I have actively decided to take a step back from ARCs for a little while. I’ve been feeling a little stressed with the deadlines on ARC reviews (which technically I set for myself, I doubt the publishers are too bothered if they’re a little late). So I’ve decided for now, I will only accept ARCs if they’re graphic novels or books that I’m really excited about.
Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon
I quite literally screamed when I got an ARC of this book. I can’t tell you how excited I am to read this. It’s a book I didn’t know I actually needed but I’m sure happy it’s actually a thing. I’m actually making my way (pun intended – If you know, you know) through campaign two at the moment so every mention of Tusk Love has become even funnier.
If you have no idea what I’m talking about. This is a made up book, from a made up world in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Pretty crazy right?
It’s actually been sitting on my wishlist, both Kindle and audio, since it was announced, so having the opportunity to read it before it’s published is extremely exciting. I love everything Critical Role.
Synopsis: As the daughter of an ambitious merchant, Guinevere’s path has been predetermined: marry into a noble house of the Dwendalian Empire, raise her family’s station, and live quietly as a lordling’s obedient wife. But Guinevere longs for a life unbounded by expectations, for freedom and passion and adventure.
Those distant dreams become a sudden reality when her caravan is beset by bandits, leaving her guards slain and Guinevere stranded alone on the dangerous Amber Road. Her only chance of survival is to travel alongside Oskar, the aloof half-orc who saved her during the attack.
Unlike Guinevere, Oskar’s path is not so set in stone. With his mother dead and his apprenticeship abandoned, all that’s left is a long, lonely walk to a land he’s never seen to find family he’s never met. The last thing he needs is a spoiled waif like Guinevere slowing him down – even if the spark between them sizzles with promise.
Despite his cold exterior, Oskar is brave and thoughtful and unlike anyone Guinevere has ever met. And while Guinevere may be sheltered, she brings out a softness in him that he has never dared to feel before. As the flames of their passion grow, they realize that soon they’ll need to choose between their expected destinations or their blossoming romance.
Written by Sunday Times bestselling author Thea Guanzon at the behest of Critical Role’s Jester Lavorre, Tusk Love brings the most romantic story on Exandrian bookshelves to life.
Dracula’s Brunch Club by Brian Gonsar and Keenan Gaybba
The second I saw the title and cover of this graphic novel (no photo yet but it features doughnuts) I knew I needed to check it out. This sounds like a really fun read that puts an interesting new spin on the character of Dracula. I can’t wait to see Dracula as a baker, it’s sounds so wrong but also so right.
Synopsis: Have you ever wondered how vampires got their taste for blood? In Dracula’s Brunch Club, it all started with a crimson-red donut, dripping and oozing with spooky secrets—I mean, jelly. Dripping and oozing with non-spooky-tasting JELLY. Get ready to sink your fangs into the hilarious new graphic novel from debut authors Brian Gonsar and Keenan Gaybba!
Count Dracula is not your average vampire. Well, sure, he’s undead, hates garlic, and will burn up in sunlight—but unlike other vampires, he has a knack for baking. And it’s his brunch club’s famous blood-orange-jelly donuts that give his fellow vampires the energy source they need to live forever. But when Transylvania experiences a mysterious jelly shortage, it allows his nemesis, Constantine, to swoop in and steal the brunch club—and the vampires’ loyalty—from Dracula. But it’s not just jelly donuts at stake. When townsfolk start to go missing, Dracula suspects Constantine has far more sinister motives lurking that could threaten everything vampires and humans have worked for. With the help of his chef and human friend, Elena, Dracula must find a new energy source before every vampire and human turns on him and he loses his coveted brunch club forever.
The Lost Sunday by Ileana Surducan
This is another graphic novel that looks really interesting. I’m getting cosy vibes from this one and it gets extra points for being a little witchy and inspired by folklore and fairytales. Based on the cover, the art style looks really cute, but I haven’t opened the file yet so it could be completely different. Either way, I’m intrigued to find out what happens in this.
Synopsis: Nina lives in a dusty town, haunted by the six angry wolves of the week—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Each day brings never-ending chores and drudgery. Legend speaks of a seventh day to rest—Sunday—but everybody knows an evil witch stole it and keeps it locked away. When Nina finally says enough is enough, she sets out on an ambitious quest for rest, but will she be able to vanquish the witch and bring back the lost Sunday?
Inspired by old folklore and fairy tales, this story shines a magical light on a present-day problem: burnout and the importance of leisure. A great read for kids and adults alike!
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Like this post? Why not read this one too: Book Haul: May 2025