Books

Knives Out Meets The Secret Garden: Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews

seandersonLeave a comment

I’m officially obsessed with C.G. Drews’s brand of environmental/forest horror. There’s just something intoxicating about the way she blends lush, lyrical writing with creeping dread and botanical menace. Hazelthorn feels like it’s set in the same eerie world as Don’t Let the Forest In (or maybe dreamed up by Andrew and Thomas), but it never feels like a repeat. Instead, it’s as though Drews knows exactly what we loved from her last book and has turned the dial up even higher.

Blurb

Evander has lived like a ghost in the forgotten corners of the Hazelthorn estate ever since he was taken in by his reclusive billionaire guardian, Byron Lennox-Hall, when he was a child. For his safety, Evander has been given three ironclad rules to follow:

He can never leave the estate. He can never go into the gardens. And most importantly, he can never again be left alone with Byron’s charming, underachieving grandson, Laurie.

That last rule has been in place ever since Laurie tried to kill Evander seven years ago, and yet somehow Evander is still obsessed with him.

When Byron suddenly dies, Evander inherits Hazelthorn’s immense gothic mansion and acres of sprawling grounds, along with the entirety of the Lennox-Hall family’s vast wealth. But Evander’s sure his guardian was murdered, and Laurie may be the only one who can help him find the killer before they come for Evander next.

Perhaps even more concerning is how the overgrown garden is refusing to stay behind its walls, slipping its vines and spores deeper into the house with each passing day. As the family’s dark secrets unravel alongside the growing horror of their terribly alive, bloodthirsty garden, Evander needs to find out what he’s really inheriting before the garden demands to be fed once more.

My Thoughts

The book opens with a classic hook: Byron Lennox-Hall is dead, and his ward Evander suspects foul play. It’s the perfect setup for a gothic murder mystery… except that’s just the bait. The real danger comes from the sprawling Hazelthorn estate itself: more specifically, the overgrown, bloodthirsty garden that refuses to stay outside. Before long, murder takes a backseat to something stranger and far more unsettling. Imagine Knives Out meets The Secret Garden meets botanical body horror, with spores and vines slipping under doors and into your lungs.

At the center are two boys who are as frustrating as they are compelling. Evander tested my patience early on: passive, withdrawn, and almost too resigned to his gilded cage. But as the story unfolded, I grew to understand his hesitations. And Laurie? My poor cinnamon roll. He’s going through it, but he’s magnetic and impossible not to love. I wish I knew more about who he was like in the outside world, but it almost feels as if nothing exists outside of the Hazelthorn estate. Drews captures that push-pull between craving control and drowning in self-hatred with a raw, unsettling honesty.

None of the characters’ choices made sense at first, but that’s part of the magic. Slowly, their motivations snap into place, and by the time I realized I’d been hooked, it was too late to put the book down. Surprisingly, there’s also a thread of delicious, seething feminine rage woven into this story about gay boys… and maybe that’s just my read on it, but it gives the book an added bite I didn’t expect.

Hazelthorn is, at its roots, a YA horromance (yes, horror + romance) about inheritance, secrets, and the monstrous beauty of nature unleashed. And C.G. Drews proves once again that nobody does creeping, vine-twisting, soul-crushing atmosphere quite like she does.

Verdict: If you like your gothic horror strange, gorgeous, and tinged with romance, you’re going to want to wander into this garden… just watch your step.

Out Oct 28, 2025

I love you, bro — The Broposal by Sonora Reyes

seandersonLeave a comment

I’ve been in a bit of a writing slump lately thanks to (imagine me gesturing wildly around) life. I actually read this book over a month ago, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. And with the current U.S. leadership making it abundantly clear that foreigners are not welcome on their soil, this story feels more timely—and more necessary—than ever. I missed the book’s publishing date (Jan. 21), and I’m a little ashamed of that, because I really want this one to find its readers and get the success it deserves. So today, let me tell you about… a romance. Well, a bromance.

Blurb

It’s about time roommates Alejandro and Kenny get married. Or at least, that’s what all their close friends and family think when they announce their engagement. The kicker? The two are faking their whole relationship so Alejandro can get a green card. But if Han was going to marry anyone, it would be his ride or die since second grade.

Han has never been able to put down roots, and the only one who truly breaks through his walls is Kenny. Sweet, sensitive Kenny is newly single, and what better distraction from his soul-sucking relationship than proposing marriage to Han? Kenny can’t think of anything more fun than spending his life with his best friend, even if it’s just for a piece of paper. But as Kenny keeps up the charade, he’s soon struggling to resist their sizzling chemistry.

The line between fact and fiction begins to blur the closer they get to their wedding date. With all eyes on Han and Kenny—including a meddling ex and immigration officers—will these two bros make it down the altar for real?

My Thoughts

I loved this book.

On the surface, The Broposal is a fake-dating, best-friends-to-lovers romcom—sweet, funny, and full of swoony moments. But underneath the swoons and slow-burn chemistry, this book also explores the very real fear and hardship of being undocumented in the U.S.—making it one of the most emotionally resonant romances I’ve read in a long time.

As an immigrant myself—an American who’s never lived in the U.S.—I’m painfully familiar with the bureaucratic nightmares that come with trying to stay legal. I’ve had applications lost, had to rely on family for fees, and even turned down job opportunities because they might jeopardize my status. I’ve been in rooms where people complain about “foreigners getting free handouts” without realizing I’m one of those very people (though, where those handouts are hiding, I’d love to know). And still, I recognize the immense privilege I have—legality, support, and even the invisibility granted by my skin color.

The Broposal put that into perspective. Han is a young undocumented immigrant who’s built a life in the U.S. but lives every day under the weight of fear and restriction. The story doesn’t shy away from the consequences of that reality: the exploitation, the lack of medical access, the quiet terror of being found out. The paradox of wanting, needing to be legal, and not having the resources to do so because you’re not. It’s powerful. It’s real. And it’s a stark reminder that the right to live a life of dignity should not be up for debate.

And yet, against this backdrop, we have the most wholesome, perfect romance between Han and Kenny.

Best friends since second grade, their bond is so warm and full of mutual care that it’s no wonder everyone around them assumes they’re already in love. We all see it! Right away! Their friendship is beautiful on its own, and while I’d love to see more representations of strong, platonic male friendships in fiction, I couldn’t help but cheer when they started to realize what everyone else already knew: they’re soulmates.

The chemistry? Off the charts. The emotional depth? Devastating in the best way. It also features one of the most heartbreaking explicit sex scenes you will ever read, so prepare yourself emotionally.

Another highlight: the book thoughtfully includes the experience of emotional abuse from a female partner—something rarely depicted in romance, especially from a male perspective. Kenny’s past relationship is handled with nuance and care, and it adds even more complexity to his emotional journey.

I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. Having two narrators—one for Han and one for Kenny—was such a gift. It’s still way too rare in audiobooks where both POVs are the same gender, and it made these characters feel even more alive.

In short: The Broposal is more than just a romance. It’s a story about identity, safety, love, and the messy beauty of realizing you’ve had everything you needed all along. It’s timely. It’s tender. It’s so worth reading.

If you’re in the U.S. right now and going through this—if you’re undocumented, on a visa, waiting for your paperwork, or living in fear of what might come next—please know: the outside world is watching. Many of us see what’s happening, and we care deeply. You deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to live without fear. You shouldn’t have to prove your worthiness to exist.

If you’re looking for support, here are some resources that may help:

United We Dream (https://unitedwedream.org) – the largest immigrant youth-led community in the U.S., offering resources, advocacy, and community support.

Immigration Equality (https://immigrationequality.org) – especially for LGBTQ+ immigrants, they offer legal assistance and know-how.

RAICES (https://www.raicestexas.org) – provides legal and social services to immigrants and refugees, particularly in Texas but with national reach.

National Immigration Law Center (https://nilc.org) – a long-standing advocacy group working to defend and advance the rights of low-income immigrants.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Please reach out to trusted people, advocacy groups, or mental health professionals when you can. And if reading stories like The Broposal helps you feel seen or even just momentarily lighter—you’re not wrong to reach for that, too.

We see you. We care. And we’re not giving up on a more just world.

Thank God and Tom Hanks — Celebrity Crush by Christy Swift

seandersonLeave a comment

I promised I’d be back, and for once, I’m on time! I’m so thrilled this week to bring you another exceptional romance novel — one that manages to sneak sci-fi quotes and references into a contemporary story (you know I’m a sucker for that!).

Summary

A romance writer’s wildest dreams—the bestseller list, a movie deal, and a date with the real-life inspiration for her Hollywood hero—are all within her grasp if only she can hold it all together.    

Author Emmy Ellison is a sucker for a page-turning happy ending, but she’s no longer counting on one for herself. If she stays focused on her career goals instead of her love life, she just might find success. And now that her latest novel is about to become a movie, she’s determined to become the latest social media sensation.

When her secret celebrity crush (the real-life inspiration for her romantic hero) accepts the starring role in the big-screen adaptation of her book, she’s determined to team up with a fake dating scheme—now that he’s in need of some good PR of his own. Ideally, she can ride the wave of popularity all the way to the top of the bestseller lists. But when the harsh spotlight of fame exposes the truth, will they try to turn their on-camera chemistry into a real-life relationship?

What happens when your biggest celebrity crush stars in the movie adaptation of your book—and you start catching real feelings?

My Thoughts

Emmy Ellison is living the ultimate author fantasy. Her novel, Hashtag, CelebrityCrush, goes viral after the internet speculates which real-life celebrity inspired her leading man. Cue an even bigger dream come true—her book gets a movie deal, and none other than Jason Harlow, the actual muse behind her fictional Hollywood hero, signs on for the role. Suddenly Emmy’s at fancy Hollywood parties as her book skyrockets to the top of the bestseller list. What could possibly go wrong?

Well… emotions, for starters! When the lines between fiction and reality blur, and Emmy and Jason start falling for each other for real, the pressures of Hollywood, social media, and their own pasts make it nearly impossible to tell what’s genuine and what’s scripted.

The moment this book dropped a Star Trek reference in the first line, I knew I was in for a treat. If you’ve ever been obsessed with a sci-fi series and the leading actors who bring those characters to life (cough David Tennant’s hair cough), then this book is for you. And even if sci-fi isn’t your thing, don’t worry—the references are balanced enough that non-nerds will still absolutely love it. Also, can we talk about Lost Star Dance Troupe Saves the Universe? I need this to be a real show immediately. Imagine Firefly but with a ridiculously attractive cast and dance numbers? Get a producer on the line STAT!

But what makes Celebrity Crush truly shine is how authentic the characters feel. Emmy is more than just a dreamy, starstruck romance writer—she’s a single mom working tirelessly to build the life she and her daughter deserve. Jason, meanwhile, is a single dad trying to make the right choices for his son while navigating the exhausting world of fame. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really makes their love story hit home is how real it feels. They’re both navigating the pressure of public life, surrounded by people who constantly push them to use each other for their own gain. In a world of PR-driven relationships and social media scrutiny, trusting your heart isn’t easy. Their slow-burn connection—full of longing, hesitation, and genuine tenderness—makes you root for them at every turn. Just two people searching for something authentic in a world built on illusion.

Something I thought was pretty brilliant was the mise en abyme —or to avoid using a French term I can’t properly translate, Celebrity-Crush-Ception. The book is about Emmy’s celebrity crush, who plays the character based on himself in the movie adaptation of her book, #CelebrityCrush. So clever!

Just when you think you know where the story is going, Swift throws in a curveball that completely upends your expectations. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of romantic tension, humor, and jaw-dropping surprises. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, something unexpected happened—and I loved it. The HEA is so satisfying, and I was grinning from ear to ear by the final chapters. While the leaked photo scandal wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking, that’s just a minor nitpick.

Also: I listened to the audiobook, and the dual narration really elevated the story. Having separate narrators for Emmy and Jason brought both perspectives to life, and the snippets of celebrity news, gossip blogs, and interviews were hilariously well done. The over-the-top Hollywood personalities were chef’s kiss perfect.

Celebrity Crush is the kind of book that gives you all the warm, fuzzy, heart-fluttering feelings. It’s fun, clever, and packed with swoon-worthy moments—plus, the fake dating trope is executed so well. The side characters are also fantastic (I need a Val in my life—when will my royalties start rolling in so I can afford a professional stylist?). If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts smart, sexy, and full of heart, this is it. And if it’s a little wish-fulfill-y? So what! That’s exactly what I needed. Highly recommended for fans of Hollywood romances and sci-fi-loving heroines who finally get their happily-ever-after.

Pub Date Feb 11 2025

Cursed in Love by Emily Colin — and Sweet Purple Ponies, has it been that long?

seandersonLeave a comment

Heya, dear readers. Did you miss me?

I hopped on the blog to write up this review and… when I saw the date of my last post… well, I cringed. Or did a bit more than cringe. Because when it’s been a whole YEAR since I promised a new post, well, I don’t particularly know what to think. Suffice to say that 2024 was a YEAR. 2025 is promising to be one too, but hey, there are some great books coming out, and I’ll try to tell you all about them. Starting this week with Emily Colin’s latest novel, Cursed in Love!

Blurb

Stars Hollow meets Charmed in this darkly funny, small-town paranormal romcom… Love doesn’t get much more forbidden than this.

In the quirky, tight-knit town of Sapphire Springs, beloved for its chocolate-caramel milkshakes and spicy senior citizens’ book club, Rune Whitlock has always felt like an outsider. Gifted with the ability to see the future but cursed to have no one believe her premonitions, she’s accepted that romance isn’t in the cards. She’s got a cozy cottage, a fulfilling graphic design career, a loyal best friend, and Valentine—the sweet rescue kitty who is definitely not her familiar. So what if she’s sometimes lonely?

But everything changes when she meets Donovan Frost. A brilliant, brooding data engineer, Donovan is everything Rune is not: methodical, reserved, logical. He’s also grumpy, judgmental, and 5-chili-peppers hot. Thrown together on a mysterious work project, the two clash spectacularly—until an unexpected connection ignites between them.

Then, Rune’s gift reveals a chilling truth: they are destined for each other, but their love story is doomed to end in tragedy on their wedding day. To protect Donovan, Rune must push him away, even if it breaks her heart. But the harder she tries, the more entangled they become. As dark forces conspire against them and secrets come to light, Rune must unravel the mystery of her curse…before it’s too late.

✨A woman who’s cursed to see the future but never have anyone believe her premonitions falls in love with a man who’s destined to die on their wedding day. ✨

Sweet Purple Ponies! When I picked up Cursed in Love, I was expecting a cozy romcom with a dash of magic, but Emily Colin delivered so much more. While the book is packed with charm, humor, and swoon-worthy romance, it also has serious stakes and emotional depth that completely took me by surprise. Rune’s backstory is tough—there’s real pain and loss behind her quirky exterior—and the content warnings are definitely there for a reason. These moments, however, never detract from the magic of the story. Instead, they make Rune’s journey feel that much more powerful and real. So expect more of a paranormal romance set in a rom-com world.

Rune Whitlock is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for: quirky, fiercely independent, and delightfully awkward in all the right ways. But in Sapphire Springs—a town where the gossip blogs are practically Big Brother-level invasive—Rune can’t so much as slip without the whole town knowing. (Honestly, I could never live there. Rune deserves a medal for surviving it!) Her curse, the ability to see the future but never be believed, is fascinating and perfectly integrated into the plot. It shapes her relationships, her choices, and the quiet loneliness that defines so much of her life.

And then there’s Donovan Frost. Let me just say this: if you’ve ever wanted Henry Cavill as a grumpy data engineer with a spreadsheet obsession (turns out, that’s kinda my type), you’re in for a treat. Rune and Donovan’s chemistry practically jumps off the page—it’s that good. Their dynamic is a delightful mix of opposites attracting, with Rune’s messy, magical unpredictability clashing with Donovan’s buttoned-up, logical approach to life. Yet beneath the surface, they share a connection that feels both inevitable and electric. No wonder the town is shipping them so hard! And speaking of the town, I adore the Sinsters (the senior women’s romantasy book club). They might be a little obsessed with social media gossip, but Hot Yoga Grandma makes up for it.

What really sets Cursed in Love apart, though, is how it constantly keeps you guessing. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, Colin threw in a twist that had me gasping out loud. The way all the threads come together at the end? Absolutely brilliant.

As someone who’s loved Emily Colin’s romantasy (The Sword of the Seven Sins trilogy, Fate and Fury), I was curious to see how her signature style would translate to a contemporary setting. Let me tell you—she nailed it. This book has all her trademarks: magical curses, badass female leads, heart-pounding twists, and those beautiful moments of self-discovery. It’s like she took the essence of romantasy and seamlessly wove it into a small-town paranormal romcom. She may just be the queen of forbidden love.

Cursed in Love truly has it all: romance, magic, high stakes, low stakes, and a heartfelt story about a woman learning to come into her own power—all while falling for her grumpy, reluctant coworker. If you’re a fan of Charmed, quirky small towns, or love stories that make you laugh, cry, and believe in magic, then you’re going to love this book.

Pub Date Feb 14 2025 from Black Orchid Books

An Island Strange and Wild: The Secret Garden of your deepest dreams

seandersonLeave a comment

Hello, dear readers! I’m so excited about today’s review, as this is a book I’ve had the privilege of watching come together over the past few years. Lisa Amowitz has crafted a Secret Garden retelling that speaks to the deepest part of me, weaving science and magic into a beautiful work of art, like slipping into a Monet painting and watching every plant come to life.

Blurb

Devastated by the freak death of her fellow climate activist and best friend/secret crush Tyler, eighteen-year-old science geek Rosalie Gatell decides to ditch her prestigious summer study abroad and escape to the place of his birth, which happens to be an endangered and uncharted island off the coast of Maine.

Once there, Rosalie discovers a shocking truth about her past…and that what troubles this island goes far beyond the laws of nature. Even with a vanishing walled garden, a miraculous healing plant with a mind of its own, an unknown aunt trapped in a tree, nothing confounds Rosalie as much as the enigmatic Liam, a reckless and beautiful island boy with a supernatural green thumb. Rosalie believes she may have found salvation in this island wonderland—and a path to completing Tyler’s climate work.

But as her attraction to Liam grows, she’s confronted by myths and legends about her family’s origins that forces her to reconcile science and magic in order to save the island, and everyone on it, from an ancient evil. To do so, Rosalie will have to rely on her own power, instead of logic or science, if she is to free Liam from his curse while keeping the evil from consuming her and everyone else she’s ever loved.

My Thoughts

I adored this highly atmospheric read! A mesmerizing tale that captures the heart with its atmospheric storytelling and enchanting worldbuilding. Amowitz takes us on a journey with Rosalie, a young woman reeling from personal tragedy, as she discovers the wonders and secrets of an endangered island off the coast of Maine.

The novel is a beautiful homage to “The Secret Garden,” reimagined with a modern twist and an infusion of fantasy elements that breathe life into the story. With it being one of my favorite books as a child (along with the BBC adaptation, which had me searching for secret gates in hedges for years), I was excited for this retelling, and it did not let me down. The author’s worldbuilding is exquisite, both in its complexity and in the beauty of what she’s created: the plants burst off the page, blooming to life and taking root in your mind.

At the heart of this narrative is Rosalie, a young woman grappling with personal loss. Her character is a masterful blend of intelligence, resilience, and vulnerability. As she uncovers the mysteries of her past and the island’s secrets, we see her grow and find her own power. Rosalie’s journey is a compelling exploration of grief, identity, and strength.

The book weaves together elements of romance, magic, and the supernatural, yet it never loses its grip on the real emotional stakes at play. The ethical dilemmas and the struggle between science and magic add layers of depth to the story, making it thought-provoking as well as captivating.

An Island Strange and Wild is a testament to the power of storytelling. It’s a book that doesn’t just tell a story; it takes you on a journey. The blend of enchanting narrative, rich worldbuilding, and complex characters make it a must-read. It’s a book that reminds us why we fall in love with stories in the first place and the transformative power they hold.

Lisa Amowitz has crafted a tale that resonates long after the last page is turned, making An Island Strange and Wild an unforgettable addition to any book lover’s collection.

Expected publication February 20, 2024

Detective Work in Jupiter’s Orbit: The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles

seandersonLeave a comment

Have you ever longed for a journey that combines the intellectual rigor of a scholarly puzzle with the thrill of space opera? Look no further! The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles by Malka Older landed on my reading list like an unexpected comet, whisking me away on an interstellar adventure filled with intrigue and wonder. Join me as I reunite with Investigator Mossa and Scholar Pleiti, navigating the vast expanses of Jupiter’s settlements and the intricate corridors of human complexity.

Blurb

Investigator Mossa and Scholar Pleiti reunite to solve a new mystery in the follow-up to the cozy space-opera detective mystery The Mimicking of Known Successes, which Hugo Award-winning author Charlie Jane Anders called “an utter triumph.”

Mossa has returned to Valdegeld on a missing person’s case, for which she’ll once again need Pleiti’s insight. Seventeen students and staff members have disappeared from Valdegeld University—yet no one has noticed. The answers to this case may lie on the moon of Io—Mossa’s home—and the history of Jupiter’s original settlements during humanity’s exodus from Earth.

But Pleiti’s faith in her life’s work as a scholar of the past has grown precarious, and this new case threatens to further destabilize her dreams for humanity’s future, as well as her own.

My thoughts

Returning to the world of Mossa and Pleiti was like a reunion with old university friends—familiar yet full of surprises. Malka Older’s vision of life on Jupiter is an absolute treat, crafting worlds both vast and intricately detailed. The day-to-day peculiarities of Jupiter’s settlements—the railcars, the interplay of the moons, and the reconstructed diurnal rhythms—illustrate Older’s extraordinary skill in world-building.

This sequel poses an intriguing question: Why do we complicate our lives in the pursuit of simplicity? It’s a contemplative thread that weaves through the narrative, prodding us to examine our own convoluted paths to ‘better’ living. The Holmesian overlay in this installment is more pronounced, teetering on the edge of pastiche at times. While it’s a charming nod to the detective genre, it occasionally distracted from the novel’s own original voice—something I savored in the first book.

Nevertheless, the journey was worth the ride. Older’s blend of brain puzzles and cosmic exploration is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. And though the detective homage is strong, the heart of the story—questioning our self-imposed complexities—resonates profoundly.

For those who fancy a cerebral jaunt across space with a dash of detective flair, The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles is a worthy expedition. Just be prepared for the occasional echo of deerstalker caps amidst the stars. I wonder how I didn’t notice how Sherlockian their dialogue was before: did I miss it in the first book, or is it just more extreme here?

As I closed the book, I was left with a sense of fulfillment and curiosity. Malka Older has once again proven her ability to entangle the cosmic and the personal, making us ponder the universe’s mysteries and our place within it. So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey that’s as introspective as it is interstellar, grab your space gear and dive into “The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles”. Let’s unravel the universe’s puzzles together!

Expected Publication Date 13 Feb 2024 from Tor Publishing Group, TorDotCom

7 Days Until Wanderer Lifts Off – Last Chance For Pre-Order Swag!

seandersonLeave a comment

Hello, Starstruck adventurers!

We’re officially one week away from the launch of ‘Wanderer’, the ninth book in the Starstruck saga, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. This has been such an incredible journey, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who’ve been with me every step of the way.

Blurb

For Sally and Zander, enjoying much-needed R&R means hitting up spa planets and chasing buried treasure. But their sun-soaked vacation is rudely interrupted by a visitation from Nimien, who’s more Yoda than ghost. Suddenly they’re on a wild goose chase for the mysterious Wanderer, and the Alliance is more than happy to let them lead a rescue mission for some good PR. Little did they know that Sally’s bestie Marcy, the newly crowned first-lady of the Alliance, had snuck on board for a chance to escape the responsibilities – and boredom – of her new position.

When their ship crashes on Planet Nope, Sally and the gang find themselves cut off from each other and jumping altogether. And to make matters worse, the planet is home to a race of floating octopi who find humans to be the cutest things ever, and promptly adopt Sally as their unwilling pet. But with no eyes or ears, communicating with these giant cephalopods is a real challenge, especially when they can’t hear Sally’s cries for a hot shower and anything but kibble.

With Marcy missing and Zander fighting to put the pieces of his memory back together, Sally is on a mission to break free from her tentacled tyrants and reunite with her friends. Her only ally is a washed-up alien Rockstar who’s making every moment into a power ballad. Can Sally stage a rebellion and escape the clutches of her pet parents and bring everyone home? Or will she be stuck in her own personal rock opera forever?

As the old saying goes, “It’s a bit gauche to review your own book, but hey, here we are.” So instead, let’s call this a sneak peek of what you can expect from the upcoming ninth installment of the Starstruck Saga, WANDERER. And let me tell you, it’s going to be a celestial ride you won’t want to miss.

In Sally’s latest adventure, we’ll be diving into some thrilling exploits:
⛰️ Ever wondered what alien treasure hunting would look like? You’re about to find out.
❤️‍🔥 If you’re a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, you’re in for a treat.
🧑🏻‍🎤 A washed-up interstellar rockstar? You bet. We’re cranking it up to 11.
🦑 And let’s not forget the struggle against oppressive pet-parents. Octopi, to be exact.

In essence, this book is burning with fervor: passion for love, for standing up against injustice, and for a good rock anthem (or two). It’s been an absolute blast writing WANDERER, and I’m beyond excited for you all to join in on this otherworldly journey.

So mark your calendars, folks. The cosmos awaits you in WANDERER, where the stakes are high, the romance is sizzling, and the space-rock anthems are loud!

Preorder Wanderer Here

Preorder Swag

To make the countdown to launch day even more exciting, I’ve put together some cosmic swag for anyone who pre-orders ‘Wanderer’. If you order the ebook, you’ll receive a beautiful signed postcard featuring the alternate book cover. Perfect for framing, this postcard will make an interstellar addition to any wall.

And for those of you who prefer a physical book to hold in your hands, I’ve got you covered. Along with the signed postcard, you’ll receive a signed bookplate and an incredible enamel pin designed by the talented @No0neDesigns. This exclusive enamel pin is the epitome of space chic and will surely make you the envy of the galaxy.

To claim your pre-order swag, just beam up to the link below and fill out your information.

Preorder Swag

Hop on the Hype Train!

As if that wasn’t enough, I’ve got one more surprise for you. For the week leading up to ‘Wanderer’s launch, the first book in the Starstruck series will be available for just $0.99! If you haven’t jumped into this cosmic adventure yet, now is the perfect time. Or you can rope your friends along for the ride!

Starstruck Super Sale!

So, mark your calendars for June 13th and get ready for the journey of a lifetime. The universe is waiting for you!

Stay Starstruck,

Sarah

5 Simple Ways To Read More Books (And Hit That Reading Challenge)

seanderson4 Comments

As an avid bookworm as well as an all-around busy person, it’s near impossible to find time to sit down and read. Even so, it’s not even halfway through the year, and I’ve somehow (even I’m surprised) managed to read over fifty books so far in 2018. This is a massive step up from where I was three years ago, barely managing twenty or so a year!

Many of us make new years promises we can’t keep when it comes to books. Trying to hit a mystical number of ‘read’ ones so that we can impress ourselves, our friends, and feel better about how we spend our time. But reaching that goal can certainly feel like an uphill battle, especially now when some of us are entering June with none of that glorious progress made.

The biggest secret (which isn’t so secret) is that you have to make time for reading in order to actually make it through that tower of books that are threatening to tumble on you when you add another one to the reading list. I’ve assembled a short list of tips that helped me find more time to read, and I’m sure can help breeze through your pile of books.

woman on hammock reading book
Photo by Andres Chaparro on Pexels.com

  1. Social Media Blackout 

The biggest book distractor is that little brick in your pocket with access to the entire known universe. Your phone, your computer, your tablet… they’re so useful and yet so addictive!

Want more time to read? Turn the phone on silent for 30 minutes. Put it in a separate room.  Let it charge in quiet. Resist the urge/habit to check it for those 30 minutes: this is your time to enjoy your book.

For some, this is going to hurt. It’s going to feel like a punishment: anyone who’s grown up with the fear of having their phone taken away knows that feeling. But remind yourself this is your time for you. Not only will it give you more time to read, but you can focus this time on being more mindful as well.

Enjoy the freedom of being disconnected, and soon 30 minutes won’t feel like enough. See if you can extend this amount every day. And you don’t have to limit this to your phone or your computer: do you watch a lot of shows on Netflix or TV? Tell yourself to watch one episode less every day.

2. Figure out your reader type

What kind of bookworm are you? An early bird? Night owl?

When it comes to reading, everyone is different. Here I am stating the obvious again! Test out how you like reading at different times of the day to see how it feels. Personally, if I read for an hour right after waking up, I feel refreshed: but if I read before going to bed, no matter how good the book is, I can barely keep my eyes open.

Find out what time you get the most out of reading and stick to it. Some people like reading over their lunch breaks, riding the food-coma and using books to put them back in the ‘zone’ to work. Or you might like reading right after dinner, maybe taking a long bath.

Trust me: if you read at the wrong time of day, it’s going to feel like a chore and it’s going to take forever. And that’s exactly what we don’t want.

3. Squeezing in every second

I would spend my days reading if I could, but dangit, there are chores. There’s work. There’s food to be made. If you’re like me, you know that life gets in the way of a good book.

But it doesn’t have to. I’ll put food in the oven, and pick up a book, reading until it’s time to take it out. Reading while waiting on a washing machine to finish its job. Reading while on hold on the phone.

And if you have a long commute (or even a short one) books are your best friend. I read most of the Game of Thrones series while riding buses to work! And if you drive, consider audiobooks: many libraries allow you to borrow them, and it’s a great way to get your reading done while keeping your eyes on the road.

Reading is a great way to turn a chore into a minor inconvenience. Heck, it’s rather nice to take a break from your daily life and explore another world in between two loads of laundry.

fashion woman girl women
Photo by Negative Space on Pexels.com

4. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

Want to read more books? Read faster! Wow, it sounds really condescending when I say it like that. But it’s true: like any activity, you get better with practice. The more you read, the faster you read, and the more books you’ll consume. So how to read more books? Read more books!

if you want to speed up the process, there are many apps that can help you become a speed reader. The first one I ever used was Spreeder: you can customize the speed at which test flashes on the screen, and it teaches your mind to process more text, faster. It’s a great skill to learn and there are so many apps out there to help you.

The trick is to realize you don’t need that voice in your head reading the words to you aloud. Think about it: you started reading by sounding out sounds when you were a kid. Then you learned to read inside your head by imagining those sounds internally. Isn’t the natural next step to do without the sounds completely?

Once you learn how to do that, you suddenly read entire lines at once. You’ll have entire novels read in a single day! This is even better for textbooks, which are dense in information and not (usually) full of fun and joy.

5. Ditch the Doldrums

Now I’m going to tell you the exact opposite of what I said above: you can read more by reading less.

What I mean by this is that some books are not worth your time. Seriously. If you can’t make it through the first few chapters, then why force yourself to make it all the way through the book? Learn to accept that not every book needs to be finished, and move on.

Seriously. You’ll find more time for reading and enjoy it more if you read the books you want to read. Ditch dull books. Toss out the poorly edited. You don’t have to read anything.

But what if it’s a classic? So what, it’s not working for you. You gave it a good try, move on.

But what if everyone says it’s amazing? Not every book works for everyone. If they did, we’d all be the same person, and that would be dull as heck.

But what if I have an essay due on it? Exception: if you’re a student reading for an assignment, ignore this advice and push yourself through it. Use the other 4 tips. Some books do actually have to be read.

Reading is supposed to be a joy. Something you do for fun, to spend a good time hallucinating wildly while staring at dead trees. So don’t be afraid of abandoning a book just because you don’t like it: think of the time you’ll save for books you’re going to love!

What do you think? Do you have any advice to give? Leave them in the comments below!

man reading book beside woman reading book
Photo by Burst on Pexels.com

Alienation Blog Tour + Exclusive Excerpt

seandersonLeave a comment

Readcommendations

Welcome to the Alienation BLOG HOP TOUR!

Please take your seat and strap yourself in, as we take you on an intergalactic tour. You will be amazed, entertained, and educated. Manoeuvre through the cosmos and be astounded at all you see. Hunt down the hidden words that will get you to your final destination where a one-of-a-kind award awaits one lucky traveller.

We’re here to celebrate the release of Alienation, book two of the humorous Sci-Fi series, Starstruck!

Alienation Large

Sally Webber’s dream is coming true: Zander is back and taking her out for a night on the town–on a planet hundreds of light years away from Earth. 

But when an accident separates her from her alien tour guide, she’s thrown into the seedy underbelly of an insane city where nothing is as it seems. Suddenly lost and desperate to get back home, Sally is willing to do anything to get out, even if it means accepting spontaneous marriage proposals, crashing some fancy parties, or joining what appears to be the space mob. 

All she wanted was some decent interstellar pizza, but now it might be the end of the world as evil nanobots and an out of control AI try to take the universe by force, and the only one who can stop them is missing in action. Sally has no choice but to try to stop them herself–if she can stay alive that long.

Pre-order your copy now!

Alienation is the fantastic sequel to the hit sci-fi comedy, Starstruck by S.E.Anderson.

Today’s word is: Undercity.

In the Dark

And now – the Exclusive Excerpt!

Da-Duhui.

This alien place now had a name: a word I could throw into my mind to classify everything I saw. To make sense of it. Da-Duhui. A city, light years away from my home.

Blayde decided this was the best time to close the window. Instantly, the air in the room shuddered and took a breath, as if a filter had been turned on. I breathed easier, relishing in the freshness.

She jumped down to the floor in a classy superhero landing, then looked up to check her handiwork. Five pairs of feet raced past the window, shouting muffled words.

“Are we… are we safe, here?” I asked.

Blayde shrugged. “Sure, so long as we don’t touch anything else.”

“And where are we?”

“Da-Duhui,” she said, cocking her head sideways. “Are you in shock? You realize we just had this conversation?”

“I got that bit,” I said, glancing around, “but what’s this place?”

“Museum? Art gallery? Could go either way,” said Blayde. “Try not to touch anything. There’s probably more alarms here than there were in that last place.”

“So, you have been here before?”

“M’yeah,” Blayde muttered. She pulled a tattered book from her inside pocket: her journal. She flipped through the pages, a look of intense concentration on her face. Her lips turned to form into a small frown. It was a look I was beginning to think was permanently baked into her features.

“I’m pretty sure we have,” said Zander, forcing concentration, as if that would help him stare back in time and bring up the memories locked in his mind. “I have no idea when, but recently enough that I recognize it. I know it was a good trip, though.”

“I’ve got two lines in the journal,” Blayde said, jamming her finger at the page as if to squash a bug. “Visited Da-Duhui. Avoid for a while. Don’t eat the pizza. And that’s it, so not much to go on.”

Zander rubbed his temples, squeezing his eyes shut.

“Hopefully some memory will surface,” he said, suddenly back to his usual cheerful self, “How long ago was it?”

“Before Ja’karon. Now, that was a good time. We should have taken Sally there.”

“You were almost eaten by a swamp-beast, and you tried to sell me into marriage with the earth king. Yeah, that was fun.”

“Don’t be so dramatic.” She grinned, slamming her journal shut. “He obviously liked you. And I didn’t get any complaints from you. Anyway, it was much more interesting than Da-Duhui, where the only thing I cared enough to write about is their bad food.”

“This place is plenty interesting,” said Zander, “and most of all, it’s safe. There’s no drama: just a good, classic alien city to show Sally. Harmless.”

Blayde let out a snort, making me wonder just how harmless this place was. If her idea of fun was narrowly avoiding death, I wanted to stay away from the places she gave five stars to on Yelp.

“We just escaped deadly fumes and a gun squad, Zander,” she said.

“But the upper levels are really nice.”

“If we can get Sally there in one piece, yes.”

“Which we will.”

“All this for dinner away from earth?” Blayde looked at me now, squinting in doubt. “You get much better food on her planet. I think. Honestly I wasn’t around long enough to check.”

“This isn’t about the food, Blayde!”

“Then again,” I said, “if you mentioned to stay away for a while, that’s probably for a reason, right? Should I ask…?”

“Ask all you want, but I don’t have an answer,” Blayde said as she stuffed her journal into the inside pocket of her red leather jacket. “You can’t expect me to remember everything. My mind has much more interesting things to focus on.”

“But it is safe, right?” I asked. My eyes glanced at the window the security guards had run past. Had they seen our faces? Would they come looking for us?

The siblings exchanged long looks. Blayde communicated with her eyebrows alone, raising and dropping them as she shifted through a wide range of expressions. Zander seemed to understand her, sort of; after a minute of watching her emote a variety of eyebrow poses, he let out a sigh and broke eye contact.

“As safe as it possibly could be,” he answered. “Crime rate is null on the higher levels. But you don’t have to worry about that: We’ll make sure nothing happens to you. I promise.”

“What Zander means to say,” Blayde interjected, “Is that this is a fun trip, and definitely not business. So, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Remind me, what would a business trip for you two involve?” I asked. Blayde rolled her eyes. Typical. Well, I hadn’t known her all that long, certainly not enough to know what typical was. But it seemed typical enough.

“Let’s find something fun to do,” Zander said, rubbing his hands together with that smug grin on his face that meant something exciting was about to happen. The kind of grin that stretched too wide for his face. He looked like a kid in a candy store.

“First of all, let’s stop standing around this place, okay?” said Blayde, “it gives me the creeps.”

“Something gives you the creeps?” I asked, trotting after her as she walked towards the room’s only exit. “You? The immortal intergalactic space… what are you exactly? Travel blogger? A cop? An assassin?”

She shot me a glare. “I have a bad vibe, that’s all. Give me a break, will you?”

“Sorry, I just…”

“Run run run run run!” shouted Zander, snapping my sentence in half, flashing past us in a whirl of black leather. His hand caught mine and tugged, and suddenly I was running after him, an alarm ringing in my ears.

 

Exciting, right? And only 10 days left until the release!

Follow this blog tour starting at your first stop UrbanHype101 and if you get lost in cyber space, come back to UrbanHype101 for the tour map.
There’s something new to read see or hear on each of these stops.

Don’t forget to hunt for that special word and if you find ALL of them, send them to scavengerhunt@bolidepublishing.com and you could win a signed copy of Alienation and a gift pack of unique swag. This contest is open internationally.

16h October Buried In Bookland

Starstruck and Alienation Add

The Masked City

seanderson1 Comment

By Genevieve Cogman

Well this is embarrassing! I read this book on the plane a few months back and completely forgot to review it, even though I loved it. So I reread it yesterday to give it the attention it deserves, right before I read the third book and share it with you. Oops!

Librarian Spies. Alternate realities. Dragons, Fae, and high technology. Heck yes, I absolutely love the universe Cogman has created in the Invisible Library series. We reviewed the first one not too long ago and I admit, I could not shut up about it (and still can’t!).  So, needless to say, I was excited to return to it as fast as I could. She did not disappoint: The Masked City – a direct sequel to The Invisible Library – was fun and exciting, a fast read I could not put down.

Summary28186364

Librarian-spy Irene is working undercover in an alternative London when her assistant Kai goes missing. She discovers he’s been kidnapped by the fae faction and the repercussions could be fatal. Not just for Kai, but for whole worlds.

Kai’s dragon heritage means he has powerful allies, but also powerful enemies in the form of the fae. With this act of aggression, the fae are determined to trigger a war between their people – and the forces of order and chaos themselves.

Irene’s mission to save Kai and avert Armageddon will take her to a dark, alternate Venice where it’s always Carnival. Here Irene will be forced to blackmail, fast talk, and fight. Or face death.

Musings

We return to the beloved characters of Irene and Kai, as they continue their work in the slightly Chaotic London. Irene, as Librarian in residence, has a lot of responsibility, but has begun making friends, and continues to train Kai as her apprentice, keeping his Dragon heritage a secret. I was afraid we would be ‘stuck’ in this universe, since Irene was assigned to it, and wondered how the author could make it exciting, but trust me, we do not stay there long. That London has already told its story, and we’re going on a thrill ride threw new and exciting alternates, ramping up the excitement from the last book.

Kai’s been kidnapped, and it’s up to Irene to find him before the Dragons declare war on the chaotic worlds, or the Fae declare war on the dragons – whichever comes first. With the balance of the universe at stake, Irene has very little time, and very little help. While she continues with the support of both Kai’s uncle, Ao Shun, a powerful noble dragon, and of the library, she’s still alone and running head first into a chaotic universe. There’s going to be danger.

It’s so evident this novel was written by a book lover. While in the first novel we were introduced to the Library, an institution that collects and stores the most important works across all alternate universes, the sequel delves into the world of Fae, who feed off the drama they create amongst humans. Their lives revolve around story: how exciting is theirs? Irene is dragged in and out of the stories of so many Fae, making it near impossible to save Kai, though exciting to say the least. The care and importance Cogman gives to the love of Narrative really shows in her own work as well as the lives of the characters she creates. It’s a clever way of putting stories within stories.

And I just adore the locations. The Venice Irene visits is a perfect version of the place, like the stories you hear from friends: it’s always carnival, everyone’s in beautiful masks and riding gondolas around the city from expensive palace to cozy taverns. The High tech home of Kai, and the sudden trip to Marseille (mah home!) made me giddy and excited. And the Train… oh my gosh, the Train deserves its own book.

One thing I still don’t really like (same as in the first book) is just how much talk there is. Just in the sense that Irene has to talk out all of her ideas with others, going through every possible question and answering them. “Why did you do this?” “Why wouldn’t you do that?” etc gets tedious, and you wonder why she won’t just get on with it. As a reader, I can determine a lot for myself, and sometimes, it’s just better to move on. It’s just a stylistic choice I don’t really like, but it doesn’t make the book any less enjoyable.

But gosh, this is a fun series. The ending is a sharp cliffhanger and I’m so excited to read the next one ASAP. I love this universe, and I can’t believe more people aren’t talking about it!