Review: Nice Girls Don't Win: How I Burned It All Down to Claim My Power

Nice Girls Don't Win: How I Burned It All Down to Claim My Power by Parvati Shallow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the "Black Widow" when she was on Survivor. And later The Traitors. Not to say she did things perfectly, she had some moments. I did think she (mostly successfully) played into expectations and came out on top.
Her story is a good reminder that no matter what, other people will judge you and judge harshly. And no matter what the public persona is, there are things going on privately that we do not know. One who presents as super confident, but may not be privately.

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Review: Space Vampire

Space Vampire by Ruby Dixon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dana is a human and was the "pet" of an alien. She is left behind when her captors evacuate their space station. Apparently a monster might be loose. Meet Vlad, a lab created vampire and held captive. Together, they come up with a plan to escape their captivity.
It's a bit insta-love. I found I didn't mind that much. Minimal world building (like how Dana came to be kidnapped/captive for example- or if it said, I don't remember). I was pleasantly surprised.

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Review: Beautiful Nightmare

Beautiful Nightmare by Katee Robert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Gemma is supposed to feed on fear as a paralysis sleep demon. She's tried numerous jobs and this is her last chance before she gets sent elsewhere. When she tries to scare Caleb, he is turned on (she's a pink, horned monster).
Beware of the weirdness and insta-lust. It turns out Gemma is just in the wrong place; she feeds on good emotions and not fear. I was surprisingly entertained.

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Review: My Boyfriends Are All Monsters

My Boyfriends Are All Monsters by Kimberly Lemming
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2.5*
This author's other stuff is better.
Lucy is hiking with her boyfriend (and his "friend") when she gets injured. They leave her behind. She makes a wish (for a decent man). Enter multiple helpful creatures that help her. Maybe they are the same individual.
I liked the back and forth texting with her friends. She's got good friends. And, um, the tentacle sex was interesting.

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Review: Saddle Up

Saddle Up by A.M. Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I've been looking forward to Miles and Reyes'story. Reyes is now head cowboy and the Bentley Ghost Town is now open. Miles is the head chef at the saloon and is starting over from his abusive relationship with Dallas. He and Reyes are now roommates.
This was slower, a friends to lovers story. We learned more about Miles's relationship with Dallas. We also learn about the Bad Thing that Reyes did when he was 16. I really liked Reyes' protectiveness towards Miles. At the same time, Miles is about to handle himself. They each had a give and take; with Reyes having a harder time with the "taking." I did think the ending was a bit rushed with Reyes reveal of the Thing.

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Review: How the World Ran Out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain

How the World Ran Out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain by Peter S. Goodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The supply chain is dependent on so many individuals. Individuals who are mostly low-wage and are treated as disposable "costs to be contained." The lack of regulations to protect those workers also plays a role.
A lot goes into trucking; truckers only get paid for the number of miles they drive. However there is much more that goes into it. They have to pick up their rig (which may have a wait time- unpaid), they have to have the rig loaded & many times there may be a wait for that (again unpaid time), and when on the road they have to plan for stops, especially at night to park and sleep. Then there is the time away from family.
Very interesting.

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Review: Spicy Little Curses

Spicy Little Curses by J.T. Geissinger
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Petra is a reporter and Dax can ink tattoos that can almost come alive. This just had too many things going on for a novella. Too many loose ends and questions at the end.

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