Looking Forward - June 2020

     Ahhhh June, the start of summer.  Usually we are looking forward to hikes, picnics and trips to the beach.  This June however we are going to be social distancing and spending a lot of time at home.  Hopefully this will mean lots of extra time for reading because there are a lot of awesome books coming out this month!  Let me know if you will also be reading any of these, or if I missed any that you are looking forward to, in the comments.

June 2, 2020:

Star Wars Queen's Peril by E.K. Johnston:  You had me at Star Wars.  I'll read or watch anything Star Wars related.

***I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

June 9, 2020:

                              

Spy, Spy Again by Mercedes Lackey: This is book #3 in the Family Spies Series and it's the 45th book to be published in the world of Valdemar.  For those of you who aren't aware, Valdemar is my favorite fantasy world and I'm just sure I was supposed to be a Herald of Valdemar myself.  For more about this read my post "What's Your Favorite Series? or Where's My Companion?".  I am so excited to have received an advanced copy of this novel and can't wait to read it this weekend!  (Of course you know I already have my physical copy pre-ordered.)

***I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

The Living Dead by George Romero & Daniel Kraus:  YES!  I love zombies!  Bring it!

***I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

June 16, 2020:

   

Hella by David Gerrold:  A human colony on an alien planet where there are dinosaurs and extreme weather.  Ummm... Yes please!

Shadowplay by Joseph O'Connor:  The tag line for this novel on Amazon says: "Bram Stoker's extraordinary experiences at the Lyceum Theatre, his early morning walks on the streets of a London terrorized by a serial killer, his long, tempestuous relationship with Irving, and the closeness he finds with Ellen Terry, inspire him to write Dracula..."  This novel has Victorian London, Jack the Ripper and Bran Stoker in it... who wouldn't want to read this?!

***I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Devolution by Max Brooks: The subtitle of this novel is "A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre"... I think SuperSteve is almost as excited for this novel as I am, and he's not really much of a reader.  We loved World War Z, so anything by Max Brooks is on our "must-read" list.

June 23, 2020:

The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho:  First of all, look at this cover!  I will openly admit that I judge a novel by it's cover and this one is absolutely beautiful.  I am definitely buying a physical copy for myself, and not just a kindle copy, because of that cover.  Secondly, I love this author.  you can read my review of her novel Sorcerer to the Crown here.  This is a found family wuxia (wuxia is a genre of Chinese fiction about the adventures of martial artists) fantasy and that seriously intrigues me.

June 30, 2020:

                                             

 Witch Hunt by Cate Conte: Let's see... Witches, cozy mystery... There is no situation in which I would not read this novel.  

***I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: I'm hoping that this is going to be a gothic horror set in the Mexican countryside.  I love a good chill inducing gothic horror, and a new setting for one would be wonderful! Plus, that cover!!!

Looking Forward - September 2018

     Harvest is my favorite season.  That's what SuperSteve and I call Autumn.  I want pumpkin spice and chai flavored everything, and I'm looking forward to wearing sweaters and leggings.  I love the cooler weather (I very much dislike sweat and being hot).  Soon we will be admiring the changing colors of the foliage, and it will be getting dark earlier.  I'll be snuggled under a blanket, with a cat in my lap while reading.  I've been looking forward to this since the middle of June.  Also, usually the harvest season means more time for me to read. 
   
     Speaking of reading, here are the books I'm looking forward to in September.  You may want to get your pumpkin spice latte before reading this.  There are a lot.  Let me know if you're going to be reading any of these, or if I missed any you're looking forward to, in the comments.



September 4, 2018:

The Seclusion by Jacqui Castle:  This is a dystopian novel with, I'm hoping, a strong female protagonist.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Plague Land: Reborn by Alex Scarrow:  This is the sequel to last year's Plague Land.  You all know how much I love a good apocalypse.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***




















A Deadly Brew by Lynn Cahoon: This a novella.  It's a cozy mystery, it's Halloween themed, and just look at that awesome cover!  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Night and Silence by Seanan McGuire: This is #12 in the October Daye series.  If you haven't gotten into this series yet do yourself a favor and go read the first one (Rosemary and Rue) now!  Find this latest installment on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

The Chrysalis by Brendan Deeen: This novel looks delightfully scary.  I'm hoping it will keep me up at night.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***




September 11, 2018:





















The Lantern's Ember by Colleen Houck:  I'll admit that I selected this one because of the cover.  It has a lot of not so great reviews on Goodreads, but I'm hoping to enjoy it anyway.  I mean, just look at that cover!  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Born Scared by Kevin Brooks: This is a book about fear.  I thought that with my anxiety issues it might be an interesting read.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

The Late Great Wizard by Sara Hanover:  This is the first book in a new urban fantasy series.  A debut author, and a gorgeous cover; how could I say no?  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***




September 18, 2018:

The Night Crossing by Robert Masello: The description of this novel starts with: "Bram Stoker kept secret a tale even more terrifying than Dracula."  Need I say more?  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
*** I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Worldshaper by Edward Willett:  This is the first book in a new urban fantasy series with a labyrinth.  Yes, you see why I picked this one now.  The book description promises a labyrinth.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

























SINdrome by J. T. Nicholas: I didn't realize this is the third book in the series.  I haven't read the rest so probably won't get to this installment in the series for a couple more months.  But it's about the synth uprising, woohoo!  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

The Real Witches of New England by Ellen Evert Hopman: I'm trying to read more nonfiction.  I'm doing that by choosing topics that I'm really interested in.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***


September 25, 2018:

The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller by Cleo Coyle: This is book #6 in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series.  I love cozy mysteries about books and shop owners, so I love this series.  If you like mysteries and haven't discovered this series yet go read the first one, The Ghost and Mrs. McClure.  Find this latest installment in the series on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Bells, Spells and Murders by Carol J. Perry: This is book #7 in the Witch City Mystery Series.  This series is currently my favorite cozy mystery series.  It has a supernatural cat, and paranormal twists galore.  If you haven't read any of this series yet give it a try, the first one in the series is Caught Dead Handed and you can read my review here.  Find the latest installment in this series on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
***I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Looking Forward - July 2018

     Here are the New Releases for July 2018 that I'm excited about.  Let me know if you are planning to read any of these, or if I missed any that you are looking forward to reading!


July 3, 2018:

 


Buddha Bowls By Kelli Foster:  When I first saw this book I wasn't really sure what a Buddha Bowl was.  But the idea of having an easy, healthy meal all in one bowl sounded great!  I've already bookmarked several recipes to try.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble
**I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**



Unicorn Your Life: Wondrous Ways to Make Everything More Magical by Mary Flannery with Illustrations by Bree Wagner: Ummm, why would you not want to Unicorn Your Life?  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.


July 8, 2018:

Pagewalker by H. Duke: This is the first book in a new series called The Library Gate Series. It's about a librarian who guards a portal into the world of books.  I like to read books about people who love books.  It's short, Goodreads says it's approximately 45,000 words long.  Find it on Goodreads or Amazon. 


July 12, 2018:

Magical Mystery Paws by Mandy Morton: This is part of a series.  It's hard to find much information online about the series, but I think I was able to gather that this is the fifth book in the series that is called The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency, but it might also be called the Hettie Bagshot Mystery Series.  Regardless, there are cats and the books are told from the POV of the cats.  Find it on Goodreads or Amazon.
**I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**


July 17, 2018:

Maze Master by Kathleen O'Neal Gear: This is an apocalyptic thriller in which the end of the world is happening via a plague.  I love a good apocalypse.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
**I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Kill the Farm Boy by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne: A comedy fantasy from two of my favorite authors and the first in the new series The Tales of Pell.  I think this is going to be a really fun book to read.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.


July 24, 2018: 

Contagion by Erin Bowman:  First the cover caught my attention so I went to look it up.  This novel sounds amazing.  Amazon says: "Perfect for fans of Madeleine Roux, Jonathan Maberry, and horror films like 28 Days Later and Resident Evil, this pulse-pounding, hair-raising, utterly terrifying novel is the first in a duology" and I cannot wait to read it.  I want it now!  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.


July 26, 2018:

Barnanbas Tew and The Case of the Missing Scarab by Columbkill Noonan:  This is the first Barnabas Tew Mystery featuring a supernatural detective in Victorian England.  I'm hoping that this will be a fun, entertaining read.  The book was previously released in physical book form.  This release is of the ebook version.  Find it on Goodreads or Amazon.
**I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**


July 31, 2018:

Death Over Easy by Maddie Day:  This is the fifth book in the Country Store Mystery Series.  It's a cozy mystery and there's a cat on the cover.  Need I say more?  I have not ready any other books in this series, but I've purchased and started the first already.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.  
**I was provided a free copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Looking Forward - June 2018

     Here are the New Releases for June 2018 that I'm looking forward to.  Let me know if you are planning to read any of these or if I missed any that you're excited for!

     June 5, 2018:

The Hills Have Spies by Mercedes Lackey: Mercedes Lackey is one of my favorite authors.  Her Valdemar series is my favorite series of all time.  I found out about this book today and immediately told SuperSteve that I HAVE to go to Barnes and Noble on Tuesday.  It's an emergency.  This is not a drill.  I will be there when the doors open! Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.

Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire: Seanan McGuire is another of my favorite authors.  This is a rerelease of the first book in the Ghost Roads series in anticipation of the sequel that is being released in July.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. 

*****I was provided a free copy of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*****

Adrift by Rob Boffard: This is a science fiction thriller about tourists stranded in space and their struggle to survive.  I'm hoping this will be an "edge of your seat" adventure.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

 The Vanishing by Sophia Tobin: This is the release of the paperback edition, the hardcover came out in January 2017.  This is a historical fiction novel that I requested mainly because I loved the cover.  I'm guilty of judging books by their covers and this one is absolutely stunning!  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
*****I was provided a free copy of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*****


The Secret Token: Myth, Obsession, and the Search for the Lost Colony of Roanoke by Andrew Lawler: This is a non-fiction book that may answer the question: What happened to the colony of Roanoke.  I'm trying to read more non-fiction this year, and this should be an entertaining read.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
*****I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exhange for an honest review*****


     June 8, 2018:

Modern Guide to Energy Clearing by Barbara Moore:  I'm looking forward to this book because I think we all could use a little energy clearing and help filling our lives with more positive energy.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
*****I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*****


     June 12, 2018:

Island of the Mad by Laurie R. King: Apparently this is #15 in a series.  I did not realize that when I requested this from NetGalley, although I have now gone out and bought #1 (The Beekeeper's Apprentice) which I will be reading this month, so I guess it's not a total loss for NetGalley.  From my understanding it's kind of like Sherlock Holmes fanfiction.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
*****I was provided a free copy of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*****


The Spook in the Stacks by Eva Gates: This is #4 in a cozy mystery series.  Cozy mysteries are my guilty pleasure.  I prefer cozies with cats, food and magic or witches in them.  This installment in the series is set during Halloween, which makes it even better!  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
*****I was provided a free copy of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*****


     June 15, 2018:

Altered Seasons: Monsoonrise by Paul Briggs: I love post-apocalyptic fiction.  And technically this is post apocalyptic climate change fiction, which I find fascinating (and extra scary because there is an element of truth here).  This is first in a new series.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
*****I was provided a free copy of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*****


     June 19, 2018:

Outcasts of Order by L.E. Modesitt, Jr: The Saga of Recluce is one of my favorite fantasy series.  This is #20 in the series.  I can't wait for this novel.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
*****I was provided a free copy of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*****


Thicker Than Water by Mike Carey:  This is #4 in the Felix Castor series.  I love this series about a freelance exorcist.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.


     June 26, 2018:

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse: This is an exciting debut from a new author, and it's the first in a new series.  The cover is beautiful too.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon or Barnes & Noble.


Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews: I love Ilona Andrews, and this is the first in her new series.  But can I just say that I really dislike this cover.  I'm sorry, but, minus the magic she is holding in her hands, it looks like a cheesy historical romance.  I'm going to read it anyway because it's Ilona Andrews.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Death by Espresso by Alex Erickson: This is #6 in the Bookstore Cafe series (yes, it's another cozy mystery) and there is a cat on the cover.  I don't think there's anything that could make me want to read this book more.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon or Barnes & Noble.


The Ghost Between Us by Pete Nunweiler:  It's a horror novel, about ghosts.  Enough said.  Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.