Sunday Post #480: Cooking Rant (Sorry)

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Monthly Wrap-Up: November 2025

I have been feeling a lot better mental health-wise, and you can tell! My reading is up, I'm actually enjoying my books, and I even started writing and posting reviews again! It's been a rough year, but I am trying to let go of things I can't control. There's really no use winding myself up about such things. So I'm just living life and finding things to do that I enjoy. And it also helps that I switched birth control to one that hasn't been giving me completely awful side effects. Lol.

All that being said, this month I read 7 books, which is a total of 2331 pages (about 200 pages MORE than last month!)

• 6 were full-length novels, and 1 manga
• I started 1 series and finished none 😅
• 4 were part of a series, and 3 were standalones
• All 7 were finished copies
• 5 were physical books, and 2 were ebooks
• 4 were 5-star reads (!!!), 1 was 4.5, 1 was 4 stars, and 1 was a 3-star read
• 5 were traditionally published, and 2 were indie published
• 4 were by authors I've previously read, and 3 were new to me
• 6 were adult books, and 1 was YA
• 6 were fiction, and 1 was non-fiction
• 1 was sci-fi, 1 action, 1 high fantasy, 2 horror, 1 self-help, and 1 cozy mystery

Review: She Waits for You Beyond the Dark (Death Games #2) by Kristen Simmons

Title: She Waits for You Beyond the Dark

Series: Death Games #2

Previous book in this series: Find Him Where You Left Him Dead

Author: Kristen Simmons

Genre: YA, horror, Japanese mythology

Publication date: March 11th 2025

Published by: Tor Teen

Source: eARC for review from publishers via Netgalley

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Buy it: Amazon | B&N | Book Outlet | Thrift Books

Synopsis: "Death is not an ending, it’s simply the next chapter. Do not be afraid to turn the page..."

It’s been one month since Ian’s reunited friends escaped the hellish game of Meido and saved him. The survivors may have sealed the gate to the world of the dead shut and destroyed Empress Izanami, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still reeling over the challenges they endured. Trying to relax back in the world of the living, they take solace in the fact that they rescued Ian from the nightmare that tried to steal him away. But there’s just one problem—Ian didn’t come home alone.

The empress—now possessing Ian's heart—hitched a ride into their world and the only way to free Ian from her grasp is to find three artifacts for her, sacred objects which have been hidden across many realms. Unwilling to leave Ian behind a second time, his friends dive into a new deadly game, with terrifying challenges that not only test their mettle, but demand sacrifices—including their very lives.

If they don’t retrieve the empress’s artifacts, Ian will be lost forever, but if they do, it could be the end of their world as they know it.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I have been looking forward to reading this book since I finished the previous book (that cliffhanger!), but my mood was not cooperating. Hence why we are here now, almost a year after I got this book 😅 But I enjoyed it... once I got to it. Lol.

Review: If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry

Title: If Looks Could Kill

Author: Julie Berry

Genre: YA, historical fantasy, Greek mythology, thriller

Publication date: September 16th 2025

Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Source: eARC for review from publishers via Netgalley

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Buy it: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis: From Printz Honor–winning and New York Times bestselling author Julie Berry, a true-crime-nail-biter-turned-mythic-odyssey pitting Jack the Ripper against Medusa. A defiant love song to sisterhood, a survivors’ battle cry, and a romantic literary tour de force laced with humor.

It’s autumn 1888, and Jack the Ripper is on the run. As London police close in, he flees England for New York City seeking new victims. But a primal force of female vengeance has had enough. With serpents for hair and a fearsome gaze, an awakened Medusa is hunting for one thing: Jack.

And other dangers lurk in Manhattan’s Bowery. Salvation Army volunteers Tabitha and Pearl discover that a girl they once helped has been forced to work in a local brothel. Tabitha’s an upstate city girl with a wry humor and a thirst for adventure, while farmgirl Pearl takes everything with stone-cold seriousness. Their brittle partnership is tested as they team up with an aspiring girl reporter and a handsome Irish bartender to mount a rescue effort, only to find their fates entwine with Medusa’s and Jack’s.

My rating: ★★★★☆

The moment I discovered this book, I knew I needed to read it because what do you mean this is basically Medusa vs. Jack the Ripper?! Yeah, I needed this in my brain asap. Lol. And I really enjoyed it!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #443: Mistborn Hyperfocus

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #479: Reading. That's It.

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Review: Dark Quasar Reckoning (Friends of a Former Space Janitor #3) by Julia Huni

Title: Dark Quasar Reckoning

Series: Friends of a Former Space Janitor #3

Previous books in this series: Dark Quasar Rising (#1) | Dark Quasar Ignites (#2)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, adventure

Publication date: October 22nd 2025

Published by: IPH Media

Source: eARC for review from author

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Buy it: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis: Political drama. A rogue AI. And a coup with grandma at the helm.

Special Agent Lindsay "Vanti" Fioravanti and her crew thought their mission to Leweian space was complete. But when their AI shuttle Helva—presumed lost forever—calls for help, they are pulled into a planetary rebellion orchestrated by their shipmate Leo’s grandmother.

With friends kidnapped, loyalties tested, and her Hadriana caat stirring up trouble, Vanti has one job: survive the galaxy’s most dysfunctional family reunion and get her crew out alive.

Dark Quasar Reckoning—a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud space adventure where high-tech espionage meets family drama, and the only thing more dangerous than a galactic coup is listening to the caat.

My rating: ★★★★☆

A megalomanic wannabe empress and a self-aware Al. That is not a good combination.

I was really looking forward to this book because on this mission, Vanti sought out help from Nick and Katie Li! These characters are from a spinoff book called Luna City Limited: The Phoenix and Katie Li. It was a lot of fun with lots of spying! Anyway, I love a good crossover, which is why I was very excited to read this! And it was so much fun! I really enjoyed it!

Review: Robber's Road (Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #22) by J.L. Bryan

Title: Robber's Road

Series: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #22

Previous books in this series: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper (#1) | Cold Shadows (#2) | The Crawling Darkness (#3) | Terminal (#4) | House of Whispers #5 | Maze of Souls #6 | Lullaby (#7) | The Keeper (#8) | The Tower (#9) | The Monster Museum (#10) | Fire Devil (#11) | The Necromancer's Library (#12) | The Trailwalker (#13) | Midnight Movie (#14) | The Lodge (#15) | Cabinet Jack (#16) | Fallen Wishes (#17) | Sunset House (#18) | The Funtime Show (#19) | Miracle Mountain (#20) | Mortuary Manor (#21)

Author: J.L. Bryan

Genre: Adult, paranormal, horror

Publication date: September 24th 2025

Published by: J.L. Bryan

Source: eARC for review from author

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Buy it: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis: According to legend, a ghostly car haunts the old, rarely traveled road twisting through the woods outside town. Those who wish to see it must follow three rules: drive at night, turn off all the lights inside and outside the car, and silence the car's radio or sound system.

Driving in darkness and silence, navigating only by the light of the moon and the stars, generations of teenagers and other reckless thrill seekers have dared each other into trying to see the legendary car. Some have crashed and died, only adding to the road's stories of danger and death.

New problems bring paranormal investigators Ellie Jordan and Stacey Tolbert racing to the scene, where they face a crash course in how to stop a lethal, yet somehow beloved, supernatural legend before it drags more innocent lives across the finish line.

My rating: ★★★★★

It had been so long since I read an Ellie Jordan book. I was really missing her so this book came out at just the right time! And we got another good case! This book had everything: haunted roads, robbers, moonshine runners, and, of course, dumb dares. Lol.

Review: Only Rogue Actions (Galactic Bonds #5) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Only Rogue Actions

Series: Galactic Bonds #5

Previous books in this series: Only Bad Options (#1) | Only Good Enemies (#2) | Only Hard Problems (#3) | Only Cold Depths (#4)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, fantasy

Publication date: October 14th 2025

Published by: Jennifer Estep

Source: eARC for review from author

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Buy it: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis: A WOMAN WHO DREAMS OF THE FUTURE...

Once upon a time, I was Vesper Quill, a lowly lab rat using my seer magic and engineering skills to repair broken appliances at a Regal-owned corporation. These days, I’m one of the most infamous and wanted fugitives in the Archipelago Galaxy, along with Kyrion Caldaren, my partner.

Kyrion and I are hiding out on a distant planet when we are offered a chance to train at a prestigious facility in hopes of better understanding our truebond, the psionic connection that lets us share thoughts, feelings, skills, and more.

Mastering our magic is the only way we can hope to defeat our many enemies and make my dreams of a safe future a reality, so Kyrion and I accept the invitation. But evil forces are at work, and our training exercise is not what it seems, plunging us both into another deadly situation with only bad options.

A MAN WHO CAN’T ESCAPE HIS PAST...

I’ve always been Kyrion Caldaren, a Regal lord with telekinesis, telepathy, telempathy, and other powerful psionic abilities. I might have gone rogue from the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite warriors, but my fighting skills are as sharp and deadly as ever.

Vesper Quill and I need help with our truebond, so we agree to participate in a rigorous training exercise designed to test the depths of our connection. But a new enemy has other plans, and we’re soon separated and confronted with one dangerous obstacle after another.

But my love for Vesper is stronger than any forces set against us, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make my way back to her—and kill anyone who gets in my way.

My rating: ★★★★⯪

This is one of my favorite series because I love the blend of sci-fi and fantasy... and this is also by one of my favorite authors 😆

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #442: Fantasy Detour

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #478: Where Did the Week Go?

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Review: Mortuary Manor (Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #21) by J.L. Bryan

Title: Mortuary Manor

Series: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #21

Previous books in this series: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper (#1) | Cold Shadows (#2) | The Crawling Darkness (#3) | Terminal (#4) | House of Whispers #5 | Maze of Souls #6 | Lullaby (#7) | The Keeper (#8) | The Tower (#9) | The Monster Museum (#10) | Fire Devil (#11) | The Necromancer's Library (#12) | The Trailwalker (#13) | Midnight Movie (#14) | The Lodge (#15) | Cabinet Jack (#16) | Fallen Wishes (#17) | Sunset House (#18) | The Funtime Show (#19) | Miracle Mountain (#20)

Author: J.L. Bryan

Genre: Adult, paranormal, horror

Publication date: October 2024

Published by: J.L. Bryan

Source: Purchased ebook

Add it on Goodreads

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis: Come get scared... to death!

Open now through Halloween, Mortuary Manor is a walk-through haunted house offering frights and fun for those seeking a serious scare. The dead have taken over this lunatic labyrinth of a funeral home that's absolutely guaranteed to make you scream! (No refunds.)

Don't forget to visit our ghoulish gift shop and supernatural snack stand, if you dare!

UPDATE: This attraction is temporarily closed. Rumors of strange disturbances and injuries to our valued customers and scare actors have been greatly exaggerated, but we've brought in local experts to help with the recent problems. We'll reopen as soon as possible, and we'll be thrilled to resume tormenting you with the most terrific terrors anywhere in the greater Savannah area.

My rating: ★★★★★

I loved this book so much! I mean, I love this series in general, so it's really not that surprising. Lol. But in this book, it's Halloween season and Ellie and Stacey are investigating a haunted haunted house!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #441: The Supernatural Vibes Continue

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #477: Some Good Things, Some Bad

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #440: Readathon Wrap-Up

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #476: Two Readathons in One Month

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Monthly Wrap-Up: October 2025

This has been my best reading month, and it has all been thanks to doing two readathons. Lol. In October, I read 8 books for a total of 2130 pages. That's 1300 pages MORE than the previous month!

• 6 were full-length novels, and 2 manga
• I started 1 series, finished 1, and caught up on 2
• 6 were part of a series, and 2 were standalones
• 4 were finished copies, and 4 were ARCs
• 4 were physical books, and 4 were ebooks
• 1 was a 5-star read, 5 were 4-star reads, 1 was a 3-star read, and 1was a 2-star read
• 6 were traditionally published, and 2 were indie published
• 5 were by authors I've previously read, and 3 were new to me
• 4 were adult books, and 4 were YA
• 1 was sci-fi, 2 action, 2 horror, 1 historical fantasy, 1 cozy mystery, 1 splatterpunk