Can’t-Wait Wednesday – 8th May, 2024 #Brainfluffbookblog #CWC #WOW

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week’s Can’t-Wait offering:

An Intrigue of Witches – Book 1 of the Secret Society Mystery series by Esme Addison – release date 7th May 2024

#contemporary paranormal fantasy #feisty heroine #cosy thriller

BLURB: Thirty-year-old Black woman Sidney Taylor is a talented early American history professor, working in fast-paced Washington DC, with her eyes on promotion. She’s also currently persona non grata. Who knew that making an inconvenient historical discovery would see her stuck at her desk, shuffling paper?

So when she receives an anonymous and very cryptic invitation to visit historic small-town Robbinsville, North Carolina and hunt for a missing archaeological treasure – with a million-dollar pay out at stake – it’s one she can’t refuse. Besides, her beloved grandmother lives in Robbinsville, and it’s been too long since she’s paid her a visit.

Soon, Sidney’s on an exciting treasure hunt, following two-hundred-year-old clues that lead her ever closer to the artefact she’s searching for. But what is the artefact? And why is Sidney starting to feel like she’s at the heart of a terrifying conspiracy she doesn’t understand?

The answer blows Sidney’s world apart, plunging her into a dark, glittering world of secret societies, ancient bloodlines, witches and magic, linked to an ages-old conspiracy that could destroy the very principles upon which America was founded.

This delicious genre-blend of cozy thriller, contemporary fantasy and mystery is National Treasure meets the supernatural treasure hunts of Indiana Jones, with a dash of A Discovery of Witches.

I really love the sound of this one. Juno Dawson’s stunning Her Majesty’s Secret Coven series – see my reviews of Her Majesty’s Secret Coven and The Shadow Cabinet – has whetted my appetite for more witchy goodness in my life. So I’m hoping this one will give me my much-needed fix – and the good news is that it hit the shelves yesterday😊.

Can’t-Wait Wednesday – 1st May, 2024 #Brainfluffbookblog #CWC #WOW

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week’s Can’t-Wait offering:

Stolen Pieces by S.K. Golden – release date 7th May 2024

#crime caper #contemporary #feisty heroine #humour

BLURB: OCEAN’S 8 meets Janet Evanovich, this fast-paced crime caper features one badass mother, with a certain set of skills who is forced to come out of retirement to protect her son, and teach a few men a few lessons!

Ex-con artist Bee Cardello is going legit. Divorced from her mafia boss husband, she is determined to stay on the straight and narrow. So, when ex-hubby Charlie steals $37. 5 million from a dangerous kingpin, who puts out a hit on Bee and her ten-year-old son Oliver, she finds herself pulled back into the life she’s worked so hard to escape.

Part of that old life being one Adam Gage – an old flame and all-round sexy badass who Charlie’s now employed to keep her and Oliver safe . . . well, that’s what he tells her. Bee has been in this game long enough to know that everyone is in it for themselves, and she’d be stupid to trust Adam . . . again. When Oliver is snatched from right under their noses, rather than risk losing him forever, Bee gathers her old team, dusts off all her old grifting tricks, and comes out of retirement to get her son back!
I like the fact that the only thing driving Bee back to her old life is her effort to rescue her young son. And I’m hoping that the blurb is a good indicator of the overall tone of the book, as it clearly deals with some fraught topics – a child kidnapping, for instance. But if there is sufficient humour in amongst the drama, this one should be a nice palate cleanser for some reasonably intense reads I’ve been recently tucking into.

Can’t-Wait Wednesday – 24th April, 2024 #Brainfluffbookblog #CWC #WOW

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week’s Can’t-Wait offering:

Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies – Book 1 of The Vacation Mysteries by Catherine Mack – release date 2nd May 2024

#cosy mystery #contemporary #feisty heroine #humour

BLURB: Ten days, eight suspects, six cities, five authors, three bodies . . . one trip to die for.

All that bestselling author Eleanor Dash wants is to get through her book tour in Italy and kill off her main character, Connor Smith, in the next in her Vacation Mysteries series―is that too much to ask?

Clearly, because when an attempt is made on the real Connor’s life―the handsome but infuriating con man she got mixed up with ten years ago and now can’t get out of her life―Eleanor’s enlisted to help solve the case.

Contending with literary rivals, rabid fans, a stalker―and even her ex, Oliver, who turns up unexpectedly―theories are bandied about, and rivalries, rifts, and broken hearts are revealed. But who’s really trying to get away with murder?
It was the title that snagged my attention – it’s clever and funny. Reading the blurb convinced me that I’d enjoy this one, so I was delighted when I got hold of an arc. I’m looking forward to tucking into this one, as I’m still recovering from a fairly intense read. Anyone else got this on their TBR?

Can’t-Wait Wednesday – 17th April, 2024 #Brainfluffbookblog #CWC #WOW

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week’s Can’t-Wait offering:

A Letter to the Luminous Deep – Book 1 of The Sunken Archive series by Sylvia Cathrall – release date 25th April 2024

#epistolary fantasy #mystery #romance

BLURB: A beautiful discovery outside the window of her underwater home prompts the reclusive E. to begin a correspondence with renowned scholar Henerey Clel. The letters they share are filled with passion, at first for their mutual interests, and then, inevitably, for each other.

Together, they uncover a mystery from the unknown depths, destined to transform the underwater world they both equally fear and love. But by no mere coincidence, a seaquake destroys E.’s home, and she and Henerey vanish.

A year later, E.’s sister Sophy, and Henerey’s brother Vyerin, are left to solve the mystery of their siblings’ disappearances with the letters, sketches and field notes left behind. As they uncover the wondrous love their siblings shared, Sophy and Vyerin learn the key to their disappearance – and what it could mean for life as they know it.
Having all the depth of a pavement puddle, my initial interest was snagged by this utterly beautiful cover. But on reading the above, I liked the sound of this one, especially as it clearly isn’t all about action, blood and guts – and I’m in the mood for something gentler. Although my heart sank a little on the mention of sketches and notes after I downloaded it. I’m very much hoping those don’t feature too much in this book as my trusty Kindle is frankly rubbish at depicting any illustration bigger than a postage stamp.

Can’t-Wait Wednesday – 3rd April, 2024 #Brainfluffbookblog #CWC #WOW

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week’s Can’t-Wait offering:

Myth-Touched – Book 2 of the Shadows of Eireland series by Joanna Maciejewska – release date – 20th April 2024

#urban fantasy adventure #feisty heroine #post-apocalyptic setting

BLURB: In the war, being hunted by mythborn was day to day life. Peacetime had changed things, but myth-touched Kaja never expected to be hunted alongside the mythborn…

With her life hanging by a thread, Kaja had little time to consider Eithne’s offer of aid. Now, free of her affliction, she bears the consequences of that decision. Stuck among her former enemies, caught navigating the nuances of lies and politics, she’s presented with little choice but to accept the out offered by Cathal, leader of the Scáthanna.

But Cathal and his team have troubles of their own as an invisible enemy haunts their steps. If Kaja helps them, she’ll be targeted as well, and when dealing with a faceless enemy, the only way to survive is by carefully choosing allies and tempering trust.

Failure could cost their lives.

I’m a fan of Joanna’s writing – her cracking Sand & Sorcery series, Pacts Arcane and Otherwise, is one of my all-time favourites – see my reviews of By the Pact, Scars of Stone, Shadows of Kaighal and Demon Siege, in addition to my review of the first book in this urban fantasy adventure set in Ireland, Humanborn. So when I saw this one was shortly to become available, I immediately pre-ordered a copy as I’ve often thought of Kaja and her plight since reading the first book. This is one I’m keenly anticipating!

Can’t-Wait Wednesday – 27th March, 2024 #Brainfluffbookblog #CWC #WOW

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week’s Can’t-Wait offering:

Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea – Book 1 of the Tomes and Tea Cosy Fantasy series by Rebecca Thorne – release date 9th May 2024

#cosy fantasy adventure #feisty heroines #LGBTQ relationship

BLURB: All Reyna and Kianthe want is to open a bookshop that serves tea. Worn wooden floors, plants on every table, firelight drifting between the rafters… all complemented by love and good company. Thing is, Reyna works as one of the Queen’s private guards, and Kianthe is the most powerful mage in existence. Leaving their lives isn’t so easy.

But after an assassin takes Reyna hostage, she decides she’s thoroughly done risking her life for a self-centered queen. Meanwhile, Kianthe has been waiting for a chance to flee responsibility–all the better that her girlfriend is on board. Together, they settle in Tawney, a town that boasts more dragons than people, and open the shop of their dreams.

What follows is a cozy tale of mishaps, mysteries, and a murderous queen throwing the realm’s biggest temper tantrum. In a story brimming with hurt/comfort and quiet fireside conversations, these two women will discover just what they mean to each other… and the world.
I am very fond of cosy fantasy, so long as it’s done right. And although this one sounds similar to Legends & Lattes, I’m more than willing to give it a go, because if it ends up providing as much fun and enjoyment as L & L, then I’ll be very happy😊.

Can’t-Wait Wednesday – 20th March, 2024 #Brainfluffbookblog #CWC #WOW

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week’s Can’t-Wait offering:

On the Horns of Death – An Ancient Crete Mystery by Eleanor Kuhns – release date 2nd April 2024

#historical murder mystery #feisty heroine #Ancient Greek setting

BLURB: Ancient Crete, 1450 BC. When young bull leaper Martis finds Duzi, the newest member of the bull leaping team, dead in the bull pen early one morning. Made to look like he met his end on the horns of the bull, it’s clear to Martis that this was no accident . . .

Martis once again finds herself thrown into a dangerous game of hunting down a murderer as the deaths start to mount. An old friend of Martis’ sister, and possible lover to Duzi, is the next person to be found dead, and Martis’ investigations lead her to believe love and jealousy are at the heart of these crimes against the Goddess.

Is someone targeting the bull leaping community? Or is there something else at play? With only the Shade of her sister Arge to confide in, Martis struggles to untangle the growing web of secrets which stretch around her.
I loved the first book in this series – see my review of In the Shadow of the Bull. The bull-leaping aspect of religion in Crete really caught my imagination after reading Mary Renault and then having the opportunity to visit the Palace of Knossos way back when I was a schoolgirl. So reading a convincing whodunit in this fabulous setting was a real treat and I’m very much looking forward to revisiting this world.

Can’t-Wait Wednesday – 13th March, 2024 #Brainfluffbookblog #CWC #WOW

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week’s Can’t-Wait offering:

A Westerly Wind Brings Witches: A Cornish Odyssey by Sally Walker – release date 1st April 2024

#fantasy #witchcraft #feisty heroines #Cornish setting

BLURB: Moira Box, with not a lot going for her, legs it down to Cornwall to join a cantankerous coven of stroppy women. Shapeshifting poor Mogs back to The Burning Times, when women’s role in the lingering rural folkways was disappearing from Merrie England. But today, wild women wrapped in cloaks pop up amongst the Cornish standing stones on a full moon basis! Wriggling out of the closet woodwork, giggling and garnished with glitzy-witchy fashion accessories, still stubbornly non-compliant and undoubtedly up to mischief…

Witches and Wisewomen, reclaiming female spirituality, unearthing our buried pagan roots. An outside-the-box book, a feel-good tale, a pick-me-up for the perpetually put-down, a bag of comforts for the comfort eater. Sweep away the acceptable respectable and jump on your broomstick! Fly past perimeters, transcend our taken-for-granted reality and hang on tight for a bumpy ride!
This quirky blurb caught my attention, along with the mention that it’s set in Cornwall. As it’s one of my favourite places – I was intrigued by the idea of story of witchcraft set in this beautiful county. I’m not exactly sure how this one will pan out – but it looks a bit different from my usual fare so I’m looking forward to getting to it.

Can’t-Wait Wednesday – 6th March, 2024 #Brainfluffbookblog #CWC #WOW

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week’s Can’t-Wait offering:

Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky – release date – 28th March

#science fiction #colony adventure #troubled hero

BLURB: On the distant world of Kiln lie the ruins of an alien civilization. It’s the greatest discovery in humanity’s spacefaring history – yet who were its builders and where did they go?

Professor Arton Daghdev had always wanted to study alien life up close. Then his wishes become a reality in the worst way. His political activism sees him exiled from Earth to Kiln’s extrasolar labour camp. There, he’s condemned to work under an alien sky until he dies.

Kiln boasts a ravenous, chaotic ecosystem like nothing seen on Earth. The monstrous alien life interacts in surprising, sometimes shocking ways with the human body, so Arton will risk death on a daily basis. However, the camp’s oppressive regime might just kill him first. If Arton can somehow escape both fates, the world of Kiln holds a wondrous, terrible secret. It will redefine life and intelligence as he knows it, and might just set him free . . .

I enjoy Adrian Tchaikovsky’s world-building and this tooth-and-claw colony adventure featuring an exiled academic sounds right up my street. And who could resist that beguiling cover?

Can’t-Wait Wednesday – 28th February, 2024 #Brainfluffbookblog CWC #WOW

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week’s Can’t-Wait offering:

Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis – release date – 21st March

#science fiction #cosy mystery #space opera adventure #troubled hero

BLURB: Welcome to the Grand Abeona home of the finest food, the sweetest service, and the very best views the galaxy has to offer. All year round it moves from planet to planet, system to system, pampering guests across the furthest reaches of the milky way. The last word in sub-orbital luxury—and an absolute magnet for intrigue. Intrigues such Why are there love poems in the lobby inbox? How many Imperial spies are currently on board? What is the true purpose of the Problem Solver’s conference? And perhaps most pertinently— who is driving the ship?

Each guest has a secret, every member of staff a universe unto themselves. At the center of these interweaving lives and interlocking mysteries stands Carl, one time stowaway, longtime manager, devoted caretaker to the hotel. It’s the love of his life and the only place he’s ever called home. But as forces beyond Carl’s comprehension converge on the Abeona, he has to face one final when is it time to let go?

I am a sucker for whodunits set in space. For starters, it’s always a really good setting to plonk a bunch of people into a space ship/colony/station and then have things start to go very wrong. Because due to space being a very hostile environment, no one is going anywhere without a lot of help and resources. I love the cover and the premise of this one and very much hope it’s going to be as good as it sounds.