Series Sunday: The Proving Ground

(Lincoln Lawyer #8) 

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Read an installment of a series.
• Share your review/recommendation below.
• Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is The Proving Ground, the eighth book in the Lincoln Lawyer series by Michael Connelly. In this new legal thriller, Mickey Haller files a civil lawsuit against an artificial intelligence company whose chatbot told a teenage boy it was okay for him to kill his ex-girlfriend. The case explores the unregulated and uncharted waters of AI.

"I mean, I don't know what that's about, but I'm beginning to wonder where I stand." ~ 33%

I barely started and finished this book. Let me explain. I was lost with the technology jargon within the first chapter. As I read further, I got more confused and closed the eBook a few more times. It wasn't until around 22% in that I was motivated to read further because something happened I'd been wishing for in the series. Then I gained more momentum halfway through when the trial began. Still it was a struggle until the end.

I appreciate Connelly keeping up with the times by incorporating artificial intelligence technology, losses from the California fires and ASMR. But it comes across as if there was a checklist of current-day topics that Connelly had to include. It all seems forced so The Proving Ground does not flow like a usual Lincoln Lawyer novel. 

"The point is, I had done some good work since I left the courtrooms and hallways of the Criminal Courts Building and crossed the street to civil." ~ 49%

Not to mention a change in the main character. And I do not mean organic character growth. The Mickey Haller I know would not even represent the victim's family. The Mickey Haller I know is an asshole and ever since his "resurrection walk," his change to defense is jarring. He is an attorney that once had a Lincoln as his business address. That is all I kept thinking while reading the court scenes and dialogue. I understand it but I miss the old Mickey personality and cases.

This book was not for me but I am looking forward to the return of the television series. That is where I will get my Lincoln Lawyer fix. However, Bookhearts, I encourage you to try reading The Proving Ground for yourself. Don't take my word for it because I am clearly in the minority. Most people are raving about how good this new release is. 

Happy Early Pub Day, Michael Connelly! The Proving Ground will be available Tuesday, October 21.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: The Proving Ground

Author: Michael Connelly

Published: October 2025

Pages: 400

Edition: Galley

Genre: Legal Thriller

Rating: 🖤 🖤 

Black History Is Your History

"There should be more about Black people in this textbook. It's a desert out here! Where are my people?" ~ 7%

Black history enthusiast Taylor Cassidy wtote a book based on the TikTok series Fast Black History. Her videos are engaging, fun and informative. She is educating our community in quick reels that are easy to digest and addicting to watch. Now she brings this same format to literary form.

Black History Is Your History features the stories of twelve (12) Black American historical figures. Some are familiar and others are lesser-known but just as impactful. In addition to the figures' narratives, Taylor shares stories from her own past and the lessons learned from them. Each chapter includes this section titled Taystory! Benjamin Banneker (And How to Never Shrink Yourself), Ledger Smith (And How to Find Confidence in Nerve-Racking Moments) and Maya Angelou (And Why Your Energy is Never Too Much) are just a few examples.

"In your life, you can take defeats and see them as fresh opportunities to walk victoriously toward the destiny you're meant to thrive in." ~ 81%

Thanks to my attending Bates Academy, a public application school for high-performing gifted and talented students, I knew the history of most of the people featured in this book. We would play an annual competition called Bates Battle where we studied Black History facts, battled teams and earned "Bates Bucks." It was the highlight of the school year. And here I am, 30+ years later still able to recall who's who in my history. Everyone is not so lucky to have such a program so I appreciate Taylor Cassidy bringing awareness to our history and reaching over two million followers. Amazing!

"Are you starting to understand why positive representation is important?" ~ 63%

Black History Is Your History is recommended for readers of all ages. Younger readers will be able to connect with the author and hopefully draw upon their own experiences. Older readers can refresh their knowledge, learn about someone new and reflect. You know the clichés: when you know better, you do better; you have to know where you're from to know where you're going. Black History Is Your History is a good resource to help you. Add to your personal library!

Happy Early Pub Day, Taylor Cassidy! Black History Is Your History will be available Tuesday, October 14.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Black History Is Your History
Author: Taylor Cassidy
Published: October 2025
Pages: 208
Edition: Galley
Genre: Historical Nonfiction
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

Boom Town

"I do this thing sometimes where my curiosity will get the best of me, and I'll either ask the wrong question or one question too many." ~ 67%

Gone Girl meets P-Valley? Sign me up for the ARC!

In Nic Stone's adult thriller debut, a woman is determined to find two missing exotic dancers from Atlanta's most notorious gentleman's club. When new daytime dancer "Charm" misses a shift, vet dancer Lyriq suspects more than a no call, no show. Her former headline partner, Lucky, disappeared under similar circumstances. This doesn't seem like a coincidence. Lyriq's search to find them leads to and through Atlanta's underworld, blurring the lines of safety.

I give Nic Stone kudos for venturing into a different genre. It takes focus and faith to try something new, hoping fans will follow. However, Boom Town may not be for everyone. It is a good premise but missing elements of a page-turning thriller. It was way too easy to put away at bedtime. I did not connect with any of the characters. The suspense didn't faze me. The story is a bit wordy; perhaps the writing style is purposefully verbose for the intended adult audience but it only made the story drag. As a Nic Stone repeat reader, I am disappointed.

Be warned this is for grown readers and much different from her previous books. This is not a light subject. Societal issues relevant to today are a main focus making this an ideal pick for book clubs. It will certainly spark conversation and bring awareness. Author's goal accomplished? Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if read in a group setting or with a buddy. I appreciate Nic Stone's effort but Boom Town fell flat this fall.

Happy Early Pub Day, Nic Stone! Boom Town will be available Tuesday, October 14.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Boom Town
Author: Nic Stone
Published: October 2025
Pages: 272
Edition: Galley
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 🖤 🖤

Series Sunday: The Bluest Night

(Trevor Finnegan #3) 

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Read an installment of a series.
• Share your review/recommendation below.
• Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is The Bluest Night, the third book in the Trevor Finnegan series by Aaron Philip Clark. Former LAPD Detective turned Private Investigator Trevor Finnegan just learned he has an adult half-brother that has gone missing. From working in law enforcement, Trevor knows that missing Black people are on the bottom of the priority list. When his brother's girlfriend is found dead, Trevor springs into action. And like any other mystery main character, he comes dangerously close to being dead himself. 

"Well, I'm tired of pretending. I'm tired of smiling and acting as if everything that's happening around me is OK. It's not OK, dammit." ~ 83%

Well, Bookhearts, I don't know whether to recommend this book or not. The first two books in the Trevor Finnegan series were so good. The characters were well developed. The police procedural style drew me in. The story was suspenseful and flowed. But I struggled through The Bluest Night; it was not as interesting. Aaron Philip Clark is a great storyteller but this third installment of the series was a miss. However, it is important to support authors of color so think about giving it a try. It could just be me. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Happy Early Pub Day, Aaron Philip Clark! The Bluest Night will be available Tuesday, October 7.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: The Bluest Night

Author: Aaron Philip Clark

Published: October 2025

Pages: 256

Edition: Galley

Genre: Police Procedural Mystery

Rating: 🖤 🖤 

On Virgoat Holiday ♍️ 💙 🥳

First Lines Friday

First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Grab your current read(s).
• Share the first line(s).
• Include the title and author.

"The transformation occurred at approximately 2:23 AM, Pacific Standard Time. As far as I could tell, anyone who was indoors when it happened died instantly."

~ Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman 

Behind the Mirror: Inside the World of Big Brother

"It's 3:00 a.m. on a Saturday night. A group of sixteen strangers have all left their regular lives behind and have been herded into a soundstage dressed to resemble a house sitting on the edge of a studio lot. Some of them will live here for the next one hundred days. From three thousand miles away, I watch them sleep." ~ 1%

I have been obsessed with the CBS original reality show, Big Brother, since its inception. Actually since Season 2 because real fans agree that the first season does not count. A new book is hitting shelves in late November titled Behind the Mirror. It is a detailed look inside of the iconic television show. It dives deep into the game that never sleeps, season by season.

For those unfamiliar, Big Brother is one of the original reality series. Sixteen strangers are sequestered in a house with no contact with the outside world. No news, no phones, no technology and very limited censored correspondence. They are watched every second until evicted from the house one by one. Viewers—including myself—tune in to live 24/7 feeds and broadcast episodes that air three (3) times every week, every summer. The community is oh so serious: we podcast, take over social media timelines, have our own vocabulary, participate in fantasy leagues and obsessively check live updates. IYKYK

"It made me consider the other shows I watched and the ease with which I could be manipulated into liking or disliking a person based on how the show decided to edit them." ~ 49%

Behind the Mirror is the best literary source for all things Big Brother US. It is a must-read for all BB fans. Reading Armstrong's research, interviews and insight was like having a long conversation with a fellow superfan. I was nodding my head in agreement, responding aloud as if Armstrong and I were in the backyard hammock together. There were houseguests that I forgot all about (Dani and Jason starting secret alliances) while all the pertinent ones (The Cookout, Jun the queen of floaters, Dan's perfect game, Chilltown, What up, Kaysaaaaaar!) had whole chapters dedicated to their gameplay.

This book is so well done and necessary for the BB culture. You are absolutely in good company, Armstrong! It is a pleasure sharing this space with you. To my Bookhearts/BB Superfans, adding Behind the Mirror to your TBR is akin to voting with the house. Do it!

Happy Early Pub Day, Taran Armstrong! Behind the Mirror will be available Tuesday, November 25.

Side Note: BB27 jury starts tomorrow!

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Behind the Mirror: Inside the World of Big Brother
Author: Taran Armstrong
Published: November 2025
Pages: 416
Edition: Galley
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤