Peasreads-The Baby Dragon Bookshop by A. T. Qureshi

 

I purchased the first two books in the series so I could read them before reading The Baby Dragon Bookshop. I almost DNF'd this book. I DNF'd the second. My review for the first book is below. This book is about Emmy a dragon rider, and Luke, her enemy. He happens to ride a Chimera. The reason Luke is her enemy is because (SPOILER ALERT) he dated her sister for a week. Luke decided that he didn't like Emmy's sister and told her so.  He didn't cheat on her, he didn't abuse her, he didn't lie to her. He simply didn't like her after one week of dating. Emmy finds out and gets Luke to like her. Sleeps with him. Then dumps him. I'm sorry, but YTA here, not Luke. For years, Emmy has been rude to Luke every time she sees him. Somehow Luke still likes her. Her sister is happily married and has moved on. Not Emmy because she's the oldest sister, and she takes care of everyone. Like what?

(SPOILER ALERT) Another thing that happened in the book that boggled my mind. There is a character named Flint who runs illegal dragon racing. Flint is known to have spiked a drink of a girl who is like Luke's younger sister. Emmy doesn't know Flint's history. Flint strikes up a conversation with Emmy and gives her a hot chocolate. Not spiked. Luke sees and comes in seething. Rightfully so. However, he's too mad to tell her why he doesn't want her speaking to Flint. They stay mad at each other. So. There's a predator, you know about him. You see him talking to a woman, and he's giving her a drink in an open container. WHY didn't he just TELL her that? "Yes Emmy, I am angry but you should know that Flint is a predator." Seems like the decent thing to do no? What's worse is that later on in the book Emmy finds her young 18-year-old cousin talking to Flint. Emmy doesn't tell her cousin. WHY!? Flint is a bad person. Other than "he deals with dragon racing," which is illegal. She doesn't tell her teen cousin. Her female teen cousin. I get that the dragons might smell something off with the drinks and protect their riders, but why was this glossed over. It seems ick. Things like this left a bad taste in my mouth. 

Like the first story a lot of what happens is juvenile to me. If it weren't for the spice, which was awkwardly written. It could have been for teens. 

Emmy is the oldest adult child in an Asian family. I get it. So am I. She does take care of everyone. She doesn't mind it. She does get too much on her plate. It is sweet that Luke sees that and wants to take care of her. They are supposed to be strong, smart business owners. The story idea is also a great idea. It just wasn't executed well. But that's just my opinion; many people love this series. I don't plan on reading any more by this author. 

This book, along with the previous ones, has a system similar to a caste system. Those who ride dragons and are a part of the four main families. No one else can ride dragons. The people who have Chimera live on a different side of town. Dragons and Chimera don't get along. 

Will romance be the plot twist?

Emmy has an enemy, and his name is Luke. The good news? She rarely sees him. The bad news? When she does, she (and her pet dragons) are reminded just how handsome he is.

Besides, Emmy is too busy focusing on her dragon-fuelled business to have time for love. But when both she and Luke approach the same local investor for funding, she’s suddenly unable to avoid him. The kookie investor insists they must compete for the cash by working at the local failing baby dragon bookshop to prove their magical business knowledge.

Determined to win the funding, Emmy dives into the task. But making a very flammable bookshop fit for baby dragons is no small feat, and it seems these rivals may need to join forces. Could Luke and Emmy’s fiery animosity spark something more between them?

Tropes:

Enemies-to-lovers 🌞

Bookshop

 romance 📚Small town 🍂

Book 1 review

I read this so that I could read an e-galley of the third one. 

I love cozy romantasy and this had so much potential. However, there were numerous plot holes. There were problems that the author set up to be hurdles in the story.  Only for them to magically turned out to be non-issues. It felt like the author had an idea for a problem or hurdle in the relationship, but didn't know how to solve them, so they magically turned into non-issues.  For instance, FMC mother died dragon racing. They are not a Drakkon family, so that was a no-no. MMC didn't want FMC to know this because his family of dragon riders are supporters of the races, even though they are illegal and bad?  Later MMC tells FMC and that's it. Nothing. Oh okay. Mom made a mistake. MMC has been lamenting over the fact that he doesn't want to get attached to his dragon.  MMC doesn't believe in dragon racing, even if it's important to his family. He finally tells his parents, and it was so important to their family that they disowned him. Just kidding, they didn't. All the parents said was "no big deal". 

There is also a section where the two MC pretend to be married because there is this big secret ceremony that only dragon riders can go to, and FMC is not a dragon rider. They go, pretend to be married. The lady performing the ceremony is supposed to be an upholder of tradition and a hard ass about it. Of course, it turns out that it's a non-issue. The woman knows that the MMC and FMC are not married, but it's easily explained away. 

It could have been a teen book were it not for the spice, which was poorly written. I don't normally read spicy books, but even I know this wasn't good.

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I received this egalley from NetGalley and Avon Books UK | Avon. I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are my own. 

Peasreads- The God of the Woods Liz Moore

 

 The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

This is not my usual fantasy genre, but I saw it available in an audiobook and decided to give it a listen. Let me tell you. I listened to the audiobook and read the book. When I could not read, I would listen and vice versa. That's how sucked in I was. I had to know what happened next. 

There were a lot of moving parts along with timeline hopping. Different points of view. Each kept me guessing as to what truly occurred. I truly enjoyed the book, and it would make a great mini-series. 

Please note the trigger warnings below. I gave some examples, but this is not an exhaustive list of what happens. I also have a poor memory.

Trigger warnings:

Domestic abuse- neglect, once or twice, violence was described once(I skipped over that)

 Kidnapping- no details

Death of a child- description of what happens

Child abuse, neglect- Barbara's parents send her off to boarding school and really don't raise her. (No abuse at the school, no physical abuse mentioned. No sexual assault.)

Drug and alcohol abuse

Grief

Mental illness

Mentions of animal cruelty (living off the land and eating of animals), classism, and misogyny

Description:

When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide

Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.

As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

Penguin Publishing Group

Release Date: July 2, 2024

Imprint: Riverhead Books

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Peasreads- Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno

Magical realism reads about four sisters that is reminiscent of Little Women. I've never had sisters, but I imagine this is what it must be like, or maybe I hope it must be like. Built in friendships, love, disagreements, mistakes, forgiveness, and a bond like no other. The Farthing sisters have always been told that they are descendants of Persephone herself. Could it be true? Each Farthing sister has a unique talent, not really magic, that is called upon. They do have a ghost that lives in their attic, who happens to be a dear friend. Henry. Henry has always been a part of their lives. No one else can see Henry, still, he has grown up with them and loved them. All is well until Henry and one of the sisters fall in love. The story is told from Winnie's point of view; she is the third-oldest sister. 

Fast-paced, this story moves along, and I kept turning the page to see what happens next. Very entertaining.  This was a quick read; it is categorized as a middle-grade read for 8-12-year-olds.  It has language (the F word), and the sisters are ages 14 to 18. I thought it was YA.  

Description

The Hazel Wood meets Laini Taylor in this gorgeous urban fantasy of sisterhood, ghosts, and old family curses.

Are the four Farthing sisters really descended from Persephone? This is what their aunt has always told them: that the women in their family can trace their lineage right back to the Goddess of the Dead. And maybe she's right, because the Farthing girls do have a ghost in the attic of their New York City brownstone —a kind and gentle ghost named Henry, who only they can see.

When one of the sisters falls in love with the ghost, and another banishes him to the Underworld, the sisters are faced with even bigger questions about who they are. If they really are related to Persephone, and they really are a bit magic, then perhaps it’s up to them to save Henry, to save the world, and to save each other.

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I received this egalley from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are my own. 

Peasreads- A Fine and Private Place

This is my second book by Mr Beagle. The worlds that he builds and the characters he creates. There's so much depth, and beauty.
This isn't the usually type of book I read, but after I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons I looked for more books by this author.
This story is unique. Each of the characters have so many facets.
This book is amazing



Description
This classic ghost story from the author of The Last Unicorn follows Jonathan, who’s been living in a cemetery with a raven as his only friend amongst the newly dead, until he discovers a pair of ghostly lovers bearing an extraordinary gift—the final chance for his own happiness.

For nineteen years, Jonathan Rebeck has hidden from the world within the confines of a Bronx’s cemetery, making an abandoned mausoleum his secret home. He speaks with the newly dead as they pass from life to wherever spirits finally go, providing them with comfort, an understanding ear, and even the occasional game of chess.

But Mr. Rebeck’s reclusive life is disrupted. An impossible love has blossomed between two ghosts at Yorkchester Cemetery. Helped along by a cynical, talking raven and a mysterious security guard, these four souls must learn the true difference between life and death and make choices that really are forever.

Told with an elegiac wisdom and beauty, Peter S. Beagle’s first novel is, “One of literature’s most beautiful works about ghostly times and places...told with wit, charm, and a sense of individuality” (The New York Times Book Review).

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Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for this galley all opinions are my own.  

Peasreads- Aphrodite by Phoenicia Rogerson

 Oh this book was so fun to read! I'm laughing, clutching my pearls, and hungry for more.  What a great take on on the Greek Gods and Aphrodite's story.  I loved the writing style, and the "footnotes" from Aphrodite herself were hilarious.  This is the first book I have read  by Phoenicia Rogerson, but it won't be the last. 

Pub Date Nov 11 2025

From the award-winning author of Herc, an enrapturing feminist tale that brilliantly reimagines the story of Aphrodite and how she transformed herself from a lowly outsider to the darling goddess of love, for readers of Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint.

Aphrodite saw the gods on Mount Olympus and decided she wanted a piece of what they had. Only problem is, she’s not a goddess, just a lowly being who's supposed to remain in a distant cave, keeping the threads of Fate woven neatly. But Aphrodite’s never let anyone tell her what to do…

Weaving herself a web of lies and careful deceptions, she convinces everyone she’s the goddess of love and that her rightful place is among the Olympians, who lord it over everyone else at the top of the world, but under the stifling rule of Zeus. For the first time, she has the best of everything, as well as friends, peers, even loved ones. Only, being a goddess isn’t quite like she thought. Those who oppose Zeus tend to disappear, or worse. And one day, Aphrodite decides she’s had enough…

#Greek #greekmythology #aphrodite #ares #zeus #currentRead #TBR #readme

#instabook #instaread #booktok #BooksOf2025 #ToBeRead #read #reading #Peasreads #reader #books #fantasy

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Thank you @harlequinbooks
@hanoversquarepress @NetGalley for this egalley. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Peasreads- Never Ever After by Sue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan is, admittedly,  a must-read author for me. Never Ever After is a reimagining of Cinderella with the beautiful fantasy writing that Sue Lynn is so good at. I  enjoyed the story and the strong characters in this book. Yining is a strong female character who is looking for a better life, an escape from the land and kingdom that took her beloved family from her.  The are two other main characters, one is the prince of the kingdom of which she wants to escape. The other is an advisor from a rival kingdom. Both of these characters have a mystery and danger to them. The story progresses and unfolds with good pacing. The ending is not as much of a cliffhanger, though this is the first in a series. I was thankful for that. I can't wait to continue this story and see more of it unfold in the next books. 

Pub Date Oct 28 2025 |

Description

Not all fairy tales end happily ever after in this powerful and fierce reimagining of Cinderella by the bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess—for fans of Renée Ahdieh, Tahereh Mafi, and Stephanie Garber.

Order now and receive the SPECIAL FIRST EDITION while supplies last—featuring a designed case cover under the jacket and illustrated endpapers, in addition to shiny foil and embossing. This must-have special edition is only available in a limited first printing.

Life in the Iron Mountains is harsh and unforgiving. After the death of her beloved uncle, Yining has survived by becoming a skilled thief and an even better liar. When she acquires an enchanted ring that holds the key to a brighter future, it is stolen by her step-aunt, and Yining must venture into the imperial heart of the kingdom to seize it back.

 

Amid the grandeur of the palace, Yining catches the eye of the ruthless and ambitious prince, who tempts her with a world she’s never imagined. But nothing is as it seems, for she’s soon trapped in a tangle of power, treachery, and greed—her only ally the cunning advisor from a rival court who keeps dangerous secrets of his own. To break free, she must unravel the mystery of her past and fight for a future that both frightens and calls to her.

Never Ever After is the first in a breathtaking new fantasy romance series influenced by Chinese fairy tales from the acclaimed author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

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I received this egalley from NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are my own. 

Peasreads- Pick a Color by Souvankham Thammavongsa

This is a slice-of-life book about a Lao salon owner (or possibly Thai, the author doesn't specify and the names can be either Thai or Lao).

It gives insight on how service workers are overlooked, undervalued, and often times invisible. It also gives us a look into how the salon workers go about their day. The challenges they face. Ning is the owner of the salon. She is a former boxer but doesn't want anyone to know about her past or about her life. She is the narrator.

Entertaining and insightful this is a quick read.

Thank you to @netgalley and @souvankhamthammavongs and Little Brown Books for this egalley. I was under no obligation to leave a review all opinions are my own

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Peasreads: Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai

 

Tesia Tsai has woven a story so beautifully that I read it in two days. A story about duty, honor, love, letting go, and holding on. Fighting for what you love and knowing when to let go is best. Siying is a priestess who is tasked with guiding the deceased to their resting places. She lives in a kingdom that is in the midst of war. She takes on a job to bring a soldier to his home across the border. The soldier turns out to be the missing crown prince. When she reanimates him, he comes to life. Though not completely, she soon finds out that he needs qi to actually stay alive. They set off on a journey to bring him home, gathering purified qi along the way.

I do hope @illumicrate it @fairyloot will do a special edition of this one I can't wait to have a copy on my bookshelves.

Description

A sweeping debut inspired by the Chinese folk practice of necromancy, Deathly Fates is perfect for fans of Descendant of the Crane, The Bone Shard Daughter, and A Magic Steeped in Poison.

As a priestess paid to guide the deceased home, Kang Siying has never feared death. But when her beloved father collapses, Siying realizes that even she is not free from the cruel grasp of mortality. Desperate to provide her father with the medical aid he needs, Siying accepts a dangerous job that promises a generous commission, and travels to a hostile state to retrieve the corpse of a missing prince.

But the moment Siying places her reanimation talisman on the dead prince's head, rather than make the corpse obedient to Siying's commands, the talisman brings the prince back to life. Worse, he won't stay alive for long—not unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body.

In return for a reward worth twice her original commission, Siying agrees to aid the frustratingly handsome prince in finding and purifying evil spirits for their qi. But as they journey across the countryside, encountering vengeful ghosts and enemy spies alike, they gradually uncover dark secrets about the prince's death—secrets that could endanger both Siying's father and their entire kingdom.

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I received this egalley from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are my own.