Book Review: My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey

Title: My Killer Vacation

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Adult Fiction, Mystery

Pages: 295

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"A brash bounty hunter and an energetic elementary school teacher is the murder-solving team no one asked for, but they're stuck together, come hell or high tide, until a killer is found in this spicy rom-com with a brand new bonus novella from Tessa Bailey, #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Happened One Summer. It was supposed to be a relaxing vacation in sweet, sunny Cape Cod- just Taylor Bassey and her beloved brother- but discovering a corpse in their rental house has really thrown a wrench into their tanning schedule. Now a rude, crude bounty hunter has arrived on the back of his motorcycle to catch the killer and refuses to believe Taylor can be helpful, despite the countless hours she's spent listening to true crime podcasts. Not to mention her fulfilling teaching career of wrangling second graders. Myles Summer is only there to do a job, not babysit an amateur sleuth. Although... it is becoming less and less of a hardship to have Taylor around. Sure, she's stubborn, distracting and can't stay out of harm's way. She's also brave and beautiful and reminds him of home. In other words, the insatiable hunger and protectiveness she's awakening is a threat to his peace of mind. Before Myles sinks any deeper into this dangerous attraction, he needs to solve the murder and get back on the road. Only now there are two threats- and the biggest one is to his heart."

My Rating: 4/5

I finished this read quite a while ago. I liked that the author wasn't just focused on the romance in this book; the mystery played an equal role in the book. In some ways, it reminded me of parts of Finlay Donovan series (the cozy romance aspects). The spicy scenes were well written, and the characters were fun. My only complaint was how long it took the spice to get rolling.

Sidny

Book Review: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Title: Every Summer After

Author: Carley Fortune

Series/Standalone: Barry's Bay (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Small Town

Pages: 320

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"They say you can never go home again, and for Persephone Fraser, ever since she made the biggest mistake of her life a decade ago, that has felt too true. Instead of glittering summers on the lakeshore of her childhood, she spends them in a stylish apartment in the city, going out with friends, and keeping everyone a safe distance from her heart.

Until she receives the call that sends her racing back to Barry's Bay and into the orbit of Sam Florek- the man she never thought she'd have to live without.

For six summers, through hazy afternoons on the water and warm summer nights working in his family's restaurant and curling up together with books- medical textbooks for him and work-in-progress horror short stories for her- Percy and Sam had been inseparable. Eventually that friendship turned into something breathtakingly more, before it fell spectacularly apart.

When Percy returns to the lake for Sam's mother's funeral, their connection is as undeniable as it had always been. But until Percy can confront the decisions she made and the years she's spent punishing herself for them, they'll never know whether their love might be bigger than the biggest mistakes of their past.

Told over the course of six years and one weekend, Every Summer After is a big, sweeping nostalgic look at love and the people and choices that mark us forever."

My Rating: 4/5

Another famous Canadian author. I hadn't read anything else by this author, but when her book was one of the Goodreads challenges, I thought, what a good time to read another popular Canadian romance author. This story follows Percy as she grows alongside Sam summer after summer, while flashing to our current timeline following tragedy. 

Throughout this read, I was impressed by Carley's ability to bring to life Canadian lake life, as well as small town dynamics. I also enjoy a good friends-to-lovers story. The alternating chapters only added to my love of the story. That being said, SAM was aggravating near the end of the book! I found his character was becoming whiny-man-baby. If you've read it you'll understand what portion of the book I'm talking about. The final plot twists were entertaining and interesting, but I wonder where else this author will take her future love stories, and I'm hoping we aren't having a repeated trope moment.  

Sidny

Book Review: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Title: The Women

Author: Kristin Hannah

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction

Pages: 471

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2024

Format: Hardcover (Own It)

"Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances "Frankie" McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. 

As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets- and becomes one of- the lucky, the brave, the broken and the lost.

But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protestors, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm's way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era. "

My Rating: 4/5

As with any time I read Kristin Hannah, I am prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. Her way of writing historical fiction really reminds the reader that while we know the history, what was it really like for the people who lived it. Good, bad and ugly. This novel follows Frances, who goes to Vietnam after being inspired to be a hero, the first female hero from her family (as far as we know). As someone from a deeply patriotic family, she encounters other views, devastation and other factors of war that she might not have considered before heading in-country. Love, friendship and more play out both in-country and back home while we watch her return to a country that doesn't have the same love for veterans that it did in WW II or WW I. 

I don't think when I began reading this book that I understood that over half of the book takes place in America (both before and after Frankie's deployment). While important, I think that more detail of her time in-country may have helped me better understand the personal changes that Frankie experiences and give an even more stark contrast between the world she leaves and the world she reenters.  That being said it was a very informative book. I hadn't read much about the Vietnam War, as I am Canadian, and it isn't a subject touched on often here. 

Sidny

Book Review: Educated by Tara Westover

Title: Educated

Author: Tara Westover

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
Pages: 352

Publisher: Random House

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"One of the most acclaimed books of our time: an unforgettable memoir about a young woman who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.

Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when on of Tara's older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college,  Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she'd traveled too far, if there was still a way home."

My Rating: 4/5

I had heard about this book when it was first published, but it kept getting pushed back on my TBR, and I was urged to read it after reading Yesteryear. The similarities (not social media-wise) were astounding. The use of language surrounding women, feminism, abuse, etc., was astounding. The gaslighting and manipulation that Tara Westover overcame in her hunt for knowledge and a life outside the one she knew reminds us not to take our ability to learn, research and hunt for information for granted. Her story, while heart-wrenching at times, is an important read, especially in a changing society. I would warn those with past trauma to look into trigger warnings for the book, as it is very forthcoming with her life. Finally, I have heard that her family has spoken out about the book. My simple comment is: if they were willing to gaslight and manipulate their own flesh and blood, what would stop them from doing it to the greater public? 

Sidny

Book Review: Devout by David Archuleta

Title: Devout

Author: David Archuleta

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Memoirs, Nonfiction

Pages: 288

Publisher: Gallery Books

Year Published: 2026

Format: Audiobook (Library)

"Three years ago American Idol alum and pop star David Archuleta found himself on the floor of his apartment, suicidal, riddled with anxiety, and pleading to a god he was no longer sure even existed. It was a crisis of faith and identity, but it was also a turning point for a man who grew up queer in the Mormon church with severe anxiety and constantly under the pressure of his overbearing manager of a father. After that night, David vowed to be his authentic self.

Of course, the journey to authenticity is never easy, which is the story Archuleta shares in Devout. From his childhood growing up in the Mormon church, to allegations of sexual abuse against his father and step-grandfather, to his time on American Idol, and how the show runners and producers mistreated their young contestants. Archuleta's memoir is filled with earnest, revelatory anecdotes from his fascinating personal and public lives. 

Not just for Archuleta's myriad fans, Devout is a universal story of hope, told with sincerity and humility. It's a salve for anyone who's felt different, questioned their faith, felt they were living inauthentically. Most importantly, its a story for anyone who's had to break yourself down in order to rebuild yourself stronger than ever, and that's everyone."

My Rating: 4/5

This book really follows David Archuleta's changing faith, confusing childhood and how the industry really treats guardians and their children. It also showcases how the industry turns a blind eye to the abuse that may be going on behind the scenes. I read this book incredibly fast because I was curious about how long he remained with the church, how he came out ,etc. I would recommend if you are someone hoping to come out within the Mormon church, or if you're wondering how his life was before, after or during Idol. 

Sidny

Book Review: Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

Title: Fangirl Down

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: Big Shots Series (Book #1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 380    

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook (Library Copy)

"Wells Whitaker was once golf's hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his 'promising' career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life. 

Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn't believe in himself. Yet after her throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine's professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash. 

As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in the neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they're inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss, and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous.. right?"

My Rating: 4/5

This book follows Josephine Doyle, who is a diabetic golf expert, which no one would expect. A self-proclaimed fangirl, and sunshine trope personified. Wells Whittaker is a grumpy trope character who fell from an all-time high in their career to rock bottom in the blink of an eye. He's also a jerk. For more than half of the book, I couldn't stand his tone, his narration, etc. The spice was good; it was surprising, but I don't think I like the narrator on these. We'll try the next one in the series and see how it's going.

Sidny

Book Review: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Title: Heated Rivalry

Author: Rachel Reid

Series/Standalone: Game Changers Series (Book #2)

Genre: Sport Romance, LGBT, Adult Fiction

Pages: 372

Publisher: Carina Press

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

"Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander's game- definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.

Pro hockey star Shane Hollander isn't just crazy talented, he's got a spotless reputation. Hockey is his life. Now that he's captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won't let anything jeopardize that, especially the sexy Russian whose hard body keeps him awake at night.

Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane's not. The self-proclaimed king of ice, he's as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him- except Shane. They've made a career on their legendary rivalry, but when the skates come off, the heat between them is undeniable. When Ilya realizes he wants more than a few secret hookup, he knows he must walk away. The risk is too great.

As their attraction intensifies, they struggle to keep their relationship out of the public eye. If the truth comes out, it could ruin them both. But when their need for each other rivals their ambition on the ice, secrecy is no longer an option. "

My Rating:  4/5

I'll be honest, I watched the show and then decided to start reading the books. The first book wasn't all I hoped it would be, and so I didn't understand the hype for the books, but THIS! This book lived up to the hype of the show. The show runners did a great job of following the book (in my opinion). I love a hate-to-love, rivals style romance. Mix that with the deeper elements and the smut, and it was a super fun, spicy read. 

Sidny

Book Review: Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee

Title: Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng

Author: Kylie Lee Baker

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Adult Fiction

Pages: 304

Publisher: MIRA

Year Published: 2025

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Cora Zeng is a crime scene cleaner, washing away the remains of brutal murders and suicides in Chinatown. The bloody messes don't bother her, not when she's already witnessed the most horrific thing possible: her sister being pushed in front of a train.

Before fleeing the scene, the murderer whispered two words: bat eater.

Months pass, the killer is never caught, and Cora can barely keep herself together. She pushes away all feelings, disregards the bite marks that appear on her coffee table, and won't take her aunt's advice to prepare for the Hungry Ghost Festival, when the gates of hell open.

Cora tries to ignore the rising dread in her stomach, even when she and her weird coworkers begin finding bat carcasses at their crime scene clean-ups. But Cora can't ignore the fact that all their recent clean-ups have been the bodies of East Asian women.

Soon Cora will learn: you can't just ignore hungry ghosts."

My Rating: 4/5

I'm not sure exactly what I just read, but I liked it. I think the author did a great job of combining mystery, folklore and the everyday horror that were present during Covid. The racism, the hate crimes, and the death that surrounded New York (as someone who wasn't there and only saw the news). That being said, I didn't expect many of the twists, which were great, but also felt unsettling in a way that took me out of the story at some points. I would be curious to learn more about the folklore and beliefs in hungry ghosts in the future if anyone has recommendations for nonfiction works surrounding these beliefs. 

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Wreck & Ruin by Emma Slate

Title: Wreck & Ruin

Author: Emma Slate

Series/Standalone: Tarnished Angels Motorcycle Club (Book #1)

Genre: Dark Romance, Biker, Adult Fiction,

Pages: 466

Publisher: Tabula Rasa Publishing

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"My life is boring. Monotonous.

And then tall, dark and dangerous walks into the bar where I work

Before I know it, I'm in his arms, asking him to rescue me.

He's Colt Weston, President of the Tarnished Angels MC.

Colt makes me feel alive... and wanted.

The Tarnished Angels embrace me as one of their own, and when a violent rival threatens to tear us apart, I learn what loyalty truly means.

Family. Sacrifice. Revenge.

There's nothing Colt won't do to protect me."

My Rating: 4/5

As far as motorcycle clubs go, I have only ever really consumed some of Sons of Anarchy as my media understanding of this. But this gave similar vibes to that mixed with dark romance (LORDS series). I liked the characters and the plot; the narration was also super fun, and the spice was good. The writing wasn't my favourite, but the storyline was worth it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

Title: I Must Betray You

Author: Ruta Sepetys

Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction

Pages: 321

Publisher: Penguin

Year Published: 2022

Format: Hardcover (Own it)

"Romania, 1989. Communist regimes are crumbling across Europe. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of becoming a writer, but Romanians aren't free to dream; they are bound by rules and force.

Amidst the tyrannical dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu in a country governed by isolation and fear,  Cristian is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer. He's left with only two choices: betray everyone and everything he loves- or use his position to creatively undermine the most notoriously evil dictator in Eastern Europe. 

Cristian risks everything to unmask the truth behind the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. He eagerly joins the revolution to fight for change when the time arrives. But what is the cost of freedom?

A gut-wrenching, startling window into communist Romania and the citizen spy network that devastated a nation, from the number one New York Times best-selling, award-winning author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray."

My Rating: 4/5

It's been a while since I've read a Ruta Sepetys book. This story follows our main character, Cristian, a teen who dreams of a world he's not even sure exists. In communist Romania, human rights are unheard of, and so is trust. Trust in your neighbours, friends and family. Isolation is king, well, that and their leader, Nicolae. But what happens when this teen is recruited to inform and begins to get a deeper look at what his country may lack? 

This was a book my husband and I read together. He chose this one because it wasn't something that either of us knew a lot about. One thing about this author is that she doesn't shy away from reality; she paints it in all its unforgivable light. Which was eye-opening. That being said, I had some issues with the pacing of the book. I felt a lot of the book was a lead-up, and then the main "action" was quick and not even fully over before the epilogue. I was hoping for a little more information in the revolution section of the book. I look forward to reading more from this author and seeing what else I've yet to explore from her. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: This House Will Feed by Maria Tureaud

Title: This House Will Feed

Author: Maria Tureaud

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Horror, Historical Fiction, Adult

Pages: 368

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2026

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Amidst the devastation of Ireland's Great Famine, a young woman is salvaged from certain death when offered a mysterious position at a remote manor house haunted by a strang epower and the horror of her own memories in this chillingly evocative historical novel braided with gothic horror and supernatural suspense for readers of Katherine Arden's The Warm Hands of Ghosts and The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins.

County Clare, 1848: In the scant few years since the potato blight first cast its foul shadow over Ireland, Maggie O'Shaughnessy has lost everything- her entire family and the man she trusted with her heart. Tolling in the Ennis Workhouse for paltry rations, she can see no future either within or outside its walls- until the mysterious Lady Catherine arrives to whisk her away to an old mansion in the stark limestone landscape of the Burren.

Lady Catherine wants Maggie to impersonate her late daughter, Wilhelmina and hoodwink solicitors into releasing Wilhelmina's widow's pension so that Lady Catherine can continue to provide for the villagers in her care. In exchange, Maggie will receive freedom from the workhouse, land of her own, and the one thing she wants more than a chance to fulfill the promise she made to her brother on his deathbed- to live to spite them all.

Launching herself into the daunting task, Maggie plays the role of Wilhelmina as best she can while ignoring the villagers' tales of ghostly figures and curses. But more worrying are the whispers that come from within. Something in Lady Catherine's house is reawakening long-buried memories in Maggie- of a foe more terrifying than hunger or greed, of power that calls for blood and vengeance, and of her own role in a nightmare that demands the darkest sacrifice..."

My Rating: 4/5

In an already horrific time, imagine a horror movie takes place that includes cannibalism, spirits, folklore and more. While this story took a bit of time to warm up after about the 30% mark, I was in and couldn't wait to pick it up each time I had the opportunity. I look forward to reading more from the author, who does a wonderful job at setting the atmosphere and expanding on an already dark time in history. Characters were flawed, but understandable, and the twists were interesting and kept me hooked.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Title: Dungeon Crawler Carl

Author: Matt Dinniman

Series/Standalone: Dungeon Crawler Carl Series (Book #1)

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Adult Fiction, Adventure, Humour

Pages: 464

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"The apocalypse will be televised!

A man. His ex-girlfriend's cat. A sadistic game show unlike anything in the universe: a dungeon crawl where survival depends on killing your prey in the most entertaining way possible.

In a flash, every human-erected construction on Earth- from Buckingham Palace to the tiniest of sheds- collapses in a heap, sinking into the ground.

The buildings and all the people inside have all been atomized and transformed into the dungeon: an 18-level labyrinth filled with traps, monsters, and loot. A dungeon so enormous, it circles the entire globe.

Only a few dare venture inside. But once you're in, you can't get out. And what's worse, each level has a time limit. You have but days to find a staircase to the next level down, or it's game over. In this game, it's not about your strength or your dexterity. It's about your followers, your views. Your clout. It's about building an audience and killing those goblins with style.

You can't just survive here. You gotta survive big.

You gotta fight with vigor, with excitement. You gotta make them stand up and cheer. And if you do have that 'it' factor, you may just find yourself with a following. That's the only way to truly survive the game- with the help of the loot boxes dropped upon you by the generous benefactors watching from across the galaxy."

My Rating: 4/5

My husband and I have decided to do buddy reads once every couple of months. It keeps us reading, inspires conversation and helps limit our blue light before bed. This was his pick for this one, and I had heard a lot of the series from friends. I'm gonna say really quick that this book is geared towards video game players, which makes a lot of sense due to the title, description, etc. I would also say that it has a cruder sense of humour, which I appreciate. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I would have liked to cut some of it back, maybe a little, but I did have fun reading it. We plan to read the next one as soon as we get a library hold in.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Title: The Handmaid's Tale

Author: Margaret Atwood

Series/Standalone: The Handmaid's Tale Series (Book #1)

Genre: Classics, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Pages: 320

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Year Published: 1985

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"The Handmaid's Tale is an instant classic and eerily prescient cultural phenomenon, from the 'patron saint of feminist dystopian fiction' (New York Times) The Handmaid's Tale is a novel of such power that the reader will be unable to forget its images and its forecast. Set in the near future, it describe life in what was once the United States and is now called the Republic of Gilead, a monotheocracy that has reacted to social unrest and a sharply declining birthrate by reverting to and going beyond, the repressive intolerence of teh original Puritans. The regime takes the Book of Genesis absolutely at its word, with bizarre consequences for the women and men in its population. The story is told through the eyes of Offred, one of the unfortunate Handmaids under the new social order. In condensed but eloquent prose, by turns cool-eyed, tender, despairing, passionate, and wry, she reveals to us the prose, by turns cool-eyed tender despairing, passionate, and wry she reveals to us the dark corners behind the establishment's calm facade, as certain tendencies now in existence are carried to their logical conclusion. The Handmaid's Tale is funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing. It is at once scathing satire, dire warning and a tour de force. It is Margaret Atwood at her best."

My Rating: 4/5

This was a bit of a hard read. Not only for the emotional context and how it relates back to our current reality, but also the way it's written is a little confusing. I think though that this lends itself to the fearful and suspenseful telling of tale that feels to close to the world we current live. I'm looking forward to continuing the series, but I'm starting the television show as well.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Garlic and The Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Title: Garlic And The Vampire

Author: Bree Paulsen

Series/Standalone: Garlic Series (Book #1)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy

Pages: 160

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"A farm-fresh debut graphic novel starring a heroine who is braver than she realizes. 

Garlic feels as though she's always doing something wrong. At least her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it's nice and safe.

But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that, in spite of her fear and self-doubt, Garlic is the obvious choice to confront him. And with everyone counting on her, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire, hoping she has what it takes.

After all, garlic drives away vampires... right?"

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a fun little middle-grade graphic novel. We follow Garlic as she learns confidence in who she is, how to stand up for those around her, and that is something we all need to remember right now. I don't see myself continuing the series but would recommend to a middle-grade audience.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Veroncia Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano

Title: Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan (Book #3.5)

Genre: Mystery, Cozy, Novella

Pages: 119

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"Anyone can spot a window of opportunity, but not everyone can manage to fall straight through one.

Vernoica Ruiz is on the run for the first time in her life- though certainly not the last. After being falsely accused of stealing money from her college sorority, she packs up and heads to her cousin Ramon's apartment, planning to change her name and rebuild start over away from backstabbing girls and university drama (and far, far away from her arrest warrant in Maryland).

At the local bank on the first morning of her new life, it occurs to Vero that she'd be a better bank teller than most of the current employees: she may not have much money, but what little she does have, she knows how to manage. Unfortunately, the only available position is a cleaning job and so, desperate for a fresh start, she takes the bank manager's offer.

But nothing Vero's world has ever been simple, so of course shortly after she begins work, she overhears a conversation between her new boss and a security guard: someone who works there has been stealing. Seeing a window of opportunity, Vero sets out to find the identity of the thief, present the evidence, and then push for the perfect job. All of which would be easier if her irresistibly infuriating childhood crush Javi wasn't living in the same damn town."

My Rating: 4/5

This was a great novella to get to know Vero more and understand how her and Finlay's friendship began. Seeing how she takes things into her own hands helps me understand some of her actions in the full-length novels. I look forward to seeing her and Javi's relationship continue throughout the rest of the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finaly Donovan Jumps the Gun by Ell Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan (Book #3)

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Adult

Pages: 304

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audibook

"Author and single mom Finlay Donovan has been in messes before- after all, she's a pro at removing bloodstains for various unexpected reasons- but none quite like this. When Finlay and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero accidentally destroyed a luxury car that they had 'borrowed' in the process of saving the life of Finlay's ex-husband, the Russian mob did her a favor and bought the car for her. And now Finlay owes them.

Mob boss Feliks is still running the show from behind bars, and he has a task for Finlay: find and identify a contract killer before the cops do. The problem is, the killer might be an officer themself.

Luckily, hot cop Nick has just been tasked with starting up a citizens' police academy, and combined pressure from Finlay's looming book deadline and Feliks is enough to convince Finlay and Vero to get involved. Through firearm training and forensic classes (and  some hands-on research with a tempting detective), Finlay and Vero use their time in police academy to sleuth out the real contract killer to free themselves from the mob's clutches- all the while dodging spies, confronting Vero's past, and juggling the daily trials of parenthood."

My Rating: 4/5

 I love this cozy mystery series. It's fun, ridiculous and fast paced, keeping my interest, while staying semi-light considering the content. I'm looking forward to continuing the series. I loved that this one had me second-guessing myself, and I still didn't realise who the villain was until the full reveal. The humour is excellent, the characters are unique, and the story is fantastically fun. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Asperger's Children: The Origins of Autism in Nazi Vienna by Edith Sheffer

Title: Asperger's Children: The Origins of Autism in Nazi Vienna

Author: Edith Sheffer

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Historical

Pages: 320

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"Hans Asperger, the pioneer of autism and Asperger syndrome in Nazi Vienna, has been celebrated for his compassionate defense of children with disabilities. But in this groundbreaking book, prize-winning historian Edith Sheffer exposes that Asperger was not only involved in racial policies of Hitler's Third Reich, he was complicit in the murder of children.

As the Nazi regime slaughtered millions across Europe during World War Two, it sorted people according to race, religion, behavior, and physical condition for either treatment or elimination. Nazi psychiatrists targeted children with different kinds of minds- especially those thought to lack social skills- claiming the Reich had no place for them. Asperger and his colleagues endeavored to mold certain "autistic" children into productive citizens, while transferring others they deemed untreatable to Spiegelgrund, one of the Reich's deadliest child-killing centers.

In the first comprehensive history of the links between autism and Nazism, Sheffer uncovers how a diagnosis common today emerged from the atrocities of the Third Reich. With vivid storytelling and wide-ranging research, Asperger's Children will move readers to rethink how societies assess, label and treat those diagnosed with disabilities."

My Rating: 4/5

I don't often foray into nonfiction, but this title was curious to me. As someone who works directly with children, I wasn't familiar with this history of the autism diagnosis and how these factors played into even common-day misconceptions about autism spectrum disorder. It was harrowing to hear about the terrors that took place in these centres. Obviously, the acts during the Third Reich were atrocious and inhumane, and when we examine more aspects, we see how deep the evil continued to run. 

Sidny

Book Review: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Malibu Rising

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Series/Standalone: Reidverse (Book #3)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Historical Fiction

Pages: 369

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of twenty-four hours, their lives will change forever.

Malibu: August, 1983. It's the day of Nina Riva's annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brother Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer, and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together, the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over, especially as the offspring of the legendary singer, Mick Riva. 

The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the center of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud- because it is long past time to confess something to his brother from whom he's been inseparable since birth.

Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can't stop thinking about promised she'll be there.

And Kit has a couple secrets of her own- including a guest she invited without consulting anyone.

By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family's generations will all come bubbling to the surface."

My Rating: 4/5

There is something so impressive about Taylor Jenkins Reid's work. It feels so close to our reality that you can picture the famous characters, you can almost "remember" the events, even though they are fictitious. It makes you want to meet these people or watch documentaries about them. Her ability to create characters is what I truly love about her work. This was no different. My only complaint is that it felt a bit odd to not have any sort of epilogue, and the plot wasn't entirely based on fame as others in this series had been. I liked it and look forward to listening to the next novel in the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith

Title: The Way I Used to Be

Author: Amber Smith

Series/Standalone: The Way I Used to Be Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Pages: 385

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook (Own Physical)

"All Eden wants is to rewind the clock. To live that day again. She would do everything differently. Not laugh at his jokes or ignore the way he was looking at her that night. And she would definitely lock her bedroom door.

But Eden can't turn back time. So she buries the truth, along with the girl she used to be. She pretended she doesn't need friends, doesn't need love, doesn't need justice. But as her world unravels, one thing becomes the only person who can save Eden... is Eden."

My Rating: 4/5

This was a hard read. The subject matter deals directly with sexual assault and rape, along with the aftermath. This is an important book for anyone and everyone. But I would be hesitant to recommend it, as this isn't a topic that many people open up about. Telling people your history is always your choice, but you do not have to keep other people's crimes secret. Their secrets don't have to live with you; you can tell your truth. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #2)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Mystery, Cozy

Pages: 357

Publisher: Minotaur 

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"Finlay Donovan is- once again- struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she had her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish. 

On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Stevenmay be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like. 

Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes... and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.

With her next book's deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn't a noose at the end of it..."

My Rating: 4/5

This is a fun series. I love the concept of this cozy mystery. A romance suspense novelist gets tied up in a world she's never imagined being a part of herself. A love interest with spice, but not to much, and a mystery that is goofy in many ways but with real consequences. I loved the humour, the friendships and the writing. Overall, very fun. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny