Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 15
July 23, 2024
Can’t Wait Wednesday: My Salty Mary
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released.
My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
YA, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mary #3
eBook, Hardcover, Audiobook, 448 Pages
August 20, 2024 by HarperTeen
Blurb:Perfect for fans of The Princess Bride and A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, New York Times bestselling authors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows are back with a fantastical, romantical, and piratical historical fantasy remix that marries the story of The Little Mermaid with the life and times of infamous lady pirate Mary Read.
Don’t call this mermaid “little”—call her “captain,” unless you want to walk the plank.
Mary is in love with the so-called prince of Charles Town, except he doesn’t love her back. Which is inconvenient. Since she’s a mermaid, being brokenhearted means she’ll—poof!—turn into sea-foam.
But instead, Mary finds herself pulled out of the sea and up onto a pirate ship. To survive, she joins them. But Mary isn’t willing to just sing the yo-ho-hos. She wants the pirate life, all of it, and she’s ready to make a splash . . . by becoming captain. But when Blackbeard dies suddenly, Mary has a chance to become so much more: Pirate King . . . or Queen. She won’t let anyone stop her—not Blackbeard’s cute son, not her best friend from back under the sea who’s having a bit too much fun with his new legs, and certainly not everyone who says she can’t be a pirate just because she’s a girl.
She may not be the best man for the job, but she’ll definitely prove that she’s worth her salt.
Why I Want to Read This Book:Both the Jane and the Mary series by these authors are a lot of fun! I’m behind on the Mary one but this one sounds really good, perfect for an end of summer read!
Will you be checking this book out? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?
July 22, 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Debut Novels I Enjoyed
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish and currently hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl.
Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Debut Novels I EnjoyedThis week’s TTT is all about debut novels we enjoyed. I love giving new authors a chance and here are a few I enjoyed!
1. The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
2. Her Villains by Jade Presley
3. The Return by Rachel Harrison
4. The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich 
5. This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer
6. Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack
7. Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan 
8. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
9. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
10. Resurrection Road by Hannah Marae
What were some of your favorite debut books? Did any of mine make your list? Are there any debuts that for you are your favorite of that author’s works?
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 22 July 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 24 July 2024
This week I’m linking up to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date and WWW Wednesday hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words!
#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.
WWW Wednesday was created by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and was taken over by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. To participate answer the 3 W’s:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
It’s been a busy week at work so I haven’t had a ton of reading time. I’ve mostly been listening to audiobooks as I hike or work out at the gym.
Currently Reading:Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
I’m slowly making my way through this one and hoping to make more progress next weekend.
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
I just started the audiobook of this one so I don’t have a good impression of it so far. They’re on the boat to the island. I don’t care for the main character too much yet.
Recently Finished:The Wedding Party by L.R. Jones
This one was a fast listen and while I enjoyed it, it felt like the killer was laid out for you early on.
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
I liked this one but I liked Penelope and Collin’s story more.
After You’ve Gone by Margot Hunt
I really enjoyed this one and I could see a series with this character solving murders!
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
I don’t think “dark romance” is for me. The villain – oops – I mean love interest was just awful. Nothing sexy or appealing about him. And the heroine. My gods, was she stupid. I DNF’d at 40%. This is my 3rd attempt to get through this book.
Reading Next:The Widow’s House by Carol Goodman
I’ve had this audiobook for a while and I think I’ll listen to it while I wait for Carol Goodman’s next release at the end of the month.
What are you reading and loving this week?
July 14, 2024
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 15 July 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 17 July 2024
This week I’m linking up to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date and WWW Wednesday hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words!
#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.
WWW Wednesday was created by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and was taken over by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. To participate answer the 3 W’s:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
Last week was a busy reading week! I breezed through a bunch of audiobooks while also struggling with a few books I ended up DNFing.
Currently Reading:Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel GilligI’m just starting this one but I really enjoyed the first book!
The Wedding Party by L.R. JonesI’m also just starting the audiobook of The Wedding Party. It was in my recommended for you section of Kindle Unlimited.
Recently Finished:Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Confession: I loved this book more than Season 3!
One Dark Window by Rachel GilligI really loved this one and immediately borrowed the second book in Kindle Unlimited.
Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay
I think I need to stop trying to read recent horror releases. I hated the writing style in this book!
Reading Next:The Woodkin by Alexander James
I can just picture myself listening to this one while I’m out hiking. 
What are you reading and loving this week?
July 13, 2024
The Sunday Post: Will It Ever Stop Raining?
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Will It Ever Stop Raining?Hey Book Blogger Friends! I hope you all had a great week!
It was a pretty bland week here. I mainly went to the gym, worked, and tried to catch up on sleep.
As I may have mentioned, I’ve been trying to get healthier and lose weight since I was diagnosed with my gallbladder issues in early April. (I had gallbladder removal surgery May 20.) I’m happy to report that as of yesterday when I weighed myself at the gym, I’ve lost 31 pounds since early April. I haven’t hit my summer goal yet but I’m close and I plan to keep going in the hopes of hitting my long term goal by next spring.
We’ve had yet another week of on and off rain, more flooding in areas, and high heat and humidity while the annual Iola Old Car Show was going on. I’m getting sick of the rain, I just want to enjoy summer! I’ve had to cancel plans I’ve had for my days off twice now with the unpredictable forecast and the fact that the places I want to go are flooded.
Last Week on the Blog:
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 8 July 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 10 July 2024
Can’t Wait Wednesday: So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 15 July 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Things I Loved About Romancing Mister Bridgerton
WWW Wednesday – 17 July 2024
Can’t Wait Wednesday: The Crescent Moon Tearoom
July 9, 2024
Can’t Wait Wednesday: So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released.
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
Adult, Horror, Standalone
eBook, Hardcover, Audiobook, 304 Pages
September 10, 2024 by Berkley
Blurb:A woman must learn to take life by the throat after a night out leads to irrevocable changes in this juicy, thrilling novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Such Sharp Teeth and Black Sheep.
Sloane Parker is dreading her birthday. She doesn’t need a reminder she’s getting older, or that she’s feeling indifferent about her own life. Her husband surprises her with a birthday-weekend getaway—not with him, but with Sloane’s longtime best friend, troublemaker extraordinaire Naomi. Sloane anticipates a weekend of wine tastings and cozy robes and strategic avoidance of issues she’d rather not confront, like her husband’s repeated infidelity.
But when they arrive at their rental cottage, it becomes clear Naomi has something else in mind. She wants Sloane to stop letting things happen to her, for Sloane to really live. So Naomi orchestrates a wild night out with a group of mysterious strangers, only for it to take a horrifying turn that changes Sloane’s and Naomi’s lives literally forever. The friends are forced to come to terms with some pretty eternal consequences in this bloody, seductive novel about how it’s never too late to find satisfaction, even though it might taste different than expected.
Why I Want to Read This Book:Rachel Harrison is an auto-buy author for me, ever since I read her debut, The Return (which still remains my favorite). This book reminds me of the vampire equivalent of Such Sharp Teeth so I’m anticipating a similar-ish storyline.
Will you be checking this book out? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?
July 8, 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Unique/Unusual Character Names
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish and currently hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl.
Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Unique/Unusual Character NamesThis week’s TTT is a freebie of past prompts and I decided to go with unusual/unique character names
1. Lieke (Until the Stars Fall)
2. Tempest Mortem (Corpse Queen)
3. Lune (Reactive)
4. Cozy (Last on the List)
5. Misery Lark (Bride)
6 & 7. Winnifred and Byron (Ten Trends to Seduce Your Best Friend) 
(More old fashioned than unique/unusual which makes them so)8 & 9. Castor and Forge (Gravebriar)
10. Saint (Nash)
What did you choose for today’s freebie post? What unusual names have you found in books?
July 7, 2024
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 8 July 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 10 July 2024
This week I’m linking up to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date and WWW Wednesday hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words!
#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.
WWW Wednesday was created by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and was taken over by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. To participate answer the 3 W’s:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
Last week was a busy reading week! I breezed through a bunch of audiobooks while also struggling with a few books I ended up DNFing.
Currently Reading:The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
I think it’s the setting but I’m not enjoying this one as much as the other books I’ve read by this author. It’s alright and I’m halfway through, I’m just waiting to see what the twist is.
One Dark Window by Rachel GilligI’ve been reading little bits of this one when I can. Lately I’m just getting through audiobooks faster. I do like the story so far.
Recently Finished:The Swell by Allie Reynolds
I thought this one was pretty good! I kept guessing who the killer was and was surprised at the end.
Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham
I also really enjoyed this one! The main character is a bit of an unreliable narrator and I loved how none of the characters were really innocent.
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
This book left me asking WTF did I just read? And sometimes that can be a good thing. But this? This was just confusing and unsatisfying.
Reading Next:The Girl Who Died by Ragnar Jónasson
I’ve had the audiobook of this one for a while and I’m finally getting ready to read it.
What are you reading and loving this week?
July 6, 2024
The Sunday Post: Fourth of July, Dam Breaks, and Yoga
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Fourth of July, Dam Breaks, and YogaHey Book Blogger Friends! I hope you all had a great week!
The Fourth of July came and went. I was in the middle of my 60 hour work week and our fireworks always fall on the 3rd, which I was also working. A fight broke out in the park where they were holding the fireworks and it was all hands on deck to take care of it and I, as it is with our department, was the only dispatcher on duty. It was really stressful, worse than any other holiday I’ve worked.
We’ve also still been enduring at least half of the week plagued by rainy days. Yesterday I tried to drive to the grocery store in the next town over. The thunderstorm was so bad I felt like Janet Leigh’s character in Psycho. I could barely tell where I was on the road and was hydroplaning at times as the road flooded so I had to turn back. Meanwhile in another nearby town, the dam broke and the town is now flooded in places. I think it made CNN.
Since the gym was shut down for the holiday I tried Yoga for the first time at home. My knees hurt a lot afterwards but I’m hoping it will be an alternative when the gym is closed on Sundays if the weather is too bad to hike, like it’s supposed to be today.
Last Week on the Blog: It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 1 July 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 3 July 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books with My Favorite Color on the Cover
Can’t Wait Wednesday: The Chamber by Will Dean
On the Travel Blog: Weekly Exploration Round Up June 23-29
On the Travel Blog: Spring 2024 Travel Catch-Up
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 8 July 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 10 July 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Unique/Unusual Character Names
Can’t Wait Wednesday: So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
On the Travel Blog: Weekly Exploration Round Up June 30 – July 6
July 2, 2024
Can’t Wait Wednesday: The Chamber
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released.
The Chamber by Will Dean
Adult, Thriller, Standalone
eBook, Paperback, Audiobook, 352 Pages
August 6, 2024 by Atria/Emily Bestler Books
Blurb:And Then There Were None meets The Last Breath in this tense and suspenseful locked-room thriller that takes place inside a hyperbaric chamber from the author of the “brilliant, twisted, and oh so clever” (Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author) novel The Last Thing to Burn.
Six experienced saturation divers are locked inside a hyperbaric chamber. Calm and professional, they know that rapid decompression would be fatal and so they work in shifts, breathing helium, and surviving in hot, close quarters.
Then one of them is found dead in his bunk.
With four days of decompression to go before the locked hatch to the chamber can be safely opened, the group must watch one another’s backs at all times. And when another diver is discovered unresponsive, everyone is on edge. What…or who…is taking them out one by one? And will any of them still be alive by the time the four days is up or will paranoia, exhaustion, suspicion, and pressure destroy them all?
Why I Want to Read This Book:I loved this author’s last book, The Last One. It was such a propulsive read, so intense I had to find out what was going to happen next. This one sounds like it’s going to be another tense thriller and I can’t wait!
Will you be checking this book out? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?
