Jill's Book Blog

Review: Stone of Hope (Stones of Iona #4)

Title: Stone of Hope (Stones of Iona #4)
Author: Margaret Izard
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In a twist of fate, Dominic DeVolt is shown archeologist Moira Joanna White’s beauty through the Eye of Ra. Trying to save his niece and nephew from evil Fae powers, he’s sucked into the past and dumped in the middle of her Egyptian archaeology dig.

Moira fears the attractive man who appears at her dig is partnering with her archnemesis. That is until the bold fighter distracts her with a kiss. His duty as uncle tugs her heart, but is he only after her precious artifacts?

He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She sees her future in his love.

Review:

This book was a fun adventure story with some spice. Even though there were some teenagers in this story who were some of the main characters, it is meant for an adult audience. It was fun to see the characters travel back in time to an Egyptian archaeological dig. This book is the fourth in the series Stones of Iona. It took a couple of chapters to figure out all the characters, because I haven’t read the first three books, but this one can be read as a stand-alone.

The Stone of Hope is a great romance and adventure story!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press for providing a digital copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, murder, kidnapping

Other books in the series:

Stone of Love (Stones of Iona #1)
Stone of Fear (Stones of Iona #2)
Stone of Lust (Stones of Iona #3)
Stone of Doubt (Stones of Iona #5)

Have you read Stone of Hope? What did you think of it?

Review: Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2

Title: Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2
Author: Pam Gittleman
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Kids
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

What happens to the baby (owlet!) rocking in the cradle in Rock-a-Bye-Baby? Will Old Mother Hubbard find anything in the cupboard to give to her dog? And who (or what!) will be found in the tub in Rub a Dub Dub?

Read all about the beloved characters from traditional nursery rhymes in this endearing collection of nine updated rhymes that nurture kindness, empathy, and gratitude! Coupled with discussion questions and emojis to support the social and emotion intelligence of preschoolers, each rhyme will delight and educate a new generation of children.

Review:

This collection of nursery rhymes is based on classic nursery rhymes, but they’re updated to be more positive. Most nursery rhymes have dark endings or were inspired by dark history. This collection includes “This Little Piggy,” which is about pigs who eat and play together, as well as “Old Mother Hubbard,” who gives her many children books to read and enjoy. There’s also an updated “Rock-a-Bye Baby” which doesn’t end with the cradle crashing to the ground. Each nursery rhyme included a photo of faces with emotions at the end so that children can point to them to express how the tales make them feel.

Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2 is a great picture book for children!

Thank you iRead Book Tours and Pam Gittleman for sending me a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Other books in the series:

Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 1

Have you read Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2? What did you think of it?

Happy Pub Day – March 11

Happy Pub Day to this author!

My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of this book!

What books are you most excited for this week?

Review: The Unexpected Heiress

Title: The Unexpected Heiress
Author: George Mallory
Genre: Contemporary, Adult Fiction
Publisher: GM Publications
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: April 29, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

She inherited a legacy of ambition, betrayal, longing and secrets.

In the shadow of Poisson Gold, a multi-billion-dollar gold mine conglomerate, a family’s legacy unravels in a compelling tale that dives deep into the human psyche.

At the helm of this empire stands the enigmatic Abe Silver, a concentration camp survivor whose past holds secrets as complex as his fortune. With his health failing, Abe’s last-minute will alters the course of history, leaving his daughter Ellie, a newly minted lawyer, to navigate a treacherous path to control the colossal riches.

As grieving Ellie grapples with the immense responsibility thrust upon her, she must confront not only the malignant opposition of her own family and the rigid glass ceiling, but also her deeply buried secret – her sexuality. Set against the backdrop of 2010, a time when LGBTQ+ acceptance was scarce, Ellie’s struggle to reconcile her personal truth with her public facade adds an extra layer of complexity to this riveting narrative.

Review:

This book is a suspenseful family drama about a wealthy mining family in Australia. There were some serious and intense scenes involving medical diagnoses and assaults. This tragic family saga proves that money can’t buy happiness, but it had an uplifting ending. If you like family dramas, this is the book for you!

The Unexpected Heiress is a tragic and intense family drama.

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death of parent, death of grandparent, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, assault, hospital scenes

Have you read The Unexpected Heiress? What did you think of it?

Review: The Trouble with Anna

Title: The Trouble with Anna
Author: Rachel Griffiths
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback arc
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

“Sizzling and stylish. I’ve never blushed or laughed so hard!” —Kass Morgan, author of The 100 series

A tart young woman and an arrogant lord collide in this flirty, sexy, and remarkably modern historical romance, perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

Anna didn’t intend to ride in a high-stakes horse race or start up a betting ring. She certainly didn’t mean to find herself in so many darkened corners with Lord Julian Ramsay, quarreling and kissing. But when her grandfather’s strange will stipulates that Anna must marry or she’ll be left broke, there’s nothing she won’t do to win her fight for independence. Even go head-to-head with Lord Ramsay, with her own heart as the prize.

Fans of the slow burn will devour this frenemies-to-lovers story perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean and Evie Dunmore.

Review:

This historical romance was so fun! Anna wanted her freedom and independence, but her grandfather forced her to marry in the terms of his will. Despite that, she still tried her best to earn her independence. I loved the banter between Anna and Julian. There were a couple of instances of miscommunication that were frustrating, but they made a cute couple.

The Trouble with Anna is a fun regency romance!

Thank you Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of this book!

Content warnings: death, parental death (off page)

Have you read The Trouble with Anna? What did you think of it?

Review: The Kiss Bet, Vol. 1

Title: The Kiss Bet, Vol. 1
Author: Ingrid Ochoa
Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Romance
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In this adorable coming-of-age comic for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Rainbow Rowell’s Pumpkinheads, Sara Lin has decided now is the time: she’s going to make her first kiss, something special and magical, happen.

It’s senior year and Sara Lin just turned eighteen. She’s got great friends, a cool dad (or so he thinks), and a whole lot ahead of her. The last thing she needs is to worry about having her first kiss.

But that’s all about to change because her good pal Patrick just challenged her to a bet that will either lead to love, heartbreak, or embarrassment…or maybe all three.

Sara Lin understands that her first kiss is a rite of passage, one that she takes very seriously, even if everyone around her doesn’t. She wants it to be special–true love’s kiss–and wants to fall for someone she really cares about, not just get it over with.

Along the way, as Sara explores her relationship options with three different boys…she discovers that life isn’t a fairytale and romance is inherently complex. It’s messy and complicated, but boy, it sure can be fun.

Review:

This graphic novel is so cute. I liked that all the characters had distinct appearances so I could tell them apart. This story had a kind of love square, instead of love triangle, between the boys who liked Sara and who she liked. The dynamics between the characters had some tension by the end of the story, so I’m excited to see what happens next!

The Kiss Bet, Vol. 1 is a great YA graphic novel!

Thank you Wattpad Books for sending me a copy of this book!

Have you read The Kiss Bet, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?

Review: Fable for the End of the World

Title: Fable for the End of the World
Author: Ava Reid
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, LGBTQ
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: BookSparks
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Last of Us meets The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in this standalone dystopian romance about survival, sacrifice, and love that risks everything.

By encouraging massive accumulations of debt from its underclass, a single corporation, Caerus, controls all aspects of society.

Inesa lives with her brother in a half-sunken town where they scrape by running a taxidermy shop. Unbeknownst to Inesa, their cruel and indolent mother has accrued an enormous debt—enough to qualify one of her children for Caerus’s livestreamed assassination spectacle: the Lamb’s Gauntlet.

Melinoë is a Caerus assassin, trained to track and kill the sacrificial Lambs. The product of neural reconditioning and physiological alteration, she is a living weapon, known for her cold brutality and deadly beauty. She has never failed to assassinate one of her marks.

When Inesa learns that her mother has offered her as a sacrifice, at first she despairs—the Gauntlet is always a bloodbath for the impoverished debtors. But she’s had years of practice surviving in the apocalyptic wastes, and with the help of her hunter brother, she might stand a chance of staying alive.

For Melinoë, this is a game she can’t afford to lose. Despite her reputation for mercilessness, she is haunted by painful flashbacks. After her last Gauntlet, where she broke down on livestream, she desperately needs redemption.

As Mel pursues Inesa across the wasteland, both girls begin to question everything: Inesa wonders if there’s more to life than survival, while Mel wonders if she’s capable of more than killing.

And both wonder if, against all odds, they might be falling in love.

Review:

This book was such an intense and emotional story. There was tension between every character, mostly because they were fighting to survive. This dystopian world doesn’t seem that far from our future reality now, with the way things are changing. I wasn’t sure how the story would end because there were so many possible outcomes and most of them were tragic. I would love to revisit these characters in another book one day to see what happens next!

Fable for the End of the World is a thrilling dystopian read!

Thank you BookSparks for sending me a copy of this book as part of the Winter Reading Challenge!

Content warnings: death, animal death, suicide, fire, gun violence, knife violence

Have you read Fable for the End of the World? What did you think of it?

Review: Fast Times, Big City

Title: Fast Times, Big City
Author: Shelly Frome
Genre: Historical Fiction, Thriller
Publisher: BQB Publishing
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Paperback
Release Date: June 22, 2023
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Like most people, Bud Palmer felt this was just another day. Though the era was drawing to a close, he assumed his life as a sports columnist in the subtropics, in keeping with the benign fifties itself, would go on as predictable as ever. But that particular autumn morning he was thrust into a caper that was totally beyond him, forced him to leave Miami and take the train to Manhattan, and suddenly found everything in this restless “Big Apple” was up for grabs, on the brink, at a dicey turning point.

Review:

This was an interesting thriller. Bud had to hunt for an aspiring actress who had stolen an important briefcase from some gang members in Miami. I loved the world building. It really felt like I was in New York in the 1950s.

Fast Times, Big City is a suspenseful thriller!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for sending me a copy of this book for a paid campaign!

Have you read Fast Times, Big City? What did you think of it?

Happy Pub Day – March 4

Happy Pub Day to these authors!

The Trouble with Anna by Rachel Griffiths

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

Snow White and the Dragon (or Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs) by Kim Bussing

When the Bones Sing by Ginny Myers Sain

Love Points to You by Alice Lin

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

Freaking Romance, Vol. 3 by Snailords

Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid

Thank you Simon and Schuster, Wednesday Books, Penguin Teen Canada, Minotaur Books, Wattpad Books, and BookSparks for providing copies of these books!

What books are you most excited for this week?

Review: Mit Out Sound

Title: Mit Out Sound
Author: Rick Lenz
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Chromodroid Press
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Would-be movie producer Emily Bennett didn’t believe the legend of a lost movie, starring James Dean and John Wayne. But when she meets two uncannily talented celebrity impersonators-Jimmy Riley and Tom “Duke” Manfredo, and stumbles upon the elusive film editor who stole the master negative of Showdown, it dispels her doubts, fills her with a courage she didn’t know she had, and she sets out to complete the movie.

But as Emily and her stars prepare for day one of shooting, they find themselves entangled in a complex love triangle with Oedipal undertones, mirroring their own past lives and off-screen dynamics. As doubts about their ruthless director, Solange Borugian, surface, Jimmy’s and Duke’s friendship is turned upside down, while Emily and her brother Ben, struggle with their own unresolved issues and are forced to confront their dying father.

On location in Arizona, amidst Apache holy grounds and the magic of day-for-night shooting, the lines between past and present blur and the flawed characters’ backstories intertwine into a tumultuous finale that exposes their hidden animosities, demons, and loves.

Review:

This book gives an interesting look at filmmaking in the 1970s. Emily had a lot of work to do to finish an old film starring John Wayne and James Dean with impersonators. There was a lot of personal trauma that connected the characters, and they had to figure out how to cope with it to finish the job. I think fans of John Wayne and James Dean will like this novel!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, murder, cancer, child abuse, car accident

Have you read Mit Out Sound? What did you think of it?