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Royals and romance volume 2
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"Enemies to lovers meets Christmas vs St. Patricks Day! I love this series, and am having so much fun with the world building of holidays as secret kingdoms, and loveable characters. I also really like having holiday books you can read outside of winter holidays.
Someone is stealing Christmas's joy, the magic source for their kingdom, and a shamrock was found at the scene pointing towards St Patrick's Day. Kris, one of the Christmas Princes, volunteers to investigate while his brother Coal takes over as the new Santa. Turns out the prince of St Patricks, Lochlann Patrick, is a student from Kris's school that he's been in a feud with. They have to play nice for the tabloids, while Kris secretly investigates Loch and uncovers that all is not as it appears." - Katie T., Maryland City at Russett Library
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2) Model home
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"The three Maxwell siblings are forced to return to their childhood home after their parents suspiciously die on the property. They dread this, as the house serves as a reminder of their disastrous upbringing as the only black family in an affluent white neighborhood and it's where they endured neverending torment from the supernatural forces. However, once the siblings are reunited and they venture into the home to better understand the trauma they suffered, they learn that maybe it wasn’t just the house that caused their anguish.
This book took me by surprise as I was expecting just a haunted house story. Not only does this book explore the trauma that comes with being the only black family in an affluent white neighborhood, but it has an ending I never saw coming. Pick this one up if you like spooky books with socioeconomic commentary and are looking to be shocked out of your mind!" - Christa F., Severn Library
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"What a fantastic read! I really enjoyed following along and learning about Dr Fauci‘s fascinating career in infectious diseases. ***/AIDS, Ebola, Zika, Smallpox, Anthrax, Covid-19 and more. He spent decades working to stay ahead of the next possible outbreak. I really appreciate all the work he has done over the years to keep us safe and healthy. Bonus points for his narration of the audiobook. If you enjoy memoirs, have an interest in science or the public sector, or just want to learn more about the diseases we live among and the research that goes into protecting us and finding cures, I encourage you to pick up this insightful book." - Cortney G., Odenton Library
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"When Mark Zuckerberg sues to keep a book from being promoted, I knew it was going to be a worthy read! This book hits on how out of touch the ultra-wealthy are, how money and power change people and how dangerous Facebook has become. Warning: This may make you want to delete all your Meta apps. If you’re one that likes to keep up with technology, internet, social media, or you’re in for some appalling behind the scenes stories about Facebook, look no further than Careless People." - Cortney G., Odenton Library
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Crimson Sails volume 1
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"Evelyn's life is a mess, mostly in part due to her own choices. After her vampire ex breaks up with her, Evelyn swipes her family's heirloom jewels and in the process of escaping from her wrath ends up through a portal to another world. Now stuck on a ship sailing a sea between worlds led with a stern telekinetic captain, she is given a choice: join, or die.
Bowen is a man with no memory of his past, but dedicated to his present: to protect the citizens of the Threshold, and destroy any monsters that come through the many portals as part of the Cŵn Annwn. But when a thieving, questioning, and above all chaotic witch gets hauled onto his ship, he soon finds he begins to question everything he has ever known - and to wonder why he doesn't seem to mind this witch getting under his skin.
A richly built world and the start of their Crimson Sail series, this book is great for someone looking on a new twist on the fantasy/romance pirate genre. It covers a gamut of ideas and themes, such as who has the right to deem another a monster (and what - or who - monsters really are), power and authority, and accountability.
As it is a Katee Robert book, those new to her works be warned: she is known for "spicy" (i.e. erotic) content in their romances, and this one is no exception. That said, if you don't mind the zest, I assure you the whole book is a flavorful experience." - Gaby N., Busch Annapolis Library
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Breathmarked volume 1
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"I am a huge fan of Fonda Lee's Green Bone Saga series, so when I heard she was releasing a new YA novel with Shannon Lee -- Bruce Lee's daughter! -- I had to read it. This first half the Breathmarked duology is an action-packed, martial arts centered story with a magical setting and layers of political intrigue. Separated from his identical twin and mother at a very young age, 16 year old Jun lives with his father, making ends meet and dreaming of becoming the realm's next Guardian, the elite warrior that guards the sacred Scroll of Heaven. The Guardian is chosen by a martial arts tournament that is held every six years. However, this year is different. Tensions are rising, the people are growing restless, and a rebel organization is making their move. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee are a dynamic duo. Their love for the martial arts leaps off every page. The fight scenes are so fun to read. If you're into martial arts, a touch of magic, a layer of political intrigue, and a scrappy, determined protagonist, you might like this book. I can't wait for part two!" - Abigail W., Discoveries: the Library at the Mall
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"Like her 2017 novel The Power, The Future is an eye-opening work of fiction that feels terribly realistic. In a world very similar to our own, Lenk Sketlish, Zimri Nommik, and Ellen Bywater, three tech-CEO-multi-billionaires, are planning for the end of the world. They have constructed their bunkers in remote locations on protected lands and they have their state-of-the-art, proprietary AI software, AUGR, that will notify them when it is go time. On the periphery of their lives, other people are working to save the planet, even if no one really believes that it can be done. Martha Einkorn, Selah Nommik, and Badger Bywater are closely related to our three billionaires, and they have plans that can only be enacted if those billionaires are out of the way. Accidentally trapped between the three tech moguls and the three determined revolutionaries is Lai Zheng, a social media influencer in the prepper/survivalist scene. Twisting through time in a series of flashbacks that leave the reader breathless with anticipation, Naomi Alderman weaves a story of greed, hope, and the lengths we'll go to, to save the world. I loved every bit of this book except for the very last chapter, which felt a little preachy. All in all, however, it is a very timely read that fans of speculative fiction and dystopian fiction will enjoy." -Ashley F., Edgewater Library
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"Elle is a succesful podcaster in Chicago when she's called home to care for her grandmother, who is suffering from Alzheimer's. Due to complexities with insurance, she is unable to afford a care facility for Lovie, the woman who raised her, so she moves home until that can be sorted out.
When she gets there, Elle meets Lovie's full-time, live-in nurse, Adam. Of course, they start off by getting on one another's nerves, but when Lovie starts to think that they are the younger versions of herself and Elle's grandfather, they play along -- and, of course, fall in love.
Fake It Like You Mean it doesn't shy away from the harsh realiites of caring for a loved one with dementia. Elle's beloved grandmother doesn't only not remember her, but she can also be violent and cruel. It's a heartbreaking part of the plot, but I appreciated the honesty.
There are a few moments that are a little unlikely, but it is a romance novel, after all. If you like your romance layered in with heaver topics and a dose of reality, this one is for you." - Stephanie P., Library Headquarters
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