Hello Friends!  Welcome (or welcome back) to the blog.

** Quote ** 
“Think before you speak. Read before you think.”
― Fran Lebowitz, The Fran Lebowitz Reader

My bookish peeps, how are you? It’s September; now we wait for the magic of fall to begin.

Wherever you are, make sure to stay hydrated, take a long walk, and read a good book. And for the love of all things … put down that phone📱!” (LOL)

We’re at the end of the month (or beginning of the month), which means bookish business. Here is my August Edition of the newsletter, with the latest ARC reviews, approvals, and current reads.

Here we go!

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VOL. 2 | Issue No. 17| AUGUST 2026| Blog Version | PDF

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LATEST BOOK REVIEW

That Night
Gillian McAllister
[CRIME ✮ THRILLER ✮ MYSTERY]
✨3.72 Goodreads Rating

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for the advance copy of this title.

I read a lot of mystery and thriller novels, each with its own brand of suspense, twists, and surprising endings. Unfortunately, this wasn’t one of them.

Everything about the premise grabbed me, and the synopsis promised a story that ebbed and flowed with tension. Instead, I found myself bored for most of it.

The setup is great: a close-knit family of veterinarians—siblings who run the family practice together—head out on one of their annual vacations. One night, one of the sisters finds herself in trouble, and her siblings come to her rescue, but at a cost. That’s really the heart of the story.

I kept waiting for something more to happen beyond the budding romance involving one sister who’s been withdrawn since a devastating loss, the ever-cheerful sister who’s navigating life as a single parent, and the brother, newly married but still willing to do absolutely anything for his sisters.

The parents are present, but more as observers than active participants, despite being the foundation of this successful family. In the end, there just wasn’t enough here to keep me invested. The premise had all the ingredients for a compelling mystery, but for me, it simply missed the mark.  I gave this title 3.15 ✨.

CURRENTLY READING

Approved ARC downloads 💾

Hive Mind, Allison Gunn
Mercy House, Adam Cesare
Pinfeathers, Christina Henry

UPCOMING HALLOWEEN READ!

🕯️📖 What I read in AUGUST

I think I did well this month considering my lack of focus and concentration.  It’s really been nice to get lost in books again, and then looking for more to add to my list that I can’t finish.  It’s a healthy obsession. 😊 📚🎧☕

That Night, Gillian McAllister
The House That Eats the Dead, Max Doty [REVIEW]
A Box Full of Darkness, Simone St. James [REVIEW COMING SOON!]

🕯️📖 What I’ve Added to my WISH LIST in August✨ 

Killing the Boogeyman, Richard Chizmar
The Unhaunting, Micaiah Johnson
The Haunting of Lavender House, Natalie Kikic
What the Forest Devours, Elaine Vilar Madruga
Kiss, Slay, Replay, Rachel Harrison

SEPTEMBER 🎧 Reading Challenge

“Borrow and read a book from your local library.”

Great Book Sources

✯ BookTrib ִ✯ Goodreads ִ✯ Book Riot ִ✯ Literary Hub ✯ Booktrovert ✯ Fable ✯

Well, friends, that’s it for today. August has proved to be a much better month, with some surprisingly pleasant weather—which is crazy for this time of Summer.

One thing I’ve really enjoyed during “Aug-tober” is watching everyone’s Fall videos, reading blogs, and slowly getting myself into the spirit of my favorite season. Hey, it’s my happy place, and I’m more than ready to settle in.

So long, August. Fall…you can come on in now. 🍂

Thank you so much for stopping by today. Please consider subscribing or following the blog.  – Duces.✌🏽 –

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