 2026

Genre: Comedy, Family, Mystery
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Drive-In Theater

SUMMARY:

Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I've been wanting to watch this movie since I saw the very first trailer. How freakin' adorable and funny! AND THERE ARE SHEEEP!!!!

Every night, George, the shepherd, reads aloud a murder mystery to his flock. He likes to pretend that the sheep can understand him, but he knows they are just sheep. Little does he know that they have been listening and understand him. When he is found dead one day, the sheep realize they are the only ones who can solve the crime, so they vow to help the local cop. 

This had everything. Cuteness, humor, sadness, mystery, and thought-provoking moments. I really adored it. 

The mystery was nicely done. I totally called it ;) I wasn't sure HOW it was possible, so I didn't get the how. I'll take it as a win. 

OMG THE WINTERLAMB! GIMME!!!!!! I want to snuggle the heck out of that baby. 

The cast was great. 

The ending had me in happy tears. 

I can't wait to watch this again. 

5 stars. 

Audio: Startup Hell by Caitilin Rozakis

Narrated by: Megan Tusing

Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins

Release date: 05-19-26

Publisher: Tantor Media

Urban fantasy/to review

Morgan works at a startup company. She is a total failure. Her family has magic, while she flunked out of magic school. Her mum is a total kickass huntress, and well Morgan is just trying to make rent.

And then her boss summons a demon and Morgan needs to fix this fast. First not let the mundane know, and second get rid of this demon.

Luke the demon is hot, and Morgan is obviously bad at magic. They must work together to fix the situation as it gets worse and worse.

Morgan was, well she was rather unhappy at times. And Luke, oh this demon was the sweetest! Demons have quotas too to fill, not his fault.

I did not know how, but it actually works out well in the end. Not to worry. I really had no idea how they would save the day.

The narration was good, and the narrator did a good job with different voices

Morgan Blackwater's mother is a kickass, world-saving, demon-slaying Shadow Council wizard. As for Morgan? Morgan's a junior salesperson at a tech startup. But with magic dyslexia and a disinclination to kick ass, Morgan is doing her best carving out a niche for herself in the mundane world.

Leaving work late one night, she discovers her boss dead from the effort of summoning a demon to trade his soul in order to make his quarterly target. The disturbingly-attractive demon, Lucareoth (Luke for short), is trapped here until he finds someone to sell their soul. While trying to sneak Luke out of the building, Morgan runs into her infamous mother. Apparently, someone has been summoning demons and she's here to get to the bottom of it.

Trying to protect Luke from her mother, Morgan gets sucked into the Infernal Plane and discovers hell really is a corporate nightmare. She only gets back home with a promise to deliver a human soul of her own. While her coworkers are really annoying, she's not willing to sacrifice their souls. The company's tech bro CEO is another story.

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis

Series: Queens of Villainy (#1)

Format: 294 pages, Paperback

Published: January 1, 2025 by Bramble

Fantasy, romance/own

Awww this was sweet. Such a good find, I am glad I got it.

Felix needs to get away from the guy who is ruling his Dukedom in his stead. He is fearing for his life and he finds his way to their enemy . The wicked Witch Queen.

Saskia has a fierce reputation, and is looking for a librarian. Then this stranger shows up and calls himself Fabian, she gives him the job thinking he is a dark mage.

Saskia is dealing with protecting her kingdom, Fabian Felix is organizing the library. They become friendlier and there is something there.

And it is all told in such a cozy feel. So this was a cozy fantasy with a bit of romance. I enjoyed it a lot.

In a Gaslamp-lit world where hags and ogres lurk in thick pine forests, three magical queens form an uneasy alliance to protect their lands from invasion…and love turns their world upside down.

Queen Saskia is the wicked sorceress everyone fears. After successfully wrestling the throne from her evil uncle, she only wants one to keep her people safe from the empire next door. For that, she needs to spend more time in her laboratory experimenting with her spells. She definitely doesn’t have time to bring order to her chaotic library of magic.

When a mysterious dark wizard arrives at her castle, Saskia hires him as her new librarian on the spot. “Fabian” is sweet and a little nerdy, and his requests seem a little strange – what in the name of Divine Elva is a fountain pen? – but he’s getting the job done. And if he writes her flirtatious poetry and his innocent touch makes her skin singe, well…

Little does Saskia know that the "wizard" she’s falling for is actually an Imperial archduke in disguise, with no magical training whatsoever. On the run, with perilous secrets on his trail and a fast growing yearning for the wicked sorceress, he's in danger from her enemies and her newfound allies, too. When his identity is finally revealed, will their love save or doom each other?

Audio: Mr Hurst´s return by Jann Rowland

By: Jann Rowland

Narrated by: Harry Frost

Series: Netherfield Returns, Book 2

Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins

Release date: 05-19-26

Publisher: Tantor Media

Pride and prejudice variation/to review

Another pride and prejudice variation because they are always fun! And this was a first for me. The boorish Mr Hurst returns to Netherfield alone. And it seems he is not such a bore after all.

Mr Bennet finds a friendly soul in Mr Hurst. Lizzy understands there is more beneath the surface when he protects her from someone. And Mr Hurst realises that Jane is miserable and he decides to do something about it.

But there are still bad people out there, Mr Wickham, and Miss Bingley who is a nuisance.

I liked this variation, I had never thought to see Mr Hurst takes such a role to bring them all together.

Good narration and the different voices and everything flowed well.

When Mr. Hurst returns to Netherfield just days before Christmas, the last thing anyone expects is for him to change the lives of those around him—least of all Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.

Once dismissed as idle and indifferent, Hurst surprises society by showing both wisdom and heart. As he observes the strained relations between his friends and the Bennet family, he begins to intervene in quiet but decisive ways. His efforts, born of regret and newfound purpose, set in motion a chain of events that might mend what pride and misunderstanding once tore apart.

In a season of reflection and renewal, even the most unlikely gentleman can become a catalyst for love.

TMST

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating,

5/19/2026 What is your favorite flower?

How did I miss it is Wednesday and I am a day late?! Been really busy.

I really do not know. Sure roses are nice, orchids are nice. Most flowers are lovely to look at. Honestly any flower in a vibrant color is great. I love flowers, from the shy tiny flower you almost miss in the woods, to a gigantic sunflower.

5/26/2026 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Summer? (June-August)

6/2/2026 What are your favorite beach reads?

6/9/2026 What’s your favourite board/card game? 

6/16/2026 Have you ever been surprised by a book that you didn't expect to enjoy?

6/23/2026 Do you have any summer plans? If not, what would you like to do?

6/30/2026 Mid-Year Check-In: What books have you loved so far in 2026?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole´s Monday: Echoes of the heart

 

Author: Susanne Ash

Title: Echoes Of The Heart

Series: The Alphabet Sweethearts

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 56

Published: March 4, 2025

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Ben Holloway has spent his life protecting the Juniper Falls Mountain Preserve, following one rule above trust the land, not people. Raised by a single mother who warned him that everyone leaves, Ben’s past experiences have only reinforced her words. The last thing he needs is an ambitious wildlife photographer disrupting his quiet world with her bold ideas and relentless optimism.

Natalie Quinn is passionate about conservation and believes a visitor center at the preserve could inspire others to protect the wilderness. She didn’t expect her proposal to face fierce opposition from the gruff and stubborn park ranger—or to end up living under his roof after spraining her ankle during a rescue mission.

Forced to spend time together caring for an injured eagle, their sharp disagreements begin to give way to shared respect and undeniable chemistry. But when Ben’s insecurities and Natalie’s outsider status collide, old fears resurface, threatening to tear them apart.

With hearts—and the future of the preserve—on the line, Ben and Natalie must decide if they’re willing to take the ultimate trusting each other.

Review:

This is such a fun short series, and I love this town!

This time, we are following Natalie and Ben. The two love nature and want to protect it, but they have HUGE disagreements about how to do so. During a rescue mission to save an injured eagle, she sprains herself in the process. Ben saves her, saving an eagle, and now he's taking care of both. They realize how much they actually have in common and how much chemistry is between the two. However, Ben has deep insecurities, and Natalie is an "outsider" who will probably not stay. 

I liked this one. Natalie and Ben are sweet. They both care about nature. However, their ideas of conserving nature are vastly different. He wants to lock nature away and keep anyone from it. Natalie wants to make it open to the public to teach the people. Educate the next generation! 

Very sweet, and I loved watching them fall into friendship and then love. It was quick, but it worked for them after being stuck with each other. 

But yes, I can't wait for more from this town. It's sweet and quick. 

5 stars for this. 

Yumi and the nightmare painter by Brandon Sanderson

Series: Hoid's Travails (#2), The Cosmere Universe (#18)

Format: 365 pages, Paperback

Published: January 1, 2023 by Gollancz

FantasyScifi/own

I am conflicted, I love Sanderson, but it is just...this was sort of dull.

I love the idea of it. Two worlds, two souls that visit each other. Yumi is powerful for her people and not really allowed to do anything except get spirits to come. Then she ends up in another world and meets Painter, but as their souls kind of switched he is kind of a ghosts. Painter as she calls him protects sleeping people from living nightmares, but now he cant do anything. Except when he is in her world, where he is in her body and there he is helpless too and the people wonder why she can not bring out spirits anymore.

BUT, I do not know, I was kind of meh about the whole thing. I did not give up, cos hello Sanderson. But for me this was not one of his better ones

Yumi comes from a land of gardens, meditation, and spirits, while Painter lives in a world of darkness, technology, and nightmares. When their lives suddenly become intertwined in strange ways, can they put aside their differences and work together to uncover the mysteries of their situation and save each other’s communities from certain disaster??

The door-to-door bookstore by Henn Carsten

256 pages, Paperback

Original title: Der Buchspazierer

Format: 256 pages, Paperback

Published: August 29, 2023 by Bonnier

Fiction/own

I really enjoyed this one! Sure the chapters were really long, and the book was short. But it felt like I could take it in smaller pieces there. One longer chapter and some rest for it not to go by too fast.

It is about Carl, he is 72 and in the evenings he brings books to people. He enjoys it and he names his costumers with literary names. He does not really work at the bookstore anymore, he just goes on his rounds to bring the books people ordered. And then one day he meets a young girl who has named him Bookwalker and wants to see what he does with his books. And through her eyes he sees the people he meet to often with new eyes.

Just lovely. New beginnings, new friends and such good prose. I really enjoyed this book.

There's a book written for every one of us...

Carl may be 72 years old, but he's young at heart. Every night he goes door-to-door delivering books by hand to his loyal customers. He knows their every desire and preference, carefully selecting the perfect story for each person.

One evening as he makes his rounds, nine-year-old Schascha appears. Loud and precocious, she insists on accompanying him - and even tries to teach him a thing or two about books.

When Carl's job at the bookstore is threatened, will the old man and the girl in the yellow raincoat be able to restore Carl's way of life, and return the joy of reading to his little European town

Audio: Carl´s Doomsday scenario

By: Matt Dinniman

Narrated by: Jeff Hays

Series: Dungeon Crawler Carl, Book 2

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Release date: 04-22-21

Publisher: Audible Studios

Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy

So I asked on threads if I should just get the audiobook and people were like yes!! And hey I understand why. This book is perfect as an audiobook! Non stop action. And audible had a sale and I might have bought books 2 to 6. I was crazy.

A new level. Carl and Princess Donut is going strong into Over City. This time they get an actual city, npcs, a market, a club, and a whole lot of monsters trying to get you. Carl is introduced to quests, they still have to be on stupid shows, and they make friends, and enemies.

I can't explain it, you have to live it. These books are crazy, intense, funny! I was hooked and yes I did enjoy the audio even more. Or maybe book 2 was even better than book 1 which was great. But hey I am an audiogal after all.

Just give them a try. I was really unsure the genre was for me, but I am glad I tried.

Obviously great narration.

"The training levels have concluded. Now the games may truly begin."

The ratings and views are off the chart. The fans just can't get enough. The dungeon gets more dangerous each day. But in a grinder designed to chew up and spit out crawlers by the millions, Carl and Princess Donut need to work harder than ever just to survive.

They call it the Over City. A sprawling, once-thriving metropolis devastated by a mysterious calamity. But these streets are far from abandoned. An undead circus trawls the ruins. Murdered prostitutes rain from the sky. An ancient spell is finally ready to reveal its dark purpose.

Carl still has no pants.

Audio: A folly of youth by Amy D´Orazio

By: Amy D'Orazio

Narrated by: Elizabeth Grace

Series: The Engaged to Mr Darcy Series

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Release date: 10-02-23

Publisher: Quills & Quartos Publishing

Pride and prejudice variation/historical/audible

I decided to try all in this series. All the ways they could get engaged.

In this one Lizzy sneaks out to a houseparty when she is 17...in London! And it is not a normal party, now it is much much worse. She is "rescued" by Darcy and then the long wait begins. Her uncle say they must marry, her father refuses to give in, Darcy refuses to marry her.

3 years later they meet again when Darcy wants to court someone and he needs to get out of this "engagement" it is not real, but neither is he free to marry.

Darcy was a right horse´s ass in this one. So proud and did not give in.

Lizzy suffered for years ass people realised something was wrong and she was shunned. And her family treated her bad.

Bingley grew some balls, good on you Bingley!

Lizzy needs to marry, and Darcy will help her. And they fall in love! After much drama.

Another fun variation, even if Darcy was such an ahole. I thought they would never end up together. This one was a tough one.

Fun narration. All well done

My own folly had endangered me, my preservation I owe to the kindness, the integrity of another…

IN 1808, ELIZABETH BENNET is young, curious, and in possession of an invitation to a London party which she ought not to attend. Unable to resist the temptation, Elizabeth indulges her wish to see a party of the beau monde and finds herself in a dangerous situation. She is saved from a desperate fate by Mr Darcy of Pemberley but relief is short-lived; Mr Gardiner arrives and demands satisfaction on behalf of his young niece’s honour. BOUND FOR THREE YEARS—with no intent to marry on either side—Mr Darcy and Elizabeth both resolve to do as they must to end their unwanted almost-betrothal. Mr Bennet however refuses to allow it, fearing that Elizabeth’s character will bear a permanent stain that no amount of time or money could erase. Together, Darcy and Lizzy contrive a plan to overcome her father’s Darcy will find her someone else to marry, thus relieving himself of the obligation. THE FOLLY OF THEIR YOUTH, it seems, might be set to rights after all, until feelings arise which complicate the scheme. But will they realise their true attachment before it’s too late?

TMST

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating,

5/12/2026 What's a skill you'd like to master? 

You  know what, I would LOVE to paint or draw. Instead I draw worse than my kid. And she is always helpful saying that I need to practice, but I am pretty old and I have drawn a lot, and nope, I just suck.

5/19/2026 What is your favorite flower?

5/26/2026 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Summer? (June-August)

6/2/2026 What are your favorite beach reads?

6/9/2026 What’s your favourite board/card game? 

6/16/2026 Have you ever been surprised by a book that you didn't expect to enjoy?

6/23/2026 Do you have any summer plans? If not, what would you like to do?

6/30/2026 Mid-Year Check-In: What books have you loved so far in 2026?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole´s Monday: Sight Unseen by Alexis Marie

 

Author: Alexis Marie

Title: Sight Unseen

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 393

Published: March 1, 2026

Where I got It: My shelf (Goodreads giveaway)

Summary: 

Veda Thorne is living on borrowed time. After exhausting every magical cure for the fatal curse trapped inside her, she’s accepted her fate. But Veda’s self-imposed isolation begins to crack when she’s asked to tutor Antaris, a child whose pain calls to her own.

Hiram Ellis left his wealthy, prejudiced family years ago. Now unexpectedly thrust into single fatherhood, he returns to his hometown, determined to build a life far from the cold privilege that stifled his own childhood. The last thing he expects is to be drawn to the fiercely protective, sharp-tongued woman helping his son.

When a trail of enchanted spider lilies leads Hiram and Veda to discover their deadly tie to a prolific serial killer, they’re forced to set aside their differences to unearth long-buried secrets. But the truth is as deadly as Veda’s curse, and both come at a devastating cost. As victims mount and motives emerge, their greatest challenge is choosing to trust and love each other.

Review:

Yayy. Another random giveaway book that I won! Weeee! 

Note - even though I was given this in a giveaway, my review will be honest and unbiased. 

In this one, we follow Veda and Hiram. Veda is living on borrowed time because of the curse that was placed on her. She wants to just live and be left alone. However, her isolation cracks when she is asked to tutor a boy whose recent loss resonates with her. Hiram left his wealthy, but prejudiced, family years ago. He wants nothing to do with them or to be like him. Fatherhood is dropped on his lap. He had no idea his ex had a baby, and now that she is passed, he will do his best to give his son the life and upbringing he never had. He hires Veda to help get his son on track, but he didn't expect to fall for her. On top of all this, there is a trail of spider lilies that is pointing to a serial killer. The two will have to put aside their differences and figure out what is going on. 

This book was a roller coaster for me. One moment, I was glued to the pages and couldn't stop reading. The next moment.....I was clock-watching and bored. And then I was itching for more and wanted more. Def all over the board with this one. 

I went back and forth on how I felt about Veda. I liked Hiram. The kid was sweet. Poor angel.

Peter was nice. I would've liked more of him. 

Some of the side characters seemed cool, but we needed more time with them. Some felt a little....2D?

The mystery was interesting enough. It didn't get really good until a tipping point.

The ending was lovely. Nice bow there. 

Honestly, I would've loved more romance. Yes, yes, I did enjoy the enemies-to-lovers aspect, but it took SOOOO long. A hair too long for my liking. Maybe a few more kisses would've been nice. Oh! Maybe a scene or two of them being close to kissing after fighting. 

Overall, this had a lot of potential, and it would make for a nice series, methinks. I would love to explore more of the world and the system. Maybe some side characters can have their moment in the sun. I wanted more out of this, but I did enjoy lots of it. Thus why it was an emotional roller coaster for me. The parts I liked...I LOVED. The parts I didn't like? Meh.

3 stars. 

Reading Challenges:

- Reading Romance Challenge #14 (Published 2026)

Audio: Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong

Narrated by: Kate Handford

Series: Book 4,  A Rip Through Time 

Release date: 05-20-25

Length: 14 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Historical mystery/own

Yay, I read one more! This one was a tad different. They all travel to attend a wedding, but of course there is a murder. They do want to investigate, but the local police (a tool) is in charge.

Mallory accompanies Gray, Isla and Mccreadie to his sister´s wedding. She is again put in that weird position as she is not staff, but she is not a real guest either. And most people do think she might be Gray´s mistress (she wish).

That whole thing is something they do think about here. She thinks about Gray´s reputation, he thinks about her. And they do totally fancy each other.

Murder. Who did it? They dig deeper, and try to stay out of the sight of the local cop.

A good mystery with deep disturbing roots. I liked this installment. It was fun to see them away from the city

Great narration. She is always good

After slipping 150 years into the past, modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson has embraced her new life in Victorian Scotland as housemaid Catriona Mitchel. Although it isn’t what she expected, she's developed real, meaningful relationships with the people around her and has come to love her role as assistant to undertaker Dr. Duncan Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie.

Mallory, Gray, and McCreadie are on their way to the Scottish Highlands for McCreadie's younger sister's wedding. The McCreadies and the groom’s family, the Cranstons, have a complicated history which has made the weekend quite uncomfortable. But the Cranston estate is beautiful so Gray and Mallory decide to escape the stifling company and set off to explore the castle and surrounding wilderness. They discover that the groom, Archie Cranston, a slightly pompous and prickly man, has set up deadly traps in the woods for the endangered Scottish wildcats, and they soon come across a cat who's been caught and severely injured. Oddly, Mallory notices the cat's injuries don't match up with the intricacies of the trap. These strange irregularities, combined with the secretive and erratic behavior of the groom, put Mallory and Duncan on edge. And then when one of the guests is murdered, they must work fast to uncover the murderer before another life is lost.

Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong

Series: Haven's Rock (#3)

Format: 368 pages, Paperback

Published: February 17, 2026 by Minotaur Books

Thriller/own

Srsly, how do they do it? They built a new town and still there are murders! Poor Casey, she is 8 months pregnant, and it is a risky pregnancy. And now someone is almost take, and then they later do find a dead naked body. They tried so hard getting the right people in, people who needed to disappear, who were in danger. And still someone snuck in. Or was it an outsider?

Casey and Eric is on the case, suspects are many. But the who and why? And she is supposed to take it easy!

Haven´s rock is up there with Rockton now, places I would not want to live in. Nope. But then you never really know anyone. Nowhere is safe from psychos.

Fast and easy read. Thrilling. I did not see it coming

Haven’s Rock is a sanctuary town hidden deep in the Yukon for those who need to disappear from the regular world. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are starting a family now that they’ve settled into their life here. As Casey nears the end of her pregnancy, she lets nothing, including her worried husband, stop her from investigating what happens in the forbidden forest outside the town of Haven’s Rock.

When one of the town's residents is drugged and wanders too close to the edge of town, she’s dragged into the woods kicking and screaming. She’s saved in the nick of time, but the women of the town are alarmed. Casey and Eric investigate the assault just as a snowstorm hits Haven’s Rock, covering the forest. It’s there they find a frozen body, naked in the snow. With mixed accounts of the woman's last movements, the two begin to question who they can trust—and who they can't—in their seemingly safe haven.

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis

Format: 368 pages, Hardcover

Published:  May 27, 2025 by Titan

Urban fantasy/own

Well this was different, and it really has a lot to do with the PTA.

Vivian´s daughter is horribly mutilated and bit by a werewolf...and now she is one! Wtf to do?! The werewolf clan gets them into a magical school, but life is hard.

Everyone has powers. There are sirens, wizards, you name it. And Aria stands out, not everyone is all shifter friendly. And who knew kindergarten was a cut throat business? You have to do well in 3 trials cos else you are kicked out of school.

Vivian navigates trying to prepare her child for kindergarten, the trials, a scary prophecy going around, and even scarier PTA ladies. It is hard to know who your friend is.

I liked it, but it took a few chapters, mostly cos we were as thrown into this world as Vivian was.

Two parents and their recently-bitten-werewolf daughter try to fit into a privileged New England society of magic aristocracy. But deadly terrors await them – ancient prophecies, remorseless magical trials, hidden conspiracies and the PTA bake sale.

When Vivian’s kindergartner, Aria, gets bitten by a werewolf, she is rapidly inducted into the hidden community of magical schools. Reeling from their sudden move, Vivian finds herself having to pick the right sacrificial dagger for Aria, keep stocked up on chew toys and play PTA politics with sirens and chthonic nymphs and people who literally can set her hair on fire.

As Vivian careens from hellhounds in the school corridors and demons at the talent show, she races to keep up with all the arcane secrets of her new society – shops only accessible by magic portal, the brutal Trials to enter high school, and the eternal inferno that is the parents’ WhatsApp group.

And looming over everything is a prophecy of doom that sounds suspiciously like it’s about Aria. Vivian might be facing the end of days, just as soon as she can get her daughter dressed and out of the door…

TMST

 

 

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Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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