Ibby's Bookshelf

Book reviews and book quotes! Expect a lot of booktalk to come!

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What was it with this city and the unexpected visitors? Didn't they know I had social anxiety?

-- Killer Vibes

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Thornbird

by E. Kennedy / 4 stars

The daughter of a serial killer, Ryan has been able to escape her father's legacy for a little while. After her mother's death and her father's arrest, Ryan moved in with her grandmother. Following her grandmother's death, Ryan's reprieve is over. Now she'll have to return to Starling, Tennessee, where Gabriel Thorn is still talked about.

Agreeing with her aunt and uncle that they'd keep her identity a secret, Ryan arrives as her uncle's niece from Switzerland. With a story of international boarding schools and a mother who died in a car crash, Ryan can only hope the ruse will last her the year.

It's the tenth anniversary of Gabriel's crimes, as well as the time for his upcoming death sentence. When members of the victim's family come forward with a reward for any information on where the bodies are buried, Ryan wants nothing to do with it. Especially when an unknown number starts texting her, telling they know exactly who she is. They threaten to expose her if she reveals where the bodies are.

An interesting look at what the legacy of having a killer in the family can be, as well as the scars it can leave on a town.

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Violet Thistlewaite is Not A Villain Anymore

by Emily Krempholtz / 4.25 stars

I'll be honest, the title alone was enough to catch my attention. It brought to mind humor, whimsy, and rebuilding your life (hopefully in a cozy small town.) It did not disappoint.

The narrative did take me by surprise at first; it's become so common place for books to be written in first person. As I read further, the choice to use third person was definitely the right one, as it opened the scope of the storytelling and brought so much perspective.

Violet is starting over. She might have been one of the most feared assistants to the local sorcerer. She might have carried out his punishments and destroyed a town or two. Who can keep track? Though she will carry her former deeds with her, Violet has been given a chance to be good. A chance that she is determined to embrace.

The Marsh twins couldn't be more different. Violet's first meeting with Prue leads her to believe that she might be really find a home in Dragon's Rest. Only for that hope to be quickly doused by Nathaniel's prickly greeting.

They must get over their initial distrust, and work together when a magical blight starts spreading, soon followed by the arrival of another of Guy Shadowfade's followers. One who isn't trying to be good but instead continue the reign of terror that once kept Dragon's Rest under its spell.

Small but mighty, this one is a quick read (or listen - and the audiobook is master class) packed with adventure and all the small town feels you could hope for.

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Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead

by Mai Nguyen / 5 stars

I loved this. Absolutely loved it.

A raw account of what losing a child - a baby, barely into life - looks like. How the world moves on, and you're left with the pieces. Not wanting to go on, not knowing who you are anymore.

After losing her daughter, Cleo loses herself to grief. Her family and friends worry, though she wants to rage against them. How should she be feeling? How can they have expectations for a grief that is bigger than her, a loss that is swallowing her whole. Sure that she needs a purpose, Cleo returns to work. Only to be told that she should take time to regroup, that she can come back when she's ready.

An unexpected offer comes in from the funeral home that handled Daisy's burial. She could work there as an assistant. Morbid curiosity moves her to accept, though the welcome she finds from the people who work there was nothing like what she expected. They've all been touched by loss, all felt like their strings had been cut.

A beautiful, cutting story about finding your feet after loss. If you're wondering if it's worth the read, you will thank yourself for picking this one up!

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One Piece, Vol 1: Romance Dawn (manga)

by Eiichiro Oda / 4 stars

I was so excited to see this one available again as a review copy from NetGalley! I've been wanting to give this series a try forever.

Luffy wants to join his hero's, the Pirate Shanks, crew more than anything. He might be small now, but he's determined, even if he doesn't know how to swim. When he eats the magical gum gum fruit, his life will be forever changed, and might make his goal of becoming a pirate even harder.

Years later, Luffy is ready to set off to achieve his dreams. First, a boat, then he'll set about assembling one of the greatest pirate crews ever seen!

This was fun and lighthearted, with plenty of action. Luffy isn't afraid to fight or stand up for others. He puts himself right in the middle of every situation he sees and makes friends along the way. Also, a few enemies? Time will only tell as his great journey continues!

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The Honey Thief

by Jane Shand / 3 stars

The Honey Thief is a cozy story about starting over in a new place after a life of adventure. Lilya has always stood out, and now that she's leaving her life as a soldier behind, she's not sure how a small town will react to her differences. She's willing to give it a chance though, as she stays with her friend and former co-soldier, Nuru.

Nuru has thrived since leaving the Ice Guard, living in a roomy villa and becoming a honey farmer. She has her store and her hives, and has earned a place in her community. She's sure that Lilya will do the same, if only she can let her guard down.

Lilya has always done well having a task, and when someone steals Nuru's honey, Lilya is quick to volunteer to find the thief. But it soon becomes apparent that the thief might be a member of the close community.

I found this one to have a slower pace, as Lilya takes in the town and meets the residents. This was enjoyable because the characters were well fleshed out, and as the first in a series it offers a good starting point. There was action, though the main task in finding the honey thief was slow and methodical.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. My second Jane Shand novel I've tried, both series openers, and I'm curious what comes next in these worlds she's developed.

I received an ARC through Booksirens, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

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Wolvers

by Taylor Brown / 3.5 stars

I wasn't sure what to think of this one. I had trouble getting into it, and I almost didn't finish. What kept me going was the perspective of One Eleven, the she-wolf with the uncanny survival sense and her devotion to her pack.

A disgruntled former rancher who blames the loss of his family ranch on the wolves. When some men approach him to take out some of the wolves - especially the legendary she-wolf - Trace accepts the challenge. But he soon learns that the wolves have an unseen protector, and he'll soon have the tables turned on him.

I enjoyed that the book soon became more than the fight between man and one of the last predators left. It became about the survival and beauty in these harsh environments. About people learning to work alongside nature and stop trying to carve their own place.

I'm definitely glad I stuck with this one, as I soon became attached to the characters, most especially the portrayal of One-Eleven and her pack.

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Brigands and Breadknives

written and narrated by Travis Baldree / 5 stars

This book was an absolute joy!

After catching up with Viv and getting things ready to open a new bookshop in Thune, right next to Viv's cafe, Fern finds herself in a most unexpected place. Hungover, in the back of a wagon led by the legendary elf, Astryx.

Fern has followed Astryx's career in books, and is awed by the swordmaiden. With her latest bounty in tow, the goblin Zyll, Fern is suddenly hesitant to get back home. She's spent so much time reading about great adventures, maybe this is her chance to actually live one?

A journey adventure, we spend a lot of time on the road while Fern reflects on how she got to this point in her life, and if the path she's forged is really the one she wants to be on. There's plenty of action and world-building along the way, and if you listen to the audiobook - narrated by the author - you're engaged the whole way.

Travis Baldree has become a staple for me in cozy fantasy, and I think I'm especially hooked on his audiobooks.

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Tidespeaker

by Sadie Turner / 3 stars

An interesting magic system, with political intrigue and a world on the edge of a turning point.

Corith is a Floodmouth, someone who can speak to water and use it for her own purposes. She struggles with her magic at times, almost failing the graduation exam when her emotions get the better of her. Despite this, she finds herself assigned to a noble house - one of the most coveted assignments a magic wielder can hope for.

Except House Shearwater is where Corith's closest friend was assigned. Despite being a more powerful Floodmouth, their former Floodmouth was said to have drowned. Corith is determined to find out what happened to her friend, even if it means joining an underground movement and betraying her assigned family.

Though I found this an engaging read, at times I had a hard time getting into it. The pacing was on the slower side for a large portion of the book. The story builds anticipation well and leaves you ready for the next book.

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Cross Your Heart and Hope He Dies

by Jenny Elder Moke / narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen / 5 stars

I have had so much fun with this series! I need the next one immediately.

Simon Says is sinking. A fact that isn't helped when Kate Valentine decided to end her bestselling Loretta series, but Juliette Winters isn't about to let that stop her from saving the business. She's landed the book deal of the century, a juicy tell all from Warren Ellingham that exposes secrets in the business world. Now he just needs to turn in his manuscript, and she can announce the book.

Everything is set for him to do exactly that at a party on his super-yacht. Warren is handed a microphone that's been having trouble shorting out, and the spark takes him out of commission. Permanently. With Warren dead, Juliette needs to get her hands on that manuscript fast, or her dreams of saving Simon Says - and her job - are going to end just as suddenly.

Except the manuscript has been taken, stolen by someone who might have been willing to kill Warren to keep their secret hidden. The police aren't interested in some stolen pages, especially when it looks like Warren simply had an unfortunately timed heart attack. If they won't look into it, Juliette will. Even if it means pairing up with Doctor Dud.

The sharp wit, unskilled investigation and meddling co-workers had me laughing and enjoying this one so much. It's a great listen, with Sarah Mollo-Christensen at the helm. She's quickly becoming a favorite narrator, and a reason to love this series even more. Run don't walk to pick this one up today!

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“Liza,” I said, interrupting before she could finish that scandalous thought. “Thomas would never be so foolish. We trust each other.”

“He’s human, you know. No matter how clinical and intelligent he may be, he’s got human emotions. I think you forget that sometimes. He buries them, but they’re there.”

— Escaping From Houdini

😰🥹 I am not ready for Audrey Rose to break Thomas’s heart. Treasure our sweet boy!

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Homecoming

by Jude Austin / 5 stars

After escaping GenTech with Project Tau, Kata just wants to go home. Unfortunately, GenTech made him into a valuable weapon, and there are people everywhere who have plans for exactly how they can use him. If they can only find a way to keep him in line.

Already jaded and struggling in the aftermath of the trauma and psychological abuse he was put through, Kata's anger and bitterness toward the world only grow. Meanwhile, Project Tau struggles with finding his place in a world outside the lab. Projects were taught that humans will always be their master, and freedom is a luxury not meant for them. Without an owner, where is Tau's place in this larger, frightening new world he finds himself in?

Separated from Tau and sent on an impossible mission, Kata arrives on Atthiras and immediately runs into danger. In the unexpected form of a wasp's nest and a deadly allergy he wasn't even aware of. He wakes up to find himself in a hospital - too much like the lab that tortured him. Despite receiving only kindness from the surgeon in charge there, Kata is always waiting for the other shoe to drop and the latest person to betray him.

All Kata wants is to be free from the people who constantly want to use him, and for Tau to be safe. For them to be out of GenTech's reaches once and for all. With his newfound ally in Alan, will they be able to come up with a plan to do exactly that?

One of my favorite things about this book was the mental health aspect, as Kata and Tau are on very different journeys to come to grips living in the aftermath of GenTech. I feel like it was so well done, and the further development of these characters is top notch.

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First and Forever

by Lynn Painter / 4 stars

I will always read Lynn Painter books! Her humor and chemistry sizzle, and I never know if she's going to pull her punches or thoroughly devastate me.

First and Forever starts with major sports fan and season ticket holder Duffy Distefano involved in an unfortunate accident with the team mascot. The mascot's hug turned into a grope leads to Duffy pushing him away - and unfortunately down a number of stairs. Now she's public enemy number one and can't go to a game without people booing and throwing concession snacks at her.

The team is struggling to manage its public perception as more women come forward admitting to being groped by the mascot. When Duffy is invited to appear on a sports talk show, the team sends their golden boy Connor Cunningham to smooth things over. Unexpectedly, their rapport (despite Duffy's father taking the spotlight with his unstoppable enthusiasm) has the public rooting for them as a couple. When Connor accidently kind of asks Duffy out on the talk show, his PR team wants to make it official. It only has to be one date.

Despite Duffy turning him down for a second date after their first one is pasted all over the news, Connor - and her interfering family - win Duffy over into giving him another chance.

Duffy's loud family, especially her father, attempt to take center stage in this one, with their personalities that can barely be contained and interfering ways. Despite them, Duffy and Connor manage to connect as Connor falls deeper for her. If only he can keep his agent and team owner from turning their romance into front page news at every step.

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Project Tau

by Jude Austin / 4 stars

This book grabbed me, I was so quickly invested in it.

Kalin Taylor, a foul mouthed, overweight youth is on his way to the prestigious college, SACAS. He has a roommate that he actually gets along with, a miracle in itself. In an attempt to make his father proud, Kalin tries to join a fraternity. They give him an impossible task - break into GenTech and take a picture of Project Tau. Kalin knows there's no chance he can actually make it but decides to give it a try anyway. What's the worst that can happen, they escort him out of security?

GenTech has a darker side than Kalin could have imagined. Projects - human clones that are given advanced strength and other attributes, then trained and sold to the highest bidder. Except the process of creating and training them often leads to failure. With Kalin detained by security, GenTech decides to keep him and experiment on him.

What happens next is the torture and mental abuse as they try to convince Kalin - now Project Kata - that his memories are false. He really is just a project, and his defiance only leads to more pain.

As Kata bonds with Project Tau and struggles to hold onto his sense of reality, he soon realizes they'll need to escape. Before the "training" kills them both.

This was horrifying at times, but I was so drawn into the story telling.

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Gods & Comics

by Kat Cho / 4 stars

A secret Webtoon artist, Grace is also an overachieving student who has her life plan in strict order. She makes sure her father eats on his infrequent breaks from shifts at the hospital, is all set to get into the college her parents went to and join the med program just like them. Except her grief over losing first her mother, and then her grandmother, led to a breakdown last year. Now she struggles to keep her emotions in check and not panic.

Belief is a powerful thing though, and as her Webtoon gains popularity the unexpected happens. The gods she writes about come to life, restored from where they disappeared as people stopped thinking of them. Now her main character is stalking her, and zombie-like creatures are out attacking people as the main villain shows up.

Grace can't keep juggling everything, so something will have to give. Can she take the chance on losing out on everything she's worked for to help a god she's only just met - and might be falling for?

This one was a fun, quick read. The Webtoon meets reality was such a fun concept, and I loved how she was able to mix in the memory of her grandmother and the stories she was told.

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The Solstice Swap

by Danielle Garrett / 3.5 stars

Andrea thought finding out her food critic boyfriend had been cheating on her was bad. Then he writes a scathing review about her bakery, putting her business in jeopardy. She's torn - work on re-establishing her reputation or focus on the cookbook she's supposed to be writing, the deadline soon approaching.

When her business manager suggests she go on vacation, Andrea finds a place on Solstice Swap, an Air bnb like site where fellow witches can trade houses. She might live in a magic district, Hecate's Kitchen, but maybe some time away is what she needs?

The new townhouse where she's staying supplies a talking cat, Phantom, who's droll sense of humor often made me laugh. As well as noisy construction work that does not help her writing process. On the other hand, the cute foreman of the construction crew might be just what she needs. An attraction that has her questioning what she ever saw in her old boyfriend.

I felt like this one was a cozy, no fuss rom-com. Low angst, with people actually communicating (for the most part) and even when there was drama it was easily solved and well handled. Definitely a lovely listen to sit back with and enjoy when you're needing to recharge.

Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC through NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

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A Pack for Spring

by Emelia Emerson / 4.5 stars

I adored this one! Seeing an omegaverse book (series!) in traditional publishing has me wondering just how unhinged all of us are. And loving every minute of it.

The third in the series set in Starlight Grove, our focus is on Lucy Andersson-Springs. She runs a shop she loves, making custom clothing and running a secret instagram account where she shares the outfits she makes for Starlight Grove's (real) mayor, the cat Felix. She has a great group of friends and loves what she does, but she's not been so lucky in love.

When she turns 29, she decides that maybe this is her year to find her pack. Or maybe she should accept what her exes told her, that she's too much and she should set about learning how to live alone.

When she finds three men she has a deep connection to - Leo, her beta neighbor she's been flirting with, to no success. Wilder the fire chief who rescues her from an ill-fated camping trip in the mountains and makes her feels instantly safe. And the billionaire King who might want nothing more than to be a one-night stand.

Each of the guys are dealing with their own reasons for thinking they aren't good enough for Lucy. Will their reticence keep them from forming their happy ending? Will Lucy be able to believe enough in herself and her own happy ending to reach out to them when they need it most?

A sweet romance with humor and a small town full of love and welcome. With delightfully, toe-curlingly hot spice, an instant hit for why choose fans.