Review: The Heart Principle

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has been a fantastic series.  Of the 3, I think this is my favorite.  

Quan is Khai's (book 2) brother and Michael's (book 1) cousin.  Quan has had a rough couple of years.  He was diagnosed with testicular cancer and had surgery.  This also affected his fertility.  He went from someone who was at the top of his game & someone who was called on to help, to being the one his family worried about.  Now he is cured and looking to get back into the swing of things.

Anna is a violinist who had (an awesome) viral moment.  Now she is dealing with performance anxiety.  Anything less than perfect is a failure.  Her long-term boyfriend also wants to see other people.  During this time, she also starts therapy and begins to understand she may be on the autism spectrum.  During the course of her life, she "masked" and became the person she thought her family and other people wanted her to be.  She lost herself.  She joins a dating app with the goal of having a one night stand (because the ex is "exploring things," so she should too!).  

The first date becomes a second date, then a third.  Quan quickly becomes the one person who understands Anna.  During this time too, her father suffers a massive stroke and the women in the family become his caregivers.  

This was a wonderful book about the story of discovery and learning about oneself.  Anna grows so much throughout the book.  This was definitely a more serious book, but also a love story.  The traditional love story is there, but it was also a story about loving and accepting oneself.  

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Review: Immortal Matchmakers, Inc.

Immortal Matchmakers, Inc. by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The goddess Cimil starts up a matchmaking service for immortals. She decides to setup Andrus, a demigod who lost his mate years ago. Problem is, he has a BIG alpha-hole. Sadie was hired to smooth his edges. Enter romance.
I did like the mix of banter and humor. I liked Sadie. I hated Andrus.

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Review: Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life

Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life by Arnold Schwarzenegger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Arnold is an interesting person. I listened to the audiobook which he narrates. Nice mix of memoir and self help/advic

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Review: Two Rogues Make a Right

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Will found Martin (his childhood friend who is chronically ill) living in the attic of Harley's house (Martin lives there as a kid). Will takes him to the country for the fresh country air. Martin has tuberculosis. Will would wake up every morning not knowing if would find Martin deceased. Martin slowly recovers.
This was a sweet, but slow paced friends to lovers with interesting characters (bisexuality, addiction, chronic illness, PTSD). I did find this slow going and this was so easy to put down and pick back up.

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Review: The Matchmaker's Playbook

The Matchmaker's Playbook by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked that this was told from the guy's perspective. Ian is a player who decides to help women out and get the guy they are crushing on. He also doesn't date clients. But, of course, that changes when he takes on Blake who hired him to get her crush David.
Ian is super cocky, but I did like him when it came down to it. Good banter and I liked the writing.

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Review: Three Little Words

Three Little Words by Jenny Holiday
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gia (who is friends Elise, Jane, and Wendy (who were in previous books) is a bridesmaid in Wendy's wedding (just like in the previous 2 weddings). Gia is also a model and is struggling a bit (she turns 30 in this book). She was hurt once upon a time and ever since has vowed to not "do" relationships. Bennett, Noah's friend (from book 2), owns a restaurant and is also in the wedding party. They get stuck together while making their way south to the wedding in FL.
Fun forced proximity about 2 very different people who end up complimenting each other so well. Both have issues. Gia with disordered eating and body image issue (due to modeling and her mother). Bennett has a history of addiction and unsupportive parents. Despite this history, or because of it, Bennett understood Gia and Gia understood Bennett.
Enjoyed the epilogue which showed what everyone was doing 2 1/2 years later.

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Review: Through the Storm

Through the Storm by Beverly Jenkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sable was a slave who was able to escape during the civil war. She found employment, friendship, and a home with a contraband camp. She also met Raimond, a free, successful, Black businessman who enlisted to help the Union. However, things happened and she was threatened. So she took the opportunity to save herself and run.
Raimond was used to women falling all over him, so when Sable didn't he was interested and got to know her. She surprised him in many ways. When she left he was pissed (of course not knowing the whole story and assumptions were made).
Sable is able to make in North and finds employment as a companion to an elderly woman who grew up in the South and wants to return there. They do after the end of the war. They meet up again after the companion dies.
Wonderful romance; a bit of a second chance and marriage of convenience (Raimond has to marry to gain an inheritance). Sable was wonderful, Raimond too, and they were so good together. I loved his family and how they quickly welcomed her into theirs. Enjoyed Hester and Galeno's appearance too.
I also think this is important to say: Beverly Jenkins always does a good job of weaving actual history into her books. She does this in a way that you learn something from a viewpoint that is NOT taught in history books. It is not preachy, it is subtle.


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Review: A Little Bit Wicked

A Little Bit Wicked by Robyn DeHart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At 24 Vivian fell in love. At a party she surprised her lover (in the dark) with a kiss. Only it wasn't him, but someone else. Marcus never forgot the surprise kiss. And Vivian's lover broke her heart. After this, she vowed to never fall in love again.
Over the next decade, she built herself a reputation as a "fixer" of sorts. She helps young women restore/rebuild their image/reputations. Marcus, the second son of an earl, went on adventures, leading tours to different places on different continents. He finds himself the earl after his brother's death. He is also now responsible for his younger sister Clarissa. Clarissa finds herself the subject of gossip after she is seen talking to the owner of a gaming hell. Enter Vivian.
Very nicely paced with a gradual friendship gradually blossoming into more. I also liked the age gap; Vivian is about 7 years older than Marcus. And when it came to the blackmailer, Vivian handled it on her own, in her own way. Nicely done.

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Review: Gabriel's Rapture

Gabriel's Rapture by Sylvain Reynard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This picks up where Inferno left off.  Julia and Gabriel are happy together.  Both know their relationship could have some issues (she is a grad student and he is one of the professors).  Obstacles do happen once their relationship is out in the open.  

This forced them apart and they were forced to deal with some issues on their own.  Each grew as individuals and become better, stronger because of that.  And don't worry, this is a romance book.  There is a HEA at the end.  

A compliant; didn't care for the OW drama.  

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Review: Heroine Complex

Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Evie is the personal assistant to Annie, AKA Aveda Jupiter, superhero extraordinaire. Evie and Annie have been best friends since childhood. San Francisco has portals that open and demons poor through. These demons generally take the form/imprint on the thing they see first. It can be cupcakes or an animal, etc.
Annie gets injured and Evie is talked into pretending to be her. Evie who does not like the spotlight and prefers the background. Evie has powers herself that she hides for fear of losing control. Evie's power is pretty cool (fire). It turns out, Evie is not bad at the superhero stuff.
I liked Evie and thought she went from being a doormat and passive to speaking up for herself. I wasn't too crazy about the romantic interest. I thought Evie and Nate were too hot and cold (either bitching to each other or they were all over each other).
I did not like Annie and thought she was a total BITCH. She's very self centered and frankly, not very nice to those around her. There are signs of a personality change coming, but I have absolutely no desire to read her story (which is the next book).

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Review: Heart Mate

Heart Mate by Robin D. Owens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2.5* (generously rounded up)
Rand T'Ash is a Lord of a GreatFamily (one of the First families) of the planet Celta. Celta was settled about 400 years ago and its inhabitants have various degrees of psychic/magical abilities (called Flairs here). T'Ash creates jewelry.
When T'Ash meets his HeartMate, he is excited. Except Danith, who is from a lower class (Miz- middle-class with limited magical ability), thinks he is playing a joke on her. She believes he placed a seduction spell on the piece of jewelry (called a HeartGift) he intends to gift his HeartMate. This begins there courtship (if that's what you want to call it). T'Ash is too pushy. Way too pushy.
It did take awhile to get into the story. Even then I wasn't totally feeling it. I wish some things could have been explained earlier; a prologue would have been helpful. At moments I felt I was missing some background. Many terms are guessable (like Flair= magic, Miz= lower class, Gallent = significant other)
I might have rolled my eyes when Danith discovered she had strong magical abilities. And learned all about them practically overnight. Oh, and she happened to be a rare Animal Healer. A strong Flair puts one in the Nobel class.
Zantih- T'Ash's cat familiar was the best thing about this book. I doubt I will read more in this series.

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Review: Barriers to Entry

Barriers to Entry by Ariel Lawhon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Frances Glessner Lee was a real person who helped come up with and furthered the idea of modern forensic science. This short story is based on her diorama "Three Room Dwelling."
Frances is teaching a class on studying and learning from crime scenes. The goal is to take in every single detail to help solve the how and possibly the who. This portrayed the disbelief the men have about a woman teaching a class (what could *she* possibly know that *we* don't?!). Then the excitement as they (slowly) got it. And the (grudging) respect that she slowly earned. Fascinating.

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Review: Fallen Grace

Fallen Grace by Sadeqa Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Takes place in segregated Virginia in the 1950s. Bubbles got pregnant as a teenager and out of wedlock. Her father is a pastor and to protect HIS reputation, she was set to a home for "wayward" girls (exactly like the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland). At the "home", they take the infants away quickly after birth. Bubbles is intent on a different path. She stuck up a friendship with another girl there and together they escaped.
Bubbles then faces betrayal by the man she loved, her parents, and the girl who was a bit of a friend. After she sees her father being a hypocrite, does she decide to stand up for herself and her newborn daughter. Powerful read.

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Review: Tune in Tomorrow

Tune in Tomorrow by Melanie Benjamin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5*
This was a fictional story based on the woman who developed the soap opera (Irna Phillips).
Abby had an uphill battle from the get go because she was a woman. She was career orientated and decided to not marry (otherwise she would have had to quit or might have been fired). She did adopt a child (and I will not spoil whose child).

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Review: The Friend Zone

The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Gray and Ivy first meet over text. Gray is a college senior, football star in need of a car. His prospective agent, Sean MacKenzie offers Ivy's car since she is currently in London learning all about her mom's bakery. They become friends.
A nice friends to lovers story. The push-pull "I want you, but you probably don't want me/I shouldn't" got old real fast. Luckily they do give in just after 1/2 through. I liked how kind and empathetic Gray was. He was the primary caregiver for his mom who died of breast cancer when he was a teenager. He was the youngest of 4 boys. Things came out about his childhood that happened to him that were done to him by his brothers and dad "to toughen him up."
All-in-all I enjoyed the banter back and forth. Each had cute, unexpected nicknames for the other. And there really wasn't some big misunderstanding that occurred at the end. My only issue was the trite trope of fairly inexperienced woman (she had sex once) with a very experienced guy. That annoyed me. Enjoyed the epilogue.

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Review: Get a Life, Chloe Brown

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chloe is almost hit by a car while out on a walk. This leads her to looking at her life and her desire for some change. She wants to take some risks and comes up with a list. She is the oldest and has her own routine. She also has massive guards up because she deals with a chronic illness.
Red is the building super. He is a painter and has had something happen to him in the past. He is kind, but quiet.
Chloe and Red didn't make a good first impression. So they begin a bit like enemies and then become friends and then become lovers. There were moments of slowness and my attention lagged. And then moments where it was hard to put down. Chloe took some getting used to; she comes across as a bit rude when you first met her. But once the reader gets to "know" her, her behavior is more understandable.

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Review: Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning

Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning by Liz Cheney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was interesting to read about the events before, during, and after the Jan 6, 2021 insurrection.  

Politically, I disagree with Liz Cheney on most things.  However, she has the courage to stand up for what is right and true.  She stood up for democracy.  And she paid a price for it too.  I think history will see her as a hero.

It's surprising to read and listen to how the insurrectionists are viewed now.  How quickly the fear of 1/6/21 faded away.  The simple, plain fact is this:  those that participated in the insurrection (including the person who incited it & did nothing while the Capital was stormed) are TRAITORS.   

I listened to the audiobook borrowed from the library and narrated by Liz Cheney.     

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Review: Fires to Come

Fires to Come by Asha Lemmie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carlotta was adopted by an Italian family when she was found as a baby.  Her dad was also the Don of one of the local mafias.  She was her mother's baby girl.  The oldest brother hated her.  Luca, the younger (but older than her) didn't.  She also found she didn't quite fit in (she was black and the only black person in her neighborhood).  

As the family grows up, she realizes she wants to be loved and to be happy.  She learns about a speakeasy in Harlem.  There she finds people that look like her, but again she doesn't quite fit in.  She meets a guy and falls for him, but realizes it wouldn't be a good fit.  She learns what she wants and needs to be happy, safe, and content.  She then does what needs to be done.  

Amazing.    

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Review: Amelia's Shadow

Amelia's Shadow by Marie Benedict
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just about everyone knows who Amelia Earhart is. But I hadn't really heard of Ruth Nichols before this story. Nice short story of the friendship between Ruth and Amelia.

Per Wiki: In 1930, Nichols beat Charles Lindbergh's record time for a cross-country flight. She set a new world altitude record in 1932 for diesel-powered aircraft. She became the first woman pilot of a commercial passenger airline. At 57, she set new women's speed and altitude records.

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Review: The Forgotten Chapter

The Forgotten Chapter by Pam Jenoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Sigsaly was set-up in the basement of the Selfridges department store in London. Paige is a young woman working in the bookshop of the department store when she meets Danny. Danny is a young, American military GI who is part of the communications program between Churchill and Roosevelt. They fall in love and then tragedy strikes.
Nice story that comes full circle with the return of the engagement ring that was lost. I enjoyed this so much.
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Review: In Safe Hands

In Safe Hands by Katie Ruggle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Daisy has been homebound for eight years due to agoraphobia. She witnessed her mother's murder at a local store when she was 16. Her dad stays with her between jobs. Her best friend is Chris. These 2 are her only contact with the outside world. She is also in love with Chris. One night she witnessed something across the street in an empty house.
This was a bit different in that we know right away who the bad people are. So that changed the dynamic a bit since the reader knows and the characters on the page don't and will talk about how "by the book" this person is. Nice friends to lovers story. Chris brings in Lou and by default Callum (book 1). Lou is super social, so Rory & Ian (book 2), and Ellie & George (book 3) quickly follow. They all become friends with Daisy. Good mix of action and the whole story line with HDG's murder (headless dead guy, AKA Willard Gray- first book) and the arsons are wrapped up.
An epilogue would have been nice.

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Review: Working Girls: Trixie and Katya's Guide to Professional Womanhood

Working Girls: Trixie and Katya's Guide to Professional Womanhood by Trixie Mattel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don't have too much to say other than this was funny as hell. I enjoyed the humor and the certain brand of snark, well done!

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Review: Orion

Orion by Ruby Lionsdrake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5*
Orion is a bounty hunter working with the Star Guardians to apprehend a group of smugglers/slavers. These smugglers kidnapped a group of American women to sell to other alien groups. Among the kidnapped is Juanita. She loves anything sci-fi and is an aspiring author. When rescue comes, she views this as a great adventure.
Nice mix of adventure, action, romance. The overall arc of the story (they are still in space and are en route to the Star Guardians homeworld where the fate of kidnapped women will be decided) will continue in book 2, but with different main characters. Ends in a HFN.

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Review: Pageboy

Pageboy by Elliot Page
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Elliot Page (Juno! X-Men!). He has been through a lot in his short life. This was tough at times, graphic. But in the end, he overcomes. This did have some moments where I got lost a bit; it goes back and forth from childhood to adulthood and back to childhood, etc.
*Might* be helpful reading for some on the anti-trans bandwagon that is happening in pretty much every single state right now. (I do not think this would make a difference for someone like MJG for example. I think a target could be those moderates (if any exist in this political climate).

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Review: While You Were Dreaming

While You Were Dreaming by Alisha Rai
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sonia loves cosplay and creating looks/costumes. She has a huge crush on James, a popular boy in her Junior high school class. She also doesn't like calling attention to herself; her mother was deported and her sister is undocumented (Sonia is lucky; she was born here in the US). Her mother and sister came over on medical visas and stayed (Sonia & Kareena father died and his family cut them off). She risks attention when she rescues James and is caught on video. Her costumed self goes viral, but no one publicly names her.
I really liked this book. Sonia's fear is real and she misses her mother every day. She constantly worried that something would happen and Kareena would get deported. She lives this fear every single day. Despite this, she tries to be an average American teenager.
Things happen and she gradually comes out of her shell and gains confidence to speak up when she is disrespected. She also finds a community; people who love her for who she is and offer help, support, and to just be there. Strong secondary characters too.
All. The. Feels!
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Review: Renegade Love: An Alien Bounty Hunter Romance

Renegade Love: An Alien Bounty Hunter Romance by Ann Aguirre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We met Toth Krag at the end of the previous book. He is one of many bounty hunters to inherit the name "Toth Krag." The name instills fear. Those he goes after know that he wins. Always. Until the events of book 2. To please the guild, he goes after Yara Duncan for a debt to a large collective. Except things don't go as planned.
Yara was kidnapped from Earth. It appears aliens have an appetite for cattle and will periodically come and steal some. She was caught in this last group while stargazing. She's been able to adapt to survive and her latest gig is as a circus attraction. The circus owners apparently have taken out a loan in Yara's name and defaulted. So, now the collective wants Yara alive so they can sell her for parts.
Yara and Toth talk. Toth is really Oren and was sold by his family to the mercenary guild as a child where his debt grew and grew with training, gear, etc. He's tired and wants out, but how? Yara wants to pay off the loan because she feels she owes the circus company for taking her in (very nice of her), but how?
They agree they need help and want to form a group to do a big heist to get enough to pay off debt. She reunited with her mom, who disappeared when she was a child. It turns out her mom was also abducted by aliens and has been making her way through the galaxy ever since. Nice group of individuals; different alien beings, and AIs.
This was fun. The romance was a bit fast, but considering the situation, it felt believable.
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Review: The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party Is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy

The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party Is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy by Stuart Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stuart Stevens was a GOP consultant. This was depressing, but necessary to read. While I was aware of the many issues/problems addressed in this book, it was important to hear it from someone "on the other side of the aisle." I also liked how it was presented; with background and what the concern is now.
Anyone who doesn't vote at this point, assuming they vote for no one (because they think Biden hasn't done enough at the border and/or Gaza; and yes they are right, but....) needs to suck it up and vote. Those in the middle and on the left need to start thinking long term, but short term. Look at what the GOP has been able to do playing the long game- they overturned Roe vs Wade, stacked the Supreme Court (and the other judicial appointments), etc. Compromise isn't a bad word.
Regardless, Nov 2024 is going to suck. Either Trump wins (and unless something happens between the time of the writing and the election- he IS the GOP Republican nominee; a party of mostly spineless fuckers who kiss Trump's ass) and we see an unprecedented crack down on people who disagree with him, further eroding of voting rights (ie making it even HARDER to vote), and a trend to autocracy (think Viktor Orban's Hungary or even Putin's Russia). Or Trump loses. Then I would not be surprised to see a repeat of Jan 6, 2021. And these individuals will be more emboldened.
Educate yourself on the issues. Get your news from multiple news sources. (The Guardian, The New York Times, Haaretz, The Washington Post, PBS to name a few). And make your voice heard.

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Review: A Prince on Paper

A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nya is Ledi's cousin (from the first book). Nya's father was caught up in shenanigans that lead to his imprisonment for poisoning Ledi (and Nya, her grandparents). Her father isolated her and due to the poisoning, she was frequently sick. She was able to go to NYC and further her education after her father's imprisonment. She was able to spread her wings and began building her confidence.
Johan's stepfather is a king and his 1/2 brother is heir to the throne. He loves his brother and does what he can to protect him. That means playing the playboy and doing stupid shit to keep the attention on him. Johan secretly admired Nya and she him.
They both spend time together while attending Ledi and Thabiso's wedding. Things happen (and they could be interpreted differently depending on context). They end up being fake engaged. This helps Nya since she has a crush on Johan and needs to figure out her next step in life. This helps Johan since he has a crush on Nya and he needs to figure out what is going on with his brother & put out good press since his country is having a referendum to abolish the monarchy.
I thought they both complimented each other well. They do talk and each has baggage from the past. Johan realizes he needs to make the next step. I liked the epilogue, it's mentioned they are in therapy to be able to deal/cope with past events and better communicate. Excellent series!

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Review: With Any Luck

With Any Luck by Ashley Poston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5*

Audrey has an interesting ability.  She and her family have luck.  It's described as "small" luck- like hitting all green lights, finding the only parking spot.  She also finds out she helps other people find their 'person."  Kiss me and you will find "the one" the next day.  It is both neat and sad, since Audrey wants a partner too.

Audrey's BFF is the groom.  She is the best woman.  Told in past to present, past to present, you get a sense of what happened and a good feel for the characters.  Theo is the bride's BFF and the man of honor.  The groom is missing and Audrey and Theo need to figure out what happened.  I liked this, but wanted a bit more at the end.  

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Review: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a fun forced proximity short story.
Daisy loves her local bakery and the awesome goodies they have. The problem is the baker, Harris. He always has a sneer on his face when Daisy stops in. She feels he hates her. But does he?
After an earthquake, Daisy and Harris are trapped together. They get a chance to talk (and eat!). Harris apparently has RBF (resting bitch face). This was a bit faster paced (in regards to the romance).

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Review: Rosie and the Dreamboat

Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Different- Rosie is treating her sister Bree to a day at the spa to celebrate Bree's promotion at work.  Rosie is a bit unconfident.  She compares herself to her sister (who seems to have it all).  Rosie works in retail, Bree is a lawyer.  Rosie is clumsy, Bree is graceful (you get the picture).  

So, following this pattern, it is Rosie who gets stuck in the spa's new "pod."  She is rescued by a firefighter, Leo.  While stuck, they banter back and forth for a couple of hours.  

This was nice, but would have worked better had there been an epilogue (IMO).  

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Review: Tempest Rising

Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting concept; Jane is 1/2 human (dad) and 1/2 selkie (mom). Her mom appeared (and disappeared) during a stormy night. Jane was 6 when her mom disappeared. At the start of this book, Jane is 26 and has no idea what she is. She is also dealing with trauma from her past; her mother's disappearance, the death of her high school boyfriend that she blames herself for, and the judgmental small town that she lives in. Jane loves to swim in the ocean; no matter the time of year. She swims. Cold doesn't affect her.
I feel like I should have liked this more than I did. It's a good mix of supernatural creatures (you have goblins, gnomes, kelpies, vampires, etc). But I hated the town. I was indifferent to Jane. I wish Jane had been motivated to leave her shitty, judgemental town. Her dad was too dependent on Jane. I get he had heart issues. Issues that kept him from holding down a job, but he could still leave the home to hang with his friends. She did the cooking, cleaning. She even served him his food while he sat at the table. He was a grown ass man.
An average read, no desire to find out what happens next.

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Review: Worst Wingman Ever

Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holly is a hospice nurse caring for her grandmother. She had a bad breakup and was surprised to find a V-Day card on her car. Whoops, not for her. John had mistaken her car for his brother's girlfriend. This begins a series of random acts of kindness and they do eventually meet up. Ends in a HFN.

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Review: Outofshapeworthlessloser: A Memoir of Figure Skating, F*cking Up, and Figuring It Out

Outofshapeworthlessloser: A Memoir of Figure Skating, F*cking Up, and Figuring It Out by Gracie Gold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a figure skating fan and a fan of Gracie's when she was competing.  I had absolutely no idea of what she was going through in her personal life.  This is her story and she is very open about everything.  She talked about everything from disordered eating, depression, sexual assault, performance enhancing drugs, you name it, she talks about it.  I think her criticisms of figure skating are accurate too.  Recommended.  
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Review: The Exception to the Rule

The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this! Callum ("C") accidentally emails Terra ("T") on Valentine's Day (he meant to email a teacher). She replies and they send emails to each other on Valentine's Day for the next 10 years. They didn't share personal details due to their ages at the time (14 and 16). I liked their banter back and forth and liked their accidental real-life meeting later before identities were fully revealed. Enjoyed this!

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Review: Deceptions

Deceptions by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Picks up where book 2 left off. The situation with James (Olivia's ex) worsens- he is stalking her and attempting to get her "deprogrammed." I will say James is no longer a problem. Olivia continues to have visions and this leads to her finding out what really happened in regards to her parents. Gabriel comes to the revelation that he loves Olivia and wants more, but fear of rejection and change keeps him quiet. And the fact that her relationship with Ricky is going so well. Ricky is empathetic, kind, loyal, and open to possibilities. Olivia, Gabriel, and Ricky work well together.
However, you now know this is a love triangle. So, apparently there is an old fae story of Gwynn (Tylwyth Teg- the light fae), Arawn (Cwn Annwn- the Huntsman, dark fae), and Matilda (of both fae bloodlines). This threesome grew up together and Gwynn falls in love with Matilda. He grew jealous of her friendship with Arawn and forced her to choose. As a result, she died and they both lost her. Through the generations there are 3 children born that represent aspects of these individuals. It's implied that should Matilda chose neither, both sides die and if she chooses one over the other, the side she chose lives while the other does not. So the fae have a personal stack in this too. While I think that adds to the urgency of the situation, I also don't like the (inadvertent) power one individual has over a whole group.

(view spoiler)[And you guessed correctly that Olivia is Matilda, Gabriel is Gwynn, and Ricky is Arawn. Olivia discovers through her visions, her mother is guilty of murdering 4 of the 6 her parents were accused of. Todd is innocent. The Cwn Annwn (Huntsman) gave Pamela the direction to murder those couples and Olivia's spina bifida would be cured. The first couple murdered was killed by a different couple and they were Pamela's first victims. Pamela also conspired with Tristan to hurt James and frame Gabriel. (hide spoiler)]

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Review: Come Away with Me

Come Away with Me by Rachel Lacey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Piper has always had anxiety, but experiences an exacerbation after she witnesses something traumatic with taking the subway. In therapy and taking steps to reclaim her life, she meets Chloe at a neighborhood bar (characters from book 1). Chloe is a flight attendant. They hit it off and had an amazing evening. Except, Chloe doesn't know who Piper is (she's wearing a wig and doesn't share her real name). Chloe does give her her number.
They meet again about a week later on a flight that Chloe is working on. They end up spending the weekend together and after that a long distance relationship (Piper is an actress based in NYC and Chloe is a former flight attendant turned home owner and waitress- but wants to do interior design in NC) . I did like that Piper and Chloe talk about their issues, there is no big misunderstanding in this. Chloe has her own trauma to deal with; her twin sister was killed in a car accident leaving behind a daughter their parents now raise.

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Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead

Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this one, Charley furthers her relationship with her sister Gemma, while her relationship with her father deteriorates. She handles a missing person case; the missing spouse is the wife of a prominent doctor whose first wife died under strange circumstances. There is also a history of a threat he made involving the college girlfriend. And then there is Reyes. Charley's relationship with Reyes is all consuming and she can't focus when he is around. When she sleeps, he also visits her in her dreams. As a result, she exists on coffee to stay awake.
The things I thought were cute, funny, Charley's personality traits, or things I was just indifferent to in the first couple of books, I found annoying in this one. I got so pissed when she started to fall asleep while driving and joked that "car horns should be illegal." The snark, the humor is all here. Her abilities are still interesting and she can do more (but I don't know what "more" means); she is learning. I do like her less now.
I think my issue also stems with Reyes. He is a character that has done nice and shitty things. I'm not sure how I feel about him. I find that while I don't particularly like him, I don't dislike him either.
Things come to like regarding his "father" who may still be alive and Reyes may be getting out of prison (officially).
I find myself not exactly enthusiastic about the two main characters. I might read one more to see if my feelings change. I do like the secondary characters; Cookie, Uncle Bob, Gemma, Garrett, possibly Sister Mary Elizabeth & Donovan from the motorcycle club.

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Review: When I Was Your Age: Life Lessons, Funny Stories & Questionable Parenting Advice from a Professional Clown

When I Was Your Age: Life Lessons, Funny Stories & Questionable Parenting Advice from a Professional Clown by Kenan Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kenan Thompson is a joy on SNL and one of my favorite cast members. This was so enjoyable and I liked hearing about things for his perspective. He talks about everything; growing up and growing up as a Black kid, racism as a child and adult, his daughters, and all that he has accomplished. He is very relatable.

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Review: Lady Be Good

Lady Be Good by Meredith Duran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lilah (Lily) is an ex-thief who grew up in Whitechapel. She and her sister had dreams of getting out of the life. When Fiona dies, Lily decides to do something. She learns how to speak differently and took a typing class. She now works as a hostess at an auction house. Her uncle, Nick, asks for one more favor. He needs her to steal some letters.
Christian is a viscount and veteran. He is also a war hero and has a poem about his exploits. He and his family are also under threat from the ex-Russian general who gave him his facial scar. This evil dude was most likely behind his older brother's murder.
Lilah (Lily) and Christian meet when he finds her taking some letters from the owner of the auction house. In order to keep it a secret and to get the letter back, she is enlisted to help Catherine (who is the rightful owner of the auction house- more in the next book about that) appraise and sell one of Christian's estates.
I really, really liked Lilah. She did what she could to survive and change her life. She and Christian have some fun and interesting interactions and gradually it turns into more. I also liked the (gradual) friendship between Catherine and Lilah. I look forward to Catherine's story next (and Lilah/Lily's Uncle Nick).
Props tp Lilah and Catherine for saving themselves.

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Review: Talking Dirty with the CEO

Talking Dirty with the CEO by Jackie Ashenden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christie is a tech journalist and more comfortable online whether it's chatting, gaming, instead of in real life. Crowds make her nervous. She's assigned a dating article and so takes a chance to ask a guy out whom she was sending flirty, sexy chats with.
Joseph is the head of his own tech company. He's doing well for himself. He also has ADHD and at times gets obsessed with certain things and is forgetful of others. He also has to be doing something.
Anyway, they met and sparks flew. They have a memorable one night stand. Later, they meet again at a product launch. They hadn't shared names, so Christie is surprised to see the guy she can't stop thinking about is none other than Joseph Aston, the CEO.
Two nights become three, etc. It was nice that two geeky people "get" each other and fall for the other just as they are. Joseph gives Christie the courage to stand up to her non-supportive and be-littleing family. Christie helps Joseph realize that he is worthy of a relationship.
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Review: Bad Feminist

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enjoyed the different viewpoints on feminism. This is a series of essays on various topics about multiple subjects (from things like scrabble, to her sexual assault and violence). Loved her take down of 50 Shades! Hilarious!

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Review: The Naked Duke

The Naked Duke by Sally MacKenzie
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Oh my. This was going to be a solid 3* read, but then that happened.
Anyway, Sarah travels to England after her father dies, because that is what he wanted. He was the younger son of an Earl. So when she arrives and is offered a bed after not being able to sleep in a bed due to her traveling, she takes it. Unbeknownst to her, Robbie believes she is a prostitute and is setting her up with James, a duke. When James goes up to bed, he finds her sound asleep and unable to wake her, he decides to just sleep there too. Of course when the morning comes, James' relatives find them together. Robbie is now the earl and is Sarah's cousin and is good friends with James. James offers Sarah a place to stay as a companion to his sister Lizzie and his fiance. However, Sarah is unsure if she really wants to marry him. Oh, and his cousin Richard is trying to kill him so he can be the duke.
James was a fantastic hero; he's a sweetheart, romantic, and responsible. He knows he needs a wife and he and Sarah get along, so why not? I thought their love story was sweet. My complaint is at the end. I really do not think that was necessary nor was Sarah given any time to process things before James' magical penis cured all.

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Review: MTG

MTG by Marjorie Taylor Greene
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Why? On a personal note, I have far right, Trump-loving, QAnon believing family members and I have to admit they confuse me. I checked this out from my library in the hopes that I would gain some insight into their way of thinking, better understand them, or something. I also find things as they stand sad. Depressing. Scary. Any number of negative emotions.
Full disclosure: Before picking this up, I thought MTG was a horrible person. After reading this? I still think that. I would also add she's a bully.
There are so many lies and falsehoods in this. Some are worse than others, but so. Many. Lies. It is astounding that anything can happen and my take-away can be 180 degrees different from others.

Jan 6, 2021: "I was terrified, thinking that the same people we saw on TV night after night attacking police offices had just breached the Capital." "The people who just walked through open doors are now being prosecuted...." Me: Um? What? People stormed the Capital intent (many with violent intentions) on overturning an election and that is what? Just fine?

Abortion: "The Democratic Party seems intent on destroying women's rights and killing unborn children up to the day of birth...." Me: Abortions are rare later in pregnancy and are usually done because the fetus has an abnormality incompatible with life/the mother's health is in jeopardy/because something couldn't be done earlier due to any combination of access/funding/etc. There are good reasons why it does occur later, but it's never done just because. These are decisions, deliberate decisions women make because it is right for them and their current existing families. Don't agree with abortion? That's fine. Don't have one. It could not be more simple than that. Don't. Have. One.

Transgender people: "The fact is there are plenty of girls and women already getting hurt while facing off against biological men." She goes on a rant and states other things about trans women that don't have sources listed and are things I haven't seen reported in the media. Me: Huh?

Trump's support of the military: "I'll never forget how he greeted the planes and coffins of America's sons and daughters when they came home. I understand that he greeted nearly every deceased service member when they returned home. Me: A quick google search on this will show that he did this 4 times and then stopped after he was criticized by a service member's family. Mike Pence did this for 2 years. Trump did not. Pence did.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine: "...but I don't see evidence of a continuing threat to Europe or Nato." Me: tell that to Sweden, Finland, Moldova, and Georgia. MTG seems to think it's because Russian was a primary language many Ukrainians used, they must want to join Russia.

Climate change: Natural disasters are more costly not because of climate change making storms more severe/etc, but because of inflation.

The 2022 election: "If the sentiment against the radical left were all it took, we would have had our red wave..." Me: people voting = bad. Making it easier to vote, whether it is mail-in voting, extending voting hours, etc = bad. Never mind the fact that Democrats have won the popular vote in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. And winning the popular vote in 2000 and 2016 didn't win the presidency. So, gerrymandering = good. Voting restrictions = good.

I do think there are divides in this country. How bad they are varies on location. We also have to be able to TALK to each other without getting into screaming matches and we have to be able to compromise. You can't always get what you want, it can't be "my way or the highway." And at the end of the day FACTS should matter. They do matter.

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Review: Leslie F*cking Jones

Leslie F*cking Jones by Leslie Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of my favorite comedians. SNL is not quite the same within her. I enjoyed this look at her childhood to adulthood and all the struggles, learning that occurs during the time. I admire her for being vulnerable and admitting to things she did that were shitty and the things that she's proud of.
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Review: It Takes Two

It Takes Two by Jenny Holiday
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wendy is Jane's best friend (Jane's story was book 1). Wendy has been in love with jane's brother Noah since she was a teenager. When he stood her up for prom (he took an extra work shift), she was deeply hurt and since then found ways to avoid him (by always being somewhere else, she was running). That all changes with Jane's wedding. Wendy is the maid of honor and Noah is a groomsmen.
I liked their chemistry. I enjoyed seeing where Jane and Cameron were in their relationship. Both Wendy and Noah come to revelations in this and they finally talk. I did think the ending was rushed and think an epilogue would have been nice. Gia's story is next.
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Review: First Comes Like

First Comes Like by Alisha Rai
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jia is a 29 year old beauty social media influencer. She lives with Katrina and Rhiannon. Dev is a Bollywood star who comes to the US for a fresh start after his brother dies and he becomes his niece's guardian. Unbeknownst to Dev, his brother (before he died) and cousin (after the brother's death) had been using his social media accounts to talk to Jia. So when Jia goes to a cast party to meet Dev, Dev has no idea who she is. But, he is taken with her and is curious about her. Later a photo comes out of them together, they decide to fake a relationship to appease Jia's family.
I enjoy the fake relationship trope. I liked that Jia was Muslim and there were many examples of that in this book (she prays in the AM, certain phrases). Dev's character is also fairly conservative. As a result, this book is much cleaner than previous AR books. The romance is a bit of a slower burn and they are more careful when they are together (minimal kissing, hugs, touching in general). I enjoyed Jia's closeness with both her biological and chosen families.
I did appreciate that this was written during Covid and both Jia and one of her sisters both got sick with the sister dealing with long Covid. Time will tell, but that may really date the book.
For Romanceopoly: "The Bar: Read a book where one of the main characters has a strong group of friends."
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