The #FridayReads Review (5/8/20)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop by Roselle Lim (ARC)

I'm typically not much for adult novels, but I couldn't resist a story about fortunetelling magic in the real world with travel and romance in France. I immediately struggled with the flat writing style though, and with its copious specific details and "obvious" landmarks the book makes me feel uneducated without the promise of teaching me enough to understand. This has made for a rather dull read as so much of the description is lost on me, but at around 25% into it now I'm currently just curious enough to try and read the whole thing. No promises, though.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Rebel Magisters by Shanna Swendson (PBK)

4 Stars. An exciting sequel of intrigue and adventure with engaging action, interesting characters, and a swoony slow burn romance. If you enjoy alternate histories with magic then definitely give this series a try. Ordering the sequel now! Review to come.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Defy or Defend by Gail Carriger (PBK)

I'm really looking forward to a new fix from favorite author Gail Carriger and my copy is finally on its way!!

So what are you reading this week?

Release Spotlight: Defy or Defend (Gail Carriger)

Today I spotlight the release of Defy or Defend, the second book in the Delightfully Deadly series by favorite author Gail Carriger! This adult standalone features a sidekick character from Gail's Finishing School series, now all grown up and doing what she does best. If you haven't yet had a chance to check out this delightful book, do so below and order yourself a copy posthaste!

Title: Defy or Defend
Author: Gail Carriger
Release Date: May 3, 2020

A vampire hive descending into madness. A beautiful spy with a sparkly plan. The bodyguard who must keep them from killing each other.

New York Times bestselling romantic comedy author Gail Carriger brings you a charming story of love, espionage, and Gothic makeovers set in her popular Parasolverse.

SPY

Dimity Plumleigh-Teignmott, code name Honey Bee, is the War Office's best and most decorative fixer. She's sweet and chipper, but oddly stealthy, and surprisingly effective given the right incentives.

VERSUS KNIGHT

Sir Crispin Bontwee was knighted for his military service, but instead of retiring, he secretly went to work for the War Office. Mostly he enjoys his job, except when he must safeguard the Honey Bee.

Neither one is a vampire expert, but when the Nottingham Hive goes badly Goth, only Dimity can stop their darkness from turning bloody. And only Crispin can stop an enthusiastic Dimity from death by vampire.

In a battle for survival (and wallpaper), Dimity must learn that not all that sparkles is good, while Cris discovers he likes honey a lot more than he thought.

Spinning off from the Finishing School series, featuring deadly ladies of quality, this story stands alone, but chronologically follows Poison or Protect before the start of the Parasol Protectorate Series. It's Cold Comfort Farm meets Queer Eye meets What We Do In The Shadows from the hilarious author of the Parasol Protectorate books, perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Jodi Taylor, or Meljean Brook.

Delicate Sensibilities?

Contains fraternizing vampires and one very curious young lady, who asks about seduction, sometimes in detail but mostly in retrospect. May also involve excessive use of velvet, melodramatic poetry, and the strategic application of interpretive ballet.

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
iBooks | Kobo | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Check out the first in the series!

Book 1: Poison or Protect

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Waiting On Wednesday: Defy or Defend (Gail Carriger)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Title: Defy or Defend
Series: Delightfully Deadly #2

Author: Gail Carriger

Release Date: May 3, 2020
Publisher: Gail Carriger LLC

Summary:

A vampire hive descending into madness. A beautiful spy with a sparkly plan. The bodyguard who must keep them from killing each other.

New York Times bestselling romantic comedy author Gail Carriger brings you a charming story of love, espionage, and Gothic makeovers set in her popular Parasolverse.

SPY

Dimity Plumleigh-Teignmott, code name Honey Bee, is the War Office's best and most decorative fixer. She's sweet and chipper, but oddly stealthy, and surprisingly effective given the right incentives.

VERSUS KNIGHT

Sir Crispin Bontwee was knighted for his military service, but instead of retiring, he secretly went to work for the War Office. Mostly he enjoys his job, except when he must safeguard the Honey Bee.

Neither one is a vampire expert, but when the Nottingham Hive goes badly Goth, only Dimity can stop their darkness from turning bloody. And only Crispin can stop an enthusiastic Dimity from death by vampire.

In a battle for survival (and wallpaper), Dimity must learn that not all that sparkles is good, while Cris discovers he likes honey a lot more than he thought.

Spinning off from the Finishing School series, featuring deadly ladies of quality, this story stands alone, but chronologically follows Poison or Protect before the start of the Parasol Protectorate Series. It's Cold Comfort Farm meets Queer Eye meets What We Do In The Shadows from the hilarious author of the Parasol Protectorate books, perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Jodi Taylor, or Meljean Brook.

Delicate Sensibilities?

Contains fraternizing vampires and one very curious young lady, who asks about seduction, sometimes in detail but mostly in retrospect. May also involve excessive use of velvet, melodramatic poetry, and the strategic application of interpretive ballet.

Add to Goodreads

Why I'm Looking Forward To It: Dimity was such a delightful sidekick in the Finishing School series, so I'm excited for her to finally feature in her own story! Also loving the vibrant green cover.

So what book are you waiting on this week?