Shut Up and Book Up!

Book Review 5 out of 5 stars! First and foremost! This is the second part to the duology. The books are set within the same world and there's mention of events from the previous book. Some spoilers but if you wish to read this one as a standalone it won't ruin anything. * * * * "So, this is how I die. It's even more dramatic than I expected." - Briar At least that's what she thought would happen. Brair ran from part of her past into the woods and toward the forbidden cave. Running into Wick because for once the rumors townsfolk whispered about were correct! Which given her predicament and limited choices death by a Skullstalker was the better poison. Instead, the two form an odd friendship. Due to a curse from a wizard who couldn't handle being told no, Brair needs to sleep with someone once a day or die. Wick helps her out with that but also being her bodyguard throughout her journey to getting her cure. She tries to keep her distance and not get attached...

Book Review 4.5 out of 5 stars! "Even if he fed her and made her a dress, he was still dangerous." - Ruby Ruby's a witch who's losing her powers. Determined to save the smalltown she calls home and possibly get her magic back she journeys into the Skullwalker void. Knowing that she may never return home alive because Bygone's are known for devouring humans. But she has to try! Plus, she has some magic left and a trick up her sleeve! Ruby didn't expect the Skullstalker to be approachable in a way. He doesn't instantly devour her and even he agrees to help her in a timely manner. Though she may have trapped him into doing it. Only when Ruby finds out the mechanics that go into renewing the ward spell, she may be rethinking things a little. The two grow closer as they realize training is needed before either can fulfill the ward ritual.  "I am a guide. This is the void of wanderers. I lead souls where they are supposed to be." - Slate I was excited ...

Book Review 5 out of 5 stars! "After all, I'm not exactly a catch. I'm a monster. A cyclops, to be precise, so not even one of the hot kinds." - Ren Everyone knows the pains of the dating world, which has only gotten worse in modern times. Dating apps galore! For Ren the rejection or no matches at all is even worse when he's tried both monster AND human dating apps with no luck! Ren just wants a mate like his other monster friends in Moonvale! He wants romance, love, and to be able to cherish someone. Luckily watching his favorite camgirl and interacting with her through chat keeps his spirits up. He was content with just being a silent viewer, but his orange cat had other plans in mind. An accident from Mango places Ren in a private call with his spicy camgirl! What will our big sweetheart of a cyclops do?! "I'm still a giant, but inside I'm a marshmallow." - Ren Emily's books just have something about them that I love. They make me feel war...

Book Review 5 out of 5 stars! First and foremost, these novellas are best read in order. They can be read out of order but some spoilers from previous novellas and Leigha and Calvin's story. * * * * "It was a treat to have no agenda, and she decided in that minute to enjoy the moment and not feel rushed." - Leigha Calvin and Leigha are on another vacation abroad! This time to Amalfi Coast, Italy! Leigha and Calvin decided to take a spur of the moment trip without Merry's famous agenda packet. The two needing a break from their respective careers. A local recommends a hiking destination for them. But while enjoying the beautiful scenery and sunrise on the Path of the Gods a fellow tourist takes a tragic fall. The two try really, really hard to stay out of the case this time. This one just keeps yanking the two back in begging for the couple to solve another murder mystery on vacation! A part of reading a series by the same author is seeing the growth in the writing! I ...

Manga Review 5 out of 5 stars! Releases June 17, 2025 "So, what you're saying is, I get to enjoy both a male and female version of you?! Okay then. . .I guess we're a couple." - Saki Makoto was ready and prepared to turn down another dare, love letter. Being a boy who cross-dresses he's used to the cruel acts' others will do to have a good time at his expense. But Saki is nothing like he expected! She declares her feelings for him and doesn't run away in disgust when he shows her that he's not a girl. Instead, Saki is determined to win Makoto's heart! Ryuji however is there and ready to throw Saki out the nearest window if she dares to hurt his childhood friend. Saki gets the sense that Ryuji isn't just protective over Makoto because they're childhood friends. Can Makoto allow Saki to get close to him? Will he reciprocate Saki's feelings for him?  "I'm going to be your first love. Don't say I didn't warn you!" - Sa...

Manga Review 4 out of 5 stars! Releases June 17, 2025 "What I'd give to be on stage with that voice." - Gen Gen is the guitarist of Eve. A college band that sells out at their events! At one of the gigs, he meets Mike who's in another band called Adam. The two are complete opposites of one another but their respected talents draw them both in. Mike's voice sends Gen to another state of mind as he listens to the songs. Mike can't help but be captivated by Gen's guitar skills and sound. The closer the two get and connect over music and gigs the more feelings grow. Some not spoken aloud because their songs translate everything for them. But is it okay for them to be involved since they're in different bands? Friendly rivalry and all that. This is a quick, one-shot BL manga. I was drawn into the scenes of when the two experienced the others musical talents. The way the artist captured the feeling of hearing certain songs and being transported away. Inspira...

Book Review 5 out of 5 stars! First and foremost, these short novellas are best read in order! Recaps of previous book and some spoilers! * * * * "I could definitely get used to an annual trip to a sunny location." - Calvin After events in Cabo, Mexico and a famous article written by her boyfriend! Leigha's decided she wants more out of life and her career. Switching it up to criminal law! And in celebration of her graduation her mom gifted her two tickets to Costa Rica! Leigha cannot say no and of course, Calvin has already been accepted into the Plunkett clan! Leigha likes him a bit as well. But as the two are settling into a week of vacation and following Merry Plunkett's packed agenda and reservations things go south when a fellow tourist is found dead! Leigha and Calvin waste no time jumping into action again whilst on vacation! I enjoyed the first novella and had to dive into this second installment. I love this one more than the first! We still have a very ligh...

Audiobook Review Narrator Kitty Kelly 5 out of 5 stars! First and foremost, it's best to read or listen to these books in order. We get recaps of the previous story and some spoilers! My review may also contain some spoilers for book one, "The Expectant Detectives" . * * * * After roughly a year living in Penton and adjusting to the country life Alice thinks she's got the hang of things. Jack is now fourteen months old! Alice and Joe are trying to settle into their new roles as parents. Navigating through dirty diapers, sleepless nights, and mysterious fluid stains not to mention Helen being Helen! Everything was calm and falling into place until Alice got dragged into a peaceful protest. Elsa and Poppy getting carried away by something other than parenting for a night! No kids or Helen in sight and able to relax against a tree. But the next day brought more than they bargained for when a fellow protestor is found dead! Here we go again! Will Alice be able to stay out...

Manga Review 5 out of 5 stars! "I'll take ANYONE at this point. Be it man, woman, human, or even the undead. . ." - Sakura Sakura Amamitsutsuki is worn out! Being short staffed, taking care of his youngest brother, and managing a bathhouse for his grandparents is a lot. Luckily or maybe unluckily a vampire decides that Sakura's family's bathhouse is the perfect remedy for his mental/physical fatigue and hangover. Sakura did declare he would take anyone. He just didn't intend for it to include a pact, a demon familiar, a vampire who makes annoying advances, and chaotic supernatural situations. Maybe he should have been more specific when calling out to the Universe. . . I was looking through NetGalley because I haven't read a manga in a while. Coming across this amusing title and falling in love with the description! I've missed reading mangas! The artwork is classic, simple, and beautiful. Enjoyed watching the array of emotions on Sakura's face, pr...

Book Review 5 out of 5 stars! "Things following me on vacation is something I can relate to." - Leigha When it rains it POURS at times! After a major misunderstanding with a guy, she thought she was exclusive with, Leigha decides to hop on a plane. Arriving in Cabo, Mexico early for her parents fiftieth celebration. Only to get a text from her boss that she may no longer have a job?! Refusing to allow things she cannot change, or control weigh her down Leigha embraces this vacation. I mean the breathtaking scenery, her mom's lengthy itinerary list, and Margaritas will help to relax her. But when a body is found and the hotel management seems to be so blaze about the matter Leigha may just have to solve things. It's so she can have peace of mind and truly relax! This is a very quick read! Roughly sixty-eight pages of fun. I kept feeling like this was a Saturday morning classic cartoon. Scooby Doo vibes minus the large friend group and Scooby. Fast paced, very lighthear...

Audiobook Review Narrator Kitty Kell y 5 out of 5 stars!   Alice decided the best birthday present for her partner Joe was a baby! Though to be fair she didn't plan on that or even imagine she would be pregnant at thirty. Maybe a little later. Nevertheless, the baby is coming and like most soon-to-be-parents the chaotic city is no place to raise a child. Penton seems like the ideal place to peacefully and safely raise their first born. There're also natural remedy practices, hippies, and environmentally conscious residents of this small town. Everything would have been picturesque if it wasn't for the murder. The sleepy town is about to be shaken awake by this case unfolding. Being a prime suspect Alice and her new-found, expectant mums decide to do a little investigating themselves. All on maternity leave or otherwise they have nothing to do but wait for their due dates. So why not be like Mrs. Marple? All those sleepless, crime binging nights are about to pay off, hopeful...

Audiobook Review Narrator Laura Edwards 5 out of 5 stars! Have you ever messed up so badly that you just need to get on a plane and leave it all behind? Well, Carina does just that! It's time to move forward and wipe the slate clean. What better place than Jamaica! Being part Jamaican, Carina wishes to reconnect with her roots and see all the things her mother talked about.  Carina is to be a nanny for the Hall family. A prominent and political family on the island who run a tight ship within Blackbead manor. Carina's fine with this because she wants this change and needs it! But something is haunting her and causing issues. Could her past be catching up to her? Did she truly think she could escape? Is this thing a piece of someone else's past?  Maybe with the help of some newfound friends she will be able to get to the bottom of things before it's too late. I was surfing through Libby trying to find my next read when I found this book. I loved the narrator's voice ...