This month’s reading journey took me through a mix of genres and styles, from mind-bending time travel to heart-pounding romances, with a dash of supernatural thrills. Here’s a quick look at what I read:
Book 1: A Discovery of Time and Space by Tiffani Smith – 3/5 Stars
Mixed Review – The plot of A Discovery of Time and Space was engaging, especially with its time travel and multiverse elements. Tiffani and her friends, Rory, Lin, and Ethan, are on a journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding her powers, and while the twists and puzzles kept me hooked, the characters sometimes felt too immature for their ages, and the repetitiveness slowed the pacing. That said, the author does a fantastic job with the time travel concept, keeping it accessible without getting bogged down in heavy sci-fi jargon. It’s an enjoyable read for fans of time travel and college stories, though it might lack in character development for some.
Book 2: What Happens in Montana by Kim McCollum – 4/5 Stars
Highly Recommend – What Happens in Montana surprised me in the best way. I’m typically not a fan of novels told from multiple viewpoints, but McCollum’s execution was flawless. The story delves into complex relationships, especially focusing on the challenges women face across generations. With the added supernatural element of Simone, a ghost from the past, and Maude, a wonderfully cantankerous chef, the novel offers both emotional depth and mystery. McCollum handles sensitive topics like gender roles without being preachy, making it a balanced, heartfelt read. If you love complex characters and a hint of ghostly intrigue, this is a must-read!
Book 3: A Measure of Rhyme by Lloyd Jeffries – 4.5/5 Stars
Highly Recommend – The second book in the Ages of Malice series, A Measure of Rhyme pulls you into a world filled with complex moral dilemmas and high stakes. Rhyme, the main character, is a strong, inspiring heroine, and her journey from librarian to world-saving force is both thrilling and emotional. Jeffries’ vivid storytelling transports you into both heavenly realms and the darkest corners of Earth, while the supernatural elements and deep character evolution kept me on the edge of my seat. Though I came into the series mid-way, A Measure of Rhyme has made me eager to read the first book and continue the saga. If you’re into supernatural thrillers with complex characters and an impending apocalypse, this one’s for you.
Book 4: Southern Refuge - Cowboy Found by Eliza McJames – 4.5/5 Stars
Highly Recommend – Southern Refuge - Cowboy Found is a perfect blend of romance, mystery, and personal growth. Ruby is a strong, independent woman shaped by a difficult past, and her journey toward healing and self-acceptance is compelling. Michael, the cowboy turned medical student, offers perfect balance to Ruby’s emotional turmoil. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the romantic tension between them builds beautifully throughout the story. But it’s not just a romance; McJames skillfully weaves in layers of mystery and suspense that keep you turning pages long into the night. This book will pull you in and leave a lasting impact, with themes of redemption and healing that make it unforgettable.
Book 5: The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu by Jorah Kai & Ernest Hemingway – Preorder Alert!
I'm in the process of reading an ARC of this one and it is a fascinating, macabre read so far. This mash-up of Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises with Lovecraft’s cosmic horror is an eerie reimagining. Jack Schitt and his friends navigate the disillusionment of post-war Europe while facing the terrifying threat of an ancient evil that seeks to unravel reality. The blending of existential themes with cosmic dread make this a unique read. I'll let you know by thoughts in my next review.
You can check out the full reviews on my review blog: BookHookup Reviews (Reviewing books since 2008)