Title: Old Ham Author: Seraphina Nova Glass Format: eBook Length: 195 pages Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: October 13, 2026
Old Ham by Seraphina Nova Glass was a quick-paced, darkly entertaining read. From the very beginning I couldn’t look away from the main character. Junie is completely unhinged and watching her justify every increasingly outrageous decision made this book impossible to put down. Her unpredictable behavior kept me constantly wondering what she would do next but also cringe at the same time. The cast of supporting characters added even more chaos to an already wild ride. You honestly didn’t know what was going to happen next throughout the entire story.
Good morning readers! These are all of the books that I acquired/received/borrowed onto my shelves, virtual and/or physical, for the entire month of August:
I borrowed all of these from Libby.
I borrowed these large print editions from my local library.
I chose the bonus short story read on First Reads this month.
I was approved for the newest book in the Michael Bennett series!
I was also sent a hardcover copy of Delusional thanks to Little, Brown.
Title: Hunting Fiends For The Ill-Equipped Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 8 hours 28 minutes Narrator: Cris Dukehart Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: June 23, 2020
I really enjoyed Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped! The action and suspense kept the story moving, while Robin and Zylas’s relationship continued to develop in such a fun and entertaining way. I especially loved their banter, growing trust, and all the tension between them. Robin may have finally grown on me at this point, lol. Another great addition to the Guild Codex series!
Title: Druid Vices and a Vodka Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 9 hours 15 minutes Narrator: Cris Dukehart Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: March 17, 2020
Druid Vices and a Vodka was another fun, entertaining installment in the The Guild Codex: Spellbound series. The investigation pulled me in right away, blending supernatural intrigue with plenty of humor, danger, and unexpected twists. The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, with enough surprises to keep me guessing without ever feeling overcomplicated.
What I continue to love most about this series is the cast of characters. Every one of them feels fully developed, and I really enjoyed seeing how each character’s arc continued to evolve. Whether they were facing personal challenges, strengthening long-standing friendships, or discovering new sides of themselves, their growth felt genuine and rewarding. The relationships between the characters remain one of the biggest strengths of the series, adding heart to the fast-paced magical mystery.
The world-building continues to expand naturally, introducing new magical elements while keeping the familiar charm that makes this series so enjoyable. The mix of witty dialogue, paranormal action, and emotional moments creates a story that’s just as much about the characters as it is about solving the case.
While this wasn’t my favorite book in the series, it was still a very satisfying read with a strong conclusion. If you’ve been following these characters from the beginning, this installment delivers another engaging mystery, plenty of laughs, and meaningful character development. I’m already looking forward to seeing where their journeys take them next.
Title: Slaying Monsters For The Feeble Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 8 hours 27 minutes Narrator: Cris Dukehart Rating: 3 stars Publication Date: February 4, 2019
I powered myself through this one, relying on my love of the narrator, Cris Dukehart, to get me through it. The main character Robin straight up annoys me at every turn, and especially when she treated Zylas crappy for no reason. This one also lost me once the vampires showed up in the story. The story fits in to the read along just fine, this one was just not my cup of tea.
I listened to multiple audiobooks in June, using the NetGalley Shelf app, as well as the Libby app and the Hoopla app (my local library has access to both!)
I completed the Going The Distance prompt as these three books were over 12 hours long, which enters me into the running for the giveaway!
I also listened to these audiobooks this month, curtesy of the library:
I listened to a total of five audiobooks this month, one from NetGalley and four from the library. This was a very successful challenge indeed!
Good morning readers! These are all of the books that I acquired/received/borrowed onto my shelves, virtual and/or physical, for the entire month of June:
I borrowed all of these from Libby.
These two are First Reads choices for the month of June.
I enjoy Chad Zunker’s books so when I saw this one on NetGalley I knew I had to request it. Turns out, it was a Read Now book and I snagged it up so quick!
I signed up for this traveling book and it made it’s way to my house earlier this month. To learn more about Traveling Books or the Literally Bookish Facebook Group, leave me a comment and I’ll send you all the details!
Good morning readers! These are all of the books that I acquired/received/borrowed onto my shelves, virtual and/or physical, for the entire month of May:
I borrowed all of these from Libby.
These two are First Reads choices for the month of May.
Remember how I said I would not request a lot of books on NetGalley this year? OOPS!!!!
I receive a complimentary audiobook from William Morrow’s Scene of the Crime program.
Title: The Alchemist and an Amaretto Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 6 hours 55 minutes Rating: 4.5 stars Publication Date: January 28, 2020
The Alchemist and an Amaretto was an absolutely great listen for me. Every time I return to this world I’m reminded why these books are so addictive. The blend of magic, action, humor, and character development was perfectly balanced, and I was hooked from beginning to end.
I am also completely invested in Cris Dukehart’s narration. She makes each character feel unique and it keeps me invested in the story.
Annette Marie also does an amazing job creating a world that feels immersive without becoming too complicated or overwhelming. Every new detail adds something meaningful to the plot. This book had everything I love in an urban fantasy and it left me excited to continue with the series immediately.
Title: It’s Not Her Author: Mary Kubica Format: audiobook Length: 11 hours 32 minutes Narrators: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Pressley, Gary Tiedermann Rating: 4.5 stars Publication Date:February 3, 2026
It’s Not Her was such an addictive and suspenseful read. Mary Kubica does an amazing job creating tension from the very beginning, and every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist completely changed everything.
I especially loved the emotional depth of the story and how layered the characters felt. The pacing was fantastic, the atmosphere was unsettling in the best way, and the ending was absolutely everything. This was one of those thrillers that was impossible to put down!
I also enjoyed each narrator. They made the characters come to life in such a great way!
Title: The Anniversary Author: Alex Finlay Format: audiobook Length: 7 hours 38 minutes Narrators: Ari Fliakos & Brittany Pressley Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: May 12, 2026
I really enjoyed The Anniversary by Alex Finlay. The story pulled me in right away with its intriguing premise and didn’t let go. The pacing was steady, with just the right amount of suspense to keep me listening, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together what was really going on.
The plot twist completely caught me off guard in the best way. It was the kind of reveal that makes you stop and rethink everything you’ve read up to that point, which I always appreciate in a thriller. It felt well-executed and satisfying rather than rushed or predictable.
I listened to the audiobook, and both narrators (Ari Fliakos and Brittany Pressley) did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. They really captured the tone and emotions of the characters, adding depth and tension in all the right moments. Their performances made it even easier to stay fully immersed in the story.
Overall, this was a gripping and entertaining read with strong storytelling and a memorable twist. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted thriller.
I received a complimentary audiobook copy. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to listen.
Good morning readers! These are all of the books that I acquired/received/borrowed onto my shelves, virtual and/or physical, for the entire month of April:
I borrowed all of these from Libby.
I did not choose a First Reads book this month.
I requested both of these books through NetGalley and was approved!
I borrowed these two from within the Facebook group I am apart of.
Title: Hellbound Guilds & Other Misdirections Author: Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen Format: audiobook Length: 8 hours 12 minutes Rating: 3 stars Publication Date: September 14, 2021
I wanted to give Kit a chance, but I am just not feeling this series. I did like how the events that happened on Halloween with the demon are in all three series (Spellbound, Warped and Demonized) though. I will continue on with this series as it’s part of the read-along I am doing but it’s not my favorite.
Good morning readers! These are all of the books that I acquired/received/borrowed onto my shelves, virtual and/or physical, for the entire month of March:
No, choosing red covers was not planned for this month, LOL!!!!
These are traveling books, aka borrowed books, within the Facebook group.
Again, an orange theme was also not planned for this month, haha!
An e-ARC of David Ellis’ newest book is in my possession!
Title: Taming Demons for Beginners Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 7 hours 52 minutes Narrator: Cris Dukehart Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: December 31, 2019
Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie is such a fun and refreshing start to the The Guild Codex: Demonized series. The story follows Robin, a quiet and rule-loving bookkeeper who works for a guild of mages but wants absolutely nothing to do with magic herself. Of course, that plan quickly falls apart when she accidentally summons and becomes magically bound to a powerful demon named Zylas.
What makes this book so enjoyable is the contrast between Robin and Zylas. Robin is cautious, anxious, and determined to follow every rule, while Zylas is reckless, dangerous, and constantly pushing her out of her comfort zone. Their reluctant partnership creates a lot of humor, tension, and surprisingly heartfelt moments as they slowly learn to trust each other.
I also really enjoyed how this story intertwines with The Guild Codex: Spellbound. Both series take place in the same world and run alongside each other, which makes it fun to see overlapping events and characters from different perspectives. It adds an extra layer to the story for readers who are following both series, which I am doing.
The worldbuilding is easy to jump into, with a unique take on guilds, contracts, and demons that keeps the story moving without feeling overwhelming. The pacing is quick, the action scenes are exciting, and the banter between the characters makes it hard to put the book down.
Overall, Taming Demons for Beginners is a highly entertaining urban fantasy with lovable characters, witty dialogue, and the start of a really intriguing series. If you enjoy magic, slow-building relationships, and a bit of chaos mixed with humor, this is definitely a book worth picking up.
Good morning readers! These are all of the books that I acquired/received/borrowed onto my shelves, virtual and/or physical, for the entire month of February:
I borrowed all of these from Libby.
I did not choose a First Reads book this month.
Scene of The Crime Early Readers Program sent me a widget on NetGalley for this one on audiobook.
Title: Demon Magic and a Martini Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 7 hours 15 minutes Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Demon Magic and a Martini was an absolute blast from start to finish. Annette Marie nails the perfect balance of humor, action, and urban fantasy vibes, making this a story that’s incredibly easy to fall into and hard to put down. The pacing is spot on—there’s always something happening, but it never feels rushed or overwhelming. Each scene flows naturally into the next, keeping the tension high and the momentum strong.
One of the biggest highlights is the cast of main characters. Every single one of them shines, with distinct personalities, great banter, and believable chemistry. The protagonist is especially fun to follow, and the supporting characters add so much charm and depth that the story feels alive and dynamic. Their interactions are just as entertaining as the plot itself. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy with heart and humor.
Title: When I Kill You Author: B.A. Paris Format: audiobook Length: 7 hours 52 minutes Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: February 17, 2026
I listened to this last year so it counted for last years challenges.
When I Kill You is another gripping, emotionally charged thriller from B.A. Paris, and I was hooked from the very first page. The tension builds beautifully throughout the story, with Paris’s signature blend of atmospheric suspense and deeply personal stakes. I found myself completely immersed, not just in the plot but in the way the story unfolded with such precision and psychological depth. I did guess the plot twist before it happened, but it did not ruin the book for me.
If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you on edge while delivering strong character insight, When I Kill You is absolutely worth the read.
