book blogger hop

Book Blogger Hop: Jun 5 – 11

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The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Crazy-For-Books and is currently being hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer. Every Friday, a new question is posted for book bloggers to answer in the coming week. The purpose of the hop is connection and community. You can discover new blogs to follow, new books to read, and you may end up with some new followers, as well!

This Week’s Question

Image by Coffee Addicted Writer

This week’s prompt submitted by Tabatha @ Broken Soul Reviews.

This question is calling me out. You see, I’ve been wanting to give bookish podcasts (and podcasts in general) a try for what feels like years. I also have the attention span of a gnat, so here’s how that interest usually pans out:

Me to me: “You know what we should do?”

Me: “What?

Me to me: “We should sit down and finally listen to That One Podcast we’ve been meaning to check out!”

Me: “Yeah, sure! But first, I wanna finish this book and I should think about what we’re having for dinner and I really need to get the laundry done and… what were we talking about?”

Me to me: *watching cat videos on the internet* “…What?”

So. Yeah… I have yet to actively listen to any of the bookish podcasts that have been recommended to me 😅 That being said, with everything going on in the world and trying, as a Black woman, to be more supportive of my fellow Black content creators, I decided to track down a bookish podcast that was produced by Black bookish people.

And that’s how I came across Black Chick Lit! As their website states, they are a “bi-monthly podcast that talks books by and about black women.” I’ve already listened to a sampling of their most recent episode and look forward to going through their backlog! Feel free to check out their website, where you can find all their episodes, bios on the hosts, and ways to support.

And, because #BlackLivesMatter today and everyday, considering checking out their most recent Tweet:

Are their any bookish podcasts you think I should check out? What are some of your favorites? Let me know in the comments!

As always, happy reading! Thanks for stopping by and take care of each other 💕

cant wait wednesday

Can’t Wait Wednesday: Jun 3, 2020

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Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a meme where you get to flail about whatever upcoming book you’re excited to read. Though it is generally a new release, it certainly can be any book that’s on your TBR! This meme is currently hosted by Wishful Endings and it’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Hello, reader.

The world is in a state, isn’t it? I mean, it’s been this way for quite some time, but with the state-sanctioned murder of yet another Black man, we have yet another hashtag (#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd) and protests worldwide. I want to believe that this is what starts a change in not only the United States, but the entire world. I want to believe that violence against another Black body will finally get people to see what we have been dealing with for centuries. It’s bleak out there right now, but I have hope that people are willing to fight to see an end to racism. Clearly, I support #BlackLivesMatter, but if you wish to, as well, or would like more information, I suggest checking out the Black Lives Matter Carrd. You’ll find links to petitions, places to donate, and a number of different resources.

With all that being said, I wanted to use my blog to celebrate a book written by a Black author that I have been anticipating for months! This is a YA fantasy that features:

  • Vengeful spirits!
  • Enemies-to-lovers!
  • Lots of dark, stabby vibes!
  • And, bonus, the cover is gorgeous!

The book I’m talking about is…

Goodreads Synopsis:

“The first in an fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction.

For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.

But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.

When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?”

Publication Date: June 2nd, 2020 (that’s right, this beautiful baby is already out!)

Buy it here: Bookshop::Indiebound::TBD::B&N::Amazon

Why I’m Excited:

I mean… look at it! I want to know more about that badass Black woman on the cover! I want to know how Karina and Malik fight through their different struggles! And I’m in the mood for some dark fantasy. This just sounds like it’s going to be absolutely incredible. All the early buzz that I’ve heard definitely reinforces that sentiment.

What book are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!

Also, please take care of yourself, reader. These are tense and terrible times, but I believe we can fight for a better tomorrow. Stay safe 💕

Blog Tour: The Faith Machine by Tone Milazzo
blog tour · book reviews

Blog Tour: The Faith Machine by Tone Milazzo

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Hello, reader!

I once again have the honor of participating in a blog tour run by the lovely people behind Storytellers on Tour. The book I’ll be talking about today is a little different from the books I usually read. I mean, I read sci-fi, but this has the added twist of being a spy thriller, as well! When I read the synopsis for this novel, I just had to sign up and see what it was all about. So, thank you to Storytellers on Tour, Running Wild Press, and the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Of course, my blog is just one stop on this magical mystery tour! If you’d like check out the other wonderful bloggers/Bookstgrammers involved, you can find the schedule here. I’ll also be posting a graphic below.

With all that being said, let’s get to it!

Synopsis

“Welcome to the dangerous, clandestine world of ESPionage. Welcome to The Strip, where operatives on the fringe command teams of ‘Cards’: Agents cursed with subtle, specialized, and sometimes sloppy psychic powers. Dr Ken Park, Korean-American psychologist and spy, dares to lead six of these Cards. Together, they tackle esoteric threats the Department of Homeland Security cannot.

Park takes his team to Africa to retrieve the Faith Machine. Built by the Soviets to turn prayers into suffering, the psychotronic device fell into the hands of a demented warlord. Tragically, the mission fails and the madman slaughters hundreds of innocents while the machine burns.

They return to the States in disgrace, and into an ambush by the mysterious and brutal Casemen. Cut off from command and each other, the scattered agents rush to their safe house in the west. While spy agencies from around the world want retribution for the catastrophe in Africa. Park’s team outplays enemies left and right, while uncovering the true threat. There’s another Faith Machine, one destined to bring hell on earth.”

Continue reading “Blog Tour: The Faith Machine by Tone Milazzo” →
book blogger hop

Book Blogger Hop: May 29 – Jun 4

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The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Crazy-For-Books and is currently being hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer. Every Friday, a new question is posted for book bloggers to answer in the coming week. The purpose of the hop is connection and community. You can discover new blogs to follow, new books to read, and you may end up with some new followers, as well!

This Week’s Question

This week’s prompt submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver’s Reviews.

Well, Twitter pretty much owns my soul. I spend an exorbitant amount of time on that app. It’s probably on the verge of being unhealthy… 😅 I’ve met some awesome people there, though, so it can’t be all bad!

Twitter is honestly the best place to find me, but I do have an Instagram where I mostly post pictures of my cats, lol. When I have a better set up, I’m planning on going all in with bookstagram.

Other than that, I can also be found on Litsy and, of course, Goodreads! Feel free to add me on whatever platform you prefer. I’m always looking to make new bookish acquaintances 😃

book reviews

Mini Reviews: Audiobook Edition

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Mini Reviews: Audiobooks

Hello, reader!

It’s been a minute since I’ve done a mini review, right? I’ve been doing quite a few blog tours and I’m really loving the experience! I have also been listening to a lot of audiobooks lately as I drive to work, so that seemed like a perfect theme for this edition. I feel like I go through phases with audiobooks. I’ll go through a stretch where I listen to them constantly and then I just… stop. I’m taking advantage of these current stretch by listening to as many as I can! And, today, I’ll be talking about three I’ve finished recently. Let’s get to it!

Title: The Poet X

Author/Narrator: Elizabeth Acevedo

Genre: YA Contemporary

Source: Borrowed (Scribd)

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Bookshop::Indiebound::TBD::B&N::Amazon

I was recently talking about this book because I did a whole post about books written in verse. It’s been on my radar for a minute, but I was always hesitant about picking it up. I’m just not a poetry person, it’s not my thing. But I had heard so many rave reviews about this coming-of-age story centered around a young, Dominican girl discovering slam poetry and her place in the world. I had also heard that the audiobook was the way to go to read this one, so, when I found it on Scribd, I thought I’d give it a shot.

Y’all… I’m mad. I’m mad at myself for waiting SO LONG TO READ THIS BOOK! I find it hard to put together words to describe how good this book was! It’s so powerful and raw and poignant. It wraps you up in Xiomara’s world and you feel all her fears, all her anxieties, and all her joys. It’s just so damn beautiful 💕

I feel part of my visceral reaction to this book is due to listening to the author perform her work. Elizabeth Acevedo narrates the audiobook and it’s just *chef’s kiss* She is an award winning slam poet and it is easy to see (or, rather, hear) why! She puts so much emotion into her performance. It absolutely takes your breath away as you listen!

Continue reading “Mini Reviews: Audiobook Edition” →
Blog Tour: Catalyst by Tracy Richardson
blog tour · book reviews

Blog Tour: Catalyst by Tracy Richardson

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Hello, reader!

Today, #TheWriteReads Ultimate Blog Tour is making a stop at my little blog! We’ll be talking about a book that took me by surprise: Catalyst by Tracy Richardson. This is quite an interesting novel that was different than what I was expecting.

But let me save my thoughts for the review! First, I want to thank the author, Brown Books Publishing Group, and  Dave @TheWriteReads for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, I appreciate it so much! It”s such a privileged to be a part of the Write Reads gang and I’m glad to be able to participate in all the exciting blog tours that Dave puts together 😊

With that being said, let’s get to it!

Synopsis

“Marcie is spending her summer working on the archaeological dig that her mother runs: Angel Mounds, a site of an ancient indigenous civilization. Soon after she arrives, she meet some intriguing individuals, and becomes wrapped up in a supernaturally-charged mission to save the planet from the destruction man has brought upon itself.

Marcie Horton has a sixth sense. Not in the “I see dead people” way, but . . . well, maybe a little. She feels a sort of knowing about certain things that can’t be explained-an intuition that goes beyond the normal. Then there was that one summer four years ago, when she connected with a long-departed spirit . . . But nothing that incredible has happened to Marcie since.
This summer, Marcie is spending time working at Angel Mounds, the archaeological dig her mother heads, along with her brother, Eric, and his girlfriend, Renee. The dig is the site of an ancient indigenous civilization, and things immediately shift into the paranormal when Marcie and her teammates meet Lorraine and Zeke. The two mysterious dig assistants reveal their abilities to access the Universal Energy Field with their minds-something Marcie knows only vaguely that her brother has also had experience with. Marcie learns how our planet will disintegrate if action is not taken, and she and her team must decide if they are brave enough to help Lorraine and Zeke in their plan to save Mother Earth, her resources, and her history. It looks like the summer just got a lot more interesting.”

Continue reading “Blog Tour: Catalyst by Tracy Richardson” →
top ten tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday: Opening Lines

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Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish back in June 2010. It is currently hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl and, as is stated on the blog, it was “born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.”

Hello, reader!

It’s time for another Top Ten Tuesday. This week’s topic is an interesting one that’s all about grabbing your attention. We’re focusing on opening lines! Now, I’m going to be honest, though there are plenty of books I love that I know probably have amazing opening lines, my brain is not good at remembering them. I don’t own all the books that first popped into my head, either. But I do have a stack of ten newly acquired books from Book Outlet that I haven’t hauled yet, so I’m gonna do a weird amalgamation of TTT and a book haul! We’ll be discovering the opening lines of these ten novels together and I’ll let you know my thoughts on them.

This is why I love the more open-ended prompts 😉

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

My parlor smelled of linseed oil and spike lavender, and a dab of lead tin yellow glistened on my canvas. I had nearly perfected the color of Gadfly’s silk jacket.

Not the most compelling of first lines, but, still… color me intrigued!

(See what I did there?? 😆)

Continue reading “Top Ten Tuesday: Opening Lines” →
5 on my tbr

#5OnMyTBR – Blue Books

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Image by Local Bee Hunter

#5OnMyTBR is a bookish meme hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook where you chose five books from your to-be-read pile that fit that week’s theme. If you’d like more info, head over to the announcement post!

Hello, reader!

How is this Monday treating everyone? I’ve been a bit of a lazy bum all day, which felt wonderful compared to my normally busy days. Of course, that also means I was putting off blogging until just now! But I couldn’t skip today’s #5OnMyTBR topic because it’s all about books with blue covers. Blue is my favorite cover and we all know I’m a sucker for a pretty book! So here are the 5 blue books on my TBR that jumped to my mind.

#1. One Day in December by Josie Silver

This was a Book of the Month pick that was a result of me trying things out of my comfort zone. This is a wintery romance that sounded like I could get into it. Though the concept of falling for some guy you randomly see while on the bus is a bit much for me, I am curious how this romance would work out! I feel like I probably won’t pick this up til winter time, but I am excited to finally read it.

Continue reading “#5OnMyTBR – Blue Books” →
sunday by my shelf

Sunday By My Shelf: Standalones

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Hello, reader!

It’s time for another Sunday By My Shelf! This is a bookish meme that was started by Fiona @ Fi’s Bibliofiles. The purpose is to explore books sitting on your physical TBR as opposed to a virtual one. It is bi-weekly, with new topics to talk about each time. The schedule can be found on Fiona’s original post here!

This week, the books I’ll be talking about are all standalones that are collecting dust on my bookshelf. All of these books are ones that I can’t wait to get to, but have been left behind in the rush of new books. I’m hoping to make room for them on my bedside table TBR soon!

#1. The Nobody People by Bob Proehl

I bought this book because it was blurbed by one of my favorite authors, Seanan McGuire. The fact that it sounds like a modern day X-men (in a fashion) didn’t hurt, either! I really do want to pick this one up soon. It just sounds like it would be a wild ride with lots of moral ambiguity. And if it’s suggested by one of my favorite writers, I have to give it a chance, right? Right!

Continue reading “Sunday By My Shelf: Standalones” →
book tag

Book Tag: Disney Songs

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The Disney Song Book Tag

Hello, readers!

As I was blog hopping and trying to think of what I wanted to post today, I stumbled across the Disney Song Book Tag over @TheBookDutchesses blog. Their blog is lovely and I always enjoy checking out their posts. You should definitely go check them out!

Both Candyce and Isabelle have done this tag and it looked like so much fun, I had to join in. I grew up on Disney and I still look back on movies like The Lion King and Aladdin with intense fondness. And of course I routinely belt out the popular tunes from all the old Disney movies! I just couldn’t pass up this tag! With that being said, let’s jump in.

Part of Your World – What book world would you change yourself for so you could be a part of that world?

Though I’m not all about changing yourself just to fit in somewhere, I would do some ludicrous things to be able to live in Red London! Especially if I got to hang out with Kell and Lila. Oh! Or if I could change myself into an Antari somehow and be able to travel between the Londons. I would be okay with that kind of change, lol. Either way, I think it’s such an interesting world and I would love to visit.

Continue reading “Book Tag: Disney Songs” →