Review: Detained: A Boy’s Journal of Survival and Resilience

Detained: A Boy’s Journal of Survival and Resilience by D. Esperanza
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When "D" was 13 he lost his grandmother and uncle who were his primary caregivers.  He parents were living and working in the US.  After a bit, he decides to travel north to join his parents.  Some of his cousins also go with him.  

This book is split into 2 parts.  The first part details his relatives deaths and the struggles to live both before and after.  Children leave school after 5th, 6th grade (and earlier/later) to work because their families need the income.  People getting into the cross-hairs of local gangs and being scared to leave the house.  His journey north is also detailed.  Being chased by men, jumping into moving trains, being hungry all the time, tired all the time.  Stressed.  Scared.  All.  The.  Time.  His (and his cousins) journey was harrowing, scary.  They saw the best and worst of humanity.

The 2nd part details his time in US detention.  During Trump's first term, children (often unaccompanied) in detention got a lot of press and criticism.  Then it got buried as things do when other things happened and took over the headlines.  Trump lost and now, 4 years laters, he is back.  And if I thought things were aweful then, they are hell now based on what I've read.  But, back to this.    

US immigration detention (and I think this is the case for adults too) is built to dehumanize you.  Children were frequently moved around to keep them off balance, keep them from forming relationships with other children who were also in detention, and to hide them.  They were lied to time and time again (really, we are trying to reunite with parents/relatives).  These were children and were treated like a criminal.  Every.  Single.  Day.  Food that makes you sick.  Food that is limited (no you make NOT have another box of cereal!).  Kids are discouraged from talking, touching (no hugs, no high-fives), and when one leaves it's at night.  No goodbye.  

This is a necessary story right now from someone who lived it.  Luckily, "D" kept a diary during this time.  And he is sharing his story now.  His experience is likely only the tip of the iceberg.  Be prepared to be frustrated, angry.  And also hopeful, because "D" is here.  And speaking out.  

It's also notable that D and is cousins were able (and they had many close calls) to make it to the border together.  It was the US government that separated them.  

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Review: Tough Guy

Tough Guy by Rachel Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ryan has been traded just about every season and hasn't been able to put down roots/make friends.  Recently traded to Toronto, he opts for a place in the predominantly gay district in the hopes of finding community.  Ryan also deals with anxiety and has learned/is learning ways to cope.

Fabian is a musician.  The middle child and only boy, he felt like he was a disappointment to his hockey-loving parents.  He hates hockey and they hosted a young hockey player each year.  when he was 17, they hosted Ryan.  Ryan who was nice and a little bit different.

I enjoyed this opposites attract romance.  Both characters are relatable and likable.  This does deal with some more serious issues; mental health, bullying.  I thought it was handled well.  

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Review: In the Weeds

In the Weeds by B.K. Borison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

We meet Evelyn St James (Evie) and Beckett in book 1.  Evie was the influencer who ran the contest that Stella entered, Beckett is in charge of Lovelight farms.  They had had a one night stand at an event a few months before the events of book 1.  

Evie is burnt out and needs a break.  She finds herself back at Lovelight.  One of the last places she was happy.  And at Beckett's home because there was nowhere else to stay.  Beckett is happy (and confused) she is back.  Beckett who is both a bit grumpy and compassionate when it comes to animals.

I thought this book was very slow.  It took a bit to get going and then not much happened.  Thankfully we get appearances from Stella, Luka, Layla, the cats, Beckett's siblings/family, the town.  The side characters saved this book.  Evelyn and Beckett do figure things out, but lots of miscommunication.  Annoying.  

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Review: Chili Cauldron Curse

Chili Cauldron Curse by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mia took some time off work to help her grandmother out. She works in a restaurant with her long term boyfriend. She's now responsible for sorting all the food and coming up with a rotation system so foods don't spoil. She also comes across a dead body. Said dead body also happens to be the guy her grandmother just started to date.
Magic Springs is a small town where (mostly) everyone knows each other's business. I had a hard time getting into this one an

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Review: She'll Steal Your Heart

She'll Steal Your Heart by Rachel Lacey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mia quit her job as a high powered lawyer after getting an ulcer and going through a divorce. She now runs a cat cafe. Lauren is back in NYC to make amends for something she did a year ago. Both connect as part of a fandom for a TV show (whose lead was the subject of a previous book in this series). Lauren writes fanfic and dreams of being an author.
Lauren had a good redemption arc (it had been long enough since I read the first book, I didn't remember her, but there is enough here that did not matter). Both Mia and Lauren are likable and work very well together. I appreciated that there was very little drama/angst. Excellent end to this series.

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Review: Sexy/Dangerous: A Sizzling Romantic Suspense Novel Where Passion Is the Deadliest Weapon

Sexy/Dangerous: A Sizzling Romantic Suspense Novel Where Passion Is the Deadliest Weapon by Beverly Jenkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 *

I think I definitely prefer her historicals.

Dr Adam Gray is developing a type of battery that could greatly change the game when it comes to fossil fuels.  The problem?  Everyone (governments, private companies/groups) want it.  Someone even tried to kidnap Adam.  

Enter Max (Maxine) Blake.  She is kick-ass.  Ex military and police, she is all things security.  Her team also includes her dogs, Ossie and Ruby.  Together they kick ass and take names.

I liked the characters.  My main issue was the first third or so of the book.  It was slow.  Yes, I know Max was getting the lay of the land and they were getting to know each other, but it was still very slow (for me).  It does pick up (thankfully).  We do learn why Adam doesn't like dogs (he has a really good reason), and I liked his gradual warming to Ossie and Ruby.  

Nice ending!

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Review: The Price of Honey

The Price of Honey by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So this one was interesting; given the length, I wasn't sure what to expect.
Honey is wife #4 to Barney. Barney happened to be a tech billionaire and in flashbacks we learn (shocker) he was an asshole. This starts out with Honey going to his funeral (he had a heart attack) and sitting with his ex-wives; Rita, Meredith, and Svetlana. Shocker; he cheated on all of them.
This takes place in the future; there are automated cars and AI is a big part of everyone's life. But, death still happens and did Barney find a way to cheat it? I appreciated the end. It was kinda good!

Spoiler

more spoiler space

Barney's consciousness takes over the body of a much younger and attractive man. Only said man is wanted for for murder. The asshole gets arrested. And maybe his long-time (taken for granted and belittled) secretary executed a takeover.

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