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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Review: Bad Deal

Bad Deal by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5*
Ambrose has a hit show with a supportive (and rabid) fan base. His show may be cancelled because of budget cuts (and it's a LGBTQ show). Harley is ex-military turned security guard providing security while the show is filming.
They get close after Harley saves Ambrose from a mugging and Ambrose needing a plus one to his niece's wedding. So some fake dating it is.
This was a bit slow, but picked up. Both Ambrose and Harley are older (40s), so not as much drama as there could have been. I liked the supportive network at the security (A-List) firm; everyone is friends and have each other's ba

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Review: Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So Astrophage, an alien organism, is consuming the sun and stars in our solar system. Earth's sun is dying. It is found out that there is a distant system that appears to be unaffected. A mission; Project Hail Mary, is planned and launched to investigate. Is there a way to save the sun (and Earth)?
Enter Ryland Grace, a teacher, and sole survivor to figure out what is going on. A problem, the sleep state he was in gave him some amnesia and it takes time for him to remember. Multiple people went to great lengths to get Project Hail Mary off the ground (solar farm in the Sahara). And after it was launched too (nuclear weapons to warm the planet to blow up Antarctica).
Ryland meets Rocky, an Eridian whose planet is also dying. He crew mates are also deceased and he is on his own. They team up and overcoming a language and environmental barrier. Their friendship really adds to the story. And yes, they find Taumoeba. This is a game changer.

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Review: Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America

Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America by Robert B. Reich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoy reading Robert Reich's articles in various publications. I had forgotten he was secretary of labor under Clinton (I was a teenager). He wasn't someone I knew much about (other than he was a progressive). There is much to be admired; he was bullies as a child and stood up to bullies as an adult (and continues to do so). This was part memoir and part history lesson from Cold War US to present day.
Programming note: No Kings tomorrow, March Saturday at a city (or town) near you. Be there.

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Review: If the Shoe Fits

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fresh take on the Cinderella story featuring a plus-size heroine.
Cindy has just graduated from design school (Parsons in NYC). She struggled the last year (delayed grief from losing her father suddenly 3 years prior) and has been blocked creatively. So on graduation, she moves in with her step-mom with plans to nanny her triplet 1/2 siblings while she figures out her next step(s). On the way home she has a chance encounter with a guy on the plane that she clicks with. But she doesn't get his number. Nor he hers.
Erica (her step-mom) is a producer for a Bachelor-like show called "After Midnight." She (and her step-sisters Anna and Drew) go on the show. She hopes to find some inspiration and get her name out there in fashion as a fresh shoe designer. And the Bachelor is none other than Henry, the man from the plane.
I liked the behind the scenes of the reality show (I've watched both the Bachelor and Bachelorette). I think the best parts of this was the fact that Erica is a nice step-mother. Anna and Drew are supportive step-sisters. That is not to say they aren't flawed (they are), but they aren't bad like the fairy tale. I also liked how "After Midnight" ended and the actual end of the book. I would have liked an epilogue however (like this is where Cindy 

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Review: Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You! A Little Book of Big Things Nursing School Forgot to Teach You

Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You! A Little Book of Big Things Nursing School Forgot to Teach You by Sonja Schwartzbach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wanted something that was funny and thought, I'm a nurse, let's check this out!

I would recommend this for those new nurses, there is fun, correct advice in this one.  Older nurses will appreciate this too I think.

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Review: My Fault

My Fault by Mercedes Ron
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

You know a book that is so bad, but for some fucked up reason you keep reading it?  That's this book.

This is marketed as a young adult/ new adult, but should only be new adult.  The whole "forbidden romance" (step-siblings) did not work.  They started out as enemies and really should have stayed that way.  

I thought Noah was a bit self-centered and a bit stupid for falling for the walking red flag that was Nick.  

Nick was an utter asshole with absolutely no redeeming qualities.  And please, he is super hot, he one of the best racers, and one of the best fighters.  Whatever.      

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Review: Fight Oligarchy

Fight Oligarchy by Bernie Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I consider myself well versed in politics and keep abreast of the world events/news (from a variety of news sources).  Nothing here is new to me, but this is a shorter book, so maybe someone will be curious and pick this up.  I adore Bernie and loved that red, red Idaho got a shout-out in this book.  Nampa, Idaho was a stop on his and AOC's "Fighting Oligarchy" tour and it was at full capacity (having to turn people away).    

For the record, I consider myself to be a Democratic Socialist with an independent streak.   I do think legislators need to be able to compromise and while we might not get everything that we want, we get something.  The goal being to go back to the table again and get something(s) else (rinse and repeat).  

No one knows how to work together anymore.  And really, I don't like to admit this, but today's GOP is disastrous and are following the orange, demented asshole.  To the detriment of the US, the World, and Democracy.  

No Kings Saturday March 28th.  Be there.  There is something happening close to you.  Show up and participate.  Don't let this authoritarian regime silence you. 

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Review: The Boyfriend Subscription

The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Teddy is dealing with trauma; he is recently divorced (the ex cheated) and his ex father-in-law sued him for ridiculous (and false) reasons (Teddy should have read the fine print/paid more attention though).  Either way, he doesn't have the money to fight and has lost his business "Plant Daddy."  He's got a week left in NYC with his best friend and roommate Kit before moving back home to New Orleans to live with his mom. 

Cole owns his own copy, VERSTL which aims to empower sex workers.  He also has traumas from his childhood (distant parents and feeling like he didn't belong).   He also doesn't think he will fall in love.

I liked the Pretty Woman retelling.  Both characters are likable and grew throughout the book.  Teddy realizes he can rely on his friends.  Cole realizes he is worthy of love.  I enjoyed Teddy's friends, Cole's family.  I thought the issue with Jason wasn't resolved as well as it could have been.  The ending was a bit abrupt, and an epilogue would have been nice (like where they are in 6 months for example).  

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Review: My Dinner with Hayden: A Heated Rivalry Short Story

Details the first "official" meeting between Ilya and Hayden (Shane's best friend and teammate) after Hayden knows they are a couple. As expected there is friction and they need to learn to stop being immature and learn to get along.

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Review: Heated Rivalry

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Opens in 2016 with Shane and Ilya firmly in some type of (secret) relationship where their (real) feelings are still being decided/debated/denied.  I liked that it then goes back in time to when they first meet (Dec 2008) as 18 year olds.  We learn about their secret hook-ups throughout the years as they figure things out.  

This takes place both before, during, and after the first book (Scott and Kip).  It takes the events of the first book with Scott coming out for Shane and Ilya to have their come to Jesus moment and realize a relationship IS possible.  And for Shane to fully accept himself instead of being ashamed/feeling like he is wrong.  

I liked that this showed a different way.  While Scott's was coming out to his team and later the whole world, Shane and Ilya are doing it differently (out to Shane's team and family, close friends only).  The ending is both (IMO) a HFN and HEA.  

I look forward to bingeing the HBO series.  

AND in another note:  here is information to register concern related to the Paramount/Skydance merger with Warner Bros Discovery:

Template Letter:

Dear FTC Commissioners and DOJ Antitrust Division Officials,

I am writing as a concerned citizen and advocate for women’s rights and media diversity to urge you to block the Ellison-Paramount-Warner merger. This merger would create a dangerous monopoly in streaming and content creation, giving Paramount unprecedented control over pricing, distribution, and programming. Consumers will face higher costs and fewer choices, while diverse storytelling risks being sidelined for profit-driven, homogenized content. Additionally, it threatens thousands of jobs, disproportionately affecting women in the industry, and undermines progressive voices on issues like gender equity and reproductive rights.

Compounding these harms is President Trump’s public interference, demanding changes to CNN ahead of the 2026 midterms — a clear abuse of power that endangers press freedom and independent journalism vital to democracy. Under antitrust laws, this deal risks substantially lessening competition and must be thoroughly investigated and blocked to protect consumers, creators, and our free press. Thank you for enforcing these critical safeguards.

 [add in name/address]

How to Submit:

FTC: Use their online antitrust complaint intake form at www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/antitrust-complaint-intake or submit comments on proposed mergers via www.ftc.gov/enforcement/submit-merger-antitrust-comment.

DOJ Antitrust Division: Email antitrust.complaints@usdoj.gov or use their Citizen Complaint Center at https://www.justice.gov/atr/citizen-complaint-center.

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Review: An Unconditional Freedom

An Unconditional Freedom by Alyssa Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We first met Daniel in the first 2 books and this is his story.  Daniel was born free and grew up with Elle (book 1). He was later kidnapped and sold into slavery before he was freed by one of the protagonists of the previous books.  Now his goal is vengeance.

Janeta is the daughter of a plantation owner and slave (even though her father married her mother).  She was told she was "better then" and "different" from the slaves.  She was used to having the best and being waited on.  When the man she was in love with wanted her to help the South, she agreed.  She joined the Loyal League with plans to give information to Henry so he could join the Sons of the Confederacy.

I liked Daniel right off the bat, but Janeta took longer to like.  She was so spoiled and naive.  However, she was always learning and recalibrating her positions.  Both were able to lean on each other.  This was a harder book to read when comparing to events of today (ICE raids, dismantling of any DEI, slavery education in the National Parks, the list goes on and on).  

This whole series has been wonderful!

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Review: Valentine's Slay

Valentine's Slay by Navessa Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma had been Noah's crush since high school. Noah now works as an undertaker, so imagine his surprise when he hears "help" coming from Emma's freshly dug grave. It turns out someone might have tried to murder her.
Fun, short read. I liked them together. Good to have an epilogue considering the length.

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Review: Death to Valentine's Day

Death to Valentine's Day by Catherine Cowles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Maia broke up with her childhood boyfriend a year ago. She's been in a funk for a year (after realizing she wasted so much time). Her friends talk her into going to an 'I hate Valentine's Day" party. Decker has been in love with Maia since they were kids. A complication? Her ex is his younger brother (who also happens to be a cheating, self-important asshole).
I liked the alternating points of view. The romance worked since they knew each other well. The murder "mystery" is a bit of an afterthought and did not add to the story. It felt unnecessary.

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Review: A Play for Love

A Play for Love by Trilina Pucci
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rory meet Oliver briefly during a Romeo and Juliet scene for her college theater mid-term.  They had chemistry, but then didn't see each other again.  Fast forward 5 years.  Oliver is playing Cupid for rent money.  Rory is on a horrible "date."  He rescues her and they opt to spend the day together.  Turns out they had crushes on each other in college but both were too intimidated to do anything about it.  The big problem is Rory is leaving NYC in the morning to move back home.

They opt to do the long distance thing over the next couple of months.  And then a surprise at Rory's niece's play.  Nice!

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Review: Second Act Romance

Second Act Romance by Julie Soto
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Bex has one of the leads in "Oklahoma."  When food poisoning strikes and takes out a lot of the cast, Colby steps in.  He and Bex were previously leads with each other and had good chemistry.  Until Bex got sick and they had a miscommunication (because of course).

Now years later they are leads together again.  A lot of technical jargon.  Had a hard time getting into this story and I wasn't that crazy about the romance (there really wasn't any IMO).  

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Review: Time Will Tell

Time Will Tell by Hannah Bonam-Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Georgia is a high school history teacher. When she gets a letter from her recently deceased grandma Bonnie detailing a time capsule that she and her girlfriend Martha buried, she involves her students in drafting a letter to Martha's next of kin, her grandson Callum. Thus begins an email correspondence for the next month or so.
I thought this was nicely paced and I could get a good sense of Callum and Georgia through their email banter. They do meet at the end of the story to see what is in the time capsule. This was different (when LGBTQ+ rights were non-existent).

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Review: Accidentally Yours

Accidentally Yours by Christina Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Veronica was just laid off after she spoke out about being overlooked for a promotion (again).  She worked at a "tech-bro" company.  While interviewing for another position, she accidentally crashes someone else's Zoom meeting.  And proceeds to eviscerate their (bad) ideas.  So she is surprised when the CEO comes after her with a job offer.

This was so fun.  I enjoyed the banter back and forth between Veronica and Jude.  They have chemistry (and don't know what each other looks like).  Veronica also has a crush on a neighbor (she doesn't know his name or what he does).  And surprise!  Yes, predictable, but so much fun.  

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Review: Lovelight Farms

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stella owns her dream Christmas tree farm, creating memories for other people to cherish. Raised by her mother, they moved frequently for her mom to find jobs. She had a hard time making friends because of all the moves. Her father abandoned her mother when she told him she was pregnant. She does have friends now; Beckett and Layla on her farm, and Luka. She met Luka shortly after her mother died and they have been best friends since. She is also in love with Luka. Further complicating things, the farm has had several problems (trees dying in one of the pastures, missing shipments, etc) and this has put a financial strain on the farm. She enters a contest with a social media influencer to (hopefully) win some money. Only issue, she needs a boyfriend, stat.
While I liked Stella and could understand her fear of being left/abandoned, she was also a bit naive and stupid at times. Just TALK to Luka dammit! The incidences around the farm are related (duh) and are solved. Luka was wonderful. They melded easily together and as a couple I could see them together for the rest of their lives. I also enjoyed her friends Beckett and Layla and I see they get their stories in the next two books.

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Review: Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy

Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy by Randi Weingarten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good explainer why MAGA (and MAHA) are so against public education. Teaching critical thinking? (That's bad! Indoctrination!) Supporting children and meeting them where they are at? (Indoctrination!) I think she rephrased book bans in a good way: Banning books take choices away from parents (since the right is all about "choices" and "parental rights").
Thinking for yourselves and questioning narratives are all good.

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Review: Attempting Normal

Attempting Normal by Marc Maron
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Not that familiar with his comedy, but I wanted something funny and distracting with all the bullshit going on right now. This was more serious than I thought it would be. There are numerous stories and just about all are some level of unexpected, unconventional, wacky. Not what I was expecting.

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Review: Finding Her Edge

Finding Her Edge by Jennifer Iacopelli
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love watching figure skating (I don't skate myself; at all). I'm interested in the Netflix show and didn't know it was based on a book. So, I got the book first (and then will watch the show).
This is typical YA fare; a girl and 2 boys love triangle. What made this different was the setting. All are figure skaters (specifically ice dancers). What made this nice was the age appropriate focus on Junior Worlds and not the Olympics. I didn't particularly get on board with what was supposed to be the main couple; and this is definitely the first (that I can remember) where the fake dating didn't lead to more.

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Review: Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President

Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President by E. Jean Carroll
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to this one. Narrated by E Jean herself.
I think I will never get over the intrusive questions that are asked as if the accuser is on trial; better be "perfect" and not have a past! I thought she had a good sense of humor and dry wit. She does go into a lot of detail that I think would have been harder to read, so if you can, get the audio.

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Review: People We Meet on Vacation

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I want to see the Netflix movie, but wanted to read the book first.  On the fence about the movie now (maybe it will be better?).  We shall see. 

Who doesn't like a friends to lovers story?  It's one of my favorite tropes.  This particular book?  I had a hard time getting into it.  The time jumps from previous vacations to the current one were annoying.  Just get to the fucking point already.  It took too long to get to What Happened that drove them apart.  I just thought for people who are best friends for over a decade would have had better communication skills.  Their skills sucked.  Just annoyed (but it did (briefly) take me out of the shit that is currently happening in the US rights now, so there is that).

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Review: Gunpowder Alchemy

Gunpowder Alchemy by Jeannie Lin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Takes place in 1850, China during the First Opium War, Qing Dynasty, and is steampunk themed.
Soling is responsible for her opium addicted mother and younger brother after her father was assassinated 8 years ago. Her father "allowed" the British steamship to overpower the Chinese fleet and invade the country. When she goes to sell her father's last belonging, a box, she is strongly compelled to find out what clues and secrets he may have left behind.
This leads her to Chang-Wei Chen, an engineer her father mentored and who was her intended (she was 10 at the time). Add in a power hungry foreign nation, a corrupt leader, and rebels who want change, and you have a potentially explosive situation. Luckily, the romance is (very) slow burn.
I liked this, but it was slow in parts.

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Review: Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year by M.A. Wardell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Marvin is a kindergarten teacher and is fantastic at what he does. In fact he was nominated for "Teacher of the Year" for his school district. He meets Olan, a newly divorced single father, when his daughter Ilona joins the school as a student. Olan is an attractive man and is also drawn to Marvin.
They do start a relationship, but keep on on the down-low because Ilona is a student. They gradually fall in love. However, things do get a rocky on Marvin's part. He has unresolved issues from his childhood with his alcoholic mother (who is now sober). Olan has a history of alcohol abuse which triggers Marvin. It felt like he was still pissed at his mother and he overreacted to Olan's disclosure of his history.

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Review: The Nightmare Before Kissmas

The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Interesting how the various holidays have their royalty (Kings, Queens, etc).  They are all in competition for the world's joy; well, some of them.  Nicholas (the eldest Claus), also known as Coal (it's a joke), is the not-so serious heir.  He gets into shenanigans; even when he doesn't mean too.  His mission is to make his brother (Kris) laugh.  They've struggled a bit since their mom left.  She didn't like being married to Santa.   

And now father dearest is up to something.  Coal must now marry the Princess of Easter, Iris.  She is also his best friend and Kris is (not so) secretly in love with her.  That union is challenged by Halloween.  Met Hex, Prince of Halloween and Coal's crush (they had a kiss a few years prior; Hex knew who Cola was, but Coal had no idea).  

I liked the idea of Holidays having their own royalty and the idea of joy (from the holiday celebrants) feeding them.   Nice plot with "Santa" being up to his own shenanigans.  I thought Coal started out very immature. Once he realized something was amiss, I liked his character better.  He got more mature and confident.  I liked the banter between Coal, Kris, and Isis.  I liked Hex and was super curious about him.  A chapter or 2 from his point of view would have been nice.  

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