Evernight

Review:

This was another really good book in this series. Both had appearances in the previous books. Holly is an elemental (human with fae heritage) and controls metal. She's an inventor for the SOS. Will is a sanguis demon (think vampire). In the previous book, both were kidnapped. Holly for her abilities and intelligence, Will as an experiment. Will was given a platinum heart and is now after Holly. I liked the twists and turns. I liked seeing Adam (the founder of the GIM) and look forward to his story which is next. The last book features Holly's "cousin" Sin (St John)- Daisy, Miranda, and Poppy's brother. I read this for Romance-opoly Coffee Shop I'm also using this for Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo violet eyes square (Queen Mab).

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2824116/evernight

Alice in Zombieland

Review:

Alice lost her parents and younger sister in a car accident when she was 16 (on her birthday). Her dad saw things that no one else could see. After the accident, she moves in with her grandparents and changes schools.
While Ali went through a horrible time, she was a hard person to really like. I was more annoyed with her and her reaction to Cole. I thought Cole was awful. (But, hey, it's okay 'cause he's a hunter). Just more angst, angst, and more angst. Disappointed.
I read this for the Ripped Bodice's Summer Bingo and will use it for the broken nose square (it was mentioned once). It will also work for violet eyes (Cole's).

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2824090/alice-in-zombieland

Brownies and Brownsticks

Review:

Katie is fresh out of a breakup and in a position at her job that really isn't going anywhere. When she receives an offer to join her aunt and uncle at the bakery they are opening, she jumps at the chance. She moves south to Savannah. She's always had a good relationship with her aunt and uncle, but has never really "known" them. This will shock you, but Katie has always felt different. It turns out she is a hereditary witch. (And of course now she fits right in!)
I liked the characters; both Katie and the multiple secondary ones. I do wonder at the love triangle (Declan- a firefighter and very close to Ben, Katie's uncle and Steve a journalist and also a witch. The boys have a history (of course they do!). I don't really like Steve (Katie girl- thought this was condescending). This has a slow start, but picked up.
I read this for Romance-opoly Coffee Shop moon track

[spoiler]

Declan's BFF was also a firefighter and died in a fire by not following instructions. He was Steve's brother and Steve blames Declan for death.

[/spoiler]

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2824047/brownies-and-brownsticks

Darkness Falls

Review:

Reve is the "It" thing. It's a shared experience when dreaming. Anything can happen, likely without real-life consequences. It's pleasurable, fun. Jordan's talent gets exposed while she is trying to support her sister (who you know is being stupid). Malcolm is tasked with recruiting those that have talent and can navigate the Reve. He is a chimera and is a type of law enforcement for the Reve. This was interesting, but it was confusing for awhile. Once I figured out the concept, it was more interesting. The ending was decent, but a bit abrupt.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2774292/darkness-falls

I Want It That Way

Review:

Nadia is a junior majoring in special education. She and 3 of her friends rent an apartment off campus. A single dad lives right below them. His name is Ty.
I liked both Nadia and Ty. They each get to know each other slowly over evening on his patio and her deck above him. It graduates to friends with benefits. And you know where it then goes. I thought this was realistic in it's portrayal of college going adults who are serious about their studies (and the balance that happens with school, work, friendship). My only issue was it was slow at times and time-wise it would jump forward a week or 2.
I have no interest in reading Lauren's story.
I read this for Romance-opoly New View moon track

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2740620/i-want-it-that-way

Let It Shine

Review:

Sofronia and Ivan knew each other growing up as kids. Her mom worked for his mom. After her mom's death, they lost contact. They reconnect as adults at a meeting for civil rights and how to conduct non-violent sit-ins.
This was amazing. I loved this book. I adored Sofie and Ivan. This highlights the struggle for freedom, the basis human right to be treated as a person. To sit where you like. To be treated with respect. To be treated with dignity. The violence and hate.
The strength of this book (IMO) is it highlights we ALL have prejudices. We need to acknowledge them and learn from them to be better. Do better.
(Sofie is Black. Ivan is Jewish. Ivan's family escaped the Holocaust, but his father doesn't sympathize with the Civil Rights Movement. Sofie's father doesn't like Ivan because he is Jewish.)
The ending hints at an acceptance, a reconciliation. The ending is also realistic.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2740558/let-it-shine

Drifting to You

Review:

Rosaline has dreams of owning her own bakery. Will builds ships. These two have been eyeing each other for months. Both are former slaves. This past shapes their present too.
This opens with Rosaline getting a huge opportunity. She is to provide the cake for the Juneteenth celebration on a ship hosted by one of the richest women in her community. If people like her cake, it will get her name out there. Since they both on the ship, Will makes his case.
I didn't quite connect with the romance between Rosaline and Will. It felt rushed.
This works for Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo "I'm on a boat."

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2740526/drifting-to-you