I’m so excited to finally start getting through the books I’ve bought on my Kindle. The last four months or so have been completely taken over by ARCs and Kindle Unlimited. I hadn’t planned to continue my Kindle Unlimited subscription in January, but the cancellation didn’t go through and as Kindle Unlimited is actually pretty pricey, I’ve tried to get my money’s worth. I never pay full price for it so I really had to put effort in to make it worth it.
Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
I’ve been meaning to read this book for so long. It’s both a retelling and a thriller, which is so up my street it’s ridiculous. I did spend the majority of the final half of last year reading books that were under 200 pages, so I never would have picked this up. Now, I have my reviews written more than a month in advance (I already have some done for March) so longer books shouldn’t be an issue anymore. Well, I’m hoping they won’t be.
I don’t know a great deal about Pride and Prejudice as I’ve never read it or watched either of the film adaptations. But I do know enough to wonder how the thriller/mystery element will be woven in.
Synopsis: It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young woman who desires a law career must be in want of a case. So when sixteen year old Lizzie Bennet hears about a scandalous society murder, she sees an opportunity to prove herself as a solicitor by solving the case and ensuring justice is served.
Except the man accused of the crime already has a lawyer on his side: Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious Pemberley Associates law firm. Lizzie is determined to solve the murder before Darcy can so that she can show the world that a woman can be just as good as a man. (The fact that Darcy is an infuriating snob doesn’t help.) But there’s still a killer on the loose, and as the case gets more complicated, Lizzie and Darcy may have to start working together to avoid becoming the next victims themselves.
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
I didn’t realise this is a YA book until I went onto Goodreads to get the synopsis. I’m intrigued to see how different this is compared to her adult novels. Obviously the spice level will be turned all the way down, but that’s not something I’m bothered about.
As with all of Ali Hazelwood’s books, I know very little about the main theme (STEM, science etc.), this time it’s chess. Which I have even less knowledge on. I don’t know how to play chess and I’ve never cared to learn. Maybe I’ll learn something through this book.
Synopsis: Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory’s focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious “Kingkiller” Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess.
Nolan’s loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What’s even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory’s victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can’t help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist….
As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren’t only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent… and infuriating… )
Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk
There is a chance I’ll get to this before February begins. Based on how long my current read is taking, that’s feeling less and less likely. This is currently my last ARC to read (for now) so the sooner I can get to it, the better. That way I can take a look at a new batch of ARCs that landed in my inbox a couple of weeks ago.
The cover for this book is absolutely stunning. It’s definitely one of my favourites of the year so far. Which I know we’re not that far into the year yet, but of all the ARCs I’ve been sent so far, this cover is at least top three.
I’ve been struggling a bit with fantasy lately, so hopefully this slightly shorter read will help me beat that slump.
Synopsis: Elia Tallis’s key conjuring abilities, when used with her father’s magic, allow her to open a path to any location. But Papa is dying, and Elia has been forced to painfully tether him to life so she can siphon his magic to provide for her siblings. The god of death, angry to be denied his due, punishes her by claiming her youngest brother as a servant.
Desperate to save her brother, Elia accepts a potentially deadly commission from Trys, a kindhearted prince with his nose stuck in a book. Trys wants Elia to help him find a legendary scroll. In exchange, he’ll give her his hand in marriage, securing her and her siblings’ futures and allowing her to release Papa to the afterlife.
Despite the danger of their quest, Elia and Trys find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. But when Trys finally reads the scroll, it transforms him into a monster beyond comprehension. Elia will have to wield her power in ways she never thought possible, braving a world of endless darkness and the nightmares dwelling within it to bring home the prince she’s growing to love.
Check out Young Creative Press on all socials
You can also check out my StoryGraph here
Like this post? Why not read this one too: The Best Of: Bingeworthy Book Series #6
[…] Like this post? Why not read this one too: To Be Read: February 2025 […]