Tag: Review Request

New Review Guidelines

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I have a flaw. I want to take on all review requests, all NetGalley books, and all blog tours. I want to support and promote authors and see them succeed in their goals and dreams. The problem is that I suck at time management and have fallen behind on reviews and deadlines multiple times. It makes me really look unreliable. In reality, I thought it was a brilliant idea to accept 20 book requests and tours that are all due in the same week. Then I shut down trying to figure out which one to prioritize. So, I’ve decided to develop some guidelines to practice going forward. I have some previous reviews and tours that I will keep as is. This is more for me personally. I’m hoping that this will help me hold myself accountable. I hope it will keep me from going overboard.

  1. I’m only taking on four projects a week. Period. If I have four NetGalley reviews, I won’t be taking on any requests or blog tours that are due on that week. Any of those can be swapped around. Four total. Whether it be NetGalley, requests, or tours.
  2. I am a slower reader. Unless it’s in an audiobook. I’d like to have at least a month out to review the book. I’d prefer two months, but one month minimum is acceptable for me. If it’s an audiobook, at least one week. Two weeks is preferable.
  3. I will post TikTok videos. I’m not the best editor, so the videos will mostly be me just talking about the book. I try to keep the videos shorter than three minutes.
  4. I don’t read erotic (where there’s no plot just sex) books at all. I also don’t read any book that glamorizes abuse of any kind. Sexual, mental, or physical.
  5. My reviews will be honest. If I don’t like the book and don’t finish it, I will message you personally. I do not review books that I do not finish. Please do not request that I change my star rating. How I rate the book is based on how much I loved it. 3 Stars= I really liked the book a lot, but I probably won’t reread it, 4 Stars= I really loved it! I might reread it, 5 Stars= I loved it. I will reread it. I want people to read it too and talk about it with me!
  6. I will make note of any typos I see and message you once I’m done reading to let you know about them. That will not be reflected in my review. My reviews will be intended for the story and my thoughts alone.
  7. I can’t review on Amazon. I made an account to do reviews on after they blocked me from reviews for no reason, but I just couldn’t get into writing reviews on it because I’m not fully sure they won’t shut that one down too. I do review on Goodreads, Instagram, TikTok, and my blog. I’m open to exploring reviewing other places too. Just request it and send me the book link for that site.

If you read this and are still okay with me doing a review, please feel free to email me at nikkiereads@starsbooksandtea.com

The White Pavilion Blog Tour and Review

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The White Pavilion

by Ruth Fox

Black Phoenix Book Tours

December 02–05

The Pattern does not exist without Chaos.

Imre is a Dancer of the White Pavilion. As a follower of Aurelia, the Whore, one of the seven companions who accompanied la Relojero (the clock maker) to Tierra Mejór, she is also a courtesan in training. When Imre falls when performing the Dance of a Thousand Steps, a dance that has been performed every year for the past five hundred years, she believes she has disrupted the will of the Pattern and is now responsible for the disasters befalling her world. Called to the Citadel by the taciturn Principe Thaniel, she is certain she is about to be punished for her mistake. But when she arrives, Imre finds the prince is both more and less than he seems. Now, while trying to adjust to her new life in the Citadel and dealing with the hatred of Senor Grath, the Principe Regente’s Adviser, Imre must discover why Thaniel is yet to be named king.

Meanwhile, the Brotherhood, a suspicious sect, tightens its grip over the rotting, rusting metal city, Cuidad mas Grande – The Grand City – from their pedestal in the sky. Even as Imre finds her heart and loyalties torn between the Prince and his Adviser, it is clear that the sect is determined to prevent Thaniel from taking his throne.

But on a broken world that moves to the ticking of the Pendulum and the spinning of the Wheel, can Imre prevent Tierra Méjor from being torn apart?

See the book on Amazon here.

About Ruth Fox

Ruth Fox is the author of many books, including the award-winning Monster-boy: Lair of the Grelgoroth.

She has a Bachelor of Arts/Diploma of Arts in Professional Writing and Editing, and loves to read science fiction, fantasy, romance, adventure, young adult, adult, literature, old books, new books, and everything in between.

She lives with her husband, two cats and three very adventurous sons (who also love books) in Victoria, Australia.

Ruth Fox’s Social Media

https://rfoxclair.wixsite.com

https://www.facebook.com/RuthFoxAuthor

Hague Publishing’s Social Media

https://haguepublishing.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/HaguePublishing

My Review:

Title: The White Pavilion

Author: Ruth Fox

Release Date: December 4th, 2022

Page Count: 547

Start Date: December 3rd, 2022

Finish Date: December 4th, 2022

Review:

Story: I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started this book. I really wasn’t hooked in the beginning and there were many parts in the book itself that I really didn’t care for. I won’t get into the details of the negatives. They really are more personal preferences than the actual writing. I think the author had a wonderful writing style to be honest. The idea of the book is unique. It is a slow start, but it does pick up. I also loved the fact that this book had more than five hundred pages!

Characters: I really didn’t feel a connection with any of the characters. I don’t think I’m really supposed to. I really did love seeing the journey of them though. I think this would have been better told in multiple points of view if I’m being honest.

Critiques: None

Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, and I’m so glad that I read it. I’m curious to see what other books that the author brings us. I really love their writing style. I recommend this book to anybody who love futuristic or dystopian type novels. It’s creative and unique. I would like to point out that I felt it was a slow start. I also found a few triggers. Such as SA, DA, and misogynistic situations.

Nonfiction Review: Empire of Ice and Stone by Buddy Levy

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Rating: 4 out of 5.

Title: Empire of Ice and Stone

Author: Buddy Levy

Release Date: December 6th, 2022

Page Count: 426

Start Date: November 24th, 2022

Finish Date: December 5th, 2022

Review:

I was actually surprised to find that this book was nonfiction. I was expecting a fantasy novel of some kind. Or something similar at the least. I really enjoyed the book anyway. I feel like I learned a lot about an expedition that I had never heard about until now. There was only one part of the book that I didn’t really care for. I won’t get into the details, but it was a very gory thing that happens in a pack of dogs. I really wish I could unread it and get it out of my brain. Because of this and other things that happen through the book, I do caution being aware of triggers before getting into it. There are references of violent incidents that happen through the entire expedition. This includes animal violence.

Book Tour Review: Malibu Burns by Mark Richardson

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Rating: 3 out of 5.

Title: Malibu Burns

Author: Mark Richardson

Release Date: September 25th, 2022

Page Count: 288

Start Date: November 21st, 2022

Finish Date: December 2nd, 2022

Review:

Story: For those who read my reviews, it’s very obvious that I choose to go into most books I read blindly. The ones I go into known are because somebody talked about them or I saw posts on social media. I don’t really address the fact that I do like to go into books with theories. This is one of the books where my theory was so off base it blew my mind. I wasn’t even in the right genre. My guess by the cover and the title was that this was a mystery or detective type. Probably set in a tropical era. This book gave me Girl Interrupted vibes. I read after the fact that this is a dystopian type book. I can totally see that. I really did enjoy the book very much. It’s quirky and fun. It’s hard not to get immersed in the book. Even if it’s just to find out what more chaos will unfold through it all. I do want to note that this book covers mental illness and other potentially sensitive topics.

Characters: Malibu is our main character. The whole story is told from her point of view. She comes off as mentally unstable. Possibly has a touch of schizophrenia. She’s definitely a pyro. There were a few other characters that had some pretty important parts. I feel like talking too much about them would spoil parts of the book.

Critiques: There were things that were glossed over that I really feel shouldn’t have been. There were also parts that I feel really didn’t need to be included.

Final Thoughts: I may have been completely off base about my theory. It’s something that I will remember for a long time. I really did enjoy the book though. There were some very graphic and gory parts of the book. I can’t say I was in love with the book, and I probably won’t ever read it again. I don’t regret reading it though, and I do strongly recommend it. I would advise you to read what the book is about before getting into it. There are parts that might not be okay for more sensitive readers.

Family Curse Blog Tour and Review

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Family Curse
Tenacity Plys

Bottlecap Press
January 1, 2022

Book Links:

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3XGZqtd

Family Curse – Field Notebooks – 1880-2020, by Tenacity Plys

They say in town that every generation, fairies lure a member of Virgil’s family into the local woods, never to be seen again. Virgil doesn’t really care about that; they’re just squatting at their aunt’s vacant house during quarantine. But one night, they’re awoken by a knocking at the back door that leads them into a tangle of family secrets, and a mystery that’s as heartbreaking as it is chilling.

To avoid disappearing themself, Virgil has to piece together journal entries from three generations of their relatives, who all spent their lives wondering why their siblings were taken. If Virgil can solve the puzzle, they won’t just save themselves — they’ll put more than a hundred years’ worth of family history to rest. This story of a neurodivergent family’s struggle to understand themselves is by turns spooky, funny, sad, and hopeful despite everything.

Praise for Family Curse

“Family Curse is a sardonic epistolary mystery, a unique narrative braided with humor and slow-building dread.”

—Sloane Leong, author of Graveneye and Prism Stalker

“Tenacity Plys makes sure nothing will hit us as realistically as fiction does. The work makes one question our very history and horror…simply let this novelette take you where it wants, and without question.”

—Pascale Potvin, Editor-in-Chief of Wrongdoing Magazine

“With a measure of strangeness and a measure of humor, Plys artfully deconstructs a family curse. The reader is left with troubling questions: what does it mean to be alien, estranged, lost in the woods — even amongst one’s own family?”

—Germ Lynn, author of Pressured Speech

“Family Curse is a densely packed and layered novella that merits a reread. It achieves an unusual and delightful mix of chills, comedic relief, and thoughtful consideration.”

—Anna Veriani, author of The Winter Quarters

Author Links:

tenacityplys.com

https://www.instagram.com/tenacity_plys/

Title: Family Curse: Field Notebooks

Author: Tenacity Plys

Release Date: January 1st, 2022

Page Count: 44

Start Date: December 4th, 2022

Finish Date: December 4th, 2022

Review:

I really found this book very enjoyable. Very short, but very enjoyable nonetheless. It kind of felt more like a sample than an actual novel. I’d like to see more depth to it. It definitely gives me spooky and true crime vibes. Either way, I’d love to get to know more about this author. They have a lot of talent in drawing in attention. I’m glad that I was able to read their book. I hope to read many more in the future.

Anthology Review: Mine This Winter

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: Mine This Winter

Author: Multiple Authors

Release Date: December 1st, 2022

Page Count: 1,282

Start Date: November 7th, 2022

Finish Date: December 4th, 2022

Review:

Crushing It

Very cute and short read. There are things that I’d wish had been drawn out a bit more, but other than that it was a very cute read. I enjoyed it a lot.

Auld Lang Sighs

Ever read a book that is drawn out and full of miscommunications? Ever wish it wouldn’t be so drawn out? Read this story then. There’s some build up, but not much. It’s a very cute story with a bit of steam. I want to read more about this couple!

Snowfire

I really love that one of the main characters is an ex-con. I also loved that the other one was career driven and was very passionate about what she did. I’d love to see back stories about both of these characters. Especially what happened to the dancer.

Merry and Bright

This story covers something that a lot of holiday stories don’t. It’s not about somebody who finds love when they are least expecting it. It’s about somebody who feels unappreciated and wants to get away from her home life for a  bit. It’s a really wholesome story. I enjoyed it very much.

Four Nipple Sam

I can’t say that I loved this story, but I can’t say I hated it either. It was okay. It was really cute. There are things that I feel should have been detailed more that were glossed over in my opinion. I also think that other things should have been done differently. I’d read more works by this author.

Love on the Lifts

I really enjoyed this story a lot more than I thought I would in the beginning. I had thoughts that it was going to go on a different path than it did. It really was very wholesome!

Naughty List

This story was fun and spicy. It was also very sweet. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I actually would have liked to see more of this story if I’m being honest.

Mistletoe Mishap

There was a bit of cringy angst in the story, but other than that it was really great. There’s a part in the beginning that I wish had been drawn out a little more. Other than that, this was a really adorable story. I loved the couple in this story! They were just so cute!

Don’t Leave

This story was very short, but very sweet. Two people who are trying to get away from their family and their jobs rent a cabin. Only they didn’t rent the cabin. They rented a room. It all winds up working out, and it turns out they have some mutual connections!

Highland Vows

I enjoyed this story. It was rich with a culture that I’m not really familiar with. I really enjoyed learning about it. I also loved that the main character in the story is a photographer. I’d have loved to see more of this story. I’ll have to track down the story that’s referenced at the end of the book. It’s definitely worth it.

Captivated by You

I really would have loved to see so much more to this story. It’s short and sweet and to the point. I’d really love to get to know the characters more. Maybe the author will one day write more on them. Who knows? I also love that this takes place in Georgia, and that the author is from Georgia!

Toys for Tats

This story was really adorable. I was kind of expecting more steam than there was. Not that I’m complaining on how it was. I was just expecting more. I was really hoping to hear at the end of the story I’d hear all about how this is part of a series. I was fully intending to get the series or put it on my wish list. No such luck! I’ll still check out other works by the author.

Flirting for the Holidays

I thought this would be full of a lot of miscommunications and angst. I wasn’t crazy about the idea, but I prepared myself anyways. It wasn’t. I really want to see more into this world! I’ll have to look to see what the author has out!

The Next Tomorrow

This was a very adorable and short read. I really loved getting to see the author’s writing style. I think I would have liked to seen some of the parts of the book prolonged just a little more. I’d have also liked to see more of the past. Especially from the male lead’s point of view.

Yule Be Mine

I think this is a very cute story that has a lot of potential. I really would have liked to see more of the back story and more of the scenes a little more drawn out into better detail. I also really didn’t care for the main lead at all. I get her reasons for being the way she was, but not her actions. I’ll just leave it at that.

It’s All About David

This is a MM romance. I was convinced that there was a full novel set in this world with all the references about their best friends and them being so in love. I would love to see one. I would also love to see this story turned into a full novel as well. I would suggest another read through though. Just to clean it up a bit.

Lie To Me

This was an okay story. It was cute and gave some very adorable vibes. Not to mention it had furbabies! Who doesn’t like a story with a sweet pet? I feel like there could have been more. I just can’t quite put my finger on what it’s missing for me. I didn’t dislike it though. I found it very adorable.

ARC Review: Never Ever Getting Back Together

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: Never Ever Getting Back Together

Author: Sophie Gonzales

Release Date: November 29th, 2022

Page Count: 374

Start Date: November 14th, 2022

Finish Date: December 2nd, 2022

Review:

Story: I was very hesitant to start this book. I was worried it might be full of too much cringe. I was completely wrong. I am so glad for that. I started to read another book by this author. I had to set it down. Not because it was a bad book. I was just really burned out on reading at the time. Because of this book, I have now gotten her entire collection in audiobook. I really want to see this as a movie. I want to see many of these things actually happen. Including a part of the ending. This book was full of drama and comedy.

Characters: One of our main characters is Maya. She’s cheated on with the other main character, Skye. When it comes to light, he lies to everybody and tells them that she just couldn’t accept being broken up with. He makes it seem like Maya is unstable and irrational. I really felt for her. Most of us have been there at one point. I wanted to dislike Skye, but it seems like he was just as dishonest with her as he was with everybody else. 

Critiques: I wouldn’t call this a critique as much as a personal preference. I would have loved to see certain things played out a little more. Something happens towards the end that I really would have liked to see how that fully played out. It’s kind of why I’d love to see this in a movie!

Final Thoughts: Maya is so quirky. Skye is too. There are times that they really grated on my nerves, but they really are so cute together! I loved this story. I loved that while they were on this show for their ex, they fell for each other. I’ll probably reread this again quite a few times. I wish there were a sequel to it! I need to see how things go from there!

Book Tour Review: The Whispering Women by Trish MacEnulty

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: The Whispering Women

Author: Trish MacEnulty

Release Date: September 6th, 2022

Page Count: 387

Start Date: November 18th, 2022

Finish Date: December 1st, 2022

Review:

Story: I didn’t know how I was going to feel about this book going into it. I went into it like I go most books. Blindly. It’s a historical fiction. It’s also filled with mystery and intrigue. It’s told in two different points of view. Both points of view are very important to the story. It is very important to understand that this story takes place in 1913 and is very realistic to the time period as well. I’ll leave it at that. I did really enjoy the book. I did not expect the ending at all. Any of it.

Characters: Louisa is your average wealthy society girl. Until she isn’t. Her father winds up in a scandal, and everything she knows gets turned upside down. I empathized with her a lot. I also related and connected with her in quite a few ways as well. We also have Ellen. She finds herself in a situation that puts her in danger. She manages to flee, but she won’t be safe until things come to a close. I also related to her as well.

Critiques: None.

Final Thoughts: I have loved everything about this book. Then I found out it was the first book in a series! You have no idea how happy that made me. I will definitely be continuing this series. I’m really looking forward to seeing the adventures of these two ladies from here forward! I want more people to read this book so I have somebody to talk about it with!

Book Tour Review: Floating Underwater by Tracy Shawn

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: Floating Underwater

Author: Tracy Shawn

Release Date: September 10th, 2021

Page Count: 275

Start Date: November 15th, 2022

Finish Date: December 1st, 2022

Review:

Story: When I first saw this book, I had some theories. I thought the whole story may take place in a sea or ocean. I also thought it could be about mermaids. I’m not going to give it away, but I will say that I may have been partially right. It’s a big stretch though. There is some references to a child disappearing many years ago. That part plays an important role later. I can’t say this book completely went the way I thought it would. I’m okay with that though. It was still an enjoyable read. It does cover mental health issues, kidnapping, and psychic abilities.

Characters: Paloma has been going through so much. When she was younger, her sister was kidnapped and the case was never solved. Her sister was never found. Once she became a woman, she found that she couldn’t carry a child to term. After a few miscarriages, she’s ready to quit trying and look into adoption. I really felt for her. She’s this amazing woman who is willing to do whatever for her loved ones. Nobody seems to understand her pain fully. On top of all that, she also has visions. Her husband doesn’t believe they are real. It’s intense.

Critiques: None.

Narration: Really enjoyable. I felt like it added to the story.

Final Thoughts: I came in with some guesses on what this book was about. I was right and wrong. More on the wrong side than I was the right one. I really enjoyed this story! I’d have liked to see some after the story kind of events. I won’t get into the details with what I was looking for. I would definitely read other books by this author. They definitely know how to hold your attention and keep you wanting more!

Book Review: Blood Union Part One by Vela Roth

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: Blood Union Part One

Author: Vela Roth

Release Date: July 20th, 2022

Page Count: 574

Start Date: November 15th, 2022

Finish Date: November 28th, 2022

Review:

Story: There’s something I saw referenced in books that I had a theory on. I got too excited about this series. So I read the blurbs for future books. Don’t judge me. I was correct on my assumption/theory. I can’t even begin to explain or replicate the sound that came from me when it was proven I was right. I’m just glad that I was alone and my family wasn’t around. Anyway. I’m so ready to read book six now. I’m also afraid to read book six. It’s the final book that’s out. This has quickly become one of my favorite series of all time. Any book in this series or by this author will be on my instant buy list. I won’t even need to know what they are about!

Characters: I’ve fallen for many of these characters throughout the series. I’m pretty sure that my review readers are getting sick of hearing about me gushing about all of them. I’d love to just live in this world. Even if it’s just for a day.

Critiques: To quote Cher from Clueless, AS IF!

Final Thoughts: I really wish I had the talent to narrate these books so that they could be turned into an audiobook. If they ever get put into audiobooks, I will be automatically buying them. I’ll even use it as an excuse to listen to the books again! I also really hope to see this series turned into a television show one day! It’s a possibility. It’s so good! I knew I’d love this book the moment I got the first copy in the mail. I wasn’t wrong. I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. Or fall in love with the world and the characters as much as I did, but here we are! I need more people to read this book so we can chat about it!