Book Review: The Huntress by Kate Quinn

Title: The Huntress

Author: Kate Quinn

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

Pages: 560

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"In the aftermath of war, the hunter becomes the hunted...

Bold and fearless, Nina Markova always dreamed of flying. When the Nazis attack the Soviet Union, she risks everything to join the legendary Night Witches, an all-female night bomber regiment wreaking havoc on the invading Germans. When she is stranded behind enemy lines, Nina becomes the prey of a lethal Nazi murderess known as the Huntress, and only Nina's bravery and cunning will keep her alive.

Transformed by the horrors he witnessed from Omaha Beach to the Nuremberg Trials, British war correspondent Ian Graham has become a Nazi hunter. yet one target eludes him: a vicious predator known as the Huntress. To find her, the fierce, disciplined investigator joins forces with the only witness to escape the Huntress alive: the brazen, cocksure Nina. But a shared secret could derail their mission unless Ian and Nina force themselves to confront it.

Growing up in post-war Boston, seventeen-year-old Jordan McBride is determined to become a photographer. When her long-widowed father unexpectedly comes home with a new fiancee, Jordan is thrilled. But there is something disconcerting about the soft-spoken German widow. Certain that danger is lurking. Jordan begins to delve into her new stepmother's past- only to discover that there are mysteries buried deep in her family... secrets that may threaten all Jordan holds dear."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a great historical fiction read. Th different perspectives really added to the overall plot, and watching how each piece tied together fed the intrigue. I would highly recommend it, especially as an audiobook. The end itself was a bit predictable, but I have found that when it's historical fiction (if you know the history) most of the time that is the case. I look forward to reading more from the author soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

Title: The Family Upstairs

Author: Lisa Jewell

Series/Standalone: The Family Upstairs Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Thriller, Adult Fiction, Mystery

Pages: 340

Publisher: Audiobook

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"Soon after her twenty-fifth birthday, Libby Jones returns home from work to find the letter she's been waiting for her entire life. She rips it open with one driving thought: I am finally going to know who I am.

She soon learns not only the identity of her birth parents, but also that she is the sole inheritor of their abandoned mansion on the banks of the Thames in London's fashionable Chelsea neighborhood, worth millions. Everything in Libby's life is about to change. But what she can't possibly know is that others have been waiting for this day as well- and she is on a collision course to meet them.

Twenty-five years ago, police were called to 16 Cheyne Walk with reports of a baby crying. When they arrived, they found a healthy ten-month-old happily cooing in her crib in the bedroom. Downstairs in the kitchen lay three dead bodies, all dressed in black, next to a hastily scrawled note. And the four other children reported to live at Cheyne Walk were gone. 

The can't-look-away story of three entangled families living in a house with the darkest of secrets."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was so close to a five stars for me. I always enjoy reading a book that has a culty style setting. It's something that I find very interesting to read about. The author does a wonderful job of writing an atmospheric telling of both the past and the present. I enjoyed the different p.o.v.s but I thought that the ending wrapped up a little too neatly for a thriller/mystery. I do plan on reading the second book, but I'm not sure how the author is going to draw out the thrilling aspect even more.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 7

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 7

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 7)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 224

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Shigeru has finally awakened from the coma he's been in since Seiko pushed home off the cliff- but he remembers nothing of the incident, nor does he even recognize his assailant. Rather than setting Seiko's mind at ease, however, this only serves to disturb her further.

Meanwhile, Seiichi is determined to keep his promise to his mother- with devastating consequences for everyone around him."

My Rating: 4/5

The suspense in this volume was definitely higher. I felt like I was on edge the whole time reading it. The art style and the pacing are perfect for binge-reading.

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 6

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 6

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Vol. 6)

Genre: Adult, Manga, Horror

Pages: 224

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Beset by mental images of his mother, Seiichi flees from Fukiishi's embrace and returns home. Safety and reconciliation aren't the only things that await him there, however.

The Osabes have become one big happy family again... but at what cost?

Shuzo Oshimi's masterfully nuanced tale of familial horror continues to tighten its grip on the minds of its characters and readers alike."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This one was also just ok. it had a cliffhanger that was better than the previous volume but there didn't seem to be quite as much build-up as I wanted from the first few volumes. Again i will be binging as many of these as I can get my hands on this month.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 5

Title: Blood on the Tracks Volume 5

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 5)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 232

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library)

"Encouraged by Fukiishi to stand up for himself, Seiichi exploded in a moment of rage, telling his mother Seiko, "I don't need you"- the first rebellious act of his young life. Now Fukiishi has offered him sanctuary in her room, hidden from her father and away from the watchful eyes of his own parents. But as Seiichi fumbles towards sexual awakening, his mother's spectre is never far from his mind...

Shuzo Oshimi's masterwork of psychological terror continues, as Seiichi struggles to navigate the tangled web of his competing emotions.

Meanwhile, Seiko's desperate search for her son brings her to Fukiishi's doorstep...."

My Rating: 3/5

This volume was just ok. Still unsettling and uncomfortable... obviously but not in the same way as previous volumes. I will continue on with the series but it just wasn't as good as some of the previous ones that I had read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan

Title: Wicked Saints

Author: Emily A. Duncan

Series/Standalone: Something Dark and Holy (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 385

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook (Own Hardcover)

"Some stories are so beautiful, so brutal, that they claw at your heart and refuse to let go. Welcome to the world of Wicked Saints- an epic, passionate novel that you won't soon forget. Prepare to meet:

A GIRL named Nadya, who hears the whisper of the gods inside her head. 

A PRINCE surrounded by desperate suitors and deadly assassins. 

A MONSTER hidden behind pale, tortured eyes- and a smile that cuts like a knife.

The paths of these three characters become entwined during a centuria-long war filled with sinners and saints, magic and mystery, and a star-crossed romance that threatens to tip the scales between dark and light... forever."

My Rating: 5/5

I would like to note that my thoughts on this book are not my thoughts on the author. When I read this book I didn't realize how controversial this author is. I don't agree with the actions she has taken this review is fully based on her work that I read. 

I really enjoyed this high fantasy-style story and I loved the characters. I think that this author played on a trope that I really enjoyed, two love interests that fill the tropes I enjoy. I also enjoyed the idea of the different magic systems. There were some plot points that I assume would be filled in the next book (I have not decided whether or not I am reading the next in the series). I enjoyed the excerpts from the Book of Saints, and I found that the audiobook was a great way to consume this story. I would recommend picking up the audiobook is your local library has a copy.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

Title: Fix Her Up

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: Hot & Hammered Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Smut

Pages: 400

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"A brand new romantic comedy from New York Times bestseller Tessa Bailey!

Georgette Castle's family runs the best home renovations business in town, but she picked balloons instead of blueprints and they haven't taken her seriously since. Frankly, she's over it. Georgie loves planning children's birthday parties and making people laugh, just not at her own expense. She's determined to fix herself up into a Woman of the World... whatever that means.

Phase one: new framework for her business (a website from this decade, perhaps?)

Phase two: a gut-reno on her wardrobe (FYI, leggings are pants.)

Phase three: updates to her exterior (do people still wax?)

Phase four: put herself on the market (and stop crushing on Travis Ford!)

Living her best life means facing the truth: Georgie hasn't been on a date since, well ever. Nobody's asking the town clown out for a night of hot sex, that's for sure. Maybe if people think she's having a steamy love affair, they'll acknowledge she's not just the 'little sister' who paints faces for a living. And who better to help demolish that image than the resident sports star and tabloid favorite?

Travis Ford was major league baseball's hottest rookie when an injury ended his career. Now he's flipping houses to keep busy and trying to forget his glory days. But he can't even cross the street without someone recapping his greatest hits. Or making a joke about his.... bat. And then there's Georgie, his best friend's sister, who is not a kid anymore. When she proposes a wild scheme- that they pretend to date, to shock her family and help him land a new job- he agrees. What's the harm? It's not like it's real. But the girl Travis used to tease is now a funny, full-of-life woman and there's nothing fake about how much he wants her...."

My Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed this story. I think the whole small town and best friend's younger sister trope was perfect. I have loved the two things that I have read from Tessa Bailey so far and I'm on a roll. I love how unique her characters are and the tropes that she is writing with. So far so good. The smut in this was pretty good as well. If you're looking for a hot summer read, and haven't read this (I don't know if you exist because I'm late to the party) pick it up.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Surviving the City Vol. 1

Title: Surviving the City Vol. 1

Author: Tasha Spillet

Artist(s): Natasha Donovan

Series/Standalone: Surviving the City Series (Volume 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, 

Pages: 56

Publisher: HighWater Press

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"Tasha Spillett's graphic novel debut, Surviving the City, is a story about womanhood, friendship, colonialism, and the anguish of a missing loved one. Miikwan and Dez are best friends. Miikwan is Anishinaabe; Dez is inninew. Together, the teens navigate the challenges of growing up in an urban landscape- they're so close, they even completed their Berry Fast together. However, when Dez's grandmother becomes too sick, Dez is told she can't stay with her anymore. With the threat of a group home looming, Dez can't bring herself to go home and disappears. Miikwan is devastated, and the wound of her missing mother resurfaces. Will Dez's community find her before it's too late? Will Miikwan be able to cope if they don't?"

My Rating: 5/5

This is a coming-of-age story set in the city I currently live in (I believe) and it focuses on more than just becoming a teen in the city, but how racism affects our main characters throughout their life. It deals with serious and important issues. I hope this story reaches those who need it and helps members of the community feel seen. Although that will never be enough, being seen and taking action to correct current and past wrongs is a responsibility we all have. 

I would strongly recommend it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Fix the World by Joe Henderson

Title: Fix the World

Author: Joe Henderson

Series/Standalone: Skyward Series (Volume 3)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Willa's faced terrifying storms, giant man-eating bugs, a deadly rebellion and a whole lot of heartbreak, but nothing can prepare her for this. It's time for Willa to fulfil her father's last request. Time to fix the world. But a revelation will rock Willa to her core and test her in ways she never imagined possible."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This series is such a fast, fun read. I would recommend just binge read these back to back. They're fun, fast-paced and enjoyable. I liked the art style immensely and the plot was just ok. Overall I think that this series was fun, but it wasn't earth-shattering for me. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Here There Be Dragonflies

Title: Here There Be Dragonflies

Author: Joe Henderson 

Series/Standalone: Skyward (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 104

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Now a fugitive, Willa leaves Chicago and goes on the run! But when she takes refuge with some low-G farmers, she stumbles into a plot to attack the city. oh, and on top of all that: giant, man-eating bugs! Maybe we should have led with that."

My Rating: 4/5

I thought this volume was inventive and fun but it didn't carry the interest that I hoped it would. I think that this series could be longer if it had taken a different direction. I plan to finish the series, but it wasn't really the way I hoped for it to go down. Ps. Giant bugs did deliver terror though.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Miracle Creek by Angie Kim

Title: Miracle Creek

Author: Angie Kim

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Pages: 355

Publisher: Sarah Crichton Books

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"How far will you go to protect your family? Will you keep their secrets? Ignore their lies?

In a small town in Virginia, a group of people know each other because they're part of a special treatment center, a hyperbaric chamber that may cure a range of conditions from infertility to autism. But then the chamber explodes, two people die, and it's clear the explosion wasn't an accident.

A showdown unfolds as the story moves across characters who are all maybe keeping secrets, hiding betrayals. Was it the careless mother of a patient? Was it the owner, hoping to cash in on a big insurance payment and send their daughter to college? could it have been a protester, trying to prove the treatment isn't safe?"

My Rating: 4/5

I want to start by saying I can understand the backlash towards this book. There are aspects that are problematic. And I think that you have to keep in mind that the author isn't out here believing that autism can be cured. She is writing about things that she has researched and has turned aspects of people's lives into a mystery. Again this is fiction. She is writing about a mystery/thriller surrounding a fictional tragedy and how society's expectations play into a courtroom drama.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Avant-Guards Vol. 1

Title: The Avant-Guards Vol. 1

Author: Carly Usdin

Artist(s): Noah Hayes

Series/Standalone: The Avant-Guards Vol. 1

Genre: Young Adult, LGBT, Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When Charlie transfers to the Georgia O'Keeffe College of Arts and Subtle Dramatics, she struggles to find her feet, but winds up exactly where she belongs... in the school's (terrible) basketball team.

As a transfer student to the Georgia O'Keeffe College for Arts and Subtle Dramatics, former sports star Charlie is struggling to find her classes, her dorm and her place amongst a student body full of artists who seem to know exactly where they're going.  When the school's barely-a-basketball team unexpectedly attempts to recruit her, Charlie's adamant that she's left that life behind... until she's won over by the charming team captain, Liv, and the ragtag crew she's managed to assemble. And while Charlie may have left cut-throat competition in the dust, sinking these hoops may be exactly what she needs to see the person she truly wants to be."

My Rating: 5/5

This was exactly the type of comic I needed. Light, fun, but also so darn cute. The potential romance in this is EVERYTHING! I also loved the art style, it really reminded me of a mix of Lumberjanes (THE FIRST VOLUMES) and Giant Days. If either of those holds your interest I would strongly recommend this first volume of this new series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

Title: A Touch of Darkness    

Author: Scarlett St. Clair    

Series/Standalone: Hades x Persephone Series (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, Retelling, Smut

Pages: 282

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shrivelled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist.

Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.

After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead, and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever. 

The bet does more than expose Persephone's failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows- and it's forbidden."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Spice Rating 5/5

This book was perfectly spicey. A great read for people who are interested in the Persephone and Hades retelling without it relying to heavily on past knowledge. You also have to be ok with it being a modern retelling. I loved the world that Scarlett St. Clair created and the undeniable attraction between our hero and heroine was so well written. The smutty scenes in this book were so incredibly spicey. So if you can't handle smut, I would not recommend it. But if you're looking for a smutty, steamy retelling with unbelievable chemistry between your main characters I would recommend it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

 

Book Review: Well Met by Jen DeLuca

Title: Well Met

Author: Jen DeLuca

Series/Standalone: Well Met Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance

Pages: 335

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"All's fair in love and war for two sworn enemies who indulge in a harmless flirtation in a laugh-out-loud rom-com from debut author, Jen DeLuca.

Emily knew there would be strings attached when she relocated to the small town of Willow Creek, Maryland, for the summer to help her sister recover from an accident, but who could anticipate getting roped into volunteering for the local Renaissance Fair alongside her teenaged niece? Or that the irritating and inscrutable schoolteacher in the charge of the volunteers would be so annoying that she finds it impossible to stop thinking about him?

The faire is Simon's family legacy and from the start he makes clear he doesn't have time for Emily's lighthearted approach to life, her oddball Shakespeare conspiracy theories, or her endless suggestions for new acts to shake things up. Yet on the faire grounds he becomes a different person, flirting freely with Emily when she's in her revealing wench's costume. But is this attraction real, or just part of the characters they're portraying?

This summer was only ever supposed to be a pit stop on the way to somewhere else for Emily, but soon she can't seem to shake the fantasy of establishing something more with Simon, or a permanent home of her own in Willow Creek."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This story took me a little while to get into. I thought that at first, the faire aspect wasn't going to be for me, but the more I read the more I loved our main character. While she could be a little naive, she was pretty understandably misguided in some attempts. Simon was the same way. The only aspect I didn't like was the epilogue sometimes I think that we really go too far with the idea that people can be ready to be together for forever so quickly. And while I try to suspend my disbelief, sometimes it's more than my cynical 27-year-old self can manage. I plan on continuing this series.  Super fun and the sex scene was pretty good too.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: By Night, Vol. 2

Title: By Night, Volume 2

Author: John Allison

Artist(s): Christine Larsen, Sarah Stern

Series/Standalone: By Night Series (Vol. 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM!Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Two estranged childhood best friends unexpectedly travel through a portal into another, spookier world where they attempt to create the greatest documentary of all time

Jane Langstaff and Heather Meadows have been to the other side... and now it's just a question of how to bring proof back home with them. And then there's the question of how the portal got there in the first place... and whether or not the town of Spectrum, South Dakota is safe, or monsters are about to start pouring through to our world. Not to mention, with Gardt facing the consequences for Jane and Heather's invasion, have the girls actually been the monsters all along?"

My Rating: 1.75/5

I have liked Giant Days for so long that I just wanted something a little bit similar. I was hoping that with their similar art style and the same-ish-aged main characters I would get the same feelings. But this series is completely different and that's fine, it's just not what I wanted. I think that the plot isn't enticing enough for me to keep going at this point, but I also have a few lingering questions and there is only one more volume. Dare I go for it?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Title: Know My Name

Author: Chanel Miller

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Pages: 384

Publisher: Viking

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"She was known to the world as Emily Doe when she stunned millions with a letter. Brock Turner had been sentenced to just six months in county jail after he was found sexually assaulting her on Stanford's campus. Her victim impact statement was posted on BuzzFeed, where it instantly went viral- viewed by eleven million people within four days, it was translated globally and read on the floor of Congress; it inspired changes in California law and the recall of the judge in the case. Thousands wrote to say that she had given them the courage to share their own experiences of assault for the first time.

Now she reclaims her identity to tell her story of trauma, transcendence, and the power of words. It was the perfect case, in many ways- there were eyewitnesses, Turner ran and away, physical evidence was immediately secured. But her struggles with isolation and shame during the aftermath and the trial reveal the oppression victims face in even the best-case scenarios. Her story illuminates a culture biased to protect perpetrators, indicts a criminal justice system designed to fail the most vulnerable, and ultimately, shines with the courage required to move through suffering and live a full and beautiful life.

Know My Name will forever transform the way we think about sexual assault, challenging our beliefs about what is acceptable and speaking truth to the tumultuous reality of healing. It also introduces readers to an extraordinary writer, one whose words have already changed our world. Entwining pain, resilience, and humor, this memoir will stand as a modern classic."

My Rating: 5/5

This story was truly heartwrenching, but it's so intensely important to read it. This is the story of Chanel, whose identity was stripped away through a two-year wait of trials, and still didn't receive the justice she deserved. While she is a victim and she is finding what that looks like in her life post-trial, she is also a person. Someone who worked through an unjust system, a system made to keep the victims in these crimes. To have her identity and who she was before the rape not even considered in court unless it was to slander her character was heartbreaking. The use of hearsay for her vs. the way that Turner was able to use character witnesses made me sick. With everything going on in the US at the moment I think we can agree that progress has taken a step back for the rights of women and while this book was painful to read, it is necessary to voice these pains and all the problems that surround victims of assault. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Bromace Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

Title: The Bromance Book Club

Author: Lyssa Kay Adams

Series/Standalone: Bromance Book Club Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance

Pages: 339

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"The first rule of the book club: You don't talk about book club.

Nashville Legends' second baseman Gavin Scott's marriage is in major-league trouble. He's recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it's the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gabin realizes he's let his pride and fear get the better of him.

Welcome to the Bromance Book Club

Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it takes a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for the hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife."

My Rating: 5/5

This was exactly what I want from a contemporary romance. It was fun, it was spicy and it was swoon-worthy. This had a couple who had already been together for some time but were working through a difficult portion of their relationship. I enjoyed reading from an already pre-established relationship. The smut in this was perfect for me and I think it was done well.  I also loved the way the men in this group were portrayed and the fact that they had this book club so under wraps made my day. I would strongly recommend it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: By Night Vol. 1

Title: By Night Vol.1 

Author: John Allison   

Artist(s): Christine Larsen & Sarah Stern

Series/Standalone: By Night series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"After discovering a mysterious device, Jane and Heather decide to try their hand at documentary filmmaking... in another dimension!

There's something range going on in Spectrum, South Dakota.

Home to high school best friends Jane Langstaff and heather Meadows, Spectrum is a boomtown that's long since stopped booming, with nothing to show for its former glory but the abandoned Charleswood Estate, its dwindling sprocket millions, and the story of the disappeared industrialist who founded the story of the disappeared industrialist who found the place... But deep within Charleswood, unbeknownst to anyone, there is a device called the Eidolon, which can open up a doorway to an otherworldly dimension. And Heather and Jane are about to go knocking."

My Rating: 3/5

This was a fun first volume, I've read the majority of Giant Days which was also written by John Allison and that's what drew me to this graphic novel. This one was fun and cute, but it didn't grab my attention in the same way. I'm interested in what the different settings can do for the story and will be reading the next one, just not as committed to this series as much as I have been to other graphic novel series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Guy on the Right by Kate Stewart

Title: The Guy on the Right

Author: Kate Stewart

Series/Standalone: The Underdog Trilogy (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, New Adult

Pages: 364

Publisher: Kindle

Year Published: 2019

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Strike One- My mother named me Theodore after her favorite chipmunk.

Not cool, Mom.

I've spent most of my life answering to Teddy, because I couldn't make Theo work.

Except for here. College. The place where all bets are off, and I've managed to redeem myself.

There's only one problem, my new roommate, Troy is football royalty and look like he stepped off the set of an Abercrombie shoot.

Doesn't matter, I cook a mean breakfast for his panty parade, and we get along well.

And anyway, this year I got the girl. And she's perfect.

That's right, Theodore Houseman, former band geek, now marching band rock star has finally landed the girl of his dreams.

Everything is perfect.

That is, until Troy takes a good look at her.

I'm not going down without a fight. As a matter of fact, I'm not going down at all. As glorious as these days may be for my all-star roommate, Laney is my end game.

I may not know much about play strategy, but I've been the good guy my whole life. I've been listening and I know exactly what women want. Framed ina picture standing next to me, Troy may seem like Mr. Perfect, but he's underestimating the guy on the right."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a fun romance to read. I'm looking forward to reading alot from the Kindle Unlimited library this month and just having fun with my reading. This was supposed to be a good intro to new adult, and smut. But it was more romantic than I was anticipating. It was fun to see a normal guy getting the girl, but also to see them deal with things together as friends before becoming more. The conflict int his book was just a bit much for me, but I get what the author was doing. My only big complaint was that at times this book felt like it was based in 2015 not 2019 and I know that might not matter to some people,but it did take me out of the story here and there. I might continue this series, depending how the rest of my reading this month goes.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Okay by Kieron Gillen

Title: Okay

Author: Kieron Gillen

Contributor(s): Jamie McKelvie and Matt Wilson

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Vol. 9)

Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Urban Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"After five years, we reach the final volume. We go not gentle into that good night, but go driving a converted tank, covered in glitter and spangles, with a sound system audible from Mars blaring nothing but bangers. Gods, pop stars, an ending. We'll miss you."

My Rating: 5/5

What a fucking finale. Watching how this series came to a close was absolutely magnificent. I read this volume in one sitting and couldn't speed through it fast enough. Watching our characters grow and the rapid plot twists throughout the series has been so entertaining. If you're looking for an urban fantasy, alternative reality graphic novel series I would high recommend it. It doesn't always make a lot of sense, but we got there in the end. I would highly recommend it. Also, the art style is stunning throughout! Absolutely stunning.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny