Review: Epic

Epic by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a nice, short peak ar Jamie and Wes's life (now married). Told in alternating points of view, Jamie gets to have a little goal keeping fun. And Wes is happy for him. A new job is also in the offering. So Epic!

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Review: Her Best Kept Secret

Her Best Kept Secret by Naima Simone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nore is an event planner and is damn good at what she does.  She owns her own business.  Joaquin is a retired motorcycle racer turned business owner.  He makes his own motorcycles.  They meet at his birthday party (her company was hired to put on) and sparks fly.  They have a one night stand after his party.  

Things only get complicated when his company wants to hire her again for a huge launch they are planning for their all electric motorcycle.  It turns out Joaquin is Nore's ex-finace's estranged 1/2 brother.  They both re-connect and have a shared past in their not-so-great childhoods.  

I liked the pacing and characters (except for James and his mother; they are both assholes). 

Smart Bitches Summer Bingo:  comtemporary (would also work for one-night stand)

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Review: Go Luck Yourself

Go Luck Yourself by Sara Raasch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Someone is stealing Christmas's joy. A single shamrock is left. Kris is Coal's (first book, eldest son and now Santa) younger brother. He is tasked with finding out who the thief is.
Lochlan is the crown prince of St Patrick's Day. His uncle is the King who took the crown leading everyone to believe that Loch was immature and unfit to rule. In all fairness, his parents had just died and he was a teenager (I missed how long ago it was, but in this book he was 22? 23?). Anyway, he doesn't have the best reputation as a result of that.
This starts out as enemies to lovers. Kris tinsles the study room Lochlan is in at college. He had a reservation for the room and Locklan refused to leave (he also didn't know who he was). He is a bit horrified when he realizes who is was. Anyway, his cover is to help Loch with his image while really looking for the thief.
This was a fun read, it is light at times, serious at times. The characters do read young (Kris is a year younger than Loch) in part because of certain expectations each felt they had to meet ignoring what they really wanted to do. So, they don't really know what they want. Kris also deals with low self esteem due to mother's abandonment.

Smart Bitches Summer Bingo: Free space

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Review: I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI to Do (Almost) Everything

I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI to Do (Almost) Everything by Joanna Stern
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Full disclosure: I have mixed feelings about AI. I do think it should be regulated and not the free-for-all it is now. I don't like data centers. I also wonder at the AI "bubble" that is keeping the markets high. That bubble could pop and we are in deep shit if it does (should it happen while a certain dictator/authoritarian/king is still the President of the US).
Back on topic, this author is a each journalist and used/lived with AI for a year. There are positives. Like AI can help (as an adjunct) to routine screenings (think mammograms, Colonoscopies, ete). I think AI could really benefit in areas that are limited in terms of specialists (like radiologists). I don't think AI should replace a person, but rather work with someone to better enhance what they do (and how they do it).
I do limit AI in my own personal life (I don't use Chat GTP for example), but would use it enhance experiences (like when I travel- using it to compile reviews so we know what to see/where to go).

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Review: By the Book

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Izzy feels stuck. She's been at her job for a few years and hasn't gotten the promotion she wanted. Still living at home, she's ready for a change. When an opportunity comes up to coach someone with a long promised memoir, she jumps at the chance.
Beau is struggling to write. Son to famous parents (his mom was a model and father an Ocscar winning screenwriter), he's got some expectations.
Beauty and the Beast is one of my personal favorites (I loved both the cartoon and live-action with Emma Watson). I was looking forward to this one. But I was so bored! It's a book about the writing process. And helping someone through the writing process. I had difficulty connecting with the characters too. Clean, very Disney-fied.

Smart Bitches Summer Bingo: flowers on cover

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Review: Liar's Kingdom: How to Stop Trump’s Deceit and Save America

Liar's Kingdom: How to Stop Trump’s Deceit and Save America by Andrew Weissmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All about the disinformation (and outright lies) that gets published, pushed, highlighted, and amplified. And so many people read it and believe it and further push, highlight, and amplify said lie(s). We do need some type of penaly/punishment for lies (like Vance's lie about Haitians which lead (and currently) to real world consequences. Or Trump's 2020 election lie that he continues to push. Brazil did it right when punishing Bolsonaro. Why couldn't/can't the US do the same? To push it further; I would like to see term limits for House and Senate members. Term limits for the Supreme Court too (and an expansion to 13 to better reflect the population). Re term limits for the Supreme Court: people are living longer and they retire later. That's why.

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Review: Right Move

Right Move by A.M. Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We met George in the previous book (Derrick and Slater) and Levi in the book before that (Robin and Shawn). We get appearances by Shawn, Robin, Miles, Reyes, Derrick, and Slater (and briefly Wes and Mack).
I loved Levi's girls (Baby, Ginger, and Sporty). Levi was awesome with George and "got" his anxieties and was very patient with him. George experienced a lot of firsts with Levi. Nice conclusion to series.

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Review: Rogue Protocol

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Super fast paced, lots going on. I liked how Murderbot is becoming even more likeable; it is developing empathy and feelings! Its fun to read how it deals with those things (hint, it's not happy)!
I missed Art.


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Review: Fortune Favors the Wicked

Fortune Favors the Wicked by Theresa Romain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Benedict is a lietenant in the British military and also happens to be blind. He finds ways to keep busy, he dislikes having nothing to do and always needs a task. Charlotte is a courtesan and needs a change.
When a bunch of gold coins get stolen, the hunt is on. She see's this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to change. Benedict sees this as something to do.
Both Benedict and Charolotte relate well to each other and compliment each other well. They each have a past that isn't a wholly happy one. I would have liked more adventure (re findingthe gold coins).

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Review: Unromance

Unromance by Erin Connor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sawyer has serious writer's block and her book is overdue.  She sold her first book's movie rights when she was starting out and has regrets.  She's learned some things (like not always saying yes).  She's also been through a bad break-up (her writing struggles started around this time).

Mason loved love.  He always tries to be the "perfect" boyfriend, but that is never enough.  After an elevator meet-cute that turns into a one-night stand, they run into each other again.  A friendship (of sorts) and a bargain is set.  Sawyer will try to cure Mason of his romanticism and he will try to provider inspiration for her writing.  

I really enjoyed this book.  I liked the tropey quotes at the beginning of each chapter.  There is some drama on Sawyer's part, but luckily it doesn't last too long.  I thought they each complimented each other nicely.  Good supporting cast of characters.  

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Review: The Long Game

The Long Game by Rachel Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've enjoyed every book in this series, but I think this one was my favorite. We got to "see" couples/characters from the previous books (minus Kip, Kyle, and Eric) and that was a plus. This co-insides/overlaps with "Role Model."
Ilya and Shane are enjoying their relationship. I thought they could have talked more, but luckily no "big misunderstanding" in this one. I loved Hayden's kids (Ruby and Jade) impromptu wedding (they "married" Ilya and Shane). Easy acceptance (hate is taught!). I liked that they took the next step, even if the journey there was not quite like they planned.

Edited to add: Smart Bitches Summer Bingo: latest in series

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Review: Transcendent: A Memoir

Transcendent: A Memoir by Laverne Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amazing what she's been able to do. Her childhood was full of abuse, bullying, trauma, you name it, she lived it. Laverne Cox is truly an inspiration.
I think this book is out at a good time with the roll back of trans rights. The "dehumization" of trans people. So check it out. I got this from my public library!


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Review: On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear

On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear by Julia Angwin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice collection of stories of people from around the world who stood up to anthurarian regimes in their own way.  Emphasis on non-violence.  No job is too small (like handing out water or writing postcards).  It can get one out and meet other people and help form a community of people who can support each other.  Bottom line:  DO SOMETHING

They mentioned the wargame that occurred after Jan 6th to game out what could happen if the current president denied the election results and refused to leave office.  They also did a documentary on it and I recommend if you haven't seen:  War Game (2024).  

If you want to write postcards to help Democratic candidates win their election(s) here is the website:

https://turnoutpac.org/postcards/

It's easy, just supply the stamps (65 cents) and your time.  

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Review: Captured

Captured by Beverly Jenkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dominic's father had an English title and his 1/2 brother Eduard inherited everything (but the will might have been a fake).  As a result Dominic races home to Martinique and helps everyone escape so they are not re-enslaved by Eduard.  Everyone starts their lives over again in Cuba.  Dominic makes it his mission to capture and sick slave vessels.

Clare remembers beking kidnapped from Africa and the journey on the ship to the States when she is sold in Savannah.  She is with her enslaver, Violet, on a trip to England.  Her ship is caught by Dominic and his crew (the "Marie") and he frees her.  But she wants to go back to Savannah because her kids (Sarah and Ben) are there; they were sold to a neighing plantation.  Clare saw them once a week.  

The first third is good and there is a lot going on  The middle third is a bit slow; Dominc and Clare fall for each other.  The last third goes very quickly and I thought some things (mainly Eduard, Sylvie, and Vanweldt) happened too quickly (ie, they didn't suffer enough).  

Smart Bitches Trashy Books Summer Bingo:  Pirates

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Review: Manila Takes Manhattan

Manila Takes Manhattan by Carla de Guzman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Olivia is an actress and is working on a new indie musical with an established director know for her innovative work. Mon dreams of making music his career and is hired to do the music for the movie. She meets Mon when he is newly arrived and locked out of his apartment. They have a one night stand, he not knowing who she was and vice versa.
I didn't think this was a good "meet cute" (a famous actress fucking a random guy she met in the hallway; during a pandemic with Mon's face being partially obscured d/t his mask; it was a bit creepy IMO). However, get past that and this was 2 pretty cool people with goals for what they wanted. And they were consistentally drawn to each other. I thought they frequently checked in with each other and complimented each other well.

Smart Bitches Summer Bingo: One Night Stand, Artist/Performer, Flowers on the Cover. I will decide later which one to use.

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Review: Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane

Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane by Lindy West
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I enjoyed "The Witches Are Coming," so I was interested in this. This was, um, much different. Polyamory can be a viable way for some. I do think it needs to be consensual, consistently checking in, communicating wants & needs would be essential. This didn't feel like that. LW's relationship definitely did not start out that way (but maybe it is now) from what I read. Her husband's wants and needs were the only ones that seemed to matter.

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Review: Witches Get Stuff Done

Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Riley was on her way to meet an aunt she never knew existed when she got sick on the ferry. Starfall Point is a picturesque island in Michigan's upper peninsula and is only accessible by ferry. She meets Alice, who she feels a connection too, when she pukes on the individual who was hogging the bathroom the entire ferry ride. Shortly after landing, she meets Caroline (who she also feels a connection too) and learns her long-lost aunt is deceased. She learns she inherits the house, which is home to hundreds (?) of ghosts and their objects that they have an attachment to.
This had good humor and a good paranormal aspect. I really liked the found family. Edison (the bathroom hog) was a good love interest and had his own trauma background. Despite not knowing her witchy heritage, she learns quickly. I did think the relationships (both with Caroline and Alice and then Edison) developed a bit quickly. There was the issue with the Wellings and the locks that was unfinished; the next book is Caroline's so maybe that will pick up (even though it's Riley's home, Caroline and Alice are a part of her coven and seem to have a bit of magic themselves). And the creepy blob on the ceiling was? Looking forward to the next!
Smart Bitches Summer Bingo: fav author

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Review: Artificial Condition

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murderbot is on a mission to find out what happened to make it go rogue.  Disguised as an augmented human, he gets job as security for a group of humans, meets ART (a research transport vessel), and search's for what happened on the mining colony.  He (it seems weird to call it an it, which is what it is) is in the process of learning how to appear more human and has his appearance altered a bit to better fit in.  Murderbot is also developing empathy, which is very interesting.  There are things learned (and I think may play a role in the future- maybe).  A bit of an abrupt ending, but this was a short one.  

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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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