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MERCEDES Mercedes was born and raised in Arizona and grew up reading all kinds of books. Mercedes used to work at Disney World and grew up going to Disneyland every year so if you need any tips or tricks she can help you out. If Mercedes is not at Disney she is probably reading or watching Netflix. She mostly reads YA and fantasy novels but enjoys reading pretty much anything when the mood strikes. |

This is a story that takes you on many journeys. Brom does an amazing job at not only telling you a story set in the 1600's but also makes it related to today and the issues we are seeing currently. Greed, destruction, power, control, selfishness, and exploitation all wrapped up into one. *Also this books has one of my favorite lines ever where it's along the lines of "Your soul? What use would I have for your soul?"

This is just a feel good slice of life story. I love to see their relationships grow not only between the couples but also as friends and siblings. It just goes to show you that even if you grow up with someone or think you know someone they can always surprise you. Plus, some scenes make it feel like you are in a game helping the characters choose their next action.

I don't think I will never not read a Hades and Persephone retelling. This take on these two is very much a dark romance but also another take on Olympia. Think clubs, gambling, and the press. I love how Persephone is a very strong character who goes after what she wants. However, Hades isn't someone to push around and, well, Persephone does push. (Hades pushes right back except probably more then he should......maybe). I am excited for the rest of this series to see how these characters grow.

This story did not go in the direction I thought it would be I am happy about how it turned out. Maud is an actual whole mood and reminds me of the making 2022 your villain era. If you are looking for a quick read about a lady who plays into the whole helpless little old lady trope without actually being helpless look no further!

This book found me at the perfect time as my attention span wasn't great and I kept jumping from book to book. This collection made it feel like they were a part of the same story but also not as it gives me Black Mirror vibes. These short stories are wonderfully vivid and connect with you on a deep human level. Each and every story shows you the beauty but also the horror that comes with being a human and dealing with issues, whether they be physical or emotional. The story "Sandman" especially made me rethink my sleepless nights and what they mean.

Yuu Minaduki does an amazing job at giving a rundown of the characters and their relationships in the beginning, and how different emotions that can play out. If you want a cute short series that shows what real relationships are like as you get older this would be a great one to check out!

This story went in a direction I was not expecting. I thought I had the story line down but it is a take on vampires that is different and unique. If you like vampires and are over some of the vampire stereotypes then this could be the Manga for you. However if you are done with vampires dressing up in medieval like clothes then maybe not this Manga. Personally, if I was immortal I would buy a castle and wear ball gowns quite often because why not...I would probably have the money for it anyway. I am excited for the next volume and to see how Stella plays a role in everything.

Pain on purpose you say? Well, sign me up...no honestly this book is an interesting find as pain is not always what you think. Even being sore after a workout or pushing yourself past your limit counts as pain and yet for most of us we like the feeling. Eating spicy food...well that causes pain receptors to go off and for me the spicier the better. Tattoos and piercings? Sign me up as well because I started getting tattooed around 18 and haven't really stopped. This book made me rethink why exactly I like these things and helped me understand myself just a little bit better.

I LOVE learning about history and this book made me rethink everything! I know the history that we are told is not always correct but my mind was blown away by some of the things I learned from this book. You know Homer...yeah, well, he might not have even been real. It makes me wish that I could travel back in time and see exactly how people lived back then.

This book hits on everything. Jane Goodall is not afraid to call out what exactly is going on in our world and why people feel hopeless. She even addresses what is going on in America and honestly, even though I have experienced these events with my own eyes, when it is all wrapped up, it blows my mind that this is happening. She almost makes me feel like having hope is pointless and then she turns it around and explains why you should be hopeful anyway. This book is inspiring and makes you rethink how you see the world and hope.

Who doesn't love a strong female lead who has to put up with a vampire? Isolde is a princess who must choose her people or herself when the terrifying Blood King comes around. As Isolde goes into the Blood King's court she starts to learn that history is not always correct. While this is a romance it definitely has some mystery as you learn more about the King's court and the past. It makes you wonder if you can guess it what is truly going on before it is revealed. I finished this in two days and I already want to next one to come out!

If you loved Lizzie Bennet in Pride and Prejudice you will probably love her in this murder mystery. The Lizzie in this novel is more stubborn and determined than in the original. Her relationship with Mr. Collins is delightful as they disagree on everything and Lizzie has no time for his B.S. Her first encounter with Mr. Darcy is refreshing and interesting as they first meet in a prison. Can Lizzie solve this mystery on her own or will she need Mr. Darcy’s unwanted and unenthusiastic help? I am excited to see how this author continues with the Jane Austen Murder Mystery series.

If you want a spooky read that leaves you wanting more or if you want to know more about a local god named Ghostdaddy (need I say more with a name like that) this is the book for you. This story is a slow build up as you learn more and more about Stella’s past and wondering what exactly is happening in the backwoods of Tennessee. The ending left me shocked and makes me wonder if they truly left their past behind.

Honestly, there are times where I just want to pack up and leave everything behind, maybe to the woods, some place or an island in the middle of nowhere. However, after reading this book let me tell you the woods would not be the place for me (I also do not know how to survive in the woods but we are not taking that into consideration at this time). This book makes me rethink living somewhat in seclusion because I would end up in a horror novel. I say somewhat because he has a neighbor who is extremely sketchy and is always watching him so even taking the woods out of the equation this still would be a no go for me. All in all this book made me keep reading to know more about why he left everyone and everything behind and why a random stranger showing up (not creepy neighbor but he does play a role) can ruin everything for him.

If you like superheroes but are more realistic this is the book for you. Deku is a child who was born without a quirk (aka powers) but soon he develops one. You follow his story through going to school that has a Hero Program (because honestly if quirks were real this would be a thing). During his time at school he encounters teachers and mentors who aspire to help him and his classmates as well as villains and vigilantes who express their beliefs about hero society. This series has so many characters that you can find someone you like and if you are the fan of the anime I suggest picking this up. Not only does the author give you insight into the characters' likes and dislikes, they tell you a little more about them that isn’t shown in the anime. Also they discuss features that are a part of the heroes’ costumes.

Huda Fahmy tells a story that no matter your background, religion or culture that growing up and learning about yourself takes time and can suck at times. She goes on to show us that EVERYONE has moments where they have self-doubt. She weaves humor into story in the form of teenage thoughts since this is based on her Freshman year of high school (I know I overthought EVERYTHING back then). Huda Fahmy does an amazing job of not only showing this awkward phase but also showing what many Muslim-Americans can experience throughout their lives.

Alessandra is the friend we all need in our lives. She is fearless and does exactly what she wants. She also encourages her friends to do the same even if that means going against societal norms. Her quest for power because she wants to change those norms is refreshing. When she becomes part of the Shadow King's court will her plan work or will it fail as there is someone else who is out for the king's head.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if supernatural beings were alive and part of modern day society? Bryce, part human and part fae with a party girl reputation, gets caught in a mess between angels, werewolves, and the fae so Hunt, an angel, is assigned as her bodyguard. As they spend more time together and bond, will Hunt be able to help Bryce out of the mess she finds herself in? This story is a roller coaster of events where you root for the vacuum at the end along with jelly versions of my little pony.

I am definitely excited for the next volume to come out! This story couldn't be more comedic when it comes to teens and their crushes. One day Aoki borrows an eraser from Hashimoto which it turns out has the name Ida written on it with a heart. However, while using said eraser Ida sees that his name is written on it. Aoki went to tell Ida that it wasn't his eraser however Hashimoto has asked him to keep it a secret so Ida thinks Aoki likes him but in reality he likes Hashimoto and Hashimoto likes Ida. When Ida rejects Aoki is that the end of that or will feelings start to grow between them as Ida decides to get to know Aoki before fully rejecting him?

If you are looking for something that is raw and reminds you of life itself then read Immediate Family. This novel left me feeling so exposed even though I had never experienced what the main character was going through. She recounts all her thoughts and feelings before and through the adoption of her brother, and her reflection on how far they have grown apart from each other. It is raw and powerful and I cannot wait to see what else this author writes next!

This story is based around a holiday but is not only about Christmas and is kind of spooky too! As someone who does not celebrate Christmas but more of a Yule/ Winter Solstice I really appreciate the story telling and how they address the Christmas Witch. Honestly, this book screams April from Parks and Recreation vibes. Which is very understandable considering who wrote it. If you want a Yule time based book look no further as this story is not only cute but also reminds us that not following a certain path does not mean we are wrong.

This little story about sharks is not only cute but also full of facts. This story shows characteristics of both Mako and Tiger sharks accurately and true-to-life. If your child loves sharks or if they are interested in marine life I suggest this book!

Sometimes we all need to be like Yuji and be a little crazy. Yuji is a high school student who gets thrown into the world of Jujutsu sorcerers aka curses and cursed energy. Think demons and supernatural beings. Yuji takes it in stride though and isn't really phased by suddenly being able to see these things. I'm not going to lie I watched the anime before picking this up and I am so happy I decided to read this as well. You get the see the characters in a different light and see more of their personalities. If you like horror or supernatural things with amazing characters this is the story for you.

This is such an amazing story about bravery and not judging people based on appearance. Follow this little head of garlic as she oversleeps, take care of her garden, and faces her fears. She is volunteered (or I like to say volun-told) to go up to the castle to confront the vampire living there because, well, she is garlic and thus the vampire cannot harm her. However, the visit does not turn out how she excepts and she learns that things are not always what we think they are.

Informative, and helpful when learning about your birth chart and trying to understand it all. Also a good book to have for when others' want to know more about their birth charts as well. A great book for beginners to the world of Astrology!

Do you like cats? Do you ever wonder what it was like in the 1500's in Italy? Well this may be the story for you! You first meet a young lord who is living with the current Pope and thus knows Raphael and Michelangelo. Yes, the Raphael and Michelangelo (Sistine Chapel and all). This young lord ends up encountering a strange man called Herbert who introduces him to chocolate & peanuts and he just so happens to have popped out of a wardrobe. However, Herbert is actually from a different time and place. As these friends go through the wardrobe, they learn that just one action can change the present. Can these two fix the timeline and make everything right?

Who would have thought a sardine can could carry a Djinn (aka Genie). This djinn is green and, well, smells like fish (I mean who wouldn’t after being in a sardine can). Maeve ends up finding this can while at a boarding school for girls during the Victorian era. Maeve is a strong willed character who was sent to boarding school because she did not act ladylike enough. However, shortly after her discovery of this sardine can, others soon realize what she has as well. Can Maeve keep the djinn to herself? Who exactly can she trust? Follow Maeve as she tries to keep a hold of the djinn and remember to always be careful with what you wish for.

I read this in one sitting and Hades is a whole mood. Who would have thought that the God of Underworld was socially awkward. After knowing Persephone for about 200 years they still do not know each others names and it's not until Zeus gives Hades the courage that he finally decides to actually talk to her. However, Zeus' plan causes them to get on a chariot they cannot control and they end up crashing into the underworld. I cannot wait to see where this story goes and which direction the author takes on this relationship.

What seems to be a pretty basic story about boys wanting to fight turns out to be a story that confronts issues that people face when they leave home. Both boys are escaping issues at home and one lets his frustration out by fighting. This story has different layers. It reminds me that you may think you know what people are facing or why they act the way they do but life is complicated and you never know what people have gone through or are going through. I’m excited to see where the story goes and how these two help each other.

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This story had me feeling all types of emotions. This story is so adorable but reminds me of when I was younger. Nao gives her umbrella to a complete stranger back in middle school but when high school comes around she finds out who she gave it to, the resident bad boy. This small act of kindness really impacted him and now he wants to get to know Nao. She ends up getting to know him better and learns she may have feelings for him but what kind of feeling exactly, she isn’t sure. Follow their journey as Nao tries to understand her emotions while getting closer and closer to this boy who she never thought she would see again.

This book is so adorable and cute it makes me wish I had a friend like Kelp or can be as confident as Kelp. Kelp is an underwater unicorn who loves his life but soon comes to learn that outside of the ocean life can be just as grand. Kelp shows us we can enjoy the best of two worlds.

Honestly, who doesn't like a cute story. I read this in one night because I couldn't get enough of the two characters. Yuki is a deaf character, which is amazing, and throughout the manga you get to see her sign! There is even some parts where they are just talking through sign language. Yuki meets Itsuomi who loves to travel and speaks different languages. He decides he also wants to learn how to sign and Yuki is excited to teach him. However, since he travels so much will he actually have time for Yuki?

If you like reality tv then this is the romance novel for you. Bea goes on a dating show which mimics the Bachelor/ Bachelorette called Main Squeeze to try to get over someone but to also elevate her platform. Just like a reality TV show this book made me gasp with some of the twists and turns. Bea is a fashion blogger and heads into the show not to find love but to reach a larger audience and prove that bigger women deserve to find love. You experience the ups and downs she has throughout the process as well as see what is going on in the social media world when the episodes air and what is going on behind the scenes leaving you wondering what is real and what is fake.

Beach Read was the kind of romance novel that made me forget I was reading a romance novel. January and Gus struggle with their personal problems throughout the book and reminds you that life has its ups and downs. They end up making a bet with each other which not only brings them closer together but it also makes them realize how the other person viewed them was not what they thought. Their relationship shows that even if you are going through something separately you can still find comfort in each other if you are willing to be patient, understanding and you quit jumping to conclusions.

This book came into my life at a time where I was wondering what would happen if I made a different choice than the one I made. Shane goes on an adventure to change things and step out of her comfort zone to live a life she wants and reminds us that we should always do the same. Like Shane, I have allowed others to influence how I live my life and I can say she has reminded me to stay true to myself and it’s time to start doing what I want. Her journey reminds us that no matter what happens, even pandemics, we can always start over even without a reset button.

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Do not let the lime green cover deter you; this story kept me guessing until the very end if Baneberry Hall was indeed haunted or not. Maggie hasn’t stepped foot back into Baneberry Hall since her family fled when she was a child due to paranormal activity. Shortly after they fled her father came out with a book about their stay in the haunted house. This book cycles between present day Maggie, who after her father's death finally goes back to Baneberry Hall, and chapters from the father’s book and as more secrets are revealed during her stay it leaves you wondering who is telling the truth.