Early Reader Review: Watch Us Crack by Gabriella Lepore

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Watch Us Crack by Gabriella Lepore  

Publisher: Storytide
Publication Date:  September 23, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

A gripping and tense standalone YA thriller following two teens from rival schools who are each accused of a brutal murder and must identify the real culprit—even if it means destroying their budding romance.

Sadie Morelli and Cason Tano were friends in middle school, back before Cason’s mom died and Sadie transferred to a new school. When they meet again as high school juniors at the local ice rink where Sadie waitresses and Cason’s hockey team plays, what was once friendship blooms into something more. Given the intensity of the rivalry between their schools, their budding romance is a secret for them alone.

But then someone turns up dead at the local train station. Sadie and Cason were both at the station the night of the murder, and both have a reason to want to hurt the victim. With accusations flying and secrets being held close to the chest, Sadie and Cason must decide the lengths they’re willing to go to to clear their own names—and to protect each other.

Review: 

It’s always nice to grab a standalone once in a while, and Watch Us Crack was such a solid pick for fall vibes. This YA mystery-thriller follows a group of teens who suddenly find themselves under suspicion for the murder of another student.

Sadie and Cason go to rival schools but both end up suspects when a body is found across the street from Sadie's house at the train tracks. The victim turns out to be someone they both dislike, but both claim innocence. The plot follows them in dual POV as they try to work out who actually did it and keep themselves safe. 

Although marketed as a thriller, I think it leans a bit more toward mystery with its whodunit set up and the constant finger-pointing/blame-game that the characters experience. The chapters are also interspersed with police interview transcripts and text chains adding to they mystery. I felt the thriller part really come into play at the end as things are coming together and the situations that they are getting into because of it. That said, I liked the transcripts a lot, they added a fun element to the drama between Sadie and Cason. 

One thing to note: hockey is everywhere in this book. Sadie works at a rink diner, and Cason plays for his school, but the constant hockey references felt a little overdone. Still, the author captures the very “high school” thought processes and dynamics well. I also appreciated the contrast between the absent/checked-out parents and Sadie’s dad, who was actively trying to set rules and be present.

Overall, this was a fast-paced and entertaining read, perfect if you’re looking for a fall mystery with a dash of thriller energy.

Early Reader Review: The Ocean at Night by Isabelle Simler

Source: From Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.  

The Ocean at Night by Isabelle Simler 

Series: Nature by Night
Publisher: Pushkin Children's Books
Publication Date:  October 7, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Synopsis: 

Go under the sea—at night!—with this ocean book for kids ages 4-8 that’s full of jaw dropping illustrations and interesting facts about marine life.

The first installment in the children’s picture book series, Nature at Night, by a celebrated author/illustrator.

Combining jaw-dropping illustrations with poetic language and interesting ocean animal facts, this stunning kids picture book is perfect for ages 5+ who are curious about wildlife and the ocean!

By showing the undersea world at night, award-winning author-illustrator Isabelle Simler presents this mind-blowingly beautiful place in a way that will appeal to the whole family—and ignite a fascination in the mind of any young reader.

• Turtles lay their eggs on a beach by the light of the setting sun.
• Majestic seabirds plunge into the waves as a pod of dolphins leaps from the water.
• Whales trawl the darkening waters below for plankton, and swordfish hunt their prey.
• Rays skim above the sandy seabed where octopuses prowl…

An immersive exploration into the fascinating and mysterious world of the nocturnal ocean that will delight and fascinate kids and parents alike.

Review: 

This was so beautiful! I have already recommended it. 

The Ocean at Night is a gorgeously illustrated book that captures the magic of the ocean from night to day. The vivid colors and sweeping linework create a sense of motion across every page, drawing the reader into a world that is both realistic and whimsical. Each spread brings the ocean and its inhabitants to life—whether they dwell in the sky, sea, or along the shore.

The text is cleverly structured, with the top line narrating the poetic story of the ocean itself, while the bottom lines share interesting facts about the creatures featured. This dual approach makes the book both lyrical and educational, and I think parents and young readers will really adore this approach. 

My favorite spreads were those featuring the moon glowing over the rippling waves and the mesmerizing depictions of microscopic ocean life. These moments were both beautiful and awe-inspiring, highlighting the book's ability to spark wonder in young readers and adults alike. 

Early Reader Review: Brume, Volume 1 by Jérôme Pélissier

Source: From the Publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Brume: The Dragon Awakens by Jérôme Pélissier
Series: Brume, Volume 1
Publisher: Astra Publishing House | Hippo Park
Publication Date:  September 30, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Brume, a feisty wannabe witch, is on a quest to learn magic in the first volume of this enchanting graphic novel series for kids ages 7–11—perfect for fans of the Hicotea, Hilda, and Sorceline series.

Brume is a tiny but mighty heroine with plenty to prove to the people of her small village. With her newly discovered spellbook and two sidekicks in tow, she'll try her hand at spells, mess up sometimes, and discover magical adventures along the way.

The great witch Naïa has always protected the village—but where has Naïa gone? Enter Brume, a plucky and spirited witch-to-be, who dreams of being able to cast spells. When Brume's father hands her a secret spellbook, she tries out her wand and cauldron--and manages only to cover the whole village in fog! But is the fog a result of Brume's first spell, or is it smoke from a fire breathing dragon who has awakened?

Accompanied by her pig, Hubert, and her best friend, Hugo, Brume sets off to find out what happened—and to save the village one step at a time. Here is a funny, charming, and accessible graphic novel—the first in a series—that is just as heart-warming as it is hilarious.

Review: 

Brume is a young girl obsessed with Naïa a witch known for her greatness from the past. So, she is determined to be a witch as well, even though she is often told that witches don't exist anymore. 

Brume is brave, determined and very stubborn - so she accidently puts a fog over the town in an attempt to be a witch. Now she has to slay a dragon for the items needed to create the solution. 

Our little witch is hilarious. She is so sure of herself in the best way that you are rooting for her even after things get messy and on her adventure to possibly slay a dragon she is still so excited and chill about the situation. The plot is cute and funny as it is mostly Brume making mistakes and her friends -- Hugo and a pig cleaning up after her. 

The artwork was great, cozy and charming with a lovely sense of Autumn and spooky-season vibes. I think that middle grade readers will enjoy it, it is pretty short and I appreciate the show versus dialogue telling that some graphic novels have fallen into. 

Overall, a cute read for this Halloween season... or year round.

Building the Book Pile #503

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday

Good morning folks. I hope you had a great week. Ours has been weird - Charlie our Frenchie hurt his back on Monday so we had to take a trip to the emergency vet. They weren't able to determine what was hurting other than 'his back' or why, but gave us some pain meds for him. We have a follow up with our vet tomorrow. 

With Charlie not feeling great - we decided to cancel our upcoming vacation. We were supposed to leave for Las Vegas and Zion National Park on Friday this week but know that we just can't leave him with a pet/house sitter right now. I am super bummed. I have been working SO much and really needed the get away. Sadly that won't happen now. 

The rest of the week was off because we have been monitoring Charlie making sure he really is on strict rest for his back, on top of that I have had a co-worker out for the last week for some personal stuff so there is just more work to do. I am so exhausted. 

I have been reading when I can though and have a few reviews ready for the coming weeks. I hope you are doing better than I am right now.  XOXO

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review:  Brume, Volume 1 by Jérôme Pélissier (MG, GN)

Early Reader Review: The Ocean at Night by Isabella Simler (Youth)

Early Reader Review: Watch us Crack by Gabriella Lepore (YA)

Books Received Recently...  

 

For Review/ Won:

  

I went to a virtual panel for some upcoming romance books and won the set! They will be popping in from time to time and I am so excited about them!

The Open Era by Edward Schmit - Won from a Giveaway (no cover image)

Leave me Behind by K.M. Moronova - Won from a Giveaway 

Bought:

 

 

Alchemised by SenLinYu

Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: Buzz! Boom! Bang! by Benjamin Gottwald (Youth) - 4 stars

Blog Tour: Review - The Best Wild Idea by Lily Parker (Adult)- 5 stars

Recent DNFs Report

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Recent DNFs - August to September 2025

Sometimes a book just doesn't hit right and I am trying to take back my time and power over these ones...I don't want to struggle through them, I just want to put them down  - for now or for good. 

The below notes are just my current feelings around these books - that does NOT mean that they were bad, I just wasn't feeling them. Feel free to pick them up!

In the Did Not Finish... vibe is off, might pick back up category...

A Steeping of Blood by Hafsah Faizal

Series: Blood and Tea #2
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication Date:  September 23, 2025

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 The epic conclusion to the #1 bestselling A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal; the gritty fantasy duology about an orphan girl and her crew who get tangled in a heist with vampires, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows.

She's had her tea, now she's out for blood.

White Roaring is sharpening its fangs after the deadly night that left the city in shambles. The press are dead, the public calls for justice, vampires are in danger, and amid the turmoil, the Ram announces a celebration.

Still reeling from the bloodshed, Arthie Casimir has no time to mourn the death of anyone, let alone her own. She has no time for love, either, but it had saved her life. As Arthie navigates new emotions and new allies, she must reassemble her scrambled crew and scrape what little they have left to fight one last time – and she will need to face the ghosts of her past to do it.

In Ceylan.

After the jaw-dropping ending of #1 bestselling A Tempest of Tea, Arthie and her crew still have plenty of hearts to break and crimson-red secrets to uncover. Hafsah Faizal crafts a deliciously twisty and seductive sequel that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.

Why I DNFed...

This was a very anticipated read for me and I am so bummed that it wasn't hitting right. I called it quits at about the 45% mark, so I gave it a fair shot. This is the final book in the Blood and Tea duology - I loved book one, the pacing, the adventure, the twists, and the characters really won my heart. This book just felt different. 

In this book, we have multiple POVs again - great, but I felt like the focus shifted to Flick and Jin. I really liked being in Arthie's head and following her but ok we have other characters to love. That said, my bigger issue was around the pacing. It just felt slow and staggered the whole way. It should have felt peppy and dire because they are still in the midst of a heist but this installment just didn't capture the same vibe as book 1. 

Putting this one down - might grab again, but wasn't as invested as I thought I should be to continue reading at this time. 

In the Did Not Finish … and unlikely to pick back up category...

I Killed the King by Rebecca Mix and Andrea Hannah

Publisher: Storytide
Publication Date:  September 16, 2025

  

Goodreads Synopsis:

One of Us Is Lying meets Knives Out—with beasts, murder, and magic—in this first book in a thrilling locked-room whodunnit YA fantasy duology by Andrea Hannah and New York Times bestseller Rebecca Mix.

After a decade of war, the kingdoms of Avendell and Istellia have finally agreed to peace. As nobles and magic wielders from both countries arrive at remote Castle Avendell for a historic all-night masquerade to celebrate, King Costis summons an unlikely group to his the crown prince, his Istellian bride-to-be, his personal guard, a wild beast teamer, and the palace’s questionable new healer. But before Costis can reveal why he has gathered them, the castle goes dark.

When the lights come back, the king is dead—murdered with the princess’s knife, in a weak spot only his guard knew of, and with venom from one of the beast tamer’s monsters lacing the blade.

With no clear killer—and everyone a suspect—they make a risky Tell no one until the treaty is signed. But when a winter storm seals everyone inside and someone aware of the king's untimely death begins to pick off guests one by one, the six suspects must work together to discover who killed the king . . . before one of them is next.

Why I DNFed...

I think If I was in a different mood and possibly less tired, I would have enjoyed this one. I DNFed at 36%. Really trying to give books a run for it..and because this synopsis sounded pretty epic and I was excited to read this one. 

My turnoff and inevitable 'put the book down' issue was a large cast of characters (I believe about 7 or so...). The movements through them was too quick for me to really be them, understand their angles, if they were the killer and why it mattered. 

It also had a lot of jumps to and from the past which made me confused about timeline as well. Between the volume of characters, quick transitions AND the time jumps within multiple characters it was just too much for my tired brain to handle. I think all of this might add to the mystery in the end... but I will never know. 
 

Blog Tour- Review: The Best Wild Idea by Lily Parker

The Best Wild Idea by Lily Parker  

Series: Off-Limits #3
Publisher: Choc Lit
Publication Date:  September 18, 2025

 

** At the time of this post available on Kindle Unlimited**

About the Book

A trip to remember — with the man she can’t forgive . . . or forget.

Jules, Silas, and Grant were once inseparable — until Jules and Grant got engaged, Silas inherited a billion-dollar empire and everything fell apart.

Then the unthinkable happens. Grant is gone. And Jules is alone.

Now the only person who can help her heal is the one man she swore to hate — Silas, the best friend she pushed away.

Silas has loved Jules since he first set eyes on her. But he lost her to his best friend. And now he’s lost his best friend to something his money couldn’t fix.

But a letter arrives. Grant’s final request: Show Jules how to live again.

Silas must take Jules on the adventure she’s always dreamed of . . . with the man she hates most in the world.

From golden Spanish sunsets to the sparkling coast of Amalfi and the magic of Parisian nights, Jules wants nothing to do with Silas. But there is a thin line between love and hate. And somewhere along the way, the man she left behind, begins to look a lot like the one she can’t live without.

This steamy enemies-to-lovers, billionaire romance full of sizzling tension, heart-melting emotion and a chemistry that doesn’t fade with time, is perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, Susie Tate, Carrie Elks, Emma Lucy, Laurie Gilmore, Emily Henry and Bal Khabra.

Tropes:

❤️ Forced Proximity

❤️ Enemies-to-lovers

❤️ Second-chance romance

❤️ Slow burn

❤️ He falls first

❤️ Holiday romance

❤️ Dual POV

Rating:

This was a charming enemies-to-lovers romance that was layered with so much emotion. But at its core, it’s about grief, forgiveness, and finding joy again after loss, even if that means spending a time with your most hated person.

Jules is still reeling from the death of her fiancé and best friend, Grant. But his loss isn’t the only one she’s carrying, she’s also estranged from Silas, their other best friend, after his father’s death and sudden inheritance left him spiraling out of control. He essentially lost his way and Grant and Jules seemingly were pre-occupied with their lives to full grasp/ help him.

A year after Grant's unexpected death, Jules and Silas are thrown together on a trip of a lifetime, following his final wishes. Along the way, they’re forced to confront old wounds, blame and resentment, and the possibility of something more.

I appreciated that this story didn’t shy away from the messy dynamics of friendship and grief. Jules blames Silas for a lot, and to be fair, he did spiral and become difficult. But it also felt like Jules and Grant didn’t fully show up for him in his darkest moments either. That tension made the heavy parts of the plot especially heavy, but the reconciliation and the slow shift from enemies to something deeper was all the more enjoyable because of it. 

There were some steamy romance bits, but what really stood out was the emotional journey. Watching Jules and Silas learn to see each other again, not just through the lens of their past, but with fresh eyes, made this a really touching read. I appreciated the letters grant left along their journey and the part he played in reconnecting his two loves. 

Parker does a great job writing these somewhat 'broken' women and building them back up, through friendship, love, and adventure. While the premises, i.e. whirlwind trips around Europe, might be far-fetched, the overall messages really hit home. 

Overall, this was a great read. The whole Off Limits trilogy had been wonderful and each book full sweeps me away into it. This one more tearful than the others but still just as fun - highly recommend them all. 

About the Author

Lily Parker is a full-time romance writer, former professional matchmaker, and an avid seeker of absurd adventures. After years of helping other authors bring their stories to life, she decided it was time to write the kinds of books she’s always wanted to read. With a knack for blending humor, heart, and unforgettable characters, Lily creates stories that pull readers in and leave them believing in love—no matter the odds. When she’s not writing, you can find her planning her next venture with her family or daydreaming about just one more happily-ever-after.

Find the Author

Facebook | Instagram | Threads

Early Reader Review: Buzz! Boom! Bang! by Benjamin Gottwald

Source: From Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Buzz! Boom! Bang! by Benjamin Gottwald 
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  September 30, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A brand-new kind of interactive picture book invites you to make the sounds you see—and inspires endless fun.

This wordless picture book is meant to be read aLOUD!

Can you bang and boom,

caw and crash,

buzz and blub,

pitter-patter and pffffft?

Will you whoosh, yawn, moo or roar? It’s easy!

1. Open the book.

2. Make the sound that you see.

3. Giggle, turn the page, repeat.

With bold colors, zany illustrations, and no words at all, Buzz! Boom! Bang! inspires a whole new kind of reading experience.

Review: 

It might feel a bit like cheating to say I “read” this book...Buzz! Boom! Bang! is entirely wordless, but that’s exactly what makes it so clever and fun. This interactive picture book invites young readers (and their grownups) to make the sounds they see, turning story-time into a noisy, giggle-filled performance.

I appreciated the way it encourages imagination and gives children a creative outlet for sound. It’s a playful way to build sound recognition and engage kids in storytelling, even without text. The bold, strange illustrations might not be standout art for adults, but they’re just the kind of weird and vibrant images that kids tend to love.

Overall, this is a fun and inventive concept that turns reading into an active, joyful experience. Perfect for preschoolers or story-time groups who like to get loud.

Building the Book Pile #502 - A Monday Edition

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Monday!

Hiiiii book and blogger friends - I miss you. I have been working far too much and so reading, reviews, and the blog are on the back-burner...and I HATE IT. 

So not to much of an update but I am alive... just too tired, that said this week we will have some reviews pop up. Thanks for sticking around in my absence. 

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: Buzz! Boom! Bang! by Benjamin Gottwald (Youth)

Blog Tour: Review - The Best Wild Idea by Lily Parker (Adult)

Early Reader Review: A Steeping of Blood by Hafsah Faizal (YA)

Recent DNFs Report

Upcoming...

Early Reader Review:  Brume, Volume 1 by Jérôme Pélissier (MG, GN)

Books Received Recently...  

 

For Review:

  

Spellbound by Murder by Stacie Ramey

Rainbow Fish and the Great Escape by Marcus Pfister

Song of the Hell Witch by Taylor Hartley - Paperback ARC from Publisher

Bought:

 

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst 

Have you missed anything lately?

Blog Tour: Review - Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman (Adult) - 4.5 stars 

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Blog Tour: Review - Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman

Source: From the publisher & Netgalley for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: August 26, 2025 

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Tory Van Dyne is the most down-to-earth member of a decidedly eccentric old-money New York family.  For one thing, as book conservator at Manhattan’s Mystery Guild Library, she actually has a job. Plus, she’s left up-town society behind for a quiet life downtown. So she’s not thrilled when she discovers a woman in the library’s Christie Room who calmly introduces herself as Agatha Christie, politely requests a cocktail, and announces she’s there to help solve a murder— that has not yet happened. 

     But as soon as Tory determines that this is just a fairly nutty Christie fangirl, her socialite/actress cousin Nicola gets caught up in the suspicious death of her less-than-lovable talent agent. Nic, as always, looks to Tory for help. Tory, in turn, looks to Mrs. Christie. The woman, whoever or whatever she is, clearly knows her stuff when it comes to crime.

     Aided by an unlikely band of fellow sleuths —including a snarky librarian, an eleven-year-old computer whiz, and an NYPD detective with terrible taste in suits—Tory and the woman claiming to be her very much deceased literary idol begin to unravel the twists and turns of a murderer’s devious mind. Because, in the immortal words of Miss Jane Marple, “murder is never simple.”

Review: 

Agatha Christie is one of my favorite authors. When I was in high school I picked up Curtain and then Body in the Library and was sold. I tried to read as many of her books as I could. I would often grab them at used bookstores while on beach vacations and read them while there. I love a murder mystery in the summertime. 

This synopsis stole my heart from the moment I read it - wouldn't it be cool to have the Queen of Mystery appear to you to help you solve a crime?! I thought so. Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library follows timid book conservator Tory as she is thrown into a murder mystery case linked to her cousin Nic. Together they, Mrs. Christie, a detective, a young girl, and her librarian work together to figure it all out and more bodies appear as they go. 

Tory was a great MC - she was vulnerable but determined, set in her ways, but also curious. Nic was a great side character, she is often so dramatic and over the top that she created comic relief when needed. Mrs. Christie was herself - she interspersed the dialogue with memories of her life, quotes from her books, thoughts about poisons, and ponderings about whodunit. 

The plot - although a murder mystery - felt like a cozy hug. I loved the premise, the solving of the mystery was done so well and it really felt like normal people inserting themselves into an investigation and running with their thoughts. I think that magical realism part was done well - Mrs. Christie appears when she wants to, only in her room, and only really for the duration of the case. The explanation is just that - she is there to help solve a crime from the afterlife because she is bored. Other than that explanations are left to float. And for me this worked. 

Overall, if you are a fan of Mrs. Christie, you will likely enjoy this book. It is a slower cozy read, but it is full of her vibe and facts about her and her life that I think you will enjoy. Super cute. 

About the Author

Amanda Chapman is a lifelong mystery lover and wordsmith.  An enthusiastic fan of traditional mysteries and of New York City she found herself wondering, "What if someone recreated Agatha Christie's personal library -– even to the furnishings and architecture -- in New York City? What would happen in that space?" And thus MRS. CHRISTIE AT THE MYSTERY GUILD LIBRARY, the first in a new series, was born.