Read on to see everything we finished in August and take a peek at our exciting September TBR.
Books We Finished in August 📚
Wild Reverence
Description
Born in the firelit domain of the under realm, Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic. But in a land where gods often kill each other to steal power and alliances break as quickly as they are forged, Matilda must come of age sooner than most. She may be known to carry words and letters through the realms, but she holds a secret she must hide from even her dearest of allies to ensure her survival. And to complicate matters . . . there is a mortal boy who dreams of her, despite the fact they have never met in the waking world.
Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett wrote to Matilda on the darkest night of his life―begging the goddess he befriended in dreams to help him. When his request went unanswered, Vincent moved on, becoming the hardened, irreverent lord of the river who has long forgotten Matilda. That is, until she comes tumbling into his bedroom window with a letter for him.
As Fate would have it, Matilda and Vincent were destined to find each other beyond dreams. There may be a chance for Matilda to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods, but at immense sacrifice. She will have to face something she fears even more than losing her magic: to be vulnerable, and to allow herself to finally be loved.
Disclaimer: Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new favorite book of the year. I’m in awe. I’m starstruck. I have the worst book hangover of the year.
Wild Reverence had me in a chokehold from the very first page. I am such a sucker for a well-written mythology fantasy, and it turns out a great story sprinkled with some epic yearning is all it takes to captivate me. I’m not complaining.
The magic system is elaborate, and the mythology feels rooted in Greek tradition but stands on its own. Not a single side character is just there for no reason. Every plot point leads to something important.
I’m in awe of the cast. Matilda and Vincent are incredible. She’s soft, cunning, and quietly fierce. He’s protective, strong, and the man pines. Every side character was so well-written, I would read entire novels about them.
The pacing was fast. So much plot. Even 500+ pages didn’t feel like enough. The ending? Haunting, emotional, and perfect. I finished it and stared at a wall.
Rebecca Ross’s prose feels like an epic ballad. It’s poetic and approachable. I’ve never become an insta-buy reader of an author so fast. I could not stop reading this. It was SO GOOD.
I can’t believe I haven’t read Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows, an error I’m remedying immediately.
This is hands-down my favorite book of the year. An absolute, unshakable yes from me.
Carl’s Doomsday Scenario
Description
“The training levels have concluded. Now the games may truly begin.”
The ratings and views are off the chart. The fans just can’t get enough. The dungeon gets more dangerous each day. But in a grinder designed to chew up and spit out crawlers by the millions, Carl and Princess Donut need to work harder than ever just to survive.
They call it the Over City. A sprawling, once-thriving metropolis devastated by a mysterious calamity. But these streets are far from abandoned. An undead circus trawls the ruins. Murdered prostitutes rain from the sky. An ancient spell is finally ready to reveal its dark purpose.
Carl still has no pants.
They call it Dungeon Crawler World. For Carl and Donut, it’s anything but a game.
My first ever LitRpg continues to be the best time ever! I’m obsessed with Donut and Carl. Beyond excited to read more about the world. I’m loving the world ever expanding, the deep thought that went into the video game world planning, and just want to know more characters. I can’t see more of the side characters, like Mordekai and Odette being more active in the crew. Just give me more of everything!
Apprentice to the Villain
Description
NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. ―Mgmt
Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat…er, out-of-evil-office.
But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs―Kingsley’s included―point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies…including their nemesis, the king.
Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.
It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so…so…delightfully fun.
But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?
The Assistant and the Villain series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Assistant to the Villain
Book #2 Apprentice to the Villain
This series continues to hold me hostage in the best way possible. I am so deep in the Trystan x Evie trenches it could be embarrassing. It’s got everything I like. A prophecy! Yearning! Some pining! Slowest burn! Grumpy x Sunshine. Add to the absurd comedy of The Office taking place in a fairy tale setting and we’re cooking.
Second book builds on top of the first one, and while we expand on the main characters we really dive deep into the found family. If things go the way I anticipate, I’d wager I’m even going to get my wish and get Kingsley deep dive which I’m feral for.
The plot definitely has some cop out moments where the math isn’t mathing as much, but it’s still a great time.
The yearning. My goodness if looks could make me clutch pearls they would. I adore this book so very much and Trystan Maverine is for sure making it to the top 10 boyfriends of the year.
And… Becky and Kingsley are ✨ stars ✨
Would 100% recommend to anyone who likes down bad men, peak yearning, magical HR drama, and good old fantasy romance quest adventure.
If It Makes You Happy
Description
Grab your favorite fall candle, cuddle into a comfy blanket, and travel back in time to 1997 autumn in Vermont in this cozy, slow-burn romance.
My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear.
I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out. Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy. It should be a good place to heal after my divorce. But apparently my scones belong in the garbage with my small talk skills. As pointed out by none other than Cliff.
Cliff is inescapable. He knows exactly what people need–always. His charm, the way he wears flannel, and even his pastries, make not wanting to be friends with Cliff and his daughters pretty hard.
Friends? I can make friends. That’s safe. Except I’m leaving in three months to pass the inn off to my little sister and get the promotion in Seattle I’ve been working towards. So ask me why I’m thinking about kissing my hot neighbor.
Disclaimer: Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing If It Makes you Happy by Julie Olivia for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If It Makes You Happy is peak cozy romance comfort, the kind of book that feels like wrapping up in a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate. It’s a love letter to fall indeed, full of charm and basically a Hallmark movie. Also, there’s a dog. The dog is basically a main character.
It has the perfect amount of yearning and a great slow build of romance that you look for in a romcom. And I adored Michelle finding more in life than what she thinks she deserves (thanks, shitty ex-husband) even though, like I said, it’s a bit of a cliché. I was mostly in this to watch Michelle’s relationship with Cliff’s girls grow.
The small town setting is great, hot single dad vibes are amazing, and although the tired city woman finding love in a small town and learning to people is… well, tired, it still makes a good read. I do wish the main drivers of the plot were resolved, and I think the “super spicy” advertisement is a bit of a stretch, but the found family alone is worth making this a read.
If you like gentle, cozy fall stories, miss Gilmore Girls, and want to read a lot of excessive descriptions of forearms and wrists (eyebrow waggle) this is a great autumn read to add to your TBR.
Vicious Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac)
Description
While I continue my hunt for the Fae who killed my brother, I have to try to keep my heart away from the vicious boys who could be responsible for his death.
But as my investigation leads me down a dangerous road and answers seem closer than ever before, I’m whisked away to the elite school, Zodiac Academy, with the four Kings, and my heart becomes more vulnerable than ever.
There are so many secrets left to uncover, and I sense something terrible is about to come to light.
But I’m in so deep to this dangerous labyrinth, what if this road only ends in blood?
This was my favorite installment of the series so far. The bromance, the boys, the murder mystery, and the overarching plot implications of the RBOTZ are enough to keep me engaged.
Leon Night is the shining star of the series — every time he graces the page, I’m giddy with excitement. Ryder surprised me in the best way, Dante is adorable, and Gabriel… I still want more depth from him. Elise, though? I continue to find her insufferable and selfish, and I don’t quite get what the guys see in her.
The Zodiac Academy cameos were a highlight. I loved seeing Lionel Acrux and Lance Orion show up, and getting little glimpses into what might have shaped the Celestial Heirs and Lionel’s future motives. That crossover brain-itch is fully scratched.
I do wish the series was shorter, it feels like this could’ve been a duology, but the conspiracy behind Gareth’s death is genuinely interesting, and I’m hooked on unraveling that mystery. I’m not sure if RBOTZ is a reread, but I’m enjoying my first time nonetheless.
Next up is Broken Fae with a very questionable cover. So that should be an adventure.
Broken Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac)
Description
Just as we were finding a way to get past our difficulties, my kings and I have been shattered by a twist of fate.
And while we’re left reeling from the wheel of destiny, our enemies are only growing more powerful.
Felix Oscura is haunting Alestria with his bloodthirsty need to steal the power of the clan he was never destined to rule over, and the illusive King is growing closer to taking control of the entire city.
With challenges around every corner, and the mysteries behind my brother’s death slowly starting to unravel, I don’t know if I’ll be able to overcome the will of the stars before it’s too late…
I really enjoy the Zodiac Academy universe, but my stamina for Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac is starting to wear thin. Once the main tension between the characters was mostly resolved, it shifted into spicy-for-the-sake-of-spicy, which just isn’t as fun for me.
I still don’t connect with Elise. She feels insufferable at times, very pick me, and inconsiderate to the guys. Leon, on the other hand, is the ultimate golden retriever boyfriend and honestly my favorite character in all of Zodiac Academy. Dante and Ryder remain intriguing, and Gabriel is developing a bit more personality, but still feels flat.
My major gripe with the plot is that it feels stretched too thin and repetitive. I find myself wondering if Gareth is even dead, and Gabriel’s Black Card storyline fizzled into just being a hot guy with wings. The bigger gang war never hooked me either.
The saving grace continues to be the writing style. It’s funny, clever, and the multiple POVs make it easy to get inside the boys’ heads. Leon kidnapping the guys for a bonding weekend had me kicking my feet.
All in all, Broken Fae isn’t bad, but it felt like more of the same. I’m glad I made it to the final book, because I’m ready to wrap this up and head back to the main series.
A Steeping of Blood
Description
“Brewed to perfection.” ―Rebecca Ross, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals
After the jaw-dropping ending of #1 New York Times-bestseller A Tempest of Tea, Hafsah Faizal crafts a deliciously twisty and seductive sequel that will leave readers breathless until the very last page. A romantic vampire fantasy novel for fans of Immortal Dark and Heartless Hunter.
Arthie Casimir has had her tea. Now she’s out for blood.
White Roaring is sharpening its fangs after the deadly night that left the city in shambles. The press are dead, the public is calling for justice, vampires are in danger, and amid the turmoil, the Ram announces a celebration.
Still reeling from the bloodshed, Arthie Casimir has no time to mourn the death of anyone, let alone her own. She has no time for love, either, even though it had saved her life. As Arthie navigates new emotions and new allies, she must reassemble her scrambled crew and scrape what little they have left to fight one last time―and she will need to face the ghosts of her past to do it.
In Ceylan.
Don’t miss these other titles from Hafsah Fazial:
We Hunt the Flame, the commercially acclaimed first book in the Sands of Arawiya duology
We Free the Stars, the second book in the Sands of Arawiya duology
A Tempest of Tea, the instant #1 New York Times-Bestseller!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing A Steeping of Blood by Hafsah Faizal for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Steeping of Blood is a solid follow-up to A Tempest of Tea, although it moves away from the heist mechanics into more of an action-thriller, which might not work for everyone.
The prose continues to be gorgeous and transports you right to the islands. Arthie, Jin, and Flick grow, bringing the novel a lot more character-development-driven flair, and it’s full of classic YA gems.
There is yearning, there are hints of romance, and there is tension.
That said, the plot felt a bit too inspired by the Six of Crows duology at times, and the magic system didn’t go as far as I would’ve liked. I really do not like the plot device used for the ending, it always feels so cheap to me 🙁 Although I’d still recommend reading it if you want to know how the journey ends, you might want to re-Calibore your expectations (I’m very proud of this one).
Books on our September TBR
The Primal of Blood and Bone
Description
In the shadows and flames, Primals will fall…
And from the blood and ash, new gods will rise.
What was dreamt.
Poppy was never meant to awaken, and the consequences are devastating and far-reaching, stirring ancient powers from their slumber and transforming Casteel and Kieran in ways even the Fates couldn’t have foreseen. But what that means is the least of their concerns. For now.
What was foreseen.
The Blood Crown has fallen, but what has risen is a far greater danger than they’ve ever faced. From flesh and fire, the Great Conspirator has returned to the mortal realm, and he wants only one thing. They must stop the true Primal of Death before he regains his strength, and it won’t be easy. Even weakened, his influence is undeniable. His power, unthinkable.
Has come to be.
While the future of the realms rests upon them, they won’t stand alone. The gods have awakened—each harboring their own blood-soaked secrets. But they must navigate an unbalanced realm, where every choice—past and present—has the potential to not only undo everything they’ve fought for but also destroy the very bonds that have Joined them together.
For the Harbinger and the Bringer of Death and Destruction has risen.
Warrior Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac)
Description
I once thought one of my ruthless boys could be the killer I’m hunting. They’re all dark, deadly and more than capable of brutality.
But now I’m held by the King I’ve been stalking in the shadows and when I unmask him, he’ll realise he made a huge mistake in taking my brother from this world.
My Kings are coming for me, I know that in my soul. They’re on their way to rip me from my enemy’s arms and tear him apart for me.
My heart beats to the sound of their names.
But I won’t wait around to be rescued. Everything has led me to this moment and I’m ready to destroy the Fae who stole my brother from me.
Secrets will be uncovered. Destiny will be decided. Death will deliver us all in the end.
No one will escape the conclusion of this story without blood on their hands. I guess it’s a good thing I’m a Vampire then, because I just so happen to have a taste for blood.
Warrior Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac)
Description
I once thought one of my ruthless boys could be the killer I’m hunting. They’re all dark, deadly and more than capable of brutality.
But now I’m held by the King I’ve been stalking in the shadows and when I unmask him, he’ll realise he made a huge mistake in taking my brother from this world.
My Kings are coming for me, I know that in my soul. They’re on their way to rip me from my enemy’s arms and tear him apart for me.
My heart beats to the sound of their names.
But I won’t wait around to be rescued. Everything has led me to this moment and I’m ready to destroy the Fae who stole my brother from me.
Secrets will be uncovered. Destiny will be decided. Death will deliver us all in the end.
No one will escape the conclusion of this story without blood on their hands. I guess it’s a good thing I’m a Vampire then, because I just so happen to have a taste for blood.
Metal Slinger
Description
Neither is the encounter with an enemy soldier.
Returning home to Alaha, she’s confronted with the aftermath of the day’s events. The future is uncertain as the threat of hunger looms over the people. With rumors of a growing rebellion, Brynn and her closest friends promise to stick together.
When an unexpected visitor arrives, Brynn’s loyalty will be tested as she learns of a world of magic and treachery. Once her enemy, always her enemy, right? But the dark, knowing eyes of a stranger make her question everything…
…including her heart.
Zodiac Academy: The Awakening As Told By The Boys
Description
The Vega twins are alive.
Those five words circle in my mind like an oncoming storm. They change everything about the future we thought had been set in stone. They challenge everything we were raised to be and the stability of the entire kingdom.
They’re coming to our academy looking for the life that was stolen from them, but we can’t let them take it back.
So much hangs in the balance and we can’t risk the arrival of two naïve princesses destroying everything we worked so hard for.
I have trained in dark magic, overcome all challenges and stood in the shadow of Lionel Acrux for far too long already. I won’t let them come between me and his downfall.
Which means they have to go before they discover how powerful they truly are.
This is a retelling of the first book in the Zodiac Academy series from the point of view of Orion and the Heirs and should be read after you have finished the original story. It includes scenes from alternative points of view as well over 50k words of additional content and scenes which have never before been revealed. So prepare to step into the dark minds of the Zodiac boys and watch out for the heartbreak and carnage that will ensue.
That’s all we read in August and what we’d like to cover in September! What did you read last month? What are you looking forward to this month? Let us know in the comments!
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