Break Out

Review:

Rico is a vampire, born/made in the 15th century. This takes place in 3048, Earth is no more (doesn't say why) and mankind has taken to space. That also means genetic engineering and the discovery of Meridian. Meridian is an expensive mineral that has the ability to make a person immortal. As the series continues, I'm assuming I will learn more about it. Skylar makes Rico and his crew an offer they can't refuse. Skylar has her own secrets.
This was fun. I enjoyed the interactions of the crew of the El Cazador: Tannis, Daisy, Janey, Trog, and Al. Decent action, romance, and banter. Reminded me a little of Firefly. Looking forward to the next. It looks like it picks right up after this one, but with Al and Jon.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1608077/break-out

The Sapphire Heist

Review:

This is a continuation of book 1 (they really should have been 1 book IMO). Steph and Jake both have moments where they don't trust the other. I didn't think much of the moment Steph didn't, because, hey it made sense. Either way, they talked about it and moved on. Jake's moment, on the other hand, I didn't like and I thought Steph handled it well. 
Overall, this was decent, pacing is good and the "chase" is well played. The thief doesn't change throughout the book, even though there was a brief moment where I thought it could have been someone else. I do think this and The Sapphire Affair should have been 1 book. I think it would have worked better combining the 2.
Both of the books are available through Kindle Unlimited.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1607020/the-sapphire-heist

Unmentionable

Review:

*This!* There is not one thing I disliked about this book. It is entertaining and educational. I loved the writing style; it was very snarky. For an educational book this was super fun! I know the Victorian times were less then romantic: however, this crazy uterus still likes and enjoys historical romances and movies. But, in all seriousness, our female ancestors put up with so much shit for just being female. Mad props to all of them! 
I liked this so much, I went out and bought a copy for my grandma (for Christmas). Should be fun, she'll like reading all about the fashion, sexual expectations, hysteria, and masturbation. Maybe:-)

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1606282/unmentionable

Crystal Cove

Review:

Justine is a natural born witch. Unbeknownst to her, she was cursed as a baby. She will never find love. Jason is a mysterious billionaire in town to look at property to. He also happens to be after something else. So, of course, they are drawn to each other. 
I really enjoyed the previous books. They had a little of a magical element to them; Lucy with her glass making, Zoe with her cooking. Granted that last one (Dream Lake) was even more paranormal with the ghost and what happened at the end. The one, Crystal Cove, is full on paranormal romance (IMO). I didn't work for me. *Gasp* Another LK book I didn't care for!! (Looking at you, Midnight Angel).
"Never read page thirteen..." Justine was told this by her mother, because telling someone to *not* to something (and to also not explain why) will make sure they *don't* do it! AmIright? I thought Justine being a witch would have been more cool had she known more about it and an active practitioner. Instead, it just seemed something she did when she wanted/needed something instead. The whole thing with her going out on the kayak with signs of an impending storm was stupid. Hey the app said the weather was fine, so it must be true!
I also wasn't crazy about Jason. I thought he was creepy. Then, after admitting he has "feelings" for her, scheming to steal something from her. Oops, I mean "borrow."
Another thing that ruined this book: "the witch's bane." WTF? Oh hell no. 
And this too: one of the main characters didn't have a soul. Oh please.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1605906/crystal-cove

The Immortal Live of Henrietta Lacks

Review:

Henrietta Lacks was an amazing woman who was unknown. Because of her, life saving changes happened. And, yes, lots of money was made too. This highlighted issues with medical ethics and consent. I'm so glad this book exists. It tells an important story. I liked how it was laid out. Not dry, boring like it could have been. Sad that her daughter, Deborah, didn't live to see it's publication. 
On a personal note, in 2016, I had to have part of my liver removed because of a large tumor (not cancer). I did sign a consent form saying it was okay for the University of Washington hospital to do research on that tumor and tissue. I do think it's, in part, due to people like Henrietta, that I was able to give consent and not have them just take it and not know that they did.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1605777/the-immortal-live-of-henrietta-lacks

Take the Lead

Review:

I enjoy Dancing With the Stars, so when I saw this book, I had to read it. Gina is a professional dancer on "The Dance Off." She is paired with Stone. Stone is a reality star. He is known as the "quiet" one on his family's reality series. He has 3 sisters and 3 brothers and along with their parents live completely off-the-grid in Alaska. 
I enjoyed their interactions. I liked seeing Stone transform from very quiet, reserved to much less quiet and more outspoken in regards to his needs. The realization that he was unhappy and something needed to change. His needs have always come last, since he did whatever his family needed. I wanted him to stand up for himself. He does, in a way, but not in the way I would have wanted him too. Circumstances beyond his control helped much more than him having (getting) a backbone. 
I liked Gina's work ethic and her personality. She is driven and has goals. Her "daddy issues" played a huge role in some of her worries and decisions; she gave her absentee father way too much power I thought. Attention is paid to the "sexy" Latina stereotype and how Gina is very careful because of it. Gina happens to be Puerto Rican. I also thought this was poignant because of hurricane Maria and what is happening in Puerto Rico right now. 
I will admit to wondering who would be the one to compromise and how would a compromise would work. I thought their compromise worked well for them, it was on both sides, not just one. I did think the whole issue with Stone and his "off-the-grid" family's show was glossed over, forgotten, and resolved too quickly. It does make a point: how "real" is reality. I can say as someone who likes reality TV (Survivor! DWTS! The Bachelor/ette!) I do realize that they are scripted and edited. How much? That's up for debate. 
Good secondary characters (why did the vindictive bitch have to be a figure skater??!!). I was invested in the story.

eARC courtesy of St Martin's Press (Swerve Imprint) and NetGalley.
Published on Oct 3rd.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1605725/take-the-lead

The Red Lily

Review:

Yay! This is Sienna and Nikolai's story! A Little Red Riding Hood retelling- but this stands on it's own too. Sienna is the Lady of the Wood, often called the Red Witch of the Wood, in introduced in book 1. Every rebellion needs support in the form of troops. Nikolai and Sienna are tasked with finding that support. Both attracted to each other when they first met, find that interest is still there, and stronger than ever. This wasn't a slow burn romance, but fast. 
I thought this book had something of everything. There was intrigue, a capture and torture, revenge, love, magic. There were moments I cringed, and others where I cheered. More is found out of Morgrid's plan (the EVIL queen). Other characters are introduced; some are re-introduced (nice touch that!). I loved that at the end of the book, Sienna IS the Red Witch of the Wood.
One thing that I found confusing: For being immortal (or very close to), there is a high incidence of stillborn babies and women dying in childbirth. Just saying. 
The groundwork is laid for book 3- (The White Lily- pre-ordered!) which is Friedrich's story. He is an interesting character with an interesting background (his mother was Katerina, Morgrid's only daughter. It doesn't outright say it, but I suspect she murdered her husband and then herself.)

For me (for future reference):
The Hart wolves are: Duchess, her mate Luca, her brothers Hugo and Kai. 
Allora, Bron, Connell, Dane. Dane joins the Black Lily. 
Grindal and Morgrid are the evil king and queen. The queen was the first vampire. Not Grindal as is commonly assumed. Dominik is their oldest son, Marius their youngest. Katerina their only daughter. Katerina married the Duke of Winter Hill and had Friedrich. Now Friedrich is the Duke. 
Riker is Nikolai's cousin, severely injured in this book. 
Mina was Marius's betrothed who encouraged his interest in Arabella. Now she is in a "bloodless sleep."

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1604308/the-red-lily