This Takes "Go Ask Alice" Extremely Serious!

 

TITLE: Direct Descendant

AUTHOR: Tanya Huff

PUBLISHER: DAW

PUBLISHING DATE: April 1, 2025

PAGES: 336    

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: Generations ago, the founders of the idyllic town of Lake Argen made a deal with a dark force. In exchange for their service, the town will stay prosperous and successful, and keep outsiders out. And for generations, it’s worked out great. Until a visitor goes missing, and his wealthy family sends a private investigator to find him, and everything abruptly goes sideways. 

Now, Cassidy Prewitt, town baker and part-time servant of the dark force (it’s a family business) has to contend with a rising army of darkness, a very frustrated town, and a very cute PI who she might just be falling for…and who might just be falling for her. And if they can survive their own home-grown apocalypse, they might even just find happiness together. 

Queer, cozy, and with a touch of eldritch horror mixed in just for fun, this is a charming love story about a small-town baker, a quick-witted PI, and, yes, an ancient evil.

MY THOUGHTS: First up my apologies.  If you've never listed to Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" song, you will totally miss my "Go Ask Alice" connection.  But moving on.  I finished this book yesterday and am still not sure I understood everything I read.  The first 30%, I was sure this was a sequel to a series I had missed which had been marketed incorrectly - I was THAT confused.  However, dare I say my confusion paid off because I really enjoyed reading this book although I caution it is getting plenty of divisive reviews so maybe do some research before you decide to pick it up.

The book centers around a cozy little weird town near Toronto, Lake Argen. I would say think Gilmore Girls meets The Twilight Zone meets SyFy's Haven. Man, I miss Haven. This town has a very small population and owes its economic success to a silver mine and a deal made with the devil.  The town's safety and protection from outsiders is governed by The Four, who are the Eyes. Ears, Mouth and Hands of the town.  They are able to predict issues with The Agreement and intervene in issues and eldritch horrors which enter through cracks in the surface and in one instance, a basement.  The town also has Guardians (eldritch horrors who were once people) who live in the woods or in Alice's case, the lake.  In fact, Alice is the all-knowing person and will answer questions when a sacrifice of some sort is made.

So, an outsider shows up in town and s-words himself (seriously, the number of times I read s-word instead of sacrificing was immense) and the town fears the Agreement is growing weak.  His disappearance is covered up but then his aunt hires an unemployed teacher, yes, a teacher, to go investigate her nephew's last days.  Melanie arrives in town and immediately feels an attraction for Cassie, who has newly been appointed as The Mouth.  

I'm explaining this book very badly but honestly, I can't figure out a better way.  I've read some of Huff's works before and enjoyed them, and I really did enjoy this one as well, even though as you can see, I apparently remain pretty confused. It does have some fun characters and some really cute creatures (Jeffrey and T'geyer) and while it says it's a stand-alone, the ending does provide a potential for a future installment.  I would categorize this as cozy fantasy with a few horror-like elements but if that sound like something you would like, by all means, give it a go!

Oh, and I almost forgot.  I don't typically listen to audiobooks but if you do, this one may not be a good candidate.  There are MANY random capitalizations in the book which actually make more sense the more you read, and I feel that an audiobook might even be more confusing.

MY RATING: 4 Paws

Favorite Popular Prince Songs (Part 1)

 

Anyone who knows me well knows I adore Prince.  I usually do some posts each April in remembrance of his passing.  Today I'm sharing the first part of my Top 10 Favorite Popular Prince songs with a few interesting tidbits about each.  I know this doesn't have anything to do with reading or books but if you take the time to read it, I hope you enjoy!

" I just can't believe all the things people say (controversy)

Am I black or white, am I straight or gay? (Controversy) "

This song came out in 1981, and it was Prince's way of addressing speculation about his gender, race, sexuality and religion.  At the time he couldn't understand why people were so curious about him.  However, I personally think he turned that curiosity into a fortune by continuing to flaunt his individuality through the years.

" I ain't got no money
I ain't like those other guys you hang around "

Released in 1979, it was eventually released Prince wrote this about a crush on pianist and singer Patrice Rushen.  

" Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like when doves cry "

This song chronicles a relationship gone wrong.  The doves crying are representative of the mourning of love lost and the grief and pain of a relationship falling apart.  It is probably one of my all-time faves if not my number one. 

"Guitars and drums on the one"

My favorite thing about this track is the composition and the music itself.  The song was also the last real song Prince released using The Revolution as his band.  It was definitely an end of an era. There are several extended versions of this song with one lasting over ten minutes.

" I don't wanna take my clothes off
But I do
Oh, I don't wanna turn nobody on
'Less it's you, oh "

Released in 2006 this song came from one of Prince's biggest comeback album releases, 3121.  There is actually no bass used in this song, similar to When Doves Cry and Kiss.  Sidenote: for the longest time 3121 was the code for our house alarm until we changed systems.  

Hope you've enjoyed this as much as I've enjoyed sharing it with you.  Look for Part II soon as well as a post featuring some of my favorite memorabilia.  

2 Bloggers 1 Series - Small Favor (Dresden Files #10)

 

It's hard to believe Stormi and I are still managing to read a Dresden Files book each month.  Even harder to believe is that we are already up to #10.  I am still enjoying the series and haven't considered quitting yet.  So read on for my thoughts and then hop over to Storm Reads to see what Stormi thought!

 

TITLE: Small Favor (Dresden Files #10)

AUTHOR: Jim Butcher

PUBLISHER: Roc

PUBLISHING DATE: April 1, 2008

PAGES: 444   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Wizard Harry Dresden’s life finally seems to be calming down. The White Council’s war with the vampiric Red Court is easing up, no one’s tried to kill him lately, and his eager apprentice is starting to learn real magic. For once, the future looks fairly bright. 

But the past casts one hell of a long shadow. 

Mab, monarch of the Winter Court of the Sidhe, calls in an old favor from Harry. Just one small favor he can’t refuse – one that will trap Harry Dresden between a nightmarish foe and an equally deadly ally and strain his skills and loyalties to their very limits. 

And everything was going so well for once….

MY THOUGHTS: Well, let's get the important thing out of the way first.  Mouse wasn't in very much danger this installment so my anxiety about him (and the numerous times I would message Stormi asking, "Does Mouse die?") was much less.  

Once again Harry is in the middle of a hot mess which all started out with a fun snowball fight with his friend Michael's kids.  Soon they are being attacked by Billy Goat Gruff and his family and Harry soon learns that's just the tip of the iceberg for all the problems brewing. Marcone, the Chicago mob boss, has been kidnapped, Mab is more off her rocker than normal and is calling in a favor from Harry, and someone is after the Archive (a young child who has the power of knowing everything ever written or documented in the whole universe.  

This book was a lot of fun as normal, and I love how Butcher will pull past characters in from time to time and weave them into a new adventure.  My favorites, besides Mouse, Mister (the cat), and Harry include Thomas and Murphy.  I also enjoy how Harry now has Michael's daughter as an apprentice and is teaching her how to use her natural strengths and powers.  I will admit I wouldn't mind a book which opens with Harry being on vacation somewhere and getting some peace.  I think he has earned it.  I'm also a bit upset about Harry's new relationship interest.  I'm tempted to deduct a star just because of that but I won't be petty.

I can't praise this series enough and if I'm still interested after 10 months, Butcher is definitely doing something right.

MY RATING: 5 PAWS

April Coming Attractions

 

So, I ended up reading eight of the books I featured in March's edition, plus a few additional things so overall I won't complain.  I will say that April is shaping up to be "ARC April" as I have so many I need to make time for.  Let's dive right in!

First up I have two buddy reads with Stormi, Lair (Rats 2) and Turn Coat.  I also am reading "Suffer the Children" for an online horror book club I participate in over on Facebook each month.

 

Next, I have a few arcs I want to get to.  I am currently reading Direct Descendant and it's an odd little book that I can't explain and am not sure I like but can't put down.  Now that's saying a lot of contradictory things.  

I adore Vera Wong and am really excited for the next in the series.  I've read quite a few books by the author and always enjoy them.  In fact, she is kind of an auto-read at this point. I also loved Bless Your Heart so Another Fine Mess is high priority. 

And finally, April is month of Prince's passing and if you've been around my blog any in the past, you know I am a Prince die-hard.  This is the newest book about him, and I always try to read once this month.  I also hope to do a post about my favorite Prince song, and I may even rehash an old Prince tag I created some years ago. 

Hope you stick around and see what exactly April has in store for Booker T's Farm (and spoiler alert, so far, it's bad storms and rain). 

Farm News - March 31, 2025 (A Late Edition)

 

I meant to do an update yesterday but ended up being sick all day, so I became a couch potato, reading and watching TV all day.  I had an earache which I NEVER get and while it is somewhat better today, it's still throwing me off.  I wanted to get one more update in during March so this may be a quick one.

All is good here at the Farm.  We did get storms last night, but they were pretty mild compared to some areas so I'm not complaining.  Apollo was sick last weekend and didn't show much of an interest in food.  I think he had an upset stomach, and it could have been related to allergies because as soon as I made a vet appointment, fed him a bland diet, and provided him Pepto and Benadryl, he snapped out of it.  So we didn't actually have to follow through with the appointment.  Also, last Wednesday was the two-year anniversary of Cassius' death so I think that was making my anxiety high as well.

I'm trying to cram one last book into today so hopefully tonight will provide some quality reading time. I visited a new area bookstore Saturday near my home. It's a cute shop downtown with brick walls and opens spaces and two bearded dragon mascots.  They sell a combination of new and used books and host some clubs and events.  I think the owner must be a romantasy/dark romance fan though because that was the majority of the new book releases she carried.  It's called "First Chapter" and I would definitely visit again.  

I received a few arcs I REALLY REALLY wanted this past week, so I have to share.

13 Months Haunted: Jimmy Juliano

Sister, Butcher, Sister: KD Aldyn

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping: Sangu Mandanna

Demon Summer: J.J. Buffet

That's about it.  Hope to get a Coming Attraction post and a few reviews up this coming week, as well as catch up on some blog hopping.

Thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm!

Feed Your TBR - Matchmaking for Psychopaths

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

July 17, 2025

FROM GOODREADS: Alexandra grew up hungry. Hungry for food, hungry for safety, hungry for love. Which is why she's worked so hard to have it a beautiful home, a gorgeous doctor boyfriend, and an ambitious job matching individuals with... unconventional emotional responses. Sure, her clients may sit somewhere on the psychopathy scale. But they're not the dangerous, murderous kind. They're doctors, lawyers, teachers, and everyone deserves love.

And that's exactly what Alex thinks she's found. Love. So she's floored when she arrives to her dinner with her boyfriend, expecting a ring in a little box, and instead finding her best friend sat at the table with him. They have news. They're together now. And apparently her birthday dinner is the best time to share the news.

Suddenly, Alex's world implodes. She has lost the two people in the world closest to her, her only support. She's utterly alone, her future in pieces. So when she unexpectedly bumps into a client, Rebecca, and Rebecca seems to want to be friends, it feels like a lifeline.

But then Alex's now ex turns up dead, then more people around her seem to be dropping like flies. And she can't help but wonder if this new friendship is a match made in hell.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I still need to read this author's previous book, Love Letters to a Serial Killer, but this one sounds so interesting I just had to add this one.  The cover is what immediately caught my attention but once I read the synopsis, I was sold.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

I Knew I Was Done With Winter!

 

TITLE: Our Winter Monster

AUTHOR: Dennis Mahoney

PUBLISHER: Hell's Hundred

PUBLISHING DATE: January 28, 2025

PAGES: 304    

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: For the last year, Holly and Brian have been out of sync. Neither can forget what happened that one winter evening; neither can forgive what’s happened since. Tonight, Holly and Brian race toward Pinebuck, New York, trying to outrun a blizzard on their way to the ski village getaway they hope will save their relationship. But soon they lose control of the car—and then of themselves. 

Now Sheriff Kendra Book is getting calls about a couple in trouble—along with reports of a brutal and mysterious creature rampaging through town, leaving a trail of crushed cars, wrecked buildings, and mangled bodies in the snow. 

To Kendra, who lost another couple to the snow just seven weeks ago, the danger feels personal. But not as personal as it feels to Holly and Brian, who are starting to see the past, the present, and themselves in a monstrous new light . . .

MY THOUGHTS:  I absolutely love winter horror.  Which is kind of ironic because I really only enjoy winter from Thanksgiving to New Year's.  But give me a winter-themed horror book and it will quickly move up the ranks of the good old TBR.  

Our Winter Monster tells the story of Brian and Holly.  They have both been through a very traumatic incident when has created a huge rift in their relationship. Hoping to move past it, the set out to a small ski village, hoping they can beat an impending blizzard.  Guess what?  They can't.  They end up getting stranded and separated and what goes on from there is one action-packed, destruction-filled, gore-filled night.  And for the most part, I loved every minute of it.

The formatting of the book really lends itself to the author's tale.  The entire book takes place in less that 24 hours with only a few well-placed flashbacks showing what led Holly and Brian to this crossroads in their life.  The chapters are also relatively short which helps lead to the urgency in the tale.  We meet quite a few townspeople along the way who add quite a bit to the story and explained some of the struggles the sheriff, Kendra Book, has experienced which makes her more determined than ever to figure out and stop the monster terrifying her town.  Oh Kendra, if it was only that easy.

If you love winter horror, I can't recommend this one enough.  My only complaint is that there is somewhat of an open ending.  Yet even though I am not a fan of this formula, it did really work with this book, and I hope more people decide to pick it up!  Definitely want to read more from this author.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Did I Do That???

 

TITLE: Growing Up Urkel

AUTHOR: Jaleel White

PUBLISHER: Simon and Schuster

PUBLISHING DATE: November 19, 2024

PAGES:    

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: An incisive and insightful memoir by one of the most beloved icons of nineties television Jaleel White, the actor who portrayed Steve Urkel on the hit sitcom Family Matters.

At the tender age of twelve, Jaleel White auditioned for the role of Steve Urkel, the socially inept genius, who was in love with his next-door neighbor, Laura. Though Steve Urkel was intended to be in only one episode, Jaleel’s indelible performance catapulted Urkel into the pantheon of American pop culture. But success can cost as much as it pays. After nine years on the popular sitcom Family Matters, Jaleel is twenty-one, a UCLA undergrad, and adjusting to a world and industry that sees him as the nasally nerd in high water pants, suspenders, and coke bottle glasses.

MY THOUGHTS: When I am in the mood for non-fiction, I tend to gravitate toward subjects related to pop culture or of course, animals.  So, when I saw this one available on Libby, my interest was piqued.  I have watched some Family Matters in syndication and have always found Urkel to be such a polarizing character when looking at more modern shows currently on TV and streaming.

Jaleel White is not your typical childhood actor.  His parents were very grounded and kept him in check.  Even when working and making extreme amounts of money, his allowance consisted of $300.00 when he needed something because that was the amount his mother was comfortable drawing out at once.  In addition, it wasn't until he entered college that he bought his first new car.  Up until that part, he drove his dad's hand-me-down.  His parents' main reason for encouraging and supporting his son's acting career was so he would have the money needed to obtain a good high school education.

White also experienced some problems once Family Matters ended.  It was hard to leave Urkel behind as the character was so uniquely portrayed and was really not allowed show a lot of character growth over the year.  White did have a few other series afterwards but they were on smaller networks and I will admit to know very little about them.

Finally, I respect what White did with this book.  He has a young daughter and referenced her only a few times and included only one picture with her.  He was never really in a long-term relationship with the mother and chose to air very little of their interactions with the book itself.  Also, there was a character named Judy,  the youngest daughter, on Family Matters who just disappeared and was never mentioned again after four seasons.  I'm always a little shocked when shows do that but after reading this book, at least now I know what happened.  

If you like memoirs and want to read about a childhood actor who didn't fall into the pitfalls many others did, this book is a good reference on how to make sure that doesn't happen.  Plus, it's just plain interesting for those of us just out-and-out curious.  

MY RATING: 5 PAWS 

(Rating this for Goodreads purposes.  However, I chose not to rate the lives of famous people or public figures as I believe it is not my position to question or support their choices or beliefs.  

Feed Your TBR - Black Cat Tales

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

June 13, 2025

FROM GOODREADS: Join authors from around the world for never before published horror, dark fantasy and mystery short stories and poems featuring the beloved, feared and mystical  black cat . Black Cat Tales showcases a diverse group of authors ranging in age from 17 to 80, some with multiple award winning publications under their belts, for others, this will be the first time seeing their work in print.

Goodreads has a wonderful list of all the authors and tales included in this one, most of whom I have never heard of.  If you want to check it out, click HERE.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: I've always found the use of the black cat in literature and film to be quite interesting and please don't tell Apollo and Zekey, but I believe black cats often get a bad rap.

I also like collecting anthologies.  I do not like reading them in digital format so I end up buying them and they look pretty on my shelves.  Maybe I should read more of them though, right? 

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

They're Supposed to Be Green!

 

TITLE: The Cut

AUTHOR: C.J. Dotson

PUBLISHER: St. Martin's Press

PUBLISHING DATE: April 8, 2025

PAGES: 304   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: In this chilling supernatural horror novel set in a mysterious hotel, a woman fleeing her abusive ex finds herself running from more than just her past. 

 A historic hotel long past its prime and huddled along The Cut, a questionable Lake Erie beach, isn’t Sadie Miles’ ideal place to raise a toddler while also navigating her second pregnancy. After finally fleeing her abusive ex-fiancé, though, Sadie’s new housekeeping position and free room at L’Arpin Hotel are the best she can manage. 

On her first night, Sadie runs to help a guest struggling in the hotel’s pool only to find the water calm and empty when she gets there, leaving her with a lingering unease. When a guest then goes missing and her manager insists they simply left without checking out, Sadie suspects he’s covering up darker goings-on in the hotel. 

After her ex, Sadie won't let anyone convince her that what she’s experiencing isn’t real again. So, she keeps digging, quickly uncovering suspicious interactions with the staff, mysteriously vanishing security cameras, more missing guests, and things that go bump in the night...and drip in the walls, slither in the tub, and squirm in the halls. Everything isn't as it seems within the dim hallways of L’Arpin. Sadie has nowhere to go and nowhere to hide; she'll need to keep her wits about her to survive and keep her toddler and unborn child safe from whatever lurks nearby.

MY THOUGHTS: Let's get this out of the way before I say more.  This book is what I would call a creature-feature, one of my favorite horror sub-genres.  But the creatures in this book are GREEN people!  Did this cover designer even read the book?  Moving on.

Sadie and her three-year-old daughter, Izzy, are running away from Sadie's abusive fiancé and land in a small town on Lake Erie, Ohio.  Sadie interviews and get a job at a historic hotel, L'Arpin, which works out well because the manager/owner allows Sadie to live there as well. Soon after her arrival she begins to hear strange water sounds coming from the hallways and a trail of water left behind.  In addition, people are coming up missing and no one at the hotel seems to care.  The man who runs the power plant next door keeps accusing the hotel employees of sabotaging his building and the old lady, Gertie, who has lived at the hotel for what seems like forever keeps finding more and more reasons to be around Izzy.

This book started out kind of slow.  I was about 40% in when it eventually picked up.  It wasn't that I ever thought about DNF'ing, but I just found myself putting it aside and not in any real hurry to pick it back up.  However, once I reached the last 30%, I couldn't put the book down.  I also found the setting and some of the characters pretty creepy, even though Sadie was annoying most of the time.  That being said, it is also clear she is a victim of domestic violence, and the past abuse was the root of many of her actions and poor decisions, so I completely get it. I found the ending somewhat over-the-top but it was dramatic and fit the creature-feature Modis Operandi.

Overall, The Cut was exactly what I expected, except for the red creatures.  It wasn't perfect but it ended up being fun and sometimes that's all you need from your horror. If you are even slightly curious about this one, I recommend you give it a try. 

MY RATING: 4 Paws

Farm News - March 15, 2025

  Hope everyone is doing well this weekend.  I know some areas have had some crazy weather.  It has been pretty warm here, was even 80 on Friday, but a cool down to more March-like temps is headed our way next week.  The boys have enjoyed the sun and the warmer temps this week though.  

Speaking of, I've been promising some followers updated pics of the pups.  Apollo is so patient with Zekey.  Ever since he was small, Zekey loved to "dog pile" on Apollo.  This has not changed as he has gotten older which is evident with these pics.  The top left one was taken just this past Friday.  We have an older chair which is hard to get rid of because the boys love it.  As you can see, they get good use of it while Mom is working during the day.  You can also see how the boys are almost marked identically.  People who meet them in person are shocked that Zekey isn't Apollo's pup.  

Here is a favorite I recently took of Apollo enjoying a peaceful moment by himself.  I have no idea where his brother was, but I am sure he was nearby.  

It's been a very horror-filled book haul the past two weeks.  I'm excited to see what these titles bring when I dive into them.  Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers. 

Ten Sleep: Nicholas Belardes

Death in the Dark: Bryce Moore

Burial Tide: Neil Sharpson

Grin: D.W. Gillespie

The Summer I Ate the Rich: Maika Moulite

The Dead Husband Cookbook: Danielle Valentine

So, there you have it.  Not a lot to report from The Farm but at least you got new books and cute pups!

Thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm!

Feed Your TBR - The Devouring Light

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

October 7,2025

FROM GOODREADS: When their tour bus crashes into a ravine, long-time rivals Haden and Deacon are stranded, along with their bandmates, in a deadly swamp. A light beckons them to the only shelter they can find: a dilapidated house which seems to have been expecting them…

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: There isn't much synopsis, but I think it makes me that much more intrigued.  I own a couple of books by this author and really need to make time for them.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK????

Insta-Love or Stockholm Syndrome?

 

TITLE: Dream Girl Drama (Big Shots #3)

AUTHOR: Tessa Bailey

PUBLISHER: Avon

PUBLISHING DATE: February 4, 2025

PAGES: 384   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier’s car breaks down and his phone dies, he treks into a posh private country club to call a tow truck, where he encounters the alluring Chloe Clifford, the manic pixie dream girl who captivates him immediately with her sense of adventure and penchant for stealing champagne. 

Sparks fly during a moonlight kiss and the enamored pair can’t wait to see each other again, but when Sig finally arrives to meet his dad’s new girlfriend over dinner, Chloe is confusingly also there. Turns out the girlfriend is Chloe’s mother. Oh, and they’re engaged. 

Sig’s dream girl is his future stepsister. 

Though the pair is now wary of being involved romantically, Chloe, a sheltered harp prodigy, yearns to escape her controlling mother. Sig promises to teach her the ins and outs of independence in Boston—but not inside his bedroom. They both know there can never be more than friendship between a famous hockey player and his high-society, soon-to-be stepsister. But keeping their relationship platonic grows harder amid the developing family drama, especially knowing they were meant for so much more…

MY THOUGHTS: I have so many thoughts on this book that I almost don't know where to begin. First and foremost, when I read romance, it's often as a palette cleanser for some of the darker, more horror-filled books I tend to gravitate toward. This book was perfectly fine for that. I've also really come to enjoy Tessa Bailey's books and usually grab her newest as soon as a Libby hold will allow me to do so. That being said, this book is my least favorite of this series so far.

Sig Gauthier is a famous hockey player. He didn't know his father very well growing up as his dad took off when he was a baby, taking all of his mother's inheritance with him. On the way to meet his father's new girlfriend one evening, he breaks down in front of a country club and runs into Chloe. The two become very quickly enamored with each other and agree to meet up for a quick one-night stand after they fulfill commitments, they each have that evening. However, they soon learn they are about to become step-siblings.  However, this doesn't stop Chloe from defying her mother and taking off to Boston with Sid so she can study music and what follows is months of lust-filled days of Chloe and Sid being best friends instead of soulmates for fear of family ruin and professional implosion.

So when Chloe moves to Boston, she is a 25-year-old harp prodigy who has been a rich, spoiled socialite her whole life. She has never paid a bill, cooked a meal or had any responsibility partially because her mother kept her thumb her entire life. Sid takes immediate responsibility for Chloe in Boston supplementing her income, paying her rent for an apartment nicer than his own, and basically teaching her how to function. She is completely dependent on him on only at the end starts to realize what he has sacrificed. There is also the stepsibling angle. I get an "ick" when I think of step-siblings who aren't blood related starting a romantic relationship but in this case, they are 25 and 29 when they meet and either one, it would never had been the career-ruining scandal it was made out to be or two, a chance meeting at a country club for two hours would have been an incident easily written off as they find new partners. The whole thing was just odd. I also immediately foresaw how they were going to overcome the stepsibling thing so I knew all the drama was for nothing. 

I will say that bout 2/3 into the book, Chloe comes in the possession of an adorable bulldog name Pierre and while I loved him dearly, I clearly questioned his life expectancy because Chloe couldn't take care of herself, let alone a dog.

Overall, this was a quick, mindless read and I'm glad I picked it for a light break.  I will continue to look out for new releases from this author and hope the next in this series, which was foreshadowed in this installment, turns out better.

MY RATING: 3 PAWS

2 Bloggers 1 Series - White Night (Dresden Files #9)

 

Well Stormi and I are at it once again. I can't believe I have been reading this series consistently for nine months now.  It's both exciting and overwhelming as there are still many more to go.  So read on for my thoughts on this next installment and then hop over to Stormi's for hers.  

 

TITLE: White Night (Dresden Files #9)

AUTHOR: Jim Butcher

PUBLISHER: Ace

PUBLISHING DATE: February 5, 2008

PAGES: 244   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Someone is targeting the members of the city’s supernatural underclass—those who don’t possess enough power to become full-fledged wizards. Some have vanished. Others appear to be victims of suicide. But now the culprit has left a calling card at one of the crime scenes—a message for Harry Dresden. 

Harry sets out to find the apparent serial killer, but his investigation turns up evidence pointing to the one suspect he cannot possibly believe guilty: his half-brother, Thomas. To clear his brother’s name, Harry rushes into a supernatural power struggle that renders him outnumbered, outclassed, and dangerously susceptible to temptation. And Harry knows that if he screws this one up, people will die—and one of them will be his brother...

MY THOUGHTS: Harry, Harry, Harry.  Sometimes I don't know what else to say. I'm amazed that we are already done with book nine and he isn't dead yet.  In fact, I am amazed more of his cronies and sidekicks haven't been murdered, blown up or zapped permanently into the Nevernever yet.  Oh, I am utterly amazed that Mouse, the amazing dog sidekick/assistant has lived this long.  If Mouse dies, I will riot!

In this installment, someone is basically going around several states killing supernaturals and primarily witches. Some think it's Harry, Harry fears it might be his brother, and Molly, his new young apprentice just wants in on the action.  Harry ends up teaming up with Murphy (can we kiss already please!) an ex-girlfriend, Elaine and Chicago's leading crime boss to find out what is really going on and what vampire order is behind it.  Because seriously, there always seems to be a vampire order behind things.

Once again, I found this to be a fast-paced read full of action, wonderful banter between Harry and about everyone at some time or another, and interaction with some of my favorite side characters.  Molly is trying to learn everything she needs to in order to stay alive, Murphy wants to help because she and Harry have become solid friends and fears for the state of her city and Harry's life, and Thomas, Harry's half-brother and vampire.  The mysteries in the books seem to get more and more complex as the books continue and I am never bored. In fact, each book just makes me more and more exciting to pick up the next book. 

If you are a fan of urban fantasy, please give this series a shot.  Be ready for a long commitment if you find yourself loving them but they are definitely worth the ride.  

MY RATING: 5 Paws

IF MOUSE DIES, I RIOT!