Review: Save a Horse, Keep the Cowboy

Save a Horse, Keep the Cowboy by Jessica Peterson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Josie left her small town to pursue a music career.  She is now a successful artist and is back home to officiate her brother and best friend's wedding.  Weston was Josie's first love and chose his family's ranch over her (they were to go to Nashville together).  He has 2 brothers that work the ranch and lots of hired hands, so ranch it is, gotta support my family.  (I would have been more understanding if he was an only child or the family was in danger of losing their home)

2nd chance aren't my favorite and I didn't care for this one.  I couldn't get into the romance and thought Josie was an idiot.  Sure, he loves her now that she's got money.  A song (yes, one song) does not a proper grovel make.  This may have better if it had been a little longer.  

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Review: Role Model

Role Model by Rachel Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is Troy's story (he was Dallas Kent's friend from the previous books, with hints in the last book that he may really not be a bad person at heart).  Troy gets traded to Ottawa, the worst team in the league, after he calls out Dallas over sexual assault allegations.  The league, of course, took Dallas's side.  Needless the say, their friendship (thank the goddess) is DEAD.  And to add another shitty thing, his boyfriend of 2 years broke up with him (and is now out and engaged).

Harris is the team's social media manager.  He is loved by everyone on the team.  He's out, proud, and usually always quick to laugh/have a smile on his face.  He is super close to his family (they have an apple orchard) and they love him just as he is.

Troy is a bit of an asshole at the beginning this is.  I do understand why he was unhappy, but it sucked that he took it out on the people around him.  Eventually he does thaw and Harris provides a person he can confide in and share some history (shocker, Troy's dad is an asshole).  Ilya is also a supportive person and he is one of the first people that Troy comes out to.  We get to see characters from the previous books; Scott, Kip, Ilya, Shane, Ryan, Fabian, Eric, and Kyle all make appearances.  Shane is a blink and miss, Ilya has much more.    

Does cover homophobia, sexaul assault.

Smart Bitches Summer Bingo:  Animal on cover 

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Review: S'more of You

S'more of You by Tessa Bailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Margot and Dean have known each other for the last 8 years having started out spending their summers at camp as campers at 13 to now counselors. Margot has had a crush on Dean for 8 years and this the the year she does something about it. The only problem? He doesn't believe her. Apparently she liked to prank him.
Short, summer themed. Nicely paced and this works because of their shared history. Told in alternating points of view, we knew where each character's minds were. I think that one of the main characters being a virgin was a bit tired (not a big fan of this trope; especially in comtempary romances).

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Review: Heads Will Roll

Heads Will Roll by Kate McKinnon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laugh out loud funny, rauchy, cliche jokes. The perfect distraction to "America 250." Haven't been in the mood to celebrate.

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Review: Mistresses with Jameela Jamil & Dr Kate Lister

Mistresses with Jameela Jamil & Dr Kate Lister by Jameela Jamil
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fantastic, fun, feminist.  That's this audiobook in 3 words.  

Dr Kate Lister and Jameela Jamil detail 6 women ("sidepieces" one of their words) who were lost to history/had their stories reported on/told by men.  Yes, women can be shitty too.  But also naunced; sometimes one has to do extradinaory things just to survive.  Particularly when one doesn't have the same rights as a man.  

Learning can be entertaining!

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Review: I Think I'm in Love with an Alien

I Think I'm in Love with an Alien by Ann Aguirre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 * rounded up

Jen (Jennette or Jeneticist in the group chat) is a sci-fi geek.  She's also misunderstood and has difficulty making friends.  She's also a bit stuck, she not in a job she loves (adjunct professor at the community college- astronomy), but is pays the bills.  She's meet 5 others online and they are all online friends with plans to meet in-person at a sci-fi con.  

She has a crush on Seeker (Tam, Tamzir) a member of the group.  He also has a crush on her.  When they meet for real, they have a real connection.  As they get closer, Tam has a secret.  Does he tell her?

I enjoyed the other characters as well, Jaz, Poppy, Ravik, and Tad.  In addition the Seeker, 2 other are aliens too!  The alternating POV are helpful getting in Jen and Tam's headspace.  The group chats interspersed throughout give an idea how close this group has gotten.  

My only issues (I have 2) are the alien hunters at the con and later at Rivak's home.  They are thrown in for a suspense element, but nothing happens.  Who are they? What do they want?  Are the independent citizens?  Do they work for someone?  Who knows!   

And an epilogue would have been nice.  The ending is a bit abrupt IMO.  One of the secondary characters makes a big decision at the end which would/should effect the group dynamic.  As a result of the decision, Jen and Tam decide to move.  It's just so abrupt.  There is no follow-up.

Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo:  secret identity square.  

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Review: Rocky Start

Rocky Start by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Avery and Malik both work for A-List Security.  Both are vets.  Malik is settled, knows who he is, and is open to exploring new things, foods, people, his sexuality.  Avery is less sure of himself and has a complicated relationship with his family who have beliefs about masculinity.  Avery has always been the smaller one in his family.  (His dad is a retired football star).  

I thought both took their time and complimented each other well.  This has one of my favorite tropes (forced proximity) which really helped further their relationship.  

For Smart Bitches Summer Bingo:  either the tattoo square or latest in series (I will decide later).  

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