Governor Tim Walz, as everybody knows by now, comes from Minnesota by way of Nebraska. He grew up near the eastern Nebraska town of West Point, which is about forty miles from the small city of Norfolk, the childhood home of Johnny Carson, the quintessential late-night talk show host. Carson’s “The Tonight Show” (later “The […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/08/13/hereeees-tim-walz/

I’ve been enjoying the romances happening in Glimmer Falls and was excited to dive into A Werewolf’s Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley. This is the third book in the series and it’s filled with humor, suspense, and delicious banter.

A Werewolf’s Guide to Seducing a Vampire
by Sarah Hawley
Series: Glimmer Falls #3
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:

Ben Rosewood never meant to be bound to a vampire succubus, especially one as sexy-yet-terrifying as Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux, but he has to admit there are some fang-tastic perks….

Werewolf Ben Rosewood is happy with his life. One hundred percent. Everything is fine. His business, Ben’s Plant Emporium, is thriving, and he’s even expanding the shop. His anxiety disorder is…well, it’s been better, but that comes with the territory of running a business and having beastly urges every full moon, right? As for romance—who has the time? Though his family is desperate to see him settled, Ben is fine approaching forty as a single werewolf. But after drunkenly bidding on and winning a supposedly-possessed crystal on eBay one night, he finds himself face-to-face with a beautiful but angry vampire.

Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux is a rare breed—a vampire succubus born from two elite European bloodlines during medieval times. But thanks to an evil witch, she’s been stuck in a crystal since she was thirty, forced to obey orders from the possessor of the rock. Eleanora’s been dreaming of breaking the spell and severing the witch’s head for centuries. But did this witch really sell her to someone new, and for only ninety-nine cents?

Eleanora would claw this werewolf’s heart out and eat it, if only the binding spell would allow her to. But Eleanora and Ben soon realize they can help each other with both vengeful and less hostile needs. And why not have a little fun along the way?

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Plant lover and werewolf, Ben Rosewood, turns his life upside down when he drunkenly bids on, and wins a magical crystal on eBay. When it shows up, he finds himself in possession of a vampire succubus. Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux has been trapped in the crystal for centuries. She is cursed to obey whoever possesses it. The tale that unfolds was fast-paced, entertaining and adorkable.

I loved Ben’s Plant Emporium with a new coffee shop and soon to be theater. Ben’s been living a quiet, perhaps uneventful life as he accomplishes his goals and helps others. Maybe a little too much, as he is feeling stretched. Eleanora shakes things up, and I loved the interaction between the two.

Eleanora agrees to help Ben by performing on stage and Ben agree’s to help her break the curse. Along the way, things get complicated, especially since Eleanora is under a curse. I loved watching these two grow into a couple, fumble and find themselves.

Of course, we see the previous couples and get updates. Ben and Eleanora’s quest to free her took us to some familiar places and trouble ensues. Hawley’s characters are ones you grow to care about and she wraps the tale in swoons and laughter.

I am assuming this was a trilogy, but would welcome more stories set in this world and town. Perfect for readers looking for supernatural small-town romances filled with humor and happily ever afters.

Amazon | Audible

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/08/a-werewolfs-guide-to-seducing-a-vampire-by-sarah-hawley.html

Take a journey with Candy & Chloe, two adorable French Bulldogs as they get to play ball at their favorite park.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/13/candy-chloe-love-to-play-ball/

Salvation: Poems on Finding Love Again by Pablo Camacho, an award-winning Puerto Rican author, is a profound collection of poems that delve into themes of belief, personal growth, love, and healing. Drawing from his diverse life experiences, including a military background and extensive travels across the United States and the world, Camacho crafts poetry that resonates deeply with readers seeking solace, encouragement, and the courage to embrace love once more.

More than just a book of poetry, Salvation offers a journey of emotional exploration. Camacho’s poems provide not only comfort and peace but also inspire readers who are mending past wounds or embarking on new relationships. Through his sincere reflections, Camacho invites readers into his world, sharing experiences that evoke a sense of hope and the possibility of renewal. The universal themes in Camacho’s poetry highlight the power of choice in living a life worth documenting. He suggests that wisdom is hidden in every corner of our lives, waiting to be uncovered by those brave enough to seek it. Camacho’s writing is marked by its graceful flow and vivid imagery. His use of allegory invites readers to explore deeper layers of meaning within each poem. In To Heal and Fix, for example, Camacho writes of a lover as “a flower planted in the deepest recesses of my heart, roots wrapped around my rib cage, and from my chest, you sprout.” This striking imagery creates an evocative and poignant experience for readers, engaging both the mind and the heart. Similarly, in the brief yet powerful poem Best Friend, the bond between friends is tenderly captured in lines like, “your worries are mine,” and “you are a treasure I will always protect.”

Salvation: Poems on Finding Love Again is a book that I highly recommend to all readers. Both adults and children can learn from Camacho’s mastery of style and rhythm while also discovering a refreshing perspective on love and life. His poetry opens the door to new ways of seeing the world, making this collection a valuable addition to anyone’s reading list.

Pages: 127 | ASIN : B0CW1N5L7Z

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/13/salvation-poems-on-finding-love-again/

Sally Mitts Finds A Home: The Story of A Shy Shelter Kitten, by Shain Stodt, is a heartwarming and engaging children’s book that follows the adventure of a young kitten named Sally. When her family moves to a new house, Sally, scared by the noise and commotion, hides and is inadvertently left behind. When she finally emerges from her hiding place, she finds herself alone in an empty house. Hungry and frightened, Sally ventures outdoors in search of food, encountering a garden filled with butterflies, worms, and flowers. She is soon discovered by a kind couple, but her fear drives her to run away, leading her through unfamiliar streets and loud honking cars, further away from home and into a state of being lost. Sally, now far from her loving home, faces uncertainty about her future. What unfolds next is Sally’s journey at the shelter and her subsequent adoption by Fred Mitts.

The story, while beginning with a sad and anxious twist, evolves into a tale of hope and kindness. As a reader, I initially felt heartbroken that Sally’s family left her behind. However, the narrative took me through an emotional journey fraught with anticipation. The moment Sally met Fred Mitts, I shared her skepticism but was relieved and hopeful when Fred took the time to bond with her. His kindness and patience offered a comforting resolution to Sally’s ordeal. Children will undoubtedly be captivated by Sally’s adventure and will root for her to find a new, loving family.

The hand-drawn illustrations by the author add a charming and colorful dimension to the story, making each page visually engaging and enhancing the narrative. The illustrations create a soft and welcoming atmosphere that complements the storyline perfectly.

Sally Mitts Finds A Home: The Story of A Shy Shelter Kitten is an enchanting tale that children will love. The story teaches valuable lessons about kindness, resilience, and finding new beginnings. This book marks the start of what promises to be a delightful series of adventures for Sally and her readers.

Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CVJYN6DC

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/13/sally-mitts-finds-a-home/

Grief is a profoundly personal experience, and while there is no universal solution, certain guidelines can help navigate the journey. T.J. Marchitelli, in her deeply personal and poignant book, What Not to Do When Your Husband Dies, offers an insightful guide on coping with grief and life after the loss of a spouse. Drawing from her own experiences, Marchitelli shares intimate stories, particularly the events surrounding her husband’s sudden death. She chronicles their life together, from their meeting in the vibrant Buddhist community of Manhattan to raising a family in East Hampton. This narrative backdrop sets the stage for a thoughtful exploration of grief, illustrating how our past and relationships influence our grieving process.

Marchitelli’s writing is both heartfelt and practical. She explores common pitfalls of grief, using her own mistakes and learnings to highlight what others might avoid. This approach makes the book relatable and accessible, offering readers a sense of companionship and understanding. Her reflections on her husband’s sudden death and its immediate aftermath are raw and unfiltered, providing a candid look at the shock and disorientation following such a profound loss. Her honesty about the debilitating nature of grief is refreshing, emphasizing that this book is not a way out but a way through. One of the author’s strengths is maintaining an approachable tone even as she discusses profound loss. She balances personal anecdotes with research-based insights, explaining how grief affects the brain and providing a framework for readers to understand the physical and psychological impacts of loss.

A key takeaway is the importance of self-care and a strong support network. Marchitelli emphasizes that losing a loved one is not a time to test one’s strength but to let others provide support. She suggests mindfulness and meditation as coping tools, adding a spiritual dimension to the narrative. Throughout the book, Marchitelli’s tone remains compassionate and encouraging. She acknowledges the uniqueness of each person’s grief journey while providing universally applicable advice. She hopes to serve as a beacon of light for those navigating the dark and confusing emotions of grief, guiding them toward rebuilding their lives with strength and grace.

Writing about grief with such openness is incredibly brave, and allowing readers into such a personal space is admirable. What Not to Do When Your Husband Dies is emotive, informative, and transformative. Its foundation on real-life experiences, supported by scientific insights, makes it a credible and valuable guide to grief. T.J. Marchitelli’s heartfelt writing is both comforting and helpful, making her unafraid exploration of her own pain a generous gift to her readers.

Pages: 154 | ASIN : B0CJKSZ111

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/13/what-not-to-do-when-your-husband-dies-neuroscience-mindfulness-as-tools-to-navigate-grief/

SiP, by Marius Trevelean, is a delightful blend of adventure, humor, and heartfelt characters. The story follows Jim Moss, a boy tasked with saving Earth from being discarded. The narrative begins with Jim’s severe aquaphobia, stemming from a near-drowning accident. Fearing he’ll never fulfill his dream of joining the Navy like his hero father, Jim’s life takes a dramatic turn when a giant red and white drinking straw descends from the sky and anchors itself in the Atlantic Ocean, sucking up the battleship his father commands. Together with his inventor uncle, Professor Bartholomew Banks, a crew of fishermen reminiscent of pirates, and a host of extraterrestrial allies, Jim must overcome his fear of water to thwart the alien responsible for Earth’s potential condemnation.

Written in a style reminiscent of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, complete with a playful nod to the latter via the number 42 bus, this book is ideal for teenagers aged 13-17. The story’s core theme of friendship shines through Jim’s diverse companions—from his loyal friend Ben and his eccentric uncle to the eclectic group of fishermen, stranded aliens, and even the very alien threatening Earth. Jim’s kind-hearted nature leads him to help the giant alien understand the best qualities of humanity, even at great personal risk.

SiP features clean, well-crafted humor, exemplified by playful jabs at Flynn’s appearance, Peg’s wooden leg, Captain Shanty’s exaggerated tales, Hello’s unique voice, Aunt Muriel’s indifference, and Professor Banks’ seemingly impractical inventions. The crisply-written narrative makes for an easy yet impactful read, combining light-hearted moments with touching themes.

SiP, by Marius Trevelean, is a captivating and enjoyable read that masterfully blends humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments. Through the journey of Jim Moss and his eclectic group of companions, readers are treated to a story that celebrates friendship, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit. Trevelean’s witty and engaging writing style ensures that both teenagers and adults alike will find much to love in this imaginative tale. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a delightful escape into a world where humor and heroism go hand in hand.

Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0CR75WVNL

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/13/sip/

Suspense thriller, The Astrology House by Carinn Jade delivers a full cast narration. When a group of friends and siblings arrive at Stars Harbor Astrological Retreat for rest and relaxation, not all will go home. An intriguing debut that is the perfect fall listen.

The Astrology House
by Carinn Jade
Narrator: Carinn Jade, Amanda Dolan, Sean Patrick Hopkins, Gilli Messer, Soneela Nankani, Allyson Ryan, Sura Siu
Genres: Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x

A group of wealthy Manhattanites escapes to an astrology-themed retreat, where simmering resentments and long-held secrets lead to a shocking death.

Margot needs a minute. She’s been working eighty-hour weeks as a newly minted partner at her law firm. She’s disconnected from her brother, the only family she has left. And she’s still not pregnant after years of trying.

Stars Harbor Astrological Retreat promises rest, relaxation, and wisdom for Margot and her friends. With Instagram-worthy views and nightly astrology readings in an impeccably restored waterfront Victorian house, this getaway should be nothing but idyllic fun. For Margot’s brother, Adam, it’s the perfect opportunity to rekindle the romance that fuels his writing, but his wife, Aimee, hides the darkness of her past with a beautiful social media feed. Their friend, Farah, is a successful doctor who cannot admit she’s losing control. But no one holds a greater secret than their astrologer host, Rini. She has a plan for all her guests, and one won’t be leaving Stars Harbor alive.

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Margot, her husband Ted, her brother Adam, and his wife Aimee, along with their friends, Farah, best friend to Aimee and her husband, Joe, along with Rich, best friend to Ted and his wife Eden. Rini, is their host and has a weekend planned with individual readings, group exercises, and more.

The tale that unfolds was full of intrigue as each guest/couple brought their own issues and secrets. Their host Rini had her own agenda, which pulled me in and held my attention. The whole thing is carefully orchestrated and secrets are slowly revealed.

“This weekend there will be surprises, even for those who don’t believe. You can’t control the people around you. These readings will conjure unexpected emotions, unforeseen actions, and even more shocking reactions. This is a normal result of that which is buried rising to the surface. Some of you will feel blindsided, while others will feel vindicated. This is your fate.”– Rini from the Astrology House.

We are giving multiple POVs and an atmospheric setting with the old seaside Victorian. I loved the astrological thread, which worked well within the story, giving a slightly eerie vibe as things unfolded. The pacing was engaging as we learned and witnessed some dynamics between characters. We touch on topics of cheating, infertility, abortion and more. The story built until all the pieces came together and the intensity exploded into a climatic reveal.

The narration enhanced my overall enjoyment of the story, building on the suspense. With multiple points of views I appreciated the different voices provided by Carinn Jade, Amanda Dolan, Sean Patrick Hopkins, Gilli Messer, Soneela Nankani, Allyson Ryan, Sura Siu.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/08/the-astrology-house-by-carinn-jade.html

Fractured State by R.M. Tembreull is a riveting fusion of mythology and dystopia, set in a future America where Texas has seceded and fallen under extremist control. The protagonist, Arden, a distinguished veteran, is tasked with safeguarding a community of Druids known as Hearthstone Grove. Branded as religious deviants by the new Texas republic, Arden and his community must navigate a perilous world where reality, mythology, and technology intersect, facing relentless threats to their survival.

Tembreull’s writing is a tapestry of vivid imagery and intricate world-building. From the very first chapter, the reader is plunged into a narrative that oscillates between the human and the supernatural, the real and the mythic. The prologue, “Purgatorium,” sets the tone with its exploration of a metaphysical state that restricts spiritual growth, offering a powerful metaphor for the constraints facing the characters and, by extension, humanity. Tembreull’s ability to weave together such high-concept ideas with grounded, relatable human experiences is one of the novel’s standout features. One of the novel’s strengths lies in its character development. The characters, both human and otherworldly, are well-crafted and multi-dimensional. The Sentient Winds and Elementals, like Nilch’i and Parim, are not just forces of nature but entities with personal vendettas and deep emotional landscapes. The human characters, such as Kieran McBride, embody the struggles and resilience of those living on the margins of society. This duality is best exemplified in the interactions between the elemental beings and their human counterparts, which are fraught with tension and profound moments of insight. The narrative is rich with lore and exposition, which, while fascinating, can occasionally overwhelm the reader. The detailed descriptions of the universe’s creation and the Inani’s home world, Calisphaer, are particularly dense. While these sections add depth to the story, they also slow down the pacing. Readers who enjoy meticulously crafted worlds will appreciate this attention to detail, but those looking for a more straightforward narrative might find it challenging.

Fractured State is a compelling read for those who enjoy deep, intricate world-building and complex characters. Tembreull’s narrative is both a cautionary tale and an epic fantasy, blending real-world issues with mythic elements to create a story that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. This book is highly recommended for fans of speculative fiction and those who appreciate a richly detailed universe that challenges the reader to think critically about the world around them.

Pages: 299 | ASIN : B0D7LRZN75

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/12/fractured-state/

A high school shooting. An unforgiving community. Someone has to pay.

Raven Ledger is running from people who blame her for her brother’s crime. The city is grappling with the murders of twenty-one people at Allegheny High School. The news of the shooting is on every television station. The nation is talking about what happened . . . They’re also talking about the shooter’s twin sister who has disappeared.

Raven is being hunted by a gang that lost members in the massacre. Her nemesis, Blanco, the girl Raven saved at school that day, leads the chase. Blanco and the other gang members are out for blood and won’t give up until they get revenge.

Raven’s only priority is to find a safe place to live and move on with her life. She agrees to go to a secret shelter for women, but the women who live there are no strangers to violence. One woman in particular won’t rest until Raven pays the price of admittance.

Raven flees the shelter and finds herself alone again. Desperate, she takes a chance and calls an old acquaintance who sends her to see someone in South Philadelphia. With no friends and too many enemies, Raven bravely steps into the close-knit neighborhood that doesn’t welcome outsiders.

But no matter where she goes, cruel people cross Raven’s path, wanting her to be punished. Raven’s torment worsens until she is embraced by a man who is so powerful and deadly, that no one dares to cross him . . . except for one person.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/12/the-twin-sister-raven-ledger-duet-book-2/