Book Review: Louie the Lynx and Ryan the Lion by Sarah Lahey

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Louie the Lynx and Ryan the Lion by Sarah Lahey

A Contemporary Romance Novel published by Cross Over Press (09/30/23)

Summary:

“Relationships didn’t just devour time – they ate entire days.” (Page 97).

Louie thinks romance is nonsense. But when Ryan McDermott, he of the throw down factor of nine and a half, excellent drawing skills, and very good apologies enters her life, she’s thrown for a loop. She doesn’t have time for love or romance, but Ryan is determined to win her over.

Keywords:

Opposites Attract, Romance, Contemporary, PHD, Teacher, Art, Communication, Dog, Attraction, Dreamer

My Review:

“Difficult things build resilience.” (Page 113).

Louie does not have her stuff together. She has so many issues – anxiety, time management, sometimes her self-esteem is so low – it’s a lot for anybody to take on. She doesn’t think she and Ryan can work out because of where she is in life. Ryan is an architect, champion of low-income housing, lover of kelpies, painter of orchids, owner of a rope chair, lover of light. Yet he also needs to be in control and won’t take no for an answer when it comes to certain things.

“She wouldn’t have called any of her past boyfriends men. But Ryan was a man. He had a profession and knew what he was doing with his life. He fitted comfortably into the world. A world that she often found complex and confusing.” (Page 190). Louie is describing Ryan as a man, but she really means that Ryan is adulting and has his stuff together. Louie thinks, in this way, that they’re opposites and how could they work out? She feels like she has nothing to offer.

Both Louie and Ryan are impossible and fascinating. “When it came to parking fines, Louie was risk averse. She would happily walk for twenty minutes.” (page 25). Yet her phone passcode is 0000. Sometimes she spends hours in a brain fog, unable to move, captured by her own fear. She is the exaggeration of all my own anxieties and depression. I really, really wanted to see her triumph over herself because it’s like she is my champion. If she can pull herself out of a slump, then so can I. I also related to Ryan and his need for unrelenting control. Without compromise and compassion for each other, a relationship would never work!

I love the writing style in this novel. It is clear, succinct, and straight to the point. Yet sometimes the description of light, paintings, and landscapes go on so long that I feel like I’m there. I can feel my own response to the gray day with unending rain giving me Seasonal Affective Disorder (even though it’s summer and not a cloud in the sky where I live right now).

If you liked the show Lessons in Chemistry and you like to read contemporary and/or romance novels then you would enjoy this book.

This novel was published by Cross Over Press 09/30/23 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

Links for more information:

Sarah Lahey’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: To Catch a Monkey by Richard Read

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To Catch a Monkey by Richard Read

A Middle-Grade Novel Independently published (01/28/2024)

Summary:

It’s not Calista Snipe’s job to support her family. Money is tight and when she is presented with an opportunity to help she’ll jump at the chance. The local zoo has lost their precious monkey and they’re offering a good reward for information leading to his capture. Calista, along with her friends, will learn about this special monkey but they’re not the only ones looking to snag the reward money. She’ll have to outsmart older kids, desperate criminals, and maybe even a monkey!

Keywords:

Puberty, bullying, friendship, problem-solving, sleuthing, teamwork, bravery, monkey

My Review:

First Reviewed through Reedsy Discovery.

Small problems seem like big problems for the young protagonist. Any time one problem is solved or suddenly less of a big problem, a new problem pops up for her. Not all issues are equal; some require help, critical thinking, or creative problem-solving. Some are even more moral dilemmas than physical problems. The first problem to solve is about the bully from the bus. Then it’s her family’s financial stability. Then it’s the missing monkey. Then it’s what to do with the monkey after they find it. And so on. There are teachable moments throughout the story that ground it in the middle-grade category.

The plot is quite simple but touches on some more advanced topics. I was a little surprised that the story included drugs, kidnapping, and drinking. The bad guys are seen in their daily lives, which is not always the case with stereotypical bad guys!

At times I could tell that this was not the first book in the series, but it does stand on its own. If you want to get to know the characters more then you should probably start at the beginning of the series, but it was fine to start with this book as the author does a good job building the backstory, setting, characters, and story.

The pacing was good and the story kept me entertained, especially as it was a third-person narrative that kept switching perspectives. I really liked Otis’ brief yet distinct character arc. It was nice to see Calista’s friendship with Skyler (especially as they are different genders and that can sometimes be a point of tension).

This is a solid middle-grade book with easy-to-read writing. Sometimes there are word definitions to help out younger readers. Sometimes some pictures add to the descriptions and are fun to look at while reading.

This novel was Independently published on 01/28/2024 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.50

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Book Review: The Throwaway Queen (Ushallav’s Queen series) by Whitney McGruder

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The Throwaway Queen (Ushallav’s Queen series) by Whitney McGruder

A Fantasy Novel published by Bowker (08/01/22)

Summary:

“There is always a happy ending beyond the horizon. We must only search for it.” (Kindle Page 138).

After her caravan was attacked, Queen Anjali barely escaped with her life and that of her unborn child. She was cautioned to stay away until the identity of the attacker was discovered but it has been over two years since Anajali has seen her firstborn son, husband, and kingdom. On her way back to her rightful place, she is determined to figure out what happened and reunite with her family but in her absence, many things have changed.

Keywords:

Fantasy, Action, Adventure, New Adult, Warrior Women, Unlikely Allies, Blended Family, Royalty, Mystery, Murder

My Review:

I enjoyed reading about a strong female heroine who is also a mother. Anjali has to protect both her family and her position. How do mature people navigate something like this? I greedily read every scene, thought, and piece of dialogue related to this conflict.

The aspect of blended families was also interesting to me. I liked how Anjali wasn’t just one characteristic, she was appropriately complex and had a rich and intriguing backstory. She isn’t just a mother. She isn’t just a warrior. Anjali was the best character. She was so balanced as a person and she is presented with such impossible situations! But the times she became frustrated she did have a reaction (which I appreciated).

I liked the mixing of sub-genres. This book had fantasy, action, romance, and mystery. There were layers to the book to unpack. I was curious about the world-building environment and the unfurling mystery as well as seeing how the relationships were going to break or strengthen.

I enjoyed reading about Anajali’s culture and traditions and wanted more of them and more descriptions. They weren’t always alive and tangible to me as an outsider. I didn’t fully feel the discrimination Anjali faced but I did feel her frustrations. I felt more sympathy for her regarding the gendered discrimination than the racial discrimination.

I loved the eventual reveal of the villain! It was a bit of a twist and I didn’t see it coming. It felt both satisfying and conclusive

This novel was published by Bowker on 08/1/2022 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.25

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Whitney McGruder’s Website

Book Review: Ugliest by Kelly Vincent

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Ugliest by Kelly Vincent

A YA Novel published by KV BOOKS LLC  (08/13/24)

Summary:

Nic is back in Oklahoma City’s boarding school. This school is so much better than the small-town high school they had been going to but Oklahoma is still a very conservative landscape. It isn’t just Nic experiencing discrimination but also their gender non-conforming friends. It’s a battle that’s becoming bigger than them but this time there might be even uglier consequences to speaking up.

Keywords:

YA, Contemporary, Bullying, Gender Nonconforming, Identity, Art, Introvert, Questioning, Labels, LGBTQ+ themes

My Review:

“Things were looking up, but looks could be deceiving.” (Page 17).

Nic is back, anxiety and all! The quote above encapsulates how Nic goes through the world. Even when things are going well, there’s always an edge of possible negativity and a sliver of anxiety. Nic’s anxiety is obvious, loud, and all over their life. And that is sometimes how anxiety is. For those without anxiety, maybe seeing it portrayed continuously in Nic’s inner voice will help them understand what living with anxiety is like and how that manifests in everyday interactions, actions, and thoughts.

Nic is more than just their anxiety. Nic is blossoming into a complex and very interesting person with their own personality, desires, and needs. Gender nonconforming and non-binary are two terms that are so general that it can be difficult to understand what they mean. As a reader, I get to live the everyday reality of what it means to be non-binary with Nic and their friends. I think all of Nic’s friends are gender nonconforming but they embody their own gender (or non-gendered) identities in unique and very personal ways. I appreciated getting multiple aspects and perspectives on gender and non-binary in this novel.

This novel takes Nic and their identity from discovery to action. Trans rights are human rights. LGBTQ rights are human rights. If they start taking away human rights for a group that identifies in one way, what’s to say they won’t come for others? It is up to Nic and their friends to stand up for their rights as individuals, as humans, and as people representing a vulnerable population. But with that action comes consequences and it’s so powerful to see such active characters. It was very rewarding to read this book and to see Nic and their friends stand up for themselves. The ending was also very rewarding, especially through all the aggressions Nic faces during this series.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this story in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was published by KV BOOKS LLC  on 08/13/2024 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.00

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Kelly Vincent’s Website

DC House Sit and Philly Trip 08-2024

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Starting with the most important information! Where you must go to eat when in DC:

Menya Hosaki (karaage, tonkotsu, and tantan)
Affogato (recommended with pistachio ice cream) at Dolcezza Gelato (904 Palmer Alley NW location)

Thoughts and impressions from our trip 7/26 – 8/4 in Washington D.C.

  • Not all ride shares use the air conditioning even if it’s over 95 degrees outside
  • There was a little suitcase without any apparent owner on the bus and someone saw it, immediately told the bus driver, and then got off
  • There is a price surge for rideshare that can be 3x during the 5-6pm rush hour window
  • There is a price surge for rideshare that can be 4x when it’s raining out (which creates more traffic)
  • There are so many bikes, e-bikes, and scooters available to rent everywhere
  • Capital Bikeshare is a great deal for a day pass at $8 but even for a monthly pass if you can use it more than a day or two
  • A few blocks’ walk is tough when it’s over 90 degrees out
  • Sometimes parking can be just as expensive as an Uber (but not more than the bus)
  • We probably should have gotten a toll pass since we hit more than one toll in one direction and avoided it on the way back but added to our trip time
  • Food at many of the restaurants we went to came out absurdly fast
  • The food was more expensive and of higher quality than I was expecting
  • I regret that we didn’t get to eat Menya Hosaki twice — by the time we tried them they were closed for the remainder of our trip and we couldn’t order from them again
  • You can make reservations easily for restaurants and cancel within a certain time frame without penalty (and check back for openings that were not there before if you really want to go the day of and there are no more reservations available)

  • So many of the sightseeing and tourist stops are free! But some require advance reservation (like the Air and Space Museum)
  • Some of the more secure tourist stops are still free but require advance reservation much sooner than the requirement as they do fill up (White House and Pentagon among other places if you want to go inside)
  • Many of the museums close before the evening on weekdays
  • Some of the places to see are not open on weekends or Sundays (like the Supreme Court)
  • If sightseeing is outside – go early or late to avoid the summer heat
  • I wish we went to Philly when more places were open and available (Sunday was not the best day)

Other food recommendations:
Zatyinya restaurant – Ayran, bone marrow kibbeh, Turkish coffee chocolate cake
Ottoman tavern – Beyti Kebap
Ariake Japanese restaurant – Eel Cucumber Roll
Unconventional Diner – meatloaf and Lebanese fried rice, pot pie poppers
Ted’s bulletin – street fried corn
Honeymoon chicken – chicken poutine and/or chicken sandwich
Old Ebbitt Grill for dinner – fried oyster deviled eggs, oyster riot burger, melting thin mint dessert drink, and peanut butter pie

Avoid these:
The Baklava Pie at Gypsy Kitchen (an insult to Baklava everywhere)
The Kebab platter at Zaytinya (oddly spiced, a bit dry, and not worth eating)
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken (expensive and meh food)
Tsehay Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar (overpriced food that wasn’t that great)

Other stats and thoughts:

  • We tried out 24 unique restaurants/cafes
  • We spent a day in Philadelphia and hit at least 3 tolls on our way from DC to Philly
  • We took 15 Ubers and rode the bus twice
  • Had to purchase large band-aids, Neosporin, and nail clippers that we didn’t bring
  • We spent 4 nights in a hotel downtown and 5 nights at a house sit with two lovely Ragdolls just North of the city

Actual Spending for Dual Income No Kids Trip to DC, including a day trip to Philly

Category

Spent

% of trip cost

Food, Snacks, Groceries, Consumables

$1691

37%

Airfare (United)

$1150

25%

Hotel 4 nights

$844

18%

Car Rental Avis 8 days

$300

7%

Parking & Tolls & gas

$296

6%

Transportation (Uber, bus)

$241

5%

Misc., Souvenirs

$49

1%

Entertainment – tourist activities

$29

1%

$4600

DC activities planning chart

Activity

Notes

Hours

Cost

In/Out

White House

Landmark, historic home & office of the United States president, with tours for visitors.

45-minute self-guided public tours must get timed entry

21-90 days advance notice for tours

My rep: Michael T. McCaul

Public tours are typically available from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Free

In

Pentagon

Tours requested 14-90 days in advance (booked up for the next 5 weeks so book 6+ weeks in advance)

Fill out visitor registration form in advance (7 days prior)

Tour is 60 minutes, 1.5 miles

https://pfpa.experience.crmforce.mil/PortalTour/s/tour-creation

10AM – 4PM Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 4PM Friday

Free

in

Diplomatic Reception Room Tours

Monday – Friday 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 2:45 PM

Arrive 30 mins. Before tour

https://iipstate.my.site.com/drrtours/s/

Free

in

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Requires reservation

Free

The Kennedy Center

https://www.kennedy-center.org/visit/Tour/

Daily tours every 15 minutes

Mon. – Fri. 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sat. & Sun. 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Free

In

The Supreme Court

https://www.supremecourt.gov/visiting/visiting.aspx

Self-Guided Tours

Monday – Friday (except Federal Holidays)

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Free

In

Washington Monument

A Landmark obelisk rising from the National Mall that honors America’s first president.

9AM – 5PM

$1

Out

Lincoln Memorial

Parthenon-inspired tribute to Abraham Lincoln with a 19-ft. marble statue, murals & reflecting pool.

24 hours

Free

Out

World War II Memorial

An iconic outdoor memorial honoring the 16 million Americans who served during World War II.

24 hours

Free

Out

National Mall

Washington Monument plus memorials to Lincoln, MLK, FDR, WWII & Vietnam vets along a grassy mall.

24 hours

Free

Out

Vietnam/Korea Memorial

Monument to Vietnam War service, featuring a wall with over 58,000 names of dead & missing soldiers.

24 hours

Free

Out

MLK Jr. Memorial

Memorial pays tribute to slain civil rights leader near where he delivered “I Have a Dream” speech.

24 hours

Free

Out

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

Museum documenting the history of aviation & space exploration, with displays of vehicles & more.

10AM – 5:30PM

Free

In

Smithsonian National Museum

Artifact exhibits & modern interactive displays examine the history & culture of Native Americans.

No tickets required

10AM – 5:30PM

Free

In

Washington National Cathedral

Grand, storied cathedral with stained glass, organ recitals & scenic vistas from the top.

https://cathedral.org/calendar/wind-down-wednesdays/

10AM – 3PM/5PM

$15

In

Planet Word

19th-century building home to immersive exhibits & karaoke sessions dedicated to the spoken word.

10AM – 4PM/5PM/6PM

Free

In

The U.S. Capital and Library of Congress

This federal cultural institution is the world’s biggest library & features tours, talks & concerts.

Advance tickets are available 1 month at a time

https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1038417/timedentry-ticket-reservations-washington-thomas-jefferson-building

10AM – 5PM W/F/Sat/Tues

10AM – 8PM Thursday

Closed Sunday-Monday

Free

In

Union Market

Warehouse-like food market with a host of artisans offering charcuterie, empanadas, gelato & more.

8AM – 9PM

In

National Archives Museum

https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234645

10AM – 5:30PM

Free

In

9:30 Club

Enduring, intimate rock concert venue with shows, dancing, a pub food menu & beer.

Open 24 hours

$25-$37

In

Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The sculpture garden closed atm

10AM – 4:30PM

Free

In

Further cost breakdown and schedule:

Day

Date

Location

Type

Description

Price

Friday

7/26

NA

Uber Bus

Uber to airport

$31

ATX airport

Food

Airport voucher meals

$21

ATX to IAD

Transportation

Fly from AUS to DCA

$1150

Avis IAD

Transportation

Car rental for 9 days

$300

DCA

Transportation

Parking downtown in/out 4 days

$169

DCA

Hotel

Hilton Garden Inn 4 nights

$844

Saturday

7/27

DCA

Transportation

Capital Bikeshare Day Pass x2

$16

DCA

Entertainment

Mega Lucario Raid Day

$0

DCA

Food

Farmer’s Market Cocoi’s Taste of Philippines (guava donut, caramel flan donut, brown sugar drink, and sweet corn pudding)

$27

DCA

Food

Farmer’s Market Turkish Baklava

$7

DCA

Food

Zaytinya restaurant: still water, 2 semi-sweet Turkish coffee, Ayran, Sprite, karpuzi me feta, hunkar begendi, bone marrow kibbeh, kebab platter, and Turkish coffee chocolate cake

$174

DCA

Groceries

WaWa: water, milk, OJ, and cookies

$12

DCA

Groceries

Whole Foods: Allagash white beer and water

$23

DCA

Entertainment

Bike around the White House, National Mall, Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Korean War Veteran’s Memorial, MLK Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial

$0

Sunday

7/28

Philly

Food

Dunkin’ Iced Latte

$5

Philly

Transportation

DCA to Philly tolls

$13

Philly

Transportation

Rental car toll upcharge

$24

Philly

Transportation

Hilton Garden Inn Garage for walking around the Reading Terminal Market

$4

Philly

Food

Kamal’s Mediterranean (in the market) Halva milkshake, kibbi, and meat pie

$27

Philly

Transportation

Rocky Steps and statue near parking

$2.50

Philly

Misc

Rocky Gift shop shirt for Jon

$33

Philly

Transportation

Autopark at Independence Mall

$24

Philly

Entertainment

Independence Mall Visitor’s Center

$0

Philly

Entertainment

Liberty Bell

$0

Philly

Uber Bus

Uber to cheesesteak area

$10

Philly

Food

Geno’s Steaks (fries and soda, cheesesteak cash only)

$27

Philly

Groceries

Supermarket drinks

$6

Philly

Food

Pat’s cheesesteak for small fish cake and original cheesesteak)

$21

Philly

Uber Bus

Uber back to the parked ca

$10

Philly

Transportation

Drive DC to Philly

$0

Philly

Food

Dunkin for coolatta and donut

$8

Monday

7/29

DCA

Food

Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken (4 donuts – Crème Brulee, Chocolate, PB&J, and jelly-filled along with a fried chicken biscuit $38.62)

$39

DCA

Food

Gong Cha Early Grey and Milk tea with boba ($15.02)

$15

DCA

Food

6PM reservation Unconventional Diner $108.92

$109

DCA

Food

Dolccezza gelato ($18)

$18

Tuesday

7/30

DCA

House Sit

House sit

$0

DCA

Food

Elle brunch (quiche, latte, goat cheesecake, Reuben sandwich ($66.56

$67

DCA

Transportation

Drive to Trader Joe’s

$0

DCA

Food

Ted’s Bulletin for dinner (truffle mac n cheese, fried calamari, shrimp tacos, and crab cakes benedict for ~$71

$71

DCA

Groceries

Trader Joe’s groceries ($34.21)

$34

DCA

Entertainment

6:45PM – 7:45PM POLETRY INT/ADV ($28.62)

$29

DCA

Groceries

CVS for supplies $18.50

$19

DCA

Uber Bus

Uber home $9.22

$9

Wednesday

7/31

DCA

Food

Honeymoon Chicken for lunch (~$100 for 2-piece chicken tenders with rolls, chicken sandwich, mac n’ cheese, chicken poutine, and lobster sliders)

$100

DCA

Uber Bus

Uber downtown ($13.70)

$14

DCA

Food

Old Ebbitt Grill for dinner ($157.50 for 2 raw oysters, fried oyster deviled eggs, crab cake single, oyster riot burger, Irish coffee, melting thin mint, and peanut butter pie)

$158

DCA

Uber Bus

Uber Home ($12)

$12

Thursday

8/1

DCA

Uber Bus

Bus to dinner ($2.25×2)

$5

DCA

Food

Café Divan dinner

$136

DCA

Entertainment

AMC movie

$0

DCA

Uber Bus

Uber back home $11

$11

Friday

8/2

DCA

Food

La Tejana 6 tacos for $24 ($26.40)

$26

DCA

Food

Tsehay Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar $53 (Ye Belay (Superior) Medium Rare / Leb leb and Injera

$53

DCA

Food

DC Boba $22 (sea salt coffee and bubble milk tea)

$22

DCA

Uber Bus

Uber to dinner

$7

DCA

Food

Lullabelle’s waiting for dinner affogato

$7

DCA

Food

Entitlement Lounge waiting for dinner drinks Dark and smoky and 829 mojito

$23

DCA

Food

Menya hosaki karaage, tonkotsu, and tantan

$64

DCA

Groceries

Yes! Organic Market for dried fruit and 2 pints of Mcallan’s ice cream (peanut butter and vanilla)

$24

DCA

Uber Bus

Uber back to house sit

$9

Saturday

8/3

DCA

Uber Bus

Bus downtown

$5

DCA

Entertainment

Smithsonian museum of natural history

$0

DCA

Misc.

Gift shop fry bread and milk chocolate chips

$16

DCA

Entertainment

Sculpture garden

$0

DCA

Food

Gordon pizza

$55

DCA

Uber Bus

Uber to Dolcezza

$7

DCA

Food

Dolcezza affogato x2

$22

DCA

Uber Bus

Uber home

$12

DCA

Uber Bus

Uber to dinner

$28

DCA

Food

Ottoman tavern for Icli Kofte, raki, Ayran, and Beyti Kebap

$81

DCA

Uber Bus

Uber to Gypsy Kitchen

$11

DCA

Food

Gypsy Kitchen Gypsy Dragon drink and Baklava pie we didn’t like and didn’t eat

$30

DCA

Food

Ted’s Bulletin for a Glazed Donut

$5

DCA

Uber Bus

Uber home

$12

Sunday

DCA

Transportation

Gas at Exxon

$43

DCA

Food

Ariake Japanese restaurant Lion King Roll, Eel Cucumber Roll, Ariake Roll, Rainbow Roll, Dragon Roll, Super Dynamite Roll

$145

DCA

Food

Airport snack Dunkin’ 2 donuts and an iced coffee

$10

ATX

Uber Bus

Uber Airport to home

$48

Book Review: Atomica: Between Sea and Sky by Heather McKenzie

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Atomica: Between Sea and Sky by Heather McKenzie

A Fantasy/Sci-Fi Novel published by House of Hebyzie (08/27/24)

Summary:

“If you’re not doing things the hard way, then you’re not living…” (Page 40, ebook).
“Never judge based on appearances. Sometimes the most unassuming can be the deadliest.” (Page 114, ebook).

Eva is a protector. Even when she fails in her duty and is captured, her loyalty and determination do not falter. Kade is a hunter on a mission. When Eva and Kade are shipwrecked together, they will be forced to rely on each other to survive. But it’s not just the two of them on the island. Mysterious forces, harsh weather, deadly animals, and the villainous Raiders stand between them and their survival.

Keywords:

Capture, Escape, Hiding, Secrets, Mission, Mind, Protection, Shelter, Island, Power, Fight

My Review:

In a perfect mashup between fantasy and science fiction, I’m compelled by both main characters Eva and Kade. They both have a strong, compelling, nearly single-minded purpose. In the beginning, we learn that Kade’s and Eva’s missions are at odds with the other’s. And then they meet. When will they discover what the other is hiding and how will that turn out when they are slowly becoming more and more reliant and trusting of each other? I couldn’t put the book down until the inevitable happened. The build-up to the end was a slow burn of constant tension that kept me at the edge of my seat frantically turning pages.

It annoyed me that Kade could quiet down the force that propelled him to his mission at all costs when he didn’t believe he was laser-focused on the end goal. He knew he was getting sidetracked by Eva. I didn’t believe him when he tried to persuade the force that what he was doing would ultimately serve the end goal. I’m waiting to see how this force and Kade’s free will ultimately clash.

My favorite character, though, was the conflicted Rowan of the Raiders. We see him through Eva’s story as he doesn’t have his own narrative. One of Eva’s first encounters with him shows that he is not who he appears to be. This mystery pulled me to the end almost as much as the tension between Eva and Kade and the survival story that ties the characters together.

I’m excited to see where this story goes next and what is going to happen to Rowan, Eva, Kade, and Zolaya.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this story in exchange for my honest review.

This novel will be published by House of Hebyzie on 08/27/2024 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.50

Links for more information:

Heather McKenzie’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: The Love Position by Evie Alexander

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The Love Position by Evie Alexander

A Romance Novel published by Emlin Press (07/23/24)

Summary:

“People who do bad things are very good at hiding what they do, and we’re so trusting because it would never occur for us to beave the same way.” (Page 352, Kindle Edition).

Sophia Hunter-Savage has been through a lot lately!  After discovering yoga with the local hot yet unavailable Isaac, she decides to spend her summer on a remote island for an intense yoga instructor training course. Isaac doesn’t want to break his vow and his new student Sophia has awakened in him something he hasn’t felt in years. He runs away to his ashram to get away from temptation and back on the path of inner peace. But Sophia’s new yoga course and Isaac’s ashram are one and the same and neither can deny the forbidden attraction. 

Keywords:

Romance, Contemporary, Standalone, HEA, Forced Proximity, Steamy, Yoga, Retreat

My Review:

Talk about toxic environments! This yoga intensive seems so far from what I think of as the practice of yoga. How ironic for Sophia that she just wanted something relaxing to focus on for the summer and this ‘retreat’ is anything but. I remember the shy and keeping-to-herself Sophia as a brief character in other Foxbrook novels. What I recall of her is that she wouldn’t stand up for herself and she’s been thrust into an environment so difficult to get through. The rules of the yoga retreat are terrible and seem so counter to health and happiness. Sophia will have to go through so much to discover what she’s made of and how much she’ll take before speaking up and out. Is there a fine line between discipline, rigorous practice, and being at peace and one with others? It is places like this Ashram and the leader who give yoga communities a bad name. This place is more like a cult than a community. Even the less timid best friend Sophia makes at the retreat, Jessica, doesn’t fight back against some of the rules. They did pay a lot of money to be there, so it must be worth it? When the abusive relationship between this Ashram and its students is finally broken, it was so satisfying! 

I liked how this Caribbean setting really gives Sophia the chance to have her story. Her family and the Foxbrook crew are so lively and larger-than-life that Sophia would fade into side character territory in their midst. Sophia shows real grit and perseverance at this yoga retreat, to the detriment of her health and happiness. In the end, everything turns out alright. 

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

This novel was published by Emlin Press on 07/23/2024 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information

Goodreads

Book Review: Bitterroot: A Novel by Suzy Vitello

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Bitterroot: A Novel by Suzy Vitello

A Socio-Political Fiction Novel published 5/21/2024 by Sibylline Press

 

Summary:

In a small town in the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho, Hazel works as a forensic artist. She mostly keeps to herself but is suddenly thrust into the midst of her brother’s chaotic struggle. Kento and his partner are using a surrogate to have a baby. In Idaho. With an ex-girlfriend who is married. What could go wrong in a conservative town full of anti-LGBTQIA sentiment and guns?

Keywords:

Crimes, abortion laws, LGBTQIA rights, prejudice, suspense, racism, same-sex marriage, rights, romance, second chances, grief, familial drama

My Review:

The main character Hazel can diffuse so many potentially violent situations but the chaos just keeps coming into her life. She is still processing her childhood trauma when her husband suddenly and abruptly dies. Thrust into this new grief, it’s fascinating to watch Hazel navigate her new life. And then again her life is thrust into chaos when Kento, her brother, decides to get involved with an ex-girlfriend who is still married. Why would he choose someone like her to be a surrogate? Corinda, the ex, seems highly unstable and unpredictable and yet the author humanizes her through Hazel. I feel exasperated by the situation. It becomes harder and harder to blame Corinda though, as more and more of the story and past unfolds. Each character is complex, layered, and both a product of the environment and their conservative upbringing. In this way, the characters come to life as real people with real lives and real motivations.

The story, more than the characters, is larger than life as the chaos unfolds. I was riveted by the story. What could possibly happen next? It all seems unreal but makes sense in the context of the setting and the community the author crafts in this fictional small town. Step across the border from Washington into Idaho and you step into a different world. A world with fewer rights for LGBTQIA folks. A world with a different political and social atmosphere. A world with different laws and legislation.

There are so many themes/sub-plots intertwined that I had so much to think about as I was reading and getting sidetracked by the main story. I could probably have an hours-long discussion of all the myriad issues brought up in this book, including same-sex marriage and rights, grief and death, family drama, small-town struggles, and LGBTQIA rights and struggles.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced novel with multi-faceted characters and striking setting.

This novel was published by Sibylline Press on 5/21/24 and is available on Amazon here.

TLDR Star Rating: 5.00

 

Links for more information:

Suzy Vitello’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Uglier by Kelly Vincent

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Uglier by Kelly Vincent

A YA Novel published by KV BOOKS LLC  (08/01/23)

Summary:

Nic is back – this time at a boarding school in Oklahoma City. Still mistaken for a boy, even in the bigger city, Nic is still discovering her own identity and who she wants to be. This is the fresh start she’s been wanting, but there are new growing pains in this new environment.

Keywords:

YA, Contemporary, Bullying, Gender Nonconforming, Identity, Art, Introvert, Questioning, Labels, LGBTQ+ themes

My Review:

“My mere existence seemed to be a problem for some people.” (Kindle Edition).

Nic’s perspective continues to be true, full of anxiety, and full of heartbreak. Her thoughts still skew negative and anxious but with tones of hope and self-bolstering. Within the new school, she knows that she has the opportunity to rewrite her story a bit, to be more confident, to be perceived differently even if people try to push her into a box. Continuously, Nic is mistaken for a boy (especially given her height), multiple times in the very first chapter and throughout the novel as well as in different places and contexts. It’s sad to think that there are places where people are still shocked at those who dress more androgenously or don’t conform to societal ‘norms’ for female or male presenting selves. I do disagree with Nic that ‘normal’ girls always wear makeup but perhaps that was my upbringing.

There were multiple aspects of gender and identity presented in this book and all of Nic’s new friends were part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. I liked how this book dived deeper into different experiences and how the characters’ lives were affected by their gender identities. “This was the whole problem with the binary, and the way other people felt like they had the right to determine your gender.” (Kindle Edition). I loved that there are multiple fiction books mentioned that also touch on themes of identity.

It was neat to see Nic grow in this second novel and I can’t wait to read more of their journey in book three of the series.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this story in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was published by KV BOOKS LLC  on 08/01/2023 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.00

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Kelly Vincent’s Website

Book Review: The Upper Crush by Evie Alexander

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The Upper Crush by Evie Alexander

A Romance Novel published by Emlin Press (04/17/24)

Summary:

“Because we’re leaping into the unknown and hoping the other person will be there to catch us.” (Kindle edition, 94%).

Lady Estelle and James must work together to make the Foxbrooke festival a success for both their sakes. Estelle knows James to be a bully while James secretly likes Estelle but doesn’t think she’ll be able to see past his reputation. Can Estelle keep herself in check or will her personality and feelings get in the way of the festival planning? Can James redeem himself in her eyes so that she sees him as anything other than a bully?

Keywords:

Romance, Contemporary, Standalone, HEA, Enemies to Lovers, Small Town, Lady, Estate, Rich, Forced Proximity

My Review:

I love a good slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance with dueling POV. The book includes some other good romance tropes like forced proximity, small town, bully turned nice guy, and a bit of love at first sight.

I loved the main characters. I loved the side characters. I even loved the animals/pets. Both Estelle and James are the main characters you can’t believe are single but also can very much understand why they are single. They are both stubborn, strong, and big personality types. Both characters have a different but similar purpose intertwined with their forced proximity situation. They each also had their own backstory that made them very compelling. I really liked how both main characters were completely independent people and didn’t need the other to complete themselves, which made their love even more captivating. They have their flaws but are also the most caring and heartfelt people. Estelle will not hesitate to stand up and protect a woman she thinks is being abused. James will go out of his way for others without a second thought.

The romantic element makes this book so good, especially the slow buildup of the enemies-to-lovers romance that makes the eventual romance so very satisfying. The sexual attraction is always there, even from the beginning. There are a lot of falling-in-love montage moments and overcoming inevitable obstacles before getting to the first of the steamy parts.

The plot holds together the romance well and the dialogue is witty and super fun to read. The climax felt real and well-integrated into the story’s plot and the ending was satisfying with its HEA.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

This novel was published by Emlin Press on 04/17/2024 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information

Goodreads