No Roast for the Weary

Title: No Roast for the Weary
Author: Cleo Coyle
Published: April 1, 2025, by Berkley
Format: Kindle, 368 pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Coffeehouse Mystery (#21)

Blurb: As much as master roaster Clare Cosi adores coffee, the landmark shop she manages won't survive if she doesn't sell enough of it. So when the Village Blend's customer traffic grinds to a halt, she turns to her staff for creative ideas, and the Writer's Block Lounge is born.

Madame, the eccentric octogenarian owner of the shop, is upset by this news. Years ago, a group of accomplished writers used the shop's second-floor lounge to inspire each other, but the group disbanded when something dark occurred. Though that history is shrouded in mystery, Clare presses forward...

Soon the Village Blend tables are filled with aspiring novelists, playwrights, and poets, all happy to be coaxed, cajoled, and caffeinated by her coffeehouse crew. Clare admires the stamina of these scribes, many of them toiling at night jobs—driving taxis, tending bar, ushering for Broadway—while penning projects during the day.

Then one of their fictions turns fatal when a shocking secret leads to a deadly end. Unless Clare can untangle this mystery, uncover the truth, and stop a desperate killer, she fears more of these weary writers may be marked for eternal rest.

My Opinion: As the 21st book in the Coffeehouse Mysteries series, No Roast for the Weary brings readers back to the Village Blend. While Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini (the duo behind Cleo Coyle) do a solid job introducing new readers to the coffeehouse's history and its quirky found family, longtime fans might feel like they're treading familiar ground.

The story is set post-pandemic, with Clare struggling to keep the Village Blend afloat as customers stay home instead of enjoying their coffee in a third space. It’s a relatable setup for the times, but the plot stalls in its execution. There’s plenty of atmosphere—almost too much—as the pages are filled with descriptions and repetitive details that make it hard to stay engaged.

Early on, the story hints at an old unsolved murder, adds a dramatic mental break from one of the regulars, and throws in an alleyway attack for good measure. Clare, along with her flamboyant barista Esther, dives in headfirst—as always—to save the day, even rescuing a duck in the process. While these moments have their charm, they’re buried under slow pacing and excessive descriptions that drag the story down.

Thankfully, things pick up towards the end. The final chapters pull the threads together and offer a satisfying payoff that makes the effort feel worthwhile—though it’s hard to ignore how much of the book felt unnecessary. Recipes and tips in the last section are a fun bonus, but they don’t make up for the sluggish pace.

For devoted fans, No Roast for the Weary might test your patience. While the series still has its moments, the writing feels tired, and it’s hard not to wonder if the authors are as restless as the readers. If you’re new to the Coffeehouse Mysteries, On What Grounds, is a good place to start. But for longtime readers, this installment leaves you wondering if it’s time to find a new favorite series.

The Third Rule of Time Travel

Title: The Third Rule of Time Travel
Author: Philip Fracassi
Published: March 18, 2025 by Orbit
Format: Kindle, Paperback 336 Pages
Genre: Science Fiction
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Blurb: Scientist Beth Darlow has discovered the unimaginable. She's built a machine that allows human consciousness to travel through time—to any point in the traveler's lifetime—and relive moments of their life. An impossible breakthrough, but it's not perfect: the traveler has no way to interact with the past. They can only observe.

After Beth's husband, Colson, the co-creator of the machine, dies in a tragic car accident, Beth is left to raise Isabella—their only daughter—and continue the work they started. Mired in grief and threatened by her ruthless CEO, Beth pushes herself to the limit to prove the value of her technology.

Then the impossible happens. Simply viewing personal history should not alter the present, but with each new observation she makes, her own timeline begins to warp.

As her reality constantly shifts, Beth must solve the puzzles of her past, even if it means forsaking her future.

My Opinion: What starts as a seemingly straightforward science fiction techno-thriller transforms into something much more intricate—multiple timelines, blurred realities, and a dash of supernatural intrigue. The novel combines themes of despair, manipulation, and the fragile thread of agency into a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

I thought I was stepping into a futuristic world. Chapter 3 name-drops the year 2044, which conjures visions of gleaming cities, flying cars, and revolutionary technology. But here's the kicker: the setting is ordinary. No Jetson-esque hovercrafts, no dazzling breakthroughs – Well, other than the time travel parts. This leaves the timeline slightly ambiguous—is it the future, or is this contemporary fiction disguised in futuristic clothing? It’s unclear whether the author intended this sense of uncertainty, but it adds a layer of intrigue to the story.

About halfway through the book, I found myself wondering: where’s the hook? The plot felt deceptively simple, almost too comfortable in its slow pace. But then came the twists—one after another, like dominos I didn’t realize had been set in motion. Just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s heading, the book blindsides you with another twist. The rush to the end is a whirlwind of shock and exhilaration, leaving you breathless and unsure of what’s real and what’s another illusion. It’s the kind of book that lingers long after you’ve closed the cover.

If you’re searching for a book that will ignite debates in a reading group, this might be it. The Third Rule of Time Travel is bound to spark discussions—and maybe even disagreements—about its twists, its themes, and its many layers. But one thing’s for sure: boring, it is not.

The Bane Witch

Title: The Bane Witch
Author: Ava Morgyn
Published: March 18, 2025 by St. Martin's Griffin
Format: Kindle, Paperback 384 Pages
Genre: Witches and Murder
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Blurb: Piers Corbin has always had an affinity for poisonous things - plants and men. From the pokeweed berries she consumed at age five that led to the accidental death of a stranger, to the husband whose dark proclivities have become… concerning, poison has been at the heart of her story. But when she fakes her own death in an attempt to escape her volatile marriage and goes to stay with her estranged great aunt in the mountains, she realizes her predilection is more than a hunger - it’s a birthright. Piers comes from a long line of poison eaters - Bane Witches – women who ingest deadly plants and use their magic to rid the world of evil men. Piers sets out to earn her place in her family’s gritty but distinguished legacy, all while working at her Aunt Myrtle’s cafe and perpetuating a flirtation with the local, well-meaning sheriff to allay his suspicions on the body count she’s been leaving in her wake. But soon she catches the attention of someone else, a serial killer operating in the area. And that only means one thing - it’s time to feed. In Ava Morgyn’s dark, thrilling novel, The Bane Witch, a very little poison can do a world of good.

My Opinion: This was a bit of a missed opportunity. Right out of the gate, the first few chapters felt rough—like reading a choppy draft instead of a polished novel. Sections felt rushed, almost like ideas were sketched out but never finished. Honestly, it had me on the edge of calling it quits (DNF, anyone?). But against my better judgment, I kept going.

At around 30%, I gave the writing a second chance. And, surprise—I started warming up to Piers/Acacia (she changed her name). Or maybe it was Myrtle who kept me hanging on. Still, the dual police storylines felt like a bit of a slog. Instead of pulling me in, they just dragged on, demanding my patience.

I couldn’t help thinking this standalone novel might’ve worked better as a duology. Around chapter 31 (in the ARC), the tone shifts, and it felt like a natural place to end a first book—after a good cleanup, of course—and breathe new life into a second one. Splitting the story might’ve given it room to develop instead of trying to cram it all in.

The thing about reading ARCs is you never know—will these glaring issues be fixed in the final release, or is this as good as it gets? There were moments where logic went out the window, sentences tripped over themselves, and continuity problems left me scratching my head. How did that sweatshirt in the car even make sense? It’s hard to tell if the author skipped the research or just decided to wing it, but some parts felt like they were asking me to suspend a lot of disbelief.

So, will I read more from this author? Eh, probably not. The potential was there, but the execution just didn’t click for me. It’s a shame because I wanted to enjoy it more than I did.

Rebel Witch

Title: Rebel Witch
Author: Kristen Ciccarelli
Published: February 18, 2025 by Wednesday Books
Format: Hardcover, 464 Pages
Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: The Crimson Moth #2

Blurb: A WITCH... Rune Winters is on the run. Ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands, everyone wants her dead. If Rune hopes to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood, who’s planning to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches—something Cressida needs Rune to accomplish.

A WITCH HUNTER... Apparently it wasn’t enough for Rune to deceive Gideon; she’s now betrayed him by allying herself with the witch who made his life a living hell. Gideon won’t allow the Republic to fall to the witches and be plunged back into the nightmares of the past. In order to protect this new world he fought for, every last witch must die—especially Rune Winters.

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE... When Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. Now he’s faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn.

My Opinion: I’m not saying The Rebel Witch was downright awful, but let’s just say it was, at best, a lukewarm finale to this duology that left me wanting the pull of The Heartless Hunter. That book had a pulse that could be felt on every page. This one? Tepid. Like reheated leftovers.

The "surprise" midway? Yeah, no. It was about as shocking as finding out the sky is blue. Anyone remotely paying attention could’ve pieced it together long before the “big reveal.” And as for the final twist, sure, it was interesting, yet, made perfect sense since it was foretold; but by that point, I had already resigned myself.

The banter? Fine. Serviceable, I guess. But let’s be real—this is Teen/YA territory, so any hopes of the snappy, zingy exchanges adult readers crave were dashed early on. As for the dark fantasy label—who are we kidding? This is “dark fantasy lite,” a watered-down version of the genre that barely scratches the surface of its usual complexity. No brooding depth, no haunting themes, no stakes that leave you breathless. Just… fluff with a hint of shadow.

What’s most frustrating is that The Heartless Hunter was such a captivating ride. This book, however, dragged its feet through every chapter, leaving me so unengaged that I found myself turning to other books just to break up the monotony.

The Rebel Witch was a chore to get through. Disappointing doesn’t even begin to cover it. Not sure what Ciccarelli’s future works will be, but here is hoping that she is able to recapture the magic of her Heartless Hunter storytelling.

The Summer Guests

Title: The Summer Guests
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Published: March 18, 2025 by Thomas & Mercer
Format: Kindle, 363 Pages
Genre: Thriller
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: The Martini Club #2

Blurb: When former spy Maggie Bird retired to the seaside hamlet of Purity, Maine, she settled in for a quiet life with breathtaking views. But enemies from her past soon threatened to destroy everything.

Maggie survived, thanks to her wits and the collective intelligence of the Martini Club, the circle of ex-CIA friends in her cocktail-sipping book club. Their handiwork, however, caught the attention of young police chief Jo Thibodeau. Now Jo and her neighborhood ex-spies have an uneasy alliance.

After a teenager vanishes—and Maggie’s neighbor becomes the prime suspect—she joins the investigation, determined to prove her friend’s innocence. But the girl’s wealthy family pushes for an arrest. And when authorities discover a long-dead corpse in a nearby pond, the case becomes doubly complicated, with unthinkable ties to long-buried secrets.

As Jo grapples with two unexplained mysteries, the Martini Club races to uncover the truth behind shadowy secrets…before more lives are lost.

My Opinion: There’s something about a book that refuses to let you predict its path. This novel is exactly that kind of read. It doesn’t stay where it begins—instead, it takes you on a journey that constantly keeps you on your toes.

As a bit of a backstory, The Martini Club is a group of seasoned, razor-sharp minds operating outside the usual constraints of law enforcement. While the local police chief might shake her head in frustration, deep down, she knows they’re indispensable.

Enjoying the previous book, I was ready for this challenge. I had set up my mental murder board. Red strings connecting suspects, timelines plotted, backstories emerging. As Gerritsen began unraveling conspiracies and histories, I’d pause, tilt my head, and think, “Ah, I’ve got it!” Then, I’d unwound the string, shift gears, and head in an entirely new direction. By the time I reached the end, I was sure I had solved it. I was certain it could only be one person. And yet—wrong. Utterly, fantastically wrong. That’s the genius of this book. Its plotting doesn’t hand you the baddie on a silver platter.

Beyond the twists and turns, the book weaves in moments of levity and heart. There’s a touch of humor that brightens the darker themes and a budding romance that’s been quietly simmering for two decades.

This second installment in the series gripped me as tightly as the first. For anyone new to Gerritsen’s Martini Club world, I’d strongly recommend starting with The Spy Coast, which lays the groundwork for the recurring characters. And the best part? This isn’t the end. The next book in the series is scheduled for release late next year.

The Poppy War

Title: The Poppy War
Author: R.F. Kuang
Published: May 1, 2018 by Harper Voyager
Format: Paperback, 544 Pages
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Series: The Poppy War #1

Blurb: An epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic.

When Rin aced the Keju—the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academies—it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who believed they’d finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free of the servitude and despair that had made up her daily existence. That she got into Sinegard—the most elite military school in Nikan—was even more surprising.

But surprises aren’t always good.

Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Targeted from the outset by rival classmates for her color, poverty, and gender, Rin discovers she possesses a lethal, unearthly power—an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher and psychoactive substances, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive—and that mastering control over those powers could mean more than just surviving school.

For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The militarily advanced Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most of the people are complacent to go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away . . .

Rin’s shamanic powers may be the only way to save her people. But as she finds out more about the god that has chosen her, the vengeful Phoenix, she fears that winning the war may cost her humanity . . . and that it may already be too late.

My Opinion: Whoever labeled The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang as a "romantasy" clearly didn’t crack it open—or at least didn’t make it past the first few chapters. What starts as a slow burn soon ignites into a scorching tale of brutality. Forget sweeping love arcs or lighthearted escapades; this narrative is drenched in mistrust, revenge, unchecked ego, and the unflinching resolve to win at all costs. It’s raw and relentless, the kind of book that grips you tightly and refuses to let go, even as it tears into your heart.

There’s no denying the brilliance of Kuang’s storytelling. Her prose is razor-sharp, her world-building expansive yet intricate, her characters achingly human in their frailties and strengths. The sacrifices, the betrayals, and the sheer cruelty—both mental and physical—are overwhelming, to the point where I had to pause midway through. It’s not just the violence or the heartbreak; it’s the weight. Each chapter feels like a gut punch, a relentless reminder of the cost of war and power.

And yet, even with its intensity, you can't help but be drawn in. Kuang manages to weave together a sprawling narrative of countless names, places, and conflicts without losing the reader. Her masterful storytelling keeps everything clear, even as the stakes spiral higher and the horrors multiply.

This is darkgrim fantasy at its finest, and its roots in the Second Sino-Japanese War give it a depth and authenticity that’s hard to ignore. The themes of war, colonialism, and belief are handled with such unflinching honesty that even the most intense moments—rape, genocide, self-harm, animal cruelty—don’t feel gratuitous. They’re harrowing, yes, but they serve the narrative rather than shock for shock’s sake.

If there’s such a thing as historical, coming-of-age military fantasy, this is it. And while it’s the first in a trilogy, it’s the kind of book you must pace yourself with. Reading all three back-to-back feels almost impossible—not because they’re not brilliant, but because they’re so emotionally consuming. Yet, as soon as I turned the last page, I found myself missing the story, the world, and Kuang’s voice. This isn’t just fantasy—it’s a haunting reflection on the brutal realities of war, and it’s unforgettable.

The Teller of Small Fortunes

Title: The Teller of Small Fortunes
Author: Julie Leong
Published: November 5, 2024 by Ace
Format: Kindle, Paperback, 336 Pages
Genre: Fantasy

Blurb: Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells "small" fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…

Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.

Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.

My Opinion: Reading this novel was like sipping a cup of lukewarm tea—pleasant for some, but not quite satisfying for me. I realized I’m just not the right fit for cozy fantasy books. A few have caught my attention, but most of the time, they leave me wanting more substance and excitement.

The story revolves around Tao, a fortune-teller determined to keep her secrets hidden while earning her keep by revealing just enough to get by. She’s part of a found family searching for a missing daughter, and during their search, they encounter curious people including a troll at a bridge and other fairytale touches. It had all the makings of an intriguing tale, but the pace was too slow, and the stakes never felt high enough to keep me fully engaged.

I think this book could be a great fit for someone new to fantasy or someone who prefers a gentle, low-stakes story. The narrative is a safe, comforting fairytale to help you unwind after a long day. For me, though, it was a reminder of what I look for in a story—a bit more tension, complexity, and depth. Cozy fantasy may not be my cup of tea, but I can see its appeal to others seeking a tranquil escape.