Graphic Novel: The Witch and the Beast by Kousuke Satake

 

Title: The Witch and the Beast
Author: Kousuke Satake
Genre: Fantasy; Horror; Manga
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
Publisher: Kodansha Comics

A WITCH'S CURSE

Guideau: a feral girl with long fangs and the eyes of a beast. Ashaf: a soft-spoken man with delicate features and a coffin strapped to his back. This ominous pair appears one day in a town that's in thrall to a witch, who has convinced the townsfolk she's their hero. But Ashaf and Guideau know better. They have scores to settle, and they won't hesitate to remove anyone in their way...

 

 

 *A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this. This is my honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Reader,

This manga has an interesting premise that made me eager to read it. First, let me say that the artwork in this manga is amazing, definitely one of my favorites so far. The story is a little weird, but the more I continued reading the more I liked. Both character's Guideau and Ashaf are a great contrast to one another and I can't wait to see how their relationship evolves. I am not hoping for a romance between the two but a strong friendship would be wonderful. While this volume does setup the story somewhat there was a lot more action then I thought their would be and I cannot wait to see where this story goes.

Overall, a very good start to a story I want to see unfold.

 

Book Review: How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

 

Title: How to Fail at Flirting
Author: Denise Williams
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: December 1, 2020
Publisher: Berkley
TW: Abuses, Attempted Sexual Assault.

One daring to-do list and a crash course in flirtation turn a Type A overachiever’s world upside down.

When her flailing department lands on the university's chopping block, Professor Naya Turner’s friends convince her to shed her frumpy cardigan for an evening on the town. For one night her focus will stray from her demanding job and she’ll tackle a new kind of to-do list. When she meets a charming stranger in town on business, he presents the perfect opportunity to check off the items on her list. Let the guy buy her a drink. Check. Try something new. Check. A no-strings-attached hookup. Check…almost.

Jake makes her laugh and challenges Naya to rebuild her confidence, which was left toppled by her abusive ex-boyfriend. Soon she’s flirting with the chance at a more serious romantic relationship—except nothing can be that easy. The complicated strings around her dating Jake might destroy her career.

Naya has two options. She can protect her professional reputation and return to her old life or she can flirt with the unknown and stay with the person who makes her feel like she's finally living again.

*A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this. This is my honest and unbiased review*

 Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

This is the first book I've read of Denise Williams and (Spoiler alert!) I can't wait to read more! First, let's talk about Naya, she's maybe my favorite romance protagonist ever. Naya has been through a lot which makes her pretty closed off especially to romance, but as she opens up to Jake (and in turn us the readers) we see this passionate, intelligent, and funny woman come to lie. I don't blame Jake at all for falling in love with her because I did. You just can't help it.

Jake was also just amazing and dorky that from the get go I was rooting for the two of them. While I was expecting a quick sexy read, I was once again hit with characters who had depth and a story that deals with deep issues. I do love the way Williams writes, which had me enthralled with the characters since the very first chapter. 

Overall, a wonderful sexy romance with characters you can't help but love.

Book Review: Love in the Time of Corona by CJ Loomis

Title: Love in the Time of Corona
Author: CJ Loomis
Genre: Contemporary; Romance
Publication Date: June 12th, 2020

 Love in the Time of Corona is a love story written in its entirety during the Coronavirus pandemic. Sloane Knox and Hayden Foster spend a single night together in Minneapolis, MN before their world gets turned upside down, but not for the reasons you'd expect. The stage has officially been set for the greatest love story ever told. Through a twist of monumental proportions, this boundary defying tale of romance is challenged at every turn. Will these star-crossed lovers survive seemingly insurmountable odds?

*A Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. This is my honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

So I'm not sure what I expected going into this book, but it wasn't the emotionally poignant tale I got. It starts out like any typical romance, we meet Sloan and Hayden, get to know them, and they soon meet each other. A witty conversation and night together forges a connection between these two. They are then separated by unforeseen circumstances. It's at this point in the book that this romance takes a surprising turn that separates itself from other typical romance stories.

Despite the name, this book is so much more than a romance trying to capitalize on the currently pandemic. Hayden and Sloane are so realistic and relatable. So much so that I almost feel like they could be based on real people. Sloane especially, she was just so laid back and witty (and had great music taste). You can tell that she really needed a change in her life. Hayden did seem a little too perfect at first, but once the story picks up you start to know the real Hayden. I will say that while I enjoyed Loomis characters and writing, there were some parts that felt a little slow. This was noticeable particularly in the beginning, but this was due to the setup and getting to know the characters individually.

Overall, a great story that will definitely surprise you.

Book Review: Sweet on You by Carla De Guzman

 

Title: Sweet on You
Author: Carla De Guzman
Genre: Holiday; Romance
Publication Date: October 9, 2020
Publisher: Carina Press

All’s fair in love and prank wars

For barista and café owner Sari Tomas, Christmas means parols, family and no-holds-barred karaoke contests. This year, though, a new neighbor is throwing a wrench in all her best-laid plans. The baker next door—“some fancy boy from Manila”—might have cute buns, but when he tries to poach her customers with cheap coffee and cheaper tactics, the competition is officially on.

And Baker Boy better be ready, because Sari never loses.

Foodie extraordinaire Gabriel Capras wants to prove to his dad that his career choice doesn’t make him any less a man. The Laneways might not be Manila, but the close-knit community is the perfect spot to grow his bakery into a thriving business. He wasn’t expecting a gorgeous adversary in the barista next door, but flirting with her makes his heart race, and it’s not just the caffeine.

It’s winner takes all this Christmas. And more than one competitor might just lose their heart for the holidays.

 

*A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this. This is my honest review*

 Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

Sweet on your was such a delightful quick read! I've typically grown tired of all the enemies to lovers romances out there but Oh My! this was just so fun! I love the fact that we don't meet Gabriel right away and get to see Sari and her POV so we can understand her frustration and build up to their prank war. So, speaking of Sari, while I understood her and why she is how she is, Sari did come across as very temperamental and emotional, but that's why we had such amazing side characters such as Sam and Kira to call the Main characters on their BS.

Gabriel is pretty much the (im)perfect man. He is just so lovable, funny, and he can bake! He is my new book boyfriend, all other need not apply. Don't get me wrong, he does have issues and some baggage he's working on, but the fact that he's still such a joy to be around really does make him special.

Guzman writing is great and while I don't speak Filipino I love the inclusion of it especially considering where Sweet on you takes place. Also, the bit of body positivity were such a great surprise that I came out feeling great about myself and that is such a magical quality for Guzman to have.

Overall, oce again food and romance a winning combination and a romance readers must read

Red River Reunion; John Layne

Title: Red River Reunion
Author: John Layne
Genre: Western
Publication Date: October 15th, 2020
Publisher: Labrador Publishing
 

From the author of Gunslingers: A Story of the Old West comes a second novel about frontier freedom and justice on the American Frontier and the Old West.

Red River Reunion is a classic Western Fiction novel set in 1877 that traces the lives of U.S. Deputy Marshal Luxton Danner and Texas Ranger Wes Payne during their latest Texas adventures, where they risk everything to defend the meek, uphold frontier law, and satisfy their pursuit of doing what no other men can.

Tragic circumstances, lawlessness, and villainy, mark life in the Old West as settlers and law enforcement band together to survive and thrive and create a safe and prosperous future for all. Fans of Layne’s distinctive style will enjoy his rich characters and period details that bring the Old West back to life

 

*A Thank you to Labrador Publishing for sending me this book. Here is my honest and unbiased Review*

Rating

 

Hello Fellow Readers,

It's been a while since I've read a really good historical fiction book, much less a western, but Layne did not disappoint! From the very first page I was sucked in and did not want to stop. It opens with a bit of a shoot out, and I can honestly say that they way Layne writes his action scenes was amazing and really made me feel as if I'm right there. I think the shootouts and the action packed scenes were my favorite but that doesn't mean that non-action moments were not as engaging. 

The way Layne crafted his book as if he had first hand knowledge of being in the 1800s Western America, which shows how much research and care went into this book. The book is divided between various POVs with a grand ensemble of characters that were a bit hard to keep up with. There were a couple of characters (Wes and Ben) that really stood out to me. This is the second book in a sereies and I wish I would have read the first book , since I feel that it would have helped me with all the characters, but this book is still good as a standalone. I had absolutely no trouble following along with the story. 

Layne really packs it in with this book; Action, Romance, and a greedy town boss really makes this a must read for all old-fashion Western lover. Overall, an extremely well written book for a genre that needs it.

 

Ties That Tether; Jane Igharo

Title: Ties That Tether
Author: Jane Igharo
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: September 29, 2020
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

When a Nigerian woman falls for a man she knows will break her mother’s heart, she must choose between love and her family.

At twelve years old, Azere promised her dying father she would marry a Nigerian man and preserve her culture even after emigrating to Canada. Her mother has been vigilant about helping--forcing--her to stay well within the Nigerian dating pool ever since. But when another match-made-by-mom goes wrong, Azere ends up at a bar, enjoying the company and later sharing the bed of Rafael Castellano, a man who is tall, handsome, and white.

When their one-night stand unexpectedly evolves into something serious, Azere is caught between her growing feelings for Rafael and the compulsive need to please her mother who will never accept a relationship that threatens to dilute Azere's Nigerian heritage.

Azere can't help wondering if loving Rafael makes her any less of a Nigerian. Can she be with him without compromising her identity? The answer will either cause Azere to be audacious and fight for her happiness or continue as the compliant daughter.

*A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. This is my honest and unbiased review*

Review

Hello Fellow Readers,

I really loved this book and fell in love with the characters. Azere was just so realistic and amazing, I knew from the very first chapter that I would just love her and I was right. While she was such a strong character, she had her insecurities and vulnerabilities. Rafael was great too, and it was nice to read his point of view and meet his family, but I was just more more invested in Azere's chapters.

Igharo has a way of writing so well that you can really feel the emotions and tension leap from the page. My emotions, when reading this, were all over the place but in a good way. I gotta admit that when I was nearing the end, I really didn't want it to be over. I wanted to continue Azere and Rafael's story, but I was really grateful for the epilogue that ended and wrapped up the story beautifully.

 I gotta say that being a biracial child, the tension of two different cultures trying to come together was captured so well and you could really feel the way Azere was being torn in two separate directions. This story really had me on the edge of my seat and I could do nothing but continue reading because I had to see how it ends.

Overall, this was such a great book and I wish it didn't have to end.

 

Sweet Tea and Spirits; Angie Fox

 

Title: Sweet Tea and Spirits
Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #5
Author: Angie Fox
Genre: Cozy Mystery; Paranormal
Publication Date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Moose Island Books

Southern girl Verity Long is about as high society as her pet skunk. Which is why she’s surprised as anyone when the new head of the Sugarland social set invites her to join the "it" girls. But this is no social call. Verity’s new client needs her to go in undercover and investigate strange happenings at the group’s historic headquarters.

But while spirits are whispering hints of murder, the socialites are more focused on Verity’s 1978, avocado-green Cadillac. And when Verity stumbles upon a fresh body, she's going to need the long-dead citizens of Sugarland to help her solve the crime. Good thing she has the handsome deputy sheriff Ellis Wydell on hand, as well as her ghostly sidekick Frankie. The bad thing is, the ghosts are now whispering about the end of a certain ghost hunter.

Rating

Hello Fellow Reader,

So I don't know why I've never thought this before or maybe this book just highlighted it more but Verity is a very, very, very bad investigator. She's just so trusting and naive, Come on Verity you're investigating a murder, you need to be a little suspicious! Also, I didn't like Verity as much as I usually do, typically I love her but she was being a little rude to Frankie. She wants his power but is very judgemental and mean towards him sometimes. I do like that she was called out for it at the end.

I really liked the story in this one despite not enjoying Verity as much. I knew who did it, but I don't read these for the mystery aspect of the book, I enjoy them because they are quick, entertaining and easy reads. Ellis, of course, was amazing and supportive, we also meet some new characters who I hope we see more of and there were actually some moments that I liked Virginia. I know that last one is a bit of a shocker. 

Overall, I can't wait to see where Fox takes this series and if Verity wises up to become a strong investigator.

The Archons Rise; Brian Sieteski

 

Title: The Archons Rise
Series: Humanity's Gauntlet #1
Author: Brian A. Sieteski
Genre: Science Fiction
Publication Date: June 16th, 2020

Humanity is under siege, simultaneous attacks of unknown origin against government leaders around the world have shaken society to its core. Foundations such as democracy, rule of law, and long-held alliances will be tested in this stark new reality. This story follows America on its path to take on this never-before-seen global calamity. Beginning with deciding how to rapidly address the vacuum of power to be ready to take action and also bring the culprits responsible for the heinous attacks to justice. The task may be insurmountable as the responsible party possesses unheard of technology, implying the events are otherworldly.

 

 

 *A Thank you to the Author for allowing me to read this. This is my honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers. 

This book reads very much like a political mystery/thriller, building up while dropping little sprinkles of science fiction as clues. It isn't until the end do we really see the science fiction come out and play. The plot is a very ambitious one, but something tells me that Sieteski is up to the challenge and I can't wait to see what he has to deliever. Like most first books in the Sci-Fi genre, there is a bit of set up, so the first couple of chapters were a little hard to read because of all the information thrown at you. The information is much needed and the story does, however, pick up very quickly after that. 

I did have some trouble keeping track of all the characters that are introduced so the small glossary at the end really helped out, but in future books I do hope they keep characters to a minimum. I really enjoyed the main character Dante, and I loved his dog, Aristotle (whom I hope we eventually will see more of and NOTHING BETTER HAPPEN TO HIM!). Hopefully, Dante stays the main character in all the books since he's just so likable, realistic, and level-headed. I can't see myself rooting for anyone else as much as I do Dante and Aristotle. 

Overall, a good start to a series that I can't wait to see what happens.

 

 

Accidentally In Love; Belinda Missen

Title: Accidentally in Love
Author: Belinda Missen
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: September 11, 2020
Publisher: HQ Digital

In the space of a week, Katharine Patterson has quit her job, decided to move back home, and broken up with the guy she thought was the one.

No big deal.

Because Katharine has a plan. She’s going to open her own art gallery, just like she’s always wanted. What she’s not going to do is worry about boyfriends.

Then she meets Kit, a handsome and talented local artist. He might be the most stubborn person Katharine has ever met. He might also make her feel like no one ever has before.

And Katharine might be about to fall accidentally in love…


*A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

 

Hello Fellow Readers,

This was a really fun book, Katherine was so great and I couldn't help but root for her to succeed. I loved the dynamic that Katherine has with her family, and just her overall attitude was refreshing. Missen did a great job keeping me engaged in the story. Missen also did a really good job writing the scenes and I felt everything that Kartherine was feeling. 

I really liked how nothing went smoothly, but it wasn't so over the top. You can also feel the stress that Katherine is under and you really start to see the cracks start to form that you know something's going to break. This would have been 5 stars but I just couldn't get behind Christopher/Kit. He's just incredibly rude in the beginning and while it does start the enemies to lovers trope it takes a little too long to get to the lovers portion. 

The entire time everyone is saying that Kit is so nice, and a good person but except for the very brief moment he and Katie hook up  you don't see it. I kinda understand why, but at the same time I would like to be shown he's a good person. So it killed the romance for me a little, but I still loved the book so much.

Overall, this is a romance with a strong female character in a great book.

 

To Dream in Daylight; Candace j. Thomas

Title: To Dream in Daylight
Author: Candace J. Thomas
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: September 1st, 2020
Publisher: Shadesilk Press

From childhood, Adri and Simon have always been there for each other, through every loss, triumph, joy and heartbreak. They’re perfect for each other - but there’s an unfortunate catch. They’ve only ever met in their dreams, which means each of them thinks the other one is just a figment of their imagination…

...but what if they weren’t?

All it takes is one video clip to change their lives forever.

When introverted Adri finds herself going viral overnight thanks to an embarrassing video, all she wants to do is disappear forever. But on the other side of the country in Portland, Simon sees the video and realizes for the first time that his soulmate - the girl of his actual dreams - is real. Simon’s desperate search for Adri leads him through the streets of Chicago, hoping against all odds that they will finally find each other in the waking world instead of losing one another forever to the haze of their dreams.

*A thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

I have mixed emotions about his book, while it was slow to start , it eventually picks up. I love the dream flashbacks, it really helps you see how Simon and Adri get closer and why it is so important that they find each other. Despite the whole meeting someone in dreams, it's very realistic story and I liked the inclusion of modern technology and social media.

The characters were okay, but I had a hard time keeping tack of everyone's names, and I kept confusing some characters with others. Adri was good, but I wish she had a slightly more fiery attitude. I did like Simon a lot, once he had his 'find Adri goal', it wasn't until this that we really start to get to know him.

The one put off I had with the story that it just seemed like one huge buildup. I was going higher and higher on the rollercoaster of anticipation, but when it got to the drop I found out I was on a kiddie ride. The climax almost felt nonexistent. I guess I just personally wanted a little bit more at the end.

Overall, a good story that I wish had a better payoff.

 

 

Moonstuck Vol. 2; Grace Ellis

Title: Moonstruck Vol. 2
Author: Grace Ellis; Shae Beagle; Kat Fajardo; Caitlin Quirk; Clayton Cowles
Genre: Fantasy; Graphic Novel; LGBT; Young Adult
Publication Date: March 19th, 2019
Publisher: Image

Werewolf barista Julie and her supernatural friends try to unwind at a party, but a conniving fraternity of fairy bros has other plans for our heroes. With one of their friends trapped in the frat house and the winter solstice (a notable night of magical mischief) looming ever-closer, it's up to the amorous werewolves and gregarious centaur to save the day.








*A Thank you to Edleweiss+ for allowing me to read this for a honest and unbiased review. *

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

While I continue to absolutely love the artwork this one just didn't capture my attention like the last one did. Once again Chet was my favorite and they just continue to be my favorite. While I liked Selena and Julie in the last volume, I did think they may have been going too fast with their relationship. Now, this time its obvious that their relationship is moving too quick. While I typically love that their relationship isn't all rainbows and sunshine it seems to be a bit unhealthy, which worries me. The script for this one was also uninteresting, the stakes just seemed low and I didn't even really care about it. I hope the next one is better.

Overall, the artwork is amazing but the writing needs more work.

Kind of a Big Deal; Shannon Hale

Title: Kind of A Big Deal
Author: Shannon Hale
Genre: Contemporary; Fantasy; Young Adult
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Publisher: Roaring Book Press

There's nothing worse than peaking in high school. Nobody knows that better than Josie Pie.

She was kind of a big deal—she dropped out of high school to be a star! But the bigger you are, the harder you fall. And Josie fell. Hard. Ouch. Broadway dream: dead.

Meanwhile, her life keeps imploding. Best friend: distant. Boyfriend: busy. Mom: not playing with a full deck? Desperate to escape, Josie gets into reading.

Literally. She reads a book and suddenly she's inside it. And with each book, she’s a different character: a post-apocalyptic heroine, the lead in a YA rom-com, a 17th century wench in a corset.

It’s alarming. But also . . . kind of amazing?

It’s the perfect way to live out her fantasies. Book after book, Josie the failed star finds a new way to shine. But the longer she stays in a story, the harder it becomes to escape.

Will Josie find a story so good that she just stays forever?

*A thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

So, I really wanted to love this, a book about getting sucked into stories, and getting to live it out seems so fun and exciting but somewhere along the way it feel completely flat. First of all, Josie just gave me anxiety and I could not for the life of me like her. Yes, she does go through some personal growth, but its towards the end of the book. So, it felt like too little too late. Secondly, the parts where she is in the book just seemed to repeat, just written a little differently depending on the genre.

Lastly, the romance was just weird, she spends the entire book obsessing over the emotional and physical distance between her boyfriend, Justin only for it to wrap up neatly in one chapter. I feel like if this was a shorter story it would have been pretty great, but it just kinda dragged on and the whole muses thing kinda felt weird and out of place. There were some fun parts, like her singing Spice Girls at Zomboids. Overall, this just felt a little short of what I was hoping for.

 

Belle Vue; C.S. Alleyne

Title: Belle Vue
Author: C.S. Alleyne
Genre: Horror
Disclaimer: Sexual Assault; Dark Themes; Violence
Publication Date: August 25th, 2020
Publisher: Crystal Lake Publishing

Jealousy, betrayal, murder and a hunger for vengeance that spans the centuries...

History student Alex Palmer is thrilled when his girlfriend, Claire Ryan, buys an apartment in Belle Vue Manor, formerly a Victorian lunatic asylum.
But as Alex begins to discover the dark truth about the asylum’s past, he, Claire, and their friend Marianne find themselves on a nightmarish journey. Each will face the deadly consequences of the evil that began with the construction of the first Belle Vue Manor by an aristocratic French émigré in 1789, as well as the cruelty and satanic practices that continued when it became an asylum for the insane.
As the two strands—past and present—unfold, Alex uncovers a supernatural mystery where revenge is paramount and innocence irrelevant—without being aware of the price he, and those around him, will pay.

*A thank you to the author for allowing me to read this for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

So I read this in the dark before bed, and well let's just say that I feel that is the only way you should read a horror book. From the prologue you quickly realize the type of horror that Belle Vue will be bringing and it sets the tone for the entire book. There is no build up in this book so there's no waiting and disappointment when you get to these scenes.

This book does take place during two different times, one is the late 1800s and shows Mary and Ellen's POV. The other takes place in the present and has Alex and Claire's POV. You don't have to worry about this as Alleyne makes it easy to know who you're reading and when. This book does have a couple of twists that I didn't see coming and really took the story to another level.

As far as the characters go, I really didn't connect to the characters. I actually found them to be a little unlikable, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book. There was a confusing scene however, that two characters are pitted against each other, but neither characters were good so I didn't understand who I was supposed to support.

The ending was great and really kept me on the edge of my seat, I don't want to give away too much of the scene but it was so well written. I was pretty much right there, experiencing everything along with the character and I didn't want the book to end. Alleyne's writing is just so good, and really turns the horror and it's typical cliches on its head.

Overall, if you're a horror-aficionado this book is for you.

 

Ink & Sigil; Kevin Hearne

Title: Ink & Sigil
Author: Kevin Hearne
Genre: Magic; Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Publisher: Del Rey Books

Al MacBharrais is both blessed and cursed. He is blessed with an extraordinary white moustache, an appreciation for craft cocktails – and a most unique magical talent. He can cast spells with magically enchanted ink and he uses his gifts to protect our world from rogue minions of various pantheons, especially the Fae.

But he is also cursed. Anyone who hears his voice will begin to feel an inexplicable hatred for Al, so he can only communicate through the written word or speech apps. And his apprentices keep dying in peculiar freak accidents. As his personal life crumbles around him, he devotes his life to his work, all the while trying to crack the secret of his curse.

But when his latest apprentice, Gordie, turns up dead in his Glasgow flat, Al discovers evidence that Gordie was living a secret life of crime. Now Al is forced to play detective – while avoiding actual detectives who are wondering why death seems to always follow Al. Investigating his apprentice’s death will take him through Scotland’s magical underworld, and he’ll need the help of a mischievous hobgoblin if he’s to survive.

 *A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Reader,

First of all, let me just say that you don't have to be well versed in the Iron Druid Chronicles series to be able to enjoy Ink & Sigil. Does it help? Yes, nit while it takes place in the same world it can be read as a standalone. It's been a long time since I have read a book where the protagonist is a senior citizen, which is also true about fantasy reads.

Al, was an absolute sweetheart. He's been through so much, that it's a little heartbreaking, but also makes him think through his choices rather than let his emotions guide him. I also particularly enjoyed those around him and with names like Saxon Codpiece, Buck Foi, and Gladys who has seen some shite, who wouldn't? Nadia was my favorite by far and while she doesn't have too much of an interesting name, she still kicks major ass and takes names.

I've always enjoyed Hearne's writing in the Iron Druid books and I did like it but in Ink & Sigil I found the pacing a little slow. Also, everything with D.I. Munro seemed a little unnecessary, like it was only there to show off what Al can do. If this is a standalone it was great, but if it eventually becomes a series I wouldn't mind as I would love to see more of Al and his merry band of misfits.

Overall, If you enjoy fae Urban Fantasy this is for you. 

Spy X Family Vol. 2: Tatsuya Endo

Title: Spy X Family Vol. 2
Author: Tatsuya Endo
Genre: Comedy; Manga
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Publisher: Viz Media




An action-packed comedy about a fake family that includes a spy, an assassin and a telepath!

Master spy Twilight is the best at what he does when it comes to going undercover on dangerous missions in the name of a better world. But when he receives the ultimate impossible assignment—get married and have a kid—he may finally be in over his head!

Twilight must infiltrate the prestigious Eden Academy to get close to his target Donovan Desmond, but does his daughter Anya even have the academic prowess to get in to the school? But perhaps the truly impossible mission is making sure Anya becomes a school scholar and befriends Donovan’s arrogant son, Damian!

*A thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers

If you would like to read the review for Volume 1 you can do that HERE. While the first volume focuses on Twilight and him trying to form his family for the mission, Volume 2 focuses more on Anya and her role in current mission. She needs to become a school scholar (an impossible mission, or so it seems) and navigate the role of student. I thought this volume would annoy me since Anya is the main focus for this and I don't typically like kids in media. I was so wrong.

Anya is so cute and I love the interactions she has with everyone. It's adorable to see Loid (Twilight) being a dad without even realizing it, and seeing Yor's maternal side come out and play. We don't actually see very much of Yor in this, but with the way this ended she's going to have a much bigger role in the third volume.

I read this in one sitting, which isn't a big feat, but I was surprised at how much I did not want this to end. I really wish I already had volume 3 in my hands because I need to continue this and I am ready to know what happens.

Overall, I am addicted to this series and will definitely be picking the next one up as soon as I can.

Triple Best Friend Heat: Pepper Swan

Title: Triple Best Friend Heat
Series: Cowboy Heat #2
Author: Pepper Swan
Genre: Polyamorous; Romance; Reverse Harem
Disclaimer: Sexual Content
Publication Date: February 26th, 2020

They’d been my best friends… until tragedy struck.
I never wanted to see them again.
Never say never.

When a generous offer comes in for the ranch I deserted two years ago, soon after my husband’s memorial, I decide it might be time to sell and give myself some closure. The only thing stopping me are my three best friends who still tend to the daily needs of the ranch. I owe it to them to show up in person and tell them my plans.

As soon as I see Toby again, the smoldering, hard-bodied loner, I know I’ve made a monumental mistake returning to the ranch I’d once loved. His touch generates a heat so intense I can hardly breathe.

When I meet up with Dale, with his smooth wit, that boy-next-door attitude, and his chiseled body, I find it impossible to control my dirty thoughts.

And when Josh, looking drop-dead gorgeous with his jeans slung low on his hips, and a smile that could melt skin, gives me one of his bear hugs, I lose all sense of purpose and realize how much I want these three rugged cowboys in my bed.

But am I ready for love again… and with my best friends? Are these brawny, strong-willed wranglers willing to share me? And if they are, how can I possibly sell the ranch?

What’s a cowgirl supposed to do? 

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

One of my guilty pleasure genres are Reverse Harem and when I read the synopsis for this I immediately picked this up and started reading. Unfortunately, this was hard to get through. Did it deliver on the smut, yes but I just wasn't into it. It was basically insta-love and I didn't feel like any of the male leads really grew during the story. I did like the main character, but alas I can't even remember her name so that should tell you some things.

The writing wasn't awful, and I think Swan delivered on the cowboy slang (althought I don't know too much). I really wished they all had more interaction with each other, I think that was what I was really missing. Either way, I think this series is a pass for me which is sad considering the high rating it has.

Act-Age, Vol. 1: Tatsuya Matsuki

Title: Act-Age Vol. 1
Author: Tatsuya Matsuki
Art: Shiro Usazaki
Genre: Manga; Graphic Novel; Young Adult
 Published: July 7th, 2020
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC

Kei Yonagi must delve deep into her psyche to succeed in the cutthroat world of acting, but can she keep her sanity while doing so?

Is there a method to Kei Yonagi’s madness when it comes to acting? The young actor has a family of siblings to feed, but she finds herself struggling with her psychological demons when playing a role. Her desperate acting catches the eye of a famous director, Sumiji Kuroyama, who’s looking for raw talent to mold. Can he help Yonagi navigate the cutthroat world of acting without losing her sanity?

*A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

As much as I wanted to like this manga I just couldn't get into it. The plot is a little weird and the characters are even weirder. Most of the time this wouldn't bother me as manga characters typically get that way sometimes but this time they just didn't mesh with me. I did feel for the main character in the beginning.

Kei's dad is gone, her mother is dead and she is responsible for two young kids. It makes sense that she wants to loose herself in movies, but at the same time she can't fully remove herself because her acting needs to be able to relate to the experiences she has in life. It's not really acting (although they are mostly talking about method acting in this and I am not a actor so who knows?) to me, it's just her rating her scenes to her life. 

I lost my connection with Kei after her 'second' role and I just couldn't get the connection back. I like connecting to characters even if it's not on a personal level. Yes, I understand she is weird, it's mentioned a lot in the manga, but when she wanted to return a check for a commercial because she didn't do exactly what it said in the script, I just found it ridiculous. 

The manga isn't bad at all, I can see it being very funny, especially with all the hi-jinks Kei gets into but I just don't think this is for me. 

 

Happy Release Day!!! You had me at Hola: Alexis Daria

Title: You had me at Hola
Author: Alexis Daria
Genre:  Contemporary; Romance
Disclaimer: Sexual content
Publication Date: August 4th, 2020
Publisher: Avon

Leading Ladies do not end up on tabloid covers. 

After a messy public breakup, soap opera darling Jasmine Lin Rodriguez finds her face splashed across the tabloids. When she returns to her hometown of New York City to film the starring role in a bilingual romantic comedy for the number one streaming service in the country, Jasmine figures her new “Leading Lady Plan” should be easy enough to follow—until a casting shake-up pairs her with telenovela hunk Ashton Suárez.

Leading Ladies don’t need a man to be happy.

After his last telenovela character was killed off, Ashton is worried his career is dead as well. Joining this new cast as a last-minute addition will give him the chance to show off his acting chops to American audiences and ping the radar of Hollywood casting agents. To make it work, he’ll need to generate smoking-hot on-screen chemistry with Jasmine. Easier said than done, especially when a disastrous first impression smothers the embers of whatever sexual heat they might have had.

Leading Ladies do not rebound with their new costars.

With their careers on the line, Jasmine and Ashton agree to rehearse in private. But rehearsal leads to kissing, and kissing leads to a behind-the-scenes romance worthy of a soap opera. While their on-screen performance improves, the media spotlight on Jasmine soon threatens to destroy her new image and expose Ashton’s most closely guarded secret.

*A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchance for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

As a child I remember my abuelita had one rule and that was no talking during her telenovelas. Since she was the one who took care of me at the time I typically would have to watch them with her. When I read the synopsis for this book I knew I had to read it, and while it's not as outlandish as some telenovelas I've seen, some of which were mentioned in this book (I'm talking about you Maria de la Bario), I really loved this book.

Jasmine was such a sweetheart, but also a Jefa queen, and Aston was just so cute. The romance was great from the beginning, and wasn't insta-love which is a huge plus and the attraction you feel between the two was so palpable. This was a book about two people falling in very real love, and I really loved the small moments where they just get to know each other. By the time it got to the steamier moments, I was so in love with them as a couple.

Neither of these two are perfect so of course they hit a major roadblock. Their argument and falling out was a little ridiculous with Aston just so emotionally closed off and stubborn, while Jasmine reacted reckless and selfishly, but I am so glad for their families and their meddling so the too can take their heads out of their...yeah.

Daria's writing and character really captured my heart, that when the epilogue rolled around I was so sad to see them go because I wasn't ready to release them. Also, I found it very refreshing to actually see Latinx characters speaking Spanish, not just some words but full blown sentences! This made my heart soar even more. May I suggest a sequel with either Michelle or Ava as the leads? They deserve a happy ending as well.

Overall, a really great romance with steamy scenes and family antics.

 

Skin Deep; Sung J Woo

Title: Skin Deep
Series: Siobhan O'Brien #1
Author: Sung J. Woo
Genre: Mystery
Publication Date: July 21st, 2020
Publisher: Agora Books

Korean-American adoptee Siobhan O'Brien has spent much of her life explaining her name and her family to strangers, but a more pressing problem is whether to carry on the PI agency that her dead boss unexpectedly left to her. Easing into middle age, Siobhan would generally rather have a glazed donut than a romance, but when an old friend asks Siobhan to find her daughter who has disappeared from her dorm, the rookie private detective's search begins at Llewellyn College.

A women's institution of higher learning in upstate New York, Llewellyn, for the first time in its two-hundred-year history, has opened its doors to male students. Fringe group The Womyn of Llewellyn are furious, but their ex-fashion-model president declares they have little choice due to financial shortfalls. But if that's true, where did she get the money to build a brand new science center, and why is it under 24/7 surveillance by the town cops?

As Siobhan delves deeper into the search for her friend's daughter, she encounters politely dangerous men in white turtlenecks, vegan cooking that might kill her, possibly deadly yoga poses, and a woman named Cleopatra who's got more issues than National Geographic. This first in a new series introduces an endearing P.I. heroine in the tradition of classic female detectives like Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone and Sara Paretsky's V.I. Warshawski readers won't be able to put down.

*A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

There's just something about Siobhan, yes she has a very Irish name, yes she is a Korean-American adoptee and yes she's a 40 year old PI, but its more than that. I was not sure what to think going into this book, but I feel in love with Siobhan. Her inner ability to read a situation and act accordingly astounded me. It's hard to find a mystery heroine who actually acts logical in situations, plus her snarky humor, honestly was refreshing. The book is pretty humorous despite the very serious mystery that unfolds throughout the book, its pretty much why I read the book in one sitting.

The mystery itself was a little hard to grasp, what started out as a straight-forward missing persons case evolved into this huge scandal that was a little hard to keep up with. There were also a lot of characters to keep track of, some of which I barely remembered their names, I don't know how Siobhan kept up. There was also a lot of things to keep track of in terms of events and exposition, some of which I felt was unnecessary, all of which happened in what seemed like a couple of days. Another thing that was interesting was the fact that you pretty much know the who of the mystery but needed to know the how or why to have it finally settled.

I did enjoy the little snippets of romance that seemed to blossom in the book, while not needed it was a little refresher from the main plot in the book and I can't wait to see where it goes. The mystery didn't seemed to be as wrapped up as I would have liked, and I wanted to see more payback to the "bad guys" but I did like the way it ended setting up another case for Siobhan which made me think about where the series would go, which is a great thing. I can't wait for the next book so I can continue Siobhan's journey.

Overall, a pretty good mystery with a great character.

 

Redemption Grove; David Rawding

Title: Redemption Grove
Author: David Rawding
Genre: Contemporary
Disclaimer: Drug use, Violence, and Suicide
Publication Date: June 26th, 2018
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing

Twenty-one-year-old Chris Olson has hit rock-bottom. His addiction to painkillers has left him homeless and ruined. Hoping to give him a clean start, his sister, Aida, convinces him to move to Anchorage to live with her.

But trouble seems to follow Chris, and he brings it right to Aida’s doorstep. Faced with having to kick her brother out of the house, Aida enlists the help of her friend, Doctor Max Fitwell. Max, haunted by a recent personal tragedy, wants nothing more than to be left alone in his misery. But he reluctantly agrees to allow Chris to stay with him and to help build a cabin.

Chris and Max, two men who are each struggling to find their own reasons to live, navigate the wilderness of Alaska, where they’ll either become better men or die trying.

*A Thank to the author for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

This was such an emotional roller coaster. Once I thought I had a handle on my feelings Rawding gave me another loop and added a steep drop. Chris and Max's story is one that goes on everyday in the world but we never get to hear about it. Rawding did a great job writing their struggles so much so that I had to keep reminding myself that this is a work of fiction.

I was so invested in Chris and Max's journey. Chris did make me so frustrated at times, but this is because I was rooting for him to be strong and get clean, but anyone whose ever been or has known a drug addict can say that it's a daily struggle. There are going to be mistakes and relapses. Max's story, although not as prominent, was just as powerful. I've never lost someone I love (which I am so grateful for) but the grief and guilt he was suffocating in made you feel as if you had been the one grieving.  Chris and Max's relationship was a ride all by itself. Every time I felt it was going somewhere they hit a hard stop. They kept taking one step forward and then two steps back again.

Rawding was really aiming for the heartstrings when he was writing this. He wrote amazingly, and really had me picturing the Alaskan Wilderness as if I was there. There were points in the story where I felt he detailed things a bit too hard but it didn't take too much away from the story.

Overall, this was a heart-wrenching book, so if your ready for a emotional ride pick this up.