Shut Up and Book Up!

Book Review 4.5 out of 5 stars! "And don't let the train leave without us." - Liam "But how am I to keep the train from leaving?" - Bruce Liam's received an invitation to a weekend getaway from his beloved sister at her country estate. Undoubtedly it was from her since her husband, Roderick, does not like him. Making a very, very last minute plus one Liam drags Bruce along for the show. Because if Liam knows anything it's that there will be drama at the Endicott estate just not the kind he's normally used to. Upon arriving Liam finds he wasn't the only one to make changes to the guest roster list. Tea will be served hot tonight as tensions rise upon hearing everyone's dirty laundry at the dinner table. Thanks to one stink of a man named Oscar Maxwell. A well-known decorator and scoundrel/all around arse who no one mourns when he mysteriously dies. The only problem is an innocent man is accused of foul play, and Liam cannot stand for it! He wi...

Audiobook Review 5 out of 5 stars! Narrators: Vivienne Leheny Caitlin Davies Megan Tusing Jamie Renell Erika Turnbull has an opportunity of a lifetime fall into her lap! A chance to prove to her small-town that she's worth something and to possibly line up career opportunities for the future! Bonus points that her boss is hot even though he's about to marry a different woman. But she can be an adult about this and not get in the way. She will be the best assistant possible and succeed in helping her employers win first place on To the Manor Build! Kim however can tell something is up and her momma intuition is pinging! Especially after attending the wedding of Holly and Robert upon the couple going missing shortly after. She refuses to allow the town and a cop with a grudge against Erika to bury her daughter under rumors and false accusations. But will Kim be able to help her daughter before things are too late? Especially since Erika is trying to be independent and not letting...

Audiobook Review 5 out of 5 stars! Dual Narrators: Brittany Pressley  Xe Sands Madeline Drake didn't want a big, extravagant gender reveal! Just a simple, cute party with a cake filled to show whether they were having a boy or girl. Only when you are practically royalty amongst the horse ranches of Wyoming there's no choice but to have an all-out-party with no limits. One that ends in an explosion and tragedy. Secrets are about to come out as investigations are held for the aftermath and chaos of the event. The gender reveal is about to make headlines just not the way anyone intended. . . Jamie Saldano is on the case and hoping to find answers that this was all an accident. Things just aren't sitting right with the incident or maybe ghosts from his past are haunting him. Clouding his judgement and reminding him why he left this small-town community centered around the Drakes. Or was he meant to come back and possibly solve unfinished business alongside this current case? So...

Book Review 5 out of 5 stars! They say to write about what you know and Rose knows her brother was innocent of the crime that took place eleven years ago in their hometown. She was there for all of it except for that fateful night, but she knows in her bones that Will did not murder his high school love. Writing a book to prove his innocence and that not everything was as it seemed. Being away from her subjects helped her to write freely. But when her youngest sister is reported as missing, she has to get reacquainted with her fractured family, the small town she grew up in, and the family next door who she caused more tragedy for. Her search for her sister will lead her down dark memory lane and reopening her brother's case. Could the same person who ended Alex's life be the one who kidnapped Hazel? Will her true crime book be the key to everything?! I honestly didn't write down any cool quotes because I was so engrossed in this read after a long spell of DNFs. I just want...

Audiobook Review 5 out of 5 stars! Narrator Shiromi Arserio First and foremost, this is book three of the series and I find it best to listen to them in order. Especially with this one and how some of the cast from the first two make their appearances. Spoiling things as they compare notes on the respective nights, they spent with the Huntress and her team.  * * * *Insert cool quote here* Isabeau doesn't have to travel far for her next big case. Here she is trying to enjoy a vacation from monster hunting and solving human mysteries and death finds her. Well, it wasn't like Isabeau could actually relax even if she wanted to. How does one do such a thing? Hunter's Eve is supposed to be a week and nights full of celebration and spooks. But for our beloved party they get all the tricks and no treats. A high-profile murder has been placed at the top of their list along with another murder that was very public as well, just not as important. To top things off a werewolf has decid...

Manga Review 5 out of 5 stars! First and foremost! This is the Grimoire Edition which includes Volumes 1-3! So possible spoilers ahead. I do love that this compilation of volumes and bonus content is called the Grimoire Series! Very fitting for the story! * * * "It never gets old. Magic is amazing!" - Coco A picture book about magic and a wand to go with it changed Coco's destiny the moment she exchanged money for it. She's been enamored by magic and has wished constantly on all the stars to become a witch! But one has to be born one and she wasn't. Only is this the actual truth? Qifrey the Witch stops in her small hamlet to purchase some things and help out a magical item. Coco tried, she really did, not to peek in on Qifrey using magic but curiosity won out. Learning the truth of things opened a whole new world and one Coco soon has no choice but to become a part of. Feeding her hunger for knowledge and understanding that magic can be utterly breathtaking but th...

Manga Review 5 out of 5 stars! "Y'know you're kinda cringe when you're in love. Meek is not a good look on you." - Mizuki Aito never wanted to fall in love especially after what happened when he did! Love at first sight usually brings butterflies and flushed cheeks. Instead, he's collapsing to his knees with sickness and pain. The Little Mermaid was real, and he finds that he was her in a past life! The curse remains and now he has to try and endure. Solution = just avoid boy he fell in love with. Simple. But destiny has other plans. . . Cornered Aito finds his peaceful college career is going to get very complicated. The boy turned man is in his school and needing his help with a project!? Maybe with the help of Mizuki, Aito will break the curse and be able to finally speak to Toru! "Happy endings are a fuckin' scam." - Aito I found this manga and was drawn in by the cover! After reading the synopsis I had to request it through NetGalley! I did ...

Audiobook Review 5 out of 5 stars! Narrator: Shiromi Arserio First and foremost, I highly recommend reading this series in order! There are some spoilers for book one and we get more insight into this interconnecting world. You can jump into this installment, but you will miss out on some backstories and how characters came to be included in Isabeau's life! * * * Isabeau Agarwal used to be a lone Huntress. Chasing Eldritch Horrors and other mythological beasts down and completing her orders swiftly and efficiently, "thank you very much". Only now her hunting party has grown to four including herself?! It was only supposed to be Isabeau and Evie carrying out the vague orders given by the nobles', but plans change in the most hilarious and chaotic of ways!  No matter, Isabeau will carry out the task and see it through. Though as the journey on the maiden voyage of The Lamplight Express continues things become more bizarre and deadly. A murder occurs, it seems the Huntre...

Book Review 3.5 out of 5 stars! Releasing April 28, 2026 "I wasn't always a time-traveling thief." Mei can open gateways into the past, being pulled to different eras for purposes unknown. Why not nab a few things while trying to figure out what she's meant to do?  When an old friend approaches her with an opportunity to help out a museum, Mei can't pass it up. Especially when the item was a symbol for gay love back in Ancient China! As she struggles to obtain the jade peach, she discovers things about herself including more about her Chinese heritage. Being Chinese American has been a struggle, but the time jumps into Ancient China has helped her connection grow. First off, the cover art is stunning! I was drawn in by the artwork and spent a good deal studying it before I actually dived into the read! Jenn So is the artist. I am also a big fan of any and all mythology, so this read seemed up my ally! "I'm made of sunset and dawnlight, but he doesn't ...

Manga Review 5 out of 5 stars! "The manga I have written so far. . . None of it is my own work." - Haruta Like many creative people, Haruta hit a wall. A writing AND artist block back in high school! Unable to achieve anything she was ready to give up entirely. Until a tragedy lands a special notebook in her hands that leads to a very successful career as an adult. Only now with a new deadline approaching fast she finds herself unable to make anything. The guilt after all these years is also weighing heavily and she believes it's time to come clean. She stole someone's future and wants nothing more than to return it all to him! Something hears her drunken cries and throws her back ten years. Haruta will return the notebook, redeem herself, and maybe save Yukishima-Senpai! "You gotta push past the embarrassment and do whatever you can." - Yukishima This was a sweet and rather emotional read! Wasn't expecting to feel so much within the first volume of the ...

Audiobook Review! 5 out of 5 stars! Narrator: Shiromi Arserio Ms Isabeau Agarwal has come to the end of her hunt having finally cornered her quarry! But she won't have an easy time this night because of the unruly storm, the quaint countryside inn itself, and the guests who reside within. Life is never simple and certainly not for a Huntress of supernatural monsters. She must find out whom amongst the guests is the liar. Her quarry being a monster who can wear its victim's skin and mimic the person exactly! To round out the already tense night a murder occurs dragging the Huntress into a whodunit. But maybe in solving the murder mystery she will unmask her beast. The clock is ticking down, and insurances have already been put in place if Isabeau fails her hunt before dawn. . . I unfortunately do not have any cool quotes from the read. When I listen to audiobooks I'm usually cooking and unable to stop and write down quotes from the read. I was browsing Libby looking for ano...

Book Review! 5 out of 5 stars! “Alex has this vibe of, like…if everything finally went according to plan, then he could relax. But nothing’s ever gone to plan, so he can’t.” Alexander's life hasn't been the same since he failed that one fateful mission. Spending the last three years living paycheck to paycheck and trying to scrape bye. Missing his family and the comforts of his family home. But he must prove himself to them and so he homes in on a werewolf pack. Aiming to take down their Alpha and present the head to his parents. Only he can't seem to manage this feat on his own and a member of the pack would like nothing more than to see his Alpha dead. Begrudgingly Alexander agrees to team up with Tobias, but only until the mission is complete and then neither breath a word about their alliance. Little does Alex know that Tobias has just found his mate. Tobias cursing the universe's sense of humor! But if this mission is a success will Alexander even want to run away ...

Book Review 3.5 out of 5 stars! Releasing April 13, 2026 "They're a funny lot, the Maple Close residents. They always were, even before the awful murders."  Daisy has had to flee back to the safety of her Grandad's home in a gated cul-de-sac community. Her last true crime podcast unearthed some truths and sent the correct man to jail. But not everyone was thrilled with the outcome of justice. Daisy tries to take it easy and unwind in this familiar home and area not willing to dive into a new podcast. Until a neighbor approaches Daisy with a plea for help. Wanting Daisy to figure out the truth behind The Wise Monkey Murders and possibly find her guilty teenage girl, now woman, innocent! Daisy tries to stand her ground; she really does, but curiosity is such an alluring mistress. She soon finds herself tumbling down the rabbit hole and wondering if any of the Maple Close residents can be trusted. Someone really doesn't want this case to be reopened. . . I love a goo...

Comic/Graphic Novel Review Complete Edition of Issues #1-4 4 out of 5 stars! "Why can't guys be like they are in the novels?" - Clara Coming off a breakup and ignoring the "let's talk messages", Clara wants a passionate romance. One that rivals the fictional novels she reads! Deciding to test out the new and advanced AI dating service she creates the man who stars in her spicy books! Getting encouragement from her friends she subscribes and soon forgets all about her ex. Technology is great until it malfunctions. . . A glitch causes things to go south as Clara starts to realize there's a reason one should separate fiction from reality. But can she stop her possessive, stalker Android in time?! I was scrolling through NetGalley when I saw Maria had a new comic up for review! I had to read it! I love the simplicity and beauty of the artwork and how so much is conveyed through addition of lines and colors! And the psychology Maria presents in her works, thi...

Book Review 3.5 out of 5 stars! "I came here for one alien husband. I think you have me confused with someone else." - Fiona Fiona decides to follow in the footsteps of her friend, Amara, and take the plunge! Applying for the Galactic Matching Program and hoping to find her forever, even if her forever may look a bit nonhuman. Only when a "clinical error" occurs, she finds herself with TWO alien husbands!? And she has to pick one of them?! Through many trials and errors Fiona finds herself falling for both of her husbands. Frills, tails, and all. Though both are claiming Fiona's their fated mate and accusing the other of lying. Will this be happy, don't have to choose ending? Or will the guys make the choice easier for her with all their bickering. I was excited for the next book in the series and the fact that there are two aliens! I'm a sucker for a why choose romance. You do not have to read the books in order! Brief recap of what's going on, why ...

Manga Review 5 out of 5 stars! "I knew I was right about you. You're the perfect target." - Issei Truck-kun strikes again! Mia's about to make the biggest decision of her life and announce who her husband to be is, only that famous truck got her first. Waking from a coma, Mia finds that she has lost all her memories. Suffering from amnesia she has to try and retrace her steps to figure out who the man she fell for was. Lucky for Mia the man of her dreams will be right by her side every step of the way. Problem is there are four of them?! One of them being a con artist who is very upfront about that and Mia being his mark. Is that really all she is to Issei? Mia will reestablish her past and unlock everything but, in the meantime, she may just fall in love with these men all over again. ". . .I'm the one who decides who I get to be from now on." - Mia I wanted a cutesy manga to read, and I ran across this one. The cover and description had me, not to ment...

Book Review 4 out of 5 stars! "Her brain was protecting her, just not from what everyone assumed." A missing, teenage, girl case has been resolved and with a happy ending! Hazel has escaped her captor and fled to safety. Finding herself back at home with her parents where she is safe. But everyone wants to know what happened to her four years ago! Who took her? And the biggest question of all: where are the other two girls? Hazel can't remember and doesn't want to remember that night. It was all her fault and the biggest mistake of her life. But as she starts to sift through her memories and ignoring his haunting words of "don't remember". Hazel finds that the images are taking on a new light that don't seem to add up to the story she knows or thought she knew. . . What really occurred that night!? I enjoy reads from this author and how she weaves in suspense while keeping up that tension of a thriller until the very end. I was so engrossed I didn...

Book Review 5 out of 5 stars! "So, what are you gonna write?" - Maddie "Details later. Not important. I can write anything." - Jamie Let's be honest, all of us have taken an online IQ test once in our lives. Seeing the results and how high of a number it is and being ecstatic. Until you realize the test isn't a legitimate test and you come back down to earth. Only for Jamie he did not come back down nor question the shady website. Instead, he took his number of 191.66 and ran with it reminding all on a daily basis how much of a genius he is. And what does a genius do? They immortalize their brilliance! Jamie will write a legendary book that will bring generations to their knees! Does he have a plan? Of course, but it isn't the plan you're thinking. . . This is a very comical read about everything a blossoming author shouldn't do whether aiming for self-publishing or traditional. "Yeah, I'll write words so beautiful they aren't even i...