Review - Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper) by Kim Bussing .....

 E-ARC from Netgalley 

I love a good fairy tale retelling and this was one of them.  

In this story we have Cinderella and Belle. While similar to the stories we know and love but different enough to make the story fresh and unique.   

Without giving to much away, Cinderella is treated badly by her stepmother and Belle's father is a collector of magical objects instead of an inventor.  Something happens when Belle does a bit of magic at the same time as Cinderella's fairy godfather does his and chaos ensues.  They end up switching places. Hence the subtitle princess swap.  You have duel points of view, Belle and Cinderella. Each girl is trying to piece together what happened and how to escape their captors. Will they get there HEA, read the book and see for yourself. 

I look forward to the other books in this series.  I do have E-ARCs for the next two.

My Star Fall Ball - Romantasy Readathon Wrap Up ....

What I wore - A strapless pink dress

My date - A white haired person with a stormy attitude.

My Weapon - An enchanted ring that allows you to disappear/grants invisibility.

My background - I am a witch

My trope (with my date) - Forced Proximity

Bonus prompts - how my night went

This was so much fun. Would defiantly do it again. Thank you to @romantasyathon for the time you put into the event. To all the hosts.

New level of pettiness unlocked thanks to Amazon ....

Well I did it, I didn't think I would, but I did.  In the end it was out of sheer petty ness and spite, lol.  Thanks to Amazon and their new policy regarding downloads of digital books.  See pic down below.

It took me 3 and a half hours and about a half dozen trips to the door to let the dog out.  No he doesn't have any issues other than nosiness and a love for being on the back deck.  Except for when it is storming out.  A Huskey who doesn't love snow, never heard of that before lol 

While I have never used the download feature before now and if I am being honest I had forgotten about it.  I am still pissed they are taking it away all the same. 

Anyway out of the over 1100 books I was able to down load all but 2 or 3.  They were graphic novels.  I even update a half dozen or so books that were available to update. 

One of my goals this year is to be more mindful of the books I buy, either due to space, funding or my inability to read as fast as I buy. lol So going forward I will be thinking twice on what kindle books I will be buying. So win win I guess.  Wonder if this new change will affect amazons bottom line when it comes to buying digital books?   Probably not but I suspect it will affect the authors bottom line.  

Romantasy-athon 2025 - Stunning Romantasy Quotes .....

Sometimes when reading a book a quote jumps out at you and it just hits. These are the tip of the iceberg for my favorite quotes.  

Romantasy-athon 2025 - Recent Favorite Book Boyfriend ....

I wasn't one for book boyfriends till Jacks from the Once Upon the Broken Heart series.  But Kingfisher from Quicksilver is a close second. Defiantly like the ones that are bad for you, like chocolate, which I love. But you are drawn to them like a moth to a flame. Apparently I am not afraid of being burned lol 

Romantasy-athon 2025 - Favorite Romantasy books ever stack ....

When I created the Romantasy stack two things jumped out at me. One I have read all these books, yeah me. But haven't continued the rest of series yet, lol except for the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, I just finished the last one this month. Two I clearly love romantasy. FYI I am currently reading and listening to Caraval as well as Heartless Hunter. I am sure I have more just ran out of room on my chair lol 

Review - Home Office Romance by Kintetsu Yamada ....

 E-ARC from NetGalley

This was a cute story about two people who are next door neighbors meeting during the pandemic and falling in love.

I liked that the pandemic was the back drop to the story and not in your face. Might not of read it if it was. Lived through that and didn't want to have to be reminded of it all the time.

I really enjoyed the story. Loved the setting and how the two main characters decorated and made their living space into a place they could not only work but find a relaxing space as well. My introverted self loved the balcony and their love of books.

I am sure this story will resonate with many during a trying time in our lives for many years to come.

Romantasy-athon 2025 - Current read and drink ......

I am currently reading and listening to Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli.  As for my drink it is water, it is only ever water lol  

Romantasy-athon 2025 TBR .....

 I am doing the readathon for the first time ever.  So here is my TBR

A Curse for True Love - READ

Water Moon - READ

Heartless Hunter aka the Crimson Moth - currently reading 

Review - A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber

Why did I wait so long to read this?  Spoilers ahead...... I am so glad that Jacks and Evangeline got their happily ever after. 

I kind of want to go back and reread it to pick up on things I might of missed the first time reading lol  I am hoping now that I have started Caraval that it might scratch that itch, lol I have the audio book for it as well. 

I am glad that Evangeline got her memories back sooner than later. Would of like to have seen more of Jacks of course. Would of like to have seen more of their life together and what that looked like after.

Anyway loved the book, maybe not as much as books 1 and 2 but over all loved the series, highly recommend it and the audiobooks as well. 

Happy Valentine's Day to me ...

Picked up First-Time Caller and Under Loch and Key today. I got Yin Yang Love Song and Knives, Seasoning and a Dash of Love last weekend when I was out with my daughter.

The roses are 3D printed, shiny and multi colored even though you can't tell in the photos. I pass by their store every time I go to Chapters. At least these flowers will survive my cat lol.

I had McDonalds for supper. Eating like the queen that I am and such a romantic dinner lol  At least I didn't cook, I guess.

January Book Haul ....

I know its rather late but life happens. Anyway I think I did pretty good for the month.

8 books, 1 graphic novel. Full disclosure missing is one little golden book Candy Land and a comic issue # 5 of Monster High New Scaremaster series.

That is it for my physical buys. My kindle buys was 18, yikes. Its fine, everything is fine. All books cost less then 5 dollars Canadian and most if not all were on my radar, Wishlist.

I think buying a kindle book for less than 5 dollars is better then the physical which would cost at least 20 dollars or more. So saving money is saving money. Girl math lol Plus kindle books take up less space. win win all around lol

Out of all the books I bought in January I have read 1 on my kindle and 1 physical Quicksilver. Not great but at least it is a start.

I am currently reading Water Moon. I am over 70 percent in and loving it. Should have that done the next couple of days. Also reading A Curse for True love about 80 percent in and loving it. Lots got to happen to give me my happily ever after I want lol

Review - The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Nicki Pau Preto .....

NETGALLEY E-ARC

First impressions I really liked it. Loved the characters, the story and the setting.

Lavinia or Vin, as she likes to be called. Has been having some issues finding the right school. She has unrulily magic that seems to act up when she is being stressed or bullied. She has been expelled from so many schools that she never unpacks or gets to close to those around her. Because she knows it is only a matter of time and she will be on the move again. Her parents don't seem to care they are more interest in bugs. They are the definition of absentee parents.

After her last expulsion she finds herself at The Last Hope school for Magical Delinquents. Vin knows that she has to make this work no matter what it takes. She try's to be distant and keep to herself but 3 students and the head mistress are determined to be her friend and help her. Of course their is a reason for her unrulily magic and a mystery behind the school and a past student to solve.

Great middle grade read for both young and old alike. Lots of great messages through out. Feels like this will be a series. Highly recommend.  

5 Stars

January Reading Wrap Up ...

4 book and 3 graphic novels, 1 book to carry over

2,830 pages

3 audiobooks

1 library book, 3 kindle, 3 physical 

Quicksilver 5 Stars
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop 4 Stars
Third Shift Society vol 2 GN 4 Stars
Witches of Brooklyn GN 4 Stars
Phantasma 5 Stars
A curious Beginning 5 Stars
Voyage de Gourmet GN 5 Stars

The carry over book is The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquent's is an ARC from NetGalley I am 66 percent through. 

Review - Phantasma By Kaylie Smith ...

I had hear mixed reviews on this one.  So I didn't know what to expect. I liked it more then I thought I would. 

I loved the two main characters, the banter between them, made the book for me. Ophelia was a bad ass. She was no damsel in distress. Blackwell was an interesting character from the start.  Definitely he fell first. He was very protected of Ophelia from the start. 

Loved the magic / mystery of the house, the ever changing rooms. Reminded me a bit of Hogwarts lol  I liked the trials.  I can see why some people complained there wasn't enough time spent on them.  It was more Ophelia and Blackwell storyline that's for sure.  The twist at the end my jaw drop to the floor. But it was perfect how it brought everything full circle. 

5 Stars 

I have book 2 preordered.

Well over due unhaul of my kindle books ...

 I did a big unhaul on my kindle the last couple of days. Goodreads has been updated as well.

I unhauled 111 books off my kindle. I got rid of all the books that has been on their since 2021 and before plus some others as well, that I am no longer interested it. I figured if I haven't gotten to them now I will never will.

So the books on my kindle now are from 2022 to current. By the end of the year I want to make a dent in my backlist years of 2022 and 2023. Not sure how many that is. What I don't read I will once again go through them and see what I should get rid off at the end of the year.

I also want to be more mindful of what I buy from here on out.

My read number isn't very high because I only keep the books I will possibly read again or really liked. So I have read more then the 83 on my kindle. Seems like I read more on my kindle these days then physical.

How many books do you have to read on your kindle? Do you do an unhaul of your books on your kindle?

Onyx Storm has arrived ....

 NO SPOILERS I have yet to read Iron Flame lol I know I know don't at me lol

Well Indigo is on the ball with their pre-orders for once. First time I have ever gotten a new release this early. Usually I see them a week after release day. But to have it in my hands a day before. wow

Maybe my luck for the year has improved lol

Either way it is stunning. Happy reading everyone. Looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks.

Does it live up to the hype? Time will tell.

25 books I want to Prioritize in 2025 ....

This might be a lofty feet but we shall see. lol  These are just my physical books.  Will do a year end post, if I remember, to see how I did. 

1. Quicksilver 

2. An Academy for Liars

3. Apprentice to the Villain

4. Best Hex Ever

5. A Banh Mi for Two 

6. Caraval

7. A Curse for True Love

8. A Darker Shade of Magic

9. Funny Story

10. Heartless Hunter

11. The Honey Witch

12. Immortal Dark

13. the Nightmare Before Kissmas

14. Phantasma 

15. Promchanted

16. Reckless

17. Rewitched 

18. Somewhere Beyond the Sea

19. Sweet Nightmare

20. Thirteenth Child 

21. Two Twisted Crowns

22. Voyage of the Damned

23. When the Moon Hatched

24. Under the Oak Tree GN

25. Third Shift vol 2 GN 

I am trying to finish up some series or get caught up at least.

Review - Quicksilver ( Fae & Alchemy #1) by Callie Hart ...

Well I started 2025 off with a bang. I got high hopes for the rest of the year.

When I first seen this book popping up on my socials I really didn't like the cover if I am to be honest. But then two of my favorite content creators reviewed this books and song its praise and I was sold lol Bri from 4 paws and a book and Steph from stephloves I am talking about you . When they both praise a book you listen and get to reading lol

Anyway the book itself was everything I hoped for and more. I couldn't get my hands on a physical copy so I bought it on kindle and the audio book on audible. Highly recommend the audio. I have since gotten a physical copy.

Those last 10 or so percent was a ride and then some. That ending damn. I can't wait for book 2, which comes out later this year to see what happens. The banter between Saeris and Kingfisher was top tier. Saeris is a strong female main character even in the face of possible death, she stood her ground. The reveal about the Quicksilver, I was like really that's too simple but then it wasn't. Kingfisher is everything you want it a book boyfriend, strong and silent, willing to sacrifice almost anything for the greater good, even himself. The magic system is unique. The twists and turns at the last 20 or so percent kept me reading and on the edge of my seat.

The book might be a Romantasy but it is the best of both worlds. Great world building and great romance with out sacrificing one for the other like some Romantasys do.

Please forgive my rambles I am still sick when writing this. I am still thinking about that last chapter. I so want to start the book all over again now that I have a physical copy. I even want to tab the book as well. I don't do either. So that tells you just how much I loved this book.

5 Star Predictions for 2025 ...

While none of these came out in 2025.  They are still books I think will be 5 star reads and I want to read them this year. 

1. A Curse for True Love 

    the final book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart series trilogy by Stephanie Garber.  I have put this one off long enough.  Out of fear it won't live up to the first two book and I just don't want the series to end. 

2. Celestial Monsters 

    the final book in the Sunbearer duology by Aiden Thomas.  This was on most anticipated list for 2024. I loved the first one. 

3. Phantamsa

    book one in the wicked games series, I want to know what all the hype is about. 

4. Somewhere Beyond the Sea

    the sequel to the House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, the first book was so wonderful and I can't wait to be back in that world. 

5. When the Moon Hatched  

    book one in the Hatched series by Sarah A Parker, another book I want to know does it live up to all the hype. 

Of course there are others like Quicksilver, which I am currently reading, Rewitched, A Darker Shade of Magic, the Honey Witch, The Nightmare before Kissmas, just to name a few.  All of which are on my priority list and some more.  Will do another more detailed post another time.  

Will do a follow up post at some point and see how I did. 

 

Guess what I did the last day of 2024 ? .....

I rearranged my books. lol  I am still double stacked on more shelves then I like but its all I can do for now.

I unhauled 26 books either because I am no longer interested in them or I have them on my kindle. lol

Break down of books are as follows
56 Romance 
37 Paranormal Romance
29 YA Romance
2 New Adult Romance, 124 total Romance

1 Historical
3 Literally Fiction
20 Thrifted

27 Fantasy
96 YA Fantasy
4 Urban Fantasy, 127 total Fantasy

32 Horror all but 5 are Anne Rice
117 Middle Grade
9 Anthologies

It is so relaxing organizing books lol I still need to do my comics and my graphic novels. lol

        

 

First Book of 2025 ...

 

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

624 pages, Kindle Edition, enemies-to-lovers, Romantasy

Quicksilver contains depictions of graphic violence/adult situations and is therefore recommended for readers 17+. For a full list of tropes and TWs, please visit the author's website. (taken from Goodreads)

With the tag line "Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate."  How can you not want to read this book lol 

I started reading and listening to this one through Audible last night. I am 55 pages in, which is 4 chapters I think, and I am really liking it.  I think things will start to pick up once she gets tangled up with the Fae. I am liking the narrator as well. The listening time is 20 h, 41 m. 

Review to come once finished  

2025 Reading Goals ....

In December I had a clear cut way I wanted to tackle my TBR for 2025 but now I am not so sure. 

I am going to do the Goodreads challenge of 52 books for the year and the kindle challenges throughout the year.  Those ones are fairly easy.

As for the Always Fully Booked reading challenges, I think their are 5 or 6 of them.  The LiterALLy BOOKish Book Club challenges, they have two main ones thought the year and then different ones each month.  I was thinking about only doing the main reading challenges from Creating and Co.  I am only printing them out this year.  Trying to save some money.  Then their are the YouTube reading challenges from Bree - 4 paws and a book, Steph loves and Rainy blue reads.  Plus any that pop up through out the year. This is were things get confusing and are a bit more work.

But now I wanted to mood read more, but I know if I don't have some type of structure or way to decided what to read I will be indecisive. I created a Candy Land TBR game to help with deciding what books to read by using reading prompts from this years challenges. But I haven't done the leg work to do TBR's slash ideas for the prompts yet.  Usually I am ahead of the game but I got discouraged when I didn't get my planner on time due to the Canada Post strike.  I have it now but I am so behind and not in the mood now lol 

I know I wanted to cut back on the reading challenges and I have but by the looks of this list not as much as I had hoped. The two main ones are the AFB challenges where I have bought the planner and still want to use it and the LiteraLLy Bookish group.  The YouTube ones are new and really wanted to do them last year but didn't have the time. The ones that are all year, don't bother me as much as the ones that are only a month. sigh

What started this was Jaysen -Ezeekat and Brittany love reading, both from YouTube, have decided to simplify there reading goals and I really liked what they came up with.  Jaysen is doing 5 categories and Brittany is just going with the flow so she can do more YouTube challenges. 

Maybe I will just take January off and just read what I want and see what happens.  Regroup at the end of the month and plan for February.   Decisions Decisions lol