Review: Summer Thaw

Summer Thaw by Rebecca Jenshak
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Colin has a thing for Hattie. But, I don't know, rather then treat her like you want to be treated, let's be an asshole instead. It's gotten to the point that Hattie thinks he hates her. Anyway, college hockey stars, away on a summer skills camp. They are forced to spend time together. The end.

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Review: Beauty and the Bounty Hunter

Beauty and the Bounty Hunter by Lori Austin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book is a good example of a good start and then once you learn more about the characters (in this case, just 1 of them), you realize the book ain't it.

Cat (Cathleen) was attacked and raped, her husband was murdered.  This leads to a transformation to get vengeance.  When the reader meets her, she is a bounty hunter.  And an effective one.  She gets who she goes after.  

Alexi, a conman who taught her what she knows, comes back into her life.  Apparently she's attracted too much attention and there are elements who want her eliminated.  He could have just told her that, but no, he leads her on a chase to find him.  

My issue wasn't with Cat, for the most part I liked her.  Alexi was the one I had issues with.  I didn't feel like they communicated well and had multiple issue related to this throughout the book.  

This book had a lot on common with some of the "old skool" romances of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s.  We don't learn this until the end of the book, but Alexi know what happened to Cat.  And in order to "fix her" he demanded sex as payment for teaching her the art of the con.  I already didn't like him, but that was the final nail on his coffin.  

Smart Bitches Summer Bingo:  Historical, not a regency

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Review: Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump

Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump by Maggie Haberman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will be honest; I am a political junkie and this didn't have anything that I didn't already know about.  However, because there is ALWAYS BAD SHIT happening, the other BAD SHIT gets pushed way in the back of my brain.  I had many moments while reading this, "oh yeah, I remember that."  

This is a good summary of all the bullshit that has happened (and CONTINUES to happen) since the Racist Sexist Orange Asshole won the election in 2024.  If you aren't already, why aren't you pissed off?  Well, if one isn't angry, depressed, frustrated, sad, or any other negative emotion, that would mean one is MAGA and doesn't have a soul.  Or know someone who is an immigrant, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or have empathy for your fellow humans, care about the environment/global warming, oh my this list could go on and on.  I really have trouble believing in karma.  

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Review: You With the Sad Eyes

You With the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Huge fan of Christina Applegate.  I grew up with her as one of my teenage idols (Married With Children and Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead are some of my favorites).  I remember when she announced her MS diagnosis.  She's got an amazing sense of humor (it's a bit dark).  She isn't afraid to be honest.  She hasn't had a perfect life and has dealt with her share of abuse, domestic violence, body dysmorphia, and general shittiness that life can be.  And through it all, she is her humorous self.  I think I admire her even more now.

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Review: Heartstopper #6: A Graphic Novel

Heartstopper #6: A Graphic Novel by Alice Oseman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The last book. Looking forward to the movie tomorrow!
Anyway, Charlie has come so far in the series. He is fully confident in himself and is a support to other younger students. Nick has also matured and has realized he needs to find/focus on his own interests (instead of always being with Charlie). He is going off to college and this leaves them in a good spot. I can see them broadening their horizons; meeting new people and learning from them. I can also see them together after they are done with their educations.
Smart Bitches Summer Bingo: published in the last 3 months

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Review: Summer Staycation

Summer Staycation by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Beck is neurodivergent and sounds overload her mind. Lucas is a travel reporter. They spend the weekend together. The best so far of this summer themed series, but the ending was abrupt and would have benefited from an spilogue.

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Review: Girls Just Wanna Have Sun

Girls Just Wanna Have Sun by Rachel Lacey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Morgan had her bisexual awakening after a kiss 8 years ago.  She sees Juliet again on a beach trip with friends.  Juliet takes a moment and remembers her.  They spend some time together on the lake; Juliet teachers her how to paddle board.  

Both Morgan and Juliet are mostly opposites (an example is Juliet love the outdoors and everything with it; Morgan isn't).  My low rating comes from a disbelief of seeing them together.  Juliet spends a bit of time annoyed with Morgan.  I couldn't see them together.  I also had trouble believing they couldn't have seen each other in 8 years since (it appeared) they were part of the same friend group.  Color me a bit confused about that one.  

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