By the end of October I’m hoping to have finished all 12 of my yearly festive ARCs, which could possibly be the earliest I’ve ever finished them. Due to this dedication, I don’t think I’ll be getting through many other books, so I’ve planned a few shorter reads.
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins: Mollymauk Tealeaf by Jody Houser & Hunter Severn Bonyun
Guys, I miss Molly and so to fill that void I will be reading his origins graphic novel next month. I’m still trying to space these out as much as possible as I don’t want to get through them too quickly. Am I being ridiculous? Probably, but graphic novels are so expensive.
I also want extravagant Molly back in my life. I understand why they’ve toned down his character design in the animation, which isn’t out yet but I’m so freaking excited for it.
This volume has the same illustrator as the Jester one, which is my favourite, so I’m so excited to see their art again. It’s so vibrant and full of life – perfect for my two favourite Tieflings (shoutout to Xandis though, I love them too).
Synopsis: What strange events created Mollymauk Tealeaf?
Entertainer, fighter, and performer, “Molly” has a knack for hiding his true self behind the shifting color and shape of a personality he seems to wear like his singular coat. But as with every member of the Mighty Nein, his past will eventually catch up with him…and it’s a strange one indeed.
Join Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins writer Jody Houser, artist extraordinaire Hunter Bonyun, and Critical Role’s Matthew Mercer and Taliesin Jaffe as they reveal Mollymauk’s evolution from empty shell to vibrant individual, and the dark corners of his past that even he is afraid to examine.
The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling
I really enjoyed The Ex Hex, so it’s about time I read book two in the ‘series’. Plus, it will be the perfect read for October. I have a few witchy reads planned for next month, but whether or not I’ll actually have time for them is yet to be seen.
It’s been a few years since I read The Ex Hex but I do remember it being pretty funny. My current read (one of my festive ARCs) is a little depressing, so I definitely need something like this to lift my spirit (pun intended).
Synopsis: Welcome to Spooky Season!! The follow-up to Erin Sterling’s New York Times bestselling hit The Ex Hex features fan favorite Gwyn and the spine-tinglingly handsome Wells Penhallow as they battle a new band of witches and their own magical chemistry.
Gwyn Jones is perfectly happy with her life in Graves Glen. She, her mom, and her cousin have formed a new and powerful coven; she’s running a successful witchcraft shop, Something Wicked; and she’s started mentoring some of the younger witches in town. As Halloween approaches, there’s only one problem—Llewellyn “Wells” Penhallow.
Wells has come to Graves Glen to re-establish his family’s connection to the town they founded as well as to make a new life for himself after years of being the dutiful son in Wales. When he opens up a shop of his own, Penhallow’s, just across the street from Something Wicked, he quickly learns he’s gotten more than he bargained for in going up against Gwyn.
When their professional competition leads to a very personal—and very hot—kiss, both Wells and Gwyn are determined to stay away from each other, convinced the kiss was just a magical fluke. But when a mysterious new coven of witches come to town and Gwyn’s powers begin fading, she and Wells must work together to figure out just what these new witches want and how to restore Gwyn’s magic before it’s too late.
Pumpkin to Talk About by Allie Samberts
I don’t have a photo for this yet as I came across the audiobook not long ago. This is less than three hours long and the title says ‘pumpkin’ which is great for spooky month. I don’t think this is spooky, but the cover does have cool vibes.
I love a romance novella audiobook when I’m doing household jobs, especially washing up, so this will be perfect to keep me company during those moments.
Synopsis: Mike Page fled Ironwood Flats, Texas the moment he tossed his high school cap in the air and never looked back. But when his little sister, Annie, is suddenly left raising two kids on her own, one desperate call brings him right back to the one place he swore he’d never return. Now, stuck playing uncle, Mike’s in for more than he bargained for, especially since it means surviving the town’s infamous Halloween celebrations—his personal nightmare.
Belle Allen has always been a bit eclectic. As Ironwood Elementary’s quirky part-time librarian by day and bartender by night, she has finally found her rhythm. That is, until Mike, her high school nemesis, walks into the bar bringing painful memories back with him.
Old wounds run deep, but so do new sparks when they keep bumping into each other. As they’re pulled together by chance encounters and unexpected chemistry, Mike and Belle realize they’re not the same people they were in high school. But just as they start falling harder than autumn leaves, reality hits—Mike’s heading back to Indiana after Halloween.
Can they admit they’re bewitched with each other? Or will the spell of their romance be broken?
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