eBook

Love 4 a Walk, Vol. 1

by Nuria Sanguino

coming November 4, 2025

(5 / 5)

Thank you to WEBTOON Unscrolled and NetGalley for the free review copy of this graphic novel! All opinions are completely my own.

I’ve actually read this comic on WEBTOON a couple times, so it’s nice to see it in a graphic novel format! I really like the art style, and I can’t help but love the characters, Pam and Tyler. They are both dog owners and you can just feel their love for dogs. It’s cute to see the dogs’ antics and how they bring Tyler and Pam together. There’s a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, and while it’s a romance, it’s very slow burn. This volume ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it definitely leaves me wanting to continue reading.

Xolo

by Donna Barba Higuera

illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson

coming November 4, 2025

(4 / 5)

Thank you to Levine Querido and NetGalley for providing a free review copy of Xolo! All opinions are completely my own.

I went into the book with not much knowledge about Aztec mythology, so this was a fun way to learn about it. The artwork in the book looks Aztec-inspired, and I liked how colorful it was. The gods had their actual Aztec names, which I wasn’t very good at pronouncing some of them, but otherwise the story was easy to understand.

This book is retelling a story about Xolotl, one of the Aztec gods. Xolo was a relatable character. I think his story provides some valuable lessons, like how an outcast or perceived monster can actually be a hero. I also liked how it tied in to dogs and their special connection to humans.

I think this book would most appeal to children, probably in older grade school. The pictures keep it from feeling overwhelming while providing more substance than a picture book.

October 8, 2025 by danimae1981 Children's Comics/Graphic Novels eBook Fiction Middle Grade 0

The Secret Lives of Candy Hearts

By Tommy Siegel

Published today!

(4.5 / 5)

I was already somewhat familiar with Tommy Siegel and his Candy Hearts comics, so I was excited to check out this new collection. I enjoyed reading the book, and it was a nice pick-me-up that had me literally laughing out loud at times. The statements are so blunt yet relatable, like seeing into what someone really thinks. I thought the pop-culture references were a nice touch. The art is colorful and portrays each situation well. I liked it as much as I hoped I would! Note: there are some f-bombs sprinkled in, so if you find that offensive, this might not be the book for you.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the free review copy of The Secret Lives of Candy Hearts! Opinions in my review are completely my own.

January 7, 2025 by danimae1981 Comics eBook 0

Ex Marks the Spot

By Gloria Chao

Coming December 31, 2024

(4.5 / 5)

It’s always been just Gemma and her mom, with no other family or connections to her heritage in Thailand. When she finds out that her grandfather has recently passed and left her a trail of clues that lead to Thailand and a possible inheritance, Gemma can’t pass up on the opportunity. But the only way to get there is to ask for help from her ex and biggest rival, Xander.

Ex Marks the Spot was one of those books that I just couldn’t put down and really enjoyed reading. At first I thought Gemma, our main character, felt a bit young and was a little petty in her rivalry against her ex, Xander, but it allowed for an incredible amount of character growth. I really enjoyed the treasure hunt feel of the story, with various puzzles presented along the way. I couldn’t fully appreciate all of them since I don’t know Mandarin, but since Gemma doesn’t either, it didn’t take away from the story at all. I loved all the vivid descriptions of landmarks and food in Thailand, and found myself looking up more information along the way since it all sounded so amazing. While there’s a romance that develops along the way, I think the themes of finding heritage, learning family history, the true meaning of family, learning to understand others, and figuring out who you are were the shining themes of the book. I also enjoyed the story within the story while Gemma learned about her grandfather’s past and the challenges he faced in life. After reading this book, I definitely want to read more by author Gloria Chao.

Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, Viking Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for the free review copy of Ex Marks the Spot! All opinions in my review are completely my own.

November 8, 2024 by danimae1981 eBook Fiction Young Adult 0

Worry Lines: You’re Doing Really Well Given the Circumstances

By Worry Lines

Coming soon on May 7, 2024

(5 / 5)

This book is something that would be great to have, just to look through on a day when I can use a pick-me-up or a reason to smile. The images are simple yet inviting, with bold colors and generic people that I think anyone could relate to. I love how these simple images can give such a great visible portrayal of emotions and feelings. I saw myself in so many pages, conveying things that I often find hard to even describe with words. Through the book, the collection looks at a variety of struggles (anxiety, depression, procrastination, lack of focus, etc) we face in day-to-day life and puts a positive spin on them, making you feel like it’s okay to not always be okay. I have a feeling I’ll be ordering a physical copy of this book when it releases.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the free review copy of Worry Lines! Opinions expressed in my review are completely my own.

April 20, 2024 by danimae1981 eBook Nonfiction Self-help 0

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies

By Catherine Mack

(3.5 / 5)

On a book tour in Italy, Eleanor is planning her next book in her popular book series. She’s hoping to end the series by killing off one of the main characters, who is based on her ex, Connor, and happens to also be on the tour. But it appears that someone on the tour is trying to kill Connor for real…

This book is written in the format of Eleanor’s personal account of the events that happened. Honestly, I never completely felt a connection to her character, she just felt a bit scattered and unreliable. Part of her “style” was the use of numerous footnotes (over 200 over the course of the book). While they provided insight and some of the “real dirt” in the story, I found them a bit distracting and kept losing my spot. Things felt a bit slow in the beginning, and I think I ended up missing some of the clues to what was really going on along the way. There’s several “suspect” characters, so it could get hard to keep track of everyone’s details, and most of the characters weren’t particularly likeable. The actual solution to the mystery was something I had considered multiple aspects of along the way, but the story was twisty enough that I was never quite sure which of my theories was right until it was finally revealed. I enjoyed the various settings around Italy, so it had the feel of a vacation mystery.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the free review copy of Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies. All opinions in my review are completely my own.

April 20, 2024 by danimae1981 eBook Fiction Mystery Thriller 0

The Last Murder at the End of the World

By Stuart Turton

Releasing May 21, 2024

First Impression: (4 / 5)

I’m a big fan of dystopian books, so this book seems intriguing. From the first few chapters, I can definitely feel a sense of mystery and uneasiness about this dystopian world and would love to learn more about it. Since many of the dystopian books I’ve read are young adult, I like that this book is more “grown up” and has a different feel to it. Emory especially seems like an interesting character I’d like to get to know better.

October 31, 2023 by danimae1981 eBook Fiction First Impression Thriller 0

Sneak Peek: The Encanto’s Daughter

By Melissa de la Cruz

Releasing on March 5, 2024

First Impression: (5 / 5)

I had the opportunity to read the first 37 pages of The Encanto’s Daughter, which is scheduled to be released next March. I was initially drawn in by the beautiful cover and interesting description, but I’m even more interested in this book now that I’ve had the chance to read the first chapters. The action begins quickly, and then we are swept away into the fantasy world of Biringan. While MJ, the main character, is royalty from this world, she has been living as a normal person for as long as she can remember. This makes her very relatable, and readers can experience the newness of this world through her eyes. I would love to continue reading this book!

October 23, 2023 by danimae1981 eBook Fantasy Fiction First Impression Young Adult 0

Sneak Peek: These Deadly Prophecies

By Andrea Tang

First Impression: (5 / 5)

I had the opportunity to read the first few chapters of These Deadly Prophecies, which will be releasing in February 2024. A modern-day sorcerer has been murdered, and now his apprentice, Tabatha and youngest son, Callum are going to try to figure out who is responsible.

The premise of this book sounded interesting, and from what I’ve read so far, I think it’s a book I’d really enjoy reading. Written from Tabatha’s point of view, it almost feels like you’re a friend that she’s telling her story to. The sorcery and murder mystery aspects are interesting and make me want to keep reading. I want to find out who the murderer is!

October 11, 2023 by danimae1981 eBook Fiction First Impression Young Adult 0

Sneak Peek: One Last Breath

By Ginny Myers Sain

Coming March 5, 2024

First impression: (4 / 5)

I was able to read the first few chapters of One Last Breath. From what I read, the book seems to flow well and holds a sense of mystery. The story follows Tru, who has tried to learn everything she can about 2 girls from her small town that were murdered 20 years ago. She seems to have some kind bond with one of the girls, so there’s a spooky feeling to the story. So far there’s a lot of questions and I’d love to see where this book leads. I’m interested to find out about this double murder and also about what happened to Tru’s sister, Dani.

September 27, 2023 by danimae1981 eBook Fiction First Impression Young Adult 0