Feed Your TBR

 

Can't Wait Wednesday 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.

FROM GOODREADS: Heavy metal, ripped jeans, Stephen King novels, and the occasional beer at the White Horse have defined urban Indian Kari James’s life so far. But when her cousin Debby finds an old family bracelet that once belonged to Kari’s mother, it inadvertently calls up both her mother’s ghost and a monstrous entity, and her willful ignorance about her past is no longer sustainable…

Haunted by visions of her mother and hunted by this mysterious creature, Kari must search for what happened to her mother all those years ago. Her father, permanently disabled from a car crash, can’t help her. Her Auntie Squeaker seems to know something but isn’t eager to give it all up at once. Debby’s anxious to help, but her controlling husband keeps getting in the way. Kari’s journey toward a truth long denied by both her family and law enforcement forces her to confront her dysfunctional relationships, thoughts about a friend she lost in childhood, and her desire for the one thing she’s always wanted but could never have.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I was pretty much sold from the first sentence in the synopsis.  However, I also love the idea of Indigenous horror.

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR THIS WEEK???

Vicious Creatures - Ashton Noone

 

TITLE: Vicious Creatures

AUTHOR: Ashton Noone

PUBLISHER: Scarlet

PUBLISHING DATE: August 2, 2022

PAGES: 312

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Ava Montgomery never wanted to return home. She fled Reachwood fourteen years ago after the discovery of Adam Albright’s body in the forest shattered her young life. But when a violent divorce sends her running back to her parents’ house with her troubled daughter Marjorie in tow, Ava discovers that not much has changed in the small Oregon town where she grew up.

It doesn’t take long for Ava to fall back in with her old crowd, most of whom stayed in town after high school. Each one of her childhood friends found fame and fortune after they graduated, including Victoria Gallagher—Ava’s high school best friend and ex-lover, now unhappily married to a wealthy husband from one of the founding families of Reachwood.

Meanwhile, Ava’s daughter becomes intrigued by the forest, fascinated by an urban legend about its secret power—and her curious questions bring Ava’s long-repressed memories of the traumatic events surrounding Adam’s death back to the fore. And then, when the body of a missing child is found in those same woods, that dark past begins to repeat itself.

After a knife is left on Ava’s doorstep and a threatening message appears on her front door, she wonders if her friends have something to do with the newest crime. They never told anyone how much they really know about what happened to Adam on the night he died; does one of them want to drive her out of Reachwood to keep that secret? As Marjorie becomes obsessed with the infamous murder, and old friendships and feuds reignite, Ava is drawn back into the forest to confront her own role in its violent history—before her daughter becomes its next prey. 

MY THOUGHTS:  I was really looking forward to this book and I have to admit,  it was probably 99% because of the cover.  I still love it and think it sets the tone for this Southern Gothic tale pretty good.  And while I did enjoy this book and am looking forward to more from this author, it was kind of a miss in some areas.

First of all, I found all of the characters pretty unlikable. I don't always have to like the characters I am reading about, and sometimes I admit the more despicable the better, but there were numerous times I wanted to smack Ava and Marjorie.  And don't even get me started on Ava's mother.  It's no wonder Ava is seriously lacking some basic living skills and support systems.  Ava is running from her past which is her normal go-to coping mechanism.  And her hometown, where she ends up landing, truly holds lots of secrets which were probably better left alone. I feel the above synopsis gives you more than enough additional information about what happens in the novel so I'll skip the details.

In the end, the mystery did kind of keep me guessing, but wasn't really that shocking.  I felt the conclusion was satisfying but rushed.  I did think Noone did a wonderful job creating a creepy atmosphere and an spooky urban legend surrounding Reachwood and its most prominent families.  However, I was left wanting more supernatural and less spoiled kid drama.

RATING: 3 paws

Farm News - 09-05-22 (I'm Back)

 

WHAT I'M DOING:

So basically, I'm back.  Or at least I'm hoping to be back.  I never meant to be away this long and you can thing my good friend Stormi for encouraging me to start back.  You might notice we still have been doing our buddy reads but that's about the only time I've touched the blog at all.  I have missed you guys though.

I'm still working the job I started right before I left.  I really love it and you can't beat working from home 95% of the time.  Howevher, most of the day is spent in front of the computer either typing, researching or reading so you can only imagine how hard it can be at the end of the day to open another computer back up.  I still read a lot though and lots of different genres so I figured I better start sharing some of my faves again.  I am hoping to post 2-3 times a week but we'll see how that goes.

WHAT I'M READING:

Speaking of reading.  I have been reading everything from horror, thrillers, cozy mysteries, some memoirs and even a book I affectionately call "Disney Smut" recently.  It's been kind of nice to read whatever I want with very little pressure,.  I also tend to read more than one book at a time now, or at least plan out my current reads in 3's so each week I would like to share what's on the upcoming reading agenda.

My hold on Dead Romantics came in this past week and I am anxious to see if it's something I enjoy.  Romance mixed with ghosts sounds right up my alley.  Stormi and I are doing a 2-month read of The Witching Hour for the spooky season. I read it years and years ago when I was in high school so we'll see if it still stands up.  Plus I'm really excited about the TV series coming out soon. And finally, I hope to pick up Home Sick Pilots Vol. 1.  Gotta love a horror graphic novel from time to time.

WHAT I'M WATCHING:

Sadly to say both Mr. Barb and I recently came down with Covid a week apart from each other.  I spent a lot of that time catching up on Season 6 of Riverdale.  If Covid didn't kill some brain cells, the latest season of Riverdale definitely did.  It's so far out there now and they all have superpowers and I was mega-confused for at least the first 6 episodes.  But seriously, I couldn't stop watching and can't wait for the next season.

We also watched Nope, which was good but not what I expected.  It was more sci-fi than horror and I wasn't really in the mood for sci-fi when we watched it.

And finally, it's football season again which means lots of college and pro watching and cheering on our favorite teams.

PUPDATE:

And last but not least, the pups are doing well.  Apollo is almost 3 and Cassius will be 9 in November.  It's hasn't been easy the past 9 months though.  Cass started exhibiting some aggressive behaviors which probably coincided with Apollo reaching the age of maturity (around 24-36 months) and exhibiting some dominating behaviors.  Cass would fly off without a moment's notice and sad to say, I've been bit in the left hand (all the way through) and on the cheek.  Mr. Barb was also had his left hand shredded pretty good a few weeks ago.  Needless to say, Apollo was recently neutered, we've made some modifications at home (baby gates and supervised visits only) and we are hopeful this will help.  But other than that, they are still spoiled rotten and the loves of our lives. 

If you made it this far, thanks for stopping by.  I'm so excited to be back in the blogging world and can't wait to start chatting with you again.  

2 Bloggers 1 Series - Promise Canyon (Virgin River #11)

 

So Stormi and I are still going strong with the Virgin River series.  I'm actually kind of shocked we are still enjoying it as much as we did.  However, I'm also glad that we are continuing on as I love the setting and the characters and the books have quickly become a comfort read.  So read on to see what I think about the latest installment and then hop over to Stormi's at  Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! to see what she thought as well.

TITLE: Promise Canyon (Virgin River #11)

AUTHOR: Robyn Carr

PUBLISHER: Mira

PUBLISHING DATE: December 21, 2010

PAGES: 342

SOURCE: Hoopla

FROM GOODREADS: After years spent on ranches around Los Angeles, Clay Tahoma is delighted to be Virgin River's new veterinary assistant. The secluded community's wild beauty tugs at his Navajo roots, and he's been welcomed with open arms by everyone in town—everyone except Lilly Yazhi.

Lilly has encountered her share of strong, silent, traditional men within her own aboriginal community, and she's not interested in coming back for more. In her eyes, Clay's earthy, sexy appeal is just an act used to charm wealthy women like his ex-wife. She can't deny his gift for gentling horses, but she's not about to let him control her. There's just one small problem—she can't control her attraction to Clay.

But in Virgin River, faith in new beginnings and the power of love has doors opening everywhere....

MY THOUGHTS:  I really enjoyed the new characters introduced in this installment.  Clay Tahoma moves to Virgin River to assist his friend with his veterinary practice and the fact that he is escaping his ex-wife is just an added bonus.  Clay has a way with horses which is definitely what is needed in the expanding practice. Clay quickly meets Lilly and sparks start flying but she is hesitant because her experience with men in the past.

I loved the cultural aspects of this one and it was interesting seeing the difference in Clay's Navajo traditions versus Lilly's Hopi ones.  I also loved the bonds they created with the horses and how their experiences mirrored some of their.  There is a side story in Promise Canyon which made me pretty sad and it definitely left Jack in a predicament which was a great way to incorporate some of the more seasoned characters such as Jack, Mel, Preacher and Paige.  

I can't wait to see where this series takes us and as I've heard there's a new installment coming out in October, I think Stormi and I will be reading this for some time to come.

RATING: 5 PAWS

2 Bloggers 1 Book - A New Hunter Shea!

 

If you've been around for any period of time, you know how much Stormi and I LOVE Hunter Shea, especially his creature-centered books.  So when we saw he had a new one coming out, PLUS that it was on Kindle Unlimited, it gave us both an excuse to pick it up. So read on to see what I think about it and then hop over to Stormi's at  Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! to see what she thought as well.

TITLE: To the Devil, A Cryptid

AUTHOR: Hunter Shea

PUBLISHER: Severed Press

PUBLISHING DATE: May 13, 2022

PAGES: 161

SOURCE: Kindle Unlimited

FROM GOODREADS: Down in Texas, even the legends are bigger.

Some say the Goat Man is just an old folk tale, meant to scare people from wandering too far into the woods. For a group of Satanists, crossing the infamous Goat Man's Bridge is the first step to appeasing their Dark Lord. When their sacrifice goes wrong, hell is birthed on Earth. What rises from the ashes under a lightning-slashed sky will crave only two things: to bring about chaos, and bathe in the blood of the dead.

An ex-con, pastry chef, paranormal podcaster and terrified teen fight to stay one step ahead of their destruction as the town around them is crushed under the horns of the horrifying cryptid now possessed by demons from hell. The Goat Man has arrived, and it won't leave until there is nothing left alive.

MY THOUGHTS: This book was such a quick, fun read that I would recommend it to anyone who loves creature-centered horror.  Everyone loves to tempt folklore and for years, people have went to Goat Man's Bridge trying to conjure evil spirits or perhaps get a glimpse of Goat Man himself.  When the book opens, you have a group of Satanist, trying to connect with the Dark Lord when things go horribly wrong - which I would guess seems to happen whenever the Dark Lord is involved.  However, one of the townies, who wants nothing more than to rescue cats who are coming up missing, gets caught in the crosshairs and suddenly, all Hell breaks lose.

What happens next is a blood and gore fest in a small Texas town, teens and young adults trying to stay alive and a perverted priest who may be their last chance (Who FYI isn't really perverted).  I loved all the action and the Goat Man himself is pretty scary.  As I mentioned, the book flies by and I couldn't wait to see who would die next.  The ending was a tad sad which I didn't really expect coming from a Shea creature book but it was a perfect way to tie this up without a pretty package and red ribbon.  My only complaint is how the main characters in the book kept splitting up and then running into each other again.  I mean, how much would this really happen in an end-of-the-town scenario.

That being said, I still loved this book and Shea continues to cement himself as one of my favorite horror authors.  The man can't write fast enough for me and seriously, if you love horror and haven't tried him yet, this is a great place to dip your toes.  Just don't do it off the side of Goat Man Bridge.

RATING: 4 PAWS

2 Blogger 1 Series - Virgin River

 

So Stormi and I haven't stopped with the Virgin River series yet.  I'm actually kind of surprised.  And even though the last installment, as well as this one, hasn't quite been up to the usual 5 paw rating they have all gotten so far, I am still finding them enjoyable.  So read on to see what I think about our most recent read and then hop over to Stormi's at  Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! to see what she thought as well.

TITLE: Moonlight Road (Virgin River #10)

AUTHOR: Robyn Carr

PUBLISHER: MIRA

PUBLISHING DATE: March 2, 2010

PAGES:409

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: With her beloved younger siblings settled and happy, Erin Foley has empty nest syndrome. At age thirty-five.

So she's hitting the pause button on her life and holing up in a secluded (but totally upgraded—she's not into roughing it) cabin near Virgin River. Erin is planning on getting to know herself…not the shaggy-haired mountain man she meets.

In fact, beneath his faded fatigues and bushy beard, Aiden Riordan is a doctor, recharging for a summer after leaving the navy. He's intrigued by the pretty, slightly snooty refugee from the rat race—her meditating and journaling are definitely keeping him at arm's length. He'd love to get closer…if his scruffy exterior and crazy ex-wife don't hold him back.

But maybe it's something in the water—unlikely romances seem to take root in Virgin River…helped along by some well-intentioned meddling, of course.

MY THOUGHTS:  This book does a good job of mixing up the characters.  Even though Aiden and Erin's story is the primary one, we get decent side stories from Mel and Jack as well as Maureen.  Erin has worked hard her whole life supporting her sister and brother after their parents died.  She has never really taken a vacation and doesn't really know how to.  So in need of a break, she decides to spend the summer in a recently refurbished cabin.  She meets Aiden when he accidentally knocks her out and they have sort of a rocky start.  However, per usual, love starts to blossom in Virgin River once again but not without some problems thrown in such as a bear attack, a hostage situation, and Aiden's ex wife.

I have to be honest and say that I actually found Mel a tad annoying in this book.  She and Jack are probably my favorite couple, next to Preacher and Paige, and it bothers me to say Mel has some hang ups which she just won't let go. It does all work itself out in the end though.  My other major complaint is that I am really finding these books to be too baby-centric.  It seems there are babies everywhere you turn and this book has way too many pregnancy stories going all at once.

I think what keeps me coming back to these books is their cozy, small-town vibes.  It's like visiting an old friend and they are always quick reads.  I'm looking forward to the next in the series but seriously hope there are fewer babies around.

RATING: 4 PAWS

2 Bloggers 1 Series - Angel's Peak (Virgin River Series)

 

I can't believe Stormi and I are as far into this series as we are.  In fact, we might even get it wrapped up sometime this year if we keep moving ahead.  As much as I love this series all around, I can say there are a few things that I've noticed which are starting to irritate me but not enough to affect my ratings too much.  Plus, each time I finish one I'm always curious what the next one will bring so as long as that happens, I suppose it's a good thing.  So read on to see what I think about our most recent read and then hop over to Stormi's at  Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! to see what she thought as well.

TITLE: Angel's Peak (Virgin River #10)

AUTHOR: Robyn Carr

PUBLISHER: MIRA

PUBLISHING DATE: January 26, 2010

PAGES: 400

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Welcome back to Virgin River with the books that started it all… 

Four years ago, air force sweethearts Franci Duncan and Sean Riordan reached an impasse. She wanted marriage and a family. He didn't. But a chance meeting proves that the bitter breakup hasn't cooled their sizzling chemistry. 

Sean has settled down in spite of himself he's not the cocky young fighter pilot he was when Franci left, and he wants them to try again. After all, they have a history…but that's not all they share. 

Franci's secret reason for walking away when Sean refused to commit is now three and a half: a redheaded cherub named Rosie who shares her daddy's emerald-green eyes. Sean is stunned and furious with Franci for the deception. 

News travels fast in Virgin River, and soon the whole town is taking sides. Rebuilding their trust could take a small miracle and the kind of love that can move mountains.

MY THOUGHTS: So I have to admit when I started reading this book for about the first 50 pages I was lost.  I recognized Sean's last name so I pretty much connected him to Luke right away, and we have briefly met him before.  But the book made it seem like we should remember Franci and I don't think we ever met her.  

Sean is on extended leave from the service and visiting his brother Luke and being the playboy of the family, he's out one night scouting for women when he sees a familiar face.  He and Franci had an pretty intense relationship 4 years ago which ended when he failed to commit and she wanted something more stable.  Sean has never gotten over her so he pretty much starts stalking her because he wants to rekindle the fun they once shared.  However, soon in he realizes why Franci was so intent on settling down when he discovers a 3 1/2 year old who looks just like him. So most of the book is focused on the fallout of such a serious secret and Sean trying to convince Franci he is a changed man.

I must like like the hidden child trope that much because this book wasn't quite as enjoyable as the past ones. In addition, the case of characters has grown so large that some of my favorites just aren't showing up as much with is frustrating.  My other issue is this series has babies EVERYWHERE!  It's kind of starting to become irritating and I'm convinced it shouldn't be called Virgin River because everyone ends up pregnant!

Than being said, I did enjoy seeing some closure on a few stories from the last book and we get a good look and Sean's widowed mother and her feelings on letting love into her life again which was a nice change of pace.  At least I'm pretty confident that she won't end up pregnant.  This is the first book which hasn't gotten a 5/5 rating which is awesome when you consider it's #10.  That is definitely saying something and I will definitely be continuing on and just chalking this one up to being a bump in the road. 

RATING: 4 PAWS