Darkness Falls

Review:

Reve is the "It" thing. It's a shared experience when dreaming. Anything can happen, likely without real-life consequences. It's pleasurable, fun. Jordan's talent gets exposed while she is trying to support her sister (who you know is being stupid). Malcolm is tasked with recruiting those that have talent and can navigate the Reve. He is a chimera and is a type of law enforcement for the Reve. This was interesting, but it was confusing for awhile. Once I figured out the concept, it was more interesting. The ending was decent, but a bit abrupt.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2774292/darkness-falls

I Want It That Way

Review:

Nadia is a junior majoring in special education. She and 3 of her friends rent an apartment off campus. A single dad lives right below them. His name is Ty.
I liked both Nadia and Ty. They each get to know each other slowly over evening on his patio and her deck above him. It graduates to friends with benefits. And you know where it then goes. I thought this was realistic in it's portrayal of college going adults who are serious about their studies (and the balance that happens with school, work, friendship). My only issue was it was slow at times and time-wise it would jump forward a week or 2.
I have no interest in reading Lauren's story.
I read this for Romance-opoly New View moon track

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2740620/i-want-it-that-way

Let It Shine

Review:

Sofronia and Ivan knew each other growing up as kids. Her mom worked for his mom. After her mom's death, they lost contact. They reconnect as adults at a meeting for civil rights and how to conduct non-violent sit-ins.
This was amazing. I loved this book. I adored Sofie and Ivan. This highlights the struggle for freedom, the basis human right to be treated as a person. To sit where you like. To be treated with respect. To be treated with dignity. The violence and hate.
The strength of this book (IMO) is it highlights we ALL have prejudices. We need to acknowledge them and learn from them to be better. Do better.
(Sofie is Black. Ivan is Jewish. Ivan's family escaped the Holocaust, but his father doesn't sympathize with the Civil Rights Movement. Sofie's father doesn't like Ivan because he is Jewish.)
The ending hints at an acceptance, a reconciliation. The ending is also realistic.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2740558/let-it-shine

Drifting to You

Review:

Rosaline has dreams of owning her own bakery. Will builds ships. These two have been eyeing each other for months. Both are former slaves. This past shapes their present too.
This opens with Rosaline getting a huge opportunity. She is to provide the cake for the Juneteenth celebration on a ship hosted by one of the richest women in her community. If people like her cake, it will get her name out there. Since they both on the ship, Will makes his case.
I didn't quite connect with the romance between Rosaline and Will. It felt rushed.
This works for Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo "I'm on a boat."

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2740526/drifting-to-you

Amazing Grace

Review:

Gracie and her parents found freedom through the Underground Railroad when she was 4. Now 18 she is heading west to get married to support her family. Logan, an ex-confederate soldier is also heading west.
This short story tackles serious subject matter. I wasn't sure how an ex confederate soldier (and former slave owner) would work as a hero. There is a discussion (as much as you can have in a novella) and this is addressed. I really liked Gracie, she stood up for herself. Would like like more at the end, it felt rushed.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2740516/amazing-grace

The Hook Up

Review:

Drew is the star football player and so is super popular. He can have any woman he wants. Then he meets Anna. Anna who isn't impressed. And it appears she does not like him. Or does she?
I admit to being super confused (at least at first) at what Drew saw in Anna. He is interested, but Anna shots him down, multiple times. She eventually gives in and they have lots of sex. But, no kissing on the lips. Because that would be too personal. (Not making that up).
Then Feelings leading to Misunderstandings (by not talking). But then, Something Happens to Drew. This leads to Anna owning up to her issues and they talk. Then, it's Drew's turn to push Anna away. Anna's growth through the book shows in this moment. She stood up her herself, Drew, and they as couple. It was so nice.
But, really did I need all that drama? If some of it have been cut out (it really wasn't necessary) this would have been a better book. Gray's story is next.
I read this for Romance-opoly New View sun track
This also works for Ripped Bodice Bingo Summer 2020 for the "smells uniquely like themselves" square.
(Anna's describing Drew: "...because he smells fantastic—like warm pears and crisp air." and "...because I can smell Drew’s clean, tangy scent now."
Drew describing Anna: "...who smells of exotic spices, warm skin, and home."

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2701993/the-hook-up

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: A Visual History

Review:

This book has it all. There's information from behind the scenes, info about the various guests/characters, interviews with those that did the voices, info about the set, the art, the "why."
If you watched Mister Rogers' Neighborhood as a kid, this book is for you.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2669062/mister-rogers-neighborhood-a-visual-history

The Traitor

Review:

Sebastian (known as Girard at the chateau) was the villain in the previous book. Towards the end of The Captive, Sebastian was humanized, but I was curious if he would become a likable character. While in France, through no fault of his own, he was trapped when war broke out and did what he could do to survive. More is revealed in this book regarding his efforts to save the captured British troops under his care. And the help he had.
Millicent (Milly) was a poor relation thrown into an engagement not of her choosing. With her elderly aunts she comes up with a plan to avoid said engagement. That plan was, to go into service as a companion. She become the companion to Sebastian's aunt Freddy.
This was a wonderful slow burn romance. I could get behind the romance. Sebastian I could understand. I loved how they talked to each other. There was no big misunderstanding. I really liked Aunt Freddy, Micheal Brodie (whose story is next). Brodie's "mission" is revealed in this one.
My only complaint was Henri Anduvoir. The villain got his off the page and I wanted more regarding his punishment. I think he got off too easily.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2669036/the-traitor

Serpent's Kiss

Review:

So, back in the previous book, Rune had pledged a favor to Carling in exchange for saving Tiago's life. Now, it's time for him to pay up.
Rune was an intriguing character from the previous books and I was looking forward to his story. Man, was it disappointing. I didn't particularly care for either character. Carling, the vampire (oops I mean vampyre!) was eh and Rune was pushy, bossy. The whole not trusting Dragos was stupid, weird, and didn't make any sense what-so-ever. This is someone that has been in Rune's life for centuries. Someone, that before all this, he trusted completely, and was partt of his family (for all intent and purpose). It didn't wash. Stupid Rune.
I also found this a bit boring and hard to really get into. The 1st book was good, the 2nd less so, and this one even less so. Not feeling #4 per the synopsis (although both characters (Grace and Khalil) were in this one and look to be interesting- but the last 2 were disappointing and were about characters I previously found interesting). I have too many books I *want* to read, and to read one I'm lukewarm about? Nah. I'm done.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2669002/serpent-s-kiss